When the dust settles on the holidays, it’s time to get away. Sometimes forty-eight hours of fun is all it takes to relax and revive. Here are five quick trips to get the job done.

Salt Lake City, UT

Foodies and artisanal boozers will find much to love in Salt Lake City, where friendly people, great dining and outdoor adventure reign supreme. Make your way through the city’s copious craft breweries and distilleries by night. Then dry out during the day by skiing Snowbird, Alta or Brighton  mountains. Non-snowbirds can hop the Trax light rial to the Red Butte Garden, a quick natural getaway from the bustle of downtown. And Temple Square is the city’s architectural showcase, where the Salt Lake Temple is a magnificent sight to behold at night.

Scottsdale, AZ

Escape winter in nearby Scottsdale, where the weather is warm and the recreation boundless. Baseball fans can spend the day at one of the 10 spring-training sites (the season starts in February). A don’t miss for golfers is Mountain Shadows, an 18-hole par-three course with a rich pedigree. Book a food tour of downtown Scottsdale, hike Camelback Mountain or take a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert. Finally, a trip to Scottsdale wouldn’t be complete without a spa visit. Try the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa for its desert botanicals and aromatics.

Estes Park,CO

Those in the know will tell you that Estes Park, a major summer tourist haven, is one of Colorado’s best winter destinations, too. This small mountain town at the foot of Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the morea ffordable mountain towns to visit during the winter months. Solo-goers can get a pass to park and go snowshoeing or hiking along Bear Lake. Oenophiles can plan a wine-tasting at the Snowy Peaks Winery. Estes Park has also become a serious whiskey town. The famous Stanley Hotel – the inspiration behind Stephen King’s “The Shining” – also boasts the largest selection of whiskey in the state.

Steamboat Springs, CO

This quiet mountain town is beloved by nature lovers and hot springs enthusiasts alike. In winter, you’ll find the fluffiest of its famed “Champagne Powder” snow, with six towering peaks and 165 trails that offer something for everyone – from beginner runs to steep and deep slopes. Snow biking is also a rapidly growing sport here, where larger and fatter tires are used to enjoy the trails. Kick up your feet by taking a gondola ride up Mt. Werner for an unforgettable panoramic view of the mountains or soothe your tired muscles by taking a riversidecanyon drive to soak in the Strawberry Hot Springs.

Minturn, CO

A local’s hideaway only two hours outside Denver, Minturn is a steal, even in high season. Nestled between its more famous neighbors, Vail and Beaver Creek, its’ a great home base to both. Ski experts love the Minturn Mile, a hard-core back country trial that starts on Vail Mountain. After a day tearing up the slopes, grab a casual pint or dinner at Kirby’s Cosmo BBQ. The best apres-ski reward can be found at Minturn Saloon, an authentic Colorado watering hole festooned with ski posters and old-time photos.

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Step 1: Select the cheeses

When choosing your cheeses, think contrasting textures and flavors, from soft to firm, and sweet to pungent.

• Firm: Cheddar, Manchego, Gruyere, Mimolette, Fontina, Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Semi-Soft: Constant Bliss, Morbier, Taleggio, Vacherin, Reblochon
• Double- or Triple-Cream: Saint-Andre, Camembert, Brie, Brillant-Savarin
• Blue-Veined: Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Bleu de Bresse
• Goats and Sheep’s Milk: Brebis Pyrenees, Humboldt Fog

If you need inspiration, here’s a sampling of some of our favorite:

• Mitica Pecorina Toscano Stagionato (dense, firm sheep’s milk)
• Salvatore Bklyn Smoked Whole Milk Ricotta
• Saint-Andre Triple Creme Cow’s Milk
• Isigny Ste. Mere Brie
• Rogue Creamery Smokey Blue
• Tartufo Truffle Gouda
• Vermont Creamery Bijou (ripened goat)

Step 2: Pick the right amount of cheese

In general, 3 ounces of cheese per person is a good rule of thumb. If you’re throwing a party where cheese plays the starring role, plan on about 3 pounds for 8 people.

Step 3: Add your pairings/condiments

As with your cheeses, a range of textures and flavors in you accompanying nibbles is key. Try a mix of smattering of these:

• Bread: Fresh baguette slices, crostinis, classic water crackers, Parmesan straws
• Jams and spreads: Sweet fig, tart cherry or chutney, honey
• Mustards: Brown spicy, honey, horseradish
• Olives: Kalamata, green, blue cheese stuffed
• Nuts: Marcona almonds, candiend walnuts, pistachios
• Veggies: Cornichons, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, caponata
• Fruit: Slices of tart apple or sweet pears, dried apricots or cranberries, fresh figs
• Charcuterie: Prosciutto, hard salami, pate

Step 4: Pick your board

An attractive serving board is just as important as what’s on it. Choose a rustic butcher board, wooden cutting board or slab of natural stone to make a statement.

Step 5: Serve and say cheese

Give your cheeses time to site at room temperature for approximately 45 minutes before serving to bring out their natural flavors and aromas. Make sure to set out a separate knife for each cheese, and, if you have time, add labels so your guests know what’s what. Eat and enjoy!

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Sure, you can cleanse your body, but what about your home? The average household can contain between 500 and 1,000 chemicals. Give your sanctuary a clean sweep with these toxin-busting tips.

Crack A Window

Ventilate your place periodically to keep fresh air circulating. Indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.

Avoid Plastic

Toxic chemicals can leach from wear and tear, as well as heat, on plastic. Try to replace plastic containers with glass or steel ones. And go easy on microwaving food in plastic.

Dust and Vacuum Often

Dust bunnies attract chemicals and toxins. Vacuum your mattress and furniture often. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

Leave Your Shoes at the Door

That way, you keep contaminants on the bottom of your shoes outside where they belong.

Ditch Dryer Sheets

They can be loaded with all kinds of toxins such as ammonia – even the fragrance-free kind.

Air Out Dry Cleaning

Remove the bags from your laundered items asap to give chemical solvents from dry cleaning a chance to dissipate. Better yet, air them out outside.

Invest in Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

The weave grabs dirt instead of pushing it around.

Invest in Air-Purifying Plants

Many plants help purify the air. Good choices include rubber plants, spider plants and money plants.

Eat These Organic Fruits and Vegetables When Possible

Some of the worst pesticide-covered culprits include apples, strawberries, grapes, and peaches.

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