Visiting Family in California

September 10, 2010

Although this trip was more on a business purpose, we thought of seeing our family in LA in the weekend.
I haven't seen my uncle and his entire family for more than 30 years, the reason why I and my husband took the time to schedule the dates to see them.
Later in the afternoon, we were able to settle in at the hotel, where my uncle was patiently waiting for us at the lobby.

What a nice feeling for those tight hugs and seeing my uncle and introducing him to my husband :). The evidences are in these photos below, don't you think?

My uncle took us at Staple's Center to see the place. It was after 5 pm of Friday, so most of the buildings that time were already closed. We had no luck going inside the Staple's Center either due to our cameras and tripods which were not allowed to be carried inside.
We then proceeded to a dinner at Ichiban restaurant in Glendale, later joined by another uncle of mine and aunt which was more of a fun!

As our final itinerary for that day, we went for a night visit at my cousin's house. The kids were so much fun to be with...a good chance for us to bond together as a clan ;).
Whew! tiring day since we barely had no rest since we arrived from the airport.
But the weekend was something being looked forward to, hanging out and a mini-reunion with the entire family.

Ciao!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Harry Pottery & The Forbidden Journey)

NOTE: Watch out! This is a super thrill ride! You also must leave your things including loose articles in the provided lockers inside (close to the entrance). Lockers are free.

If you have fear of heights, and sudden drops and twirling, this ride is not for you. You will be seated on a shaped chair, buckled up with metals for safety and watch out for those chairs that are constantly moving along! You have to be careful in going to your seats because they continue to move along and you have to catch an empty one.

After you've been seated and buckled up, you will then be making your way through a series of simulated classrooms and corridors of the Hogwarts, just like what you see in the movie...the typical classroom scenes. You will then be soaring up above the castle grounds, and you'll be suddenly high up in the air but all you can see is actually like a big screen that seems like you're there joining Harry Potter riding on that broomstick! LOL!

Expect a sudden drop anytime, then soar high up suddenly, a sudden twill and twist, and it goes on like that for several minutes.

You'll then end up going down the corridors as you watch the whole gang cheering up on you to a job well done!

Hurray! you've done it!

Reunited in Orlando!

July 16-19, 2010 -Trip to Orlando, Florida

It was still the peak of summer, an ideal time to meet a classmate-friend whom I haven't seen for 20 years!
So, we were reunited in Orlando, FL where she is currently based at. We met at Universal Studios on July 17, 2010. It was my request to go there and see Universal's "Islands of Adventure".
I and hubby frequent Universal Studios but the Islands of Adventure wasn't there yet so with this visit, I took the chance to suggest it, which was openly approved ;).

We did some rides, including "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" - which was the only one I got curious with, - the main reason of why I wanted to be there.


It was funny, but the first attempt to go to the ride was like - I gave up, - and the lines were horribly long and super crowded! so we skipped it and went somewhere else instead.
But we went back later, and endured the 3 hours wait in line!

Hubby had to stay behind to watch our belongings because there were no available lockers to put our small items and purses, since these are not allowed to carry on the ride.

The ride lasted for about 10 minutes or so, and I decided, I won't do it again!!!!

I couldn't stand the constant twirling and turning around. Our day ended up with a sumptuos dinner at a Chinese restaurant, meeting my classmate's family for the first time! :)


The entire day was so tiring, but we all enjoyed it.

Thank God for meeting a long time friend after 20 years! I've discovered, we both didn't change...it was still like the same old us, except that our ages have gone up and we both got married! LOL!

Extending Hold on Your Reservations

Normally, most airlines don't want you to hold your flight reservation for longer than 24 hours which is the industry standard, as it ties up valuable tickets.

But there is more flexibility than you might think particularly if you're working with an agent over the phone rather than booking online, buying a ticket in an expensive first class, traveling during off-peak periods, or traveling out of the country.

Control Your Crowd

Crowd control products are the best items to get the crowd in order. They are great help in securing both your space and the crowd as well.

One way of doing it is through the use of stanchions which meet the great demands of the convention industry made of tough quality materials that can withstand tough uses.
Another type of a leader barrier ideal for making lines much more organized is by the use of velvet rope, as well as retractable belts.

For tougher security purposes, the use of barricades is a must, specifically for traffic control, privacy or security purposes. They are in the forms of traffic cones, drape walls, pipe, etc...

