Live from the Wienermobile: Getting Lush for T-Giving

Here's the latest on-the-road dispatch from our Wienermobile girls. You can read more about their hot dogging adventures by clicking here

Molly and Selena: We’re a little bit spoiled when it comes to traveling. Driving across the country in a Wienermobile means we (almost) never have to haggle with TSA agents, fork over cash for our baggage or dash to catch connecting flights. Plus, the whole back of the Wienermobile (check out the picture) is storage for office supplies and luggage, so we don’t stress about carryon-sized anything.

Now we’re heading home for some turkey. When it seems like the entire nation is cutting back on holiday travel, we know we’re lucky to make it home for Thanksgiving at all – but that doesn’t make the fit-it-into-a-carry-on dilemma any easier, particularly when it comes to liquids.

Which is why we’re intrigued by Lush’s solid shampoos. (http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/hair/solid-shampoos) Packaged like bars of soap, they’re supposed to lather up like any other shampoo and could theoretically double as bodywash. As a bonus, they come in delicious-sounding scents like Godiva and Jumping Juniper.

We haven’t yet gotten our hands on the shampoos or the solid Jungle Conditioner (http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/hair/conditioners/jungle), which the British-based company lists as a best seller. If the bars work as well as Lush’s other products, though, we’ll be ditching our Ziplock baggies come Christmas.

Have you used these shampoos? Or better yet, do you have any genius tips for keeping carryon bags TSA-friendly?

North Carolina: The Writing Retreat

ADP: On Saturday, I flew down to Tampa and drove 9 hours north with my family to Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Dad and his wife Nadine bought a house there a couple years ago (before the market started crashing) and they constantly drive up to take advantage of the solitude and spectacular views.

This year, there were several reasons that I felt strongly compelled to join them, and here they are, in no particular order:

1. Turkey Day: Rather than the massive extended family gathering that we typically have at my Aunt's and Uncle's place in Courtlandt Manor (an hour north o f NYC) Dad, Nadine and my sister Jenn decided that we'd rather retreat to the mountains and do our own subdued affair.

That by no means translates to less food consumed. Dad Pressner fancies himself quite the gourmet chef, and has been planning our feast for days and possibly weeks on end. All I have to do is show up, gorge, and promise to wash a few dishes. You know, after my nap.

2. Impending deadlines: Um, so we're a little behind on the deadline for our book. It's not due yet (Jan 30th, to be exact) but we're not exactly putting the finishing touches on our first draft either. Eep! 

Earlier this year, through a trial and error, we realized that you can't expect to write a full-length memoir at night after putting in 10+ hours a day at work. That's why, in August, The Lost Girls once again made some pretty big lifestyle changes: Jen quit her job, Holly stopped accepting freelance assignments, and I negociated a part-time gig at my magazine. Since then, our fingers have been flying on our respective keyboards, but we all needed to get away this month to really concentrate (we're all bad at turning down social activities and other must-do events at home). Jen's in St. Augustine with her folks, Holly's in Syracuse with her mom and sisters, and I'm in Maggie Valley.

Since arriving at the NC house, I've been able to fully throw myself into the chapters, and write in a much more comfy/cozy environment than my cramped apartment. I leave the house once a day to walk down the hill, get exercise, and maybe go on a grocery shopping run. In early December, we're turning in the first half of the book to our editor (told you were were behind!) so fingers crossed. 




3. My Jack O'Lantern Smile: Okay, this might gross a few of you out, which is why I seperated this from the turkey day post. Last Friday, I had to get some dental surgery with resulted in my front right tooth getting taken out. Ahhhh! They're replacing it, of course, but for 6 months, I have to wear a "temporary." Its not the most awesome thing that can happen to a girl, but I'm so grateful to have a week and half or so where I can rest, heal and not see anyone besides my family. They're having a blast making hillbilly jokes, but I actually think that I look a bit more like Alfred E. Newman (the guy on the Mad Magazine covers).

At the very least, my new look helps give me this healthy new perspective on all of those upcoming deadlines....

What, me worry?

Stay in New York on the Cheap

HCC: For those of us on a backpackers’ budget but who want to stay within walking distance of New York’s trendiest neighborhoods, The Jane Hotel opened its doors this fall. The restored waterfront building has rooms for just $99 a night and is next to the legendary Meatpacking District, West Village, and Chelsea.

Granted, these rooms—modeled after luxury train or ship cabins—are only 50 square feet and have communal bathrooms down the hall. Still, what they lack in space they make up for in character (the building was once a sailors’ stomping ground, after all). Plus, each room comes equipped with free Internet, air conditioning, and flat-screen televisions.

There’s another upside to the meager room size: Guests are more likely to get out and mingle in the lobby. More upscale than the hostel scene, the space was once a ballroom before being converted into the Jane Street Theater. The owners, who also created the chic Bowery and Maritime Hotels, are replacing the lobby’s wall of windows with a French-door lined terrace, as well as adding a sauna to the tiled pool in the basement. And for those who crave a little more sleeping space, you can opt for one of the 50 rooms at 250 square feet with private bathrooms—for about double the price tag.

Live from the Wienermobile: Escape to Oz

Here's the latest on-the-road dispatch from our Weinermobile girls. You can read more about their hot dogging adventures by clicking here

by Selena Armendarez and Molly Ferges

We’ll be frank: We’ve been giddy about our trip to Wamego, KS since it was scheduled (around the time of our first hurricane, back in July).

With a quaint Main Street and picturesque windmill, the small town would be a pleasant stop for an afternoon of fudge samples and antique shopping…if you hadn’t been a Wizard of Oz fan since birth, like us.

But Oz fans we are, and Wamego is Mecca.

Each year, the town of about 4,000 brings in more than 30,000 visitors – all thanks to the State of Kansas-funded Oz Museum, which enjoys plum Main Street real estate. Now, the town is flush with Wizard-themed businesses, including Totoz Tacoz, a Mexican restaurant and the Emerald City Market, a gourmet food shop.

Sheepishly, we loved it all. The town was touristy, the theme restaurants cheesy and the gift shop stocked with frivolous souvenirs, but Dorothy and her pals hold a special place in our hearts.

As kids, we both obsessed over this film. We rewound so often that the Wicked Witch lost her fear factor, Halloween costumes rotated among characters, and red shoes were de rigueur.

The museum didn’t disappoint. A sepia farmhouse opens up into a Technicolor display of L. Frank Baum memorabilia, a Haunted Forest replica and life-size movie figurines. We reveled in the nostalgia, but at some point we realized the movie isn’t too different from our own cross-country adventure: We spend plenty of time outrunning extreme weather, shopping for shoes, and journeying to new lands.

Love, Marriage, and Wine

HCC: My sister, Sara, got married last month. Rather than celebrate her dwindling days as a single woman by hiring a cheesy stripper to perform (why pay for something when a woman can get it for free? Ha!), or going on a beer-fueled pub crawl, we opted to do a wine tour through upstate New York’s Finger Lakes region.Dozens of wineries dot the shores along Seneca, Cayuga, and Keuka Lakes. Plus, the climate is perfect for growing grapes that churn out crisp Reisling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

We loaded ten women into a limo that picked us up at my sister’s house in Syracuse for the tour through Seneca Lake. A cooler packed with beers, cheese, crackers, and other snacks provided sustenance for the 50-minute ride to the trail. Sara may have been spared the lap dances, but her caring friends still forced her to wear a tiara that said “Bachelorette” and to sip wine out of a phallic sippy cup.

With over 36 wineries to choose from, we decided to not be overly-ambitious (for Sara’s livers’ sake) and chose to visit just four. We kicked off the tour at Hazlitt’s, started in 1852 and best-known for their Red Cat brand, and plopped down at a picnic table to split a bottle of Bramble Berry wine (I’d recommend only if you like sweet dessert wines).

Next we headed to spot perfect for Jerry Garcia fans: Rasta Ranch Vineyards. Here we sampled the Greatful Red (dry, berry finish); Piece of my Heart (described as “a jug Janice would be proud to drink”); and Purple Haze (a light, fruity red). You can pretty much guess the ambience: Joplin music in the background, tie-dye tees for sale, and burning incense.

Next was Wagner's, which all you beer lovers will be happy to know is both a winery and brewery. Being Columbus Day weekend, the lines were out the door—I’d definitely recommend making reservations for this popular vineyard. There’s a restaurant onsite, and you can take your wine selection to the patio for panoramic views of the vineyards and lake.

