Our Catalina Island Experience

March 12, 2o11

We're now on the middle weekend of our 2-week trip in California and now settled here in Long Beach. Since it's the weekend, we planned of going to Catalina Island. It so happened that our hotel was just 5 minutes away from the Catalina Express Ferry Station.
We bought tickets for the 11AM schedule going to Avalon, and took a quick brunch at the ferry terminal canteen since we still had few minutes of waiting.

The ferry trip is one and a half hour before reaching Avalon. This is when you are boarding Catalina Express at downtown Catalina landing in Long Beach, CA.
Once you're in Avalon, you can already see the scenic view around the area. Awesome views!

There are lots of discovery tours that can be done in the island, so if you want to experience all of them, one day isn't enough. Hotels are also in the island, so when you want for a few more days of R & R, you can choose to check on the hotels and the packages before going there. I am not sure if they can accept walk-ins but the island is really busy and can be crowded during peak days.

We signed up for the "Skyline Drive Tour" where we had the bus tour with a narrated journey by the tour driver himself. We were taken into Catalina's protected wilderness area as we ascended ten miles where spectacular vistas, deep canyons, quiet coves, the blue ocean and the exciting part was seeing the island's largest inhabitants at a close range...the buffalos!

This tour lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes and has a bus stop at the Airport in the Sky. This is an old airport that is no longer operating, except that some private planes are still using it. It is here where you can shop at the small shopping store and they have a a food shop too. Restrooms are also available.

After we got back from the tour, we walked around a little bit and we toured some shops as well. There are lots of them in every street, including food shops and other business establishments.
How I wish we could have just spent few days there, but next time is always a good chance! ;).

Paper Mart Bags

Paper Mart online is worth visiting when it comes to various types of fancy bags you can ever imagine of. It is also the most complete packaging store and the largest on the web. So, choices seem like unlimited ;).

I love bags and I collect them too! My husband is a living witness to my collections, lol!
I can see at least more than 2,000 styles of plastic bags in here with various colors and designs. And, oh my God, I am overwhelmed and bookmarked it already. I would definitely be ordering some online for my upcoming Caribbean cruise trip this July. Yey! ;))
They look so fancy and attractive!

The paper bags are colorful as well, and it comes ideal for grocery shopping or just for putting some small stuff for outdoor hangouts that are easy grabs. The prices aren't bad at all, so no big deal on that ;).

I find all those organza bags very cute in their designs. I actually had one like those when I got married as souvenirs. I also use them to store my little pieces of jewelries particularly when I travel. They are actually very helpful and trendy looking too!
They have countless designs and colors. I saw the designs of the ribbon handle Organza bags with bows, and I think they look small but very elegant.

Paper Mart products are not only limited to bags. Check the other items, too.

Cheap Personal Checks

If you want to upgrade the designs of your boring checks, you can surely find an expansive selection of personal and business check designs from Extra Value Checks at an affordable price.
These designer checks are not only proven to be of top quality but also produced with the highest standards so they are guaranteed to work with your bank. Did you know you can have as many as more than 500 designs from here?
Checks are designed by theme, regardless of whether they are for personal checks or business checks. I saw some extra value coupons, too! Just check the details on their site. You can even save $5.00 on your checks.

By the way, check ordering online is safe with Extra Value Checks. Rest assured that your financial and personal details are protected with Secure Sockets Layer Technology (SSL).

Also, the prices offered to you the first time you ordered online won't change the next time you re-order, and so with your next succeeding orders. That's quite a good deal, right?
The fact that you save 50% out of what your bank charges you is already a hot deal for savings. Let's think practical nowadays! We can still get things with good quality without compromising our budget. Extra Value Checks is just one of those companies that help many people get their money's worth.

Protective Storage Cabinets

We should be grateful enough that a company such as Durham came into business since 1922 which became one of the top leading producers of heavy duty material storages such as steel storage cabinets.

