Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Fun Design Ideas for a Girl’s Bedroom

Every little girl dreams of having the perfect bedroom - one that expresses her personality, favorite colors, and tells everyone who she is. From princess themed rooms to relaxing havens, every girl will have a different story to tell with her bedroom design and choices. Working with your daughter to create the perfect bedroom is a great way to give her a wonderful gift and spend quality time together.
With that in mind, lets explore a few fun design ideas for girls’ bedrooms that will add a pop of personality to every room!
Fun wallpaper
Nothing better than a fresh paint job or great wallpaper to completely transform a room! From patterns to drawings to cartoons and textiles, wallpapers like those found in WALLCOVER will offer a wide variety of options, so you can find whatever you had in mind. With such a great range, there’s plenty to get inspired for the new color palette and design.

Separate into sections
Depending on the size of your daughter’s bedroom, you can play with splitting the room into different activities. For example, some girls love to have an art section with an art easel, paint, crayolas, and more. You can set up a small table with all the goodies for her to paint, color and paint. A reading section with books is also a great option, and a playroom section with toys is a lot of fun and can help keep things tidy.

Playful accessories
Add a few playful touches to the bedroom with lamps, furniture and kitschy items. Arts and crafts can be used to decorate the bedroom, and the best part is, they can be changed as many times as your daughter wants! White Christmas lights can add to the brightness and magic of a room as well. You can check out some amazing ideas here.

Use fabric to your advantage
Picking good fabric for the room can really make everything work together. Pretty designs and coordinated colors can create an inviting bedroom and a pleasant place for sleep and play. Make sure you pick fabrics that run smoothly with the rest of the room - from sheets to carpets and curtains.

Take your daughter’s ideas into account
Children often have the most creative, out-of-the-box ideas, and considering that it’s her bedroom that you’re designing, listen to your daughter! She may have some wonderful ideas to contribute that will help her love her bedroom even more.







Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Harris Sea Castle

Castle, like a real castle? Nope, I hate to disappoint you but this is not a real castle at all. Harris Sea Castle is a store located in Port Isabel, Texas. I find those giant sea creatures and coral reefs very unique and would definitely attract customers. 
This store is a great place to wander through looking at various crafts and collectibles.


Here's a wider version that I grabbed from Google image.






10 European Countries to Visit & Still Save Money

Written by guest author: Mary Kremer

Have you longed to travel to Europe but don’t know how you could possibly afford it? Well, don’t worry. Traveling across Europe can be much easier and much less expensive than you think, if you go to the right places.
You don’t have to go to London or Paris to get the charm and wonder of the old world. In fact, many other countries in Europe have just as much culture, art and architecture, natural beauty, and wonderful cuisine as the more popular places, and at a fraction of the cost. Take Iceland, for instance. Because the country is still recovering from an economic downturn, Iceland’s currency is worth a fraction of the U.S. dollar. In fact, it takes 113 krona to equal one dollar. So your money will last a lot longer.
Not only that, but Iceland is home to some incredible natural wonders. Sea cliffs, natural geysers, and beautiful wonders are all pretty much free to visit. Plus, you can find a hostel to stay at in downtown Reykjavik for literally just a few dollars a night on certain months. And flights to Iceland can go as low as $700 dollars at certain times of the year.

Hungary is another often overlooked country, but it also has a lot to offer. Hungary is probably most famous for its thermal bath houses. Take a soak, visit the Budapest Opera House, and then top it off with a walking tour or a dinner cruise. There’s plenty of beautiful architecture to admire, and you’ll never get sick of the local cuisine.

To top it off, it takes about 225 Hungarian forints to equal one U.S. dollar. That means your dollar will stretch a lot further than in a country like France or England, where one dollar isn’t worth a whole euro.

The Czech Republic is another country that, like Hungary, never seems to be at the top of anyone’s list. However, the Czech Republic has a lot to offer the average visitor. Prague, especially, is becoming a hot spot for the hip and trendy traveler. Whether you want to visit a local night club, check out a cafe or coffeehouse, visit the modern art museum, or listen to the local jazz and indie at a theater house, Prague has a fun, bohemian vibe to offer. Sidenote, it takes twenty Czech Koruna to equal one dollar. Have fun off the beaten road, and save money.

