Guest Contributor: Miss Cozy

As the air gets drier in the colder weather, it’s time to start moisturizing to the max!  Might also want to switch to heavier creams during this time of year.  This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to change lines or companies, since most skin-care lines have a variety of products to meet different needs. Switching between lighter to heavier creams, can rejuvenate your whole skin-care process. Now is a good time to try lotions that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic or lactic acid, which are highly recommended to reverse dry skin and invisible lines at a deeper level.

(Check out CozyWallet.com for more swank ways to save money)

If you have the chance, try to stop by one of these great events this weekend:

Los Angeles, CA – One of the American Film Institute’s high-profile film festivals is once again here, in Hollywood: the much-anticipated AFI Fest. Running from November 4th-11th, the festival and related events will take place at: The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, The Egyptian Theatre, The Mann Chinese 6 Theatres, and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (home of the nightly red carpet premieres). For the second year in a row, AFI Fest will offer free tickets to all of its screenings, with the support of event sponsor Audi. Check the AFI website for more information on getting your free tickets. Click here for more info or call 866-AFI-FEST for more info on Patron Packages and Passes.

Denver, CO – The fourth annual Denver Arts Week is November 5-13, 2010. Denver Arts Week will celebrate the Mile High City’s vibrant arts and cultural scene with more than 200 events and a kickoff weekend featuring “Know Your Arts First Friday” art walks in eight neighborhoods; more than a dozen free museums hosting extended hours on a Saturday night; and Denver’s on Stage offering week-long discounts, deals, and extra special programming by performing arts organizations.  Click here for more info.

Atlanta, GA – Learn to create Mexico’s most famous moles at home this Monday, November 8th 2010 at Rosa Mexicano’s Día de los Muertos Mole Cooking Demonstration and Luncheon. Attendees learn how to prepare three distinctive moles and enjoy a luncheon. The demonstration is $35 per person. Click here for more info or call 404-347-4090 for reservations

Detroit, Michigan – The 5th Annual Veterans Day Parade this Saturday, November 6th 2010 – gives Detroiters a chance to pay homage to its veterans as they march down Woodward Avenue to Hart Plaza. The parade is sponsored by the Metropolitan Detroit Veterans Coalition and is the only tribute in Michigan recognized by the VA – starting at Woodward Avenue & Temple - Downtown Detroit.  Click here for more info.

Long Island, NY – The New York Islanders Special Hockey Day is scheduled for Saturday, November 6, 2010 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The all-day event, which starts at 1 pm, will feature Islanders alumni assisting developmentally disabled children and adults in an on-ice clinic and exhibition. The Islanders will host the Long Island Blues, the Island’s only developmentally disabled hockey team, and other members of the American Special Hockey Association. Tickets to the event are $35 and can be purchased by contacting Cliff Gault of the New York Islanders at (516) 501-6763. The tickets include admission to the Islanders-Flyers game that evening at 7 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Long Island Blues and New York State Disabled Hockey. Click here for more info.

Images Courtesy of howstuffworks.com, telegraph.co.uk, recipesforthefamily.com, tallinn-life.com,ursispaltenstein.ch

Guest Contributor: Miss Cozy

Your nails are likely to become brittle as the weather changes. Keep them well filed to avoid snags that lead to ripping and breakage. Also avoid fast drying nail polishes as they contain isopropyl alcohol (IPA) which causes them to become even more brittle and flaky.

Moisturize your nails and hands with a thick natural moisturizer. Sesame oil is wonderful, you need just a few teaspoonfuls. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to help keep harmful bacteria away (especially from your toenails).

Check out CozyWallet.com for more swank ways to save money and look doing it.

If you have the chance, try to stop by one of these great events this weekend:

Phoenix, Arizona – If you’re looking to expand your business and connections, stop by the Arizona Farmer and Chef connection this Monday, October 4th 2010.  This is meant to be “a gathering designed to foster collaboration and wholesale direct market opportunities between local farmers, ranchers, chefs and other food buyers who are committed to expanding and strengthening local and seasonal food networks.”  Check out their featured speakers, breakout sessions, networking, and a wine and cheese reception at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa – 4949 E Lincoln Drive – Paradise Valley, AZ 85253  Click here for more info.

Los Angeles, California - Thanks to the LA County Fair, this rustic festival encourages us to forget those soy lattés and milk some cows, pet some horses, and enjoy some wine, beer and an array of food.  Some extra features include the Budweiser Clydesdales, the all Creatures Barnyard Racers – a group of fast racing pigs run through the mud, live music performances from the Summertime Concert Series – some headlining performers have included Jessica Simpson and The Village People, special performances like the aerial high wire show put on by The Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean and Circus regulars like the Stars of the Peking Acrobats from China perform. Click here for more info.

