Cali Travel Girl

Getting Around Southern California

2010-06-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

Being a local in Southern California I am out and about everyday for work and play so I'm on the road as much as a trucker! Well, maybe not that many hours :), but I do get around. Here's the thing about traveling around So Cal that visitors get right away: you need a car to get anywhere, period. Our public transportation is o-k in L.A., but outside of that it is used as a last resort. There is more freedom and flexibility to having a car to get around than any other mode of transportation here. So, with that said here is some of my advice to visitors:

Rent a car. Even if it is for a weekend.
Review the DMV handbook of our driving laws and pay attention to the street signs e.g. speed limit, construction detour, no right turn on red during rush hour traffic, etc.
Study the map before you go! Learn the major freeways if anything and have a street map in the car with you in case you get lost or detoured. GPS devices help, but they have to be up-to-date and even then they can't be relied upon like a map.
Be prepared for traffic: rush hour, holiday, and weekend. Have water, snacks, and any medication you need in the car to help ease the stress. If you're traveling with children or some one with special needs, then you're better off pulling over and taking a break at the nearest park, restaurant, or mall while waiting for the traffic to lighten up. My man likes to watch a movie at a local theatre and by the time it's over so is the traffic. Or, we'll have an early dinner and enjoy sitting in a restaurant rather than in traffic and then head home.
Speaking of traveling with people with special needs...there are "driving tours" that you can take or drive yourself so that you don't have to get out of the car to sight see. AAA has a book on them and you should ask the company that you rent a car from about them too. Nothing should stop you from having a great time here with everyone- no matter what their capabilities. :)

L.A. on a Dime

2010-05-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

There are inexpensive ways to enjoy L.A. and here are some of my favorite stomping grounds!

Griffith Park Observatory- You could easily spend an entire day here going to the shows, lectures, strolling through 3 stories of exhibits, and having lunch at the Wolfgang Puck cafe (which I never found the food here extraordinary, but vegetarians will be happy or anyone else on a special diet). Oh and did I mention that parking and admission into the observatory is free?

The Getty Musuem- An afternoon here is casual and slow. If the weather is good you can leisurely walk around the fragrant garden and if it's foul weather then you'll still have much to see at this large museum. Parking is inexpensive and admission is free, which is great so you can save money for eating at the outdoor cafe and going to town at the gift shop. The restaurant there is an o-k place to eat if you want to dine indoors but I found that the food was overpriced and didn't taste as good as the cafe food. *** FYI: tripods of any kind (like for cameras), are not permitted. I shot a news story there last year and the PR person forgot to mention that to me and I was reminded by every employee there when I arrived. It is one of L.A.'s strict fire code laws and I think that there is only one building in L.A. that does permit them! So don't bring a tripod unless you're press like me or they will make you put it back in your car.***

Mann Chinese Theatre- Go here at night! It's more dramatic and exciting! You'll have lots of shopping to do (love the MAC store here), plenty of restaurants to choose from, across the street is Disney's El Captain movie theater (great for little and big kids), and of course, part of the Hollywood walk of fame is here in front of the Mann movie theater. This is the location of the early 1920's and golden era movie premiers so get your picture taken here and try to fit your hands and feet into celebrities' imprints in concrete!

Universal City Walk/Universal Studios- I haven't been to universal studios theme park since I was in elementary school since I would rather spend my money at another theme park called Disneyland :), yet I find myself at the City Walk almost every year and it is entertaining every time! This is another place to go to at night to see street performers, shop (I love the Wound & Wound Co that sells classic toys), watch a movie, or have dinner (I like the Hard Rock Cafe). Parking is a bit steep, but that's L.A. for you- you have to pay for parking almost everywhere!

Venice Beach- Looking for "medicinal pot"? Then this is the place for you! Seriously! Marijuana is legal in California if you have a medical prescription for it and there are plenty of shops here to get that...and bongs and probably other things that are controversial. Yet, if you're looking for something very different then go here and go only during the day, and even then watch out for pick pockets! Bring cash too to make purchases at the many vendors that line the sand.

I have to admit that I am a creature of habit and I stick with what I like. These 2 places I'm a regular at and have never been disappointed in the food or service:

Philippe's- This place is right across the street from L.A. Union Train Station so it's not hard to miss. It's next door to China Town and Olvera Street (a.k.a. unofficially "Mexican Town"). They are famous for their French dipped sandwiches, but I enjoy having breakfast here. You can walk over from the train station or park across the street. It's a small lot, but at least parking is free. The charm never fails to hit me. I always feel like I've stepped into a time machine and its taken me to the 1940's! From the decor, workers uniforms, and the simple food it will all take you back. I've even signed the brick wall on the second floor a few times, but so has everyone else! But it's something that regulars do. Don't leave L.A. before you've dined here.
Korea town-This place will fill your appetite for Asian food! Have lunch on the weekend here, because that's when all of the street vendors come out and performers. It's much more lively and many of the restaurants have an "A" grade.

Meeting a Holocaust Survivor: Mary Natan

2010-05-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

Mary's Bio about her experience.

I recently met the "youngest smuggler" in the world...at least that's what she was called at the ghetto that she and her family was forced into during WWII. She was only ten then and today she is sharing her experience with others at the Museum of Tolerance in L.A. I felt very lucky to have this experience and I would say that this was one of the highlights of my life.

She was so positive and funny, which was a surprise but I think having a sense of humor helps her get through her talks. She said she hated to see people cry when she speaks so she tries to keep it light when it gets too heavy for everyone. Coming out of the death camps alive left her with nightmares and a chronic shaking of her hands- psychological effects her doctor told her. Other than that she is happy to be alive, because when in the death camp you lived "not by the day, or hour, but by the second." That's how intense 5 years of her life was. She lost some of her family members like her mom and it was difficult for her to talk about that part, but she did have some "smiles" along the way which is why she titled her book Nightmares and Smiles.

This generation will not be alive forever and our children will probably never meet a Holocaust survivor so I really recommend that you listen to one before it's too late. It was an enriching experience for me and I think you'll get that feeling too. Oh, and why was she called the youngest smuggler in the world? You'll have to ask her to find out :).

JPL Open House: A Science Fair with a Budget

2010-05-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

Now that's a welcoming!

Once a year the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) in Pasadena has an open house for the weekend where it is open to the public from 9am-5pm. Parking is free and so is admission, which is great because you'll spend your money on food (cash only) and the JPL gift shop! But first you'll do A LOT of walking up and down hills upon hills upon hills upon...you get the point. I was so happy that I wore my hiking shoes and felt sorry for the foreign girls in heals or sandals. One Russian girl standing in line with me was in 4' heals! Eeek! Any way, the signs were the first thing I noticed like the one above and bellow:

This is why I get along with scientists!

He had to work on the weekend!

Nice view

This is one of many exhibits/ buildings that we were able to casually roam (after waiting in line to get in) and there were display tables. Here is where they make materials for space craft.

One thing that I do have to point out is the amount of time you'll spend waiting in line to get into an exhibit/building. They can only let so many people in at a time, but there are many volunteers and workers there to keep you entertained and dishing out answers to all of your questions. It was very warm today though and I wished that I were in shorts and mad that I forgot my hat, but I solved that problem:

Slumming it in my new favorite hat!

There are many spots set up for you to take photos like this one called "Photo Stop":

We live in one of these!!!

I went to town at the gift shop! Haha...

My JPL "haul"

What surprised me the most was the crowds! I got there 2 hrs after they opened and after me they had to turn people away! The lines were very long, but most of them moved quickly. Yet during lunch it was so crowded I had to eat on the sidewalk! Never thought that I would be eating a hot dog and drinking a Coke on the streets of JPL. Surreal! Also, there were so many activities for kids that I wanted to do like take a picture on Mars or play with remote control rovers! Oh well I played with the big kids by listening to scientists talk about their specialized research projects and took photos at their exhibits. Some areas reminded me of a science fair where scientists stood behind their table with boards or models of their spacecraft laid out and they would go over their work. But it was very informative and nice to meet the people behind the research. This was my first time at JPL so I was trying to take it all in and I would like to go back on one of their tours during the year. Overall, I'm exhausted but it was so worth it. I will be dreaming of outer space tonight!

San Pedro at 5am

2010-05-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

After just taking 2 photos (above) I was told by a worker at State Fish Co, Inc to not take any pictures. (Thank God he didn't try to take my camera away from me considering that I just bought it yesterday!) Any way, the other seafood and doc vendors didn't have any problem with me getting shots of them. It was the first vendor that I stopped at too so that made me think that it was some unwritten policy since it was not posted anywhere that I could not take photos. Yet, the more I walked around I didn't see any sign posted that this was a private doc and no one else told me to stop taking pictures. So after my experience at this vendor it lead me to think that they were hiding something illegal that they don't want shown. Especially since they didn't give me a reason to not take photos and they were rude about it. Next time they're not getting my business!

The only vendor to tell me not to take pictures inside.

For those of you who don't know where I was it is in Long Beach on the other side of the bay that the Queen Mary is docked called San Pedro. Here you can buy seafood and veggies at wholesale prices and by the bulk. Many restaurant owners purchase their seafood here, but it is open to the general public. Yet you have to get here early on Saturday or else all of the good fish is already taken. I arrived around 5am and the place was packed. Trying to find parking was fun, but once you do don't worry about having to carry all of your purchases. Just pull up to the loading dock when you're ready. It helps to have a person with you to stand on the doc watching your food while you go in to get more. Also, this is a cash-only place so bring plenty of it! A cooler or 2 is also useful to keep your purchases fresh and prevent your car from smelling like fish. So now I've got a week or 2 worth of seafood lunch and dinners! Can you taste the scrimp!? Yum!

I should have packed a 3rd ice chest!

Loading doc.

Venus at Twilight

2010-05-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

It's a bird? It's a plane! And Venus!

I took this picture today at twilight (right after the sun set) and it's not the best shot of Venus, but I got an airline in the same frame! Haha! I had it on action/sport shot to track Venus so that's one reason that it's such poor quality, but I thought it was a cool enough shot to share with my fellow travelers :).