Turkey offers a mixture of European and Asian culture, as it has served as a buffer between the two cultures for centuries. If you have a chance, head to Istanbul, where you’ll want to check out the Blue Mosque and the Spice Market. Or, if you like the beach, you could visit Antalya for seafront restaurants and teahouses. If you’re adventurous, you might like to try visit Derinkuyu, an underground city that could house up to 20,000 people when it was in use! Plus, the Turkish lira is worth half of what the dollar is worth.

If you’re aching for something closer to Paris or Rome, you might want to visit Lisbon, in Portugal. Lisbon is a laid-back, beautiful city, with as much to offer as the more flashy European destinations, and at half the price. You can save money by staying in pensions (sort of like hostels), and sightseeing on the weekends, as most sites in Lisbon are free on Sundays before 2 pm. Enjoy the great Portuguese food at very reasonable prices as well. Portugal’s currency is the Euro, which is currently worth more than the dollar. However, Lisbon is still pretty budget friendly. And while it may be a little out of the way, it’s well worth a visit.

Poland is quickly becoming a destination spot, especially cities like Krakow and Warsaw. Not only does Poland have a rich and tragic WWII history to share (the largest concentration camp, Auschwitz, is located near Krakow), but it also boast unique museums and beautiful cathedrals and markets. It’s a good place to visit for the budget conscious traveler, especially a city like Krakow. While it is prepared for tourists, Krakow is not yet overrun by them, so prices there remain reasonable. And the Polish zloty is currently worth a third of the dollar.

Germany is the land of fairytales. But you don’t have to be in a fairytale to visit. German cities like Berlin are popular tourist spots, but still not as expensive as other major European cities. Not only does Berlin have a great nightlife, it also has incredible flea markets, museums, and, of course, the Berlin wall. You can also usually find pretty cheap flights right into Berlin, and it’s not too expensive to travel within Germany either.

You can stroll tree-lined streets like those in Paris in Bucharest, Romania and enjoy its museums and other sites for much less than you would elsewhere. You’ll soon fall in love with Bucharest’s many parks, its growing jazz scene, and the varied architecture it has to offer. After years of communism and fascism, Romania is still struggling to regain its cultural wealth. But you’ll find it still has a lot to offer and is considerably less expensive than other European capitals, seeing as its currency, the leu, is still worth a third of the dollar.

Croatia joined the European Union a year ago, which has been a great step toward a more stable economy. However, the country has yet to adopt the euro and still uses its own currency, the kuna. This is good news for Americans, as the kuna is worth about a fifth of a dollar. Support from the European Union also means that in the last few years, Croatia has put a lot of work into creating new hotels and making its cities more tourist friendly. Croatia is probably most famous for its resort towns. So bring a towel and some sunscreen and be prepared for the sun!

Bulgaria has a lot to offer the budget conscious traveler. The city of Sofia, while it is a little out of the way, is a fantastic place to visit if you’d like to save some money. Its city center is pleasant and welcoming, and it boasts the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the most ornate Orthodox cathedrals in Europe. Prices for nearly everything in Sofia are very low, and the Bulgarian lev is worth just a little more than half a dollar.

With a little bit of research and planning, you can travel Europe without spending all you have. Don’t be afraid to visit a country you might not have considered before. There’s plenty of culture to be had outside of Paris and London.
Mary Kremer loves, loves, loves to travel. She has written for Dinar Daddy, the number one source for Iraqi Dinar, for quite awhile and has learned a lot about currency conversion and making your money stretch. She loves giving travel advice for those who like to travel on a dime.






6 Tips to Traveling Around Italy

Written by guest author: Mary Kremer

As an undergrad, I visited Italy twice. Once to study there for a semester, and then again over the summer to complete an internship. I loved loved loved my time in Italy, and I’ve spent a lot of time since then trying to figure out how to go back. I even spent most of my undergrad as a recruiter for my university’s study abroad programs in Italy. So, I’m used to fielding a lot of questions about traveling in Italy.

For those of you looking to travel to Italy (or Europe), here are some tips to keep in mind. As a heads up, most of these tips have to deal with money. That seems to be a big concern for every traveler.
Tip #1: Pack Light
Many people don’t believe it when I tell them I lived off a travel-sized suitcase for four months in Italy. But it’s true. I even had enough room in that suitcase to pack an extra bag to fill with souvenirs. Traveling light is the best way to travel. As you’re moving around from city to city, you’ll want to be able to carry everything with no trouble. If you can pack everything you need in a backpack, do it. You’ll love being able to spend time wandering the Italian countryside without having to worry about dragging your suitcase along with you.

