Seattle Washington Trip: Save Money With City Pass

Are you planning a trip to Seattle Washington that will last a few days? If so then considering a City Pass is a great idea. With a City Pass you will get to visit some of the cities most popular and best attractions at a mere fraction of the cost others will have to pay. Your pass is good for up to nine days fro the first time it is used and is also good for free public transportation. This is a great way to have several options for different activities that you can participate in during your stay.

Museum of Flight
At the Museum of flight you will really enjoy yourself as the history of flight comes to life right before you eyes. This museum has a wonderful array of fun activities to offer for every age. You can do things like touring the original Air Force One jet or sit yourself behind a modern day jet flight simulator. You will find yourself entrenched and amazed as you explore the history of both personal and military flight. It is so much fun that the admission price is well worth it but remember with the city pass you are getting a great deal and paying only a fraction of what everyone else. Even at the full price this is still a recommended attraction.

The Seattle Harbor Tour
This tour is offered by Argosy Cruises and will probably be a highlight of your time in Seattle. If not a highlight, then perhaps the boost you needed to try some of the more elaborate tours that Argosy has to offer. This tour lasts about an hour long and provides a tour of the bay while pointing out some of the stunning scenery that surrounds Seattle. You do have the option of upgrading your cruise to one of the others offered by Argosy for an additional fee. If you've never been in open water before, I recommend starting with a smaller cruise and seeing how your sea legs (and stomach) measure up before embarking on a longer or dinner cruise.

Woodland Park Zoo
The Woodland Park Zoo is known for its natural looking and enjoyable exhibits. In fact the zoo has won many prestigious awards for its exhibits. There is so much to do and see here at the zoo that this can easily be a whole day adventure for any family. In fact that is what I would recommended is that you take a whole day and while you are there why not take a stroll next door to the beautiful Rose Garden. This is a free side trip as it doesn't cost anything to view the roses but it is a wonderful experience and it goes well with the Woodland Park Zoo.

Pacific Science Center
From video games and laser shows to fascinating science exhibits the Pacific Science Center really is a fun place to visit. While you're there you might want to check out the IMAX theatre and see what is playing. Among the permanent exhibits is a Dinosaur exhibit from the Mesozoic Era, a tropical butterfly house, an Insect Village, and a saltwater Tide Pool where little ones can see and touch many of the creatures that can be found in the Puget Sound.

Seattle Aquarium
Delve into life under the sea and the many salt water and fresh water creatures that can be found in and around the Puget Sound. This will be a highlight for everyone in your group I can almost guarantee.

If any of these or most of these is appealing to you and or those you are traveling with, then purchasing a city pass is probably a wise investment. Even if you don't visit all of the attractions, you can save money by visiting a few.
About the Author

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Child Injury Prevention

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, a majority of stroller accidents are caused by tipping. Whether caused by standing children, or unbalanced loads, the result is usually an abrasion or laceration.

However, a much more serious accident that doubles in number each year is one involving a motor vehicle and a stroller. Every year, hundreds of children are seriously injured or killed by otherwise cautious drivers that simply do not see a child stroller in a crosswalk or a parking lot.

Picture this real-life scenario:
You're waiting at the cross walk with your baby in a stroller, trying to peek over the car parked on the side of the road to see if it's clear so that you and your baby can cross safely.

It looks all clear. You push your stroller in front of you, and as the stroller is emerging from behind the parked car, suddenly another car or a truck comes speeding down the street or around the corner.

The driver does not see the stroller because it's below his eye level, the driver does not see you because you are blocked by the parked car, the driver has no idea that your stroller and your baby are in his path.

After a near miss of his own, Brett Cohen of New York, a father of three, felt compelled to find a solution.

With the go ahead from his wife, he started development on the Stroller Safety Flag. During the development process, Mr. Cohen continued hearing stories of tragedies from all over the U.S., and with news of each tragedy, he poured more time and resources into his invention.

The purpose of the Stroller Safety Flag is to slightly lead the stroller so the flag is seen before the stroller emerges. It mounts quickly, easily, and securely on all models of strollers through the use of a patent pending universal device. It can even be mounted horizontally to jogging strollers to prevent cars from getting to close.

Indoors, the flag can be instantly shortened to half its height.
The Stroller Safety Flag is also useful for ride-on toys, bicycles, and wheelchairs.

For more information on dad advice, please visit: http://www.greatdad.com/
About the Author

What Matters in Real Estate Investment: Location Location Cash Flow

The media is full of stories about how Option ARMs and exotic mortgages are the scorage of the real estate industry. Nothing could be further from the facts. Exotic loans have extended the real estate boom, and possibly lower default rates for marginal borrowers.

