Lori McNally « Authors « Chic Galleria

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Lori McNally

Lori Delgado-McNally is a Travel & Lifestyle writer based in New York City. Growing up in one of the most happening and culturally diverse cities when it comes to things to do and restaurants, Lori’s experience made her want to see and taste what is out there in the world.

Lori’s background is in television journalism. Her work both behind the scenes and “on-air” has given her the experience to write, live in different cities, and to travel. She loves meeting new people, and hearing their stories and experiences because she thinks that’s what travel is all about.

Lori likes to try new foods, shop for the greatest things out there, and to travel to places that will continue to enrich her life and make her a better person all around. She has traveled to many places in North & South America, The Caribbean, Africa, Europe and Asia and is thirsty for more!

But, Lori also doesn’t have an endless surpluss when it comes to the travel fund- so she likes to share ideas on how to Jet Set Smart. She shows her readers that travel to exotic destinations in this economy can still be possible if you know when to go, where to stay, and what to do while you are there. She also thinks travel can be Jet Setting somewhere closer to home and seeing more of what’s in your own “backyard.” She will share travel stories, ideas, pictures, and leave her readers asking themselves “Why don’t we Jet Set more often?”

Lori is also the founder of http://www.jetsetsmart.com. While it is still being developed, it will ultimately be a Travel website where people can download or print Jet Set Smart Travel Guides for different destinations. In the meantime, people can check also out her blog http://www.jetsetsmartblog.com for daily doses of travel smart ideas.

Lori currently lives in New York City with her husband and travel partner, Rich, and their Yorkshire Terrier, Riley. Please feel free to email her at askus@jetsetsmart.com.

Santa Ynez Basics

March 16, 2010

Santa Ynez, California has become one of my new favorite obsessions on the west coast. The Santa Ynez Valley is located in northern Santa Barbara County (about a two hour drive north of L.A) and is the heart of Santa Barbara’s Wine Country. If you’ve seen the movie Sideways, then you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Why to Go:
The Santa Ynez Valley has more than 100 wineries which feature some great white and red wines (more than just Pinot Noir- if you saw Sideways, you’ll know what I’m talking about). Even if you are not a wine lover, you’ll enjoy the … Read More »

Terranea

March 15, 2010

L.A. is one of my favorite cities, but like all cities, from time to time, you want to venture outside of the hustle and bustle to a more relaxing place. On my last trip to L.A, my family and I got to escape to one of the most serene places…the Terranea Resort. Terranea is a brand new resort (opened just seven months ago) which is located in Rancho Palos Verdes, California (about a 45-minute drive south of L.A.). Terranea Resort is a 102-acre resort which sits right on the Pacific Ocean, so your views from just about everywhere at this … Read More »

L.A. Comfort Food

March 12, 2010

When I typically think of Los Angeles, California, I think of sunshine, beautiful people and healthy food. All of this seems to be true, but let me tell you, the people of Los Angeles also know a thing or two about fast food/comfort food spots! Whether you are cruising down Santa Monica Boulevard, the Sunset Strip, Robertson, Melrose or Hollywood, you will quickly notice that there is no shortage of burger joints. There’s Jack-in-the-Box, Apple Pan, Umami, Hole-in-the-Wall, Burger Joint, Pinks…you get the idea! But, one of my all time favorite’s is In-N-Out Burger!!!

Holy Cow … Read More »

L.A.’s Andaz West Hollywood is All About “Andaz”

March 11, 2010

Where: Andaz West Hollywood Hotel, 8401 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

Choosing L.A. as a jet-set destination was easy – finding the perfect hotel was not. Of course, the perfect hotel should be a place you look forward to going back to at the end of a long day of shopping, dining, sight-seeing (or whatever else you spent the day doing) – offering a big, comfortable bed lined with crisp, clean sheets of a ridiculously high thread count and lots of plush pillows. But the perfect hotel should also be a place you would be totally content never leaving.

Enter Andaz … Read More »

Unclaimed Baggage Center

March 10, 2010

Ever wonder what happens to all the baggage that airlines loose? I’ll tell you what happens…it ends up in Scottsboro, Alabama at the Unclaimed Baggage Center! Yup! Crazy as it sounds, it’s true. Each day, an average of about 100 pieces or more of luggage are separated from jet setters. The Unclaimed Baggage Center basically buys and resells unclaimed baggage from the airlines and it’s totally legit! Airlines have 90 days to reunite the luggage with the owner, once that time passes, it’s free game for whomever wants it. There is a ton of stuff for sale at … Read More »

March Read

March 9, 2010

If you love a good mystery, a bit of history, and San Francisco (who doesn’t) jet set to the bookstore this month and pick up a copy of ‘City of Dragons’ by Kelli Stanley. It is my recommended March Read and the first book in what should be a long running series according to many reviewers. The author lives in San Francisco, California, and according to a write-up by the Sun-Sentinel “skillfully shows how much the city has changed and, yet, how many landmarks and restaurants such as John’s Grill and the Sears Pancake House have survived the decades.” I … Read More »

