Super Tip for Saving Money on Air Travel Days!!

Quick travel tip for ya! I am flying today, not driving and thought I would share a little gem of mine for air travel with you…

Water Bottle

pack an empty water bottle in your carry on! We all know that the cost of food and drinks at the airport can be painful, heck and that is before you even arrive to your destination! Bringing the whole fam, CHA – ching! Those little purchases continuously add up. So, save a little cash and pack an empty water bottle. Many airports offer a bottle refill station right at the water fountain and if not, most places are perfectly OK to give give you a cup filled with ice and water if you ask with a smile. 😉 Save some money and stay hydrated during travel days! Both great for a better trip!

Safe travels!

xoxo

Renee

San Fran, the Golden Gate & of course, the BIG GAME!

Super Bowl 50 – what an experience!!! (and yes, in case you didn’t know, the Roman numerals were ditched for 2016 (Super Bowl L), but will make a return in 2017) Curious as to why? Read Here. I happened to be fortunate enough to be asked to manage an event in San Francisco at the Super Bowl – well, the NFL Experience to be exact. If you have never been, it is definitely a must attend for all football fans. I never did actually make it to the stadium, though, ha,….let me explain.

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The actual Super Bowl activities are often times spread out across the entire city and the celebration starts many days before the actual event, eight days to be exact for Super Bowl 50. Call me crazy, but never have lived in a Super Bowl city or been a part of the Super Bowl previously, this was news to me. I was located at the NFL Experience where we had several big NFL Autograph signings including: Alex Smith, Ronnie Lott, DeAngelo Williams, DeMarco Murray, Derek Carr & Charles Haley to name just a few.Over 25 pro players were on -site with us for an hour at a time meeting as many guests as they possibly could, signing autographs and taking photos. We met a lot of super cool NFL players  and a few not so cool dudes, as to be expected. As for the Fans, well, what can I say, the NFL has some of the most loyal fans ever and they will line up for hours to meet their favorite player.

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The best story that was shared with our team was from Steeler’s Player, DeAngelo Williams. He took time with each fan to smile, shake their hand, laugh AND share a short conversation all while seeing as many people as he possibly could and here’s why – DeAngleo shared that he remembers waiting in line for hours, as a kid  to meet his idol — his most favorite player in the whole world and when he finally got up to the player he was so excited to meet, the player didn’t  even look up. He signed his name and went onto the next person, without a second glance. Crushed. DeAngelo remembers exactly how he felt in that moment and to this day he makes it a point not to ever let anyone feel the way he did. Granted, every player is  trying to see as many fans as possible, but some do do it with a little more heart & soul. How awesome of a story is that?! Every single fan that left from DeAngelo’s signing was laughing, smiling or talking about just how awesome he was , in person. Don’t get me wrong, these guys are expected to see hundreds of people in such a short period of time and it is by far not easy and not everyone leaves happy, it is near impossible given the time restraints. But, DeAngelo is hands down an awesome guy and really sets the bar high while making it look effortless. And that, my friends is all from a Cleveland Browns fan! 😉

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The energy, hours, crowd & guests were all super intense, in a good way. A  total experience for all football loving fans to be a part of — if ever given the chance, do it!  We did manage to squeeze in a few touristy things while we were out there too because after all, can’t have all work and no play, it is the Super Bowl!

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A Southern, Magical Weekend Get-a-way

Recently, we had the opportunity to visit Pine Mountain, Georgia, Home of Callaway Gardens. It is a 6,500 acre escape from the hustle & bustle of life packed with nature, history & truly something for everyone from swimming to stunning gardens, a Little Chapel, bike trails & even a zip line for the more adventurous! And that is just a small glimpse on how you can spend your day with family & friends! Depending on the season, special events are happening all of the time, all year round and there is even a full service Marirott on-site.

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We were doing a sneak preview visit  as I like to call it and will definitely be back for more! Now, keep in mind that it is in the middle of winter, so a little creativity is required for the outdoor pics, regardless, beautiful!

When we first arrived, we pulled off to the side of the road and took a short walk down to The Little Chapel that is nestled in the trees overlooking the lakeside. Little in size, but not in character as the outside is designed to resemble the 16th century Gothic chapels with a stone alter and stained glass. The Chapel is actually named after Ida Cason, who is the mother of Cason Callaway, founder of Callaway Gardens. The Chapel was open and empty, so we let ourselves in and were amazed with the absolutely gorgeous stained glass that lines almost two entire walls. Timing couldn’t have been better as the sun beamed in perfectly, making the colors literally dance on the ground & wall around us. Peaceful & breathtaking is hardly enough to explain this quaint little Chapel.

