Just in time for the holiday season, Martha gives us a lesson on perfect picture taking. Checkout how Martha gets the best photos so you can assure that you will have the best memories possible from your holiday celebrations.

Most people know Martha as a wonderful chef, awesome gardener, and crafter deluxe. But many do not realize that photography is actually her favorite of all of her hobbies.

She recently posted pictures on her personal Instragram account, and is currently taking photos for a gardening book she will be releasing this spring.  Here are a few of her best tips for photo taking.

1. All cameras have different options and function differently. Use the right tool for the job, so to speak. If you are taking an up close detailed picture, you obviously do not need your super telephoto lens camera that takes pictures from long distances.
2. Try to get your subject, whether it be a person or animal, to look directly into your camera. That’s where the subject’s personality lies.
3. She uploads her pictures onto the computer daily and adds them to whatever album she is working on. This is a good habit for so many of us to try to get into. Most of us will admit to being guilty of having hundreds of photos on their camera at one time, and are not even sure what they are going to do with them. They then get uploaded onto a laptop or PC and just forgotten. She also never re-uses memory sticks.
4. Martha is very big on sharing. She believes you should share all your pictures! Her personal fave for sharing is Fathead, which allows your pictures to be turned into images you can apply to objects. For instance she decorated 20 vintage Thonet chairs in her dining room with gardening photos. She claims everyone thinks the chairs are hand painted. She also applied a pictured of her with her Mother onto a purse. What ideas can you think of to do with your favorite photos?
5. Martha states that shiny hair photographs well. She also says that women should go easy on the makeup because the more natural you look in reality, the more natural you will look on film.

Try a few of Martha’s tips this season and see what memorable gems you turn up with.

Filed under: Lifestyle by Michelle Gushard
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Business travelers have so much to deal with on a daily basis. Things like catching flights, making it to meetings and conferences on time, and dealing with delays and cancellations at the airport. Having to deal with nasty winter weather can only make your trip more difficult. Here are some tips to help keep the colder travel months stress free.

First of all you want to keep an eye on the weather in your current area and your destination. If you foresee any problems that can cause a flight cancellation or delay, you may want to make some last minute changes to your schedule.

Whether you have had your trip planned for a while or this is a last minute affair, try to be as flexible as possible so as to be able to change your flight, reroute, or otherwise avoid whatever bad weather may be in your way.

When packing for your trip be sure to keep in mind the weather of your destination. It may be warm where you are, but when you land you may be wishing you had brought a coat or jacket with you. Gloves and a hat may be necessary as well if you find yourself walking around the city at all, and even an umbrella if the weather is wet.

If you don’t need to drive yourself anywhere, don’t. Driving in a strange place can be tricky enough without adding the hazard of nasty weather. Don’t chance causing or being involved in an accident. Let a taxi, limousine or other public service get you where you need to be safely.

Be prepared for dangerous conditions causing you to be stuck where you are for a day or even longer. If the weather causes your city to shut down, make sure you are prepared with extra clothes, and try to choose an area that has a variety of accommodations to choose from in case the hotel you are in is booked up. This can be the case for a large convention or other event. Once again, keep your options open and stay flexible. Be sure you have enough work with you to keep busy in case you can’t leave on time. Or perhaps a good book if you just want to relax.

If you prefer to have all your travel needs taken care of for you, consider hiring a chauffeured limousine. They will have the best knowledge of the area, know how to deal with dangerous road conditions, and safely get you where you need to be. You can sit back and relax and do whatever business you need to do during travel time, without having to worry about anything.

Don’t let the winter weather give you the blues. You can even decide to plan ahead for an extra day or two to head to the slopes for some skiing or just enjoy some window shopping in the city itself and enjoy the snow.

Filed under: Travel Tips by Michelle Gushard
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You’ve made your packing list and you are pretty sure you have everything you need for that next trip. But here are some items most travelers leave off their list that can come in extremely handy once you are on your way, or even after you reach your destination.

Grocery bags or small trash bags can come in handy for wet or dirty clothes, shampoos or things that might be in danger of leaking into your bag, or just having handy if you stop by a farmers market. These bags fit into your luggage anywhere.