So, when somebody would think about shelves, organization of maintenance of products, packaging, workstations and any idea about storages, one would always think of Durham products which make them highly recommendable.

There are top quality products ideal for heavy duty material handling equipment that can serve as a good industrial storage, with full protection features built with sturdy construction.

The industrial cabinets also serve to protect your valuable equipments and materials from any extreme hazards such as fire. Check the new products of flammable safety cabinets as well.

We are lucky enough to have these types of products that are from Durham which are highly in demand nowadays because of the top quality protection they can give you and the durability of materials that come with them.
We don't need to worry about where to store our important documents and/or equipments vital to us when it comes to safety, because when the fury of nature strikes, we would be confident that Durham Manufacturing products are totally reliable for people's safety needs.

Holiday Trip Tips

Every holiday, most people are getting ready to hit the road to spend time with their families. Be sure you are always totally prepared.

Check your car for any strange sounds, like paying close attention to the brakes (which can squeak) and the steering wheel (which can whine).

During Thanksgiving week, Monday or Tuesday are the best days to travel and can cut down on time spent in traffic. If you're stuck in traffic, preserve your clutch by putting the car in neutral and taking your foot off the clutch to keep it from slipping.

Get a tire gauge to check your tire pressures monthly, especially as temperature drops. If tire pressure is too high, your car can bounce on the road, and if too low, they could overheat which can both cause serious accidents.

Keep your gas full. If you drive with less than a quarter tank of gas, you could start collecting sediment at the bottom of the fuel tank, and even the smallest amount could clog or damage parts, so make sure you always fill up.

Managing Joint Pain & Allergies

One of the most disgusting feeling to have if you love to eat, is if you get food allergies to your favorite foods.
I always see many small kids affected by this. For some adults, they just have to rely on taking antihistamines, but until how long would that be? You don't want your body to get used to drugs your entire life, do you? Those pills are not actually treating the syndrome, but only relieving it.

Have you heard about Histame? This is a dietary supplement that can actually regulate histamine levels in the body by replenishing the body's digestive enzyme Diamine Oxidase. Check it out and take it from there.

On the other hand, arthritis and join pain can be unbearable if left untreated. Today, not only old people are having it but young people as well. There are a lot of drugs being used to treat this disease, but your tendency to swallow a lot of pills for arthritis pain relief would be lessened by taking nutritional supplements and eating healthy foods.

Have you heard about Naturally Vitamins online? Take some time to check some nutritional supplement products they have at an affordable costs. They are health food products that are safe and don't have side effects.

Stay Healthy While Traveling Abroad

Whether you're on vacation, planning to study abroad, conducting business, etc...international travel means it includes special health considerations, such as knowing the types of vaccinations you need, when to get them and knowing if you need the protection against malaria.
It's also good to undergo preventive health counseling, and having prescription medications and immunizations to reduce risk of illness while abroad.

Seek help from medical experts on where to get individual risk assessments based on your health, travel itineraries and anticipated activities.

Also try to schedule travel medicine consultations well in advance of your trip, at least 4-6 weeks in advance. It's because some vaccines must be given in a series over several days or even weeks.

Reveal Medspa Services

There is nothing wrong with enhanced beauty, I believe. It is because many women (and even men too) feel more confident in this customized approach of beauty enhancement, where they can really appreciate their real them.

That is why Reveal Medspa is here. It is considered to be the most trusted provider of customized medical aesthetic service in the Washington DC area.
They have packages and promotions which can help you get greater savings for skin care treatments such as Melasma. Every client will be treated through a one-on-one skin analysis by which a customized skin care program will be recommended to achieve optimum results.

Acne scars can also be treated at Reveal with several choices of treatment depending on your skin problem condition.
But whether you only need skin care treatment, hair removal, laser lipo, rejuvenations, botox, and much more, there is always a recommended treatment for you.

