Wordless Wednesday - Animal Kingdom

One of the GREATEST places on EARTH to go on vacation is Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I took this picture on the way into the ANIMAL KINGDOM park a few years ago!

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Enjoy your day,

Melissa

Wordless Wednesday - Singer Island, FL

The early morning Sunrise starting the morning for the beach rentals at

the Hilton on Singer Island, FL

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Enjoy the day,

Melissa

Wordless Wedneday - 9/10/08

A few years ago we went back home to visit my family in Kentucky and stopped for a "historical" visit to Abraham Lincoln's birthplace.

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Melissa

Wordless Wednesday - WOW!

This weekend we went away to Sanibel and Captiva Island. While driving around Captiva we saw this house (house just seems too small of a word for this place) being built right on the Gulf! Spectacular, isn't it?

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Enjoy the Journey,

Melissa

Wordless Wednesday - 8/27/08

Inside the St. Augustine Lighthouse

in St. Augustine, FL

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Melissa

Wordless Wednesday - Cat in the Hat

The Cat in the Hat ride at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL

When my kids were younger this used to be one of their favorite rides at Universal Studios...now, that they are older rides like the Hulk and Spiderman are more their speed!

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5 Minutes for Mom!

Melissa

Lookout Mountain, TN

This picture is taken from Lookout Mountain in Tennessee!

(Unfortunately mom and dad weren't with the kids on this trip or I am sure we would have been nervous as all get out while they stood there.)

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Melissa

Wordless Wednesday - The Venetian

The Venetian (Las Vegas)

This picture is from last summer (check the date/time), and even at that time of night is was still 104 degrees, what's up with that?

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Wordless Wednesday - 7/23/08

Last summer we went to The Grand Canyon and to Las Vegas for our vacation...while driving up to the Grand Canyon we pulled over to see "Montezuma's Castle".

Check it out...it is so cool (well...no, not really, it was like 110 degrees that day, we walked by, took pictures, then ran back to the car for the a/c) to see it up close!

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Happy Trails,

Planning

Vitamins for the Mind by Jim Rohn
PLANNING

I find it fascinating that most people plan their vacations with better care than they plan their lives. Perhaps that is because escape is easier than change.

If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they may have planned for you? Not much.

The reason why most people face the future with apprehension instead of anticipation is because they don't have it well designed.

The guy says, "When you work where I work, by the time you get home, it's late. You've got to have a bite to eat, watch a little TV, relax and get to bed. You can't sit up half the night planning, planning, planning." And he's the same guy who is behind on his car payment!
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Vitamins for the Mind is a weekly sampling of original quotes, on a specific topic, taken from The Treasury of Quotes by Jim Rohn (TTOQ). TTOQ, a beautiful, burgundy hardbound book with gold foil lettering, is a collection of over 365 quotes on 60 topics gathered from Jim's personal journals, seminars and books spanning over 39 years. To order the TTOQ by Jim Rohn or Excerpts from TTOQ by Jim Rohn or Brian Tracy, please go to Jim Rohn's Online Catalog

Wordless Wednesday - 7/16/08

My sister just landed in Ireland this morning, so in honor of her DREAM vacation here's a picture of the beautiful Irish coast.

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Make it a Great day!

9-Day Vacation

Just last month we took a 9-day vacation to Orlando and I have had quite a few people ask me how we did it and where did we stay...

Here are a few pictures from the resort we stayed at;

This was our building, we stayed on the 5th floor, so this is from our front balcony.


Here is a picture from the master bedroom...check out that jacuzzi tub!



Here's a picture from the kids suite (not a kids suite as in Nickelodeon Studios, but where the kids stayed).


Here's the view from the porch outside the master suite...that space needle thing is actually Sea World in Orlando and every night there was an AMAZING fireworks show that was clear as day from our porch!

Out at the second pool they have this little walkway that goes out to this cute little gazebo...it makes for a great "thinking" spot.

Here's the main pool, the waterfall is my favorite part!

Here's the view from our chairs...as you can see the storms were blowing in and people were leaving the pool deck quickly.

This is always one of my favorite spots...right next to the waterfall, facing the tower clock, and close to the hot tub!

Loving the Vacation Life,

YTB's Statue of Liberty (update 7/7/08)

If you haven't heard about this yet, check it out...it's only 3 1/2 minutes and well worth your time!

NOW IS THE TIME...

Is that cool or what?

See you at Convention,

Travel Tips & Ideas #2

When going on vacation one of the ways that our family saves some serious money is by going straight to the local grocery store as soon as we unpack. It is the very first thing we do after we get settled into the resort.

We like to stay at the resorts (with a full kitchen) or a hotel that has a mini kitchen in it so we can stock up the refrigerator with family favorites (of course) but also with waters, drinks, and breakfast items.

We have a pre-made grocery list (I know, I know, we are weird that way) that we take with us so that we don't forget the things that we like to have on hand, specifically bottled water, which can cost you up to $2 each at the resort.