Be safe and secure!

The Best Seats On The Plane

Generally, the "pitch" which means the distance between rows of seats varies from plane to plane.
The pitch on domestic airlines ranges from 30-38 inches, averaging about 32. For 31 inches, a six feet tall passenger's knees would touch the seat infront of him; with 34 inches, he can put a book in his seat pocket without his knees touching it; with 36 inches, he can get up from a window seat going towards the aisle without disturbing the person next to him.

take note also that not all exit rows are spacious. When they're aligned one right after the other, the front exit-row will not recline.

Check more on seat pitches and exit-row configurations for most carriers by visiting seatguru.com

Watching What I Want

This guest post from Edgardo Rosa

I live in a house of ten people. Between six kids, two in-laws, and my husband, I used to rarely ever get to watch anything that I wanted to watch. Even with directv in vermont in three rooms of the house, it was sometimes impossible to get one show in. Within five minutes someone would be complaining that they wanted to see this or that. I really got aggravated one night when I had to miss the Miss America pageant. I mean, this show only came on once a year and I could not even watch it. The very next day I went out and bought myself a device I had always wanted. I bought a DVR.

I have to say, for the price that I paid for that thing, it was worth every red cent. I would have paid double. now when everyone goes to sleep at night, I have the TV all to myself. I get to watch everything that I missed throughout the day. I just simply check the guide in the morning and set the thing to record whatever I want. Then the shows are ready when I want to watch them. It is just that simple. I finally have a way to get to watch what I want, whenever i want to watch it.

New South Wales' Undiscovered Secrets

Go visit Sydney, and sample the stunning range of local and Asian cuisine like Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Japanese, Korean, and more.
You can shop til you drop at the innovative specialty stores and fashion boutiques in Paddington.
A breathtaking adventure would lie to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or take a surf lesson at renowned Bondi Beach.

If you love scenic drives, you can do it among the dramatic gorges and thundering water falls of Waterfall Way. You can go on a journey and see kangaroos in the wild into the Misty Blue Mountains.
Head to the Yass Valley and follow the poacher's Trail to see the wineries, cafes, galleries and B & B's.

Visit the birthplace of Australian s hiraz, Wyndham Estate. You can also sail above the vineyards in a hot air balloon, or hit the link at Cypress Lakes Resort spa and golf sanctuary.

Enjoy the Coast by heading north from Sydney and discover the underwater world at Solitary islands Marine Park and enjoy laid-back luxury at The Byron Resort & Spa.

On the south coast, you can whale or dolphin watch on a cruise at the beautiful Jervis Bay, and if you are an adventure lover, try a beach skydive in Wollongong.

On the outback, marvel at the lunar landscape of Mungo National Park. Embark on a camel ride through the desert from the ghost town of Silverton.

Watching the Christmas Light Display at the University

Guest post of the week by Brittany Booker

My friends and I always make a big deal out of going to see Christmas lights every year and this year was no exception. We had heard that our university was going to put on a big display that would start on December 1st, so we knew we had to be there for the lighting ceremony. We finished our homework early, ate a quick dinner, and then set our home security alarm from Home security Systems before heading over to campus.

Once we arrived, there were people already crowding around to get the best spot to watch the lights get turned on. We picked a sort of secret little spot near one of the art buildings that we all have classes in and shivered and chatted while we waited. A guy came around with a little cart selling hot chocolate and cookies, which was just about the best thing ever. It was so good to have something warm to sip on while we waited!

Around 6:30, several students and professors got up on the stage to talk and introduce the lights. When they flipped the switch, the entire campus lit up while everyone cheered. There were bright lights all around the buildings and lots of extra decorations around the lightposts and benches. It will be a beautiful setting for the holiday season, even despite having to take finals soon!

Guadalajara - A Lustrous Pearl

Also known as Perla Tapatia, Guadalajara has a harmonious blend of historical splendor and metropolitan sophistication.

it's a great place from which to enjoy the region's dazzling array of culture, sports, culinary and recreational offerings.

If you love history and culture, check the historical downtown that has a lot of monuments in the colonial area like Palacio de Gobierno and Instituto Cultural Cabanas.
La Catedral is the city's most iconic structure which shelters La Cruz de Plazas. Close by it is the Colonia Americana, a mecca for architecture aficionados. It is also the home to Guadalajara's most popular bars, restaurants, cafes and a vibrant cultural scene.

