The Black Dress Traveler

Have Dress. Will Travel!

Win a Sheer Cover Mineral Makeup Intro Kit! Click here for more details.

Congratulations to Jill H. -  winner of the 500 ml bottle of White Truffle Olive Oil from Carter & Cavero (retail value $45)!

Join me for the Riviera Rendezvous on June 30th at Allegretti Restaurant in NYC. No charge to attend. Drink specials, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and mini beauty treatments from Lierac Paris skincare! Click here for more details.

No matter where I travel, I always have at least one little black dress in my suitcase.  I don't pack a dress just in case. I bring a black dress as a PROMISE to myself that my trip will include at least one outing that is elegant and special. There are very few places in the world where a little black dress and simple jewels don't fit the bill for proper attire.  And, being a "dressaholic", I tend to have a few more dresses, of all colors, in my valise.

The little black dress is not just a garment but a reminder to live life with a dash of flair whether you are traveling to work or circling the globe. Try to have a little black dress approach to life no matter where you are or what you are wearing.

I  love exploring my hometown of New York City just as much as venturing to far-flung destinations and I truly believe that travel is a state of mind.  There are places right in our own backyards that can elicit powerful feelings of wonder and inspiration. Films, food, books, fashion and music can all transport us to new places.  

Remember, adventure is always in fashion!

Wanda

PS If your primary interest is New York City, please sign up for my free weekly Wanda's Where & When events calendar highlighting the Big Apple's best events.

 

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So Chic and Fun: Riviera Rendezvous at Allegretti

Thank you to all of the gorgeous bon vivants who attended my Riviera Rendezvous at Allegretti restaurant in New York City. Not even a pesky rainstorm could dampen our spirits!  For 2 hours the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple disappeared as we enjoyed Chef Alain Allegretti's delicious hors d'oeuvres, sipped Riviera Rum Splash cocktails & Rose wine, and were pampered with mini facial and hand treatments courtesy of Lierac Paris skincare. Merci to Allegretti for hosting this very special evening.

  

 

 

 

  

 

Talking & Tasting with Top Chef Stephanie Izard

The 55th Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City featured more than 250,000 products and I feel like I tasted every single one. In the space of 3 hours I sampled pickled cactus from Mexico, coffee from Cameroon, European rose nectar, and even bacon lip balm that the exhibitor told me was an aphrodisiac. Hmm, maybe that explains why that Emeril Lagasse impersonator was getting all flirty with me.

Just when I thought my taste buds had gone to sleep, they perked up at the sight of season 4 Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard - the first, and so far the only, female chef to win Bravo's popular culinary showdown.  Today Chef Izard was working her magic at the Lucini Italia Olive Oil booth and her Chilled Walla Walla Onion Soup with Green Garlic Vinaigrette & Olive Oil Poached Shrimp was DELICIOUS, refreshing and superbly seasoned - the perfect palate pick-me-up.  

Gracious and down-to-earth, Chef Izard even laughed when I dorkily asked her if making the soup was as stressful as Top Chef's Quick Fire Challenges. Chef Izard told me that her new restaurant, The Drunken Goat, will be opening in Chicago in January 2010. If the soup is any indicator, her restaurant is going to rock!

Beauty Giveaway: Sheer Cover Mineral Makeup

Let the real you shine through with Sheer Cover! Enter for your chance to win the Sheer Cover Mineral Makeup 30-day intro kit (retail value $29.95). Perfect for travel, Sheer Cover is made from 100% pure minerals, offers natural sun protection and is lightweight and long lasting. I received my Sheer Cover intro kit last week and I have been having so much fun with it. The coverage is very buildable yet natural and gives the skin a great glow. I love all of the extras in the kit: especially the Sheer Color compact (lip colors & highlighters) and the Pocket Duo Kit. The sleek and snazzy makeup case is also very-travel friendly. The always gorgeous Leeza Gibbons is the celebrity spokesperson for Sheer Cover. Like Leeza says, "Know where you're going and look good when you get there."  Sheer Cover offers shades from fair to dark and the winner will get to select the ideal shade for their skin tone. The Sheer Kit Intro Kit contains all of the items in the picture - a true beauty bonanza! Visit www.sheercover.com to learn more about Sheer Cover.

