Experience Italian cooking and cuisine at Branson Missouri

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

Do you have plans on Valentines Day? Or do you know what gifts are you going to give to your partner or better half? Aside from giving her/him gifts like flowers, boxes of chocolates or love letters on Valentines Day, why not also give him/her a romantic getaway to Branson Missouri. Visit the electrifying capital of the Midwest and stay at one of the finest hotel in the world, the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. My family went there last year and we truly had a wonderful experience. We stayed in Hilton Hotel because it offers easy access to shops, boutiques, restaurants and river walk. The kids enjoyed the rides and attraction in Silver Dollar City, while hubby and I went fishing to Lake Taneycomo.

If you love Italian food and cooking, you will enjoy Italian Culinary Weekend package, which is exclusively offered at Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. The Italian Culinary Weekend features Friday evening reception of great foods like antipasto and hors d’oeuvres paired with great Italian wines. On Saturday, guests will learn hands-on cooking of the foods that you have from Friday’s dinner and 5-course meal served Saturday evening. The package start at $429.00 (excluding tax and gratuity) for two people and it includes accommodations, reception, cooking school and goodie bag filled with items for the home chef. This promo is only valid on February 26 to February 27. Make sure to reserve before February 23, 2010.

You will never get bored if you go to Branson Missouri because there is so much to do and enjoy. During the day you can do outdoor activities like fishing, boating, biking, play golf, shopping, visit the museums and theme parks. At night you can watch live shows and enjoy variety of gourmet fine dining. Did you know that Branson is the live music show capital of the world, with over 50 theaters? So what are you waiting for, make a call and reserve this romantic getaway.

Harry Potter theme park in Florida

WOW! That is the first word that comes in my mind when I heard about this highly anticipated Harry Potter theme park in Florida. This time I want to go to Florida just to see this theme park. As you can see, I am an avid fan of Harry Potter. I never missed any Harry Potter movies and I have complete set of Harry Potter books and DVD's too. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is said to open this coming spring but the Universal Studios does not know the exact date yet. The park is about 20-acre area inspired by J.K.Rowling's stories and characters. I am pretty sure Harry Potter fans around the world is very enthusiastic and anxious to see and experience the magical place. Visitors will experience the wizard's magical world. Make sure to add this in place in your summer getaway



The wand shop featured in the books is brought to life with the incredible interactive experience where the wand chooses the wizard

Local watering holes: Have a butterbeer or pumpkin juice at The Three Broomsticks

Magical: An artist's impression of Hogwarts at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida, which is set to open this spring

Owl mail: Birds roost and await their next delivery at the Owlery - the magic postal service

Dragon Challenge: The twin high-speed roller coaster includes many iconic elements from the Triwizard Tournament, which featured in the fourth Potter book and film

Majestic: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey will take guests through scenes and rooms from the blockbuster movies with the turreted building made to look 700 feet tall

Fans will be able to wander around the village of Hogsmeade where the Hogwarts students are allowed to go on some weekends to buy sweets and visit the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer

Flight of the Hippogriff. A family roller coaster simulates a training flight on the creature

Zonko's joke shop owned by the twin Weasley brothers Fred and George, with a collection of tricks and jokes, including Extendible Ears, Boxing Telescopes and Sneakoscopes

Honeydukes sweetshop where treats such as Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and Fizzing Whizzbees can be purchased

source: www.dailymail.co.uk

Emma Watson Hollywood's highest paid actress

Wow! Emma Watson,19,is the highest paid actress in Hollywood for year 2009. I cannot believe she even surpassed famous actresses like Angelina Jolie, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston etc. According to Vanity Fair Magazine her income was £20million in the table of Hollywood's top 40 earners. Earning £10million for each film in Harry Potter series while Daniel Radcliffe, 20, earned even better with an income of £25.6million. Rupert Grint made it on to the list at No 15, with £20million. Whoah! it is unthinkable that at such young age they able to managed to be included in top 10 Hollywood earners especially Emma Watson as number one Hollywood's top female earners.


