Dorothy's Ruby Slippers Come Home to New York

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Have you ever dreamed of walking in someone else's shoes, perhaps Dorothy's slippers from "The Wizard of Oz?" This post is about a once in a lifetime opportunity for that certain mother or daughter... could that be you?


On December 5th in the Tea Room of New York's swanky Hotel Plaza Athénée (yes, a very long way from Kansas, Dorothy), you'll be able to dine on petit fours while ogling the actual Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in the original "The Wizard of Oz." This unusual High Tea will take place from 4pm-6pm and costs $75 per person.

The private viewing of the red-sequined pumps (in the book they were silver but in those early Technicolor days the director declared they had to be red) marks their brief visit to New York City prior to being auctioned in California by Profiles in History. According to their owner, this pair was used when Dorothy clicks her heels three times to return to Kansas, stating “There’s no place like home.” The slippers are currently appraised in excess of $3 million and if you really really want them, auction information can be found on the website www.profilesinhistory.com.

"We are extremely proud to organize this magical afternoon which is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season," said Bernard Lackner, General Manager of the Plaza Athénée. "Our hotel has had a long history of welcoming some of the greatest movie stars from Hollywood. Hosting the Ruby Slippers is nothing short of hosting a moment of American movie history."

According to Mr. Lackner, all attendees will have a "unique opportunity to have an up close and personal look at the iconic pair of shoes." Alas, you will not be able to walk in them but the encounter is sure to be... magical.

To reserve your table at the Hotel Plaza Athénée, please visit the site or book with Cheryl Plonski at 212/606-4635.

I'm Dreaming of a Snowmass Family Holiday

To contact us Click HERE
Have you been following the monthly Families Dream Big vacation giveaways on MyFamilyTravels.com? If not, they're pretty cool, and this month the Big Dreamy Destination is Aspen Snowmass, Colorado.  If you play along, comment on winter sports, check in on Facebook, sign up for the e-newsletter or visit the partner sites www.TakingTheKids.com or www.TravelingMom.com, you get a chance to win.


But we know some of you are already planning to hit the slopes in Colorado this winter. And if you're lucky enough to be in or near Snowmass by New Year's Eve, here's a helpful roundup of the fun holiday activities -- many of them free or very low cost -- that you can expect when you're off the slopes.

From tree-lighting ceremonies to a torchlight parade to Santa’s magical presence, Snowmass is snow-covered in holiday cheer.

Free Kids Crafts  Every Tuesday & Thursday at 3:30-4:30 pm
Kids make free special handmade souvenirs of a Snowmass vacation including picture frames, pillows, and scarves to holiday ornaments.  Meet at the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center. 

Free Kids Sing-A-Longs & Storytelling Every Monday & Wednesday at 3:30-4:30pm
Kids gather around the campfire to hear some of the tallest tales in the West by master story tellers and sing with a guitar strumming cowboy.  Free for all ages.  Free s‘mores.

Letters to Santa  December 6-24
If your children have a last-minute Christmas wish, make sure the jolly old fellow hears about it by dropping off a note in his personal mailbox located on the Snowmass Village Mall. Selected letters are published in the local newspaper, the Snowmass Sun.

Maroon Bel Canto Children’s Chorus Christmas Concert December 12, 6pm
The Maroon Bel Canto Children’s Chorus, now in its 3rd season, performs a Christmas Concert at Snowmass Chapel. There is no charge for this heart-warming concert.

Anderson Ranch Arts Center Open House December 13 5pm to 9pm
For art lovers, there is an Open House & Live Art Auction at Anderson Ranch Arts Center (970.932-3181) which includes a tour of the art studios via candlelit walkways with hundreds of luminaries. The event is free and open to the public. Activities include children’s ornament decorating, a trunk show with personal appearances by artists – jewelry, ceramics, paintings and more, a Live auction of select artwork by nationally and internationally known artists to fund the Ranch's amazing work, and if you book ahead, a wonderful holiday dinner in the Ranch Café priced at $20.

Santa's Village & Carolers-a-Caroling  December 21-24, 2pm-4pm
The North Pole comes to the Snowmass Village Mall and Base Village when Santa’s magical village opens to hear the last minute requests of good girls and boys. Complimentary photos with Santa are offered daily. December 23rd and 24th carolers and a barber shop quartet stroll through the mall and Base Village singing favorite Christmas Carols.