My Work Stolen: Should I be Flattered? Would You Be?

2010-05-13T15:23:00.000-07:00

AG Productions-the only website I approve my work to be on.

It has happened more than once before and I'm sure it happens everyday with other people. Here is how it works:

You put up a video/song/art on the net and people steal it by embedding it onto their website, which almost always has no original content of their own.
The people who stole it get all the traffic/sponsors/ads/$$$ for YOUR work (rarely do they add a link to your website- the one they stole it from).
Then they claim to host the BEST in travel/art/music/etc on their website and the original creator has to now go through a process to get their stolen work back and off the criminal's website.

Sound harsh? Then you've probably never had your hard work stolen from you. You have the right to choose where you advertise your work. I'm very cautious as who I associate my work with and which websites I endorse. So, for example, if you see my travel shows on BootsNall, MiND, or Matador TV, they never asked me for permission to promote their website with my work. I work with a production company that promotes my work on their website AGP and they are the only people (to date) that have written permission to do so.

Be careful travelers, because some one might be making a buck off of your hard work. If you have any questions, then drop me a line on my facebook page. In the mean time, support your artist or traveler by going directly to their website- not one that filters everyone elses.

P.S. You do not have to sign up or register on any website to watch my travels!!! They're free here! Enjoy :)!

Where My Video Production Skills Were Sharpened!

2010-05-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

Oh the good old days of school! :)

Hiking Betty Style: Make Up for the Trails

2010-05-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

I don't use too much make up when hiking (if I use it at all), but just enough to look decent in pictures and protect my skin at the same time. So here is the break down of what I used on my last hike:

MAC liquid last eye liner. It's basically highly pigmented, water proof, liquid liner that helps define my eyes. I wear it in black, but if you want some color go for this bright teal one!

Maybelline Full N' Soft waterproof mascara. This is my favorite drug store mascara, because it looks so natural but still gives my lashes some volume. Also, it doesn't flake as much as other waterproof ones I've used.

Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer just to even out my skin tone and the SPF 20 is a plus! Remember to set it with powder and if your face feel really gross by the end of the hike bring make up remover wipes and you're back to looking fresh again!

Lastly, I love Philosophy's Melon Daiquiri lip shine (gloss). I rotate between that and a chap stick with a high SPF.

P.S. I keep my frizzy hair under control with a cream leave-in conditioner in braids and under a hat :).

Deer Springs Trail to Suicide Rock: Enjoying Nature's Roughness

2010-05-09T16:51:00.000-07:00

Home on the trails!

I have always felt at home in the great out doors and when I go hiking at San Jacinto State Park it feels like I am at home. It can be a rough and tumble kind of place where getting beat up by the elements and the merciless terrain scare many people away. But I say give it a shot! The only thing you'll loose out on is an adventure!

The Junction/ Fork in the Road.

The Trail Head is Across from Me!

So here's a trail that I have had my eye on for almost a decade and I finally did it. Deer Springs trail to Suicide Rock (a.k.a. a gigantic slab of granite rock similar to Half Dome in Yosemite). The trailhead is directly across the Idyllwild nature center parking lot ($2/person to park). Before you start make sure you have the free hiking permit with you that you can get at the Ranger Station in town just down the road. These trails are busy during peak seasons so go early or late to be sure you'll get one for the trail you want.

This trail was very busy and I passed many different types of people along the way so it's not the most difficult trail, but there are some spots that are strenuous. Water and snacks helped me through those and I wished that I had brought my walking sticks. This is the kind of trail that you enjoy for the trail not the summit. From the top your views are not that different from the ones that you get on the trail and I walked across a stream a few times and enjoyed small pools beside the path. So there is no need to reach the top to get something out of this hike. Enjoy the journey and views along the way and have fun! Here I am goofing off with the trees and just overall enjoying the fresh air.

Having fun with nature.

Show some love!


SNOW!!! I HATE SNOW! But I pressed on anyway.

I highly recommend bringing a camera! Don't leave home without it! Also, always pack a backpack with supplies like a warm top to throw on, because I ran into snow! I didn't need snow shoes so I was lucky, but it is not uncommon to find snow at 6,000-7,000" in the spring here. Also, sunblock is essential at higher elevations since you're closer to the sun and there is very little shade when you get to the top. I'm wearing clothes with sun protection as well and that helps along with a (must have) hat. I'll write a blog soon about how I stay looking "cute" or less like a rug rat out on the trail for all of the Betty's reading this, but really you don't need much to keep it together on this hike. There is plenty of shade and it wasn't as dusty as other trails in the area like Devil's Slide Trail in Humber Park :p. I was a little tired when I reached the top, but I was also elated and I'm sure that if you give this trail a chance then you'll have a memorable experience as well. See ya on the trails hikers!

Just resting...I'm a-o-k...really.

Overall a great view!

Heal the Bay...Damn It!

2010-05-07T14:55:00.000-07:00

Free Tee for every volunteer!

I have been itching to hang out at the beach with my Capricorn friend for the past month and she made this suggestion instead to volunteer at the Heal the Bay (HTB) event at Venice Beach. I have always wanted to do more volunteer work, but my motivation to pick up trash at an LA beach was lacking. For those of you who have never been to one of LA's beaches before just let me say in the nicest way possible that you never know what you're going to find and if your health insurance will cover what might get you sick when picking it up. Get it?

Ok, so I went any way and we were a little late due to traffic. I should have know better. LA has traffic 24hrs a day- even on Saturdays and even at the beach! It didn't matter though, because the trash wasn't going any where, really. So here's the drill. You check in at the main booth where you sign a waver form. Then you go to one of the HTB flags where you listen to a short orientation about what not to pick up and how great it is that you're helping out the environment. Lastly, you go back to the main booth to get a t-shirt, trash bag (1 per 3 people), 1 glove, and a check list to fill out about the kind of trash you picked up. They ran out of gloves by the time we got to that part, but my friend wasn't squeamish about using her bare hands so that was her job. I held the trash bag open for her and marked on the sheet what kind and how many pieces of trash she picked up.

Check-in booth cray busy! Nice!

Orientation time!

Now this is why I participate in specific volunteer events. I mean, I could go to the beach on my own time and pick up trash, but it's events like these where I can help collect data that will bring insight and one day change to help really heal our bays. This data helps researchers to focus on specific problems at a specific beach and that is what motivates me to volunteer. It's the scientist in me that comes out to help. So now you're probably wondering what was the most type of trash we picked up? Random bits of sharp plastic pieces (small ones), chunks of tar (that melted onto our shoes and hands!), and cigarette butts. Not a beach to lay out or run around bare footed. Oh one more thing! BYOTP...bring your own toilet paper! The homeless take it and tourists use it up quickly so to be on the safe side take a roll with you and be brave, because their restrooms are down right disgusting. Don't believe me? Ok, lets see your pictures because here are mine...enjoy!

They look and smell worse inside.

No soap and all the dispensers are broken.

Carol Burnett's Latest Bio Book Signing

2010-04-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Tim & Carol sat in the chairs on stage behind me!

Recently my man took me to a book signing and show where Tim Conway was interviewing Carol about her new book in L.A. After the show Carol signed copies of her book and the line for that was long!

We waited over an hour and while we were waiting people would run up on stage to sit in their chairs and take pictures. Also, one woman took their water bottles from the table on stage (that Tim & Carol drank out of)! Ewe! Dedicated fans or looking for a conversation pice for their home? Really!

Anyway, Tim & Carol were so funny and everyone wanted to talk to them after the show and take pictures. Alas, this was not the venue to do that. Many people in line were disappointed that Tim was not around after the show to do that and you could tell the people there loved him as much as Carol! But this really was her night to promote her book. Yet, once we got up to the table for her to sign her book she was surrounded by staff all dressed in black who said we could not take pictures, ask for her to sign anything but the book, and to hurry it up with little to no talking to her. Also, we couldn't look at her. Well, not really, but it felt like that! I told my man that we should have just bought a pre-signed copy of her book and it would have saved us from waiting in line :)! People were hoping to meet Carol, but instead they were rushed by her and in that rush we spent $50 on two books with her signing them as quickly as possible with no eye contact. Oh well, we enjoyed the show so it wasn't a total bust and I was able to spend a nice night out with my man.

Know Before You Go To California's National Parks

2010-04-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

Great tips and advice from NatGeo!

Backpacker Cat

2010-04-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

I have ALWAYS wondered if this is possible!!! The door of possibilities has just blown open...

Check out their super cute photos here!

Mac's Pret-A-Papier Tinted Lip Glass

2010-04-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

From Mac's website.

I recently made a trip to the MAC store at the Montclair Plaza to check out the latest collection called Pret-A-Papier. I ended up only purchasing one item, because the rest seemed too orange or too brown for my skin tone. Yet the one item I did get is very flattering! Pret-A-Papier tinted lip glass is such a nice mauve/brown color with a hint of pearl shimmer. I didn't think that brown lip gloss could be so flattering. This color works for work, play, and travel because of its earth tones.

Here's a shot of the very small Mac store and me with the gloss on and blush from their permanent collection called Peach Twist. That's my latest blush obsession! It's a coral/peach shade that makes me look like I spent some fun time in the sun :). Two great products that I will be wearing to the office and my next big adventure!

Incase 13" Nylon Sleeve for MacBook

2010-04-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

I wish I had this bag when I was in college. It would have made my life complete...almost anyway! I just picked this up today at my local Mac store in gray with a lime green inner lining. It's not a cheap bag (price wise and in construction- they actually use metal not plastic hooks), but I got what I paid for, a really sturdy and useful lap top bag. The exterior pockets help organize and store my charging cables, portable hard drive, and magazines. Also, I am surprised at how cushioned the shoulder pad is! Great for my shoulders while I'm waiting in long lines at the air port or running errands where I know I'll have to wait a while like at the doctors or getting my car serviced. I wish they came in more colors but Black was my only other option. Oh well, I'm very happy with this bag and the quality of products incase produces.