Travel RX: First Aid Kits, Medications and More

Even the most perfectly planned vacation can be derailed by a medical emergency. Having personally experienced the stress of requiring unexpected medical attention away from home, I reached out to my favorite health care provider, Mary Stein (RN, NP-C), for some tips on how to better prepare for these scenarios. A Nurse Practitioner based in New York City, Mary specializes in Primary Care & Travel Medicine. 

In addition to the fabulous tips listed below, Mary offers more travel medicine advice and complete travel medicine consultations (including yellow fever vaccination) at Plaza East Internal Medicine in Manhattan. Call  212-750-7404 to make an appointment or you can reach Mary at marystein4@gmail.com.  She will usually see you within 24 hours for a travel medicine consultation. Happy Venturing!

Why does the Black Dress Traveler need a first aid kit?  Because it’s about being prepared while traveling: in case of a new minor health issue or an upswing in an already existing one. An example of the first would be a minor scrape you get because of being in an unfamiliar environment while on vacation. The second would be treating a bee sting when you already know that you’re allergic. What goes into the traveler’s first aid kit depends on the state of the traveler’s health going into the trip, the destination, the duration and type of excursion. Your first aid kit will look different if you are going on a business trip to Chicago for two days or if you’re going trekking in Nepal for several weeks.  There are commercially-prepared first aid kits in travel stores and on the Internet – just check carefully that the kit is appropriate to your needs.  You may need to take out some bits and add others;  again, depending on where you’re going and what your trip is about.

What should be included in a traveler’s first aid kit?

When you check out our suggestions below, the list may seem lengthy or unwieldy. Again, tailor the list to your needs;  you may not need all of the items listed. More importantly, of those that you DO need, you don’t need to bring many of each (i.e., you only need to bring a few Band-Aid adhesive bandages, not the whole box). 

First, consider packing a card that contains your demographics, allergies and medication information.  In addition, names and phone numbers of local hospitals and clinics put you in the “extremely prepared” traveler category. To really cover all bases, pack a copy of this card in EACH PIECE of luggage!

Your daily medications  (may be hard to believe, but travelers are often so preoccupied they forget about these).  If you are traveling domestically, forgetting any or all of your daily medications is usually not an issue.  A quick phone call to your health care provider and those medications can be called to a nearby pharmacy. Although it’s usually possible to reach your health care provider from anywhere in the world, it may pose a hassle if you are overseas.  If you are traveling overseas, we suggest you bring each of your prescriptions in the original containers.  If possible, obtain copies of the prescriptions from your provider or the pharmacy. Have your health care provider write a short note if you are carrying unusual amounts of narcotic medications, injectable medications (except for insulin if you’re diabetic) or syringes. It’s also a good idea to have someone back home have copies of each of your prescriptions. 

The medications you were prescribed for this trip.  This list includes medications like:  antimalarial medication, antibiotics in case of diarrhea or respiratory infection, sleeping aids, altitude-sickness medication, medications for anxiety of flying, or Epipens for known allergies. 

Other medications you might consider bringing with you:

Antihistamine (nonsedating type like Claritin/loratadine or Zyrtec/sertraline, or Benadryl/diphenhydramine)

Decongestant (Sudafed, but be aware of side effects)

Analgesics for simple pain or fever (Advil/Motrin/ibuprofen or Alleve/naproxen or Tylenol/acetaminophen)

Mild laxative  (senna or Swiss Kriss)

Antacid

Antibacterial or antifungal cream or a combination cream

Hydrocortisone 1 % cream

Water purification tablets

First-Aid Items:

Adhesive bandages of different sizes

Gauze (a few 4 x4 gauzes and a small roll of 2 - inch gauze)

First aid tape

ACE- type bandage

Hot/cold pack

Tweezers/small scissors

Antiseptic lotion

Non-latex gloves (2 pair)

Antibacterial hand wipes

Hand sanitizer

Moleskin (for blisters)

Thermometer (digital)

Other items to consider:

Condoms

Plan B

Extra pack(s) of oral contraceptives

Tampons/sanitary pads

Hope this makes your excursion safer and more fun!

