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Sunday, February 11, 2018

The 8 stores with the best wedding registry benefits

Read article : The 8 stores with the best wedding registry benefits

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proposal wedding ring Pavel Yavnik/Shutterstock

The first wedding registry was introduced in 1924 by department store Marshall Field's as a way for soon-to-wed couples to share china, silver, and crystal preferences with friends and family.

Today, it remains an important part of the wedding experience and a way for couples to ask for desired and useful gifts in an organized way. Like the couples of the past, you can still indicate which tableware you'd love to add to your new life together, plus almost anything else you can think of — TVs, furniture, and even vacation packages.

These are the places you are likely already familiar with and shop at every day. We've highlighted the stores with the best registry benefits, like completion discounts on the unpurchased items remaining in your registry after the event. These 10%-20% off discounts may be enough reason to sign up for all of them!

Learn about our picks and their respective benefits below and get started on your wedding registry.

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Zola

Zola is a site dedicated to wedding planning, including your wedding website, registry, checklist, and guest list.

Ask for experiences and cash: Outside of products, you can request services like a Blue Apron subscription, Airbnb gift card, or location-specific experiences. You can also create cash funds for anything — your honeymoon, airfare, house down payment, even parts of the wedding itself like the cake.

Gift Planner: How many gifts should you add to your registry? The Planner feature is available on your desktop and the app and recommends the number of gifts you'll need across different price ranges based on the number of guests attending your wedding.

Add gifts from any website, not only Zola: Install the 'Add to Zola' extension in your browser for easy one-click shopping.

Choose when your gifts ship: So you're not overwhelmed by the constant packages arriving at your door, receive real-time notifications of when a gift has been purchased and decide whether you want that gift right away or if you'd rather wait.

Exchange gifts online: If you decide you don't actually want a gift, you can convert the price to Zola store credit.

Create a personal page: Personalize your registry with photos, a custom URL, and notes to your guests.

Shop and organize on your phone: Download the Zola app to receive real-time alerts, barcode scan any product you'd like to add, pick out gifts with the Tinder-like game Blender, and use the Planner feature.

Group gifting: Enable this feature on any product and let guests contribute any amount or choose price increments. If the gift isn't 100% funded, receive whatever amount has been gifted to you.

Price matching: If you find a lower price on another online retailer, Zola will match that price.

Free registry advisor: If you need help figuring out what items to add or would like to combine registries from another site, you can consult a real person.

Completion discount: Get 10% off all Zola products, not only those in your registry, for up to one year after your wedding.

Create a wedding registry at Zola

Download the iOS Zola Registry app

Amazon

Being a Prime member pays off even more when you create a registry on Amazon.

Ask for experiences and cash: Outside of products, you can request travel experiences and gift cards.

Add gifts from any website, not only Amazon:Install the 'Universal Registry Button' in your browser for easy one-click shopping.

Package X-Ray: Use the barcode scanner in the Amazon app to scan your wedding gift, see what's inside, and manage returns without opening the box.

Free returns: Return unwanted items for up to 180 days after they are delivered.

Create a personal page: Personalize your registry with photos, a custom URL, and notes to your guests.

Get free gifts: Receive bonus gifts when guests purchase qualifying items from your registry.

Completion discount: Get 20% off for Prime members and 10% for non-Prime members for remaining registry items, valid for one online order, for up to 90 days after your event. This offer applies only to items shipped and sold by Amazon.

Gift financing: Guests can apply for an Amazon Prime Store Card so they can make monthly payments for the gift purchased.

Create a wedding registry at Amazon

Target

Your favorite discount retailer Target can also be your one-stop registry shop.

Add gifts from any website, not only Target: Add the '+Target Registry' button to your bookmarks bar.

Free returns and exchanges: Return and exchange new, unopened items at a Target store for up to one year after your event.

Shop and organize on your phone:Download the Target Registry app to barcode scan any Target product and manage all your registries (college, baby, etc.) in one place.

Group gifting: Any item over $100 automatically qualifies. Otherwise, you can manually change the price settings. When a group gift is funded, you will receive a Target eGiftCard in the amount funded to use to buy anything on the site.

Completion discount: Get 15% off remaining registry items, valid for one shopping trip at a Target store and one online order to one address.

Shop online or in-store: Target has 1,800 locations. Your guests can also shop online, then pick the gift up at a store near them.

Free shipping: On orders of $35 or more.

Create a wedding registry at Target

Download the iOS Target Registry app

Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath and Beyond

With its special events and referral program, Bed Bath & Beyond wants to make registry shopping fun and social again.

Get free gifts: Add brands from the freebook to your registry. After guests purchase qualifying items from your registry, fill out a gift vendor redemption form in a store and mail it to the vendor along with a copy of your registry.

Rock Your Registry events: The company throws events every month in different states where you can create and update your registry, browse products, get tips for entertaining, and enjoy freebies.

Completion discount: Get 10% off remaining registry items, valid for one shopping trip at a Bed Bath and Beyond store and one online order, for up to three months after your event.

Referral program: Refer a friend to create a registry and get $25 off any in-store purchase of $100 or more.

