Escape to Sisterhood II

Ladies call, text, email or Tweet your mother, sister, auntie and your best girlfriend.  It’s time for some rest, relaxation and most importantly information.  Pack your bags and prepare yourself for an exciting weekend in, Wrightsville Beach, N.C, to uplift and empower women of all ages.  Join the fun from Friday October 9, 2009 through Sunday October 11, 2009 for  Escape to Sisterhood II with lovely accomodations provided by Shell Island Resort.

Escape to Sisterhood is geared towards renewing the mind, body, and spirit within women. Oftentimes, women devote so much time to family, work, and friends, that they often neglect themselves. The organizers are devoted to making this weekend change those mindsets, as they venture to renew the “strength within us” through workshops, networking, fitness, and relaxation.

This great gathering will feature keynote speaker Evangelist Ericka D. Jackson, vendors and entertainment.  For more information call 910-473-0239, visit Escape2Sisterhood.com or check out the links below:

Escape to Sisterhood II

2009 Escape to Sisterhood participant package

Uptown Resturant Week 2009

For those of you who like to experience fine dining, but don’t have the money–this is your day.  On September 18-27, numerous uptown resturants in Charlotte, NC have teamed up to offer 3 course meals for only $35!  Resturants include:   Morton’s Steakhouse, Capital Grille, and McCormick & Schmick’s, just to name a few.  They have specific menus for this event designed to give you a sampling of  what they have to offer.  If you are in or around the Charlotte area, this is a great opportunity!

http://eatinuptown.com/

Ways to Save Money on Vacation

Well ladies, summer has finally arrived!  Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, most kids are out of school, the sun is beaming on our backs, and the scent of charcoal is in the air–summer has begun.  During these tight economic times, we still want to travel and enjoy the summer.  Here are some tips that my family has used and some that I found from others:

1.  Set a realistic budget on the amount you can actually spend on vacation.  This will determine what type of trip you can take.  If you want to go to Disney World, but your budget says go to Myrtle Beach, listen.  Factor in the cost of transportation, food, entertainment, shopping (if you desire), hotel accomodations, and just in case money.  Ask these questions:  What type of trip do I want to take?  How much do I need to save each month/week to be able to pay for the trip?  How will I pay for the trip?  (cash is better!)  Will I be “in the hole” when I get back?

2.  Search and compare.  Use on-line sources such as, www.priceline.com, www.hotels.com, www.expedia.com, just to name a few.  There you can find information on car rentals, hotel, airfare, etc.  Just be sure you read the fine print.  Some do not offer refunds on certain deals.  In addition, if there is a problem and money needs to be refunded, most likely you will have to go through the online source which usually takes longer.  Many people refer to book directly through the hotel.  Many hotels will match and sometimes offer more of a discount.

3.  Use your discounts.  AAA members, government employees, AARP, and credit card companies, just to name a few,  offer great discounts to clients.

4.  Pack food.  Shop for food and snacks before you leave home.  With two small children,  this is a necessity for me!  Avoid shopping in convenient stores, hotels, amusement parks, anywhere that will cost you an arm and a leg.  Think about what you could have bought with that $3.oo you spent on that soda!  If you are attending a place where they do not let you bring in outside food, plan for the cost.  It still boggles my mind how much places charge for some things! 

5.  Eat your big meal at lunch and go light on dinner.  Many places offer the same food at cheaper prices during lunch hours.

6.  Stay in accomodations that offer free breakfast and that have a refrigerator to store snacks. 

7.  Go to less known destinations.   Try visiting place that aren’t a huge tourist destination.  Research and find those areas that are just as entertaining, but don’t carry the huge price tag.

8.  Travel during the offseason or on the outskirts of a popular season.  You will save big in the area of transportation and hotels.  Avoid huge crowds and long lines by going the right time of year.  Many locals may even be friendlier and you may recieve better service because they don’t have the stress of dealing with lots of people.

9.  Be flexible with your travel dates.  It may be cheaper to go during  the week, instead of the weekend.   Also, many prices are inflated due to local events.  It may be better to wait after the event to over.

Additional sources:  http://singleparents.about.com/od/cuttingcosts/ss/save_vacation_4.htm

http://www.ajc.com/travel/content/travel/otherdestinations/us_stories/2009/02/24/money_saving_vacation_tips.html

Trans-Atlantic Slave Voyages

Emory University has released a free online database granting access to records of transatlantic slave voyages.  The database allows readers to search voyages databases, see estimates of the slave trade, and explore the African names database.  The Trans-Atlantic Slave Voyage Database has information on almost 35,000 slaving voyages between the 16th and 19th century.  Over 10 million Africans were forcibly moved-one the largest forced movement of peoples in world history.  It not only covers passages to North America, but to the Carribean, South America, and Europe.  Educators are also given lesson plans and online resources to give students an in-depth lesson on the realities of the slave trade and the impact that it has today.  Maps and photos are also provided to paint the picture of the customs, traditions, and practices of the “business” of transporting human lives.  Please take the time and browse through–be enlightened!

www.slavevoyages.org