Shopping in Miami

Unfortunately, when it comes to shopping in Miami you are faced with two problems. Firstly, the big chains of ‘I’ve seen it all before’ dominate the city. This weekend it’s Miami Fashion Fest (21-23 October) so you might notice a few good deals or discounts in the larger stores. Secondly, although the innovative interior design stores of the Design District make for fabulous window shopping, they rarely fit our humble budgets.

Once you’ve ticked off our 10 cheap things to do in Miami, find a few more bargains in our dedicated guide to shopping in Miami. And because everyone feels so much better shopping on a full stomach, we’ve found a few of Miami’s best bargain fuelling stations (cheap cafes, restaurants and budget bars in Miami) to boost your energy levels along the way. You’re most welcome.

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Antique & Flea Market

Located in Miami Beach, the market runs from October through May on two Sunday mornings a month. As with most things the best sales are for the early birds so drag yourself out of bed for old school antiques and stylish fashionistas selling thrifty homemade frocks. Admission is free and upcoming dates include 10th & 24th October and 7th & 21st November. The spot itself is rather nice for aimless wandering and people-watching over brunch.

Lincoln Road Mall.

Ice Box Cafe

Just down the road from the Antiques and Flea Market lies a little slice of heaven. Raspberry chocolate mousse, coconut buttercream cake and Florida’s own delicious deep-dish key lime pie, we say skip the mains and go straight to the decadent desserts. But if you’re coming from the morning flea market, they do a delicious brunch of home-baked granola parfait, stuffed French toast or the hearty sausage, eggs and bacon combos, some given a Mexican twist. Remember your getting 2 meals in 1 with brunch, so it’s a good budget clincher.

1657 Michigan Avenue

Douglas Gardens Thrift Shop

No doubt you’ve ogled the ornate furniture and homeware displays in Miami’s Design District but hung your head at the price tag. Located in the not-so-fashion conscious Liberty City, Douglas Gardens Thrift Store is the place to get realistic. There are real gems to be had in here, but finding them might require some light rummaging or a beady eye in this large sprawling warehouse.

5713 NW 27th Ave

Free Airline Upgrade

Voluntary bumping occurs when you agree to give up a seat on an overbooked plane in exchange for some compensation. Most of the time, that compensation comes in the form of a voucher for free future travel. Personally, that's the way I like to receive a reward for waiting around an airport until the next available flight.

But if you want a free airline upgrade, why not agree to be bumped in exchange for a better seat? If there is a spot available, and the flight isn't a long-haul, the airlines might just agree to your request. After all, filling one first class seat could be cheaper than giving you a free trip.

Just how do you go about being bumped? Simply present yourself to the airline on the day of travel as someone who is willing to give up your seat in exchange for considerations in the event the flight is overbooked. If there is an overbooking (and frequently this does occur because airlines have to avoid empty seats), airline personnel might appreciate your offer -- even if it is motivated by more than kindness.

Bali....chasing the elusive Mola Mola

Leslie has a week of holidays at school, so we are back on the road. Our first stop is Bali. We have dived of fair share lately, but we still haven't had any proper with a Mola Mola. Mind you, I've seen a lot of them few days ago in Namibia...but this may have been at 300 feet up in the air, or even a little more.

The Mola Mola. If you don't dive, don't live in Asia, it may tell you nothing. It is also name the Moon Fish. It is a huge disc of at least 2 meters diameted...but still a very slim fish, may be 30cm large maximum. It is...a big disc to put it simply. With his mouth up looking at the sky most of the time.

You will find the Mola Mola around Nusa Penida, a small Island just off Bali, and this for a short time between July and October. But the Mola Mola is shy...and some divers do come here trying to find him four days in a row, without any success. So we are lucky...I know...on our second dive, 21 meters down, here we are facing the Moon Fish, just meters Nudibranch away from us. He is shy, so he escaped pretty fast, but we had our perfect sighting! We dive 2 days (4 dives) in Bali, while Leslie was enjoying some snorkeling. The diving is nice, but also on the pretty expensive side if you want to enjoy Nusa Penida. We came to see the Mola Mola, we saw it...happy, done, not sure i'll be diving again here very soon. Our pics are from 4 dives. nothing massive, but still a lot of good looking little nudibranches, a very cute frog fish...and plenty of others...

We stay a total of 3 nights in Bali. Usual nice hotel, aka suite and lounge, nothing too fancy as we were away from the hotel each day from 7am to 4pm. Ma'ri and I would have wished to go party at one of our favorite spot aka Ku De Ta, but we have to admit it, we were dead each and every single night...enjoying a nice bottle of wine on our terrace was more "de rigueur" each night.

