Wanderlust

Are you embracing your inner nomad?
Today on the Glam Italia Tour we are leaving Tuscany and heading to Rome, exploring this magical world.
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Lago Maggiore, Italy

Single Female Traveler?

I found this super cool blog recently - Dirty and Thirty.com

It may just be my new favorite thing. My latest obsession.

You have to go check them out!

This is a re-post of one of their travel articles. They have some fabulous tips for single female travelers, or girls traveling in groups, so read on.....

When traveling by yourself you should be always take into consideration your safety and security.  In this day and age business travelers are no longer just male travelers, females acount for 43% of business travelers.  Hotels and Airlines are now forced to make sure they offer the safety and security of all guest and cater to everyone’s needs.  Below find tips on things you should do prior to taking a trip/vacation by yourself:

Get to know your destination

*Google your destination.  Find out the pros and cons of what occurs in the local community nearby your hotel.  If you read about negative or bad opportunities that have occured recently near your hotel; I would recommend that you change your accommodations.

*If you found that your hotel is located in a non-reputable community or a community that you would not feel comfortable jogging down the street with your IPOD then I would recommend to change your hotel accomodations.

*Go on TripAdvisor.com – read the testimonies from other travelers who were passionate about their stay and left an honest review.  Only judge a hotel when you see alot of current reviews that show a pattern of bad service, product or unique occurences.  Some incidents that you should pay attention to: bed bugs, lice, theft, harassment, auto theft, identity theft.  When you see reviews about those types of incidents you have a right as a consumer to call the hotel and question them about it (prior to booking that hotel)!

*City Search-go online find out what there is to do in that community.  Read the reviews from patrons.

*Four Square-many people hate it BUT there are more people who LOVE it. Read the reviews for your destination, hotel, restaurant, activities, etc…  These reviews are FRESH, HOT and HONEST reviews or tips.  The average person on Four Square will leave the tip or review during their transaction.  You will be able to see if you should truelly avoid that restaurant or perhaps not drive through that unsafe community.

Investigate where your staying

*Does the hotel have exterior corridors?

*Is the parking lot enclosed?  Is it a well lit parking lot?  Do you offer valet service?

*Does your hotel room door have double locks? Or a safety lock feature?

*Investigate any negative reviews about safety on TripAdvisor with the hotel management team.  Call or email them directly from their brand website.

*Stay away from hotels that are located right off the freeway.  They attract transit guest with no loyalty to the hotel, area or the community.  Hotels that are off the freeway also attract sex and drug trades in the sleeping rooms.  This is a bad environment for any female traveling alone.

*If the hotel has exterior corridors-Ask if you are arriving late do they provide an escort to your room?  And do they have overnight security?

Upon Check-In at your destination

*Upon check-in make sure you take note of all emergency exits for the building.

*Ask them if they have a Manager on Duty.  This is the person you would contact if anything should occur during your stay.

*In the restaurant/bar never leave your food or beverage unattended if your eating alone!  Most restaurants will cover your food if you walk away and almost all non-alcholic beverages have free refills.  If you have to leave your drink ask for a refill in a new glass.

*If you are charging anything to your room DO NOT SAY YOUR ROOM NUMBER out loud.  You can right it down or right it on your official reciept.

*Every time you leave your room.  Make sure the door closes shut.  Try the knob to ensure it has locked itself completely.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions!  Remember as the traveler you have a right to know.  Most hotels have a safety/security plan in place but sometimes it is good to know that all employees are aware of this program.  It brings a sense of security to each individual checking in.  Remember when planning Girlfriend getaway trips-same rules apply!  Have fun!

Celebrities Who Just Cannot Resist The Alluring Helen Mirren

Do not for one split second think that age has anything to do with crazy hot sex appeal!
Helen Mirren is 70 years young and as hot as ever. If you are freaking out about turning 30 or 40 or 50 (or any age), just check out how some of the sexiest men on earth respond to standing next to her. They look anywhere between totally smitten and in complete awe of her!
Popsugar posted 27 celebrities reacting to the divine Dame Helen.
I am re-posting their article and a handful of the men adoring her.
You can see the full 27 in the link at the bottom of this post.

Celebrities Who Just Cannot Resist The Alluring Helen Mirren.

