Summer Travel Season is in Full Swing

Friday, June 4, 2010

If you are a prolific traveler like me, then you are familiar with the competition for good hotel rooms during peak season. I've learned that it's wise to book early if I plan to travel to a big city that has many popular tourist attractions. For instance, if you plan to see the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building this summer you can count on it being a busy place. Don't put your vacation in the hands of fate. Go online and research New York Hotels to find a low rate and make a reservation while the prices might still be reasonable. Waiting too long can mean spending time in a cheap hotel without all the amenities you hope to enjoy!

The alternative to planning ahead for your summer vacation or business travels can cost you a lot of extra money. There are cities that beckon to tourists because they are exciting and filled with activities and adventure. Las Vegas is one of those cities. When you visit it is guaranteed to be fun with your spouse or take the family to see the sights, take in a show, do a little gambling or to enjoy the outdoor adventures that await. To assure a great memorable time, reserve one of the better Las Vegas Hotels
weeks in advance. I have traveled through Las Vegas on several occasions where my spouse and I spent over an hour trying to find an affordable room in a good location in close proximity to the activities we desired. I learned this lesson the hard way. When we head that way again, I am reserving a hotel way in advance.

I'll have to follow my own good advice whenever I decide to visit our children in Florida because it is tough to get a deal on Orlando Hotels. But I think this hot vacation spot is more popular during spring break than in the summer time when the heat rises. Fall might be the better season to walk the sunny Florida beaches!

The Midnight Writer

Budget Wisely for this Summer's Activities

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Even with the cost of living on the rise, it is feasible to manage your finances so you can continue to enjoy the lifestyle to which you are accustomed. When things get tight financially, get a little Debt Help
so you can spread out big payments and free up more living expense and vacation money. Don't miss out on that extra renaissance faire because you're strapped! 

Pirate Queens want to save loot on their Glasses, too

Friday, May 28, 2010

Now ye might be asking why a Pirate Queen would be needing glasses? Well, let tell you that the salt air plays on the eyes a bit so Ren Faire Reese needs a smart pair of eyeglasses so she can read the writing on her treasure maps. It's quite small on many of them so it's important not to steer her crew too far off course.  I referred her to Zenni Optical because they carry some smart looking glasses made of titanium memory metal that will bend and move with an active treasure hunter. Besides, this style matches the era in which she lives.
   
Dressing for a renaissance faire requires exact historical data re-enactment and it takes shaving the budget here and there. I just didn't want to see her look distasteful so I sent her where my friends recommended, the hottest mail order eyeglass company on the internet today. 

Ren Faire Reese just alerted me that her crew found a couple treasure chests on a yacht that washed ashore off the islands in the south seas. When her salty dog mates opened up the chests they shouted with joy because both chests were filled with hundreds of pairs of eyeglasses. The ship invoice was still legible and it showed that the smart yacht captain ordered all of them from Zenni Optical. This is great news and one of the best finds in her quest to this day. Not all of Ren's ship mates are youngers you know. Them old salty dogs are gaining in years and have had more than their share of reading maps in the salt air, not to mention nipping a bit of the rum so they need some bifocals or reading glasses to help them along. The entire crew scored a few pair for each of them and are parading around in purple, black, gold, red and blue and silver frames that match their outfits. This is great news indeed!

Now you don't have to find bounty on a sunken ship to get your Zenni Optical eyeglasses. Just go online and place an easy order that will arrive at your door within a couple weeks. See you at the next renaissance faire in your stylish glasses because you will save tons of money that you can spend watching the show.


The Midnight Writer

I'm Excited about Free Wordpress Themes

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

When I found another site to get free wordpress themes, I was so excited that I just wanted to share the news with you. Even a renaissance pirate queen needs to keep her blog perked up so I'm always looking for new themes and ways to improve my page. The good news about the site I'm sharing with you today is that it's FREE. Yes, you heard me right. It's free. So do you wanna download wordpress templates ?
They promise to be hassle free about logging in and easy to download. Check them out today and get a new look for your blog.

