Atlanta

by Meredith

Sorry... one more week of poor creativity.  Today I leave for Atlanta, Georgia to see my dear cousin and friend, Dawn.  It's been hectic getting ready for another long weekend out, but it will be so worth it!  I've never spent time in Atlanta - nor Georgia really, except for one day in Savannah two and a half years ago with my family.  Here's a photo from our day trip to Savannah - in front of the famous Paula Deen restaurant, The Lady & Sons.  We were on vacation in Myrtle Beach, SC and spent a day driving further south to check out the scenery.   More to come next week!

 

Shutterfly Photobooks

by Meredith

I love to take pictures. I take so many, usually I don't print them off very often.  I share them on Facebook and once and awhile I'll print off photos from a trip to scrapbook.  I really like the newer Photobook idea from Shutterfly.  They actually allow you to create your own hardcover scrapbook online where the pictures are the actual pages.  I've done this for the last three trips my family and I have taken and they think they are the coolest things.  This is the latest about our trip to DC and Virginia Beach.

 

The Very Best Things About Next Week

by Meredith

I'm so excited for a vacation next week.  My family and I are taking a week long vacation to Washington DC and Virginia Beach, then finishing it off with the wedding of Lana Sinykin and Scott Shugh - our family friends of ours.  Here's what I'm looking forward to most.

1.  Experiencing DC with my father, who is a huge history and political junkie.

2.  Spending sometime in the sun on the beach with my mom, and shelling!

3.  Excellent food - we always find the best spots to try on vacation.

4.  Celebrating my dear friend Lana's, and Scott's, wedding!

5.  Coming home to JESSE GRADUATING!!!

Lutsen

by Meredith

Every January my friends and I take a snowboard/ski trip to Lutsen, Minnesota.  I love it there and have been meaning to visit during the warm months.  Lutsen and Grand Marais (about 25 miles north of Lutsen) sit right along the Lake Superior border and have that quaint, small town feel.  The scenery and people are fantastic - this is easily one of the most beautiful areas in Minnesota.

Lutsen Mountains are considered to be the mountains of Minnesota.  They are larger than any other ski resort I've been too in the Midwest - having four large mountains: Moose Mountain, Mystery Mountain, Eagle Mountain and Ullr Mountain.

{Lake Superior behind us, riding up to the top of Moose Mountain}

{Gondolas that go between Moose Mountain and Eagle Mountain}

{A top Eagle Mountain looking on to Lake Superior}

Stillwater

by Meredith

Earlier this month we went to Pine Tree Orchard in White Bear Lake and drove to Stillwater (one of my favorite places in Minnesota) to enjoy the beautiful Minnesota Fall weather we've been having. It's a town that borders Wisconsin and the St. Croix River known for it's great antique shops, local boutiques, restaurants and great scenery. We lucked out that the Fall Colors Fine Arts and Jazz Festival was going on too. We checked out the day's events, walked the river and main street, grabbed dinner at The Freight House and ended our day at Nelson's Ice Cream (best ice cream parlor ever.)

{Stillwater}

{Fall Colors Fine Arts and Jazz Festival}

{Main street}

{Delicious new beer I discovered by Lift Bridge Brewery - Minnesota Tan}

{Size of the child size cones at Nelson's Ice Cream}

Royal Wedding: PR Firms Jump Right In

Press releases have come flurrying in once the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton this week.

Within minutes of the announcement that Prince William and Kate Middleton were engaged to be married, PR companies across the country jumped into action by using the engagement to publicise their travel clients. Here are a few of the travel offerings and wedding related press releases the couple has received thus far.

Kate and William: Dublin's on your doorstep, says Irish Ferries

"To celebrate the news that William and Kate are to marry and live in north Wales, Irish Ferris is offering the happy couple free crossings to Dublin."

"Dublin's bright lights, great 'craic' and top class shops are less than two hours from Anglesey, where William is based," says Irish Ferris Declan Mescall.

This makes the Irish capital closer and easier to reach than London's West End - perfect for Kate's girly weekends when William is flying, or a romantic break for the couple themselves.

Irish Ferris is giving Kate and William unlimited Holyhead to Dublin travel, in Club Class, as long as they live in north Wales."

Royal retreat fit for a King

"Finally, it's the news we've all been waiting for, Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced their engagement! Following the recent royal proposal in Kenya where should the couple celebrate their honeymoon? Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa in the Philippines, of course!"

Celebrating the Royal Engagement

"Today's announcement of the royal engagement is a cause for celebration, not just for the royal couple and their family, but fro the whole of England.

The engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton is wonderful news, and all that Visit England join the rest of the country in congratulating the young couple on their impending marriage.

The happy couple have yet to announce the location for the ceremony, or the honeymoon - and although traditional locations such as Westminster Abbey have been suggested, there are many other options to be considered.

Attached: 10 Alternative Locations for the Perfect English wedding."

With news of a royal wedding, try amaging retreats for your very own special day

"News of a certain engagement today will get many thinking of their own specila day and Amazing Retreats can offer a venue to make you feel like royalty! From a Scottish Castle, which has played host to many a celebrity bash, to country manor houses and even a fort in the Soleng Amazing Retreats has secluded wedding venues aplenty!"

Following in the footsteps of Prince William and Kate Middleton and propose to your loved-one in Kenya

"Folowing the exciting announcement of Prince William and Kate middleton's engagement, Kuoni has selected a range of romantic Kenya holidays that provide the perfect setting to propose to your loved-one."

Calling all Kate and WIlliams to Ten Manchester Street, Marylebone

"Ten Manchester Street is offering all engaged couples called William and Kate a complimentary afternoon tea with chilled bottle of champagne."

Complimentary Room for Newly-Engaged Couples at The Landmark London

"Marylebone's regal 5-star hotel The Landmark London are offering any couple who have become engaged in the last month a free night's stay at The Landmark London complete with a bottle of chilled Champagne in the room to celebrate their engagement."

Fit for a King - free overnight stay and spa treatments at The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate

"For happy couples that have become engaged this week - The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate, a 43 acre woodland retreat and luxury hotel are offering a free overnight stay and a his and hers spa treatment."