Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island Expands Sales Force Adding Two New Sales Managers

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island welcomes Julianne Dirks and Courtenay LaMountain to its sales team at the award-winning property.

In her new role as a sales manager at the resort Dirks will be responsible for booking small meetings, wedding room blocks, golf groups and all government/military groups. Her vast experience in hospitality began seven years ago at The St. Louis Union Station Hotel as a front office agent, rooms controller, and assistant front office manager. Dirks continued her career with Omni Hilton Head Ocean Front Resort as a sales administrator and The Homewood Suites by Hilton North Charleston as an opening sales manager.

LaMountain joins the resort as a senior sales manager where she will handle group sales in the South Carolina market and ConferenceDirect accounts. Her extensive hospitality experience encompasses over 20 years including roles as conference services manager, sales manager and destination sales executive for Westin Hilton Head and a senior sales manager for Sea Pines Resort.

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island seeks team members who will eagerly work to enhance the overall Sonesta experience for guests and associates as well as adopting our core values, “We look forward to Julianne and Courtenay providing our guests with unprecedented customer service,” said Jay Wiendl, general manager of Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. “They both bring tremendous experience in the hospitality industry to our sales force which will enhance our wonderful staff.”

Award-winning Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is a premier destination for getaways, gatherings or business. Recognized among area resorts–Hilton Head and beyond–Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island knows how to cater to individuals, businesses and most notably weddings and events. With 11 beautifully landscaped acres leading up to its seaside courtyard and space for up to 1,100 guests, it is the perfect choice among Hilton Head hotels on the beach to host your event.

To learn more about the hiring of Dirks and LaMountain, or other career opportunities with Sonesta Resorts, please visit www.Sonesta.com/careers or more information on Sonesta visit Sonesta.com/HiltonHeadIsland.

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About Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island 

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is a AAA approved Four Diamond resort offering 340 guestrooms and suites overlooking lushly landscaped semitropical gardens, with spectacular beach and lagoon-style swimming pool. Its first-class amenities include several dining options, health spa, fitness center and lap pool. The resort also features 22,500 square feet of meeting and event space, including a beachfront Pavilion and a 24-hour business center. Complimentary transportation is provided to and from the world-class golf and tennis offerings available within Hilton Head’s Shipyard complex. The resort is situated 45 miles from Savannah, GA, and seven miles from Hilton Head Island airport, in an area surrounded by outdoor recreation, shopping and fine dining.

About Sonesta
Sonesta is a growing, global hospitality brand with more than 80 properties in 7 countries, centered on a corporate dedication to delivering a guest experience that provides more than just a place to stay. With a portfolio of diverse and distinctive properties as individual as its guests, there is no typical Sonesta. With a full range of exceptional experiences found in many of the most memorable destinations in the world, Sonesta proudly exceeds guest’s expectations time and time again.

Discover Royal Sonesta and Sonesta Hotels & Resorts in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Hilton Head Island, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Jose, St. Louis, St. Maarten (2), Chile (2), Colombia (7), Ecuador, Peru (5), and Egypt (3 + 2 cruise ships). Sonesta ES Suites is an extended stay hotel brand managed by Sonesta and can be found in 42 locations near Boston, Atlanta, Baltimore, Burlington, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Columbus, Detroit, Flagstaff, Houston, Memphis, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Orlando, Parsippany, Princeton,Philadelphia, Portland, St. Louis and Tucson. For more about Sonesta, visit Sonesta.com or call +1.617.315.9200 or 800.Sonesta (800.766.3782) in the U.S. and Canada.

NEW ROOM INSPIRED BY THE WILD NATURE OF THE BARBAGIA AREA AVAILABLE AT SU GOLOGONE HOTEL THIS SEASON

Su Gologone, the hotel that embraces Sardinia’s most genuine traditions and culture, reopens with the new Wild Suite – the latest creation of Mrs. Giovanna Palimodde, artist and owner of the hotel.

Inspired by the wild nature of Barbagia – mountain area of inner Sardinia where Su Gologone hotel is located – the new suite is built using locally sourced materials and aims to better engage guests with the wild identity of the Italian island.

