Backpacking in Europe

One of our members recently posted in the forums that she's about to leave for an extended trip to Europe. Too bad she's so nice in real life, 'cuz we'd really like to hate her right now!

Her question was:

"I'm taking a summer course in Rome for a full month and then backpacking through Europe! I was wondering if anyone has any advice about backpacking through Europe? I know I need to pack light... but can anyone suggest some important things to pack?"

I have traveled quite a bit, although never as a backpacker. Still, based on my years living there and knowing loads of other people who have done this sort of trip, I offer the following packing list:

*1 pair of walking shoes (these should be sturdy enough if you hike on a mountain trail, yet clean enough that you won't feel embarrassed trekking through the streets of London)

*1 pair of cute flip-flops (easy to pack, but should have a little flair to wear with a dressier outfit)

*1 sarong (double-duty as beach wrap and a wrap skirt/dress)

*3-4 basic T-shirts/tank tops (don't pack white because of staining), plus one more to use as a pajama

*2 tops w/ long sleeves

*2 shorts

*1 pair capri pants

*1 pair jeans/long pants

*1-2 nice items in case you want to dress up (but they should not be bulky or prone to wrinkling, and only if you have space)

*5-day supply of underwear and socks

*2 bathing suits (in case one is wet from the day before)

*2 towels (1 for beach, 1 for bath if you stay at youth hostels)

*travel-sized toiletries (they are as easily available in Europe as here, so you can always stock back up)

*small supply of laundry soap, plus string to hang stuff up to dry

*rain slicker/collapsible umbrella

*light jacket

Note: Make sure everything you take can be worn in at least 3 combinations to maximize your wardrobe potential. Add a few accessories to jazz up an ordinary outfit for going out.

*Other: a few extra batteries for your iPod, watch, camera (most battery sizes are also available in Europe, too), a spare storage card for your digital camera (in case one is lost or you can't download regularly), 100-200€ (Euro) in cash, some traveler's cheques (don't rely too heavily on these; they can be very inconvenient to cash), credit cards (safest bet is MasterCard or Visa), photocopies of your documents (passport, credit cards, etc - so you can more easily report something missing).

*Don't bother with: electrical items (e.g. hairdryer, etc. - because you'll need a converter. If you have a power conversion on the unit, you'll still need a wall socket converter. These are available here or in Europe and cost less than $5), translation dictionaries (most Europeans can speak fair English, unless you can find a handy book that covers several common languages), cell phone (unless you have one that has European coverage - get a phone card from your residential provider that will get you better rates than a pay phone and you can use from most European countries)

Assuming you'll be staying at youth hostels, make sure everything you pack can be washed in a bathroom-sized sink. There are laundromats, but you never know when you'll be near one! Find out if you'll need to bring your own linen (in which case stick with a light sleeping bag. Bring a pillow case that you can stuff your clothes into for a makeshift pillow).

Stop by your governmental office(s) and pick up some small national paraphernalia to exchange with friends you'll meet on the road (example: flag pins, keychains, etc). You might even get some of that stuff for free.

Plan to travel by train; hitchhiking is not only dangerous, it is also illegal. Check out your rail options - depending on your plans, you may opt for a cheaper milk-route-type ticket. Decide now if you want to see as much as possible, or would rather concentrate on a few areas you'll explore more thoroughly so you can look into overnight accommodations ahead of time. It will be most convenient if you stick to countries that use the Euro, so you won't have to bother with conversion costs.

Be choosy when shopping for souvenirs, because you'll need to drag them around with you. Take a ton of pictures instead, and only buy truly unique and memorable keepsakes.

Has anyone else done a trip like this? Please leave your suggestions in the comments!

And Artist, have a fabulous time!

Lise Watier Toscana: Summer 08

The new "Tuscany" collection from Lise Watier is really stunning. I received a package recently containing their glittery eyeliners, Toscana eyeshadow quads, pink marble blush and gloss sticks. I of course tried it all immediately.

The collection is an homage to the charms of Tuscany. Lise Watier envisioned her latest summer collection to reflect its natural yet refined beauty. Having been there myself I can see why she chose it for her inspiration. The olive groves, rolling hills, cypress trees and miles of vineyards and breathtaking vistas make Tuscany the perfect muse for pretty much anything.

