Girls Getaway Guide (TM)

In This Issue
Join us on a Girls Getaway to Charleston
Upcoming Events
Celeb Stylist Robert Verdi Chat with The Getaway Girl
Purchase Getaway Girl Merchandise
The Getaway Girl News!
Girls Getaway to Phoenix
Win a Vera Bradley, Barefoot Wine,Ideal Image & More!
Visit The Getaway Girl Online
Join us on a Girls Getaway to Charleston
 
We just got back from a terrific Girls Getaway to Charleston (see our recent adventures at http://GirlsGetawayGuide.BlogSpot.com).  Now, it's your turn to join us for a fabulous, fun-filled Girls Getaway to charleston horseCharleston, South Carolina Nov. 13-15, 2009.
 
About Charleston
A city rich in history, tradition, and Southern culture, Charleston boasts a strong reputation for outstanding accommodations, entertainment, and its fabulous lowcountry cuisine. Conde' Nast Traveler magazine ranked Charleston third on the list of Top 10 U.S. Cities.  Travel & Leisure magazine's readers named Charleston one of the "Best Values in the World" and one of the "World's Best Cities." 
 
Package Details
The package includes:
·3 days/2 nights accommodations* (Standard at Fulton Lane Inn: $497/person; Deluxe at Wentworth Mansion: $797/person)
·Breakfast each morning
·Lowcountry Cooking Demonstration (Saturday evening)
·Three-course luxury meal at Charleston's award-winning Circa 1886 (Friday evening)
·Girls Getaway Wine & Cheese Welcome Reception (Friday afternoon)
·Horse-drawn carriage ride of historical Charleston (Saturday morning)
 
Optional activities (* indicates additional costs) include:
Blessing of the Vines event at Irvin House Vineyards (Saturday afternoon)
Spa treatments*
King Street Shopping
City Market Shopping  
 
Package excludes: airfare, ground transportation, optional rental car, optional activities.
GG to Charleston
For more details and to register, visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net.
Upcoming Events
 
November 11-12
Wendy's PR Crash Course, Orlando
Has your business hit a slowdown and you're looking for ways to generate new customers, new revenue, new ideas? Are you a new business owner who's just launching your venture? Are you an author looking to sell more books or a speaker wanting to secure more engagements?  Then you'll want to join me on Nov. 11-12 for a unique "Getaway" at the Orlando Marriott Downtown.

That's when I'll be attending Wendy's PR Crash Course, a hands-on interactive program designed to give you and your business the boost you need for your best year ever!  The event was created and will be hosted by Wendy Kurtz, the woman who helped me launch The Getaway Girl® brand and has helped me grow my business since its inception. Wendy and her team of experts will spend two full days sharing their strategies, tips, techniques and resources to help you grow your business.  You'll even get to tour a local television station to see firsthand how news is produced.

Whether you own your business or work for someone else, come learn from the masters how you can leverage your personal style and your company's strengths to stand out from your competition in today's marketplace.  

As a special "thank you" for subscribing to this E-newsletter, I've made arrangements with Wendy for you to receive $50 off the normal registration fee. And for even more great savings, register by Oct. 21 to receive an additional $50 early bird discount! That's a full $100 off this two day event!  Register online: www.WendysPRCrashCourse.com.

November 13-15
Girls Getaway to Charleston
charlestonCharming and hospitable Charleston, SC is the location of our Fall Girls Getaway.  Mark your calendars and plan to attend as we get some much-needed R&R before the holiday season sets in.  Prices will be based on double occupancy, so let your girlfriends know as well.  Complete details and registration information is available at www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net.  Click on the pink Historic Charleston graphic for information.
 
If you are interested in joining us at any of the above-mentioned events, email us at Info@GirlsGetawayGuide.net!  
Join Our Mailing List

Celeb Stylist Robert Verdi Chats with The Getaway Girl®

As most of you know, Robert Verdi is robert verdiAmerica's most notable TV fashion personality & style expert with several shows including Fashion Police on the Style Network.  He has worked with celebrities such as Hugh Jackman, Mariska Hargitay, Bobby Flay and Cynthia Rowley, just to name a few. I had the pleasure of chatting with him last week about fall fashion trends.  Here's part of the interview.
 
