Surviving NJ: July 2008 Archives

Isn't She Lovely? Long Beach Island

This is probably one of my favorite pictures taken at Long Beach Island. I went down in April of last year with my sister, and from the balcony of the hotel we were at, I was able to catch this shot. It's splendid, isn't it? It doesn't matter where I roam (and roam I do), there's no other place that can capture me like LBI does.

You see, the thing that's special and hard to put into words is that it's a family place. It's a beautiful island with goregous beaches, and it isn't covered with franchise fast food places. It isn't an entire 20 mile strip of hotels. The hotels aren't famous chains. This is mom and pop, this is small business owners and people who adore the island.

Sure, Wildwood and Ocean City get tons of publicity due to their high volume amusement areas, but let me be honest...they are busy places, and they have a rushed feel to me. It's too much hype, and not enough beach feel.

Long Beach Island has gorgeous beaches, a nice mixture of homes, small business run hotels and motels, along with lots of great little restaurants and shopping places. They aren't the big box stores, they are the adorable little charming places you love to wander through on vacation.

Now that you know what I love about Long Beach Island, let me tell you about the Long Beach Island Business Alliance. They are about getting the word out, letting the world know what a wonderful place this is. Long Beach Island still has a small town feel, and is a FAMILY friendly destination. I should know, I've been going for over 40 years now!

Long Beach Island Business Alliance wants you to know how great LBI is, and is actively promoting it so that more people will hear and spread the news. It's a great place that is often overlooked for the other busier places. Who wants busier when you're on vacation? I don't know about you, but I want to feel like I'm at the beach and relax!

If you visit their website at NJLBI.com, you can check out all the great things you can see and do.

Their Mission Statement is as follows:

"The Mission of the Long Beach Island Business Alliance is to actively promote Long Beach Island, NJ. Our goal is to advance the long term interests of tourism and business of Long Beach Island, NJ in a consumer friendly small town atmosphere."

As you know, I'm passionate about the place, and created my own website so that LBI would be represented through my eyes also. You can visit my Long Beach Island website at LongBeachIslandSummers.com.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 06:58 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

A Handful of Hunterdon County Parks

There are a lot of Hunterdon County parks, but I've decided to list a few you may have forgotten or not visited lately. While we love the "Columbia Trail" ...here are a few other places you may want to visit next weekend when the sun is shining!

1. The Hunterdon County Arboretum on Route 31

2. Deer Path Park on Woodschurch Rd (The Seafood Festival is coming in August!)

3. Jugtown Mountain Preserve on Mine Road in Bethlehem Twp.

4. Cold Brook Reserve is on Route 517

5. Sourland Mountain Preseve in East Amwell

6. Teetertown Ravine Nature Preserve in Lebanon Twp.

7. Wescott Nature Preserve in Delaware Twp.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 04:27 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

What's Going on in New Jersey?

Looking for a list of New Jersey events?

There's a new site that would like to help you find the answer to that question. Kangalope.com is a community based site where you can share events, or find events locally. If you have an upcoming event, you can register for free and add it to their site.

Right now at the site you'll find events like the Somerset County 4-H Fair. Currently there are close to 600 users, and well over 60 events.

Sign up and list your events, or find something to do this weekend! Bookmark Kangalope.com and help them grow. The more people who use the site by entering events, the bigger and better the community will become.

What's going on in your New Jersey neighborhood this weekend?

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 06:10 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The picture above is of a jellyfish taken at the Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach. We spent a week in Myrtle Beach during our trip, and it sort of felt like a really overdone Wildwood. I missed the charm of Wildwood's boardwalk, and the quieter non-franchise feel of Long Beach Island.

Myrtle Beach had a massive tourist t-shirt shop on every other corner, and 20 miles of crowded franchises. I have to be honest and say I probably wouldn't return there. While the actual resort I stayed at we enjoyed, the town itself felt too touristy to me, and I almost didn't feel like we were on a beach vacation.

I've grown used to these Jersey beaches that I love. Maybe another section of Myrtle Beach would have felt more beachy to me, but honestly, any time we left the resort, we felt like we were on Business Route 1! Wall to wall traffic inching here and there, and it just took the wind out of your mellow vacation mode.

I'm glad I took the time to go there, and see something new. I'm glad I got the chance to visit and shop at some of their unique locations like Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach, but it will probably be the last time for this girl.