Denver, Colorado – “Dust off your running shoes and set your alarm for Sunday, October 3 when 60,000 participants are expected for the 18th annual Komen Denver Race for the Cure. The race, which starts and ends at the Pepsi Center, has three events: the 5K Co-Ed Run/Walk at 7:00am, 5K Co-Ed Walk at 8:00am and the Family 1-Mile Fun Walk at 9:00am.” Click here for more info.

New Orleans, Louisiana – Oktoberfest is done New O’leans style..  Featuring live bands, German food and beer, wine and schnapps, and Souvenirs from Germany – it’s held every year at Deutsches Haus, which is located at 200 S. Galvez Street in New Orleans. The Haus opens at 5:00 PM each Friday and 1:30 pm Saturday through October 25th – Meals are available at 5:00 PM until 10:45 PM. Click here for more info

St. Louis, Missouri – The best restaurants in town will be showing off their finest dishes at the 2010 Taste of St. Louis. This three day event features food, art, music, cooking demonstrations and more. The Taste of St. Louis is held at Soldiers Memorial at 12th and Market Streets in downtown St. Louis. Click here for more info.

Guest Contributor: Miss Cozy

As the winds change, it is likely that your skin will be exposed to dryness and chapping. Look to the produce of the season to prepare a nourishing mask for your skin. Pumpkin is ideal – not only is it high in vitamin A, C and antioxidants, it has wonderful moisturizing properties. Prepare a mask of 2 Tbs cooked pumpkin and 1 Tbs honey. Apply it all over your face and leave for about 10-15 minutes before washing off.

Check out CozyWallet.com for more swank ways to save money, and look good doing it.

If you have the chance, try to stop by one of these great events this weekend:

San Diego, California – The Adams Avenue Street Fair is debuting this weekend, September 25th – 26th, as a diverse music and arts festival in a street fair setting. There will be 70 artists performing over eight blocks for over 100,000 people for two days, with music ranging from folk to Cajun to country to rock to blues, in a true “street scene” in the funkiest of urban neighborhoods, Normal Heights. There will be three beer gardens, Giant Carnival rides, plus 300 craft and food vendors.. Most importantly, it’s a FREE event! Now known as Southern California’s largest free street festival. The 29th annual 2010 Adams Avenue Street Fair will be held Saturday, September 25th 10 am til 9 pm, and Sunday, September 26th 10 am til 6 pm, from Adams Avenue at 32nd Street on the west to 35th Street on the east and one block south on Mansfield Street in the Normal Heights community of San Diego. Click here for more info.

Denver, Colorado – Now that Fall is officially here, the Denver Botanic Gardens has put together one of the most ‘attended’ corn mazes in the country! “Maze design is cut in the shape of a marmot (a large ground squirrel native to the Rocky Mountains that is also the mascot for the new Mordecai Children’s Garden at the Gardens’ York Street location).” Enjoy tasty fall treats from their food vendors, two observation bridges that provide a bird’s eye view to help you navigate, and Hayrides as well as pony rides will be available on the weekends for an additional cost. Click here for more info.

Washington, DC – September is known as Hispanic Heritage Month, so to celebrate traditions, this weekend – September 26th 2010, enjoy the Latino Festival hosted in Washington DC, also known as Fiesta DC. This is an annual celebration featuring highlights of the Latino culture with a Parade of Nations, a children’s festival, a science fair, a diplomatic pavilion for embassies and consulates, arts & crafts, and international cuisine. The free festival is huge and takes over the Columbia Heights neighborhood bringing together dozens of non profit organizations, community leaders, and members of the community. This Sunday, September 26th from 11 am til 7 pm Parade: 1:30 pm til 3:30 pm – Located at Mt. Pleasant St. NW, between Argonne Pl. and Park Rd., Washington, DC. Click here for more info.

Atlanta, Georgia – Fall couldn’t be a more perfect time of year to enjoy an outdoors-y afternoon with friends, without heat exhaustion! This Saturday, September 25th 2010, check out the Miller Lite Chili Cookoff Festival at Stone Mountain. Running from 10am until 7pm, stop by for a fun filled day of beer, music and chili from around 300 chili booths that will be providing free samples. Located at Stone Mountain Park, GA; Coliseum Meadow (Special Events Area) Click here for more info.

Great Neck, New York – Antique Cars for sale, international food and live music by the Meade Brothers – what more could you ask for from a Car Festival?? This Sunday from 12pm til 5pm, stop by the Great Neck Plaza Autofest/Festival. There will also be a petting zoo, pony rides and carnival rides. Classic cars like the Alco-6 Racer – winner of the 1909 and 1910 Long Island Vanderbilt Cup Race, will be displayed as well. Click here for more info.

Guest Contributor: Miss Cozy

Fall is officially here. That means $50 spa treatments, yes, but it means so much more for your beauty regimen too. It means slicked-back hair so the wind doesn’t catch those fly-aways, not as strong of a tan so berry lips and rosy cheeks it is. Time to start stocking up on lip and cheek stain for that natural look!

