Fisherman's Wharf

September 18, 2010 - San Francisco, CA

Who isn't familiar when it comes to Fisherman's Wharf? It's the popular destination of many visiting SFO and famous waterfront community in SFO (San Francisco).

We tried our luck with our GPS, went there and the place was so crowded.
Since it was weekend, finding a parking spot is tough! We finally able to get one after going around the place for 10 minutes.

We though of seeing Alcatraz Island, and we saw a ticketing booth close to Pier 39 to get a ticket for the ferry boat. It's a small trip adventure that has something to look forward to, so off we went.

Our trip was called "Alcatraz Tour Cruise" (Escape From The Rock) and we boarded the Blue Gold Fleet at Pier 39.
The tour includes the history of the island, the facts about the Golden Gate Bridge and other facts about the bay.
We had a closer look of the Golden Gate as we went under it. It was foggy that day, so the entire bridge wasn't really clear.

We thought the tour would allow us to go down the Alcatraz Island, but it was only a cruise.

Oh, and we also saw a group of sea lions hanging out close to the pier at Pier 39. There were tons of them, and no wonder why that "fishy" smell on that area seems to be strong!

Luxury Hotel Deals in San Francisco

Later last year (September), we were in San Francisco for a pleasure visit. And by the way, if you are planning to do a trip there, one day won't be enough if you want to visit the entire city as there are many things to do and enjoy in San Francisco.

One important thing you have to do as well is to find san francisco hotel deals, particularly if you plan to stay there longer. Getting a hotel in San Francisco at a regular rate can be very expensive, so you do not want to spoil the fun of your vacation by ending up overspending, do you?

Have you heard about Off & Away auction? You can check it on their site about the promo. Who knows? You will be the next lucky one to win the auction and you will get a special room with an extra spa as a relaxation ;). Take note that there are many hotels around the area as well participating in the auction aside from San Francisco hotels that are selected. But regardless of where the hotel is, you will still enjoy the same vacation all throughout.
But of course, just don't forget checking the upcoming auctions for San Francisco luxury hotel deals.

Ahh! I miss San Francisco! The last time we visited Fisherman's Wharf, it was only a short trip of pleasure since we were coming from Oakland where my husband had his business trip there. It was a 40-minute drive going to the wharf and that time the hotel we stayed at in Oakland was paid by the company where my husband was working.

It's good to go back in San Francisco someday, and I am bookmarking these deals. I am aiming to win the auction for SFO! :))

The Gamble House (A Visit)

September 11, 2010 - Pasadena, CA

Call us unlucky this day when we went to see The Gamble House.

It was around 5pm when we reached the place, and so we were not able to catch up the last tour in the house. So, I can't share that much about the house except for a few.

The Gamble House is an internationally recognized masterpiece of the turn-of-the-century Arts and Crafts Movements in America.
It is in this house where you can see the most complete and the original examples of the work of the architects Charles & Henry Greene, built for David & Mary Gamble of The Procter and Gamble Company.

The Greene brothers' works made a strong impact on the development of 20th century American architecture.

It's one of the best place to go visit if you have high appreciation of fine historic architecture.

Save Money. Be Happy.

Who doesn't want free coupons and discounts? After all, these means great savings and budget friendly.
So, here comes an online resource site where you can get them at Savings.com. It's an easy access to all shops with just one-click to all the best daily deal offers closer to you!

It's here where you can find the best deals as well, whether you are searching your favorite store, a brand, or just a simple keyword that you want to purchase.

There are tons of categories to choose from, so it's just like a complete list of coupons for your favorite stores or brands. Another good thing is that you can print your coupons online from the comfort of your own home.
You can as well get your coupon codes here if you are shopping online, so still no worries or hassles.

One cool thing about the site is that you can get great advices or help from the deal experts right on the site. Feel free to post your queries on their homepage.
And when it comes to ideas and resources in money saving tips, we all need couponing words of wisdom! ;).

You can freely read this article about the proper way of using coupons at the right time, in the right place.
It's particularly ideal for frugal moms out there in which they can get big savings!

