By Megan Manecke, Lifestyles Editor

That vacation you have been eagerly awaiting is just around the corner. You have booked your flight, made hotel reservations, and have decided what sights to see. So what else do you have left to do? Pack, that dreaded four letter word that overwhelms most women at  the thought of it. You have to make sure everything fits in your bag, what is appropriate for the weather, prepare if the weather is bad, and so on. Below are a few tips from Stylist Alegra Torel.

First, always bring several separate pieces. This way you can mix and match and you can wear each piece more than once. This will also make your suitcase lighter. You should chose pieces that you can dress up with heels or dress down for the daytime.

Second, do not take things that you are not sure you would wear. If it is something that you love one day but hate the next, leave it home. Only bring things you are sure you will wear and if you wear something less than three times a year, leave it in the closet.

Keep in mind the weather, who you are going to see, and what the purpose of your visit is. Mentally browse clothes before going to your closet, this will save you time because you will have an idea of what you want to pick out. Once you have everything ready to go, you can determine the size bag you will need and you don’t want to take a bag larger than necessary. After weeding through your closet and fitting those pieces into your suitcase you are good to go!

Alegra Torel has her own trademark style of classic and contemporary influences and is quickly rising in the fashion and beauty industry. With clients in the U.S. and Europe, Alegra is the style voice for a new generation. She offers versatility, practical how-to-advice and tips, combined with her sense of style and professionalism.

Do you have any advice on how to pack or fashion in general? We would love to hear it!

By Megan Manecke, Lifestyles Editor

Many shoppers may be thinking about trimming spending on holiday gift-giving this year while searching high and low for affordable presents that are still some kind of wonderful.  For Tara & John Lulich from East Lansing, Michigan, giving manatee adoptions from Save the Manatee Club is part of their joy of the season. 

An annual manatee adoption costs $25 and includes an adoption certificate, photo of a real endangered Florida manatee, biography, membership handbook, and four newsletters throughout the year with updated reports on the manatees in the adoption program. A personalized holiday message is offered with each gift adoption. 

“I’ve known about manatees since I was a teenager visiting Florida, and they’ve always held a special place in my heart,” said Tara.   “For the past three Christmases, we have adopted manatees for our children, Nick, 8, and Andrea, 11.  We also adopted one for my mom which has created a wonderful connection between my kids and their grandmother.”

In the spring of 2008, the Lulich family visited Homosassa, and Andrea was thrilled to be able to see her adopted manatee, Rosie.  “It was an amazing experience to actually see the manatee whom we’d read so much about,” said Tara.  “We can’t imagine how anyone who spends a second in their presence can’t help but fall in love with them!”

 Manatees, who have inhabited Florida for over a million years, are listed as endangered at the international, federal, and state levels.  The largest known cause of manatee injuries and deaths is from human activity – predominantly from boat strikes. The Florida manatee population is estimated to be around 3,800.

   “There are many wonderful causes out there, but Save the Manatee Club’s dedication to these fantastic animals is beyond compare,” added Tara.  “The Club does a marvelous job of making us feel like a part of the group even though we live 1,400 miles away.”       

  For more information about manatees, or the adoption program, contact Save the Manatee Club at 500 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland, FL 32751, call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646), or visit their web site at www.savethemanatee.org.  Also, sign up for the Club’s free E-Newsletter and check out their quick and easy online gift catalog at http://www.savethemanatee.org/manateegifts.htm.

By Megan Manecke, Lifestyles Editor

According to a recent study by the Alzheimer’s Association, by the year 2050, 16 million people will have Alzheimer’s disease. Today, we still have many unanswered questions about prevention and detection, along with what is the truth or myth about a condition that may affect one of your loved ones.

Gilbert Guide, the most comprehensive site on the web for aging and senior care, has just introduced Alzheimer’s and Dementia expert Dennis Fortier to their ever-growing pool of Aging Guide experts. Fortier is the President and CEO of Medical Care Corporation, a neuro-informatics company that develops assessment technologies to enable physicians to objectively evaluate memory and other cognitive functions in their patients. His column will bring to light the truths and the myths behind mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. He will also discuss the benefits of early identification and timely intervention against medical conditions that impair brain function.

“We have nearly 25 topic-specific experts about issues and health conditions related to the aging process,” Jill Gilbert, CEO of Gilbert Guide, said. “We’re excited to be bringing Dennis Fortier on board, who can help demystify the disease for the five million Americans that Alzheimer’s affects today. Whether it is understanding what kinds of things can improve the condition, myths around the memory loss process, or what can help families dealing with a family member who has Alzheimer’s disease, we want to better inform the public about their options.”

Gilbert Guide provides families with the most comprehensive senior care directory on the web for aging parents and loved ones, but also a direct line to practical solutions, extensive expert advice and quality assessment tools that help them conduct their own expert evaluations of providers. Some topics include: senior moving solutions, senior health, supportive homecare, and nineteen others.

Gilbert Guide was established in 2004 and it is the leading senior care website for families. It is a great resource, families can find practical solutions, expert information, and a senior housing guide and homecare directory for aging parents and loved ones. For more information visit: www.gilbertguide.com.