GPS

Portable GPS systems are amazing. No matter where in the world you live, you can program these units to give you turn-by-turn directions. Of course, one does need to be careful. The news has been full of not-so-funny stories about turn left now scenarios that put drivers and their vehicles into the side of a building.

Perhaps, since I manage to get lost - too often - this is something (buildings notwithstanding) that could help me get around with a lot less stress.




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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Branson Lots

In the next few months, our youngest will be turning 18. It's entirely possible that he will choose to live with his mother, who has no rules or chores. If that happens, Mark and I will, undoubtedly be moving. (We've stayed here so that the boys could have consistency and attend all four years of high school with their friends.)

My choice, given where I grew up, would be to move back to Colorado; Mark, for the same reason, wants to head east. As a compromise, I've been looking at a number of areas in between, including some gorgeous areas in Missouri.

I couldn't believe some of the Branson lots that are available. Such a beautiful area. It makes me reconsider my first choices. Plus, there are an amazing number of vacation options would allow us to experience the area, before committing to a permanent relocation.

Definitely adding this location to my list.




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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Cruises

Mark and I have been talking a lot lately about cruises, especially to Alaska. It's hard to resist the gorgeous scenery in those cruise ads. Although, it's hovering around 32 here overnight and I feel like I'm freezing. Maybe a Caribbean cruise would be a better idea.

There are so many options; you can cruise just about anywhere in the world at a really good price. Of course, the one place I'd love to visit, since my aunt and uncle went years ago, is Australia. After doing some research, I was surprised how reasonable a 16-night cruise really is and you wouldn't believe how many ports are included.

Guess I'll have to start another vacation fund.





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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Pet Friendly Hotels

Hotels are offering more and more amenities these days, but it can be difficult to find pet friendly hotels at a reasonable rate. I was pleased, since we have 'Paka' to consider when we travel, to find a site that helps. The search function is very simple to use and offers a number of options in any city.

We've been planning a weekend in Prescott for a while now, but couldn't leave our 'baby' alone that long. Now, for the same price we would have paid anyway, we can take him with us. With his carrier and bowls in tow, we can tour the area and enjoy ourselves, without worrying. You can't put a price on that.




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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Cheaper Than Hotels

Someone asked me, recently, about where I would travel if I could go anywhere in the world. There are a lot of choices, as far as which city or country. But, as always, expense is a serious determining factor.

CheaperThanHotels.co.uk has great deals and a ton of information, whether you need a last-minute deal or year-round rates. I really like the layout of the site; it's incredibly easy to find locations and places to stay. (The site does take quite a long time to load the main page, which could be a problem if you're using dial-up.)

You can find tips and links that will help you plan a perfect vacation, no matter where you want to travel. The variety of hotels - from one-star to five-star - is great and the site converts prices into your currency, so you can truly compare. Some of the places that caught my eye were in Germany and Austria, two of the places on the top of my to-visit wish-list.

Vienna attractions: Schonbrunn palace, Hofburg and Heldenplatz, museums. For more info see Wien hotels;

Munich attractions: Marienplatz, Rathaus-Glokenspiel, Olympic village. For more info see hotels in Muenchen; and

Germany attractions: Bavarian Alps, Leipzig, Lubeck. For more info see hotels in Deutschland.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

City Guides

Have you ever been to Steamboat Springs? It's an amazing resort, high in the mountains of Colorado. I have to admit, it's been years since I visited, so I know a lot has changed.

That's why the USA Hotel Guide is so great. You don't have to know everything about the place you'd like to visit. Just look up the city and explore the information.

For example, on the Steamboat Springs page, I got a history of this beautiful area, the best things to do there and where - exactly - to find the hot springs. There's information about hotels, in and around the city; outdoor and indoor activities in the area; and where to pre-purchase your ski or snowboard rental for the big trip.

If you're planning a vacation, but can't decide where to visit, why not start with the city guides that give you all the information you need?




Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

New York CityPass

There are many cities, all over the world, that I want to see before I die. New York City is pretty near the top of that list. But, it's so expensive; especially if you don't know the city, and don't know where and when to go.

That's why the New York CityPass is such a great idea. It includes tickets to six (6) different attractions: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Guggenheim Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, a trip to the Empire State Building Observatory, and a water tour of Manhattan on a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise. If that weren't enough, you get a map, public transportation information, and tips on the best time to visit each attraction.

I know that it sounds great already, but it actually gets even better. When you buy the New York CityPass, you pay half the cost of individual tickets to each attraction. That's right - adults get $130.00 worth of tickets for just $65.00. The CityPass for ages 12-17 is also 50% less than the normal ticket prices. Not to mention, if you have your tickets, at a lot of these attractions you can eliminate standing in line with the people who didn't plan ahead.

Since, the Winter Special is good for 3 months, from December 15 to March 15, you have plenty of time to plan your vacation. If you're in a hurry or planning to give the CityPass as a gift, there are overnight delivery and gift wrapping options available. They'll even include a gift card.

