Everybody has the ultimate travel dream wish list. Mine would always need to family-friendly as I cannot see myself travelling without my children. There are family vacation destinations which tops our list – Brazil would be one of them. The premier Breezes Resorts have family vacation packages which would be perfect for our little family. Getting affordable family vacations without sacrificing our safety and enjoyment is on top of my priority list!

 

With the internet providing more means of communication, businesses have expanded. These days, it is no longer a big surprise to find out a boss from Europe maintaining operations in mainland US without having to visit its headquarters every year. Thanks to the advancement in communications technology, businesses now know no geographical boundaries.

A  phone call is no longer enough to satisfy. Audio conferencing has taken its place, and you can have more than three people talking in one line, in different locations and time zones! International toll free numbers, full-time operator, operator provided Q&A, digital record and playback and a lot more are just one of the many options available for an audio conference feature. Video conference meetings can take the place of board “people” meetings. Audio and visual meetings are more effective this way.

Web conferencing is also an innovative way to maintain a business.

1. You can communicate real time with clients “face to face”.

2. You can provide online training and support.

3. With the ability to share files, present PowerPoint presentations and discuss Excel files – you can accomplish multiple things at once, with just the help of one communication tool and client!

Any online business that relies heavily on communication needs to be using Video Web Conferencing solutions. It can be easy to spend hundreds of dollars in obtaining the software and capability to do this.

The Conference Group gives high quality teleconferencing services which enable clients to stand above their competition by giving them the ability to quickly and effectively manage communications.

Reading has always been my therapy. Nothing makes me happier than being able to get lost in a book’s pages. E-books are cheaper and more portable but I would still prefer reading paperbacks. It just ain’t the same when you get to feel the paper of your books as you turn each page. If I can have my way, I can finish around 5-8 books a month. Unfortunately, I do not have means for this.

Enter BooksFree.com.

If you have wished for a version of NetFlix for books, BooksFree.com is the one. Rent books at their virtual library, with over 250,000 titles to choose from, seven days a week, twenty four hours a day, right in the comfort of your home. You do not even need to come to the “library” to pick them up. They are delivered right at your doorstep, for free, in two to three books per pack. What’s more is that you do not have to worry about the due date of the books. You can read as long as you want, and return it through the return mail envelope they send along with the books. If you have lost the return mailer, it is easy to request a replacement at the site. Audio books on cd are also being offered.

Book rental has never been this easy! Here’s how it works: You can activate your membership by letting them know how many books you usually read on average for a month. From there, they give an monthly membership fee you can pay by credit card. You can keep a queue of books in your account, so that as soon as you claim to return the set of books you have, the next books on queue can be shipped already!

I have been looking for something to spruce up our little patio so we can enjoy our garden a bit more. Outdoor furniture, comfortable enough for us to stay in, was the first thing that came to my mind. I think it’s time for me to buy a little dining set to complement our little chairs, so we can enjoy breakfast in the mornings outdoors. We have a beautiful community with bountiful trees, that each morning, you can literally hear birds chirping.

Outdoor Chairs from CozyDays.com caught my attention. If only we had a swimming pool in our yard, their adirondrack chairs would have been perfect! Instead, I think I will be getting their outdoor bean bag loungers – which would be perfect for me and the kids whenever we might want to spend time outdoors reading a book under the trees or even sleep!

Look how comfortable they look! Retailing at $199, it’s a steal already! You can also get a Fatboy Outdoor Beanbag Lounger in orange for only $349.

Patio Furniture from CozyDays.com is perfect for my taste. I can now enjoy my own patio, balcony or garden for comfortable dining with their outdoor dining furniture sets. They are selected from the most reputable outdoor furniture manufacturers.

Here is my pick:

A 7-piece Dangari patio furniture dining set!

 

I have never been a beach person. But the really nice getaways I have been seeing coupled with the tremendous and terrible heat these days have made me decide to give the beach another try. That is why I have been looking for affordable family vacations two months before summer! An all inclusive vacation looks like the answer to my prayers!

