What to Do in Interlaken

For some of the most beautiful views in the region, holiday-makers and hikers alike have visited the striking mountains of Bern Canton for years. The quaint and lively town nestled within the mountainsis often a main port of call.

JungfrauMountain, Switzerland Photo Credit

On the edge of Jungfrau Mountain,Interlaken isn’t increasingly becoming popular among tourists who want something more from their skiing holiday.

As experts in the travel field who know this area inside out, Inghams travel reps Liz and Mike Cakebread know everything holidays need to know about thiscosmopolitan town.

The basics

As it’s not too far from the Swiss capital,it’s really not that difficult to get here.  Situated between the two lakes of Brienz and Thun, it’s got plenty of life and offers plenty of mountain and boat excursions.

In fact, the name Interlaken comes from the Latin word interlacus – meaning land between two lakes. Liz and Mike Cakebread are happy to dish out some suggestions regarding what to do while staying at one of the area’s hotels.

Boatingwonders

 One recommendation is to enjoy the nearby lakes by boat. Lake Brienz’s crystalline emerald green waters are best enjoyed ona lazy cruise, and can take you to see the Giessback Waterfalls.

It’s also recommended to see the woodcarving village of Brienz, where the woodcarving museum is full of delights and wonder. Continuing on beyond Brienz will lead you to Ballenberg, an open-air museum which showcases the best of architecture in the country.

Revolutions

For a bite to eat with a difference, you can’t get much quirkier than the revolving restaurant Schilthorn. Most famous for featuring in the James Bond flick OnHer Majesty’s Secret Service, it even offers a ‘James Bond Brekkie Buffet’in homage to the film.

                                            007was Partially shot in Switzerland Photo Credit 

Before returning to Interlaken, take a stroll in the village of Murren and enjoy the charming Swiss chalets and mountain huts.

Jungfraujoch

Standing at 11,333ft above sea level, the Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe. Once you’re up at the highest point, you can enjoy skiing and husky rides atop the Aletschgletcher,the longest glacier in Europe.

Whether you choose to follow all of the Cakebreads’advice or not, a stay at Interlaken promises to be full of beautiful views,great views and some truly unique experiences.

Liz & Mike Cakebread – Zermatt & Interlaken Liz & Mike are very knowledgeable Inghams resort reps, having travelled and worked in number of resorts around the world. Their favourite resorts include Zermatt & Interlaken where they have worked for 2 decades. In winter their favourite place to be is Whistler Canada, where they have enjoyed the ski lifestyle for the past 15 years.

Food Network Star returns for a ninth season

I love to watch Food Network. I have watched it pretty much since we have had it. I remember how excited I was when I first learned about it. When I was younger I used to have my own cooking show every time I would cook or bake, which was all the time.  So, naturally Food Network was something I was very interested in.  I remember that I watched Food Network all the time. I didn’t really watch anything else. I love watching other people cook.  I spent a lot of my pregnancy watching Food Network while I was on bed rest too.  I knew if I turned on Food Network there was always something entertaining to watch.

My family likes to watch  Food Network Star. We have been watching it from the beginning.  Just like any competition show, you have your favorites. You also have the ones who you wish would leave.  These people become like your friends. Sometimes you end up getting just as emotional as the contestants. Only one time, has my favorite ended up winning.  I end up being very happy with the winner though.  I used to dream of having my own cooking show. I actually thought about trying to be a contestant. I decided my palate is probably too boring. I wouldn't be able to make exotic dishes like they make.  It's fun to see all the work that goes in to it. I love to watch them grow and see all their different styles.  I love their personal stories, and who their influences are.  I know that some of my favorite dishes to make are inspired by family.  My favorite part is watching the winner go from an unknown chef to a star. I love watching their new show and know that their dream has come true. Some people forget that Guy Fieri got his start on Food Network star, and he is huge. He has so many different shows, products and even has his own brand of meat!  It is really exciting I am so happy that they are doing another season of it.  I know that when I start seeing the commercials it is a sign that summer is coming.

