The Hotel Review for the Hotel Alexis in Seattle.

My visit for our part two of our mini vacation in down town Seattle was another stay at a Kimpton property!  One of three in the down town area.  What a treat it was for us to be able to stay at  the Alexis,  that was recently named one of  Travel + Leisure's "Best 500 Hotels in the World" list.  A wonderful accomplishment that just stepping into the lobby you can feel and 
know why right away. 

Going to The Alexis during the holiday season, we were able to enjoy the extra lights, and all the extra touches that they put out for their guests, beautiful decorated trees & gingerbread villages make the lobby and hotel seem to sparkle even more!  Who would have thought that would even be able to be done? Then with the morning coffee that they have in the lobby they add Chai for the pour souls in Seattle like me that don't like Coffee! ( unless it is an extra extra white Chocolate Mocha!) Lord help me if I can taste the coffee....

A living and breathing work of art the Alexis which was recently renovated, is deemed a luxury boutique hotel that is fully committed to the arts community. Being a hot hotel it's so  Unique by displaying original pieces throughout the richly decorated guestrooms and public spaces. They make sure that each hotel visitor is truly going to enjoy every single hand picked artwork & the pieces that showcase the diversity and culture distinctive to the Pacific Northwest. 

While on our stay the Alexis had a few different events going on, the first was the The Alexis "Art Walk" which features art exhibits by local artists. The exhibit rotates every quarter and features various artwork.  In addition to the "Art Walk", the quarterly exhibitions feature works in the Gallery room as well as the Hotel Lobby,  The concept of a rotating art exhibit is beyond brilliant and can be found throughout the public spaces and along the "Art Walk," a hallway dedicated to fine art. This is highly popular with the locals and is known in the community for its exhibits. This Hotel takes this to heart proudly remembering that they are as much a staple in the community as the Pike Market & the Spaceneedle!  They always take extra time to put the Seattle community first! 

Speaking of "Art" the package that we got was the Picasso is coming to Seattle! Enjoy this landmark exhibit, Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris, with a special experience from the Alexis Hotel:

    * Deluxe accommodations

    * Two VIP tickets to the Picasso exhibit at the nearby Seattle Art Museum

    * 2 cocktails at the Bookstore Bar, inspired by the Picasso exhibit (non-alcoholic drinks available for children)

    * Chef Tiffany's 'Bleu Fries' (in honor of his blue period)

    * Complimentary keepsake poster from the Seattle Art Museum

*offer valid October 8, 2010 – January 17, 2011

 All packages include:

    * Hosted evening wine reception in the hotel's lobby

    * Morning coffee service

    * Choice of daily local or national newspaper

    * Plush terrycloth robes for use while in the hotel

    * Use of private steam room and fitness facility

    * Evening turndown service (upon request)

    * Shoeshine service

    * Concierge service

The front desk gave us our two tickets and with  our hotel umbrella & we bundled up & headed out to make it to the SAM. To see the artwork, home video's, hear the commentary and see the  photo's of Picasso was one of the biggest highlights of my entire life. Truly able to learn all of his lovers, children, & why his art changed to display his feelings. If you don't see this you will be sadly missing out.  Paring this and the hotel is simply the greatest package I have yet to see at any hotel I have seen!

Our room was so beautiful! Breathe taking to be truthful. A non-smoking room (All rooms are non-smoking) A king size bed with butter soft egyptian cotton linens & goose down comforters, two side tables, a lovely stand up shower with marble accents & premium bath amenities, that make you feel like you are home like the lovely terrycloth bathrobes or the hairdryer. Also I didn't remember my straight iron for my hair that night and they sent one right up! What a girls needs in Seattle rain!  It is so nice to stay at a hotel that remembers everything even the things you don't think of.  Another nice touch that they do per-request is their Turndown service with chocolates and daily weather report. 

There were two Flat panel LCD televisions featuring on-demand movies, one in the bedroom area one in the living area, along with a mini bar and a refrigerator. The "computer desk" was great as well as the high back swivel chair in front of it, other added touches from home were the iron and board, and cordless phones.  A lovely fireplace and a small but adequate mini library offered many great titles to thumb through on your stay.  A coffee table and a lovely couch in the living area,  An amazing view of 1st Ave, a delight to sit and watch the city lights twinkle & shine and the cars breeze by.   

