This year, I’ve especially appreciated how much the holidays are a time to focus on family and friends—whether we’re celebrating Christmas, or have just celebrated Hanukkah, or any other event we hold dear. The friends with me in this picture are from my Vanderbilt years. Now they are all working in Chicago. We had a reunion at my book signing, and I was so happy to see them. Happy Holidays to everyone!
Are you traveling to Europe over the holidays? If so, there are seasonal stops for everyone, from those who just want to relax to those who want adventure. Trifter, a travel site which brings “the marvels of the world to your monitor” featured this article that I wrote on holiday attractions in Italy, Denmark, and Scotland.
While 2010 has been winding down, I have been doing events for my debut book, The Single Girl’s Guide to Meeting European Men. The consensus among girls attending these events is that the holidays should be filled with romance. I completely see their thought process. What’s the point of having mistletoe if it doesn’t come with an intriguing man?! If you are going to be in Europe this winter, whether you have already found an intriguing man to duck under the mistletoe with, whether you’re searching for one, or whether a man isn’t even on your wish list, here are three seasonal no-misses.
Italian Winter Enchantment
Florence’s Piazza Michelangelo, located on the South bank of the river Arno, is swathed in glowing lights during the holidays. This beautiful park-like landmark overlooking the city is where natives are known for drinking wine, enjoying gelato, relaxing, and mingling. Piazza Michelangelo is covered with stones and surrounded by charming little restaurants. In the evening, the spirit of the season is absolutely everywhere.
A Danish Winter
If you’re the type who lives for the thrill of excitement and relaxing isn’t on your holiday calendar, then Copenhagen’s amusement park, Tivoli, is your winter spot. It contains a variety of rides, restaurants, cafés, and bistros, enormous firework displays, and an assortment of performances. Until December 30, the Tivoli Gardens feature a holiday market. Rides continue to run as Yuletide stalls sell gifts and goodies. See www.TivoliGardens.com for details.
Bring in the New Year Scottish-Style
If you like to party hard, then your New Year festivities definitely can’t be mediocre. Edinburgh’s festival, Hogmanay, is far from that! This year it runs from December 30-January 2 and includes a torchlight procession, concerts, street parties, fireworks, and more. For some events, tickets have to be purchased early, so time is of the essence. If you plan to be in Scotland to say goodbye to the old year and ring in the new one go to www.EdinburghsHogmanay.org for details on the extravaganzas.
I had a whirlwind Seattle book signing tour, going from store to store in the Greater Seattle Area signing copies of my book for Barnes & Noble. One store manager even bought a copy and had me address it to her. She was so fun! If you go to one of the stores listed below and my book is sold out, just ask to have it ordered and B&N will get it for you.
Alderwood, Crossroads, Downtown Bellevue, Downtown Seattle, Northgate Mall, South Center, University Village, Westwood Village, and Woodinville
In her review, Smart, Sassy, and Fun, S.E. Rowland, official Amazon book critic, wrote of The Single Girl’s Guide to Meeting European Men:
“If you like Sex and the City, you’ll love Meeting European Men… This is wicked fun with a twist of serious practicality. If you thought traveling in Europe looking for love was beyond hope, have faith. Learn how to find decent lodging, get great travel deals, and be culturally hip.
Not only does Cahoon give great info like ‘Man Meeting Tips,’ she’s got up-to-date singles’ personalities in acronyms and psychological types. Add ‘40 Flirty Tips’ for an entrée. Top it off with a dessert of ‘A Word to the Wise’ in each chapter. Turn those dreams of European romance into reality.”
What: Evanston Illinois Borders Book Signing
The holiday season is here! If you want a gift for a single girl between the ages of 18-35, The Single Girl’s Guide to Meeting European Men is great, whether she is planning a trip abroad or wants surefire flirting tips to tryout on guys at home.
Part travel, part dating/relationship, my book tells where to go for fabulous experiences in twenty different Euro countries for outdoor sports lovers, clubbers, and everyone in between. It has safety tips and cultural/historical info so a girl instantly feels at home when she enters a country. Plus, it is chock full of true stories with a chick lit feel.