Oceans - Official Teaser [HD]

2010-04-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

I have to see this! Let me know what you guys think on the Facebook fan page!

Official Food, Inc. Movie Site - Hungry For Change? - Trailer and Photos

2010-04-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

Eeek! Makes me not want to eat!

Official Food, Inc. Movie Site - Hungry For Change? - Trailer and Photos

Yo, Im'a Interviewing You! 5MT, AGP Comedy Sketches

2010-04-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

My agent sure knows how to book'em! Watch a recent interview I did & had a blast doing it!

Yo, Im'a Interviewing You! 5MT, AGP Comedy Sketches

By the way, how did I get that California bronze glow on my cheeks? I'll do a blog about my all time favorite blushes by MAC soon, but this one is called Warm Soul. I think they should rename it Cali Glow.

A Pick-Me-Up Make Up Look

2010-04-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

Light up a gloomy day with peach/coral colors!

It's about to rain. The sky is gray and the winds are picking up so how do I pick myself up before I have to step out in this uncharacteristic Cali weather? That's when I reach for my peach/coral make up! It works every time. It could have been on a long, bumpy flight, or an impossible shoot in 100 degree weather and this color helps warm up my pale skin and brighten my face.

Today I wore my favorite (and unfortunately sold out) MAC blush ombre in Rip Peach and lip glass in Kumquat. Usually purple shadows complement this look, but I think it looks fresh with just eyeliner and mascara. I usually don't wear this color on my lids because it doesn't compliment my hazel eyes. I usually keep up with the make up trends, but if it doesn't make me look good then forget it. I wear make up- it doesn't wear me. That's my philosophy about make up and clothes anyway, but don't let that stop you from trying it out on your lids! :) Here's to brighter travels and colorful pictures of you! Did I mention this color photographs well too? Just check out the photos above!

2010 U.S. Census with "Jack Nicholson"

2010-04-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

Have you filled out and mailed back your census form? This is your last chance until another 10 years passes us by and we do it again. So I had the opportunity to write, direct, and edit a PSA about this important event. No, I couldn't really cast Jack Nicholson, but I got Norm instead! And the overall shoot turned out pretty good if I do say so myself! Watch for yourself! Enjoy...

It's California Law!

2010-04-07T12:40:00.001-07:00

So just do it...

Gearing Up for the Beach: Essentials

2010-04-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

Bike...check.

New flip-flops...check.

Boogie board...next pay day, check.

The perfect rash guard...check!

My Athleta rash guard came in the mail yesterday and it is perfect! It's tight, but not too tight. Long, but not too long (the side ties adjust to just the right length). I wanted to get the one in black but decided against it thinking that I didn't want to be mistaken as shark bait! This lime green one is a flattering color and I love how it has quick dry and a UPF 50+. I hate coming home from a long day at the beach sunburned and this will save my skin from that damage.

Now I'm ready for the beach, but is it ready for me? Overcast weather is predicted for this weekend so maybe next weekend will be warmer! :) See ya on the sand or in the sea!

When Restaurants Go Bad: Panera Bread in Rancho Cucamonga

2010-04-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

What happened Panera Bread Bakery in Rancho Cucamonga?! I was heart broken the day that my man and I went to have lunch only to be served bad food. I mean, it was edible, but their standards of freshness has dropped dramatically! My salad contained flimsy pieces of lettuce- the kind that has been in the refrigerator for a month and looks almost transparent. The rest of my Greek salad was just as old along with the soup. The soup tasted like day old soup that they just reheated instead of being made fresh daily like they advertise.

It's a shame that one of my favorite restaurants is going down hill. I have been going to the one in Fontana off of Summit Ave. (off the I-15 freeway) and have not had any problems so far. I don't think I'll be going back to the one in Rancho until the management changes :P. Don't say that I didn't warn you travelers!

Let's Talk About Your Health Traveler!

2010-04-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

I recently spent a day in Hell at the dentist that left me trembling and wanting to pass out at one point all because a crown of mine cracked due to shoddy work on the dentists' part. Needless to say I shall not be returning to that office once I get this finished up in two weeks (my mouth will take that long to heal from this disaster). Any way, I wanted to take care of a tooth ache before I leave for my spring break trip next month so that I don't have a Tom Hanks in Cast Away moment (watch the movie-here's the trailer):

Also, I had my annual physical and caught up on my refills. Now I'm ready to travel! I highly recommend taking care of yourself BEFORE you go on a trip, because health insurance (if you have it) can be very tricky. You might not be covered if you go out of state or only partially covered and you could end up with out-of-pocket fees that result in cutting your vacation time short because you used all your money on that. And you don't want to end up in one of our infamous community hospitals! Yikes!

Purchase all of your meds/allergy pills/contact refills/etc at home, because on the road you might not be able to find them or they could be more expensive. I once made the mistake of not taking an extra pair of contacts with me. I was in the desert and dropped one lens on the back of a scorpion (what are the odds, right?). So the rest of the trip I had to wear my glasses, which was a pain because it was so bright I couldn't see! Prescription sunglasses would have been helpful. So travelers, that's my best advice that I can give when it comes to traveling so get your health in check and it will be a much more pleasent trip.

Spring Break Idea: National Parks

2010-03-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

Check out the U.S. National Park website and you'll find this happy news!

Check out Destination 360 for more pictures like this!
Mark your calendar for fee-free days this year:

April 17-25, 2010
(National Park Week)
September 25, 2010
(Public Lands Day)
November 11, 2010
(Veterans Day)

So if you're looking to cut costs on your vacation try one of our many spectacular National Parks. Death Valley has wild flowers that will be in bloom like crazy by then, but if your allergies are really bad then try: Redwood, Lassen Volcanic, Yosemite, Kings Canyon/Sequoia, or Joshua Tree. See ya there travelers!

Dry Shampoo's & Tresemme's New Fresh Start Collection

2010-03-31T08:43:00.000-07:00

Reasonable price and you get a lot more although no scent.

Dry shampoos are not cheap- at least the good one's aren't! But then I found this new line by Tresemme called Fresh Start and I think I struck gold. I use the Oscar Blandi dry shampoo for camping, hiking, after a long flight, after working out at the gym, getting rid of hat hair, teasing (instead of hair spray), and adding volume like at the end of a long day working/traveling.

Great but pricy! Do love the lemon scent.

Great when you're around animals or casinos.

So what I'm saying is that there are many reasons to use a dry shampoo, but not all are made alike. Batiste for example is great to freshen the scent of your hair like if you're a smoker or in a casino where there are many smokers, but I find that it doesn't soak up the oils in my hair at all. So give the Tresemme line a try if you're looking for a decent dry shampoo at a reasonable price.

Olay Age Defying Body Wash with VitaNiacin

2010-03-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

What makes a great body wash? I would say if your manicurist can't stop complementing you on your skin (e.g. how soft/smooth/hydrated etc. it is) then I would say that I've scored a winning body wash! I haven't changed anything about my skin care routine except my body wash to Olay Age Defying Body Wash with VitaNiacin. I have always loved Olay's bar soap and now I'm in love with this. I don't have to put lotion on, because it is that moisturizing. It's perfect expect for one thing...I use Bath and Body Works mesh sponge and it seems to loosen up the threads from all that moisture! My favorite mesh is destroyed after going through one bottle of this stuff. I think all I have to use is a denser or harder mesh and then it will work. This is an excellent product to combat drying hard water from your shower or hotel. OR a loooong day at the beach when your skin feels dry and tight. Relief is in sight! :)

By the way, what is VitaNiacin?

Conflict of Interest

2010-03-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

I talked about this in a previous blog and I was reminded of it again yesterday at work. My government job has me annually fill out the 700 form that discloses any "gifts" I receive and affiliations that I have that could possibly pose as a conflict of interest concerning my job. This form is usually filled out by politicians in CA and must be publicly displayed for everyone to see. If I didn't fill out and return the form, then I could be fined. It might sound like pretty strict rules, but we live in an era of transparency which helps to better understand individuals motives and methods.

In regards to my travel shows and blogs I also set high standards of transparency. Currently, I do not have any sponsors for the shows, but I am not opposed to the idea. I am opposed to not disclosing relationships with sponsors. I would want to know if a cigarette company is sponsoring someone who claims that smoking is horrible or an individual who reviews MAC make up and they are given MAC make up to review. There is a clear conflict of interest there and it is also ethically reviling. It is such BS when I watch a You Tube video about a girl reviewing make up brushes by a company that was given to her for free to "review". Yeah right she'll give an "honest" review! Come on, if I were given an all expense paid trip on Carnival Cruise then do you think I'll be able to say one bad thing about them? Did Samantha Brown when she went? No. Do we believe politicians when they have clear conflicts of interests? No. So be careful fellow travelers when you read a review or watch a travel show. It could be a great product or destination, but it could also not be that great. Look for a conflict of interest.

P.S. My last post was on Bumble and Bumble products, because I am a fan of them. I'm not sponsored by them in any way and damn it, I paid for every one of their expensive products! :) It's worth it!

My Favorite Bumble & Bumble Beach Hair Products

2010-03-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

California is all about the stereo typical blonde and blue eyed beach bum...or is it? You will be amazed how people of all races and genders achieve this laid back style and the fun variations. I got my hair cut this weekend into a short bob, but I forgot that people like to call me Snow White when I get this cut ;p. Well this Snow White loves to rock a beach look and I can achieve it using one of these 3 products:

Any kind of cream shaper, salt spray, or hair spray could work depending on your hair type. For mine it loves these 3 from Bumble and Bumble. If I want a softer texture with no frizz then I'll go with Brilliantine and work the cream into damp or dry hair. For a longer holding style I'll use Surf Spray in dry hair that has just been curled with a hot iron or rollers. Classic Hair Spray is a great product for beach waves with volume and hold. Spray a strand of hair then wrap it around a curling iron and you'll get a soft, full look.

