Have you ever paused and thought, “hmmm…..what do other travelers do?” as you’re about to reach for your wallet or put those luxurious amenities in you luggage? I have, and it’s been on my to-do list to look into what is “normal” for some time. Or is there a “normal?”

Do You Take The Hotel Amenities?

I admit it. I was so in love with the above Bvlgari amenities at Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills that I took them, used each bottle to the last drop and then recycled the bottles. I actually bought a full-sized bottle of the Bvlgari shower gel after the fact. I don’t always take amenities, because I feel funny about it. Do you?

So, what happens to the leftovers? It depends.

I read accounts of former hotel workers admitting that unnamed chains top off the shampoo bottles and re-use them. I also read that some just throw them away. Or, there are travelers like me who occasionally take the ones we’ll use .

A company called Clean The World safely recycles used hotel soaps and distributes them to impoverished people in order to prevent hygiene-related diseases. Clean the World has recycled over 9.5 million soap bars and 200,000 pounds of shampoo and conditioner back into human use, simultaneously eliminating over 600 tons of waste. This is a very cool concept.

I have also read that some churches and shelters will take hotel amenities if you have drawers full at home.

Do You Tip Hotel Housekeeping?

And,  if so, how much is appropriate? I found a very interesting CNN article with quotes from Lizzie Post of the Emily Post Institute. Ms. Post says:

• Tip every day to ensure your tip gets to the person who actually cleaned your room.
• Leave a note in your room with the money indicating it is for housekeeping.
• Tip $1 or $2 per person, per night in most hotels. In higher end hotels, $3 to $5 per person per night is typical.
• In a motel, tips are generally not necessary for a one-night stay. The $1 or $2 standard is appropriate for multiday stays. – Lizzie Post via CNN

Most travelers don’t tip hotel housekeeping. In fact, according to this article, only 30% of travelers do. Hotel housekeeping is out-of-site so it could be that people forget or it’s just not an obvious gratuity to leave even though they are providing a service for you. I had been tipping at the end of my stay, but a daily gratuity makes perfect sense.

Room Service Tip Dilemma

You bite the bullet and order room service. Depending on where you are staying there’s a percentage service charge (usually 15-20%) and perhaps an addition flat fee or delivery charge. The receipts still have a tip line. Do you still tip?

According to an article in USA Today, the reporter ordered an $18 hamburger. Here is how his bill broke down:

$18 hamburger
$3 room service delivery fee
$3.78 for room service charge
$1.80 tax

Not paying attention, he tipped another $3 on top of that to make the total for his hamburger almost $30. This is what he said:

Here’s where it can get tricky: A “service charge” includes the tip. But a tip is not included in a “room service charge” or the more commonly used “delivery fee” or “delivery charge.” So in the case of my burger, the $3.00 delivery charge was not a tip but the $3.78 service charge was (calculated as 18% of $21.00). Then the tax was added. Throw in my additional $3.00 tip, and this server was well compensated for the ten minutes spent carrying that tray to my room. – Bill McGee, USA Today

I always wondered if tip was included in one of those charges. Now I know. And, I can still tip extra for excellent service.

So, what do YOU do in these instances? Spill in the comments.

Are you pulling your hair out trying to figure out how to keep the kids busy this summer? Put this in your calendar. San Diego’s largest hands-on, creative festival for kids and their families, KidsFest, will be held on June 9 & 10. More kid fun (ages 2-10) than they’ll be able to handle will occupy the 100,000 square foot NTC Promenade at Liberty Station in Point Loma.

Your ticket price includes ALL KidsFest activities. This list is enormous so here’s an abridged version:

• Messy Zone for kids who like to get dirty
• A make and take crafts Creation Station
• Dance Party for those with fancy feet (non-stop musical games and contests)
• Green Thumb Zone for future gardeners
• Build It Construction Zone for the industrial type
• A costume-design Dress Up Bar
• Tiny Tea Time for the little princes and princesses
• Bubble Zone for toddler
• And much, much more!

Discounted KidsFest Tickets

Use code LJMOM to receive $10 off a family 4-pack of tickets to KidsFest San Diego! This brings the price down to $50 for 4 people. Buy tickets online.

In addition to all of the activities, here are some other items included in the ticket price:

• Every family gets a KidsFest Family Swag Pinata (that kids can decorate on-site) filled with gift cards and values of over $50.
• Snack Shack where kids can make a healthy treat, plus sample Chobani & Honest Tea.
• Stroller valet has complimentary parking for all of our four-wheeling friends thanks to Stroller Strides.
• Free parking
• Once you’re inside, all of the activities are free! Food at the food truck area is additional though you are more than welcome to bring a picnic.