I loved our room so much that I would have stayed in the room the entire time. Only leaving a few times to go to the two on site place to eat, drink & be extremely happy! 

The library bistro,  an artist and book lovers dream to dine at is reminiscent of a 1940s and 1950s style restaurant with high back booths, ten-foot high bookcases, contemporary copper and bronze checkerboard tiles and oiled oak floors. Their menu brings together local and seasonally inspired cuisine, with signature cocktails and a variety of American wines with a Pacific Northwest focus. Makes the visit a must to do if you are visiting a place to check of your Seattle to do list!

The bookstore bar, is a fun place that is filled with Shelves of books that line the walls near the ornate wood bar and create a comfortable reading room vibe. All the Diners can peruse the extensive selection of cookbooks (also available for purchase), as well as magazines and newspapers from around the country. An outstanding selection of single malt scotch, single barrel bourbon and international beers are offered for your enjoyment, a great place to hide from the rain and not leave the hotel grounds. 

Join the hotel guest with an experience only a hotel like the Alexis can bring to you, when you can  enjoy their nightly wine reception where you can not only meet other inspiring guests, but enjoy a glass of wine as you channel your inner artist by painting postcards to mail home. To explore that artist inside you is just another reason you will enjoy your time here.

Bring your "fur Baby or Babies" with you! You know how important bringing our Fur babies are to me! The Alexis brings it! This is one hotel that is fully committed to being  pet-friendly!  They accept any number of pets without size or weight restrictions and for no extra charge!!! yeah baby! This is a dream come true for all of us "Fur baby" Parents.  Upon check-in, all pet guests receive the following with our compliments:  * A designer doggie bed * A water bowl with distilled water * Complimentary pet treats They can arrange pet sitting services either with their friendly & loveable front office staff!  Or through one of their dedicated pet-sitting referrals, as you explore the shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants in the area! Now that is a 5 paw rating!  Special arrangements for special doggie in-room dining options, in addition to private sessions with a grooming service can be at your service...(both for a fee). What a great idea to enjoy a spa day for you and your "fur babies"

A few other things that you must know about The Alexis has is they have a 24 hour business center  complete with two computer stations and laptop hookup. Wireless high speed internet access in our private dining facilities Personalized room preferences and welcome amenities for Kimpton InTouch guest loyalty members, Full service Milagros SalonSpa on site, a renowned salon and day spa destination, Complimentary daily newspaper of your choice, overnight shoe shine, 24 hour room service from Library Bistro, Complimentary 24-hour fitness facility featuring state of the art Precor equipment and free weights, complimentary private steam room.  Full service Concierge staff along with Overnight valet parking $36 + tax, with in and out privileges (hybrid vehicles receive 50% off parking). A large Array of boutique shopping for your pleasure located on the main level of the hotel.  Also a green hotel! Ahhh my heart just skipped a beat! 

When you stay at the Alexis you are treated like that friend you can't wait for them to visit.  This is how they treat each of their guests. From the moment you walk into the lobby to the end of your stay when you check out you feel special. That you are a VIP guest. This is just one reason why Kimpton properties are some of my very favorite places to stay at! I can't wait to check out the hotel vintage plazza the third property in Seattle! 


Go check out a night at this wonderful hotel & tell them that Kingstongirl Sent you! 

A conversation with Elanie Turso....Photography.

 This is a conversation with a talented photographer that is in our local area. CHeck out her website and make sure that you find her on facebook and friend her. I want to thank Elaine for buying ad space* Thank you*

Q1) How long have you lived in the area?

A) I have lived in Bremerton my entire life... so about 33 years. 

Q) How much family history do you have in the area?

A). My parents are the only ones left in the area. Both of my brothers have moved away and started families, but I have no plans of ever leaving! 

Q) What is your favorite thing about the area?

A) I love that you can get in the car and drive 1-2 hours in any direction and be somewhere totally cool. I love the trees, the water, the mountain views, its beautiful and makes great portrait scenery. 

Q) What would you change if you could about the area?

A.) I wish there werent so many 'banks' on every corner. And not a real big fan of the nudie coffee stands. (maybe i'm just jealous, lol)

Q) What would you change if you could about the area?

