Saturday, June 2, 2012

Cheap Flights to Popular Destinations

Traveling can be a wonderful experience. But it can also be expensive. Fortunately, travelers can get cheap flights to even the most popular destinations if they are willing to follow these basic guidelines. You must be willing to be flexible in your travel schedule to get the very lowest airfare rates.
Time Your Flight
Peak travel times cost more - there really is no avoiding this fact. If you must travel during holidays or on weekends, you can still save money by booking several weeks in advance. You can also select the day before or after peak days for your own travel departure times. For example, airfare on the day before a major holiday costs more than if you fly on the actual holiday.
Try Secondary Airports
Tickets at major airports often cost more than those at smaller nearby airports. Regional airports may offer additional discounts to encourage travels to use their services. And you can still travel to popular locales from these airports. Smaller airports may have limited destinations but are still worth checking out if you are headed to a major destination. You may even be able to take a flight to another major airport that is closer to your destination which can save you money.
Take the Long Route
If you are willing to stop in multiple cities on the way to your destination, you will find lower airfare rates. Travelers pay more for the privilege of direct flights. But a more leisurely approach can save you quite a bit of money. These layovers may or may not require you to de-board the plane. People who just do not like flying may be unwilling to do this and will need to seek other options to get cheap tickets.
Use Connecting Flights
This takes the previous recommendation one step further. You can save money if you do not mind changing planes along the way. Most travelers do not like doing this if the departure times are too close together or because the chances of you losing luggage increases. But if you plan it well, using several short connecting cheap flights can produce significant savings.
Travelers have many options when it comes to saving many. Cheap flights are available to those who are willing to be flexible and enjoy flying. And you can use online aggregator sites which can easily help you in developing your flight itinerary.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Become Inspired With Cake Decorating Classes Online

There's something around this time of year that makes me feel creative. The holidays have ended, and everybody is back to nibbling on carrots and celery, as all the mouthwatering foods from the previous months fading away as sweet, faint recollections. While healthy intake is of great importance, we must not forget to take pleasure in ourselves as we wait for spring. Taking cake decorating classes online might be just the solution!

With weddings, graduations, and anniversaries just around the corner, now can be the time to try something original and expand your cake decorating skills. One of my favorite spring treats is the Pate a Choux pastry swan. They are incredibly magnificent, with the rich golden pastry sandwiching the delicate cream filling. Certainly, this dessert will appease at any party or event this season. Watch the video to learn how to make it, and follow alongside step by step as we make a work of art with each other.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Easter Chocolates - More Than Just Eggs

Easter and chocolate go hand in hand. When the season rolls around there are candy bunnies and Easter eggs galore. However, most of the goodies you find in the local stores just taste like regular candy in an Easter wrapper. For the best Easter candy, consider shopping at a specialty candy store. If you don't have one close to you, look for one online. The treats you can get make the extra effort worthwhile.

Specialty stores make hand made confections and eggs that were common years ago before plain old mass produced Easter candy took over. Do you remember finding a big chocolate Easter egg in your basket and excitedly cutting it open to find out what flavor was inside? You can give the same thrill to your kids with gourmet eggs filled with cream centers in flavors like mint chocolate chip, buttercream, coconut, vanilla, fudge nut, cookies n' cream, peanut butter, and chocolate marshmallow.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Icing a Wedding Cake With Butter Cream Frosting

 You will need a turntable, a spatula designed for spreading icing, cardboard rounds, plastic wrap, a firm cake, a good butter cream icing recipe and patience. My first most important tip is always use a very cold cake. In fact I recommend freezing the wedding cake layers prior to filling and frosting them.

My second tip is to use a soft (but not too soft) butter cream recipe. My favorite frosting recipe is called an Italian Meringue. It is light and fluffy and not too sweet. After your cake layers have cooled, you will wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for at least a few hours, overnight is even better.

(Note) You can cut one cake to make two layers if you bake them in the higher sided pans, which you can get at your local craft store. Wilton is a good brand. If you choose to do this, then cut the cakes after they have cooled, but before they are put into the freezer.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Wedding Cakes - 3 Steps to Choosing Your Wedding Cake

Both the centerpiece of your evening and the delicious dessert, your wedding cake is a significant element of your wedding reception. It should be eye-catching and fabulous. (tasty too!) I've narrowed the process of selecting your wedding cake into three easy steps. Follow these, and you will have the confection that suits your personal style and budget.

Step 1: Determine your Wedding Cake Style

As the focal point of your reception, your cake should represent the theme of your wedding and reflect your overall vision. Consider the style, shape, color and adornments. Browse and collect photographs of cakes that inspire you. Make a list of qualities you like and don't like.