tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51970244125983094432024-03-15T20:09:16.306-05:00Midwest Travel Service {The Blog!}Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-26042579614298862912014-03-11T14:46:00.002-05:002014-03-11T15:49:35.914-05:00My Top Ten 'Happy' Songs<br />
If you live in the Midwest, you may be feeling extra chipper this week. The birds are chirping and the frozen tundra has begun its thaw. FINALLY! On my way to work this morning, the Grammy-nominated song "Happy" came on the radio, and I found myself smiling and singing along. Like a dork. But who cares - it felt good for a moment to take in life's little things.<br />
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It got me thinking about other favorite songs that put a smile on my face, and instantly lighten my mood. I would imagine many of you are leaving for your spring break in the next few weeks, so the endorphins are already flowing within you, but for those of you who will be stuck at home, here's a few of my favorites you might want to add to your playlist.<br />
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<b>10. Hey Ya - OutKast</b><br />
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If you can manage to listen to this song without thinking of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS1cLOIxsQ8" target="_blank">The Carleton</a>, you are clearly from a different era. <br />
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<b>9. Best Day of My Life - American Authors</b><br />
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This is a new song, and usually not my type. But in a world filled with doom and gloom, I love how positive the energy is. It's a great reminder that sometimes you just have to have some fun!<br />
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<b>8. No One - Alicia Keys</b><br />
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May be a little on the slow side, but the lyrics are filled with gratitude and love, and oh yeah, she can sing.<br />
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<b>7. Sweet Child of Mine - Guns 'N Roses</b><br />
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Ahhhh, the memories. I don't care if you like rock, country, hip-hop, or gospel, this song is a universal jam, and <i>everyone</i> knows the words.<br />
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<b>6. Good Vibrations - Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch</b><br />
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Working out? Yep. Hanging out with friends? Yep. Laughing at a corny video? Um, yeah, but it's still a great tune.<br />
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<b>5. Upside Down - Jack Johnson</b><br />
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OK, thanks for allowing me one sentimental favorite. Reminds me of my kids and Curious George.<br />
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<b>4. Dog Days Are Over - Florence and the Machine</b><br />
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This song builds to an awesome crescendo, but if I'm being honest, I think this parental flash mob is the reason it makes my list. Love the looks on the kids' faces!<br />
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<b>3. I Want You Back - Jackson 5</b><br />
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Alright, I confess, this is another self-serving pick. Here is my son and his friend in their school talent show. Trust me, if you watch it, you'll get a good chuckle. <br />
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<b>2. Summertime - DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince</b><br />
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Classic. Summer. I could close my eyes and be 16 again. <br />
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<b>1. Say Hey (I Love You) - Michael Franti and Spearhead</b><br />
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Love the video, love the song, love my family, love my life. This song says it all.<br />
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So there you have it! We'd love to hear some of your favorites, and maybe someday we can put together a spectacular MTS travel mix for all of our Escapees. Safe travels, everyone!<br />
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5wOmdjc3XE/TfufEPKri0I/AAAAAAAAAKk/AEOd8wuuINQ/s1600/maria_signature.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-80389819720095597752013-06-06T16:56:00.002-05:002013-06-06T17:01:02.037-05:00Destination Wedding Dress Suggestions From Simply BridalFirst of all, I want to apologize for our lack of blog posts lately. Is everyone having as busy of a season as we are? Hoping things slow down soon so we can get back to regular blogging... I am sure you all stay awake at night wondering when our next post will be published, and we hate keeping you in suspense like this!! :)<br />
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Anyway, I am excited to share with you a guest blog from <a href="http://www.simplybridal.com/" target="_blank">Simply Bridal</a> on different destination wedding dresses. I don't know about you gals, but I could sift through hundreds of dress styles and never get bored! Here are three of their suggestions:<br />
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<b>Three Dresses For Three Destinations</b></div>
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Today’s couples are globetrotters! As a result, more couples are choosing destination weddings. Destination wedding brides not only have to be concerned with finding the 'perfect dress,' but also ensuring that it correlates with and is appropriate for their destination. Here, we highlight three
dresses for three different destinations:</div>
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<b>Maui:
Nice and Easy</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Our
Pick: the </i><a href="http://www.simplybridal.com/shop/wedding-dresses/irene-gown"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Irene gown</span></i></a><i>. </i>This chiffon dress is perfect for a nice, elegant day in Maui. Beach
brides will have no problem finding the perfect accessories - simply grab a lei
and a flower for your hair and you will be good to go! Nice, easy and you
can pack it in your suitcase with no problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Pairs well with: light-as-air veil, unfussy hair,
sandals and delicate jewelry.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Old
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<i>Our
Pick: the </i><a href="http://www.simplybridal.com/shop/valentina-gown"><i>Valentina
gown</i></a><i>.</i> Barcelona,
Rome, Buenos Aires, this dress will look right at home in all three
destinations. <i>Valentina</i> brings the drama (and you'll need a dress that’s just as
dramatic as those cities’ famed churches). However, once you leave the church you can simply detach the train and get ready to party!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Pairs well with: mantilla or chapel-length veils,
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<b>French
Countryside</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Our
pick: the </i><a href="http://www.simplybridal.com/shop/misty-gown"><i>Misty gown</i></a><i>.</i> Ok, we must admit this last entry was 100% inspired
by Keira Knightley’s recent wedding destination. This is the perfect dress to
wear when you want to enjoy a pre-ceremony stroll through the village. You
don’t even need to be worried about modesty. All you have to do is top your
dress with a cardigan or jacket and you’re ready for your ceremony!</div>
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<i>Pairs well with: a birdcage veil, long, romantic hair
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Globetrotting brides need to dresses
that travel well, are appropriate and look amazing. Now, there is no need to
worry about style or suitability because you can have them both... Bon voyage!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.simplybridal.com/" target="_blank">Simply Bridal</a> is an American
online retailer of high quality wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and wedding
accessories, such as veils and jewelry. SimplyBridal ships to twenty-five
countries in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Our products have been
featured on Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks, and Rock n Roll Bride.</div>
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzydP0UqI/AAAAAAAAG5I/BeBdtX7IW_I/s1600/Christina.png" style="border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-13156215635239082772013-05-10T12:51:00.000-05:002013-05-10T14:07:05.488-05:00Funky Friday ~ What's in the Box!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i>2 of my favorite things...Surprises and Products!</i></b></div>
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Recently I signed up with a couple different companies to try out their monthly subscription boxes. Ever heard of them? There are quite a few out there and on just about any product you can think of. Beauty products, products for the home, garden boxes, wine sampling...the list is endless - which is NOT good if you are like me - it can get addicting! At any rate, one of the subscriptions I signed up for is <a href="https://musthave.popsugar.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">POPSUGAR <b>MUST</b> HAVE</span></a>. I've gotten 2 different boxes now and I must say I've been delighted with the contents of the boxes. It's $35/month and each month a box is shipped to you with full sized products for you to try and <i>hopefully</i> enjoy. The general idea is most likely it's products that you might not buy yourself and therefore not yet know what you're missing and I like that! Another thing that attracted me to <span style="color: #134f5c;">POPSUGAR <b>MUST</b> HAVE,</span> is that because the products are full sized,<i> if</i> you receive something that is not your personal style, or to your liking, you can give it as a gift or share it with a friend! Comes in handy for those last minute hostess gifts! So far I've received the March and April boxes and here's a few photos of what I received. </div>
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Again, you have no idea what you're going to receive so it's really exciting when you get home from work and a package is waiting for you! The suspense continues when you open the box to hot pink tissue paper hiding what's inside!<br />
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Unwrap the tissue and 'VOILA'! It's full of goodies!!</div>
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It's kind of hard to tell from that photo so here's a little better photo of what I received. </div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">(Check out the specifics on the</span><span style="color: #134f5c;"> <span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://musthave.popsugar.com/POPSUGAR-Must-Have-March-Box-Revealed-28728542#read-more" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">March POPSUGAR <b>MUST</b> HAVE</span></a>)</span></span></div>
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I had so much fun inspecting everything and honestly the only product I wasn't crazy about were the nail polish colors. How lucky for <strike>me</strike> them that I have 2 teenage girls at home who thought the colors would be perfect for them! I wasn't really sure about the necklace either. I mean, it wouldn't have been something that I would've given a second look in a store but several days later I decided to wear it and I really liked it!! What do you think? For more info on each of the specific items, check<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tO5Mjd6Wx0c/UY0qn_yNGPI/AAAAAAAADhc/ww0u5wYawow/s1600/photo+of+me.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tO5Mjd6Wx0c/UY0qn_yNGPI/AAAAAAAADhc/ww0u5wYawow/s640/photo+of+me.png" width="319" /></a></div>
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Given that I really liked my first box, I was even more excited to see what my <a href="http://musthave.popsugar.com/April-POPSUGAR-Must-Have-Box-Revealed-29492095#read-more" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">April box</span></a> would bring. One thing I forgot to mention is they send you an email letting you know your box is on it's way. The thought is never far from my busy little mind that in the next few days, when I get home, another 'surprise' will be waiting for me!</div>
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Although my display photo doesn't do the contents much justice, I again was pleasantly surprised by what I received. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1GeSClfc0s/UY0qyhT23nI/AAAAAAAADhs/CXMhnIpkPtI/s1600/april+display2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1GeSClfc0s/UY0qyhT23nI/AAAAAAAADhs/CXMhnIpkPtI/s1600/april+display2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">(Check out the specifics on the </span><a href="http://musthave.popsugar.com/April-POPSUGAR-Must-Have-Box-Revealed-29492095#read-more" style="color: #134f5c;" target="_blank">April POPSUGAR <b>MUST</b> HAVE</a><span style="color: #666666;">)</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I loved the <a href="http://www.shopshashi.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Shashi</span></a> nugget bracelet and as someone who has mostly silver jewelry, I liked that the nuggets were gold to match my new necklace from the March box! I also liked the <a href="http://www.kaifragrance.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Kai fragrance</span></a> and I would've never bought it for myself! The '<a href="http://www.thegreengarmento.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">green' garment bag</span></a> will definitely come in handy. The fact that it's a four-in-one reusable bag and eco-friendly will make both my life and the world a better place!</span></div>
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I also signed up for the MUST HAVE Summer edition which was just shipped so I'll be sure to share that with you when I receive it and I'm sure my May box will be on its way shortly. So much to look forward to!! Have a great weekend everyone!</div>
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<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzyhCBvZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/-oWRZOJ9sIg/s1600/Theresa.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-33448627102211336872013-05-08T09:33:00.001-05:002013-05-08T11:03:45.108-05:00W.A.T.W. ~ LAX is the place to be!It's tough to make it through the LAX airport without a celebrity sighting. Several years ago while traveling through LAX with my husband and 2 youngest girls, they were on alert for big stars. Think Britney Spears (I know, <i>big</i> star? Britney Spears? - Remember, this <i>was</i> several years ago before the head shaving incident)! At any rate, while waiting to go through security I noticed<span style="color: #45818e;"> </span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.roblowe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Rob Lowe </span></a> </span>standing next to us, patiently waiting as we were. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mD2ty-sM7ME/UYpj6mkE0wI/AAAAAAAADeo/QaOS1BYaoyw/s1600/220px-Rob_Lowe_2012_Shankbone_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mD2ty-sM7ME/UYpj6mkE0wI/AAAAAAAADeo/QaOS1BYaoyw/s200/220px-Rob_Lowe_2012_Shankbone_2.JPG" width="160" /></a>I whispered to my girls that he was a 'movie star'. They figured I was teasing them and did not believe me. As much as I tried to convince them he was big, they weren't buying it. I turned to him and told him I was trying to tell them who he was and could he help me by telling them just how big of a star he was! He laughed and thanked all of us for the blow to his ego (btw - he was a little guy in person, although super handsome in a beautiful sort of way). Since they didn't care much about him and I'm not one to get autographs (what are you going to do with it?) we went on our way. Once on the plane and situated in our seats, I pulled out my People magazine only to open it up to a photo of Rob Lowe himself! He was staring at the time in the very short lived series <span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Vegas" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Dr. Vegas</span></a> </span>so was seemingly newsworthy. I very happily used that as a 'teachable moment:' Listen to your Mother! She knows what she's talking about!! Although they still weren't <i>overly</i> impressed, they settled back in their seat content that they did have a celebrity sighting after all!<br />
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Here's a few celebrity shots of who was making their way through LAX in the last week!<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Jessica Alba</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Jessica Simpson, Eric Johnson and daughter Maxwell</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Kate Bosworth and Michael Polish</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ue9P8RC73Yw/UYpgXh2BDaI/AAAAAAAADeA/rravLwvpod8/s1600/kristin-cavallari-435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ue9P8RC73Yw/UYpgXh2BDaI/AAAAAAAADeA/rravLwvpod8/s1600/kristin-cavallari-435.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Kristin Cavallari with son Camden</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Miranda Kerr</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Reese Witherspoon</span></div>
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I'm only sorry I couldn't include a photo with me and my celebrity sighting but I've never felt right about asking celebs for photos. I think it's time I get over that! Who would you most like to see on your next airport adventure?<br />
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Until next time...<br />
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzyhCBvZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/-oWRZOJ9sIg/s1600/Theresa.png" style="border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-33901580905658328522013-05-03T13:42:00.000-05:002013-05-03T13:53:02.160-05:00Funky Friday ~ Your Nose Will Thank You!<div style="text-align: center;">
It's supposed to be spring! I should be looking out my windows and seeing something like this!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g3BWuSQY3oQ/UYP4UOsi1UI/AAAAAAAADcg/GgdeSIzupi4/s1600/spring_flowers-tulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g3BWuSQY3oQ/UYP4UOsi1UI/AAAAAAAADcg/GgdeSIzupi4/s1600/spring_flowers-tulips.jpg" /></a></div>
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There should be a bounce in my step and a smile on my face and I should be feeling light and airy!</div>
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Instead - I crab.</div>
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And I wait for better days ahead.</div>
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And I find other things to be grateful for!</div>
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Like Puffs with Vicks!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sPtu6Si73Y/UYP6CAu8qjI/AAAAAAAADc8/YA67-oRCCeY/s1600/Vicks+blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sPtu6Si73Y/UYP6CAu8qjI/AAAAAAAADc8/YA67-oRCCeY/s1600/Vicks+blog.png" /></a></div>
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I discovered them a couple of years ago and fell in love. <a href="http://www.vicks.com/products/puffs-plus-facial-tissues/puffs-plus-facial-tissues/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Vicks</span></a> says "If your nose could talk, it would tell you it wants this". Well, my nose and even my kids are addicted! And it makes me feel great to know that <i>there's a touch of me in every tissue</i>! And then they were discontinued and I was crushed. </div>
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About 6 months ago, in the height of cold and flu season, there they were on the shelf again! We were thrilled and the stock ups began. Not only are they some of the softest tissues out there, but for allergy sufferers, being able to inhale that great sent of Vicks after a solid nose blowing, is so great! (I know, I'm weird - but it's the little things, right?) And we all like to put our best face forward and according to <a href="http://www.puffs.com/puffs-plus-with-vicks" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Puffs</span></a>, their facial tissues have Air-Fluffed™ pillows for 40% more cushiony thickness so we can do just that!</div>
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One very important thing to note about these wonderful tissues. You do NOT want to have them handy while watching a sappy movie or use them to wipe your kids tears. The sent of the Vicks will burn your eyes and while temporary it does not feel good.</div>
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Thankfully they're not that much more expensive than regular Puffs. Maybe .01 cent per tissue and they're not available just anywhere. I have seen them at<span style="color: #134f5c;"> <a href="http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Puffs-Plus-Lotion-Facial-Tissue-With-The-Scent-Of-Vicks?skuId=441080" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">CVS</span></a></span> and <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Puffs-With-The-Scent-of-Vicks-White-Facial-Tissue-Plus-Lotion-96-ct/12166477" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Walmart</span></a>. You also can get them in bulk at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Puffs-Lotion-Facial-Tissues-Packaging/dp/B003ZUUXZE" style="color: #134f5c;" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. Better yet, subscribe through Amazon to have them auto-shipped every 1-6 months and save even more!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3vuC3GcoO7c/UYQCXDsBe_I/AAAAAAAADdc/35bniucLRfQ/s1600/puffs-vicks-clearance.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3vuC3GcoO7c/UYQCXDsBe_I/AAAAAAAADdc/35bniucLRfQ/s200/puffs-vicks-clearance.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Since it looks like we're in for a dreary weekend, the outdoor work will have to wait for better days ahead. That's not the worst thing since I just saw this photo on <a href="http://www.totallytarget.com/2013/05/02/the-latest-clearance-finds-this-week-at-target-60/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134f5c;">TotallyTarget</span></a>. I love that site because it not only shares with me how to get the best bang for my buck at Target stores, it also shares all sorts of other savings opportunities with me! Check them out! Anyway, a whole end cap full of Puffs with Vicks on clearance! For 74 cents a box! I guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend!</div>
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So - that's it! Give them a try and let me know what you think. Or better yet, if you're at Target and happen upon an end cap filled with my fav tissues, send me a note and I'll be on my way!!</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-46791973699065663582013-05-02T16:18:00.000-05:002013-05-02T17:54:13.939-05:00Where the heck have I been!?!?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;">
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Oh my gosh!! I can't believe it's been over a month since I blogged! One of the most frustrating things about blogging is finding the time to post! I have my calendar and notebook full of things I want to share but life has been so crazy busy! We all know that sometimes the things you <i>love</i> to do are the things that take a back seat to the things you <i>have</i> to do!</div>
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Although...don't get out your violin quite yet! I <i>have</i> been doing lots of the things that I love to do. And to be totally honest, it's 2 of my favorite things to do...<span style="color: #45818e;">traveling</span> and <span style="color: #45818e;">spending time with my family</span>! Below is <strike>sort of</strike> a photo montage of how I've been spending the last several weeks!<br />
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<strike>The later part of the winter months</strike> (scratch that - looking out my window it's apparent that winter is still going on!) The later part of the first quarter was pretty full with Marissa's dance competitions. They made it to State so we had lots of fun celebrating her senior year of dance!<br />
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<i>I know I'm prejudiced but I think she has the most beautiful smile!</i></div>
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<i>Her team photo taken by one of her coaches, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/SuzanneJean-Photography/121407290757?fref=ts" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Suzanne Thompson</span></a>, who also does amazing photography!</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GpLZVxwd97I/UYK9ex2QP5I/AAAAAAAADaU/1qVtyB6IP0Q/s1600/moms-daughters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GpLZVxwd97I/UYK9ex2QP5I/AAAAAAAADaU/1qVtyB6IP0Q/s1600/moms-daughters.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Marissa and I at the team banquet along with one of her best friends, Rachel, and her </i></div>
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<i>mom Nancy. Nancy just happens to be one of my favorite people and lucky for us, </i></div>
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<i>both our girls are headed to University of Minnesota, Duluth in the fall</i><i> so we will</i></div>
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<i> continue to have lots of fun together - (we're already planning our road trips </i></div>
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<i>to check on our girls!)</i></div>
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Next stop Riviera Maya Mexico and the Barcelo Colonial and Tropical Resort for a super fun and safe spring break for a group of seniors from Eagan High School. Watch for a blog in the next few weeks where I'll share more details about the trip. Needless to say we had a blast! </div>
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<i>The girls with their matching tanks - compliments of Midwest Travel Service!</i></div>
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<i>As much fun as Mark looks like he's having...he was NOT the only guy! That was our</i></div>
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<i>last day and the rest of the guys had either left the day before or earlier flights that day!</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7-6Fmfm7HY/UYK9cnSocWI/AAAAAAAADZw/7opECpNy9qE/s1600/Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7-6Fmfm7HY/UYK9cnSocWI/AAAAAAAADZw/7opECpNy9qE/s1600/Girls.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>My girls Lexie and Marissa - adorable!!</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4stGp5cxP8/UYK9ca9rqaI/AAAAAAAADZo/GbwL2OgBhZ8/s1600/Family2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4stGp5cxP8/UYK9ca9rqaI/AAAAAAAADZo/GbwL2OgBhZ8/s1600/Family2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>What's better than a family photo in the Caribbean Sea? Not much! (except a photo that</i></div>
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<i>also includes Kyle, Christina and Blake!)</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jtis-Sy9zsA/UYK9exzPcTI/AAAAAAAADaY/fS1KkWSUSyw/s1600/meandbart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jtis-Sy9zsA/UYK9exzPcTI/AAAAAAAADaY/fS1KkWSUSyw/s1600/meandbart.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>I love iPhone's except for taking photos! They never seem to come out very clear.</i></div>
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My life is so much more blessed now that it includes my grandson! Christina has been so busy working with bridal couples, assisting them with their Destination Weddings and Honeymoons so I've been hanging out with Blake! We also celebrated his first birthday with lots of family and friends.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhpwTDM7dgk/UYK9dIweGvI/AAAAAAAADZ4/DfrstwZzclU/s1600/blakeums.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhpwTDM7dgk/UYK9dIweGvI/AAAAAAAADZ4/DfrstwZzclU/s1600/blakeums.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>My favorite way to spend the day!</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwCfnT3fS5E/UYLP-rQ71gI/AAAAAAAADbk/j9r51rCyjUg/s1600/249207_948646033982_1475928880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwCfnT3fS5E/UYLP-rQ71gI/AAAAAAAADbk/j9r51rCyjUg/s1600/249207_948646033982_1475928880_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>The birthday boy!</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QogPm8QzT7g/UYLP-g90sJI/AAAAAAAADbo/HUrqclz7w7I/s1600/577298_948646048952_1371525489_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QogPm8QzT7g/UYLP-g90sJI/AAAAAAAADbo/HUrqclz7w7I/s1600/577298_948646048952_1371525489_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>The 'Hungry Little Caterpiller' table of sweets!</i></div>
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<i>For more photos of his special day, check out <a href="http://midwesttravelblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-hungry-little-caterpillar-turned-one.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Christina's blog</span></a>!</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uaCpPjxJ3V8/UYLP-hhQeMI/AAAAAAAADbg/jzTTWYZpbD8/s1600/858146_4798076395224_1681523404_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uaCpPjxJ3V8/UYLP-hhQeMI/AAAAAAAADbg/jzTTWYZpbD8/s1600/858146_4798076395224_1681523404_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>An amazing group of ladies - it's no wonder they're cousins!</i></div>
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Maria's been doing her fair share of traveling as well. The best part of that for me is her kids usually stay with us! Hectic? YES! Love it? YES! YES!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XNwmOk1-2k/UYK9d-nuarI/AAAAAAAADaQ/Gc0xatR4JUg/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XNwmOk1-2k/UYK9d-nuarI/AAAAAAAADaQ/Gc0xatR4JUg/s1600/kids.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Hanging out at Old Chicago</i></div>
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Another travel adventure happened a few weeks ago. My Mom and I sailed the Carnival Splendor to the Island of Bermuda. I had never been to Bermuda before and I loved it! So much beauty and history! Another blog post waiting to be shared!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ewcu6-zeR00/UYK9ckqMfvI/AAAAAAAADZs/NMo_fGCFuGs/s1600/IMG_2148_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ewcu6-zeR00/UYK9ckqMfvI/AAAAAAAADZs/NMo_fGCFuGs/s400/IMG_2148_edited-1.jpg" width="343" /></a></div>
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<i>It was SO cool to sail past Lady Liberty!</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXoFrv0huTA/UYK9bZiRVWI/AAAAAAAADZU/6J-jLyRpkFg/s1600/Carnival+Splendor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXoFrv0huTA/UYK9bZiRVWI/AAAAAAAADZU/6J-jLyRpkFg/s1600/Carnival+Splendor.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>The color of the ocean in Bermuda was like nothing I've ever seen before - so pretty!</i></div>
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<i>We had the BEST time together and lots of champagne!!</i></div>
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Another of my favorite things about - what's supposed to be - this time of year is SOFTBALL! I love sunny days watching Lexie do her thing! Tournament weekends - even better! Although most of her high school games this spring have been cancelled due to the nasty weather, we have the whole summer ahead of us and many tournaments! Here's to better weather ahead!<br />
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<i>First game of the season (and the first double)!</i></div>
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In this case, I saved the worst for last! I bartend at the Twins games and my bar is outside. It has been a miserable start to the season with many layers and frozen fingers! <br />
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<b>- WINTER - GET OUT OF HERE!!!</b></div>
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<i>Selfie of my in the ladies room warming my fingers under the dryer!</i></div>
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<i>I might look happy - but really I'm miserable!</i></div>
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As busy and crazy as my life has been, I am so grateful for each and every part of it! However, it's time to get back to a more balanced lifestyle. Here's to a spring/summer of sunshine, good-times and lots of blogging!!!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzyhCBvZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/-oWRZOJ9sIg/s1600/Theresa.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-76341097364347182762013-03-15T15:30:00.001-05:002013-03-15T15:37:09.049-05:00Funky Friday ~ I Love my Mom!My Mom is the best! I know, everyone thinks that - I mean at least those of us that have great Moms. But mine truly is, and for a number of reasons. The number of reasons actually, is so long that I could do a Funky Friday blog ... about all the things that are great about her ... every Friday ... for a couple of years! And maybe I will. But today I wanted to tell you about one of my favorite things about her. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She communicates by mail!!!</span></div>
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I know! Isn't that crazy?? And it's not just Birthday or Anniversary cards. It's the actual old-fashioned, send a note because 'I'm thinking of you' or 'I'm proud of you' communication. I'm so lucky. My kids are so lucky. Even my co-workers are lucky! Every once in a while we'll get something in the mail from Judith. We can tell it's from her before we even see the return address. She's a professional calligrapher so it's not just addressed - it's designed. Here's an example of one of our treasures:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IdvU06zQWc8/UUOBd4EU6NI/AAAAAAAADX8/E_3DHfcdWjg/s1600/blog+envelope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IdvU06zQWc8/UUOBd4EU6NI/AAAAAAAADX8/E_3DHfcdWjg/s1600/blog+envelope.jpg" /></a></div>
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Once we're past the envelope, what's inside is usually pretty thoughtful as well. A newspaper article or printing on a topic she thinks might interest us. Something travel related. Something that relates to the location of our office. Something related to someone we may know, or have heard about. The list is endless. </div>
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One of <i>my</i> favorite things to get from her is a comic. You see, I don't read the comics. I don't think they're funny. But she <i>does</i> read them. Daily. And she thinks they're funny! The funny thing is, when she sends one to me, <i>I THINK IT'S FUNNY!</i> And it makes me happy to know that she's thinking of me. And it makes me happy she knows it will make me laugh. </div>
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Here is the one we received at the office today. </div>
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It's funny, right? And yes - it's true! And SO typical of my Mom. Both the conversation Lizzie is having with her Mom, the fact that she thought about me, and she knew I would appreciate it! I especially love the smile face and exclamation point she added. Brings forth another smile. I love you Mom and call me anytime!!</div>