Torchlight Parade with Fireworks  December 28 at 5pm
Whether viewer or participant, the annual torchlight parade down Snowmass’ slopes looks magnificently luminous!  Moms, dads and kids ages 8+ are invited to be part of the trail of light down the mountain. Free fireworks after the parade. For more information, stop by the Guest Services Information Desk in the Ticket Pavilion on the Snowmass Mall or call 970.923.0560.

Holiday Events at The Silvertree Hotel December 6-30
From the Loving Tree Ceremony on December 6th to the New Year’s Gala at the Cabaret Room, the Silvertree Hotel (800/837-4255) is decked out for the season.  Enjoy Holiday music in the lobby from December 12th through the 24th, visits with Santa from the 20th through the 24th and Christmas Eve with stories from Santa by the fireplace.  The kids can decorate gingerbread for free on December 23. Local authors, Jill Sheeley and Johnny Boyd tell stories on December 29th and 30th and the kids can decorate gingerbread cookies for free on the 23rd. Celebrate the festival of lights at The Silvertree Hotel. The Menorah is displayed in the lobby with plenty of dreidels and gelt for everyone to enjoy.

Snowmass Chapel December 24 at 7pm and 9pm
The Snowmass Chapel holds two candlelight protestant services with chamber orchestra, Christmas Handbell and Vocal Choirs on December 24 at 7pm and 9pm.  

New Year’s Eve Events for all Ages
Ring in the New Year in Snowmass with gourmet feasts at local restaurants to rockin’ live music and dancing into the wee hours of the night, Snowmass celebrations abound including: Artisan Handcrafted Cuisine and Sage Restaurant and Bar offer epicurean menus, intimate settings, and the ideal romantic way to celebrate the New Year.  The Silvertree Hotel hosts its 20thth Annual New Year’s Eve Party with party favors, champagne, open bar, music, dancing, balloon drop and pizza buffet at midnight.

America's Top Holiday Lights Celebrations

To contact us Click HERE
With Thanksgiving behind us, it's time to focus on local celebrations for the winter holidays. There's no better time for a road trip to see holiday lights displays and enjoy local festivals than the weekends in December and early January.

If you can get away weekdays, even better because the crowds diminish and the craftspeople have more time to show off their wares.  Start flipping the pages for a look at 52 favorite destinations for holiday lights.



Conner Prairie in Indiana is just one of the places going all out for the winter holidays. 

For example, you can take a ConnerPrairie by Candlelight tour:
Dec. 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22; Start times for tours are staggered from 6 p.m.-9p.m.
Set on Christmas Eve in 1836 Prairietown, take a 60-minute evening tour to seehow different residents celebrate the holidays – all by candlelight. Join theUllmans’ Hanukkah celebration, meet the German Pennsylvania Santa Claus, warmup around a bonfire shindig and sing and dance at the Campbells’ holiday party. Reservations required at (317) 776-6006.

Or you can visit this historic village during Winter Fun Days –
Dec. 26-Jan. 6 (closed Jan. 1); 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Avoid the post-holiday blues with some wintertime fun! Visit Lenape Indian Campto learn about the science of baking, enjoy a chocolate-making demonstrationand a story by the fire. Inside the Featherston Barn, guests will learn aboutwinter survival skills like trapping and fire-starting. The Welcome Center willhost puppet shows, singing and games. If you have ever wondered what ouranimals do during the winter, stop by the Animal Encounters Barn. And join usDec. 26-29 when ANIMALIA will discuss and show off a variety of animals duringWinter Critter Chat.

Enjoy our 52 Holiday Lights Delights e-zine and share your thoughts on favorite light shows near you.

Barcelo Hotels - What's Mayan is Yours!