Food Network’s long-running competition series Food Network Star returns for a ninth season this summer with fresh talent, intense challenges, and culinary icons Alton Brown, Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay leading the charge to discover the best and brightest new faces in food television. In the one-hour season premiere on Sunday, June 2nd at 9pm ET/PT, the twelve contestants arrive in Los Angeles, ready to kick off the biggest audition of their lives to find out who has the personality, on-camera charisma and kitchen chops to follow in their idols’ footsteps and helm their own show. In new twists, focus groups of Food Network fans will also have their say on contestant performances and one finalist will be brought back after elimination for another chance at victory. Viewers will again be able to vote online or via phone before the August 11th finale to determine who will win the ultimate prize: their own show on Food Network.

I hope you will check it out. I really enjoy it. 

Do you like to watch Food Network star? 

I am working with Food Network on this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

He is Growing Up So Fast

I only have one child. He is six and a half. He is really growing up. I knew this would happen, but it's happening so fast. Time is flying by like the wind. I am cherishing every day and every moment. It all started when he told me to stop calling him baby. No matter how many times I say that I am not calling him a baby that wears a diaper. I am calling him baby like honey or sweetie.  It doesn't matter, he doesn't like it.  I have been working on it but its hard.

Noah has started giving himself his own baths. I am in the room of course but he doesn't want any help. I let him do it, but help to get the extra shampoo out.  We had a conversation about how I can't give him baths anymore. I wanted to cry. It was definitely a bittersweet moment. I am happy that he is independent and confident. I am a little sad because he's no longer that little boy. I am crying while writing this.

He has started telling me to stop babying him. I am his mom, I want to help him but I guess I need to wait to be asked.  He always thinks its amazing when I read his mind. When I know what he wants. I just smile and say because I am your mom.  I know what you are thinking. 

He no longer watches Sprout. This past Christmas, there wasn't a Caillou Holiday Movie marathon. I no longer hear Chica's squeak. I look forward to all the awesome things to come. I'm just gonna miss things that he used to do.

We will Miss you Lexy.

A couple days ago, we noticed our kitty Lexy was not acting like her self. She wasn't in pain, but was very lazy. That's not normally like her. She hid for the first time in a long time. It took us twenty minutes to find her under a bed. There is a lot of stuff being stored under there. She was almost twenty years old. My sister and I both got kittens when I was 11. Lucy was "mine" but I loved them both equally. Lucy and Lexy lived with me. When Lucy died it was heartbreaking.

Lexy passed away on April 19th sometime in the early morning.  She died peacefully. We are all heartbroken and so sad. She has been in our family for a long time. Noah is heartbroken.  I hated having to tell him. I didn't tell him before school, he didn't ask or I would have.  I knew it would be hard for him to go to school knowing. They were throwing water balloons at the principal for doing their homework over spring break.  When Noah came home he noticed that the litter box was gone. He asked where it was. I sat him down and broke the bad news to him. I held him while we both cried. He said I am glad that Lexy gets to go to heaven and she gets to see Lucy but I am so sad because I miss her and I won't get to see her again.  It is weird not having any pets after 19 years. It becomes routine and you love them so much. 

Both Lucy and Lexy are and were extremely loved. They were good and sweet cats that lived long lives.  We miss them terribly.

Now to pick up the pieces of our broken hearts.....

Watching Old Movies

As you probably know I am a huge movie junkie. My mom isn't really in to watching movies. I have been able to coax her in to watching an occasional movie with me. Most Saturday nights we watch Law and Order on Netflix. We went to the library and I checked out some DVDs to watch. I asked my mom if she wanted to watch Strangers on a Train with me. She agreed. We have watched a couple other black and white movies together. I have wanted to watch Strangers on a Train since I saw an episode of NCIS where DiNozzo talks about it. I of course mentioned it to my mom.

We watched it and it was a great movie. I admittedly was a little scared. We decided we would watch all the Hitchcock movies we could together. Aunt Clara from Bewitched is in it. So is Alfred Hitchcock's daughter, who I decided is a red head. For some reason both my mom and I were both laughing uncontrollably during the most intense scene in the movie. I couldn't stop. I was laughing so hard I was bawling. I also snorted a few times I am sure. I really needed to laugh and for some reason we picked the climax to do so.

After the movie, I turned on NCIS and it was the episode where they talk about Strangers on a Train. I thought that was pretty weird.

Do you like black and white movies? Have you seen Strangers on a Train? What did you think of it?

A Special Sheilacakes Annoucement

I am excited to announce that I am now available for press trips and brand trips. Since I am a single mom, it was hard to be able to be available for these trips. Now that Noah is in school, I am able attend without any hassles or asking my mom to take off time from work. I thankfully have options for after school care too. 