40 Ways to Play in Florida - Part 2

I have posted Part 1 of this few weeks ago, so I am adding some more and making it as the Part 2 of the post ;). So, here are the other activities you can enjoy:

21. Dazzle your taste buds at the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa's Latin Quarter, Ybor City and take in a flamenco show.

22. Revel in the modern masterpieces at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, set in the refurbished Western Union Telegraph Building on Hamming Plaza, and savor an artful lunch at Cafe Nola.

23. Get behind the wheel or take a professional driver and take a spin around the track at Richard Petty Driving Experience, one of the interactive attractions at the Daytona 500 experience. This is a haven for racing fans.

24. Visit the Caladesi Island State Park and savor the beauty and tranquility of it. It's renowned for sugar-white sands and lovely nature trails, accessible via ferry or boat.

25. Experience hearing the beat at West Palm Beach's Sunfest (April 30-May 4). This is an annual music festival that features top performers plus a juried arts and crafts show.

26. Watch the world's largest miniature circus at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota which explores circus history and features a collection of fine art.

27. Take in the magnificent scenery from a unique vantage point by navigating through a houseboat down the fabled Suwannee River.

28. Experience the Shuttle Launch at the Kennedy Space Visitor Complex which simulates the sensations of an actual launch. For a close encounter with a different kind, enjoy launch with an astronaut, a program that puts you in the same orbit with a member of NASA's Astronaut Corps.

29. Play golf like a pro at the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, - a magic simulator of playing golf from the Old Course at St. Andrews to the plantation Course at Kapalua :).

30. Experience the thrill of a classic wooden roller coaster, Starliner, at Winter Haven's Cypress Gardens Adventure Park.

31. Try the "Sanibel Stoop" on Sanibel and Captiva islands, then choose from a bounty of sea treasures which are best found at low tides and after Gulf storms.

32. Visit National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, participate in a dogfight while at the controls of a Navy F-14 Tomcat in the museum's Top Gun Air Combat Simulators - the same ones used to train pilots.

33. Swim with the dolphins and learn how to interact with them at Dolphin World in the Keys.

34. Check the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, where joke is always on the audience.

35. Go for a high quality flea-market buys at the luxurious Big Cypress Market Place in Naples, - an upscale shopping center that features a winery, live entertainment, food court and tiki bar.

36. Get party at Key West's Mallory Square and join with street performers, vendors and artists who made this nightly celebration world-famous.

37. Watch manatees frolic from an underwater observatory at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, or take a boat tour and swim with the gentle giants.

38. Marvel at the genius of Louis Comfort Tiffany at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park that houses large collections of the artist's exquisite works.

39. Visit the myriad antique stores of Mt. Dora and don't miss the famous Renninger's Antique Center. Opens on weekends.

40. Go check the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers and see how neighbors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford spent their vacations, follow the footsteps of their invention and check Edison's lab and botanical garden that kept his mind engaged year-round.

The Steam Team of Texas

For the Texans, aren't you happy that The Steam Team is just an easy reach from your area? When it comes to total cleaning and restoration of your home or properties, it helps to feel better knowing they are within your reach, right?
So, stop searching for a company that doesn't even exist in your area.

Need carpet cleaning services? You can find them available through carpet cleaning vacuum austin. They can be relied upon as well when it comes to carpet odor removal, carpet cleaning for chemicals, etc... It's budget-friendly. Check carpet cleaning price austin for this.

If your properties has undergone fire damage, you need fire damage cleanup austin to help you restore your properties.
They have a wide range of services when it comes to cleaning and restoration, a big help for many. Check them out!

The Griffith Observatory

The Observatory is actually a famous icon of Los Angeles, - located at 1,134 feet above sea level on the southern slope of Mt. Hollywood in Griffith Park, and is visible from various points of the LA basin.

The place is accessible by cars and buses and vehicle parking is free. Parking is very limited and usually gets full during weekends. Disabled parking is also available.

From the parking lot, there are also shuttle buses operating during the weekend from 10am-10pm to go uphill.
The exact location is at 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
Admission is free but there are minimal charges for shows inside the building.

The place is a great location for learning that mostly deals with space and astronomy, - ideal place to those who love to learn ;).

There is the famous Samvel Oschin Planetarium, where shows are held, and exhibits.

If you always wanna know about what's in the sky, this is the place where the answer to your queries might be.

