Here's the full text:Reports from the twelve Federal Reserve Districts indicate that the economy continued to expand across most regions from mid-February through the end of March. Activity in the Richmond, Chicago, Minneapolis, Dallas, and San Francisco Districts grew at a moderate pace, while New York, Philadelphia, and St.
New-home contracts were concentrated in the move-up price-point categories; prices increased recently due to higher land and labor costs and lower existing-home inventory. Several builders commented that their spec-home inventory is at a low level, which they attributed to capacity issues and difficulty in obtaining construction financing.
Homebuilders remain optimistic. They believe the potential for higher interest rates might serve as an impetus for potential buyers to sign a purchase contract.
The government consultant and small strategy consultant mention strong price competition.All responding firms plan on hiring in 2015, apart from a government consultant who plans to keep personnel flat in New England this year. Most planned hiring represents modest increases in employment, except that a small advertising firm and a particularly successful healthcare consultant plan to increase their employee base "robustly." Contacts are planning for slight to moderate pay raises over last year, although technical positions such as information technology, coding, and web development remain hard to fill and demand premiums.
A number of Districts reported slight to moderate increases in labor costs during the reporting period. Upward wage pressures continued to be evident for certain types of occupations and for skilled workers. New York, Chicago, and San Francisco reported that employers were adjusting compensation to win well-qualified job candidates or to retain or give raises to high-value, long-term existing employees.
None of our contacts report employment cuts and only one, a pharmaceutical company, cites significant hiring. Several contacts say they are hiring "selectively" or for "critical skills." A producer of membranes cites "process engineers" as extremely difficult to find, but says other skills are not a problem.
Manufacturing and Other Business ActivityManufacturing activity declined slightly in March, while other business activity was mixed but remained above year-ago levels. Manufacturing production levels eased, and producers' expectations for future activity moderated somewhat but remained slightly positive.
Nonfinancial ServicesDemand for nonfinancial services rose in a number of Districts in October and November. Several Districts reported broad-based growth in demand for staffing services. Growth in professional business services fell in Kansas City, but the Richmond District reported gains in accounting business and Dallas experienced expansions in legal and insurance services.
In western Virginia, a resort hotel manager said this winter's revenues were above the record-setting revenues of a year ago, in part due to extended cold weather. As a result, the resort has been able to start new capital projects. A tourism executive on the outer banks of North Carolina said weekends have been strong since our previous report, with big events and good weather helping to draw tourists.
In addition, construction of large rental properties has recently increased in that location. Room rates and rental rates were mostly unchanged, according to our contacts.
One industry executive reported that even with the current low prices for oil and natural gas, there is still a lot of industry optimism surrounding the Marcellus and Utica Shales. Capital spending has been pulled back, especially by upstream companies. One contact reported that his firm has cut its capital budget by 40 percent year-over-year.
Pricing for materials and equipment was flat to down. Layoffs by oil and gas companies and their supplier industries were reported.
Freight Transportation
Commercial real estate construction expanded at a moderate pace. Construction underway, completions, sales, and prices were increasingly positive compared to the last survey. The commercial real estate market was expected to continue to strengthen at a moderate pace over the coming months.
Freight companies in the Cleveland District were holding to plans to gradually replace an aging fleet and expand capacity. St. Louis and Minneapolis noted an increase in planned capital spending by service-sector firms. Cleveland, Richmond, Chicago, and Dallas cited an increase in mergers and acquisitions.
No changes were made to loan-application standards. Capital spending by banks was primarily for technology, including cyber security, and branch maintenance. Payrolls expanded, on net. Hiring was for jobs in commercial lending and risk management.
Energy
Little change in District coal production was reported. Spot prices for metallurgical and steam coal declined since our last report. Shale gas activity was mixed. While drilling has been curtailed--the number of drilling rigs across the District declined 25 percent since mid-December--production remains at high levels.17. When shopping online, check several sites before clicking "order." RetailMeNot finds coupon codes; Saveful compares the total price (inclusive of shipping and coupons) of identical products at multiple sites; Gift Card Granny shows you where to buy gift cards at a discount; and Mr. Rebates lets you earn cash back when shopping at any of 2,000-plus ecommerce sites.