Masala Moment: A Chat with Chef Suvir Saran

Suvir Saran is the charismatic and witty culinary guru behind the popular Devi Restaurant in New York City and American Masala in Jersey City. Formidable food critic Frank Bruni said that Devi is "perhaps the city's best Indian restaurant" and it has been awarded a 2-star rating by The New York Times and 1-star by the Michelin Guide. Saran has also written two widely acclaimed cookbooks - Indian Home Cooking and American Masala: 125 New Classics From My Home Kitchen.

I recently had the chance to chat with Chef Saran at the Authors & Inns Tour in Spring Lake, New Jersey. Watch the video to hear our spicy conversation about veggies, Indian spices and why you shouldn't feel guilty about cheating on your favorite foods with new flavors.

Nextstop: Travel Guides Written by Real People

Sometimes the major travel guides, written by a collection of knowledgeable but anonymous travel writers, are great at giving you the facts about a destination but don't really capture the spirit of a place. That is not the case with Nextstop - a new website that features destination guides written by regular people who are passionate about where they live.  Featuring short and positive recommendations from people all over the world, Nextstop makes it possible for everyone to indulge their inner travel writer. Their most popular locations include New York, San Francisco, Hawaii, Paris, and Tokyo.

I checked out some of the guides for my hometown of New York and while some of the recommendations were pretty obvious (please, no more posts about Magnolia Cupcakes or frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity) there were also some off-the-beaten path picks. My favorite Nextstop guide so far is A Park Bench with a View - a compilation of lesser known Big Apple parks and piers.

Overall, I think Nextstop is a nice way to supplement your research about a destination you plan on visiting or to show off your hometown favorites.

Sweet Talk with the Creators of Oprah's Favorite Brownies

As Mistress of Ceremonies for the Authors & Inns Tour in Spring Lake (New Jersey), I had a great time chatting with celebrity chefs and cookbook authors.

This video clip shows me sharing a bit of sweet talk with the owners of the wildly popular BAKED- Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito. You'll see why Oprah and Martha Stewart are crazy about treats from BAKED. If you live in NYC or Charleston, you can drop by BAKED or you can use their cookbook to create some sweet goodness at home.

Win a Bottle of White Truffle Olive Oil from Carter & Cavero!

On a recent visit to Red Bank, New Jersey, I was introduced to the wonderful Carter & Cavero Old World Olive Oil Company. My 2 years as a student in Spain instilled a passion for olive oil and Carter & Cavero offers high quality extra virgin and whole fruit fused olive oils grown and pressed in special mills in Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Australia and California. They also sell luxurious olive based beauty products, an exquisite selection of vinegars, gourmet foods and more. If you can't make it to their stores in Red Bank or Long Branch, you can shop online at www.carterandcavero.com. 

Enter the contest for a chance to win a 500ml bottle of Carter & Cavero's White Truffle Olive Oil (retail value $45). Incredibly fragrant, White Truffle Olive Oil transforms the simplest dish into a decadent delight. Made in Italy, this olive oil is smooth yet intense in flavor. If you like the wonderfully unique taste and aroma of white truffles, this is the oil for you!

 

NYC Events Calendar

Click here to read this week's issue of Wanda's Where & When: the savvy guide to New York City! The calendar lists a great selection of fun events including wine tastings, culinary events, music, art and more! 

 

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What NOT to Do if You Should Meet Prince Harry During His Visit to NYC

Move over Harry Potter -  another bloke named Harry is trying to work his magic in the Big Apple! Crossing the pond from Britain for his first official visit to America, 24 year old Prince Harry's two-day itinerary (May 29 & 30) includes visits to the World Trade Center and the Harlem Children's Zone school. The Prince will also get to show off his athletic prowess in a polo match at Governors Island  before he heads back home (although I think that a pick up game of basketball at Harlem's Rucker Park would be a more authentic New York City experience for the young royal). Third in line to the British throne, Prince Harry is known as a first-rate party boy in Europe so perhaps this trip is only 2 days long to decrease the likelihood of any nightclub shenanigans?

Since the United States doesn't have royalty (unless you count athletes and Madonna), even the most sophisticated amongst us might be a bit baffled on the proper way to address Prince Harry in case we run into him. Here are a few tips from the royal etiquette experts.

1. Only speak when spoken to. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to ask Prince Harry to slip Wills your phone number.

2. Flexibility is key. Who knew that all of those yoga classes would prepare you to give the most graceful curtsy EVER!

3. Even if he is younger than you, Prince Harry should be addressed as His Royal Highness - not the Little Prince nor Big Red.

