Improving Life on the Road: Inspired Creative Minds

Traveling a lot certainly has its ups and downs (yes.. literally). One of the surprising “ups” is stumbling upon marketing and design brilliance, sometimes in the most unexpected places. For me (admitted marketing geek) I get true inspiration from creative, elegant and insightful solutions that demonstrate deep understanding of the plight of the customer. And…

Language is Never a Barrier if You Have Pasta

Professionally I have a unique opportunity to work with people all over the world. Generally though the people I work with speak English (or at least some). I am definitely one of those pathetic Americans that only speak my mother tongue. Not that I haven’t tried. I studied French for several years, Latin for a…

A Girl’s Weekend in Austin

Austin is the perfect destination for a Girl’s Getaway. It’s a clean, manageable, friendly and fun city and frankly.. there is just so much to do. If I were designing the ideal weekend here for a trip with my girlfriends there are several “must do’s” to ensure a memorable, relaxing and fun time for all….

Memories Last a Lifetime. Blenders Die.

I was not a traditional bride. I know. Not shocking for anyone who knows me. You probably don’t even have to know me WELL to guess that. Yes, it’s true. The white wedding, church/synagogue ceremony, bachelorette party thing was just never my m.o. I get why so many girls grow up planning and envisioning their…

When Good Service Brands Go Bad

Think of brands known for service and you think of Nordstrom, Enterprise Rent a Car, Ritz, Virgin Airlines, Zappos, Starwood. These are brands known for differentiating themselves by their service DNA. And yet, sometimes even the brands that are known for getting it right, get it wrong. Somehow this is even more devastating then if they…

Who Has Hobbies Anymore?

“So, what are your hobbies?” The question completely stumped me. What, you mean like painting, or woodworking, or basket weaving or something?  It was our second date and he was trying to get to know me better.  It was a sweet question to which I had no answer.  Who has hobbies anymore?  I work, I…

My Emotional Food Journey

Food is such a basic need. It’s sustenance for your body, yes. But it’s so much more. Many of us have a love hate relationship with food. I love the way you taste – Tater Tots – but I hate the way you make me feel (especially when I eat half the bag). Food is…

Where to Stay and What to Do in Austin

One of the coolest parts about living in Austin is that we have a steady stream of visitors and guests.  If I had a dollar for every time I’ve been asked where to stay and what to do? Well… I’d at least have a hundred dollars. 🙂 Every time I am asked though.. I whip…

Anointing a Small Southern Town

Charleston , South Carolina.  Just returned from my first trip to this charming, enchanting town.  It drips with history, southern hospitality and slow, elegant grace.  With its horse drawn carriages, Georgian and Neoclassical influences, cobblestone streets and root-impregnated sidewalks bursting from towering, ancient trees overhead, it’s a meld of New Orleans, Savannah and a bit…

The “Timeshare” Pitch – Does This Seriously Still Work?

On a recent trip to Mexico my husband and I somehow got sucked into attending a timeshare presentation. Sorry. “Vacation residence”. Entirely different. We are both experienced real estate professionals and incredibly cynical and suspicious consumers (and individuals). I suspect it would shock many to know that we succumbed to this temptation. In fact it…

I Love Trashy Gossip Magazines

There. I said it. Yep. I admit it. They are a guilty pleasure. I love reading about the tragedy and triumph in the lives of beautiful and talented actors and actresses.. and strangely even the dirt about the decidedly less beautiful and clearly less talented hacks of “reality” TV. What is up with that? I…