Are you looking for new furniture but don't want to shell out the money now? Well then you might want to check out AMC Liquidators in Ft. Lauderdale. The company buys old hotel furniture and sells it to other hotel or the public in one of it's Ft. Lauderdale stores. They are actually quite successful and that prompted a mention on USA Today's website.

We lucky South Florida residents get to shop through about 1/2 of their inventory in the stores. They claim to discount some items up to 90% off retail...but you have to remember this is used stuff so you need to be a smart shopper. Not only is the price a good reason to check them out, but these types of stores always seem to get new items...so you can become addicted to finding a great deal. Their Las Olas location is more of a 'consignment' shop that contains the more 'high end' merchandise (paintings, etc.). So you can hit both stores and see totally different merchandise.

I haven't made it to either of their two stores yet, but plan on it soon. I'm looking for a new coffee table and haven't been able to find one at a good price. If anyone has made it out to AMC Liquidators yet...leave a comment and let us all know what you thought.

You can check them out on their website too amcliquidators.com.

Locations:
3705 W. Commercial Blvd.
1304 E. Las Olas Blvd.

Delta Airlines announced today that it will soon offer Wi-Fi service in it's planes.  Of course it won't be free, but I really didn't expect it to be.  There will be 2 different prices $9.95 for flights under 3 hours and $12.95 for longer flights.  Not a bad deal.

I was wondering when airlines would start doing this.  With all the advances in cellphones (iPhone for example) and other portable devices...this is a great idea.  On my recent trip to New Orleans, I had a new iPod-Touch on hand...but couldn't access the internet on the plane.  The next item they need to offer is a power source for charging your laptop or iPod.  I'd pay a few bucks to run off of it in flight. 

Oh..I do want to give Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport a big 'thumbs up' for offering FREE Wi-Fi.  Great service that makes the time fly (hee hee) by.  And a 'thumbs down' to Atlanta International Airport.  They offer Wi-Fi, but at a price. 

Ahh...the ever going quest for cheap auto insurance.  I remember many years ago, when I wanted to search for a new auto insurance policy.  It actually was a huge process.  Not only did you have to look up all the offices in the phone book, but you had to call each one and schedule a 'face-to-face' meeting.  The agents even try to 'hard sell' you the policy, which is a pain.  In the end, I ended up staying with my insurance company since it was so much easier. 

Fast forward to 2008 and you have so many tools to find cheap FL insurance and you don't have to leave your home.  Sure, there are a lot of search websites out there, but most are not specializing in one particular state.  I found a great website that allowed me to search for the best price on my new car (I bought a new Mazda 3 about 6 months ago).  The website is easy to use and gives you instant results.  Instant is good.  I hate some of the other sites that make you think you are getting online quotes, but then take your phone number to have an 'agent' call you back.

The site is great if you are planning to relocate to Florida as well.  You enter the zip code of your new city and you get all the insurance companies that offer policies in that area.  How easy is that?  You can research all of the insurance quotes prior to even moving in.  Plus you might even be able to negotiate the premium since you can have multiple quotes on hand allowing you to find cheap FL insurance for your new home.

Give autoinsurance-4u.com a try and you just might find a new insurance company that will help you save some money.  We all need the savings too.

If you are planning that cruise to the Caribbean, that getaway to the Bahamas or Mexico...you better have your passport in hand.  I was lucky and mine only took a little over a month to get, but that all depends on luck and good timing. 

If you've put off applying for one and your trip is closing in, you might want to consider a service that can 'rush' your application through the process.  It's right here in West Palm Beach and has had lots of great reviews.  They even have 'same day' service! 

Check them out by clicking on the button below.

There are so many ways to cook toast and I bet you really never gave it a thought.  It's the kind of think you take for granted until...you are left without power after a hurricane.  Sure you can eat those sandwiches with untoasted bread, but they just are not the same.  I actually remember where I had my first slice of toast after Hurricane Wilma...I know...kind of sad.

Most of us immediately think of a regular 'toaster' for this job.  It works, but why take up counter space with something that has only one real function?  Why not a 'toaster oven'?  They make some great models now that can cook ANYTHING.  There are many types, but I find that the convection toaster ovens work the best.  The one I have actually makes some things much better than my large range.  Another plus is that is uses less electricity which will save you a few bucks.  Lets not forget that down here in Florida, you don't want to heat your house up in the summer with a large range...the toaster oven throws off little heat in comparison.

There are so many models out there, you should do your homework to see which would fit you best.  Toasterovensguide.com can get you started and also explains some of the differences in the models.  It's just an informative site, so you can take what you learn and pick out the best.