Tummy medicine can be super handy if you happen to catch food poisoning, or just eat something that you are not used to from another place. Why suffer the whole way when you can have quick relief at your fingertips.

Extra battery for your laptop…just in case. It takes up little room, and you just never know when you may wish you could power up and can’t.

Allergy or medical alert info in languages others can understand. If you have a peanut allergy, or other serious issue, you want others to be able to quickly understand this in case of emergency.

Books or Movies can come in handy if you are stuck on a long flight. Don’t rely on the in-flight entertainment to keep you amused. Bring a good novel, or be sure to have movies on your laptop. Even a puzzle book can pass the time.

Sunscreen can be a lifesaver depending where you are headed. Of course if it is a hot sunny location, there will be plenty for purchase. Be warned that they will charge you three times what it is worth.

Travel Medicine/First aid kit can be a lifesaver. Keep your prescription meds, bandages etc. handy, not to mention a small sewing kit for that emergency mending you may need.

Emergency moolah is always a good idea. You may not be able to use your card, or might not find a place to get cash without paying a fortune to do so. Packing a little away in one of your checked bags is a good way to be sure you have it when you arrive.

Online Security is a must when traveling to many places, such as China or South Korea to mention a few. You will most definitely be hacked, and want to be sure anything you need safe remains safe. Don’t connect to the WiFi at all if you don’t absolutely need to. If you do, you will want to do some serious cleaning out when you return. Be sure you have the safest security you can get.

Just remember it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

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For those of you who travel through Chicago frequently you are probably well aware of the moving walkways throughout the airport. There were eight walkways at one time, but no longer.

United Airlines is removing all eight of the walkways in Concourse C. As of this time, four of the walkways have already been removed. The four that are still there are to be removed by next spring, according to the Chicago Tribune.

These walkways were added to Concourse C around 20 years ago. United Airlines now states that they are trying to give their travelers more room by removing these walkways. Apparently the walkways are congesting the area and keeping passengers from smoothly moving around the concourse.

Fliers of the past were more apt to bring heavy luggage which they had to carry around. The moving walkways made this task much easier. However, today’s travelers are mostly using the rolling luggage, which does not require moving walkways to easily get around.

The Tribune also stated that eliminating these walkways would leave more space for other things to be added to the concourse, such as retail stores and trendy food and beverage concessions that would create more income for the city.

O’Hare customers who switch between B and C concourses don’t need to worry about their walkway being taken away. These walkways will still be available in the 850-foot tunnel between concourse B and C.

According to a United spokesperson, the main reason the walkways are being removed was to “improve circulation of customers.” Travelers had differing opinions about this new change, some like the quickness the walkways offer when moving around, and others agree that they make the area too crowded and were unnecessary.

Filed under: Traveling by Michelle Gushard
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In case you want to experience some spooky surroundings this Halloween, here are some of the most haunted locations in the United States to check out during your travels.

In Estes Park, Colorado you will find the Stanley Hotel. Made famous in the movie “The Shining”, Stephen King used this location after staying here himself in 1973 and deciding it was indeed spooky. The famous room 217 is said to have the ghost of a chambermaid still causing disturbances throughout the night.

Massachusetts is where you will find the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast. Come to Fall River, where you can stay in the former home of Lizzie Borden. Enjoy the same breakfast her Mother and Father ate, a custom which is followed to help bring the spirits around. There are séances, ghost hunts and plenty of other spooky happenings.

The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA is known to be one of the scariest places in the city. The building is over 200 years old, and once housed inmates who were hooded by guards every time they left their cells. The only light they saw was a skylight, which they claimed to be the light of God.

In Hollywood you can visit several places that are said to be haunted. Universal Studios is said to have several haunts that reside there. At Stage 28, an electrician fell to his death from a catwalk, and is said to linger in the area. The prop room is where Lon Chaney’s ghost has been spotted, and Barbara Stanwyck’s ghost has been seen on the backlot. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has had many tales of hauntings. Some of the ghosts rumored to be seen are Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift, and a young girl wearing a blue dress.

