Ripley's Odditorium

I still remember when I first visited Ripley's Odditorium in Florida in 2007. It was a good experience to see the various collections of bizarre, strange and unbelievable artifacts that came from all around the world, including authentic photos, movies and even wax presentations of human beings.

Exhibits are all a combination of oddities in the world of science and illusions, state-of-the-art special effects, interactive displays, videos with the inclusion of exotic themed surroundings like spooky graveyards, jungles and scenes of natural disasters.

They say that each Ripley's Believe It or Not! museums that are located in various parts around the world are created uniquely when it comes to collection of oddities and how they are presented.

So, when people go from place to place as they visit the same museum in a different location, they would see different artifacts or oddities in it.

Amazing isn't it?

Given the chance to visit Ripley's museum once again in a different place would be another wonderful experience to take!

Sent from my iPad

Early Holiday Shopping Treat!

DealDash is probably one of those online sites worth checking if you are an avid online shopper! If you also love to bid online for shopping products, the site is for you! It is an alternative way to penny auctions and risk free.

 I was able to check the site, and I have discovered that many auctioneers have claimed they got what they wanted for as low as 30 cents...it's like whoa! Really? DealDash captivated me so I created my free account. You can join right away in a few seconds, and joining is FREE of course.

 Take note however that when you participate in the bidding, you are required to purchase bids.

 As I've mentioned previously, Deal Dash is risk free. Why? Because if you are bidding for the first time and you happened to use all your bids without winning a single auction, your bids will all be returned to you on your first bid pack purchase and you'll be given the second chance. Fair play, don't you think? Another thing is that it has the "Buy It Now" option. This works in a way that if you didn't win the auction, you can buy the item you were bidding on its regular price and the bids you used in that auction will still be returned to you for free. You get your item, and you don't lose the bids. You can then use the bids again for your next try to win another auction. Fair and honest enough ;). If you are not contented in any way, it offers you a money-back guarantee with no questions asked! Your entire purchase will be refunded back to you 100%...as simple as that. Check it today! Try it risk free!

Garin Farm & Inland Resort - The Visit

The farm is no ordinary farm. As you would enter the place, you will be amazed it is beyond being a farm. It was built in such a way that you can enjoy and witness the power of nature at its best, have peace of mind, and at the same time enjoy leisure and adventure activities...all rolled into one! :) I can say it's a mini-theme park in an agricultural setting.

Garin Farm is located in San Joaquin, province of Iloilo on its southernmost part. From the city of Iloilo going to the place is a little more than an hour ride. I consider it also one place worth visiting while vacationing in the Philippines. If you're a tourist, it can be easily accessible through a map and by the help of the locals.

A little of an adventure can be done in the farm through the 300 meter zip-line that passes through over the lagoon and some trees. Other options would be to go up and down the hill. If you prefer more vigorous fun, go hiking through the route embraced by the beauty of nature. Lots of other leisure activities can also be done such as horseback riding, boating, fishing or even renting an all-terrain vehicle. You have to note though, that every activity has a charge, except for hiking...and hike at your own risk! :0

Then after a busy day's activities, you can treat yourself to a dip on the pool. All tariff rates are provided at the entrance area upon payment of your entrance fee.

Blurry, but the reality view when you are in the actual place is truly spectacular!

One of the highlight of your activity would be to experience going up the 456 steps towards the 101 ft. Divine Mercy Cross at the pilgrimage area. I recommend staying overnight to see the awesome view of the Divine Mercy Cross at night.

Rooms are available at various rates according to accommodations. Be sure to get a room that rpovides a view of the stunning scenery! All rooms are situated on the hillside area in order to get the amazing view of the town of San Joaquin and its surroundings.

There is a restaurant fronting the pilgrimage area equipped with a canteen on the adjacent side corner. At least you'll never go hungry nor thirsty after a tedious activity ;). The restaurant has a free wi-fi internet access if you want to check your emails or surf the net.

By the way, inside the restaurant is also a billiard area if you want to play pool indoors.

Don't forget to take lots of photos. There will belots of stunning views and interesting subjects to focus on. Just to be sure you complete your visit, be sure you check all the main sites - mainly, the Pilgrimage area, the Divine Mercy Cross, the agricultural area, and the Lagoon.

