People will always lift you up

I don't know how many times I need to learn this lesson over but I always find it to be true. Tonight I wanted to attend the Tri-Chamber of Commerce mixer and I was so exhausted after a long day (and already long week) but I told myself that it's a wonderful opportunity for networking. Networking, for me, is an opportunity to not just meet new people (who may also be new clients) but also to enhance relationships I already have with people. And I like the socializing too. But tonight I was just exhausted. I just wanted to go home, strip off the biz clothes and shoes, and put my feet up. I did not go home and I went to the mixer. It was a crowded one and at first I wanted to turn around and go home. I didn't. I went in and after a couple sips of some wine, I started mingling and chatting and introducing. I fell right into the routine and started enjoying seeing people and hearing what had been going on with them. A few friend were there I could hang with. I realized I was enjoying myself. It never fails that to be around wonderful like-minded people always invigorates and energizes me. I just need to remember that each time I feel not quite up to attend a business function to think of the osmotic energy at the event will help me rise to the occasion.

Dealing with Job Transition

I've had many transitions this year, and I found this article to be a very concise way to deal with some of the changes one may encounter. You may have experienced going from one job to another, being laid off a job and being unemployed, starting your own business, or going from being self-employed to working for "the man" again. Any transition will make you feel uneasy and unsure. I especially find # 5, 9 & 10 to be helpful but they are all excellent tips. Don't go this alone, talk about your fears and hopes with others. And most important, look forward to this new chapter in your life!

Top 10 Ways to Cope with Job Transition

Job transitions can be stressful—whether they’re due to layoff, a new job or working extra hours because others workers were laid off. If you’re facing one, consider the following.

1. Take an honest look at yourself. What are your strengths, weaknesses, skills? How did those influence—positively or negatively—your transition?

2. Step up your self-care. Major changes are physically and emotionally taxing. You need self-care now more than ever.

3. Engage your curiosity. What went wrong, or right? What could you have done better? What worked really well?

4. Focus on what you want, and less on what you don’t want. Keep your eye on the prize.

5. Find support. Since your transition affects your family as well, it may be better to seek the outside support of friends or professionals.

6. Work on your thoughts. Calm your fears and reinforce your sense of hope and happiness.

7. Reassure (or avoid) those who are threatened by, or jealous of, the change.

8. Create your own rite of passage. Ceremony and ritual help with all transitions.

9. Let go of how things were “supposed to be” and accept “how things are.” Find appreciation for what is.

10. Keep things in perspective. Or try on a new perspective. Don’t get stuck. Remember, the only constant is change.

Smart Traveler: How to Pack for an International Flight

These are some of the best tips you will find when packing for a trip. I always follow these rules and am rarely disappointed I took the extra time and effort to follow them. I have an excellent template for packing lists so if you need help developing one of your own, email and let me know.

Smart Traveler: How to Pack for an International Flight

Whether your suitcase gets lost in transit or you simply forgot to pack something, smart packing can save you from scrambling in a foreign country to replace travel essentials. Be prepared to handle any unexpected travel snafus by follow these 5 packing tips for international trips.

Packing Tip #1: Make a packing list. Every destination has unique packing needs, so start with a list of items that you'd need for any trip. Then customize your list by adding items that depend on the weather and duration of your trip. It may be helpful to keep a smaller bag packed with basic travel essentials, such as medication and cosmetics, so you don't risk leaving items behind. Create a list on your computer and print it out, or write it out by hand. You can also download Frommer's free iPhone app, which includes a handy packing-list tool. However you do it, check off items as you go, and don't forget to include accessories, such as cell-phone chargers and camera batteries.

Packing Tip #2: Research your destination. There are an infinite number of variables when it comes to international travel. Finding a bottle of potable water might present as much of a challenge in one destination as buying your favorite shampoo or sunscreen in another. I once planned a 700-mile trek from Beijing to Shanghai after nearly running out of deodorant, for example. That near-disaster ended up providing a hilarious excuse for an incredible adventure, but I still would have preferred to make the trip on my terms, not because I needed to replenish essential supplies. Also, keep in mind that the voltage and plug style may (and likely will) differ abroad, so check ahead (I typically use search terms like "UK Plug" on Google) and buy an adapter before you go. Most electronics are dual-voltage, but check your power adapter before plugging in. Keep in mind that hair dryers and curlers are not electronics, and most of these items are not dual-voltage capable.

