Review of Gifts Related to Harvest in California Wine Country

It's Harvest Time in Paso Robles Wine Country

Harvest time in wine country is the most exciting time of year. If you live on a road with at least a dozen wineries within four miles, as I do, there is something going on almost every weekend, and usually competing events. There are First Crush events and Harvest Celebrations. That means concerts and food, and lots of wine tasting. You can smell the aroma of crushed grapes as you drive past. 

Grapes Ready for Harvest, © B. Radisavljevic 

Watching the Harvest

Since I live so close to so many vineyards, I've had opportunities to watch the grape harvest, especially at my neighbor's winery, Croad Vineyards.  That link will take you to more photos and videos of the Croad harvest as I saw it. Earlier this year I also had the opportunity to watch the bottling truck in action.

This video shows you how the wine actually gets into the bottles as I witnessed it. 

The Grape Vines at Harvest Time

The vines themselves are laden with purple fruit. Usually by harvest time the leaves have turned into the various shades of red, rust, and  gold. After the grapes are harvested, they are gathered in plastic bins for processing.  They may go into a machine such as the one in the poster below at Zenaida Cellars in Paso Robles to have the stems removed. People stand by to make sure  everything works properly and nothing is missed.

One of the most popular wineries in autumn is Niner Estates, home to Heart Hill, pictured on a poster below. The natural heart-shaped grove of oak trees was on the hill long before the vineyards were planted around it. It's beautiful at any time of year, but in fall around harvest time the vines frame the heart with autumn colors. Heart Hill appears on many of my Zazzle products, including postcards, necklaces, keychains, plaques, ornaments, and more. They can be customized to remove, change, or add your own text. 

 Poster: Heart Hill, Paso Robles, in Autumn Poster Harvest Time Poster Sorting and De-stemming at Zenaida Winery Poster Grapes and Harvest Poster

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You can find more scenes from harvest time on Zazzle products in my collection Harvest Season in California Wine Country

Visit Paso Robles Wine Country

The City of Paso Robles and the surrounding rural areas of Templeton and San Miguel are home to over 200 different wineries. If you are a wine lover, it's worth a trip here. If you come, you will want to try some of the award-winning wines at Sculpterra Winery. While you are there you can enjoy its famous sculpture garden and enjoy its Sunday afternoon concerts. It's one of my favorite places. It's about ten miles east of the city of Paso Robles. 

The wineries closest to my home are Croad Vineyards, Niner Estates, ZinAlley, Donati Family, and Aron Hill -- all on Highway 46 or close to it. Other 46 West wineries where I often shoot photos for my Zazzle products are Zenaida Cellars, Castoro Cellers, Peachy Canyon, and Doce Robles. If you click through to my Zazzle collection linked to above, you will see photos from some of those wineries on my products. 

More Photos of Wine Country During Harvest Season

Doce Robles Scene During Harvest Season, © B. Radisavljevic  

Croad Vineyard at Harvest Time, © B. Radisavljevic 

Hay and Autumn Vineyards at Doce Robles, © B. Radisavljevic
This scene appears on many of my products 

I hope you've enjoyed your virtual tour of wine country at harvest time. Be sure to pick up a souvenir from this trip at California Wine Country Memories and Gifts. 

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Photographing Boothbay Harbor Maine

Review of Harbor Area

Boothbay Harbor is a beautiful and very picturesque little harbor on the coast of Maine.  It sits on the edge of Boothbay Peninsula that juts out into the Gulf of Maine.  We visited on a clear September monrning when the sky was so blue that it cast a blue tint to everything around it.  It was a great area to take photographs and I stood at various spots along the harbor and took in all the sights.  The scene below is Boothbay Inn as seen from across the harbor.

If I turned a bit right of the Inn I captured this white church on the edge of the harbor.  There were lots of boats big and small

Cuckolds Lighthouse

I love to photograph lighthouses and the Boothbay Harbor area gave me the opportunity to photograph several.  They were all offshore on islands so getting good photographs required a longer lens.  The closest to shore was Cuckolds lighthouse.  We drove past Boothbay Harbor a few miles to South Point Island and I was able to capture this historic lighthouse.  This lighthouses started as a signal house in 1892 and then in 1907 a light tower was added atop the signal house.  This lighthouse was automated in 1975.  This lighthouse and grounds has been recently restored and is now open for overnight stays, weddings, lobster bakes and other events.  I took the following photos from a dock off South Point island.