Natural gas prices decreased slightly as inventories grew. Coal production in the Cleveland and St. Louis Districts was up from a year ago. Since the previous report, mining activity increased in the Minneapolis District. Healthy demand for timber was noted by San Francisco, leading to increased shortages of equipment and skilled loggers.
The monument is now the centre piece of fabulous Tourist Complex, which plays host to prestigious cultural events. This culture complex has state of art conference facilities, a 1500 seat open air amphitheater, swimming pool, a restaurant and bar and a luxurious hotel.
This historic site with pleasing landscapes and comprehensive facilities simply enthralls.
43. If you can afford to spend a little more, don't go rock-bottom-cheap on these household items: skillets, knives, storage containers, furniture, and vacuums. Stepping up a bit in price will net goods that will last far longer than a few months or years and save you money in the long run.
Flickr / Department of Foreign Affairs and TradeFulfill your traveling dreams and help others by volunteering abroad.
44. If you're looking for a way to see the world and also give back, consider a volunteer vacation. The experience can be personally rewarding and much less expensive than a resort.
In contrast, tourism activity decreased further in the Kansas City District, but was expected to improve modestly in coming months.
Hiring and Business Spending
Employment gains were widespread across Districts in October and November. Boston reported increased employment in the software and IT sectors, and New York noted that financial firms were hiring more workers. Cleveland indicated that manufacturing, construction, and freight transportation payrolls were increasing, and Richmond cited stronger hiring by service-sector firms.
Birla Mandir: A temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara sits on the Hill top of Kalapahad, overlooking Hussain Sagar Lake and Hyderabad city. The architecture is an amalgamation of North and South Indian styles of Temple architecture. It is a monument of grandeur and magnificence in marble.
36. These days many retailers manage to compete with Walmart on price, especially online, but Cheapism.com identified 10 types of merchandise that are still cheapest at Walmart: school supplies, air conditioners, brand-name groceries, baby products, razors, cleaning supplies, feminine products, contact lens solution, sunscreen, and laundry detergent.
Consumer spending continued to trend higher in most Districts in October and November. Some contacts viewed lower gasoline prices as a contributing factor to higher consumer spending, and an early cold spell helped spur sales of winter apparel in several Districts.
Both the Richmond and San Francisco Districts pointed to durable goods purchases as a source of strength. Restaurant sales were up in Cleveland and San Francisco but down in Kansas City. Retailers in many Districts were optimistic about the upcoming holiday season. Auto sales were particularly strong in Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco, and lower gasoline prices boosted sales of SUVs and light trucks in Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Chicago.
Qutb Shahi Tombs: The oldest historical monuments in Hyderabad reflecting the architectural beauty of the erstwhile kingdom are the regal resting places of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.
Taramati Baradari: This stately 17th century pavilion used to reverberate with music and dance whenever Taramati, the beautiful courtesan of the last king of Golconda entertained. It is located about a mile from Golconda fort this double storied square shaped structure with 12 arches, stands in splendid isolation on a hillock.
27. Save money on razors by drying them after each use. This simple step can prolong the life of a razor blade by months. For even more savings, consider switching to a service that delivers inexpensive blades.
42. Shopping while traveling abroad can save you money if you know what to buy where. In Italy, look for leather. Electronics are cheap in Singapore, and Antwerp is known for deals on diamonds. Another potential money saver, albeit with some risk, is traveling abroad for medical procedures.
30. Influenster, BzzAgent, and PinchMe send free samples, and sometimes free full-size products, to consumers who write short reviews or tell friends about the products.
Flickr / Eli DukePurebred cats and dogs are the most likely of all pets to contract an illness.
31. Considering a new pet? Experts say purebred cats and dogs are most prone to illness - and accompanying vet bills. In general, the larger the animal, the higher the cost of boarding, grooming, and food over time.
32. Large hotel chains often have locations on the outskirts of the city. Save up to $189 per night by staying farther afield and commuting into the city with everyone else.13. There are ways to reduce or eliminate airline baggage fees: Book using an airline-branded credit card; use a card that reimburses travel expenses; pack light or share space in a travel partner's bag; pay in advance; and avoid budget airlines.
Demand was flat to down for lumber, cement, and brick manufacturers, with most contacts citing low oil prices and bad weather as dampening factors. A few contacts noted that some commercial work was put on hold due to low oil prices. An oilfield machinery manufacturer said demand declined notably but he expects that the energy industry will begin showing signs of improvement in the second quarter.