Tip #2: Live in Layers
Because Italy is a humid country, it can be nippy in the morning and really hot in the afternoon. That’s why it’s important to pack layers. My travel-sized suitcase consisted of four shirts, two cardigans, two pants, a dress, a pair of sandals and a pair of sneakers, and lots and lots of underwear. Everything I brought could be worn with everything else. With just a few items, I achieved a pretty versatile wardrobe that I could peel off as the day got warmer.

Tip #3: Buy it There
Don’t worry, the Italians have shampoo. In fact, they have many of the same brands we have in the U.S. Pack travel-sized toiletries and worry about finding the rest of your needs in an Italian store. Not only will you be saving on suitcase space, you’ll also have the chance to wander into an Italian grocery store and figure out how it all works.

The same goes for any blow dryers or flat irons you may have. If you seriously doubt you can live without one overseas, then buy one in Italy. Not only are the outlets in Italy shaped differently, but the amount of electricity coming out of them is also different. Even if you use an adapter, your appliances might not last through the trip. So splurge a little, and buy your major appliances once you get there.

Tip #4: Money, Money, Money
Okay, here are all my money-related tips, all at once. Get ready.
  • Before you travel, make sure you let your bank know where you will be and for what length of time. This tip is the most important. If you forget and jet off to Italy, your account will be flagged after your first overseas transaction and you’ll likely have to spend a day or two sorting it out with your bank. Not fun.
  • Have cash on you when you arrive, just in case something goes wrong. You can exchange currency at your bank. I wouldn’t exchange it in the airport, as it will be much more expensive to do it there.
  • Check with you bank beforehand to find out if there will be any extra charges for using your card in another country. Some banks charge a fee every time you use your card, so you may want to withdraw money only once every few weeks you’re there. However, if there is no extra charge, you can use your card at most restaurants and stores in Italy. Just don’t use it in any open markets.
  • When you need to withdraw money, try to pick an ATM that is near a bank entrance or even inside the bank’s lobby. That way, if there are any problems, you can get help right away.
  • To find the current exchange rate between euro and American dollars, you can do a quick internet search. It’s always helpful to travel when the exchange rate is in your favor. As I am writing this article, the current exchange rate between the euro and the USD is 1:73. That means that one American dollar is only worth .73 euros. Not a great time to travel, because your dollar is worth less.
  • One more tip. When you eat at a restaurant in Italy, they will not split the check for you. So, if you’re eating in a group, plan on having one person pay and splitting up the cost later. Also, you will have to pay for water.

Tip #5: Don’t be afraid to ask the locals

Lots of Italians speak English, and even if they don’t, you’ll be surprised at how well you can communicate without spoken word. Ask for advice on places to visit, restaurants to eat at, and any local events that might be going on. You’ll get a truly authentic experience in Italy if you are willing to go out of your comfort zone.

Tip #6: Stay cautious
Especially on the metro. Just keep it simple. If you’re traveling with a backpack or purse, hold it in front of you so no one can reach into it. Don’t use your credit card in open markets, as your information can easily be stolen. Don’t carry all of your money in one place. And when you’re walking through crowds, don’t get sucked into histrionics. If someone is making a scene, just steer clear. A common scam involves one person causing a disturbance so another person can pick the pockets of everyone who is watching. Luckily, most tourist spots in Italy are known for petty thefts, not any kind of violent crime. Just stay cautious, and you’ll stay safe.
Traveling and experiencing other cultures is, without a doubt, one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have in his or her lifetime. Take the time to prepare and, more importantly, be willing to learn, and you will have a life-changing experience.
Mary Kremer loves to travel, learn, and write. She is a fan of the Oxford Comma, and currently writes travel advice for Buy Dinar, a company that sells Dinar and other foreign currencies.






Thursday, April 24, 2014

Fun Under the Sun | #SouthPadreIsland Beach

If you are looking for a good and pristine beach in Texas, you've got to drive to South Padre Island. Driving there from San Antonio is like forever, but it's definitely worth the trip.
My family and I had a great time during our spring break getaway to South Padre. The daughter had a blast the most.
Can you tell, she's having the best time of her life. Aside from picking shells the whole day, she also enjoyed building some sand castles.
While daughter was busy entertaining herself, hubby and I were preoccupied with our books.
We would love to go back to the island someday.