Free registry consultant: Make an appointment with a store registry consultant for help on what items to add.

Gift packaging: Gift packaging is complimentary in stores at the self wrap station and a nominal fee applies online.

Create a wedding registry at Bed Bath & Beyond

Macy's

If you're already an avid Macy's shopper, you'll be rewarded even more when you create a registry.

Registry Star Rewards: Get 5% reward dollars for every eligible gift you receive and 10% reward dollars for every eligible purchase you make (not limited to registry gifts). You must have a Macy's credit card to earn these rewards, and the rewards go onto a gift card.

Registry events: Choose from three different events to meet with registry advisers, enjoy free food, and get fashion and styling tips.

Completion discount: Get 20% off remaining registry items and an extra 10% off furniture, mattresses, and rugs for up to six months after your event.

Get exclusive discounts: Pick up your 'Perks & Privileges' packet in a Macy's store and get 10-20% off all types of products.

Free registry advisor: Make an appointment with a store registry consultant for help on what items to add.

Create a wedding registry at Macy's

Best Buy

Best Buy may not be the first place you think of when considering wedding registries, but it's a great option for couples who are especially interested in tech and home devices.

Group gifting: Any item over $200 automatically qualifies. The total amount will be put in an e-gift card and sent to either you or the guest, depending on the guest's delivery preference.

Free returns and exchanges: Return and exchange most registry gifts up to 60 days after they were purchased.

Completion discount: Get 10% off remaining registry items, valid for one online order or in-store trip. It is unclear on Best Buy's website when this offer expires.

Geek Squad Protection: Guests have the option to purchase Best Buy's signature protection plan for eligible gifts.

Price matching: If you find a lower price on another online retailer, Best Buy will match that price.

Gift packaging: Gift packaging is available on online orders for $4.99.

Create a wedding registry at Best Buy

Williams-Sonoma

Food and cooking fanatics will appreciate Williams-Sonoma's quality selection of culinary tools and classes led by professional chefs.

Get free gifts: Receive bonus gifts when you both register for qualifying items and when guests purchase qualifying items from your registry.

Ask for a class: Choose from a variety of classes and services, available nationwide.

Monthly sweepstakes: You'll be automatically entered for a chance to win everything in your registry, up to a value of $1,000.

Shop and organize on your phone: Download the Williams-Sonoma Wedding and Gift Registry app to barcode scan any Williams-Sonoma product and manage your registry on the go.

Expedited service: Guests get expedited pickup service and free gift wrap in stores for any gifts purchased from your registry.

Gift cards: Purchase gift cards that can be used at Williams-Sonoma, West Elm, and Pottery Barn.

Free registry advisor: Make an appointment with a store registry specialist for help on what items to add.

Completion discount: Get 10% off all items in the store for up to six months after the event date.

Create a wedding registry at Williams-Sonoma

Download the iOS Williams-Sonoma Wedding and Gift Registry app

Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel offers stylish furnishings and kitchenware for your home.

Get free gifts: Receive bonus gifts when you both register for qualifying items and when guests purchase qualifying items from your registry. In addition, receive a set of stemless wine glasses when you first register.

Shop and organize on your phone: Download the Crate & Barrel Wedding Registry app to barcode scan any Crate & Barrel product, see how items will look with the View In Your Room feature, and manage your registry on the go.

Exclusive offers: Get $15 off a single rental from The Black Tux, and 15% off Paperless Post wedding announcement and party invitations.

Gift cards: Purchase gift cards that can be used at Crate & Barrel, CB2, and The Land of Nod

Price matching: If you find a lower price on another online retailer, Crate & Barrel will match that price.

Free registry advisor: Make an appointment with a store registry specialist for help on what items to add.

Completion discount: Get 10% off all items in the store for up to six months after the event date.

Create a wedding registry at Crate & Barrel

Download the iOS Crate & Barrel Wedding Registry app

Friday, March 3, 2017

Should you live in an RV? Here’s why some young people are ditching homes for the nomadic life.

Read article : Should you live in an RV? Here’s why some young people are ditching homes for the nomadic life.

The days of living in the same home until you retire are becoming as outdated as that pair of denim jeggings stashed in the back of your closet. Some millennials are ditching the notion of the white picket fence altogether and opting instead for a home that will travel: better known as a recreational vehicle or “RV.”

To cut expenses — think, five-figures for a used RV versus six-figures for a home — and live less tethered to one city, young people are increasingly drawn to the “house on wheels” concept. The chance to take road trips without paying for hotel rooms and restaurant meals doesn’t hurt either.

RV ownership is at an all-time high, with more than 9 million households owning an RV as of April 2017, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. With ownership up 16% since 2001, buyers between the ages of 35 to 54 make up the largest share of owners.

What would prompt someone to reject the age-old tradition of home ownership? For Chris Trenschel and Tamara Murray, who moved out of their California condo and into a camper van, it was the desire for more meaningful life experiences. “We were dead inside,” Murray told Vice in February 2016. “Travel, learning about new cultures and meeting new people, having meaningful experiences — that’s what is important to us.” Like many millennials, Trenschel and Murray began working remotely so they could travel as much as possible.

