Lindsey Duda, of Team PLRG, is one of the busiest ladies we know, so it amazes us that she is always finding cool “stuff” on the internet for our readers to enjoy. Like yesterday- she came across this audition for Oprah’s Your Own Show search and we knew we had to share it with you. Check out Zach’s audition:

Omigod! Zach had us laughing out loud! The audition video was not at all what we expected, but we were so pleasantly surprised. He had us at “the sexiest of the palsies.” We love how his no holds bar, humorous attitude reminds us that we are all the same inside and we all just like to have a good time and a good laugh.

We also LOVE his idea for a travel show (right up a PLRG’s alley). He’s right, most travel shows tell you all about planning the “perfect” trip or vacation, but we all know things rarely go as planned. A host that can guide you through these travel challenges, and make it funny and interesting to watch- he gets our vote.

Go Zach!

To vote for Zach, visit his page on the Oprah Your Own Show website.

Thanks to the FAA’s rules and regulations of 3 oz. liquids in carry-on’s many brands have jumped on the bandwagon of travel-sized products. Gone are the days of buying ugly plastic containers to fill with your larger stock at home. And while some drug-store brands still are reliable, your fave shampoo might not be Pantene or Herbal Essences.

Here are some of the best and most cost efficient picks:

Philosophy’s The Travel Agent comes in a clear plastic zippered bag complete with facial cleanser, moisturizer, a 2-in-1 shampoo/body wash, conditioner, and firming body lotion! Now that is for value for $35!

The Go-Smile Jet Set Travel pack claims, “Makes your white smile sparkle on the go. You won’t believe maintaining your pearly whites could be such a blissful sensory experience!” This $12 set comes with an AM and PM toothpaste that contains good-for-you, natural white cranberry extract to help fight gum disease, and of course, a travel toothbrush. Each toothpaste is unique to either refresh or calm you, depending on time of day.

You can rely on Oil of Olay for Daily Facials Express - All Skin Types cleansing cloths ($5 at most drug-stores) for a quick makeup removal or a refresher for when you land at your destination. Also, Jonathon Product Redo Freshen-Up Mist for Hair & Skin To-Go is only $8 at Sephora. “Revitalizing and conditioning Cucumber/Rose Essential Water refreshes slightly dirty, oily hair and vegetable enzyme neutralizes odors and leaves hair smelling clean. Natural extracts like white tea, almond, aloe, and pomegranate condition and add shine. Also can be used to refresh, hydrate, and condition skin. Product is 100 percent vegan and alcohol-free,” according to their packaging.

Face Secrets Makeup Artist’s 5-Piece Brush Kit comes in a sleek silver case which includes: small shading brush, eye contour brush, angled blusher brush, and brow groomer. This must-have kit is $15.99 at Sally Beauty Supply.

The Jilbere de Paris^TM Tourmaline Mini Travel Dryer uses negative ions to eliminate frizz and close the cuticle to create smooth shiny hair. For $16.99 this compact dryer has all the amenities of a full-size dryer in a compact and convenient design. Silk Elements Hot N Silky Mini Flat ($22.99) is small but mighty. This flat-iron heats up to 410 degrees and is perfect for short hair, traveling, and quick touch-ups.

Chip your nail polish and need a quick touch-up? The Seche French Manicure Travel Kit is at your rescue. It contains Clear Crystal Clear Base Coat, Porcelain Nail Lacquer, Rose Nail Lacquer, Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat, a nail file, nail edge assist guides, and easy-to-follow trilingual instructions comes neatly packaged in a clear plastic bag. (All products in this kit are compatible for use with acrylics). All this for $12!

Some full-size items are just necessary when flying. It can be more expensive to buy makeup and perfume in smaller sizes. Most cosmetic counters will give samples of their full-size products. The next time you purchase your fave foundation or mascara simply ask if they are willing to give you a sample for when you travel. Some cosmetic counters are more generous than others! (Pssst: Sephora). Also, using smaller brushes/combs seems ridiculous. Please just go ahead and pack your full-size styling brush and comb.

Stay healthy tip for traveling- With flu season upon us, don’t forget some hand sanitizer and Airborne!

(Stephanie Sarto)

There is no need to pack a suit case and wait in never ending security lines at O’Hare. You can be transported any where across the globe by means of your dinner table in under 30 minutes. We have compiled simple & authentic recipes that will allow you to have a make-shift vacay any day of the week.

Happy Travels!

Poland: Pierogi & Sauerkraut Bake

Indonesia: Peanut Shrimp

Puglia, Italy: Tuna & Artichoke Pasta Salad

Vienna, Austria: Weiner Schnitzel

Brazil: Roast Pork Loin

Caribbean: Cuban Pressed Sandwich

Portugal: Kale & Potato Soup

(Kristin Hamzik)

Getting sick of popped collars and big ten boys? Feeling down about the lack of culture in your life (and the dangerously low balance in your bank account)? There’s really no substitution for sipping margaritas on the beach in Puerto Vallarta or meeting a hot grad student on a Greek island (Sisterhood of The Travelling Pants anyone?).