Botanical Gardens: Botanical Gardens are first of its kind of gardens in the state, sprawling over 120 Acres and divided into sections such as medicinal plants, timber trees, fruit trees, ornamental plants, aquatic plants and bamboo trees.
NTR Gardens: A Leisure and entertainment center adjoining the Hussain Sagar Lake, beside the IMAX theatre is an exemplary peace of architecture which offers a serene atmosphere and provides a host of recreation facilities. It also houses a memorial of Late Shri N.T.Rama Rao, former Chief Minister.
Cleveland noted that retail sales were flat year-over-year. Among retailers, the outlook was generally optimistic in Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, St Louis, Kanas City, and Dallas. Many Districts noted that savings from lower energy prices are helping to drive retail sales this cycle, as is the improving weather situation. Dallas retailers expressed some caution about the strength of the U.S.
dollar, while New York noted that some retailers saw a falloff in Canadian shoppers due to the strong dollar. It was reported that consumer confidence in the New York District, albeit slightly lower, remains near its multi-year high, set in January.
50. Almost every day of the week you can find a restaurant that lets kids eat for free. The purchase of an adult entree is usually required.
This article originally appeared at Cheapism. Copyright 2014. Follow Cheapism on Twitter.
More from Cheapism:10 Healthy Meal Plans for Under $10 a Day
It is believed that Hyderabad was developed around this monument later. Most of the fabled bazaars of Hyderabad are located here including famous Lad Bazaar that in known for colorful stone bangles and other exclusive boutiques.
Tourism reports were mostly positive for the reporting period. Early-winter weather conditions boosted activity in Richmond and Minneapolis as some ski resorts were able to open early. Richmond and San Francisco reported rising hotel occupancy rates and Philadelphia noted an increase in hotel revenues.
Contacts in the Atlanta District noted an increase in the number of domestic and international visitors relative to last year and strong advance bookings for hotels and conferences for the first half of 2015. New York indicated that tourism was generally steady at a high level, with Broadway theater attendance and revenues moderately higher than a year ago.
High-tech manufacturers in Boston, Dallas, and San Francisco noted steady growth in demand. Biotech revenue increased in the San Francisco District.
Construction and Real Estate
Construction and real estate activity expanded overall in October and November, but saw a fair amount of variation across sectors and regions. Residential construction increased on balance across the Districts and multifamily construction remained stronger than single-family construction in a number of Districts.
Chicago and Dallas indicated that shipments of construction materials increased. Manufacturers of heavy machinery in the Chicago District cited improvements in sales of construction machinery, but reported ongoing weak demand for agricultural and mining equipment.
Atlanta reported sizable gains in leisure and hospitality employment. Several Districts noted an increase in temporary staffing as well as an increase in temporary-to-permanent job transitions. Hiring plans increased in New York, Chicago, and St. Louis. With labor market conditions strengthening, contacts in the Kansas City and Dallas Districts noted that firms were having increased difficulty retaining key workers.
Consumer lending also increased. Several Districts reported continued strength in demand for auto loans. Richmond, St. Louis, and San Francisco noted an increase in credit card lending. Residential lending increased in a number of Districts, reflecting a mix of new mortgages, refinancings, and home equity lines of credit.
Cleveland and Richmond indicated that first-time homebuyers continued to face challenges in qualifying for mortgages, although contacts in Boston were optimistic that the new Qualified Residential Mortgage rule would be helpful in this regard.
Commercial real estate activity also increased in many Districts, with declining vacancies and rising rents for office space; especially strong activity was noted in the central business districts of some large urban areas. Vacancies for commercial and industrial space also dropped in several Districts.Since Agra is a pretty tourist-flooded city, honeymoon packages for couples are easy to book there almost throughout the year. Whether you are looking at budget hotels or motels, so that you only have a place to crash for one or two days, or you are looking at a fancy five-star hotel with all amenities, you are bound to find a variety of options in Agra.
45. Whole Foods doesn't always eat your whole paycheck. In a side-by-side comparison, Cheapism.com found 25 items that actually cost less than they do at Safeway. The list includes organic whole milk, shredded mozzarella, pretzels, pasta sauce, organic balsamic vinegar, and cream cheese.