Other Lights Seen from Harbor

The other lighthouses that are offshore of Boothbay Harbor are hard to see with the naked eye.  I was told one was 10 miles offshore and the other 15 miles and I could only capture them if I took a boat. None of the boat tours were running at the time we were there so I got some use out of my new 600mm lens.  The first photo below is Burnt Island Lighthouse, you see it on the island on the right hand side of the photo.  I believe the second photo to be Monhegan Island light.  It is the one I was told was 15 miles away so it is very small in my photo.  I find it fascinating to read about and photograph all of these lighthouses.  The coast of Maine and the island around it are dotted with many lighthouses.  Many of the lighthouses are now longer in service, however the Coast Guard still keeps watch over 56 of Maine's historic lighthouses.

Zazzle Products from my Photographs

Boothbay Harbor Maine Poster
by mbgphoto

Here is the guidebook I used to find my way around Maine.

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Bubba Tumbler Review: Saves Money and the Environment

In 2014, I purchased a Bubba brand Envy Tumbler in an attempt to save money, avoid coffee spills, and reduce the amount of unnecessary plastic cups being sent to the landfill each day.  I had no way of knowing how much money and stress that one rugged, insulated tumbler really would save. If you are looking for a durable travel mug for hot or cold drinks, Bubba brand is for you.

The Durability of Bubba Envy Tumblers

As I mentioned, I purchased my Bubba brand tumbler years ago.  I've used that one single cup for my iced coffee nearly every day since.  I am only just now looking to replace it because I drove off with it on my Jeep bumper a few months ago.  As I turned out of my parking lot, I heard a "clunk" and saw iced coffee and ice skittering across the road.  With the intent of removing a potential plastic shard road hazard, I stopped and retrieved my Bubba Envy Tumbler.  Stunned, I found that my Bubba was intact and was only slightly loose at the top mold seam connecting the double walls. I've used it every day since that mishap and am only now looking to order a replacement.

If that isn't a testimonial for durability, I don't know what is.

Financial Savings of a Bubba Tumbler

When I purchased that first Tumbler, I began making my own iced coffee at home instead of stopping at a local coffee shop each day. I had realized that if I spent a mere $5 at that coffee shop each day, for 365 days a year, I was spending $1,825 a year. I invested less than $20 for the first Bubba. With the exception for travel and when I'm away from home, I have made my own coffee to fill it. 

If you saved over a thousand dollars in a year, what could you do with that extra money? 

Bubba Envy Insulated Tumbler

Travel Mugs: Environmental and Emotional Savings 

Commercial iced coffee is served in plastic cups with lids and straws.  I cringe when I think about having added one of those cups each day into the landfill before I began using my reusable travel tumbler. 

If you are clumsy as I am, you'll understand when I mention the level of stress that those plastic cups caused me.  The lids would pop off and the coffee would splash onto my clothes. And wow, have you ever knocked over one of those cups and watched helplessly as the lid pops off and the coffee washes across your desk like a miniature tidal wave? I have. But not since I have begun using this wonderful version of an adult sippie cup.

With a straw inserted, the Bubba Envy Tumbler isn't absolutely leak-proof. But only dribbles escape from the straw and straw opening, which is much better than the alternative mess.

Whether you drink hot coffee, iced coffee, or other drinks you will find a Bubba brand mug to suit your needs.  And it is a bonus that in the long run you will save money and help protect the environment. 

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Review of a Day at City Museum in St. Louis

City Museum St. Louis

Unique Museum

Imagine an interactive museum built in an old shoe factory and made up of reclaimed building materials.  That is exactly what acclaimed artist, Bob Cassilly, did when he developed City Museum in St. Louis.  City Museum in St. Louis opened in 1997 in the former International Shoe Company building.

In the museum you will find reclaimed building materials such as chimneys, salvaged bridges, construction cranes, lots of interesting tiles and even two abandoned planes.  There is also architectural salvage from some wonderful old buildings from the early 1900's in St. Louis.  All of this is put together in an amazing maze of wonder and delight for children and adults alike.  In the museum every inch seems to be used.  There are tunnels between walls and under exhibits.  There is so much to explore both inside and outside the museum.  Even the roof is put to use.

On a hot July day I took two of my granddaughters, my sister, and her two great nephews to explore the museum.  The kids ranged in ages from 5 to 12 and there was something for everyone.  I'm not much for climbing and tunnels but I loved taking photographs and I will share our adventure with you on this page.

Outside Adventure

The outside is a maze of wire tunnels, slides, and lots of places to climb.  Here are a few of our photos taken in the outside museum area.  You could even climb up into this old airplane.

