KeptasISnow

New products. Travel & Leisure. Celebrity business ventures.

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Stefani Germonatta started at Manhatten's Upper West Side and by age 27 is a household name. Oh, you don't know Stefani? Maybe Lady Gaga will ring a bell. At 27 Gaga has: -sold out Madison Square Garden where, she nostalgically tells fans, she often visited to see her favorite artists growing up in NYC. -3 top selling albums -5 Grammy awards -the Born This Way Foundation supporting youth inspiration and community unity -"Gaga's Workshop" exhibit and pop-up store in Barneys New York and much more that I'll most likely never catch up on in my next 5 years! Entrepreneurs and marketing experts alike think we can all learn from Gaga. 1. Who says you have to be born into royalty? Gaga's story is a true struggle from the bottom and fight your way to the top tale and it's the long climb that keeps you comfortably at the top. 2. Embrace it. Gaga creates a community of "little monsters" (as she lovingly refers to her devout fans) and actively communicates with them via Twitter and viral videos. 3. Stand up for something. Consumers are used to seeing brands. Don't be afraid to show what you're passionate about, like Lady Gaga frequently speaking out on gay rights and equality. Fans will see past a packaged brand and connect with your passion. Below is the opening of Gaga's Workshop for Barneys New York which truly encompasses the Monster vibe. Paws up!

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So. We came home today and made it in time to pick up Gracie from the kennel. :)

Two days ago we went to The Home Place and to the Planetarium. The Home Place was a homestead of 1850 that was rebuilt and that had people in period clothing to talk to us. The Planetarium had a show playing that...

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Love this description - as this how I remember my visit when I was a kid!

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Sunrise over Kentucky Lake, Land Between the Lakes, KY

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My dad just sent me a message saying that a barge hit Eggners Ferry Bridge near where I used to live a little while ago and knocked a huge section into the lake. I believe the lake is a mile wide from one side to the other. So crazy.

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Take a Trip to Tennessee (GO VOLS :)

My problem with taking a trip to Tennessee is if I go there I might not come back!

I grew up in Tennessee and for the 16 years that I spent in Clarksville I never went to Pigeon Forge or Memphis, but I did go to some pretty neat places... I have been looking into a Pigeon Forge visit for about a year and at the end of this post I will share a couple of links that may be of interest, but for the most part this will be about places that I had the opportunity to visit and maybe a funny story or two to accompany the trip ideas!

Land Between the Lakes (near Dover, TN):

This is a strip of land between the Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.  This area is best for at least an all day visit.  Start out at the South Welcome Station.  This will provide you with some history and literature for your visit.  Go about 9 miles north and see the Great Western Iron Furnace where you have the opportunity to read panels explaining the Iron industry's importance to the area.

Your next visit is about half of a mile away - the Bison Range.  This is a 200 acre area that is considered a safe home to approximately 60 Bison.

The next stop is the Homeplace.  This was one of my favorite stops!  It replicates the farm life in the 1850s.  During my visit, there were people dressed for the era performing what would be normal day to day tasks.  They allowed you to explore the house showing the way they lived and allowed you to attempt some of the chores while explaining some of the chores or trades in which you could not participate in.  (me visiting the homeplace with my grandparents :)

As you continue your tour you will come across the Golden Pond - which offers a picnic area and a planetarium.  Continue your trip and arrive at the Elk and Bison Prairie....and finalize your day with a cruise around one of the largest man made lakes (Kentucky Lake) and see the Kentucky Dam built in 1944.  To plan this trip visit http://byways.org/explore/byways/2345   - now as a side note if you visit this area for fishing purposes watch out for the snakes!!!  I spent an entire afternoon of a fishing trip on the roof of a car because I was traumatized due to a poisonous water moccasin that my dad swatted with his fishing pole and accidentally hooked and dragged it onto the road to smash with huge rocks... 

Another trip while in Tennessee is to visit the Chattanooga Area.

I would start with a visit to Ruby Falls and Rock City.  You can buy an admission pass to get you into both.  Ruby Falls is an underground waterfall.

Next venture out to visit the Tennessee Aquarium and Creative Discovery Museums.