By; Maisondubonheur

Popular Ideas for Wedding Party Gifts

Wedding planning is an intensive process, and it usually requires plenty of help. Whether sampling cakes, choosing flowers or providing moral support on the big day, the wedding party in an integral part of the success of any wedding. Wedding tradition dictates that you present the members of your wedding party with a gift, as a token of appreciation for their participation in your big day.
Although it is expected that you will present all the members of your wedding party with a gift, there is no reason to blow your budget doing so. Make a list of all the members of your wedding party, including the flower girl, ring bearer and any other helpers such as guest book attendants. Once you know how many people that you are shopping for, it is easier to come up with a budget. Let the groom shop for the ring bearer and groomsmen, and the bride shop for the bridesmaids and flower girl if you like, but both the bride and groom should participate in choosing the gifts for each set of parents.
It is clear that there is no gift that can adequately express your appreciation for the help provided by an efficient and organized best man or maid of honor. You certainly do not want to insult them by gifting them with a token that appears cheap, or like an afterthought. This is, however, an expensive and stressful time in your life, and every choice can seem overwhelming. So, what are some popular gifts for members of the wedding party?
Gifts for the bridal party: Your bridal party has a lot of responsibility and probably some expense when it comes to buying dresses, planning the shower, and other wedding responsibilities. While you are making yourself crazy planning every last detail, your bridesmaids are keeping you from going over the edge. It is important to give each member bridal party a gift that shows them how much you appreciate what they have done for you over the months leading up to your wedding day.
If it is in the budget, jewelry is always nice, but it is not necessary. Totes, spa kits, personalized tee shirts or tank tops or a nice key chain are all special gifts for the members of your bridal party. You may want to provide a special gift for your maid of honor. If so, this can be done privately.
What about the flower girl? The flower girl is easy to buy for. Most little girls love the idea of being in a wedding, and are easily pleased. A necklace, doll, or personalized tote bag are all gifts that the flower girl may cherish.
Gifts for the groomsmen: There are many choices available when shopping for your groomsmen. What direction you go really depends on your relationship with these guys as well as your budget. If your relationship is casual and your budget is tight, gifts such as beer mugs or pocket knives are nice gift ideas. If you have a long standing relationship with these men and can fit it into the budget, a gift such as monogrammed cuff links or some type of electronic device is a nice way to show your appreciation. Again, the groom may wish to provide a little extra for the best man, but that gift can be exchanged in private.
What about the ring bearer? The ring bearer certainly deserves a special gift. Piggy banks, candy jars or a personalized football all make gifts that your ring bearer is sure to enjoy.
Shopping for the parents: It is a nice gesture to present your parents with a gift that expresses your thanks for the job that they did raising you, and their support on your wedding day. Your parents, of course, love you and do not want you to break your budget buying them a gift, but it is possible to keep an eye on your budget while shopping for your parents.
Photograph frames, including digital frames that allow your parents to display a rotating group of pictures, a vase, handkerchiefs and cigars are all popular gifts for the parents of the wedding couple. This is probably the first opportunity that you have to present a gift to your parents from you and your new spouse, so it can be an emotional occasion. Take your time shopping so that you can choose a fitting gift.
The bottom line is, wedding party gift ideas are not limited to bracelets and key chains (although today's fashionable selections still make these nice gifts!) In addition to travel bags and totes, there is a wide variety of t-shirts, sweat shirts, hats and other "bridal gear" for both girls and guys, even for your pets. The sky is the limit when it comes to showing your appreciation to the friends and loved ones who such a big part of this special event in your life. By Arianna Jordan

Here Are Five Great Travel Ideas for the Holiday Season

Nearly everyone is keeping a close eye on their pocketbook and budgets these days. We all worry about having to pay the mortgage, putting food on our table and getting to work. Vacations are quite a way down on our list of priorities. Some people do not even entertain the idea of taking a trip. However, you know what they say about all work and no play ...?
Here are five travel ideas that you can do, even when you're on a tight budget. Let's have a look at how you can do it. Try thinking of it as therapy for your spirit. Just a brief rest from the rat race can certainly work wonders at relieving all that built up stress and re-energizing your spirits!
1.How well do you know all the towns and attractions within a 50 mile radius of home? When you are thinking of a vacation, that fabulous little coastal town just 20 miles away may not even cross your mind. One thing to consider however is that if you have never been there, you will have absolutely no idea how it gained it's gorgeous reputation. Why not go online and check it out. You may be surprised at what you find. Is it an artsy community, full of bed and breakfasts', artisans, a cheese factory or even a winery? Go and check out their calendar for local festivals and theatre productions. A one night stay at the historic B&B and two days filled with exploring the town won't ruin the budget and serves to put enough distance between you and the same-old same-old to allow you to lose yourself for just a couple of days, returning home refreshed and cheery, ready to face another month of toil.
2.Why not trying to modify the parent-only romantic weekend. Depending on where you live, you may not even have to leave your home town! During the colder months, hotels often run specials to attract visitors during the slow season. Check your local newspaper and give some of the better hotels a call to see if they've got anything going. If your goal is to take it easy, have a swim, watch movies without having to get up and make breakfast, this extremely affordable travel idea could just be the ticket. Think of it this way, should an emergency arise, you can be home in ten minutes!
3.If you are lucky enough that your purse allows for a bit more extravagance, go and scour the travel newsletters for those last minute bargain airfares. They are certainly out there, you just need to check them regularly. Many are all-inclusive packages that get you to some beach front paradise. Even if you have to set aside money from each paycheck for a few months, this travel idea can have you snorkeling, sun bathing and enjoying an exotic array of food in a new and exciting culture that satisfies your travel itch and lasts for months to come.
4.Certainly don't forget that the travel industry is in somewhat of a slump. They need your business. You have probably seen the television ads for resorts, offering gas coupons and plenty of other incentives, along with reduced rates. Choose ones which are within driving distance and take advantages of these cheap prices. These days, you need to think outside the box for travel ideas that are affordable and still exciting enough to provide that break you need.
5.The last travel idea applies to when you're traveling by air. Considering now that airlines charge over the top for extra baggage, pack wisely and save. Wherever you're going, there's absolutely no reason to take more than a carry-on, even when traveling in winter. Wear your coat, boots and at least one sweater when you board. Roll the rest of your clothes. Buy your toiletries at your destination. Two dress outfits, one pair of dress shoes, a pair of jeans, a few pairs of undies and a couple of t-shirts is really all you'll need.
It can be almost guaranteed that one of the above travel ideas will fit in perfectly with your vacation plans. Enjoy! By Brett Muscio

