What's A Belle to Do?

I have to admit that I LOVE hanging out with the belles! That has to be obvious right? Anyway, since we are five different women with five different lives it takes a LOT of work to get us together. That usually means that we can't do a "belle" event on the whim. So what do you do when something great is going on and you want to attend and the belles aren't all available? You grab a friend and go!

The purpose of us deciding to be a travel group was to encourage each other to try new things, take on challenges, and develop strong friendships that will stand the test of time. As a belle we never want to discourage each other because we can't all get together and share the adventure. We also realize that while we are GREAT friends we aren't our ONLY friends!

This past weekend the chance to see Lady Antebellum and Tim McGraw in concert was too tempting! I grabbed a four pack of tickets from Ticketmaster and called a "girls night out!" Shannon was the belle available and I talked my sister and her friend Sara into joining us! We had a blast! Who can resist a girls night out that starts at noon???

Shannon and I headed up to Atlanta and hit one of my favorite spots: Vintage Village on Scenic Highway in Snellville. Love to rummage through little haunts that haven't figured that they could raise the prices about 3x's and they still would be offering bargains! I did mention I was with Shannon right? So, next stop of course -- TJMaxx! New shoes, new dress and a surprise for Angela all in about 30 minutes! On to my sis' to pick up the rest of the group and off to see the show!

We arrived in time to tailgate -- girl style of course. We dined on edamame salad, sushi, western salsa, hummus and london broil. We each enjoyed our favorite beverage of choice and enjoyed the scenery.

The concert was amazing! Lady Antebellum hold a special place in the heart of any Augusta girl like me. Tim McGraw was AWESOME as usual! Did I mention that he provides eye candy for no extra charge?

As great as everything was I realized that the experience of sharing time with friends and family was what I loved most! The belles have inspired me! Before becoming a belle I would have only thought about taking the day for myself. I have become empowered to celebrate the things I love. I have become challenged to make time for myself and my friends so that my relationships of all kinds remain solid. Finally, I have become aware that I am important and worth the expense (big or in this case little) and that I am worth it!

Lise recently did a girls weekend to Savannah with some of her friends and I realized that she too came back a different person. Angela just returned from New York with her son -- a dream come true! The belles may not be together all the time but we work hard at living vicariously through each other and encouraging each other to GO FOR IT!!!

Thanks girls!!! (oh, don't forget -- Next weekend Belle trip ;)

DOWN TIME

Ok,..... so it seems we have ALL been taking some much needed "down time" here on our blog.... well... nap time is over! We have a newspaper article, a magazine article (hopefully with the cover of us!!), the Peach Tree Road Race training/ race, a possible summer weekend trip to the beach and the Bellhopping Labor Day Girlfriends Cruise to get ready for. But I wanted to kick start this new wind with some ideas about the importance of taking a break from your girlfriend group, to get perspective. As women, we LOVE, well, really NEED the interaction we get from our close girlfriends. It's something guys still don't "get" and probably never will. But, sometimes we lose our perspective on important things, such as kids, husbands, households and jobs when we invest ALL of our time planning our next GREAT ADVENTURE. Now, hear me say, there is NOTHING wrong with planning that next big trip and getting everyone excited, but remember.... everyone includes ALL of the people on your support team as well.... the one's who WON'T be going.

I bring this up for us to all remember WHO it is that makes it possible for all of us moms, wives and worker-bees to go. Yes, you may be able to wiggle your way into one, maybe two trips without the blessings of your family and boss, BUT the fun will stop there.

Take some time to plan your trip, but in the down time, between the great big check marks on your bucket list, remember to play a lot more, enjoy the carpool line a little bit ( I KNOW it's hard), cook more favorite meals, and put a spring in your step at work.... this lets all of those "little people" know how much you love, respect and appreciate them.... and that YOU are a better person for them!!

What Makes A Good "Belle"

When trying to decide who you want to travel with, I think it is important to keep in mind the traits of any good relationship. Blake, Shannon's husband sent us this link saying that he thought "belles" should be the kind of person who would be in a healthy relationship. Although this is talking about relationships and one might think it would mean of opposite sex it also can be applied to ALL relationships! Take a look at this article and see what we consider to be qualities fit for a belle!

Not long ago, I published an article about six qualities to admire in others, and the response was extraordinary. I prefaced the article by saying that the six I mentioned were by far not an exhaustive list, but included those traits that seemed especially hard to find. In reading all of the comments, however, I was inspired to write a follow-up list that covers some of the other qualities that I, as well as others, believe to be important when looking for friendships and relationships with others.

Our relationships are vital to our mental well-being. However, toxic relationships can really do a number on our happiness and outlook on life. As a result, it is important to look for individuals who possess qualities that allow for healthyrelationships. Although, once again, not an exhaustive list, the qualities listed below are those that should be at the very heart of a healthy relationship. And, just as you would expect your friend, family member or loved one to display these qualities, it is just as important to reciprocate.

