Staycations

It's the newest fad...staying at home for vacation. (Check out this Consumer Reports blog with a lovely post on this new budget-friendly phenomenon.)

The staycation has its pros and cons in my opinion. For someone like me, living in Chicago, there are still an abundance of places and things I have not yet experienced. I could spend a week as a tourist here and still not see everything. But if you're from middle-of-nowhere America, and not within a quick train ride or drive to a big city, you'll have to get a little more creative.

Then again, the staycation may allow us to delight in the small pleasures in life...something Americans often have too little time (or too materialistic an attitude) to do.

Big city or small town, there are some activities we can all enjoy during a summer staycation:

- A hot afternoon in the backyard (or park), accompanied by a picnic. Make some lemonade, bring your favorite foods, a good book, a blanket or comfy lawn chair and you're all set. Bonus points if you a) turn on the sprinkler and run through it, or b) bust out the old Slip 'n Slide!

- A museum. Even in a small town you can discover interesting artwork, antiques and facts about your town's history. Learn something while enjoying the air conditioning...and general calmness of the museum atmosphere.

- A city-sponsored concert or movie. Another nice (and free!) opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and be entertained.

- A "theme" day. Come up with a theme and plan activities around it. Do you love Latin culture? Plan a cooking workshop during the day to learn how to make a Mexican feast; visit a museum or cultural center to learn about Latin culture in your area; enjoy Latin cuisine at your favorite local restaurant; end the night with Salsa dancing lessons. You get the idea.

- Volunteer. Get involved with a local nonprofit organization and donate your time. Many groups will accept one-day volunteers, so don't feel as if you have to be a lifelong member of the charity in order to volunteer...give them a call and find out how you can help!

- Plant flowers, work in the garden, or visit a farmer's market. This experience will bring you back to nature! You'll also be able to enjoy natural, chemical-free fruits and vegetables. Mmmm!

Another round of cool websites

After my last post, I've discovered a few more cool websites...at least, cool for those of us fashionistas out there! Here are a few fashion-related sites that have recently caught my eye:

Yooz.com
Vintage Christian Dior for sale! Need I say more? My only complaint is that several items are already sold out. Here's hoping they replenish their stock soon!

Ideeli.com
The mecca of all websites for handbag fanatics. Join for free to get "second row" or pay a subscription to get "first row" to be in the first group to buy discounted designer bags.

BagBorroworSteal.com
I'll admit, at first I wasn't a big fan of this concept. Paying to borrow a designer accessory? I have too much pride to do that! Or do I? After reading the "How it Works" section, I just may be sold on the idea. The subscription price is only $60 a year, then add on a charge depending on what type of items you're looking for. The cool thing is you can keep borrowing an item for as long as you like (or buy it if you really enjoy it)...plus there are no late fees!

http://www.style.com/trends/news/content_6866
The Style.com website always has great features and coverage of upcoming trends, runway shows and more. This link directs you to an article on the life and work of Yves St. Laurent, who recently passed away at the age of 71. What an amazing story! I appreciate the great detail within this article, not only about YSL's accomplishments, but about who he was as a person. A must-read about a true fashion icon.

Cool new websites

I love discovering new websites. It's like a tour of a new destination for the lazy man (or woman). Just let your fingers do the walking over your keyboard and see what you find! In the past few weeks, I've come across some new sites...(or at least new to me) that are simply very cool, interesting and useful. Some of them have even placed on Time's 50 best new websites list from this past year.

WhatisMoissanite.com
As readers of my blog know, I'm definitely a fan of moissanite jewels. This brand new site is a great place to go to get the facts...and a comprehensive understanding of what moissanite actually is, and how it compares to other gemstones out there.

Chow.com
This (fairly) new site is like uncovering a virtual treasure chest for foodies! Complete with articles, tips, ideas, message boards, stories, and yes...recipes, I'm excited to really get to know this site. And the food suggestions on it ;)

LinkedIn.com
The most professional of networking sites, anyone in the PR/media realm should check this out! A great way to connect to old colleagues, classmates, friends, etc., you can also search for jobs, post industry-related questions and answers and more.

Etsy.com
All handmade goods for sale! Arranged in several different categories, this is the place to go to find one-of-a-kind stuff.

HelpaReporterOut.com
Don't know how long Peter's been at it, but one Mr. Peter Shankman is giving ProfNet a run for its money...literally, with a free listing of queries from media for PR/publicity professionals to answer. Two points to note: Subscribers will eventually get hooked on Peter's daily musings about his adventures (I did). Also, pitchers must be on-point, or else you get booted from the list. (Rightfully so...as a former editor, it is annoying to get misdirected pitches.)

TheseBootsAreMadeforStalking.com
A friend-of-a-friend began this blog a year or two ago. Unabashed Hollywood gossip with a Windy City angle! Who had the exclusive on the Jessica Simpson/Tony Romo spat? This site. No Hollywood source would be able to comment on Romo's whereabouts in Chicago...we may be the Second City, but we get the celebs too!