Planning

Proper preparation can be the key to reducing your carbon footprint while you travel. Try to choose destinations closer to home to minimize the amount of emissions required for your transit. When researching lodging, look for environmentally responsible properties that are either LEED-certified or offer some other heavyweight eco-cred. You can also look for modest accommodations with fewer upkeep needs; a less-is-more attitude is vital to saving the environment. Be wary, too, of greenwashing — a marketing ploy companies use to appeal to the eco-minded with poorly substantiated pitches about how their property, service, or product is good to the earth when it really isn’t. How to avoid being taken? Have a healthy dose of skepticism about “green” messages. Look for certification, ask questions, and do your own research.

Working on your itinerary? Check travel books and maps out from the library and bring them along so that you won’t need to amass throwaway pamphlets and flyers along the way.

When packing, go as light as possible. Heavier bags mean more fuel burned — regardless of whether you’re taking a plane, a train, a car, or a boat — while transporting those suitcases to your destination.

Getting There and Back

Transportation may be necessary, but waste doesn’t need to be a part of getting there. Consider public transit for manageable distances; many domestic vacationers overlook readily available rail and bus options. These may take a bit more time to research but their advantages over driving a personal vehicle are great. The person who would’ve driven can relax by looking out the window or read a book, no one has to deal with the frustrations of traffic, and public-transit prices are often competitive with fuel costs.

If taking a bus or train isn’t an option, try to fill the car with others traveling in the same direction. Choose the most fuel-efficient vehicle possible and make sure it’s tuned up. Maximize fuel efficiency and the car’s life by driving the speed limit and refraining from accelerating or braking too quickly.

For places that are farther away, choosing commercial air travel can be a no-brainer — but do recognize that the airlines are some of the worst polluters. To compensate for your share of carbon emissions, you can offset your travel at websites like Carbonfund.org (www.carbonfund.org) and Begreennow.com (www.begreennow.com), or by opting in for the offset programs that some travel providers offer.

While You’re There

Obviously, you’ll want to explore any new place you’re in. But when in touring mode, follow a few guidelines to help preserve the place to which you’ve traveled: Walk, bike, or take public transit as opposed to driving. When handling brochures and maps, read and remember the ideas but leave the paper copies at their source (this is where your library books will come in handy). While shopping, choose souvenirs that are truly local, not ones just designed to appear that way; many of these items were produced under dubious labor standards and traveled long distances to be sold to tourists. When ordering in restaurants, consider how far food has traveled to reach your plate and opt for dishes made with seasonal, local, organic, and mostly vegetarian ingredients. Research whether the local water is safe to drink — bottled water is often unnecessary in regions or resorts that have taken great measures to purify their tap water.

Respect the natural landscape by staying on designated roads and trails to prevent erosion, and by refraining from littering and disturbing animal and plant life, regardless of how tempting it may seem to feed critters or pick a flower.

If kids are along for the ride, plan activities to increase their appreciation and understanding of nature. If we educate the younger generation, and if we become role models for better stewardship, we can ensure for all travelers that there will always be a world worth exploring.

Article by: Avital Binshtock, she is the lifestyle editor of Sierra magazine and the editor of the Sierra Club’s Green Life blog (www.sierraclub.org/greenlife).

1. Do your homework. Call the hotel, motel, friend’s house where you’re staying and ask the following: do they have a hairdryer, iron, ironing board, beach towels, bathrobes, sand toys—basically anything that’s bulky and that you’d rather leave at home? If the answer is yes, do not under any circumstances bring your own.

2. Check temperatures and events at your destination. Only pack what corresponds—do not bring “just in case” clothes.

3. Choose a central color to pack around. A neutral such as brown, black, or tan is a good place to start, then bring accessories and accent pieces that go with this color palette.

4. The numbers game. A good rule of thumb for trips less than one week is one shirt per day, one layering jacket or sweater, one bottom per every two days (but never less than two pairs of pants), no more than two pairs of shoes (one you wear and one you pack), underwear for every day, and seasonal additions, like a bathing suit.

5. Wash it out. If you’re traveling for more than a week, follow the same numbers as above and plan on washing clothes instead of bringing more. If you’re in a country with a good exchange rate, or aren’t on a tight budget, take advantage of the hotel laundry service or dry cleaning. Otherwise, bring individual packets of Woolite and a travel stain-treatment stick (Tide to Go is the best one).