One of the biggest questions for fall...boots (peep toe, over the knee, etc). Are these trends here to stay and are these items worth the investment?
Robert Verdi: You must think of buying clothing as an expense or an investment.  An expense is something you want to splurge on; an investment is something you need or will have for several years.  Think about your lifestyle and how you will incorporate key pieces into your wardrobe.  For example, if you are a princess, you will need several ball gowns.  If you are not a princess, you won't need tons of fancy dresses. I think the over the knee boot, if worn correctly, is very fashion forward and very versatile.  This is a look I think we will see for several years.
 
What are some of the hot trends for fall this year?
Robert Verdi: It really is all about items versus trends.  As you mentioned, the over the knee boot portrays a rocker quality.  The flannel shirt, along with plaids, suede and denim, is portraying a cowgirl look.  Other staple items I like this year are skinny legs, elongated sweater/cardigans, belted coat and jackets, and the always classic pencil skirt.  Not many people, even celebrities, purchase entirely new wardrobes each season.  The best thing to do is to invest in key pieces to spruce up what you have.
 
What are the trendy colors for fall this year?
Robert Verdi: What we saw on the fall runways is already carrying over into spring 2010 and that is the color blue.  It is a great color because it looks terrific on everyone and is a universally flattering color.  For fall, look at shades of blue such as navy and royal blue.  For spring, we will see a lot of cool colors, blues and greens, in lighter shades such as turquoise.  I also like the jewel tones for fall (peacock blue, emerald green, deep purple).
 
I travel a lot but still want to look fashionable.  Do you have any advice for maintaining personal style while you travel?
Robert Verdi: For easy traveling, I always take pieces that are great for layering (tank tops, jackets, cardigans, scarves).  By having the right layers, you can ensure you are always ready for any climate and social situation.  I also stick with neutral colors to keep things versatile.  Some great packing tips include: 1) always use shoe bags to keep shoes and clothes looking nice, 2) fold clothes first then pack them (versus folding while you pack) and 3) put small items (cosmetics, belts, undergarments) inside your shoes to maximize the space.
  
Casey Wohl: Well Robert, thank you so much for being with us and sharing all of this great fashion advice.  We hope you have a great trip to Orlando!  For the full interview, visit the Girls Getaway Guide blog at http://GirlsGetawayGuide.BlogSpot.com.
Where To Purchase Merchandise
www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net
www.Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble (select stores)
Cat's On Main, Wauchula 
Gift Basket Boutique, Lakeland
Highlands Art League, Sebring
Key West Art Bar, Key West
Peppers of Key West, Key West
Red Geranium, Winter Haven
Urban Think! Bookstore, Orlando
 
News From The Getaway Girl®

Greetings!
 
Are you ready to "Leave Your Baggage at Home®?"  Don't delay.  Sign up today for our exciting Girls Getaway to Charleston Nov 13-15, complete with amazing food, unique shopping, cooking class and a historic tour.  Details at www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net.  Deadline is Oct. 28.
The Getaway Girl® News
 
Daytime TV: Want to getaway with pet getawaysyour four-legged friends? Check out my latest Daytime TV interview where we chat about the best places for pet getaways.  To watch the clip, click on the image or visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net/news.
 
Reelin' in the Keys: I was thrilled to fishingco-host an episode of the TV fishing show, Reelin' in the Keys.  Watch the 30-minute segment to see The Getaway Girl® catch a shark and tarpon.  Either click on the image or visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net/Reelin.
Girls Getaway to Phoenix 
  
I arrived in Phoenix around noon and headed straight from the airport to Biltmore Fashion Park to meet up with the rest of my group.  We congregated at True Food Kitchen (www.FoxRestaurantConcepts.com), which offers globally inspired, seasonal menu that appeals to anyone seeking a more balanced lifestyle.  The cucumber lemonade, gazpacho and tuna sashimi salad were all delicious! 
 