A.) I started a business in 2001 making scrapbooks for others (Scrappin It For You). I have always loved photography, and my husband was really the one who encouraged me to pursue photography. 

Q) Where would you like to see your business be in 5 years?

A). In 5 years I would like to be able to support my family as a photographer. To be able to wake up everyday and make a choice to do what I love and support my family would be my dream. While i'm in dream land, I also want to open up my own shop, that is a photographers paradise. There are no camera stores left anymore and I want to change that. 

Q) What is the hardest part of having your own business?

A) The hardest part about owning my own business is deciding on pricing. I want to be affordable and yet at the same time be compensated for my time and costs. Its a hard compromise. And I struggle with it everytime I look at my price sheet. 

Q)Where would you like our town to be in over the next five years?

A). I would like our town to be more supportive of small businesses opening in the area. I think it would be nice for the cities to give tax breaks to small businesses opening up so they can have a chance to survive before taking a piece of their pie. 

Q) What is your favorite thing to do in our town?

A). Every year without fail, we go to the Kitsap County Fair. 

Q)Do you give to any local charities you work with?

A). My favorite store is Romy's, and Ish. 

Q) What is your business motto?

A). I support alot of military. I am a member of Operation Love Reunited and offer to do homecomings, and other portrait sessions with military. I also do alot of fundraisers for different organizations trying to raise money. 

Q) 13) tell me anything you would love to share about your business.

A). My business motto is "I'm not your average photographer". And really, I'm not. I do so much MORE than just photographer. I am creative. I love to design. I love to create. I cant help myself. A majority of my business has been word of mouth. I like it that way. It makes me feel like I am doing a good job. 

On another note..........

 I have yet to find a type of photography that I dont enjoy! I look forward to working with all kinds of people on all different kinds of projects!

I feel a change.... in me........

I’m sitting here trying to figure out what to write. This isn’t normally a problem. The problem is that there is so much going on in my mind. Deadlines, due dates, projects that I need to finish and start. My poor little mind is on over drive.  I hope you can hang in here with me.  

The big thing on my mind that is weighing hard on is the fact that I know there are so many things that are way out of my control. First being that I have a few relationships in my life that are really hard to maintain. If it was more simple I would truly walk away from both if I knew that it wouldn’t cause even more drama. Neither relationship I need, but then again if I didn't need them why am I trying to stop myself from letting go? 

My life is FULL. Full of friends, love, family, people I come in contact on a daily basis that tell me that I have made a difference in some small way of their lives. That my voice is being heard. Then there are the people that are in my “real” life that take me for granted. I hate that feeling. I am a pleaser when it comes to a hand full of people. I try hard to make them like me, to except me, to love me. I can not stand when someone is mad at me or a relationship that I have had with someone suddenly changes.  I am a fix it person, that is my role in life to take control and make things better. These are just some relationships that just can’t be fixed, Can they? More on this later........   

Next week I am going to post about all the flaws I have and what I am going to do in 2011 to change them. I have some great ideas, where to start and what to do to become the person that I need to love as much as most other love me.  To work on myself & over the next 365 days I will work on myself through tears, laughs, blowouts of emotional junk, working a little bit everyday to become that person I lost myself completely so long ago. Don’t get me wrong I am a great person to those that look at me from the outside but I do have a few cracks and I plan on fixing them this year. 

  I always feel like i am the girl spinning plates.

I hope you will stick by me, reading what I change, what I will keep and where this journey sends me.  I might switch this to a private blog and not have it be where my 

Kindle readers and people that just want to check in and read my reviews or places I have gone or things on that line... what do you think? You are my readers I write because of you and I would love to know your thoughts! 

Happy New years eve, Eve!  

Wishful Wednesday!

The Seattle Smiths.  Is a local based blogger.  I found her blog and feel in love. A young couple doing what "Hub's" and I are doing. Family, friends & blogging is something that we also have in common. She does a blog post weekly called Wishful Wednesday and I truly want to do something weekly that is a lot of fun.  So I am going to give it a try! Do me a favor and follow her and tell her Kingstongirl sent you! :)


                                                            This week I am Wishful for.........

That I would come into a windfall of money.

 So I would not have to wait any longer to start the IVF!

So we could have a baby 0r babies sooner. 

I know that the time will go fast.

I just feel like 

I have been waiting forever. 

