Smart Traveler Enrollment - FREE

There is a free service to register your travel to allow the nearest Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.  Other benefits too.


https://step.state.gov/step/

U.S. warning for citizens traveling overseas

Having been a law enforcement officer, things that can happen are always on my mind.  I never would have thought of kidnapping of U.S. Citizens, but as we take care traveling this will be on my mind as well.  The link below is a must read for travelers.


I'm not being a reactionary, just a very careful mom.  I want everyone to be safe and don't want anyone becoming a victim because of lack of knowledge.  I will provide as much information as possible.  What you choose to do with it is up to you.


We have our kids that will be traveling overseas shortly and they've had the lecture.  You've been saved from that but below please read.


Happy New Year.
http://www.travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html

As we plan on leaving for Europe American's are warned and requested to register travel plans.

As we are anticipating our trip to Europe shortly and family leaving within the week we are warned of credible threats.  Public Transportation and Tourist Destinations are targets.  Be aware of your surroundings and take care.


Also please check the link below. U.S. Government asking that you register your travel plans as well.
Stay safe and make it a great 2016.  Don't let the threats scare you, just make you a better traveler and stay vigilant.


http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/us-issues-travel-alert-europe-threat-terror-attacks/story?id=11787546

Beekman 1802 Food Line and so much more!

For those of you who haven't Seen the Beekman Boys on TV you're missing out.  It's a must see.  The city boys who have become gentleman farmers have created Beekman 1802.  They've expanded their offerings and everyone should be able to enjoy their products as close as your nearest Target Store.  Their Mortgage lifter Pasta sauce can be found there and online check out their skin care products, food items and luxury, I care for you gifts.


I was delighted to receive my caddy for Christmas with dish soap, hand lotion and hand soap in a beautiful 1802 metal caddy.  The scent is amazing.  A must have.


You can find all their amazing, upscale offerings on their website at:
http://shop.beekman1802.com/


Check out you local Target store for other great offerings.  Be sure to sign up for their newletter too.
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/us-made-beekman-1802-food-line-reaches-target/story?id=35006784

Travel garment reviews coming soon

We will be reviewing great travel must haves soon. The Global Travel Jacket; a coat with so many pockets you can leave your purse at home or a scarf with a secret pocket. Watch for these and many more in 2016. 

Happy New Year to all 

Sharon 

Charleston South Carolina Festival of Lights

Also seeing the annual sandcastle display is a must 

I hope you've experienced Charleston South Carolina.  A beautiful, historic city that will draw you back, time after time. That's what happened to us. We were stationed here in the 79's and always said we would retire here.  We did too.

The Annual Festival of Lights is one of the top ten exhibits in the country. Something we never miss. It's not the holidays without a trip to James Island County Park without a drive through the 3 mile exhibit. 

Roasting marshmallows or cooking s'mores over the outdoor fires is a ritual for our family.  

Hope to see you next year. 

Getting ready for European adventure - practicing with the bread.

Hope you can smell the hot bread. 

We're getting ready for our European adventure.  I love the breads found overseas and am an avid artisan bread baker so I'm making my four day sour dough in the interim.  

There is nothing like kneading a soft, silky ball of dough. To me it's almost like a religious experience that soothes the soul and brings smile to family.  

If you've never experienced baking a loaf of bread you don't need to travel far for an at home adventure.  Give it a try 

We've topped 43,000 Views

Thanks to all our readers.  We've topped 43,000 views.  A major accomplishment.  I also want to thank all of our retail sponsors for their continued support.


Season's Greetings
Sharon

Our upcoming UK adventure - SPACE A Military Travel

As we ready for our excursion to UK, Mildenhall, we're exploring adventures we might seek while there.  http://www.mildenhall.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123203779  This was an interesting article from an Airman that was stationed at Mildenhall, UK, RAF Mildenhall. 


We're anticipating having an adventure to Wales and Conway Castle as well as Trefriw to visit Trefriw Wollen Mills.  Also planning a stop over at the Princess Arms Hotel to say hello to Lindsay Gordon, proprieter.


We will be reviewing items that will make our travels easier.


