Tips & Tricks of Using Frequent Flier Miles

It's never been harder to redeem miles for tickets. Here are the things that you need to do.

Try booking your flight 11 months in advance. Most airline release seat availability exactly 330 days before the flight - so plan soon.

Another trick is to fly on off days (like Tuesday instead of Friday). Picking up an unusual foreign destination also helps say for example, think about going Rio instead of Paris.

Or you can always donate your miles to charity (like miledonor.com) and feel good about it :).

One Exciting Taxi Cab

Thanks for the guest post by Esteban Vinson

My favorite action movie has gotta be the 2004 flick Collateral. Tom Cruise, who we're all used to seeing play the hero, in most any shape or size, steps into the role of villain without missing a beat. His character, a hit-man named Vincent, takes taxi driver Max (Jamie Fox) hostage, forcing him to drive him around to various hits throughout the night.

Between shocking scenes of Tom Cruise shooting guys out of three story windows, "You killed him!" "No, I shot him. Bullets and the fall killed him," there's an increasingly fascinating banter between the cold hearted hit-man and his nervous hostage, as they start to develop a relationship; however messed up it may be. The dynamic often makes you wonder who you're actually rooting for.

Some pretty awesome gunfights and car crashes give you a good thrill, and the amazing story has kept me going back for more. I can't tell tell you how many times I've plopped myself down in front my satellite TV from http://www.directstartv.com and defaulted to watching Collateral. It's a must see, and a must re-see. Jamie Fox nails one of the most dynamic character shifts, going from nervous nobody who can't take a real risk to. . . well, I'll let you see for yourself. And Tom Cruise definitely has to play the bad guy more often; he's pretty scary.

Caribbean Escapades - Part 2

CURACAO - is a glorious spot for flawless beaches, incredible diving, stunning architecture with various spectrum of activities that draw many tourists to visit.
Tourists can easily find a quiet spot to bask in the sun along the shores of long sandy stretches to intimate rocky coves which most of them provide access to island's wondrous dive sites.

Curacao is also proud to share its culture when it comes to life during the annual Culture, Cuisine & Heritage Experience which showcases the 55 different nationalities and cultures that together form this vibrant island nation.

JAMAICA - is an exceptionally beautiful isle where you get to experience a holistic hideaway, enjoying your championship caliber swing on the golf course and also a fun place to do the wet and wild ocean safari adventure. it also has warm and crystal waters that are irresistible which offer visitors a unique way to experience awe-inspiring coastline with the new Ocean Safari.
This exciting excursion guests pilot two-seat, inflatable, Zodiac style boats on a wild coastal adventure. A guide leads the guests along the reefs for unparalleled views of the island's unspoiled cones and beaches.

NASSAU/PARADISE ISLAND - this is where you can have a fabulous escape that offers international glamour and tropical ease which is located in Bahamas. It's only 185 miles from Miami, FL making it one of the most accessible islands for tourists from the US.

There are lots of bigger facilities such as the newly opened Sheraton Cable Beach Resort situated on 7 acres of waterscape, with a 1,000-feet stretched of white sand beach; has 3 freshwater pools with waterfalls, a swim-up bar and oversized jacuzzis.

Another new facility is The Cove Atlantis in which visitors can make themselves at home in one of 600 ocean view suites. It has also a French balcony with floor-to-ceiling water views, sumptuos amenities and state-of-the-art technology.

Don't forget to experience the Aquaventure!

Trendy Medical Uniforms

Blue Sky Scrubs must be one of those coolest sites to shop for your nursing uniforms. Isn't it just cool to notice that you can still be fashionable in those uniforms as well?
Be sure to check the nursing scrub tops for both men and women which are all designed to have flattering styles on anybody who wears them ;).

Good thing is you can as well order from them some custom made scrubs, designed the way you want it, from color stitchings to inseam lengths, to pocket placements. Otherwise, they will make the uniform for you! How's that?

Keep browsing for more trendy designs and styles.

Caribbean Escapades - Part 1

Just a thought of a luxurious Caribbean vacation is more than enough to make you feel relaxed.
There are several islands of the Caribbean that offer the perfect escapades for every type of traveler, from a secluded romantic getaway to a fun-filled family adventure.

I will be sharing 6 of the islands which are worth considering for a visit with 3 islands in this post and another 3 of them as Part 2 of my post ;).

