REVIEW: Ramada Inn Boston

posted on August 27, 2008 by aylee

Ramada Inn BostonSTAY DETAILS
July 19-21, 2008
1 queen room, 1 handicapped queen room
Price: $129.99/night Government rate at Ramada.com

I’d probably recommend this hotel for the location, convenience and price for a Boston hotel.  But be warned about cleanliness.

You may get a cheaper rate walking in instead of reserving online.  There are hotel coupons in almost every rest stop in the highways to Boston.  However, it was peak season (summer) so we decided to reserve in advance.

LOCATION
The location is South Boston, but it was still convenient.  There was free scheduled shuttle to the JFK/UMass subway station (MBTA) and the airport.  There are restaurants on site, the Phillips candy/chocolate store and a family entertainment complex that had bowling, arcade, pool and more.  Stores such as CVS, National Wholesale Liquidator and other stuff, are just across the street.  There are beaches close by, but they were muddy.  The location is the best asset of this property, but that’s just about it.

PREMISES
The place had ample parking and seating in the lobby.  The hotel layout was very poorly planned.  Other reviewers complained that the hotel was a maze, and it was.  Even the front desk staff got confused.  To go to one side of the hotel, you will have to go through at least 3 doors.

STAFF
The staff were friendly, but they need to be more knowledgeable.  We had to switch rooms because the first rooms we had were too far from the exit and we had a handicapped kid with us.  A staff gave us wrong directions to get to the rooms, but he was apologetic.  The keys to one of the rooms weren’t working and I had to go back to front desk twice.  The front desk didn’t have a map of the area, only downtown Boston and Cambridge.

ROOMS
There was a strong smell in the rooms.  It looked like housekeeping sprayed too much air deodorizer to mask other smells.  I didn’t think the rooms were too clean.  One of the rooms we booked (handicapped) had poop in the toilet.  The other room was alright, but when we tried to use the extra pillows in the ‘closet’, they smelled like sweat.  We think housekeeping just stocked them in the closet without cleaning them.  The closets weren’t really closets, they were just a separate space with clothes rack and hangers.  One of the rooms had a desk, a small round table, two chairs, a tiny bathroom (with a tub), and the sink right outside the bathroom.  The handicapped room didn’t have the small round table.  It had a bigger bathroom, but with no tub.  The sink was inside the bathroom.  Air-conditioner was great, but it made some noise which didn’t really bother us.

AMENITIES
Pool
The pool was very small and goes from 4 to 9 ft deep.  I saw the lifeguard check the quality of the water every morning which was good.

Breakfast
Continental breakfast was included with the rate and was served from 6am-10am.  At the two days we were there, they didn’t serve the same ‘entree’.  The first morning, we had waffles which were delicious.  You could make your own waffle, but this wonderful lady (staff) offered to make them for those who want them.  The second morning, we had scrambled eggs.  On both days, there were bagels, bread, toasts, muffins, fruits, cereals, yogurt, juices, coffee.

Internet
There was free wireless internet access and the speed was good.  You would need to ask front desk for a password to access it.  If you plan to access the internet, take your laptop with you.  To use the hotel’s own computer to access the internet is not free.  I believe it was $7/hr.

MY RATING

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Entry filed under: Travel

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Emergency fund

posted on August 26, 2008 by aylee

With unemployment on the rise in the US, it is more important now to have that emergency fund handy.  Unfortunately, according to an article on CNN, a third of Americans have no emergency savings.  And more than half of those who do, don’t have enough in it.

So how much do you need to have in your emergency fund?

saving 

That depends on your living expenses.  The article suggests that you need three to six-month worth of living expenses in the bank.  At a minimum, include the items below in calculating your living expenses:

  • Mortgage/rent
  • Property tax
  • Utilities (i.e. electricity, heating, water, cable, phone, internet)
  • Groceries
  • Insurance premiums (add $400-$1000 for health insurance when health insurance is lost on unemployment)
  • Car expenses (gas and loan payments) or commuting expenses
  • Discretionary spending (for extra expenditures such as shopping and dining)

Click here to read the full article that includes steps to building an emergency fund. 

As soon as I read the article, I rushed to my computer to check my budget worksheet and calculated 6-month worth of living expenses.  I let out a sigh of relief when I found out that I have more than enough in my savings to cover me for 6 months.