3 Lessons We Can Learn from the Golden Gate Bridge

Guest post written by: Whitney Hollingshead
As you know, the Golden Gate Bridge is world famous. This impressive structure was completed in 1937 and was way ahead of its time in many ways. Think about that for a moment. This iconic bridge is nearly 80 years old and still operating today! Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge is an experience that just might take your breath away; however, your life can be enhanced by this incredible bridge without ever visiting the landmark in person.
Here are three lessons we can all learn from the Golden Gate Bridge:

1. Reverse your lanes. By 1963, traffic during the rush hour commute across the bridge made for a very lengthy commute for workers traveling in and out of the city. During those peak traffic times, many drivers surely wished for another route across the water. However, in the afternoon hours, traffic was flowing steadily. This presented a challenging problem.

The resulting solution is very insightful. The powers at be realized they had a problem, but they also recognized above all that they had a great bridge. Instead of ignoring the problem, or running off to find a new solution, someone looked at the challenge and realized that the incredible bridge could offer its own solution: use reversible lanes. This means that the lanes were changed to flow traffic in the opposite direction on an as needed basis. In the morning, the bridge has more lanes of traffic heading into San Francisco. In the mid afternoon the lanes are evenly split, and more lanes head out of San Francisco in the evening.

Here is what we can learn from this solution:
You may encounter a challenge when it comes to getting and/or staying in shape that makes you angry, seems impossible to overcome, or that you are already functioning at full capacity and cannot possibly face another life disappointment. Maybe losing weight is a lot harder than you expected. Maybe an injury has thrown a huge dent in your marathon training schedule. Maybe you just got diagnosed with asthma. Stop for a moment and consider this truth: You are the great bridge in your own life. You are capable of becoming your own solution.
Here are some ways to reverse your lanes:

Reverse your attitude. Often the best solution to many challenges is simply to see the situation from another perspective. You may not be able to change the circumstances, but you can certainly choose how you react to them. Make it a game if you must to start thinking about your situation differently. Can you find a silver living? Can you find an element of humor? Can you see how this challenge might help you grow? No matter how hard you have to look for a positive spin on the situation, don’t give up until you find a way to reverse your outlook.

Reverse your time. You may be spending a lot of time on things that end up making it harder for you to have a healthy lifestyle. Is there a way that you can decrease this time within reason and instead increase the time you have available for establishing healthy practices? Or can you take the time you had set aside for training before you got injured, and still use the same time frame for healthy activities? For example, always take the stairs instead of riding the elevator. Park farther away from the door so that you have to walk more. Go the extra mile when cleaning at home. Walk the dog. Throw around a frisbee in the park. Use a treadmill or do an ab workout while watching your favorite t.v. show. Shovel snow out of the driveway. Go bowling for your birthday. Get moving!

If you start spending more time on things that help you feel better, you will have a more substantial emotional reserve to draw upon in meeting and overcoming your challenge. If the way you are spending your time is only bringing you down, you need to reverse how you spend your time and use it to get moving.

Reverse your overall goal. Maybe your goal is to lose 25 pounds. Maybe you want to run a six minute mile. Maybe you want to make first string on the sports team. Whatever your goal may be, your challenge or setback has most likely had an impact on your goal. Don’t give up. Instead flip your goal around and commit to becoming healthier. Maybe you are on crutches and can’t walk for weeks. Don’t forget that you can still eat healthy and get good sleep. Don’t be so obsessed with a specific goal that it prevents you from maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Being active and healthy will not only help you overcome your challenge, but may also help make your specific goal a reality when the time is right.

2. Don’t travel the bridge alone. By 1976 the bridge was getting heavily congested during rush hours again, even with reversible lanes. Another solution was proposed to ease this congestion. Toll free passage was granted during rush hours to vehicles and motorcycles carrying three or more people.

Just as carpooling across the bridge can save you time and money, inviting others to face life’s journey with you will make your journey more successful and easier to endure. When you are facing a challenge, look for ways that others can help you get through. Don’t be ashamed to reach out and ask for help from those you trust.