Long Beach Island has my heart, and in all my years, it still wins me over after seeing other places...each and every time.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 01:07 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Ripley's Aquarium, Myrtle Beach

We went to Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach. This was taken in the tunnel. If you've been to Sea World, it's like the tunnel in the shark house, where you walk under the tube that is over you. I enjoyed this section of the aquarium, as it wrapped around in a circle of sort, and was a great display of fish, sharks, and even a big sea turtle. The turtle was massive!

I've been to Baltimore Harbor's aquarium before, and I loved that one.

At Ripley's, while the tunnel was cool, the rest of the aquarium just didn't fill the bill. The frog and lizard section were two small tanks. One tiny one with 2 small frogs in in, and another with 3 iguanas in it. That's all! Two small tanks, and they list it on their map as a big section! You could say we were disappointed in that section as well as the living seas part. There were FOUR tanks, three about 3 feet wide, one maybe 5 feet. An octopus was in one, jelly fish in one, sea horses/sea dragons in one, and the last had a combination. The section was about the size of my living room.

I understand that the big tunnel is their main thing, but they put so much effort into that, the rest of the aquarium feels like it's missing something. One section walking down the ramp was one tank. It ran about 10 feet long, but they called that an individual section.

On the guide book/map they show lots of sections. In reality, some sections are TINY! You need to LINGER in there, because if you don't, you'll be out quite quickly.

If you've never been to an aquarium before, it's a nice start. If you've been to a well done aquarium, you'll want to skip this, because you may feel like it's lacking.

$40 for the two of us, and we were out in about 30 minutes. We kept looking at the map going, there HAS to be more...but there wasn't. We did laugh all day about the two small tanks in the frog/lizard section that "rated" it's own section. At least the laughter from that was entertaining, so it added to our dollar value. Oh, and by the way, the guide and map book, which you should get with your tickets will cost you an extra buck.

Over all, it's a neat place, but you need to G-O S-L-O-W to make it last.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:36 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Sore in a Good Way

I was back in the gym this week, and it was a rude awakening to ache again! After two weeks of casual play, swimming and walking a little bit at a leisurely pace, I was working hard in the gym.

I woke up sore yesterday and today, and that familiar ache is back in my muscles. In a good way, I like it because it tells me I worked my muscles and it's healthy for them. In a bad way, I'm sore! I want to reach for the Advil, but I'll let nature work it out, along with stretching.

I was on the elliptical, treadmill, bike, doing crunches, and more. After that, I'm in working with weights with my trainer Danielle. Man, those rows felt good when I did them in a weird way, but now I'm sore. The Pec Deck and triceps pull downs didn't feel good at all though!

This morning, my triceps are screaming like a little girl who just saw a spider next to her. Yikes! I'll be okay, and yes Danielle was right, in a way, I did sort of miss that ache. It tells me I'm working hard.

I remember when she told me I may miss that ache one day, and I thought she was crazy! What? Miss hurting? Okay, maybe I didn't miss hurting, but I did miss feeling like I had gotten in a good work out.

Is this me speaking? LOL

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:26 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

School Supplies Bought!

We went out shopping today and I bought my supplies. The letter I got told us to get a 4 inch binder! It's huge. I'd much rather have two 2 inch binders, but I got what was listed.

I also got 5 white shirts. I found them at Lane Bryant and Fashion Bug. Luckily, I got a great deal and almost all of them were on sale!

We hit Target and Walmart for other stuff, along with Staples.

It's done; I have highlighters, pens, pencils, paper, dividers and more!

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:00 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

We Saw a Lot of Bad Drivers!

We sure did a lot of driving these last few weeks. I saw quite a few bad drivers on the road during our road trip. I have to tell you one of my biggest pet peeves is people on the phone while they're driving. Everyone thinks they're fine, but get behind them and they're going too fast, too slow, or swerving. There were quite a few aggressive drivers on the road too. Some people go so fast, it's like you feel a whoosh when they pass you.

My thought is always the same; I hope they have car insurance! I've had friends go through situations where they've been struck and the other driver didn't have insurance.

My sons aren't driving quite yet, but they will be soon enough! I remember when I first started driving. I thought I was all that, and could drive great. Looking back, I also didn't think anything would happen to me. Youth gives you courage, and sometimes that means not thinking you have to pay full attention on the road.

If you're looking for car insurance, drop by Insure.com for more information today.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 06:56 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Grand Beach Resort in Orlando

This is Grand Beach Resort in Orlando. The pic is a tad bit blurry because I was shooting it through the screen. We stayed on the 4th floor unit for 3 nights, and this is the lovely view we had from enclosed porch and balcony. It had high ceilings, and offered a nice space with a table and four chairs. It was really quite large, compared to what you usually get at a hotel or resort. We stayed in a 3 bedroom, 3 bath unit, and both my son and I got our own master suites. He lucked out, because normally he'd be in a smaller room. He felt like a king having his own bathroom in the bedroom, a huge jacuzzi tub and giant walk-in shower.