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Until next time...</div>
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzyhCBvZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/-oWRZOJ9sIg/s1600/Theresa.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-10512113804055688852013-03-13T23:54:00.000-05:002013-03-14T00:24:12.515-05:00W.A.T.W. ~ Celebrity Beach BodiesAs I sit here doing some online swimsuit browsing for my upcoming family spring break trip to Mexico, I <strike>somewhat</strike> wish I was a celebrity and could visit a spa for a few of the 'treatments' I'm sure the celebrities must get to ensure their bodies look their best for their beach vacations! (I'm convinced it <i>MUST</i> be the treatments and not a good 'ol, well-balanced diet and a little bit of exercise - who lives like that!)<br />
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Although it's a little late in the day for a blog, it <b>is</b> Wednesday, and I <b>am</b> a fan of our W.A.T.W. posts. So. Here's a few celebrity beach pics featuring the latest hot spots of the stars. Thank goodness I haven't gone on my trip yet...I wouldn't want to have to post a photo of myself and have to compete with any of these photos!<br />
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I would <i>love</i> to vacation with these three women! I love them all! Although I must say Drew and Reese are darn brave to vacation with that body of Cameron's. The three friends were attending a <a href="http://www.bikinibootcamp.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">fitness retreat</span></a> at the <a href="http://www.amansalaresort.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Amansala Resort</span></a> in Tulum - doesn't sound like much of a vacation to me!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W193vF5jeow/UUFWUT7_aZI/AAAAAAAADW4/QWe3zoJjUIU/s1600/Celebrity+BB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W193vF5jeow/UUFWUT7_aZI/AAAAAAAADW4/QWe3zoJjUIU/s1600/Celebrity+BB1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Reese Witherspoon / Cameron Diaz / Drew Barrymore</span></div>
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Hawaii is always a popular destination for the stars!</div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Jessica Simpson & Eric Johnson / Ashley Simpson & Bronx</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Ashley Tisdale / Giulina Rancic / Lea Michele & Cory Monteith</span></div>
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Cabo seems to be another favorite celebrity vacation hot spot! </div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Jennifer Aniston & Justin Theroux / Jessica Alba / Leeann Rimes & Eddie Cibrian</span></div>
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You can't go wrong with a Caribbean beach and St. Bart's seems to be on the radar of these celebrities!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etqUfl2TRpw/UUFWUd3RMSI/AAAAAAAADXU/VD9fmR0dkwg/s1600/celebrity+bb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etqUfl2TRpw/UUFWUd3RMSI/AAAAAAAADXU/VD9fmR0dkwg/s1600/celebrity+bb4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Ryan Seacrest & Julianne Hough / Channing & Jenna Dewan Tatum</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Jon Bon Jovi / Kate Moss</span></div>
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(This one's for you Maria!)</div>
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Of course, most of us 'normal' folk usually get only one week of vacation (if we even get that!). Long vacations are not hard to come by for our celebrity friends. A trip to Australia is 'no worries!'</div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Hugh Jackman / Bethanny Frankel</span></div>
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10 days from today I'll be on the beaches of Mexico in the beautiful Riviera Maya. Although I don't have time to make it to the spa, a few more days of eating a half of an apple and a few leaves of lettuce and I'll be about as beach ready as I'll ever be!!</div>
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Until next time...</div>
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzyhCBvZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/-oWRZOJ9sIg/s1600/Theresa.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-36193869151009859242013-03-11T11:18:00.000-05:002013-03-13T23:33:27.472-05:00My Hungry Little Caterpillar Turned ONE!Hope everyone had a great weekend! As I mentioned in the <a href="http://midwesttravelblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/simply-bridals-wedding-infographics.html" target="_blank">blog</a> last week, this weekend was a busy one for me. On Saturday we threw a party for our little man who just turned one and it was a blast! I'll share a few pictures at the end of this post as promised :)<br />
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But first, I want to share some snapshots from the Wedding Fair yesterday. As always, I met some really great brides and grooms who I am very excited to work with! It's always fun to hear all of the different travel ideas, dreams and preferences, and (although this sounds cheesy, I'm still going to say it...) my goal is to help make each of those wishes come true! I truly do love helping couples find the <i>perfect</i> place to escape.<br />
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Since decor and dresses are two of of my favorite wedding aspects, I'll share pictures of those:<br />
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We had such a great time celebrating Blake's birthday with our very favorite people on Saturday! I decided on a 'Hungry Little Caterpillar' theme which is very fitting, considering Blake's <b>favorite</b> thing to do is EAT. I still have yet to find something he doesn't like. As a result he seems to grow out of his clothes waaay too often but I have to say, I love how easy it is to feed him!</div>
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Goodie bags for the other little ones with caterpillar sippy cups and sets of crayons. </div>
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Gotta love the dollar section at Target!</div>
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Yummy treats! Colorful Trix crispies, caterpillar cake pops and an assortment of cupcakes.</div>
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We served baked spaghetti, pizza, my <i>favorite</i> <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/bibb-salad-with-basil-green-goddess-dressing-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Barefoot Contessa</a> salad and good ol' bread & butter. I thought it was pretty delish!</div>
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Blake and his Daddy</div>
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Blake and his Mommy - Cannot believe I have a one year old!</div>
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Blake and his Mimi</div>
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Waiting patiently for his dessert</div>
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*Happy Birthday to you! *</div>
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1st cupcake ever and what a surprise -- He loved it!</div>
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I'm ONE!</div>
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Ok enough reminiscing about my weekend... Time to get to work!! Have a great day everyone!<br />
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<br />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-90277572432574220842013-03-05T15:38:00.001-06:002013-03-06T13:58:39.339-06:00Simply Bridal's Wedding Infographics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Guess what? It's almost time for the <a href="http://www.twincitybridal.com/ordering.asp" target="_blank">Wedding Fair</a> again! (Time really does fly... It seems like I'm <i>always</i> mentioning the upcoming Wedding Fair). Anyway, it's this Sunday, March 10th at the Convention Center. If you're planning on attending, please come say hi to us - We'd love to see you!</div>
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Going along with the topic of weddings (which as you know, is one of my all-time favorites), I'd like to introduce you to a company called <a href="http://www.simplybridal.com/" target="_blank">Simply Bridal</a>. Although their site has only been live since 2011, they have quite a list of accomplishments! They've hosted several successful showcases in Los Angeles and have been featured on popular wedding blogs such as <a href="http://www.rocknrollbride.com/" target="_blank">Rock'n'Roll Bride</a>, <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/" target="_blank">Style Me Pretty</a>, <a href="http://www.weddingchicks.com/" target="_blank">Wedding Chicks</a> and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/weddings/" target="_blank">HuffPost Weddings</a>. The newest <b>hit</b> blog they'll be featured on is... ours! ;-)</div>
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Two of their writers, Natalie and Anna will be periodically featured as guest bloggers on our site. Sample topics include beach bridal fashion, destination wedding decor, celebrity honeymoon destinations, exotic honeymoon locales and info on getting married overseas. Better yet? They'll also be offering a discount to our readers for Simply Bridal products including wedding gowns, veils, accessories and bridesmaids dresses.</div>
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One thing the <a href="http://www.simplybridal.com/blogs/featured" target="_blank">Simply Bridal blog</a> features are these adorable wedding 'infographics.' I snagged a few of my favorites and included them below, but I'll be sure to post a few more in my next post when I share the details regarding our exclusive discount with you! Coming soon....</div>
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Hope to see many of you on Sunday! And HOPEFULLY I'm fully recovered from my baby's 1st birthday party on Saturday. We have almost 70 of our family members and closest friends coming to celebrate our 'Hungry Little Caterpillar.' I know, I know. We're crazy to let the party get that big, but he only turns 1 once and we have a very fun circle of people we'd like to celebrate with! I'll be sure to share some pictures next week.<br />
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzydP0UqI/AAAAAAAAG5I/BeBdtX7IW_I/s1600/Christina.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-35869922683068209012013-02-22T11:36:00.000-06:002013-02-22T11:36:16.972-06:00Funky Friday ~ National Margarita Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VRZsO4hr1nQ/USejsefQxmI/AAAAAAAADQc/e_ktnD4DL8o/s1600/original_2013_Margarita_Day_web_copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VRZsO4hr1nQ/USejsefQxmI/AAAAAAAADQc/e_ktnD4DL8o/s400/original_2013_Margarita_Day_web_copy.JPG" width="560" /></a></div>
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Today is National Margarita Day! </div>
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The margarita ~ a most delicious cocktail made of tequila, Triple Sec or Cointreau (my personal fav), and fresh lime juice, has been around since the early 1940s. <br />
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There are many legends of who actually came up with the recipe, but no one person has been credited as the true margarita mixologist. One thing we do know is the margarita is one of the most popular drinks of all time! I've been known to throw back many different versions of the drink, and I will say it's all in the tequila. The better the tequila, the better the margarita. I prefer silver tequila and believe me...Patron is worth the money! Whatever your tequila preference, make sure it is 100% Agave tequila.<br />
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My favorite way to consume it is the 'Margatini'. </div>
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2 ounces Patron</div>
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2 ounces Cointreau</div>
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Freshly squeezed lime juice</div>
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Mix all ingredients in shaker with lots of ice and pour into chilled martini glass. </div>
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ENJOY!</div>
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Delicious, huh? And it's Friday ~ the perfect day to celebrate National Margarita Day! Head out for a Margarita Happy Hour or invite some friends over, mix 'em up a few Margatini's and get the weekend started off in a most delicious way!!!<br />
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Until next time....<br />
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzyhCBvZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/-oWRZOJ9sIg/s1600/Theresa.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-61288760853611351832013-02-17T12:09:00.003-06:002013-02-22T11:37:23.061-06:00Royal BabymoonAs we saw in my post about the <a href="http://midwesttravelblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/watw-royal-honeymoon.html" target="_blank">Royal Honeymoon</a>, Kate and William know how to pick <i>gorgeous</i> locations for their private getaways. Just a few weeks ago they selected another luxe locale: the private island of <a href="http://www.mustique-island.com/" target="_blank">Mustique</a> which is part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the West Indies. With a jam-packed schedule, a challenging first trimester and only five months until the royal bundle makes his or her appearance, I assume the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were very much need of a quiet retreat, as many other celebs are when taking their <a href="http://midwesttravelblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/celebrity-babymoons.html" target="_blank">babymoons</a>.<br />
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Here are some snapshots of Kate and William's latest accommodations at the five-bedroom, Balinese-style villa <a href="http://www.mustique-island.com/villa/serenissima/details.html" target="_blank">'Serenissima'</a> located on a beautiful hillside...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOAiCUgIchM/USEXupMgxXI/AAAAAAAADMA/DCvCcAvZ49I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-17+at+11.28.07+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOAiCUgIchM/USEXupMgxXI/AAAAAAAADMA/DCvCcAvZ49I/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-02-17+at+11.28.07+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Serene living areas are surrounded by a lily pond</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WodpcohRAcI/USEYuIpsbgI/AAAAAAAADMw/tYBfjFIRI3U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-17+at+11.29.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WodpcohRAcI/USEYuIpsbgI/AAAAAAAADMw/tYBfjFIRI3U/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-02-17+at+11.29.44+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of the five bedrooms~ Each has it's own private veranda</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qc38oguuqI8/USEYUTgr_ZI/AAAAAAAADMg/IeHw2zS2oPg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-17+at+11.29.32+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qc38oguuqI8/USEYUTgr_ZI/AAAAAAAADMg/IeHw2zS2oPg/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-02-17+at+11.29.32+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bathrooms feature double vanities, bidets and walk-in showers</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AvUsHeiGs3Q/USEYT4Tis4I/AAAAAAAADMY/sde4Lp6tK_A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-17+at+11.29.07+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AvUsHeiGs3Q/USEYT4Tis4I/AAAAAAAADMY/sde4Lp6tK_A/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-02-17+at+11.29.07+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of the dining areas that overlooks the on-site tropical garden</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ePn1DsHVzOE/USEYEWG5_jI/AAAAAAAADMI/lTj7QK28sIs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-17+at+11.28.30+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ePn1DsHVzOE/USEYEWG5_jI/AAAAAAAADMI/lTj7QK28sIs/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-02-17+at+11.28.30+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Serenissima is a 5-minute walk from Macaroni Beach</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PiMSpa7NIT4/USEYHmcmz6I/AAAAAAAADMQ/3w_AcNAeNjU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-17+at+11.28.43+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PiMSpa7NIT4/USEYHmcmz6I/AAAAAAAADMQ/3w_AcNAeNjU/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-02-17+at+11.28.43+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's a partial view of the 64-foot pool!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx6V7Qfh5ME/USEZOAcq-VI/AAAAAAAADM4/k-swg6vayWU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-17+at+11.31.05+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx6V7Qfh5ME/USEZOAcq-VI/AAAAAAAADM4/k-swg6vayWU/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-02-17+at+11.31.05+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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A glimpse of the secluded gazebo and sun-deck </div>
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with additional stunning views of the ocean</div>
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Wondering why there are no pictures of the kitchen? It's because the villa comes with a household staff of six (including a private chef) who collect all shopping, food and beverage orders prior to your arrival on the island.<br />
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Kate's parents graciously picked up the tab for their daughter's February stay at Serenissima, for just $25,000. Wonder what they're going to give as a baby gift!!<br />