It’s also a great gift to give yourself for holiday reading! Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon, HerCampus.com calls it “a goldmine.”
Where: 1700 Maple Ave Evanston 60201
When: Wednesday, December 1st from 5-8PM
What: Northwestern University Philanthropy Book Event
This evening is one of a kind! At my philanthropy book events, the students choose the activities. So far, we have had a concert, theatrical performances, and a party band at a waterfront restaurant.
Northwestern students, Allie Gullquist and Dayana Sarkisova, came up with a male European pageant called “MEETING NORTHWESTERN’S EUROPEAN MEN.” The competition is guaranteed to be hot and hilarious including dance, body, and personality challenges. We’ll find out who has the best moves and MUCH MORE:) The girls asked if I would help judge these European studs. Is that even a question?! Of course, I will!
The first 50 guests will receive a FREE, signed copy of The Single Girl’s Guide to Meeting European Men. Hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats will be served, the Flirty Cupcake bus will be present, and prizes will be raffled off.
Requested donation: $10. Proceeds will benefit CASA to help abused and neglected children.
This event is a great break for Northwestern students studying for finals. Here is the flyer that Dayana and Allie made.
Where: 1845 Sheridan Road, Fisk 217, Evanston, IL 60208 When: Tuesday, Nov. 30th from 5-6:30PM
What: Seattle Borders Book Signing
Seattle’s holiday festivities will be in full swing the day after Thanksgiving, so if you’re going downtown, I’d love to see you at my book signing! It’s across the street from the carousel and next to Starbucks, so if you need to warm up or meet up with friends, this is the perfect place. Other seasonal no-misses include the fabulous Christmas tree collection and Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel (411 University Street), Sheraton Hotel’s elaborate gingerbread village (1400 6th Ave), the beautifully decorated store windows, and visiting Pike Place Market. There is no charge for these wonderful holiday traditions.
Where: 1501 4th Ave Seattle 98101
When: Friday, November 26th from 11AM-2PM
We had a fabulous performance lineup to benefit the local Nashville Children’s Hospital featuring popular Nashville singers who donated their talents for the cause. Thanks to everyone involved. Here are pictures from the event.
We were so excited to have Todd Sansom. When I told his manager we would announce that he was performing at The Stage later that night, she said, “That would be nice, but not needed. Todd just wants to help the children.” You can learn more about this first-class singer at ToddSansom.com
Original Cast: Vanderbilt’s Broadway Revue Troupe tied the evening together with their great musical performances. In keeping with my female driven book, they picked fun, flirty girl-centric songs. To learn more about them, see their Facebook page .
Chris Winward, a Nashville mainstay, not only performed for the event but set up and monitored the sound system for every act. In addition to being known as quite the heartthrob, he is very generous in supporting philanthropies. He tours the world with country legends. You can learn more at ChrisWinward.com.
Thanks to Madeleine Kent for hosting the event!
And thanks to Josh Turner who donated a signed tee-shirt, CD, and photo to be raffled off at the event. You can see more of him at JoshTurner.com
As Todd Sansom set up, Chris Winward (right front) checked sound.
I donated the books as door gifts.
The pretty blonde lady talking with me is Todd’s wife, Mandy. She is also his talented manager.
Saying thank you and goodbye to Todd and his band.
And thanks to Vandy students Maia Cole and Chris Mullican for helping set up the event. Without them the evening would not have come off.
In her amazing review entitled Don’t Leave Home Without It! Antoinette Klein, a top Amazon reviewer, wrote this about my book:
“Single women will relish the 40 Flirty Tips that work wonders with men. Many of these tips are just as appropriate for girls pursuing the American Male on their home turf, so even if you have no immediate need to go abroad, these are good refresher points for dating anywhere.
The bulk of the book is a great travel guide… Best of all, it is cleverly written in a easy-flowing style akin to a big sister sitting you down and telling you, ‘This is how to do it!’”