Check out CozyWallet.com for more swank ways to save money and look good doing it.

If you have the chance, try to stop by one of these great events this weekend:

Long Island, New York – Summer is officially over, fall means warm apple pie and apple cider.. Perfect time for apple picking! The 21st Annual Long Island Apple Festival is this Sunday, September 19, 2010 @ Sherwood Jayne Farm. Enjoy a fun filled day of apple picking, apple cider, and a baking contest. (Please submit application for contest by Friday, Sept. 17, 2010 (amateurs only) – ( Form can be download here) Pies must be submitted no later than 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 19 – located @ Sherwood-Jayne Farm, 55 Old Post Road, East Setauket, NY – Click here for more info.

Missouri River – St. Charles, Missouri – You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy their authentic food, music and drinks @ the annual Missouri River Irish Fest. It’s held in September, which is half way to St. Patrick’s Day @ Frontier Park. The air will be filled with live Celtic music and vendors selling plenty of popular Irish goods. Stop by this weekend – Friday, September 17th from 6 pm til 10:30 pm, Saturday, September 18th from 10 am til 11 pm, and Sunday, September 19th from 10 am til 4 pm – For more info, click here .

Philadelphia, PA – Calling all artists.. Philly Fringe is an unfiltered festival where new and established artists present their work without stressing about the selection process. “Come one, come all..” Last year, 185 Philly Fringe shows were created by artists from around the region. This Saturday, September 18th 2010 marks the last day of the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe. Enjoy comedy, theater, dance, music, and other forms of art and expression. Click here for more info.

Washington DC - Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a fiesta at the Zoo this Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 11 am til 5 pm @ the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Enjoy a day filled with Hispanic and Latino music, costumed dancers, crafts, and Latin American authentic food. Click here for more info.

Denver, Colorado – Beer, BBQ and the outdoors?? Sounds like a commemoration of Summer.. This weekend, September 17th until September 19th 2010 from 11am until 10pm, the Appaloosa Grill and the Great Divide Beer Garden teamed up to offer a Beer Fest BBQ with live music, and will be hosted outside of the Great Divide’s beer garden. Click here for more info.

Is it just us, or are these summer weeks flying by? Hopefully you’re still joining us on our Almost Free City Travels, courtesy of Miss Cozy. (Check out CozyWallet.com for more swank ways to save money.)

Miss Cozy’s Beauty Tip: How are those footsies doing? At the end of every shower use the pumice stone to soften your soles. Also, try to apply lotion at night, because creams and oils attract dirt – wouldn’t want that to happen as soon as you walk out the door in the am.

If you have the chance, try to stop by one of these great events this weekend:

Denver, CO – Denver’s City Park hosts free jazz concerts from June 6 – August 8, 2010 and every Sunday at 6 pm. The park fills up with picnickers and jazz aficionados, gathering around the bandstand near Ferril Lake. Some concerts are also held on the lawn near the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. This Sunday, July 18th at 6pm enjoy a performance by Rekha Odal, an artist born in India who moved to America and started her career by playing the piano. A few words of advice, bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on to get the best experience. Some food vendors usually set up shop near the concerts in case you want to grab a bite. Parking is free in City Park, but it’s recommended to arrive early and find a space near the concert venues.

Los Angeles, CA – Stop by the Orange County Fair, which runs Wednesday through Sundays, July 16 until August 15 at the OC Fair and Event Center. Enjoy a fun filled day of concerts, a carnival, bull riding, Lucha Libre Mexican wrestling, Orange County Police Canine Show, Ice Museum and more! Visit OCFair.com for more information.

Orlando, FL – This summer Lake Eola will rock like never before! The Rockin’ Lake Eola concert series runs every Saturday until September 3 from 3pm until 11pm. While listening to the live entertainment enjoy some of your favorite local vendors and restaurants. With a wide range of talent, Rockin’ Lake Eola is fun for all. Enjoy live music, great food and cold drinks and good company!

New Orleans, LA – On the occasion of his 176th birthday, on July 19th 2010 from 5pm – 9pm – the Edgar Degas Foundation invites you to come celebrate. There will be music, food and drinks with absinthe tastings provided by Le Tourment Verte, specialty cocktails created especially for the occasion, and the house will be open for touring. Enjoy music by Paul Sanchez and The Rolling Road Show as well as food provided by Daniel Esses of Esses Foods. Located @ The Degas House Historic Home, Courtyard & Inn – 2306 Esplanade Avenue – New Orleans, Louisiana – (504) 821-5009

Columbus, Ohio – Enjoy Fitness Yoga on the Square – Fridays 8:30am – 9:30am until August 27th. This non-purist yoga class is specifically designed for the mainstream fitness participant. They integrate body and mind through yoga poses for total performance with focus on strength, conditioning and flexibility. Bring your mat and join in Friday mornings for this wonderful class in a unique setting! Located @ 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, 43219