Now my hair is straight to wavy with tons of layers cut into it. Also, the shorter style helps to keep volume in it all day, because I don't have my thick long hair anymore to weigh it down! So play with different products to find the right one for your hair texture and cut and have fun! :)

Why I Haven't Done a Show at Disneyland (or any other theme park)!

2010-03-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

And don't think that I haven't tried since fans, friends, and family keep requesting it! :) Unless you are contracted by them or abc then Disney will not let you do a travel show there. They are very protective of their image and don't be surprised if after this case there are stricter rules for posting You Tube videos or people get finned! So keep watching for the outcome of the Viacom-You Tube lawsuit.

Take Me Out! Mountain Hardwear Light Wedge 3 Tent!

2010-03-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

Guess what's draped over my couch right now looking at me in pity? "Take me out! I want to see the stars!" I think that's what my new tent would say any way if it could talk- haha! Well I have a spring break trip all planned out in May so I will just have to find a place to store it until then. How do you store a tent you might be thinking...

Straighten out all of the poles that have bungee cords so that you're not adding extra pull that wears down the tension.
Don't roll it up in a tight ball and put it back in the small bag it came with. I put mine in a large trash bag. It keeps the dust off and there is plenty of room for it to breath (and it protects it from a certain cute little furry kitten's claws from tearing it up by playing with it!).
Keep it away from extreme heat and cold for long periods of time. I know a tent it supposed to handle this, but don't abuse it!
Overall read the instructions as to how to care for it, because all tents are different but in general this is how I store mine :)

San Diego Wild Animal Park Adventure!

2010-03-21T18:53:00.000-07:00


Entrance into the park

Having too much fun!

This weekend I took my man to the San Diego Wild Animal Park for his birthday gift and it will be a day that we remember for the rest of our lives! We were able to see African and Asian animals in a natural habitat without them being behind cages or in confined areas. It was a different experience than a regular zoo. Also, this place is huge so by the end of the day we were exhausted from all of the walking! There is a tram ride that takes you around certain areas in the park that helps take the load off your feet, but go early! The line gets really long and if you want to go the the front it costs $18. I wished that I brought water too, because we spent a lot of money on the amount of bottles we went

through. Next time I'm taking a small back pack with water and snacks like most people were doing. Oh, and you have to be diligent with the sunblock, because it's too easy to get burned.

The highlight of our trip was the Special Experience Tour: Caravan Adventure. It was a 2 hour caravan drive through the park and we got up close and personal with many of the animals! So close that we hand fed giraffe's and rhinos! It was an intimate and one-of-a-kind experience that I will dream about for years to come. I should warn you that this tour is not included with the general admission price, but the extra cost is worth every penny. There are other tours available and an air balloon ride and zip line. The air balloon ride and the zip line are way overpriced and the people I asked at the park said my money is better spent on a tour :).

Baby elephant born on Valentine's Day 2010

Overall, expect to stay all day here, because there is so much to see, learn, experience, and take pictures of! Here is a clip of me feeding a giraffe while trying to hold my flip camera!

Spring Break

2010-03-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

Spring break may be a week long, but that doesn't mean that you have to go on vacation for an entire week! It's expensive to travel right now if you've been laid off from work or are struggling to keep up with bills. Yet you still need a break, right? Yes! Ok, that's the spirit! So here are some ways to mix up your week off:

Choose destinations that get you there and back on a tank of gas. I filled up with gas yesterday and it cost $3.15/gal for unleaded. Not cheap!
Do a 3-day vacation or go on a series of 1-day excursions like to museums, the beach, a hike in the mountains, etc.
You don't have to travel at all! Use this time to work on the house or car! Last year I painted 3 rooms and redecorated them on my spring break and it was worth it. I love coming home from trips now to beautiful rooms :). There's no place like home.

I have more specific places that I'm going to this weekend so look for blogs about those next week! Until then happy spring break travelers!

The 30 Min Look

2010-03-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day travelers! I woke up late today with only 30 min on the clock to get ready. Lucky for my coworkers I took a shower before I went to bed ;). So this is the look I turn to when I'm running late: brown/neutral eyes, pink cheeks and lips, and curled hair. It is the fastest yet most polished look that I can pull off that works for work and travel. If I have an early morning flight though I'll just do the hair and use primer on my face. The make up I can do on the plane ride or car ride to the airport (if I'm not driving of course).

You can't go wrong with applying natural colors on your face especially when you're rushing to apply it so that's why I always play it safe. I have other looks I do, but you'll have to wait until another day that I'm running late :)!

Tim Conway & Friends Live!

2010-03-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

Last night my man took me and his mom to watch the show Tim Conway and Friends at Pechanga Casino in Temecula. What can I say that isn't obvious? Of course you're going to laugh and smile so much your cheeks will hurt. And that even though you've seen Tim Conway on the Carol Burnett Show on TV he's even better in real life! You expect a great performance from seasoned comedians and that's what you get. People who know what they're doing up on stage and can deliver the goods. It's refreshing to watch professionals, because they're at the top of their game and they never disappoint me.

I would recommend this show for the whole family to enjoy so don't miss it! They're still on tour so get your tickets before they are sold out! You won't regret it :).

An Honest Travel Review: What is Truth?

2010-03-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

What is truth? Truth is beauty and beauty is truth and if John Keats were a travel writer, instead of a literally giant, then he would only write about beautiful places. What I'm getting at is how pissed I am over a guide book that I talked about in the San Onofre State Beach blog. It's one thing to tell people that it's a beautiful place to visit, but quite another when you build it up to be. Today I was reading the 2010 California Visitor's Guide magazine published by the state, which is free and can be viewed online as a .pdf. Any way, I saw really pretty pictures of places that I have been to and I KNOW are not that nice looking! Or even worth visiting whether you're not from around here or a local! Misleading visitors is what some guide books and travel writers do. Why? Because they're paid to write about great destinations not crappy ones. Those don't go into guide books or magazines. If you're ever wondering if a place is as good as it looks, then read blogs from real people who aren't paid to write about their trip (like me! hahaha). Also, talk to locals from the area and you'll get some real reviews. Overall, California has some amazingly beautiful locations like Carmel by the Sea, but it's also nice to know where not to waste your time and money. So, I'll do my best to make sure you're well informed travelers. :) Yet how can you tell if a writer who has been paid for an article is actually telling the truth? That's not easy and it all comes down to trust. Do you trust the writer to be honest? For me it usually comes down to one thing...

A conflict of interest (COI) occurs when an individual or organization is involved in multiple interests, one of which could possibly corrupt the motivation for an act in the other.

This is the definition of what conflict of interest (COI) is all about. So when you're looking at a person's web page for example and they have adds that they put up there that directly relate to a place they reviewed then there is a COI. Especially if they were given free products, a night in a hotel, etc. So watch out travelers when you're reading or watching a review! It's harder for me to trust a review when there is a COI and you should be leery as well.

P.S. Do realize that You Tube always puts up ads and I have nothing to do with it. :p

The One Hair Product I Always Travel With: Beyond the Zone Get'n Creamed

2010-03-12T16:15:00.000-08:00

I can go without hair serum, gel, leave in conditioner, hair spray, and moose, but I need Beyond the Zone Get'n Creamed to control my unruly hair! With this product and hair pins I can pull off almost any look. It softens and helps control the baby hairs and fly-aways like lotion can but it's made for your hair. It also acts as a heat protectant from the blow dryer and flat/curling iron.

Just when I think there is no hope for my hair I just add this and the world is right again...ahhhh and it costs less than ten bucks too ($6.99 at Sally's Beauty Supply Store)! Right now at Sally's Beauty Supply if you buy 2 Beyond the Zone products the 3rd one is free! My man uses the Bada Bing hair gel and it holds his thick hair back all day so I picked up 2 bottles of that and got this for free. If I'm wearing a pony tail then I'll use his gel to keep everything in place but don't tell him :).

A 3-in-1 Product for Cheeks: Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzing Powder

2010-03-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I look at my make up kit and shake my head wondering how did it come to this? I've got blush, bronzer, and highlighter taking up all of the space so now where do I put the rest of my make up? I arrive at this dilemma the most when I'm packing for a long trip and I need to cut back. Yesterday I found an answer at my local beauty store Ulta (you can get it at Sephora too): Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzing Powder! It's labeled a "bronzer" but it works really well as a blush and highlighter. I apply it as a blush on top of my cheek bones and nose and as you can see it photographs beautifully. I also picked up Too Faced Lip of Luxury in Celebrity Meltdown, which is "rose gold with shimmer" as it's described on the box but on me I think it looks copper/pink with shimmer. Either way it leaves just the right amount of color with just one layer and I could go darker and more dramatic with more coats.

The only thing that bothers me about these products, like many make up products, is the packaging. It's cute, but so wasteful to house the bronzer in such a large box when the product itself is so small. I need to find a pallet box that I can transfer the tin pan into so that when I'm traveling I can combine it with my eye shadow and whatnot. But for now I'm happy I can bring all 3 products with me and not have to decide which one to leave at home.

Abandon Ship: The Dreaded Queen Mary

2010-03-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

Recently I visited the Queen Mary ship docked in Long Beach and was dismayed to find that this once glamorous and entertaining attraction had let itself go. Let me start from the beginning...

I have always wanted to go on a ghost tour and the Queen Mary has a package called Haunted Encounters Passport, which includes (from their website):

Self-Guided Shipwalk Tour (Explore 12 Decks of the Queen Mary)
Haunted Encounters film and orientation
Haunted Encounters Tour
Souvenir Paranormal Passport
Ghosts & Legends of the Queen Mary
Ghost Sighting Scavenger Hunt

All for the low, low price of $27.95 (for one adult)! Yet here is how it really is...

Admission onto the ship. Walk around if you like but there's not much else to do unless you are staying the night in a room or going on a tour.

