Wordless Wednesday: Mr. Pretzel

Mr. Pretzel at the Braves VS the Phillies game last year.

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You Will Find Me Here...

I have been seriously looking into where to stay in Destin area for a while. At first one of my friend recommended Sandestin. They just went there recently and they really enjoyed it. I checked it out and it looks really nice. It's pretty much like a mega resort (or shall I call it town). There are pretty anything you will want during your vacation. Golf, shopping, entertainment and restaurants all in one property. However, what I want to get from Destin is beach time and pool time for the kids and us. The pools at each building in Sandestin are just typical pool. Nothing too fancy. I'm looking for something more.

With the help from many expert users from Trip Advisors forum, I found this new jewel in Fort Walton Beach... Waterscape condominium. This is a brand spanking new luxurious beachfront condominiums with 3 swimming pools, waterfall and Lay-Z-River. Also it has two main requirements from Mr. Rojo. The great gym overlooks the pool and internet access is available in all units.

Fort Walton Beach is about 10-15 minutes from Destin. It has the same great feature as Destin for white sand beach and emerald blue ocean. But the price is a bit lower than staying in Destin and less crowd. Waterscape offers 1-, 2-, and 3- bedroom condo. It has all the amentities that you want for a perfect family vacation including kid's pool and kid's activities (seasonal). They also provide complimentary beach service (chair and umbrella during season from August to October). One less thing for me to pack. :)

There are so many things to do in or around the Destin area. So I know that with a mini trip for 3-4 days it won't be enough to enjoy it all. But I am hoping that this will be a place that we will come back year after year. Well, stay tune for our trip report!

Around the Blogosphere

Last week I was featured in a few money carnivals. Each carnival has such a great post. It took me a while to check them all out. Sit back, relax and check out all the posts.

1) The Financial Blogger presented Money Hacks Carnival # 32: The Have You Ever Edition featured my Coupon of the 21st Century.

2) Funny About Money presented Carnival of Money Stories #78: With the delay, you get twice the stories this week. So it's a great place to read about various money stories ranging from trying to have a baby, buying a house, getting rid of the house and living on the road, cooking on your vacation and even green cleaning products.

3) Value For Your Life presented Festival of Frugality #145: The Gratitude Edition has a great round up and provides a new perspective during this turmoil time, to be greatful with the positive things in your life.

4) Trip Delivery presented Carnival of Cities: I love this carnival. It gives me a chance to go around the world without even leaving my house. Check out trip from Chicago to Washington DC down to Atlanta. Then cross the Atlantic to London, Amsterdam and around Europe.

Photo Friday: Just for tourists like us in Hong Kong

The sign at the ferry station in Hong Kong on our way back from Macau.

During our visit to Hong Kong and Macau, we took a ferry to and from Hong Kong to Macau. The trip wasn't bad. I took some seasick medicine and pretty much slept the whole way. At the ferry station after a long ferry ride (about an hour) the first thing we looked for was the rest room. Well, we didn't have any problem finding it. They make sure that tourists won't make any mess looking for restrooms. I mean if you can't find the restroom then I don't know how else they can help you. :)

Check out other Travel Photo and story at Delicious Baby for Photo Friday roundup.

13 Ways to Save on Gas

We are on the national news for the gas shortage. It's mind boggling to think that we will be in this situation when we are no where near where the Hurricanes went. But here we are running out of gas. So here are some ways to help save these precious black gold during this crazy time.

1) Consider carpooling - In Atlanta, not only you will save money on your own gas, you might get a chance to win free money each month.

2) Combine trip to avoid excessive driving.

3) Clean up your car especially your trunk and remove all the junk that causes more weight on your car.

4) Check your tire pressure regularly.

5) Maintain your car with regular maintenance and tune up schedule.

6) Fill up your gas tank during the coolest time of the day.

7) Don't top of your gas tank. Too much gas will leak out.

8) Buy regular grade gas when possible. Only buy premium if it's required by car manufacturer.

9) Utilize cruise control on a long distance driving. Maintain steady speed will help minimize the gas consumption.

10) Slow down... Driving too fast will consume more gas.

11) Travel smarter by checking out your route and look for the shorter, safer, straighter route.

12) Watch out for the heavy foot. Slowly accelerate will help save gas.

13) Bigger is not better. If it's time to get another car, look for more fuel efficient car. Smaller car will cost less in overall.

Wordless Wednesday: Are you my mommy?

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