Just picture the smile on your child’s face while you unplug and play for the day. It’s important. And, I bet they’ll sleep really well afterward.

I hadn’t been in to Maryam Beauty Salon and Spa yet, despite driving and walking by it on Girard literally hundreds of times. I had no idea how huge the space is or that they are a full service salon offering threading, waxing, hair, make up, lash extensions nails and more. Deal Me In Today is currently running a deal with Maryam for facials and waxing, just in time for Mother’s Day. I opted to try a facial since I needed it. I asked Papar and Paknar, the mother-daughter team who owns the salon, a few things about exfoliation (I don’t do it as much as I should) and extractions which are critical aspects of any facial.

You Need Exfoliation

Exfoliation gets more important as we age as the skin’s ability to turnover cells slows down and cells start to pile up unevenly on the skin’s surface. A dry, rough, and dull appearance can be the result, if you don’t exfoliate regularly. Basically, exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin, allowing a fresh layer to show through. Why I forget to do this weekly, is beyond me.

Papar tells me that whenever you’re treating your skin always apply from the decollete up. Forgetting to exfoliate, moisturize and sunscreen neck and chest area is one of the biggest mistakes people make. She has been using Dr. Murad products (including exfoliants) for the last 11 years on herself and her clients.

Are Extractions Necessary?

So, they don’t feel that great, but it’s the part of the facial I enjoy most because I feel that my skin needs it. I judge my facial experience by whether or not the esthetician spends what I quantify as “enough” time doing them. I’ve also read that perhaps they aren’t necessary. Extractions manually remove pore-clogging sebum after cleaning skin and opening the pores with heat or steam.

I looked around online and asked Papar her thoughts. She is trained in Europe where they are taught to thoroughly clean the skin and perform detailed extractions. I also read several articles online that mention extractions aren’t taught in some schools here in the USA or suggested to be done lightly, in order for the client to return for more down the road. Technique is key in order to unclog difficult pores without causing too much discomfort, breaking capillaries or just making the skin look worse. Papar performed extractions on my face for a good amount of time (perhaps the most of anyone to date) unclogging areas I didn’t even know needed help. She believes that they are a very necessary part of a facial and, based on my experience, I can tell you she’s good at them. And, don’t try this at home!

More About My Maryam Facial

I also judge a good facial by downtime. Meaning, am I just lying there with a masque on while the therapist is out of the room? Papar gave me an awesome shoulder, head and neck massage during my masque. As a result, my skin felt great and my shoulders were more relaxed. I recommend that you try it!

Facials (And Waxing) At A Deep Discount

$69 (regularly $145) Deluxe Facial: Includes Maryam Salon’s miracle eye treatment (helps reduce puffiness, dark circles and fine lines around the eyes), relaxing shoulder, neck, and scalp massage; as well as a hand and foot massage that will restore a sense of mind and body.

$59 (regularly $110) Customized Facial: This 1-hour facial focuses on your specific skin needs. Maryam’s skillfull and experienced estheticians will select from the following specialized treatments: Vitamin C, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Therapeutic Acne Facial or Redness Therapy Facial.

$19 (regularly $45) Bikini Wax  

$25 (regularly $50) Brazilian Wax 

Visit Deal Me In Today in order to purchase! Print a voucher for Mom. She’ll love it.

*Maryam provided my facial complimentary. Opinions are my own.

Despite rarely jumping on the gift guide train, I evidently have quite a bit to say about Mother’s Day gifts this year. I have gift ideas for every “type” of mom, ones that are ageless and avoid going to the mall, and some that are last minute quick-print deals. Have I dropped hints about my own Mother’s Day gift yet? Surprisingly, no.

Gifts For Every “Type” Of Mom

In this article, I discuss gift ideas for:

• The Fashionista
• The Spa-Goer
• The Expectant Mama
• The Nostagia Mama
• The Sexy Mom and the “I want to feel sexy again” Mom
• The Not-So-Domestic-Diva
• The Domestic Diva or Foodie
• The Philanthropist
• The Blingy Mom

Most businesses mentioned are based in San Diego, which is always fun. Read on Red Tricycle San Diego.

Unique, Ageless Mother’s Day Gifts

This was fun. These Mother’s Day gift ideas from an NBC San Diego segment are unique because they don’t involve going to the mall, they are ageless, and they can be enjoyed in the comfort of home.

