Being a tourist and roaming foreign streets, visiting markets and taking in the sights is a wonderful way to relax on vacation.  We all know too well the many scams that are already out there, but the professional scammers seem to be getting even more crafty.


On a recent trip to a large city, our daughter encountered yet another breed.  Far from the street pickpockets, drivers quoting you a price and then raising the price when at your destination who will then not release you luggage from the trunk until you pay, or even the scammers who will place items on you and demand payment because it is now in your possession. 


Hers was an encounter via telephone.  Staying in a well known popular hotel, she received a call from the front desk the morning following her check-in.  It was stated that “Front Desk” was calling and that their computers system had gone down and could she verify her information.  Unfortunately, she did and continued on her ventures.  Luckily her banking institute caught the fraudulent action and placed a call to her notifying her that her card had been compromised.  It was not the “Front Desk” that placed the call, but an out of state scammer who them proceeded to use her card.  Hind sight - take the time and go down and personally speak to the front desk. 


Being on an out-of-state vacation herself, she was able to go to her banking institute and discuss the situation.  Again, unfortunately being out of state, they were not able to issue her a temporary card and needed to close her account.  Lesson learned?  Yes!


If you are traveling to a foreign country, remember to call you banking
institute and your credit cards.  Some companies do not allow international card transactions unless previously notified - make sure you check with yours!


There are many scams such as the “Free” drink.  Here you are invited to have a free drink with someone who has picked you out.  After a few drinks, a large bill, the scammer has suddenly disappeared leaving you and the bill. 


Make sure you carry small bills and enough change - especially when
purchasing items and for transportaion.  Many scammers will state they don’t have change and will not refund your purchase leaving you with more money spent than necessary.  While speaking of money, beware of “Fake Police”.  Yes, hard to believe, but these scammers will show you fake badges and demand to see your identification often stating they are searching for illegal contraband.  When you take out your wallet, they too will take your wallet.  In this situation, be on the lookout for plain clothed accomplices.  Stay in well lit areas and even take down their badge number to verify with the local police that they are
legitimate before doing anything.


Scammers are not just adults dropping gold rings in front of you and claiming it must be yours, but unfortunately, young children are often part of this circle.  Children often are quick and distract us, but know they are not working
along.


Beware of using the ATM, and be wary when you have to push past a group.  These are situations where you won’t realize what happened until it’s too late.  If you are in a situation and become uncomfortable, walk away quickly and be stern with your “NO’S”.  Many times the scammers don’t want attention drawn to them and this may divert them for you to quickly exit.  Do not let anyone place anything on you or have you hold something - many times these are part of a scam too. 


Even though you are on vacation and you are a tourist; try not to look like one.  Before your trip make yourself familiar with your destination and read reviews from others.  This is only the tip of the iceberg.  Here are some interesting posted scams that may keep your red flag flying from Rick Steves.  
 

Wherever you go, be alert and be safe and may all your travels be only
wonderful memories!

What a delight to have the privilege to work with a bride on her Bridal Shower and upcoming Wedding!

To not giveaway too many wedding surprises, we based her shower on the bright colors of orange and green with a youthful flair for the young couple.  

A "Roadtrip Honeymoon" was the beginning of this venture complete with appetizers threaded onto cute knotted bamboo picks followed with simple finger foods of cucumber and salmon canapes, individual vegetable cups, chicken walnut crossiants, tuna and pineapple salad all served on an array of floral fine china and silver.  To complete the luncheon, a "Sweet Dreams" dessert table was filled with glazed lemon cookies, key-lime cream puffs on a stick and a finish of adorable cupcakes in a jar with tied biodegradable compostable natural disposable wooden spoons.

To keep with the whimiscal feeling of this shower, youthful orange striped paper straws complimented the drinks and the adorable favors included handstamped organza bags of "Wherever you go ~ Go with all your heart" filled with individual unique keychains.

Each guests wrote a "Love Note" to the bride on hung papers that were fastened to a vintage window.  What wonderful memories were created and what a pleasure to work such a great event!

I love lazy Sundays.  I love to start the beautiful morning off curled-up in comfort, morning coffee while reading the Sunday paper, listening to the the world wake up and wondering what the day will bring.  I love Sunday dinners, barbecues with family and friends.

Sundays are a day to play catch-up for some, but it's always wonderful to take a break, read a book, lay and watch the clouds pass by, watch a movie, play a game, go for a walk, or my favorite . . . take a roadtrip.

I love an adventure and we all know, I love to travel, and what better time than a lazy Sunday!  I don't always have a plan and never know if I'll end up at a beach, a roadside park, or a town I've never visited, but if you need some direction, Best Road Trip Planner is a great site for some wonderful roadtrips.

What better way to add to a perfect lazy day than stopping for a picnic along the way.  My favorite thing to do is stop at a Farmer's Roadside Market and fill my basket with fresh fruits, vegetable, homemade breads, cheeses and of course, fresh flowers.  If you need help and want to prepare a picnic before, Allrecipes has a great selection of ideas.