Add to that the picturesque views from your room windows or the private garden beside your room.

Get all the fun! It's gonna be worth it. Visit our Garin Farm Adventures for more photos!

Effective Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers in Atlanta

Drug and alcohol addiction are today's one serious problem the country is facing today. The fact that many victims are the youth, it scares me to think about the future. If these victims don't receive help the earliest time possible, how many more lives would be ruined? Let's face it...alcohol and drug addiction are not only a problem on the youth. There are many adults as well, and there are so many of them wherever we go.

We should be glad there are rehabilitation centers that are helping many victims taking their steps toward recovery.

If you are searching for Atlanta drug abuse rehab centers, you might want to check Bradford Health Services. There's one close by Birmingham. Their alcohol and drug rehab programs have been helping a lot of addicts regain recovery.

If you, your friend or your member of the family needs help going to Atlanta Drug Rehab, Bradford Health Services is well equipped to extend a well-designed continuum of care approach in treating your loved ones with drug dependency.

For those who are in their early stages of drug or alcohol dependency, they can undergo treatment at the Intensive Outpatient Program.

There is peace of mind when you know your loved ones are under the care of a rehab center that has a proven track record of helping addicts become well, isn't it? Call them today!

Buffet Lunch @ Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant

Outside the restaurant, after my sumptuos lunch!

One thing I would always enjoy when I'm on a trip is food! Trip and food for me are perfect match! ;)

Well, how would you like to go on a smorgasboard dining with real home cooked meals on the dining menu - buffet style??

If you're around Lancaster area, the Brid-in-Hand Family Restaurant would be the ideal place to go to. This is not a paid promotion, although it sounds I am promoting it, lol! But I am strongly recommending it because I have a positive experience dining in here. It's here where you will find a whole host of traditional Lancaster County recipes that are always perfected daily on their menu. They are family traditional recipes shared with homemade goodness, and fresh foods.

If you're going in there starving, you'll be coming out full and happy...that's for sure! An, oh, beware when you're on a strict diet! You'll end up breaking your diet rules. :)

By the way, it's a shame I didn't even take photos of the restaurant itself! Probably, I was so overwhelmed with too much food and I was so full!

Trip date: April 14, 2012

Be Well, Drink Well

I happened to see this wellness drink through the link that was given to me the other day and I got so interested about it. The wellness drink is a product of Trivita and is called nopalea. 

So, I think this might be the cheapest solution to reduce pain caused by inflammation. It is not a drug, and it is considered to be just a dietary supplement which has healing properties through detoxification and body neutralization against the body's inner toxins which reduces its inflammation. Nopalea came from Nopal cactus which is said to be used as healing agent by native people for many centuries. It's worth trying, isn't it?

 For those who suffer health related problems particularly those caused by inflammation such as joint and muscle inflammation, respiratory, arterial or digestive tract inflammations, then it would probably worth a try. 

 If you suffer a widespread body cell inflammation which is causing you fatigue, Nopalea can also help. 

Good thing is that it is free to try! Now, that's a good deal! You can take the Wellness Challenge to get your free 32-ounce bottle of Nopalea. It doesn't harm trying it I guess. It would probably be the best solution to end the pain tortures you've been having for a long time without having to shell out hundreds and even thousands of dollars for medications and doctor's fees! All you have to do is get one and drink it. Simple as that! I wonder how it tastes like? :) 

 By the way, this product has not been evaluated by FDA yet, so don't expect it to be 100% effective treatment or as a cure. We can consider it as a health drink, just like choosing a healthy juice drink at the grocery store ;). Please also note that if you are into medications, it is still always best to talk with your doctor about it.

American Music Theater with The Gaither Vocal Band

Me & Wes Hampton

Me and my ever supportive and kind, loving hubby ;)

The concert

Michael Phelps doing his solo.

