The Bahamas - a Caribbean jewel

Autumn is my favorite time of year. I'm always ready for an excuse to get away from the rat race and an excuse to relax at the beach. The Bahamas is on my wish list of places to visit.

This Caribbean gem is known for spectacular beaches and clear, turquoise waters. Just off the coast of Florida, 700 islands make up this magical paradise. If you're looking for a laid-back environment, tropical accommodations and charm galore, you'll find a variety of vacation resorts that fit the bill.

Pick an affordable, Bahamas all-inclusive package that covers all your meals, drinks, entertainment, and elegant accommodations. Enjoy the land and water sports, professional instruction included. The nightlife is second to none. Don't miss Nassau and its fabulous Cable Beach. Nassau is the place to go to experience the Bahamas -- and the Caribbean -- at its best.

The Chair Test

You Are Intense and Brilliant

You're the type of person who can sit all day reading a very difficult and complex book. You can get lost in a world of ideas. The more nuanced and complicated, the better. You give a first impression of being totally uninterested in the world. In truth, some aspects of the world interest you immensely. You are an armchair scholar. You study certain topics deeply until you understand them better than most professors.

Take the Chair Test

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

Making the case for satellite television

August brought two major changes to my life. I got married, and I moved from the plains of the Midwest to the California's High Desert. Talk about life-altering moments!

My husband and I have many things in common. We enjoy many of the same television shows on Direct TV. Both of us are “Law and Order” and “CSI” junkies, so it’s nice to relax on the weekend with someone who’s into murder, mayhem, and quirky characters. For my guy, it’s also important to follow local news. He especially likes to keep up with the latest on the wildfires. On Directv, tuning into local channels is a cinch.

Watching local news is a great way for me to get familiar with the Golden State, especially the Los Angeles area. Learning more about Direct TV in California is easy. This satellite provider prides itself with an excellent signal, the best in HD programming, and a great line-up of premium offerings. Another feature, NFL Sunday Ticket, is a favorite of many sports lovers.

A Direct TV feature I love is the free DVR (digital video recorder). Hubby hasn’t been utilizing this service, but his better half is about the change that! I keep a pretty busy schedule and have no intention of missing my favorite cop shows.

Like me, my guy kicked cable to the curb more than a year ago. Both of us took an instant liking to satellite television, which, when compared to cable, offers more TV for less money. It’s an offer neither of us could refuse.