Transportation for big groups tends to be a nightmare, especially when you are all traveling separately. With a party bus, however, the entire group can travel as a single unit. So instead of staring into traffic, renting a bus will allow you and your friends to have fun throughout the trip. Check out https://www.limofind.com/az/san-tan-valley-party-bus-rental/ for more details.

Here are some ways you could involve other people:
1. Find a trusted friend that will check in regularly on your progress and hold you accountable for your revised goals.

2. Find other people who are facing similar challenges. Brainstorm together and commit to a goal you can work on as a group. Achieving a goal as a team can be even more rewarding.

3. Don’t be afraid to start small. Even walking and talking every morning with a friend can lead to lasting healthy changes.

Remember, if someone makes you feel worthless or hopeless, you need to move on and find someone who can really help and encourage you.

3. Choose your own color. The Golden Gate Bridge is painted International Orange. At the time the bridge was constructed, most bridges in the world were painted black or gray. The U.S. Navy had requested that the bridge be painted black with yellow stripes to make it stand out for passing ships. The chosen orange color complements the natural surroundings, makes the bridge easier to see in the fog, and makes the bridge visible to passing ships. In other words, the color of the bridge accomplishes the key overall goals, while still maintaining a unique personality.

This is a great way to think about your own life. What are your overall fitness & wellness goals? Is your life consistent with those goals while still being true to your unique personality? Do not fall into the terrible trap of comparing yourself to others. Yes, you need to be healthy and in shape, but you also need to be you. You will literally go crazy if you start setting goals like I want to be as skinny as Sarah and as fast as Rodney. True tragedy lies in accomplishing a goal only to find out you lost yourself somewhere along the way.

Summary
The next time you are facing a challenge, think of the Golden Gate Bridge. Remember the lessons that you have learned from this landmark bridge. Figure out how to reverse your lanes, don’t travel the bridge alone, and be sure to choose your own color. In applying these great lessons, you will find you are building a foundation that will benefit your overall health for many decades to come.






Tuesday, April 22, 2014

The Benefits of Hiring a Limousine for an Anniversary Celebration

Oftentimes, couples who are celebrating a wedding anniversary like to plan a special outing. For instance, they may want to go out and see a favorite stage play. To make the night even more memorable, the couple may hire a limousine. One of the benefits of hiring a limousine. is that the couple won't have to search for a parking place! The couple can be let out right in front of the theater and leave the parking issues to the limousine. driver. Here are some other reasons why a couple who wants to have a fun night out hires a limousine. for their transportation.
Traveling in Luxury

When a couple travels in a limousine., they have plenty of room to move around, talk and have a great time. They can leave the route as well as the timing to the limousine. driver. In short, the couple can focus on enjoying each others company on the evening of their wedding anniversary. A couple who is looking for a limousine. service to hire for their anniversary celebration may want to look at a business like Carroll Transportation NYC.

Celebrate in Your Own Way

When a couple rents a limousine. to transport them around during their evening anniversary celebration, they don't have to call it a night after seeing a stage play. They can ask the driver to take them to a restaurant afterward so they can enjoy a late dinner. Then, they can ask the driver to take them to their favorite bar for a night cap. Perhaps the couple wants to spend some time walking in a local park and talking. The driver can drop them off at a park and wait until they finish their stroll. A couple can do all of these things with ease when they have a limousine. and a driver at their disposal. The ability to go and do what they want makes a couple's celebrations all the more enjoyable.

Finally, a couple can avoid any stress the evening of their celebration by hiring a limousine. The driver will arrive to pick up the couple on time and on schedule. Also, the driver will be there when the stage play lets out so a couple doesn't have to wait for a ride. On the night of their celebration, there is no need for the happy couple to concern themselves with any transportation-related issues!






Donating to Online Charities Securely

With the advent of the Internet, organizations now can reach more donors by making their causes known online. Instead of mailing out flyers and calling people for donations, fundraisers can instead create an account on a fundraising site to ask for donations to their cause. However, people who give on the Internet to such charities may have certain questions that they need addressed first before they hand over their bank account or PayPal information. These questions can be answered when people check out the FAQ section on the website.

Their first concern may focus on how secure their donations are. People want to know that their credit card information will not be stolen. Sites such as these include security features that prevent hackers from stealing people’s banking account details. Second, people may want to know that their donations are tax deductible. As long as they donate a certain amount of money, their donations may be tax deductible as allowed by the law in their state.