The venue - American Music Theater

 We have been into Rill's Bus Service with my husband whenever we think of having some weekend trips and whenever they offer some trips that seem interesting to do. One of the best thing they had in one of their itineraries was a trip to see The Gaither Vocal Band's Homecoming Tour 2012 at American Music Theater. I have been actually wishing to see one of their concerts someday, I said. Then that perfect timing came when Rill's offered the tour and so I didn't let the chance go off my hands this time, lol! My husband signed up for the tour right away, and finally, it was such an excitement while we were on the road in the bus! :)

GVB became one of my favorites ever since I started seeing and hearing their songs in Youtube and DVD's, and I really have to agree that they are one of the best-loved voices in gospel music. The band roster is comprised of Bill Gaither, Wes Hampton, David Phelps, Michael English and Mark Lowry, all of them gifted as musical artists and men of authentic faith. They are incomparable because of their powerhouse vocals, innovative harmonies and life-altering message - a message of grace, hope and redemption.

I love Michael Phelp's powerful high notes and I was aiming to have a remembrance photo with me, but I ended up having Wes Hampton instead! I still was so happy! Just letting one of them have a photo opportunity is one golden dream I got! ;)

Truly, I felt so blessed in a full evening of entertainment and meaningful music and is a rare treat anytime.

Taken: April 14, 2012

Bird-in-Hand Farmer's Market

In one of our bus tours, we had the chance to drop by the place for a quick shopping. Although we knew we lack time for the shopping, the fact that we were briefed by our tour guide about "food sampling" is for sure a lot of fun!...foody fun, that is! :)

Pop corn samples..taste good!

Crowded!

The day was a weekend (Saturday) and rather was busy and a bit crowded. This place is more of an indoor market and most vendors you could meet are Amish.

Inside are mixed gift shops stores of handmade crafts and mostly are homemade cooked meals, fresh produce and freshly-baked pies. So, it is mostly fresh and homemade in this store, food wise.

We were able to get free food samples of pop corn with various flavors. They are all pretty good and if you have money, you might be tempted buying all of them! :)

I love the caramel-flavored ones! We didn't buy them though, I guess we ate more than enough just by the free samples, lol!...but we instead bought a funnel cake which was also cooked fresh right from the pan. What a nice food trip experience! I think I'm gonna enjoy this type of trips ;).

Taken: April 14, 2012

The Tulips @ Longwood Gardens!

Trip Date: April 7, 2012

It's surely a fact that often times, we spend little time appreciating the forms of beauty from nature - I mean, how many people in this world would be head-over-heels feeling so crazy about visiting gardens, and admire the natural beauty of their own?
How much percentage of the human population love to connect with nature and at the same time be thankful enough of what the nature is giving them?

Nature's beauty is always free! Public gardens are almost everywhere for everybody to enjoy. A bed of roses is a typical form of a nature's beauty, so much so with colorful beds of tulips arranged in kaleidoscopic colors!

It was a one day visiting experience at Longwood Gardens once again, and I embrace this visit as colorfully awesome!

Thank you Lord for the beauty!

Next Day Flower Delivery!

I am talking about an online flower shop that actively operates in UK, so UK residents would benefit much on their services when it comes to ordering flowers online.
If you are looking for flowers that can accommodate your budget, why not try cheaper flowers by Serenata? You can still get the freshest flowers with their next day delivery service, or better yet check their free flower delivery too! ;)

For those who love gardening and taking care of flowers, whether for a business or just a personal hobby at home, it is also of vital importance to know the basics about gardening and taking care of flowers. You will get a lot of helpful information on gardening tips with all about any topics, from seed planting to flower arrangements.
Keep reading tons of articles about gardening, particularly the basic tips for first timers.

Happy gardening!

The Proud Mary Luncheon Cruise

One of the most memorable trips I had was to board The Proud Mary for a 2-hour luncheon cruise on scenic Raystown Lake in Entriken, Pennsylvania.

The Proud Mary is a 62-foot custom designed Mississippi-style Paddle Wheeler featuring turn-of-the-century hospitality and breathtaking vistas that make each cruise a memorable adventure. The buffet lunch was superb! ;)

There is also the Lake Raystown Resort where the ferry was and there are so much things to see and do in the area, particularly during the summer.
Lodge and camping cabins, villas, beachfront bungalows can be rented. There is also a campground area for those who love to camp.

What a good life!...a lake, a camp and a boat for the outdoors! ;)

Zenni's The One!