6. Write it down. Make detailed lists of everything you plan to bring. That way you can easily see if you’ve allotted six pairs of pants for a four-day trip. Be honest, note everything—including socks and underwear—and then stick to your list when packing.

7. Downsize toiletries. Pick up travel-size versions of your favorite products whenever you see them, not just when you’re getting ready to travel. If you can’t find miniatures, buy small plastic bottles and decant from larger products.

8. Wear your heaviest shoes, sweater, and jacket. That way, you don’t have to pack them.

9. Pack outside your bag. Before you actually pack your suitcase, pile everything you plan to bring on your bed or dresser. This is your opportunity to eye your clothes and cull a few more items. If you pack directly into your suitcase, you’ll be tempted to throw in a few extra items (trust us, you will). Once you’ve made the final edit, pack only what’s in front of you. If you’ve followed our advice, your suitcase should now be a lean, mean, traveling machine: happy travels!

[Via Fodors.com]

First Place - $250 Cash
Second Place - $100 Cash
Third Place - $50 Cash
(Fourth through Tenth win gift certificates to Jack’s!)

Costumes are judged on creativity, originality, and over all execution.
Along with the costume contest - enjoy drink specials and live music from Soul’d Out starting at 9pm!

21 & up only admitted into the lounge

Want a room for the night? Call for our special Halloween weekend rate! (616) 846-1000

Want to win that $250, but you don’t know where to start? Check out these 4 tips…

Tip 1: In order to win a Halloween costume contest it is important to plan, plan, plan. Do not wait until the last minute to decide what your Halloween costume will be. Start thinking about your costume a few weeks before the Halloween costume contest.

Tip 2: Think about funny, original, and creative ideas. Dressing up as something unoriginal like a witch, pumpkin, or skeleton will most likely ruin your chances of winning the Halloween costume contest. Think about current news stories and famous people in the media to get original ideas for Halloween costumes.

Tip 3: Another great way to increase your chances of winning a Halloween costume contest is to dress up with a friend or partner as a duo contest. Examples of duo Halloween costumes are President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Bert and Ernie, or the ladies of the View. Dressing up in a creative Halloween costume with someone else will help get to the goal of winning the Halloween costume contest.

Tip 4: Apply makeup as part of your contest. If you are not good at applying Halloween costume makeup ask a friend or family member to assist you.

[Tips Via eHow.com]

Answer: No where, but Jack’s Lounge!

Come down to Jack’s Lounge on Sunday’s, bring a friend to split our Pizza / Pitcher combo for only $7.50

RE:  HOLIDAY INN GRAND HAVEN – SPRING LAKE
940 WEST SAVIDGE
SPRING LAKE, MI 49456
(800) 788-8411
(616) 846-1000
(616) 846-0462 - fax
http://www.higrandhaven.com

CONTACT:  ANGIE BOURNIAS FOR HOLIDAY INN
(313) 881.3021
(313) 882-4202 - fax
bournias79@comcast.net

BRIDES, FRIENDS AND FAMILIES WELCOME… “WATERFRONT WEDDING EXPO” SET FOR SAT., 11/14 AT HOLIDAY INN GRAND HAVEN SPRING LAKE

October 5, 2009…For the fourth consecutive year, management at Holiday Inn Grand Haven-Spring Lake  has scheduled the facility’s highly anticipated annual Waterfront Bridal Expo featuring fun, fashion, favors, photography, flowers, and so much more. The full service hotel’s waterfront site lends itself to both indoor and outdoor weddings and has hosted bridal functions throughout the year with its comprehensive selection of vendors, catering menus, room sizes and special amenities.

“The trend today is destination weddings that are close to home.,” said Stephanie Vipond, Director of Sales and show coordinator. We are delighted to be able to showcase our area’s top providers of wedding related services from bridal attire for both men and women,  flowers, Bed Bath & Beyond bridal registry,  limousines and party bus transportation, photographers, invitations and social stationery, bakery samplings, delicious treats from Jack’s restaurant in Holiday Inn, music  and a host of information and planning advice from the hotel’s catering/event manager.”