If money would not be a problem, I would like to book us a cruise to the Caribbean. The Breezes Hotels offer all inclusive vacations – hotels that give you rates that includes room and lodging + meals and a great selection of activities to choose from. And with the influx of hotels that cater to families along the coastline, I am sure it would make for a great family vacation. Breezes have all inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Panama, Brazil, Bahamas and Curacao. Pick the destination that appeals to you most, and depending on whether you have young children or not, as some resorts are especially designed for families with young children.

Now if you are a newlywed couple, Ocho Rios hotels are known to be a great place for honeymooners too. Ocho Rios is a favorite destination of American, British and Canadian tourists under the age of 40, who, among other things, appreciate the fact that English is the country’s native language. Tourism is slowest between June and November, which is hurricane season in the Caribbean.

 

If only people are fast healers like Jacob Black from the Twilight: Saga. We would not have to go through Suffolk Orthopedics and undergo Suffolk Hip Replacement Surgery for broken or misaligned hips. But if we were given a choice, it would clearly be more ideal to be treated in a hospital considered by many as a premier orthopedic hospital, Orthopaedic & Spine Center (OSC). They even have assistance for employees who have sustained injuries in the workplace or during their line of duty, called the Newport News Worker’s Compensation program.

Coming from a family that is prone to bone breakages due to clumsiness, a streak of bad luck and fearless drive for adventure, I am more inclined to choose the best hospital to make sure my bones are nursed back to their perfect state and that they heal properly! OSC is the best choice for it!

We would not want to end up like Jacob Black who needed to have his bones broken again by Carlisle Cullen because he was healing fast and his bones were growing wrong!

During the summer, men’s shorts become a popular purchase for men wishing to enjoy the hot weather. There are a number of different products on offer that can come in a variety of designs, styles and fabrics to ensure you find a pair of shorts that suit you.

Board shorts are a popular choice among many men. Originally worn by surfers, this style of shorts has entered the mainstream fashion stores and is acceptable to wear in most places. In fact, you’ll see men wearing board shorts anywhere from the street to the park. Of course, the beach remains the place where you are most likely to see them. Many of them come in colorful patterns and can be emblazoned with images of surfboards and beach parties; it’s a delightful reminder of their beachside heritage.

Jeans are a fashionable and comfortable choice of trousers for men, and those wishing to still get a bit of sun on their legs can wear shorts made from denim. All the major brands such as Levi’s, Diesel and Wrangler make short versions of their jeans for men, although there are also cheaper alternatives available as well. The various styles of jeans are also replicated in jean shorts, from stone-washed to black denim.

Of course, many men opt for swim shorts during the summer. Usually more comfortable than constricting alternatives such as swimming trunks, swim shorts are made from a range of lightweight fabrics and are usually quite baggy. This is to make sure they do not cling to the skin in the water and become an annoyance. Brands like Of course, many men opt for swim shorts during the summer. Usually more comfortable than constricting alternatives such as swimming trunks, swim shorts are made from a range of lightweight fabrics and are usually quite baggy. This is to make sure they do not cling to the skin in the water and become an annoyance. Brands like Ralph Lauren make swim shorts for the more discerning gentleman, although even the most basic pair is sure to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for men wishing to enjoy the water.

 

If you’re longing for that perfect vacation, where you can take in the open seas, beautiful tropical beaches and clean blue skies, then a cruise may be just what you are looking for. It’s always nice to get a good deal on a vacation, and you can find many cruise deals by reading newspaper ads, visiting a travel agency, or by going online. There is never a shortage of cruise ships in the summer months, when the weather is at its warmest and the locals are inviting worldwide.

So how do you find great cruise deals? Many travel destinations receive a lot of advertising, so the first thing to do is to decide where you want to go. Travel websites can give you a good idea of what kinds of deals are available, so it becomes easier to consider what you can afford. Next, read up on what is included with the offer. Some cruises include the price of airfare from where you live to where the port is located, and even cover the cost of travel from the airport. The duration of the trip is also important to consider when deciding if the cost is worth what you are getting.

On a cruise you can visit places like the Caribbean, Barbados, Puerto Rico and St. Lucia. If you are in Europe, cruise ships traverse every corner of the Mediterranean, from Barcelona to Monte Carlo, Rome and more. You can also sail the Middle East, the Canary Islands, or even the Norwegian seas.

Whichever popular destination you choose, there is a deal available for you to take advantage of. Major cruise lines are known for their inclusive deals that make for great vacation packages. If there is somewhere you want to go that you haven’t seen yet, affordable cruise deals exist for you to have the chance to visit paradise.

 

April seems to be a season of endless stress and panic for every US Citizen, specifically when April 15 nears. It’s tax season! I remember friends who decided to sit it out and wait for April to start computing their taxes and they nearly went crazy with stress, panic and frustration with everything that needed to be sorted out, claimed and filed.

There are so many reasons for your to file your taxes early, one of them is to obviously avoid stress. The tax preparation companies, accountants, and tax professionals become extremely busy and you might need to wait and be patient with extremely long lines to be able to consult with an accountant and tax lawyer. Starting early also gives you enough time to relax and spend enough time on your return to find all available deductions and credits.

And when you start early, you can have a choice which tax lawyer you would want to hire – and you should consider Roni Lynn Deutch. Roni Lynn Deutch  is known as the Tax Lady. Starting from her own office at her condo unit at 1991, she has expanded to form Roni Deutch, a Professional Tax Corporation that has 20 attorneys and 150 staff, and their company receives over 120,000 inquiries each year!

Building upon the success of her law firm, Roni Lynn Deutch launched her own tax preparation company, Roni Deutch Tax Center, in 2006. RDTC, Inc. provides tax preparation service for taxpayers nationwide. You could imagine how long the waiting lines are come tax season!

When you file your taxes early, and have thought of the available deductions and credits, you get your refund faster as well. That is one obvious incentive for early birds! If you worry about not having enough funds to pay your taxes (if you have a surplus from all your deductions), the IRS allows you to issue a post-dated check until April 15, which will allow you to start saving for it. If you wait until April, you might get shocked with the amount you need to pay.

The local church announced the need to renovate the place of worship and add a small multi-purpose hall in the church grounds. The church leaders decided it was about time renovations are made since the place has not had any major changes since it was built in the late 80’s. The roof already leaks and the paint all over the church is already chipping off. Some parts of the Hardwood flooring is beyond repair because of wear and tear. Parishioners also need a specific place for church activities, fellowships and meetings. This is why the church is asking for donations. This will be a major expenditure and help in all forms is needed.

Probably the biggest expense would be the expansion and the flooring. The former is quite understandable because that’s a new construction all-together. The flooring is another story. The church leaders would want something that can last for a long time. Someone mentioned about Bruce hardwood floors and how highly durable yet affordable the brand is. They are seriously considering this putting it on top of their short-list. For the altar, they decided to put Shaw carpet for the more regal feel.

Some time soon, the church will release a bulletin so people will know how they can help.

Jeans were made for work. That’s what those metal rivets were for. The original denim work clothes were overalls, made entirely of cotton. The truncated version, jeans, were called waist overalls and emerged in 19th-century San Francisco. These denim pants could take immense wear and tear, except around the pockets, which would often pull away from the pants before the pants had worn out their usefulness. A tailor in Nevada had the idea to reinforce the pockets with copper rivets and got a man named Levi Strauss to help him undertake their manufacture.

Jeans were also made for play. Until the last several decades, no one would have dreamed of wearing denim to work or school—it was simply too casual. Men might don their jeans on fishing trips and children might wear them on weekends, but many people were outraged at the idea of them being worn for anything but casual leisure activities. Bing Crosby, one of America’s most popular singers and entertainers, was turned away from a hotel while on vacation in Canada because he tried to check in wearing blue jeans. Even in the 1970s it was a novelty for students to get to wear their jeans to school on the first Earth Day. Slacks and skirts were still the norm.

Jeans are also made playfully. They’ve been reinvented as skirts, jackets, and even shoes. Designer jeans often rework the form or elements of jeans to create an artistic statement. Oversized pockets, extra rivets, and elaborate embroidery put form over function. A variety of washes and cuts have made jeans a fashion item as never before. High-waisted, low-waisted, skinny, or flared, jeans have been elevated from their utilitarian position in the gold fields of California to strut on the red carpet.

