Karen’s Opinion

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

Whenever we travel, we are always on the lookout for a good place to stay. We have always had great accommodations at any Hampton Inn we’ve stayed at and the great breakfast they offer is right up our alley! Their pool always looks inviting but we have yet to take the time to use it. Like I said, we are on the road and always in a hurry. One of these days, I want to make reservations to stay at the Hampton Inn in Gatlinburg, TN. I know we will get a comfy bed in a clean room when staying there. We will also have some time to relax around the pool. I can dream can’t I?

Maybe my dream can come true! Right now, during the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes, I might win a free stay. Yes, during this giveaway, participants have a chance to win a free weekend stay for themselves and 100 of their friends at any Hampton Inn. Wouldn’t that be a blast? I would invite all my quilting lady friends to stay during the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg quilt festival that takes place every year. With the offering of 100 friends on the table, they could even bring their husbands! I can imagine sharing all our fabric purchases as we lounge around the pool.

Who would you invite if you won this fabulous sweepstakes? Where would you go? Be sure to enter so you have a chance to win!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Kissimmee Tourism. All opinions are 100% mine.

Why is it that I feel more laid back when on vacation? I rarely get a headache when I am doing something I enjoy. That is why vacations are good for me. A vacation can be a week at home catching up on yard work, if that is what you enjoy. Most of us feel like we got more of a break from our normal routine when we visit somewhere away from home. I especially love to visit Florida for my vacation. There is something about smelling the orange groves and feeling the sun on my arms that puts me in heaven.

I am not fond of theme parks so I try to find a spot like Kissimmee, the heart of Florida. Kissimmee offers so many different types of activities that everyone is sure to find something to suit them. Whether it be lounging beside the pool or spending the day zip-lining, you will feel refreshed after a vacation in this beautiful location. Visit Kissimmee ‘s website to plan your vacation there. The site has links for things to do, places to stay and more. I am excited to see that they have information about the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series. Talented “tribute bands” are ready to rock my socks off as they recreate classic hits of some of my favorite bands like the Rolling Stones.

You will fall in love with this quaint town that is close to everything. Check it out!

We just got home from a terrific visit with our son and daughter in-law who live near St. Louis. On Saturday evening, we enjoyed eating dinner at a fabulous Italian restaurant in an area of St. Louis known as The Hill. On recommendation from the kids, we chose Lorenzo’s Trattoria because they had eaten there a few months ago. (They had eaten at another in the area and were sorely disappointed. The food was processed and very disappointing). At Lorenzo’s, the food was superb, our server was excellent and we had a wonderful dinner.

While walking in the area, I enjoyed looking at the types of houses mixed among the restaurants. Most were very skinny and tall. I would love to see inside one to see how a house that skinny was arranged. I can’t imagine! I did notice that, because of their location, (being in a well-traveled foot traffic area), most of the homeowners were wise and educated on police security tips and by similar studies done by the Fort Worth, PD. They depended on ADT home security systems. I have a friend who has proudly worked for the ADT home security team for many years. ADT has been in business for over 100 years! My friend has not been there for 100 years but she has been there long enough to know that they are the leader in security technology advancements. I would trust my home to their state-of-the-art Wireless Home Security Systems.

If you are ever in St. Louis, be sure to check out The Hill for their fabulous restaurants and their quaint homes. There is a lot to do in St. Louis. I have a list a mile long of places we want to visit.

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This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

Okay, we have approximately 6 inches of snow on the ground, traffic is slowed and school has been canceled. I am inside going stir crazy. All I want to do is sleep. I have an idea to remedy this situation. If I am going to be where it snows, I’ll go to Branson where I can sit in a hot tub, visit and eat at beautiful restaurants and be entertained by famous entertainers each night.

Because I write reviews for my blog, I have done research on places to stay and still think that the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is my favorite for hospitality. The Hilton Promenade and Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel both feature the best of the best when it comes to quality rooms, location and amenities.

During the summer months, guests can find plenty to do by participating in outdoor activities such as visiting the arts and crafts shops, hiking, and many other interesting activities that the whole family can enjoy. Amazingly, Branson is a fun place to be during the winter months too. I say amazingly because it is hard for me to imagine being anywhere and enjoying snow. LOL I think I might get an attitude adjustment in Branson. Just take me to the spa and watch me smile.

While watching the Colts vs Jaguar game in Jacksonville, Florida, the network was showing pictures of local places of interest. One such place was St. Augustine.

Saint Augustine Florida is the oldest European city in the United States. The area was first visited by Ponce de Leon in 1513, but it was Juan Menendez de Aviles who established the first settlement, almost half a century before the first English settlers landed at Jamestown. St. Augustine grew to become the Spanish center of power in North America for almost 200 years.

Today, the heart of St. Augustine retains the distinctive plan of a 16th century Spanish Colonial walled town, much of which has been preserved or restored. The numerous remaining colonial buildings in the historic district present an impressive array of architecture from 1703 to 1898.