ARUBA - this breathtaking island makes many tourists come back again and again, the reason why it's worth the visit. Take note that Aruba is a tropical island, and always summer! Aruba is 6 miles across at its widest point and 70 sq. miles, at 19.6 miles long. Both south and west coasts feature miles of white sand beaches which rank among the most beautiful in the world.
The north east coast is a contrast in a rugged terrain where ocean waves crash dramatically against the shoreline. Travelers looking for adventure off the beaten path can go to visit the eerie rock formations in the desert-like interior, the cacti and the island's famous divi-divi trees. You can spend the day just idling on the beach or racing from an active itinerary to the next in Aruba.

Some exciting things to do are scuba diving and snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing and water skiing.
You'll alos enjoy on land activities like world class golf and tennis, horse-back riding, sightseeing and fantastic shopping.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS - this island is considered to be a true escape...no high-rise hotels, no casinos, no crowds, just pure natural splendors.
British Virgin Islands (BVI) is composed of 60 islands mostly surrounding the Sir Frances Drake Channel. BVI is a natural playground of breath-taking beauty due to its emerald green coastlines, white sand beaches and crystal, turquoise waters making it the undisputed Sailing Capital of the World.l

If you're booking for a stay, there are simple, intimate inns, villas and cottages owned by local BVIslanders. But there are also modest seaside inns to luxurious view-oriented villas.

THE CAYMAN ISLANDS - it's simply a paradise with scores of sun-drenched beaches. Your adventure will be filled with wonderful accomodations, world class dining, breathtaking vistas, exhilirating activities and a bevy of sights and sounds; - whether you choose to stay at grand Cayman, Little Cayman or Cayman Brac.

Grand Cayman is the most cosmopolitan of the 3 islands which blends international attractions with rich local tradition.

On the northeast of Grand Cayman island are the islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman which are 89 miles away from Grand Cayman. These two islands are also known as "Sister islands" and an ideal place for marvelous diving and snorkeling. These isles have scores of hiking trails with dozens of secluded beaches and wide range of hotels, condominiums, villas, bed-and-breakfast and spa services.

Visiting St. Louis For Thanksgiving

Author: Kermit Faulkner

This Thanksgiving will be more of an adventure than the past Thanksgivings have been. The reason for this is that we will be visiting my brother and his wife in the St. Louis, Missouri area. The last time we visited them in St. Louis, we tried to go up into the St. Louis Arch, however, there was a one hour wait, and we had to get back on the road, so we could not wait. Hopefully, this time, we will get the opportunity to check it out. My brother is a great cook, although the last time he visited us at Thanksgiving, he decided to deep fry a turkey. This did not go off too well, as the oil caught on fire and ruined the turkey. We will not be deep frying the turkey this year. Although I'm excited about visiting my brother and sister-in-law for the holidays, I will not be looking forward to the five hour car ride. We could fly, which would dramatically reduce travel time, however, I am not a fan of flying either. At least when travelling by car, we can stop if we want to. In addition, I always set our home security alarm from http://www.TotalAlarmSystems.com before I go visit my family on Thanksgiving to give me a little more piece of mind when I'm away.

San Francisco City Tour

September 19, 2010

This day was our City Sightseeing Tour aboard the hop on-hop off double decker bus . Weather is still a bit cloudy and chilly.
We did signed up for the complete tour including a hop off to see the Golden Gate bridge up close.

It was a whole day activity since it includes all the 3 big loops. Unluckily, there were some spots we missed to visit. I wanter to visit the Golden Gate park, but due to time constraints, we missed the timetable. (maybe next time, it would much be easier to do it since I can pretty much recall those places I wanna visit). The next time around would all just be a focus on those certain places ;).

The only hop off we did was to go walk towards Lombard Street going to see the most crooked street around the world. The walk going to the street was uphill, and oh boy! I was catching my breath before I reached the top, LOL! I thought I couldn't make it to the top, but thank God.

Going to our next bust stop was challenging because we got lost, and I was super tired walking and it was chilly. I was getting impatient as hubby had noticed it. Thank God for portable GPS on my phone! whew! We already walked more than 2 miles before I remembered that I can use GPS on my iPhone! Thank goodness for the modern gadgets nowadays...it's a lifesaver!

It was a nice fun ride for our last loop that afternoon, where we visited Sausalito. It was like a small city up the mountains, and boy! The standard of living is classy up there. Many houses are built exclusively on top of the mountain where the residents are famous in the society.

