Priceline - review

Priceline is famous for their “Name your own price” catch phrase. Every time I think of Priceline, I think of their commercials with William Shatner. He encourages the person searching for a deal to always bid lower for the price they want to pay. Priceline knows that when you are planning your vacation, you are looking for a deal to save money any way you can.

How does it work? You complete an online form with the specifics of what you want. Imagine that you are booking a hotel for your vacation. You want to stay in a four-star hotel but all the room rates are out of your price range. Using the online form, you choose the area where you want to stay and type of hotel you want. If you like knowing where you are going at the time of booking, do not use Priceline.com's name your own price function. If you have a specific area where you need to be located, DO NOT use Priceline.com's name your own price function.  You will not know the address of the hotel until you have completed the booking and they have found a hotel willing to meet your price. The same is true for plane tickets.

The whole point is that you are hoping to get a nice room for a cheap price. When I use Priceline, I limit my request to 3 or 4 star hotels only. Including 2 or 2.5 stars means you will probably end up in a hotel that would not have chosen on your own. Some of their 2 star hotels in Days Inn, Comfort Inn, etc. Since I like Renaissance, Marriott, Embassy Suites, Doubletree, Hilton, it is better that I limit to the highest rated hotel properties.

Then I do my research and by going to the website of those properties and bid half of their advertised rate. If there are no takers, I may increase my bid. If I don’t want to increase my bid, I will wait 24 hours and try again. Priceline tries to be helpful and suggest ways to get a “winning bid” but it usually includes choosing lower rated hotels. I work too hard to try to save a dollar by staying in a grungy motel. Most of the time Priceline does not accept my price for hotels. The few times that it has worked for me, I ended up at very nice hotels (Doubletree, Holiday Inn, Renaissance).

The cheapest flights are usually going to red-eye or multiple stops. Decide how much you want to be inconvenienced in your travel and then bid accordingly. Keep in mind, that the cheapest flight could be on multiple airlines or have crazy layover times (like 30 minutes between flights) in which case you could miss your connecting flight and end up spending more to get out of your connecting city than if you booked with a different travel agency.

Overall, using Priceline takes a lot of patience. It pays off if you are able to save money on your hotel room, rental car, or plane ticket. Other times, you are better off trying to find a deal another way.

Courtyard by Marriott Cary NC

I love Marriott locations because their service and quality is consistent. Courtyard in Cary NC was no exception. The rooms were nice and the beds were comfortable.

The waitstaff was attentive and accommodating.

They recently opened Bistro restaurant. The Bistro is breakfast nook in the morning and bar in the evening. In the morning they serve eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes, fruit, scones, coffee, tea, and juice. In the evening, they serve a variety of alcoholic beverages including beer and wine, wings, spinach dip, flatbread sandwiches, and pita chips with hummus. The prices were not too expensive- more than McDonalds, but on par with Panera.

 

I took this picture of their flower outside in front of the entrance. They had taken such care with the exterior of the building, I was confident that the interior would be just as nice. I was not disappointed.

 

I would recommend that anyone coming to the area, stay at this hotel. Since it is located off of a major highway, there is easy access to the facility without traffic difficulties. And it is also close to the airport.

Fox Rent A Car - review

Fox Rent A Car (Las Vegas Airport)

Note: despite what they lead you to believe, this is not on airport premises

You have to take the shuttle from the terminal to the Rental cars. Then you have to take another shuttle (10-15 minute ride) to Fox.

It is a hassle to get to the place. When I was there, they have 2 working shuttles. So depending on your timing, you might have to wait a while to get the office to rent a car.

Completing paperwork was okay. The guy asked me if I wanted to upgrade. Considering all that happened next, it is good thing that I said no.

The problem started when I went to get my car. I was told to choose any car in Section 4. The PROBLEM was there were no cars in Section 4. I went inside to complain. They told me to talk to the attendant outside. I went back outside and had to search for someone. It seemed that everyone was on break or in  hiding. When I finally found someone, they told me I could wait until the finished cleaning a car for me. I told them that was not an option. Since it was confirmed that I was NOT waiting so they gave me another car- essentially a free upgrade. I was not appreciative, since that was the least they could do considering the aggravation.

