Traveling to the Caribbean in the next few months?  Here are a few tips so you have a worry free, hassle free, stress free vacation.  That is why you are going right?  As world travel guidelines shift quickly, international travel requires a few more particulars than before COVID.  But do not change your plans, just be in the know!  

Stay informed!  Each country allowing entry now has different requirements that change on a regular basis.  For instance, Mexico does not require a negative COVID test to enter but Jamaica does. Your best source of information per country is the CDC (Center of Disease Control) website.  

Stay at the right hotel! For now, all travelers entering the US will need to acquire a negative antigen test before boarding the plane. Sounds like a hassle, right? Wrong if you chose the right hotel!  Many resorts including the entire AMResorts properties with Secrets, Breathless, Dreams, Now, Sunscape and Zoetry Resorts are offering the test on property at no cost to the traveler!  And even more important and impressive, if you would test positive, these resorts will keep you in a designated area of the resort for the 10-14 days of quarantine with meals delivered all at no cost!  AMAZING! 

Stay longer!  If you are working from home and the kids are zoom schooling, why go back? Luxury all-inclusive resorts such as the one mentioned previously are pulling out all the stops to provide a safe and healthy vacation environment that doubles as a workstation.  Boost your immune system with the vitamin D, fresh air, exercise, and positive energy your four walls at home cannot provide. ENJOY!!

Go to: FitBodiesInc.com for more information, 

or email Suzelle@FitBodiesInc.com

#teachingvacation

Art Beyond Boundaries showcases its annual inclusive exhibition ‘Changing Perceptions: 20/20’, starting Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. The Changing Perceptions series, which features the work of artists with and without disabilities, has continually grown in popularity as one of the regions’ most vibrant fine art exhibits. The exhibition has been extended to Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021. 

Due to the pandemic, the gallery is currently closed to the public. Artists can schedule appointments to drop off and pick up artwork. Current exhibition artwork can be viewed at www.artbeyondboundaries.com/abb-events. 

Art Beyond Boundaries provides a professional, mainstream fine arts exhibition venue for artists with disabilities, located at 1410 Main Street in the historic Over-the-Rhine arts district. With your support, we can continue providing a gallery, workshops, programs, and services for our artists and people with disabilities. 

For more information, updates can be followed on the website, Facebook, Instagram, and/or leave a message with the gallery at 513.421.8726 or artbeyondboundaries@gmail.com.

Jacob James is a fabulous boutique for high-end jewelry, handbags, and accessories on Hyde Park Square. They specialize in new designer jewelry, and also “pre-loved” luxury items including jewelry, designer handbags, scarves and sunglasses.

Jacob James offers the newest and best in today’s style trends while not forgetting about yesterday’s luxury. Choose to breathe new life into the shop’s pre-owned luxury items, or a piece that begins its journey with you….Michelle at Jacob James will help you make it your own.

The store is owned by Michelle Randle, a Cincinnati native. She has been in the fashion and jewelry industry for the past 20+ years. It was her dream to open a store like this…the store has a boutique feel, and offers something for everyone. Michelle purchased the store from its original owners in September 2020…She looks forward to helping you find the perfect piece. Every piece has a history, but to Randle, it’s about what’s next – adding a new chapter to an existing legacy with a style story that’s uniquely yours.

The store carries all the biggest designer names in fashion and accessories: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermès, David Yurman, Tiffany, and many more! It’s an opportunity to buy high fashion items at a fraction of the retail cost.

The entire collection at Jacob James comes from wonderful customers just like you! Join thousands of savvy sellers in giving your luxury a new home. The store focuses on designer pieces that were created to last a lifetime. In order of what’s trending: 

Watches, Bags, Jewelry, Bridal, Accessories.

Let Michelle assist you with ALL your holiday gifts!! She offers Gift Cards…Personal Shopping….Gift Wrap…even delivery!

Stop in Jacob James and be wowed by the stunning collection of jewelry, purses and accessories! Located on Hyde Park Square at 3446 Edwards Rd. Check out her website at: ShopJacobJames.com.

I just got back from my third trip to paradise since July.  All have been to luxury unlimited resorts in Mexico.  Mexico never closed the airports in March like most other countries, although resorts and beaches remained closed through June. Besides Mexico, US and Canadian citizens, as well as those in countries that are allowing travel, are being welcomed back to other vacation destinations.  Jamaica has been doing a phenomenal job since opening back up in June keeping guests safe by requiring negative COVID tests prior to boarding the plane and continuing the safety protocol throughout the airport arrival and resort stay.  Dominican Republic no longer requires a COVID test, but follow the temperature check procedure upon arrival. Costa Rica, Turks and Caicos, Curacao and St. Martin finally say yes to travelers with a negative COVID test and proof of travel and medical insurance.  Additionally, temperature checks are set up throughout the airport and all at the resorts from the entrance, lobby areas, to dining areas and other frequented locations. Mask wearing throughout travel all the way from your gateway city to your room is required.  Before officially opening the doors to guests, these resorts put staff through extensive training on new operational protocols. It amazed me when I was there right after opening, how seamless it seemed for the staff to handle the extra cleaning, personal hygiene and additional safety measures. Sacrificing their comfort to provide the new safe, clean environment.  Once you are settled, wearing a mask is optional for guests although required for all staff 100% of the time. The staff elicit the confidence to relax, enjoy the freedom and just have fun again.

Go to: FitBodiesInc.com for more information, 

or email Suzelle@FitBodiesInc.com

#teachingvacation

Between hectic schedules, ever-growing to-do lists, and caring for others, it can be easy to put self-care on the backburner. Committing to a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, reducing stress, exercising regularly, and unplugging from your devices can help keep you healthy, both mentally and physically.Consider these self-care ideas to help bolster your well-being.

Nourish Yourself: While eating well may seem like an obvious self-care tip, it’s not always easy to change your eating habits or replace fast food and sweet indulgences with healthier options. However, properly nourishing your body with the right foods, like fish, leafy green vegetables, and berries, can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk for diseases such as diabetes, improve your memory and reduce inflammation, among other short- and long-term benefits.

Get a Good Night’s Rest: Getting a proper night’s sleep – most experts recommend 7-9 hours for the average adult – can have a positive impact on how you feel both mentally and physically. Having both the proper routine – limiting caffeine and sugar intake before bed and reducing distractions such as TV or smartphones – and the right mattress can be key to ensuring your bedroom is the sleep oasis you need for quality rest. 

Practice Relaxation Techniques: Whether you have a few spare minutes or an entire afternoon of free time, finding a quiet place to relax and practice meditation or yoga can help you reduce stress and anxiety, become more self-aware and create a sense of calmness during even the busiest of days. Try setting up a secluded area in your home (or office) where you can concentrate on your practice and really listen to yourself.

Unplug and Unwind: With 24/7 access to the internet, social media, and television, it can be easy to create bad habits associated with the always-connected, smart phone-obsessed world. However, screens – and the blue light they emit – have been proven to negatively impact sleep and mental performance. Setting aside some time – aim for a couple of hours in succession – each day to unplug from your devices and their distractions can lead to better sleep, productivity, emotional wellness, and creativity.

Make Sure to Move: While it’s important to take care of yourself mentally, taking care of your body can be just as important to provide peace of mind. Finding time each day to get in at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, whether it’s a full-blown workout, a walk around the neighborhood with your dog or a bike ride to a favorite destination, can boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and help keep your waistline trim. Find a regimen that works for you, be it multiple short active periods or one long gym session, and make it part of your daily routine for an easy way to boost both your physical and mental well-being.

David B. Schwartz, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology 

Postmark is a new American restaurant with a “farmhouse refined” concept that champions the “slow food” movement . Showcasing local farm goods, old world ingredients & artful products, food and wine related. Working directly with merchants, farmers, & importers to preserve a tradition of culinary cultures and practices with thoughtfulness and purpose. Postmark is where great food and drink are honestly prepared and served. The setting is re-purposed, reused, and up-cycled. Worn and weathered. Cozy and comfortable, yet rustic and rugged. Filled with old world charm and nostalgia. Fine dining meets farmhouse style. The postal theme is portrayed by post office antiques, prints and decor, through out the dining room. A small additional space has been renovated into a retail wine shop with a 400+ bottle catalog. Chef Bernstein’s culinary style at Postmark leans towards approachable elegance with a creative and playful appreciation of luxury. Thinking globally and sourcing locally is a staple of the Red Feather Trade Co. brand. When dining at either Red Feather Kitchen or Postmark, guests are treated to surprise bites in between courses simply out of Chef’s love to cook for the community and share in the festivities of different flavors. Let’s just say that “amuse bouche” is Chef Bernstein’s middle name. The menu of the revamped and remixed edition of Postmark restaurant mirrors a Tapas style dining experience. A Tapas service experience originated in Spain as a selection of small bites that were/are enjoyed at a bar with a glass of wine or a cocktail before heading home for dinner. The most common types of food that are eaten as a tapa are cured meats like jamón Iberico or chorizo, olives, cheese and other easy-to-prepare items which require little or no cooking. This delicious tradition has found its way into the heart of bistros, bars and restaurants across the globe. Including Postmark nestled in the bustling and vibrant Gaslight district of Clifton. Stop in soon and treat yourself to knowledgable and attentive service and a delightful Tapas style menu. A retail wine shop is now available as well and a resident Sommelier always on premises.

 Chef Bernstein and team are not afraid of a good party either! Wednesday’s are dedicated to live music and celebration with the Music on the Mark series. Showcasing local musical talent from the Cincinnati area, tables are available to purchase along with the Bistro menu and expert staff to treat guests to a lovely experience while listening to live acoustic music in the romantic atmosphere of the Postmark dining room. Details for tickets and upcoming musicians are available on the Postmark website and all social media platforms.

Postmark is also available as an event space designed to create culinary driven private events from 20 to 80 guests, perfect for meetings, business dinners, celebrations, charity events, rehearsal dinners, and small receptions. Postmark is available for lunch, dinner and brunch events. A deposit is required to reserve the space and menus will be curated to the guests desires.

 If all of this were not enough to keep Chef Bernstein and team busy, Bernstein has recently reopened doors for dine-in service at the famed Red Feather Kitchen located in Oakley, and is slated to open his next venture of Red Feather Larder at Dutch’s, an old school Pony Keg established in 1947, in October 2020. Bernstein is looking to create a neighborhood “groceraunt” style establishment where guests can “shop like a Chef”.

 Showcasing high-end products in partnership with local producers and purveyors, an enviable retail wine program and bar as well as a neighborhood deli/butcher shop with a welcoming atmosphere, Bernstein hopes to reaffirm his bonds with the community.