Check out the Aquarium Animal Guide: http://www.tnaqua.org/OurAnimals/OurAnimals.aspx

And the Creative Discovery Museum's website: http://www.cdmfun.org/

There is so much you could do during a visit to Tennessee, even exploring Nashville would be an all day and night event....This place holds a lot of memories for me and hope you find it as special as I still do...

If you want to escape to Pigeon Forge check out this cabin website as they offer great rates and beautiful cabins.  If you go and stay at the cabin posted below let me know what you think as this one is on my todolist.  http://www.cabinsforyou.com/copper_river.htm  You can also like them on Facebook! Pigeon Forge TN Cabins!

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OBX - Where the Wild Horses Roam!

For those of you that want to get away and keep costs reasonable - think about going to Outer Banks, NC (OBX).  Especially if you have a group of people and want to go before prime season starts.  We went down and stayed in a five bedroom house right on the beach in Corolla and only spent about $400 for the week after splitting the cost.  The company that between my family and I that we have used a few times is TWIDDY.  They have rental properties all up and down OBX.  We highly recommend them and the check in and out process is as easy as pie!

There are no shopping centers in Corolla but Duck and Kitty Hawk are not a far drive. If you are renting accommodations with a kitchen, why not go to the Food Lion and do some grocery shopping for meals (assuming somebody there knows how to cook). 

You can find plenty of things to do there if you take the time to do some research...  If you want to spend less time on the beach and more time socializing my advice is find another beach to go to or stay closer to Kitty Hawk area.  Corolla is the furthest point north of the Outer Banks that you can go without 4x4. 

I will share some pictures from our time in OBX and hopefully you will want to go there as much as I want to go back!

This is the view from our deck

View looking North - where you can see the faint outlines of poles is the fence for the 4wheel drive area and where you may see the horses

The house we rented - view from the beach

And now for some randoms... one is a snake (freshly killed) at a mini golf course - ewww, one from a boat cruise, and a friendlier picture of the mini golf course - my favorite FROGS!!!

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The speed at which technology is changing and updating has never been faster. Only in the 21st century could you buy a new piece of technology and have it go out of date only a short time later. A great example of this is a television set.

Television sets started off in black and white. When colour tv's came along it was a big deal and very expensive to purchase one. Eventually colour tv's became the norm, then the next generation of t.v's known as HD Television came out. Although this was a big change, there wasnt nearly as much hype over them as there was from black and white to colour. However, in the end, HDTV's have become the standard television in most homes.

The next step was 3D Television, which turned out to be an absolute disaster. There as no excitement and nobody really cared. It seems that new innovations to the television set, are not as exciting anymore. Is it because the innovations are not good enough or because in the 21st century, innovations such as these are now expected. Finaly we have the Smart TV by Samsung. It has the ability to connect to your Mobile device, and even your internet. This T.V. might very well be the future. Although it has yet to hit the market, it is worth keeping an eye on, because it might end up being the standard television set of tomorrow!

[keptas-isnow-blog]

Super Cam

Looks like Carolina Panther's QB Cam Newton will be striking his Superman pose off the field this Spring. Charlotte-based Belk, Inc., the nation's largest family owned and operated department store, has teamed up with Newton as he enters the world of fashion. The collection, MADE, features versatile pieces including suits, polos, sport coats, long sleeve shirts and pants at reasonable prices. After being featured in GQ his rookie year, Newton quickly emerged as an athletic style icon. Representing his team and incorporating his own style, the fashion-forward collection embodies a quality, clean, modern Southern look. Belk secures growth through it's aquistion of private brands and looks to expand Newton's MADE to accessories come fall. Newton is pleased with Belk's ability to make his ideas and pieces into a polished, cohesive brand. Check out the complete line below: http://www.belk.com/products/made-cam-newton-men-Cb44328.jsp

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The Marvis Diner in Wildwood, New Jersey. Wildwood is filled with great examples of Googie Architecture, also known as the Doo Wop style.

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This is the wonderful Marvis Diner with the amazing strawberry cheesecake!  Must Have!

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GET WILD in Wildwood NJ

Due to living in the middle of nowhere (central PA) and loving the beach - I often disappear to Jersey Coast over the summer.  The area overall is nice and offers plenty to do and see at a reasonable price and does not require me to drive all day and night.