Since I knew they were so far from the airport, I allowed extra time for the return. Again, smart move on my part. They were not quick in checking me out. Meanwhile the shuttle arrived. The guy finally checked me out just in time for me to catch the shuttle back to the airport. Their shuttle took me to the Rental car terminal. I then had to take another shuttle to the terminal for departures. I thought that they would have at least dropped me off at departures. But I guess that is what cheap rental car service entails.

To top it all off, when I checked my credit card statement later, I saw that they charged a deposit which took 2 weeks to clear from my credit card.

Car rentals prices = Cheap (I only saved $3 a day and the inconvenience was not worth it)

Service = Bad

Location = Bad

Cozumel - Mayan ruins

If you go Cozumel Mexico, you might explore the 2 sites of ruins in Cozumel: El Cedral and San Gervasio.

Both sites are easy to find. Most of the tour guide books and brochures included maps that directed us to the sites. On my last trip, we rented a Jeep and drove to both of these sites. It took about 20-30 minutes to travel between each site. We were on a cruise and had the whole day in Cozumel. There was plenty of time to sight see, go to beach, drink a few margaritas, and go shopping downtown.

El Cedral consists of a small church and a monument. It was not the most exciting excursion, but it was interesting to learn the history of the place. During the day that we went, there was not much happening. There were a few tourist shops and a store that sold drinks and snacks. I thought that the tourist shops were too expensive because I got better deals in town. I could not complain too much since it did not cost anything to have a look around and see the sites.

On the other hand, the ruins at San Gervasio Mayan ruins required an entrance fee. It is best to have pesos to pay the entrance fee. With the exchange rate, I paid the equivalent of $7. San Gervasio Mayan ruins consist of structures built years ago. There was a house and kitchen structure. It was a bit of stretch of the imagination to visualize the ruins because most looked like piles of rocks.

The history of San Gervasio was lost on me because the place is a mosquito farm. I guess I went during the rainy season. The place was wet from rain and mosquitoes were everywhere. I am sure that is not what the locals call it, but I got numerous bites in the short time I was there. I stopped counting after 50! I had not seen all of the ruins, but I was ready to go. In retrospect, I am glad that I did not get malaria or one of those other mosquito-borne sicknesses.

If you are feeling adventurous, check it the ruins. Do not expect to be “WOW”-ed though. It is a low cost activity on the island as long as you do not get suckered by any of the locals selling overpriced souvenirs.

If you go during the rainy season, take plenty of bug spray and lotion.

Overall, I have to stress that it is something to do on the island, but do not feel that this is something you have to experience before you die.

Pho Noodleville

Pho Noodleville – Orchard Park Dr, Greenville SC

864-288-8809

(healthy Vietnamese cuisine)

I have passed by this restaurant so many times but I decided that I wanted to try it. I don’t know what Vietnamese food is supposed to taste like. I did not take any one with me who was Vietnamese for them to explain the dishes to me. So I cannot say if their food is authentic or even explain what the ingredients are in the dishes that I ordered. But I can say there were a lot of people there that I am guessing are from Viet Nam.

The lady that took our order spoke some English. I don’t think that she really understood all the questions we were asking. She kept nodding and saying “Yes” but our questions required more than an affirmative statement. So we just decided to choose menu items that we hoped we would like.

We ended ordering the spring rolls ($4) as an appetizer and the pork chop rice platter ($8) for main course

Spring rolls  - I really liked the spring rolls. It would be worth another trip just for those. The spring rolls were stuffed with all kinds of good stuff, the most noticeable would be the noodles. The sweet sour dipping sauce was thin like water but provided enough flavor for me.

Pork chop rice platter – the pork chop (yes only 1) was flattened and I am guessing sautéed. It came with rice, lettuce leaves, sweet vinegar carrots, and some other sort lightly pickled vegetable. The pork was a little tough to me but it was well seasoned. The flavors were light but fragrant. After eating, I was full but not feeling overstuff.

My husband’s only complaint was that there was not enough meat on the plate. I was fine but I can eat rice as a main dish. He, on the other hand, has to have copious amounts of meat.