Inside the 600,000 Square Feet Building

The inside is full of surprises at every turn.  The kids really enjoyed all the slides and tunnels.  On one of the upper floors is a huge area set aside for toddlers under 6 and there is a small train ride they can take around the area. One of the slides was 3 stories tall and others were shorter but made of different shapes.  On one floor there was a restaurant and lots of unique old signs.

Architectural Features 

I found many of the old architectural features fascinating.  There were signs near many of the items telling what old buildings they were taken from.  A good part of one of the floors was full of these old features.  They were a photographer's delight!  I understand this area can also be rented for wedding receptions and corporate events.

Our Exploring Crew

Here is our group for the day.  Back row my granddaughter Rachel, my sister Julie, and granddaughter Ella.  Front row great nephews, Nathaniel and Alex.  They are standing in part of an old train. We  spent about 5 1/2 hours in the museum and the kids probably would have stayed longer.  It was a fun filled day.  In addition to all the climbing and sliding they tried some old time pin ball machines and went to a short old time circus performance.

Visiting the Museum

The museum is located at 750 N 16th Street in downtown St. Louis.  For more information you may cal 314-231-2489 or check out citymuseum.org

City Museum- Airplane, St. LouisCity Museum Postcard by mbgphoto
Look at City museum Postcards online at Zazzle.com

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Summertime Learning Fun

Summertime Learning Fun happens when you spend some time together, exploring our world and answering all those questions that come up.  Like what's that Noise?  

If your children are anything like mine, and I'm sure they are, summertime means adventures.  It means spending a lot of time outdoors.  It means looking for things to do and exploring.  It means turning off the TV or computer games and getting back to nature in the great outdoors.  It could mean swimming every day, or going to the park, or camping.  Where ever you go, there is something to learn about!  

What else can you do?

Summertime opens up a whole new world for our children to learn.  While the kids are looking to 

relax and have fun, they are also looking for something that catches their imaginations or their need to know about their world.  To that end, most families will be spending some very special together time while on holidays. No baseball games, soccer practices, dance classes or other interruptions, just good old family time.     

Learning takes on a whole new meaning when summertime rolls around.  No "textbooks" and no real "agenda" means that learning is done on a whatever crosses my path and intrigues me basis. That can even happen at home too!  As I am writing, I can hear the toads singing in my pond. I need to learn more about them, so when my grandchildren come to visit, I can tell them some things that I'm sure they don't know.

Be Prepared!  

As parents who prepare to take our children on hikes and overnight camping trips, we need to be ready to answer questions that are sure to pop up.  Like "What's that noise?"  Even a trip to the zoo can be filled with questions that need answers.  Be prepared to either answer the questions or make note of the questions and when you are home again, look up the answers  together, so that both you and your child will  have learnt something new and you will have done it together.  This is what makes family memories.  We still laugh at some of the things that happened when we went places with our children. Now they are doing the same thing with their children and telling stories about when they were younger.  It's time to pass on family history as well as having time to enjoy nature.

Playing games with the kids can be so much fun too. We would take ours camping and find that the welcome station had many printouts for educational purposes. We would make the most out of these "handouts". One camping trip, they had a print out of all the birds that nested in the area, with hints for the kids. We would go on hikes and try to spot nesting areas and then spotting the birds too. There were print outs of the different trees and their leaves. We made a collection and even did bark rubbings. Have you ever stopped and looked at all the different types of bark on trees? It is fascinating! When the kids found what they were looking for, they would take a picture to go along with their leaves and bark rubbings, carefully noting the type of tree and all the nuances of it's growth. So much to learn, just from a tree! Birds and reptiles, amphibians and mammals of the area were all duly recorded. If we needed to learn more, a note was made in our notebook to look it up when we got back home. The kids loved their nature hikes, because it wasn't just walking through the woods, it was stopping and seeing what made up those woods. The trees, birds, bugs, flowers and everything that was in our path, was food for our "Discovery Book".


Guide to Free Campgrounds: Includes Campgrounds $12 and Under in the United States (Don Wright's Guide to Free Campgrounds)

So What Can you Do to Prepare for a great Outdoor Adventure?

Well first and foremost, check out the link above, to find some low cost campgrounds. It's a great way to pinpoint where your family will spend some quality time together, without breaking the bank.