The regular one day ticket price at all Disney theme parks will go up to $75 today.  That's up from $71.  Adult ticket prices are for those age 10 and up.  Kids age 3 to 9 will now have to pay $63...well, actually Mom and Dad will be paying.  The "Magic Your Way" multi-day/park tickets also went up, so you should check their website for the new prices.  Oh...and FL residents listen up.  Our prices went up too.  $67.50 is the new one day/one park price. 

I expected this so it wasn't a huge shock.  I'm hearing there has been some drop in attendance, so I'd be on the lookout for some hotel deals.  That's usually the part of the trip they can offer free breakfast, discounts for more nights, etc.

Everyone's been talking about the new original 'miniseries' Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.  The creator Joss Whedon is at the helm of this production and he's created some great TV shows (like Buffy the Vampire Slayer).   This time around his project stars Niel Patrick Harris and is exclusively available on iTunes.  It's very entertaining and spans about 3 episodes.

You don't need an iPod to buy and watch it, since you can watch all items purchased on iTunes on your PC as well.  I figured everyone could use some other kind of entertainment than reality TV this summer and this one won't break the bank or cause you to devote huge amounts of time.

Click on the picture below for more information on this mini-series and also for more iTunes items.

Now that CompUSA has officially been 're-opened' for a few months...we took a trip back into the store on US1 in Ft. Lauderdale.  They renovated the store a bit and changed them all around.  Apple products are no longer offered, but the product base seems about the same.  They do have a lot more LCD TVs to choose from and seem to be going into more of a 'self serve' mode.  The prices seemed to be discounted when compared to other top electronic retailers, but the 'excitement' inside the store is gone.  Maybe it's due to wider isles and lower lighting, I'm not sure.  Maybe it's because everyone thought they were closing for good back when they had their 'Store Closing Sale'. 

I'm wondering if they are going to have the huge Thanksgiving Night Blowout sale again.  Man was that a zoo last year.  I was able to pick up a great LCD Monitor (22" Widescreen) for a great price...and I only had to push a few people out of the way to get it.

If you can't make it to a store to check it out, they do have some great deals online.  Click on the button below and have a look around.  There are a lot of clearance items online and that means low prices.

Wachovia Economists (yup, the bank) said that Florida's economy contracted or shrank from April to June.  That is completely different from the US average which actually posted a small positive number.  The second quarter decline is actually the first for Florida in 16 years.  We didn't really get hit with the last recession (at least 'technically') of 2001.  Did we really need these people to tell us this?

Unemployment is on the rise along with falling real estate prices and record foreclosures spell trouble.  Insurance rates are so much higher than 5 years ago and we all know that gas is ridiculous.  The 'experts' are predicting that Florida won't pull out of this until mid-2009, saying that we are close to the 'bottom' now.

All of this doom and gloom usually feeds the fire though.  Do we really need 'experts' to tell us we are in a recession ...be it 'technically' or not?  Unemployment is bad all over the US and Florida has one huge hang-over from the condo building boom.  That means lots of construction jobs are now gone and many real estate agents are not working.  Retail is getting hammered and there are quite of few companies that have Corporate Offices here...so sure we'd feel the pain.

I often think that people forget what made Florida the hot place to be for so many years.  Not the businesses...but the weather.  Tourism seems to be on the back burner over the past few years and we need to figure out how to get back to the basics....especially at during these tough times.  There aren't as many 'unique' places to visit along the beaches anymore, nor are there good ideas to re-energize beach communities. (Why was Beach Place built anyway? and don't get me started on Riverwalk Las Olas.) 

Things will get better...jobs will be created and the housing market will stabilize.  We will never have the huge gains in property value again...but that's a good thing.  You don't want the housing market to out price it's residents again.  Now it's time to re-think how we spend our money and think about the future as well.  Pay off that credit, shop smarter and get a car with better gas millage. 

I figured it would only be a matter of time.  The one in Ft. Lauderdale on US1 was built maybe 5 years ago, and I've never seen more than a handful of people inside.  I went there twice and the place was dirty and the food was less than ok. 

The parent company - Steak & Ale (hmmm another great place) commented that it's Bennigan's offshoot has filed for bankruptcy.  All stores nationwide closed today.

Another sign of the economy or just 'about time'?  I'm thinking it might be a combo. 

Chili's...you better step your game up.

I just saw a great site if you are planning a road trip.  www.gasbuddy.com lets you check gas prices all over the US so you can plan where to stop for the best prices.  You can drill down by state and city and it actually tells you the prices for gas stations in the area.  Here is your chance to use that new iPhone. 

It's a great tool for everyday use too.  I've added a button on the SideBar...just click and it takes you to the Miami version of GasBuddy.  It will show you ranges with the ability to filter by city (on the right).  Broward cities are included in the pull downs.

I've been working on putting a new blog together that everyone might find interesting and useful.  www.CrazyDollarShopper.com is my way of bringing some everyday price comparisons to the readers.  I take one product and compare the price at a local Dollar Store chain, a Supermarket chain and a Discount Store chain.  It's actually been quite interesting and has opened my eyes.  In today's rising costs, you have to stay on your toes to find the best deal.  Hopefully, I'll make it easier for you.