I would definitely return and order the spring rolls. I need to find someone who can explain the menu to me so that I know what to order the next time.

Bodies exhibition

If you are fascinated by the human body, YOU have to check out this
exhibit. If you are studying to be in the medical field, YOU need to see
this exhibit.
You will have a whole new appreciation for bodily functions and motions
that you took for granted. Examine the body from the inside out-
circulatory, digestive, muscular, and all the other systems. I
thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Although, it was difficult to go
through the section about unborn bodies. It is sad to know that a life
ended before it really got a chance to start.
I was inspired to exercise after seeing this. I heart my body and I want
to take care of myself the best way I know how.
And in other thoughts, I do not know how someone can study the body in
detail and not be convinced there is a Creator. The intelligence that
was needed to make our body is definitely out of this world!

Genie bra

I tried the Genie Bra www.geniebra.com  (yes I bought into the hype). I was disappointed. And don’t believe the hype about the price on the commercial. You can buy it for the same price at CVS.

This was supposed to be a wonderful bra that supports with no wires and has comfortable straps. I am a buxom girl (36F/36DDD), so I am constantly searching for a good fitting bra. It is normal for me to spend $60+ on an undergarment because I want support for my girls and comfortable straps. The Genie Bra is supposed to be both for only $10 a bra.

Hmmmm, sounds too good to be true.

Well, it is comfortable like a tight fitting t-shirt but did not provide any of the support for me like the touted in the commercial. I even has boobage coming out of the sides and THAT is not a pretty look.

Then I thought to myself that if it was really so good, it probably would not be on a commercial on late night TV. To me, this bra is like a more form fitting sports bra. But I am not going to exercise. So I got a refund for the bra and put that money towards a real heavy duty bra from Peek Intimates in Greenwood SC.

That time, the money was well spent.

If you are already flat chested and like the feel of sports bras, buy the genie bra. It is cheap. But then if you are flat chested, you can probably buy cheap bras anywhere (Dollar General, Kmart, Walmart, etc). Not trying to offend, but you know it is true.

If your chest is bigger than a D cup, don’t waste your time buying this and trying it on. And if you want to ignore my advice and buy it, save the receipt so that it will be easy to get your money back.

This was really a big disappointment for me because I wanted the Genie Bra to work. I was looking forward to it, only to be let down.

Woody's Famous Philadelphia Cheesesteaks

I thought that one of the main ingredients for a cheesesteak would be the meat. The carrier for all that deliciousness should be bread. But early one Sunday afternoon (about 12:30pm) it seems that Woody's (located in Midtown ATL) let that one missing ingredient spoil the whole show. Yep! So early in the day and they were out of bread. People were standing around like they had been punked. 


It was like "Really? You are out of bread? Seriously? Where are the cameras?" "Surely you cannot be out of bread when your main menu item is a cheesesteak?" "So they are serious?"


"WTF?" "This blows" 


Good thing they said that in 30 minutes they would get a shipment. Ummm. I am hungry now. Blood sugar was dropping and I was getting light headed. I was not waiting for them to figure out what they needed to run their restaurant. So I decided to go about a block and ended up at Jersey Mike's for a chicken philly. It was disappointing too since the chicken was overcooked and dry, but at least they had bread.

Couponing

I went to CVS the other day, sales paper and coupons in hand, to rack up some savings. Couponing has become a trendy new activity because of the recession. I remember the good old days when couponing was not so popular. Back then, the coupon values were high. During the last year, I would say that I had grown disillusioned with coupons. The coupon books in the Sunday newspaper had less coupons for the popular brand products and many of the values were lower and lower. A coupon that used to have face value of $1 off one, is now $1 off two OR $.40 off one. Since I was not using coupons, I did not even bother with brand name items either.

What was the use of paying more for a product with a coupon that has less face value?

But I have been reenergized. It happened by accident. I was at my sister-in-law’s house one Sunday morning. She finished reading the paper and threw the coupons in the recycle bin.

I said, “What are you doing? That is like throwing money away.”

She told me that she does not use coupons, so why keep them?

