Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Dressed in cycling spandex and riding a stationary bicycle, Trish Karter is not your typical trade show exhibitor. She caught my eye when I was walking the aisles at San Francisco's Fancy Food Show. The Dancing Deer Baking Co. owner is doing her part to spread sweetness by riding 300 miles during the three day food extravaganza.

Her efforts are part of a bigger picture. The Chief Deer at Dancing Deer is participating in a solo Mother's Day Ride, covering 1,500 miles to celebrate Dancing Deer's 15th Anniversary.  Karter will visit 15 shelters in 15 days with Dancing Deer "Cookie House" events taking place with shelter residents, local chefs and mayors.  Her goal; to inspire folks to send a gift to every homeless Mom in the US, (700,000.) A secondary goal is to raise scholarship money to help homeless mothers.

When I asked Karter about her Boston-based company and the inspiration behind her Mother's Day ride she said, "The reason I'm in business is to make social change.  We're a green company and woman-owned.  The cookies are great, but they are my vehicle for change."

Do you have plans for Mother's Day? Why not help spread some sweetness and donate to a worthy cause.  Afterall, everyone has a mother to thank.

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Macy's Union Square San Francisco, CA for Holiday Shopping

   Shoppers are pulling out their credit cards, making their lists and scanning ads for a bargain-based shopping extravaganza.

Are you ready for Black Friday holiday shopping? These shopping centers are known for the best selection, best deals and best name brand shopping in the USA. Of course I included some of the best hotels with the best shopping deals on the list. Everyone is entitled to a good night sleep.

 Check out my Top Ten Hotel List that I created for Uptake.com. Did your hotel make the cut?

Mall of America in Minnesota for holiday shopping

Mall of America,

Bloomington, Minnesota

The most visited shopping mall in the world, with over 40 million visitors annually, the Mall of America is one of the largest shopping malls in theworld. With over 520 shops,restaurants, a park and a church, Mall of Americahas got it all. TIP: Minnesota doesn’t charge sales tax on apparel or shoes.

LODGING Guests of the Crowne Plaza in Bloomington, Minnesota, have access tofree mall shuttle service.

Newbury Street, Photo courtesy of z.about.com

Newbury Street, Boston, Massachusetts

Shopping is one of the top reasons people visit Boston. High-end Newbury Street, an eight-block stretch of cutting-edge and upper-crust shops, is sure to please. For budget savvy shoppers, check out Wrentham Village Premium Outlets.

LODGING: The Fairmont Copley Plaza, overlooking Copley Square,is centrally-located one block from Newbury Street. TIP: The century-old hotel offers a Midnight Madness Shopping package November 27-28, 2008 for Black Friday holiday shoppers.

Chicago, Illinois Magnificent Mile

Chicago, Illinois Magnificent Mile

Chicago, Illinois “Magnificent Mile” stretches along North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to the Chicago River. From Armani to Louis Vuitton, you’ll be able to shop-till-you-drop.

LODGING: Chicago’s Omni All-suites Hotel is located on the Magnificent Mile and offers a Girlfriends Getaway package. TIP: Join the free Select Guest reward program and get Wi Fi, express check-in and check-out, complimentary morning beverages and turn-down service.

Westin Galleria Dallas, Texas for top 10 holiday shopping

Galleria Dallas, Texas

From dining with your American Girl to ice skating with friends, Galleria Dallas has over 200 stores to shop.

LODGING: For those who prefer to wake up, roll out of bed and proceed directly to shopping, Westin Galleria Dallas is located within the Galleria shopping center. TIP: For shoppers wanting a little Mother/Daughter bonding, select the Westin’s American Girl getaway package.

Socialite Sabrina Parisi

Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, California

 If you want to shop like a rock star, you’ll want to head to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. The real estate in Beverly Hills gets a little star studded between Santa Monica Blvd. and Wilshire Blvd. Considered one of the most exclusive shopping streets in the world, you’ll find French fashion, Italian designer boutiques and plenty of bling to keep you happy.

LODGING: Continue your rock star experience with a stay at Chateau Marmont at 8221 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood, California. Built in 1927, the Hotel of the Stars is the perfect getaway in the center of the city. TIP: The Beverly Hills Hotel is close to the golden triangle of shoppingand is also a celeb spotting location.

Fifth Avenue, New York for top 10 holiday shopping

Fifth Avenue, New York

Located in the center of the borough of Manhattan, New York’s 5th Avenue is one of the premier shopping streets in the world. The shopping district between 49th and 57th streets is ranked as having the world’s most expensive retail spaces. Fifth Avenue originates at Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village and runs through midtown, along the east side of Central Park and ends at the Harlem River.

LODGING: Kimpton’s The Muse, a boutique hotel located blocks away from 5th Avenue, offers a “Head over Heels” shopping package for the sole. Trump Hotel offers the “Ultimate Shoe Lover” package with Bergdorf Goodman.

Macy's Union Square

Union Square, San Francisco, California

I left my heart and my wallet in San Francisco at Union Square. A 2.6 acre plaza, Union Square is bordered by Geary, Powell, Post and Stockton Street. The area is also known for its hotel, dining and theater district.

LODGING: The Westin St. Francis, located on Union Square, offers a Macy’s Shopping Package with accommodations starting at $234 per night. Hotel Nikko, located at 222 Mason Street, offers a Serenity Package at a nearby day spa for tired shoppers.

Thanks to Frank Lynch for his Flickr photo of Macy’s NY Black Friday. Thanks to Thomas Dyllan for his Flickr photo of Sabrina Parisi. Thanks to MikeO for Lights of 5th Ave.