The top Hollywood earners in 2009

1. Michael Bay, producer-director ($125 million)

2. Steven Spielberg, producer-director ($85 million)

3. Roland Emmerich, producer-director ($70 million)

4. James Cameron, producer-director ($50 million)

5. Todd Phillips, director ($44 million)

6. Daniel Radcliffe, actor (£25.9 million)

7. Ben Stiller, actor ($40 million)

8. Tom Hanks, actor ($36 million)

9. J. J. Abrams, producer-director ($36 million)

10. Jerry Bruckheimer, producer ($35.5 million)



Hollywood's top female earners in 2009

1. Emma Watson, actress ($30million)

2. Cameron Diaz, actress ($27million)

3. Sarah Jessica Parker, actress ($24million)

4. Katherine Heigl, actress ($24million)

5. Reese Witherspoon, actress ($21million)

6. Angelina Jolie, actress ($21million)

7. Jennifer Aniston, actress ($20million)

8. Sandra Bullock, actress ($20million)

9. Kristen Stewart , actress ($16million)

Niagara Falls & Cleveland Starbucks City Mug

Niagara Falls Starbucks City Mug

Cleveland Global Starbucks City Mug

sony bravia tv

So happy today. My husband and I went to Chicago Premium Outlet and we bought a new TV. We love Sony and we have been buying Sony products for years, so we have decided to get the 40" BRAVIA S Series HDTV for $549.99. We also got a brand new Blu-ray disc player and HDMI cable for free. yay! Everything plus 3 years warranty for $549.99, I think that's a pretty good deal. I saw this same model in Target and they selling it for 699.99 (just for the TV only). Good thing we bought it at Premium Outlet and were able to save $150. =)

To truly appreciate the great quality of the picture of this TV you must have HD (High-Definition) channels. For HD service we are paying $10/month (AT&T). Now it makes our TV watching a true experience. The quality of the picture is so clear.


Description

Step up to full HD 1080p resolution (1920x1080) and stunning contrast (30,000: 1) with this Bravia S Series LCD flat-panel HDTV. It produces deep blacks in darker scenes as well as fine details in shadows and other dark areas of the picture for a difference you can truly see. At the same time, this television produces sharp, vibrant, lifelike images and color for outstanding image detail. Plus, with several inputs, including 3 HDMI inputs, you can connect all of your HD devices, including PlayStation 3, Blu-ray players and laptops or desktops.

Features

• 40" Screen LCD Flat Panel Television with LCD Technology for Crisp Images and Thin Design
• Displays Resolutions up to 1080p
• HD Display When Connected to an Optional HD Source
• ATSC/NTSC/QAM Built-In
• Audio Features: SRS TruSurround XT, Dolby Digital
• 3D Comb Filter
• On-Screen On-Screen Menu Display
• 16:9 Widescreen Aspect Ratio
• 1920x1080 Resolution
• Contrast Ratio: 30,000:1
• 2 Speakers Bottom Fixed Speakers
• Viewing Angles: 178x178
• TV Mount Features: VESA Standard Mounting System
• Memory Card Features: Low Power Consumption
• Accessories Included: Remote Control, Operation Manual, Table Stand, Quick Use Guide, Warranty Card, Power Cord

I love coach

It is wordless Sunday. Before the month of January ends I like to share the Christmas gift that I received from my hubby. We went to Chicago Premium Outlet and he got me these coach items except for the coach sunglasses. He actually bought me four items the coach wallet, handbag, purse and swingpack. The wrislet he gave it to me last year on Valentines day. If you are reading my blog I only asked one on my Christmas wish list but my hubby is so generous and loving that he got me a guess coat too. so happy =)

Saturday 9: Everybody is a Star

1. Did you ever think that you'd be a star? If yes, doing what?

Haha! how i wish but I don't have the talent to be a star.

2. Tell us about the last time you had a romantic dinner.

It was long time ago but I can't forget the funny and happy memories the last time we had a romantic dinner.

3. Tell us about your worst job interview.

Ah I think it was my first job interview.

4. Tell us about your stupidest date.

none

5. How much in common do you think you should have with a romantic partner?

I am in the middle. It is good if you have common things to share but it is better if you have opposite things in that way you will both learn and explore new things.

6. Tell us about a favorite meme that you loved but no longer posts.

wordless wednesday because i seldom upload pictures in my computer

7. How did you get into blogging?

we got bored at work and my friends introduced me this thing where you can have online journal . so everyone of us created our own blog where we can check each other to know what's new about our friends.

8. Do you share all your fantasies with a significant other?

oh yeah to my husband

9. What change in your life would you like to happen this year?

Hmm...let me think...I have many things in my mind but the first thing that I would like to have is new job.