This guide will help you look for a place that has some great outdoor adventures, be it hiking in the mountains, camping by a lake, or visiting a beach somewhere new. Go with the eye of an adventurer. Take along a "Discovery Book" a journal where you can make notes, tuck in leaves or flowers, keep a daily diary of what you saw, whether it was birds, bugs, beetles or trees. Answer the questions that you know the answers to and make a note to find the answers to those questions that you don't know the answers to. When you are finished your holiday, you will have a great little diary on what everyone saw and learnt about during your time in the great outdoors.



My Travel Journal

Above all, be ready to have some fun, make some memories and enjoy each others company in the great, beautiful and special outdoors.  Happy Summer Everyone!

Pictures courtesy of Pixaby, free stock photos. 

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Review This: Why are Deacons going to Rome the Eternal City!

Rome Here We Come!

Two weeks ago, if you would have told me I was going to Rome, I would have laughed out loud!
It just goes to show you how quickly things can change.

Many of you may know that my Husband is a Permanent Deacon with the Roman Catholic Church here in Toronto.  What does that mean?  Well, to put it in it's simplest terms, a Deacon Serves.  My husband serves by visiting inmates once a week at the local jail/holding facility.  He also visits the elderly at a nursing home, and visits the children in schools (2) in our neighborhood.

We (he and I) entered the Diaconate Program in 2005, went to school for 4 years and then in 2010 Alan became a fully ordained Deacon, while I received a Diploma in Theology.

Deacon Alan as Deacon of the Mass May 29. 2010 with Rev. Bishop Vincent Nguyen officiating.

Our current Pope Francis had called all deacons to Rome, last year.  We did not expect to be in a position to go to Rome, so put it out of our minds.  But, this year, during our anniversary celebration of ordination, with our fellow Deacons (and wives), we were encouraged to come along.  

Now both my husband and I, were in a cross roads.  Circumstances in our lives had changed (not for the better), so a time away to rethink, relax and recommit our lives, seemed to be the order of the day. So that's the background as to why and how we ended up making a quick trip to Rome.

Now the Fun Begins:

What astounds me the most, is that if you are meant to be somewhere, doors will open and things will fall into place, like they were meant to be.  On Saturday May 7th 2016, we found out about this trip and by Monday May 9th, airline, hotel and everything else that needed to be booked to get us to Rome, was indeed booked.

Second Thoughts:

What hadn't occurred to us, was that there was a cut-off date for those Deacons who were going to show up in Rome, to make themselves known to Vatican staff.  So to our dismay, we looked and found out that the closing date for this Once in a Lifetime opportunity was March 31, 2016! 

When God wants you to be somewhere, He opens the door and let's you walk through.  We e-mailed the Vatican, let them know that we were really late in getting our applications done and waited.  I was on pins and needles, the Deacon, he just smiled and said, "If we are supposed to be there, we will be accepted."  What he didn't realize is that I had already paid for the airline tickets......

As reported earlier, If He Wants You There:

He will make sure that you are accepted.  Within 24 hours (a very tense 24 hours for me), we had our answer.  Rome (the Vatican official responsible for this Deacon's Call) let us know that they would be so happy to have us join them.  To say that I was relieved is the understatement of the century.  But there we had it in writing, we are called to join our Pope Francis on May 27, 28 and 29th culminating in the Celebration of the Eucharist with Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square on Sunday May 29th.  It doesn't get any better than this!

Looking out over St. Peter's Square

Inside the Dome of St. Peter's Basilica

Pope Francis with the children

We are delighted, elated and thank God for giving us this opportunity, not only to go to Rome, but to be able to speak with Pope Francis on topics that relate to us, in our ministry here at home.  Both Deacon Alan and I are elated at this chance to speak with a Pope that we feel understands, is sympathetic, and empathetic to the needs of the Church abroad.  This meeting should be really interesting, since just last week, he (the Pope) was speaking about the role of women in the church!  I know many North Americans are really interested in that subject. Hopefully, we can be the voice of some of the people here in North America and that he will take what we say and take them to heart.

Now we are scrambling:

Not only to get everything we need in order, but also to get Rome maps, tourist guides and a sense of what we want to see.  Good walking shoes are on the agenda, blisters do not make for happy feet and we only have 7 days to do all the sights, picture taking and eating that glorious Roman cuisine, so we better have a plan in mind.

Cameras are ready, extra batteries, medications, passports, suitcases and hundreds of other little necessities are piling up on my dining room table.  Rome guides are ordered and should be here soon. Now we just have to be patient until the 23rd of May, when we will be flying out of Toronto on our Way to the Eternal City, ROME!

By the time you are reading this review, we will be on our way home from Rome.  We arrive on June 1st, late in the evening, God Willing.  