The Wild Suite features two big double bedrooms with two bathrooms and a private garden terrace that features a creative and savvy use of paired copper, iron and juniper trunks. Also, both natural and artificial light blend, creating a calming and soft ambiance.

Junipers, prickly pears, mastic, and cork trees decorate the outdoor area, which overlooks the stunning views of the Barbagia Mountains. This area also features a telescope for star gazing, an open-air bed warmed by a firepit, a bespoke sink installed between the branches of a fig tree and an open-air Jacuzzi.
The interior design of the new Wild Suite is also curated by the owner Mrs. Giovanna Palimodde, using fabrics, linen and home décor items that are part of her own Su Gologone Style® collection.

Su Gologone hotel reopens with the new Wild Suite this season with rates starting at €198 per night for double occupancy, bed and breakfast accommodation in a Classic Room.
Rates for the Wild suite starting at €1,480.00 per night, double occupancy, bed and breakfast accommodation.
www.sugologone.it/en

NOTES TO THE EDITOR – About Su Gologone hotel (Oliena, Sardinia, ITALY)
Located in the Oliena region of Sardinia, Su Gologone hotel embraces authentic Sardinian tradition. Each bespoke hotel room embodies Sardinia’s history, embracing the lives and labors of the island’s weavers, nomadic shepherds, and talented artists. Su Gologone experiences include traditional local activities such as art and craft workshops as well as cooking and sampling authentic local cuisine. www.sugologone.it/en

Montgomery Lifts Curtain on Eclectic Summer Events Calendar

With school almost out and summer vacation right around the corner, Montgomery is preparing to welcome more visitors than ever before.  Known for its Southern hospitality and its revitalized downtown, this riverfront capital city was the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and has established itself as a landmark Deep South destination. With the opening of a world-class monument and museum in April, the destination is gearing up to host events to please every kind of visitor over the summer season. While visitors may come to experience the civil rights attractions, there will be plenty of exciting events over the next few months to ensure a fun-filled vacation.

 “From the end of May through the summer we welcome lots of families enjoying their summer vacations, we and expect a huge turnout this year with the opening of the EJI Memorial and Legacy Museum,” shares Vice President of Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Dawn Hathcock. “We’re proud to offer such a diverse selection of events for the upcoming season from culinary-themed festivals to concerts for the entire family.”

Below is an overview of notable upcoming and celebrations in Montgomery:

  • Riverbend Brew Fest, May 18, 2018

Montgomery‘s Annual Riverbend Brewfest features live music, local food vendors and a large selection of local, regional and nationally renowned craft, seasonal, specialty and micro-brewed beers. For more information, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/calendar/event/riverbend-brewfest

  • River Jam, May 18 – 19, 2018

Every May, music lovers converge on downtown Montgomery to attend this free two-day event which showcases over 10 live bands. Concerts take place at Riverfront Amphitheatre and Union Station Train Shed. For more information, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/calendar/event/riverjam-and-riverbend-brewfest

  • Jubilee Pops Concert, May 27, 2018

Join the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra as they kick-off the summer with the Jubilee Pops Concert. This outdoor concert takes place at the Alabama Archives and History Building Lawn in Downtown Montgomery, Alabama and is free and family friendly. For more information, go to http://www.montgomerysymphony.org/pops-concerts/

  • Montgomery Restaurant Week, August 10 – 19, 2018

Coinciding with Alabama Restaurant week, this culinary celebration gives visitors the opportunity to discover new restaurants, dishes, and drinks. Featuring amazing deals at some of Montgomery’s best restaurants.  For more information, go to www.eatmgm.com

  • Buckmasters Expo, August 17 – 19,2018

The Montgomery Convention Center hosts a 3-day expo for the deer hunting industry with over 300 exhibitors from around the country. Kids activities, live concerts, demonstrations and lots of special guests will be featured. For more information, go to http://www.buckmasters.com/Resources/Expo