Of course, not everyone in the Big Apple is thrilled about Prince Harry's visit. An anonymous person left this comment on the Daily News website, "He drives drunk. He uses marijuana, he's loud and vulgar, he occasionally dresses as a Nazi and he's not very bright. Ah, another annoying tourist. And WE are spending money to entertain HIM."

Hey Harry, welcome to New York!   

Click here to see Prince Harry's New York itinerary.

Fly the $9 Skies

I love a great bargain as much as the next girl but something about a $9 airline flight makes me nervous. JetAmerica, a new how-low-can-you-go-to-fly-high airline carrier based in Clearwater, Florida, will launch service on July 13. The current JetAmerica fleet consists of one leased Boeing 737-800 but they plan to expand to four jets by July 2010.

The first 9 seats on each JetAmerica flight will sell for $9 and prices will max out at $199. It comes as no surprise that additional fees will apply to check luggage. Snacks and in-flight TV will also cost extra.

JetAmerica will service mid-size U.S. cities like Toledo, South Bend and Lansing to fill the void left by major carriers who have reduced the number of flights to those markets. Flights will also be available to and from a small selection of major airports like Newark.

Air travel should be more affordable and accessible but I can't tune out the little voice in my head that says "you get what you pay for." I pray that JetAmerica's rockbottom prices don't compromise service and safety.

Shoofly Pie and Wine: Five Things I Just Learned About Pennsylvania

It all started with a slice of pie. Shoofly pie to be exact. Apparently, I am the only person on the planet who had never tasted this sticky sweet confection of molasses and brown sugar with a crumb crust.

A Pennsylvania Dutch staple, each bite of Shoofly pie made me realize how very little I know about the Keystone State (aka the Quaker State or the State of Independence). Sure, I can rattle off some Philly trivia (Benjamin Franklin, Brotherly Love, cheese steaks, the Liberty Bell, Patti LaBelle) but Philly is just one city in a state of more than 12,000,000 people. Energized by the sugary goodness of the Shoofly pie, I was determined to learn more about Pennsylvania. If my list below inspires you to visit PA, log on to www.PAStories.com to enter a sweepstakes to win one of 12 fantastic Pennsylvania vacation packages.

1. Wine - Who knew that Pennsylvania had more than 100 wineries? With approximately 14,000 acres of grapes, Pennsylvania ranks 8th nationally in the production of wine. There are several wine trails you can visit, including the Groundhog Wine Trail, Brandywine Wine Trail, and the UnCork York Wine Trail.

2. Beer - Not only is Pennsylvania home to Yuengling,the oldest brewery in the United States but it also has six breweries that pre-date prohibition - more than any other state. Today there are more than 50 brew pubs and small breweries in Pennsylvania.

3. Art - The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh is the largest museum in the world dedicated to the work of one artist. Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural masterpiece, is located in the Laurel Highlands just an hour away from downtown Pittsburgh.

4. Snacks- Being the home of iconic brands like Hershey's, Heinz, Frito-Lay, Herr's and UTZ have secured Pennsylvania's position as the "Snack Food Capital of the World." Klondike Bars, Whoopie Pies and Shoofly Pie were all invented in Pennsylvania.

  5. Scenery - Pennsylvania has 17 million acres of forest and 83,000 miles of rivers and streams. National Geographic named Route 6 as one of the top 10 scenic drives in the country.

To learn more about Pennsylvania, visit www.VisitPA.com.

Selve Swept Me Off of My Feet!

The Black Dress Traveler was absolutely delighted to be the guest of honor at an elegant champagne reception at selve shoes in Red Bank, New Jersey. The perfect little black dress deserves a perfect pair of shoes and selve specializes in made-to-measure bespoke footwear. Headquartered in Munich with a second store in London, the Red Bank store is selve's first location in the U.S. 

I had such a great time oohing and aaahing over the gorgeous selve footwear and meeting so many of the dynamic and gracious Red Bank businesswomen. Even Mrs. Red Bank attended! Thank you selve for an unforgettable and special evening!

