Spa Diva

by Angela Rocco DeCarlo copyright, 2009 We just can’t let go of US Airways Captain Chelsey B. Sullenberger, III. We want to look at him. Listen to him. Stand in the heat of his reflected glory to stem the chill of months of castastrastrokes. Sully and his remarkable crew of the January, 15, US Airways flight 1549, have taken up the huge empty space in our national psyche reserved for those who are undeniably honorable and competent. Every culture needs its heroes and ours have gone missing. As a country, we feel adrift in a sea of offensive behaviors on nearly every front: Deceptive incompetent politicians, effete Wall Street greedmeisters, mortgage hucksters on the make, and entrepreneurial Octomom, primed to reap millions from her planned popping of six, and than the full house hand of eight babies, for which we Californians will pay the tab. We’re sinking in a grotesque nightmare of fiscal and moral morass. Sully and his crew threw us a life raft. Is it any wonder we are dazzled by the Miracle on the Hudson crew with their brilliant, but modest, success in saving lives – at least for the moment. For we all know such miracles are merely a ...

As heard on Mad Dog's radio show in Palm Springs: The Maui Prince, Hawaii -  Filled with enchantment and romance, this Hawaiian paradise will find its way into your hearts without emptying your pockets.  Rated one of the top hotels of the island, the Maui Prince is now offering amazing rates for all their rooms, including ocean front rooms.  Their amenities range from spa to complimentary valet to wi-fi in your room, should you need it. Take advantage of their Special Packages or let them take the worry away from planning a wedding!  That's right, lucky divas!  They also have wedding packages, complete with every detail, including the fabulous backdrop of Black Rock and red sunsets. Email us at diva@travelingdiva.com for more info and special rates not advertised on their website! and..... shhhhhh... the secret to their free upgrades!!!!!! Email us for the best secret rates imaginable!  diva@travelingdiva.com [gallery]

By: Amanda Gunderson When you are in Washington DC don’t leave the city without a stop at the hip artist collective DEKKA.  It’s a cool, co-op style space located in the heart of the U Street Corridor.  The only one of it’s kind in DC, DEKKA is a unique boutique that showcases dozens of local and international artists and designers whose mediums include music, fashion, jewelry and a range of visual arts.   It’s a treat for the senses that will leave you completely smitten. Located on the second floor, DEKKA is a fabulous diva’s paradise, offering two stories of gorgeous one-of-a-kind clothes, original jewelry and incredibly affordable art.  The music on the indoor/outdoor system could be anything from Brazilian, to Electronic to Urban beats, and you can even explore underground music at their listening station.  The best part about the DEKKA experience is that it’s a co-op run by the artists, for the artists, so you are likely to run into any of them on any given day of the week.  They are there to answer any questions you have and maybe even custom design a piece for you. The store is the creation of artist, Josh Titkin, and his wife Liciana Titkin, ...

You don’t have to be one of the 200 lucky guests in the Statuary Hall of the Capitol to delight your taste buds with these patriotic dishes. This fabulous three-course menu, inspired by Abraham Lincoln and designed by Design Cuisine, was served on exquisite china, replicas of the china from the Lincoln Presidency, featuring the American bald eagle above the U. S. Coat of Arms. A seafood stew was first in line, paired up with Napa Valley’s Duckhorn Vineyards 2007 Sauvignon Blanc.  The main course, pheasant and duck served with sour cherry chutney and molasses sweet potatoes came accompanied by Anderson’s Valley Goldeneye, 2005 Pinot Noir. For the crowning end to the Obama lunch dessert came in the form of apple cinnamon sponge cake topped with sweet cream glace, paired with Korbel Natural “Special Inaugural Cuvée.”  Ahh, sweet taste of Change. [caption id="attachment_670" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="Flower Design by JLB Floral of Alexandria, Virginia"][/caption] For the full recipes click here:  Inaugural Menu Recipes 2009

By Isabella Martiner Perhaps you are not from a culture where you learned to salsa dance before you learned to crawl, but, if you find yourself in Barcelona, turn on Calle Groch on any given Tuesday or Wednesday, and you'll find yourself at a local favorite spot that just will likely seduce you to learn.  Shango Latin Bar, one of the best bars in Barcelona, offers free salsa lessons every week at 11pm on those days. This friendly, quaint and laid back atmosphere will have you singing to Juan Luis Guerra in no time. As an added bonus, your salsa instructor is great eye candy and reason enough to show up.  He is equally talented as he is nice and approachable.  If your two left feet get the best of you, or you are too busy checking out your instructor, you may not learn the steps, but there are worse problems one could have. Think of Barcelona as a candy store of hot people, plenty to choose from, all flavors and sizes.   Narda and Leo are the proprietors Shango and two of the nicest people you'll ever meet.  Sadly, this Latin version of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are taken, since they ...