We then headed to the Arizona Biltmore Resort (our home for the next two nights).Opened in 1929 and known for its Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, the 39-acre resort is known as the "Jewel of the Desert." After some R&R at the Biltmore (www.ArizonaBiltmore.com), we drove to the Scottsdale's newest luxury resort, the InterContinental monteluciaMontelucia Resort (www.ICMontelucia.com), which is nestled on 30 acres in the foothills of Camelback Mountain.  This resort is incredible and reminds me so much of southern Spain.  The 31,000-square-foot Joya Spa (www.JoyaSpa.com) is a destination in and of itself.  While here, we were each treated to two 25-minute "sample" treatments.  My scalp massage and facial were wonderful, and I felt fully recovered from the plane ride earlier that day. 
 
After our treatments, we headed to the InterContinental's restaurant Prado (http://PradoLife.com) where we started the evening with a Tequila Tasting.  Despite a strong aversion to tequila (for reasons I won't mention), I tried the three options offered and felt just fine drinking water the remainder of the evening.  I enjoyed my steak, but heard several people rave about the lamb sausage.  I'll have to try that next time.  
 
farmers marketThe next morning, we checked out the Phoenix Farmers Market where I found homemade pasta and herb chocolates that were fantastic.  We then drove to the Heard Museum (www.Heard.org), which is undoubtedly one of the best places to experience the art and culture of Native Americans of the Southwest.  With the museum's 10 exhibit galleries and exquisite art, it is easy to see why nearly 250,000 people visit the Heard each year. My favorite is the Indian Boarding School exhibit.  I had no idea Indian children were removed from their families and shipped to boarding schools in an effort to eradicate the Indian culture from society.  The experiences shared in this exhibit, as well as the impact it had on the tribes and culture, were deeply moving.  I highly recommend a stop at the Heard when you are in Phoenix.  The next stop was the Phoenix Art Museum (www.PhxArt.org), which truly does have "something for everyone."  It boasts more than 17,000 artworks in American, Asian, contemporary, European, Latin American and Western art, as well as fashion design and the Thorne Miniature Rooms of historic interiors.  They also have a great gift shop where I found my new favorite quote, "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?"
 
Following a delightful lunch at the Museum, we were on our way to the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch (http://Scottsdale.Hyatt.com).  After a tour of this Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired property, we were on our way to Spa Avania for more spa treatments (I opted for a mani/pedi) and then tapastapas and cocktails.  The resort has all the amenities you could want for a fun in the sun getaway, including sand beach, three-story waterslide and a 2 ½ acre water playground. 
 
Dinner that night was hosted by the Arizona Biltmore Resort's brand new restaurant, Frank & Albert's. It's based on the Biltmore's architect, Albert Chase McArthur and his history with Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as the organic architecture inspiration for the Arizona Biltmore.  The chef's concept for the restaurant is Arizona comfort food and familiar classics accented by local flavors, and he uses a lot of local farms & purveyors.  I loved the Coca Cola® Pork Chop & Organic Apples...what a unique combination.  But my favorite was absolutely the dessert I chose called "As the Cookie Crumbles," which is a huge, fresh, baked-to-order chocolate chunk cookie, served warm with vanilla bean ice cream, hot fudge and whipped cream. Need I say more?
 
Sunday morning was an early one with a 6:30 a.m. hike hikingin the Phoenix Mountain Park to the top of Pietewa Peak (this was much needed after the dessert last night).  Our fearless hike leader Scott pointed out the flora and fauna we hiked through, such as saguaro, prickly pear, barrel and jumping cholla cactuses (which is also called teddy-bear cholla, Scott explained, as he stuck it in his arm and asked if we wanted to try to do the same.  After my luck walking away from the alligator wrestling, I opted out of the cactus taming). We also saw many trees native to Arizona, such as palo verde (green stick), creosote and mesquite.
 