After fishing the coupons out of the recycle bin, I decided to cut them out and see if the savings would be worth it. I knew I would have to pair the coupon up with additional saving (product already on sale) to compensate for the fact that the coupon value is lower.

Deals of the WEEK

***Hydro razon (regular price $10 on sale for $8.49 AND received $5 CVS bucks) with $2 off coupon = paid $1.49 (total savings $8.50)***

Fig newton and Chips Ahoy (reg price $8.28 on sale 2 for $5) with $1 off coupon = paid $4 (total savings $4.28)

In total, I spent $20 for $50 worth of goods. Granted I think the stores have marked up the prices of good so I do not know if the goods are really worth $50. In any case, if a person went to the store and paid regular price for the same items that I purchased, they would pay more than double what I paid. THAT makes me feel good about couponing.

THANK YOU!

THANKS to CVS in Greenwood SC on 72-25 Bypass for finding my coupons and check and holding it in a secure place. They did not have my phone number to contact me and it would have been easy for someone to forge a signature and cash the check. There are so many dishonest people in the world. But at least the people on staff at CVS have not fallen prey to fraudulent ways.

I am so grateful that I want the whole worldwide web to know!

50 foods you have to eat (or at least try) before you die

In 2005, I saved a list of the 50 foods you have to eat (or at least try) before you die. I revisited this list and was surprise about how many I have tried and really like.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/tv_and_radio/50eats_index.shtml

LOVE IT – means I would order if on the menu

LIKE IT – means I might order but not my first choice

ITS OK – means I would probably not order, but would eat if put in front of me

1. Fresh fish – love it especially grilled ahi tuna (King of Prussia, PA) or fried red snapper (Belize)

2. Lobster – it’s ok

3. Steak – it’s ok

4. Thai food – love it (Fusion; Greenwood SC)

5. Chinese food – love it, especially egg rolls

6. Ice cream – love it, especially butter pecan (any Brusters)

7. Pizza – love it, especially pepperoni (any Papa Johns)

8. Crab – love it (Dave cooks the best)

9. Curry – love it, especially goat or lamb curry (Jamaican restaurant in Bronx, NY)

10. Prawns – love it

11. Moreton Bay bugs – don’t know what this is

12. Clam chowder – love it, New England style (Boston, MA)

13. Barbecues – love it, especially pulled pork (Festival of Discovery, Greenwood SC, during July)

14. Pancakes – like it

15. Pasta – love it, especially angel hair

16. Mussels – it’s ok

17. Cheesecake  – love it, especially NY style with strawberries on top (Juniors, Manhattan, NY)

18. Lamb – love it, especially lamb chops grilled medium rare (Sullivans, Raleigh, NC)

19. Cream tea – it’s ok

20. Alligator – surprisingly it is ok, tasted like chicken

21. Oysters – it’s ok, not big on raw oysters, but steamed are ok

22. Kangaroo – have not tried

23. Chocolate – love it, especially milk chocolate with hazelnuts (Godiva chocolate)

24. Sandwiches – love it, especially with good quality honey ham, mustard, and heirloom tomatoes

25. Greek food – love it, especially gyros with tzakiki(don’t know how to spell that) sauce (Milanos, Pelzer, SC)

26. Burgers – love it, especially turkey burgers with Caribbean seasoning spices (Kickers  in Greenwood SC)

27. Mexican food – it’s ok, a quesadilla with un caldo de pollo is good comfort food

28. Squid – like calamari with marinara sauce

29. American diner breakfast – like it, my order 2 eggs fried hard, 2 strips bacon, whole wheat toast, and orange juice (Crave, Charleston SC)

30. Salmon – love it, especially grilled medium rare

31. Venison  – love it, especially in hash

32. Guinea pig – have not tried

33. Shark – have not tried

34. Sushi – love it, especially anything with ahi tuna or crab

35. Paella – like it (Lazy Goat, Greenville, SC)

36. Barramundi – don’t know what this is

37. Reindeer – have not tried

38. Kebab – love it, especially (street corner in Manhattan, NY)

39. Scallops – love it

40. Australian meat pie – have not tried

41. Mango  – love it

42. Durian fruit – have not tried

43. Octopus – it’s ok

44. Ribs – love it, especially baby back pork ribs (Dave makes the best)

45. Roast beef – it’s ok

46. Tapas – love it, especially machego cheese with pancetta (A little Spanish restaurant in Miami Beach, FL)

47. Jerk chicken/pork – love it, especially jerk chicken (Jamaican restaurant in Bronx, NY)

48. Haggis – have not tried

49. caviar – it’s ok

50. Cornish pasty – liked it

THANK YOU!!!