By Jes Alexander Seventeen years. For seventeen years we've been hauling our East coast posteriors to the center of the United States, each December, for Christmas. Dull, you say? No, no, my lovelies, not at all. Each Christmas brings new places, new tales, new foods, and new adventures. Sometimes, the journey to what I used to think was going to be nowhere even involves innovation. To some, our Christmas adventures read like tales of woe. I prefer to think of them as tales of the unknown, for we never know exactly what the holidays shall bring ... and to me, that's sort of the fun of it. In the beginning, our pilgrimages to the wheatlands were largely uneventful, and the spousal unit and I would fly from our Mid-Atlantic refuge, in suburban Hooterville, change planes in some non-descript hub-city, and land, several hours later, to be greeted by my in-laws in what seemed like the coldest place on the planet. I am a Manhattanite, and while I knew such a place actually existed, I had never been to Kansas, and if you are wondering, they do not greet you at the arrival gate with a hearty Midwestern handshake, and welcome you with an offering ...

AS HEARD ON MARK'S RADIO SEGMENTS: Chicago Travel Tips: (Please click on links to be directed to site) From Chicago (not 3-hour drive but warm): Los Cabos beach escapes with $400 off http://www.shermanstravel.com/editor_review/1099869 Direct flights to San Jose del Cabo from Chicago (American, Mexicana; about 4.5 hours) Las Vegas $85+: Book 2 nights, get 3rd free at MGM Grand Through winter; MGM Grand $343+: Wynn Las Vegas 3-nt vacation with flight CLICK HERE Palm Springs Travel Tips: Big Bear -- Midweek lift & lodging packages from $69 pp/nt http://bigbear.com/midweekpackages/ Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa -- new luxury resort Bed & breakfast weekend rates from $176 or Midweek ski package from $184 for overnight with 2 lift tickets at Snow Valley & pres ski appetizer and cocktails at the resort's BIN189. $199/nt+: Romantic LA weekend w/breakfast in bed at Kyoto Grand CLICK HERE TEMECULA WINE COUNTRY for Valentine's Day February 13th and 14th 2009 The Castle Bed & breakfast Estate in the heart of Temecula Valleys Wine County Mention Traveling Diva and you get a 10% discount! Join us for a romantic wine country escape and stay over night in a private suite, or just come for dinner and music. Dinner is served promptly at 7pm! $65 4 course dinner served with local wines... including Wiens Family Cellars award winning sparkling wine (all inclusive), Including Live Music from ...

[gallery] By Anna Carranza Title: Fiesta of the Virgin of Guadalupe Location: Mexico City, Mexico Description: Divas of faith can join thousands from around the country of Mexico and help make the pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe where the image of la Virgen Morena is kept. On one of the most important dates in the Mexican calendar, most make the trek on bicycles with their hearts set on seeing the monumental atrium. Dancers and musicians add to the richness of the spiritual celebration to Mexico’s patron saint. By the early morning the brilliant lights of fireworks crown the fiesta dedicated to the mother of all mothers. Diva tip: Bottled water and sunscreen are great accessories for worship. Contact information: Plaza Hidalgo 1, Colonia Villa de Guadalupe Tel: (55)77-6022 Date: 2008-12-12

California Seen -Landscapes of a changing California, 1930-1970 Long Beach Museum of Art exhibit Nov. 7 – April 5, 2009 By Angela Rocco DeCarlo, copyright 2008 Southern California is as much a state of mind, as it is a real place. It is brilliant sunshine, Sorrento-like ocean views, combined with dynamic enterprise. That’s the story illustrated in the marvelous plein aire (painted  outdoors) paintings at the new exhibit, California, Seen, at the Long Beach Museum of Art, opening Nov. 7th and running until April 5, 2009. Families are welcomed Sunday, Nov. 16th, 1 – 3 p.m., to the Museum’s free Art making Workshops to learn how to make their own plein aire paintings. Museum educators will work with the children to experiment to make their own watercolor creations. All materials and instruction are provided free. The artists on display in California, Seen, were influenced by European art styles of the late 19th century, especially Impressionism. While the majority of the works are watercolors, there are, also, vibrant oils. Paintings such as Ben Messick’s oil circus paintings have the vitality of an Edgar Degas painting, drawing the viewer into the churning scene.  Messick, along with other stellar artists on display, such as Phil Dike, Millard ...

(dates change every year - this year depending on insurance laws) The streets of Ottery St. Mary are set ablaze every year with men, women and children running rampant carrying tar-soaked barrels.  This tradition has been carried on from as far back as the 17th century and is said to rid the streets of evil “as if burned off.”  The hoisting of a barrel onto your back is considered “a great honor” and given only to men who pass the barrel onto another male relative, and so on, until midnight.