In the metropolitan area, you can visit Zapopan, Tlaquepaque and Tonala' where you can see sights of the Zapopan Basilica, sanctuary of La Virgen de Zapopan and contemporary art exhibits at the Musco de Arte de Zapopan.
Tlaquepaque, home of El Museo nacioanl de la Ceramica is just 20 minutes from downtown Guadalajara which stands today as one of the country's liveliest commercial corridors and the place to find the best selection of crafts from artisans throughout Mexico.
Tonala is known for stunning handmade crafts such as barro brunido, a celebrated local ceramics technique.

Guadalajara has easy accessibility and its roads are one of the best in the country, making it easy for visitors to visit neighboring cities for attractions from beaches of Puerto Vallarta to landscapes of Jalisco.
You can as well visit Huaxtla for a canyon adventure and Chapala Lake or to Guachimontones, the state's most important archaeological area, discovered 30 years ago.

Holiday Barbie search

Guest post written by Tabitha White

Well one thing hasn't changed over the years, little girls still love Barbie dolls. I first learned that when I had my daughter years ago and up until she was a teenager she would always want a holiday Barbie. Now that my daughter has her own daughter, I'm still doing the same and I know that every year for Christmas she depends on me to give her a Holiday Barbie.

A lot of the time when I'm online shopping now, I'm cringe when I think back to how stressful it used to be to go holiday shopping and to specifically find a holiday Barbie, which was always a nightmare. This year I just ordered it online and after I did that I actually came across the website CLEAR-INTERNET.com and read through it some. I thought it over and actually changed over my home internet service to the company after that.

It's always pretty neat to see what the new holiday Barbie looks like each year, especially when you've been buying them for years like me.

Safari's Best Season To Visit

There are so many safari destinations to choose from and each place has different peaks and best time to visit. There are 7 destinations I noted on this post. These might be a good idea for you if you are planning to go for a Safari trip.

1. Botswana - often called "the crown jewel" of safari countries due to its plentiful game, excellent conservation practices and diverse terrain, with only a population of 1.5 million although the country is about the size of France.
   
   Best time to go: The northern parks are best visited in May-November. Avoid May, October & November in Central Botswana.
   
   The Attraction: Outstanding wildlife viewing and the world's biggest island delta. Sleeping under the stars on theMakgadikgadi salt pans, and walking in the Kalahari with the San Bushmen.
   
   The Downsides: It can be costly unless you use an overland operator such as Drifters, and difficult to navigate on your own.
   
   
2. Kenya - has everything the first-time safari goer is looking for like small reserves, big game, beaches, mountains and all in close proximity.
   
   Best time to go: Anytime, except for rainy months of April, May & November.
   
   The Attractions: The Sight of hundreds of thousands of wild beests and zebras crossing the Mara for days on end; Beach holiday afterward in Malindi or Lamu.
   
   The Downsides: The US State Department issued a travel warning in July about continuing threats of terrorism usually occuring within cities.
   
   
3. Namibia - is a stable country with good roads, internal flights and excellent camps and lodges.
   
   Best time to go: Year-round, but temperature are mildest from June-September.
   
   Attractions: Spectacular landscape of shipwreck coasts, canyons, a vast dessert full of mammoth dunes; boat safaris down the Zambezi River, and the world's largest cheetah population.
   
   The Downsides: Not ideal for first time safari-goer due to lack of variety and number of game. Most parts of Etosha are dry, flat and crowded in season, and you're not allowed off the roads.
   
   
4. South Africa - great for a safari combined with a city or beach experience.
   
   Best time to go: year-round; June-September can be chilly but still best.
   
   Attractions: Standing where the veldt meets the surf in the Phinda reserve. it is also easy to get around and to self-drive attracting more visitors to come.
   
   The Downsides: Kruger's many paved roads are prone to traffic jams.
   
   
5. Tanzania - best time to go is year-round, but January, February, early March and June are the very best.
   
   Attractions: The chimpanzees of Mahale, on Lake Tanganyika; good game viewing; seeing lions chase baboons up a palm tree in Ruaha; snorkeling in Lake Tanganyika.
   