Every treatment has its own customized program as well and well equipped with highly trained medical staff with years of expertise and training. This is to ensure customers that they would look and feel their best after the treatment.
There is no doubt, they are experts at designing customized treatment programs with more than 325,000 procedures already performed, to achieve results that are essential to their customers.

Barbados - More Than a Paradise!

Everyday in Barbados is a celebration, many would say. It's a passion that emanates across this small Caribbean paradise, welcoming all to "Long Live Life."

Blessed with more than 3,000 hours of annual tropical sunshine, it is considered that under this umbrella of golden splendor is how Barbados thrive.
It offers visitors an abundance of unforgettable diversions all embraced in a white ribbon of glimmering sand.

Barbados has a unique blend of West African & Caribbean culture along with its elegant British heritage.

You can spend in here mornings discovering the rich coral treasures hidden under crystal clear waters. You can do tours throughout the bustling streets of Bridgetown then out past tall fields of sugarcane during the midday.

An afternoon detour could be sharing a drink at a rum shop where many locals go. If it's nightlife you want, there's always a party available at Barbados.
Evening dinners can be enjoyed at the restaurants on the Zagat-rated island.

Top Quality Coffee Makers

One good thing about Bunn is that for more than 35 years of experience, they continue to strive with great consistency in designing and manufacturing innovations in home coffee brewers and commercial beverage equipments.

With so many consumers who continue to trust them in using a bunn home coffee maker, there is no doubt that they are as well creating one of the best drip coffee maker among their coffee brewer products nowadays.

If you are not familiar yet about a bunn home coffee maker, bunnathome.com is the right place to check it. Check the 3 main brewers;-the phase brew, the velocity brew and the single serve, after which you can also choose which one is right for you that can suit your daily lifestyle.
I am sure every coffee lover would always be interested to visit Bunn products online.

You can also check on the interactive product demos of the 3 distinct coffee brewer models you want to see, and you can even learn more tricks and tips on brewing your coffee, check the brew chart and other interesting information about how you can have that perfect cup every morning.

Still unconvinced? Read more about why Bunn products brew better and you will be surprised to discover some simple facts you don't probably even know yet until you've read all the information.

Cayman Islands - Loads of Fun!

There are lot of things to do and discover at Cayman Islands.
If you love scuba diving, try Stingray City, a famous shallow dive site off Grand Cayman where you can swim with stingrays, or you can go snorkel tour to Stingray City Sandbar. There are 250 dive sites found in Grand Cayman alone, just imagine!...it's unlimited fun for scuba divers ;).
You can also enjoy parasailing, kayaking, fishing or water skiing.

On land, visit Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park,-a 65-acre wonderland showcasing variety of trees, flowers and wildlife.

Shopping:
Fine jewelries, watches, perfumes, European fashions and more can be enjoyed at excellent values at duty-free shops on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Local crafts are also seen along with Cayman food specialties at Cayman Craft Market and The Farmer's Market Cooperative on Grand Cayman.

Dining:
Try Casa Havana that offers specialties inspired by Cuba & SOuth American cuisines. The Wharf offers Caribbean and international specialties; while Luca is commonly known for fresh Italian-inspired cuisine.
These restaurants are located along Grand Cayman's magnificent Seven Mile Beach.

Where to Party:
Go to Kaibo Bar & Grill at Grand Cayman's north shore and dance to live music every Tuesday nights. Ports of Call Bar at The Wharf offers free salsa lessons every Tuesday night as well.

Calico Jack's is a casula beach bar ideal for dishes at sunset.

Pool Filters

Have you heard about pool filters? For those who have home pools, I'm sure they are so familiar with them. So, what does pool filter do anyway? They are cleaners, filtering all dirt, body oils, and dead bacteria in the pool. They are also sanitizers that kill bacteria in the pool, and they are an effective clarifier as well.
It is vital that every swimming pool should have pool filters.