"Enhanced by velvet or pearl finishes and made exquisite by soft, hydrating textures; the coloration this season plays with light for an artful effect that is both pure and sophisticated. A smouldering eye, sun-kissed face and sultry mouth are essential to the look, one that’s open to suggestion, mysterious and sensual."

This makeup is really fun to put on. Everything glitters. The Pink Marble Blush is a swirl of pink, bronze and coral that add a beautiful sheen to the cheekbones.The Glitter Pencils (aka eyeliner with sparkles in it) are really interesting. Normally I would balk at this idea: how much sparkle does a non-Vegas Show Girl really need? But the result is just a hint of extra twinkle that actually looks really beautiful. The pencils are soft even with the added sparkles, and the colour selection is really fun and fresh.

The Toscana Quartets are just too pretty. I fell in love with the gold, coppery shades and the emerald greens. The shadows are baked on ceramic following the latest processes of Italian cosmetics manufacturing. Refined and light,the tints are silky-tetured, soft,luminous and long wearing.

The Gloss Sticks are infused with olive oil so lips feel moisturized while looking beautiful. Lise Watier Toscana 2008 collection is available in select stores.

Shop Crawl Tix 50% sold out!

Ticket sales are going fast so if you want in, you'd better act now!

National Denim Day with Debbie Travis

Join the CURE Foundation in its fight against breast cancer, by wearing denim and donating $5 on National Denim Day, this Tuesday May 13th, 2008.

Over 11 years ago, CURE launched NATIONAL DENIM DAY, its main fundraiser. This event is held on the Tuesday following Mother’s Day. Employees from companies across Canada show their support by wearing denim and/or a “pink flower ribbon” for a suggested donation of $5 to the CURE Foundation. The CURE Foundation is a national, non-profit foundation that provides funding for breast cancer research and awareness. So far, over 13 million dollars
have been raised!

All the funds raised enable the CURE Foundation to support research and technology in order to provide the means for early breast cancer detection, prevention and, one day soon, a CURE.

For more information on the CURE Foundation, visit www.curefoundation.com or call 1-888-592-CURE. 1-888-592-CURE
www.curefoundation.com

ChickAdvisor Shop Crawl Tickets Now On Sale!

Get Tickets Here

Here's some additional info about the participating boutiques:

*Girl Friday - Get 20% off regular priced items. Girl Friday is a Queen Street favorite and features fabulous women's clothing by designer/owner Rebecca Nixon at an affordable price point. It's a one stop shop for everything from stylish dresses and spring coats, to Dish denim, shoes and accessories.

*MODA - Get 25% off everything. MODA carries super stylish yet affordable womens and mens clothing. They have a wide selection of designer apparel and European brands. The boutique is stunning.

*pho pa - Get 20% off everything. This boutique is a hipster favorite with a wide selection of clothing, belts and jewelry.

*COAL - Come Out and Live - Get 20% off everything and when you spend $50 or more the night of the Shop Crawl get a free COAL tank top (value of $25). Another new hot spot on the strip, they carry designer jeans, tops and accessories for men and women.

*Balisi - Get 20% off everything. This store is like candy. Their colourful shoes, accessories and clothing for men and women will have you drooling.

*Body Blue - Get 20% off everything. They carry an awesome selection of designer jeans and tops. Think Sevens, Citizens for Humanity, Free People, Mackage, Mavi, Diesel. The expert staff here will help you find the perfect jeans for your butt. At 20% off, you're looking at saving $20 - $40 a pair. Unheard of.

*Brazen Hussy - Get 20% off all Brazen Hussy regular priced merchandise, or 10% off all sale Brazen Hussy merch or non- Brazen Hussy labeled items. We couldn't pass up this adorable boutique. Their sassy t's and sexy one of a kind pieces and jewelry are highly covetable.

*Charlie - Get 20% off everything. Peruse the beautiful clothing from Toronto designer Erin Swan. Like Girl Friday and Brazen Hussy, this is an awesome opportunity to purchase a Canadian Designer label at an unheard of discount. You will fall in love with this store.

You'll each be walking away with a swag bag worth over $60 that includes:

*CoverGirl Lashblast Mascara
*CoverGirl Wetslicks lipgloss,
*CoverGirl LineExact liquid eyeliner
*Secret Slimmers
*Airplus for Her Ball of Foot
*Haircare products and Bodywash from Dove and more!