   The Downsides: The parks are not always easy to get to, like Ruaha, Selous and Mahale. Ngorongoro gets crowded due to only one road and out of the crater.
   
   
6. Zambia - June-early October is the best time to visit.
   
   Attractions: walking safaris, South Luangwa, at the end of the Great Rift Valley, incredible ecosystem, Victoria falls, hundreds of cormorants, fish, eagles and storks of various colors and sizes on the banks of the Zambezi.
   
   The Downsides: Most parks are only seasonal and the seasons are short.
   
   
7. Zimbabwe - June-September are the b
   est times to visit.
   
   Attractions: The elephants in Hwange, Victoria Falls, the Mana Conoe Trail which is an ultimate thrill.
   
   The Downsides: The country is still overcoming the problems created by 3 decades of Mugabe's rule. Parks have suffered badly due to government neglect, poaching and lack of visitors.
   

Home Safety Tips for the Holidays

Contribution by Saul Martin

The holidays are filled with mountains of chores that must be done. Shopping, cooking, cleaning and so much more has got to be done prior to the big day. You will find yourself on the run almost all the time at this time of year. When we are that busy, we tend to forget simple safety items that would otherwise be routine for us.

When you are getting ready to go out shopping, make sure that you lock all the doors and windows to your home. It is well known that at this time of year, empty homes are a welcome mat for burglars. Make sure you also set your home alarm (Adt home security information) prior to leaving as an extra precaution.

In the home, there are other important items you must make sure to do safely. When you decorate do not overload the electrical outlets in your rooms. People tend to plug everything from the tree lights to outdoor lights into one outlet. While your electrical system may be able to handle this load, it is not the safest way to light your home. Pick out different outlets throughout the house where you can distribute the load of electricity and plan your lighting accordingly.

Using simple safety precautions, you can make your home safe for the holidays.

Packing Tips For A Safari Trip

What to pack when you're heading to a safari adventure is as important as your trip.
So, take note you have with you the following, and what to avoid and leave at home:

• The ideal clothes to have are tans and khakis which are the best colors for hiding dirt, deflecting the sun and blending in with your surroundings. So, think casual, utilitarian and inconspicuous clothing.
• Be sure to bring a camera with a powerful telephoto lens. You also have at least a pair of quality binoculars. You may only have one chance to see a lioness feeding her cubs.
• Pack light and in soft-sided duffels, which are best for fitting into the cargo of bush planes. Most bags of more than 40 pounds are usually not accommodated. Good thing with packing light is that laundry services at camps and lodges are offered daily.
• Leave your jeans at home. It is bulky and takes long to dry, plus the color of it attracts the dreaded tsetse fly.
• Avoid perfumes, colognes or scented lotions because they can attract unwanted attention from wildlife, especially flying critters.
  

The Steam Team

If you want total cleaning or restoration for your home, office, or any business establishment you want to be cleaned, The Steam Team based in Texas is a reliable company to trust.

You would be lucky enough if you're based in Austin because if you are searching somebody to do total cleaning for your home for your floor, such as your carpet for example, - just check carpet & rug cleaning austin.

Looking for steam cleaning as well? Try commercial steam cleaners austin. As you'll see, The Steam Team has been fully experienced in cleaning and maintaining upholsteries, tiles, house floorings, etc...

If your home had gone through fire damage, check fire damage repair austin, offered by The Steam Team as well.

Important Tips For Safari Adventure

An ad about a 15-day safari trip might only mean 10-11 nights in the bush, the rest will be spent traveling. So, always ask how many actual days of safari you'll be having.

You can save on a 10-night safari by combining a few nights in a luxurious camp or 2 with a stay in a less expensive one.

Try to book the most direct flights. Although it might cost you an additional hundred dollars more, but you'll avoid overnights and long layovers and can maximize your safari time.

Take note that some safari camps don't allow children under age 12 and not all mobile camps safaris allow guests over 65.

Choose 3 different ecosystems in your safari tour to maximize the variety of animals, terrain and climates. For example, you can start a safari in Kenya at the Lewa Wildlife Conservation Area where you can get over your jet lag, ride a horse or camel near Mt. Kenya. Then see the wildlife and the plains game in the Masai Mara; then end it by taking some walking trips in Laikipia or Loisaba and sleep under the stars :).

Is Your Advertising Effective?