Charleston, South Carolina has reports of ghost spottings and unusual happenings from all over the city. The Old City Jail has plenty of stories, the most famous being Lavinia Fisher. She owned an Inn, and reportedly poisoned and killed many who stayed there. Her ghost is said to haunt the jail, as well as many of the inmates who were wrongly hanged. Charleston is also filled with ghost tours where confederate soldiers and other war officials are said to still roam the city.

Salem, Massachusetts is known for the witch trials, and also the ghosts who still remain from this era. The Witch House is said to hold many of these spirits, as well as the Joshua Ward House. There are many bed and breakfast inns in the city that claim to have paranormal activity in them as well.

Pennsylvania has plenty of haunts as well, mainly in Gettysburg, where one of the most historic battles took place. Confederate soldiers and Union soldiers are seen walking in the woods, museums and other places. The Devil’s Den is reported to have a specific soldier with barefeet, long grey hair, torn buckskin clothes, and a large floppy hat.

The Slaughter Pen claims there is a young girl in a white dress still wandering around.

There are hundreds of haunted locations located all throughout the United States. Check one out this Halloween!

Filed under: Traveling by Michelle Gushard
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Surf Air, which started doing business in 2013, may be the new way to fly for many west coast travelers. This innovative airline offers unlimited flights to passengers for a monthly fee. For $1,750 a month (plus the $1,000 signup fee) you can fly to your heart’s content.

Surf Air is the first airline of its kind in the nation. The company is based in LA, but offers passengers unlimited flights out of Hawthorne, Burbank, Sana Barbara, Lake Tahoe, San Carlos, and on weekends you can even fly to Las Vegas.

Members who sign up will experience their business or leisure travel without the long lines or security checks you can expect at a commercial airport, and hopefully at a much lower price than full-fare flights.

Members arrive at the free parking lot where they are met by a concierge. They will then be quickly escorted on board, minus the extra baggage fees, frustrating lines and never ending check points.

You can reserve your flight from your smartphone up to three minutes before the plane departs. Seating is always perfect as every seat is both a window seat and an aisle seat.

Surf Air stays away from the overcrowded popular airports and gets you in and out quickly by using smaller low-traffic airports such as Hawthorne, which is just six-minutes from LAX.

Surf Air was coined as one of Americas most promising companies of 2015. Quick easy boarding, no hidden fees of any kind, and free snacks and beverages are just a few of the reasons why. The terminals are smaller, private and offer complimentary parking and free Wi-Fi.

The airline offers up to 90 daily flights in up to 12 destinations, and you can book unlimited flights.

Currently Surf Air is an awesome alternative for Californians who travel frequently. Otherwise, it is not very beneficial to travelers. But the idea is catching on and Surf Air is hoping to spread out to the Northeast and other areas in the future.

Since Surf Air’s first flight, the company has signed up 1,400 members, and has over 600 on the waiting list. Of the current members about one-third of them are techies, the rest are lawyers, real estate agents, sales reps and some entertainment people as well.

If you dislike the crowds, lines and general craziness of commercial flying, this could be for you. However, if you aren’t really into small enclosed places and feel claustrophobic on a normal plane, then you probably won’t like Surf Air. The planes are small with little room to move around, but those who travel a lot enjoy the much quicker hassle free experience.

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Los Angeles, California is well known for many things, such as celebrities, beautiful weather, the Hollywood sign and heavy traffic. Here are some facts about the city of angels you may not know.

For starters, the “city of angels”, as LA has been nicknamed, literally means “Los Angeles” in Spanish.

Los Angeles welcomes over 24-million visitors every year and provides them with a fantastic vacation. The five counties that make up the Los Angeles area consist of around 20 million people. These counties consist of Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, Ventura, and San Bernadino.

The city started with 44 people, or 14 families, back in 1781, who lived in what was then called “El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles de la Porciuncula”, or the “Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angeles of the Small Portion”, later shortened to Los Angeles.

If these five counties were a state, the state would be the fourth largest in the USA.

The original “Bay Watch” TV show originated here, along the miles of beaches LA has to offer.

The bird of paradise is the city flower, and the coral tree is the city tree.

Oil was discovered near what is now Dodger Stadium in the year 1892, and by 1923 Los Angeles produced one quarter of the world’s oil. It is still situated over one of the thrid largest oil fields in the country.