Good customer service THANK YOU goes to Raul at the Advance Auto Parts on Jesse Jewel Parkway in Gainesville, GA

He helped me when I had a problem when my car’s check engine light November 21 2010. He did a little tinkering and resolved the issue.

I was so worried because I had a 2 hour drive home and it was a Sunday evening. I hoped that everything was going to be okay and that it was nothing major.

A little good customer service can go a long way and still I remember what he did so I knew that THANKS was long overdue.

This is why I like Advance Auto Parts.

Sharpie liquid pencil review

I went to Staples for their back to school specials – 10 cent notebooks, $1 pens, and more. As I walked down the aisle, I saw Sharpie Liquid Pencil. I was intrigued. There were two “pencils” in a pack for $5. Normally, I do not buy the new trendy stuff because I like to wait until it is on sale. But for some reason, I was in a buying mood.

Once I got out of the store, I ripped open the package to try out my new liquid pencil. The feel of writing was not anything special. It felt like I was writing with a pen. And that is when it hit me. I fell into Sharpie’s marketing trap, this liquid pencil was nothing more than a erasable pen! I could have bought 5 of another brand of erasable pens for the price of these 2 Sharpies and I would have not noticed a difference in quality.

I had to shake my head that I let myself be suckered into the hype of a “new product”. I was so disappointed that I almost returned the pens since I was still in Staples parking lot. The sad part about it is that I do not even use pencils normally. I have to chalk the whole experience up to being in a mood to buy whatever they were selling. The emotional payoff was not worth it though.

This is why I need to stick to only buying those office supplies that are on my list.

What do I think about this product? FAIL (nothing special for the expensive price)

What do I think about their marketing? PASS (they got me and I am usually so up on these marketing ploys)

More Haiku poems about Green living

Plea for Bees

Less buzzing around

Earth’s honeybees are dying

Let’s work to save them

Free Range Chickens

Chickens roaming free

Happily can lay their eggs

Content Urban Farm

Flower Garden Patience

Bulbs planted in fall

Summer brings pretty flowers

Amaryllis blooms

The Lazy Goat - Downtown Greenville

The first time that I went to The Lazy Goat was for an anniversary party. It the following items were served.


Harissa Spiced Hummus - crisp veggies and warm pita
Moroccan Lamb - Braised shank, warm pita, cucumber yogurt, plantain chips
Fried Goat Cheese - pistachio dust and honey drizzle
Lazy Paella - calamari, prawns, mussels, chorizo, “bomba” rice, haricot vert, sofrito broth

I then knew that I had found my favorite downtown GVL restaurant spot. The food has Mediterranean flavors along with other global influences. You can see from the mix of ingredients that it is an eclectic culinary mix. And the result is delicious. The food and flavors are fresh and different. Their drinks were good too. It is worth a visit to try it. You just might like it.


http://thelazygoat.typepad.com/site/about/

Riots in London prove that civility is dead

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/08/11/ukriots.accused/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

People assumed erroneously that the ones who were looting had to be the poor, uneducated, intent on taking from hard-working citizens. But then when the looters were arrested, there was a different story. These people were ones that would have been considered to have class and decorum. One girl even was the daughter of a millionaire.

It just goes to show that some people have desires within them to act in a lawless way. They do not act on those impulses if they think that they will be found out. But in situations like what happened these last couple days, when people think others are not looking, they allow their true self to come out. Stealing, looting, destroying property just because they can.

It is senseless. There is a general lack of consideration for others.

