On a recent trip to London sans the family, I became familiar with a rather vexatious (word of the day) regularity imposed by credit card companies: international credit card transaction fees. Yes, they are exactly what they sound like: fees imposed for using your credit card overseas. Having never used my own credit card in a foreign country, I was completely oblivious such fees existed and was blindsided when I received my statement. In fact, everything I purchased cost 3% more than I thought. So, in the wake of my errors, a word to the wise: make sure you know how much (what percentage) your credit card company charges for international transaction fees. This way, you'll truly know the exact amount you are spending. Most major credit cards charge anywhere from 2% to 3% on all international transactions. The only credit cards that do not charge an international fee are Discover and Capital One.

make sure you know how much your credit card company charges for international transaction fees and you'll have

Alfresco Weddings
From a white-sand beach to a rustic farm or a charming vineyard, outdoor weddings are back in a big way in 2009. And it’s no wonder since outdoor nuptials provide a few things indoor weddings simply can’t: fresh air, breathtaking view, and infinite décor options. All the details of an outdoor wedding reflect the setting, from fresh garden flowers to local food and wine to rustic, low lighting.

Jewel Tones
Think deep navys, vibrant ambers, plush purples, and other rich gem shades. These bright, vibrant colors will replace the standard palettes of pale pastels and complementary brights. Also back? The ever classic, always reliable black.

Eye-Catching Patterns
From polka dots to damask to paisley and virtually every pattern in between, patterns that pop are all the rage this year. Patterns are ideal because they allow you to cohesively use a handful of different colors.

Princess Ball Gowns
Over the past few years, wedding gowns that accentuate curves and hug all the right places have been extremely popular. In 2009, expect a transition back to the silhouettes of big, princess ball gowns. Fabrics used to the perfect the look will include airy tulle, silk satin, and even light cotton, depending on the season.

Two-Tiered Wedding Cakes
One of my favorite Utah wedding catering companies clued me in awhile back to increasingly popular dessert buffets and cupcake towers. But gone are such trends, along with tall, towering wedding cakes; in 2009, the new trend is reverting back to the two-tiered wedding cake. To accommodate all your guests, order several smaller matching cakes and consider supplementing with other desserts such as cookies and candy (yummy and a bargain!).

Who doesn't? Especially one that is bound to be the envy of all your friends. Mozy, Inc. has launched it's "Back the F:\ Up" promotion and to get one of the t-shirts, all you have to do is tell them what you'll do to get one. Here are the official rules (as posted on the official Back the F:\ Up site):

1. Email your proposal to us at james@mozy.com.
2. If your idea doesn’t suck, we’ll give you the green light.
3. Once you execute your idea, send us another email at james@mozy.com with: a) proof that you did whatever you said you were gonna do, b) your name, c) your shipping address, and d) your shirt size.
4. Wear your exclusive “Back The F:\ Up” T-shirt with pride, knowing that you are FREAKING AWESOME.

You know you want one.

Senior portraits are a common way for high school seniors to celebrate the milestone of graduation. Whether you take photos on the beach or playing your favorite sport, you can acquire a gorgeous senior portfolio…as long as you avoid the four following senior bloopers (provided by one of my favorite Salt Lake senior portraits studios).

• Do not got tanning right before your session and avoid getting sunburned! Sunburns cannot (at least easily) be retouched.
• Avoid getting a haircut or brand new hairstyle – it just won’t look like you and you may not be happy with the results.
• When it comes to clothing, avoid loud prints, patterns, and logos. They can be distracting and date the photos. Stick with solid colors and classic looks.
• Avoid wearing horizontal lines or sleeveless tops; it can make you look less than flattering.

With all the economic turmoil that’s led up to the holidays, many shoppers are scaling back their traditionally big gift-giving splurges. But just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t give the coolest tech gifts of the season.

Motorola Motopure H-15, $129.99
For the constant cell phone chatterbox on your list, the Motorola Motopure H-15 delivers big sound in a tiny package. Even better, it’s comfortable to wear and has two built-in microphones that enables it to adjust the volume accordingly.

Flip Video, $129.99 for 1GB
It’s the revolutionary shoot and share camcorder that’s small enough to fit into your pocket and (yay!) has an even smaller price tag. Storage sizes range from 1GB to 4GB and prices are between $129.99 and $229.99

HP Photosmart A636, $149.99
Printing and sharing photos has never been easier. With no computer required, simply plug in your digital camera or flash-memory card and you’ve got your very own photo shop!

