{ Spring Savings }

Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start! Take a look around your nest and see what needs a little sprucing up.
We are adding new Spring and Easter products all week long, not to mention some great home furnishings and decor for everyday.
To sweeten things up a bit we want you to enjoy a 20% savings on your order that includes any of our Spring or Easter merchandise. Enter coupon code: "SpringFling" upon checking out for instant savings!
http://www.betterhomeinteriors.com/

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The Beautiful Landscapes of Cayo Largo in Cuba

Cayo Largo del Sur, also known simply as Cayo Largo, is a small resort island belonging to Cuba, in the Caribbean Sea no more than 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) long and 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) wide. It is the second-biggest island in Cuba's Canarreos Archipelago.
Cayo Largo del Sur stretches along 27 km of virgin beaches with warm and crystal-clear waters. The sand is very fine, white and permanently fresh, characteristics which are unlikely to be found in another site in Cuba and rarely in the world. The always-turquoise sky contrasts magnificently with the white coral sand. The moderate tropical weather boasts an average temperature of 27c and has few rainfalls.
Tainos Indians lived here 800 years ago. This place is a natural kingdom of ecological beauty in perfect balance that is home to 350 iguanas, chelonian, pelicans, parrots, and herons. The sea contains colorful and varied fauna, as well as a 19 nautical mile coral reef where different kinds of black coral can be admired in less than 35 m of water. A diversified flora characterized by coastal vegetation and four species of mangroves decorate the old dunes and beaches.

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More Pictures of Lake Tahoe in California

Beautiful Pictures of Lake Tahoe in California

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Best Travel Destination of Lake Tahoe in California

Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains of the United States. It is located along the border between California and Nevada, west of Carson City, Nevada. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. Its depth is 1,645 ft (501 m) making it America's second-deepest.

The lake was formed about 2 million years ago and is a part of the Lake Tahoe Basin with the modern Lake being shaped during the Ice Ages. The lake is known for the clarity of its water and the panorama of surrounding mountains on all sides. The area surrounding the lake is also referred to as Lake Tahoe, or simply Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe is a major tourist attraction for both California and Nevada. It is home to a number of ski resorts, summer outdoor recreation, and tourist attractions. Snow and skiing are a significant part of the area's economy and reputation. Mountain and lake scenery are attractions throughout the year. The Nevada side also includes large casinos. Highways provide year-round access from Reno, Carson City and Sacramento. Read full at http://en.wikipedia.org

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More Pictures of St. Maarten

The Open-Air Market at Marigot



Eastern end of Front Street



Wharf at The Center of Town, Front Street, Philipsburg




Sunrise at Guana Bay

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Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten

Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, fills a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. Founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy, it soon became a bustling center of international trade. Today it is as bustling as ever, with lively shopping streets, cafes, and hotels.

Two main roads cut across the length of Philipsburg--Front Street and, yes, Back Street. Front Street, the main thoroughfare, is lined with duty-free shops offering everything from Italian leather goods and Japanese cameras to native crafts. Narrow alleyways lead in either direction to arcades and courtyards filled with flowers. Visitors will also find examples of traditional West Indian architecture, including characteristic pastel-colored houses with second-story verandas looking out over the street.

Front Street's most prominent landmark is the Courthouse, built in 1793. A grand white wooden structure topped with a cupola, it now serves as St. Maarten's courthouse. Also on Front Street is the Simartin Museum, which gives visitors an excellent introduction to local history. Among the artifacts on display are pottery from the island's original inhabitants, the Arawaks, and cargo salvaged from a British ship which sank off the coast in 1801.
Two historic forts bear witness to Philipsburg's strategic importance in St. Maarten's history. Fort Amsterdam, built in 1631 on a peninsula between Great Bay and Little Bay, was the first Dutch military outpost in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, it was soon captured by the Spanish, who made it their most important bastion east of Puerto Rico. The Spanish abandoned the fort in 1648, and since then it has remained in Dutch hands. All military operations ceased in the 19th century, although the fort was used as a signaling and communications station into the 1950s. A few walls of the original bastion remain, and the site provides an outstanding view of modern Philipsburg. Fort Willem, easily recognizable by its television transmission tower, lies just to the west of downtown. Built in 1801 by the British, it was taken over by the Dutch in 1816. It's an easy hike up to the fort, with a lovely panorama of Philipsburg and neighboring islands at the top.