Do you have an emergency fund?

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Entry filed under: Finance

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Sweeten your party with a candy buffet

posted on August 25, 2008 by aylee

Indulge your guests’ sweet tooth with a candy buffet. Not only are they delightful edible treats, they can also serve as favors as much as party decoration. When we think candies, we think kids or casual or fun. But nowadays, more formal gatherings such as weddings feature candy buffets as well. Thanks to Martha Stewart Magazine. Candy buffets can look anything from colorful and fun to elegant and chic.

Step 1: Get inspired
Below are photos of candy buffets for inspiration. Your wedding venue/location, season, time, wedding motif can play a part in deciding how your candy buffet will look (i.e. candy colors, hard candy in the summer).

Click images to enlarge

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Row 1 (from left):
Lollipops and candy sticks arranged in intricate pottery make unique and beautiful centerpieces as well as edible decors @ Rebecca Thuss; The different jar sizes makes this simplistic candy buffet eye-catching @ Rebecca Thuss; Recreating a candy shop is enticing to kids and adult guests alike @ Rebecca Thuss

Row 2 (from left):
Complement your cake with a candy buffet @ Rebecca Thuss; Even an all-white candy buffet looks delicious to a kid @ Rebecca Thuss; Tying ribbons around jars and scoops add spice to a candy buffet @ Rebecca Thuss

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Row 1 (from left):
Be creative with your containers like using shells at a beach-side wedding @ Brides.com; Coordinate candy colors to match your wedding motif @ Brides.com; When containers are of the same height, use a stand to add height to some @ Brides.com

Row 2 (from left):
Arranging candy jars in shelves creates a unique shop-like candy buffet @ Brides.com; What a wonderful idea to use s’mores instead of regular candies for the buffet @ Brides.com; Definitely do varieties (i.e. candies, pretzels, pastries, chips) @ Rebecca Thuss

 

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Row 1 (from left):
While the awning makes a good shade, it also is a great added decor to the buffet table @ TheKnot.com; These edible place card holders double as favors @ TheKnot.com; Apothecary jars are decorative in of itself and make fancy candy containers @ Michaels.com

Row 2 (from left):
Candy apple buffet includes fresh apples, caramel and several toppings for guests to choose from @ With This Ring…; Add a sign inviting guests to help themselves at the candy buffet @ Martha Stewart Weddings; Coordinate your containers with other elements such as the candy buffet table and the feel of the room @ Presentpast Flickr album

 

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Row 1 (from left):
Labeling the candies/treats lets guests know what they’re getting; Alternating colors make a beautiful display @ Ashley’s Bride Guide; Add a personal touch by imprinting your names/logo on your candy packaging @ Inspired Goodness

Read on…

Entry filed under: Wedding, Food

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iPhone vs LG Vu vs Samsung Instinct

posted on August 24, 2008 by aylee

I got my iPhone and played with it for a few days.  I promise I will be posting what I think about the iPhone (sorta of a review) soon.

As I was waiting for my iPhone and now playing with it, I’m also looking at other phones.  iPhone definitely does not have everything compared to other phones such as MMS, video recording, Bluetooth data transfer.  So I was preparing to see what I can buy just in case I need to return the iPhone.  Other competing touchscreen phones I found were LG Vu and Samsung Instinct.  Unfortunately, Samung Instinct does not use the GSM network that I need.  But I decided to check it out anyway.

Below is a video of a comparison between iPhone, LG Vu and Samsung Instinct by Noah from PhoneDog.com:

Below are direct links to Cnet reviews:

iPhone (AT&T)
LG Vu (AT&T)

Samsung Instinct (Sprint)

Entry filed under: Technology

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Losing your baggage

posted on August 23, 2008 by aylee

Believe it or not, it seems that a lot of brides are losing the wedding dresses when they travel and are unable to claim them.  Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama gets about 30 or more wedding gowns at a time!

Lost baggage

Unclaimed Baggage Center takes unclaimed lost baggages and sells them at their store at a bargain.  A lot of the items are clothing and luggage of course.  But that shouldn’t stop you from looking around the whole store.  You will find other valuable items such as jewelry, cameras, art and more.