 

If I were to choose where to travel along the many islands in the Caribbean, I would choose the Bahamas. Bahamas on its own is a sight to behold, with their pristine beaches the most popular attraction. The unmistakable crown jewel of the Bahamas is the Island of New Providence, home to Nassau, Paradise Island and Cable Beach.

Among the beaches in the Bahamas, Cable Beach is known for its white and beautiful sands. This is where you will find the Bahamas all inclusive resort – Breezes! The only super inclusive of all of the Bahamas resorts and it is known for its close proximity to the exciting nightlife and casino area of Nassau. Breezes Bahamas all inclusive resorts package includes:

• All meals, from breakfast buffets to dinner feasts.
• Even late night snacks. All you can eat, all the time.
• All drinks, from soft drinks to top-shelf premium brands.
• All entertainment.
• All tips & gratuities.
• All provided land and water sports and top-of-the-line equipment.
• All hotel taxes and airport transfers*.
• And MUCH, MUCH MORE!

Here are some tourist attractions you should not miss in the Bahamas:

1. Roberts Island Adventures
They promise something for everyone and an unforgettable tour experience. Several different tours are available.Exuma Cays Tour. You’ll ride aboard a 33′, Avanti. This full-day tour begins in Barraterre and travels through the Cays with exhilarating stops at all the attractions.Reef Fishing, Sightseeing and Snorkeling-Half and full-day trips offered. Born in the Bahamas, and raised on Exuma from the time he was twelve, Captain Robert has experience and background knowledge that guests find fascinating and entertaining.

2. Blue Lagoon Island, Nassau
Dolphin Encounters, located on Blue Lagoon Island, is one of the most exciting and intriguing tours available.

 

If you are an accountant or an individual who wants to organize preparation of taxes, an income tax preparation software is the perfect program for you. There are a lot of types of professional tax preparation software available in the market, you just need to find one that suits your needs.

You can look at the various tax software programs available at ETaxPlace.com:

Ultimate Tax Software Products – These are solutions designed specifically for tax professionals. This tax preparation software is ideal for those who earn their living doing taxes for others.

The Complete Tax System – This web-based solution is designed for non-traditional tax preparers’ offices, such as insurance companies and check cashiers.

Ultimate 1040 – This is an affordable solution that comes with the support people need to get their taxes in on time with ease.

Filing taxes and preparation for it can be stressful. Here are tips to keep you organized:

o Have one place to put all those tax related papers & receipts.

o Use software to track your expenses & balances like MS Money, Quicken, Quick Books.

o Pull out last year’s income tax forms to review & refresh your memory.

o If you are going to work with a tax accountant, write a list of questions before your meeting so you don’t waste time or forget anything.

o How long do you need to keep all this stuff? Rule of thumb: Keep all tax related information 7 years — check with your tax professional or legal council.

I was able to watch FOUR chick flicks in one weekend a few weeks back. And like many other chick flicks I’ve watched – I loved the brainless entertainment which made me laugh and just feel good inside.

Disclaimer: I won’t be reviewing them – I just wanted to point out the things I loved most about each of them. I am bad with chick flicks, I love them all. Suffice to say, when I say it’s bad, it is worse than it is.

The Ugly Truth – I’ve been a fan of Gerard Butler since I saw him at PS I Love You – but I wasn’t as excited about him in this movie. He was just not so hot for me. Katherine Heigl was awesome though, and I love how her OC traits in character just made her more adorable. I didn’t like how the ending was “just that” but over-all, this is one chick flick that girls wouldn’t want to miss. It makes girls dream there is somebody out there who will love them – as cliche as it may seem – “for them”.

Four Christmases – This movie was HILARIOUS!! Vince Vaughn totally owned this movie with all his comedic poker faced punches and how he gets to be toilet papered with embarrassment each time. This movie will elicit laughs but I love how the story has some serious undertones about family and true love. And just to add a bit of a spoiler here: How crazy would it be if one of YOUR parents hooked up and married your CHILDHOOD BEST FRIEND!?

When In Rome – This was a totally forgetful movie, but Kristen Bell’s outfits more than made up for it – and Josh Duhamel’s physique. Hmm….I think I just breezed through this movie!