Some things of interest to keep a look out for is: Mummers Brigade, Harlem Globe Trotters, Classic Car Shows, and Christmas in July.

Last year 2012, I just happened to be there over the Mummers Brigade weekend.  (see pictures)  I had no idea what a 'Mummer' was and found it to be very entertaining and lively and recommend everyone sees this at least once.  It would enjoyable for children as the costumes are bright and creative.

Also, do not be conned by the first shops you see on the Boardwalk.  Most of the shops have the exact same things and you can find cheaper items if you browse.

If you don't want to walk through plenty of sand ground to get to the water, stay in N. Wildwood.  The water is much closer!

Go to CapeMay...take a little cruise and explore the shops.  Go a little bit more out of the way and go to the zoo.  The zoo is one my favorite visits and if I remember correctly they operate on admission donations - so be generous and feed the bears! :)  (see pictures)

If you want a filling meal and don't want to pay an arm and a leg go to Marvis Diner.  I have never left there disappointed and they cover the plate!  And please try the Strawberry Cheesecake.

If you are planning a day to chill by your hotel's pool or on your balcony, go to the Liquor Store and sail with Captain Morgan's Frozen Drinks... They are cheap and you literally stick them in your freezer and when frozen, pour it in a cup and enjoy.  If you are planning a night of sailing with captain check the trolly schedule which is free some nights.

And finally, if you are feeling really lucky - take a day trip AC.  I personally only do the AC trip when my local area is offering a bus trip which gives you play credits.

I hope you enjoy Wildwood as much as I do and my pictures....Lifes a Beach!!!

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Georgia Peaches - Touring Savannah

A few years ago I took a tour of Savannah, Georgia.  The structures and landscapes of Savannah are amazing.  I recommend the trolley tour, as this tour actually stops as various places.  My mistake was taking a bus tour, which had no stops.  Most of my pictures were from walking around Savannah getting a sunburn.  You can pair a Savannah tour with a Hilton Head vacation.  All you have to do is take a morning departure from Harbour Town to Savannah. 

A couple of must sees if you visit Savannah

1. Cathedral of Saint John

2. Washington Square

3. Forrest Gump bench (used when waiting for the bus)

4. The Savannah Cotton Exchange

5. The Pirates House

6. The Lady & Sons

Georgia became out 13th colony in 1754 (I believe) and Savannah was the first city in Georgia.  Savannah has a history in regards to the revolutionary war, however I do not hold an interest in that period.

During the civil war the sea blockades issued from the Union put a damper on their economy.  General Sherman seemed to be on a rampage burning settlements, well that is until he came upon Savannah.  It is said that he found Savannah to be so beautiful he couldn't destroy it and instead ended up offering Savannah to President Lincoln as a Christmas gift.

Here are some of my personal photos as well links for more information

The Pirate House:  The food was okay, but I did not see any ghost!  http://www.thepirateshouse.com/

The Lady and Sons:  Picture below - http://ladyandsons.com/

An overall great site: http://www.visit-historic-savannah.com/cotton-exchange.html

A great mini exploration vacation in Savannah resource: http://www.savannahtours.us/?event=offer.detail&offerId=308

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This is a fantastic review for the new HP laptop tablet! Finally there is a hybrid between a laptop and a tablet. Ever since the tablet was first launched it has been an instant success. Apple has thus far dominated the market but with new ideas such as these, things may soon change.

This new hybrid by HP gives the user a strong, lightweight, yet sturdy laptop, with touchscreen capabilities. By simply pressing a button, you can detach the screen right off and it instanstly becomes a tablet. The base features most ports that a regular laptop would have as well as the battery for the laptop. Once it is detached the tablet itself contains a battery as well. This is a great idea that combines two products into one and will most likely dip into the market for laptops and the market for tablets. With technology changing so rapidly, it will be interesting to see what comes next in the next couple of years.

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Drinks on Diddy

As I'm sure most of you know from countless hip-hop songs, Sean Combs aka P. Diddy, is a "Ciroc Boy". Diddy's successful vodka brand, Ciroc, now comes with another drink to replenish the morning after: water. In February, Diddy teamed up with a fellow entertainment legend, Mark Wahlberg, announcing their official endorsement of AQUAhydrate. 

