How To Book The Right Hotel

    If you’re not use to traveling finding the right hotel can be daunting. Sure you’re technically just ‘sleeping there’ but is it close to where you’re going? How much is it? Despite the idea of ‘just sleeping there’ reviews can make a difference. You’re not only sleeping there but I’m sure you also want to shower there too?

Ask Around/Get An Idea Of Where You Want to Stay

One of the first things I do when I’ve decided my destination is ask around to see if anyone has been to where I’m going. If so I ask for suggestions on neighborhoods they recommend and which they suggest to avoid. Although they might not know all the neighborhoods it gives me a starting point. If no one I know has been to where I’m going then I head to the Internet to read blogs.

Google Maps

I always visit Google Maps to search hotels. I look for hotels closer to the area I will mostly visit and one that has a subway close by (if that’s there main form of transportation). If I’m looking for a hotel out of the country and I want to take a shuttle I make sure the shuttle (via their website, like Super Shuttle) can go to that zip code. Yes, I’ve picked a hotel they weren’t able to go to.

Tripadvisor

Check the hotel! Read the reviews, check what amenities the hotel(s) carry and the distance to main attractions. Look for shuttles, free parking and air conditioning. Some international hotels don’t have A/C so make sure to check.

Price

Lastly, make sure your not going over your price range. In other words you don’t have to break the bank to find a decent hotel. Look for discount codes and use Ebates when booking hotels. Ebates offers cash back on hotels the amount varies though so check the site for details. Also, check the actual hotel site. Sometimes the hotel site is cheaper than booking say through Orbitz with a discount code. Remember when you stay also affects the price. Summer is usually higher but so can winter depending on the city.

Happy booking!

-Melissa

The First Thing I Learned Before Wearing Makeup

     I remember when I was young I was excited and interested in wearing make-up. I remember my aunt’s exact words ‘if you’re going to wear make-up, you’re going to have to learn how to take care of your skin’. She was right.  When I first started taking care of my skin I started out using Neutrogena. I learned the do and don’ts of taking care of my skin; a lot of it was trial and error like learning I was allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide. As I’ve gotten older I follow the same rules: making sure my skin keeps clear (as much as possible) because I wear makeup. Now if you look in my bathroom cabinet there is various brands and not one is Neutrogena. As an adult I learned Neutrogena isn’t right for me again a lot of trial and error.

-Melissa 

Origins Zero Oil Deep Pore Cleanser

      On a whelm I decided to purchase this and truth be told I didn’t think this product would work as well as it did. I had my reservations regarding this product namely the price. However, I find that I get along with most Origins products which compelled me enough to buy and try it. Let me break this down, I am addicted to skin care so when I see a product that might help my skin keep it the way it is or with the occasionally break out consider it bought.

With this you need smaller than a pea size amount for your entire face. I only use this around my cheek and chin area. I use the smallest amount possible, rub it between my hands and for maybe 30 seconds rub this in circular motions on my face. It does contain a scent. Ever smelled Paul Mitchells Green Tea Shampoo? It smells just like that…minty. To be quite honest it feels like a mini spa except this contains syslic aid which helps with acne. I’ve been using this every morning after I use my daily facial wash (Cetaphil Facial Wash) and I have found results. My skin is clearing up and quite faster than me normally placing acne medicine on a break-out.

Yes, this product can be considered expensive at $22 fro 5 oz but you don’t need very much to begin with. This product can easily last you over a month, if you use it like I do. I can easily tell you that this will be a repurchase.

-Melissa