Today, Philipsburg combines its historical legacy with 20th century excitement. Its waterfront has become a popular stop for cruise ships, and the town's many restaurants, cafes and night clubs offer entertainment well into the night. The town offers accommodations to suit every need, from modern resorts to intimate guest houses.
Source :http://www.geographia.com/

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Big Island Triathlon is coming up

Dear Hawaii lovers,
Best Hawaii Vacation blog is still waiting for sharing your 'Favorite Hawaiian Flower' with our blog visitors. We know there are too many beautiful tropical flowers to choose from. Which one do you like best?

What's our today's blog title 'Big Island Triathlon coming up' all about? Everybody knows that the Big Island is not only famous all over the world for its active volcano but also for hosting one of the most attractive and popular Hawaii events, the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in Kona in October.

In March each year, there is another Big Island Triathlon happening on the Kohala Coast, which you might hear about for the first time. The Lavaman Ironman is kind of a spin-off of the real Ironman Triathlon in October.

Well, when you are currently still on your Hawaii vacation on the Big Island, you have a chance to watch the 12th Annual Lavaman Triathlon on Sunday March 29, 2009. The Lavaman Triathlon consists of 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run. Not much compared to 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike race and 26.2-mile run of the real Ironman competition.



I remember we both participated in a 10k run many years ago and were quite wasted afterwards, despite the colder upcountry climate. What are the Lavaman Ironman participants up against? Definitely, the heat in the coastal areas of the Kohala Coast and the wind, which can be strong and gusty when biking Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy. Plus ,one never knows about the ocean conditions. At this time of the year, the Pacific ocean can be quite choppy and challenginging for the swimmers.

Mastering this 'Mini' Big Island Triathlon makes the competitors a Lavaman and can be a first step in the direction for preparing for the ultimate goal for triathletes, a spot on the Ford Ironman Triathlon Worldchampionship in Hawaii. Come and see for yourself what it takes to be a Lavaman Triathlete.

Here are a few tips for Big Island visitors of the 12th Lavaman Triathlon this Sunday:

-Most of the Lavaman events take place at Waikoloa Beach Resort.

-There will be plenty of parking at the Queen's MarketPlace and the Kings' Shops.

-Watch for bikers when driving Hwy 19 between 7:30 - 11.30am.

-Bikers will go from Waikoloa Beach resort to Turnaround at mile marker 88, near Hualalai Resort.

-Hilton Waikoloa Village is the official hotel for the Triathlon Waikoloa.

-Find information on special triathlon rates at Hilton Waikoloa.

Visit the LavamanTriathlon site for more information on race details and events or call 808-329-9718. Have fun at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. No worries about food. The Queens Marketplace and Kings Shops have plenty of restaurants, from affordable to pricey, for satisfying your stomach. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
Hawaii Ironman Related Articles
Ever wanted to visit the Big Island Ironman
Kona Ironman Acccommodation
2006 Big Island Ironman is history
What it takes to be an Ironman


Tags: Big Island Ironman Lavaman, Lavaman Big Island, Big Island vacation, Hawaii events

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Our Favorite Hawaiian Flowers

Aloha and welcome back to Best Hawaii Vacation blog,
Blogging about Hawaii comes easy as it's basically sharing all the things we love in Hawaii with Hawaii visitors, especially those, who plan their first trip to the Hawaiian Islands.



We consider our Hawaii Blog the 'appetizer' - awakening the taste buds and nourishing the urge for more - before the big 'entree', the real visit to Hawaii when indulging in white sand beaches, warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and the unique beauty of the Hawaiian tropical fauna and flora.



Today we want to share with all our blog visitors our favorite Hawaiian flowers. Tropical Hawaiian flowers will catch any Hawaii visitor's attention all over the islands again and again. First time when receiving a beautiful flower lei upon arrival at one of our Hawaii Airports or at your hotel check-in.




Hawaii Resorts, like the Hilton Waikoloa Village we talked about in our recent post, and Hawaii vacation rentals alike are proud of displaying as many of our colorful tropical Hawaiian flowers in your rooms and outside.