Text by Brittney Stephens. All images via Popsugar.com


In addition to being one of the greatest actresses of our time, Dame Helen Mirren also happens to have an incredibly electric (and flirtatious) personality. The 70-year-old actress seems to draw in even the most conservative of stars with her wit, allure, and one-of-a-kind sense of humor. Most recently, she shocked Late Show host Stephen Colbert with a steamy snog, and actress Blake Lively even joked about her husband, Ryan Reynolds, being besotted by the esteemed star. Ryan gushed about Helen's charm in a 2015 interview, saying, "Everybody who meets with her flirts with her. I don't care who you are — guy, girl, fat, skinny, tall, short, gay, straight — everybody flirts with Helen Mirren." In celebration of one of the baddest b*tches in Hollywood (and across the pond), we've rounded up all the men who have been honored to have been flirted with by Helen Mirren.

And can you even handle her wearing the hell out of that black suit?? (see below with Aaron Paul)


Ryan Reynolds. Mesmerized.




David Beckham. Smitten.



Aaron Paul. Look at her working that black suit! #SavageAF.




Idris Elba. Flirting.



Colin Firth. Tended to.



Jamie Foxx. Puckered Up.



Christopher Plummer. Looking charmed.



Bruce Willis. On his knees.



Tom Hiddleston. Whipped.




They all look just giddy over her!
Okay - so I gave you 8 of them, bump on over to Popsugar to check out 19 more! Popsugar's 27 Celebrities Who Couldn't Resist The Flirtatious Charm Of Helen Mirren 

How To Create The Perfect Online Dating Profile

I was just reading on Vogue.com that your romantic future could in fact hinge on the handful of (hopefully) carefully curated pictures on your internet dating profile(s). That's a little scary, don't you think? Whatever happened to meeting boys at the beach over the summer??

Marina Khorosh wrote the definitive fashion girl's guide to creating the perfect online dating profile for Vogue.com (I am re-posting it here.) Make sure you check out Vogue.com  - I get it every day in my inbox.

The Fashion Girl's Guide To Creating The Perfect Online Dating Profile

via Vogue.com

image by Laurie Bartley for Vogue March 2013

An important PSA for all the single ladies out there: Summer is right around the corner, and you’re officially out of excuses to postpone your dating agenda. All your lackluster cold-weather claims (My sweats are too cozy, I would rather watch Scandal, and Who needs real men when you have Fitzgerald Grant?) are now rendered invalid. In fact, these days, dating is nothing if not a total joyride for the homebody, providing anyone with a functional smartphone with the tools to spark up a connection from the comfort of their very own athleisure ensemble. Since your romantic future may now hinge on the few carefully selected photos you present to the online dating world en masse, here are some key tips for creating an online dating profile that will put your best foot, angle, and outfit forward, all while effectively relaying the message you want to send out into the world. Welcome to the fashion girl’s guide to your online dating profile.

Step 1: Remember that no app is created equal.
Happn, Bumble, The League, Raya . . . Not only have dating apps lost their social stigma, but they have now branched out to fit niche demographics and interest categories, each one requiring a separate visual approach. And much like how you wouldn’t send the same cover letter for different job descriptions, you should save the Fred Perry polo for The League, while showing off your best repurposed denim on the creative haven that is Raya. Victoria de la Fuente, a business development manager for retail and consulting firm Lambert & Associates, opts for four simple, down-to-earth shots on the more mainstream Happn and Bumble, while letting her fashion girl go rogue on Raya, noting that “that’s a special breed of men, very into fashion and design, so they are more likely to appreciate my robe collection!”

Step 2: Choose a good lead-in.
Many guys admit that they don’t go much further than the main picture in their swipe sessions, aiming to max out their matches and filter through their options later. Cater to their dwindling attention spans by selecting that one photo that has earned your friends’ popular vote. One male New Yorker, who frequently uses apps such as Bumble and Hinge to broaden his social circle, says that a candid shot where the girl is laughing is a great place to start. He adds that he will immediately swipe left at the sight of a “glamour shot” or “cheerleading picture”—i.e., a confusing group shot of you and all your girlfriends in Tulum. Pro tip: Avoid recycling your social media profile picture to preserve some anonymity!

Step 3: Let your photos tell a story.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Never has this idiom been more relevant than in the brave new world of online dating, where your photos must not only showcase your best angles, but also attempt to represent you fully as a multifaceted and unendingly appealing human being. Since most apps limit you to about six pictures, use your limited real estate wisely. A male friend (who admits that he finds online dating to be a rather superficial pursuit) says that the photos chosen by a prospective partner help him determine many things about her, her values and interests included, asking “Are there pictures with her family vs. pictures at Coachella? Is she posing provocatively in the mirror vs. a picture from dinner with friends? These are the things I look at.”