Los Angeles boasts more than 80 stage theaters and 300 museums, more than any other city in the US.

Despite the lush image the city portrays, with palm trees and water everywhere, the area is actually more like a desert with only about 15 inches of rain falling yearly. However, when it does rain, expect a downpour. In 1926, a rain gauge in the San Gabriel Mountains collected an inch of rain in one minutes time, and in 1978 almost a foot of rain fell in just 24-hours.

If you are into strange shopping venues, the LA coroner’s office has a gift shop.

If you ever wondered why the film industry is located in Los Angeles, you can thank Thomas Edison. Mr. Edison, who lived in New Jersey, held most of the country’s film patents. The makers of the films wanted to avoid Edison’s property claims, so they moved west to get away and ended up in the city of angels.

The city of Beverly Hills was once a small lima bean ranch, and the Santa Monica Pier was built to protect a sewage pipe that disposed of sewage into the ocean.

The Hollywood sign read “Hollywoodland” when it was built. It was erected to advertise the newest real estate development in 1923.

The famous Getty museum has beautifully manicured lawns, thanks to the goats that are let loose every spring to do some landscape work.

Hollywood’s Forever Cemetery is the resting place for many of the most famous actors, actresses, directors and writers, among others, from the world of entertainment. One of the most famous of gravestones belongs to the beloved Mel Blanc, and it reads simply “That’s All Folks”.

Filed under: Traveling by Michelle Gushard
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It is general knowledge that flying is faster than driving. But what about all the time spent in between leaving your house and arriving at your destination?? Arriving and departing the airport, long lines for security check, and of course the never ending luggage-go-round can take up a big portion of your travel time.

Here are some smart ideas that can improve your productivity while in flight, and get you on a great start once your flight has landed.

Above all you want to keep well hydrated during your trip. Don’t let yourself get sick by ignoring your health. Pack some healthy snacks so you don’t have to rely on the somewhat unhealthy food that may be available to you on the plane or in the airport.

Have some projects ready that you can do without being connected to the internet. You can write emails and prepare documents that can be downloaded, sent or printed once you land and save precious time.

Spend the night before your flight charging all the electronics you may need. Don’t wait till flight time to realize your phone or laptop are dead. Putting your devices into airplane mode will help you save battery power until you can land and charge up again.

Be sure to check out your surroundings on the flight. You may be seated next to a future partner, customer or mentor who can help you in the long run. Be sure to meet and greet.

Exercise whenever and wherever you can. Many airports have an exercise room or relaxing area for stretching, or an outside trail for jogging or walking. If you don’t have time for that try working out on a flight of stairs or just getting in some good leg stretches. It will help to energize you and keep you awake for what’s ahead.

Everyone knows the saying…all work and no play… this is also true for businessmen as well. If you spend a 12-hour flight doing constant work you will be worn out by the time you land. Take a break. Listen to your favorite music or play a mindless game to relax and get your thoughts off your work for a few minutes. It will help you in the long run.

Make a list of the tasks you need to complete to help keep your stress level down during flight. Jot down your basic itinerary from the time you board through your landing and try to finish them before the flight is over. This will keep you from getting to your destination only to realize you forgot the most important item on your schedule.

If you have a fear of flying for whatever reason, take the time before take-off to relax in whatever way you do best. Perhaps meditating is your thing, or playing your favorite songs. Sometimes just calling that special friend is all it takes. By the time you are in flight you will have gotten rid of the stress and be ready for some business.

If you happen to be one of those lucky people who has everything done before boarding, spend your air time relaxing and getting ready for that big meeting or presentation. You will be refreshed and ready for whatever the day sends your way.

Filed under: Travel Tips by Michelle Gushard
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New York City is one of the most popular destinations in the United States for hundreds of reasons. Enjoy fantastic New York style pizza or fine dining with some of the most famous chefs in the world. Visit famous landmarks, explore fine arts and culture around every corner. The nightlife is unlike any you will find elsewhere.