16. Instead of buying bottled juices or doing a pricey, prepackaged cleanse, consider a home juicer. The time commitment and cleanup aren't for everyone, so start with a cheap juicer and upgrade if you're still using it months later.
When the epidemic subsided, the Charminar was rebuilt in stone and mortar at the same place where the original structure was built. The remarkable architecture was built under the supervision of Engineers and Architects of Arabia, Turkey, Persia and India. This historical monument is said to be the heart of the city.
One of the most popular and best scuba diving locations, Florida keys boasts of lovely coral formations, luxuriously warm gulf water, and of course the abundance of tropical fish. Florida also offers thousands of dive locations that offer limitless diving adventure and packed with quality diving stores, operators, and instructors that can assist one to discover the best of Florida scuba diving.
Hawaii scuba diving presents an assortment of beautiful tropical fish and some of the most gorgeous coral formations all through the island chain, which makes it one of the best scuba diving locations as well. Maui or Kauai is an excellent way to take pleasure in the marine life of the islands. Operators, resorts, dive boats, and dive shops are on hand throughout Hawaii. The warm water dives amidst large green sea turtles, hundreds of brightly colored fishes, and sharks, adds to the excitement and thrill of every scuba dive.
Do not miss the sound and light show in the evening at 7 pm daily to enjoy the interesting historical narrations about this magnificent fort.
Mecca Masjid / Makkah Masjid: It is a symbolic mosque that was built 400 years back during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah, the 6th Qutub Shahi Sultan of Hyderabad. The three arched facades have been carved from a single piece of granite, which took five years to quarry.
1. Vivekananda Rock Memorial - It is one of the most popular sites that come under kanyakumari honeymoon packages and pulls a large number of tourists. It is a fort as well as an island. The rock memorial is situated on top if two rocks which is 500 metres off the land. It is believed that Swami Vivekananda meditated sitting on these rocks and seeked enlightment.
14. Many consumers are joining the cord-cutting revolution. With a smart TV or a streaming media player instead of a cable subscription, monthly entertainment costs can dip to less than $10 per month and you'll still have plenty to watch.
Did two dives here, off of the Coral Cay Beach. I do not know the names of the spots as I dove with a non-english speaking fisherman (not recommended). The water was great, 85 degrees year round, but visibility was only about 100 feet, but I think this was due to the rough water (about 6 foot swells).
In Dallas, sea, air, and courier cargo volumes were up over the reporting period, while rail cargo volumes were down. Air cargo contacts noted that volume growth in the international market outpaced that in the domestic market.
Consumer Spending and Tourism
The Boston, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Minneapolis, and San Francisco Districts reported higher retail sales. New York, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, and Dallas reported that retail sales were mixed to slightly down, with colder-than-normal temperatures being mentioned as one possible cause.
ManufacturingDemand for manufactured products was mixed during the current reporting period. Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and San Francisco reported an increase on net, while some weakening was observed in New York, Richmond, St. Louis, and Kansas City. Gains in activity among aerospace firms were reported in the Cleveland, Chicago, and San Francisco Districts.
Honeymoon packages can be of any duration, ranging from 3 nights and 4 days to 7 nights and 8 days. It totally depends on you, as to how much time you want to spend in the city. The more you stay the more places you will be able to explore, such as FatehpurSikri, MehtabBagh, and RamBagh etc. Plus, you might also get a chance to take the 'Moonlit Tour' of Taj Mahal, which is a special feature of the place. There is also the 'Taj Mahotsav', a 10-day long carnival held each year in the month of February.
Agriculture and Natural ResourcesAgricultural conditions were mixed across the Districts. Livestock operations were more profitable than a year ago; but with crop yields generally at above-average to record-high levels, lower crop prices were depressing farm incomes. Harvests were ahead of their normal pace in most Districts reporting on agriculture.
However, excess moisture delayed harvests in some Districts, affected the quality of cotton in the Dallas District, and damaged wheat and barley crops in the San Francisco District. In contrast, drought conditions affected the Richmond, Atlanta, and San Francisco Districts, as well as parts of the Dallas District.5. Smart thermostats are hot right now - they learn your preferences and can be controlled from afar - but even a cheap programmable thermostat (set at a reasonable temperature) can save you a lot of money.