Taxis For Hire

If you are a frequent traveler from airport to airport, it helps to get your mind at peace when you know there are licensed and insured transport groups that are available 24/7 at the airport.

If you are traveling to Orlando, FL, beware of some taxi companies that may charge you a 20% mandatory driver gratuity fee as a cover up for the attractive low estimate. Most of them also require you to prepay for reservations and charge you for any plan change. You see, those are all trip hassles and you may end up overspending rather than saving.

So, if you have plans of acquiring a transportation going to Orlando International Airport, just check MCO Airport Transportation and see how can they help you. This should be an ideal transport company to deal with if you are traveling with a large group and you need transportations from MCO Airport.

You can also find them available when you reach destination at Sanford International Airport. Good thing with Orlando Sanford Transportation is that you can have various options for your rides in going to your final destination such as your hotels, parks or resorts.
Availabilities of shuttles, buses, cabs or rentals are always there, so name your choice.

Of course, whatever the purpose of your trip would also depend on what kind of transportation you need. Shuttles are ideal for groups that are not in a hurry. But before considering one, just check if your hotel is within their routes.
Otherwise, you can either choose a bus or a cab if you have a particular or fixed itinerary or scheduled tours that you need to catch up.
Others would feel more convenient on renting a car as another option, particularly if you need a lot of driving in the area.

Taxi4Hire Transportation in Orlando, FL has no hidden charges. The exact quote you get from them is all you get to pay and that's it.

By the way, if you are going to Port Canaveral, there's also a Port Canaveral Transportation available for you. Whether you're arriving from Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Sanford International Airport (SFB), there's always an available seating for you. You can start requesting your quote online or by phone at the links given for rates and types of transport you need.

Late Visit at Cousin's Home

September 10, 2010 - Glendale, California

I haven't actually seen this cousin of mine since she was born, so it was kinda exciting seeing her for the first time!

And to think about it, now, she has 3 wonderful kids (all girls) and it was so overwhelming meeting the kids as well who were so much fun to be with!

It was such a nice feeling meeting them all for the first time, and a nice bonding that's worth sharing as well ;). I and hubby had great time spending our weekend vacation with them.

High Quality Patio Furnitures

High quality made products don't always mean expensive, and expensive products don't always mean high quality made. Take for example the case of patio furnitures where many customers sometimes would not rely on the product because it's cheap! Wrong!
Better yet check the adirondack chairs at Terra Bound Solutions online and see it for yourself. With that, you know what I'm talking about, right?
Considering the fact that adirondack chairs are popular as outdoor furnitures, many customers prefer having them. Well, how would you like to have a high quality made yet at a cheaper price chairs like that?!

If you have wider space for your outdoor needs, it would be nice to make some unique accents by also adding some picnic tables, too. This must be a good deal for those who need commercial picnic tables for their business as well.

It's also here where you can get to choose any commercial and residential park benches in various sizes, styles and materials, and yet with premium quality outdoor site furnishings. Check the items you might be needing. You can even get a lot of savings just in case you order them online.

Did You Know?

...that in New York, a cab can be difficult to find between the hours of 4:30 and 5:30AM and 4:30 and 5:30PM?
It's because those are the times when many drivers change shifts or go off duty. So, if you're a cab dependent or you don't drive, avoid looking for them during those times.

Weatherproofing the Place

Guest post written by Todd Felton

Towards the end of last week, it is really incredible how much snow we got. I looked out the window one morning and the neighborhood was a winter wonderland. While my kids got off for school, I wasn't so lucky and I had to go out in the inclement weather and go about business as usual. I am definitely glad that I purchased some new snow tires for my truck. They really gave me a peace of mind. Fortunately, my commutes to work have been just fine, despite the weather. I suppose I should come to expect these conditions now that I live in the north eastern U.S.

At the end of this upcoming work week, I am going to have to do a little more to weatherproof my house, as opposed to just my car. My wife's been telling me that the dining room windows are a little drafty. To be perfectly honest, I haven't been too enthusiastic about looking at the problem myself so I think I'm going to look at options at Homeproimprovement.com. I can't wait until it's time to prepare for spring or summer!

Too Drowsy to Drive?