Over $500 of Prizes to be won including:

* An organic and vegan beauty basket from Aliviar Organic and Vegan spa worth over $100
* $100 gift certificate from Girl Friday
* Win what you bought, under $100 from ChickAdvisor (winner determined by a fashion show for the best outfit purchased that night from participating boutiques)
* More beauty gift baskets, our popular "Chick" t's and more!

The After Party
Details are coming soon. Check in at our blog and the Shop Crawl page!

Buy Tickets


Check out the video from our last Shop Crawl

Mondaze Report: In need of a Pick-Me-Up

Good Monday morning to you all! (or is it?)

Yet more evidence that Mondays suck. At this moment, the headlining story over at MSNBC is of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in China said to have killed at least 5,000 so far and collapsing hospitals, schools, factories and more. They know of at least 900 children trapped in one school alone. Coming off Mother's Day weekend (and being a mom myself), this seems especially tragic and we know that the worst news is yet to come. Please keep these frightened people and affected families in your thoughts and prayers!

This comes after last week's tornadoes in the southeastern US (and Yours Truly was in the path, spending all of Thursday evening glued to the stormcast reports. Everyone else in the area got walloped but we didn't even get so much as a good show), the ongoing aftermath in Myanmar, and other weather events around the world that have put so many people in harm's way.

After all that bad news, I actually didn't mind reading the sugary sweet recap of Jenna Bush's weekend wedding. I was going to blatantly steal a few pics for this post but then thought better of it... well, you can view them here. I'm not a Dubya fan at all, but seeing him as the proud Papa made me melt just a wee bit. This is what happens when I'm hit with hard news: I turn into the biggest sap ever.

This Friday I'm taking my daughter to opening night of Narnia: Prince Caspian. That's enough momentum for me to slog through this week, and then some of you will see me at this month's muchly anticipated Toronto ShopCrawl - whoo hoo! If it warrants, I'll give you my 2¢ on the movie next Monday.

Still feeling a little crotchety though. My Peeve of the Week goes out to all of you who misuse quotation marks. Recent radar hits:

~ "Please", cash only. "Thanks" (@ the local corner store) - um, what? Is this a substitute for saying it out loud? What are the quotes for?

~ an obnoxious person at the soccer field using airquotes during a gabfest, but bracketing every word with them. I just wish I would have been sitting downwind 'cuz I would've gotten a nice breeze. And what am I to make of the conversation? That either everything she was saying was a citation of someone else's work, or that she is being ironic? Or that she doesn't know how to use airquotes?

~ Abusers of apostrophes beware: you're probably on the chopping block next week, so clean up your act! Contractions and possessives only please. Plurals should never be apostrophized. Ya been told.

Whew, I'm glad I got that off my chest.

Ciao, chickies!

The ChickAdvisor Shop Crawl Part 3!

On Thursday May 29, 2008 from 6-9pm, we're taking on the hippest shopping destination in Toronto. Back by popular demand, ChickAdvisor members and friends will head out for our third Shop Crawl: a night of shopping partying and mingling.

We've lined up discounts from the coolest boutiques on West Queen West between Bathurst and Trinity Bellwoods Park. Then, join us for an after party with drinks, prizes and free swag from our sponsors!

The Scoop:

When: Thursday May 29, 2008 from 6-9pm followed by an after party

Participating Sponsors: CoverGirl, Secret, Airplus for Her, Aliviar Organic Spa... and more!

Participating Boutiques:

Girl Friday - Get 20% of regular priced merchandise and enter to win a $100 Gift Certificate to Girl Friday at our after party.

MODA - Get 25% off everything.

Body Blue - Get 20% off everything!

pho pa - Get 20% off everything!

Charlie - Get 20% off everything

Brazen Hussy - Get 20% off all regular priced Brazen Hussy merchandise or a 10% discount on all sale Brazen Hussy items or non Brazen Hussy merchandise.

COAL - Come Out and Live - Get 20% off everything and when you spend $50 or more, get a free COAL tank top (retail value of $25)

Balisi - Get 20% off everything.

Tickets: $20 each for ChickAdvisor members (you must be logged in to get that price) or
$25 for non-members (no log in required). ChickAdvisor membership is free :)

There are a limited number available and we have sold out every time, so if you want in, you'd better act fast. Tickets are now on sale! Buy Tickets

Special thanks to our friends at...