Lucky for you, Chicago boasts numerous neighborhoods that can whisk you away to another country for nothing more than a $2.00 bus ride. Next time you’re yearning to get away for a day (or even a few hours) check out some of these hoods:

Chinatown: It’s the 3rd largest Chinatown in the U.S. Check out Chinatown Square or walk around Ping Tom Memorial Park. There are a ton of family owned storefront shops where you can find unique gifts and decorations.

Then of course there’s the food. Try Shui Wah (2162 S. Archer) if you’re interested in nibbling on some dim sum. Hungrier? Lao Sze Chuan (2172 S. Archer) is one of our favorites as well.

Ukranian Village: The neighborhood located south of Wicker Park is home to not only the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, but also the Ukrainian National Museum. If you want to make a day of it, stop by Willow (908 N. Damen) or www.shopwillow.net , for really cool home decorations, furnishings, and accessories. We especially like their line of eco-friendly “rehabilitated” dinnerware.

Afterwards, get classy, and fed, at High Dive (1938 W. Chicago). For around $10 you can nosh on some pretty delicious eats. We hear the ahi tacos are really good. Another good spot to hit later in the night? The DarkRoom Bar (2210 W. Chicago) isn’t your typical watering hole. This unique venue features work from different local photographers, and also hosts concerts and DJ’s later in the night.

Pilsen: Originally inhabited by German and Irish railroad workers, Pilsen is now home to the largest Mexican-American population in the city.

Be sure to check out the National Museum of Mexican Art for some culture. For a cheap draft, check out Skylark (2149 S. Halsted) or El Gato Boracho (1724 S. Halsted) for a little fiesta.

(Lindsey Duda)

Tis the season for holiday pot lucks and tailgating. So, we put together a list of foods that “travel” well so your par-tay doesn’t become a faux paus!

YES
Potato salad sans mayo
Fruits
Veggies
Casseroles/gratins
Pastas
Salads
Cakes, cookies, pies, crisps/crumbles & brownies/dessert bars

NO
Mayo
Cheese
Raw eggs
Milk/cream
Uncooked meats

You can still bring the the “No” items to your bash as long as you put them in the fridge or in the oven as soon as you arrive to your destination and until you’re ready to serve.

(Kristin Hamzik)

CTA might as well stand for Can’t Travel Appropriately. It’s a daily mosh pit of elbowers, loud talkers, pushers and slow movers. If you encountered this type of behavior anywhere else you’d probably leave and vow never to return. But alas, it’s a necessary evil for Chicago residents. So, sit back, relax, and review the CTA’s cast of “The Worst of The Worst.”

Mrs. Important. She’s so important that she has 30 minutes worth of business calls to address on a public transit vehicle.

Rock Star. You would ask him what he’s listening to, but you already know. You can hear it. Hell, it’s so loud you can feel it pulsing against your body.

Molasses. Your stop is coming up. You start moving towards the doors. But, not this character. Oh no. They’ll wait, wait, wait…. “WAIT! I need to get off,” they say.

Mary Poppins. Yes, she needs a big purse for her gym clothes, her work shoes, her book, etc. But must it bang everyone in the head as she jostles about her commute?

In PLRG’s version, the cast of characters varies quite a bit. We hope that you identify less with the above vandals, and more with:

Mrs. Polite. Her phone rings, she answers it, alerts the caller that she’ll be in the office in 20 minutes, and hangs up. Case closed.

Seen Not Heard. Oh, look, a guy with an ipod. No bigs. Wonder what he’s listening to…

Speedy Gonzales. You’re checking him out - he’s kinda’ cute. Next stop he’s moving away from you (did he notice you staring?). Next stop, he’s out the door.

Low Hanger. Everyone has a lot to tote on the CTA. But when he gets on the CTA, he drops his bag/backpack/etc. between his legs so others can move past him.

(Sally Jackson)

The truth is, traveling is stressful. Getting stuck in traffic on the way to the airport, massive check-in lines, stripping down to nearly your skivvies for security and having to check a bag so you can bring your leave-in conditioner with you? It’s almost too much to handle.

The last thing on your mind when traversing concourse to concourse to find a snack is how dangerous said item can be to your diet. Airport food has never been (and probably will never be) the frontrunner in healthy. The food courts usually cater to a crowd that wants something easy to eat and run, and sadly, those options generally side with greasy, fried and are high in calories, sodium, fat… you get the picture. So, unless you’re planning on sleeping off the double-bacon heart attack you’re considering while your flight is delayed, why not check out some ideas from the well traveled PoorLittleRichGirls?