Listen to Steve Jones Radio

Do you love music? Yes, I do as of matter of fact I am listening to my Ipod right now. From time to time I update my playlists if I want to add new songs on my Ipod. I cannot live without this gadget of mine. Whenever I go I have it in my bag. It is one few things that you can always find in my bag aside from my wallet and cellphone. If you want to watch and listen to diverse collection of music and interviews of famous people from entertainment industry, you should check out Steve Jones Radio. The founder of the show is no other than Steve Jones. He is one of
the member of the famous English punk rock band, "Sex Pistols" in 1975. The band become one of the most influential bands of the 20th century. Their single "God Save the Queen", was the last and greatest outbreak of pop-based moral pandemonium. The single attacked the Britons social conformity and deference to the crown. I just listened to one of Steve's interview to actor-comedian Bob Saget live at the Sundance Film Festival. I am inviting you guys to visit the website and listen to Jones Jukebox. Look for your favorite star and enjoyed the music.

Dinner Time

President Obama is giving his State of the Union Address right now. I am not fan of politics but I should listen to his speech to know what's going on about our economy. Anyway let me blog for little bit then I will go back to his speech. Here are the two recipes that I got from Food Network. I just followed the directions and added some honey for the salmon marinade and it turned out so good. My family enjoyed our food tonight. I will definitely try this again. I love the salmon, it so yummy!


Grilled Vegetables
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis


Ingredients
* 3 red bell peppers, seeded and halved
* 3 yellow squash (about 1 pound total), sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick rectangles
* 3 zucchini (about 12 ounces total), sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick rectangles
* 3 Japanese eggplant (12 ounces total), sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick rectangles
* 12 cremini mushrooms
* 1 bunch (1-pound) asparagus, trimmed
* 12 green onions, roots cut off
* 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 teaspoon chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
* 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil leaves
* 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves

Directions
Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or prepare the barbecue (medium-high heat). Brush the vegetables with 1/4 cup of the oil to coat lightly. Sprinkle the vegetables with salt and pepper. Working in batches, grill the vegetables until tender and lightly charred all over, about 8 to 10 minutes for the bell peppers; 7 minutes for the yellow squash, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms; 4 minutes for the asparagus and green onions. Arrange the vegetables on a platter. The key to getting those great grill marks is to not shift the vegetables too frequently once they've been placed on the hot grill.

Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, parsley, basil, and rosemary in a small bowl to blend. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the herb mixture over the vegetables. Serve the vegetables, warm or at room temperature.



Asian Grilled Salmon
Recipe by Barefoot Contessa


Ingredients
1 side fresh salmon, boned but skin on (about 3 pounds)

For the marinade:
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 3 tablespoons good soy sauce
* 6 tablespoons good olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Directions
Light charcoal briquettes in a grill and brush the grilling rack with oil to keep the salmon from sticking.

While the grill is heating, lay the salmon skin side down on a cutting board and cut it crosswise into 4 equal pieces. Whisk together the mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, and garlic in a small bowl. Drizzle half of the marinade onto the salmon and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.

Place the salmon skin side down on the hot grill; discard the marinade the fish was sitting in. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Turn carefully with a wide spatula and grill for another 4 to 5 minutes. The salmon will be slightly raw in the center, but don't worry; it will keep cooking as it sits.

Transfer the fish to a flat plate, skin side down, and spoon the reserved marinade on top. Allow the fish to rest for 10 minutes. Remove the skin and serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

source: foodnetwork

link2support days

While hubby is watching Australian Open Tennis 2010 and baby josh is sleeping, grabbed the chance to blog and check my emails. i know i am not updating my blogs regularly for couples of weeks now. i do not even have the time to open my friendster and facebook to check whats new about my friends. As you know i am so busy taking care of my baby and other household chores. i am glad my friend jayson called me up yesterday using his magic jack phone and we talked for almost an hour. i miss my link2support days. i mean i miss my friends not my work.lol. how i wish i could go home and spend some time with them. i miss the team building and having breakfast after work. Sometimes i get bored with my life here because i only knew few people unlike in the Philippines i have many friends. Another year had past and i am thinking what i am going to do or my goal this year. I need to make plans not only for me but for my family. I just hope 2010 will be a good year for us, better than last year.