We also visited the Golden Gate bridge through the North - Vista Point, but that was quick! It was getting dark, but the view was still awesome. I should have taken some good photos of it, but again, we were always catching our time. {sigh!}

Healys - London based law firm

When it comes to family matters, it should always be a priority, including the need to seek a legal advice concerning on issues of marital relationships or family matters. A family going through a difficult problem with relationships and other matters need a serious help of a legal counsel.
For London residents, there are the best divorce solicitors london by Healys. Get in touch with them through the given link if you need one.

Alcatraz Cruise Tour

September 18, 2010

While we were in Pasadena, we finally had the weekend to visit Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, CA. And from there, we bought our tickets for Alcatraz Cruise. (Escape From The Rock"). I was thinking we can go down to the island to actually visit it, but it was just a cruise tour, where we sailed passing by the Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate bridge.

We boarded the Blue Gold Fleet at Pier 39. It was fun seeing a group of sea lions along the bay...no wonder why that "fishy" smell! lol.

Anyway, it was fun cruising the bay while a tour guide is telling the story about famous landmarks being seen from the bay. It was windy and cold, but bearable.

The cruise was an hour or so, and it was a good experience.

Home for Thanksgiving

Guest post written by Brandi Cook

It's been tough living three states away from my home, friends and family but I'm going home for Thanksgiving and I've really been looking forward to this for a really long time. I'm also looking forward to getting my hands dirty and cooking in the kitchen with my mom beause my kitchenette in my tiny apartment barely has enough room for my coffee pot to sit on my counter, much less enough room to prepare a good meal.

I decided to make sure that I got to contribute some, so I used my Clear TV Bundle to find some really great recipes.

I was really looking for dessert recipes so I could really flex my sweet tooth, which I've been repressing because I've been trying ot lose some weight here lately. But I found this really great different green beans recipe so I think that IÕm going to have to whip that up too. That doesnÕt mean though that I canÕt fix some kind of dessert too. I might try making some pumpkin spice mousse.

Belize Trip Essentials

Going to Belize City? belize is located in Central America, a small country that has the longest barrier reef in the Western hemisphere.

If you're wondering what and how your packing should be, you should pack light for island hopping, - shorts, T-shirts and bathing suits.
Restaurants are mostly fairly casual:-light dresses for women and nice shorts and T-shirts for men. Bring lightweight rain jacket for splashy boat rides and some occasional showers.

U.S. dollar is widely accepted in Belize which is the only English-speaking country in Central America.

Don't bother packing make up and hair-styling products. Climate is hot and windy.

Pack lots of SPF30+, lip balm with sunscreen, and a wide brim hat. Pack aloe for those spots you miss.

Bring an underwater camera even if it's just disposable.

Doctors usually recommend hepatitis A, typhoid vaccines and malaria pills. A tetanus booster is also recommended.

Make sure your water is safe before drinking - many hotels and resorts use rainwater or seawater for plumbing, including the bathroom sink.

Food is mostly traditional, like rice and beans, fresh veggies, pork, chicken, lots of seafood and tropical fruits. Restaurants like Ambergris Caye offers variety of international dishes.

Belize produces good beer. Belikin's a local fave and it's what you get when you simply order a "beer", which comes in regular, stout and premium.

Wine is less prevalent but fairly easy to obtain, especially those from Chile or Argentina.

Going to the Largest Aquarium in Kansas

Thanks for the post, Jennifer Mcconnell

My family loves going to the Aquarium. Our favorite aquarium is actually at a mall. It is the largest standing aquarium in Kansas. It's a free aquarium at the Central Mall in Salina KS. We grab our cameras, set our home security alarm)CLICK for more info) and out the door we go!

My entire family likes to visit the Aquarium. I guess since it's in the mall because can combine a shopping trip and aquarium trip. If one of them gets bored they can go shop for awhile and come back. We try to get there around 4:00 P.M. because that is when they feed the fish in the aquarium. Feeding time is frenzy time and it's a lot of fun to watch. The aquarium is 15,000 gallons so it holds a lot of fish. There is every kind of fish imaginable in the aquarium, blue gills, crappie, largemouth bass, white bass etc. It is a lot of fun to sit and watch the different types of fish and they way they interact. Sometimes you may even see a fish fight. There are benches to sit on so you don't have to worry about getting tired standing. It's a lot of family fun.