Because people like to keep track of their donations, they also want to know that they will have some sort of statement or proof of their contribution. If they provide an email address on their account information, they can receive a receipt of their contribution, which they can then print off when they need to file taxes for the year. They can also print off their bank statement, which will show the date and the name of the company that processed their donation.

When it comes to determining how much they wish to give, people can use the online form to input their information. They can provide their name, address, and contact information. They also can provide the details about the card they wish to use for the transaction. The form will ask for the number on the card, as well as the expiration and security number on the back of the card. They also can set the level of donation they wish to contribute to the organization. The website starts at a minimal level, which can be raised if people wish to give more than that amount.

Using the Internet, people can contribute to causes that are important to them. They can also discover new charities that need money to succeed. People concerned with their security and account details can look at the frequently asked question section on the website for facts about statements and tax deductions.






#Coobie Seamless Bras

I've always had trouble finding bras that are comfortable, fit, and something that does not leave marks on my skin. I personally like to wear an underwire bra because it offers more support than traditional bras. But boy,  what a torture and they're very uncomfortable to wear. I'm just glad I discovered an amazing alternative to  underwire bras, introducing the innovative Coobie Seamless Bra!

I really love my new V-neck Lace Trim and Scoopneck Bras that I received from Coobie. I've never thought that any bra without underwire could give me the support that I need. These bras are simply the most amazing bras you'll ever buy. They're ultra comfortable, supportive, and inexpensive. Plus, these bras provide shape and support and can be worn in place of a camisole or tank top.
They are perfect for every day wear, yoga, pilates, new and nursing moms, sleep wear, and more! Coobie Seamless Bras also has a large following of mastectomy patients that love the soft comfort and pad pocket to insert a form. This line is truly a fit for all women!
I like the fact that Coobie bras are seamless, versatile, stylish, stretchable, straps are detachable, and pads are removable and adjustable. The quality is beyond my expectation, the material is made of a stretch nylon/spandex blend for incredibly soft comfort. 

Coobie Seamless Bras are ultra comfortable and versatile without sacrificing style. These affordable, stylish bras are seamless, one-size (comfortably fits 32A through 36D), available in 7+ styles and 50+ fashion colors and patterns. There is also a full size version fitting up to a size 42D. For more details or would like to order, you should visit shopcoobie.com today! You might want to like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter for updates and promotions. So what are you waiting for?

Promotion: Save 25% on any order of $40 or more at www.shopcoobie.com.  Promotion code: USFG25

Disclosure: Products mentioned above were provided for FREE by Coobie via USFamilyGuide for product endorsement/review purposes. I am disclosing this post in accordance with the FTC guidelines concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.






Friday, April 18, 2014

Getting Ready for Summer Wakeboarding

Summer is drawing closer with every passing day, and you need to set yourself up for a great season of wakeboarding on the lake or the ocean. First, make sure that you have all of the gear that you need. You can get a lot of it online; for example, you can buy wakeboard towers online or you can even order new tow lines. Take inventory of all of the gear that you have from last season, figuring out what needs to be replaced or updated, and then get your orders in soon. Remember that the shipping times are going to mean there is a delay of about a week, so you need to order now to ensure that you really get the gear when you need it. Putting it off could mean that you miss some of those prime early days in the season.
Cuda Tower
The trick to figuring out what to order is not just buying whatever you need, though, but figuring out which items are going to work the best for you. Whenever you have to replace something, you want to upgrade it at the same time. The best way to do this is to read online reviews. Other wake boarders who have used the gear in the past will be more than happy to tell you how it works. You can then compare the reviews to the technical specifications and easily see which things offer you the highest level of performance for the best price you can find.






Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Port Isabel

My family and I spent our spring break getaway at South Padre Island. We stayed at Schlitterbahn Resort for 5 days. The island is just amazing, but the price is just crazy! 
 It's costly to eat there. So instead we drove off the island and ate at one of the restos at Port Isabel. We did that for five dinners!
 Our favorite restaurant was Dirty Al's Pelican Station.
 We love their food, especially the seafood! The ambiance was awesome, it's by the bay!
I'll post some food photos on my Food blog soon!