  • FCS Kickoff, August 25, 2018

The defending Historic Black College and University (HBCU) national champion North Carolina A&T Aggies and the four-time defending Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) champion Jacksonville State Gamecocks will square off in the 2018 Guardian Credit Union FCS Kickoff on Saturday, Aug. 25, at the historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery. For more information, go to https://www.guardiankickoffclassic.com

  • Montgomery Dragon Boat Festival, August 25, 2018

Over 60 teams from Central Alabama and beyond converge on Riverfront Park in downtown Montgomery to compete in this fundraiser which culminates in a dragon boat race. Off the water, browse various goods from local exhibitors and artists. Live music and food from local vendors will also be featured. Don’t miss the 2nd annual Gun Island Chute SUP CUP standup paddleboard competition on the Alabama River! For more information, go to https://montgomerydragonboat.org/

For more information on Montgomery, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/

About Montgomery:

Situated on the banks of the Alabama River, Montgomery is the capital and the second largest city in the state of Alabama. Established in 1819, Montgomery has been the site of major historical events which have shaped the history of the United States. Emerging from its agricultural roots in the 19th century, Montgomery transformed from the Cradle of the Confederacy to the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement in less than a century.

Today, this vibrant river town is experiencing a resurgence which has seen its downtown revitalized and has reestablished itself as a landmark Deep South destination.  Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) offers non-stop flights on Delta Airlines and American Airlines.

For more information, call 334-261-1100 or visit the official website of the Montgomery Convention and Visitor Bureau at http://www.visitingmontgomery.com.  Stay connected with Montgomery on Twitter (@MGMCapitalCool) and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MontgomeryCapitalCool).

Top Travel Tips For Your Summer Holiday This Year

Many of us love the chance to get away on holiday. An opportunity to put the “out of office” on the email, not think about work and just spend quality time with your nearest and dearest. It is such a liberating feeling to head away on your holidays but sometimes we can make a few errors when it comes to booking and actually getting there. Perhaps we get too wrapped up in all of the excitement of it. So I thought I would share with you some of the top travel tips to help you enjoy your summer holiday this year.

Featured Photo from Oprah.com

Choose your destination wisely and budget

One of the first things you need to consider would be where you want to go and what you want to do. A good way to work this out would also be to consider what budget you have. You may want to think about something luxurious and stay in somewhere like the Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club or you might want to think about something a little more local like a camping trip with all the family, or a road trip somewhere new. This can help you to ensure that you can then plan accordingly for the rest of the trip in terms of itinerary and what you have to spend while you are there.

Consider your outfit options instead of packing everything

While packing, instead of putting anything you think you might wear on holiday in your case, consider your outfits instead. Look at what you plan to do while you are there, the potential weather forecast and then work out what you will wear each day and night and what you might need. This is an excellent way of saving in space and weight and could mean taking less luggage away.

Make sure you take care of your skin while away

It is so important to take care of your skin while away on your holiday as the weather can cause sun damage if your skin is not protected with a high UV protection sunscreen. The last thing anyone wants to do on holiday is burn as it can be very uncomfortable. So make sure you pack plenty of skincare and moisturizers so that your skin doesn’t dry up.

Choose comfort over style for shoes

When it comes to your shoes, make sure that you consider comfort over style for most of your options. We can often fail to predict exactly how long we will be walking or be on our feet for while away, especially if your dinner option in a few minutes walk away. Sometimes it is worth comfort to ensure you remain comfortable on holiday.

Make a list of all the tech and gadget type things you want to take

Finally, make a note of what technology you want to take away with you. From an Ipad to a reading kindle, you may want to think about taking a few things with you. But having a list will also ensure that you pack the necessary batteries and chargers so you are not left stuck while away.

I hope that these tips help you when it comes to traveling on your next summer holiday.

Collaborative Post

Bask In The Heaven Of Bali – Tropical Paradise

If you’re looking for new place to visit, you might want to consider taking a trip to the tropical paradise of Bali. One of the benefits of Bali is that it isn’t that expensive. In fact, Indonesia, in general, could be seen as the perfect choice for someone who wants to go to an exotic location but doesn’t have a massive budget to spend. Don’t get the wrong idea here though and don’t let the price tag fool you. It may not break the bank as a holiday destination, but it’s still a stunning place to visit. Here are a few of the things that await you in the beauty of Bali.