SEOUL-Infinite Offerings of a Modern Culture

If you're visiting Seoul, South Korea, you can experience a neighborhood teeming with exotic dining and shopping variety.
Seoul has an abundant, enticing attractions and many tourists have come to witness the city's legendary history, its thriving culture and the numerous exhilarating spots on both sides of the Hangang River showcasing the youthful, dynamic side of Seoul.

Seoul is alive with energy, day and night. The Hongdae District exemplifies art, culture and style mixed with youth, creativity and passion.
Hongdae's nightlife flaunts Seoul's flourishing clubbing scene, and also a home to indi rock band concerts, live music bars, jazz and dance clubs.
Club Day, the last Friday of every month is a terrific time for club shopping.

Seoul is also a festive city. The biggest festival is called Hi Seoul Festival which is held in Seoul every year in early May for 7-10 days, featuring a wide array of fun and exciting events revolving around both traditional and new cultural themes as well as eco-friendly ideas.

The Lotus Lantern Festival (April 25-26) is another festival wherein you can see an ocean of light floating along downtown Seoul's Jongno Street, with over 100,000 lanterns of all sizes and shapes shining at the same time. This festival celebrates the Buddha's birthday.

Another traditional experience of festival is the annual Seoul Drum Festival which captures the nation's rich musical culture.

Other notable performances you shouldn't miss are the annual Hangang High-Wire World Championships and pantomime stage shows.

LA Dodgers

Thanks for the post from Lynn Guy

I am a devoted fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and naturally Major League Baseball too. This is why I am so sad that we are not in the pennant race this year, as I have been spoiled by continuous Dodger success. It pains me even more so that the Giants are in the playoffs and doing so with a much more likable cast. While my team features a lazy bum like Manny Ramirez and guys like Casey Blake and Matt Kemp, plus a bunch of overweight slobs like Chad Billingsley and Jonathan Broxton, being a Los Angeles Dodger fan is truly the lowest form of existence in the world.

It was especially painful the way we got beat by the Giants in epic fashion this season. While earlier in the year we came back to beat Barry Zito, later we just got crushed by Juan Uribe's game-winning home run and never recovered. It was a disheartening loss that our weak-willed team could not recover from. Truly Vin Scully was rolling over in his grave after that loss, and I began to wonder if I should just give up on the boys in blue and start rooting for whatever team was playing the hated Giants. Thankfully I can do just that as I watch every baseball game of this pennant race on my satellite TV package from tvbydirect.com.

The Canyons: Perfect Playground for Mastering Skills

The Canyons Resort in Utah which is at 6,800 feet offers more than 3,700 skiable acres that ripples across eight mountains.
This resort village is framed by a crescent-shaped arm of the Wasatch Range. Being one of the 5 largest ski and snowboard resorts in the country, it offers a landscape of peaks; dizzying chutes; powder-clutching bowls; quiet glades where all you can hear is your breath and "whoosh" turns; and long white stretches that weave, dip and roll down the resort's nearly 3,200 feet vertical fall.

The resort's self-contained village has shops, eateries and hotels. The Grand Summit Hotel, the Escala Lodges or the Dakota Mountain Lodge are newly debuted Waldorf Astoria property which are just all minutes away from the lifts and shops, - a closeness that reinforces the charm of the mountains.

Sesame Street is Best

Posted by Winford Tillman

Can there be any doubt that Sesame Street is the best children's program? Sesame Street went in 1968 and was from the very beginning the standard of excellence by which all other children's programs measured themselves.

Sesame Street was not set in a rural or fantasy setting, but on a city street where most kids lived. A controversial choice, the setting proved to be a source of identification with most viewers. Sesame Street looked a lot like the street where they lived. The show featured short skits, songs and animated vignettes. Numbers, letters and words were repeated in fun ways to help kids learn.

Sesame Street taught good moral lessons like honesty, hard work, sharing and helping. It even taught kids about death. The episode, 'Farewell, Mr. Hooper' was quickly named one of the most influential moments in television history.

Sesame Street's excellence is proven in its longevity. Not just in its years on the air, but in its longevity in the hearts of the adults who grew up watching it on bestchoicetv. Almost every adult age 48 or younger can sing a favorite song from Sesame Street. They can recite their favorite skits and imitate their favorite characters. Without a doubt Sesame Street is my favorite children's show because I am one of those adults and I know all the words to the 'Ladybugs' picnic.'