The Back Up Plan – This will bring tears to your eyes!! Seriously I loved this movie!!It made me yearn for a man (well, not as if I am unsatisfied with mine, FYI) who will love me all the way – I haven’t seen this actor from all the movies I saw because I would have notice. He was really attractive here, definitely Mr. Prince Charming material (you should quote some of his dialogue here – so very Aidan in SATC – You broke my heart!). His character was cute and cuddly and just – WOW. J.Lo looks too beautiful to be pregnant but somehow she always works it – her movies have never failed to be favorites of mine, surprisingly.

I’ve got more books and more movies this week – somehow I have managed to control not working into the early hours of the morning and just allow my brain to heal from over thinking (I am taking vitamin supplements just so you know!)– so I watch a chick flick or read a chick lit book (haha!) so that I my bran can shut down itself normally.

Have a great week!

 

I had to admit I had a hard time finishing the book, primarily because it deals with one’s faith and spirituality and religion cannot be helped but be mixed into it. Being a Catholic with strong beliefs, I am quite wary of stories that depict God as something Else other than He really is.

What more when a child claims she sees God, experiences the stigmata, miraculously heals people with a touch even if she really has no intention to do it, and furthermore, calls her (yes a female) her “Guard”. Faith, the child in the story, does not have any religious background, her parents being non practicing Jews. What she has is a traumatic experience catching her father with another woman right in their house and a mother who had psychiatric problems and have experiences with depression.

Jodi Picoult doesn’t confirm nor negate whether Faith can heal or if she is making this all up or worse, her mom, Mariah, is behind all of this. She does make you see hard facts and make you go into your conclusion. I personally believe the story lets you take a look on YOUR OWN personal views and beliefs on faith, and it really is subjective. I have pored over the book instead of studying the  no exam life insurance quotes being offered to me because I really want to MAKE the story HAVE an ENDING. But there is none. And just as you were about to believe Faith is real, something in the ending makes you think otherwise.

To which Jodi answers in her web site:

What the heck did you mean by the end of Keeping Faith?

At the end of Keeping Faith, I wanted you to feel like Mariah and Millie and Ian and everyone else who comes into contact with Faith – like you’ve had to rethink what you believe. Whether you think she’s a prophet or a messiah or a fake, she is ultimately a little girl who hasn’t had her mom’s attention before. And AT THAT MOMENT she does fake speaking to God, because she isn’t willing to lose that attention. That said, I don’t personally believe that Faith is faking all along…I think that God moves onto someone more needy in that last scene. But I did want you to remember that above all else, she’s a kid – lest you fall into the same mistake that some of the media did during the course of the book.

I bought the book a week after I watched SATC2. A friend told me it was an easy and delightful read and I was curious I had to buy it. It took me two weeks before I actually opened to read it and once I read it, I couldn’t put it down and had to finish it.

It is true – it is easy reading. It is three levels higher than the Sweet Valley High and Sweet Dreams series and if you are a woman, you can somehow relate to all the awkwardness and bad choice of friends you might have made in high school. Back in high school, the most worry you can get is over-analyzing the eczema pictures you have in the yearbook.

When I was reading it, I was visualizing Sarah Jessica Parker on my head and her outfit in the movie circa first step in NYC – the 80’s. Imagine Footloose the movie costumes and you have it!

Here you get to see traces of what Carrie really is even after she became THE Carrie of SATC. She was always there for her friends – their priorities always seem to be higher than her own. She gets dense with guys, this time with gorgeous but bad boy Sebastian Kydd, who she has a crush on since she was 12. She freaks out when she realizes all her friends are slowly losing their virginity except her and yet she still maintains not to lose it in the end. Very Carrie for me, circa Aidan vs. Mr. Big time in SATC.

What was appealing here is that she has always been passionate about writing and through a mentor she never thought would be one to her, she claims top spot on doing what she does best – writing about men, love and (her seemingly lack of understanding) in relationships.

All that plot is great and keeps you glued to the page until the end, but what sticks with you later are Carrie’s internal musings.

On boys: "Boys’ mouths are never what you think they’re going to be anyway. Sometimes they’re stiff and sharp with teeth, or like soft little caves filled with down pillows."