Option ARMs are tools when used prudently allow a borrower to control their cash out-flow and make payments fit their income. In the past lenders required mortgages payment on their monthly schedule. Option ARMs give the consumer the ability to pay principal and interest when its best for the consumer.

I believe the exotic loans are good tools for borrowers who know how to use them. Interest only payments allow a borrower to pay a smaller payment when cash flow is low, and pay down principal in better times. These loans actually reduce the risk of loan default, because default only happens when a borrower can't make their monthly payment.

Therefore any loan that allow this kind of payment flexibility should be seen as a positive for loan quality and stability, not riskier?

The consumer clearly understands the value to interest only and exotic payment mortgages, this is why they have become the most popular loan options. But few consumers are being interviewed to defend why they choose these loans.

Option ARM mortgages enable savvy consumers to better manage their own personal cash flow.

Bob Waun , Founder & CEO
Vacation Finance
waun@vacation-finance.com

Vacation Finance is America's First Second-Home Lender, and believes in the benefits of real estate ownership for all Americans. Vacation Finance is creating a market for unique cottage, land, condo, condo hotel and fractional ownership loans.

Backpacking Boots?

Backpacking boots or any of the traditional hiking boots may have their place. That place just isn't on my feet. If you don't have specific problems with your ankles, there isn't snow on the ground, and you don't carry more than thirty pounds on your back, try running shoes. You'll be so happy that you did.

Backpacking or hiking boots are heavy, hot, stinky, and stay wet forever. Decent running shoes can be as light as one pound per pair, while most hiking boots top three pounds. Army research showed that a pound on your feet is like five on your back (some say six), so three-pound boots naturally leave you more tired at the end of the day.

Backpacking Boots And Ankle Support

Some backpackers argue for the necessity of ankle support, but throughout history people managed without stiff ankle-supporting boots. Even if you are carrying thirty pounds on your back, consider the fact that there are people walking around that weigh 60 pounds more than you, and without problems. It is an issue of weak ankles, not a lack of support. To solve this problem, try walking a little each week on uneven ground (not in the mall).

While some may really need hiking boots, why not be sure your ankle problems are not just due to a lack of exercise before you settle for backpacking in heavy boots. It is true you may need hiking boots if you carry more than thirty pounds when you backpack. The solution to that is to cut the weight down.

Why Running Shoes?

Your feet will stay cooler in a good running shoes than in hiking boots, and this means fewer blisters. Once I switched to running shoes and lightweight socks years ago, I stopped getting blisters, and I don't mean fewer blisters. I mean no blisters. I haven't had one blister since I switched, not even after a 110-mile 7-day trek in the Rockies, for example.

For socks, I have used nothing but thin nylon dress socks for years. They are cheap, and they weigh less than an ounce per pair. That makes it easy to carry enough fresh socks. They also can be easily rinsed out and dried quickly. My feet won't tolerate hotter socks now, although I do bring a warmer pair for sleeping or for cold weather.

Unless you have size 13 feet, you should be able to find good running or hiking shoes that are under two pounds per pair. Carry a kitchen scale to the shoe store if you have to. Unfortunately, catalogs sometimes don't show weights, so you'll have to guess which hiking shoes are lighter based on the description and photo.

The higher quality shoes have soles stitched to the uppers. Look under the insoles to check this. A removable insole is another sign of quality shoes. Usually you can find a good pair of running shoes under 28 ounces and under $80, or half of that on closeouts.

Until you try it, you won't know how liberating it is to ditch the heavy pack and heavy boots and hit the trail in running shoes. Go more miles more comfortably. Run up a hill just to see what's there. I haven't yet met a person who has tried backpacking in hiking shoes or running shoes - and then returned to backpacking boots.

About the Author

Steve Gillman is a long-time advocate of lightweight backpacking. His tips, photos, gear recommendations and a free book can be found at http://www.TheUltralightBackpackingSite.com

Washing Clothes When Backpacking

You don't want to carry ten pounds of clothes when backpacking. In fact, for us lightweight backpackers, anything more than a few pounds is too much. This means washing clothes on the trail at some point. Here are some tips on how to do it right.

Here's the easy solution for short backpacking trips, those that are three days or less: just don't wash your clothes. That is, unless they really need it. In that case proceed to the next paragraph.

Try to make your backpacking clothes less stinky. In other words, don't sweat too much. Actually this is a good idea for another reason. If you get your clothing wet with sweat, later you may have a problem staying warm. It cools dramatically at night in the mountains and desert, for example, and the evaporative effect from your damp clothing can chill you dangerously at times.