Other young professionals have similar stories, where they had previously established what appeared to be the perfect life, only to discover that instead of owning possessions, the possessions owned them. Selling everything, finding remote work and purchasing a house on wheels, such as an RV, trailer or motor home, pushed the reset button on their lives and allowed them to embark on a new life adventure.

What are the upsides to buying an RV?

The movement to bypass or delay a traditional home purchase makes sense as millennials prefer experiences over things. Millennials “aren’t spending our money on cars, TVs and watches,” Taylor Smith, CEO and co-founder of employee benefits firm Blueboard told CNBC. “We’re renting scooters and touring Vietnam, rocking out at music festivals or hiking Machu Picchu.” In fact 78% of millennials in a 2014 Eventbrite poll said they would rather spend money on an experience rather than purchasing an item.

This includes young families like the Podlahová family, who purchased an RV so they could see the country from their RV. While the family lives in a condo in Foster City, California, Michelle Tsai Podlahová said in an interview they purchased their RV so they could continue to camp and enjoy nature with their two young sons.

The Podlahová family on an RV adventure

Source: Michelle Tsai Podlavhová

“We decided to get one because we used to camp and hike before we had kids and still wanted to do it with them,” she said. “Camping is really difficult with little ones, but the RV allowed us to still be in nature, but with the added comfort of having our own bathroom, shower and being able to cook food.” Podlahová and her family love their RV so much, they decided to ditch a traditional Christmas this year and instead spend the holiday traveling the countryside with the kids in the RV.

What are the real costs of RV life?

Aside from the allure of travel, RV or mobile living can save you over $139,000 over 15 years, according to calculations from the travel site Wand’rly. First off, a used motorhome can be relatively affordable, with an average cost of about $35,000. But even a new RV would save you money.

Consider this example: You purchase a home for $343,000 (the average home price in 2015), which includes a monthly mortgage payment of $1,310, utilities at $240, property taxes at $150, insurance at $50 and homeowners association fees for about $300 per month. Over 15 years you end up paying around $437,600. (This estimate does not include gas or parking fees.)

Compare this expense to purchasing a new motorhome, which goes for about $122,000. Your monthly payments could be a little higher at $1,380, but you don't have to worry about utilities and property taxes. Insurance could run about $135 a month. Over 15 years, your total approximate expense is $297,900. That’s $139,700 less than you’d spend on your home.

For those interested in just using their RV for a vacation, you still save cash. A party of four traveling by plane, renting a car, eating meals in restaurants and staying in a hotel would spend about $4,045 for a seven-day trip, according to Recreation Vehicle Industry Association estimates. Travel by RV, on the other hand, can get your costs down to $2,035 for a seven-day vacation, for a savings of over $2,000. (This excludes the RV purchase price.)

Before you buy

While you can save money on travel and homeownership living in an RV, do your research before taking the plunge. Here are four key things to consider:

1. Rent before own

If you aren’t 100% sure RV life is for you, rent one for a period of time to see if you like it, Go RVing.com suggested. Typical rent prices can range from $50 to $450 per night for a newer motorhome, RV Share reported. This will also help you figure out which amenities are most important to you and how much you can afford.

2. Decide whether to buy new or used

While a used RV will be significantly less expensive, consider some of the same factors you might ponder if you were to purchase a new or used car. Before purchasing a used RV, consider depreciation, if the vehicle is under warranty and if you can spot any unknown damage, TripSavvy advised.

3. Have a parking spot

Unless you live in a suburban or rural area that allows you to park your RV in your driveway you’ll have to consider where to keep it when you aren’t traveling. RV parking spots can run anywhere from $50 up to $450 a month depending on the size of your RV and needs, Storage.com stated.

4. Factor in extra costs

Maintenance, gas and the sales tax on your initial purchase can all add up. Gas is surprisingly expensive since most RVs only get six to eight miles to the gallon. That means you could drop as much as $10,000 on a 20,000 mile trip around the country, Kiplinger estimated. Maintenance costs include $2,500 for tires, $1,700 to replace carpets, $182 for a new toilet and $120 to upgrade your thermostat, according to AxleAddict.com.

Is the nomadic life right for you?

After you’ve figured out the practical side, it’s time to do some soul searching on whether RV life is really what you want. Although you can save cash and travel, it’s wise to have a serious talk with your partner (and yourself) about whether life on the road is your true calling. Make sure you can deal with living in a small space without a large shoe closet and room for a lot of clothes and accessories, as well as put up with your partner's items or clutter.

No matter how fun it might sound to travel at the drop of a hat, it’s definitely not for everyone. “Trulia’s research shows that many millennials would rather live in a more traditional home and neighborhood,” Lynnette Bruno, Trulia’s real estate and lifestyle expert said in an email. “The inclination that we see among young adults to live in RVs, yurts, shipping containers, micro-apartments and tiny homes is more of a reflection of how hard it is to find and buy an affordable home in today’s market.”