To contact us Click HERE
I love the Barcelo Hotels. For an all-inclusive chain with a range of price-points, they always seem to deliver what our clients are expecting. You do get what you pay for in the Caribbean & Mexico, so being able to meet and even exceed expectations of your guests is a hotel's greatest achievement. 
Barcelo Hotels are celebrating the end of the Mayan Calendar with a Spa Discount Promotion...
What's Mayan is YOURS! 
Temazcal Ritual (80 minutes) 
Regularly $55
Mayan Package Promotional $35

Mayan Ritual Foot Treatment (25 minutes)
Regularly $45
Mayan Package Promotional $30

Chaya & Cucumber Body Wrap (50 minutes)
Regularly $120
Mayan Package Promotional $60 

{Restrictions apply - please inquire!}


I was at the Barcelo Cabo in August and took a few photos... enjoy my album here.

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Dorothy's Ruby Slippers Come Home to New York

To contact us Click HERE
Have you ever dreamed of walking in someone else's shoes, perhaps Dorothy's slippers from "The Wizard of Oz?" This post is about a once in a lifetime opportunity for that certain mother or daughter... could that be you?


On December 5th in the Tea Room of New York's swanky Hotel Plaza Athénée (yes, a very long way from Kansas, Dorothy), you'll be able to dine on petit fours while ogling the actual Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in the original "The Wizard of Oz." This unusual High Tea will take place from 4pm-6pm and costs $75 per person.

The private viewing of the red-sequined pumps (in the book they were silver but in those early Technicolor days the director declared they had to be red) marks their brief visit to New York City prior to being auctioned in California by Profiles in History. According to their owner, this pair was used when Dorothy clicks her heels three times to return to Kansas, stating “There’s no place like home.” The slippers are currently appraised in excess of $3 million and if you really really want them, auction information can be found on the website www.profilesinhistory.com.

"We are extremely proud to organize this magical afternoon which is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season," said Bernard Lackner, General Manager of the Plaza Athénée. "Our hotel has had a long history of welcoming some of the greatest movie stars from Hollywood. Hosting the Ruby Slippers is nothing short of hosting a moment of American movie history."

According to Mr. Lackner, all attendees will have a "unique opportunity to have an up close and personal look at the iconic pair of shoes." Alas, you will not be able to walk in them but the encounter is sure to be... magical.

To reserve your table at the Hotel Plaza Athénée, please visit the site or book with Cheryl Plonski at 212/606-4635.

I'm Dreaming of a Snowmass Family Holiday

To contact us Click HERE
Have you been following the monthly Families Dream Big vacation giveaways on MyFamilyTravels.com? If not, they're pretty cool, and this month the Big Dreamy Destination is Aspen Snowmass, Colorado.  If you play along, comment on winter sports, check in on Facebook, sign up for the e-newsletter or visit the partner sites www.TakingTheKids.com or www.TravelingMom.com, you get a chance to win.


But we know some of you are already planning to hit the slopes in Colorado this winter. And if you're lucky enough to be in or near Snowmass by New Year's Eve, here's a helpful roundup of the fun holiday activities -- many of them free or very low cost -- that you can expect when you're off the slopes.

From tree-lighting ceremonies to a torchlight parade to Santa’s magical presence, Snowmass is snow-covered in holiday cheer.

Free Kids Crafts  Every Tuesday & Thursday at 3:30-4:30 pm
Kids make free special handmade souvenirs of a Snowmass vacation including picture frames, pillows, and scarves to holiday ornaments.  Meet at the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center. 

Free Kids Sing-A-Longs & Storytelling Every Monday & Wednesday at 3:30-4:30pm
Kids gather around the campfire to hear some of the tallest tales in the West by master story tellers and sing with a guitar strumming cowboy.  Free for all ages.  Free s‘mores.

Letters to Santa  December 6-24
If your children have a last-minute Christmas wish, make sure the jolly old fellow hears about it by dropping off a note in his personal mailbox located on the Snowmass Village Mall. Selected letters are published in the local newspaper, the Snowmass Sun.

Maroon Bel Canto Children’s Chorus Christmas Concert December 12, 6pm
The Maroon Bel Canto Children’s Chorus, now in its 3rd season, performs a Christmas Concert at Snowmass Chapel. There is no charge for this heart-warming concert.

Anderson Ranch Arts Center Open House December 13 5pm to 9pm
For art lovers, there is an Open House & Live Art Auction at Anderson Ranch Arts Center (970.932-3181) which includes a tour of the art studios via candlelit walkways with hundreds of luminaries. The event is free and open to the public. Activities include children’s ornament decorating, a trunk show with personal appearances by artists – jewelry, ceramics, paintings and more, a Live auction of select artwork by nationally and internationally known artists to fund the Ranch's amazing work, and if you book ahead, a wonderful holiday dinner in the Ranch Café priced at $20.