Step 4: When it comes to your clothing, think chic and simple.
Men, especially New Yorkers, who are constantly surrounded by some of the world’s best-dressed women, admit that a woman’s style plays an important role in their swiping process. While most struggle to define the specifics, one male friend does confesses a weakness for a girl in a “pretty dress on a summer day,” while a French bachelor admits that he cannot swipe left to a red lip. De la Fuente recommends staying true to your personal style while avoiding pigeonholing yourself into one look. “You know that guy who can rock a mun [man-bun] and lumberjack gear but probably doesn’t own a suit? That’s the effect that you want to avoid.” She suggests keeping the majority of your outfits casual and throwing in one chic photo that alludes to the fact that you can pull it together if necessary, her own go-to being a daytime gazebo shot in Juan Carlos Obando separates at a wedding in Provence.

Step 5: Steer clear of the “glamour shots.”
This bears repeating. Misrepresentation being the most cardinal of online dating sins, men are losing patience with overly contoured and Facetuned images, preferring the au naturel look that avoids all potential unpleasant surprises. Go for a clear shot of your face, perfected via Charlotte Tilbury Magic and a Fresh lip balm, if you so desire. If you have been working your butt off at Physique 57, there is no harm in showing off the results in Levi’s cutoffs and a Lisa Marie Fernandez bikini top—just be wary of provocative bathing suit (or lingerie!) pictures. While few blue-blooded males dislike a Sports Illustrated editorial, most pause at the idea of dating a girl whose belfie is circulating the World Wide Web. Other things to avoid? Excessive labels and “fashion pieces,” neither of which the average male eye has learned to process.

Step 6: Throw in some travel pictures.
Most guys admit that a woman who is well-traveled automatically seems more interesting, with a few caveats. As one New York bachelor explains: “Smiling in Piazza San Marco with your family, thumbs-up; toasting champagne with several other bikini-clad girls in a hot tub on the back of a yacht with Dan Bilzerian, that’s another story.” When chosen wisely, travel pictures also give you an opportunity to show yourself at your happiest and most tanned, perfectly highlighted by, say, a white Melissa Odabash dress!

Step 7: Show your personality.
At the end of the day, you’re aiming to find somebody who appreciates it. Funnier than Amy Schumer? Throw in a few silly pictures that show you don’t take yourself too seriously. A creative at heart? Spotlight your best Fondazione Prada selfie for an instant reference point. If your creative inclinations are channeled through your wardrobe, well, there is probably no point in hiding this, either. In the words of De la Fuente: “Whoever loves me should love my furry slippers and my silk robes!” And, come to think of it, why shouldn’t they?
 
Marina Khorosh is the author of a fantastic website called DBag Dating

5 Ways To Survive Mercury Retrograde While Traveling

I'm one of those people who if you don't tell me it's Mercury Retrograde I won't notice anything. But if you do tell me, I will think things are going awry. I never think about it when I'm traveling, but how do you wrangle mercury Retrograde when you're on the road?

I found this blogpost on one of my favorite travel sites, AFAR.com,
and it is a repost from another site, The Wayfarer, written by Ryan Evans.

5 Ways To Survive Mercury Retrograde While Traveling 

So, since so much of travel includes data, communication and activity, what does a Mercury retrograde mean for travelers (besides the ubiquitous computer crashes, weather delays and misplaced luggage)? Should we avoid travel altogether and hide under a rock? Of course not. Here are the general rules and guidelines for travelers and Mercury retrograde.

 1. Avoid scheduling something new during a Mercury retrograde, unless it’s old business that needs finishing, in which case it’s perfect. If you absolutely must travel or schedule travel during a retrograde, then the “re” prefix is key. Do your best to figure out how to integrate any of the “re”trograde themes—revisit, rebuild, rejuvenate, recover, retreat, reconcile—into your experience. For example, Mercury is retrograde from December 19, 2016 to Jan 8, 2017. Avoid travel during the holidays? Inconceivable! But going back to the farm to see Pops and revisit memory lane? Perfect.

Did you know that most private health insurance plans don't cover you when you're traveling abroad? Learn More.

2. Be cautious and take your time. There are bound to be mishaps and communication erros, so do your best to be ready for them. Buy travel insurance even if you don't think you need to. Be extra alert when you double check everything and do so patiently. Keep your eyes and ears open and listen to tiny omens or clues alerting your intuition. Any time you feel rushed, frantic or flustered, let that be the clue to slow down and breathe for a minute. Taking time to calm down just may prevent your locking the keys in your car! 

3. Use the power of the Mercury Retrograde to your advantage. Have you been feeling a need to head to a mountain hideaway to relax and reevaluate your life? This is a perfect time to do so.

