A Great Travel Guide To Save Money

As a family, we're always looking for ways to save money, especially when we are traveling. You can find wonderful information in the www.hotelsbycity.net Hotel Guides which are designed to give you maximum information and to save you maximum money! They offer city guides for 500 popular destinations with links to local cheap hotels and fun attractions for your family to enjoy.

If you are interested in history and fun check out the guide to Saint Augustine, Florida. I took a look through the information, because we travel here a lot. They have a great summary of sites and historical places you should visit listed on one page. You can also check more information about Saint Augustine at oldcity.com, which was a site I found on their page or go to City of Saint Augustine, where the home government page listed even more information. I would highly recommend one of the hotels they list on their page the Ramada Inn Saint Augustine, because my husband's family stayed there for our wedding. They found it to have a great location for the money, with good service. You can search for other cheap, but good hotels, at this link Saint Augustine Cheap Hotels.

I think you'll enjoy this historical city for a wonderful couples or family vacation, or you can certainly find great options at the city guides listed here. Enjoy!

First Friday Weekend Artwalk in St. Augustine

America’s oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida, is home to many artists and art-lovers. On Friday and Saturday, December 7th and 8th, along with the first Weekend of each month thereafter, the city comes alive with music and art exhibits. Grab a date and head out to enjoy your own First Friday Weekend Art Walk. We live very nearby, so we've had the opportunity to enjoy the St. Augustine Artwalk several times. It's really a fun way to spend a Friday evening, especially now that the weather is cooler and the holiday lights are out all over the city.

The art galleries of St. Augustine sponsor FREE, self guided monthly Artwalks, featuring the finest collection of eclectic art in North Florida. You can wander at your leisure, enjoy free appetizers and wine at a lot of the galleries, and get a little exercise. It's sometimes difficult to find parking, so it's really nice that they offer free parking and free Sightseeing Train and Trolley tours.

There's a little bit of everything available to see, painting, sculpture, pottery, photography...you'll find a treasure to take home to remember your special night out. I love the little watercolors of the historic homes and also photographs of the fort. So, maybe we'll see you there in a few weeks to enjoy the arts!

Visit Uptown Saturday Night in St. Augustine, FL

Very fun and interesting arts Events in St. Augustine abound. We live only 30 minutes away and often take advantage of the diverse and eclectic arts and crafts events there. It is a beautiful and historic city to visit anytime, but Fall offers the best temperature and great holiday shopping opportunities. Nights of Lights begins in November and the sparkling lights all over the city only add to the ambiance while you enjoy these special times.

One of the best and newer arts events is Uptown Saturday Night. Enjoy free parking at Mission of Nombre de Dios and stroll along the northern shopping district. There are also great restaurants along the northern corridor of San Marco Avenue, like Raintree and Cortesses Bistro, to enjoy. But take advantage of the festivities, as each participating shop features an open house with wine and refreshments that add to the festive night time atmosphere.

During the last Saturdays in October and November the focus is on the incredible antique shopping opportunities available in the Nation’s Oldest City. On that evening, the antique district concentrated along San Marco Avenue comes to life with lively street music and endless opportunities to shop for antiques, rare books – even authentic Spanish treasure. During this monthly event, participating antique dealers provide great workshops covering a variety of antique related topics, book stores provide readings and book signings by local authors, and art galleries feature exhibit openings of some of the finest Florida artists.

A short walk away, additional antique discoveries can be made along Aviles Street – the oldest street in America. Galleries, antique stores and unique shops between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission of Nombre de Dios remain open during this special time. Meet the artists, go to book signings and enjoy live music, refreshments and other events in the party-like atmosphere.

A favorite end-of-the-month event, Uptown Saturday Night takes place from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm the last Saturday of October, the 27th and November , the 24th, as well as every last Saturday going forward. So get out and enjoy the best city and best weather to enjoy art!

You Can Help Build a Children's Museum Today

I guess I am just finishing a trifecta - but here's a third post about my sister and her life. You already read that she's selling her house. Then you read about her perfume business and magazine. Now, she's started a founders' committee in St. Augustine, FL to start up a children's museum for St. Johns County. The website link will be up and running shortly.

Their Vision is:

The Children’s Museum of St. Johns, or CMSJ, will be a fun, safe place to play, an exciting place to learn, and a comfortable gathering place for families to interact. Children can touch, create, imagine, and learn through hands-on, interactive play. There will be no signs that say “DO NOT TOUCH!” Fun and entertaining exhibits will encourage play and, at the same time, stimulate the mind.

They're at the stage of needing contributions and philanthropic support to move forward to secure a site and continue with their plans. I know my sister and she makes things happen. Here is what they need:

Private Sources
• Individuals (Members of CMSJ)
• Corporations (Exhibit Sponsors)
• Foundations
Public Sources
• City and County
• State
• Regional and National
Numerous naming opportunities will be available throughout the museum to encourage and recognize philanthropic
support. For example:
• $2.5 million - Naming rights to Museum
• $250K - $1 million - Naming rights to specific rooms within Museum
• $100K - Naming rights for Permanent Exhibits
• $25K - $50K - Sponsorship of Traveling Exhibits
• $1K - $10K - Permanent recognition on donor wall in Museum

Please contact Wendy White Philcox at ppi@aug.com for more information or to help in any way. ***This is not a paid endorsement, this is family!

Forever Young Perfume - Try It You'll Love It

My sister has two businesses, this is the first one she started in St. Augustine, FL over 10 years ago. It is called St. Augustine's Forever Young Fragrance Collection by Southern Touch Fragrances.

She created the formula, packaging and art design herself and it was marketed on QVC when she first came out with it. It now sells in upscale and boutique shops in and around St. Augustine and through direct mail order.

This product and its success is another testimony to the success you can have from work at home businesses. I'm sure she'd be willing to discuss her success with this if y'all are interested. Please leave me a comment! And give this a try - they make great gifts - even people who are allergic to perfume can often use this. **This is NOT a paid post - this is family!

Another Experiment - Selling My Sister's St. Augustine, FL Home

God knows, in today's market it is harder to sell your home. But really, it shouldn't be too hard to sell my sister's house.

It is located in St. Augustine, Florida, in the historic district. Take a look here and share the links with anyone and everyone. It is a 1910 renovated 3 bedroom home with a separate apartment over the garage. It is walking distance to the historic downtown and waterfront (and the bars and restaurants).

While you check it out, if you want to go to St. Augustine and take a look around be sure to take a look at their business website for The Restaurant Times. It has coupons and restaurant menues and descriptions and great maps. This is NOT a paid ad, but send some love to my family - check it out!