AC Repair in Raleigh, NC

Air conditioning systems have become a necessity for most homes nowadays especially those that are located in areas that can be really hot and humid during the summer months. Extreme heat can pose a health risk to every member of the family especially to toddlers and the elderly. You need to make sure that you are able to properly maintain all your air conditioning units so that they will function properly whenever you have to use them. You can find ac repair in Raleigh nc here  if you are having any problems with your unit or if you need some advice on how to take care of your air conditioning unit and how to maximize its use.






The Best Place to Buy Valances

Window treatments can make a huge difference on the overall look of any room. Changing the style or color of your curtains can help create the new look that you want for a room without making any major changes on any of the fixtures or replacing any of the furniture.
Hawthorne Ascot Valance - CreamSavoy Valance - CrimsonSplendor Festoon Valance - White
When it comes to choosing the right window treatments, there are certain factors that you need to consider. One of them is functionality. Decide whether you need window treatments that will provide total privacy or those that will allow a certain degree of light to penetrate the room. The color, texture and type of fabric that will be chosen will also be determined by different factors including the mood that you want to create for that particular room. Cotton and rayon blends are a more practical choice compared to heavy silk or velvet since they are both cheaper and easier to maintain.

If you are still looking for ideas on what would be the most suitable window treatment for your home, you can view the websites of online retailers that offer different kinds of window treatments. They offer a wide selection of curtains and Waverly Valences in a variety of designs, lengths, fabrics, colors, prints and patterns. You will get to see the latest designs that are out in the market today. You can also choose to buy from them if you are looking for a more convenient way of shopping for window treatments. You can buy everything that you will need from them not just the curtains and valences but also the rods and other window hardware that you may need. You can even ask them for suggestions and ideas on how to achieve the look or theme that you want for your windows.






Saturday, April 12, 2014

Hurricane Golf Tours

The Hurricane Tour is comprised of four components: the Junior Tour, the Collegiate Tour, the Amateur Tour, and the Tour Shop (online). Based out of Jacksonville, FL, the Hurricane Tour administers over 150 events all across the country. With three different tours, golfers of any age and skill level are provided an opportunity to play the game.

The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (#HJGT) was founded in 2008 with the intention of providing junior golfers between the ages of 11-18 an opportunity to play exceptional courses in a competitive environment. The tour's vision is to provide superb hospitality and make every event a memorable one. With play open to both males and females, nearly every junior golfer is eligible to participate on the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour. Membership for the HJGT is $89.00 and players receive discounted member pricing at each event. Every Hurricane Junior Golf Tour event is ranked by the National Junior Golf Scoreboard (NJGS) and features a chance for players to earn AJGA stars. The top 3 finishers at each event will earn prizes. For a complete list of Junior Tour tournaments, visit: http://hjgt.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/hjgt14/schedule/index.htm.

The Hurricane Collegiate Golf Tour (#HCGT) was founded in 2011 and is perfect for college-aged golfers looking to perfect their game this summer in competitive tournaments at great venues. Whether you are a collegiate golfer looking to practice during the off-season, a future college golfer looking to prepare for the upcoming season, or a non-college golfer that wants to compete in first-class events, the HCGT is the tour for you! Membership to the tour is absolutely FREE and provides access to all 28 tournaments this summer in 11 different states. Top 3 finishers at each event will earn prizes. For a complete list of Collegiate Tour tournaments, visit: http://collegiate.hurricanetour.com/Event/EventList.aspx.

The Hurricane Amateur Golf Tour (#HAGT) was founded in 2014 with the intention of providing golfers of any age and skill level an opportunity to play exceptional courses in a competitive environment, while raising money to benefit the Hurricane Foundation and other charitable organizations alike. In order to play on the Hurricane Amateur Golf Tour, players must become a member for the low rate of $25. Amateurs (men, women and seniors) will compete in one of 10 flights based on their handicap, gender, and age. Senior Flights are for players that have turned 50 years old by May 17, 2014. Every tournament on the 2014 schedule will have a unique "Major Championship" feel to it. A special feature of the Amateur Tour is the "19th Hole Dinner," where players will have the opportunity to win raffles, giveaways, and silent auctions. The top 3 finishers in every flight will compete for the $2,000 total prize purse regardless of field size at the tournament. The payouts will be in form of gift cards to the Hurricane Tour Shop. For a complete list of Amateur Tour tournaments, visit: http://amateur.hurricanetour.com/Event/EventList.aspx.

