Related Websites

• 
  Travel

  Taking a Mississippi River Cruise: An Unforgettable Experience

  The Mississippi River can be said to be a living history book, reflecting the story of America — its past, present and future — and to cruise on it is to know American culture as well. From its headwaters in Minnesota to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico, this serpentine river is more than 2,348 miles long and, with its many tributaries, provides the ultimate scenic and culturally rich road trip. But before you set sail, here are a few things that will make your cruise experience unforgettable.1.Get Familiar with the Itinerary and Call PortsMississippi river cruises have a variety of routes, withdifferent itineraries covering a range of interests. Some cruises sail the entire length of the river; others are tailored to specific sections, such as the Upper Mississippi, the Mississippi Delta or the picturesque St. Louis to Memphis stretch. Learn about the port itinerary, each port of call can provide different ports of calls. From dynamic city lights in Memphis to tranquil lands of the Upper Mississippi Valley, each port provides a unique experience of the region's culture and lifestyle.2.Choose the Right Cruise ShipMany cruise lines operate on the Mississippi, each with its own ships, amenitiesand vibe. Considerthe ship's size, cabin options, dining and entertainment optionson board, for example. Bigger ships might offer more opulent amenities and wider decks for magnificent river views, but small vessels can provide a more intimate and personalized experience. Look up the reputation of the cruise line and check reviews so that you will choose a ship that matches your style.3.Plan Your SeasonDeciding on the best time to take a Mississippi River cruise mainly comes down to the type of weather andseasonal activities you want to enjoy. Spring and fall feature moderately ideal temps and fewer crowds, so it'syour best bet for a relaxed cruise. Summer means warmer weather and more celebratory vibes, making it ideal for outdoor activities and music festivals. Winter cruises, though less common, can deliver a wonderfully peaceful and off-season experience, though you'll have to gear up for cold-weather conditions.4.Pack SmartWhen packing, keep in mind that you'll be traversing both land and sea. Pack clothes that you can layer for changing weather and comfortable walking shoes for port excursions. For warmer seasons, don't forget sunscreen, hatsand insect repellent. Pack a reusable water bottle — it's important to keep hydrated during excursions on a cruise.5.Embrace the Local CultureThe Mississippi River is sewn into the fabric of American history and culture. From Delta blues music to Civil War history along the way, every port is a trove of stories and traditions. Chances are, you will have the chance to take part in local tours, see cultural performances and try regional cuisine. Your cruise experience will be made brighter with some local culture time, and the memories will remain for forever.6.Be Aware of RiverConditionsAlthough the Mississippi River is navigable in general, conditions on the river vary, particularly in times of heavy rain or drought. Stay updated on weather predictions and river heights to make sure your cruise is on schedule. Cruise lines usually watch these conditions closely and will change itineraries as necessary to ensure safety.To sum it up, a Mississippi River cruise is a one of a kind way to see the heartland of America. Knowing the route, selecting the right vessel, planning your season, packing appropriately, exploring local culture and remaining aware of river conditions will contribute to a fulfilling cruise experience. Well, hoist your sails upon the grand ole river wee the mighty Mississippi and let the warm waters cadge you up on a course of rediscovery and delight.
• 
  Home & Garden