I would love to represent your brand and learn more about your company. I feel that I am a great candidate because I am a very passionate person and I have great ideas. I would love to share my thoughts with you in a face to face setting. I would love to get in there and see how things are done. I feel that once you experience being in the heart of a company you truly can relate and understand all the hard work that they do. It makes it more personal. I would love to have my voice and my readers voices heard. I feel like I not only represent Sheilacakes, but I also represent my readers and moms everywhere. I would love to open up a dialogue with you.

I also love to travel. It is one of my greatest passions. I am the go to person when it comes to sharing the best places to visit or stay. I think of every trip as an adventure and a chance to experience a new place and culture. Even in the US each state and region is different and I believe you don't have to go to an exotic place to have a great time. Some of my favorite vacations are random places my family has decided to visit.  I am a very family oriented person, my son loves to travel too. He went on his first vacation when he was two months old. I would love to check out some great places to take family. I am a single mom so vacations for my family have to be affordable and lots of fun. I know that having both of those elements can be kind of tricky.  I am also a big advocate that every mom needs mommy time or should go on kid free trips with her friends. It replenishes us, makes us once again ready for motherhood.  So, if you are looking for a traveling mom blogger to check out your hotel, location or city  I  would love to help.

I would love to discuss opportunities that we can work together further. I look forward to hearing from you.

Health Benefits of Cetyl Myristoleate and Flexcin's Load-Up Formula

Unfortunately there are grandparents who aren't enjoying their "golden years" as much as they had hoped. Grandparents of any age may suffer from joint pain associated with arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia that restricts them from enjoying normal every day activities. Just getting up in the morning can be a chore, especially if you have pain in your knees, shoulders, wrists, hips and other joints. Did you know that joint pain can be reduced by taking Flexcin's Load-up Formula? It is an all natural product that's clinically proven to reduce joint pain and stiffness, allowing you to enjoy life like you did before the days of arthritic pain.

Grandparents Can Once Again Enjoy an Active Lifestyle!

Do you dream of taking your grandchildren to the beach, to the park or the zoo but it hurts too much to even drive the car? Flexcin's Load-Up Formula can help lubricate stiff joints, it can reduce pain and swelling in your joints. It can give your body the relief it needs to enjoy those precious moments with the grandkids. It takes a while to get into your system, but don't give up. Use it as directed and you will see that your joints aren't as stiff and painful as they once were.

All Natural Ingredients in Flexcin's Load-Up Formula

Flexcin International is a United States based company located in Cape Coral, Florida. After years of testing, scientists found that cetyl myristoleate worked to relieve pain and inflammation in the joints. With a variety of ingredients in Flexcin's Load-Up Formula, including CM8 (cetyl myristoleate), hydrolyzed Collagen Type II, glucosamine, potassium, MSM complex and a blend of enzymes, PLUS vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin C, manganese, zinc, copper, boron and bromelain, they found that this all natural product works! It lubricates the joints, decreases inflammation to reduce joint pain and regulates the immune system.

Benefits of Cetyl Myristoleate and Flexcin's Load-Up Formula

Grandparents around the world experience pain in their joints caused by inflammation. Flexcin's Load-Up Formula helps to prevent any further damage to the joints. It stimulates joint lubrication in order to increase the level of mobility and it also helps to repair cartilage between the joints. If you don't find relief from arthritis joint pain after taking Flexcin's Load-Up Formula, the company will give you a refund, so Flexcin is guaranteed to help. Each ingredient in Flexcin is natural, so it's good for your body!

Flexcin's Load-Up Formula is an all natural healthy supplement that has been manufactured by FDA guidelines. Scientists found that cetyl myristolease complex does help to relieve joint pain and stiffness that restricts us from enjoying normal everyday activities. If you find yourself staying at home, not enjoying the precious years with your grandchildren, then try Flexcin's Load-Up Formula.