4. Don’t let Mercury’s mischief get the best of you and cause you to become more upset. This likely will save you from further complications. Remember that any snafu has a lesson for which patience, lightheartedness, and acceptance are the cure. If the flight is delayed then make it positive and use that time to call and reconnect with your Mom like you’ve been meaning to (thus making Mercury work to your benefit).

5. Don’t blame the Gods! Just because you ignored the “check engine” light for a month and the car broke down during a Mercury retrograde does not make it Mercury’s fault. Mercury is simply reminding you of what you already knew. Next time, listen when the engine knocks or when it takes two hours to purchase an airline ticket.

Essentially, knowing the astrological climate helps us to dress appropriately. Mercury is not here to cause us pain. Mercury is here to help us integrate our lessons, teach us how to be more aware, conscious, thoughtful, and deliberate. And with Mercury, the archetype of the storyteller, we’ll at least have lots of human experience to compare and laugh about once Mercury goes direct!

And The Winner Is....

Congratulations to Maria M from Dexter Michigan for winning the very fabulous Climate Control Duo from Ouidad!
And a huge thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway - your support is much appreciated!

My Ouidad Climate Control Duo by my pool. Its Summertime!!!

Ouidad has a new promotion running, which I will miss out on as I am about to fly out on the 2016 Glam Italia Tours - make sure you follow along on Instagram @ Corinnamakeup.
I have a link to the Ouidad promo here: “Curls-on-the-Go” Travel Size Event! Buy a 8.5 oz, Get a 2.5oz travel size FREE!

And a banner ad below. The Curls On The Go travel size products will be with me in Italy this year, keeping my curls glossy. (I also use some of the products when I'm blowing my hair out smooth. Just don't tell Ouidad...)

Enjoy your products Maria!

 

How To Deal With Airport Delays This Summer

There has been much in the news lately about the excessive delays at the TSA checkpoints in the airports. This summer is expected to be one of the biggest air travel summers on record, so putting the two together it's not hard to foresee some potential problems ahead.

SEattle Sea-Tac Airport

Here are some tips to get you thru it.

Get to the airport early.

Like really early. For domestic flights be there a minimum of 2 hours ahead. For international at least 3 hours ahead. Yes it is totally inconvenient to sit at the gate for a couple of hours, but it is much worse to miss your flight because you are in long lines at the security checkpoint.

Airlines are having an added problem in that flights are full, and they can't necessarily get you onto the next flight, so you could find yourself stranded.

 

Plan ahead.

Plan your outfit to make it as quick and easy as possible to get through security. The more layers and belts and jewelry and bags etc that you have to offload, the longer it is going to take and the more fractious everyone around you is going to be.

Wear something simple, but all your bangles and bracelets etc inside your handbag, wear shoes that can slip on and off and don’t cause delays while you are unlacing them.

Have your laptop out, keep all your toiletries in clear or ziplock bags – basically streamline your game.

Chicago Midway

Be Nice.

Even when everyone around you is being an ass.

Imagine how it must feel to have your entire day filled with angry and aggressive people. That is how it is for TSA agents and gate crew, all day, every day. It must be hell.

I was reading today that TSA agents are the lowest paid of the government workers, are mostly hired as part timers so don’t get benefits, and generally have a really tough time of it. So no matter what is going on, be nice.

If you let yourself get agitated and stressed out you just make everything worse anyway, and it won’t get you to your gate any faster.

3000 bags missed their flight at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

Avoid The Bad Airports.

If you can, route your trip through an easier airport. It may take a little research, or driving further than you wanted to, but it can be well worth it.

I won’t fly through Chicago O’Hare, as every time I have flown through there, there have been delays and problems.

Last year I flew back to America via JFK twice. What a nightmare. I think the main attributes they look for when hiring TSA agents at JFK are hostility and being a colossal asshole. Every single person working there was not just scowling, but going out of their way to be an ass. The first of the two was in September. The lines were ridiculously long, they were refusing to let pre check people the pre check line, just to be dicks – it was quite something. I luckily had oodles of time so it didn’t matter that my entire layover was spent standing in their stupid lines, but other travelers were in tears, which I think was the TSA agents’ goal. I kept thinking it could be worse – I could be at La Guardia.

Funnily enough four days later I was flying to Australia out of the Tom Bradley terminal at LAX. The difference was like night and day. Firstly, the Bradley terminal is an airport to be proud of. It’s modern, sleek and ridiculously chic. You would think you were in Dubai. Furthermore every airport worker you encounter smiles. The TSA still deal with the same volume of people as JFK, maybe even more, but everything moves along smoothly. What I noticed most was how chill the other travelers were when everyone was treating them nicely.

If you haven’t booked your airline tickets yet, look at the other airports nearby – they might make for an easier trip.