The site is just getting started and I'd love some feedback.  I also hope that this site will encourage readers to post their own comparison price finds and shopping tips.

Visit www.crazydollarshopper.com and bookmark, subscribe or feed it.  Thanks for everyone's support!

Screenshot of www.crazydollarshopper.com -

I'm a little behind on posting the list...but here it is.  Only 3 Broward County Starbucks stores will be closing as part of their mega store closure movement.  The first one on the list is actually a new store...but the location is horrible.  In my opinion there are way too many Starbucks 'kiosks' everywhere.  It takes away from the quality when you have every dang hotel out there pushing a Starbucks cart and serving below standard product.

Maybe they can begin to make the chain feel more unique and have more variety in the layout and design of it's stores to fit each neighborhood.  We'll see.

Here's the list:
1100 W Broward Blvd - Fort Lauderdale 
3399 N State Rd 7 (Lakes Mall) - Lauderdale Lakes
9439 W Atlantic Blvd (Coral Square Mall) - Pompano Beach

You can also visit the Starbucks website for a complete listing of all closing stores.

We finally have some numbers on the slot machine revenue for the 3 Broward County racinos.  Since the racinos all opened at different times, this is the first opportunity we have to see the data over the period of a full year of operation.  In all the numbers are not what everyone projected...but they aren't too bad either.  It's a shame that the taxes are so high on slot revenue...it inhibits the racinos ability to keep up with the Seminoles.




The Isle @ Pompano Park is in 1st place.  This is actually the nicest of the 3 facilities and has the most 'Vegas' feel.  While the machines are hit and miss for the player (I've won some $70 payouts on the penny machines), they score a win for the state.  The buffet is a great deal as well (join the Players Club for a few bucks off) and you can spend some time just hanging at the cool center bar.
    Total Revenue:    $127.4 Million
    Average per machine per day:    $232




Mardi Gras Casino and Racing is in 2nd place.  This is actually our 'number 2' choice for the 'Vegas' feel.  It's not as 'grand' feeling as the Isle and the food choices are kind of slim.  However, I think I've made more on my visits there.  I don't know if the machines are 'looser' or if I've been luckier.  Many complain that this place is like being in someone's basement (the ceiling is low), but they keep it in good shape.  It's clean and usually pretty busy.
    Total Revenue:    $79.1 Million
    Average per machine per day:    $165




Gulfstream Racing and Casino is in 3rd place.  It's strange that this place is in last.  The 'main' casino room is quite nice and this was the first 'racino' open over a year ago.  Why do I think they haven't been too successful?  The machines are VERY tight and they didn't have many 'penny' slots when they opened.  They now have quite a few true 'penny' slots..but the payout still seems quite stiff.  The food options here are ok...but nothing special.  They have a cool outdoor bar though and they are doing MAJOR construction on the Village at Gulfstream.  It will offer retail, dining and a movie theater.  That's a step in the right direction.  Hopefully once that opens, Gulfstream will continue to do things right.  They ARE OPEN during the renovation.
    Total Revenue:    $39.2 Million
    Average per machine per day:    $121


Total slot revenue of all 3 racinos:    $245.8 Million
State of Florida's share:    $122.9 Million

That's $122.9 million more than we had without slots.

The Isle seems to have taken in as much revenue as the other 2 facilities combined.  That's something they should be proud of since they have some heavy competition with the Seminoles Coconut Creek Casino not too far away.  I think the only way these racinos can continue to grow and succeed is to expand with hotel rooms, shopping and more entertainment.  If you can draw people in for more than just slots, everyone wins.

It's obvious that everyone seems to be going out to dinner a little less to save some money.  Some of my favorite places don't seem to be that busy which has some good and bad points.  I've also noticed many new printed menus at some of these places which means...price increases. 

More and more people are choosing to stay home and get back in the kitchen and it can be a lot of fun.  The biggest problem though is that many people seem to run out of fresh ideas to keep the family happy at dinner time.  It takes a lot of time to plan a meal or look through all those recipes you have in your recipe box or book.  They are usually scattered all around the kitchen in all kinds of drawers and notebooks....even shoved into those old published book books you have laying around.

A friend of mine told me about a website that is actually pretty cool for the home cook.  Heck..it's even kind of cool for that person that doesn't like to cook that much.  Keyingredient.com is actually a place you can share, store and find new recipes.  You can even enter those old family recipes and have them stored on their server so they won't get lost.  Key Ingredients can even take a combination of your recipes and others you find on the site and make a custom cookbook.  That is a great idea for that new home owner or kid off to collage.  You can choose to share or make your recipes private, so you are always in control.