DonnaLyn Giegerich (Mrs. Red Bank), The Black Dress Traveler, and Karin Lund (Owner, selve)

Tastebud Travels: My Perfect Provencal Lunch at Allegretti

I've never been to Provence but my taste buds are convinced that we traveled to the South of France after my perfect lunch at Allegretti. Located at 46 West 22nd Street in NYC's Chelsea neighborhood, Chef Alain Allegretti's namesake restaurant showcases the vibrant and fresh flavors of his native Provence. The flavors are big but not convoluted and I am not embarrassed to say that I cleaned my plate on every course. Perfectly seasoned and elegantly presented, each dish was richly flavored without being too heavy and overwhelming my palate. Drop by for a drink and an upscale nibble at the inviting bar or allow Chef Allegretti to whisk you away on a complete culinary journey to Provence in the main dining room.  In addition to the a la carte menu, Allegretti is currently offering prix fixe menus at lunch ($28. Monday-Friday) and dinner ($42. Monday - Saturday.) Here are a few photos from my lunch. Alas, I did not save room for dessert but I plan on remedying that situation in the near future. Bon appetit!

Sardines 'In Saor'

tian of roasted tomato, avocado, fingerling potato, hearts of palm, tomato coulis

Provencale Fish Soup

garlic crouton, gruyere cheese, classic rouille

 

 

This is how the soup looks after you spread the rouille and gruyere on the croutons and let them abosrb all of the spicy goodness of the broth.

 

Nicoise Ravioli

stuffed with braised oxtail and swiss chard, parmesan, orange beef jus

 

Win a Box of Roni-Sue's Chocolate Truffles!

Take your tastebuds on a journey with this delectable selection of Roni-Sue's Chocolates. Made by hand in New York City, Roni-Sue's chocolate truffles are edible indulgences that artfully combine rich chocolate with spices, fruits, and fine spirits. One lucky reader will win an assortment of 15 chocolate truffles (retail value $22); including Manhattan, Dark & Stormy, Zydeco and others. The New York Times calls Roni-Sue's Chocolates "a winner" and The New York Daily News says "Roni-Sue's Chocolates really rock!" Zagat raves, "Ohhhh...those truffles!"

Pack with Style: Luggage Trends and Deals

Are you packing your favorite frocks in a beat up old suitcase? Doesn’t your dream vacation or weekend getaway deserve luggage as stylish as you are? Some of the biggest names in fashion, including Diane von Furstenberg and Nicole Miller, have luggage lines that are colorful and stylish. Best of all, if you do your research, you can get these bags at a fraction of the price at discount retailers. This great DVF Marlene 21” Rolling City Bag is currently available at E-Bags for $89.99 and I found the same bag at Marshalls for $65. Considering that the suggested retail price is $200, both of these are great deals.

For more tips on finding the hottest new luggage, I reached out to Pamela Pekerman, BagTrends.com founder and handbag expert. Pamela says, “For playful designs, vegan style and beyond affordable prices I'm hooked on Jane Marvel. I can't live without her Puddle Jumper bag in stars/sky print.”  (Retail:$118)

Pamela also has rave reviews for Kipling. “Kipling's Madison 22 Wheeled Duffel in Georgia Peach is such a fresh color to see at the airport. The best part is that it collapses flat - perfect for storage in a 300 sq ft Manhattan apartment!” (Retail: $235)

For more handbag and luggage scoop, check out www.BagTrends.com.

Four Tips for Traveling with Jewelry

Diamond in the Rough Solitaire Stack Rings

Just because you are going on vacation, doesn’t mean that you have to leave your fine jewelry locked in a safe at home and jet-set with fakes. 

Anjanette Clisura, President and Co-Creative Director of Diamond in the Rough says, “Jewelry is given to be worn. I’ve heard so many women say they travel with “fakes” – why? If you’re careful and traveling somewhere safe bring some of your beautiful baubles with you on vacation, especially if you have plans to go out.  Unless you’re going somewhere on a peace mission or yoga retreat - then it might be best left at home!” 

Their innovative use of natural, uncut and unpolished diamonds has made Diamond in the Rough a favorite of celebrities, socialites, and fashionistas so they understand that women want to wear their treasures, not leave them behind. Ms. Clisura offers these helpful tips for traveling with jewelry. 

1. Decide on the pieces you’re taking and take inventory. A simple way to do this is to make copies on the photocopy machine so that you remember exactly what you took. Keep a copy at home and a copy somewhere in your luggage. Check the photocopy to make sure that you return home with all of your treasures.