My one wish that I have had my entire life, 

Is to hold my beautiful baby.

So that is it for this week, I wish to be able to share 

a picture like this one with all of you!

xoxo

Our big present.........

For the last few months the “Hubs” and I have been working on trying to have a baby. 

Now we can’t have a baby the traditional way like most people can. I was sick when I was almost twenty. Leading me to have a complete hysterectomy. The Endometriosis was so awful and after having ten DNC & fourteen Laparoscopy’s between the ages of thirteen and twenty. My poor young body and mind didn’t even know what was about to  hit me, the many things I missed most of my peers were able to enjoy. A period that lasted 297 days straight with no stopping! Truly wasn't at all what a girl in her teens and early twenty's should ever have to go through. 

That happening brought me down the road to a OBGYN "Dr. Jane." at one of the best Dr's in The USA right here is Seattle. Sadly she retired but she was a dream come true because she did one thing that none of the other Male doctors that I went to did..... she listened to me! 

Being so scared the morning at post op, my parents took me to have the surgery, holding my hand and being their every step of the way. Fear spilled all over me &  I wanted to back out.  Reminding me of the heartache and all of the pain that I had gone through, the life I haven't been able to enjoy as I should. I knew in my heart that it was the thing to do.

My mom held me while I cried and my Dad had to walk out of the room, I could see the lump in his throat a mile away. Always being the strong one I know that this broke his heart. Twenty years old and I was never going to have a grand baby for my parents to love and help me raise.  We are so close that what hurts one of us hurts us all. 

“Hub’s” and I tried to adopt but a few to many road block come knocking down our dreams to do  that one at a time. Talking to a friend that had three lovely children of her own, said that she would carry a baby for us all we would have to do is find an egg. After talking about it to her family and husband the risk was to big for them to take. 

It still means the world to us that she would even think of doing this for us. 

We started getting ready to do all the things to become certified foster parents, when all of a sudden out of a conversation that started out over a cup of coffee on a normal monday morning.  One of my sis in law’s ( I have a few) said that we should maybe go down that avenue of surrogacy. Hopeful that she could do it, but that was a dead end to....but this time it got me to start thinking and talking about it to some close family on (myside) and close friends when out of another simple conversation at a Scentsy party.

My cousin “C” said why don’t I carry the baby for you. ( Thinking that it wouldn’t be something that would happen like the times before) Something different happened this time...... She talked to her husband and her family, made a doctors appointment with her Ob and family doctor. 

Called us and gave us the green light. We then went to the PNW Fertility Clinic Seattle & saw the doctor they "C's" doctor had said we needed to see. 

"Hub's" & I were a bundle of nerves when we made our way up to the Swedish building. We walked from the ferry all the way up the big hills all the way to 11th. I was hungry, nervous and kinda bitchie...... well more then Kinda!!

We were warmly treated and they walked us through the entire process from the start to the finish. We even saw the room that our baby will be made in. I was a hot mess when we saw the flash that the Embryo's make when they connect. The feeling of hope and excitement is the first time I have ever felt in my entire life.

Then they told us the $8000.00+ price tag to start. I cried a little more, then decided that it is nothing to pay for our child to be born. So we are going to do a few things to come up with the money & we hope that "C" will be pregnant by the end of March!  & that by November will be parents.

So our greatest gift was being told that we are going to be parents and nothing is going to go wrong. We are super excited. :) That is truly the most exciting part of my life. 

The Review for the Hotel Monaco.... Seattle!

So many great things to do when you stay in Seattle.  Hub’s and I decided that we would go and spend some time in the big city.   Now if you know me you know I am a Giant Harry Potter fan. With the Part one of the final book out in theaters now this was the perfect time to go to the Hotel Monaco and enjoy their Harry Potter package. A treat for myself and for the “Hub’s”.

Located on 4th Ave in the heart of down town, just across the street from the architectural wonder the Seattle Public Library, which is a complete treat to spend a few hours wondering and exploring in.  With movie tickets in hand  for 112:00 pm showing at the movie theater. We got our popcorn and pop and settled into our seat’s.  After the movie got out we were on our way to the hotel to get settled in. 

