Travelers Fired Up Over California Smoking Ban

I grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii, where smoking is banned in all public recreational areas, such as parks and beaches. To me, the decision to snuff out smokers in these pristine areas of paradise is a no brainer. Still, the vote to ban smoking from some of tbe island’s most prized real estate didn’t take place until 2008. Hard to believe, right? After all, when you think of parks and beaches, don’t the words “fresh air” immediately come to mind? If I am hiking to Akaka Falls or tanning myself at Hapuna Beach I sure don’t want … Continue reading

Home Month in Review: November 2008

Is your home ready for the holidays and winter? Now that November is over, it is time to gear up for the December ahead. Take a look at last months articles and see if there is anything you missed! November 1st Home Blog Month in Review: October As I sit here looking out my window at the backyard, the birds are hovering in the pine tree against a strong wind and steady rain. The temperature is chilly today, and the calendar reminds me that we have left October behind. November 2nd Fall and Holiday Decorating with Nature 2 Isn’t it … Continue reading

Frugal Month in Review: November 2008

November to be is the beginning of two things. The holiday season starts with Thanksgiving, and then there is winter. Despite the fact that winter doesn’t officially start until next month, the fall seems to give way to the winter in November anyway. We had a day of snow already. Here is looking ahead to December and the end of the year! November 1st Frugal Month in Review: October 2008 “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot. November 2 … Continue reading

Back to Homeschool 2008-2009

I have spent the better part of the last two days in back-to-homeschool mode. We had a busy and productive summer working on problem areas, and even managed to get in a bit of travel by taking a working vacation for one of my daughters pageant activities. This year it meant looking a long list of syllabuses and determining what each child needed for each class. With the kids beginning the 7th and 9th grade this year, most of their learning will come in the form of classes outside the home. Their schedule this year resembles being in college. Many … Continue reading

Summer Travel Deals in Paradise

Lodgings across the 50th State are offering spectacular summer savings to try to compensate for the sky-high cost of airfare to Hawaii. The following properties located on two of Hawaii’s most beautiful islands are currently offering special package deals to entice you to make the trip to the “Land of Aloha.” Take a look: MAUI The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono, Maui is offering a special $150 rate through fall on all of its “green” rooms. The environmentally friendly lodging features water heated 100 percent by solar power; on-demand gas in the main Inn and rooms fitted with CFL (compact … Continue reading

Frugal Living Month in Review: July 2008

July went by so quickly for us! There were so many fun and frugal activities and events for us to explore, from a science camp to free movies and sand sculpting. I hope your July was equally fun and frugal. Summer is a busy time, I know. Did you miss any frugal articles last month? If so, here is an opportunity to catch up on what you missed. There are new ways to save money on food, clothing, kids, gas and more. Feel free to leave a comment on any frugal post. I read all of the comments myself, no … Continue reading

Family Travel: Something for Mom in Massachusetts

In my previous blog I encouraged moms to earmark sometime on their annual family vacations to indulge in one of their favorite activities—-be it shopping, horseback riding, getting pampered at a spa, etc. Easier said than done, I know. But, thanks to some creative marketing folks at hotels around the country, travel packages designed specifically for overworked moms are ripe for the picking right now. If you plan to be in Massachusetts sometime in the next few weeks consider taking advantage of these great deals: BOSTON The Boston Marriott is offering a “Baseball and Shopping” package for moms who want … Continue reading

Family Travel: Something for Mom

While dads do their fair share of loading the van, schlepping luggage and strollers in and out of the hotel and helping to round up the troops, in most families it’s mom who takes on the larger tasks of planning, packing and executing the family vacation. At the same time it is very rare for a mom to plan any part of a family vacation around her own interests. Generally the trip to the amusement park, waterpark, campsite, etc. is designed around the children’s interests. (Yes, most moms would say that they are happy just getting to spend time with … Continue reading

Summer Travel: It’s Cheaper Than a Hotel

I love sharing hotel deals with readers almost as much as I enjoy taking advantage of them myself. However, no matter how good a lodging’s deep discount it doesn’t compare to the money you can save by staying at a friend or relative’s house while on the road. The rising cost of gas and airfare, and a lackluster economy has some families ditching their vacation plans all together. However, July is not over and August hasn’t even started so there is still a lot of time to get out there and explore this great country. If you are cash strapped … Continue reading

Hot Hawaiian Travel Deals: Luaus and Love

It’s been a while, but it appears the traditional Hawaiian luau is headed back to Waikiki Beach. The Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa located near downtown Honolulu on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu recently announced that it is resurrecting the traditional local feast on the shores of the world’s most famous beach. The “Waikiki Lu’au on the Lagoon” is being offered twice weekly, on Sundays and Wednesdays. It includes a lei greeting, traditional luau meal and a Polynesian entertainment extravaganza. Beginning just before sunset guests will be greeted with live Hawaiian music and a flower lei on the … Continue reading