Deer Valley Resort

Just 36 miles away from Salt Lake City International Airport lies the historic mining town of Park City and Deer Valley Resort. It is the premier ski destination even long before the 2002 Olympic Winter Games was held.

Deer Valley is long renowned for its superb on-mountain details and continues to be the epitome of winter's grace and customer satisfaction.

Where you make that run could be the most difficult decision of your vacation, as there are six mountains, and 100 runs that create the Deer Valley experience.

Late Visit To Cousin's House

September 10, 2010

I got the chance to visit and meet my cousin whom I haven't even met since she was born! Now, she has 3 cute daughters to whom I have met all of them for the first time. It was such an overwhelming experience seeing them and I was glad I was able to see them. Another reason why there was a planned family mini-reunion the next day!

My family in CA is quite big as my husband would always say which is true. My husband is a family oriented guy and he enjoys a lot talking and mingling with them, which I am so greatful of.

This was a late visit, almost sleeping time for the kids, so we had to go. It was nice bonding with the kids even if it was only for a short time.

One-Stop Shop For All Kinds of Sinks

Looking for sinks for your home? Don't waste your time driving from store to store because you can do it all conveniently online getting the choice you've always wanted. If you're specifically looking for undermount kitchen sink, there are a lot to choose from, and yet they are affordable too. For sure with their huge inventory of sink products, there's always one in store for you ;).

Most undermount kitchen sinks comes in premium quality at warehouse prices and by ordering online, your order comes with the same day shipping! Of course, you'll be guaranteed with superior quality products, so check the site.

Ten Romantic Hotspots in Japan

1. Big O, Tokyo - Enjoy the views as you snuggle up downtown Tokyo while riding on the world's first centerless Ferris Wheel. The 15-minute ride is as exhilirating as it is romantic which is located in the middle of downtown Tokyo at La Qua, - the city's premier entertainment and shopping center.
   
   
2. Enoden Railway (Kamakura-Fujisawa) - you will enjoy beautiful beach and ocean views as you climb aboard the Enoshima Dentetsu (Enoden) on one side of the train, and the historic neighborhoods on the other.
   
   
3. Fujiya Hotel, Hakone - Spend a quiet day at this charming historic hotel where views of Mt. Fiji are simply unparalleled. The surrounding Hakone resort area offers some of the country's best thermal waters, plus countless other romantic retreats.
   
   
4. Hyobaku Ice Festival, Hokkaido - witness yourself the fantasy world of illuminated ice sculptures, frozen waterfalls and colorful fireworks at this magical winter festival (Feb.-March) held in Sounkyo Onsen, a hot springs resort town on the edge of Daisetsuzan National Park.
   
   
5. Kamigamo Shrine, Kyoto - enjoy an enchanting afternoon on the vast grounds of this World Cultural heritage site with more than 34 structures, that includes the famous Honden and Gonden. Close by is the Moidoro-ike Pond where you can relax, bird watch or enjoy a quiet ramble.
   
   
6. Meiji Jingue Shrine, Tokyo - Take a stroll unto the peaceful gardens and woods of this shrine which honors the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. If you're lucky, you can even witness a traditional Japanese Shinto wedding ceremony.
   
   
7. Restaurant Luke, Tokyo - savor a romantic dinner amidst Tokyo's most dramatic views. This elegant, modern French restaurant is at the top of St. Luke's Tower, a high-rise overlooking the Sunida River that hovers above the expanse of Tokyo Bay and metropolitan skyline.
   
   
8. Rokko Cable Car, Kobe - get a nostalgic ride aboard a restored cable car to the summit of Mt. Rokko in Kobe. The view of the glittering Osaka Bay from the top is considered one of Japan's most awe-inspiring sights.
   
   
9. Sunset Dinner Cruise, Tokyo - capture the romantic views of downtown Tokyo as you sail the Sumida River aboard a traditional Japanese houseboat. Savor the authentic local dishes prepared with fresh seafood and veggies as the sights of the city float gracefully by. You can arrange a private cocktail cruise for an extra special evening.
   
   
10. Tsurunoyu Onsen (Hot Spring Resort), Akita - a historic spa with natural hot springs nestled in the beautiful mountains of northern Honshu. You can also reserve a room at the authentic ryokan (Japanese style Inn) onsite to experience a traditional dinner and overnight stay.