I just thought this site is a great idea and worth a look.  This can become quite a hobby and in the end save you some money by avoiding take-out.

The Wave is the potential new 'electric streetcar' system for Ft. Lauderdale.  Their website is still up and there are some videos you can download to see what it 'could' look like on our streets.  It's pretty cool. 

I can say that we REALLY need something like this here in Ft. Lauderdale.  If New Orleans can keep their running for so long...why can't we start?  Sure...some of the lines wouldn't hold up in a Hurricane...but they can be repaired very easily.  Buses don't work down here and I really think that these street cars would benefit everyone.  They could be built to by-pass some traffic lights that could save everyone time.

Right now...it looks like they are just planning routes around the downtown area and the riverfront.  Great start.  BUT!  They need to plan for expansions or other lines that connect somehow.  One going from the beach to the airport to the port is one example.  Also, one should run along US1 north and south and also have some east and west routes. 

It's time that Florida start to think about other methods of transportation.  These streetcars would cause less pollution, be inexpensive to ride and would free the streets up a bit. 

Check out their website for some information and cool videos.

http://www.ddaftl.org/dtc.asp

The St. Regis Hotel opened a little over a year ago and it's already changing 'brands'.  On August 11th, 2008 it will be rebranded as a Ritz-Carlton.  That actually might be some good news.  Everyone knows Ritz and they have some loyal guests.  This will also be the only Ritz-Carlton in Ft. Lauderdale (all other Ritz South Florida properties are in Miami). 

Some reports state that St. Regis was in some disputes with the actual owners of the hotel while other causes state it was a 'ripple' effect that started with major management changes by Starwood Resorts (I believe they own St. Regis).

I expect there to be little changing in the hotel...and I hear that even the dining options are staying as is.  They are also expecting to keep the 5-star rating.

(Jackson Square / St. Louis Cathedral - French Quarter)


Just got back from a short trip to the 'Big Easy'.  When planning the trip, I decided to try and cash in my Delta frequent flyer miles...since who knows how much longer those programs will be worth anything.  The only route we could find was a trip to New Orleans...a Tuesday returning Saturday.  With the balance on hand, it covered my whole round trip flight, so why not.

I've heard a lot of negative things about New Orleans post Katrina.  Basically, if you stick to the French Quarter and the Riverfront area...you should be fine.  We stayed one block off of Bourbon Street so we were close to everything.  We didn't rent a car and walked everywhere...from our hotel to Harrah's Casino...to almost every street in the 'Quarter'.  We didn't do any of the 'Katrina' tours...didn't really want to see it.  We stuck to our own schedule which was great. 

One thing I was surprised of was the old history in this town.  Some of the buildings date back to the 1700's.  I guess as I get older...I find History more interesting than I did back in school.  Who would have thought.  We hit the museums and got to go into the building where the Louisiana Purchase was signed.  Cool.

I've read how people say Bourbon is stinky and loud and sleazy.  I have to agree...but so are parts of New York City.  The 'smells' on the street were just like walking through NYC in the summer.  Another true statement is the 'anything goes'.  There are LOTS of strip clubs around...so if you don't want to explain to your kids what they are...you might want to stick to the other streets in the Quarter. 

I was kind of disappointed with the food.  You hear how great the food is so maybe my expectations were a big high.  The food really was not that big of a deal.  Although, most restaurants gave HUGE portions and the seafood was a LOT less expensive than here in South Florida. 

With all the history and culture there, I really hope they can continue to rebuild.  The downtown area had a lot of construction going on and you really can't tell a huge storm hit there only a few years ago.  I was happy to see the city and to pump some money into the economy there. 

Oh...and YES Cafe du Monde IS THAT GOOD.  The biegnets (fried French doughnuts) are the best I've had hands down...it's a must stop.

 
(Cafe Du Monde - left   ;   More of Jackson Square - right)

Hey everyone. I'm not in town, but hear that the new D Wade's resaurant in Ft. Lauderdale is closed. I did drive by on Sunday at 2 PM and it was closed. Anyone know for sure? I only went once and the food wasn't very good and the offerings were typical bar food. Guess it's another restaurant casualty. I'll be back from the 'Big Easy' in a few days.

Café Europa has been a staple on Las Olas Blvd. for 18 years and will be missed.  It's not closing due to a slowdown in customers, rise in rent or any reason you might immediately think of in today's wacky economy.  It's actually being closed to make room for the Riverside Hotel's expansion.  The upgrade/expansion of the hotel will take over the space of 8 store fronts.  This has been in the works for quite some time and in a way...it's a good thing to see they are still planning the renovation.

Café Europa's owner, Tony Cupelli, actually moved here from Italy which made a great recipe for authentic Italian food.  He also said that he is in negotiations on another Las Olas location for the restaurant.  If all goes well, the new location might be open early 2009.