While on holiday in New York, be sure to indulge and pamper yourself with some of the best accommodations you can find. The Trump Soho New York offers you one bedroom suites, spa suites and penthouse suites to meet your every need. Designer furnishings, floor to ceiling windows and total comfort awaits you when you stay at the Trump Soho. The Penthouse suites will provide you with breathtaking views of the city, and total relaxation in marble bathrooms with floating soaking tubs.

You are just minutes from some of the finest attractions, such as the Children’s Museum of the Arts, the Soho Photo Gallery, and the New York City Fire Museum.

New York City has so much to offer everyone who visits. Young and old alike will find plenty to see and do, whether it be ascending to the top of the Empire State Building for an unforgettable view of the city or just enjoying a quiet day in Central Park.

The American Museum of Natural History is a great place to spend some extra down time. Hundreds of hands on exhibits and demonstrations are showcased throughout the museum. Learn about baby animals, stroll through the butterfly conservatory and see over 500 live butterflies flutter around the re-created tropical forest. Explore the world of the dinosaurs and the vastness of space while you learn about the future of space travel.

At the Eventi Hotel New York you can relax in total luxury. Kimpton beds with a variety of pillows will assure that you get the best night’s sleep. Marble baths with deep soaking tubs or spa tubs will rejuvenate you. Your pets are even welcome here so you don’t have to worry about leaving them behind on this business excursion. Wake and feel refreshed with the express breakfast or morning coffee and tea bar. Unwind in the evening at the hosted wine hour.

For a unique experience, visit Grand Central Terminal. Even if you are not planning to travel anywhere, the experience is a must. There is a whispering gallery, where you can whisper into the wall and be heard on the other side. The ceiling mural above the concourse is something you definitely must see. If you are a people watcher, this is the place to be. The hustle and bustle of the city is constant here, and you never know what you might see.

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Perhaps it’s your first visit to the City of Angels. Or maybe you are a regular visitor, but have gotten stuck in the routine of visiting the same old places every time. Here are a few places you may not know exist, or just haven’t bothered to take the time to visit.

Runyon Canyon is a great place for those seeking adventure and the outdoors. Beautiful rocks, hidden trails and of course the famous Hollywood sign all await you. Here you will get an awesome view of the Griffith Observatory and the most amazing view of the city.

It is a great work out, and many use it in place of going to the gym. There are a few setbacks to keep an eye out for, such as loose dogs, coyotes, bobcats, rattlesnakes, and even a mountain lion once in a while.

For a totally different cinema experience, check out Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s movie nights. The cemetery features outdoor movies on Saturday and Sunday evenings, and you can catch horror flicks like Carrie and Psycho, along with classics like Back to the Future. The movies are projected on the white marble wall of the late Rudolph Valentino’s tomb for extra added creepiness.

Estate sales are a common thing in the area, and you never know what you may find at one. Homes of the wealthy hold these sales practically every weekend, and you will see some awesome property, fantastic views, and possibly find a trinket you really want. The homes are often for sale as well, if you are willing to pay the price.

Grab a bite to eat at a local “lunch truck” for something different. Previously known to be not the best choice for lunch, these trucks now offer gourmet lunch cuisine at extremely affordable prices.

Head to Zuma beach and avoid the busy boardwalks of the popular beaches. At Zuma you will be welcomed with white sand that stretches for two miles, sparkling clean water and beautiful surf. If you swim out far enough, you might be joined by a playful dolphin swimming by your side. You can also view the whales during the winter time when they being to migrate.

LA’s area beaches are awesome, great for people watching, and superb for sunning. However, if you want to avoid burning your feet on the lava-like sand, pass on searching for a parking space for what seems like hours on end, and forego the hike to the nearest bathroom, head to Vista Hermosa Natural Park. This beautiful little gem is the place to go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for an afternoon. Beautiful greenery and native plants are great on the eyes. Check out the breathtaking views of the city of Los Angeles. The park is dog friendly so you can bring your friend with you. There is a wonderful kids play area, and plenty of open space to play. Throw your blanket under a shady tree and just relax.

Next time you visit LA you can be sure you will come away with some new memories, fantastic photos, and the knowledge that you can enjoy the city without being in the middle of it.

Filed under: Blog, Points of Interest by Michelle Gushard
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