I have heard a lot of positive reviews and a lot of recommendations about Zenni Optical. For sure many of you have heard about it as well, or perhaps saw it on TV.
When it comes to affordable prescription eyeglasses online, Zenni is the most ideal place to check about or visit them online. Although I haven't tried one (since I don't wear them...yet), I can believably agree that the prices are quite budget-friendly and yet without sacrificing the quality of your glasses too!
And of course, it is here where you can see tons of colorful, trendy and fashionable styles of glasses, and you can choose any style you want depending on your lifestyle or choices.

Eyeglasses have oleophobic coating as well for an affordable price. However you want to have them is up to you.

The Horseshoe Curve's Interesting Facts & Figures

The Horseshoe Curve is located at Kittaning Point, at the base of the Allegheny Mountains and opened on February 15, 1854, engineered by J. Edgar Thompson. The curve's length is 2375 feet; degree of curvature is 9 degrees; central angle is 220 degrees.
The elevation of lower (east) end of the curve is 1594 feet, upper (west) end is 1716 feet-122 feet total elevation climb. The grade is 1.8% or 1.8 foot rise per 100 feet.

Some other interesting facts:

• Wagon transportation from Philly to Pitsburgh took about 20 days. In 1834, the same trip via train, canal and the Allegheny Portage Railroad (to cross the mountains) took about 4 days-when the canals were not frozen.
  
  
• By 1852, train could cross the state but still were dependent on the Allegheny Portage Railroad, which didn't operate at night.
  
  
• The addition of Horseshoe Curve in 1854 made passengers travel the entire route by trail, and the time was reduced to an average of 15 hours.
  
  
• The construction of Horseshoe Curve was done by about 450 workers, many of them from Ireland, and the work was done entirely by hand. Workers were paid 25 cents per hour for a twelve hour day.
  
  
• The curve was on the list of 12 key industrial sites targeted by Nazi saboteurs who were captured at tow sites on the US coast in June 1942.
  
  
• Famous people who traveled the curve were: Abraham Lincoln, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter and dozens of vaudeville stage and screen stars.
  

The Regency Beauty Insititute

Are you thinking of getting your degree and yet you worry that you couldn't afford it because of expensive tuition fees? Well, that depends on what school you are eyeing at. But if you would like to consider any Regency Cosmetology Schools that is nearest to your area, you couldn't afford to miss this chance on what they offer to their students.

The school offers financial aids to students who qualify, and you can get started by filling up your information online on their website. You can also check their numbers to contact, so no worries!

It should be much easier for you to locate them because they continue to expand their campuses in many states in the US.

This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com or contact Regency Beauty Institute – 3583 Alpine Avenue NW – Walker, MI 49544

High Strength Fasteners

Being a traveler myself, I am actually keen in seeing many things I get to visit. One of the most exciting place I visited was the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco and I couldn't really imagine that those TC Bolts used on the bridge must have been so tough, huh? And of course, you would probably have analyzed that these small high strength fasteners that are being used to make our bridges sturdy for many long years are yet "too small" to be recognized, and yet are the vital components of bridges where many vehicles would pass through every day. So, I think they shouldn't be opted out when you see a big bridge next time, don't you think? :)

I am sure if you are an engineer, or part of a construction team, you would surely know what I am talking about.
I believe that for any construction needs, structural bolts are highly considered as well. And in order to have those strong and sturdy infrastructures, every kind of bolts that fasten them depends on the quality and industry grade materials they are made of that will be considered.

The Horsesoe Curve National Historic Landmark

A visit to the Horseshoe Curve can be enjoying and entertaining where you'll get to witness one of the world's most incredible engineering feats and experience the challenge of Pennsylvania Railroad workers overcame by completing rail tracks through the rough terrain in the Allegheny Mountains.
It's one of the few places in North America where the public can view a working railroad up-close.

Going up the curve can be in 2 ways;-Ride the funicular,-an incline plane that will take you from the visitor's center up to the train tracks of the curve, or choose to walk the 194 beautiful landscaped steps to the tracks for a front seat view of a train man's wonder. There are benches and tables available to watch the passing trains leisurely! ;).

The Horseshoe Curve was opened in 1854 that revolutionized rail travel and cleared the way for westward expansion of the railroad. As of today, more than 50 trains each day can be viewed and photographed.

Don't miss the Visitor's Center to view the descriptive displays that will help you better appreciate the work involved in building such a marvel and which houses a gift shop of souvenirs for every railroad buff.