Well, what are our favorite Hawaiian flowers? With the abundance of different choices of colors, scents, shapes and texture - Hibiscus, Plumeria, Gardenia, Pikake, Tuberose, Orchids - choosing a specific flower over another does not come easy.




My favorite Hawaiian flower is the Plumeria, which comes in all beautiful colors, the scent is subtle with a single flower but becomes captivating in the typical Hawaiian Plumeria lei. Don't keep your Plumeria flower lei in the fridge for too long. The flower blossoms become brown spots the next day.


Keoki loves the white blossom of the Tuberose with its seducing scent. It is his favorite Hawaiian flower. Are you wondering now which Hawaiian flower you like best? Great. Let us know your favorite Hawaiian flower. A hui hou. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Order your favorite Hawaiian flowers and Flower Leis fresh from Hawaii


Hawaiian Tropical Flowers Related Articles

Hawaiian Flower Leis Symbol of Love
Hawaii Flower Leis Hawaii Lei Greetings


Tags: Hawaiian flowers, Hawaiian leis, lei greeting

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{ Find us this weekend }

We'd love for you to stop by and see us this weekend! We will be at the South Towne Expo Center during the bridal expo. There will be some fabulous vendors and prizes given to the first 50. So mark your calendars now!
Saturday March 28th
10am-6 pm
South Towne Expo Center
9575 S State Street
Sandy


We are going to have lots of new items, seasonal merchandise and things not featured on our website. We would love to give you a discount for stopping by! Let us know you're coming and we'll send you a discount coupon for your purchase!
BetterHomeInteriors@hotmail.com

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The Exotic Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls are voluminous waterfalls on the Niagara River, straddling the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York. The falls are 17 miles (27 km) north-northwest of Buffalo, New York and 75 miles (120 km) south-southeast of Toronto, Ontario, between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York.

Niagara Falls is composed of two major sections separated by Goat Island: Horseshoe Falls, the majority of which lies on the Canadian side of the border, and American Falls on the American side. The smaller Bridal Veil Falls also is located on the American side, separated from the main falls by Luna Island. Niagara Falls were formed when glaciers receded at the end of the Wisconsin glaciation (the last ice age), and water from the newly-formed Great Lakes carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. While not exceptionally high, the Niagara Falls are very wide. More than six million cubic feet (168,000 m³) of water falls over the crest line every minute in high flow,[1] and almost 4 million cubic feet (110,000 m³) on average. It is the most powerful waterfall in North America.[2]

The Niagara Falls are renowned both for their beauty and as a valuable source of hydroelectric power. Managing the balance between recreational, commercial, and industrial uses has been a challenge for the stewards of the falls since the 1800s.
Article Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara_Falls

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The Excellent Places to Hike Around Las Vegas

Travel to Las Vegas and you'll likely hear plenty about nearby attractions like the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead. There are even places right on the Strip where you can take part in guided tours of these places. These highly publicized attractions are well worth it and have many interesting sights and are great ways to escape the lights of Vegas. But in addition to these high traffic tourist spots, there are a couple of not so highly publicized areas that are well worth your time, and cost no more than a rental car and a camera.

Red Rock Canyon is located about 15 miles west of the Strip. It is just outside of the city - you can take Charleston Boulevard all the way there. Charleston crosses the strip just north of the Stratosphere. Hop on Charleston and go west. Once you pass Red Rock Casino and Highway 215, you're almost there.

When you first get to Red Rock, there is a visitor's center where you can get out and check out some of the history of the canyon. You can learn about the Native American's who first lived in the area as well as the animals and plants that populate the canyon.

The canyon itself is made up of red sandstone which is very striking in color when the sun bounces off the canyon walls. There are numerous hiking trails that you can stop and hike. They range from easy to difficult. The canyon is also popular to rock climbers, who can often be seen scaling the cliffs and rocks of the area.

From the visitors center you can take the scenic loop, which is a 13 mile loop that winds its way through the canyon with numerous places to stop to either hike or take pictures. One of the stops along the loop is the Ice Box Canyon trail which is a two mile moderately difficult hike that includes some rock scrambling. This trail works it's way back into a canyon which is known for the cooler winds that blow through the rocks. While hiking be sure to look up the canyon walls as you can often see the climbers scrambling up their lines.