Gorgeous Golden Sands

One of the best things about Bali is the beach. Whether you want a relaxing vacation, tanning on the beach or you’re more interested in something a little more active Bali is the perfect place to be. Its golden beaches are like the paradise that you have seen in music videos, on billboards and postcards. When you lie down on the sand, you’ll immediately realize that you are hundreds of miles away from your troubles and stresses.

Of course, Bali is also a beautiful place for swimming in the ocean. With the temperature just right, you can relax on the beach and then head out for a dip in the aquamarine waters.

If you want to explore the area in a different way, consider hiring a boat. You’ll be able to dive off the coast and see wonderful, unique sea creatures.

Explore Nature

Another great thing about Bali is the nature that’s there ready for you to explore. Jungle wildlife surrounds you from every direction. According to https://www.gadventures.com/destinations/asia/indonesia/, one of the best features of Bali is the beautiful scenery. Pack a bag and hike through the trees and you might discover an enchanting waterfall. Or, a monkey hanging from one of the lower branches could greet you. It really is like stepping into a world from an adventure book.

Relax In Paradise

When you have returned from your trip, you will be able to relax in luxury. Have you ever wanted to indulge in an infinity pool? Well, you can in Bali. Lie by the side and gaze out across the ocean that stretches for miles. Or, look at the land below from high above the town. There are some truly incredible places to stay in Bali so don’t miss out on an unforgettable place to retreat.

Indulge In Tropical Dishes

Or how about visiting a place where the food is fresh, fruity and scrumptious. The menus in Bali are mainly based on seafood but you can also get fresh fruit smoothies and fruit on your plate picked fresh that week. It does help make an incredible breakfast to start the day. Of course, you can also learn to make one yourself on http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/.

We hope you see now that Bali has so much to offer you’d be crazy not to visit. And with lower prices than you think, you might be able to go sooner rather than later.

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Pensacola Florida Has Something For All Taste Buds

Buttery, smoky oysters, wood-fired locally caught lionfish and what’s that? A fried green tomato topped with crab meat, bacon and a shallot-champagne vinaigrette? Do we have you drooling yet? Pensacola’s cuisine has a mind of its own combining New Orleans creole flavors with a southern twisted Gulf side experience. Our cuisine is so important to us that we dedicate a whole festival season to it and you’re invited!

It’s a well-kept secret that fall is one of the best times to visit a coastal southern town. With a light breeze in the air, the best sunsets of the year and an eclectic mix of seasonal cuisines and cocktails, Pensacola is sure to be your go-to vacation this fall.

First on the docket is Tastemakers. We know you’ve probably heard of a pub crawl, but a restaurant crawl? Dine your way around the world through downtown Pensacola with dishes such as alligator sausage with watermelon relish, southern fried chicken, Irish boxty’s and so much more. The event passport provides free entry to the afterparty at the famous Seville Quarter, so you won’t want to forget that! If you want to continue around the world, stop in for the Greek Festival. Get your fill of baklava, gyros and dolmathes while vacationing.

Next up is Taste of the Beach. Sip, savor and surf through over 20 Pensacola Beach restaurants offering signature cocktails and dishes right next to the Gulf of Mexico. The festival is free to enter and all dishes are under five dollars! Later in the afternoon, the PensacolaBeach Chefs will take the stage to present live cooking demonstrations. Additionally, the festival will host cooking competitions, live entertainment and kid-friendly activities.

If you haven’t had enough seafood, just wait. The 40th annual Pensacola Seafood Festival kicks off the last weekend in September showcasing the freshest Gulf seafood in the country. Spanning three parks in downtown Pensacola, festival-goers can taste tapas from over 25 vendors, view regional art and bask in coastal ambiance.

