Back From Vacation

So today is my third day back from vacation. I would have posted this blog sooner, however I couldn’t find the cable to connect my camera to the computer.

I just had to share this picture with you. Isn’t it hysterical? My little Mexican kitties!

I picked these mini sombreros up during my cruise in one of our ports. The big black and white one (Moo) actually didn’t mind wearing it at all. He sat there with it on for about a half hour…content as can be.

Jack, on the other hand, didn’t want to have anything to do with it.  And I have to be honest, I took about 20 pictures of them until I got a good one, but it’s so worth it.  

Anyway, being on vacation was just fantastic. If only I could be a professional vacationer. I just haven’t figured out yet how to finance the whole thing.

It’s great to be back. However, waking up Monday morning at 2:30 AM was extremely painful…

Online Summer Travel Tips

It’s not too late to plan your summer vacation, but finding the best deal can be difficult. I can’t promise these tips from USAToday.com will help with security lines and lost luggage, but they just might save you a little $$$.

 

1. Look for last-minute bargains.

     Flight, hotel and car rates fluctuate based on demand. Airlines often cut prices on undersold flights. The best time to book flights is Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon. That’s when you’ll find lower prices and last-minute deals. The same holds true for hotels.

 

2. Be flexible.

     Flexible travelers may get a better hotel rate simply by adjusting the dates of their stay.

   And a lot of travel sites offer last minute deal options. A good site to check out would be travelzoo.com. Sign up for their last-minute travel email.

 

3. Make sure you’re searching a lot of sites.

     Sites like Farechase, Sidestep and Kayak make searching a snap. They don’t book reservations. Rather, they search multiple travel sites at once and connect you to the source. Remember that travel sites don’t always list flights from all carriers, so check with smaller airlines like Southwest and JetBlue.

 

4. Check historical data.

     You can check the averages at sites like Farecast and FareCompare. Just enter departure and destination cities and travel dates. You’ll see pricing trends over several months. The sites will even help you decide whether to buy or wait.

 

 

5. Watch the prices

     Some hotels and travel sites guarantee their prices are the best online. That means if you find a lower price, they’ll match it. An example would be Cruises.com.

 

If you don’t want to risk the flight cancellations or paying an arm and a leg at the pump to drive, take the train. It may take longer, but it is a very affordable option, especially if you are booking a family vacation.

Spring Cleaning? Make Some $$$ Off Your Old Stuff

It’s time for Spring cleaning! I just did some of mine this weekend. I took out and packed up all my winter clothes and replaced them with my Spring/Summer wardrobe. I have to say it feels great!

 

Whether it’s a few boxes of old clothes or an old tv, chances are you have something to get rid of too. 

 

 But tossing it in the trash may not be your best option. You could be throwing away thousands of dollars in usable stuff.

 

 Here’s an interesting fact. An eBay/Nielsen survey found that the average U.S. household has 52 unused items lying around worth $3,100.  So it’s really true that junk you have lying around could actually make you some money… and a lot of it!

 

 

Niki Campbell is the owner of Quick2Sell, a business that sells items on eBay. She says it’s time to get educated on how to get rid of all your unwanted stuff.

Campbell says keep the 3 R’s in mind as you’re spring cleaning.

 

Resell It!  Consignment shops, like Quick2Sell, are a great way to recoup some of your money.

 

If you can’t resell it, Reuse It.

Think, could someone else benefit from your old stuff?

Check out local organizations, schools and community groups, or list items on sites like freecycle.org or craigslist.com.

 

If you can’t reuse, Recycle!

Before you trash it, check online to see if it can be recycled. 

An example would be earth911.org. Just type in the item you have and your zip code to find a recycling center nearest you. 

 

Here’s one more thing to think about as you’re cleaning out. Some of the most sought-after categories on ebay are antiques, collectibles, memorabilia, and anything designer.

Madyson’s Hope

I want to let everyone know of an upcoming event that is for a great cause. There is a little girl named Madyson. She is 11 years old and was diagnosed in 2007 with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL).  She has been through a lot in the past year especially during this past February. She got Compartment Syndrome and went into multi-organ failure after what her family thought was a trip to the hospital for the flu.

Madyson had to have her gallbladder removed and it was found to be infected with a rare fungus that she acquired because of her immunosuppression from chemotherapy.  Today Madyson is on a ventilator and needs daily dialysis because of her kidney failure. When she gets better she will most likely have to go from the hospital to a physical rehab facility.  A fundraiser has been planned for Madyson on April 8th at Archies on Carson Street from 7pm-10pm. All the drink proceeds are going directly to help Madyson.  

There will be a $5 donation at the door and a free buffet along with door prizes and a silent auction.  

There is also an account to accept donations which can be mailed to:Citizens Bank
Attn: Liz LaBella
Branch Mgr.
602 Stanwix St
Pgh PA 15222
Checks Payable to : Madyson’s Hope 

Bye-Bye Melanie

Well, as you probably know by now Melanie Taylor has said goodbye to Traffic Watch 4 here at WTAE and HELLO to the B94 morning show. Today April 2 is her second day. And we here in the newsroom (like proud family members) have listened with enthusiasm. She’s going to be great!

 

I actually meant to have this blog posted yesterday, but if you can’t tell, our blogs are looking a little different. That’s because we switched from Blogger to WordPress and I’ve been trying to figure out how to upload pictures.

So anyway, thanks largely in part to Andrew Stockey’s planning, we had a going away party for Mel on Friday at Ugly on the North Shore. It was sad to say goodbye, but what a great party! Here are a couple of pictures…I’ll save the rest for blackmailing her later

Our morning show crew!

  

Andrew and Mel 

And Mel and me