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Clever Travel Companion Women's Leggings with Secret Pockets Reviewed

Example Contents Shown but
Pocket Zippers do Zip Closed
to Conceal Content

Security is my #1 concern when I shop, travel, hike, bike, or just walk around the block.  When we walk our dogs, I don't want my attention on anything other than taking care of our pups.  When we hike, I want to watch my footpath and the surrounding area.  I don't want to be distracted or to be encumbered with anything.  When I am taking photographs, the last thing I want to do is worry about fighting a purse or if my wallet is secure.  I stopped carrying a purse decades ago and started wearing clothes with pockets.  Even though I hated the bulge my wallet or cell phone made, I still refused to go back to dragging around a purse.

Over the years, the clothes styles have changed and I have made a few changes too, but I have not gone back to toting a purse.  I recently discovered the Clever Travel Companion Leggings with Secret Pockets and I think they are the best solution yet!

The Clever Travel Companion Leggings with Secret Pockets

 Clever Travel Companion Women's Leggings with Secret Pockets, Black, MediumI don't really have the body shape that looks fabulous in leggings.  I am short and rounded.  Hardly the long, lanky figure of a model, but I love these leggings.  Paired with a oversized shirt or tunic top, I am quite comfortable wearing them out in public.

During the winter months, or colder days, I wear them under my dress or  slacks.  I still have my hidden pockets, plus the added warmth usually associated with thermal underclothes.  

Benefits of the Clever Travel Leggings 

• Two Hidden Pockets with Zippers
• Extremely Comfortable to Wear 
• Extremely Comfortable when Walking
• Extremely Comfortable when Sitting
• Extremely Comfortable on Planes, in Cars, or even climbing around in jeeps
• Cool and breathable fabric, yet added warmth under other slacks 
• Easy Care - Machine Washable (I hang mine dry)

Security Pockets and Comfort

Clearly the security pockets with zippers were the main draw for me when I decided to test these pants.  After wearing the pants during a variety of activities, I can tell you, they are the most comfortable, best pocket pants I have ever worn.

The pockets will easily hold my drivers license, credit card, and cell phone.  I can zip the pocket over them to keep them secure from falling out or from thieves.  

Pickpockets and thieves are always a concern when traveling, but so is comfort.   These leggings have proven to be the perfect combination for travel!  

I frequently sit Indian style, with my legs criss-crossed.   That is not always a comfortable style when wearing jeans or dress slacks, but it is effortless with these leggings due to the stretchy fabric.  This is truly an added plus for me since my feet often won't touch the ground if I sit completely back in most chairs or seats. 

I love the waistband on these leggings!  The waistband is wide enough to prevent rolling, but soft and stretchy enough to be extremely comfortable on the waist when sitting, standing, walking or bending.  You never notice the waistband is there except that it is holding up your leggings.


 Heshe Fashion Leather Key Case 6 Key HolderCheck Price

Keys

Keys do require a bit more consideration.  You aren't going to want to stick a single key in the pocket of these leggings.  The key could easily injure you and would most certainly poke through the fabric.  

Clearly, this is not an issue if your car uses a key fob, but most of us still carry a house key with us when we go out.  

I use, and would recommend, a key case.  One like the one on right works nicely.

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Reviewing the Smittybilt Tent for Jeeps

Photo by Sylvestermouse

Many of you already know that I enjoy traveling, visiting scenic places where I can take lots of photos and seeking out new adventures.  Several of you know we own a jeep.  Needless to say, we enjoy traveling around in our jeep.  With the rag-top down and the windows out, there is truly an unequaled sense of freedom.  If you have ever driven or ridden in a topless jeep (no, I did not say topless in a jeep), you will understand it when I say you don't have to be going over 40 mph to feel like your worries are simply being blown away, along with whatever hair you may have left.

Once we are out on the road, I hate to turn around and go home.  Now I love my home, but sometimes I just want to stay out a little longer.   That is where the Smittybilt Jeep Tent comes into play!

The Smittybilt Tent for Jeeps

With the proper jeep roof rack, we can carry our tent on the top of the jeep.  But the very best part, we can sleep in that tent on the top of the jeep!  

Yes, now we're talking!  Keep that tent off the ground, high and dry even in bad weather and sleep like two snuggle bunnies.