  Versatile Magic of Adding a Coffee Table to Your Space

  When it comes tohome ornaments and utility, few pieces of furnitureare as versatile or transformativeas a humblecoffee table. Thisoften-overlooked piece of livingroom furniture can be so much more than a holder of your morning cup ofcoffee. With these factors in mind, we’re breaking down the importance of a coffee table for yourspace, how it can add an unexpected lift to both the looks and functionality of yourroom. Hereis the reason why a coffee table is a must-have and how itcan do wonders in your home.1.An Aesthetic Anchor for theLiving RoomAs a matter of fact, it is the visual centerpieceof your living room, bringing the seating arrangement together and keeping it in balance.To help you dress and transform the room, a sleek modern table or rustic wooden design might fit your existing decoration. The right coffee table will make your room feel cohesive and intentional and, most importantly, like home.2.Surface with Effective for SteadyUseThe most straightforward function of a coffeetable, of course, is to provide a surface on which to set drinks, snacks, books or decorative objects. It’s a handy placeto set your coffee mug down as youread, toput down a plate on movie night or to house a beautiful vase of flowers. This functionalitymakes it a must-have furniture piece for everyday living and entertaining guests.3.Extra Storage SpaceSome coffee tables may even have storage options, like drawers or shelves or even hidden compartments. All of these make for agame-changing way to keep your living room organized. Use the storage to tuck away remote controls, magazines, board games, or even blankets, to keep your spaceclean and functional.4.AvailabilityofCreativity and IndividualizationThe coffee table is a blankcanvas to showcase your personal style.You can style it with coffee table books, candles, plants or funky trinkets that reflect your aesthetic. Seasonal decorative accents — a bowl of pine cones in winter; a tray of seashells in summer — add an element of charm, and keep your decoration from getting stale.5.A Social Hub for GatheringsHaving acoffee table really promotes socializing. It’s a community space where people can gather, play games, or share snacks. At parties or family gatherings, it sits in the middle of the room as a springboard for conversation and connection and transforms your living room into a more hospitable, communal space.6.ASpace for Purpose and PlayFor families with kids,a coffee table can be a spot for arts and crafts, homework or the building blocks. Choose a durable, easy-clean table thatwill stand the test of daily life. It is a functional add-on that can adapt as your family’sneeds evolve.7.Enhancement of the Comfort and ConvenienceFinally, a coffee table brings some comfort into your living room. It’s not far to reach when you’re reclining on the couch, so you can grab what you need without having to stand up. This simple convenience can radicallychange the way you experience and enjoy your home.All in all, these are just a few reasons thatexplain why the coffee table you choose for your living room matters.From storage and surfacearea to aesthetics and social bonds, a coffee table is asmall piece of furniture with a lot of potential. So, if youare redecorating, or simplylooking to spruce up your space, and all the different ways a coffee table can do its magic at homeare talked and mentioned above, are you ready for adding a coffee table in your room?
• 
  Home & Garden

  Furniture Worth Buying at Sears Furniture Outlets

  There is no a betterdestination than the SearsFurniture Outlets for smart shoppers looking for that nice and quality furniture at affordable prices. They are renowned and famous for their low prices, brandname items, and a large selection that includes all different types of furniture. Whether you’re furnishing a new home, upgrading your current space or simply looking for a statement piece, here are some furniture items toconsider at Sears Furniture Outlets.1.Living Room FurnitureSears Outlets have a wide selection of sofas, sectionals and recliners to fit everyone’s needs because a living room is the heart of any home. Look for solid, stylish offerings from good names, such as Craftsman or Kenmore. Leather sofas are relatively low-maintenance and madefor a classic look, so they are quite common, while fabric sectionals provide the comfort and ease needed for larger families. Since many pieces are available in a few colors as well as different configurations, though, you should be able to find what works for you.2.Dining Room SetsDining room and Built-in setsare the top furniture options at Sears Furniture Outlets, because Sears Furniture Outlets are a great locationfor dining room sets that will blend function as well as beauty. From traditional wooden tables to contemporary glass-top designs, there truly is something for every aesthetic. Many come with matching chairs, buffets, or hutches that you can combine fora coordinated look. If you need to watch your wallet, youcan find some sets onsale where the value is hard to beat without skimping on quality.3.Bedroom FurnitureA restful night of sleep begins with proper and appropriate bedroom furniture, and Sears Outlets don’t disappoint with their variety of beds, dressers, and nightstands. You can find options that suit your style, whether you prefer a sleek platform bed or a traditional sleigh bed. The coordinating pieces that come with many bedroom sets, like mirrors and chests of drawers, could make it easier to complete a cohesive retreat.4.MattressesSears is known for having high-quality mattresses, andthe outlets usually have the big brands — Serta, Simmons and Tempur-Pedic — at lower prices. Whether it’s a plush pillow-top for maximum comfort or a firm mattress for back support, you’ll discover several options to fulfill your sleep preferences. Most mattresses have warranties, so you are covered for the long haul.5.Home Office FurnitureWith remote work becoming more widespread, a functional home office is more important than ever. Sears Outlets has the desks, chairs and storage you need to set up a productive work space.These may be ergonomic chairs to keep you comfortable on long work days or desks that allow storage space to keep your work area clean.6.Outdoor FurnitureDurable and stylish furniture for youroutdoor space from patio dining sets to inviting lounge chairs, you’ll find designs built to endure the elements while elevating your outdoor living experience. Most outdoor furniture is constructed of weatherproof materials suchas wicker or metal, which prolong the life of the set and make it very easy to care for.Known for their unbeatable deals on floor models, overstock items and discontinued lines, Sears Furniture Outlets also often offer big savings. That does mean you can snap shop high-end furniture at a fraction of the price. Furthermore, Sears is known for its good customer service, which provides a seamless shopping experience.Finally, Sears Furniture Outlets is a gold mine for anyone looking to furnish their home with stylish, high-quality, and affordable furniture.Whether you’re in the market for a single piece or a complete set, you’ll surely find something that suits your needs and is above your expectations.Exploretheir offering and don't miss out on great deals.