The Horseshoe Curve is located at Kittaning Point at the base of Allegheny Mountains.

Ever heard of the Valence Group?

No, I’m not talking about the outlaw from the movie “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”, a 1962 American Western film directed by John Ford and starring James Stewart and John Wayne. I am talking about a chemical investment bank that calls itself the Valence Group (pronounced as Vay-lence) that offers advisory services when it comes to chemical mergers and acquisitions to investors which deals with businesses or investments more relatively involved with chemical elements and the like.

One good thing to know as well is that the team is composed of highly trained industrial specialists that are well experienced in their specialized areas, whether local or globally due to the fact that it has contact bases in various locations like Shanghai, London and New York.

That being said, most of its clients have different specialized sectors, which also creates unique characteristics requiring specialized chemical advisory services as well.

Get to work with a team that has first-hand transaction experience, and I'm sure you will be pleased!

The Railroaders Memorial Museum

The museum is located in Altoona, Pennsylvania and is the best place to learn a lot about the life and the essential contributions of railroaders to American life and industry.
It is dedicated to revealing, interpreting, commemorating and celebrating the significant contributions of those railroaders way back in the time when life in Altoona revolved around the railroad.

The museum building has 4 floors but only the first 3 floors are open to the public, the 4th floor being used only for special events and where some offices are also located.

Before checking what's inside the museum, ne sure you have your copy of the museum's guidebook (free) which has a detailed map about the museum and can guide you through 3 floors of exhibits. The guidebook is available at the lobby.

So, once you're in the museum lobby, you will see a life-sized replica of the K-4 #1361 that was made as a tribute to the 6,000 steam locomotives built in Altoona, and the workers who built them. It's here where you'll start your journey where the sounds of steam engines turn you back to the days when rail was king.
The museum is housed in the historic 1882 Master Mechanics Building which was once a home to the extensive testing labs of the "Pennsy."

In the museum is also where you can see the historic rail cars in the yard which includes the historic Mountain View Observation Lounge from the famed Broadway Limited.

Be sure to visit the Norfolk Southern Theater located on the 1st floor for some historic films. On the 3rd floor is where you can take advantage of the Railroaders "Call Board" where you can look up information on more than 18400 railroaders.

If you are heading to Horseshoe Curve as your next destination, you're pretty much close from the museum.
From the museum's parking lot, turn right and go 2 tenths of a mile to 17th street. Turn right to 17th Street, go one block then turn left to Margaret Avenue. Go 2-tenths of a mile, and Margaret flows into broad Avenue. Continue for 1.6 miles and turn right to 40th Street.
Follow the "Heritage Route" and Horseshoe Curve signs 3.6 miles to the Curve.

E Cigarette By Blu Cigs

I suppose many people today have heard about electronic cigarettes (e cigarette), and as a matter of fact, they are now becoming popular particularly to those who want to quit smoking the traditional way and yet can't.

If ever you are thinking of getting it or trying, better yet check Blu Cigs. They are actually famous online, so it will be easy finding them. To some, it would probably be suprising to know some facts about the features, and the total product itself.
You might want to give it a try with a premium starter kit.
By the way, there are new flavors added as well, so better check it too. It's made in the US, so if you are US based, you can just say; - if it's "Made in the USA", it must be good! ;)

Golden Dragon Acrobat Show @ Longwood Gardens

It's nice to be back once again at Longwood Gardens! Every trip visit that we do going there is always worth it. This time, it wasn't just a visit to the gardens smelling the flowers, but to watch the Golden Dragon Acrobat Show at open-air theater in the gardens as well.

The show didn't start until 1pm. While waiting, we visited the topiary garden and had some fun taking photos of the roses fully in bloom!
Thank goodness for our ever reliable tripod cam as well. We managed to take both our photos together;).

The Golden Dragon acrobats had a spectacular performance! It was indeed a show of breath taking skills and spell binding beauty combining them with acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes and ancient contemporary music.

The show lasted for an hour 1/2 and we can say it was really worth the watch. Photography wasn't allowed during the show, but I was glad I was able to sneak some quick shots without the flash! :)
After the show, I bought a souvenir (hand fan) that looked simple but elegant...perfect for hot summer days!