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzydP0UqI/AAAAAAAAG5I/BeBdtX7IW_I/s1600/Christina.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-64864185687784267432013-02-14T12:17:00.000-06:002013-02-14T12:22:39.929-06:0014 Famous Love~Filled Movie LinesHappy Valentine's Day!! As Andrea recently mentioned in her <a href="http://midwesttravelblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/25-things-with-andrea.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">25 Things...blog</span></a>, one of our (mine and Maria's) favorite things to do each day is quote movie lines. Or better yet, randomly throw a movie line out there and have the others try and guess what movie it's from. We are SO good at it too! As I was doing my morning news surfing today...you know, <a href="http://www.people.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">People</span></a>, <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Us Weekly</span></a>, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Huffington Post</span></a> etc. I came across an article, '<i>14 Famous Love-Filled Movie Lines</i>'. I'm happy to report that I knew 11 out of the 14! Not bad, huh! Now it's your turn. Here they are and NO CHEATING!!<br />
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<li><i>"You Had Me At Hello" </i></li>
<i><br />
</i>
<li><i>"Love Means Never Having To Say You're Sorry"</i></li>
<i><br />
</i>
<li><i>"I'll Never Let Go, Jack"</i></li>
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</i>
<li><i>"If You're A Bird, I'm A Bird"</i></li>
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<li><i>"When You Realize You Want To Spend The Rest Of Your Life With Somebody, You Want The Rest Of Your Life To Start As Soon As Possible"</i></li>
<i><br />
</i>
<li><i>"I'm Also Just A Girl Standing In Front Of A Boy, Asking Him To Love Her"</i></li>
<i><br />
</i>
<li><i>"<i>Nobody Puts Baby In A Corner</i>"</i></li>
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</i>
<li><i>"To Me You Are Perfect"</i></li>
<i><br />
</i>
<li><i>"<i>I Wanted It To Be You, I Wanted It To Be You So Badly</i>"</i></li>
<i><br />
</i>
<li><i>"<i>So I Can Kiss You Anytime I Want</i>"</i></li>
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<li><i>"We'll Always Have Paris"</i></li>
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</i>
<li><i>"Choose Me, Marry Me, Let Me Make You Happy"</i></li>
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</i>
<li><i>"I Like You Very Much Just As You Are"</i></li>
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<li><i>"Y<i>ou Should Be Kissed, And Often, And By Someone Who Knows How</i>"</i></li>
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And the answers are... </div>
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<b>1. Jerry Maguire
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<b>2. Love Story
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">*******************</span></div>
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<b>3. Titanic
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">*******************</span></div>
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<b>4. The Notebook
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/d7_F5P5PygM/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/d7_F5P5PygM&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d7_F5P5PygM&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<b>5. When Harry Met Sally</b></div>
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<b>6. Notting Hill
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<b>7. Dirty Dancing</b></div>
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<b>8. Love Actually</b></div>
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<b>9. You've Got Mail</b></div>
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<b>10. Sweet Home Alabama</b></div>
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<b>11. Casablanca</b></div>
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<b>12. My Best Friends Wedding</b></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span></div>
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<b>13. Bridget Jones Diary</b></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">*******************</span></div>
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<b>14. Gone With the Wind</b></div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/nACj50uq6_s/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nACj50uq6_s&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nACj50uq6_s&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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How did you do? Have one of your own favorite love-filled movie lines? Share it with us in the comments! <br />
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Until next time...</div>
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<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzyhCBvZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/-oWRZOJ9sIg/s1600/Theresa.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-51985962982054937632013-02-13T15:42:00.002-06:002013-02-14T10:56:07.228-06:00W.A.T.W. ~ The Bachelor in St Croix!<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UcU9Vs3C_KA/URv-sAqLxkI/AAAAAAAADKY/zHzqNH4yi-M/s1600/sean-lowe-the-bachelor-st-croix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UcU9Vs3C_KA/URv-sAqLxkI/AAAAAAAADKY/zHzqNH4yi-M/s320/sean-lowe-the-bachelor-st-croix.jpg" width="213" /></a>Love Monday nights! I get home from the office, eat a quick dinner and volunteer to do the dishes so everyone gets out of the kitchen and I can watch <a href="http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelor" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">The Bachelor</span></a> without interruption! I was really excited for this week's episode as Sean and the remaining 6 women were visiting the island of <a href="http://www.visitusvi.com/stcroix/homepage" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">St Croix</span></a>!<br />
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St. Croix is the largest of the US Virgin Islands. Formerly the Danish West Indies, United States purchased it from Denmark in 1916 for $25,000,000 in gold. The capital of St Croix, Charlotte Amalie, is located on the island of St. Thomas. Although English is the most common language spoken on the island, a native English-based creole known on the island as Crucian is also spoken by the majority of the population in informal situations. Tourism is one of the main sources of income on the island and that's where I come in! I love doing my part to help support the community and approximately 51,000 Crucians that call St. Croix their home!<br />
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Now, back to the Bachelor. Sean and the girls arrived on the island via a <a href="http://www.seaborneairlines.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Seaborne Airlines</span></a> sea plane. The girls were whisked to their home for the next few days, <a href="http://www.thebuccaneer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">The Buccaneer Hotel</span></a>. Founded in the 17th century and family-run for generations, Buccaneer is the Caribbean's and Virgin Islands' longest running resort. Both historic and modern, the resort blends old world charm with warm hospitality and the amenities expected by today's traveler. Why am I telling you about this fab resort?? <i><b>The Buccaneer is offering us the same package, including a romantic and private dinner in the sugar mill, as Sean experienced with Tierra!! </b></i>The five-night package includes: a Luxury Beachside Doubloon for two, full American breakfast buffet for two, his and her bathrobes, welcome bottle of champagne and a rose (of course!), private half-day BuckIsland trip for two, a private lunch at secluded Whistle beach, a private island tour, a private dinner on the Mermaid Dock, his and her infinity bracelets by IB Designs, a Jeep car rental for one day, and a 50 minute in-room couples massage. Whew ~ Sign me up now please!! Bachelor Package rates are $7,250 through April 15th and $5,900 through December 19th, per couple (paparazzi not included!).<br />
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Now on to the dates! AshLee received the first one on one date. Her and Sean spent the day on the <a href="http://sailzingara.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Zingara Catamaran</span></a>, a 76 foot sailing catamaran with a crew of 4. They sailed to the private island of <a href="http://www.gotostcroix.com/buck-island" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Buck Island</span></a> where they swam and hung out for the day. Dinner is served on a private beach where AshLee professes her love for Sean. <i>Sidenote: the way she chose to profess her love was a little weird for me but he seemed to like it...</i></div>
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Sean's next one on one date is with Tierra. Man, this girl is nuts! I go back and forth wondering if she is for real or is she a plant by the producers to make the show more interesting and frustrating, both at the same time! Watching her alone, makes the 2 hours fly by each and every week. Anyway, they spent the day in the center of <a href="http://www.vinow.com/stcroix/attractions_stx/christiansted.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Christiansted</span></a> eating, shopping and taking part in a carnival-like street parade. Although she told the girls she hated the heat and having sweat/her make-up run all over her face, she told Sean she was the happiest girl on earth! She was<i> 'sparkling' </i>all day long (those of you who watch the show know what I'm talking about)!<br />
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The next date was a group date with Catherine, Desiree and Lindsay... They had the coolest date in my opinion. Sean woke them at 4:45 am to travel to the farthest East point of the island, <a href="http://www.stcroixtourism.com/st_croix_pictures/point_udall.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Point Udall</span></a>. They were the first people on American soil to watch the sun rise that day! They then headed to the most Western part of the island, <a href="http://www.stcroix-beaches.com/West-End-Beaches.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Sunset Beach</span></a> to watch the Sunset. Along the way they spent time at a Sugar Mill, Jungle Treehouse and a few other adventures. Although they were seemingly on a date with their 'boyfriend', there were 2 other girls along as well. They made the best of it and we saw some pretty cool areas of St. Croix!</div>
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Sean's final date was spent with Lesley. Their (I thought) awkward date was spent at Mount Washington, an old sugar plantation. The whole day was somewhat boring and unremarkable. My favorite part of their date was her skirt! She is my favorite dresser of all the girls and I loved the skirt she wore on their date! The photo does not do it justice at all but you get the idea.</div>
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How cute is that! Although the actual skirt she is wearing is no longer available, I found this one online at <span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1083319/rock-republic-chiffon-maxi-skirt.jsp?src=k108283&clickid=0004d5a1c19034080a2b4bc9800065ff" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Kohls</span></a>.</span> And - it's on sale!!</div>
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That brings me to the end of <span style="color: #45818e;">The Bachelor</span> stay on St. Croix. Oh, one other thing as long as I was on the subject of Lesley and her clothes, I also fell in love with the dress she wore to the Rose Ceremony (right before she got the boot). I was bummed, not because I liked her for Sean but because I love her outfits! </div>
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I thought it was the perfect dress for an evening in the Caribbean! It's currently sold out, but I'm hoping <a href="http://www.revolveclothing.com/DisplayProduct.jsp?code=FOLE-WD99" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Foley + Corinna</span></a> will produce at least one more...in my size of course!</div>
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And, in case you <strike>were wondering</strike> care, Tierra was the other engagement-hopeful sent home Monday night. It was entertaining watching her try and muster up some actual tears! All I can say is Thank God she is gone. It restored my faith in Sean, and humanity in general, to see that good always conquers evil! Tune in next Monday to see the hometown dates and who is 3 weeks closer to a possible proposal.</div>
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Until next time...</div>
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzyhCBvZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/-oWRZOJ9sIg/s1600/Theresa.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-13053481537892503012013-02-08T21:20:00.000-06:002013-02-14T10:56:45.174-06:00Funky Friday ~ My Grammy Picks!A few months ago I wrote about <a href="http://midwesttravelblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/25-thingsmaria-style.html" target="_blank">25 Things to get to know me better</a>. Well, Sunday night is Grammy night, and it reminded me of an important detail I left out about myself.<br />
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26. There is always music playing in my head.<br />
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Think about the times when you hear a catchy tune on your way to work, and it plays over and over in your head all day. Drives you crazy, right? That's what it's like for me all. day. long. And if I'm really stressed out, in my dreams as well.<br />
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It could be anything. A commercial jingle, a tune from The Sound of Music, the Dirty Dancing soundtrack, a Top 40 hit, or something silly my kids made up. But everything that comes through my ears throughout the day reminds me of a song, and then it plays over and over until it gets kicked out of my head by another phrase that reminds me of another song.<br />
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I never thought this was odd. I guess I just assumed everybody had this thing going on, until one day when Theresa and Andrea and I were on a cruise about four years ago. We were laying out on the Lido Deck reading quietly and sipping cocktails when Theresa suddenly said to me, "What are you doing?"<br />
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Me: "Reading, why?"<br />
Theresa: "No, I mean, what are you doing with your toes?"<br />
Me: "Nothing, what do you mean?"<br />
Theresa: "What do you mean, nothing? You're bending them, like this..."<br />
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It was then that I realized that my toes were bending, for lack of a better word, to a beat. I don't remember what song my head was playing at the time, but I told them about it. "Oh, that's just (insert song)." I thought they would understand, but little did I know I was totally alone in this quirky habit.<br />
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Theresa: "Well, just stop."<br />
Me: "I can't just stop."<br />
My brain: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laI2CANENQg" target="_blank">I just can't stop loving you!</a> And if I stop, then tell me just what will I do..."<br />
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We continued on reading, but by then it was really bugging her. <br />
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Theresa: "Stop!"<br />
My brain: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC-MDYopSoA" target="_blank">Stop! In the name of love...</a>"<br />
Me: "Alright, alright, but it just happens, I swear!"<br />
My brain: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFD9lW9PGM4" target="_blank">And I swear, by the moon and the stars in the sky, I'll be there...</a>"<br />
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You get the idea. It's not only a problem with my toes, but also my thumbs. I'm weird. I know. But to put a positive spin on it, I really love music, so I guess it's better than hearing voices or spontaneously screaming obscenities. So, in honor of my funky little habit, here are some of my picks for the 2013 Grammy Awards on Sunday night.<br />
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<big><b>Record of the Year</b></big><br />
<b>»</b> The Black Keys - "Lonely Boy"<br />
<b>»</b> Kelly Clarkson - "Stronger"<br />
<b>»</b> Fun. feat. Janelle Monae - "We Are Young"<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UVNT4wvIGY" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>»</b> Gotye feat. Kimbra - "Somebody That I Used to Know"</span></a><br />
<b>»</b> Frank Ocean - "Thinkin Bout You"<br />
<b>»</b> Taylor Swift - "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"<br />
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This is a really close one for me, with "We Are Young" coming in a close 2nd, but in the end I am a sucker for an awesome bass line, that can really get my thumbs and toes going in an offbeat sort of way, so Gotye wins this battle.<br />
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<big><b>Song of the Year</b></big><br />
<b>»</b> Ed Sheeran - "The A Team" <br />
<b>»</b> Miguel - "Adorn" <br />
<b>»</b> Carly Rae Jepsen - "Call Me Maybe" <br />
<b>»</b> Kelly Clarkson - "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" <br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv6dMFF_yts" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>»</b> Fun. - "We Are Young"</span></a><br />
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I know "Call Me Maybe" was all the rage, and if I were 16 I swear I would have made 28 videos featuring myself lip-syncing that song, but "We Are Young" just strikes me as an anthem for this generation, and I think it has staying power.<br />