2. Travel with a jewelry roll which will separate your jewelry into sections – earrings, rings, etc. and rolls up for compact, safe packing. 

3. Don’t pack your jewelry in your checked luggage -  keep it in your purse, or carry on. 

4. To keep your jewelry clean, carry a little polishing cloth with you. You can use also use regular old toothpaste, yes ladies, its better than soap. Use Windex if you have it handy. It has ammonia in it – dab on an old toothbrush and clean away! 

Black Dress Beauty: Natalie Portman

One could have easily confused the red carpet at this year's White House Correspondents' Association Dinner for a major Hollywood awards show extravaganza. (Hmm, maybe Joan and Melissa Rivers can do commentary next year?) Mingling with the politicos and beltway regulars were many of the biggest names in film, television and music. However, one black dress beauty stole the show: actress Natalie Portman was elegance personified in this long and sexy Balenciaga halter dress. If fashion were a political party, Ms. Portman would win the nomination in a silky landslide!

 

Free Zen with Check-In at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Toronto

How often have you arrived at your hotel exhausted and stressed-out after a long flight? Instead of immediately reaching for a mini-bar libation, guests at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Toronto can unwind with tea at check-in and complimentary meditation classes.

Offered every evening at 8:30 pm in the Cosmopolitan’s Solarium, the classes are taught by an expert meditation instructor with the goal of helping guests to reduce stress and increase relaxation. “We, at the Cosmopolitan, know the stresses of business and leisure travel and believe that everyone should take some time out of each day to unwind and reflect,” said David Zaltzman, CEO of Skyline Boutique Hotels and Resorts. “Our guests have come to appreciate the Hotel’s focus on wellness and we’re excited to take this to another level by offering free meditation classes to end their day on a peaceful note,” he added.

The Cosmopolitan Hotel’s focus on serenity and tranquility doesn’t stop with the meditation classes. Surrounded by design concepts taken from the ancient art of Feng Shui, Cosmopolitan guests slumber on 400 threat-count Egyptian cotton linens and can get pampered at the on-site Shizen Spa (Toronto’s only five star spa). In 2006, Conde Nast Traveller selected the Cosmopolitan as one of the world’s hottest new hotels. Hot and zen - the Black Dress Traveler is intrigued!

 

For more information, visit www.cosmotoronto.com.

Black Dress Beauty: Halle Berry

Shapely thespian Halle Berry rocked basic black with a sexy twist at the red carpet premiere of Wolverine. Sheer paneling added a dash of naughty to this va va voom black cocktail dress by French designer Herve L. Leroux. Ms. Berry kept her look sleek and elegant with minimal accessories and strappy sandals. Bravo Ms. Berry, you are a black dress beauty!

 

Black Dress Traveler Quoted in How to Blend in When Traveling (NY Daily News)

The New York Daily News recently ran a great article on how to NOT stand out from the crowd when traveling. The Black Dress Traveler was honored to be quoted in this fun and very useful story. 

Click here to read the article and get some great tips on everything from what to wear and how to get better service when dining out.

Animal Fair Guides You and Your Pooch to the Perfect Vacation!

The Black Dress Traveler was delighted to contribute to the most recent travel issue of Animal Fair - the premier lifestyle magazine and website for animal lovers. Acclaimed actor Mickey Rourke is on the cover with his dearly departed Chihuahua Loki. 

I had a great time writing my  article on Savannah. During my trip, I met the founder of Oliver Bentley's Barking Bakery and, in the name of research, I even tasted their signature organic dog biscuits! Savannah is a very dog friendly city and my article features many of the best places in town to pamper your canine companion from hotels to bars.  Other destinations featured in the Animal Fair travel issue include Palm Springs, Cleveland, Miami, and New Orleans. In addition, to Mickey Rourke; Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Kyra Sedgwick, Ashanti, and Bridget Marquardt are also profiled with their dogs. In case you're wondering, the Black Dress Traveler does not have a dog but my Betta fish Benicio was happy to pose for a photo!

Animal Fair can be purchased at Barnes & Noble.

Swine Flu Outbreak Survey

What do you think of the media coverage of the Swine Flu Outbreak? Take a moment to answer our one question survey.