The point that stuck with me is that it is a shame that people automatically think when something like this happens, it has to be the poor people that instigated it.

poem - price of freedom

wispy branches attempt to hold

like an overprotective mother

trying to shield her child eager for independence

in the end, it is to no avail

efforts of mother tree are useless

cool convincing wind whispers enticing invitation

coaxing leaves to depart

the comforts of home for promises of greater freedom

leaves fly away only to be left to fall

when the wind decides not to carry them anymore

no longer feeling mother tree’s caring embrace

shivering on their new home the cold, wet ground

and reminiscing of the warmer, better days

Freeds bakery

There are days when I crave the desserts found at Freed's Bakery. I
found out about this place from my favorite channel "The Food Network".
It was featured a few times, most notably by Rachel Ray on $40 a Day. I
do not usually pay attention to where she eats because I think she would
rave regardless of the location. But I am a sucker for desserts. Since I
was going to be in Vegas, I decided I NEEDED to see if as much of a
culinary experience as I had imagined from watching the show.
I can honestly say "YES!". It is definitely worth it. These desserts
will haunt your dreams and encourage your subconscious to justify trips
to Vegas to eat dessert.
They are known for their most popular wedding cake which is also called
Bavarian Rhapsody (White Cake with Freed's Signature Bavarian Cream
filling) topped with a buttercream. Mmmmm. Just thinking about tempts me
to want to plan a trip...but I digress.
The fruit tart was also a delectable treat. The tart shell was a flaky,
buttery pastry. The inside of the tart shell was coated with chocolate
and filled with their signature Bavarian cream. Sigh. So good. Their
Bavarian cream was thick but light at the same time. I know that sounds
like a paradox, but you have to try it and you will see that describes
it perfectly. Very creamy with hints of vanilla flavor. In other words,
imagine the best vanilla pudding you ever tasted and multiply that times
100. Then you will be close to what their signature Bavarian cream
tastes like. And each tart is topped with fresh fruit. That topping
makes it healthy and guilt free eating in my opinion.
I just saw on their website that they have changed locations to 9815 S
Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV
Check out their website for more information www.freedsbakery.com/ and
if you are in Vegas, you owe it to yourself to drop by. In a town where
nothing is guaranteed, this is a sure bet!

Westin Buckhead review

Westin Buckhead 3391 Peachtree Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30326

Phone: (404) 365-0065

The Westin in Buckhead was pricey and that is because of the location. The room was standard for the hotel type. Everything was up to the level that I expected for a Westin room. The bed was comfortable but I was not moved by the “heavenly bed” experience.

Checking in happened without incident. The front desk personnel were friendly and helpful.

Valet parking was $30 a day. I thought that was very expensive. Again I decided it must be because of the location.

Since my meeting was located in the hotel, I ate at the Palms for breakfast every day. In my opinion, that was a rip off. The breakfast was overpriced for what they offered.

The first morning I paid $30 - $16 for food, $7 juice and tea, plus tip. I thought (error on my part) that the juice and tea would be included in the price of the buffet. That is how it is at every other restaurant breakfast buffet. I think once a certain price point is exceeded, the drinks should be included.

The best part of the breakfast bar was the bacon. It was crispy, but not overcooked. On the other hand, the fruit was not sweet, the bread was stale, and there was not a good selection of danishes. Considering I was eating at the famous, well known Palms restaurant, I expected better.

The only other plus for the Westin was that it was walking distance from Lenox mall.

In all, I probably would not stay here again since there are other hotels in the area that have better prices. The room rates are about the same, but valet parking and restaurant prices are less expensive.

I am not a Starwood Preferred Guest (prefer Marriott) so really is not any incentive for me to choose Westin.

Growing a Greener Haiku Contest!

I entered the following two Haiku poems into the Growing a Greener Haiku Contest

The concept was to use any topics from the show as inspiration for the poem. I actually had quite a few different poems, but these two are the ones that I entered into the contest.

Who knows if I will win? But at least I made the effort by submitting my entry.

HAIKU 1 – No GMOs

Corporations claim

GMOs benefit us,

I do not buy it.

HAIKU 2 – Save the Bees

Dying honeybees

Pesticides are killing them

Save bees, plant flowers

If you have an idea for a haiku for this contest want to submit an entry before contest closes on Aug 5, here is the link http://www.growingagreenerworld.com/growing-a-greener-haiku-contest/comment-page-1/#comment-7649