The Midnight Writer

Nice Hotels for a California Vacation

Thursday, May 20, 2010

If you are an avid traveler like me, then you know how important it is to find adequate lodging to make the trip pleasant. I love California and my husband and I spend a lot of time in this state over many others. Utah would be second in the line up but Mom lives in California so naturally it goes to the top of the list. There are so many great places to visit and some of the most wondrous sites in nature there. Often when we travel, we find the hotels lacking so I'm on a quest to explore alternatives from the normal corporate hotels and motels.

I found a great line up to check out starting with the palmdale hotels. Luxury hotels equipped for extended stays with spacious rooms, breakfast bars and social hours at night are the stuff vacation dreams are made of in my world. I learned that Palmdale is the city for airplane buffs because they boast of having several museums. The area is rich with night life and a raceway as well as outdoor recreation sites. Another great place to spend your vacation down time is the lancaster california motel. If I have my way, I'm renting a suite or a fully loaded studio with all the extravagant amenities. If I can't find what I'm looking for in this motel, I'll visit the antelope valley hotels but not before I visit the aerospace museum.

I'll be taking lots of photos because the entire area is rich with scenic attractions and stories to be shared. The hotel or motel will have to be equipped with high speed internet so I can write while I'm enjoying my tour of the lavish hotels in California. Who knows, maybe I'll write a feature story about one of them?


The Midnight Writer

Renaissance brings more fun to California Beaches

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Ahoy all ye serious Rennies! If ye are planning a full schedule of festivals and faires in California this year, I have good news for ye. Dozens of renaissance faires are scheduled for 2010 and some of them are California's most popular beaches. There's an event in San Diego so pull out your travel website, plan and book one of the best san diego vacation packages before they're all sold out. This is a festival you won't want to miss. It's held annually in Balboa Park on September 11th. The event is a big deal in San Diego and all the rennie actors and vendors come out for this one.

Hotels will be scarce if you wait till summer's end. Personally, I suggest looking into an alternative to the traditional hotels, motels, campgrounds and RV parks. Tourism is big in California especially at the beaches. Add a renaissance festival in the mix and you have the formula for the nearby towns being booked solid. Most people don't want to over extend their budget.  I've found that if you book well in advance of an event, then california beach vacation rentals are not extravagant price wise. The luxury and amenities far outweigh those of most major hotel/motel chains because personal service comes with these rentals. I think it's so convenient to have breakfast and supper delivered to your door and to have your laundry picked up, cleaned and delivered. If you're busy with a big event this will save you lots of extra time and money so it's worth a little extra for the service and convenience. You can concentrate on your garments for the next show at the faire!

There is a place that is worth experiencing one time in your life, regardless which event you plan to attend or what your tourist agenda looks like. I mean, a renaissance festival is so special anyway. Why not make it unforgettable with a few nights stay at one of the mission beach vacation rentals ? Everything will be right outside your cottage or cabin. The sand, the surf and walking in the moonlight. Ahhh! I'm there already. See you when the surf's up.

The Midnight Writer

Blog Disclosure Policy

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

This policy is valid from 20 November 2008

For questions about this blog, contact The MidnightWriter at themidnightwriter1@gmail.com.

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.

The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

The owner(s) of this blog would like to disclose the following existing relationships. These are companies, organizations or individuals that may have a significant impact on the content of this blog. We serve on the following corporate or non profit boards: Angels of The Light Interfaith Ministry. We blog about people to whom we are related. The most interesting such people are: Our children and grand children..

To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org

Once a Pirate Queen always a Pirate Queen?

Thursday, April 8, 2010

I fancy myself a lady who wears the garments fit for a royal queen sitting on the balcony of my castle. Princes bow in my presence and the royal court runs to my beck and call. Aye! Tis only a pirate queens dream of fanciful livin outside the hull and deck of this creakin pirate ship that is beginning to look more like a shipwreck than the majestic ship that first set sail. Aye! I recall me early days filled with spunk and full of me ire and lust for pirate booty. Now me fancy turns to nobler pursuits and lofty places away from this salty fish stenchin hull. I ask me self this question every day. Will I always be just a pirate queen or can I change me spots? What say ye?

Use this 2010 Homebuyer Tax Credits for new Ren Costumes

Thursday, February 25, 2010

There is great news for people that are Buying First Home. This tax credit is for the sum of $8,000.00 under certain conditions. I'll explain how to get this tax credit so get your pen and paper. You'll want to plan your shopping spree for all those great renaissance costumes when your return check comes in the mail.