Travel tips for Majorca Holidays

Boasting one of the most popular tourist spots for all ages, Majorca is the ideal destination for UK visitors as flying time from most UK airports is no more than two and a half hours. The island can be divided into three parts - the Serra de Tramuntana rocks, the Serra de Llevant and the central plain (Es pla).
The island offers buildings, architecture and landmarks, as well as miles of coastline. Palma is the capital of Majorca with a long Moorish history. For beach lovers, Alcudia is a family favourite, famed for its beaches which include a 15km golden sand beach. Cala d'Or is quieter and is set in small rocky coves, with sandy beaches shadowed by pine trees.
Es Trenc has a superb beach with a peaceful location, three kilometres of white sand and azure sea.
Lletas also offers an excellent family holiday with fine, sandy beaches and a handful of bars and restaurants. Cala Fornells is a quiet beach resort, Puerto d'Antratx is located on the harbour side and the sandy beaches at Camp de Mar and Peguera are close to this location. Sa Coma is modern and quiet and has a fabulous white sandy beach. Former fishing village, Cala San Vicente on the north coast has sandy beaches leading down to beaches set between cliffs. There are over 90 beaches available, but Majorca also offers other attractions including a growing number of golfing opportunities.
On Majorca Holidays you can also visit Marineland's for their dolphin and sea lion shows. Children's beach is ideal for families and for those who want to travel around, an antique train travels the 17 miles between Palma and Soller. Beach Poble Espanyol, in Palma is a typical Spanish village showing different styles of architecture, with reproduction houses from Cordoba, Toledo and Madrid together with typical houses from the Spanish regions. For those who want to see some of the history of the region, Palau de l'Almudaina in Palma is a royal palace from the times of the Arab conquest.
Accommodation is mainly for the package-tourist, with a whole host of cheap and luxury hotels near to every beach and there is also a wide choice of fully equipped apartments, and aparthotels to suit any budget. By Baz Luhrmann

Getting away from all your worries

We all feel the need to take a well earned holiday whether it is a short break or a fortnight in the sun and despite the credit crunch; we still look forward to our holidays.
Everyone has their own idea of the perfect getaway. Whether it is jetting off to the sun or a more energetic experience, there is something for everyone nowadays and the deals out of season are good at the moment. When is the best time to travel? If you are lucky enough to be able to travel at any time, then always travel out of season. The prices of long haul flights rise dramatically around the traditional holiday periods so if you fancy a trip to America, India or further a field, then always aim to travel out of season. Check the airlines for the best deals around and do some research into your own accommodation. There are abundant websites that list other people's experiences but beware that these are always subjective.
Don't always imagine that the best holidays are to be found abroad. We all need a break away and sometimes, just taking a weekend away somewhere in the UK can be a magic tonic. If you are on a budget, which the majority of us are at the moment, look for bed and breakfast deals in Devon, Cornwall or Dorset or on the east coast. Just getting away from the humdrum everyday existence can do you the world of good, and the best thing about domestic breaks is that you don't have to prepare as comprehensively as if you were going abroad.
Plan to take a break at least once a year. Experts agree that it is essential for general health and well being that you change your habits once in a while. Give yourself something to look forward to - get hold of brochures and surf the internet to see what is around and about the place you are visiting. Make sure that all of your documents are up to date, bear in mind that renewing a passport in peak times can take weeks. If you are travelling to a more exotic country, check what health requirements there are. By Baz Luhrmann