Or even on calculus: "You never know when a rogue integer is going to show up and ruin your entire equation."

She maintains this wit even as she struggles between holding strong to the feminism her late mother instilled in her or taking the much easier path of losing herself and doing whatever boys will like more.

 

I signed up at GoodReads.com not to look for alli reviews but to help me discover new books, even make new friends and expand my reading preferences. There is a group that has a goal of reading 52 books a year and I joined them. Essentially, you just list down all the books you read for the year and most of them already have read 52! And it’s only July! Talk about inspiring!

The thing is, I really can’t stand reading ebooks because I can’t stand scrolling on my iPhone. I am such a cheapskate to buy $6 ebooks when I can buy paperbacks with the same equivalent. Turning the pages provide such a high for me. If only it was not that expensive!

Friends have given me so many ebooks lately but I still haven’t gotten to reading any of them. Every night I try to turn off everything electronic and just read books or even practice my handwriting (Believe me, if you have been typing and using the computer for a long time and using electronic gadgets to keep notes of everything, it changes! Better practice) and reading ebooks gets crossed off my list.

Who knows maybe I will just bite the bullet and read from the laptop. I bet my eyes would love to spank me when that happens!

Here are some Ebook Reader apps you might find useful if you have the iPhone or iTouch:
Read here!

eReader

eReader’s slidebar makes flipping pages easy.

(Credit: Don Reisinger/CNET Networks)

eReader is one of the most popular iPhone apps in the Apple App Store and it’s the second-most downloaded program in the store’s "Books" section. It’s well liked for good reason.

eReader is designed extremely well, and it makes flipping through pages of your free books or premium titles easy. If you want to skip to a certain page, you can use a slidebar above the text to flip through the book. It’s a simple feature, but you shouldn’t overlook it; this is an ideal way to skip pages that more eBook readers should adopt.

Stanza

Stanza makes personalizing the text quick and easy.

(Credit: Don Reisinger/CNET)

Stanza is the most-downloaded eBook app on the App Store and it gets that prize for good reason: it’s the best application in this roundup.

Unlike the Kindle for iPhone app, Stanza allows you to read much more than just books. In fact, the program also lets you access newspapers and online sites, and supports MS LIT, epub, Mobipocket, and PalmDoc eBook formats. You can even view Word documents and PDF files in Stanza.

Buying books and getting them into Stanza is simple. The easiest way to access titles and start reading them is through the Fictionwise Reader Store, accessible within the app. It claims to have over 50,000 titles. In my search, it had everything I was looking for on topics ranging from history to sports to fiction. I didn’t have any trouble getting those books and reading them with the app.

Reading eBooks in Stanza is easily the most appealing when compared with its competitors. The app provides for multi-column views or standard book layout view. And by swiping the screen, you can move up, down, left, and right. You can flip pages with just a tap on the screen. You can also change the color, size, and font of your text with a slidebar. Combine those options and you can easily create an experience that can be tailored to your liking.

 

With all the crazy weather changes we have been experiencing as of late, I have become more aware that global warming is no joke. I still have kids who are young and I want to give them the gift of environment when we go. Little steps go a long way. For example, investing on a dual flush toilet will actually save water in the long run. And aren’t we supposed to conserve energy and natural resources as much as we can?

Dual Flush toilets handle solid and liquid waste differently from standard American style toilets, giving the user a choice of flushes. It’s an interactive toilet design that helps conserve water that has caught on quickly in countries where water is in short supply, like Australia, and in areas where water supply and treatment facilities are older or overtaxed. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that by the year 2013, an estimated 36 states will experience water shortages as a result of increased water usage and inefficient water management from aging regional infrastructures. Using less water to flush liquid waste makes sense, but in the United States there may be cultural biases that make accepting a more hands-on approach to personal waste harder to accept

Save Water – now, before it’s too late!

Centipede grass is a type of grass that has a coarse texture. Its stems tend to grow between three and five inches tall, and it grows best in southern climates such as Northern Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. One of the primary advantages of planting centipede grass is most gardeners and landscapers consider it to be a general-purpose grass that is good for creating lawns in residential and commercial areas.