Before you take that wheel on the road, be sure you are not too drowsy to drive. Many drivers are still ignoring this until they become victims of accidents.

Signs of drowsy driving: (If you are, don't drive!)

• yawns repeatedly
• head feels heavy or sagging onto chest
• you've trouble keeping your eyes open
• losing track of where you are
• missing traffic signs/signals or slow reactions
• drifting out of lane or onto rumble strips
• unfocused or dazed
• tailgating accidentally/needing to stop short.
  

Optimized Cable Company

You don't need to pay crazy high prices just so you can experience a true high-def.
The Optimized Cable company offers premium HDMI Cables in 1080p and you'll be amazed with the true quality of having a true high-def. TV and yet you'll get a lot of savings as well.

You can also find version 2.0 certified support high-speed data transfer rates USB cables which are fully compatible with MAC PC's and Windows. One good feature is these cables also support all earlier versions of USB devices.

And where else can you find well priced electronic components that are low priced and yet high quality? You'll get a lot to choose, from all types of cables to electronic accessories.

Costarica's Adventure Trips

Costarica is widely famous for nature travel, and one of the best destinations for adventure. This country has so much activities to offer whether by land, water or air.

the following are the 5 topmost activities for adventure travelers:

• Canopy Tours - you can either see the forest above it in a unique perspective, walk over suspension bridges, glide through canopy on zip lines, or take in the view from the seat of an aerial tram.
• Whitewater Rafting - Costarica has the finest rivers for whitewater rafting, from Class 1 Sarapiqui - to the popular class IV Pacuare and Reventazon, available for all levels.
• Horseback Riding - It's being offered by all resorts as excursions, going through pastures, tropical forests, down beaches or even into the mountains to view volcanoes.
• Sport Fishing - It offers you prize catches that include marlin, sailfish, tarpon, dorado and tuna in the ocean waters. More from inland lakes and rivers such as rainbow bass, trout and machaca.
• Scuba Diving - Costarica has long shores along Pacific and Caribbean that offers an extraordinary undersea world. The Pacific coast was recognized as one of the top 5 destinations in the world for advanced scuba diving.
  

Texas Injury Lawyers

In some instances, no matter how careful we are on the road, motorcycle accidents do sometimes happen. And with it comes with either ending up with serious injuries and/or death.

Lucky you if you survived the accident. But did you know that you can get benefits from an accident if you have suffered from head/neck injuries if the accident was caused by the negligence of another drivers? In that case, that means you have the legal rights to fight for it.

Fighting for this right involves an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer when it comes about the dynamics of a motorcycle case accident. If you're looking for one, don't forget to click the link; - motorcycle accident attorney Austin.

O'Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath Texas injury Lawyers are always reliable to help you with your case, so contact them ASAP!

O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath – Personal Injury Lawyers – 808 West Avenue, Austin, TX. 78701 – 512-494-9949

Going Barcelona?

Here are some short basic info and tips that can be helpful.

Best time to go: May, September and October. June & November are runner ups ;). Avoid July & August due to high humidity and streets would be crowded.

Getting there:
There are several direct flights from various U.S. cities. Many low-cost European airlines also fly into the city. Madrid to Barcelona line of the high speed AVE train opened in late February.

Getting around:
It's a great city to navigate by foot. It also has an easy-to-use bus and metro network, along with many inexpensive taxis.

Read: "Barcelona" by Robert Hughes; - a comprehensive history of the city's art and architecture since the Roman empire.

Best Deals on Entertainment Tickets

Why suffer missing your favorite entertainment shows or sports because tickets either ran out or they are too expensive for your budget?
Ticket America must be the place for you because you get all the best deals and never miss any of your favorite shows and games.

Here's one cool thing; - Izod Center stadium tickets are now available at Ticket America online, where great shows and concerts are worth the watch at East Rutherford, New Jersey.
And for baseball fans out there, you might wanna buy your Camden Yards tickets if you're in Baltimore and get to watch the birdie sing "Go Orioles"! :)).

Staples Center is also one of the best places to go for games and shows as well. You can always purchase the stadium tickets conveniently through phone with your corresponding dates of shows you want to watch.