Start out by watching the video above, if you haven't done that already. The video goes into detail about this great opportunity to receive a generous tax benefit. It is geared towards first time home buyers who have not purchased a home within the last three years. But the deal has grown a little sweeter than originally. This tax credit is also open to home buyers who want a change of scenery after living in the same home for five years. Take note that this is a little smaller than the credit offered to first time home owners in 2010. Movers will get a $6,500 which is still a fantastic incentive to buy a new home.

I think it's a fabulous way to stimulate a sluggish economy and encourage people to continue living for their dream life by finding the house to build a home. There are a few conditions that must be met to qualify for this tax credit so please pay special attention to the details. You have to attain a written binding contract by April 30th and there can be no extensions. The closing deadline is June 30, 2010 so people have a two month window from purchase to closure. Coldwell Banker provided this information so contact them for further details.

One more thing I feel needs to be mentioned. The income limits are $125,000 for singles and $225,000 for married couples. If you're in the market and you fit into those guidelines, now is the time to buy the home of your dreams and enjoy some extra cash in your pocket for a great summer vacation.

The Midnight Writer

Is there a festival for the Ides of March?

There is great historical significance surrounding the celebration of the Ides of March. I wonder if there are any modern festivals re-enacting these traditions or if there are any theatrical productions that explore the true meaning of the Ides of March.

I've Been taking a Winter Sabbatical

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

This winter I found myself holed up in a house in the East until the road called me again. Now me mate and I are wanderin' about California missing the festivals, the faires and the gatherings. It's the time of year for me to get active in checking out the latest news on this year's events. It's time to atart planning to decide which events to put on the calendar. Visit often over the next few months to see what my research uncovers and to learn about this year's plans.

I invite you to email your ideas to renfairereese@gmail.com. Tell me about new events and fun faires or festivals on the horizon.

Sounds like a Winner to Me

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Awakening from a slumber deep, the Queen turned to her Knight to speak
Words wrought passion in his breast as he gingerly bowed, the Queen he kissed.

I'm feeling a little poetic today but I'll leave you dangling right here. I wanted to announce my return to this blog after a very long sabbatical. You're wondering where I went, aren't you? I spent a long time out in the western mountains and in the magical California redwood forests. It was a good time for me to ponder my life, to pick up my boot straps and carry on.

So here am I!

Are you ready for more renaissance adventure?

I can promise you that this winter will be magical, entertaining and very poetic. Be sure to visit again soon to read the first in many adventure stories.

Ren Faire Reese


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Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Announcing the Phoenix Swords

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Contact Information

Located in the Metrowest Area of Boston, MA
USA
phone:(508) 963-3722
fax (508)-546-4687 Fenix-Founder, Chairman
fenix@phoenixswords.com

Temper Content/Publications
temper@phoenixswords.com

The Phoenix Swords are traveling artists who entertain with theatrical performances and sword fighting demonstrations at renaissance festivals and pirate faires. Visit their site for an archive of video and photographs of their fun and fancy demonstrations about life in the medieval and renaissance era, using theatre to educate and entertain.

The Phoenix Swords will entertain next at The St. Gregory Medieval Festival in Danbury, Connecticut on May 16 & 17th. Visit their calendar page to learn about their performances past and present.

I'll be sharing my thoughts about this fascinating theatrical group and their fencing expertise. I want a chance to review their website and to visit the history of their shows then I'll come back to tell you about it. I'm hoping to conduct an interview with Fenix and Temper, who contacted me for this review in response to a message that I posted on facebook. From what I've read about the members of Phoenix Swords, they are a well educated, professional and interesting group of people. I want to find out more.

I have decided to add regular updates on performances and groups worthy of note along with adding a calendar page. Phoenix Swords will become a regular feature on this blog along with some of the other interesting people that I meet along my way.

Until I return, please visit their website and come back here to read more.
Ren Faire Reese

I'm Wondering How People Endured the Winters During Medieval Times

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

It's snowing today in the mountains and it's raining with sleet in the valleys of Utah. People are running off the road and sliding everywhere, so I am sitting still to wait out the storm. I hear it will be today and tomorrow before it clears out of Utah. Spring is having a hard time making its debut, I guess.

