I Heart... Goodie Bags

I Heart... Goodie Bags, and I have three to give away next Wednesday as part of Blogapalooza.

What? You don’t know about Blogapalooza? It’s only the biggest event on the planet next Wednesday! As of this moment we have 25 blogs participating – and the number continues to grow! Check out the sidebar at the right to see what Blogs are a-Palooza-ing.  But you don’t have to blog to win a Goodie Bag. Just drop by Just Go! on Wednesday and make a comment in the Goodie Bag post, and you will be entered to win.

So, here’s a sneak peak into the famed Goodie Bag contents…

The Tote All Bag (pictured): I love purses. But I am a practical girl, and I hate the shuffle of stuff from purse to purse to purse. I was hunting for a good bag that would allow me to move my stuff from purse to purse when I discovered The Tote All Bag. I ordered one (the small size), and I LOVE it! It is cute, functional, and machine washable.  When I told Tricia Paul, the genius behind The Tote All, that I love her bag, she kindly donated three: two small and one large bag. So there will be one Tote All Bag in each Goodie Bag!

Hayden-Harnett Passport Holder (pictured): Hayden-Harnett designs handbags, accessories, and apparel, and they have donated three leather passport holders. So, guess what! Each Goodie Bag also includes a luxury leather passport holder for all of that travel you are planning to do.  They are buttery-soft, smell yummy, and have lots of nice pockets.  I have a thing for good leather (come shopping with me in Florence some time...) and these are lovely.  They come in a range of colors, and Hayden-Harnett donated three:  black, plum, and oyster.  

Now, to help you with those plans…

R. Todd Felton: Todd and I share a publisher (Roaring Forties Press), and he has kindly donated copies of his books, A Journey into Ireland’s Literary Revival and A Journey into the Transcendentalist’s New England.

Goodie Bags contain one book or the other. Start planning your trips now!

Rome-in-a-Bag: I am also including an autographed copy of my book, A Journey into Michelangelo’s Rome in each bag! Use it when you put that passport holder to good use. Or just sit back and read about one of Italy’s favorite sons and his work in Rome. And along with the book, I’m including a few goodies to transport you to Rome, if only in spirit.

So, all you have to do is drop by on Wednesday, October 29 to put your name in the drawing. 
Mark your calendars!

Must See Museums:Los Angeles and Vicenza

Thurday AM Update on Getty Museum below...

A new exhibit opened recently in Vicenza at the Palazzo Barbaran da Porto (a UNESCO World Heritage Site):

Andrea Palladio (1508-1580), one of the most influential architects of the 16th century, transformed the Veneto and western architecture.  His emphasis on classical proportions and techniques was not new.  Michelangelo and his other contemporaries based their designs on the work of the ancient Romans and Greeks.  But Palladio's mastery of proportion as well as his reliance on the temple facade as his primary inspiration set him apart.

The exhibit at Palazzo Barbaran da Porto celebrates Palladio's work.  Paintings by Titian, Veronese, El Greco, and Canaletto illustrate his life while the architect's own sketches speak to his work.  Additionally, the exhibit includes books and models as well as other artifacts from the architect and his times.  Read more about it in the Financial Times. For more information on Palladio, check out the Palladio 2008 website. They also list other Palladio events and walking itineraries.

Can't make it to Vicenza?  The exhibit moves to London in January where it will take up residence at the Royal Academy (Januay 31 - April 13, 2009).  It is then slated to cross the Atlantic for an exhibition at a yet-unnamed museum in the United States.  Stay tuned!


Stateside, the Bernini exhibit at the Getty Museum is in its final days. If you are in LA, check it out before it closes on October 26.  If you can't make it to LA, at least check out the Getty website.  They have posted a fabulous slideshow of a few pieces from the exhibit.  

Thursday Morning Update:  I just got word via Twitter that the Getty Center is closed today because of fires nearby.  They reported that museum is NOT in threatened at this time.  Please check with the Getty before heading over to see the Bernini exhibit.  

Link Love and Travel News

Lotsa Link Love:
CajunMama of the world-famous Traveling Mamas is writing about hitting it big on the slots and spending a few hours at the oh-so-luxe Canyon Ranch. What a lucky girl!

Over on A Closer Look At Flyover Land, Amy took her Teen to do some extra credit in St. Paul, Minnesota. She’s blogging about their day this week starting with their visit to the James J. Hill House on Summit Avenue.

And Pam took a Field Trip to the Pacific Science Center where she communed with Lucy.

Pam is jonesing to go to Ethiopia. Me? I’ve got it bad for Iceland after reading about falling airfares. Anyone want to send me?

Clearly, if I go to Iceland, I would need one of the cute Lands End outfits that Delicious Baby is giving away. Sadly, they are for kids… *sigh*. But if you have kids, be sure to enter her giveaway! 

Tonsa Travel News:
Last October Rome’s Trevi Fountain ran red. A prankster threw red dye or paint into the famous fountain causing the waters to turn blood red.  The prankster is finally facing charges. 

While pranksters were busy causing trouble, Rome’s archaeologists have been busy, too, and announced three major discoveries this week: the site of emperor Caligula’s murder, the tomb of the figure who inspired the movie “Gladiator,” and a large bathing complex.

Be sure to read  "Monastic Doors Open for Travelers" an informative article in the New York Times about staying in European monasteries and convents – an economical alternative to hotels and bed and breakfasts. 

And a Little Laughter:
I spent several hours this weekend laughing and crying and laughing over the hysterical posts at Cake Wrecks. Grammar Queen that I am, I especially enjoyed the entries tagged “Creative Grammar.”

And the ever-delightful Becky Ramsey of Wonders Never Cease is having a Halloween Party today. Her theme: Mummies. Party on, Becky!