Regarding Gold Painted Images:

   ” P.S. I had my first photo show up in Seattle last month and I exhibited some of your shots. I sold them for a charity and yours was one of the first to sell!”

November.

The month before Christmas. A mere 30 days, with a nice food ridden holiday(and 3 day weekend) thrown in.

November is also National Novel Writing Month.

Join 100,000 participants as they try to write a 175 page, 50,000 word novel in 30 days or less. (In 2007, over 15,000 finished.) NaNoWriMo.com is a non-profit organization that sponsors the event, and everyone (that finishes) is considered a winner.

Good Luck!

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.

-Mark Twain

Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

Mid October I spent in my second home, Las Vegas. It was nice to finally unpack, do laundry and sleep in my own bed. I was also meeting 2 friends in town to join in on the Vegas debaucher..um,..festivities.  After a couple of nights in, I ventured out on Thursday to the Hard Rock Cafe for a Jimmy Buffett company party, then to an ole’ Vegas standby, Tao.  The rest of the next 3 days was pretty much a blur. Some of the highlights: Joe’s Stone Crabs, Tao, Prive, Strip House, Mr. Lucky’s, shopping at Caesars Place.

 Back in Alabama!

I actually love coming here; the city has the perfect balance of upscale cosmopolitan and small-town charm and ambiance.  There is no shortage of Southern Hospitality or great food!

This trip took me to the brand new Hyatt Place  in downtown. This new division of Hyatt is made for the trendy business travelers, and the rooms are modular and sleek.  Downstairs The Gallery is a coffee and wine bar built into the check-in desk, and a guest kitchen serves 24-hour snacks and entrees from a touch screen. One huge perk: breakfast and internet are complimentary.  This is the type of place I don’t mind spending time lounging in my room with my blackberry, laptop and 42-in. TV.

 Speaking of Blackberry,  Hyatt Place is giving away FREE Blackberry smart phones as part of their web promotion, no night stay required.  Just got to HPFreeblackberry.com and enter promotion code P132.

 Dinner the first night was at Jim and Nick’s.  In business for over 25 years, this BBQ joint has a loyal following.  Following the basket of hot, cheesy biscuits came chicken wings and tortilla chips with spinach dip. The salsa was actually amazing, with a strong hint of lime. My entree was the 4-ribs with a side of fries and creamed spinach.

The next night we were back to the Hot and Hot Fish Club.  Chris and Idie Hastings’ run a  world-class joint in Bham. Classy yet casual, and AMAZING food.  For starters we had an appetizer plate with head cheese, foie gras and pate. Quail with a delectable oyster stuffing followed, along with shrimp and grits and a bouillebase.   Another item I love there is the Earl Grey vodka tea. My tea will never be the same.

The last two nights were spent at Sweet Bones Alabama (to sample more Alabama BBQ) and Surin Thai. The BBQ place was located in The Summit, an upscale area that reminds me of Scottsdale, AZ.  The Thai place was in the area, casual and good food. We sampled the basil spring rolls, spicy beef and noodles.

After 4 nights out, good thing I found one of these:

at the hotel. I love the Life Fitness treadmill that you can control everything from the central screen; tv, ipod, virtual trainer, scenery and much more.

I love Alabama.

Two-toned hair, gloomy weather and open-toed boots.

Welcome to Columbus, OH.

I found myself here for the Mid America Beauty Classic in the beginning of October. The economy must have hit Columbus especially hard, because downtown and the tradeshow was deserted. The Hyatt became our home away from home, as well as the show floor from 9-5.  After 2 days of very average meals (Japanese Steakhouse, Bar on 2) we found one saving grace: Haiku. This modern Japanese restaurant saved the day with flash-fried black and white calamari, delectable rolls and the most informed, funny waiter. Chris was a former Californian, and was not only knowledgeable and  friendly, but directed us to some other spots in town.

Next up: Bham.

Long weekend = food, wine and fun.

Croquet @ Meadowood.

Domain Chandon Winery.

Truffle Scrambled Eggs @ Epic in San Francisco.

The last week  of September found me in Maui, Hawaii.

For some reason, heading to Hawaii always seems to cast a sleepy-spell on me. The first day is usually a totally wash, as it was this trip. Did manage to make it to lunch in Lahaina at Longhi’s. The best thing they serve is the pizza bread and the amazing view!

 Day 2, managed to make it to Lahaina by late afternoon and check out the shopping and Cheeseburger in Paradise. Started by two California girls, the location is perfect; set right on the water in the center of town. The energetic staff adds character, and the cheeseburgers are actually pretty good.

Day 3 found me rising early again, preparing for a day of exploring the island. After climbing into the open-top jeep, I started the 52-mile scenic drive to the small town of Hana. Along the way you venture over 600 curves and 40-something open bridges. Waterfalls, black sand beaches and lush landscaping pave the way to untouched nature.

The last day, a yelp recommendation led me to Lahaina Coolers  for breakfast. The Surfer’s Special is a giant tomato tortilla burrito filled with scrambled eggs, Canadian bacon,Portuguese sausage, veggies and cheese. Topped with enchilada sauce and salsa, I can see why this is a local favorite! The Local Benedict is the Hawaiian spin on traditional Eggs Benedict, featuring sweet Hawaiian bread and kalua pork and a side of potatoes.Yum!

I have 2 featured articles at 52perfectdays.com!

Check them out here, and help keep me in the top rotation:

http://52perfectdays.com/articles/exploring-oxnard-culture-wines-and-great-food

http://52perfectdays.com/articles/palm-springs-luxurious-north-palm-canyon-drive

xoxo,
Kimberly