Along with the desert vegetation you're likely to see different animals in the conservation area. Bighorn sheep and deer accompany the wild burros that roam the land. The burros are rather tame and will often come up to car windows looking for food - though it is recommended not to feed them as this increases their independence on the tourists of the area. A picture of a burro sticking his head in your car window is often a great picture to share with friends back home.

The great thing about Red Rock is that you can see the sights without ever leaving the air conditioning of your car - or if you're feeling a little adventurous you can venture out on one of the trails and make your way a little off the beaten path. Even though you are just outside the sprawling city of Las Vegas, a trip to Red Rock is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city - a great way to take a vacation inside your vacation.

By: Patrick Treadway

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Arkansas' Natural Treasure: Maumelle Park in Amerika

Arkansas is not called, "The Natural State", for any old reason. The state of Arkansas is home to a fabulous wealth of mountainous landscapes, valleys, plains and woodlands. Positioned not far from the state capital of Little Rock is the Pinnacle Mountain Valley, a 2000 acre site situated around the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Within the beautiful Pinnacle Mountain Valley is the Maumelle State Park, one of Arkansas' natural treasures and also one of the top locations for visitors to the Little Rock area, especially for all nature-lovers.

At Maumelle Park, visitors will find a diversity of wildlife in a variety of habitats. The area may be of particular interest to bird watchers, as it attracts an exciting assortment of birds and wildlife. Hikers are also well catered for, with various hiking trails traversing the region, so visitors who enjoy nature walks will find Maumelle Park and the surrounding Pinnacle Mountain Valley a delight; these trails include the Arkansas Trail through the Arkansas Arboretum (a 71-acre site dedicated to representing Arkansas' six main natural divisions); the Kingfisher Trail next to the Little Maumelle River; and the 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail.

With so many hiking trails to enjoy, visits to Maumelle Park can often exceed the remits of a day trip. But with over 129 campsites to choose from, all of which are equipped with water and electricity, visitors to Maumelle Park will find camping a comfortable experience. Maumelle's Parks campsites are also open to visitors to the neighbouring Pinnacle Mountain State Park, which has no camping areas of its own. Its optimal site is situated just next to the Arkansas River which means that campers can enjoy beautiful vistas, as well as tables and grills nearby, bathhouses with hot water, a playground and a boat ramp for anyone wanting to sail or paddle through the park rather than hike.

However much you enjoy the beauty of Maumelle Park, camping may not always seem to be the most enjoyable mode of accommodation for a vacation, especially when with family members. Thankfully however, Maumelle Park is only a convenient fifteen minute drive away from the city of Little Rock where you can choose from a number of comfortable hotels. Maumelle Park's proximity to Little Rock means that visitors, if they choose to stay in the city, can enjoy the comforts of urban accommodation whilst revelling in the delights of the park's natural scenery and clean mountain air. Many of the hotels in Little Rock often offer package deals for larger parties, so that groups or families travelling together can often find some great deals to enjoy during their holiday to Maumelle Park.

By: Michael Hanna
Michael is a keen writer living in Edinburgh. Michael's Website: Belfast Airport Taxis.

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Nicaragua Travel Destination

Wedge-shaped Nicaragua may be the largest country in Central America, but it is also one of the least visited. Even after more than a decade of peace, Nicaragua is synonymous in the minds of many with civil war; this reputation, when coupled with the dilapidated infrastructure of a country that has fought its way not only through a bloody conflict but also an American economic blockade, scares many off. Still, many travelers who spend any time there find - much to their surprise - that Nicaragua is their favorite country in the isthmus. Perhaps because it doesn't yet fully cater for the tourist experience, Nicaragua is an incorrigibly vibrant and individualistic country, with plenty to offer travelers prepared to brave Nicaragua's superficial obstacles of economic chaos, cracked pavements and crammed public transport.

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Vintage telephone action

I love a nice old bulbous, bakelite phone. But I wanted one that I'd actually use - and the circular dial variety, gorgeous piece of design that it it is, was never going to work. It takes about ten minutes just to dial a number, seriously. So I went for the next oldest option, push-button (like the one on the bottom row, far left, above). It's almost hi-tech. Mine came from Radio Days, a really dinky little treasure trove of a shop in Lower Marsh, Waterloo and it cost under £50, fully reconditioned. But you can find similar in Ebay's retro telephone section. It's a small touch but I think it really stands out in my sitting room.

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