Guest Contributor: Miss Cozy

Miss Cozy’s beauty tip of the week: It’s a beauty catch 22, but putting the heat on too high will worsen dry skin problems, so experiment with different settings on your heater to find the right temperature for both you and your skin.

(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 - ‘Tis the season for this two-day shopping event. Unique LA is billed as as the largest independent design show on the West Coast. Enjoy doing your holiday shopping direct from over 300 designers and artists. This Saturday December 11th – December 12th, 11 am-6 pm at the California Market Center, Downtown – Click here for more info.

Chicago, IL - Come out and skate for free under some of Chicago’s most impressive skyscrapers, including the famous Bean while Ice Skating at Millenium Park. This outdoor skating rink is open daily and Skate rentals are available for $10. (Great Tip – After you’re done skating have lunch or dinner at the Park Grill located behind the rink) Click here for more info.

Indianapolis, Indiana - Throughout this holiday season, The Indiana State Museum will come alive with a distinctly festive look and feel at the Celebration Crossing. Bands and choirs will perform every weekday from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and on weekends from 12-3:30 p.m. Visit Santa’s Workshop (a.k.a. the museum’s gift shop) for a unique selection of gifts and toys, ride the Santa Claus Express train, and participate in craft activities. Enjoy reminiscing with re-creations of old L.S. Ayres store windows or have breakfast with Santa, like old times. (Mrs. Clause for tea on select dates) Located at 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis 46204 – Click here for more info.

Charlotte, NC – The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad presents this holiday event – The Polar Express, which is based on the popular Tom Hanks film of the same title features a train ride to the “North Pole”. The train departs from Bryson City, N.C., about three hours west of Charlotte. Read along with the magical story and meet Santa. Enjoy holiday caroling, hot cocoa, a special treat and a memento for the children. The Polar Express runs through December 23 – daily departure times vary. Located at Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - 226 Everett Street - Bryson City, NC 28713 – Click here for more info.

St. Louis, Missouri - The Jewel Box in Forest Park is beautiful anytime of the year but really shines during the holidays and features the Poinsettia Show. During the Christmas season, the giant greenhouse is filled with red, pink and white poinsettias. You can take in the display Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $1 but you can get in for free Monday and Tuesday before noon. The Jewel Box is located at the intersection of Wells and McKinley in Forest Park. 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

Wow, is it Fourth of July already? (Okay, it’s the 2nd, but still.) What would the weekend be without fireworks and festivals! With the assistance of Miss Cozy (check out CozyWallet.com for more swank ways to save money), we’ve constructed a list of the best places to watch the fireworks and other festive shindigs around the country…

Miss Cozy’s Beauty Tip of the Day: Put away cakey powder. To keep oily, shiny skin at bay, adjust your skin care. Use a mattifying lotion in the morning to absorb oil. Touch up with blotting papers during the day and make sure to use toner in the evening.

Miami, Florida – It’s July 4th weekend.. Of course Festivals and Fireworks are main priority! If you’re in Florida, check out the City of Homestead Concert and Fireworks – For those in southern Miami-Dade County, the Homestead Sports Complex is also hosting an Independence Day festival and fireworks show. The festival will feature a car show, rides, entertainment, food and music with a fireworks show at 9PM. For more, call the City of Homestead Department of Parks and Recreation at (305) 224-4570.

San Diego, California - San Diego Bay is the place to be on July 4^th when the 10th Annual Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom fills the sky with a spectacular pyrotechnic light show.  Four barges will be placed strategically in San Diego Bay off the shorelines of Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the North Embarcadero area and between Seaport Village and the Coronado Ferry Landing. The fireworks will be visible from all of the Port’s parks around the northern and central San Diego Bay area. These include Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Spanish Landing, Embarcadero Marina Parks North and South, Cesar Chavez Park, Coronado Tidelands Park and the Imperial Beach Pier.