One of the characteristics of centipede grass is it is a low-maintenance grass. Since it does not require fertilization and other heavy maintenance, this is a major advantage to using it. Its low maintenance makes centipede grass a good choice for use for roadsides, industrial areas, and other utility areas. One reason the grass grows well in the southern half of the country is its immunity to droughts. It can survive the higher temperatures and rain-free environments you find in southern states at certain times of the year.

Pests can be a problem when considering types of grass to plant, but another major advantage of centipede grass is its resistant to the many types of pests that can destroy grass. Its resistance eliminates the need to spend additional money in lawn care for pesticide sprayings, which also makes it a healthier area for children and pets that play outside. While centipede grass grows at its best in full sun, it also grows in shaded areas.

Along with the advantages, centipede grass possesses two major disadvantages. First, it is particular about the soil it grows in. It does not grow well in coastal soils that have a high alkaline content. The second major disadvantage is the cost of centipede grass compared to other types of grass. With the many advantages of the grass, consumers still prefer it to other types.

Fire and Ice

Who will she choose?

After I watched the movie I had to re-read Eclipse and Breaking Dawn because I was suffering from post-giddyness syndrome I think. I needed to apply night creams to prevent dark circles from appearing.I think it’s fine I post some spoilers now as most of my friends have seen it already. As what I’ve said with New Moon this movie was really for the fans. It was surprising though that so many liked it better than the first two movies and it was interesting to note that those who liked it more never read the book – I guess Summit has been taking tips.

Anyway, I have so many comments and I will try to make things cohesive and brief to the point. My  most favorite scenes were (in chronological order):

1. When Jacob steals a kiss from Bella – this was when things start to get exciting. Edward’s angry retort was ridiculously hot, I don’t know why. Maybe because he wasn’t reeling his emotions in and not looking constipated and about to go to the loo?

The dialogue that made me pinch my husband:
Edward: “Next time you kiss her you better ask permission first.”
Jacob: “Don’t worry the next time it happens she will ask me!”

2. The bedroom scene where Bella takes advantage of the new bed at Edward’s room. THERE.ARE.NO.WORDS. Literally. Heehee. Hot schtuff.

3. The tent scene. I think this was the highlight of the movie with Jacob’s dialogue: “Admit I am hotter than you are.” It also sums up how Jacob and Edward’s love for Bella differed – Jacob’s love is wild, impulsive, passionate. Edward’s was steady, true, unselfish. My heart ached for Edward here. Especially the morning after.

You could see it in his eyes.

4. All the meadow scenes. Edward so gorgeous here.

You would not even think of getting a diet pill comparison for your diet pills or anything else when you watch this Disney Classic. I want to be able to collect all the toys featured – soon, when I have that house I can call my own with a room I can display my collectibles.

I think Toy Story really nailed the song. You would NOT be able to remember the movie whenever you hear the song You’ve Got a Friend in Me.

We got to see this in film. There is no way on Earth my kids could have forgiven me if we didn’t. They enjoyed it to bits. In fact, I won’t even give it a review because you will only hear applauses and an occasional sob from me. It trumps my most favorite Disney movie – Beauty and the Beast. Now, that is saying something.

In fact, it has gotten excellent reviews at Rotten Tomatoes:

Toy Story 3 is now the second-best reviewed film ever on Rotten Tomatoes,

with a 99% "Fresh" score. 149 reviews have been counted, 147 positive to 2 negative or "Rotten". This is quite an achievement. Everyone at Pixar, starting with director Lee Unkrich, should be very proud of what they accomplished.

The t

wo negative reviews published today, however, cost ‘TS3′ it’s perfect 100% "Fresh" score and the title of "Best Reviewed Film of All Time" on RT, still held by predecessor Toy Story 2 after eleven years.

Read more about Toy Story 3 tidbits from the Pixar Blog.

‘Toy Story 3’ trivia, courtesy of Pixar:

Fun facts

• Director Lee Unkrich edited the first two “Toy Story” films, and co-directed “Toy Story 2.” He also served as a film editor on “Toy Story 3.”

• “Toy Story 3” Producer Darla K. Anderson is the namesake for the character Darla in “Finding Nemo.”

