Recently, I had the opportunity of attending an artist research residency just outside of Ottawa, Canada, which proved to be a great excuse for a fall road trip and a breath of fresh air for a few days.

*Guest Post

The residency, via the Ayatana Artist Research Program, was focused on bio-artists and artists inspired by nature and science and it encouraged hands on research, adventure, experimentation and collaboration between various other artists.

Inspiration by nature was easily achieved by our surroundings at the Pine and Birch Ranch, which is nestled on the banks of the impressive 10-acre Pine Lake in rural Quebec, a half hour from Ottawa, for those who choose to fly *(recommended), or just under an 8 hour, very scenic drive from the NY and Boston metro areas. This time of year was peak season for the Ranch and those adventurous looking to make a road trip, as the fall foliage was spectacular!

Around the ranch we found many unique settings for painting and creative collaboration, whether inside, nestled up to the 18-foot fire place at the Ranch house or in the great outdoors, amongst the horses, cats, dogs and other wild animals who inhabit the ranch. This property was absolutely perfect for our artists’ retreat and also ideal for family reunions and other small group getaways…anybody getting married soon?

One evening, we even ventured out to Wakefield, the nearest town, about 4 miles away to get a bit of change in scenery and check out the local scene. It was a pleasant surprise to see that Wakefield was a quirky, bilingual village boasting some fantastic French country style dining options, Café Chez Eric and Café Pot au Feu, both of which received top accolades from members of our group.

The long ride home, returning from Pine and Birch Ranch provided more inspiration in the multi colored vistas and also served as a great time to reflect on the lovely, relaxing and peaceful retreat I had just finished, not to mention a little wishful thinking that I could return next year, come fall.

Guest Post Written by Kristi Beisecker of KGlyphics

Edited by Jetsetter Gypsy

The celebration of Halloween, a typical American holiday now extends way beyond the borders of the United States and is shared by kids an of all ages the world over.

As much as we all love Halloween, some of us “kids at heart” aren’t always able to celebrate, costume and all, as the real world often gets in the way.

For me this year, that’s exactly the case. On Oct. 31^st instead of handing out candy to trick or treaters then heading to a costume party later in the evening with friends, I’ll be enjoying an all night flight. Yes, I’ll probably have some vino on the plane, maybe some pumpkin soup in the airline lounge and who knows, perhaps the flight attendants will have on some festive accessories, and who knows, but I’m sure that will be the extent of my celebration.

In an effort to look festive for Halloween, apart from my seasonally appropriate dark metallic orange luggage, I’ve found a few ways to accessorize my look without calling too much attention to myself by the TSA agents or any other serious adults I may encounter on this “Spooktacular” day.

Halloween Nail Art

*Photo via Glamazonblog.com

Already one of my favorite ways to accessorize while traveling year round, nail art allows you to express yourself in a more subtle, yet colorful way, while also protecting your nails from breakage while handling luggage and hiding the dirt and grime from your journey. So pick your favorite Halloween nail art look and rock it while adding smiles to the faces of those who notice in even the most serious of scenarios.

Bat Patterned Tights

*Photo via Asos.com

This demure yet slightly batty pair of stockings are discreet enough to wear to the office with a black shirt dress or suit, yet they leave you feeling festive all day long. Only if they came in a compression tights version, I’d gladly wear them on my long plane flight on Halloween.

Halloween Brooch

*Photo via 1000Jewels.com

Add a ghoulishly glamorous sparkle to your look with a Halloween themed crystal brooch. Clever placement of a unique brooch can really make or break an outfit and I’m loving this Swarovski Crystal Skull and Cross Bones model available at 1000 Jewels. Attach to the side of a thin black belt and you’ve instantly got a chic and festive look.

I’ll never forget my favorite Halloween costume, a Money Tree, which I created myself and wore during the height of the economic crisis in the US, 2009 out for a crazy Halloween night in New York City.

It was a total hit, as those down on their luck were out drinking their sorrows away and following me around trying to steal the fabric dollars off of the money tree and everyone else was lining up to take their picture with “Miss Money Tree”.   Even the workers at the local West Village watering holes recalled my costume upon my return months and years later.

Yes, that was a once in a lifetime experience, that can’t be recreated… being one of the most unique and celebrated costumes of Halloween in NYC, and really, it was more about timing than creativity.

Although I’m not trying to advocate you travelers to pack a huge, pipe cleaner constructed, tree branch head dress in your suitcase, it still should be the ultimate goal to leave an impression on the Halloween party that you attend or your mark on the town where you celebrate. No need to copy my idea verbatim, as timing is everything and luckily we’ve improved our economic standing as a country in the recent years, so I doubt the Money Tree would be the same smashing success.

In an effort to be timely, here are some creative “current event related” costume ideas that are equally ground breaking and travel proof, and best of all, not store bought.

1. Your Favorite ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Celebrity – Whether it’s George W Bush getting the ice dumped over his head on the terrace of his home by his wife Laura, doable with George W president’s face mask, or spicing it up in a black bikini like Gwyneth Paltrow, as long as other party-goers will know who you are, it’s sure to inspire a few laughs and photo ops.

*Photo via UsMagazine.com

2. The Odd Couple of the Year “Jay Z and Solange – Yup, that’s right, not her big sis Beyonce.  For couples, this one is easy to recreate…He can wear a tuxedo with a white jacket and she and orange cocktail dress. If there’s no orange cocktail dress, just wear a black afro wig and any colorful cocktail dress…Solange’s MO for most red carpet events. Throughout the night and during photo ops, Solange look alike can jokingly beat upon and kick Jay Z while he maintains complete composure.

 *Photo via People.com

3. The Whatsapp Messenger Logo – in 2014, the cash cow instant messaging app just got a little bit richer, as Facebook purchased the app for $19 billion dollars. You can easily create this costume by making a bright green round fabric smock with the white phone and outline and for the timeliness factor, attach a few large increment fabric dollar bills, representing your $19 billion net worth. With over 450 million users around the world, the Whatsapp costume is sure to be a hit.

4. Shaia Le Boef “I Am Not Famous Anymore” Paper Bag Look – Guys or girls can don a tux with a paper grocery bag over their head with the black writing “I Am Not Famous Anymore” and viola! You’ve got your costume.

*Photo via ok.co.uk

5. Paparazzo Attacker under America Ferrara’s Dress – The Ukranian journalist Vikalii Sediuk certainly takes the award for wacko of the year, and although nobody would recognize the costume if you dressed as him exactly, his moment of red carpet crowning glory was when he crawled under America Ferrara’s dress at Cannes Film Festival. This costume can easily be remade with a simple, second hand wedding dress and attaching a blow up doll under the bottom of the dress.

 *Photo via thedailymail.co.uk

6. The Oscars Selfie – A great group costume to commemorate the most famous selfie of the year, the Bradley Cooper and Ellen Degenerous group selfie. Just print out a copy on poster paper and cut out holes in the faces, so that you and your friends can easily insert your faces in place. Wanting to be more accurate? Dress in black tie attire, matching that of the Oscars attendees.

 *Photo via hashslush.com

Moderate intake of wine has many long proven health benefits from fighting heart disease to improving circulation and with the study of vinotherapy, wine and it’s by-products are being found to have rejuvenating and skin firming capabilities when used in spa treatments and products.

Having falling in love with wine years ago, wellness is just another reason for me to indulge. Now, the only question, which wine spa do I head out to first?

Crocus Gere Bor Spa – Villany, Hungary

This family run wine hotel & spa has been practicing the act of wellness through wine for generations as they use all of their own grapes and vine extracts in the various creams and masques used in the treatments and their GERE Atila red wine is used exclusively in their wine baths. After a day’s visit to the winery, I highly recommend a soak in the Red Wine Bath for relaxation and calming of the body, followed by one of their foot treatments and a massage using GERE-winecream.

SOMMA WineSpa – Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos , Mexico

You don’t have to be in wine country to experience the benefits of vinotherapy. The SOMMA WineSpa, located at the Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos infuses Mexican grapes and wines from Baja California into many treatments, while the views are purely magical, with the spa treatment areas and relaxing zone overlooking the Sea of Cortez. If drinking wine while getting pampered isn’t enough to satisfy your indulgence cravings, then book SOMMA’s Barefoot Dining experience, where you can enjoy a moonlit wine pairing dinner on the sand, including a pre-meal aromatherapy foot bath and massage and a shoulder and back massage for relaxation in the end.

Le Sources de Caudalie – Bordeaux, France

Already being a huge fan of Caudalie’s Vinotherapie line of eye creams, I was bursting at the seams with excitement to try their wine spa. From the wine barrel Jacuzzi soak in grape pomace to the inclusion of vine and grape extract in all products used in the spa, the vino truly is in every detail.   My choice of therapy was the nourishing Honey and Wine Body Wrap, which was the perfect hydration treatment that my skin needed after a few weeks of travel throughout the very dry Middle East. Of course, I can’t forget to mention that all treatments are performed by Bordeaux trained specialist Vinotherapists, and both the water areas and treatment rooms boast beautiful vineyard views.

Wine Spa Peralada – Girona, Spain

True magnificence can be the only result when the winery of one of my very favorite Spanish red wines, Peralada 5 Fincas, creates a spa for the health benefits of their amazing grapes. The Vitis Vinifera 2 hour treatment including a Grape Seed Oil Body Peel, a Wine Dregs Body Wrap a Merlot Red Wine Bath and their Special Wine Spa Massage is the optimal full body treatment to experience a little of everything offered at Wine Spa Peralada and after your treatments, make sure to save time for a visit and tour of the winery.

Spa at Kenwood Inn – Sonoma, California

I’m often faced with the choice of which wine to choose for a meal and whether to order a glass or bottle, but at the Spa at Kenwood Inn, their menu offers a first, Wines by the Bath. Spa goers have their choice of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay or Sparkling for their 20 minute soak and are also given a glass of wine to drink, offering wellness from the inside out. Experience 2 hours of bliss with the Kenwood Wine Country Signature Package, which includes the relaxing Wine Country Massage and opt for the Caudelie Divine Oil, then afterwards, the VinoPerfect Facial to restore radiance to your fatigued, traveler’s skin. Make sure to schedule your treatments to end in the late afternoon, so you can enjoy Tempo Divino happy hour at the Kenwood Inn’s Wine Bar.