“Further, our Holiday Inn can custom plan a wedding from engagement to the big day and can host bridal showers and rehearsal dinners, waterfront ceremonies, on-site catering, guest hotel accommodations, morning after brunch, bridesmaids’ luncheons and so much more,” added Vipond..

WATERFRONT WEDDING EXPO is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5 per person; brides are complimentary with one paid admission. Special gift bags, food samples and  promotional pricing for lunch/dinner at Jack’s; wedding bookings for 2010; overnight room rates for the weekend and for wedding guests at the time of the event will be available to attendees.

The full service Grand Haven Spring Lake Waterfront Holiday Inn is a favorite for business and leisure visitors to the Grand Haven area. The all non-smoking rooms feature new mattresses and bedding, television with cable; complimentary WIFI Internet access and full amenities to make each guest’s stay convenient and comfortable.

For additional information concerning the 2009 Waterfront Bridal Expo, hotel reservations, dining arrangements and private consultation with the catering/special event director, please contact Stefanie Vipond at (616) 846-1000 extension 630.  More information about Holiday Inn Grand Haven Spring Lake features, special events, reservations, area directions is also available on the website at www.higrandhaven.com.

EDITORS’ AND PHOTOGRAPHERS’ NOTE: Holiday Inn catering directors, chef, and wedding planners are available to discuss current wedding trends and preferences prior to and during the Waterfront Bridal Expo. For arrangements, please phone Angie Bournias at 313.881.3021 or bournias79@comcast.net.

When: October 8th, 2009
(Our wine dinners will be every second Thursday of each month starting October 8th.)

Time: 6:30 - 9:30pm

October’s theme is Italian! Taste Italian wines paired with Italian dishes:
Starter/Appetizer: Pancetta Scallops with chevre polenta and red pepper coulis.

Salad: Shaved Fennel salad with pinenuts and lemon zest vinaigrette
Main Course: Saltimbocca with rosemary & fennel fingerling potatoes and zucchini sauté.

Dessert: Almond cream tart with Rum anglaise
Each course is paired with a wine!

Call today to make your reservations! Advanced reservations are required and space is limited. (616) 846-1000 ext. 640

In it’s sixth annual year, the Salmon Festival tipped the scales for attendance with over 8,000 people throughout the 2 day event. Oh, and we can’t forget about the Salmon Cook-off which was delicious as always. So congratulations Salmon Festival Cook-off Winners:

Best Presentation - Artisan Cooking School
Salmon skewers basted with Asian, French & artisan sauces

Most Creative Dish - Kicked Up Catering
Bleu cheese and salmon stuffed jalapenos wrapped with apple wood smoked bacon

Best of Show - Off Shore Chefs
Grilled blackened tarragon salmon

Best Cultural Influence - The Grand
The Grand Sushi Roll-smoked salmon, boursin cheese, pickled asparagus and chives

Peoples Choice - Kicked up Catering
Bleu cheese and salmon stuffed jalapenos wrapped with apple wood smoked bacon

Hope everyone had a great time, see you next year - bring your kids!

Berg says that cardstacking isn’t a secret art; he claims that even second graders, with a small amount of training, can “build three or four stories and stack encyclopedias on top of it.” While he may be a world-record holder, he’s not superhuman: “I don’t really have any special skills. My hands are not freakishly stable or steady. It’s just a matter of getting used to doing something and knowing what to look for and staying calm. Not letting it freak you out. When I’m working on stuff, I’m not worried about it just crashing to the ground. I pretty much know that it’s gonna work.”

[Via Asylum.com]

In total Jack’s will be giving away 16 pairs of Lions tickes. 8 tickets to Lions vs Cardinals on December 20th, 2009, and 8 more to the Bears vs Lions on January 3rd, 2010.

HOW DO I WIN? Every Sunday and Monday you’ll have a chance to win a pair of tickets. A new winner will be crowned during half-time of  the Lions game on Sundays. Another pair of tickets will be awarded each Monday night at half-time during Monday Night Football.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Anyone 21yrs and older. You must be present druing half-time.

Alright now that you know the scoop, get your butt down to Jack’s this Sunday for your chance to win!!!

#3 - The Business Rapper

#2 -  Whale Watching

#1 - Priority Club Points