Be realistic about the nuisances you may encounter. Those with olfactory issues may be put off by some smells that are amplified in a small space, plus you may have more mold and mildew than what you’d find in a regular home, the RV Nomads notes. You may also encounter noisy neighbors at some campgrounds, and you should be open to rotating through a variety of doctors, dentists and mechanics, since you’ll be moving a lot.

See the country in your RV.

Source: Travel Math/Pinterest

But for those who find the journey to be more exhilarating than the destination, RV ownership may be ideal for you. Just do your homework and have a budget to ensure you can not only afford to purchase an RV but maintain it for years to come.

Sign up for the Payoff — your weekly crash course on how to live your best financial life.

Friday, May 12, 2017

2014 Ram ProMaster RVs Debut at Chicago Auto Show

Read article : 2014 Ram ProMaster RVs Debut at Chicago Auto Show

For years, we've known RVs based on the Ram ProMaster chassis are a huge success across the pond, so it was just a question of time before they made their way to the states. This week at the Chicago auto show, three such subjects debuted for 2014: Winnebago's Travato and Trend models, along with the like-minded Itasca Viva! They all share the Ram ProMaster platform (among other things), which includes the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 gas engine and six-speed automatic transmission with the unique European styling we're sure to see a lot more of in on America's highways and campgrounds. So not only will you see up to 16-18 mpg in your new vacation home on wheels, you're going to get a lot of attention doing it. Don't be surprised if passers-by ask your country of origin or what the cost of shipping was as opposed to what state you hail from! See more on each of the three models below.

2014 Winnebago Travato

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The newest Class B motorhome to join the Winnebago Touring Coach lineup is the 2014 Winnebago Travato. At 20 feet long, the Travato is geared toward explorer types, but still creates a full-feature RV experience. The 59G floorplan boasts a rear double bed that flips up and out of the way to allow for fun travel items like bicycles to be loaded up and easily accessible through the large double rear doors. Other amenities include swivel cab seats, LED ceiling light, a split dinette, a full-featured galley, and MCD blackout roller shades. The U-Connect 5.0 Infotainment Center comes complete with touch screen, voice command and steering wheel controls, and features AM/FM radio with CD/DVD player, SiriusXM Radio with 12-month trial subscription, hands free Bluetooth, iPod/iPhone audio integration, speed adjusted audio levels, compass, color rearview camera, and integrated GPS with navigation for safe and easy routing and turn-by-turn voice guidance. Winnebago hopes to introduce a new level of value, style and living to Class B motorhomes.

Photo 2/8 | 2014 Ram ProMaster Winnebago Travato Interior

2014 Itasca Viva!

Itasca is the first RV manufacturer to build on the new Ram ProMaster chassis. The all-new Class C product series Viva! is full of signature SmartSpace features that make the most of the available space, including a StudioLoft bed with a power lift so it is easily up and out of the way until you need it. It is also the first coach in the industry with three-point seatbelts in the dinette. The Viva! boasts two floorplans: 23B and 23L.

The 23B offers front swivel cab seats, a sofa/bed and dinette, a large, full-featured mid-coach galley, and rear bath. Two large sleeping spaces provide comfortable sleeping for four adults with the queen-size front loft bed and a king-size Flex Bed System.

The 23L also features swivel cab seats expanding the living area of the motorhome, as well as a forward-facing dinette on the driver's side of the unit and a side-facing dinette bench seat on the curb side, which together convert into one convenient sleeping space. Additional sleeping space is available with the rear corner bed and front StudioLoft bed. A mid-coach L-shaped galley is full featured and has a forward-facing sink.

Other highlights of the Itasca Viva! include a skylight with room-darkening shade, MCD blackout roller shades in the coach, a StudioLoft bed with electric lift, a retractable, self-cleaning shower door, aluminum wheels, automatic entrance step, powered patio awning with LED lighting, U-Connect 5.0 Infotainment Center, and seat belts for six passengers, including industry-leading three-point seatbelts in the dinette and cab.

2014 Winnebago Trend

The new 2014 Winnebago Trend Class C motorhome delivers a peppy, yet comfortable living space for up to four people. Both 23-foot floorplans feature a powered StudioLoft bed that lifts tight to the ceiling to conserve space during the day. Other features include energy-saving LED lighting and available soft, easy-to-clean Ultraleather furniture. This model also includes the three-point seatbelts to the dinette, and shares the U-Connect 5.0 Infotainment Center as well as all the other top offerings of the Itasca model.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

The best bath and body gift sets for Christmas - choose from Soap & Glory, Lush, Sanctuary, Molton Brown, Laura Mercier and others

Read article : The best bath and body gift sets for Christmas - choose from Soap & Glory, Lush, Sanctuary, Molton Brown, Laura Mercier and others

Bath and body gift sets are one of the most popular presents given at Christmas time.

But bubbles, lotions and candles don't have to be boring - try something new with one of these sets. Choose from - luxury, fun and bargain options. All of which make crucial down time even more relaxing.

Whether you're picking one up for yourself or buying it for someone else there's something in this selection for everyone.