Our final destination was Three Brothers Wineries & Estates, which only recently opened. With three wineries to choose from, we of course picked the one touted as being “for those who have a lot more fun in a dive bar.” So we followed a dirt trail to the edge of a pond for the “backwoods bayou tasting room” known as Rogue’s Hollow Winery. Upon arrival, Sara was thrilled to discover that her tiara-wearing self wasn’t the only form of live entertainment: Our group ended up getting the dance party started outdoors while listening to the two-man band (well, a man and his talented 10-year old son who was playing the harmonica, trumpet, and a handful of other instruments).

While autumn is the perfect time to visit because of the leaves turning blazing shades of red, yellow, and orange, winter is a fine time to come as well. You’ll miss the crowds and have a better opportunity to learn about the winemaking process, since the owners won’t be as crazed. Plus, you can sample vino on the cheap with the , which allows you to pay $10 for unlimited visits to dozens of wineries from December 8th to April 13th (tasting fees at each are usually $1 to $4). To really enjoy yourself and not have to worry about driving or planning, try signing up for a Finger Lakes Wine Tour.

Cool stuff: Damn Good Candy Canes!

ADP: Christmas came a little early to my cubicle this year. One of the candy companies that I work with in my job as a food and nutrition editor (I know, tough life) sent me a box of these pink and white striped canes. Normally, I can take or leave anything minty (except those powdery squares typically offered in a big glass jars at Chinese restaurants) so I distributed half the box amongst my co-workers.

So uproarious wast the reaction to this little edible gift that I had to unwrap a cane and try it for myself.

Holy sweet Santa! The mint factor was incredibly mild, almost creamy, and when I actually took the time to look at the package, I discovered that this candy is made with just four organic ingredients (cane juice, brown rice syrup, peppermint flavor and fruit juice).

Since they're only 62 calories each, I'm eating my second one as I type this. I may have a third later. Gotta say--this made a far superior snack to the sugar-free Peep pumpkins I had yesterday.

Live from the Wienermobile: Boycotting the Chains

Here's the latest on-the-road dispatch from our Weinermobile girls. You can read more about their hot dogging adventures by clicking here

Molly and Selena: CBS News reported last week on a trend that we’re noticing all too often as we criss-cross the country: struggling local business.

As often as possible, we hit up local restaurants. The food is usually tastier, the service more personalized, and we’re always happy to give our money to a community business instead of a corporate chain.

But as the economy sinks ever lower, there just aren’t as many of those mom-and-pop joints.

In Springfield, Missouri last month, we pulled up to Tortilla’s, a family-owned Mexican restaurant. The owners stepped outside to snap a photo of the Wienermobile – and tell us that they had closed shop two days ago, for good.

In search of espresso and pie in a Houston suburb in September, we detoured to a local coffee shop…only to meet the owners who were shutting off the building’s water and electricity that morning.

The CBS piece focused on a shuttered Elkhart, Indiana barbecue joint and spelled out just how troubling the situation is all around—for entrepreneurs, for their employees, for local culture. Least of all, it’s disappointing for travelers like us who want a bite of something authentic.

The silver lining? We’re more determined to skip the chains. Fellow Lost Girls, are you with us?

Is Venice Really Sinking?

ADP: Earlier this month, my boyfriend Jeff and I were invited to join a group of journalists on a five day whirlwind tour of three Italian cities—Venice, Florence and Rome. I've been trying to stay close to home lately (writing the book has been a study in discipline for me, as there's always something more distracting and immediate to attend to) but neither of us could pass up the chance to explore some of the world's most culturally relevant sites. Plus, my friend Courtney told me that in Italy, they have a rule that you must eat gelato eat least once a day to stay fit and healthy. So, we both signed up for our absentee ballots, packed our bags and booked the tickets to the first city—Venice.

I'd been to the City of Bridges nine years ago with fellow LG Jen Baggett right after we graduated from Florida State, and predictably, we absolutely fell in love with the place. One of our favorite spots (and arguably, the most recognizable) was Piazza San Marco, or San Marco Square. The summer we were there, gathering places was absolutely packed with tourists, photographers and pigeons, the latter of which flew around artistically for photos before dropping back down to collect breadcrumbs.