The best plan, then, is to remove layers before you start to sweat. You can also prevent sweaty feet - and therefore stinky socks - by applying antiperspirant to the bottoms of your feet for several days before you go backpacking. Letting clothing air out on tree branches in camp can remove some odors as well.

Washing Clothes

Of course at some point, especially on the longer backpacking trips, you will need to wash your clothes. Detergent, however, is bad for streams and lakes. If you feel you absolutely must use it, follow these guidelines:

- Carry the clothes and water away from the stream or lake (200 feet).

- Get the clothes just wet enough to lather them up with detergent.

- Add soap, scrub and then squeeze out as much detergent and water as you can.

- Slowly pour rinse water over them, stopping when they are wet enough, and squeezing more detergent and water out of them.

- Repeat this until they are sufficiently rinsed.

It is better for the environment and simpler too, if you just avoid using detergent. To do this, you can follow the above guidelines without detergent. You can also swim in a lake or stream with your clothes on to wash them. Do this just before the heat of the day, so they will dry on you as you hike. Avoid doing this in small ponds that may be affected by the soap, deodorant and such that inevitably washes off your body.

Socks and small pieces of clothing can be hung on your pack to dry as you hike. In camp, you can hang clothes on spruce trees to help impart a better odor to them. If your clothing supply is limited when backpacking (isn't it always?), wash it early, so you'll be able to dry it before the cold night comes. Shake the clothing and fluff it up once dry. It will insulate better this way, keeping you warmer.

About the Author

Copyright Steve Gillman. To get the ebook Ultralight Backpacking Secrets (And Wilderness Survival Tips) for FREE, as well as photos, gear recommendations, and a new wilderness survival section, visit:
The Ultralight Backpacking Site: http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com

Top 10 SavetheDay Fashion Fixes

You?re about to have your ?red carpet? moment when you casually glance at the effortless swish of your knee-length frock and notice the hem has fallen. Or, perhaps, you?re radiant in head-to-toe summer white, when your dinner partner splashes a bit of red wine on your blouse. We?ve all had it happen?no need to fret.

We?ve consulted a team of experts? Vanessa Wakeman, owner of Indulgence event and wedding planning, in White Plains, New York; Renee R. Klein and Zoe Schaeffer, co-owners of Presse, a high-end fashion boutique in L.A.; and Jen Goodkind and Jayne Chase, co-hosts of ?A Fashionable Life? radio show?to help you navigate even the most unexpected fashion emergencies.

Healing Heels
You?re ready to mix and mingle in your strappy stilettos and?as luck would have it?snap goes your heel. ?You don?t want to spend an evening hobbling around,? says Klein. ?Instant Krazy Glue To-Go is the answer. I always carry it with me.?

On the Spot
For treating spots and stains, Chase swears by Tide to Go sticks: ?I carry at least one in my purse at all times.? Other remedies: get rid of makeup stains with baby wipes, which also help remove lint from clothing and dirt from shoes.

If you?re fortunate enough to catch a deodorant stain before leaving the house, Schaeffer recommends steaming the garment with a traditional steamer ?or hanging it in the bathroom during a hot shower.?

A Bad Run
You can always rely on an old standby?clear nail polish. ?Paint just a dab on a stocking run, and you?ll be good through your event,? says Schaeffer. Another quick fix, says Wakeman, ?is a dash of hairspray.?

Weathered Leather
Nicked your leather bag, shoes, or belt? ?Carefully touch up the area with a matching colored Sharpie,? says Schaeffer.

Hem havoc
The beauty of a sewing kit is that it?s compact and multi-functional. Goodkind divulges, ?I always take them from the last resort I've been to,? which makes them free, too! Masking tape or duct tape can also come in handy. Grab the lighting guy/gal or musicians at the event, who usually carry tape in case it?s needed for their equipment.

Simply Strapped
Falling or snapped bra/dress/shirt straps can be a real nuisance and the easiest and most obvious answer is: ?A safety pin,? says Chase. ?Always carry small ones, which are less visible but still secure.?

Zip It
If your zipper is not ready to rise, ?a bar of soap or wax candle rubbed gently onto the problem area should help it loosen up,? advises Wakeman.

Cute as a Button
If you have a button that?s floor bound, clear nail polish will come to the rescue, again. Dab the top of the button to prevent it from falling off. Another way to keep it tight: a storage bag tie. Peel off the plastic and thread the button with the metal strip.

Better Sweater
Rub a piece of Velcro up and down the fabric to remove sweater pills. For snags, take the tip of a closed pen, push the snag back through the inside of the garment and knot it.