                               AQUAhydrate water prides itself on being...                   Ultra Purified + Electrolyte Enhanced + pH9 Supercharged 

At www.aquahydrate.com, the LA feel (where they are based out of) is alive and well. Local sporting events and concerts are advertised to encourage consumers to "perform with AQUAhydrate".  The AQUAhydrate team, comprised of top athletes like Vince Wilfork, Wilson Chandler, AJ Hawk, Matt Flynn and Keegan Edwards, embrace the AQUAhydrate lifestyle and commitment to excellence.  

The company itself has been around since 2004, but with Diddy and Wahlberg's endorsements it has quickly become more visible. The pair appear to have a great relationship and are in it for the long haul: it's a rarity to see any of Diddy's products go under, so AQUAhydrate is definitely a drink to pick up and follow as we head into warmer weather.  For daily updates from AQUAhydrate, celebrities and athletes follow @AQUAhydrate

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This hows the Lighthouse and the Frosty Frog :)

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Adventures in Hilton Head, SC

I was married in 2008 and we chose to go to Hilton Head, SC for a week.

We stayed at the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort.  I recommend this facility to anyone who wants to be steps from the beach with quite a few amenities and conviences steps away!  www.hhibeachandtennis.com

We were able to walk to dine or have drink.  We enjoyed the outside bar in the evenings, where we were able to watch the alligator and the turtles in the reserve area along the bar.  The facility also had a ballroom.  During our stay, there was a bluegrass concert in the ballroom (The Del McCoury Band w/No Strings Attached).  The bartender of the outside bar was very friendly and when I took a little interest in the bluegrass band he let me in the side door of the ballroom to watch a little bit of the performance.  After the show, since my dad is a big bluegrass fan, I was able to get in and meet the performers and get him a signed CD.

We found a little hotspot that served frozen daiquiris to go, however this place was an accident.  I only wanted to go in there because the of the name "The Frosty Frog" They offer plently of specials so it can be considered affordable for everyone.

On one of our day trips we went to do a little sightseeing.  We visited a little area Harbour Town.  They have a lighthouse to walk up with a little gift shop and musuem.  There is a a little shopping center which replicates a small town (street of shops).  From the marina we watched the dolphins playing near the beach and took a boat tour to Savannah.

We also decided to celebrate a little by going to fine dining restaurant.  The Aqua Ocean Grille.  The atmospere was nice and while waiting they had an outside area which boasted many different plants and water landscape habitat of the coy fish.  While I highly recommend treating yourself to fine dining at least once on every vacation beware of the the valet parking. 

One thing you never think to do is to walk around and inspect your vehicle before and after valet parking with the attendant.  I was no exception!  Once the attendant gets in your vehicle they put a parking identification card typically on your dash or mirror.  If you read the fine print it typically states something in regards to the valet company not being liable for damages if noticed after leaving the premises.  Not many people read this card as it is put in after you have exited the vehicle.  I did not even have 1000 miles on my car and the attendant opened my door into a column in the parking garage, which I took notice to after arriving back at the resort.

However, if you visit Hilton Head you will not have to worry about the valet parking at Aqua because they closed in 2011.

Next Wednesday - Welcome to Savannah!

[keptas-isnow-blog]

Ever since the Iphone was released it has dominated the mobile phone market. It introduced a touch screen concept with apps that was never seen or heard of before. No phone has been able to compete with the Iphone for quality and technology up until just recently. The Samsung Galaxy S3 was the first real competitor to the newest Iphone 5. Does this mean the Samsung Galaxy S4 will take the crown?

The Galaxy S4 is the newest and greatest piece of cellular technology produced by Samsung. It features a 13 megapixel camera, an amazingly fast touch screen, and the ability to scroll without even touching the phone! With this being said it is still a relatively user friendly phone. Although Samsung is calling it the Galaxy S4, many people feel that it is only an upgraded version of the Galaxy S3. Either way, it is the only cellphone that is going head to head with the Iphone 5 for now.