Check these above ground pool filters from Spa-Daddy online, a private company organized in Michigan that offers high quality and yet low cost spa and pool products.

It is also important that your pool has always a pool filter replacement cartridge as a back up. Don't wait until you need one on that day you need it because it might bee too late to get a more affordable one, and it is also be always good to be on the safe side when you know you are ready for a pool party without any pool malfunctions, isn't it?

If you have master Spa at home or those with later models, better yet check them if it's time to buy a new replacement spa filter.
When choosing any pool filter or spa filter products, be sure that you will be getting the correct size of your filter.
Make sure to follow the filter measuring tips provided on the website, as well as be aware on what model do you have, to avoid a mismatch when your order arrives.

Aside from pool filters, don't forget to check on other pool chemicals and supplies as well.
All products are 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

Credit Card Processing

For many small business owners, it couldn't be denied that there are still many merchant services credit card processing providers out there who take advantage of them by slapping them with high minimum payments and hidden fees.
I'm sure many business owners are aware of this which is why some businesses are closing and declaring bankruptcy instead of succeeding.

But as many would say, retail business can be unforgiving. And although that's the case, you can still learn to overcome the obstacles and learn better.
Getting into business is always a risk, but with careful planning and weighing the pros and cons very carefully as well as choosing the right merchant solution are one of the valuable steps to consider to help your business to succeed.

Better yet check Merchant Perfect when considering merchant services. In small businesses, the most critical consideration to focus upon would be the terms and fees. You should be aware that many merchant account providers can burden you with high monthly minimums and sliding rates plus hidden rates.

But here is a good news, though!
Merchant Perfect offers its customers credit card processing services at prices that small businesses can afford. The other good thing is that there is no application fee nor set-up fee involved once you apply online.
They even offer you same-ay approval.
Start opening a free account today, and a 24/7 toll-free support will ensure that you will be guided along the way when you need to.

Romantic Weekend Getaway-Berkeley Springs!

The town of Berkeley Springs in West Virginia was then known as the town of Bath since the year 1750, when Pres. George Washington took his brother Laurence to take in the warm mineral waters in the springs. Since then, many people had been going back to Berkeley Springs that they believe as the "healing waters."

Nowadays, it has become as a place with several spas, and dozens of owner-operated shops and restaurants, making it an all-encompassing weekend getaway you could ever experience. Due to a combination of relaxing spas and the small-town atmosphere, it makes it perfect for a romantic weekend getaway.

Berkeley Springs is also unique because of the various activities available for the weekender. It is located in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia directly south of Hancock.

Recommended things to do in Berkeley Springs:

• Try the Roman Bath at the Berkeley Springs State Park which are the "original spas." The park has 9 individual 750 gallon tubs with walk-in chambers.
  
  
• Get a meal at Lot 12Public House, a place where Berkeley Springs native chef Damian Heath, who was a semi-finalist for the southeast region's best chef by the James Beard Foundation.
  

Online Beauty Supply Store

If you are a beauty shop owner and currently looking for products that are budget-friendly and yet high quality products, perhaps, you might want to check Lee Beauty online or visit leebeauty.com for more options.
This online beauty store is not only limited to beauty salon business owners but also for customers who want to buy their beauty tools or hair accessories for their personal use.

Don't forget to check remy hair extentions, - you can get these items with as much as 50% of savings!
You can check other hair extension products as well along with a lot of hair styles that you need for your shop, or for your personal style use. This is really the place where you can get cheap hair extensions, trusted by many professional hair experts and stylists.

In today's economic situation, business can be tough to handle because most prices are all sky-rocketing!
Aren't you glad you have finally found a beauty supply outlet online where you can save a lot?
This is the right place for you to visit where you can see unbeatable prices and when it comes to getting your hair products and accessories.

If you are a beauty shop business owner, you wouldn't regret buying your products here.
I should say, it's just practically wise to do it because it means business should always do good as well ;).