For someone with a different palate looking to still enjoy the shoreline, opt for the best barbecue party on the coast at the Pensacola Egg Fest. Situated on top of Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium spanning Pensacola Bay, chefs meet at sunrise to prepare the day’s smoky goodness. Delicious samples to the public begin at 3 p.m. with everything from oysters to brisket to paella and even desserts!

Whether you’re looking for southern fusion or Gulf Coast seafood, Pensacola has options for everyone. Our cuisine is award-winning, according to Southern Living, Florida Travel + Life, Florida Trends Golden Spoon and Business Insider just to name a few. Our standards reflect history and culture dating back over 450 years that visitors are sure to experience the moment it hits their taste buds. We can’t wait for you to join us. For more information, visit www.visitpensacola.com.

About Visit Pensacola

Visit Pensacola is the destination management organization for Escambia County which includes PensacolaPensacola Beach and Perdido Key. With over 450 years of rich history and 18 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordered by the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, visitors from all over the world are lured to our pristine shores every year. Visit Pensacola supports the community vision of tourism by serving as the central body responsible for building tourism as an economic engine for our community through leadership, connection, collaboration and communication.

Summer Travel and Getaway Essentials

The summer months are all about quick weekend getaways, so it’s best to stock up on the perfect travel essentials! Make sure you pack your bags full of Sun Bum and John Frieda and listen to experts like Umbreen Sheikh and Sophia Gushee on how to make the most of you short vacation!

Sun Bum Original Sunscreen 

Bigger isn’t always better, so breeze through security with serious sun protection stowed away in your carry on. Just like the full-sized versions, these cute little sunscreens deliver the same premium, ultra-lightweight formula and irresistible beachy smell.

John Frieda Hot Air Brush

Dry and style your hair in just one step with this multi-tasking hot air brush, newly redesigned with a sleeker, 1” ceramic titanium-coated barrel.
Ask the Experts:
Umbreen Sheikh, Founder of Wink Brow Bar

When grooming at home, it’s alright to tweeze a couple of hairs from the middle of the brow but do not touch any hairs that are in line with the nose. If you take a pen or a stick and put it vertically up against the side of your nose you can see where the brow should start on both sides.

Sophia Gushee, detox and wellness expert and author of A to Z of D-Toxing

•Broad-spectrum, which will guard against both UVA and UVB rays
• Water-resistant
• Safer key ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, preferably without nanoparticles. If they are not available, then select avobenzone at 3 percent.

Looking For Florida’s Best, You’ll Find It In Pensacola

The Pensacola Bay Area continues to prove to be a destination vacation through recent accolades. Known most well for its sugar white beaches, voted to the 10 Best Beaches in Florida by Conde Nast to be exact, the coastal city has established itself as an all-encompassing travel and leisure spot for visitors around the country.

Trips to Discover, an online travel publication that reaches over 7 million people, named the area to the 14 Best Day Trips in the Florida Panhandle and to the 12 Best Florida Summer Vacations on a Budget. The Pensacola Bay Area offers a multitude of activities from exploring the Gulf Islands National Seashore and its majestic forts, learning where Don Tristan de Luna landed and established America’s First Settlement over 450 years ago or enjoying the vibrant cultural scene downtown.

The Pensacola Bay area is known for its fresh Gulf Coast seafood, so well-known that Food Networks “Great American Food Truck Race” and host Tyler Florence stopped in to experience it. Business Insider named Taqueria El Asador, a local taco stand, to the 50 best tacos joint in all of America and Southern Living awarded the Flora-Bama the best bar in the entire state of Florida! Speaking of cocktails, locals favorite and owned by one of Visit Pensacola’s celebrity chefs, Skopelos restaurant has been awarded the 2017 Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator magazine!

As Pensacola gears up for the Fall Festival season, it places a significant emphasis on the culinary scene. We encourage foodies to come and experience a vast variety of tastes including gulf coast seafood, Greek, American street food and so much more. Festival season is the prime time to plan a vacation to the area as the official tourism season has come to a close, rates have declined and the weather is mild. You can easily say this is a locals favorite time of year!