Me? I'm looking forward to seeing the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and amazing exhibits at the Guggenheim, plus the free audio tour at MoMA. But what will, undoubtedly, be the most exciting attraction, for both of us, is the American Museum of Natural History. Just imagine being able to see a Space Show in the Hayden Planetarium, explore the world's most important collection of dinosaurs, visit a re-creation of an African rain forest, and go whale watching in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life - all in one place.

We may never come out!






Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Uptown Saturday Night

Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine, Florida holds the distinction of being the oldest, continuously inhabited settlement in the continental United States. As you can imagine, the city is a treasure-trove of historical sites, information, and related events. One of the most popular St. Augustine events is Uptown Saturday Night. Sadly, I've missed the October 27th event, but there's still November 24th and December 29th to look forward to.

Taking place on the last Saturday of every month, the event showcases the incredible shopping to be found in the Uptown San Marco Shopping District, between Mission-Nombre de Dios and Ripley's Museum along San Marco Avenue. (View Map) The entire area is filled with lively street music and endless opportunities to acquire antiques, rare books – even authentic Spanish treasure. To add to the festivities, each participating shop offers an open house with wine and refreshments.

How do you choose between workshops covering a variety of antique related topics, readings and book signings by local authors, and exhibit openings of some of the finest Florida artists? Being a compulsive student of everything, I just love workshops, especially since what I know about antiques wouldn't fill a thimble. However, and Mark can attest to this, it is impossible for me to pass a bookshop. Mall chain-stores notwithstanding, my feet just charge right in - leaving the rest of me no choice, but to follow.

I've always wanted to visit this amazing city. Now I have one more reason to start booking that trip. What about you?







Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Bed and Breakfast Paris

Like many people, I have always wanted to visit different European cities, from Munich to Barcelona to Amsterdam to Stockholm. But Paris - that city resides at the very top of my I-just-have-to-go-there list. Museums, cathedrals, the right and left banks, and the food have to be experienced.

Now, it's one thing to stay at a hotel that could be in any world city and trudge along with the other tourists, oohing and aahing at the landmarks in the City of Light. Personally, I prefer the idea of bed and breakfast Paris accommodations. It would be amazing to learn French from Parisians, and experience the city as the natives do.

I'm starting my vacation fund right now. How can I resist the chance to start each day with a buttery croissant and rich French coffee, while escaping the crowds in one of the world's most beautiful cities?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Holiday Hypermarket

Looking for a great European vacation or family ski holiday? You've come to the right place. There are millions of inexpensive destinations to choose from and all you have to do is pick your favorite spot.

One location I never even thought about was Romania. Hotels, villas, and chalets are available for any budget, along with enough blue, red, and black ski runs to accommodate all skill levels. Once you're done on the slopes, why not try some of the local restaurants and discos for some authentic food and entertainment?

It doesn't matter if you're looking for upscale ski resorts or affordable family vacations, Holiday Hypermarket has just what you need.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Side Step - Aruba

Ever dreamed of visiting Aruba? Me, too!

A couple I know spent their honeymoon at one of the all-inclusive resorts and had an absolutely wonderful time.

I was taking a virtual vacation at SideStep.com and just fell in love with the island. First of all, you just can't beat the weather - virtually unending sunny days, warm temps, and tropical breezes. Not to mention, low humidity and no hurricanes! The only time I've been to the beach was in California in December, so I can see myself stretched out on the beautiful white sand for hours with a great book and a cold drink.

The area along Eagle Beach sounds perfect to me. It's less urbanized and crowded. There are apartment-style accommodations with kitchens, living rooms, and guest rooms that would just be perfect for us. Being able to fix a quick bite really appeals to me.

Fortunately for Mark, who has to avoid the sun, there are tons of things to do on Aruba besides playing on the beach. I was reading about Fort Zoutman, built by the Dutch in 1796. The oldest example of Dutch architecture on the island, it houses the Museo Arubano, which displays prehistoric Caiquetio artifacts and remnants from the Dutch colonial period. Then, there's the beautiful churches and synagogue, the Numismatic Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and the Cultural Center. I just love museums and historic architecture. So much of the United States is designed around the concept that newer is better. I totally disagree.

Of course, one of the great things about a vacation is the food! From lobster at Flying Fishbone to dining in a Dutch galleon at Pirate's Nest, I'm starved just reading the menus. Aruba offers such a variety of dining options that I can't imagine there would be any complaints in the group. Some restaurants are very kid-friendly, with grilled cheese sandwiches or spaghetti at The Waterfront Crabhouse and kids meals starting at a very friendly $3.95 at The Turtle's Nest.

Although the days of huge Caribbean bargains are waning, you can still find everything from shoes to linens to fragrances to T-shirts, tanks, and totes that change color in the sun and only 3.3% duty. So, at least one afternoon of serious shopping is definitely on my to-do list! Poor Mark!

Now I just have to convince Mark! Maybe we can start at a Tampa Hotel and work our way up!?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules