A winter getaway? Who, us? Why not? As you very well know, we do love to travel. And I just don’t write it here, we really go and explore. There’s a big difference between just writing and going, right? I must admit though, that in the history of our travel adventures, we haven’t tried a winter escapade, just yet. But this winter, the allure of Missouri in Branson specifically, may well be a welcome change for us. Change, in the sense that we are hying off somewhere in the winter. Neither my husband nor I have visited Missouri yet. With all the foreign travels that we have taken through the years, sometimes I cringe at the thought that we haven’t been to a major US destination, like Branson, Missouri which is touted as the live music show capital of the world.
Looking through different accommodation options, the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel comes to mind. With its proximity to the Branson Convention Center, right at the heart of the historic downtown Branson, Misouri, you’ll never have to wander far. It is situated from across Hilton Promenade and the Branson Landing retail and entertainment district. What’s more, it’s just a stone’s throw away from the golf courses, Silver Dollar City, the Celebration City, a lot of different attractions and the most important thing for me:it’s very close to outlet malls! See? it does not get any better than that. I smell shopping here, and if only for that, I’m in! But wait, the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is also right across the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. They’re both Hilton properties, so you know what to expect. If it comes down to it, my husband will have to make the final choice, I’m fine with any of the two hotels. With the Winter Escape specials that both properties are offering, both hotels are good picks.
I’m really psyched up to take a winter break. As you know, for as long as there’s shopping possibility around, it is a good enough motivation for me to plan for a trip. Although, seeing a live show would be great. I would love to see the Magnificent 7 variety show. Why would we go to Branson at all if we don’t even see one, right? The other activity I would also love to do is a visit to the Stone Hill Winery.
Okay now, this is a plan, and I have to present it to my financier (the husband). Besides, the crucial scheduling of vacation days in his office has to be firmed up first. If I get the go, then Branson here we come!
After I did my usual chores today, I spent a good three hours in the afternoon tinkering around the kitchen. I wanted to make beef stew, this time, not using the crock pot but using my trusty cast iron pot, my Le Creuset. It’s been a while since I last made stew the traditional way, browning the meat and simmering for a lot of hours. While I’m typing away, I can now smell the aroma of my beef stew.
And the rest of my time in the kitchen, I got busy and made Crema de Fruta. This is actually the second time I made Crema de Fruta, after I got hold of the recipe from my sister in law. A few weeks ago, I was salivating over the taste of her home made Crema thus, I requested her to email me her recipe. It is now being chilled and I hope it will be eaten with gusto.
Lately, I have been spending more and more time in the kitchen again. I have been experimenting with different recipes. It’s fun, even if it’s tiring. I haven’t started baking yet though. That will for sure comes next.
It’s been told time and time again, that being in debt is like driving oneself to take on a heavy burden. Yet, even if we are all aware about the effects, there are still some of us who are unmindful of possible repercussions.
Having said that, the negative effects of debt to our credit score and credit history, is not something to sneer at. Any delinquency stays on that credit history. Nowadays, credit score is very important because creditors are not the only ones concerned about ones credit worthiness. A potential employer, a potential landlord and even ones insurance company need that detail to decide on your fate.
More than the effects on our credit score, it is the effect on our day to day life that is very crucial. More often than not, if one is burdened with debt, family life is sacrificed, because anyone in debt is consumed with the current situation.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with debt, let them know that an IVA, known as Individual Voluntary Arrangement may be their best option. It’s the best route to becoming debt free, as an IVA will cut the amount one owes (typically by 50% but in some cases by up to 70%), freezes the interest that is being paid as well as prevent creditors from taking actions against the one in debt. And all of these, are backed legally.
This Holiday season, let that friend or loved one be aware of IVA. It may just be the best gift they are about to receive for the holiday.
I skipped last week’s version, as I was really busy. This week, although the topic is a week earlier than New Year, I think it is timely enough to tackle it. I have long ago stopped making my New Year’s resolutions list, but it may be a good way to start off the new year right. So here goes my list:
1. Keep to my exercise routine everyday.
2. Turn in to bed earlier, and I mean, at a decent time every night.
3. If I can do #2, that means I would want to rise at about the same time normal people wake up everyday.
4. Resume paper scrapping. There’s too many trips to document.
5. Catch up on reading the new books that are waiting to be read. I love to read but there’s just not enough time.
6. Start learning how to bake.
7. Stop spending money on unnecessary purchases.
8. Know when to stop “playing” in the stock market and learn from the recent bleeding of the market.
9. Be more timely in responding to correspondences.
10. Be decisive, and come up with the decision on something that needs to be addressed (time is ticking) not later than 2009.
Christmas day is just a couple of days away. Today, inspite of the freezing temperatures here on my side of the world, the evening news reported that people have been piling up in the malls. That’s what you call last minute shopping. I wonder why they have to brave the chills when they can just log in online and get that much preferred gift card for their recipients.
Yes, it’s been noted that according to the National Retail Federation, as much as 40% of Americans return or take back to the store at least one holiday present. Thus, instead of them returning such presents doesn’t it make sense to just give gift cards? That way, the recipient can pick and choose what they really want. Besides, they can take advantage of the post holiday sales which normally runs till January.
I found out, that at GiftCardMall.com, one can avail of gift cards in various denominations as well as a wide array of gift cards from various premium brands which can then be used online or on retail stores. Furthermore, the online portal at GiftCardMall.com is user friendly. The gift cards are grouped per category, so finding a gift card is easy. Besides, one can also design a gift card and personalize it.
For a gift that is sure to please, why not consider giving gift cards? It’s a sure winner, in my book.
Last Christmas, I did not get a chance to go and see the Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center. This year, I made sure I’d get a glimpse of the gigantic tree. It was crowded yet nonetheless, I believe I got decent shots of the tree.
This year’s tree, a 72-foot tall Norway spruce is festooned with 30,000 LED lights on 5 miles of wire and topped with a massive crystal star. It was donated by a family from Hamilton, New Jersey, and the owners called it the “miracle tree.”
Since the tree lighting ceremony, this has been the crowd drawer in the city. People from all walks of life flock to take a glimpse of the tree which to date, is the 75th tree as the first official tree lighting was held in 1933.
Kikamz, tagged me and she wants me to post an on the spot shot of myself. Okay now, I cheated and didn’t follow the rules because I had requested my husband to take the shot. But no, I didn’t fix myself as this was taken make-up free, in my jammies just before our tea and cake last night.
This tag rules are:
1) Take a picture of yourself right NOW!.
2) DON’T change your clothes, DON’T fix your hair… Just take a picture.
3) Post that picture with NO editing.
4) Post these instruction with your picture.
5)Tag 10 people to do this..
See? That’s me unedited but cropped. Do you think I now need Leptovox? Yeah, I know, I have been putting on some of the weight I’ve lost hence, the rounded face but… Thanks Kikamz!
Today’s version is hosted by Berleen, the color hot magentaand the number 9786. I have to say I have been enjoying this meme. This is only the third time for me to join, and it’s been fun. Go check it out, who knows, you’d end up liking it too. If you want to join, please join us here.
1. If you had to have a brain transplant and had to choose between a cat brain and a dog brain, which would you choose? A dog’s brain definitely.
2. Why do you think bananas are shaped the way they are? I have no idea. But the shape is unique for a fruit.
3. Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip? Mayonnaise.
4. Do you use keyboard shortcuts? Sometimes.
5. Are you a member at InsanityCafe Forums & Arcade? If not, you should be. No. I will check it out.
6. Where I live it was a low of -19 degrees this morning – what was your low last night/this morning? I think it was in the 30′s.
7. Do you like hard boiled eggs? Yes.
8. Have you ever drank green beer? No.
9. Whats your favorite cleaner? I have a lot of favorites depending on the surface I’m cleaning.
10.White or whole wheat bread? Whole wheat.
11. Everyone has some type of phobia – whats yours? Musophobia, who isn’t anyway?
12. Aren’t you glad there weren’t any Christmas related meme questions? It was surprising because we’re almost within Christmas week, but it was okay.
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and didn’t follow the rules because I had requested my husband to take the shot. But no, I didn’t fix myself as this was taken make-up free, in my jammies just before our tea and cake last night.
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