Weekender Trip at Washington DC

I have been to DC several times, but honestly, there are still many places that I haven't been to. I must agree to the fact that the nation's capital is really worthy of a full-out stay-there vacation!

In northwest of DC, try visiting Kreeger Museum that offers a wide selection of art from various artists including Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, etc...

Another lesser known attraction is the Wolly Mammoth Theater Company, a playhouse known for developing new works.

You can also extend your stay and try getting a true presidential feel and set up shop at the Hay-Adams Hotel, just located across the street from the White House! This luxurious hotel has been noted Most Excellent Hotel in the U.S. and Canada by Conde' Nast.

Women's Health

When it comes to health, most women consider it a top priority,-the reason why Healthwomen (HW) is created that helps many women and mother out there in managing their health.

Healthywomen is a nonprofit organization and is a resourceful health information source online for women. It is here where women have been coming to for answering their questions about personal health care questions including pregnancy information for mothers.

And speaking about parenting and pregnancy, a pregnancy advice is so much of a great help from the site, and particularly a big help to those first-time moms, as well as those mothers with multiple kids.

There are a lot of information we need to know and learn when it comes to womens health, from being a future mom to motherhood, until the midlife and beyond.

Healthywomen.org is actually an award-winning website which is a site solely dedicated to women's health and even recognized nationally as a go-to-source for trustworthy health information for women.
No need to wonder why because it has earned the trust of many consumers and even health care providers as well as nonprofit and corporate partners and the media.
So, I believe, being a woman, in order to be healthy should be well-informed and being empowered.

A Scenic Underground Cave

One of the best nature pick to choose for summer destination! - Penn's Cave, Pennsylvania!
Instead of hiking a mountain to experience Pennsylvania's natural beauty, why not try a trip underground?

Penn's cave is the country's only all-water cavern and wildlife park located in scenic central Pennsylvania. There is a one-hour tour of the underground stream through a flat-bottom motorboat that glides through the stunning formations in Penn's cave, revealing stalagmites, stalactites and flow stone cascades and draperies that have been formed by dripping water more than thousands of years.
Make sure to wear your jackets as the temperature inside the cave is 52F all year round.

You can also take a 90-minutes guided bus tour above ground that surrounds pastures and mountain trails.
Penn's cave has a 1,500 acres of forest that have been preserved as a natural habitat for birds and mammals, including the white-tailed deer, elk and mountain lion.

Business Card Printers

When it comes to a superior quality online business printing service, it must be good! And how would you like a printing service that is not only considered as high quality but also at an incredibly low price? Quite a good deal, right?

Print Early covers all things a customer would be looking for. If you are currently searching for a cheap brochure printing for example, check the samples from Print Early and choose from hundreds of designs! They are also available in many popular sizes and folding options.

Many out there still use business cards even today. It's also here where you can find a cheap business card printing in full color with three various coatings to choose from.
A cheap postcard printing is available as well.

Take note that all products can either be printed in house or green paper. If you want green printing, just check it with their pricing calculator on the right side of the screen, choose the paper with Go Green and your items will be printed on green paper with no extra charge.

Print Early is one of the greenest printers in the US today that uses soy-based inks and with state-of-the-art recycled paper choices and hi-fidelity color printing.

Mohegan Sun @ Pocono Downs, PA

I don't frequent casinos, but I have been once at one in Vegas, and one at Hollywood Casino here in MD :).
But this one could be your splurge pick as an entertainment spot, - a classy casino in the Pocono Mountains. The casino offers 2,500 slot machines ranging from a penny to $100. It continues to expand with racing, restaurants and shops.

The casino is open 24 hours a day, and be sure to take some time off to spend your lucky money you've made at Pearl Sushi Bar or at Ruth's Christ Steakhouse ;).
Pearl Sushi Bar offers large selection of flavored martinis.

Many hotels also surround the area that offer free shuttle services to the casino.