Gorgeous place, and I'd happily stay here again. For reference, we've stayed at Cypress Pointe as well, but I'd choose this one over the other. Cypress Pointe feels a little roomier inside the way the kitchen and living area are set up, but Grand Beach feels like it's more upgraded. We had oodles of space for the two of us anyway.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 12:16 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Where to Next?

I enjoyed exploring an area I hadn't been to before. I always wondered what some of the other beaches on the east coast were like. While I normally visit the Jersey shore, I've also been to Outer Banks in North Carolina, along with Tampa Bay and even to Galveston in Texas on the Gulf.

This time I got to see Hilton Head (a little), and Myrtle Beach. I found that I'm just as happy driving 2-3 hours to the Jersey shore and like our beaches more than driving all the way to South Carolina. Myrtle Beach felt more like a "tourist attraction" than a beach to me. It was almost like a Wildwood that exploded into "overdone". Don't get me wrong, we had a good time, but it just wasn't a beachy feeling to me. I guess I've been spoiled by going to Long Beach Island all my life.

A 20 mile strip of franchises, t-shirt shops on every corner and 3-4 Walmarts, along with hundreds of mini-strip malls doesn't feel beachy to me.

Where we'll go next, I'm not sure. I always have my vacation club options, along with my beloved LBI and Disney, but there are other places I'd like to go and see. So whether we're staying in Mykonos villa rentals, a wood cabin in Maine, or a beachfront hotel in St. Thomas I'm sure we'll enjoy it. The hardest part for me is always making the decision of where I want to go!

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:14 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Our Auto Train Experience

Once again we hopped aboard the auto train in Lorton, Virginia and took it to Florida. One of the things that surprised me was how few people were aware what the auto train was. When you're in a tourist place, people ask how you got there to make small talk, and when we say we took the auto train down, they aren't familiar with it. Some are, but many are not.

The auto train is a special train that only runs on the East Coast. It's run by Amtrak, and you can only board it if you also have a vehicle with you. It's not your typical commuter train. It has one path, and one path only. It goes back and forth between Virginia and Florida. When you buy your ticket, you find you can't buy a ticket unless you also have a vehicle, and you'll be paying for that also. You can bring a motorcycle, van, truck or car.

You then also choose if you want to sit in a public coach seat, or if you'd like a private room. The private rooms come in different sizes. The thing is, it's a 17 hour trip. You leave the station by 4pm at the latest, and arrive by 8 or 9 am the following morning. It runs each day....each way. When the train gets to Florida, you unload, and they unload the vehicles from their special trailers. They then service the train and get it ready to head back for the next trip. The people in Florida load up, and the train leaves by 4pm, and get up to Virginina between 8 and 9am....same thing, over and over again.

They serve dinner on the train in special diner cars, have a lounge car, show movies, and also have a special smoking area and car. There are bathrooms and showers. It's an interesting experience.

We usually get a small room, and it makes sleeping on the train more comfortable. Seats fold down into bunks, and you doze off around 10 or 11pm, and arrive at your destination in the morning.

If you'd like more information about the auto train, just go to the Amtrak site, and search auto train. It's a neat experience, and my son loves it. I don't sleep well on the train, but like having my car with me on road trips. This time we took the train down, and drove back.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 06:07 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Hotels or Condos?

So many of the Wildwood hotels along with other shore hotels are switching over to condos. I'm especially seeing it in the Wildwood area. The Coronado which we stayed at a couple of years ago was all condos, and tons of other hotels had signs saying they were transitioning. When I got home from my trip and was sorting through my mail, I saw that yet another Wildwood hotel was switching over. They sent me a letter, since I was on their mailing list after staying there one year.

With so many condo hotel units, it would only make sense that there's a place you can check them out. Have you heard about CondoHotelMarketplace.com? Check them out if you're looking for condo hotels. It seems to be the trend. In fact, the unit we just stayed in down in Myrtle Beach was an individually owned condo.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:57 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Orlando, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach

We visited quite a few places over the last two weeks. It felt like forever getting to vacation time, and then it's gone before you know it. Here it is, we just got home from South Carolina, and it almost feels like we weren't even in Florida!

How is it your mind plays tricks on you like that?

I'm uploading my pictures, and snapping a pic of a pic to share. I had my picture taken with a giraffe in Busch Gardens, so I had to snap a picture of the actual photograph I got from the park with my digital camera, so I can easily share it online.