1. Loyalty: Whether it's in friendships or in family, loyalty is truly important to maintain a healthy relationship. All of us are guilty, at one time or another, of making mistakes, having ups and downs, and even displaying some behavior that we may not always be proud of. When we find friends or loved ones who can forgive us and stand by us…even during our worst moments…we should be especially grateful. That said, loyalty should never be taken for granted and we should always be deeply appreciative when it comes our way.
2. Respect: I once knew an individual who was very opinionated about political topics. She would talk down to people who disagreed with her and would be very disrespectful. Not only did she make people feel stomped on, but she left many disinterested in friendship. Treating others with kindness and the respect they deserve is important in gaining the respect that WE desire. It never feels good to be taken for granted, judged or used and it doesn’t feel good to be talked down to or treated rudely or inappropriately. There will be times that we may not always have full agreement with our friends or loved ones, but respecting them along the way is a must.
3. Unconditionally There: There is nothing worse than having someone always resurface in your life when they are in need, are looking for something or need a favor. In a culture of “you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours,” it is somewhat rare to find those “who just scratch your back,” period. Finding individuals who want you in their lives just because…and not because they want something in return is refreshing and worth holding on to. Those who are generous of heart are to be treasured!
4. Trustworthy: I once worked with a woman who, within my first week on the job, felt the need to tell me all of the intimate details of the various extra-marital affairs that had occurred with the management of the firm. She was supposedly friends with these people and I have no doubt, was told this information in the most strictest of confidences. How she felt it was appropriate to divulge this information to a new-hire like me, I still have no idea. But, it was her nature to gossip about everyone and everything. If you share something in confidence, you should be able to trust that the information will remain that way.
5. A Genuine Sounding Board: Taking a genuine interest in what others have to say and really listening to someone is important in developing solid relationships. Letting go of the “me, me, me” and focusing on the other person not only makes the other person feel valued and appreciated, but they feel that they can really talk to someone who cares. Those who take the time to really listen to our thoughts and feelings, and then help us work through difficult times and situations, share our lives at a much deeper level than those who don’t. These are individuals worth hanging on to.
6. Dependability and Following Through: I had a friend who frequently would RSVP to small gatherings and then would never show. They never explained…never brought it up…and never apologized. Although this example is somewhat trivial, it still makes the point. Obviously there are times when things come up that prevent individuals from following through on what they promise, but if a friend, co-worker or family member perpetually drops the ball, they may be sending you a message. If a friend says they are going to do something or be somewhere, you should be able to count on them. And, in reciprocation, they you.

What traits do you look for in a friend or partner? Are your relationships healthy?

THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT !

So, I have an iphone... and let me tell you, I don't know HOW I ever lived without it! Really, I don't WANT to remember. I can Facebook, surf and play Mancala during all the "downtime" in my life. Who could ask for more? Well, just when you thought it couldn't get any better.... I found BRAND NEW APPs, and they are just for travel!! I will tell you, I have only tested these, but I am sure they will really come in handy on my next trip to Europe or the Caribbean. All of these cost less than $3 a piece, and some of them were FREE!
Here's what I got : eCurrency (it is a currency converter for any place you may travel.... this is updated DAILY so you can make sure you are getting enough Euro for your Buck), Translate It! (a translator in 14+ languages), TripDeck ( an organizer for all of your trips and info that can link you directly to your airline to check in on your phone or connect with your hotel or rental car... really amazing!), The New York Subway Map, Eat-a-Rama ( which locates you and then all of the places to eat around you), Measures (converts American to metric measurements), AAA Discounts (just what it says), Urbanspoon( "local" joints off the beaten path), Vicinity (locates you and then sends you to Wikipedia to tell you something about the place, history, pubs, cafes, banks etc where you are standing.... it uses GPS... very cool!).

These things, in my opinion are a MUST and I am on the look out for more! Let me know if you you have AWESOME travel apps that I can add to my list.

Five Meals for Five Days Away

Why try? This is a great dish for entertaining or for a weeknight meal because you can make it ahead before baking and then refrigerate or freeze it to bake right before serving. If you freeze it, make sure to use a freezer-safe dish and allow it to thaw completely before baking.

Ingredients

• 6 cups pulled white chicken meat
• 24 ounces Mexican blend shredded cheese, divided in half
• 2 bunches green onions, tops only, chopped, divided in half
• 2 – 10 3/4 ounce cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 – 4 ounce can green chilies, chopped
• 3 cups sour cream
• 1 cup pitted black olives, sliced
• 12 – 6 inch flour tortillas

Preparation

• 1
  Preheat oven to 350°F.
  
• 2
  Combine half the cheese, half the green onions, cream of chicken soup, chilies, sour cream, and olive. Set aside 2 cups of this mixture for the topping. Add the chicken to the remainder for filling and mix well.
  
• 3
  Put 2 heaping tablespoons on each tortilla and roll up tightly. Arrange seam-side down in a single layer in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
  
• 4
  Spread reserved topping, sprinkle over second half of cheese and green onions. Refrigerate overnight or freeze.
  