• In home spa, wellness or fitness workout: This is perfect for new moms, and moms who can’t get out of the house. Book a mani/pedi during nap time or that quick hour window between work at home calls. On Demand is a private concierge for spa, wellness and fitness. Call Bonnie and tell her exactly what you like and she can find someone to do it.
• Closet therapy: You may remember my post about how to spring clean your closet from Mahjuba Levine from My Sister’s Closet. She also does in-home closet therapy sessions where she helps you make new outfits out of items you already have. She helps you purge what’s out of style, doesn’t suit you and suggest staples you might need.
• Dinner delivery: When I asked Twitter moms what they’d like for Mother’s Day, this was a popular answer. They just wanted to no have to deal with cooking dinner for a few days. I get it. In San Diego, there are several options for gourmet,  healthy food delivery such as Fitzee Foods and Susan’s Healthy Gourmet.
• Housekeeping: Enough said. This was another enormously popular poll answer. Give Mom the gift of time!

View more videos at: http://nbcsandiego.com.

Mother’s Day Gifts – Print And Go

On the SDNews.com blog (publishers of the La Jolla Village News, Peninsula Beacon and Beach and Bay Press), I discuss several easy, currently printable deals for San Diego moms. Deal Me In Today has great spa, manicure/pedicure, photo shoot and massage deals at a great price for mom. She’ll love it. Visit the SDNews.com Mother’s Day gift guide.

Photo credit: irum

This post brought to you by Dove Chocolate. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have a weakness for candy that’s only amplified by the ability to bake it into gooey, delicious cookies. My baking challenge: Limited Edition Dove Cinnamon Graham Chocolates. There was something about their flavor that screamed s’mores. You could just use them to make a gourmet version of the regular s’more, but s’more cookie bars are easier when you’re away from a campfire.

My 5-year-old thought that unwrapping these chocolates was the best task ever. They are softer chocolate with just a little bit of cookie crunch inside. Yum.

They’re made even better by surrounding them with this. This dough is divine. Yes, I ate far too much of it.

Mid way through baking, plop the Dove chocolates on top.

When cooled completely cut into squares. I pulled ours out a bit early, because we love gooey.

S’more Cookie Bars

This recipe is modified from The Girl Who Ate Everything.

Ingredients:

11 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 ½ cups flour
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
One bag of Limited Edition Dove Cinnamon Graham Chocolates
2-3 packages graham crackers, broken into squares (we used cinnamon graham crackers)

Directions:

1. Unwrap the Dove chocolates. My 5-year-old thought this was the best task ever.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, sea salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter with white and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
4. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixer and combine on low speed.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips and marshmallows.
6. Chill dough in refrigerator for 1 hour or overnight. We went with about 90 minutes, which was just fine.
7. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
8. Line a half sheet pan (18″ x 13″) with a Silpat or parchment paper.
9. Add one layer of graham crackers. You can lay them in strips, as is. If you need to double up around the edges to cover up the entire surface, go for it.
10. We used a 2 inch ice cream scoop to drop batter on to each graham cracker square.
11. Bake for 8 minutes.
12. Remove from the oven and smush Dove chocolates into the dough on each square. Don’t just set them on top, nestle them in a bit.
13. Bake for another 5-7 minutes.
14. Let cool completely because they will be easier to cut into perfect squares. However, they are to die for warm.

These save for a week in a sealed container and freeze well. They were a big, sinful hit in my house.

For more chocolate fun, join the Dove Mother’s Day Twitter Party by following the #DOVEMothersDay hashtag on Wednesday, May 9 from 8-9pm EST. This Twitter party is hosted by SouthernSavers.com and will have many prizes up for grabs that will delight any mom. And, if you’d like to to celebrate a Dove Mother’s Day by trying these Limited Edition Dove Cinnamon Graham Chocolates, go to Walmart as they are only available there.

I had a look around the internet and Pinterest for cute, free social media icons that might be appropriate for a project I’m working on. Sort of like baby clothes now versus when I was young, man, have the icons gotten way cuter.

The link to the cute icons in the post photo above are here and they come in all of these awesome colors (mix and match them too). Have a look, because they include Instagram and Pinterest (which is rare).

And, some of you may need social media bunting. Obviously.

Glittery icons for bling!

Love these “hand written” icons. They are missing a Pinterest icon but maybe if you ask nicely they’ll make you one or you can do it yourself!

