Travel Guides from Yesteryears

I believe there are not enough travel guides out there, but having one like Eyton would be a good source of real information from a reputable source. Somehow the products to view from their website give one a clearer picture of what to expect from a city (or a hotel) in a particular country. I wish I had that knowledge stored somewhere in my brain, that way perhaps I would be a better travel agent, but I suppose that is the purpose of the internet nowadays - a very good source of information.



I cannot imagine how travel consulting would have been in the early days when computers much less the internet did not exist. The information on travel publications would have expired the minute it was published, and amending information would be costly and time consuming. Imagine having to research all about a particular city you are wanting to visit. One would source this from the library, or by word of mouth from friends and relatives who have been there. Alternatively, if one had a very nice experience to share (or a ghastly encounter) that they would like to share - they would have to wait for the right time and of course someone willing and eager to listen (it would be a plus if you are a good speaker and conversationalist). Publishing a travel guide book would probably not have been a good option during those times, but it may have been a good idea if you are a brilliant illustrator who can either paint with words or compose a nice photograph to share with the world.



If I lived back then, I would probably see myself doing just that. Travelling the world, taking awesome photographs, and printing them in a small travel booklet (just like a guide). I would probably have travel coupons attached too to make it even more interesting! However, we live in the here and now, and we have Eyton, with all the up to date information you could want! They have great information on their website, and gorgeous pictures, which I definitely appreciate. It's quite a virtual experience when you visit Eyton.

My little girl's fourth birthday

Ten months is not a long way to go, especially when planning a long island birthday party! I know a couple of years ago I started to brainstorm for my daughter's second birthday party, a year before her birthday. The way I come up with ideas is not over one sitting in one day. I actually work on it for a month. I jot down possible themes and come up with a mock of each theme. Then, based on what is realistic for me to do I choose the best one. I am particularly proud of my girl's second party.



I have come up with a pink lemonade party. I had pink and lemon yellow balloons all over the house, garden and front yard. I also had concocted some home made pink lemonade in pitchers, and had adorned the entire house with lemonade circles, streamers and paper creative garlands. For the food, I had the big birthday cake decorated, I had made brownies, cut up some lemon meringue squares, popcorn, marshmallows, spaghetti, fairy sprinkle bread, etcetera. On each food I had done up a label within a lemon shaped cut-out (yes, even on the lemonade pitchers). The overall effect was fabulous and I was happy and proud of the outcome. More importantly, the little girl was happy and enjoyed playing with the other kids. Click and see products here to give you an idea of how you can liven up a kid's party.



For the coming year, I am still tossing around whether or not I should go all out again and plan a big party or if I should just host a small and intimate party for my little one and four of her friends? After all she is turning four years old then. Well, I have ten months to plan!