• 5
  Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until hot, golden, and bubbling. Serve.
  

Why try? This is a great dish for entertaining or for a weeknight meal because you can make it ahead before baking and then refrigerate or freeze it to bake right before serving. If you freeze it, make sure to use a freezer-safe dish and allow it to thaw completely before baking.

New favorite from the Food Channel -- great and the kids love it!

When it weighs more, you pay more!

One thing I am learning about traveling via airplane is that the glamorous days of flying have become a thing of the past. Getting to experience a true "fun" time of flying is not what it used to be...case in point...the paying of your luggage! Checking in your luggage can be a total nightmare! Suitcases can only weigh a specific amount and anything over that limit is subjected to an increase in money due...and this isn't paid just when flying your suitcase to your destination...on the contrary...you have to pay it to get it back home too! You also pay per piece of each bag you check in...as of February 1st...some airlines are now charging 25 dollars per bag under 50 pounds. If you go over the weight limit, you are looking at 40 to 50 dollars just for that one piece! Let me tell you, it is hard to get that bag under 50 pounds! Especially when you are traveling to cold destinations where you are having to pack boots, coats and bulky items. Unfortunately, I don't think this will be going away anytime soon. But I am not a fan at all of this...I mean, its like an extra 50 bucks just to fly your luggage! On top of the 200 dollar airline ticket you just bought....and don't even think about anything "extra" on the plane. Blankets and pillows aren't free for use anymore and all meals have to be bought. You do however get a drink for free....isn't that special?? So the one thing I am really noticing now is that people are taking carry-ons instead of checking in their luggage. That is free and if you can pack light and not worry about taking with you any aerosols or big bottles of makeup then you have it made! My next blog is going to focus on the art of packing lightly. Something I am learning with each and every Belle trip I take. There are WAY too many other things I would like to spend my 50 bucks on...and it isn't flying my suitcase! Especially now that I have to BUY a NEW suitcase for my next trip since the lovely airline ruined my suitcase on our Sundance journey! I still haven't gotten over that! Flying though is still the best way to get to your destination...not having to spend all your time driving is so worth it! Having to deal with all the little nuances of the flying experience is just something we as travelers will have to do...whether we like it or not!

Jet Setting on the "CHEAP"... FOR REAL??

So, I guess by now you are thinking to yourself.... "yeah, those trips sound great, I'd LOVE to do something like that"......"but that's not something I can afford.... that's for RICH people". Well, I'm here to tell you, YOU can afford it.... it's NOT just for RICH people.... Lord knows none of us are! So, let me tell you HOW to do it. There are 3 main ideas you need to embrace in order to start your worldly travels with your girlfriends.

The first is TALK. You need to start talking to everyone involved in your trip planning process, especially your support network. Your support network is the KEY link in this whole process. They will be the ones who pick up your kids from school, do homework, and put them to sleep at night. They will manage the household duties that you usually perform. So, it is important to talk to them and help them understand the importance of girlfriends hanging out and bonding ALONE for a few days, here and there. It's important to let them know you need to keep/find your identity as a woman, not JUST a mom, wife and daughter.

Next is PLAN. Planning is KEY (see Leslie's post). It will enable you and your friends make the best / cheapest decisions well in advance. When I took the Belles to Vegas for my 40th birthday, I had to make the RIGHT decisions to get as many people there for the lowest amount of money.... I used Hotwire for my FABULOUS rooms at the Wynn and my rental car.... and I checked airfares daily! Ultimately I sent myself and 4 other girls to Vegas in a 5 start hotel for 3 nights (including airfare) for less than $1000. That was a result of early and intense planning.

Thirdly is SAVE. This is the most important part for those pinching pennies. I am not suggesting that any one "break the bank" on this one. In fact, I am suggesting just the opposite. There are two ways to go about this.... the first is to set up your own bank account and be dedicated to add to it every WEEK. Why do I say week? Well, it's because it is HARDLY NOTICEABLE from the family finances if you are careful about how you save AND you cut back on small things every week. For example.... one way I saved money was to cut two trips to McDonald's out a week (that saved $25 a week!!!) SO, then you live up to your "cutbacks" go directly to the bank and deposit it there. Now, the second way, and what I am trying to implement for The Belles, is PAYPAL. I suggest setting up a Paypal account that all of the travelers have access to and decide on an amount ($20-25 a week) that is good for all the girls. Just know that if you choose too low of an amount, it may not be taken too seriously, so STRETCH yourselves… it will increase your dedication to the trip AND your friends.( 425/week = $100/month which means 2 “bigger “ trips a year!) Why Paypal? Well, it is not only easy access (we all use our computers constantly), but it keeps everyone "onboard" and motivated because they all can see who has contributed and how much.... sometimes peer-pressure is not so bad.

So, make the cut-backs (5 Starbucks = $25) so if you combine 2 Starbucks + 1 McDonald's trip....Voila... You'll be Jet Setting in NO TIME!!