I love Green Options for all their eco friendly and recycled products ~ what better way to pack for you day of laziness!

Wherever your travels bring you remember:  "Some of the secret joys of living are not found by rushing from point A to point B, but by inventing some imaginary letters along the way." ~ Douglas Pagels

As the start to the Summer Solstice, I can't imagine a more serene and indulgent setting than sitting amongst 78 beautiful manicured acres complete with two miles of oceanfront beauty at the glorious Bacara Resort and Spa on the outskirts of Santa Barbara, CA.

Adjacant to the resort community of Santa Barbara, The American Riveria, this resort boasts flower-filled courtyards, peaceful fountains, graceful garden paths, with feelings that you have been transported to a Mediterranean resort.  

Spend your days and nights savoring their amenities with beach activities, three zero-edge swimming pools, four lighted tennis courts, a supervised kids’ club, specialty retail shops, and adjacent hiking trails. Enjoy  fine dining in any of the four restaurants, including the four-star Miro restaurant which sits overlooking the bluff.  Miro features a 12,000-bottle wine cellar and  an adjoining spacious terrace with panoramic Pacific views.

Remember to induldge yourself at their four-diamond Spa ~ a 42,000-square-foot spa with 36 treatment rooms and an extensive spa menu offering a wide range of facials, body treatments, massages, salon services and more.  Should you decided to get in your workout, be sure to visit their 3,500 square foot fitness center.  Bacara Resort and Spa also offers complimentary fitness classes and walks along with private and semi-private Pilates and yoga sessions as well as personal training that is also available.

With so many luxuries surrounding you, your accommodations just may send you over the edge.  Bacara Resort and Spa offers 354 spacious guestrooms, specialty suites or luxury retreats, all of which feature private balconies or patios, with garden, mountain or ocean views.  Your room is complete with the colors of sea, elegant Spanish tile, overstuffed furnishings, and Frette linens and robes.

The bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs, marble showers and Fresh bath products. About half the guestrooms have gas fireplaces; all of the suites and luxury retreats have gas or wood-burning fireplaces.  You will receive high-speed Internet access, flat screen televisions; state-of-art video entertainment systems; DVD players (the resort provides an extensive library of films); and mini bars. Should you chose to never leave your oasis, the resort also provides 24-hour in-room dining and concierge services, as well as service for in-room spa treatments.


With so many options and packages to chose from, be sure to visit the Bacara Solstice, a festive poolside party with live entertainment, savory hors d'oeuvers from The Bistro, local beer and wine tasting and tours of the recently revamped guest rooms on June 27, 2012. 

(Previous photographs courtesy of the Bacara Resort and Spa)

So, as I look forward to the warmth of the sun, lazy days, fire-flies in the night, beautiful sunsets, and the laughter of family and friends, I think I shall pack this suit from Kanaca's Secret and celebrate this beautiful Summer Solstice!
 
Wherever you are may your travels always bring you magical memories!

I've thought a lot about Fathers Day this year. I have watched our lives change, our children grow and carried a deeper respect for my father.

 I sit back and realize how quickly time passes and question if I could've been a better person, but then as I thumb through my many memories I realize I am exactly who I was raised to be. I was graciously given wings to soar and when I would fall, sometimes there was someone to catch me and other times I'd hear the famous words  - "Amy, will this matter in a hundred years?"

I often think of that when life is difficult and I smile because my dad gave me an appreciation for life and a sense of humor. I watch my husband and I see the same love, pain and strength as he stands watching out children fly and fall. 

There's something about a father - be it strength, softness or safety, but no matter, I think the older you get, the more you realize it's the most unconditional love there is in life. 

One year  we took my parents on a family vacation and I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph both literally and mentally the most beautiful moments of my life.  I think my favorite was watching my husband and my dad sit by the lake together in the most calm and quietness of  unspoken feelings.  

I have realized that we all may not have the perfect life, but the life we do have is a gift and for that I thank my parents!  There is no card and no words that can ever express my gratitude to a man I am proud to call my father. 

May all the men, the women who fill those shoes enjoy a day of peace and love and know all is right in our heart and soul. Happy Fathers Day!

What an adventure life has been for me!  My apologies for my absence, but I've still been making beautiful memories for my clients and even a few for myself.

The holiday season was filled with chaos as we moved into our new home New Years Eve ~ What a wonderful way to start a New Year!!!  Our months have been busy with much remodeling, "honey-do" projects, and boxes still awaiting to be unpacked. Yes, my personal life has been crazy busy.

I have been lucky enough to keep busy in working with travel plans, parties, anniversaries, showers, and wedding planning. 

There are few things more rewarding than seeing beautiful memories made, and smiles that speak a million words.  I love my job and am looking forward to posting some of these great events to share with you.