PRAGUE

Prague, Czech Republic. It's such a magical and mystical place! I got the chance to jet set to Prague this same time last year, and just wanted to take a moment to tell all you jet setters what an incredible place it is. Why Prague, you ask? Well, Prague is architecturally stunning, thanks to the fact that it was pretty much untouched during World War II- so what you see is original and not replicated. Prague has so many beautiful cobblestone streets and hills (not fun for the feet- so wear comfy shoes and make sure to get foot massages while you are there), but awesome to see and wander through the tiny alleyways. Prague is about history, art, culture, architecture, and it's beauty. Plus, besides all of this, it has a fun night-time/party scene (in fact, quite popular choice for bachelor parties). When to go: Avoid July & August- too many tourists and you'll pay too much! The smart time to jet set there is in April, May, June (perfect touring weather mid 60's- high 70's). I promise you...Prague will amaze and fascinate you in so many different ways!

TOP 3 NEW YEAR'S TRAVEL RESOLUTIONS FOR 2010

My passport got a nice workout in 2009! I was lucky enough to jet set to some fantastic places including Buenos Aires, Argentina-Punta Del Este, Uruguay-Prague, Czech Republic- Toronto, Canada and Reykjavik, Iceland. I am now working on the destination list for 2010 which I hope will be as exciting. I am hoping to travel to many places abroad, but I would also like to get in some more U.S. trips as well. So with the new year almost here, I thought I'd share my personal Top 3 Travel Resolutions for 2010. My mantra is still the same- "travel more, but be smart about it!"

1- Travel to more "Off-the-Beaten Path" Destinations: It's always great jet setting to a big city, but sometimes it's cooler staying in a smaller town just outside of the city. It's a great way to get a better feel for how the locals really live, and it's a smarter way to travel because you can probably get a hotel for half the price.

2- Go Green When Making Travel Plans: Look for hotels that are Environmentally Friendly, or take a train to a destination instead of flying- it's better for the environment and it's smarter because you could end up saving money on your total travel costs.

3- Take More Road Trips: A Staycation is not really my thing- I like to get out there, but it doesn't always have to be by way of an airplane. Sometimes, hopping in the car and traveling to a new city or town can be just as fun- plus, with all the new airline fees, it may be smarter because it may end up being cheaper than flying.

Do you guys have any travel resolutions you would like to share with me? Please feel free to post a comment below...

PASS THE PORK FROM PRAGUE PLEASE

If you are planning to travel to Prague in the Czech Republic, you might want to give up the no-carb, no-meat diet first. Prague's cuisine is very meat and potatoes based...not to say vegetarians should never go- there are plenty of veggie options...but, on almost every restaurant's menu, you will find Pork and Cabbage. Sometimes you will find their pork is served with sauerkraut, other times with red cabbage, but either way, it's a very simple meal, usually just served with Czech Dumplings (more like steamed white bread), spicy brown mustard, and a nice cold beer. I was in Prague this past June and ate a lot of this dish and wanted to share my recipe so you can try it and have people at your dinner table saying "Pass the Pork from Prague...Please."

RECIPE:

For the Pork Tenderloin:
- Season boneless Pork Loin (3.5-4.5 lbs) with salt, pepper, and garlic and place in heavy roasting pan.

- Cook at 475 degrees for about 40 minutes (let rest for 15 minutes before slicing)

For the Cabbage:

- Cut up some bacon strips into small pieces and fry in skillet. When done, remove bacon, but keep the drippings in skillet.

- Then add about 1 tbsp. of butter, then add cabbage (or sauerkraut), salt & pepper and cook for about 20 minutes.

- Serve the sliced pork (with its drippings as gravy) alongside the cabbage...and some applesauce and enjoy!