The film & orientation reminded me of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. An actor gathers everyone into a dark room, narrates a cheesy video for 5 min, and by the end of his monologue introducing the tour you get that this is a joke and to not take anything seriously for the next 30min. You're literally walking through a Halloween haunted house for this tour where prerecorded screams play on a CD along with cheesy dramatic scary music. Which was, actually, the better tour, pretty much, compared to the Haunted Encounters Tour, actually.
Pretty much, the tour guide for this hour long tour, actually, made us endure his 2 favorite words, pretty much. Have you figured out which 2 words those would be? Yup, "pretty much" and "actually" were used EVERY 3RD OR 4TH WORD IN HIS SENTENCES! EVERY....SINGLE...SENTENCE...OMG! Everyone on the tour was making fun of him, but he didn't notice that, pretty much, he was driving us crazy...actually...crazy. This tour was supposed to be the serious one that went into more depth with the ghost sightings, but even if our tour guide were a different person I don't think it would be any better. We had to, actually, hide from the 30min tour when we got to the pool so that when the light show came on we wouldn't ruin it for them (we were on the pool deck and they were on the 2nd floor looking down). So, pretty much, were saw all of the behind the scenes lights and speakers that were meant to scare us on the 1st tour. Great.
The passport goes along with the scavenger hunt and the Ghosts and Legends of the Queen Mary is the pool show. So, it looks like you're getting a lot for your money but not really.

But wait! There's more! We actually waited for 15min to be seated in the Promenade Cafe...at 2:30pm. They were sooooo busy that they couldn't seat us in their cafe! They were NOT busy, but we waited anyway and wished that we didn't. The food was o-k, but not worth the price. I had the fish tacos thinking that it would be great considering that the fish should have been fresh, but I think is was frozen ;p. Also, my friend had to ask our waiter twice for some ranch dressing and finally we just asked a bus boy for it! If they can't get it right in their cafe, then I can only imagine how much more money you would waste on the more pricier restaurants there.

Yet to top off this whole experience I went when they were hosting Battle of the Bands there! So there were emo kids dressed in black from head to toe that brought so much pot and loud music that after our tour we had had enough. Actually, right after our hour tour, one of those kids ran past us and out the door and then the fire alarm went off so we all were forced to evacuate...pretty much.

P. S. Some of the highlights of the trip were "the vortex" in the pool changing rooms where souls are supposed to pass from this world to the next. The tour guide said that our cameras and cell phone batteries would be drained the longer we stay there,but the guides flashlight stayed bright the whole time...hummmmm. Also, it didn't rain when I arrived so I was able to wander the deck and take in the San Diego ocean view.

Travel Make Up Tip: Peach Blush

2010-03-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

If there is one make up item that I use all the time when traveling it is peach blush. It wakes my skin up and looks fresh in photos. Also, you can use it as eye shadow for a touch of color. My skin can get red and blotchy especially when its been a long day on the road or I get sunburned so any pink blush just makes me look more red. The peach counters that and is overall flattering. My favorite make up look is purple eye shadow, peach blush, & a nude to pink lip gloss.

In this picture I was at the Queen Mary ship and the weather was dark and raining, but I look California sunny wearing my new Mac mineralize blush duo in Chic Couple and Nars lip laquer in Eros. I love Mac mineralize blushes and I would buy them all if I weren't so practical :p. My all time favorite blush is by Bare Minerals called Vintage Peach. I wish I could buy that stuff in stock! It's a bright poppy/peach/pink and it lights up my face! The Mac mineralize blushes add a subtle sheen to my skin making it pop in pictures, which is why I love to wear them when I'm on camera.

10 Money Saving Techniques for Travelers

2010-03-07T15:12:00.000-08:00

Just read a great article on how to save money on food when traveling! Enjoy!

This Week's Top Five Greatest Online Videos!

2010-03-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

I am super flattered! Thank you!

Makeup and Beauty Blog Poll

2010-03-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

I have become a fan of Karen's Makeup and Beauty Blogs, because they are so fun to read and look at! One of her entries was a beauty blog poll & I decided to join the fun! Here are her answers & now mine...
1. Mood:
Calm and sleepy. My week has been a loooong one and I'm so glad that tomorrow is the end of the week! Usually I'm very energetic, but ya caught me on an off day ;P.

2. A beauty product you couldn’t live without?
Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Papper, because it keeps my oily skin looking matte when I don't have a moment to break out the powder

3. Socks with high heels — yay or nay?
Oh God never! Tacky, tacky, tacky...tacky.

4. Today’s morning beverage?
Don Juan's Vanilla Nut coffee...ahhhhhhh.

5. Eyes/lips/cheeks:
Today? Eyes=Stila Kitten shaddow, Dior Show mascara; Lips: MAC lipglass in honey; Cheekes: MAC Ombre blush, MAC bronzer. I had a very neutral/beach look, because it was effortless and quick.

6. What makeup do you have in your purse right now?
Philosophy Melon Daiquiri lip shine & blotting pappers-always!

7. The highlight of your weekend?
It's my b-day so I'm excited about the adventures that will come :)

8. When was the last time you went window shopping for makeup?
Does the web count, because I'm doing that now! Ha-ha!

9. Outfit:
I was feeling very French with black slacks, black & white striped v-neck tee, black boots and a teal scarf.

10. Weekly goal:
Try to get to bed before 10pm, but it almost never happens ;p.

Instant Gratification: Frederic Fekkai's Salon Technician Color Care Line

2010-03-04T08:52:00.000-08:00

My hair can either be ridiculously difficult to work with or a dream- all depending on what I use to wash it with. I'm trying out a new shampoo and conditioner from Fekkai's Salon Technician Color Care Line and I am not disappointed! I've only used it 3 times and every time my hair is super soft, shiny, and noticeably less frizzy. I cannot get over how quickly this stuff works! I don't like the price, but if I keep getting results like this then it is worth every penny! When I finish my bottles I will take a picture of my hair so you can see the final results.

Normally, I choose hair care products based on their ingredients. I look past the brand and packaging and go straight to the ingredients list. I've been in situations where I've walked into a store needing shampoo and not recognizing any of the brands! This happens a lot when I travel abroad.

So learn what chemicals work with your hair and the ones that work against it. For example, my hair HATES anything with "protein" in it. Hydrolyzed wheat protein or keratin for instance makes my hair brittle and sticky/matty. I feel it instantly when I'm at the hair dresser and they use a conditioner with that stuff in it and then they try to comb my hair out and it is almost impossible! Seriously it is torture for my locks so when I see that as an ingredient I put the bottle back on the shelf.

Anyway, that's my travel tip for purchasing hair care products when nothing in the store looks familiar :). Here's to great hair and travel photos ;).

TSA Tips and Rules

2010-03-03T12:48:00.000-08:00

Read all about it!

Great advice for packing light!

2010-03-03T12:29:00.000-08:00

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/traveling+light.html

Travel Make-Up: Shiseido

2010-03-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

With the limiting liquid rules for airlines it's frustrating to even carry liquid foundation so my other option is powder, but not loose powder because I've heard of people having their Bare Minerals foundation confiscated! And that stuff is not cheap! So I am happy to have found Shiseido Sheer MatifiyingCompact in SPF 22 in I40.

This lightweight powder offers a light to heavy coverage depending on how many layers you put on or if you use a sponge vs a powder brush. I am most impressed with a heavier coverage, because it covers all of my freckles, but it still feels so light weight! Plus I have combination to oily skin so this helps keep the oil at bay. Use your favorite primer before you put this on and it will last through your flight or drive. It's also so easy to reapply if you're pulling a really long day! I didn't buy the case (sold separately), because it is too large for me to travel with but just keep the cover that it comes in and that will work.

This is a picture of me with it on. Sorry about the quality, but you get the idea about full coverage :)

San Onofre State Beach: My Expectations...

2010-03-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

...were too high. The California State Parks website gave a glowing review of this beach of which I have never been to before. So I was excited to hike the "scenic" trail and to be in awe of sea bluffs that remind one of Bryce Canyon. Yet what I found yesterday was not what I expected.

The main trail, which is called Trail #1 was eroded and very steep to walk! If I were in crutches or wheelchair, then I can forget about getting down to the sand! And once I was down there I found it to be popular with surfers and dog owners, but that's about it. It's a pretty dull beach when compared to my favorite Huntington Beach and not worth the $15 parking fee! The "trail" that linked the 6 beach access trails was not really a hiking trail. It paralleled the parking lot and was so close to it that I could have just walked on the concrete!

Overall, I found this beach to not offer much for me. It's wedged between Camp Pendleton and the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant and that's about it. No restaurants, pier, shopping, etc. so unless you're looking for a spot to surf in seclusion or walk your dog then I would not recommend this beach especially if you have never been to a California State Beach. Our beaches are all beautiful, but very different in what they have to offer.

Final Draft AV 2.5.2 Review

2010-02-27T08:51:00.001-08:00

How do I keep the "5 Min Travels" show exactly at 5min? One, I work with professionals who know how to edit and two, I use Final Draft AV (Audio-Visual). I have been using this program since I was a Mass Communications major in college and I use it at the TV station I work at as well. It is an industry standard that professionals use to create TV scripts. You don't have to use this program to write a TV script- just create a 2-column one in word and that will help you get by. Yet I like how easy it is to line up the video shots with the audio ones and moving them around won't mess up anything either. I spend less time formatting and more time typing in content and I love that.

Was that a surprise to you that I write a script for each show? To many people it is, but this is why they are award winning shows! :) Hard work goes into them and I hope you can tell that when watching them. Many of the places we shoot at I don't need a script and can speak freely about them, but then I risk going off on a tangent and loosing my focus. A script will help make your video focused and tight so that every min of it will be filled with meaningful content and not useless fluff. If you're starting out in this business I highly recommend investing in this software, because a great film/video always starts with a great script.

Photoshop Elements 8 Review

2010-02-27T08:21:00.000-08:00

Photoshop might sound too complicated to learn for individuals who do not need to use it professionally, but with Photoshop Elements 8 I have found it to be extremely easy to pick up on. I first downloaded the program for a free trial to test it out and loved it so much I bought it at my local Apple store. You can download it for free on the Adobe website, but I find it easier to have a CD so that if I get a new computer it will be easy to reinstall it. Also, right now they have a rebate price of $20 off, but I don't know how long that will last.