Lastly, the online Hurricane Tour Shop was created in 2013 for the purpose of offering golfers of all ages the newest trends in golf apparel, equipment and accessories at PREFERRED PRICING.







Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Mr. Peabody & Sherman

If you haven't seen Mr. Peabody & Sherman, you've got to watch it with your kids! We saw the movie three days after it was released. We were out of town actually for spring break, and watched it on the island of South Padre. I was amazed they have a movie theater there...lol!
I thought the movie was cute and sweet especially with the dog-kid adoption/relationship scenario. This movie is fun for the whole family with plenty of humor and adventure. The whole movie is vivid and colorful!
Synopsis: "Mr. Peabody, the most accomplished dog in the world, and his mischievous boy Sherman, use their time machine - The WABAC - to go on the most outrageous adventures known to man or dog. But when Sherman takes The WABAC out for a joyride to impress his friend Penny, they accidentally rip a hole in the universe, wreaking havoc on the most important events in world history. Before they forever alter the past, present and future, Mr. Peabody must come to their rescue, ultimately facing the most daunting challenge of any era: figuring out how to be a parent. Together, the time traveling trio will make their mark on history."






Monday, April 7, 2014

Malibu Grand Prix, San Antonio

San Antonio is no doubt the most popular tourist destination in Texas. This city offers so many things for visitors to see and do. It's been almost 4 years since we moved from California to Texas, and so far we are enjoying the San Antonio living.
If you happen to be visiting, you won't want to miss out the Malibu Castle family entertainment center.
Malibu San Antonio has everything you need to celebrate birthdays, have a party, corporate parties, events and team building, and for family gatherings.
It's the perfect place for friends and families to get together and cut loose with fun, games, and great food. With Bumper Boats, Go Karts, Arcade, Miniature Golf, Batting Cages, and so much more, there's every way to play at Malibu San Antonio!

My family and I were given the opportunity to explore the place and received complementary unlimited wristbands in exchange for a fair review. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a friendly store manager and gave us our wristbands.
The first attraction that we explored was the Miniature Golf area. We've been to a few miniature golfs in San Antonio, but they're not as impressive as Malibu Castle's landscape. This place is by far our favorite! The wild water features and wacky windmills are just unique!
If you want to improve your swing mechanics or help teach a kid to swing, you've got to try their Batting Cage! They offer batting helmets and bats, or you can bring your own. Their slow pitch softball, fast pitch softball, or baseball pitching machines can replicate speeds up to 70 mph.
After we finished the 18th hole, we headed to the 32-foot Rock Wall. Since we had never been rock or wall climbing before we thought, "Why not give it a try? Oh, boy! It was not easy as we thought. We struggled and didn't make it to the top. That was an interesting experience!
If you've got the need for speed, they’ve got the go-fast Go Karts!
Climb aboard one of their high performance Go Karts and experience the thrill of banked curves, hairpin turns, and exhilarating straight-aways.
My daughter and husband had a blast racing with other people. They're unstoppable and went for a ride quite a few times.
If you want to get wet, you're going to enjoy the Bumper Boat ride!
What could be more fun than boarding one of these bumper boats for a little adventure cruise? Each boat comes with its own water cannon, and if that’s not enough action, go full speed ahead for a broadside collision. There's nothing to worry because these bumper boats are completely safe!
My family and I had a fun-filled soaking experience during that day. We all agreed that the Bumper Boat ride was our favorite attraction at Malibu Castle.
You don't want to miss the Arcade Game! They have a large game room with many video game selection. So you better get your tokens ready! And don’t forget to claim your prize at their exciting redemption center.
We thought Malibu Castle is very clean. The staff are very friendly and accommodating. We like the fact that they have easy parking, convenient hours and location. They have so much to enjoy for the whole family. Plus, they have great discounts and offer fair prices. Overall, we had a great time and the daughter didn't want to come home.
So if you are interested to visit and have fun, I have a great exclusive coupon offer for the Malibu Grand Prix family entertainment center. For a limited time, download the coupon Save $5 Off Per Person. Mobile coupons not accepted, so please print and bring with or order ahead online!
ONLINE COUPON | PRINTABLE COUPON

You might want to like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter for updates and promotions. So what are you waiting for?

Disclosure: Through my partnership with USFamilyGuide, my family and I received complimentary unlimited wristbands to Malibu San Antonio in exchange to share our experience.