This past week I've had a number of inquiries about Space A travel for our military readership.  This is probably one of the biggest bargains for military retired, active duty too.  We've traveled to Hawaii using MAC and it's wonderful.  No cost travel, just the $9 for your box lunch.  It's not for everyone as there is always delays and many times you might be delayed a few days to a week or more waiting for space to return.  If you choose to fly Space A and are lucky enough to get a flight out be flexible and know that it isn't a scheduled commercial airline.  You're a guest and getting back might be a bit trickier.


When we flew to Hawaii we spent 4 extra days we didn't anticipate, but it was fun.  We had seats out on day two but were bumped by the President's Press Corp when we were ready to fly home.  Spent another two days waiting for another mission that had room for Space A.  I'll post some additional information for those thinking of this.  It's a process.  You have to register and your eligibility for flying is tied to your registration date.  So if you're thinking of flying in next 90 days register now so you'll be up there on the list and have a better chance of getting a seat.  For retired folks this is an amazing experience.  For those with kids that have to be back in school or someone who has to be back to work on a specific date; not so much.  Know you could be delayed and if it's an absolute you have to be back be sure to bring your checkbook and anticipate purchasing a ticket home.


Happy Holidays to all.
Sharon

Ring Video Doorbell

I've had a lot of my readers ask about reviewing the Ring-Video Doorbell.  This is a fantastic item that will provide piece of mind when traveling or even during the day when you're away at work.  Will provide review in the near future.  Here is the web site for you to check it out.  Also has cloud recording capability for just $3.00 per month or $30 a year.  WOW!. 
https://ring.com/cloud-recording
https://ring.com/

Getting ready for travel clothes review-Global Travel Jacket

We'll be reviewing garments that are such a necessity when traveling. Watch for the cost of many pockets soon. Will be such a blessing in our upcoming visit to Europe. http://globaltravelclothing.com/jacket-pocket-diagram/

Travel tree ornaments.

Make your travel memory tree today. As we look at our travel tree we recount all the places we've been and each orament as a rememberance. It's a great trip back in time. 

Seasoning my new baby; thanks Bradley Smokers for helping with this

My new baby getting seasoned ready to smoke some red snapper we caught a couple of weeks ago with the great Pacific Blend bisquettes Bradley sent with my new replacement tower.  Can't wait to try them. 

New tower 

Old tower that had issues. Will miss the great season on this baby 

We're smoke in em this weekend. 75 degrees here. Perfect for smokin fest with family and friends. Bradley your it!! Thank you for your response to my smoker issue. Outstanding customer service. Always there to listen and find a solution. Thank you!! 

Pacific Blend for seafood. I bet it will be amazing. Can smell it seasoning my smoker as we speak.  Get to Lowes or go on line and get smokin. 

The King of them all arrived from Bradley Smokers; let the smokin begin!!!

Bradley handled my smoker issue better than anyone could ever hope. My new replacement tower arrived today. Thank you Bradley. You can always count on Bradley to be there after the sale. Outstanding!!

Bradley Smoker, They were there when we bought our smoker and were there after the sale! OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE

My Bradley smoker is like an appendage.  Can't function without it.  I've been an avid support of Bradley Smokers for more than 15 years, since I found out what an amazing tool it is.  Smoking isn't just for the guys ladies. 


My husband is retired Navy and we've been all over the country and everywhere we go I'm known for my smoked ribs, Pork butts and yes smoked sausages too. 


I'm on smoker number three and had an issue.  I contacted Bradley and they were amazing, replacing the defective tower of my smoker.  I can't believe they were there and willing to help, as usual.


I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my smoker.  It had an issue the week before Thanksgiving and not being able to celebrate and create our Thanksgiving meal without it, Bradley was there.  You will be a rock star with your smoked meats even if you've never smoked before except for Lucky Strikes!!  LOL


I've done demonstrations using my Bradley smoker and folks were blown away with the ease of use.  It does it all.  If you can push a couple of buttons and put in your favorite wood flavors you've got it. 


Go out and get a Bradley.  They have them at Lowes, Cabelas where I found my first smoker and of course at Bradley.com.http://www.bradleysmoker.com/


Thanks Bradley for such amazing customer service after the sale.  YOU ROCK!