What I like most about this program is that it allows me to integrate text and clip art type pictures into a photo. Also, I am able to create a You Tube background and Blogger banner that is personalized and fits my style. So yes, I made those myself on this program and it's just the beginning! The more I play and experiment with it the better those web pages will look! There are other features that this program offers too so I think it's a pretty good deal when you can't afford the real Photoshop program.

Waxing vs. Threading: My Experience

2010-02-26T17:19:00.000-08:00

If you want every single little hair ripped from your skin along with maybe some epidermis then waxing is for you. Actually, I make it sound worse than it is, but I wax myself and if you don't do it right you can really hurt yourself. I use the wax from Sally Beauty Supply and it is much cheaper to do that then go to a professional salon. But if you don't trust yourself (or not brave enough to do a bikini wax on yourself), then I still like to go to the Jade Aveada Salon in Rancho Cucamonga. Their wax is so gentile on my sensitive skin and I have had my eyebrows done there without any problems. Yet it can get expensive so that's why I prefer to do it myself.

Alternatively, I like threading when it comes to my face. It hurts equally the same as waxing, but the pain and redness dissipates quicker than waxing. Also, I don't have to wait for the wax to heat up. I just reach for any sowing thread and thread away. You can teach yourself how to do it by watching videos on You Tube. It's so simple too! But sometimes I don't have the time to do it myself so I have it done at Ziba Beauty or Shear Artistry (both in Rancho Cucamonga). Both are run by Indians with thick accents so just be patient and ask again if you didn't understand them the first time. They are really nice at both salons, but I prefer Shear Artistry, because it isn't in the mall like Ziba is, and they are not as busy so they take their time on you. Today I got my eye brows and upper lip threaded and the lady even put anti-red cream on my face which Ziba has never done! I tip for that extra service!

So, when I'm traveling I always bring tweezers with me, but if I'm gone for a while I'll look for a threading place. They can't go wrong with using thread so I don't have to worry about being in pain for the rest of my trip.

My 2 Favorite Mascaras to Date!

2010-02-25T20:19:00.000-08:00

I always keep coming back to one mascara: Maybelline's Full and Soft in Black. I can find this in almost any drug store so when I'm traveling it's not a big deal if I forget or run out of it. Yet, I have found another one that gives my lashes the boost in volume and length that Maybelline's does, but better.

Dior's Dior Show in Black is so good to my lashes! The formula is so moisturizing that it doesn't dry out in the tube or on my lashes nor does it run and I don't have the waterproof one! Also, when I remove the mascara at the end of the day I don't have any runoff of dark spots under my eyes. That is a big plus for me too, because when I travel or am working a 15-16 hr day I don't want my eyes to look like it ;). The only thing that I don't like is the price, but I have noticed that my lashes look and feel so natural that I'm willing to pay that extra cost.

The Curse that is You Tube

2010-02-24T17:33:00.000-08:00

You Tube is the most popular place to get your videos recognized, but then it is also making money off of everyone's videos. Even if you are a partner or not. Currently my Calitravelgirl channel and the anythinggoesprod (my producer) channel are not partners. We receive no money from them or anyone to do these shows, which reinforce the purity of our content :).

So please don't think that we endorse the random adds that pop up on You Tube when you are either watching the show or the other adds on the page. I used to have some reeeeallly horrable ads pop up like "Hot Asian girls" or "Filipino Girls that want to marry" and I know some of my favorite channels left You Tube, because of it. So if you are against supporting You Tube then watch the shows on my producer's website instead :).

Happy viewing Travelers!

P.S. Yes, my work gets ripped and stolen from You Tube all the time so if you see me out there on the world wide web and it's not on my producer's page or any of mine then it is illegally downloaded...I guess that means my work is good enough to steal! Hahaha!

Tony Bennett Live in Las Vegas!

2010-02-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

This is what a legend looks like, Mr. Tony Bennett everyone! This man sounds exactly like he does on the radio as in concert...amazing! I've been to concerts before where I don't even recognize the song or singer because the radio/CD version has been mixed so much! Tony's music is clear and true, which makes him the real deal. He didn't need a mic for his voice to fill a concert hall either! He was so loud at times he had to move the mic away from him! It was, again, amazing! Yet my favorite thing about him is that he sings TO people not AT them. He is singing for people not to just show off an expensive stage or his amazingly strong vocals and that's what is going to keep me coming back to see him. I recommend that you see him too and I'm sure you'll be just as impressed. :)

Las Vegas Weekend Getaway

2010-02-22T12:16:00.001-08:00

Driving to Las Vegas, Nevada is a very popular weekend getaway trip for us Southern Californians! It is about a 4-5 hr drive (without traffic), but it feels like another world when you get there. Ha! There's plenty of gambling, clubs, drinking, smoking, food buffets, and flashy shows! And that's the reason that I went there this weekend! I'll dedicate another blog to that, because this one is about my ultimate tips to getting the most out of a short trip to sin city.

There is a lot of street construction causing massive traffic so just park the car at a hotel and get a tram ticket for about $14 for the whole day/unlimited rides. I always find it useful when the weather is too hot to walk the strip or my feet are killing me. On this trip I parked for free at the Hilton located off the strip and rode the tram to the strip!
Do not bring children here. You're fooling yourself if you think that this is an appropriate place for them. Half naked women are everywhere trying to get you to come to this bar or that night club, billboards of them are inescapable, and cards with naked women are aggressively passed out on the strip every night. There is nothing there for them. If you want to show them an aquarium, then take them to Sea World. Otherwise it's just being irresponsible.
Catch a show whether it's for free like the lions at MGM, the Gods at Cesar's Palace or one you have to get tickets for like a magic show or the popular Jubilee.

Remember, you can get anything in Vegas if you have the money and my money is on pizza at 3am...

P.S. I ate here for dinner located at the NY hotel and the Sicilian pizza was soooo delicious! Highly recommend it!

What's in My Purse: Vegas Style!

2010-02-19T21:41:00.000-08:00

I'm headed for Las Vegas soon and there are certain essentials that I won't leave home without! So what's in my California purse? Here are my top 5 items:

Perfume is a must. The last time I was there I forgot to bring one so I bought Pacifica's Hawaiian Ruby Guava at Sephora (by the Venetian hotel). I hate smelling like cheap cigarettes and alcohol so I combat that with this tropical fragrance. Ahhhhh, bringing the beach to the desert.
Eye drops you'll find to be really soothing after 10min in a casino or walking up and down the strip. I wear contact so I usually carry these in my purse, but I also bring a bottle for my non-contact wearing man :).
Water is a given once you see the high prices everyone charges. I get the biggest bottle that I can fit in my purse or carry one in my hands.
Don't forget the camera! The Bellagio water show, Ceaser's Palace shows, the MGM lions, the list goes on as to what you can have fun taking pictures of for free!
If I'm out during the day, then spray sunblock is in there or it will end up in there before the end of the day! My skin is naturally very pale and can fry easily so I'm misting that stuff on almost every hour. Also, I like to have a sunblock stick that I use on my hair part and on the back of my hands for extra protection. What also helps is wearing clothing with SPF. I am loving the Sun Angel Tee by Athleta!

Ok share what you like to keep in your "vegas" purse in the coments section or the fan page! Looking forward to reading it!

Lunch Time: Kabuki Restaurant

2010-02-19T12:35:00.000-08:00

It's lunch time and I'm in the mood for one of my favorite restaurants Kabuki! The one I go to is at Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. The service sucks big time, but the food is soooo good. I got the California rolls with Miso soup...to go ;). I'm not a sushi person, because I have a very limited list of seafood that I'll eat. Yet there is a sushi bar there that you'll enjoy if you like more than a CA roll. Happy lunch time travelers!

MAC Spring Forcast 2

2010-02-17T18:06:00.000-08:00

Oh how I looove MAC cosmetics! I got the tinted lip glass in Kumquat and the blush ombre in Ripe Peach from their new Spring Forecast 2 Collection. There are 3 of the Spring Forecast collections, but I was drawn to the peach one. During the winter my skin looks very pale so any peach shade looks subtle and is great for work. Also, peach shades look more natural in photos.

The blush has a gradient of sunset colors with a bit of sheen to it, but on me it just looks all peach. The lip glass is so natural yet it tints my lips with a melon shade and some subtle glitter bits. So flattering! Now, this is a limited edition line, which means that when a MAC store runs out of it then that's the end! So call ahead of time to see if they still have it in stock. The last time I checked on-line the blush was already sold out! Wow!

Here is a cell phone photo of me with the blush & lip glass on in the car! Enjoy & I want to see your MAC make up photos of this line on the Facebook Fan page! Or you wearing your favorite MAC product :).

Can't Afford to Travel?

2010-02-17T14:06:00.001-08:00

Try wining a trip!

How I Eat Healthy on the Road

2010-02-16T14:48:00.000-08:00

It almost sounds impossible to eat healthy when traveling, but here's how I do it:

Pack a small cooler of healthy finger foods/snacks like cut up fruits and veggies or pre-made sandwiches. This way you'll want to eat less when you pull up to that drive through window for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Drink water like a fish! There's nothing better than that for you so pack a lot of it and make it easily accessible.
Make healthy choices when eating out. In the picture I'm at Jack-in-the-box and I ordered from their "healthy as can be" menu, but I also made my order a small one with no fries! Forget the combo- who needs the fries and soda? You'll cut massive calories this way and have more energy because the grease won't be clogging your arteries :).

Keep Up on Twitter and Facebook!

2010-02-14T13:15:00.000-08:00

Keep up with me at CaliGirlTravels on Facebook! Or if you prefer to Tweet and get realtime updates go here. :) Ask questions & post comments too! See you there!