Ear and Now
The backing of your earring has fallen on the dance floor and it?s nowhere to be found. ?Not to worry,? says Wakeman, who?s seen this happen to more than one bride. ?Take the eraser off a pencil and push it through the stem. You?ll be good to dance the night away.?

While emergency remedies are invaluable, averting disasters is obviously the way to go. Have the soles and heels of new shoes reinforced, and always be sure to waterproof suede shoes, advises Goodkind.

Chase also advocates carrying an extra jacket, a cashmere cardigan, or a pashmina in case you need to cover up a stain (or it gets cold!). And when all else fails, she says, ?Think creatively. I once had a Ralph Lauren pink gingham dress with spaghetti straps. I had the straps taken in and the night I put on the dress, one strap broke. I didn't have needle and thread, so I took the other strap off and wore it strapless. You know what? It looked better!?

Keep-handy Crisis Kit
Here?s a list of the must-have items that you may want to keep in your purse or in a plastic bag in the trunk of your car, in case of a fashion, beauty, or comfort emergency.

Baby wipes: To remove or reduce make-up stains on clothing. They also remove lint from clothing and dirt from shoes.

Blotting papers: For unexpected greasy moments.

Clear nail polish: For a torn stocking or loose button.

Hairspray: Also good for runs in stockings.

Masking tape or duct tape: For fallen hems.

Instant Krazy Glue To-Go: A quick fix for broken heels.

Mini sewing kit with safety pins: To temporarily mend fallen hems, broken straps, or small tears.

Mini umbrella: For unexpected rain showers.

An extra pair of pantyhose: Tuck them in a small plastic zipped bag.

Pen: A closed tip can help invert sweater snags; so can a small crochet hook.

Pencil: The eraser can be used to secure post earrings.

Sharpie markers: To dab scuffed or scratched leather on shoes, purses, belts, etc?

Soap: For a stuck zipper.

Tide to Go stick: To attack stains in an instant.

Velcro: To get rid of pills on sweaters.

Vaseline: Keep a small tube handy to rub on men?s or women?s patent leather shoes, so they don?t stick together while you?re dancing.

Cover-up (cashmere sweater, jacket, or pashmina): Good to keep in a plastic bag in the trunk of your car, to hide a stain or torn fabric, or simply for warmth in an overly air-conditioned venue or on a cool evening outdoors.

http://www.celebratewithstyle.com

About Celebratewithstyle.com:

Celebratewithstyle.com is the first ?guide to creating the celebrations that make life so much richer.? It features advice on planning memorable parties for family members and friends, as well as holiday, business, social, and fundraising events. The site offers ideas and advice from experts on festive foods, stylish d?cor, dress-up fashion, and beauty. It also provides party planning tools for kids? birthdays, coming-of-age celebrations, and wedding-related festivities.

Types of Breast Enhancers

Breast augmentation is a common cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States. The natural figures are leaving more and more women dissatisfied, but surgery is definitely not the only option for breast enhancement.

It is essential to understand that bust size has no relation to sexual arousal or performance in women. Breast enhancement becomes necessary in women who have undergone mastectomy, for the removal of cancer tissue from their chest region. It is also required in most cases of gender redefinition. Silicon implants work in nearly all cases of breast enhancement. However surgery, apart from being unaffordable for most, does not give the optimum results all the time. An implant comprises of a silicon shell filled with saltwater, placed within the breasts through a small incision. This could result in irregular placement of the implants, shifting, hardening and rupturing, all of which result in an asymmetric and unnatural bust line.

The most commonly used breast-enhancing device is the bra and they are available in pull-up, push-up and even inflatable varieties. The mastectomy bra, available for breast cancer patients is designed to cushion the area beneath while providing enhancement. Enhancers are also available in the form of creams, gels and pills, which come in natural pant-based or synthetic forms. The creams and gels are meant only for external application and are often used in conjunction with medication for breast enhancement. Their main function is to tauten the bust area to facilitate enlargement. The main ingredients of these creams are organic compounds such as stearic acid, glycerin, metylparaben, phenoxyethanol and plant extracts from lavender, jojoba and blessed thistle. Pills contain compounds that stimulate the production of estrogen in the body.

It is essential that patients research the possible allergic reactions to each ingredient before beginning the use of any breast enhancement product.

Breast Enhancer provides detailed information on Breast Enhancers, Breast Enhancer Resources, Silicone Breast Enhancers, Breast Enhancer Pills and more. Breast Enhancer is affiliated with Natural Breast Enlargement.