Monday’s University of Texas philanthropy event was fabulous. Thank you to everyone who came and helped First Book give new books to children in need. When I grew up, I always had access to books and I want all children to have this advantage. Books bring them joy, help them see the possibilities before them, and inspire them to reach their potential.
As you can see from the following pictures, everyone at this event had a wonderful time. With this beautiful waterfront, open-air venue and Lip Service, the cutting-edge party band, the evening could not be any less than great.
What: Vanderbilt University Book Event
This is the evening’s pre-pregame with free entertainment by popular Nashville singers, desserts, and signed copies of my book. Entitled “Give the Kids a Shot at Life,” it benefits the Nashville Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital and features frosting shots for everyone. They are quite the craze in Hollywood so I am bringing them to Vandy. We’ll also have cookies and drinks, and raffle off a signed CD, tee shirt, and picture from Josh Turner.
Live entertainment will be provided by Nashville fixtures Todd Sansom, from the Grand Ole Opry and The Stage, Chris Winward from Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, and Original Cast: Vanderbilt’s Broadway revue troupe.
Everything is being donated to help families of children at the hospital. Many of them are struggling to pay their medical bills with the added challenge of damage from the Nashville flooding and the recession. The student body is invited. Suggested donation: $5 cash.
The first 50 students will receive complimentary copies of The Single Girl’s Guide to Meeting European Men. Several of the stories in the book are about present and past Vandy students. I will be there signing. I’m paying my way to Nashville and doing this because Children’s Hospital is near to my heart. I’m a 2008 Vanderbilt grad. A childhood friend’s life was saved by a Children’s Hospital. She was born with a heart defect. Starting when I was two years old, I was there for her open heart surgeries. Today she is a healthy 25-year-old who is about to give birth to a healthy baby. This would not have happened without Children’s Hospital and the people who support it.
Please come!!! Besides helping children in need, with the fabulous performer lineup and the frosting shots, it’s guaranteed to be a great start to your weekend.
When I was three and Kelly returned home from the hospital, I came over in my clown costume and rounded up some neighborhood kids. We put on a show for her. Kelly let me put up this picture. She is the one in front.
Where: Sarratt Promenade (2301 Vanderbilt Place)
When: Friday, October 29th from 6-7:30PM
Yesterday, after hours of radio interviews starting at 4AM, I learned that the Internet had exploded with people wondering if the videos for my book, The Single Girl’s Guide to Meeting European Men, are serious or parodies. Come on, friends, do you really think I am being serious?! Of course they are parodies! No, I do not expect a girl will try to flirt with European men as six bulls are bearing down on her at The Running of the Bulls. It’s a joke. No, I don’t wear a dress when I bike…much less one matching a basket of flowers on the handlebars. I don’t even own a bike. And no, I do not go around constantly posing. I believe that if others are going to participate in my parody, it’s only fair that I join in.
Some of the information in my videos is true. My friend really did spend the night on the beach after a Summer Solstice fest and turn her dress into a towel in the morning. People really do wear the traditional red and white clothing at The Running of the Bulls, and Spanish men will be impressed with girls who do. The story of my friend at the dance club is real, and I admit on the video that I lack her talents. I’m just doing my best imitation.
Those making negative comments in this Internet explosion don’t seem to have actually read my book. It has received excellent reviews from reviewers and bloggers who have read it. Their recommendations include, “Don’t leave home without it!” “A must have for any one looking to snare, hunt, capture, or just track down the ever elusive European Man, or for those just looking to find the best spots in Europe to have a good time while on vacations or abroad studying.” The reviews are all linked to my website, which one prominent editor called “a goldmine.”
My book is a unique hybrid of travel/European history and culture combined with dating/relationship. It’s full of true stories with a chick lit feel and valuable information, including real man-meeting hotspots throughout 20 European countries with addresses, phone numbers, and websites. It’s also humorous.
Thank you to all of you who have read my book and have sent me encouraging messages. I love reading them.
It’s 3-something AM! I’m starting more phone tapings for early-morn radio talk shows. This round of interviews calls for a dome of donuts to keep me awake:) I’m so excited about the program lineup. The hosts are great! Hope you all get to hear one of the shows.