Check out our selection of the best on the market from Boots, Superdrug, Lush, Molton Brown and others.

Sanctuary Just Because Gift, Boots £10.50

Everyone deserves a little bit of me time and this gift set from Boots is ideal for relaxation.

The limited edition Sanctuary Spa Just Because Gift collection has been specially created in collaboration with artist Frederick Wimsett. It is inspired by 18th century chinoiserie. It includes cleansing burst body wash 75ml, gentle polish body scrub 50ml, luxurious body butter 50ml, velvety hand cream 30ml.

Magic Cube, Lush £62.95

This big box is designed to look and function like a rubik's cube and is bursting with goodies. If you know someone who is a Lush fan this would be right up their alley.

It includes The Experimenter, a vibrant bath bomb that dissolves into a rainbow of colours in the bath. Also featured is Fairy Dust body powder, Fizzbanger bath bomb, Goth Fairy shimmer bar, Intergalactic bath bomb, Karma bubble bar, Lord of Misrule shower cream, Magic Wand soap, Shouting Stars soap, Star Dust bath bomb and finally Sugar Plum Fairy lip scrub.

The price might seem a little steep for bath products but the cube is jam-packed with so many items it could last someone an entire year.

I love . . . Big Weekender, Superdrug £15

This set includes scented Cherry Almond Sparkle Bubble Bath, nourishing Cherry Almond Sparkle Body Butter, refreshing Cherry Almond Sparkle Body Spritzer, Softening Raspberry and Blackberry Hand lotion, Exfoliating Raspberry and Blackberry Shower Smoothie. So you are guaranteed to smell and feel delicious all weekend long. This ultimate I love… pamper set comes complete with a pink vanity case, which is ideal to store make up and pamper products.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Collection, Molton Brown £39

This indulgent set from Molton Brown has the brands favourite bath and shower gels in 12 travel-size bottles. It includes Coco and Sandalwood Body Wash, Orange and Bergamot Body Wash, Bushukan Body Wash, Gingerlily Body Wash, Pink Pepperpod Body Wash, Blossoming Honeysuckle and White Tea Bath and Shower Gel, Dewy Lily of the Valley and Star Anise Bath & Shower Gel, Eucalyptus Body Wash, Templetree Body Wash, Ylang-Ylang Body Wash and Black Peppercorn Body Wash.

Soap & Glory Clean Get Away Gift, Boots £10

This gift set is great for Soap & Glory fans and features travel-sizes of the brand's best selling products. The Clean Get Away set includes Clean On Me Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel, Righteous Body Butter, Calm One Calm All Bubble Bath and Hand Food Hand Cream. There is also a three for two offer on selected Soap & Glory items and you will get the cheapest product for free.

Sweet Temptations Crème Brûlée Duet, Laura Mercier £35

Create a sensual and enchanting experience with the aroma of French patisseries with Sweet Temptations Crème Brûlée Duet . The set has a luxury combination of ingredients including delicious notes of warm caramel, spun sugar and French vanilla bean for a sensual and enchanting experience. The set includes Crème Brulee Souffle body crème, Crème Brulee Honey Bath and a wooden honey dipper.

Along Came Betty, All I Want Glamorous Bath Goodies, Tesco £5

Get in the festive mood with this Along Came Betty set including a heavenly bath soak, a hand lotion, skin polish, shimmer bath crystals, body cream, a bath fizzer and a shower puff. It will add a touch of glamour and retro chic to any bathroom. The set was originally £10 but is now on offer with 50% off.

Cath Kidston Rose Bath Time Indulgence Box, Boots £25

Fragrance with the delicate scent of velvety rose petals this indulgent bath set has hints of red fruit and honey on a soft woody base. Rose scent infused this bath and body collection which contains a 120ml body lotion, 120ml shower gel, a 75ml hand cream, a Votive candle and bath crystals for the ultimate relaxing experience.

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Some Assembly Required

Read article : Some Assembly Required

The Open Range 3X349RLS by Highland Ridge RV takes longer to set up than most fifth-wheels, but the extra effort is worth the time

When we were kids, the best gifts underneath the Christmas tree always required some sort of assembly, be they bicycles, wagons or dollhouses. The anticipation of the finished product, patiently assembled by Mom or Dad, bordered on excruciating. And though we were always delighted when the moment of completion arrived and we could finally enjoy our special gift, there seemed to be just a tinge of disappointment when we realized that moment was now over, not to be relived again until next year, if we were lucky. Happily, the Open Range 3X349RLS by Highland Ridge RV recaptures some of that Christmas morning excitement, and the good news is, you can reassemble this toy again and again.

The living area is well laid out with a large flat-screen television, electric fireplace and audio system. Space between the dinette
and sliding door is a bit tight but manageable.

Certainly, all fifth-wheels require some setup, which most of us look forward to as a sort of ceremony leading up to a weekend, or several weeks, of relaxation with friends and family. But this particular floorplan offers an optional exterior deck that folds down from the curbside slideout, which not only adds to the entertainment space but provides a feeling of openness few RVs can match.