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<big><b>Best Pop Duo/Group Performance</b></big><br />
<b>»</b> Florence and the Machine - "Shake It Out"<br />
<b>»</b> Fun. - "We Are Young" <br />
<b>»</b> Gotye feat. Kimbra - "Somebody That I Used to Know" <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>»</b> LMFAO - "Sexy and I Know It" </span><br />
<b>»</b> Maroon 5 - "Payphone"<br />
<br />
Oh, Adam, how I hate to vote against you, but how can you argue with LMFAO? The way those guys make fun songs without taking themselves too seriously cracks me up. They probably won't win, because the Grammy's tend to go to more serious artists, but it would be fun if they did.<br />
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<big><b>Best Rock Performance</b></big><br />
<b>»</b> Alabama Shakes - "Hold On" <br />
<b>»</b> The Black Keys - "Lonely Boy" <br />
<b>»</b> Coldplay - "Charlie Brown" <br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGKfrgqWcv0" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>»</b> Mumford & Sons - "I Will Wait"</span> </a><br />
<b>»</b> Bruce Springsteen - "We Take Care of Our Own"<br />
<br />
Who does not love this song??? And I am not a banjo thumping, knee slappin' gal, but this tune gets me going!!!<br />
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<big><b>Best Rap Song</b></big><br />
<b>»</b> Nas - "Daughters" <br />
<b>»</b> Wale feat. Miguel - "Lotus Flower Bomb" <br />
<b>»</b> Kanye West Featuring Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz - "Mercy" <br />
<b>»</b> Drake feat. Lil' Wayne - "The Motto" <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>»</b> Jay-Z & Kanye West - "N---as In Paris" </span><br />
<b>»</b> Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa Featuring Bruno Mars - "Young, Wild & Free" <br />
<br />
No questions. Best song. Wanna get pumped up? Play it.<br />
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<big><b>Best New Artist</b></big><br />
<b>»</b> The Alabama Shakes<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>»</b> Fun. </span><br />
<b>»</b> Hunter Hayes<br />
<b>»</b> The Lumineers<br />
<b>»</b> Frank Ocean<br />
<br />
One of my fav songs this year is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvCBSSwgtg4" target="_blank">"Hey Ho"</a> by the Lumineers, but since they only really have one hit so far, my vote goes to Fun., who has proved that they can produce multiple hits with the kind of songs that really get your toes moving.<br />
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I guess we'll see on Sunday! Enjoy the performances and the dresses, and rest assured that I won't be watching with Theresa, so my thumbs can freely bop to the beat. ("<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAQSZhazYk8" target="_blank">To the beat of the rhythm of the night, dance until the morning light.</a> Forget about the worries of your mind, you can leave them all behind..."<br />
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5wOmdjc3XE/TfufEPKri0I/AAAAAAAAAKk/AEOd8wuuINQ/s1600/maria_signature.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-81957148757082308922013-02-05T13:19:00.000-06:002013-02-05T20:25:44.941-06:00Real Vacations ~ Now Jade Riviera Cancun!I believe one of the most important aspects of our business is client feedback. We love when clients return from a getaway and contact us to fill us in on how their travels went. It's so rewarding to find out the experience was everything they were hoping it would be! The best is when it's even more! That's what <i>truly</i> makes us happy! We love to hear your thoughts! Even in the unfortunate event everything wasn't as you hoped or expected it would be. As much as we hate hearing that, we want to. We'll investigate to see if there is something that can be done to make it right. Regardless of how big or how small the issue may have been, your happiness and satisfaction is our main concern!<br />
<br />
We received the following feedback from one of our most esteemed clients! You may recognize her beautiful smile if you've attended any of the fun and informative <a href="http://www.twincitybridal.com/wedding-fair/index.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Wedding Fairs</span></a> put on by <a href="http://www.twincitybridal.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Twin City Bridal Association</span></a>. As Director of Operations, Kim is always there to lend a hand and make sure the day runs smoothly. No easy task! We knew that all of that hard work deserved a wonderful vacation experience! We're thrilled to say that's what she received during her recent stay at NOW Jade Riviera Cancun!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I just had to tell you how much we enjoyed our vacation at the NOW Jade
Riviera Cancun! I would recommend this property to anyone looking for a
relaxing vacation. The NOW Jade is a beautiful property and the staff is
all about service and making you feel right at home. We had a Preferred
Ocean View room that was large and beautifully appointed. We loved spending
time out on our balcony in the Jacuzzi tub while watching the waves! The
food was great with tons of variety. We also loved that there were 2 pools
at this hotel - one for everyone with lots of activities and another for
adults only where it was always quiet and relaxing. It was great to have to
have the option of relaxing all day or taking part in daily planned
activities that they offered as well as nightly shows and theme nights. The
beach was a bit rocky in places but it did not bother us. The sand there
was like sugar...so soft! We would definitely go back to this area and this
hotel. Since it's not near a bunch of other properties, you just have that
feeling of being in the middle of the ocean amid palm trees and sand instead
of rows of hotels and beach peddlers. We definitely enjoyed it and look
forward to going back some day. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A big THANK YOU to Afton for her great recommendations! We felt we could
not go wrong with the choices she gave us based on her knowledge of the
area. Can't wait to plan our next vacation!" <span style="text-align: center;">Kim and Shashi </span></blockquote>
She was even kind enough to share with us a couple of their favorite photos from their experience!<br />
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Kim and Shashi ~ you are adorable and we're SO happy you enjoyed your getaway! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with all of us! We look forward to being a part of many more great, well-deserved and memory-filled vacations!! </div>
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For more info and photos of Now Jade Riviera Cancun, check out this <a href="http://midwesttravelblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/resort-spotlight-now-jade.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">previous blog post</span></a> and our <span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.291945790842353.62456.110876388949295&type=3" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">facebook album</span></a>. </span>And most importantly, don't forget to share <i>your </i>vacation experience with us!</div>
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<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzyhCBvZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/-oWRZOJ9sIg/s1600/Theresa.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-12420822259332829962013-02-01T16:53:00.000-06:002013-02-01T16:55:56.628-06:00Funky Friday ~ Brief History of the Bikini!It's that time of year that most of us dread...shopping for a winter getaway swimsuit! Recently, I was searching the racks of tankini's, (passing by all the teeny, tiny bikinis with a quick thought of 'some of these are so small!'), and it got me to thinking. What would people of years ago think of how time has changed the sizes and styles of the bikini! And how it has changed! Come along with me as I give you a glimpse into the revolution of the bikini.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BM2hEVLZacQ/UQw-W3pdHlI/AAAAAAAADHI/EjSlLBcutSA/s1600/01-greek-bikini-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BM2hEVLZacQ/UQw-W3pdHlI/AAAAAAAADHI/EjSlLBcutSA/s400/01-greek-bikini-lg.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Who would have thought that the bikini went back as far as 300 AD! This mosaic from Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily, Italy shows women looked great in bikinis even then!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CooB5J5HOw4/UQw_uWgWbhI/AAAAAAAADHQ/2gwxqlC2jFg/s1600/bikini_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CooB5J5HOw4/UQw_uWgWbhI/AAAAAAAADHQ/2gwxqlC2jFg/s400/bikini_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is a photo of French engineer Louis Reard who is credited with designing the bikini in 1946. He decided to name his creation the bikini, after the nuclear testing the US military had just completed at Bikini Atoll. He was hoping it would be as 'explosive' as that test!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuStkJmfkP8/UQxBSPL6CEI/AAAAAAAADHY/wOjGzhm2kJw/s1600/Brigitte-Bardot-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuStkJmfkP8/UQxBSPL6CEI/AAAAAAAADHY/wOjGzhm2kJw/s400/Brigitte-Bardot-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bridget Bardot is widely credited with the popularity of the bikini. He she is at the Cannes Film Festival at the ripe old age of 18! In my opinion, the age that the tummy looks best!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ge9Ou3-YyqU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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1960 This popular song reaches #1 spot on the Billboard hot 100! Can you name it?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tbyuzFg6pPg/UQxCFFKE5yI/AAAAAAAADHg/xqk96hbnF8c/s1600/bikini_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tbyuzFg6pPg/UQxCFFKE5yI/AAAAAAAADHg/xqk96hbnF8c/s400/bikini_11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1962 - Ursula Andress emerges from the Caribbean as 'Honey Rider' in the James Bond Flick, Dr. No.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oS2anNtW9ns/UQxCzdNdq1I/AAAAAAAADHw/7e_JzCBKvkw/s1600/06-first-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-issue-cover-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oS2anNtW9ns/UQxCzdNdq1I/AAAAAAAADHw/7e_JzCBKvkw/s400/06-first-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-issue-cover-lg.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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1964 - Sports Illustrated debuts it's first Swimsuit Issue. The story behind it is the editor at the time was having a difficult time finding a decent sporting event to write about so he asked his fashion reporter to fill some space, including the cover. The rest is history!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOpX2lGBJRA/UQxCs4MoIbI/AAAAAAAADHo/QlSwjN4vp_4/s1600/Raquel-Welch_2166050b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOpX2lGBJRA/UQxCs4MoIbI/AAAAAAAADHo/QlSwjN4vp_4/s400/Raquel-Welch_2166050b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1966 - Raquel Welch wears a fur bikini in the film, 'One Million Years BC. Years later she was quoted as saying she never wanted to wear it. For the life of me...I can't understand why! She looks gorgeous!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5WfRNOFD8K0/UQxC9UA6BuI/AAAAAAAADH4/bPpCf-Lyj0E/s1600/princess_leia_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5WfRNOFD8K0/UQxC9UA6BuI/AAAAAAAADH4/bPpCf-Lyj0E/s400/princess_leia_3.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
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1983 - Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia in 'Return of the Jedi'. She referred to it as 'the titanium thing'.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbCsSVg-_hw/UQxDhbAyI-I/AAAAAAAADII/JsFR064-l0I/s1600/miss_america_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbCsSVg-_hw/UQxDhbAyI-I/AAAAAAAADII/JsFR064-l0I/s400/miss_america_13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1997 - Miss America contestants were allowed to wear 2 piece swimsuits during the swimsuit competition. It was the first time since they had been banned from the competition in 1947.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDe0yFClFXM/UQxDm59N35I/AAAAAAAADIQ/k8tbJqGLIIM/s1600/halle-berry-die-another-day-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDe0yFClFXM/UQxDm59N35I/AAAAAAAADIQ/k8tbJqGLIIM/s400/halle-berry-die-another-day-de.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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2002 - Another James Bond stunner emerges from the Caribbean. Halle Berry looks amazing as Giacinta "Jinx" Johnson.</div>
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There you have it! I'd post a pic of some of the more recent versions of the bikini but since this is a family friendly site, I'll let you go research those on your own! My moral of the story (blog) is, not all of us are bikini ready and some of us never will be! Be courteous to others around you. Bikini's are NOT one size fits all! Wear it only if it fits!</div>
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Until next time...</div>
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzyhCBvZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/-oWRZOJ9sIg/s1600/Theresa.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /><br />
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Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-40569344678380974322013-01-29T14:40:00.000-06:002013-01-29T14:40:39.515-06:0025 Things with Andrea...Well it is my turn to let y’all know 25 things about me. I came up with 25 things in a flash but actually writing them out for the blog happened much more slowly. But here goes!<br />
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1. The sound of an airplane makes me drowsy. Typically I am sleeping prior to the aircraft leaving the runway.<br />
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2. I am a closet Nascar fan! Tony Stewart sends my heart fluttering. Not only do I watch Nascar on TV, I’ve actually been to Nascar races and they are a BLAST!<br />
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3. I HATE chain letter/emails. Please don’t ever send me one as I will be the person to break the chain.<br />
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4. I am obsessed with flossing my teeth. I have dental floss everywhere – in my kitchen, in my car, in my purse, in my desk – well, you get the point.<br />
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5. I hope my husband isn’t reading this. If he is, I will deny I wrote this. I am a terrible driver. I pretend I’m a good driver, but I know I am not. I have dented three different sides of my husbands truck. All of these accidents happened in the same parking ramp (although <i>not</i> on the same day - hey - that makes a difference). And in my defense, the poles in ramp are large and the parking spots very small. ;-)<br />
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<i>Here I am with my husband Jon and sons, JT and Parker, soaking up some Mexican sun!</i></div>
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6. If I may insert a bit of advice... Ladies, be sure to visit only reputable hair salons! A few years ago when I was feeling “broke” and didn’t want to spend a weeks pay on a cut and color, I visited a discount salon. I left the salon with a Leather Tuscadaro haircut and two weeks later my hair starting falling out in clumps! So much fell out I had to use Rogain. Well, if I’m being totally truthful, I actually didn’t want to pay the price for Rogain so I bought Walgain (the Walmart brand). Lesson learned…..pay the money to the professionals. It is so worth it!<br />
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7. My favorite vacation spot is St. John, United States Virgin Islands. Can't wait to go back in April!<br />
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8. My very first concert was Journey at the St. Paul Civic Center. I was so close to the stage that when Steve Perry was singing in front of us some of his sweat landed on my arm. Don’t stop believin’……<br />
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9. I have sang karaoke once and only once. Luckily I was with two friends so I didn't have to face the shame alone. It was such a bad experience that 2 out of the 3 of us have never tried it again! And that was 20 years ago! Of course our song choice may have been our demise. 'Crocodile Rock' isn't an easy song to sing!<br />
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10. My most recent celebrity meeting was <a href="http://www.officialflo.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Flo Rida</span></a> at the grand opening of the Hard Rock Cancun (fab, fab hotel!). We tossed one back at the bar. We parted with Flo saying “God Bless You”. Not quite what I expected from the Wild One.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gGoXjCxXQl0/UQgmYEBSE0I/AAAAAAAADGs/ehhKLgwFOMM/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gGoXjCxXQl0/UQgmYEBSE0I/AAAAAAAADGs/ehhKLgwFOMM/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG" /></a></div>
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<i>My and my close buddy Flo rockin it at Hard Rock Cancun!</i></div>
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11. I always try to be on time. I don’t like being late!<br />
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12. I have owned nothing but <a href="http://www.nike.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Nike</span></a> sneakers since 1979. I am a brand loyalist. Nike is my longest running relationship. Nothing other than Nikes for 34 years.