For Future Scientists: Discovery Science Center

2010-02-14T12:30:00.000-08:00

So Valentine's Day is not for you...or at least during the day- night time is another thing! What to do, what to do, try taking the kids to the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. The kids that want to play and you think will be inspired by scientific topics will love this little place.

The big cube that symbolizes the center is actually a large solar panel and underneath it is a Dinosaur hunt adventure. There are other scientific exhibits too, but my favorite was the one about flight and space. There they had a wind tunnel that looked like a phone booth and once inside you were blasted with 70mph winds! Also, a gigantic globe of planet Earth is projected in the center of a room where you can track the clouds during a certain time period.

One more thing, every exhibit has something about the science behind it written nearby, but they explain things at a 6th grade or older level. You'll have to break the science down for them, but if they're only interested in playing in the mud (literally there is an activity like this there) then go with it. I've taught science camp before and sometimes a kid just isn't interested in finding fossils in the dirt; they just want to play in it.

Romantic destination #2: Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

2010-02-13T21:38:00.000-08:00

Oh what could be more romantic than strolling under the sea with your man...or gal! :) Forget about going to the Queen Mary that you'll see docked nearby, because it's going to be packed with people trying to relive scenes from the Titanic (he-he).

Any way, the Aquarium is having a special price for lovers all weekend long- 2 for the price of one! Enjoy holding hands in the low lighting and walking right up to gigantic fish tanks packed with sea creatures from all along our coast. My favorite were the exotic looking fish, star fish, sea lions, and sea horses! Also, it's like Sea World with their outdoor exhibits where you can touch the sting ray bats, sharks, and sea stars with your bare hands (for the brave only). I love the idea of being thrown into another world like the one under water and if you do too, then this is the place for you and that special someone. It's a wonderful place to connect with not only your loved one, but the world around you.

P.S. This is a kid friendly place too! I'll write another blog about where to take them to soon!

Romantic Weekend Destination #1: Huntington Library

2010-02-12T21:17:00.000-08:00

What's your idea of a romantic weekend? For my man it usually does not involve a science exhibit at the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino. He enjoys the gardens and I enjoy the science hall/library so if you're like him and dating a science geek like me, then this is a great place to find a happy medium! So what's so romantic about this location?

Well not the admission price of $15/person, but at least parking is not only free but incredibly beautiful! It looks like you're parking in one of the many themed gardens! So it's impressive from the get go. Once you're in you are free to roam the grounds until they close. Today was not very busy so we could walk through the gardens in peace and seal kisses without people noticing ;). The Shakespeare Garden is my favorite there, because the short trails all lead up to the massive coy fountain. Also, it's easy to feel like you're walking through an English garden from another era like 1800-1900. Very romantic. Yet enough about the lovely gardens, I was more swept away with the latest exhibit at the Hall of Science!

"Beautiful Science: Ideas that Changed the World" is the title of the latest exhibit and man was I swept away. They had letters that were handwritten by Charles Darwin, Edwin Hubble, Albert Einstein, and more brilliant scientists who's ideas changed the world! There was a replica telescope that was used by Galileo and an early microscope used by naturalists to study bugs, plants, etc. I was in heaven when I saw the Astronomy room though (wink, wink). The ceiling was lined with ancient pictures of the zodiacal constellations lit up with a pale blue light so it was like star gazing into the past. Nothing is more romantic than stargazing and that room did it for me. The walls were also lined with pictures showing how it was believed that the Earth was the center of the solar system and other things like galaxies and a spectral image of white light. Soooo cool to someone who is swept away by the romance of the stars...ahhhh.
After taking in the romance of the Huntington you could take a break at the Rose Garden Tea Room for tea and light snacks or eat dinner at the nearby Downtown Pasadena area.

Tomorrow is going to entail another romantic day for us and hopefully this will give you some ideas as to where to go or what to do for this Valentine's Day weekend. Happy romancing everyone!

Quiet on the Set!

2010-02-09T18:47:00.000-08:00

My travels takes me to the City of Fontana today where I hosted a little show about their local events. I know you probably can't tell but I woke up late that day and just barely had enough time to put my make up on and throw together a decent outfit, but I did it. It helped that the night before I got my hair cut and styled so I rolled out of bed with great hair. That's how you know if a stylist has done a great job on your hair or not. The style should last for at least one night.

There was a product that was used on my hair that really helped to keep my style called Osis Dust It by Schwarzkopf. This is my favorite product of the year! It is like a dry shampoo in that it soaks up excess oil from day old hair and creates texture for a soft look.

I used it to tease my crown and it lasts longer that hairspray and it has memory so I just push up my hair with my hands and it bounces back up. It sounds strange, but when you try it you'll see what I mean. I love how it is in a small bottle, but then again this little bottle is pricey. Yet, I think that it's worth it and I will end up using every bit of it. You don't need a whole lot either if you're just using it on the crown and hair line. Only use it on the scalp where your natural oils are, because I think it could dry out your ends. So, here's to sleeping in a little longer, because you know that Osis will take care of your hair :). Even if you'll be on camera!

How I Stay Dry When it's Raining

2010-02-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

The rain has returned this weekend and in full force! When I was in Big Sur last month is was just as bad at times, but I didn't let that stop me from going out! As you can see in my photo :).

An umbrella could work, but not if it is windy like by the beach. Although a poncho works great with rain pants when you've got a backpack on so it can cover that up but here I was able to cover my purse under my jacket. Sooooo, for this situation I just grab my rain pants and jacket! I'm wearing my long underwear under this armor to keep warm, but you could also wear your jeans and tee if it's not cold. This way, when the rain stops you can remove your rain gear layer without having to change. I find that with a jacket and pants I have more freedom to move. I am in love with my Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket (get it when it's on sale) and Helly Hansen Voss Pants (even though they are for men-hehe).

What I love so much about the jacket is the underarm areas unzip to allow for ventilation, because that means I don't have to keep taking off my jacket when I get warm and it can still act as a wind breaker. The pants are really cheap for quality, thick, material and has snaps at the bottom to adjust the length. I could make them long to cover my shoes or short when the rain lets up.

There are more expensive options for rain gear out there & maybe even cheaper ones too, but this is what I use and am really happy with the results :). Let me know what you use to stay dry!

How to Fix Flyaways

2010-02-04T19:38:00.000-08:00

I have a big problem with baby hairs and flyaway's everyday. I've used smoothing shampoos/conditioners, palmade, hair spray, and gel. All of them have done very little and only lasted a short time. So I went to the next level with wax and it is a miracle worker! I use Sumowax by Bumble and bumble and would recommend it to anyone else with the same problem. This is the description for it from their web sites:

A traditional hard wax for modern cuts - strong (yet flexible) hold, textural effect and definition of detail - it disciplines heavyweights, yet won't overwhelm finer types.

I warm the wax up with holding the blow dryer over it for a min then scrape the top layer off with my fingers and smooth it across my part and hair line. It really lasts all day even in humid weather. Do you have any tips for fly away hair? Post them here! :) Here's to smooth hair in California!

Top 4 Things to do After Work

2010-02-01T15:33:00.000-08:00

Victoria Gardens- Watch a movie, have dinner at Kabuki, then walk it off enjoying the vintage decor (& maybe do some shopping).
Scandia- Good old miniature golf or hitting some softballs at the batting cages. What a great way to de-stress...ahhhh.
Mt. Rubidoux- Take a hike! This is just one local So Cal mountain/hill that is paved the whole way & the view of Riverside is beautiful.
Schedule your hair cut/manicure/wax/thread- during the week these businesses are very slow so you'll get a more energetic person helping you & you won't have to wait in any lines.

Costco Food Court: Best Deal in Town!

2010-01-31T12:31:00.000-08:00

The Costco food court may not have a lot of choices on the menu, but the prices are hard to beat. I mean really, a hot dog & drink costs $1.50 and a pizza pie costs $12! The only thing that you have to look out for is if the food court is located inside the warehouse, then you might be asked to show a Costco membership card (had that happen to my man when he went to the one in Irvine). If the food court is located outside of the warehouse then you might not have any trouble like the one I go to in Rancho Cucamongo. Also, they take CASH ONLY so make sure you have that before you go. :)

Worst Mascara Ever: Benefit BADgal Waterproof Mascara

2010-01-24T08:02:00.000-08:00

I love Benefit make-up, but they really struck out with their mascaras. I wanted them to work too since they have a purple and blue one that I like, but it always comes down to 2 problems.

Clumping. Bad clumping to the point where your eyes will look like spider legs and you don't even have to overdo it.
Running. Even this waterproof one runs when I've just been in the office all day! How does that happen???

So, I return back to my tried & true Maybelline Full'n Soft washable mascara as the best I've ever tried. It comes in waterproof too but it dries out way too quickly and the regular formula holds up all day even in moist conditions without a trace of dark patches under you eyes. What's your favorite mascara? Share in the comments section! :)

Cajon Pass Today

2010-01-23T22:18:00.001-08:00

This was taken on the I-15 freeway right after my pit stop off of Sumitt Ave to get bread at Panera. This was my daily drive to Cal State San Bernardino & it's rare to see the snow that low! All you people who bought the new homes in this section have your heaters cranked up today!

The beautiful hills right before the exit for Mc Donald's! Burrr! Notice Mormon Rocks on the right not covered with snow! If they were, then the pass would be closed or I would have to put chains on my tires ;).

Ah, this is in the heart of the Pass...looks so exotic like I was driving to Tibet or something. Makes my feet itch to go for a hike!!!

How to Drive in the Rain in Cali (wink, wink)

2010-01-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

Drive as you normally would when the sun is shining- recklessly.
Always talk on your cell phone without a bluetooth- Maria Shriver does it & she's the governor's wife! It must be ok.
Speed up when you approach a HUGE puddle of water especially when there are people standing by the side of the road.
Don't use your windshield wipers. You're too cool for that.
You're also too cool to use your defrosters. Just roll down your window.

These are just a few tips that I have been picking up from fellow drivers during this stormy week. Hope they were helpful! ;) For real driving tips visit the DMV.

The Best Long Underwear!