Jen and I paid some ridiculous amount of lire (this was in the pre-Euro days) to sip cappuccinos along its perimeter and sample finger food from tiny bowls. Up until that summer, I'd sort of hated olives...squishy little black things that came from jars and ruined an otherwise perfectly good slice of pizza. That day, I tried a fresh, ripe, deliciously perfect green olive no doubt picked somewhere nearby and delivered, still warm, to our table. One bite, and I became a devotee.

During our stay in summer of 2000, the was warm, the skies azure and cloudless, and it was nearly impossible to imagine that that the rumors were true. Venice couldn't be in any danger of sinking....could it?

Nine years later, I observed the answer to that with my own eyes—and feet. On Halloween morning, our group disembarked from a taxi boat and entered San Marco Square, only to find that it was completely flooded. The only way to move from one side to another was to walk across a serious of raised wooden walkways, or passarelle.

This path snakes across the square and actually continues inside the Basilica...the water level has gotten so high that completely covers the intricate mosaic tile floors of the cathedral. As we walked through, I could see tiny little streams of bubbles rising from the ground. While there was so much beauty to look at all around me in the church, it was all I could do to avoid looking down and wondering what kind of damage all of this water is causing. Our guide told me that the flooding is worst from late October to April, when changes in the weather and tides bring even more water the Adriatic Sea into the Venetian lagoon.

Whether or not Venice is still sinking—or if its reached a critical point where the flooding won't get any worse—is still being debated by engineers and city planners (PBS devoted a whole series to the topic). Most experts, however, generally agree that it's still slowly going down. Several massive construction projects have been proposed to hold back the tide, and keep the rush of acqua alta (high water) from completely drowning the city.

In May 2003, the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi approved the building of The Gates, a wall of hinged barriers at each of the three entrances to Venetian lagoon that would rise at the flick of a switch to block extreme high tides from entering. The should be finished in 2011.

Until then, tourists will just have to resign themselves to hopping across the passarelle or packing a pair of Wellingtons in their suitcase. Locals, as the have been for hundred of years, will simply seek out higher ground during the floods, and go about life as usual.

The Longest Trip

The Lost Girls have come across three other Lost Boys named Stephen, Dean, and Devin. They're starting a website, called The Longest Trip, about looking for answers to everything from which city to call home to how to make a living doing what you love.

"The Longest Trip started out as more of an abstract concept of traveling day-to-day through life. In the end, the hope is to take that abstraction and apply it to an actual journey, such as maybe a cross-country roadtrip," says Stephen Bailey, one of the masterminds behind the idea.

If you're in NYC on Thursday, November 13, check out Solas (232 East 9th Street) for their launch party. The Lost Girls and, of course, Lost Boys will be there, and we'd love it if you stopped by to say hello.

The World’s Largest Marathon: New York City

HCC: My favorite way to explore any city is to run or bike through it. And I was lucky enough to be able to join 39,000 people running through all five boroughs for the ING New York City marathon last Sunday. More than 100,000 people applied from all over the world.

I took the Staten Island ferry to the starting line and ran the 26.2 miles across the Verranzano-Narrows Bridge, through the Hasidic Jewish and hipster neighborhoods in Brooklyn, past the melting pot of Queens, over bustling Manhattan, into cheering crowds in the Bronx, and finally crossed the finish line in Central Park. It was like running through dozens of countries in a single day. The best part was by far the two-million spectators: Kids supplied candy and squealed in delight when runners gave them high-fives, bands rocked out with live music, and people yelled your name in encouragement if you displayed it on your shirt.

The biggest difference I noticed this year from when I ran it back in 2002 was the plethora of politically-charged signs: Spectators waved messages such as “Yes, YOU can!” and “I can see the marathon from my backyard.”

My goal was to break four hours, and I did it by one minute (3:59!). Scarlett Johanssan’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, finished the race in 3:50. British Paula Radcliffe took first place for women (again!) when she crossed the line in just 2:23, and the men’s prize went to Brazilian Marilson Gomes Dos Santos, who sprinted the course in just 2:08.

I hobbled my way post-race to meet my friends at The Parlour, an Irish pub on the Upper West Side, where I refueled with French fries, ice cream, and a celebratory Guiness.

Photo Credit: ING New York City Marathon

Live from the Wienermobile: Relish Your Vote

Molly and Selena: With record voter turnouts expected, a woman up for Vice President and an African American vying for the presidential slot, today's election promises historic results – and we can't help but feel the energy. We don't care if you're red, blue or purple. Just relish your right! We already have.