The idea of an outdoor deck is not a new one, but as with all RV components, the success of a feature depends on its overall execution, how well it complements the floorplan as a whole, and in general, if it is truly useful or just a gimmick. In the case of the 3X349RLS, the concept works whether you’re enjoying it in the summer or winter months. The residential-style sliding-glass door admits welcome light from the outdoors, which prevents feelings of claustrophobia on rainy or snowy days. And in the summer, the door can be opened and the screen left shut to bring the fresh breeze inside. Of course, the deck itself would be essentially worthless if it couldn’t support the weight of a few guests, so Highland Ridge built it to hold up to 1,500 pounds — more than enough capacity for a few revelers.

handsome vessel sink highlight the roomy bathroom." width="200" height="300" />A residential-size shower and handsome vessel sink highlight the roomy bathroom.

As you might expect, a trailer as unique as this one requires some consideration when planning trips. The Open Range 3X349RLS starts out with a wide, 102-inch exterior, then adds two giant opposing slides. This alone makes the 3X349RLS big enough to fill most RV park sites, but add the deck, and the width roughly equals one-and-a-half fifth-wheels. For our test, we reached out to our friends at Pechanga RV Resort and Casino in Temecula, California, who set us up with a large deluxe site bordered by a grassy area featuring a picnic table. By moving the table and folding down the deck, we had just enough space to fully deploy the slides and deck but not much more. So, make sure wherever you plan to stay has adequate space. If there isn’t enough room, you can still enjoy this floorplan, but you’ll have a windowless curbside slideout, as the deck floor will cover the glass slider.

Once we leveled the fifth-wheel with the automatic jack system and deployed the slides, the extra work began. The deck floor unlatches easily from the side and lowers without much effort, thanks to spring assist. Once down, the integrated stab jacks are lowered and adjusted; it takes some practice to guess how long the jacks need to be to provide a level deck surface, not to mention crawling under the deck a few times to make sure the jacks are properly placed. This could become messy if the ground is wet or muddy, so you may consider carrying a plastic tarp with you to crawl onto if necessary. If the ground is dry and comfortable, it’s just a matter of a few adjustments that shouldn’t be a problem for those with a good back and knees.

The kitchen features a movable island with a matching solid-surface countertop. Stainless-steel appliances, a dual-bowl sink with pull-out sprayer and a <a href=

decorative backsplash add upscale flair." width="375" height="250" />The kitchen features a movable island with a matching solid-surface countertop. Stainless-steel appliances, a dual-bowl sink with pull-out sprayer and a decorative backsplash add upscale flair.

Once this step is completed, it’s time to put up the railing. Open Range cleverly provides an extra bin underneath the forward storage compartment in which to store the railing sections and pins. It slides out like a large utility drawer and is secured during transit with a pin. Made of black plastic, the drawer is not the prettiest thing, but it’s a far better solution than having the railings tangled with your other belongings in the main storage area. The railings are marked so you know which side they go on, but even then it takes a bit of time to organize, install and secure them. We recommend you complete this step before the sun goes down.

Once set up, this fifth-wheel is quite a spectacle and drew more than its fair share of interested RVers at the park. The white, gray and blue exterior graphic scheme with frameless windows is handsome, and both power awnings feature LED lighting, which makes for a cool-looking party pad in the evenings. The unit seemed well-constructed and offered nice features, such as a heated and enclosed underbelly, a Trailair pin box and landing jacks featuring JT’s Strong Arm jack stabilizers for a solid, shake-free foundation. We also appreciated the small details, like TV prep on the exterior wall adjacent to the deck area, which allows you to mount a small TV once the deck is deployed.

Highland-Ridge_floorplan Stepping inside, the living area feels massive and is a treat for the eyes with Stone decor (one of three available) featuring light wood cabinetry and faux wood-plank Beauflor vinyl flooring that seemed durable and was easy to clean. Providing visual contrast were the rear couch and streetside theater seating, which were finished in embossed black upholstery with white stitching. Both were very comfortable and perfectly placed for watching the flat-screen television, mounted in an entertainment hutch in the corner of the curbside slideout. The hutch also offers an electric fireplace, making for a cozy environment ideal for kicking back and relaxing during the evening.

Highland-Ridge_specs The forward kitchen is somewhat unorthodox, in that it offers an optional island with casters that can be located wherever it’s convenient for you, although overhead pendant lighting suggests it should be placed in the center of the floor space. The island features a dark brown finish, complemented by a solid-surface countertop, and cabinets and drawers with brushed-nickel pulls. During travel, the island stows on the backside of the dinette and is secured with straps (there are anchors in the floor), and the dinette chairs reside upside down on the theater seats so they don’t interfere with slideout operation. It’s a little extra work, but once you get used to it, setup goes pretty quickly.

