Technology is often a good thing, but not always. Because so many Web sites are designed for obtaining airfares at a good price, we get confused navigating them. Sometimes the fares were not guaranteed, other times the Web site was too slow to book anything. Web sites of the major airlines were not any more user-friendly. That's why we were happy to call up a good, old-fashioned travel agency like The Travel Bureau and let them do all the leg work. The happy surprise was that they were able to obtain tickets for various destinations in the United States that were cheaper than anything we found on the Web.

Whether you're scouring for the best bougainvillea or bulbs, this store offers the highest quality. The regulars who go to this place know it's addictive. The staff is extremely well informed. The plants are gorgeous, thriving, and well kept. The prices are, unfortunately, steep, but, for a good fix, it's worth it.

Grab your Kate Spade and follow us to Harold's, which is updating its styles and colors to the latest fashion trends. The store even totes "vacation from panty hose" as its advertising slogan. Fall's bold prints, (faux) fur-trimmed vests, and beaded Capri pants have given Harold's a fresh, younger look. Check the sale racks for last season's bargains, or even better, visit the Harold's Outlet at the Hillsboro Factory Outlets. No one will know you got it half-price.