One of the best way for your business company to become successful is by using an effective and credible advertising agency. And when we talk about choosing one as well as to increase your engine rankings online, you should consider a lot of things and see to it that you get your money's worth.
Of course, there are some who would just rely on free advertising, but there is no guarantee about it, because simply it's free.

Practicality wise, there is always an amount involve that should be on your budget in terms of effective advertising. Take note that in business, spending money for advertising is always part of it. It's a dangerous risk though if you are not choosing a credible advertising company to promote your site.
On the other hand, why risk spending money to a typical advertising agency that doesn't do you any good, right?

Better yet check THAT! company, - considered to be one of the leading advertising agency which develops creative, effective advertising campaigns with measurable results. The good thing is that in the midst of ever changing advertising strategies, THAT! company knows how to go with the flow. It is because they are born digital, and their clients are being introduced into the 21st century evolution. The company does create a mixed media experience by combining old amd new media made up of a team with highly skilled advertising specialists.
Wanna know more about it? Try checking the inside look of who they are through their cool video on their homepage and take the tour on what they do.

Make your money's worth and get the return of your investment with an effective advertising campaign. THAT! company is so much accessible on the internet. You can chat with them or can call them up at 800-657-4179.

Finding Hot Deals For Winter

When it comes to amazing values, this winter could be one for the record books. Flexible travelers are the ones who tend to save the most.

Resorts in Mexico Deals:
Airfare and hotel packages for Christmas and New Year are usually more than 30% down. Cancun and Los Cabos can be of good deals too.
In Fall, Tides Riviera Maya, The Tides Zihuatanejo and Four Seasons Punta Mita offer half off or even higher. If you're looking for value-added packages, try Luxurylink.com

Business Class Airfares to Europe Deals:
For the latest bargains for business class, try Steals and Deals section from Joesentme.com.

Airfare-plus Hotel Packages Deals:
If you're going for a tropical place in Europe, you can yield savings. According to Expedia, European cities packages of both air and hotel has plummeted this year compared to last year with fall prices down 32% to london and 26% to Rome.

Las Vegas & Chicago Deals:
Many hotels in these cities are open for deals due to a steep decline in conference business plus many new hotel rooms hitting the market. Try using Quickbook for best rates for smaller properties.

Last-Minute Cruises Deals:
SeaDream Yacht Club was offering 40% off its Christmas cruise in the Caribbean. There are also sales on Christmas/New Year's cruises that normally sell out a full year in advance.

North American Ski Resorts Deals:
The Little Nell, Aspen's ski-in/ski-out property is including free daily lift tickets in its room rates. Check ski.com which expects good deals at Jackson Hole & Whistler (except during the Olympics).

The North Face From Zappos

Have you checked The North Face products from Zappos? If you love them, then for sure you know what I'm talking about.
And yet, for those who are not so familiar, The North Face is popularly known as a brand, - a company retailer of high performance climbing and backpacking equipments.

And when it comes to outerwear and skiwear, they offer the highest form of quality products for jackets and coats for both men and women, as well as for kids.

Getting them online would be the smartest idea you'll ever be doing because you can get them fast from Zappos!

Experience wise, I am a regular customer of Zappos, so I can attest their credibility in delivering their products right on time!
Most of my shoes actually are from Zappos, and oh yeah, I can post countless photos of those shoes if I want to, LOL!

Happy shopping! :)

Best Airline Websites

If you are looking for a good airfare finder website or trip-planning tool, the following sites are helpful.

For Organizing Travel Details: - tripit.com
This site keeps track of everything from flight reservations to OpenTable dinner plans and extracts travel details from booking confirmations that you forward by email, then make them all on a private webpage. It also adds trip-specific SeatGuru tips, weather reaports and Google maps.

For Searching Far And Wide-Fast: momondo.com
It swiftly scours more than 450 sites that include major booking engines, national carriers and no-frills airlines-to unearth cheap flights to destination around the world.

For Arranging Tricky Itineraries: tripology.com
It assesses your needs and interests with an online questionnaire, then matches you with a savvy travel agent.

For Checking Flight Status and Delays: updates.orbitz.com
It provides you with a color-coded map providing arrival and departure delay details at a glance. It's latest feature relays advice straight from fellow travelers who send updates in realtime by texting from their cellphones - on security line ups, traffic jams, cab queus, and more.