Click Here to take survey

Here are the results so far to the question how would you describe media coverage of the swine flu outbreak:

0% - Informative and makes me feel like the situation is under control.

85.7% - Makes me wonder if anyone really knows what the heck is going on.

14.3% - I'm scared and won't be traveling. Shoot, I won't leave the house.

Little Black Travel Diary: Lisa Price (Founder, Carol's Daughter)

Lisa Price

www.carolsdaughter.com

 

Sweet Honey Dip Chocolate Brown Sugah Scrub, Mango Melange Body Butter, Black Vanilla Hair Smoothie; Carol's Daughter sweet hair and skincare concoctions are fragrant proof that food is not the only tasty creation to come out of a kitchen. Lisa Price, the founder and president of Carol's Daughter started the company in 1992 with $100 in her Brooklyn kitchen. Named lovingly after her mother, today Carol's Daughter has outgrown Lisa's kitchen and is a multi-million dollar company with stores throughout the United States, including the flagship store on Harlem's legendary 125th Street.

Fragrant, luxurious, effective, and affordable, Carol's Daughter has a loyal customer base and a devoted celebrity clientele. Actress Jada Pinkett-Smith and singer Mary J. Blige are such big fans of Carol's Daughter that they even became investors in the company. Recently, Mary took a little break from singing to whip up a sea salt scrub with Lisa on the Rachel Ray show. Jada said, "I attribute my long, beautiful hair to Lisa's Hair Elixir and Hair Balm." With such rave reviews, success is very sweet indeed for Lisa Price and Carol's Daughter.

Let's peek inside The Little Black Travel Diary of Lisa Price!

I never travel without Carol's Daughter Hair Milk, my must have hair product.

My favorite destination is Miami, Florida– even if just for a moment. As soon as I get a sense of the sun, I’m immediately relaxed.

The taste of lychee reminds me of Costa Rica.

My favorite traveling companion is my husband, Gordon. He is adventurous and I am not, so I always see new things and do new things. I love to travel with my best friend.

Traveling alone is great at times. I travel for business and while I do miss my family, I like to be in the hotel room alone with the remote. No dishes or laundry to do.

I dream of visiting Bali.

A film, book, or song that awakens my wanderlust is “Like Water For Chocolate.”

My favorite traveling outfit is a comfortable, but stylish pair of knit pants and a soft knit wrap.

My most unforgettable traveling experience was in Costa Rica and Beach #3 in Manuel Antonio State Park.  Breathtaking!!!

When I have been away from home for a long time, the thing I miss the most is the sounds of my children.

If I could travel back in time, I would go to Ancient Egypt.

My travel icon is Joy Mangano of HSN (Home Shopping Network.)

My must have beauty product when traveling is Carol's Daughter Hair Milk.

My words of travel wisdom are be true to who you are wherever you are and make the most of your time.

Click here to read the Little Black Travel Diaries of other dynamic women.

Way to Go: Whoopi Goldberg Tackles Fear of Flying

Award-winning actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg is absolutely fearless when it comes to speaking her mind on and off The View but flying the friendly skies was a no-no for this tough diva. In fact, Goldberg's fear of flying (aviophobia) was so intense that for the past 13 years she has only traveled in her super luxury tour bus or sailed on the QE2.  Swanky, yes, but still limiting.

But Whoopi recently looked fear in the face and took a transatlantic flight to London to observe and consult on the rehearsals for the stage version of her hit film Sister Act. She prepared for the flight by participating in Virgin Atlantics's "Flying Without Fear" course. The Virgin program is not yet available in the United States but it implements Thought Field Therapies invented by Dr. Roger Callahan. Visit Dr. Callahan's website for a free guide on techniques to tackle the fear of flying and other phobias.

Traveling on a private jet, Whoopi was accompanied by a doctor who could calm her down with sedatives but she says that she didn't need it. She told Page Six."I'm kinda proud." And best of all, Whoopi plans on flying again, "I'm going to fly to the West Coast to surprise my daughter." Way to go Whoopi! You can count on The Black Dress Traveler to treat you to a cocktail if we are ever on a flight together. (wishful thinking on my part since Whoopi flies on private jets and I look for bargains!)

Here is a video clip of Whoopi talking about the roots of her fear (she saw a mid-air collision in 1978) and her Flying Without Fear treatment.