 Smittybilt Overlander TentCheck Price

& 

Features of the Smittybilt Jeep Tent

• Sunroof with Mosquito Net    (for Stargazing)
• Waterproof
• Telescoping Ladder   (No Jumping Required) 
• Mesh Windows for Ventilation
•  2" Foam Mattress   (Sleeps 2 Adults, so Mr. Mouse doesn't have to sleep outside on the ground)
• Interior LED Strip Light powered by the Attached Solar Panel 
• 12V Power Adapter

Additional Attachments 

 

There are additional attachments or equipment you could add to the Smittybilt tent.  They also offer an awning, a tent annex (a add-on part that extends to the ground),  a generator and a fridge.

Yes, I am laughing at the fridge part.  Mr. Mouse just might end up sleeping on the ground outside if we added a fridge.

Road Trip Plans

We have a few friends in Arkansas, a few in Missouri, another in Georgia, one in Indiana, one in Colorado, one in California, several in Canada, and I plan on spending at least a week at the shack in West Virginia.   I'll have to figure out a way to get our jeep and tent on over to Ireland afterwards.

Ya'll get ready now, ya hear!  When you see a tent on top of a jeep headed your way, you'll know it's me and Mr. Mouse stopping over for that promised visit.   

Planned Mouse Travels

 

Reviewing the Smittybilt Tent for Jeeps by:

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Choose a Way Auckland Travel Book Review

Auckland, New Zealand, is a popular tourist destination these days so if you're headed that way, here's a book that I'd recommend you take with you. This somewhat unconventional travel guide is called Choose A Way Auckland. It's an ebook whose interactive style gives new meaning to the term "choose your own adventure."

This travel guide won't tell you where to stay or which airline to choose to get there. Instead, an insider, author and travel blogger/photographer Rhonda Albom who lives in Auckland and loves the city, comes on the trip with you, traveling on your Kindle (or tablet, phone, or reading app), offering you choices that direct you to all the best places in Auckland to visit while you're there. Plan ahead or choose your itinerary on the go. Here's how it works.

Remember those mystery books you read back in elementary school? At the end of each chapter you were given choices, to go one way or another, to one page or another, and who knew where you'd end up? In Choose A Way Auckland, the author offers you choices, too, depending on the time of day, whether you're in the mood for an active or relaxing activity, whether or not you're exploring Auckland with children, among other criteria that fit your particular situation. In this case, you'll not only know in advance where you'll end up, you'll be given background on the place, specific directions to get there, hours of operation, price of admission, and friendly advice on how best to enjoy the destination.

I really enjoyed this book!

I'll admit, I'm not much of a world traveler at this point in my life, but I do enjoy armchair travel and this book captivated me (because of its fun layout) as well as entertained and educated me about a part of the world that I really didn't know much about.

One of the things I like best about the book is the very specific driving, riding, or walking directions with not only distances but landmarks to look for along the way. With that information along with the map links, the guide makes it very easy to navigate in and around the biggest city in New Zealand. You'll definitely want to keep your Kindle or iPhone with you during your trip so that if you do get turned around, you'll be able to pull it out and find your way quickly and easily with Rhonda's excellent directions.

Another feature of the book that I really like are the specifics in terms of family versus adult entertainment. While there's plenty to do that includes the kids, there are also lots of adult activities, some of which are more adult-oriented than others, very helpful to know about in advance.

Also, the information in the book will help you budget your trip. Time-wise, you'll know how many hours to plan for each activity ("three hours from ferry to ferry" for the vineyard zip line trip). Money-wise, Rhonda makes it easy to decide where you want to splurge and what activities are still fun, just more frugal. Same goes for food and restaurants; Rhonda's personal favorites sound awesome to me!

To get the most out of the book, follow the instructions and the links to "choose" your way through the 39 stops and adventures included in the guide so you don't miss out on the fun. After your first day you'll be given a shortcut to a list of destinations to help you enjoy the book even more.

Choose A Way Aukland was released April 11, 2016, and is being offered at a discounted price of $1.99 for several days, so you might want to grab a copy now before the cost goes up to its regular price of $6.99. Even at full price, this is a must-have if you're planning a trip to New Zealand (or if you live there). You'll enjoy the book, too, if you're an armchair traveler like me. Choose the link below that suits your needs.


Barnes & Noble
Kobo Books


Visit author, photographer, and award-winning travel blogger Rhonda Albom's blog.

Find more travel-related reviews on Review This!


~Susan
Read more of my reviews.

Posted by Susan Deppner

About the Author

Susan Deppner is a baby boomer, a cancer survivor, and a Southerner who believes in the Golden Rule. She enjoys writing about food, faith, and fitness; health, home, and holidays; people, places, pets, and patriotism, and more. Follow Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

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