Check out my new Christmas present to myself.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h3mSyBQrFo8/UQgmtn-DJ4I/AAAAAAAADG0/2A_PnLIkKhk/s1600/IMG_0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h3mSyBQrFo8/UQgmtn-DJ4I/AAAAAAAADG0/2A_PnLIkKhk/s1600/IMG_0572.JPG" /></a></div>
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<i>Merry Christmas Self!</i></div>
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13. I am a full fledged sleep walker. At this point I could entertain you with over 100 pages of stories, but you're just going to have to take my word for it. Or you could ask Theresa about the time we were on a cruise. She awoke at 3am to me frantically trying to escape a swarm of bees by trying to get out on the balcony (I could've sworn our room was full of them). I'm still unsure what I was going to do once I got out on the balcony. Thank God I was too short to reach the lock on the door and she was able to convince me to get back in my bed.<br />
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14. Growing up, my mom was so worried about getting into a car accident, she made me and my sisters ride in the backseat until we got our driving permits. In addition, we were not allowed to talk when she was driving on the highway. She always reminded us of this rule in a very loud, very stern voice. “I’M ON THE HIGHWAY. NO TALKING! NONE!”<br />
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15. I come from an Italian family. I have 2 cousins named Tony. While this alone is not uncommon for an Italian family, what makes it a little unusual is that we have Tony, and then we have “Baby Tony”. Baby Tony is now a police officer in New York City with a wife and two beautiful daughters. Yet he is still called Baby Tony by my entire family! Better yet? He answers to it!!! Gotta love the Italians!<br />
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16. What makes me mad? Everything. I can go from 0 to 10 in three seconds!<br />
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17. I have watched each and every season of the Real World on MTV since its debut in 1992. If I had to pick a favorite season it would probably be the first Las Vegas season.<br />
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18. I do not have wisdom teeth. I realize lots of folks don't have wisdom teeth. But, I <i>never </i>had them! I was born without them. I am hoping the same for my two boys.<br />
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19. At times throughout the work day, someone will throw out a movie quote and the rest of us have to guess the movie. I'm terrible. Much to the constant ribbing of my co-workers, I will admit that I have never seen the Sound of Music, Miracle on 34th Street, the Karate Kid and many other “classics”. (I did finally see Saturday Night Fever about 10 years ago as my parents had forbidden me to see it when it originally came out). <br />
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20. If I wouldn’t gain weight, I would eat pizza and popcorn everyday all day.<br />
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21. I am a true Rock ‘n Roll girl at heart. On my iTunes you will find Van Halen, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Guns ‘n Roses, Kid Rock, ZZ Top.<br />
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22. In 8th grade I wrote my life ambition was to be a Cruise Director. I was a big fan of the 'Love Boat'. Well, I didn’t quite get a job on a cruise ship, but I certainly love being a passenger.<br />
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23. My least favorite holiday is Halloween. I've never liked dressing up. I am not creative, so trying to come up with a costume was always very stressful to me.<br />
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24. I hate winter and cold weather but I love to ski – as long as it is a warm day.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHst8TC9osQ/UQf-yOwGR2I/AAAAAAAADGQ/bPlI-4T8dZQ/s1600/183724_1702140324981_685464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHst8TC9osQ/UQf-yOwGR2I/AAAAAAAADGQ/bPlI-4T8dZQ/s1600/183724_1702140324981_685464_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>That's me on the slopes with my younger son, Parker</i></div>
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25. My second job in high school was at Orange Julius. I think I lasted a week. We had to wear the same polyester smock and visor as the person that worked the shift before us, all the while juicing 5 cases of oranges. Yuck!<br />
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Well, there it is. Now you know me a little better than some of my closest friends!<br />
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<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XVqAjmQfPY4/Tfue_rKZ_hI/AAAAAAAAAKg/VgUEQGlD7js/s1600/andrea_signature.png" style="border: none;" /><br />
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<br />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-72504708115240221632013-01-28T15:29:00.001-06:002013-04-10T13:29:33.867-05:00Destination Wedding ~ Mexican Fiesta<br />
Destination weddings are one of our favorite things here at Midwest Travel Service! The location options...endless. The resort options...endless. Ceremony locale....endless. Theme options...endless. You get the idea! I love looking at photos from destination weddings and the different themes people choose. Some couples go with one theme and carry it throughout their whole celebration from arrival of the guests at the resort, all the way through the reception (those are my favorite). Others use their theme during the ceremony/reception, and some choose to keep it simple. The beauty of a destination wedding is the choice is yours! Most resorts that host destination weddings will work with you doing whatever it takes to make your day exactly what you want it to be. So, if you're one of those theme crazy brides out there ~ dream away! <br />
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One of the most popular destination requests is Mexico. It's easy to get to, there are several different Mexico options to choose from (which allows you to pick the city that best suits your style), it's usually less expensive than most of the Caribbean destinations, and it's fun! Since we're talking about themes and destination weddings in Mexico I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite items for a Destination Wedding ~ Mexican Fiesta! How fun would this be?!?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S3v6EAhfzPA/UQbmslvT2xI/AAAAAAAADD0/HorqdE9wdIw/s1600/il_570xN.323124419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S3v6EAhfzPA/UQbmslvT2xI/AAAAAAAADD0/HorqdE9wdIw/s400/il_570xN.323124419.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Love these invites that include the guests first favor!</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96025686/thestefanie-luggage-tag-save-the-date?ref=sr_gallery_4&sref=sr_5729fc858499e05bd3b535c981adb3edf8521f4ee4ab76bc061c293cd9e00cd1_1359402928_14134902_mexico&ga_search_type=all&ga_includes%5B0%5D=tags&ga_search_query=mexico+destination+wedding+invitations&ga_page=3&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">{Etsy}</span></a></div>
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<i>DIY Welcome Bag - You can choose the fabric to match your theme!</i></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/254383078924314581/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">{Pinterest}</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjKW5OK_VuM/UQbncts-FTI/AAAAAAAADEE/lxuMmUXueTg/s1600/mexico-wedding-pooley-favors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjKW5OK_VuM/UQbncts-FTI/AAAAAAAADEE/lxuMmUXueTg/s1600/mexico-wedding-pooley-favors.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>When your guests want to see a smooch, they shake their maracas!</i></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/254383078924314395/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">{Etsy}</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5oWQ2TzxjK4/UQbpR63okCI/AAAAAAAADFI/eG3xCHvPpHo/s1600/FAVO_17911_Y_PAP.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5oWQ2TzxjK4/UQbpR63okCI/AAAAAAAADFI/eG3xCHvPpHo/s320/FAVO_17911_Y_PAP.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Rather than have them use their programs to fan themselves on a hot day ~ how about these adorable fans? Again, customize the color to match your theme!</i></div>
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<a href="http://weddingshop.theknot.com/paper-fan-with-personalized-label.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">{The Knot}</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O01pjZh8UOA/UQboBIbeitI/AAAAAAAADE0/BaaWFrg0RP8/s1600/HR-El%2520SolCC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O01pjZh8UOA/UQboBIbeitI/AAAAAAAADE0/BaaWFrg0RP8/s1600/HR-El%2520SolCC.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>This is one of my fav Colin Cowie Wedding Themes at Hard Rock Resorts</i></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/254383078923819796/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">{Pinterest}</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRt_Z8Cknfc/UQbnjnQJSRI/AAAAAAAADEU/sq7avjan-VA/s1600/0019_braedonflynn$!x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRt_Z8Cknfc/UQbnjnQJSRI/AAAAAAAADEU/sq7avjan-VA/s1600/0019_braedonflynn$!x600.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Adorable and Yummy!</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/picture/759339" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">{Style Me Pretty}</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtZMCJxHmxo/UQbnju4yhVI/AAAAAAAADEY/rl7vclRPZGI/s1600/food1-bita-cm_slidedetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtZMCJxHmxo/UQbnju4yhVI/AAAAAAAADEY/rl7vclRPZGI/s640/food1-bita-cm_slidedetail.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<i>Delicious!</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.colincowieweddings.com/inspire-me/the-galleries/wedding-style/destination-weddings/detail/53" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">{Colin Cowie}</span></a></div>
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Did I mention I LOVE looking at 'Real Wedding' photos? I thought so, but here is a gorgeous example of my idea of the perfect Mexican Fiesta themed Wedding!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TqnUJ76ZmY0/UQbpZfMPurI/AAAAAAAADFQ/2e8q4SbWi9M/s1600/bright-colorful-mexico-destination-wedding-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TqnUJ76ZmY0/UQbpZfMPurI/AAAAAAAADFQ/2e8q4SbWi9M/s1600/bright-colorful-mexico-destination-wedding-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f83c5HWZ3hA/UQbpZd-VefI/AAAAAAAADFU/ETUIxY9Aurc/s1600/bright-colorful-mexico-destination-wedding-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f83c5HWZ3hA/UQbpZd-VefI/AAAAAAAADFU/ETUIxY9Aurc/s1600/bright-colorful-mexico-destination-wedding-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Adorable ~ right down to the last detail!</i></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="http://blog.weddingwire.com/index.php/weddings/colorful-beach-destination-wedding-in-mexico/?pcode=facebook-blog-inspiration" target="_blank">{Wedding Wire}</a></span></div>
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Interested in a Destination Wedding? We'd love to chat with you about the endless possibilities for making your special day your dream come true!</div>
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<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzyhCBvZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/-oWRZOJ9sIg/s1600/Theresa.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-25777001045646807092013-01-22T00:00:00.000-06:002013-01-23T00:28:44.673-06:00Believe!I totally believe in<span style="color: #45818e;"> <a href="http://thesecret.tv/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">'The Secret</span></a>'</span>. Have you heard of it? The basic concept is the things you think become a reality. It's not quite that simple but you get the just. It's FREEZING out this week so I thought I would share with you some of our personal photos from our travels to 'places warm'. If you can't get away this week, or maybe even this winter, choose one of the following visions and BELIEVE! Before you know it you will be working with one of our 'Escape Artists' making that vision a reality!!<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">To find out where each particular photo was taken, visit our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidwestTravelService/photos_albums" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">facebook albums</span></a><span style="text-align: left;"> or contact one of our 'Escape Artists'. Now, what have you got to lose? Trust me ~ it works! Believe!</span></div>
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Until next time...</div>
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzyhCBvZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/-oWRZOJ9sIg/s1600/Theresa.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-68106494363368298062013-01-21T13:11:00.000-06:002013-01-21T13:21:58.741-06:00Travel Forecast 2013As you know if you've studied my <a href="http://midwesttravelblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/25-thingswith-theresa.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">25 things post</span></a>, I am a magazine junkie! This time of year especially, it's a bit frustrating because it's our crazy busy season and I just don't have the time to read them. Yet, they continue to arrive in the mail and my pile grows larger. It makes me a bit crazy because I know the pile is full of great info and I'm missing out. So I scan the covers to see if there is anything pressing that needs my immediate attention.<br />
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One thing that caught my eye in the January issue of <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Travel and Leisure</span></a> magazine was their annual Travel Forecast. Each year T and L magazine comes out with the travel trends they feel will have the most impact on our travels in the upcoming year. Here are a few things from their list.<br />
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<b>Air Travel</b></div>
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<b>~ We will cheat on our airline ~</b></div>