Packing Tip #3: Check a bag. You may be able to check up to two 50-pound bags free of charge on your international flight, so check with your airline before you fly. You'll still want to bring a carry-on just in case your baggage doesn't arrive on the same flight as you do, but checking a bag even on quick trips can allow for more flexibility when returning home. At the very least, bring a carry-on bag that can then ride below on your trip home (any liquids purchased abroad will need to be checked, and duty-free purchases may be confiscated if you have a connecting flight in the U.S.) If checking more than one bag, split items evenly between each bag, just in case one bag arrives and another does not. Use this approach when packing for family trips as well. Also, keep in mind that restrictions on domestic checked baggage have made their way to some other countries, so plan ahead if you have an intra-country flight during your trip abroad.

Packing Tip #4: Carry it on. While checked luggage may come in handy on your way home, consider the worst possible scenario when packing a carry-on bag: that your checked bag may not arrive on time. You should keep vital supplies, including medication and a couple days' worth of clean clothes, with you on the plane. I carry the same large backpack on every flight, and each essential travel item is (informally) assigned to a specific pouch or zippered compartment. That way I don't need to dig around to find a pair of earplugs, and if my passport goes missing, I'll know right away.

Packing Tip #5: Use Space Bags. The infomercials may initially have pulled me in, but space-saving bags really do work wonders. Now I won't travel without them. I use the generic version -- purchased at Target (www.target.com) a few years ago -- but these bags can really make a difference when packing for long trips. These bags allow you to pack several clothing items, zip the seal like a sandwich bag, then roll out all the air, which significantly reduces the volume of packed items. I use one bag to pack a full-size pillow in my carry-on for use on long flights, and use the rest of the bags in my checked luggage. Even if you can fit everything without them on the trip over, the bags still may come in handy when accommodating souvenirs on the way home.

This is certainly not an all-inclusive list, so use your best judgment when packing your bag. It may also be helpful to take note of items you wouldn't mind having on your next trip, and consider updating your list as you go.

Come See Luxe at the Five Cities Women's Trade Show

I will have a booth this year's Five Cities Women's Network Trade Show this year! It is being held Tuesday October 12 from 11:3 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. (that's tomorrow!). It is being held at the Mission Inn of Pismo Beach (on James Way at the corner of Hwy 101).

I invite you to come visit me and many other great local businesses that have services and products to help you make your life easier and more productive. You can also meet and mingle while enjoying some appetizers and refreshments. There will also be fabulous raffle prizes you can win!

So spend an hour and come to this great event to network and stop by and say hello!

Travel Fees: The Norm, The New Norm, And The Strange

I've been subject to many travel fees over the years but recently they have really increased. As the travel and hospitality industry try to keep rates low and entice travelers, they tack on or increase fees. I've been recently subjected to resort fees in Vegas and elsewhere in the US, service fees from travel vendors, and baggage fees on airlines. Can you believe paying $25 per bag on an airline? Yup, I paid $50 for my bag and my husband's ba to fly just last week - and that was each way! Sure, rates and fares are low but you have to watch out for the hidden (or not so hidden) fees that can really add up. You need to weigh the costs between low fares or rates and additional fees that may be attached. It's all about the convenience you want and the cost you are willing to pay when traveling!

What is the strangest travel fee that you've encountered?

The single biggest news story in 2010 has been about all of the extra fees that airlines are charging as a way to supplement flagging revenues. In the second quarter alone, the airline industry picked up $2.1 billion in extra fees and charges. In our October Readers' Choice issue, on stands now, we reported the somewhat unsurprising news that among all the many clever new fees, your absolute least favorite charge was the dreaded baggage fee. (Fortunately, with some planning and the right bag it is possible to get by with a carry-on and avoid the checked-bag fee.)

Consumers and travel industry professionals are starting to rally together. A collective of groups submitted a petition with thousands of signatures yesterday via the web site, MadAsHellAboutHiddenFees.com, to the Department of Transportation. The goal? To force the airline industry to create greater transparency about fees during the booking process. (Look for the final ruling in Spring 2011.)

While baggage fees (and airlines in general) are getting most of our attention, I'm curious to hear about other weirdo charges you've noticed on a bill recently, whether on a cruise, at a hotel, or at the rental car checkout counter.

What are some new and bizarre—and perhaps patently unfair—fees you've been stuck with in your travels?

Why not post your own experience with fees here or check out responses at Budget Travel.

Posted by: Nina Willdorf, Editor in Chief, Friday, Sep 24, 2010, 3:58 PM