All this snow and stormy weather makes me think about folks in the middle ages. I wonder how they made it through extreme weather such as blizzards, tornadoes, and heavy rain storms with damaging winds. My thoughts turn especially to those who lived primitively.

First of all, I think about how their homes were constructed. Wooden shacks and cottages would have been more vulnerable to wind damage and large hail. Folks didn't have the luxury of glass windows, solar panels, and gas or electric furnaces for heat or electricity for light. So they had to be prepared to make ways to keep warm and to have light. They must have had some kind of emergency plans.

People who lived in castles were much more protected from wind, hail, and rain and snow. It's sort of coincidental that I just wrote about survival in the middle ages, because I searched google hoping to find some interesting tidbits of information for my readers when I found a book with the same title. It's only fitting that I plug it for them right here.

Just click the photo to order and tell them that Ren Faire Reese sent ye. The book is written by Fiona Macdonald and sells for the modest price of $7.95 in paperback. It's only available in the United States right now. The book is only 48 pages but the sellers state it is worth every penny because of the effort to utilize all its space in sharing common household customs in the middle ages. I'm going to order this book and read it. Afterwards, I can give a book review on an updated post. Remind me, will you?

If you have any information about the middle ages that you would like to share with us, please comment or email renfairereese@gmail.com and ask to be a guest writer here. I'll send you an invitation so you write your own story.

Books on the Middle Ages, Medieval Times and the Renaissance would be a welcome addition to this blog. If you can suggest one, leave a comment or email me if you think the book deserves a full review.

I'll be back before you can miss me.
Ren Faire Reese

Disclosure Policy

This policy is valid from 15 April 2009


This blog is a sponsored blog created or supported by a company, organization or group of organizations. For questions about this blog, please contact Ren Faire Reese at gmail dot com.


This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.

The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

The owner(s) of this blog would like to disclose the following existing relationships. These are companies, organizations or individuals that may have a significant impact on the content of this blog. We are employed by or consult with: Mountain Spirit Productions. We serve on the following corporate or non profit boards: The Midnight Writers Network. We blog about people to whom we are related. The most interesting such people are: children, friends, grandchildren.


To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org

Enjoy this Documentary about Renaissance Faires

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Support these artists efforts to present a history of this great phenomenon that celebrates the 16th Century custom of faires first introduced by Queen Elizabeth. Enjoy and prepare to be dazzled with my personal accounts of faires and festivals this year.

My Gypsy Heart hears the Call of Music and Dance

Celebration is in the air. Easter has come in the early springtime, and with it the feeling of renewal, life and resurrection to perfect beauty. Music calls to some place deep within me. I want to dance and clap my hands and sing with a band of traveling gypsies. Violins play in harmony with the tamborines as we ladies swing our full skirts to the music, dancing round and round in merriement.

Heading to Las Vegas for a Wonderful Italian Dinner Tomorrow

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

There is a place that my travel partner and I enjoy eating every time we visit Las Vegas. Even if we're just passing through, we stop here to eat. It's a casino right along I 15 in the heart of Vegas that serves the best Italian cuisine. The name always escapes me so I'll take a photo this time and share it with you. The dinner includes pasta with a huge bowl of salad that can be refilled, whole bulbs of roasted garlic and home baked bread.

My mouth is already watering!

Too Rainy in Texas for the Faire

I was disappointed traveling through Texas looking for a renaissance faire to try out my new skirts. It was just too windy, stormy, muddy and rainy. There were so many downpours moving through central and western Texas that an outside event would not have held up against all that water. Tornadoes have been ravaging the area, too. I think I'll return to Texas when Mother Nature gets finished birthing spring.

I Have a new Blog to Have Fun Writing about Renaissance

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Tonight I finished my first post for Renaissance Model, so go check it out and tell me what you think of the story line. I would love your feedback to help me shape the direction of my blogging on this particular blog. I am certain about one thing, my writing about renaissance will involve historical delving to bring the lives of real people to the page. We owe our present day to our ancestors, and my writing is but a small tribute. But it is what I have to offer.

In memory of the people who brought us into this world, I dedicate all my historical posts in hopes that their lives will be remembered.

Ren Faire Reese