Just cute.

Enjoy!

American Idol holds a special place in my heart. Current American TV shows were a little hard to come by when we were living in Hong Kong. However, American Idol was aired twice a day and even my friends in Hong Kong loved it. I watched as Chris Daughtry got eliminated probably a bit too early from Season 5. But man, it didn’t seem to stop him. He’s one of the Idol contestants that I still enjoy listening to on the radio. I bet he’s awesome in concert.

Which brings me to another point.

I have a pair of tickets to give away for DAUGHTRY at the San Diego Civic Center!

Break The Spell Tour
DAUGHTRY
with Special Guest SAFETYSUIT and opener MIKE SANCHEZ
San Diego Civic Theatre
May 22, 2012
Tickets on sale now!

Not a bad Mother’s Day present, right?

About DAUGHTRY And The San Diego Concert

In the course of only five years, Chris Daughtry has had more than his share of career highlights, which includes the release of the multi-platinum selling rock band’s third album, Break The Spell. Singer CHRIS DAUGHTRY, guitarists Josh Steely and Brian Craddock, bassist Josh Paul and drummer Robin Diaz are excited to bring their bigger than life show into theatres across the country to provide an intimate experience for fans. Live, of course, is where DAUGHTRY really shines. This band has always made its bones on stage and the coming year will be no exception as they hit the road to support Break the Spell. Don’t miss your chance to see and hear this musical force as they perform live on stage at the Civic Theatre! All ticket prices for this event include a $1.00 Charity Donation to Malaria No More, a leading humanitarian organization determined to end malaria deaths in Africa by 2015

Buy Tickets

If you need more than two tickets or want to execute on seats now, they are currently on sale at Ticketmaster.

To Enter The DAUGHTRY Ticket Giveaway

Please leave a comment and tell me what your favorite DAUGHTRY song is. Or, mention why you want to see the show.

For bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each bonus entry):

Tweet this giveaway much as you like (up to once a day). Use the blue Twitter button or cut and paste this – “Want to see DAUGHTRY in San Diego? @lajollamom is giving away a pair of tickets – http://bit.ly/Im3zY7″

Easy.

I’ll pick a winner after 8pm PST on Monday, May 14 via Random.org. The winner can pick up his/her pair of tickets one hour before show time at the San Diego Civic Theatre. I will connect the winner with the production company who will at that time tell you where the seats are. Good luck!

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One of our favorite museums in Balboa Park is the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, because learning about science while playing is a bonus and I find going there to be a relatively stress-free experience. Here’s a chance for you to win some tickets and visit for free.

What We Love About Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

• Leaning while playing, mentioned above.
• Kid City: A hands-on exhibit upstairs for kids ages 5 and under that also has an area especially for non-walkers.
• IMAX: Check out a kid-friendly IMAX movie in the awesome IMAX dome theater.
• The cool hands-on exhibits downstairs. Creating cloud puffs, sound waves, and other exhibits that interesting to both kids and adults.
• Don’t forget to duck into the gift shop. Lots of inexpensive fun finds. I mentioned some of them on NBC San Diego as potential gift ideas.
• Parking is easy if you get there when it opens.

ScholarShare, California’s 529 college savings plan, is a proud sponsor of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. ScholarShare is California’s 529 College Savings Program. The recently revamped program features a minimum initial contribution of only $25 per portfolio to open an account and fees that have been reduced by approximately 30 percent, making ScholarShare one of the lowest priced 529 plans in the country. To sign up for an account or for more information about the plan, visit www.ScholarShare.com.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Giveaway

ScholarShare is giving one lucky La Jolla Mom reader a family pack of tickets to the Reuben H. Fleet Science center!

The package includes:

• (5) tickets
• Each ticket admits 1 child or adult
• Pass provides complimentary admission for one to an IMAX film & all exhibit galleries
• Tickets valid until 5/31/2013

Normal price of admission is between $12-$16 so a family of 5 would save around $80!

To enter: Leave a comment telling me what your kids (or you) enjoy about The Fleet or why you’d like to visit, if you haven’t been yet.

Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each bonus entry):
1. Follow @fleetscience on Twitter
2. Follow @lajollamom on Twitter
3. Tweet this post as much as you like (up to once per day).

The winner will be chosen by Random.org on May 4th, 8:00 pm PST, so the more entries you have, the better your chances of winning are.