A 12-cubic-foot RV refrigerator with wood-panel fronts is located in the streetside slideout, and next to it is a stainless-steel three-burner stove with an oven and a residential-size microwave mounted overhead. We found that the corner-mounted stove was rather confining when cooking meals, but the reality is that cooking is only a small portion of meal prep. The bulk of your time is spent chopping and slicing, and the forward wall, with its large solid-surface countertop and dual-bowl stainless-steel sink provide plenty of space. There’s also an abundance of cabinet and drawer space, and a nice-size pantry on the curbside slideout, next to the entertainment hutch. Moreover, we found little to complain about, though everyone who walked through the Open Range had negative comments about the floor register located dead center in the living area floor. This is something Highland Ridge should consider locating in a less conspicuous area.

Next to the forward cabinets are a small coat closet and angled stairs that lead up to the bath and bedroom. The entry door has an obscured glass treatment that makes the area feel more open and is just more pleasing to look at than a solid door. The bath area is well executed with plenty of space where you need it most. There’s lots of elbowroom around the toilet, and the opposing vanity, with its glass-vessel sink, is an elegant touch. We particularly enjoyed the residential-size 48-inch x 30-inch shower with molded seat and appreciated the drawer space between the shower and bedroom entry. Above the drawers are a mirror and a pull-out counter for extra space, which allows two people to get ready for a night out at the same time.

he bedroom has plenty of walk-around space, and the <a href=

mirrored wardrobe features large drawers beneath to store folded items." width="400" height="266" />he bedroom has plenty of walk-around space, and the mirrored wardrobe features large drawers beneath to store folded items.

The bedroom features a 72-inch x 80-inch bed, bordered by shelves that are perfectly sized for books, water glasses, etc. There is plenty of walk-around room and enough space near the headboard on either side, so making the bed in the morning is not a struggle. A mirrored wardrobe up front easily accommodated our travel essentials, and a cabinet on the curb side offered washer/dryerprep. At the foot of the bed are a chest of drawers for more folded items and space for an optional TV.

Make no mistake about it — the Open Range 3X349RLS isn’t for everyone, particularly those who just want to press a few buttons and kick back once they get to their campsite. But for those willing to do a little extra work, this fifth-wheel rewards with a lot of entertaining space and a fun factor that will make you the talk of any RV park.

Highland Ridge RV Open Range
260-768-7771 | www.openrangerv.com

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

REVIEW: Accor Hotels in Hong Kong: Novotel Century and Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon

Read article : REVIEW: Accor Hotels in Hong Kong: Novotel Century and Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon

I’m packing my bags for Korea, Japan and Penang. The last 2 weeks of October promised to be stimulating, fun and busy.
From bulgolgi to sashimi to Penang char koay teow, I’m ready for the ride! 😀

I took out my stuffs from my luggage (yes I don’t unpack much, I have a travel set of everything, blame it on the frequent travels I do) last week since I’m packing for the cold, with Korea and Japan at 16-25 celcius. As I dug out Hong Kong instant noodles, HK dollars and maps memories came flooding back.
Oh, the craziness of the Hong Kong es-capers Scavenger Hunt by Accor Hotels! Fun, adrenaline packed and an experience like no other!

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We were hosted in 2 Novotels in Hong Kong, 1st night at Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon and the next night at the Novotel Century Hong Kong.
Oh the comfy beds. The clean and functional accommodation. Bliss!

Accor group of hotels in HK are the ibis and the Novotel, the former leans towards economy but never sacrificing comfort and the latter is contemporary and practical. One thing is for sure, locations of these hotels are faultless; situated right in the middle of a busy/popular part of Hong Kong or in the case of Novotel Citygate, merely 5 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport.

On my first day I only managed to check in NovotelHong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon at 6pm after day 1 of the Hong Kong es-capers race. I have uploaded a video weeks back (here it is in case you would like a 3-D presentation of the room) and now let’s get into details of my one night stay.

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Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon is a modern 4-star hotel centrally located in the heart of Kowloon’s famous shopping and commercial district.

In Hong Kong, it’s crucial to be near a MRT station, especially for those who are here to explore the rich cuisine and innumerable shopping districts. The Jordan station is 5 minutes away, and attractions such as the Temple Street Night Market, Ladies Market and Jade Market are all within walking distance.
Since I only had one night here (yea, pretty much a night stand LOL!), I’m able to tell you that the WIFI is strong, the bed is comfortable (in fact I was so tired I was dead as a fossil the moment I hit its sheets), a pillow menu is offered, the amenities and the bathroom were fine and the view was well, the city.

The fact that I only managed to check-in so late didn’t help for photography, but here’s the standard 24 sq metres room.

Space is narrow, as expected of Hong Kong. But thoughtful details like a full length mirrors, overbed table and ample powerpoints makes up for it. Yes, I need powerpoints. Hotels with 2 powerpoints per room and none near the bed gets negative points from me!

See my phone (red colour, on the floor) next to my bed? I would need another for the laptop. The overbed table is just marvelous. I don’t have to pile up a mountain of pillows over my legs as a shaky make shift table.

One powerpoint near the bed means I need a 3 way plug/adapter. Which was supplied as well, in this drawer right beside the Pringles (sorry late in the evening and I was really tired by the time I started taking photos of the room, didn’t think of including it in this picture!).
Now, how’s that for convenience? 🙂

Another powerpoint was conveniently located at the drinks making counter. I didn’t make any drinks, but used it instead for charging my battery pack.
As you know we were tweeting, Instagram-ing, FB-ing, taking pictures throughout the day during the race. An iPhone has only that much juice.