We also try to eat breakfast in the room, and more often than not we eat our lunch in the room as well. For four of us to eat breakfast out it will cost us anywhere from $15-20 for a drive through type place and even higher if we go out for a sit down breakfast. Lunch, as you know, tends to be a little more expensive and can run you anywhere from $20-30 for drive through, and up to $50 for a sit down lunch (for four).

The main thing is to get things at the grocery that can keep while you are there, that can be used for multiple meals/snacks, and that make you happy.

Our last vacation was 9-days at a resort in Orlando, we went to the grocery and picked up $150 worth of groceries (I have two teenage sons), but it lasted us all 9-days and we didn't have a lot left over. The bonus is that we ate breakfast (let's say $15/per day for 9 days would have cost us $135) and lunch (let's say $20/per day for 9 days would have cost us $180) at the resort every day and so even though we spent $150 for the groceries, we saved $165 on meals. Just by going to the grocery! Now that's what I call a money saving opportunity!

Happy Traveling,

PS - If you have any money saving traveling tips please email me at Mashburn Travel and I'll share them with everyone in another Travel Tips & Ideas post.

Wordless Wednesday - 7/9/08

Think Vacation, Think Bora-Bora, Think "RIGHT NOW would be nice!"

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Relaxing,

Vitamins for the Mind by Jim Rohn

Perseverance/Persistence

It takes time to build a corporate work of art. It takes time to build a life. And it takes time to develop and grow. So give yourself, your enterprise, and your family the time they deserve and the time they require.

Americans are incredibly impatient. Someone once said that the shortest period of time in America is the time between when the light turns green and when you hear the first horn honk.

The twin killers of success are impatience and greed.

How long should you try? Until.

Some people plant in the spring and leave in the summer. If you've signed up for a season, see it through. You don't have to stay forever, but at least stay until you see it through.
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Vitamins for the Mind is a weekly sampling of original quotes, on a specific topic, taken from The Treasury of Quotes by Jim Rohn (TTOQ). TTOQ, a beautiful, burgundy hardbound book with gold foil lettering, is a collection of over 365 quotes on 60 topics gathered from Jim's personal journals, seminars and books spanning over 39 years. To order the TTOQ by Jim Rohn or Excerpts from TTOQ by Jim Rohn or Brian Tracy, please go to Jim Rohn's Online Catalog

Happy 4th of July

From our family to yours...Happy 4th of July!

Celebrating America Together,

Wordless Wednesday - 7/2/08

Universal Studios Orlando newest attraction - The Simpons "Krustyland" - just opened this summer!

If you've ever been to this theme park you'll know that this was formerly the "Back to the Future" ride and is actually set up the same way and same type of ride on the inside...so if you get motion sickness, beware!

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5 Minutes for Mom!

Back from Vacation,

YTB is reaching towards #1

YTB Ranked #26 In Travel Weekly Power List! Not Bad considering 5 years ago no one even knew who we were.

While we know that most of the BIG NEWS is being saved for the National Convention in August the Travel Weekly Power List is out and YTB is Ranked #26 overall, and tied for the LARGEST GAIN of everyone on the Power list with $414.5 Million in Travel Sales.

Watch us continue to grow...why don't you come and join us?

Travel Tips & Ideas #1

Travel Within Your State

With the economy like it is right now and gas prices on the rise one way you can save money this summer season is to TRAVEL WITHIN YOUR STATE.

Every state/location has some fascinating adventures within hours of you. Do a little research online to find interesting facts, tours, and activities for you and your family.

Each and every state has a web page that has a link for “tourist activities” or a “things to do” section. Click away and find new things to explore.

We like to get away from where we live, but most of the time we only travel between 2-5 hours to go to our destinations. This saves on gas, travel time, and also allows us to show the kids cool and exciting things in our beautiful state.

It is a great way to show your family that time away is important, and also allows you to be creative about what you are doing. Go to some parks, beaches, outdoor adventures, historical monuments, and other points of interest.

Getting away doesn’t always mean traveling long distances…sometimes the best get-aways are in your own neck of the woods.

Check back every week as we seek out some new Travel Tips and Ideas here in Mel’s World Travel Biz.

If you have any great travel tips or ideas that you would like to share with us drop a comment here or send me an email at mashburntravel@bellsouth.net and we see how you were creative with your travel adventures.

Enjoy the Journey,

If you are looking to book your Summer Travel click on Mashburn Travel to go directly to our booking engine...check it out and see if we can save you the most money this summer!

Wordless Wednesday - 6/25/08

Enjoying a Sunset on Marco Island Beach, FL...what could be sweeter?

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Enjoy,

How to Add Value to Others

Every day I read a daily devotional from John Maxwell (Leadership Guru) called "Leadership Promised for Every Day". This one was too good not to share...I truly believe that if we are going to grow our at home businesses that we should also grow as leaders. So, here goes...