On your visit to Reuben H. Fleet Science Center,

The arrival of spring pushes warm clothes to the back of the closet and brings short-sleeved shirts and lighter clothes back into rotation. This is a perfect time to evaluate what you have, what you might need to get rid of, and whether or not there are key current pieces to add. I went to My Sister’s Closet, San Diego’s largest couture consignment store, last week to have a look at the designer bargains that might just spiff up my spring wardrobe. That purple Prada dress in the photo above? I took it home with me.

Not sure how to revive your wardrobe? Top fashion stylist and style expert for My Sister’s Closet in San Diego, Mahjuba Levine, shares cost-effective tips to perk up your outfits and discusses several must-haves.

Add Bright Accessories

This spring is full of color from pastels, neons to lots of florals. A great tip to incorporate color this season without splurging on a whole new wardrobe is to add bright accessories. A lightweight scarf, a pop of color in your shoe or adding bold jewelry can update your look while staying in your budget.

Get the Right Pair of Jeans

A must have in every woman’s wardrobe is a base of three pairs of jeans. Two of them should
be the length to wear with flats (we are moms and wear flats more) and one longer pair for heels
in a dark wash. Once you have these, you can bring in some fun and trendy pieces like colored
jeans, skinnies or printed—just make sure to find the right fit for YOUR body type. Choose the
right fit for you first and not what’s on trend or what others are wearing.

My Sister’s Closet has a huge selection of designer jeans. The James Jeans in the photo are just
$34.95 and $44.95. And, wow, a Prada shirt for $44.95!

Embrace A Staple – White T-Shirts

It’s amazing how simple items can be worn in a million different ways. The perfect example is a white t-shirt/tank. Make sure to have a minimum of three. You don’t need to have three of the same shirt, so vary it up with a v-neck, scoop, rounded, etc. according to your body type. They are perfect pieces to put with a cute blazer or cardigan, skinny jeans and a bright statement scarf or turn it up at night and pair it with a sequin skirt and cute pumps!

Oh, and did we say pumps? These Louboutins are well less than retail. Prices vary by shoe.

Learn the Rule of 3

When shopping for new spring items or just in general, always use the rule of Three. Can you wear each item three different ways? If not, don’t buy it! 3 is the magic number!

Thanks Mahjuba for the tips!

About My Sister’s Closet

My Sister’s Closet was the idea of three sisters, Ann, Jenny and Tess, who wanted to open a resale store that looked like a clean, cute and current resale boutique. Their brand new San Diego location is located in Costa Verde, across from UTC mall.

Just because you’re not wearing clothes in the back of your closet, doesn’t mean that someone else won’t. Re-purpose them (it’s eco-friendly) and perhaps pocket a little cash by consigning at My Sister’s Closet. They will take designer items that are like-new, clean, no more than 4-5 years old, authentic, and have a retail value of $40 or more.

Take your earnings and roll them into pieces that Mahjuba mentioned above. That Prada dress I bought is perfect for spring, looks brand new, and was $125. That’s a steal. The D&G skirt didn’t fit (so sad), but that was $59.95. Prices are at just a fraction of what these same items would retail for in a department store.

Dress Shopping

Also, prom is on the horizon. There are lots of very reasonably priced dresses up for grabs. On the left is a brand new, tags on Nanette Leopore dress for $62.95 and a Betsey Johnson dress for $35.95.

This dress is Chloe. And, if it was my size, it would be in my closet.

Other brands I saw included a ton of St. John, Tory Burch, MaxMara and Louis Vuitton. It’s all new or like new. Stop by next time you’re in the area and have a look! You’ll love it. Follow them on Facebook too where they are giving away a $250 shopping spree and two hours of personal styling with Mahjuba.

*This post is sponsored by My Sister’s Closet. Dress bought by me.

PixyKids is a soon-to-launch social website for kids ages 6-12 where they can explore their interests, connect, and share with friends & family. Learn more about it tomorrow at 10am PST/1pm EST as we discuss kids and technology.

Beth Blecherman of Tech Mamas and Sarah Auerswald of Sarah and Sons will be tweeting live from the  Digital Kids conference in Pasadena.

Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 10am PST with Hashtag #PixyKids

I’m honored to be joined by other expert panelists Ciaran Blumenfeld of Momfluential, Heidi Leder of Coast To Coast Mom and Janis Elpas of Mommy Blog Expert.

We’ll be giving away 2 $50 Amazon Gift Cards and a Kindle Fire! You must RSVP here to be eligible to win.

See you on Twitter tomorrow! Follow hashtag #PixyKids.