After our invigorating hike (and near death car accident...thanks Scott), we headed over to the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (www.KierlandResort.com) for "Bubbles & Brunch" in the resort's Nellie Cashman's Monday Club Café.  Named for "The Angel of thesegway Mining Camp" and Arizona's oldest woman, Nellie Cashman's Monday Club Café offers casual dining with an emphasis on locally-grown produce and indigenous recipes along with Chef Jason Christie's Southwestern-Mediterranean flair. Patty and I were the first to find the cocktail cart, and were completely impressed that the Westin was one of the first golf courses in the world to offer Segways versus golf carts. 
 
After brunch, we traveled to the Fairmont Scottsdale Resort (www.fairmont.com/scottsdale) for spa treatments, accommodations and a wonderful dinner at LV Bistro.  The Fairmont is absolutely magnificent with its McDowell Mountains backdrop, Southwest setting, Spanish-colonial style architecture, 44,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa, five heated swimming pools, Bourbon Steak (by Chef Michael Mina), Stone Rose Lounge (presented by nightlife entrepreneurs Rande Gerber and Scott Gerber) and their newest dining options, LV Bistro.  I was thrilled to arrive at Willow Stream Spa for my 90-minute Jet Lag Massage.  What a wonderful treatment!  I did not want to leave the spa.  
 
tatianaAfter my treatment I met my good friend Tatiana (who lives in Phoenix) for drinks poolside to people watch during the Stone Rose Lounge's Sunday Pool Party.  Tatiana joined us for my Girls Getaway to Montana, and we have stayed in touch ever since July.  After catching up, I headed back to my room to freshen up for dinner at LV Bistro, which provides only the freshest local organic produce, all-natural meats, sustainable seafood and organic cocktails. 
 
Upon arriving at LV Bistro, I had a difficult time deciding between two of their infused vodkas: the Tomato & Basil or the Cucumber & Pomegranate.  I finally decided to try the Tomato & Basil, which was phenomenal.  We all liked it so much that most everyone ordered that for their second drink.  Here's to trying new things!!!  The food was delicious.  Upon Valerie's recommendation, I ordered the All Natural Braised Beef Short Ribs.  Although I was hesitant to try them (mainly due to the mess I knew I'd make), thedesserts meat just fell off the bone and was every bit as good as she promised.  Dessert was sweet and entertaining as the chef created mini desserts in shot-sized glasses, which contained favorites such as chocolate mousse, carrot cake and chocolate peanut butter. 
 
Monday was our last day in Phoenix, but before we departed, we headed back to the Westin for yoga and spa treatment #5 at Agave.  The yoga class was the perfect start to the day and reminded me how much I need to get back to it.  After yoga, I indulged in the spa's very own Berry Smoothie, and then received a relaxing rainwater stick massage, which was phenomenal. The Westin staff was nice enough to send me to the airport with a Pacific Rim lunch (to go).  After saying goodbye to my new friends and Phoenix, I loaded up the car and headed to the airport.  With a final look at picturesque Phoenix, I reminisced about this whirlwind trip and the new adventures that still await The Getaway Girl® in Arizona.  
Win Free Vera Bradley, Barefoot Wine, Ideal Image & More!
 
Love to win free stuff?  Looking for prizes to help you vera bradleygetaway, travel the world and make your life easier?  Be sure to visit the new "Win Free Stuff" section of the Girls Getaway Guide website at www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net/win.html where you will find nearly $1,000 in fun and travel-related prizes.
 
Every few months we will post new and exciting prizes for Girls Getaway Guide fans, so be sure to check back regularly.
Visit The Getaway Girl Online:
www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net
 
www.GetawayGirlTravel.com
 
www.GetawayGirlConnect.com
 
www.Twitter.com/GetawayGirl
 
www.Facebook.com (Girls Getaway Guide)
 
Thanks for reading. Wishing you fabulous getaways!
 
Sincerely,
 
Casey Wohl, Author/The Getaway Girl
Girls Getaway Guide series