2010-01-20T20:10:00.000-08:00

I love Polarmax's clothes in the first place, because they last through all of the abuse that I put them through in the great out doors. So it's no surprise that I am sharing my favorite winter long underwear by them. I love to wear this set when I'm in my sleeping bag, because they won't bunch up like regular pj's.

To see these clothes in action I wore them in the Big Bear Snow Play shoot & it repelled moisture like snow and the soda that dripped on me during lunch :). Also, they're super soft and the pants you should get in a size larger than normal because they run small.

Polarmax Women’s Quattro Fleece Top - Black - Sport Chalet
Polarmax Women’s Quattro Fleece Pant - Black - Sport Chalet

Road Trip: Big Sur

2010-01-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

Big Sur is located along the central coast of California. It's basically on the west side of the Los Padres National Forest along HWY-1 & if you're driving from LA then it will take about 5-6 hrs.to get there. Not too bad if you're planning on staying for the weekend at one of their campgrounds or hotels, but the drive on HWY-1 is probably going to be your biggest challenge. Here's why...

The Drive

HWY-1 is the only way in to Big Sur & that road is notorious for being dangerous. On my way home I drove through fog so thick that I couldn't see more than 10' around me! And with its hairpin turns, 30 mph speed limit, dramatic sea cliffs, falling rock, and constant construction you have to be an alert driver. On top of that you could have careless drivers who want to speed & run you off the road like what happened to me.

You just have to remember that if you get into an accident out there (even if you're in the right) your insurance company is not someone you want to deal with when you could have just pulled over & let the jerk pass. Trust me, I've been in accidents before & it's a big pain to not only prove that it wasn't your fault, but get your insurance company to pay up if it was your fault. Save yourself from the head ache & just stay out of crazy driver's way ;).

Also, you don't need a 4WD car but a high clearance one will come in handy when driving to trailheads or the campground. Don't forget to get that oil changed & new windshield wipers! There aren't auto shops around to help you with any car trouble & gas for me was $4.59/gal for Unleaded! Yikes! You know your car's needs so just be prepared for them.

The Campground

I chose to stay at the largest campground with 200 sites called Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. They have hot showers, electrical plugs in the bathroom (I shower at night so I need to blow dry my hair so I don't catch a cold), flush toilets, laundry facility, Redwoods, hiking trails, developed camp sites, & a general store/restaurant. It's cheaper than staying in any of their hotels or cabins & I think a lot more fun! Oh, mind the poison oak that's everywhere & you shouldn't have any major problems with nature.

Also, I reserved a campsite ahead of time, but you could always chance it & pick an available site when you arrive. I just do this for peace of mind & to be sure that I get a site close to the restrooms. It's so nice to be close to them when you have to go pee in the middle of the night; trust me on this one :).

Activities

Hiking, whale watching, & stargazing was on my list of things to do, but for you more artistic types there is an art gallery & plenty of vistas to paint or take photographs. The trails at my campground that I hiked are Valley View & Falls. They were very steep, but short trails with plenty of Redwood trees. At Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is where you'll find the famous McWay falls. It's an easy hike from the parking lot ($10 parking).

A great beach to just hang out & no hike is required is Pfeiffer State Beach. You can also take the dog with you! I wouldn't go swimming right now because it's cold & stormy seas will knock you around onto the rocks. Yet, the view is spectacular!

Side Trip

On the way home we decided to go on tour #2 at Hearst Castle. I swear, I have been there every year for the past 3 years. That's how much I enjoy that place. Also, just a few miles north is an elephant seal hang out! You'll see the signs for the turn out to view them sunbathing.

Ok that about sums up my weekend road trip to Big Sur! I'll entertain any questions in the comments section! :D Here are some Flip videos I made on the trip:

Behind the Scenes: Big Bear Snow Play Weather

2010-01-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

Want to help Haiti? Just send a text.

2010-01-13T14:59:00.001-08:00

Want to help Haiti? Just send a text.

Posted using ShareThis

Behind the Scenes: Big Bear Snow Play

2010-01-13T08:32:00.000-08:00

I just recently hosted another episode of "5 Min Travels" at Big Bear Snow Play by Big Bear Lake, and it was a perfect shoot! We arrived around 8:30am & wrapped up by 11am so it was a quick shoot. The weather was 50 degrees, but it was surprisingly warm! I could have worn long underwear, jeans, & a long sleeved top & I would have been comfortable (and I get cold easily too!). In the picture here I had to take off my snow jacket! Also, the manager/owner Bruce was a breeze to interview. He had just done another project that required him to be on camera so he knew how this worked.

Oh, and of course I went down the slopes a few times, but I was on them when the snow was still as hard as ice & the sun didn't melt it down a little bit. So guess who felt like she was skidding down a hill of ice?! I went so fast I swear I thought I would never stop sliding! Haha!

Any way, my #1 tip for when you go here is to go early, because it's popular! And don't bring your own sleigh, because you can only use the inner tubes provided. But that's no big deal since now you don't have to bother with finding room in your car for sleighs especially if you've got a big group in the car.

After the shoot we went to eat at the local pizza joint next to the Starbucks at Big Bear Village. Across the street is a snow gear & clothing shop called Leroy's so if you need/forget snow pants for example then you can pick them up there.

Ok, I'm in the process of planning the next episode & this one is taking us to the central coast! It's going to be super exciting, because it's expected to rain half the time we are there! Fun! Ok travelers, I'll see ya around Cali! :)

P.S. For more pictures become a fan of CaliTravelGirl on Facebook!

Benihana Nights

2010-01-08T13:04:00.001-08:00

It all started when my aunt said that she had never eaten at a Benihana. So we went to the one in Ontario. My mom was seated next to a one year old baby girl who could not get enough of my mom! She kept laughing/clapping/smiling/etc & I was seated next to a young couple who were quiet but pleasant. My side of the table was a little quiet, but I still had a good time. Afterwords we walked off dinner at the Ontario Mills mall, which I have not been to in forever! When did they open up the Coach Factory store!? I will be there the next time I get a 50% coupon in the email box! :D

Any way, are you one of those people new to Benihana? Well here are my top 5 tips for you newbies!

Start with making a reservation. It is essential if you don't want to wait an hour + to be seated. I mean really, there's only so much time you can spend hanging out at the bar. Speaking of the bar...
Try one of their smoothies! You can get a virgin one with the kids at the bar while you're waiting to be seated. They're very sweet and you can have them put it in one of their collectable Geisha girl, Buddha, Happy Cat, or Red Flower glasses.
Fresh sushi is also available at the sushi bar if you just want that as an appetizer or main meal.
Get your picture taken & have them put it in their cover/frame! It's for free (if you ask nicely or say it's your b-day)!
Try the green tea ice cream. It tastes better than it sounds :)

WARNING: The seating style is different than you're probably used to. Everyone sits around a table with the chef on one side cooking with the grill in the center of the table. Sooooo, if you're looking for a quiet, romantic, dinner for 2, then this is not the place for you. You'll end up sitting with complete strangers if your party doesn't fill all the seats. Even if you're mildly friendly and don't mind clapping and joking with the chef and everyone, then you'll have a blast.

The You Tube Page is Up!

2010-01-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

This was my first real attempt to shoot a mini travel using my Flip camcorder. It works great except that in low lighting the picture quality degrades dramatically; as you could tell. Any way, on this You Tube page you'll find extended interviews that I did with people for the "5 Min Travels" show, behind the scenes/on location footage, my mini travels between shoots, & some other fun stuff from me! So stay connected & you can still watch the "5 Min Travel" + "Travel Extras" on the AnythingGoesProd You Tube page (aka my producer).

Crystal Cove State Beach

2010-01-02T15:31:00.000-08:00

This is the latest episode of "5 Min Travels" & yes we do have another one coming out soon! But not sooner than next month, because I have plans for 2 shoots & one will include a road trip so the episodes will take some time to edit. Although I did recently get a Flip HD so I will post mini trips in the meantime here.

Also, another thing about Crystal Cove SB...

(1) I had to pay $10 for parking. It's a flat fee whether you stay only for an hour or all day.
(2) The only place to eat there is really for singles (wink, wink). The bar gives that away.
(3) The historic cottages are very pricey to stay in. Whenever you hear the word "historic" it should ring some bells that this place is going to be expensive & may be totally out of your budget if you're taking the family.

P.S. I was cold, but once I started walking around it wasn't so bad. After the shoot we went into town to eat at a Baja Fresh. Yeah, the people in the OC are going to stare at you when you walk in even at a fast food joint, but if you stick your tong out at them they'll write you off & you can eat in peace.

A Different Kind of Traveler: What to Expect from my Blogs

2010-01-02T15:01:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Welcome to the Cali Travel Girl Blogs! Here I'll talk about my latest travels & some beauty/health/safety tips I use when I'm out-and-about. So this is a personal account of my travel experiences and not a series of posts about who has the best deals right now. I'm not paid to do this nor am I given perks either so you'll find my comments brutally honest. I'll let you know if I had a bad experience as well as the good ones.

My travel style really follows where I am in life. I'm a 20-something that is just staring her career so I now have money to travel! But I'm still paying off that school loan (I just had to get a B.A.) so I'm budget conscious when planning trips. I love California's diversity and variety of terrain, but sometimes you'll read a blog about Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon too. Just expect almost anything from me! Oh, and I'll post some behind the scenes pictures and comments about the "5 Min Travels" shoots! Exciting stuff! Keep coming back and you can even request future shows or reviews too!

Facebook Fan Page is Up!

2010-01-02T14:55:00.000-08:00

But I'm only maintaining the Fan page---NOT my personal page "Maureen Barley". I had to create my own page in order to create a Fan page (annoying but whatta gunna do). Any way, go to the Fan page to share & connect with fellow travelers & me :). And please, no Friend requests.

Twitter Page Up!

2010-01-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

Follow the Tweets! Or just read them in the side bar here :). I'm having problems with the Facebook Fan page right now so hang tight & I'll get that up asap!