Only in your state again named The National Naval Aviation Museum to the Best Free Activities in Florida and the Historic PensacolaVillage to the 13 Unforgettable Tours in Florida. With over 450 years of rich history, Historic Pensacola is a living laboratory that guides guests through 28 properties that have been fully restored. The village is fully operable and includes daily colonial living history demonstrations. The National Naval Aviation Museum is the world’s largest Naval Aviation museum and features more than 150 restored aircraft’s representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. Spanning 37-acres of ground space and 350,000 square feet of exhibit, the museum is open daily and offers free admission.

The US Navy Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow is currently in the running for USA Today’s Reader’s Choice award for top 10 Best Airshows. Be a part of our next accolade by voting daily, visit http://ow.ly/WNWj30dmkEa.

For more information about Visit Pensacola, call 1-800-874-1234 (toll-free) or go to http://ow.ly/Rga530dxikW.

About Visit Pensacola

Visit Pensacola leads the effort of economic development through tourism in Escambia County. Comprised of over 200-member businesses, VisitPensacola’s mission is to position the Pensacola Bay Area as a premier year-round travel destination through tourism marketing, communications, meetings and conventions, reunions and group tour initiatives. For more information about Visit Pensacola, call 1-800-874-1234 (toll-free) or go to VisitPensacola.com.

WATERFRONT PLACE HOTEL REOPENS AS MORGANTOWN MARRIOTT

Waterfront Place Hotel officially transitioned to Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place at Two Waterfront Place in Morgantown, W. Va on Wednesday, May 17th, 2017.

The newly renovated Morgantown Marriott is conveniently located one mile from West Virginia University and offers an airport shuttle, full-service spa, fitness center, pool, and a full-service Starbucks®, open from 6 am to 6 pm daily. The hotel has 207 guest rooms, consisting of double-queen, king and suites, with both river and city views available.

To ensure a comfortable stay for travelers, all rooms are equipped with complimentary high speed Internet, a desk, a mini refrigerator, a 55” television, and a coffee maker for early risers. Located within the hotel, Morgantown Marriott is home to the Morgantown Event Center, with 18 meeting rooms with more than 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space, perfect for business, weddings, parties and more.

Guests and locals are invited to dine at Bourbon Prime, a new bourbon-inspired, full-service restaurant located at the hotel.  Executive Chef Jeremy Bosley has created a “wild and wonderful” West Virginia experience by consistently offering a menu of locally sourced items, including prime cuts of beef, inventive artisanal cocktails, and fine craft beers. Bourbon Prime is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Founded in 1991 by Navin C. Dimond, Stonebridge Companies is a privately owned, innovative hotel owner, operator and developer headquartered near Denver, Colorado. Its diverse portfolio of properties includes select-service, extended-stay, mid-scale and full-service hotels in markets throughout the U.S. For detailed information, visit http://www.sbcos.com.

Kingsmill Resort Summer Vacation Option

Kingsmill Resort, Greater Williamsburg’s only AAA Four Diamond Condominium Resort on the James River, is pushing forward with its summer agenda of value-driven, fun-filled packages with access and activities that will make that summer vacation great again.

 

©2012 Scott K. Brown Photography, Inc.

The Ultimate Family Fun package includes three nights accommodation in a in condo or guest room, breakfast each morning, and tickets to area attractions, including Water Country USA and Busch Gardens Williamsburg and one-day tickets to Colonial Williamsburg. Complimentary shuttle service to and from Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Colonial Williamsburg is provided by Kingsmill Resort. Complimentary use of bikes, fishing poles, kayaks and tennis court is also included in the Ultimate Family Fun package. With availability from May 26 until Sept. 4, families can also enjoy Kingsmill Resorts’ amenities such as kids camp, lazy river, golf clinics, and indoor/outdoor pools.

The Signature Family Fun package offers plenty of fun for families who crave a great escape. Each registered guest receives complimentary breakfast and a Flex Ticket to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA with complimentary shuttle service to and from the resort. Accommodations feature a resort guest room that can be upgraded to a condo that includes a living room, kitchen and laundry if desired.