ESCAPE TO SHAPE: CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

My friends at Escape to Shape just emailed me to let me know that there are just a few suites still available for their Cartagena, Colombia trip this coming November. This will be their last trip for 2010. If you have been contemplating joining this amazing cultural adventure, which combines luxury, fitness, culture and cuisine, now is definitely the time to take the plunge! You'll enjoy an unforgettable week of luxury in a private colonial villa within the ancient city walls, daily pilates, yoga, boot camp classes, salsa dancing and Spanish language lessons, cultural discoveries, delicious cuisine, relaxation, bonding and beach time. Imagine how incredible it will be to pamper your body, mind and spirit for a week in this charming, sophisticated, festive and truly magical historical city. (Read the travel magaines...Colombia is one of the hot up and coming jet set destinations. Escape to Shape is ideal for solo travelers, friends and couples. Guys don't tune out, plenty of men go on these trips every year!

Date of Trip: November 7-13, 2010

Cost: On average about $3,000

FASHION FRIDAY: EAR FLAP HATS

When I jet setted to Iceland in November, I noticed that many people were wearing earflap hats to keep warm. Since it was chilly, my friend Laura and I went ahead and each bought a furry earflap hat from the popular store there for cold weather gear- 66* North.Their slogan is "Keeping Iceland Warm since 1926," and they live up to their words. They carry hats, gloves, scarves, coats, etc., and you see people all over Iceland wearing their stuff. My friend Laura and I couldn't resist when we saw almost every woman walking around downtown Reykjavik in one of these hats. It cost about $70USD for one, but we both wore ours the entire trip, and we figured, even if we never wear them again after leaving Iceland, who cares? We've gotten our money's worth.

Well, fast forward a month- and here it is now freezing in New York, and I'll tell you I have not taken this hat off! Walking around the city these days, you will see everyone (women, men, and even kids) wearing furry earflap hats. My sister told me that my 8 year old niece even wants one. So I went on a search to see what cute styles are out there and this is what I found:

1- Free People has this cute Faux Fur Hat: $68

2- TOPSHOP has a couple of cute styles and colors: Around $35













3- Forever 21 has this adorably cute Pom Pom beanie: $8.80
4- Eddie Bauer has a Faux-Fur Bomber Hat: $39.50
5- And for the kids...Gap has this cute Furry Trapper hat: $19.50
(Gotta find this one for my niece before X-Mas!!!)

EVERYONE NEEDS A LITTLE NAPA

Napa Valley is one of my all time favorite destinations in the U.S. I went out there a couple of years ago with one of my best friends and had an amazing time, but swore to myself that the next time I go it will definitely have to be with my husband. Napa is just so romantic. So when we do book our trip, the place where I want us to stay is The Wine Country Inn & Gardens.

The Wine Country Inn has been around since 1975 and is family owned and operated...I just love that because you always get the warmth and attention you deserve when you stay at a place like this. The inn is built well off the highway and is surrounded by vineyards. They have a pool, jacuzzi, spa, complimentary breakfast & afternoon appetizers as well as a free restaurant shuttle to take you into town so that you can relax, drink wine and not have to worry about driving. Rooms range from $250-$600 a night, depending on which room you choose and what time of year you jet set to Napa valley.

The Holidays are around the corner, so now is the perfect time to go...and take a look at the great things happening there this time of year:

October: There are still many days in the 80's & 90's temperature-wise...so take your bathing suit and enjoy the Napa Valley grape harvest while you're there.

November: The Inn holds its annual Ode to Olive celebration (November 19th-22nd) where you can taste different olives, olive oils and cheeses.

December: Head there for a romantic New Year's Eve celebration with your honey. They have a special dinner for $75 per person which includes a four-course meal with wine right at the inn...and also a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

GET READY TO LAUGH YOUR HEAD OFF!

Laugh, chuckle, giggle, crack up, howl, roar, or split your side...whatever you call it, get ready to do it because the New York Comedy Festival is coming to town November 4th-8th! Comedians including Dane Cook, Mario Cantone, Ricky Gervais, Tracy Morgan, and Bill Maher will be performing all around the city...and the list of comedians does go on beyond who I've mentioned. Ticket prices range from around $30-$80...depending on which comedian you go to see and what venue you go to to see them perform. As for my jet setters who do not live in or around New York City, check out New York Comedy Festival for some great hotel rates for the week.