Couples Retreat: Bora Bora

March 8, 2010

So, the other day I finally watched the movie Couples Retreat. I have to say I thought I was going to be totally disappointed and bored, but it was actually sort of cute and funny! The real point of my story is that I was completely enamored with the beautiful resort where they stayed in the movie and had to find of where it was. Well, I did…it’s the St. Regis Resort in Bora Bora, in the French Polynesian Islands! Oh my goodness, if you’ve seen the movie then you know what I’m talking about, and if you … Read More »

Comfort and Glam for Traveling

March 1, 2010

Jet setting the world can be fun, but only if you have the right stuff with you. So if you are a person who likes to travel and loves to shop, then read on! I have recently fallen for two new things that I wanted to share with all of you. The first thing is the perfect solution for any of you who hate wearing high heels, but still want to wear stylish shoes when you jet set…Fit in Clouds!

The “Clouds” are the portable ballet flats that fold and fit in a pouch slightly bigger than … Read More »

Where in the World is Your Heart?

February 16, 2010

As a Travel Writer for Chic Galleria, you’ll find my ideas on where to jet set, but from time to time, you’ll get my recommendations about interesting fashion ideas from around the globe as well. I recently learned about a fabulous jewelry designer from California named Maya Brenner. She creates everything from necklaces, to earrings, to bracelets…But, I absolutely fell in love with her State Necklaces.

They come in either sterling silver or 14K gold, and you can also get them with or without a little diamond (Around $100-$300 depending on which state). Many celebrities have sported them, including Eva Longoria-Parker … Read More »

Love Vegas

February 12, 2010

A great idea for a chocolate themed getaway for Valentine’s Day is to head to Las Vegas and go to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Gardens. Located only fifteen minutes away from the Vegas Strip, this place is heaven-on-earth for chocolate lovers.Get to see how chocolate is made, sample all different kinds of sweet treats, wander through their beautiful cactus gardens, and do it all for free! (Except for whatever chocolate you eat.)

Ethel M Chocolate Factory’s Cactus Gardens is 3-acres big. So grab your honey, head to Vegas, check out their chocolate … Read More »

Chocolate School

February 11, 2010

Yes, at first glace the thought of going back to “SCHOOL” might make you sick, but this is Chocolate School my jet setters! I’m talking about the Vermont Chocolate School located in Burlington, Vermont. You and your honey can jet set to this beautiful city and take a chocolate making class of two together this Valentine’s Day.You will learn the most important aspects of chocolate making (”totally “hands-on”), in a class that is only you, your loved one, and the instructor. The best part about it is, you will learn chocolate making skills that you can bring home with you. … Read More »

Chocolate Themed Getaway for V-Day

February 10, 2010

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and you know how I feel about flowers, lingerie, or chocolate…SAVE YOUR MONEY, and instead jet set somewhere with your honey. This upcoming weekend happens to be unique because it’s Valentine’s Day on Sunday and President’s Day (holiday/day off from work for some) on Monday. If this is going to be a long weekend for you and your loved one, then this is your chance to plan a great little getaway and I can help you.

I will be posting a few different Chocolate Themed Getaways for this weekend … Read More »

Perfect Bag for Jet Setter/Environmentalist

February 9, 2010

When I jet set, I always seem to have a lot to carry with me on the plane. I like to bring my Travel-U pillow, my N-A-P travel blanket and eye mask, book/magazines, i-pod, snacks…you get the idea! Well, I have not only found a great bag to take it all with me in, but the bag is also very Environmentally Friendly. Meet the Maggie Bags!!! They are bags made out of seat belts that were rejected by the manufacturer. I didn’t know this, but every year, MILLIONS of yards of seat belt webbing are turned down for the slightest … Read More »

Escape to Shape

February 8, 2010

How many of you made the same New Year’s resolution AGAIN this year- to lose weight? (Yes, my hand is up too!) The question really is…have you started doing it yet? (For me, the answer would be NO!) Well how about jet setting somewhere incredible and beautiful, having an amazing vacation, and coming back five to ten pounds skinnier? OK, I officially sound like an infomercial now, but all kidding aside, Escape to Shape is the answer.

Escape to Shape considers itself a traveling fitness spa. Basically, the program includes a vacation to a fantastic locale with luxurious accommodations, a total-body … Read More »

February Read: Lunch in Paris

February 5, 2010

The book I am recommending to read this month is Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard. Coming out this month in bookstores, Lunch in Paris sounds romantic and wonderful- just like the city where it’s set…Paris!!! I can’t wait to read this book and fall in love with Paris all over again…one of my favorite cities in the WORLD!!! (See pic below of us in Paris from 2007)

Below is a short book review from Barnes and Nobles:

Was it love at first sight? Or was it the way her knife slid effortlessly through her pavé au poivre, the steak’spink juices puddling … Read More »