First off, we always like to grab a bag of mixed nuts and a big bottle of water after security. For about 200 calories you can curb your appetite at least for a couple of hours until you reach your destination. If nothing else, you’ll feel full enough that the double bacon heart attack doesn’t look as appealing as it would if you were starving. Plus, the water will help you stay hydrated (and feel full) throughout your travels.

Flight delayed? Here are some of our picks from O’Hare and Midway. And, since we’re Chicagoans and proud of it, we played favorites.

O’Hare International Airport

Billy Goat Tavern: Terminal 1, Concourse C: This year, Billy Goat Tavern entered potato chips as their “healthy item” in this year’s Taste of Chicago, so let’s be serious, it’s going to be tough to find something healthy here. Cut your losses and get a plain hamburger: you’ll lose a ton of saturated fat by skipping the cheese and probably only consume somewhere around 300-350 calories. (McDonald’s Hamburgers only tally up 250 calories and 9 grams of fat if you’re looking for a speedier option)

Gold Coast Dogs: Terminal 3 & 5 Food Courts. Order a plain hot dog, around 280 calories, 17 grams of fat, and skip the fries. They also have a falafel sandwich and garden-burgers for you vegetarians.

Midway International Airport

Manny’s: Always a crowd favorite. Manny’s is a must-eat at least once while you’re in Chicago. They’re downtown location (1141 S. Jefferson) gave way to the Midway offspring in Concourse A in 2002. For a calorie friendly fix, try the matzah ball soup (around 200 calories per serving) or cruise their vast salad selection- just be wary of heavy dressings and names like “Ruben Salad” (we’re guessing that means tons of corned beef and thousand island dressing).

Harry Carays 7th Inning Stretch: Another “child-star” of a famous Chicago restaurant. Harry Caray’s menu is pretty easy to decipher in terms of what’s good for you (Roasted Turkey Club on Wheat) and what’s not (Italian meatball sandwich on French). It’s early in the A.M? Try the veggie omelet (skip the potatoes), or the fruit salad with yogurt. Later in the day? The Tuscan salad is delicious as is the Roasted Turkey Club, just ask if you can sub steamed broccoli for your side.

(Lindsey Duda)

It won’t be long (3 weeks to be exact) before you and every other person in the country are fighting traffic and long lines at the airport to get themselves home for the holidays. Last year, 38 million Americans traveled at least 50 miles away from home for the Thanksgiving holiday, according to AAA. Talk about long lines- that’s 76 million shoes to be removed going through airport security. What a nightmare!

This year though, you can get yourself prepared, mentally and physically, with this week’s edition of PLRG. The PLRG Travel Guide has covered everything from packing light so you can avoid extra baggage fees to navigating the airport food courts. We even have some tips for you gals who prefer to stay closer to home with our stories on great downtown hotel deals this winter and “traveling” in Chicago by neighborhood.

We will continue to update daily, so please stop in again this week to check out what’s new on the site. We wish you and yours all the best this Thanksgiving season and, of course, safe travels!

Lacey Brenly

Editor in Chief

So your tickets are booked, your hotel reservations are made and your car rental is secured. The rest should be breezy, right? Wrong! Sometimes packing for a trip can be the most stressful part! It is no easy task trying to predict what you are going to feel like wearing 5 days from now…let alone what the weather will bring you. You also have to take into account the recent add-on fees that airlines are charging if you check more than 1 piece of luggage.

At PLRG, we like to think of packing as a “Style Challenge” (read: how many looks you can get out of the least amount of clothing). Here are some tips on how to pack less without sacrificing your chic style:

Be Schematic

Instead of packing by outfits, pack by color scheme. For a long weeked trip, a good rule of thumb is to choose 2 color schemes so that you can mix and match your pieces. According to BudgetTravel.com, the “Big Rule” of packing is not to pack anything unless it goes with at least two other pieces.

Be Neutral

Well, at least half-way. Focus on packing neutrals for either tops or bottoms. For example, if you pack neutral bottoms (think dark jeans, black skirt and grey trousers) you can mix-and-match patterned tops and make more than 3 outfits that look totally unique.

Be Strategic

Use jewelry and/or accessories to dress your outfit up or down. Dangly earrings and a clutch with a pop of color can take your day outfit into the night so you don’t have to pack an entirely new ensemble. Also be strategic in your actual packing space. If you are traveling somewhere cold, wear your bulkiest jacket on the plane instead of packing it and taking up more room in your suitcase.

Bonus Tips:

If you have some room to spare, pack an empty duffel bag inside your suitcase. This will give you a safety net if your suitcase exceeds the weight limit, or if you decide to do a little more shopping than planned on your trip!

Traveling to the tropics or some place humid? Throw a sheet of fabric softener in your suitcase before taking off and this will keep your clothes from becoming damp and it will absorb odors too.

To prevent wrinkles, pack your clothes in dry-cleaning bags (or large garbage bags even) and lay them on top of each other in your suitcase.

Bon Voyage!!

(Noelle Provencial)