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Airfares are predicted to rise as much as four percent this year. Reduced schedules result in less seats. Fuller planes make it more difficult to redeem award travel. As miles become more difficult to redeem, we'll find ourselves shopping around.</div>
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<b>~Airports will be more fun ~</b></div>
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I think most would agree that the airport experience sure isn't what it used to be! It has now become the least favorite aspect of travel and because of this, airports are expanding and looking to become more entertaining. San Diego will complete $1billion in improvements, adding a public New Media Lounge. LAX (Los Angeles) is adding a 150,000 square foot shopping and dining hall. Las Vegas opened a 2 million square foot terminal in June with free Wi-Fi and 300 slot machines. Hopefully other airports are not far behind and this trend will make the start of our vacation experience enjoyable again.</div>
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<b>Mobile Apps ~ Paper tickets will become passé ~</b><br />
Actually they have been pretty much non-existent for several years, but with phone apps like the Apple's iOS6 <a href="http://www.apple.com/ios/whats-new/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Passbook</span></a> app, we will no longer need to print our electronic documents to bring them with us. Passbook gives us easy access to our electronic documents (such as tickets and boarding passes), but it also manages all aspects of your trip in one place. It's already been embraced by several of the big carriers and I bet the others are not far behind!<br />
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<b>Security ~ Airports will get (even) more clubby ~</b><br />
Want to avoid long lines? Better get into one of these clubs:
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<li><a href="http://www.globalentry.gov/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Global Entry</span></a> - Allows travelers who have submitted to background checks to simply swipe their passports at a kiosk and speed through customs.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.tsa.gov/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">PreCheck</span></a> - Eliminates the need to remove shoes, laptops and liquids at nearly three dozen airports. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.clearme.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Clear</span></a> - For an annual fee of $179, members get to jump to the front of the security lines in select cities.</li>
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<b>Tech ~ You will stay connected at 35,000 feet ~</b></div>
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In-flight Wi-Fi by <span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="http://www.gogoair.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Gogo</span></a> </span>is available on 1,500 planes flown by 9 North American carriers. Jet Blue is launching free service early this year - a welcome change from up to $40 per flight some of the other carriers charge. <br />
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<b>Cruising ~ We will sail through uncharted waters ~</b><br />
Traditionally, cruise lines have focused on the Western Hemisphere. That's changing. We will have more opportunities to sail itineraries in the Far East. Wonderful places such as Burma, Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysian Island to name a few.<br />
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<b>Tours ~ Luxury tours will become more affordable ~</b><br />
Luxury tour operators are coming out with more casual trips that appeal to a broader range of travelers.<br />
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That's one of my favorite things about this industry. It's always changing. In my opinion, looks like the changes coming in 2013, are definitely changes for the better!<br />
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Until next time...</div>
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzyhCBvZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/-oWRZOJ9sIg/s1600/Theresa.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-46329928556629315402013-01-18T17:30:00.000-06:002013-01-18T17:31:32.830-06:00Funky Friday ~ How some of the MTS Family spent the Holidays!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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T.G.I.F.!!! I don't mind that so much as I do 'Happy Friday'! For some reason, my 'Happy Friday' isn't so happy when someone says that to me. It then turns into 'Crabby Friday'. Now that I've given you one of my deep, dark secrets, let's move on before I really digress...</div>
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It's been so crazy busy here and last week as you know I was enjoying <a href="http://midwesttravelblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/return-to-reality-and-year-49.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Ixtapa</span></a> so I didn't have the opportunity to share some of our family photos with all of you! I sent an email out to our 'Escape Artists' asking them to share some of their Holiday photos with us. I think it's so fun to see their personalities and the faces of their families who wait patiently, especially this time of the year, until Mommy finishes her tasks for the day! A few of them are a bit blurry - the downside of cell photos - but I think their smiles still show through! Enjoy!!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-piHfMoj4zMQ/UN4Xje31kFI/AAAAAAAACj4/Rb60V4m4xSY/s1600/Jodi%2Band%2Bdaghter%2BHaley.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="600" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-piHfMoj4zMQ/UN4Xje31kFI/AAAAAAAACj4/Rb60V4m4xSY/s640/Jodi%2Band%2Bdaghter%2BHaley.jpg" width="292" /></a><br />
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Hope you enjoyed that little 'peek' into our lives! Have a great weekend!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
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Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-77607244009346089842013-01-16T08:27:00.000-06:002013-01-16T23:27:52.463-06:00W.A.T.W. - Celebrity Winter Escapes!I'm not sure about you guys but I am SO ready for a break from the cold (especially after seeing Theresa's <a href="http://midwesttravelblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/return-to-reality-and-year-49.html" target="_blank">recent pics from Ixtapa</a>)! Did anyone see the forecast for next week? If not, here's the bad news for those of us in the Twin Cities:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jieguHl5Qe0/UPYr-cT54aI/AAAAAAAADA4/USuo3SQQEIE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-15+at+10.25.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jieguHl5Qe0/UPYr-cT54aI/AAAAAAAADA4/USuo3SQQEIE/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-01-15+at+10.25.38+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Look at the temps for Monday! The high is 3-below, not even taking into account the wind chill. For those of you that can manage to get away, submit a quick <a href="http://midwesttravelservice.com/travel-request-form/" target="_blank">travel request form</a> and we can help you find some great last-minute deals so you can scoot out of here! I unfortunately cannot escape, so admiring celebrity getaways will have to do. Here are some snapshots of recent celebrity vacations I came across for the month of December.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcUmHvCl9CI/UPXfgGY2wlI/AAAAAAAAC_U/83qzyXnVSqU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-15+at+4.58.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcUmHvCl9CI/UPXfgGY2wlI/AAAAAAAAC_U/83qzyXnVSqU/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-01-15+at+4.58.58+PM.png" width="388" /></a></div>
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Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan</div>
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Babymooned at the <a href="http://www.stbarth.com/hotels/LeGuanahani/home.htm" target="_blank">Hotel Guanahani</a> in St. Bart's </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoIxT55MCdk/UPXgK1nwd2I/AAAAAAAAC_c/VyiQFaGza_4/s1600/FFN_Michele_Monteith_CKL_LAC_exc_010113_50981072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoIxT55MCdk/UPXgK1nwd2I/AAAAAAAAC_c/VyiQFaGza_4/s400/FFN_Michele_Monteith_CKL_LAC_exc_010113_50981072.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
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Lea Michele and Cory Monteith</div>
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Vacationed at the <a href="http://www.maunalani.com/" target="_blank">Mauna Lani Bay Hotel</a> on the Big Island</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfHyEvlH2hw/UPXgrdum5XI/AAAAAAAAC_k/TASDMkD5rac/s1600/article-0-16D20C85000005DC-829_306x664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfHyEvlH2hw/UPXgrdum5XI/AAAAAAAAC_k/TASDMkD5rac/s640/article-0-16D20C85000005DC-829_306x664.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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Alexander Ludwig (The Hunger Games) and Nicole Pedra</div>
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On the beach in Maui - Resort is unknown<br />
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Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson<br />
Also vacationed in Hawaii (on Oahu) but I don't have the specific location. Sorry!</div>
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Jennifer Aniston + Justin Theroux, John Krasinski + Emily Blunt & Jimmy Kimmel + Molly McNeary</div>
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Cabo San Lucas - Private rental called <a href="http://www.cabovillas.com/properties.asp?PID=353" target="_blank">Villa Esperanza</a><br />
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*This took me FOREVER to find! Maybe if I ever take a break from the travel industry I could become a private investigator... What do you think?*<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqbjRPWmUm0/UPYo1Tkt1WI/AAAAAAAADAc/lTzCRWi20ys/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqbjRPWmUm0/UPYo1Tkt1WI/AAAAAAAADAc/lTzCRWi20ys/s400/image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Demi Moore on a girl's trip<br />
Stayed at the eco-chic <a href="http://amansalaresort.com/" target="_blank">Amansala Resort</a> in Tulum, Mexico<br />
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Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi<br />
Strolling on St. Jean's Beach in St. Bart's<br />
I don't for sure where they stayed but I know they had lunch at the <a href="http://www.edenrockhotel.com/cuisine/" target="_blank">Eden Rock Hotel</a><br />
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Until next time, stay warm!</div>
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<br />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-38770933896399358422013-01-14T23:56:00.001-06:002013-01-15T11:03:19.234-06:00Back from Ixtapa to Reality and Year 49!Happy Belated New Year to all of our blog readers! The last few weeks of December were crazy busy! So busy in fact that I ended up sick right after the New Year. I took a few days of rest in hopes of nipping it in the bud because I new I had an exciting getaway coming up and I wanted to make sure I was in tip top shape! It worked and I was ready and excited for my trip to<span style="color: #45818e;"> Ixtapa, Mexico!</span><br />
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It had been several years since I had traveled to<span style="color: #45818e;"> Ixtapa</span> so I was really excited to get back there and check out the resorts and all<span style="color: #45818e;"> Ixtapa</span> had to offer. Most often when we travel to destinations to experience them as our clients will, we travel with industry partners. I know it sounds crazy but it <i><b>is</b></i> hard work! We usually see several resorts each day, experience a few tours and there isn't much down time to spend with your spouse or family. As I was headed to<span style="color: #45818e;"> Ixtapa</span> for a week I knew it was a great opportunity to have my husband Bart, tag along with me. He's easy to travel with and is a great assistant! It's so nice to have someone to carry my bags, notebooks and extra camera batteries when going from property to property ;-).<br />
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Here's a photo montage of some of the highlights of the wonderful experiences <span style="color: #45818e;">Ixtapa</span> has to offer along with a little advice and a few tidbits to get the most of your vacation experience. It would be entirely impossible to include everything in one blog, so I'll spread it out a bit and do resort spotlights on the individual properties we saw. In the meantime I'll be adding photos to the albums on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/midwesttravelservice" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">facebook page</span></a> so be sure to watch for those! The internet is such a great resource, but we love to have a place to share with you our <span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidwestTravelService/photos_albums" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">personal photos</span></a> </span>taken from our <i>own </i>travels. We hate surprises that arise when the reality of a resort or destination doesn't match what's shown on the internet. So, rest assured our facebook photos are the real deal!<br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">We had an early morning (6:20 yikes!) departure and I don't necessarily count the flights as part of my vacation (although, I really believe traveling Sun Country Airlines is the way to go and their 'Hometown' service beats everyone else out there!) <i>My</i> vacation starts once I pass through customs for my resort transfer. I always upgrade to nonstop transfers for my personal travels. The minimal amount it costs to upgrade to nonstop transfers beats spending the first hour or more of your vacation traveling from resort to resort dropping off other vacationers. However, we didn't have the option to do that on this trip so a cold beer - or two - does help the time pass more quickly!</span><br />
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We finally arrived at our resort host for the week, the beautiful <b>Azul Grand Ixtapa</b>! I'll do a resort spotlight post at a later time with more specifics on the resort, but here are a few photos so you can see we sure didn't have to rough it!!