Baltimore, Maryland – This Friday kicks off Moonstruck at the Little Italy Open Air Film Festival – The city’s grandest free outdoor movie series kicks off with this classic starring Cher and Nicholas Cage. Music starts at 7, the movie begins at 9, but get there early or you won’t have a spot to park your lawn chair. This is sure to be packed. The movie and music are free. Intersection of High and Stiles streets.

Little Rock, Arkansas – Most places and parks around Arkansas have firework displays this July 4^th weekend as well as plenty of BBQ’s and picnics.  This year, the place to be is Pops on the River. Bring chairs or blankets to Riverfront Park – gates open at 5:30 p.m. There will be music starting at 6:30 and fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m. The Arkansas symphony will be playing patriotic music to go along with the display. There’s not only a fireworks display to get excited about, there are other activities planned and a marketplace with cute stuff for sale.

Kansas City, Missouri – One thing is for sure – Kansas City knows how to do it up right when it comes to fireworks. With the 4th of July holiday right around the corner, it’s time to start figuring out which fireworks display to go and see. KC Riverfest – Held at Berkley Riverfront Park, this annual event not only has one of the best Fireworks displays in the Kansas City Metro that is choreographed to live music, but great entertainment and things to do for the whole family. Berkley Park on the River between the Broadway and Paseo bridges – Ongoing events July 3rd and 4th. Fireworks at 10:05pm, 4th of July – $6 or save $1 when booking online. Visit KC Riverfest.com

Seattle, Washington – The rarest of the rarest. On July 3rd through July 5th – Come taste over 130 world-class beers from more than 15 countries. “SIB IS AN OVER THE TOP BEER FESTIVAL celebrating the world’s most legendary brewing styles and the nations that made them famous. Come taste over 150 world-class beers from more than 15 countries.” The outdoor event is hosted in the grass of the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater about 100 yards west of the Space Needle. Visit seattlebeerfest.com

Are you enjoying your full week of pampering? By now you should be refreshed and well-rested, ready to take on the next edition of our Spa Week Road Trip Weekend Guide presented by Cozy Wallet. But first, congratulations to Susan Carroll @grumpy1970 , the winner of the $100 Spa Week® Gift Card in our  I Feel Pretty giveaway! How pretty are you feeling now Susan? May you use it in the best of good health. Check out CozyWallet.com for some swank ways to save money. Here, they rounded up what’s happening this weekend in Spa Week cities around the country, so you can enjoy some fun events along with your final Spa Week indulgences.

1. New York – National Volunteer Week (April 18 – 24, 2010), Celebrating People in Action, is a call to action for Americans to volunteer, and a week to inspire by example. Created by executive order of President Richard Nixon in 1974, this week signaled a recommitment to creating a culture of service in America. Millions of Americans volunteer this week and demonstrate the positive community impact that engaged individuals, families, businesses and organizations create year-round. Join National Volunteer Week as they celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things to transform their communities!

Get involved in Hands on New York to give our city a good spring cleaning. Get New York City parks, gardens, and community spaces ready for summer by gardening, painting, weeding, and revitalizing these urban oases. Saturday, April 24th 2010 from 9:30am – 3pm, Hands On New York Day.

2. North Carolina – “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” Stop by Community Yard and Craft Sale  Art Event in Durham, North Carolina to buy and sell secondhand and craft items in the site’s picnic area – April 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m – 2828 Duke Homestead Rd. Durham, NC 27705 (919) 477-5498 – ibiblio.org/dukehome

3. Philadelphia – Need something old to add to your something borrowed and blue? Or if you just enjoy the pleasure of antiquing… stop by The Philadelphia Antiques Show. Founded in 1962, is one of the longest running antiques shows in the country. 2010 marks the 49th anniversary and it continues to be internationally acclaimed as the premier American antiques and decorative arts show in the country. The Preview Gala kicks off the festivities and is scheduled for April 16, 2010. The Show itself will take place April 17 – 20, 2010 – Philadelphia Cruise Terminal at The Navy Yard, located at 5100 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, just past the city’s popular sports complex, The Philadelphia Antiques Show.