Computer Backup, from $4.95/month
At roughly 5 bucks a month, there isn’t a more affordable or smart computer gift to give the techie on your list. Online computer backup is the easiest and most convenient way to backup all your important computer files including photos, music, and documents.

Roku Netflix Player, $100
If you’re searching for the perfect gift for a movie buff, look no further! The Roku Netflix Player allows you to get all the latest T.V. shows and movies instantly. Simply connect the player to a high-speed internet line and you’ll have access to Netflix’s entire library through your very own television set.

Whether you’re taking a weight loss supplement to curb your cravings or spending extra hours at the gym to compensate for all the extra calories, the holidays can still wreak havoc on your good eating habits. Learn how to keep them in check while still enjoying all the deliciousness of the season!

Give Into Temptation
Give yourself permission to eat treats. It’s human nature that if there’s something we can’t have, we want it more so let yourself enjoy all the scrumptious desserts and treats of the holidays in moderation.

Cut Back on Booze
Limit your alcohol intake. Not only can drinking increase your appetite, but alcoholic beverages are a big source of calories, so be mindful of how much you drink. You can also substitute your favorite drinks for light versions (i.e. beer) or half drinks with club soda or another low-calorie alternative.

Be Active
Be physically active every day. Whether you enjoy running or aerobics, getting exercise (even just 20 minutes) everyday can burn up all those extra calories from holiday eating.

Weight Maintenance not Weight Loss
Think weight maintenance not weight loss! The holidays is not the time to diet – your priority should be managing your weight and making sure you don’t put on extra pounds.

Make Your Dishes Healthy
Whether you’re hosting a holiday bash or were asked to bring a dish, make your food healthy. Try low calorie and low fat substitutes in your cooking and baking that allow you to make something healthy without cutting flavor.

Keep Perspective
Overeating one day is not the end of the world, so don’t beat yourself up or dwell on the past if you happen to binge at your holiday party. Put it behind you and stick to your regular eating patterns.

I love the holidays but 'tis the season of stress and sickness, right? The holidays are by far one of the busiest and most hectic times of year, with a myriad of get-togethers, to-do lists, and obligations. So, here's my list of holiday survival must-haves that help me get through that magical time of year!

As if foreclosing on the home wasn’t bad enough, thieves broke into a house located on the north side of Des Moines and took virtually everything. With the loss estimated at more than $10,000 the thieves took off with the oak cabinets, a new furnace, the water heater, a medicine cabinet, a bathroom vanity, and even the kitchen sink. If someone made off with my new blanco sinks and refinished cabinets in my new house, I would be seriously pissed! To read the full story on the Des Moines Register, click here.

30 Rock - NBC
The Emmy-winning comedy series is all new with special guest star Jennifer Aniston, who plays an old friend of Liz and Jenna’s vying for the affection of Jack. Meanwhile, Tracy does his best to cheer up Kenneth, who is not a big fan of the new page uniforms.

ER – NBC
Dr. Mark Greene, who succumbed to brain cancer back in 2002, makes an appearance tonight in a myriad of flashbacks. It’s revealed that he and the new hospital chief of staff, Cate Banfield, knew each other in the past.

College Football – ESPN
Virginia Tech visits the Miami Hurricanes at Dolphin Stadium. This year, the Hurricanes are looking for retribution after getting pummeled by Tech last year (44-14). Hope you’ve placed all your college football picks!

Grey’s Anatomy - ABC
Meredith’s friends at the hospital are hardly the welcome wagon when Sadie, one of Meredith’s oldest friends, becomes an intern at Seattle Grace. In the meantime, Lexie leads fellow interns in secretive, unconventional surgical training sessions.

Iconoclasts – Sundance Channel
Two famous individuals play interviewer/interviewee in a frank and unconventional format in this hit documentary series. Tonight, comedian Bill Maher joins music-industry titan Clive Davis to discuss a myriad of topics.

The Office – NBC
Oscar and Andy accompany Michael on a business trip to Canada while Jim anxiously awaits Pam’s return from art school.

While there are certainly those that work and those that don't, weight loss pills have overall been slammed with negative hype and bad reps. Yet a weight loss pill plays an integral and effective role when it comes to weight loss...and not necessarily for helping an individual shed the pounds (or lack thereof.). Weight loss pills have a powerful mental effect on those taking them. The simple act of taking the pill will make the user feel as though they are actually doing something - much like a placebo can have positive effects on patients. The pill functions as a motivator and can jumpstart an individual's will and determination to implement a healthy lifestyle and get in shape. So, in the humble opinion of yours truly, I believe a weight loss pill can work wonders...and not in the traditional sense.