Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Enter to Win FREE 9-Night Cruise Vacation on Celebrity's Newest Ship!

Enter for a chance to win an exhilarating, 9-night inaugural cruise vacation for two aboard the newest Solstice Class ship, Celebrity Silhouette

Their newest masterpiece, Celebrity Silhouette, is getting her finishing touches and will be introduced this July 2011. Enter for a chance to win an exhilarating, 9-night inaugural European escape for two and be one of the first to experience an innovation in luxury with an extraordinary ship and vacation package.

Attend Celebrity Silhouette’s two-night naming ceremony in Hamburg, Germany, and then her 7-night inaugural cruise from Hamburg to Rome.

Enjoy the good life in your suite featuring a private, spacious veranda and 24/7 butler service.

Receive round trip airfare to Europe with complimentary transfers to and from the ship.

Get a $300 onboard credit to use anywhere on the ship, including their specialty restaurants and rejuvenating spa treatments. And they’ll cover the taxes and fees.

Enter to win (clicking here will take you to our website) Simply scroll to the bottom for the contest link.

This will take you right to the entry form. It is painless to fill out... good luck! Share this blog entry with your family and friends. Who knows maybe they'll invite you along if they win!!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

New Travel Sites

Well they have finally arrived! Our two new travel sites are finally live! For great information on vactioning and traveling to the Caribbean, Mexico and other beautiful spots in the world check out Caribbean Cruise Travel Guide

Caribbean Cruise Travel Guide is a dynamic interactive site loaded with information for you to learn more about this part of the world.  But what's even better -- content pages are built into several pages where you can leave a post on your favorite cruise, beach, all inclusive resort and more. These content pages are very interactive and much like facebook! Other people can comment on your comments and you can choose to be notified by email, if you like, when someone comments on your review! How cool is that!

Here are a couple of examples for you to check out: Comments on Sandals White House Resort Jamaica or a review on Why Cruise! Read why Lynette loves cruises so much -- she's been on 23! Feel free to leave your own comments or even start your own new review!

Our second new trave site is very exciting and new in the travel industry! It is going to rival sites like Orbitz & Travelocity -- only better -- why? Because you can actually reach a real live personal travel agent! Check out SAND Travel to plan, shop or even book your own vacations now!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Amazing Haitian Artist - Jean Claude Martin

While take a brief break from our midwest Ohio winter this year we decided to spend a couple of days in beautiful Savannah, Georgia before driving on to Florida.

When in Savannah we always love walking through the historic squares and along the river front.  The Savannah river front is home to many different restaurants, shops and stores. It also has some amazing street performers and vendors.

I have to admit my wife, Sally, is much more of a shopper than I am. Sometimes, like this time around, I like to just sit in the sun with a good book and read or people watch.

Within a few minutes an artist named Jean Claude Martin from Haiti starting setting out his paintings. As I sat on the brick wall reading I asked him if I could move down so he could have more room for his paintings.  He said maybe just a couple of feet and I would be fine.

As I viewed his paintings I became interested in the beautiful blend of vibrant colors and Caribbean scenes.  As I casually began to ask Jean Claude about himself and his art I became intrigued.

Jean Claude Martin setting up his paintings

A sample of Jean Claudes vibrate colorful talent!

Jean Claude Martin was born in the impoverished country of Haiti. At an early age he become "a man".  Jean Claude was forced to learn a trade (skill) at an early age if he wanted to survive.

Jean spent his time watching his elders as they farmed and harvested the crops, carved sculptures, made baskets, prepared the animals they raised for the market and painting pictures.  These were the things the native Haitians did daily to prepare for trade at the markets.

After much time spent observing and practicing, Jean discovered his talent and destiny. He became an artist.


I returned later to discuss with Jean Claude's which of his paintings I would like to purchase


We ended up buying the one in Jean Claudes hand. Love it!!

Jean Claude paints three styles 1) the market place 2) the countryside 3) and the ocean view.  All of his paintings are done in acrylics which are much more durable than oils. He has been painting for over 20 years!

If you want to collect some one-of-a-kind art you simply must stop by to see aspiring Haitian artist Jean Claude Martin. He can also be reached at 912-441-2725

Monday, March 7, 2011

Traveling is Exceptional: Latest Travel Updates: Mexico's West Coast

Traveling is Exceptional: Latest Travel Updates: Mexico's West Coast

Latest Travel Updates: Mexico's West Coast

We absolutely loved Puerto Vallarta and Rivera Nayarit! With a beautiful hospitable people and scenery that is second to none.

If you love Palm Trees like I do you will want to stay at the beautiful Westin Resort and Spa
Built on an old Coconut Plantation with over 200 mature palms!



Want to Step-up Your Game?

If you are looking for a more upscale experience try the Marival Residences and World Spa. Located in Rivera Nayarit these are beautiful condo like villas. An all-inclusive property where all really is included (except your spa services). We stayed here a week and plan on going back in November 2011.
We will be splitting our stay between the Marival Residences, Marival Resorts, Westin Resort and, downtown beach front property, the Buenaventura Grand. We really wanted to go back and explore each one of these fabulous properties and their surrounding areas.

Our spacious condo at Marival Residences and World Spa
A very good bottle of Merlot on the house



Street Performers Puerto Vallarta
Amazing aireal street performers on the beach downtown


Buenaventura Grand
Close to downtown for great shopping and right on the beach!
We loved the Buenaventura Grand. We plan on staying here Nov. 2011

Sally's BFF Louie the Silver Guy
Sally buying her silver from Louie on the beach
Louie is located right by the Marival Resort

We've all done this before!
Our friends Josepha and Kevin burying Yasmina in the sand.
This is winter weather in Puerto Vallarta!

Massages and Spas

We did get our massages at Venus Sunshine Spa! Sally arranged for 5 of us to go in! One of the best massages I think I have ever had. I would highly recommend them to you! Our friend Onelly has promised to take us to a spa that the locals go to next time we visit. $20-30 and hour. I'm in!

Book Your Own Travel

Do you like to find and book your own travel online, but like the idea of having a travel agent to ask questions of? If so check out SAND Travel.