Making our way up to the front door the bellman were there to greet us with a kind smile and immediately demonstrated that they were well trained, paying close attention to all of their guests. The front desk employees went above and beyond what they needed to do. The entire staff Provided great information at a pace that was energetic but not rushed, the positive energy they show without being insincere was very refreshing. 

Walk through the large doors from the street, into the Hotel Monaco and you feel like you are worlds away from the hussle and bussle of the city of Seattle.  Your sense’s will come back to  when you walk into the lobby. Which is full of wonderful places to sit and visit, enjoying a kissing couch if you would like, read a great book or just gaze at the fire and relax. Reminiscent of ancient Greek seaports, you'll discover large potted Palm plants,  blue accents, white Stucco, wrought iron accents, bronze light fixtures,  globes of hand-blown glass,  velvet curtains flowing from the ceiling to the floor.  Take the time to gaze up at the vaulted ceiling to see the dolphin mural, it is breathe taking.  The lobby was a highlight to our stay so much that I didn’t want to leave, excited to come back that evening for their nightly wine reception. “Hub’s” and I enjoyed it and loved the fact that the staff on hand pouring the wine and spiked cider were so friendly.

Being there during the holiday season, the tree was up and the all the halls were decked. Stockings were hung on the beautiful fireplace, it was a great pick to stay down town during the most magical time of the year.  I was told that the decor is inspired by the frescoes at the Palace of Knossos. The attention to detail is seen in every nook of this hotel. They have a business center that you are welcome to use with Mac computers. (be still my heart) On site. They have a gym with all the major things you need to get your heart rate up!  Down stairs is also where they keep the conference rooms, not skipping on beautiful bright decor they make sure top to bottom shows their best.  

Going up to our room on the 11th floor was a treat having our own elevator made us feel like we were VIP guests in this great Hotel. I was a little worried at first being that this is a Chain hotel, that it might feel to uniform and muted like a motel 6 or super 8, but to my wonderful surprise and only after ten minutes in the hotel you start to feel as if you are staying in an independent hotel. This is what Kimpton wants you to feel like when you are one of their guests. They are a boutique hotel in all the ways that you would want it to be, along with the fact that it has all the extras a chain hotel has.  To me this is a win win, I can’t wait to check out each and every Kimpton Hotel I can. 

  This picture is one of their other rooms it is busy but so cool!

The Elevator opened and we walked past a few rooms before we made it to our room. Opening the room’s door was like opening a gift on Christmas morning. A gold fish “Peter” was there to help us to continue the adventure. The vivid colorful palate that our hotel room décor had boast of reds, bright yellows, raspberries and cream accents all around. Eye popping Layered patterns & stripped wall paper,  like the cherry on top of a sundae the luxurious furnishings and thoughtful details do just that to this fun room!  Decorated with Cherry-wood furniture, a flat screen TV coffee table, two side tables, a queen size sleeper sofa was a nice touch.  A mini fridge and small table for two,  also the complimentary high-speed Internet access & the wonderful robes that “hub’s” and I took advantage of them, to put it simple.... they were amazing. 

With a slip from the tie back the curtains separate the living area to the sleeping area, all be hidden from view from your sleeping area. A great thing if you are sharing a room and want that small bit of privacy, it is that simple attention to detail that makes this hotel so great!   The sleeping area boasts of two side tables a I-pod dock so you can listen to your music not someone else’s. A second TV is hidden in an armoire, an over stuffed reading chair sits in the corner with a floor lamp.  You can completely ignore every thing and just snuggle in the cloud of your King size bed. we also loved looking down on to the 4th Ave street watching the cars and people as they were buzzing by it was nice that we were able to be enjoying our slow paced time in our wonderful room, it was an escape that we need. 

Being a Green Girl another great thing is that this hotel, like all Kimpton hotel, they all  meet the Green Seal™ Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties for waste minimization, water and energy efficiency, hazardous substances handling, and environmentally responsible purchasing.

The reason we picked this hotel was for their  Harry Potter Package which has so much that they included.......... 

This special offer includes:

• Deluxe accommodations

• Reserve discounted tickets to Pacific Science Center including Mindbender Mansion and Harry Potter™ The Exhibition

• Discounted round trip Monorail passes

• Complimentary Valet Parking

• Offer valid October 22, 2010-January 30, 2011

• Exhibit closed Tuesdays, Christmas Day

• Harry Potter™ The Exhibition is a time-ticketed exhibition; tickets purchased through the Hotel Monaco guarantee entrance within one hour of arrival to Pacific Science Center

• For more details on Harry Potter™ The Exhibition, 

HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.  Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.