You’re probably asking why Unclaimed Baggage Center is able to claim baggages that are not theirs.  They legally could actually.  After airlines are unable to match the lost baggages to their owners, passengers can file for reimbursement for their lost baggages.  Once reimbursed, the passengers can no longer take claim to their lost items.

Click here for travel tips to prevent losing your baggages when you travel.  Click here for info on how to file a lost baggage claim.

Entry filed under: Travel

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Free Bare Escentuals BareMinerals

posted on August 22, 2008 by aylee

Free Bare Escentuals BareMinerals

Entry filed under: Shopping

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PLAYLIST: I Loved Her First by Heartland

posted on August 22, 2008 by aylee

This is just too cute coming from a father.  It is unlike those too-sweet father songs.  The song somehow portrays a father making sure his daughter’s husband knows that he loved her first and he was once his daughter’s #1 guy.  The husband wasn’t the first one.  But the father still recognizes that it’s time to let go.  This song brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it.

Snippet:
     I was her number one
     She told me so
     And she still means the world to me
     Just so you know
     So be careful when you hold my girl
     Time changes everything
     Life must go on
     And I’m not gonna stand in your way

Click here for the full playlist at my Wedding Resources page.

Feel free to contact me or leave a comment with your suggestions.

Entry filed under: Fun

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Jamaican Getaway Sweepstakes

posted on August 21, 2008 by aylee

Need a break from all the wedding planning and activities? 

Jamaican Getaway Sweepstakes by Brides.com

Win a 4-day/3-night honeymoon to Jamaica from Couples Resorts and Brides.com.  Prize package includes 4-day/3-night accommodation for two, round-trip ground transfers, unlimited meals, snacks, gourmet dining, and alcoholic beverages, unlimited use of sporting equipment including instruction and more.  Click here to enter now.  Sweepstakes ends September 11, 2008.

Entry filed under: Travel

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My first iPhone experience

posted on August 20, 2008 by aylee

Not so good. I just got the iPhone yesterday and shortly after, I realized I got a lemon. According to an iPhone representative at AT&T, my phone has a proximity issue. Everytime I am on a call, the screen goes blank (it’s supposed to). But when I take it away from my ear to press a number, the screen never comes back. The only way I could get the screen back is to press the sleep/wake button which of course cuts my call.

By the way, here’s a big NEGATIVE for AT&T:
When I went to iTunes, somebody else’s account was already set up. The phone I got wasn’t brand new! I am not paying full-price for a returned item. It’s not even refurbished coz it wasn’t working right.

iPhone lemon

Here are some Cons I noticed while playing with the iPhone for less than 24 hours (I will be posting a longer review with pros when I get a replacement):

3G
The 3G signal on my phone is crappy in my area. Believe it or not, the EDGE was better.

Battery
There’s no removable battery, so you cannot really replace it yourself. If you’re a heavy phone user, you’ll find the battery insufficient (even at full charge). A spare battery would have been nice, but that’s not possible.

SMS Texting
Texts are grouped in conversations (chat-like layout). I think this makes it easy to read texts, but the iPhone doesn’t have the option to delete a particular message. You can only delete the whole conversation.

Keyboard
The keyboard has no landscape option when texting.

Email
When editing my Yahoo! email (delete, move, etc), I have no way of knowing which emails are unread, or I’m just not seeing it.

Software
Like Windows, it hangs up too. It hanged up when I was trying to save a photo for a contact. It also hanged up when I was in YouTube.

Here are some basic features the iPhone doesn’t have, but I don’t really mind:

  • There’s no mirror on the back so it’s hard to know whether you’re in the frame or not when taking a self-portrait.
  • There’s no video recording.
  • There’s no MMS messaging.

Entry filed under: Technology

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PLAYLIST: Everytime We Touch by Cascada

posted on August 20, 2008 by aylee

I first heard of Cascada’s Everytime We Touch at a wedding.  It was the original upbeat version and I thought it was fun and appropriate.  It’s definitely a good song for the dance floor.  Then I learned about the slow version which I fell more in-love with.

Click here for the upbeat version.

Snippet:
     Can’t you feel my heart beat fast,
     I want this to last.
     I need you by my side.

Click here for the full playlist at my Wedding Resources page.

Feel free to contact me or leave a comment with your suggestions.

Entry filed under: Fun

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