Santa's Village & Carolers-a-Caroling  December 21-24, 2pm-4pm
The North Pole comes to the Snowmass Village Mall and Base Village when Santa’s magical village opens to hear the last minute requests of good girls and boys. Complimentary photos with Santa are offered daily. December 23rd and 24th carolers and a barber shop quartet stroll through the mall and Base Village singing favorite Christmas Carols.

Torchlight Parade with Fireworks  December 28 at 5pm
Whether viewer or participant, the annual torchlight parade down Snowmass’ slopes looks magnificently luminous!  Moms, dads and kids ages 8+ are invited to be part of the trail of light down the mountain. Free fireworks after the parade. For more information, stop by the Guest Services Information Desk in the Ticket Pavilion on the Snowmass Mall or call 970.923.0560.

Holiday Events at The Silvertree Hotel December 6-30
From the Loving Tree Ceremony on December 6th to the New Year’s Gala at the Cabaret Room, the Silvertree Hotel (800/837-4255) is decked out for the season.  Enjoy Holiday music in the lobby from December 12th through the 24th, visits with Santa from the 20th through the 24th and Christmas Eve with stories from Santa by the fireplace.  The kids can decorate gingerbread for free on December 23. Local authors, Jill Sheeley and Johnny Boyd tell stories on December 29th and 30th and the kids can decorate gingerbread cookies for free on the 23rd. Celebrate the festival of lights at The Silvertree Hotel. The Menorah is displayed in the lobby with plenty of dreidels and gelt for everyone to enjoy.

Snowmass Chapel December 24 at 7pm and 9pm
The Snowmass Chapel holds two candlelight protestant services with chamber orchestra, Christmas Handbell and Vocal Choirs on December 24 at 7pm and 9pm.  

New Year’s Eve Events for all Ages
Ring in the New Year in Snowmass with gourmet feasts at local restaurants to rockin’ live music and dancing into the wee hours of the night, Snowmass celebrations abound including: Artisan Handcrafted Cuisine and Sage Restaurant and Bar offer epicurean menus, intimate settings, and the ideal romantic way to celebrate the New Year.  The Silvertree Hotel hosts its 20thth Annual New Year’s Eve Party with party favors, champagne, open bar, music, dancing, balloon drop and pizza buffet at midnight.

America's Top Holiday Lights Celebrations

To contact us Click HERE
With Thanksgiving behind us, it's time to focus on local celebrations for the winter holidays. There's no better time for a road trip to see holiday lights displays and enjoy local festivals than the weekends in December and early January.

If you can get away weekdays, even better because the crowds diminish and the craftspeople have more time to show off their wares.  Start flipping the pages for a look at 52 favorite destinations for holiday lights.



Conner Prairie in Indiana is just one of the places going all out for the winter holidays. 

For example, you can take a ConnerPrairie by Candlelight tour:
Dec. 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22; Start times for tours are staggered from 6 p.m.-9p.m.
Set on Christmas Eve in 1836 Prairietown, take a 60-minute evening tour to seehow different residents celebrate the holidays – all by candlelight. Join theUllmans’ Hanukkah celebration, meet the German Pennsylvania Santa Claus, warmup around a bonfire shindig and sing and dance at the Campbells’ holiday party. Reservations required at (317) 776-6006.

Or you can visit this historic village during Winter Fun Days –
Dec. 26-Jan. 6 (closed Jan. 1); 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Avoid the post-holiday blues with some wintertime fun! Visit Lenape Indian Campto learn about the science of baking, enjoy a chocolate-making demonstrationand a story by the fire. Inside the Featherston Barn, guests will learn aboutwinter survival skills like trapping and fire-starting. The Welcome Center willhost puppet shows, singing and games. If you have ever wondered what ouranimals do during the winter, stop by the Animal Encounters Barn. And join usDec. 26-29 when ANIMALIA will discuss and show off a variety of animals duringWinter Critter Chat.

Enjoy our 52 Holiday Lights Delights e-zine and share your thoughts on favorite light shows near you.