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Fun Tip: There is a free concert every Saturday & Sunday from 2 – 4 p.m. performed int the chapel on a rare, handmade Moller pipe organ. We were not able to catch this, but were told that the natural acoustic sounds could be heard well beyond the chapel! And yes, weddings still do take place here!

I would definitely suggest an entire weekend to explore Callaway Gardens and all it has to offer. With only a couple of hours to spare we made the best out of our time and are looking forward to our next visit  If you have a longer weekend, a nice drive & must see is also Plains, GA, home of Jimmy Carter and the BEST Peanut Butter ice cream you will ever find!  A little closer to Callaway Gardens and is a shorter stop is yet another little place to explore, FDR’s Little White House in Warm Springs, GA. Now that my friends is a weekend plan with a little history, lots of fun, the cutest downtown shops & some good eats!

Click to Explore Callaway Gardens

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Bonus Travel Tip: While in Plains, GA, there is a building that holds an antique store and a historical hotel above with rooms elegantly decorated from a specific decade. Decades range from the 20’s – 80’s, right down to the claw foot bath tub and the phone in the lobby!   

Click here to check out Plains Historic Inn

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These Nutballs Don’t Give Hangry a Chance!

I have this little issue that when hangry strikes it strikes HARD and my Luv tells me I am, ahhhem… I am hard to be around, when this happens, lol!  Yeah, yeah – so I try to avoid the crash for all parties involved.  I know I am not alone, here! Anyone else?!

The best part about the recipe I share below is that I make it right in my NutriBullet that is more often than not – packed in my suitcase. Priorities, right?! 🤣

Truth be told…

traveling and eating healthy does take some effort & planning.  It doesn’t have to be hard, though and I promise, the pay off of increased energy and improved mood is so worth it. You will probably save a little $$ as well not spending it on pricey snacks and feel healthier overall.

Hydration, sleep, exercise and limiting take – out are all helpful tips, especially when on the go and even more so when jumping time zones.

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HOW can it be easier??

  1. Save easy to prep recipes right to an album to your phone in the pic gallery. That way when you are grocery shopping, you have everything you need right with you.
  2. Carve out 15 – 20 minutes a week, before your trip, vacation, etc., to knock out the prep work
  3. Keep snacks in mind that don’t require much refrigeration, travel well, are satisfying and are semi – durable.  A few of my faves: nut balls (recipe, below), apples, mandarins (obsessed!), hard boiled eggs & carrot sticks.
  4. Keep a water bottle with you so you can fill on the go. A few tea bags in your bag are awesome to have as well and cost a fraction of the price of cafe prices, just ask for hot water and pay for the cup.

Convenience and time are so important.

Here it is:

Nutballs. Super easy, less than 10 minute prep time.

Make two batches at the beginning of the week & call it done. Nothing fancy, just simple and packed with nutrients. The kids will love them too!

  • Handful of cashews & almonds (any variety of nuts will do, I love walnuts & pecans too)
  • Unsweetened Coconut
  • Dried Tart Cherries or Cranberries
  • Chia Seed
  • Pitted Dates (Crucial ingredient…this is the “glue” that holds all of the goodness together)

My picture gives you an idea of about how much to use. I literally measure in handfuls and fill to the line on the cup.

Nutball Step 1
Combine all ingredients, pulse together a few times or until it appears like everything has been broken down nicely. You may need to add more dates if the batch is a little powdery, from the the nuts – it should look “chewy” for lack of a better description.

Roll in balls, place in container, refrigerate overnight.

Finished Nutballs

 They last all day in a little snack bag or container on the way out the door.

**  Have fun with this recipe, make it yours! Add flax seed, dried cranberries, any type of nuts, oats (regular or steel cut, uncooked) a little honey, scoop of almond butter or even dark chocolate morsels for a healthy alternative to satisfy that sweet tooth!

You can absolutely shape them into squares and use parchment paper so they don’t stick — I just don’t have the patience or ummm, square shaping skills needed! Plus, admit it, nutballs is kind of fun to say! 😉

Thanks so much for stopping by for a read, hope it was helpful.

Let me know in the comments if you have a variation of your own or / and if you try this one.

Enjoy!