• Director Lee Unkrich performs one line in the movie, as the voice of the Jack in the Box character who says “New Toys!” when Woody, Buzz and the gang first arrive at Sunnyside.

• On January 15, 2010, the final day for many of the 58-person animation crew, director Lee Unkrich led a mini-marching band through the studio composed of two snare drummers, two bass drummers, two giant monkeys and a Yeti.

• 17 animators on “Toy Story 3” also worked on animation for “Toy Story 2.” Four animators worked on the animation for all three “Toy Story” films.

• 92,854 storyboards were drawn over the course of the film, and of those, about half (45,516) were delivered to the editorial department. Editorial turned those storyboards into eight different “Milestone Screenings” that were shown to the Pixar Brain Trust while the film was in development.

• There are 302 total characters in the film.

Hidden facts

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Since I cannot take my mind off Ireland today, I better just share some things I have learned from reading all the travel brochures and web sites about the country. Ireland is considered the third largest island in Europe and the twentieth largest island in the world. It’s capital is Dublin and due to its lush vegetation it has earned the name Emerald Isle.

Considered to be a country of many islands, the first thing you are recommended to do once you check out of their airport is hire a Dublin car rental. The car hire Dublin airport has many options.
It will allow you to go to places that are most recommended by tour guides.

1. Visit The Blarney Stone

The Blarney Stone is world famous and is part of Blarney Castle which is five miles from Cork. Legend has it that if you kiss this piece of bluestone, you will magically be possessed with the gift of the gab.

2. Visit Castles And Stately Homes

If you enjoy touring stately homes and castles, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Ireland. Take your pick from Blarney Castle, Dublin Castle, Ross Castle and Muckross House & Gardens, just to name a few.

3. Tour The Ring Of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is perhaps Ireland’s most famous tourist attraction. This is a 110 mile trip covering some of the most breathtaking scenery Ireland has to offer. Starting out from Killarney, it is an all day trip that encompasses the Atlantic coast, small fishing villages, stone forts and many more local beauty spots that you may remember for the rest of your life.

4. Visit The Guinness Brewery In Dublin

If you love beer, then why not sample a drop of Guinness at the Guinness Brewery in Dublin? You can tour the brewery and discover just how they make this famous stout.

5. Visit The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher in Country Clare tower over the ocean and are a very popular tourist attraction. It can be wild and windy at The Cliffs, so make sure you’re prepared for the weather and don’t get too close to the edge as you can literally be blown over!

6. St Patrick’s Cathedral

If you enjoy visiting churches, then you’re going to love St Patrick’s Cathedral, which was built centuries ago. Anglican services are held on a daily basis, and there is a part of the church that features famous writers’ tombs. North of St Patrick’s Cathedral there is a park that boasts statues dedicated to famous Irish writers.

Or so I wish.

I received the most amazing news from a friend that she was assigned for a three-month work/vacation time for work at Ireland. Ever since we watched the movie PS I Love You, we have been dreaming of being able to go there and get lucky and meet the (Irish) man of our dreams. Of course, this would never happen because we are both (very happily) married but it never hurts to plan and dream impossible dreams.

Since she will be arriving alone by next week, her boss hired a Dublin car rental for her to use on location so she can mobile. It has been easy to hire one because everything can be done online. The Dublin Airport car hire can done directly online.
I really don’t know if she will be able to drive there, but right now we are going through the rules of the road of the country.

Here are some special considerations:

* The first thing to remember is that you will be driving on the left hand side of the road. If you are traveling from the UK this is no problem! However if you are coming from the USA and many other countries you will have to adapt to driving on the left.

* When driving on Irish roads, and when it is safe to do so, overtake on the right hand side only.

* Please note that all distances and speed limits are measured in metric (kilometers per hour) in the Republic of Ireland compared to the UK and the USA. Bear this in mind if you are going across the border into Northern Ireland. Road distances on signs are measured in kilometers in the Irish Republic too.

* Speed limit on Irish motorways is 120 km/h. Speed limits on National roads is either 80km/h or 100 km/h but pay heed when you pass through a village, town or urban areas the speed limit is usually reduced to 50 or 60 km/h.

 

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