To my surprise the staff  made us reservations for us to enjoy their wonderful on site restaurant Sazerac, keeping up with the Harry Potter theme they have a special menu just for this wonderful package. it is truly the best experience for an avid Harry Potter fan like me.!! They have many packages to choose from and will do anything for you to have a memorable stay. 

When we left the next day after a late check out. I was a bit sad to leave. I know that staying at the Hotel Monaco will be a yearly event when we head to the City for our Christmas tradition, now adding this wonderful hotel to it!  

Remember to tell then that Kingstongirl sent you!! 

A conversation with Madison & Ryan with Indi prints.

I was so impressed with my Kingstongirl tee-shirts, Madison & Ryan made. They do such great work. They were able to on many projects for the local events, festivals,  and business. Thank you Indi Prints for buying ad space! :) 

How long have you lived in the area?

Madison: I have lived in the Kitsap area my whole life (22 years) moving between Indianola, Kingston and Poulsbo. But Indianola will always be my hometown (hence the name IndiPrints :)

Ryan: has lived in Poulsbo his whole life (24 years)

How much family history do you have in the area?

Madison: My family (great-grandparents) bought their first home in Indianola in 1922. At first, it just served as a summer home but my grandparents fell in love with it and made it their permanent place of residence. Ever since then we have had great pride in calling Indianola our home. My father, his two brothers, his sister all still live in this small community and I plan to do the same when I get older and buy a home.

Ryan: Ryan's family history is on Bainbridge Island a huge part of his family lives in the Kitsap area.

 What is your favorite thing about the area?

Madison: I love the beauty of our surroundings. I tried to live in Seattle while I attended the University of Washington, and found myself coming back to Indianola every weekend. Having the water and the moutains both in such close proximity make the Kitsap Penninsula a gorgeous place to live and work. I also enjoy that we can still maintain small-town communities, walking down the street in Indianola I know almost everyone and thier families by name and it makes you feel so at home and secure.

 What would you change if you could about the area?

Madison: I would stop the huge amount development. While I'm not naive and realize the area is growing and more is needed to accomidate that growth, its so sad to see what once used to be forest turn into Wal-Mart and Home Depot. Not only that but what is being built is huge and in excess and detracting from our beautiful landscape!

Where would you like to see your business be in 5 years?

Madison: We would like to be making a profit instead of in the hole from starting this business :) We would like to have a wide variety of clients and hopefully many repeat customers!

 What is the hardest part of having your own business?

Madison: At the moment, the hardest part is putting so much into it and trying to get our name out there and as of yet, not seeing a whole lot of interest.

Where would you like our town to be in over the next five years?

Madison: Ideally I'd like it to not change too much. I would like more people to become aware of their impact on small business instead of just doing what is easy and going to a big chain store. I know its something that as a young person I wasn't even aware of until I began working at the bookstore and realized how often you hear people in the store comment that they'll just go to Barnes & Noble later or shop on Amazon.com. It's so important to support local businesses because you're supporting your own community, even if it might cost a little bit more.

What is your favorite thing to do in our town?

Madison: My favorite thing to do by far is to go to the beach! Pretty much any hot day during the summer you will find me and my family at the Indianola beach enjoying the weather and the scenery!

What is your favorite Store in town? 

Madison: I really love working and shopping in the bookstore (Liberty Bay Books). I also of course love the Indianola Country Store and Deli because of the history and the sense of community. Also, my aunt & uncle just opened an art studio in Poulsbo called Indi Studios and its full of art from Indianola artists and soon IndiPrints will have some original designs in their store!

 Do you give to any local charities you work with? 

Madison: At the moment we're so new we're just working with getting the business going, but do offer a discount to customers who are purchasing shirts for fundraisers and other charity events so that the shirts are cheaper and they can make a larger sum of money for their cause.

What is your business motto? 

M&R: Committed to giving you the best!

Tell me anything you would love to share about your business

M&R: We're just really passionate about our business and are really excited to start getting some bigger jobs and making some beautiful apparel! We will beat any competitors price quote and offer many options for discounts!