I'll be out for a good part of tomorrow, but I'm hoping tomorrow evening to start uploading pictures.

Where does the time go? I'm reading to head to bed for the evening, so I'll have to finish this stuff tomorrow.

Night-night.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:48 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Safely Home and Lots to Share

We had a great trip and I'm safely home. I have a lot to share about our two week trip, but right now I'm sorting through mail, email and unpacking and doing laundry and such.

I've also been thinking about all my online projects, and what I'd like to continue, and what I'd like to discontinue. I'll be dropping another one of my blogs (a health blog *i think), and adding another website...(location/travel type).

I've also been thinking a lot about summer ending. My schedule will be changing with school starting, and my eating and exercise patterns will also shift. Lots of time to think over these last two weeks, and while I've made plans in my mind for each of these things, we'll see if I do as I anticipate...

Can't wait to share the details of my vacation, and hope to start tonight or tomorrow...so be sure to check back soon for more. :)

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 01:30 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Last Minute Jitters

Laptop...check
Books...check
Jammies...check
Directions...check
Camera...errr, I'd better grab my memory card too. It's time to go clear it off. I think it holds about 90-120 pics.

I'm getting last minute jitters. I leave here in 3 hours, and don't come home for 2 solid weeks. I know there's always a Walmart around the corner from most places, so it isn't about that. It's more just wanting to feel like I covered all my bases.

Deep breath...it will be fun. Life is good, just wish these tummy jitters would stop!
Okay, I'm shutting down my computer. If I find some internet connections along the way, I'll stop back and say hello. If not, you'll know why...

:)

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:00 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Izea Works

When it comes to marketing and advertising, it can be a fickle game of what works and what doesn't. Let's face it, if your return on investment (ROI) isn't worth the financial output, it just isn't worth the time or money to keep investing in the method you've chosen.

I design and manage multiple websites along with writing to several blogs. One of my biggest challenges is driving targeted traffic to my sites. Often times, it takes being creative, along with well placed links to help make the difference between a little traffic and a lot.

If you're looking at new ways to advertise, I have an answer for you. Izea offers a variety of ways to reach out to your target customer base. Let's face it getting traffic to your business site is one thing; while getting targeted traffic to your site that converts is quite different.

With Izea, you can choose options such as blog ads, product sampling or even blog sponsorship. With PayPerPost, you have a large marketplace where you can have bloggers right about your product or website. Choose to have a few people or a bunch of people writing about your business. Set your price, include information, along with a link, and you'll soon have a lot of incoming links, and buzz going on about you or your product!

With SocialSpark's catalog of blogs, you can pinpoint specific blogs that will work for you. Choose blog sponsorship, and you pick and choose which blogs will drive you the most targeted traffic.

No matter what you choose, you'll find that Izea works. It works by working with you, and letting you choose what type of marketing opportunities are best for you and your business.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:49 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Signing Off for Now

Signing off until next time...I have internet.

I'll be traveling for 2 weeks, so when I have internet, I'll try to pop on and say hi. I'm not sure if the place in Myrtle Beach has internet, but I think a few of the other smaller stays may.

Don't worry about the crew at my house, my husband will be here with the dogs and cat. It's all good!

My 14yo and I are off on vacation tomorrow morning. I'll see you when I get back, if not sooner.

Cheers!

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:30 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

More Websites In the Mix?

Yes, it's true...I've been considering adding two more websites to my ever growing list. I currently manage about 30 websites. I've got one site coming together in my head, and I'm deciding if I want to build another site. It would be pretty large, also time consuming. The time put into though, could be well worth it in the long run.

The other site, I'm playing with the idea of another play type of site. I'm not sure if it would be lucrative, and if it's not paying, it may not be worth my time. On the other hand, it could end up surprising me. I've not come to a decision on this either.

I'm hoping while I'm away, I'll come to a final decision about whether I'll do two more sites before I start school in September. I'll let you know what I decide.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:27 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Snap a Picture and Save Some Money

I'm hoping I actually take pictures while I'm gone. I'll bring my camera, but I'm not the best about taking pictures. I love my digital camera, because I can just upload my memory card to my desktop computer.

If I use standard film, we use Snapfish. We've used them a lot in the past, and have always been happy with the quality of the product. In fact, we send all of our wedding pictures to Snapfish. I loved how easy it was, and that it was inexpensive. In fact, when I wanted to get enlargements, I used Snapfish again. If you need to get film developed, you can find Snapfish coupons here.

