Category: Uncategorized

Have you ever been tempted to buy a knock-off or faux label souvenir when traveling? Many look like the real thing…until you look closely.

Still, I see them all over the place when traveling. Chanel or Dolce and Gabbana bags on the streets of Florence, Mickey Mouse or Rolex watches on the street corners in New York, designer scarves and sunglasses in so many places.

Did you know that the real labels are subject to U.S. copyright and trademark protections? What does this mean to you as a traveler? Your purchase could be confiscated by customs. If you only have one item, they may grant you an exception and let you keep it. But, they don’t have to. And…you only get one exemption every 30 days.

Just something to think about when you’re pondering the price of that high end bag, sold by a young kid who’s looking over his shoulder for the cops.

Vitus Merlot grapes sitting in their tub, just waiting to be punched down. The wine will be amazing…in a few years.

Last night the Rodney Strong Pinot from Sonoma County rounded out both the salad and a chicken dish.  It’s slightly fruity nose and mild spicy taste paired nicely.

Not only does it look nice…it’s a great wine to sip without food as well.

I was preparing to participate in a Taste Live event online last night. But, I had problems. Someone decided to sleep on my paperwork.

So many of us have smartphones. Check out these apps that may help you in planning your next flight or your time in the airport.

You may have used www.seatguru.com to find the best seat when you booked your flight at home. In case you forgot, pull out your phone and use the SeatGuru app, choose the seat map advice option, put in your flight number, and pick your seat from the ones still available.

Do you have some time in the airport and want to grab some food? Use the GateGuru app. Just add your airport and terminal to find the eateries, services, and shops nearby. You can also find out how other travelers have rated those places and where to find a deal.

Have a good flight.

You know those disposable shower caps in hotel rooms that you always overlook? You might be surprised at what you can do with them when you travel.

Are you packing shoes in your suitcase that you don’t want to get scuffed? Place each shoe in its own shower cap to protect its finish. Or, are you packing tennis shoes with sturdy soles? Put one shoe in its own cap and those rough soles won’t scrape up against more delicate items.

Did you just polish your shoes before you started to pack your suitcase? Again, use a shower cap for each shoe and the recent polish won’t end up on your clothes.

The next time you see them in your hotel bathroom, grab the shower caps and toss them in your suitcase. You can always save them for later.

Sunset across the hills last night

Sunset over Lake Tahoe this past weekend…