Links to Learn More about Cetyl Myristoleate and Flexcin's Load-Up Formula:

Cetyl Myristoleate

Arthritis Joint Pain

Make Custom Canvas Prints with SnapBox

I have a confession. I have been living in Florida since July and I have yet to hang up any pictures. I can't believe I haven't done it yet. I keep eying the canvas prints that everyone seems to have. I think they are really cool. I also take a lot of pictures on my iPhone because I don't go anywhere without my phone. I have a few really amazing pictures of Noah that I would absolutely love to make in to canvas prints. Canvas prints are so cool because they are different than just framed photos. I had looked in to a couple different websites in the past but never actually ordered something. They seem to be so expensive and since I am a mom on a budget I need something affordable.I had the opportunity to check a service called SnapBox. SnapBox is really cool because you can use it to order canvas prints from your phone. My computer is kind of old and slow so I spend a lot of time on my phone. I love that SnapBox is do easy that I can lie in bed or be out and order. I can also use those perfect moments where Noah is doing something cool.

We do a lot of stuff on the fly and I don't always bring along my camera. You can also send the photo from your computer or Instagram. As I said before price is very important to me, you can get a museum quality print for affordable prices. You can't even get dinner for ten dollars now. I love how easy SnapBox is, it is a snap. You can also choose from five different sizes. Snap the photo, order the canvas print and have it in several days. The canvas prints also come in high quality frames. The fact that it comes in a frame help protects the print and makes hanging a breeze.

You can either order from SnapBox on their website or through email.

To get started using SnapBox, here are the easy steps:

 *Email a photo to SnapBox@SnapBoxez.com –put whatever you want in subject line, e.g. photo for Lisa (you can send a photo from your smartphone, Instagram or from your computer.)

 *You will receive an email back from SnapBox with an ordering form that you click on to select your preferred size.(Also, make sure to add SnapBox@SnapBoxez to your contacts so it doesn’t get stuck in your spam folder.)

*Add it to the cart and you are ready for checkout.

 I love to look at people's photos in their homes. Let your memories last for a lifetime with a beautiful canvas print from SnapBox.

The Christmas Web Spring Sale

Christmas is probably my favorite holiday. I love everything about it, especially decorating the tree and the house. I go all out when I decorate. I put out things I had when I was young.  The two white Bears always come out. I also put out different Santas and my Lambchop  Angel.  Christmas would not be Christmas without them.  I am always looking for new decorations and ornaments. This past Christmas Noah made me a hand print wreath that I told him would go up every year. He also made my mom a Happy Holidays rug that will be out too. I know that it is spring and Christmas is merely a memory now, but it is never too early to be thinking about next Christmas.  I pick up stuff for Christmas all year long. While I don’t have my tree up anymore or the wreath on my door, I still like to hunt for things to add to my collection. When we went on the Disney Cruise, I bought my mom an ornament made out of shells and that was in September. We went to the Shell Show again this year and almost bought some ornaments.  

 I really enjoy buying things from specialty stores for Christmas vs. big name stores. I feel like specialty stores really know what they are doing and you can find unique items that aren’t available at like Walmart.   I am looking for quality stuff because I know that I will be using for many years. I am also really big on traditions.  Every year we have always made certain goodies for Christmas.  I now make the same recipes with Noah. I have a recipe that was in a magazine in 1982.  We also always read The Night Before Christmas. I love our traditions but I am looking for new traditions to start too.  I learned about an awesome tradition called The Christmas Web- A Family Tradition.  They were only able to ship in Birmingham Alabama in 2012 but now are able to ship nationally.  The Christmas Web is having a Spring Sale in honor of this exciting news!   

The Magic Wand that is spun by the Elves at the North Pole to spin a web of Christmas Cheer. I can see Noah now, trying to fish for elves on Christmas morning.  It is a really cool concept. It has 70 yards of yarn to lead you to that special gift that you really want.  Like I said before Noah loves to fish so I can see him pretending to fish for his present or have me “fish” for mine.  You can buy The Magic Wand for $10.99

 The Christmas Web offers two different products that I have never heard of.  The Christmas Web also sells a gift set. This would be great for families with more than one child because it comes with three wands.  It also comes with a 52 page hardcover book that tells you and your children how the Christmas Web was created.  You can also access a special website where you can get updates from Santa and your elves all year long.  I think that Noah would like the gift set because he can know why he has The Magic Wand and what powers it has.  I am sure he would read the book over and over.   The gift set is $39.99.

 You can order both items from The Christmas Web. If you use the code SALE in the promo code box you can save 25% of your order.

Check them out and lets all make some new Christmas traditions that can be passed on for generations to come.