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<i>I think they have one of the coolest signs...ever!</i></div>
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<i>This was our gorgeous ocean view junior suite!</i></div>
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<i>My favorite part of Mexico and I'm picky! Let's just say a generous bowl of this 2x day times 7 days and I was happy for the elastic waist leggings I had for the trip home!</i></div>
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<i>I love instagram and the seflies! My poor hubby had to do one with me every night before we went out! It's not your eyes...one of them is a little blurry! For more of my completely entertaining photos (ha!), follow me on instagram. user name: theresawilliams.</i>
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<i>How about these for martini selection! Which one do you try first?</i><br />
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<i>Gorgeous night view from our balcony. It truly was yummy!</i></div>
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On Wednesday we decided to go into the town of <span style="color: #45818e;">Zihuatenjo</span>. It's about 3 miles from <span style="color: #45818e;">Ixtapa</span> and an 80 peso bus ride sounded like a grand way to get there! It took about 30 minutes each way and really was a great way to get a feel for how easy it is to get around and how <b>SAFE</b> it is! The bus drivers are so friendly and helpful, as are the locals. I loved smiling and playing peek-a-boo with the little ones. Of course they all made me lonesome for my Blakeums (my grandson Blake) who was far away in MN!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0q8Rdj1SGPk/UPTsEJYnR1I/AAAAAAAAC7I/6cY6g-0sUqs/s1600/IMG_3648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0q8Rdj1SGPk/UPTsEJYnR1I/AAAAAAAAC7I/6cY6g-0sUqs/s640/IMG_3648.jpg" width="479" /></a></div>
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<i>Loved the sidewalks and streets with hand laid bricks and I love wandering through town admiring the shops and local restaurants and bars. Of course we had to stop and taste a few beers too!</i><br />
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<i>The marina was full of fishing boats. Old and new ~ big and small. I loved them all! </i></div>
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<i>(I really didn't mean to make that rhyme - it just happened!)</i></div>
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<i>The fisherman just lay their daily catches on the beach on plastic bags and people purchase them right there. I guess if you arrive at the Marina around the 6:00 am hour, it's a fascinating site to see the boats coming in and the hard work that goes into the whole process. Maybe next time!</i><br />
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Thursday we decided to walk to the pier and take a water taxi to <span style="color: #45818e;">Isla Ixtapa</span>. The charge was 40 pesos and it was so cool! <span style="color: #45818e;">Isla Ixtapa</span> is a charming little island off <span style="color: #45818e;">Playa Linda</span> that is known for scuba diving, snorkeling and water sports. It has quaint little restaurants right on the beach and it was so peaceful to just hang out for the day! It is definitely a MUST DO!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm8jgxyDwC0/UPTsAj9xDgI/AAAAAAAAC50/cC6ZgUHXBdM/s1600/IMG_1724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm8jgxyDwC0/UPTsAj9xDgI/AAAAAAAAC50/cC6ZgUHXBdM/s640/IMG_1724.jpg" width="477" /></a></div>
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<i>The beach at the Azul Ixtapa Grand was not the greatest - actually it wasn't at all - so I was excited the pier was just 10 minute walk along the sea!</i></div>
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<i>Of course we had to stop and stare at the little footprints in the sand...another reminder of my little guy!</i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qOz3Q_I0Kfg/UPTr-bgkqMI/AAAAAAAAC5M/RsDDY_ZXl0w/s1600/2013-01-07+11.45.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qOz3Q_I0Kfg/UPTr-bgkqMI/AAAAAAAAC5M/RsDDY_ZXl0w/s1600/2013-01-07+11.45.34.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>The Sea Urchins were everywhere and I think they are so cool! Like, what do they do??</i></div>
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<i>One of the hardworking locals holding the boat while we climb aboard</i></div>
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<i>Photo op!</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72TG0VbzP9g/UPTsBpAnprI/AAAAAAAAC6I/V_NwrIbAfDs/s1600/IMG_1818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72TG0VbzP9g/UPTsBpAnprI/AAAAAAAAC6I/V_NwrIbAfDs/s640/IMG_1818.jpg" width="477" /></a></div>
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<i>A surprise treat from my hubby and the bar owner! How did they know it's just what I <strike>needed</strike> wanted! ;-)</i></div>
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<i>Even the kids are hard workers. They take such pride in making their home beautiful for us tourists!</i></div>
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<i>Another photo op!</i></div>
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It truly was my favorite day of the entire stay! <br />
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Following is a sampling of the different activities/things to see and do for the <span style="color: #45818e;">entire family</span> or for a <span style="color: #45818e;">romantic getaway</span>. Most of them are in the city central. I've also included a few of what I think are opportunities to have your whole experience more memorable! After all, isn't that what we all love about traveling??<br />
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<i>There's lots of shopping! Of course there are 'malls' and upscale stores but I love the local markets best!</i></div>
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<i>Love how the resorts cater to the kids. What kid doesn't feel great helping him/herself at the child size buffet??</i></div>
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<i>They cater to my sweet tooth too!</i></div>
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<i>They take such pride in their shows! A different show every night so there's something for everyone!</i></div>
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<i>They know just what kind of show to put on to keep the kids entertained and talking for days about their fav princess or super hero! This particular one had Batman zipline in from the roof of the hotel! I have to admit even I thought that was pretty cool!</i><br />
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<i>Great teaching moments too. Ixtapa is a favorite for the Sea Turtles to come ashore and lay their eggs. Many resorts collect the eggs and build temporary pens, like this one, to mark where the eggs are buried and the estimated hatch date. Once they are born they hold them for 1-2 weeks in sea water tanks and feed them before they are released. They think this gives them a better chance of survival. How wonderful is that!!!</i><br />
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<i>Tennis seems to be very popular in this area and most every resort we visited had gorgeous courts. These clay courts at Azul Ixtapa Grand were truly stunning!</i><br />
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<i>Maria was so happy to know I searched out the ping pong tables and many resorts have them! The activities teams LOVE to put together tournaments too!</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr3_xdoDw8Y/UPTsFe0bxiI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/YR731LUfhS0/s1600/IMG_3665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr3_xdoDw8Y/UPTsFe0bxiI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/YR731LUfhS0/s1600/IMG_3665.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Who doesn't love a 'serious' beach volleyball game!</i></div>
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<i>Lot's of watersports and check out that parasail! Anyone?</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lY_aMvWMmR0/UPTsGOkI0vI/AAAAAAAAC7k/z8tWQdJBVao/s1600/IMG_3759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lY_aMvWMmR0/UPTsGOkI0vI/AAAAAAAAC7k/z8tWQdJBVao/s1600/IMG_3759.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>How about a beach massage?</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzlJw-AtZ3Q/UPTsHM7wBhI/AAAAAAAAC78/f5NDy_blZcI/s1600/IMG_3786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzlJw-AtZ3Q/UPTsHM7wBhI/AAAAAAAAC78/f5NDy_blZcI/s1600/IMG_3786.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Or, you can always go for the couples massage at the Spa!</i></div>
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<i>For all you Destination Wedding brides out there, Ixtapa has many venues to experience the Wedding you're dreaming of! This spot on the boardwalk was lovely!</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LGc79D_nxk/UPTsGCylzCI/AAAAAAAAC7o/cj6g_aEyYKs/s1600/IMG_3766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LGc79D_nxk/UPTsGCylzCI/AAAAAAAAC7o/cj6g_aEyYKs/s1600/IMG_3766.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>There's plenty of beautiful beach space too!</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ivdWpNqUQ4E/UPTsCjsoPhI/AAAAAAAAC6o/Ej3h5QnaNyk/s1600/IMG_1896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ivdWpNqUQ4E/UPTsCjsoPhI/AAAAAAAAC6o/Ej3h5QnaNyk/s1600/IMG_1896.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Or how about a sunset ceremony? This is a real sunset taken with MY camera!!</i></div>
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<i>Or just some time to reconnect with your favorite person??</i></div>
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<a class="ig-b- ig-b-v-24" href="http://instagram.com/theresawilliams?ref=badge" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ozJLad06T6Q/UPTsCszCWjI/AAAAAAAAC6k/27vDO-gb5wE/s1600/IMG_1904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ozJLad06T6Q/UPTsCszCWjI/AAAAAAAAC6k/27vDO-gb5wE/s1600/IMG_1904.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Ixtapa</span> has so much to offer and truly something for everyone. The locals take such pride in everything they do, as do all of the resort workers who work so hard and go out of their way to make sure your vacation is everything you want it to be and then some! How lucky are we to know that not only are we experiencing something wonderful, but because they depend on our visits for their survival, we're making their lives better in the process. It's a beautiful thing!</span></div>
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And today, as I enter my 49th year (yep, it's my Birthday!), I'm so thankful for the many blessings in my life. I'm blessed to not only experience these beautiful places myself, but I'm also blessed to assist all of you with making your own memories and your own experiences in these wonderful destinations. As I try and take hold of the fact that I have one short year left until I'm 50 (yikes!) I'm glad I was able to take some time last week and remind myself that yes. Life is good.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3MGOp6v908/UPTsCKFR_9I/AAAAAAAAC6U/2sS4HUrFDmw/s1600/IMG_1869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3MGOp6v908/UPTsCKFR_9I/AAAAAAAAC6U/2sS4HUrFDmw/s1600/IMG_1869.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>That's me - pondering in the infinity pool. Don't you love the difference in color between the pool water and the sea water?</i><a class="ig-b- ig-b-v-24" href="http://instagram.com/theresawilliams?ref=badge" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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For more info on <span style="color: #45818e;">Ixtapa</span>, feel free to <a href="mailto:theresa@midwesttravelservice.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">contact me</span></a> or any of our 'Escape Artists'. We can't wait to assist you with the trip of a lifetime!</div>
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Until next time...</div>
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzyhCBvZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/-oWRZOJ9sIg/s1600/Theresa.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197024412598309443.post-54069918192446761122013-01-09T20:20:00.000-06:002013-01-15T09:10:12.978-06:00A Bride's Review of Moondance CliffsI recently followed up with a newly-married <a href="http://www.midwesttravelservice.com/" target="_blank">MTS</a> bride and found her glowing review to be incredibly helpful, descriptive and detailed. Krystle got married this past December at the <a href="http://www.moondanceresorts.com/cliffs/" target="_blank">Moondance Cliffs</a> resort in Negril, Jamaica, and she had a fabulous experience which makes me so happy! I asked if I could share her review with all of you and she said yes, so here it is!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I will never be able to say enough good things about MDC. I would recommend it a million times over... They went above and beyond not just for Dave and I on the wedding day, but for all of our guests throughout the entire trip. I few things to back up my claim:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· When we arrived we were greeted by a handful of people who remained important players throughout our stay, as well as by a board that welcomed our wedding party prominently during our entire stay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· The staff helped me stuff, prepare, and hand deliver (allowed me to even go with) each welcome bag to the exact bed of each guest room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· They simply took all my wedding materials & inspiration print-outs and I never saw them again until they were perfectly displayed on the wedding day. They asked a few questions, but I didn’t have to lift a finger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· Somehow everyone always remembered our names.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· My mom’s room was upgraded because they worried with her disability she would not be comfortable on the second floor. Before she arrived they consulted me about this and showed me her new room to confirm this was a good idea. It was however, their idea to move and upgrade her free of charge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· On Thursday night I had asked for a low-key welcome reception for everyone to get to know each other. They prepared butler passed appetizers and specialty drinks. Everything was so elegant. I had no idea they were doing this, as I just asked for a common place to congregate for a drink.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· On Friday the boys went on an all-day fishing trip. Since they left before breakfast, MDC prepared a bag breakfast for them to take with at 6 am.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· Friday night the boys brought home a bunch of fish and the cooks at MDC prepared it many different ways for everyone to try the fresh catch. The leftover fish was prepared for the rehearsal dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· Friday, a few of the girls went cliff jumping and got their bathing suits dirty. MDC noticed and laundered them (free of charge) to remove the stains. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· Friday, I ruined my pedicure. MDC noticed and fixed it so it would be perfect for the wedding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· Saturday, after the catamaran cruise that they organized for us, I returned back to MDC to find that they had setup an outdoor rehearsal dinner. I knew that we were having a rehearsal dinner but I had not made any special arrangements. We discussed what would be prepared and a good time to have it. I knew I didn’t have the budget for anything special so I never brought up any details. MDC brought in music, set up tables on the lawn with flowers and candles and other decorations with fruits and vegetables. It was so beautiful and unexpected.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· Sunday, the wedding, was beyond my expectations. Everything was well organized (if anything ever went wrong, I didn’t know it), personal, and beautiful. I never felt rushed, lost, or like my guests were not well cared for. The only tears I cried were of joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· Whenever we had an event, MDC informed guests that they could not dine at the restaurant we were using. Our events were always private.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· The staff was always personable, courteous, helpful, and professional, but fun too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">· I have continuously heard great things about it and just about weekly someone calls, texts, or sends a message on facebook asking when we are going back. I have had many memorable vacations... Vacations that I loved. I usually say I will return someday, but I am always ready to go home. We weren’t ready to go home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was very intimate and felt like a home-away-from-home. With that being said, if a bride and groom are looking for lots of activity on the resort (outside of what they plan and their guests bring), you won’t find much. With all the things scheduled we had just enough down-time by the pool and time out & about that having a quiet resort was perfect for us. It really made things special, but I could see how some couples would prefer a busy resort with lots of people at the bar. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If a bride is ever considering Moondance Cliffs and has any specific questions, let me know as I’d always be happy to answer.</span></div>
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Thanks to Krystle for allowing me to pass on the detailed review of this charming property. I am so happy to hear about the fantastic time you had at Moondance Cliffs... Congratulations, once again!<br />
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EifTKdmNH1w/TUxzydP0UqI/AAAAAAAAG5I/BeBdtX7IW_I/s1600/Christina.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />Midwest Travel Servicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08646758689102911048noreply@blogger.com0