The mini bar, which no hotel guests in their right mind would ever touch unless of course, they aren’t the one paying for the items.

The work desk has more powerpoints. Thank god. These were for my camera and spare battery, which takes about 4 hours for a full charge so these were pretty much occupied for that sole purpose. So you get me when I said I need MANY powerpoints in my hotel rooms right?

Other than electricity (and O2), I breathe and live on internet connectivity. Thankfully WIFI wasn’t any issue here.
Here’s how the internet works:

Via the cable – provided as pictured below. Or via WIFI.

Under the desk I spied 2 waste baskets; one on either end of the desk. The green one is for recyclable materials/wastes and the brown one is for normal waste.
An environmentally friendly hotel? More brownie points from me! 🙂

Other standard amenities include the iron, safe, laundry bag, slippers and dress robe.

The 2-seat sofa bed in the room can double up as a bed for a small child, which in this case was me. Anyhow I only had time to sit on it and pose for this picture.
Trust me, I barely warmed the seat.

In case you haven’t noticed, each side of the bed came with an overhead reading light. Again a nice touch. If you’re traveling with someone and he/she decides to snooze earlier, he/she can turn off the light on his/her side.
I had the room to myself (even better!) so there wasn’t a problem. I stayed up late for updating my social platforms, work matters and some pictures transferring and back up (sigh, the life of a blogger) so the overbed table and the powerpoint at the bed side was god-sent.

Fully automated controls makes life simpler. Everything at the touch of a button.

I love pillow menus. Not many hotels offers this and if they do my choice would always be for the firm pillows. I have a perpetually nagging neckache.

I requested for additional Pressure Relieving Pillow and it was delivered to my room promptly. And ah, now I know what are those orange pillows in the wardrobe earlier – they are medium soft feather pillows.

Next, the washroom.

Small, clean, everything works as it should be and I have no complaints for a hotel of this standard. Again, environmentally friendly packaging plus quality bathroom amenities deserves brownie points.

The amenities – soap, sanitary bag, nail file, cotton pads and cotton buds, gel scrub, body milk, shampoo and shower gel.

You can drink straight from the tap.

Hairdryer. A good powerful one too. I’m sure there are some of us who had stayed in hotels that provides hairdryers with as much energy as a battery operated fan, which then you’ll probably have better luck drying your mane next to the kitchen oven than via using that piece of useless equipment.

Towels – hand towels, body towels, face towels. And a towel for the floor, which is to me is a very important detail.

A separate shower stall for the shower with a choice of rain shower (top) or the usual showerhead from the wall. There’s heater of course.

The welcome fruits, a bottle of wine and the chocolates was much appreciated. Thank you Novotel. Nothing like a personalized message to make you feel welcomed.

That, and some freebies. I can’t complain.

After a good night’s rest I woke up the next morning looking forward to breakfast. Hotel breakfasts are one of my favourites – the variety, the ability to eat as much or as little as you wish for hours (not that we have hours during this trip) and the opportunity to sample (hopefully) quality or uncommon food/drink.
The Square, the coffeehouse is located on the 1st floor and serves daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, healthy options for kids, as well as an ala- carte menu with options of organic produce.

NOTE: You do not need to touch your keycard to any sensor at the lift to access your room floor.

And consider it a good start to the day when you meet some ‘happy’ people.

While the quality is there, there were nothing out of the ordinary here.

Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon is a popular hotel with both leisure and business travelers. The morning buffet was bustling with kids to teens in K-Pop attire to businessmen in suits.

Food was decent and well, there’s plenty of pork.

Breakfast is priced at HKD140.80 (RM70) after taxes. Thank goodness it was complimentary.

If you have access to the Premier Lounge, then you have another option for breakfast. Selection are understandably less, but it is also more private and less busy.

Free internet access through 7 iMacs in lobby are available for guests. There is also a 24-hr gym and a play area for kids with Xbox games. Yes, for kids. Thought no one is going to drive away if you were to plant your butt here.

Lobby.

No hotel is complete without a bar yes?

Whew. All that photos for one night stay.
I barely had time to see the pool or the gym (inBalance). I don’t even know where are the meeting/function rooms are. According to their site, there are massage services as well.

Well, there’s always a next time. Our next night was at Novotel Century, Hong Kong. Click to read/view the pictures –> HERE.

Oh, say hi to the GM of Novotel Nathan Road, Mr Olivier Moies-Delval! 🙂

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Novotel Nathan Road Kowloon
No.348 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China (Jordan)
Hotel Manager : Mr Olivier MOIES-DELVAL
GPS: N 22° 18′ 25.73” E 114° 10′ 18.13”

I must thank the wonderful sponsors for this trip again – Cathay Pacific, Accor Hotels and Hong Kong Tourism Board for the experience and hospitality. :dd
Next, please read about the Novotel Century in Hong Kong.

**Photos + video taken with the Sony NEX 5T.