I find that now that I have my digital camera, 95% of my pictures I do digitally. I haven't used film in awhile, but sometimes I'll snap a few regular pictures. I absolutely love black and white photography for candid shots.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:23 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Stressing Before Going

I had high hopes for today. I'm not sure why...honestly.

I had pictured fun, laughter, running through meadows, romantic dinners and more...

That's funny in reality. I'm leaving on vacation tomorrow, and anyone who knows me knows I get super stressed the day before a trip. While I'm super excited, there's nerves and anxiety and stress for me the day before.

Of course there's pain in the arse stuff that comes up, I end up crying, I'm moody, and things are not quite what I plan...it's okay. It all works itself out. I should know better. Every time I'm about to travel somewhere for more than a day or two, I work myself up.

I'm finally mellow and everything is okay. I'm getting last minute stuff done, nothing massive or major has happened to deter me from finishing my stuff...and I'm on my way out tomorrow.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:15 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Happy 4th of July

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 12:33 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Updating My Phone

I'm part of a program where I get a new free phone every once in awhile. In fact, I'll be upgrading my phone sometime during the next month. Deciding which phone I wanted took awhile. With so many different kinds of cell phones out there, I had to figure out what features were important to me. My husband likes prepaid phones, while I use a monthly plan. There are Motorola phones, Samsung, Nokia unlocked phones, iPhones, and so many others.

I liked the new Voyager, but honestly, I prefer a flip phone. I don't like to hold a flat brick up to my ear, and I like that folded phones are smaller in my purse. I finally found one that meets all my needs and wants for my next phone.

I'll be honest, I still really like the phone I have now. I wouldn't mind holding onto it a little longer. I just may do that, and hold off on getting a new phone a few more months. I can't decide if I want to upgrade now, or wait a little bit and see what the next new big thing is! They are constantly changing them.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 12:21 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Hot Dog Heaven

Do you have a favorite way to eat a hot dog? Do you have a favorite place to get a hot dog? Who makes the best dogs?

We were watching a show on hot dogs last night on PBS. There wasn't much else on, so I decided to pop this on. My husband and I watched the entire thing chattering through it, talking about the different ways people eat and cook hot dogs.

I thought the rippers cooked in the frier was cool. He thought it was cool to put salsa on a dog, something he hadn't tried until this afternoon! Hmm, wonder where he got the idea? Smile, yes he had hot dogs today, which seemed appropriate after watching the show last night.

The thing is, a hot dog is an American experience! Most people grew up eating hot dogs at ball parks, at picnics, and at home on the grill.

My favorite: hot dog, toasted bun, ketchup...plain and simple. I know people love mustard on their dog, but I'm a ketchup girl baby!

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 12:16 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I'm Ready, I've Got My Books

I've loaded up my iPod with books and music. I'm ready for my trip! It's not enough for me to have magazines, and regular books, I need audio books too! I'm always afraid I'll run out of reading material. For two weeks, I have about 12 books on my iPod, 3-4 novels and a truckload of magazines! I don't worry about running out of important things like socks, it's reading material for me!

My son and I both have ipods, and on his he has movie clips, music, games and more. I've had my Nano for 3 years, and I've just put music on it for the first time! I've only had audio books on it from day one. It finally hit me, I could put both on, as long as there was space. Okay, so I'm no rocket scientist, but my iPod is locked, loaded and ready to go!

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 12:10 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Crazy Week Continues

I've had a full week! It's nowhere being over yet for me though.

I've gone to see my trainer twice, gotten my nails done, got a haircut, got a massage, saw 2 movies, and ran tons of errands. Phew...I'm not done.

I've got tons of stuff to pack for my upcoming adventure. My son and I will be heading out on Sunday, and I've got things to do! My husband will be home this time, hanging out with the dogs and working on some projects. My 14yo and I get 2 weeks of quality time; goofing off at amusement parks, playing at the beach, and spending way too much time in the pools and sun and arcades we find along the way.

Let me tell you one other thing I have to do. I have to repaint my nails. Dang! I know, I know, I just got them done. I smudged three within 10 minutes of leaving. Man oh man...usually I'm fine, but I just wasn't careful, and I didn't have time to fix them at that moment. At least my toes are okay, it's just my hands. I'm a klutz! No seriously, I am, it's okay... :) It's just part of my life. I'm used to it.

Okay, so instead of sitting here right now, I'd better accomplish something.

I will have my laptop on the road, but I'm not sure how often I'll check in. Probably not a lot, maybe once, maybe twice...we'll see.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:12 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Surviving NJ

A Jersey girl survives daily life

July 31, 2008