"And Jesus went about all Galilee, taching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people."

~ Matthew 4:23

When people think about you, do they say to themselves, "My life is better because of that person?" Their response probably answers the question of whether you are adding value to them. To succeed personally, you must try to help others. That's why Zig Ziglar says, "You can get everything in life you want if you help enough people get what they want." How do you do that? How can you turn your focus from yourself and start adding value to others? You can do it by:

1. Putting others first in your thinking.

2. Finding out what others need.

3. Meeting that need with excellence and generosity.

(Failing Forward)

I'm Ready to Be There for YOU,

Wordless Wednesday - 6/18/08

Here's the view from my chair on Marco Island as the sun begins to set!

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Vitamins for the Mind by Jim Rohn

RESULTS

At the end of each day, you should play back the tapes of your performance. The results should either applaud you or prod you.

The greatest form of maturity is at harvest time. This is when we must learn how to reap without complaint if the amounts are small and how to reap without apology if the amounts are big.

Life asks us to make measurable progress in reasonable time. That's why they make those fourth grade chairs so small – so you won't fit in them at age twenty-five!

There are some things you don't have to know how it works - only that it works. While some people are studying the roots, others are picking the fruit. It just depends on which end of this you want to get in on.

Vitamins for the Mind is a weekly sampling of original quotes, on a specific topic, taken from The Treasury of Quotes by Jim Rohn (TTOQ). TTOQ, a beautiful, burgundy hardbound book with gold foil lettering, is a collection of over 365 quotes on 60 topics gathered from Jim's personal journals, seminars and books spanning over 39 years. To order the TTOQ by Jim Rohn or Excerpts from TTOQ by Jim Rohn or Brian Tracy, please go to Jim Rohn's Online Catalog

Get the RESULTS you want!,

Why this is Right for YOU!

Sit down, grab a cup of coffee, get your journal and pen handy, and check out this video about "Why this business is RIGHT for YOU!!".



Let me ask you a question...What are you waiting for? Now is the time!

Email me (click here) and let me show you what do to get your business started TODAY (yep, your web site is up and running in 5 minutes, really!)

I can't wait to hear from you,

Wordless Wednesday 6/11/08

Casa Ybel, Sanibel Island, FL - our FAVORITE place to stay on the FL West Coast!

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Take Two Minutes to Watch This...

Take TWO minutes out of your day and watch this video!

This is why I do what I do...I would love to tell you all about it too!



Enjoy the Journey,

Rich Dad's 8 Core Values for Success

Robert Kiyosaki, author of the best-selling Rich Dad, Poor Dad series, shares tips for getting ahead in business.

1 - Find equal opportunities. Don't be a victim of the survival-of-the-fittest technique. Make yourself marketable.

2 - Get a life-changing business education. Feed your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. No, this doesn't necessarily mean sitting in a college classroom. Get an education from life.

3 - Latch onto friends who will pull you up, not push you down. Protect yourself from negative influences.

4 - Find value in your network. The more people you can meet in business, the better.

5 - Develop your most important business skill. Communicate, communicate and communicate.

6 - Be a leader. Influence others by being a great teacher.

7 - Don't work just for money. Work to build wealth, not money. Invest.

8 - Live your dreams. First of all, make sure you have dreams. Then make them a reality. You can be a successful businessperson and still make your dreams come true.

YTB International (YTBLA) Approved for Trading on OTCBB

WOOD RIVER, Ill., April 17 --YTB International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: YTBLA) ("YTB" or the "Company"), a provider of Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Canada, today announced that its Class A Common Stock has been approved for quotation on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (the "OTCBB"). All existing market makers will move to the OTCBB within the next 30 days. The Company's Class A Common Stock will continue to be quoted under the ticker symbol "YTBLA."


YTB is a leader in the travel services business and has operated in the travel services industry for 25 years. The Company recently reported its third consecutive quarter of profitability, with total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007 increasing by 177% to $141.3 million, compared to $50.9 million for the previous year.


The OTCBB provides access to more than 3,300 securities, includes more than 230 participating market makers, and electronically transmits real-time quote, price, and volume information in domestic securities, foreign securities and ADRs.


"We are excited that the Bulletin Board has agreed to quote our Class A Common Stock, as it confirms that YTB International meets the strict filing and disclosure regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission," stated Scott Tomer, Chief Executive Officer of YTB.



"Quoting our stock on the Bulletin Board dramatically increases the number of investors that can freely trade our stock. We believe that this will help to increase the liquidity and visibility of our stock in the financial markets."


About YTB International
Recognized as the 35th largest seller of travel in the U.S. in 2006 by Travel Weekly, YTB International, Inc. provides Internet-based travel booking services for home-based independent representatives in the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.

Wordless Wednesday 6/4/08

I want to be here, right now!!!

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