4. Pittsburgh – Enjoy a day with family and/or friends of fun, fresh air and easy exercise to help save lives and create awareness for colon and rectal cancer. (Walk or run for colon and rectal cancer awareness and research) Proceeds support theAllegheny General Hospital Center for Colon and Rectal Surgery in conducting research and educational activities that raise awareness and advance treatment for colon and rectal cancer. An event T-shirt will be given to each participating walker or runner. Starts @ 8am beginning at the pool parking lot and wind around the South Ridge of North Park. http://www.bigbluequest.com/events.htm

5. Nashville – Are you a movie buff craving some new material?? Stop by the Nashville Film Festival this weekend where you will find Over 240 feature films, documentaries, shorts, workshops, and panels. It will definitely be a unique film-going experience. April 15th – April 22nd 2010 http://www.nashvillefilmfestival.org/Home/tabid/106/Default.aspx

6. Austin – Bull Riding.. Tie-Down Roping.. Mutton’ Bustling.. This is an event not to be missed.. Longview is the place to be this weekend, when top professional cowboys and cowgirls perform in the non-stop action 20thannual PRCA Rodeo. April 16th – April 17th 2010 Longview Rodeo Longview, TX 75606-1166 http://www.longviewrodeo.com/

Here’s another installment of the Spa Week Road Trip Weekend Guide! Now aren’t you happy we’re here to plan the weekend for you– that’s one less thing to remember. This time around we have six Spa Week markets lined up with the most creative, tasty, and educational activities you can find this weekend. Get the troops together and brace for another weekend of fun in the sun courtesy of Cozy Wallet. Before you start on your way make sure to apply some SPF 15 (mustn’t forget about wrinkles and skin damage) and drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and give yourself a natural glow.

P.S.- You can still enter Cozy Wallet’s $100 Spa Week Gift Card “I Feel Pretty” giveaway (click here to enter!).

1. Baltimore –  Wearable Art, hand crafted items, touches of Spring.. What more could you ask for at the 11th Annual O. C. APRIL ART & CRAFT where Exhibitors (almost 80) will be displaying fun and unique hand crafted items. Stop by to pick up some creative, unique gifts and extraordinary accessories. April 2nd thought April 4th Fri., 11 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

2. Boston – A time to chip in.. Enjoy A Spoonful of Ginger, which is a fabulous evening of food tasting bringing together Boston’s finest chefs to raise money and increase awareness of the growing incidence of diabetes among Asian Americans. Participating chefs include Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger, Jasper White of Summer Shack and Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery and Myers + Chang, and others. All proceeds benefit AADI. Visit Joslin.org.

3. Las Vegas – In the mood for an all around Social Block Party?? Check out First Friday, which is an Arts and Entertainment party in the Las Vegas Arts District. Enjoy Live Music, Street Performances and cool local art. Friday, April 2, 6 pm – 10 pm – Arts District, Downtown Las Vegas.

4.  Michigan – Imagine big white things falling from the sky… lol Well you won’t have to imagine much longer.. Check out the The Original Great Marshmallow Drop where more than 15,000 marshmallows will be dropped from a helicopter at Catalpa Oaks County Park, Southfield, MI.

5.  Minneapolis/ St. Paul – Daffodils, tulips, lilies, and more.. What could make it feel more like Spring than A Spring Flower Show?? Step inside the beautiful glass confines of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory’s Sunken Garden, which features over 7,000 tulips, 1,000 daffodils,1100 hyacinth, along with stunning snapdragons, bearded iris, ranunculus, pansies and violas, plus hydrangea, freesias, crocuses and lilies all in a color palette of purple and orange. Marjorie McNeely Conservatory 1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55103. Visit Comozooconservatory.org

6. New Jersey – What could be better than spending the first weekend on Spring on the Wayer? Enjoy a bountiful lunch buffet, live entertainment and DJ dancing and the wonderful views of the Manhattan skyline. Sunday, April 4, 2010 Spirit Cruises 866.483.3866 Sailing from Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken, NJ LUNCH CRUISE – Board: 11:30 am DINNER CRUISE – Board: 6:30 pm