One of the best places I wanna go visit is the Madison Square Garden in New York. I have been to New York several times, but I haven't got the chance to watch any show there. I should make an itinerary for it on my next visit for sure. Good thing there's Ticket America I could rely upon just in case ;).

And if you're in San Antonio, Texas, don't forget to treat yourself to a good watch at AT&T Center.
When it comes to the best source of entertainment tickets, make Ticket America your priority choice. it has the most comprehensive inventory of tickets on the web. Check your shows! You'll never miss them at Ticket America.

40 Ways to Play in Florida - Part 1

1. Do a guided walk tour, bicycle tour or self-guided phone tour and visit Miami's Art Deco District. This is all available at the Art Deco Welcome Center on Ocean Drive.

2. Visit Sea World, an amazing water park in Orlando where you can ride the slides, waves and rapids on 60 beautifully landscaped acres. The center piece attraction attracts visitors (in clear tubes) through a lagoon filled with playful dolphins.

3. Get the experience of succulent oysters harvested straight from Gulf in Apalachicola, - Florida's oyster capital.

4. Ride on a water taxi and see waterfront mansions along Ft. Lauderdale's maze of inland waterways, then make landfall and explore the upscale shops of Las Olas Blvd.

5. If you love to surf, hang with a professional instructor at Ron Jon Surf School in Cocoa Beach, the southeast's surfing mecca.

6. Join the Ghost tours of St. Augustine which offers spine-tingling excursions into the city's colorful past.

7. Go visit Busch gardens and visit Jungala to see Bengal tigers and orangutans. They offer groundbreaking new ways to interact with animals, as well as experience a treetop zipline experience.

8. Ride a bike and travel from city to sea on the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail then take an off-road detour into the Apalachicola National Forest for some challenging terrain.

9. Join in the swashbuckling fun at fort Walton Beach's annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival (usually in June 6-9), a family-friendly event which features entertainment, torchlight parade, pirate reenactments and fireworks.

10.Observe sea turtles nesting at Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge off Melbourne Beach on an evening turtle watch, only open in June and July.

11. Watch the sunset at Pier 60 amid street performances and artisans in Clearwater beach.

12. Step back into the Gilded Age at the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum and experience the architectural masterwork by attending a chamber music concert or annual blue grass concert.

13. Visit Butterfly Rainforest at Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainsville. Enjoy the lush oasis of tropical plants and flowers which acts as perfect backdrop of hundreds of free-flying butterflies.

14. Experience the Simpsons ride at Universal Orlando Resort, a new attraction at Universal Studios that brings the zany TV show to life with thrilling results.

15. Venture into Everglades National Park, one of the world's most magnificent wilderness area. Watch alligators slink by and birds soar overhead as you explore this 1.5 million-acre subtropical marvel. Tour by airboat, foot, tram, canoe or kayak, or try the Everglades-by-car audio tour which takes you deep into the park.

16. Shop at Silver Sands Factory Stores in Destin for designer discounts. prices can be up to 75% off retail prices.

17. Dig into luscious stone crabs at Joe's Stone Crab, an institution since 1913 in Miami.

18. Immerse yourself in a storybook Victorian world on a guided walking tour or via horse-drawn carriage of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island.

19. Explore the Western Lake in Grayton Beach State Park by kayak or canoe, - a rare coastal dune lake characterized by the convergence of salt and fresh waters, creating a biologically diverse ecosystem.

20. Savor the breathtaking views on a swamp safari at Big Cypress Seminole Reservation in the Everglades, then spend the night in a Seminole chickee hut and learn about Indian folklore and culture.

Medical Scrubs For a Style

Nowadays, you can wear various styles of nursing scrubs that would not only make you comfortable but stylish as well. These designer scrubs are uniquely done only at Blue Sky Scrubs online. You deserve to look and feel beautiful the way you want it, so why settle for that frumpy uniform? If you're still looking where to buy cheap scrubs, just check on Blue Sky Scrubs. You save, yet you'll look different in a more stylish, and more beautiful way!
Whether you are needing nursing uniforms, surgical scrubs, medical scrub hats, medical scrubs or any hospital uniforms, this is the ideal place.
Take note: these are not sold in any stores and they are only available online at Blue Sky Scrubs. Check 'em up!