Flickr /
BromfordYou start qualifying for some senior discounts at 50.
6. The age for senior discounts starts at 50 at some restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing retailers. With deals ranging from 5 to 50% off, make sure to ask.
Restaurant contacts said selling prices moved up to accommodate continued increasing costs and that further prices increases are expected by the third quarter.
The price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil trended down over the course of the reporting period. Energy contacts regard the oil price decline as transitory, but most expect that prices will not recover to the level of recent years any time soon. The price of natural gas mostly remained under $3 per MMbtu.
Retail gasoline prices rose moderately over the past six weeks while diesel prices rose then fell to near the level seen at the beginning of the reporting period.
However, transportation costs rose in some Districts where capacity constraints were an issue. Chicago and San Francisco reported lower steel prices, but Dallas noted an increase in fabricated metals prices. Pass-through of higher costs to downstream prices remained limited, although Chicago, Minneapolis, and Dallas reported an uptick in the number of firms raising or expecting to raise prices.
New York and Cleveland noted an increase among retailers in holiday promotional activity relative to last year, and Philadelphia indicated that retailers would be using promotions to extend the shorter-than-usual holiday shopping season.
Various Districts continued to report that firms had difficulties filling positions in IT and engineering, legal and health-care services, management, skilled manufacturing and building trades, and transportation and warehousing. Most Districts reported little change in holiday-related hiring relative to last year, though there were some reports of slightly higher rates of seasonal hiring in New York and Chicago.
Natural resource activity was strong overall. Oil and natural gas exploration, drilling, and extraction remained at high levels in the Cleveland, Richmond, Minneapolis, Kansas City, and Dallas Districts, with expansions in drilling activity in Kansas City and Dallas. Atlanta reported that the recent drop in oil prices led firms to reevaluate their operations, though steady production is anticipated for both deepwater and onshore drilling; in the Dallas District, lower oil prices weighed on the outlook for drilling activity.
Prices and WagesOverall price and wage inflation remained subdued in October and November. Price increases for raw materials were generally muted, though there were some exceptions, such as prices for certain agricultural products and building materials. Several Districts cited the decline in the price of oil over the reporting period and its effects on gasoline and diesel fuel prices.
2. Vattakottai Fort - This fort was constructed by Captain De Lannoy. It lies along the coastline of the southern tip of India and used to be a British and Dutch colony. The fort is made of stone and established as defense point along the southern most sea coast. The fort is also well known for its black sand beaches. It is a popular site included in kanyakumari honeymoon packages.
ManufacturingManufacturing activity generally advanced during the reporting period. The automotive and aerospace industries continued to be sources of strength. Steel production increased in Cleveland, Chicago, and San Francisco. Fabricated metal manufacturers in the Chicago and Dallas Districts noted widespread growth in orders.
Dallas reported that domestic sales for plastics were strong, while demand for plastics was steady in Richmond and declined in Kansas City. Chemical manufacturers in the Boston District indicated that the falling price of oil relative to natural gas had made U.S.
Other must-see tourist attractions that can be found in and around the town of Cannes are St. Marguerite Island and St. Honorat Island. These beautiful little islands are known for their striking scenic charm and the historic monasteries that are located there. Le Suquet is actually Old Cannes and it offers tourists breathtaking views of the beaches of La Croisette and is a marvelous place for an evening stroll.
Even though products made out of elephant tusks are now illegal, you can still find a great amount of carved products made from ivory and marble replicas in the markets of Agra. These include showpieces, miniature Taj Mahals, jewelry boxes, key chains and a lot more.
Throughout the world there are several destinations which offer for great scuba diving. The Caribbean is one of these locations, and it is renowned for its diving. It's no surprise that all three of the following dives are located there.The Mesa Verde National Park is one of the popular historical sites in Colorado. It is a location that lets you see cultural heritage and treasures. It depicts the way of life of our ancestors. Civilization is evident with the unique houses built below cliffs and canyons. The park is open all year round.
2. A Disney trip is possible on a budget if you plan in advance. Find discounted tickets; bring your own food and beverages; stay at value hotels; think twice about the Park Hopper pass; go during the off-season; and bring your own souvenirs.
So if you are into markets and shopping, then visit the Queen Victoria Market next time you are in Melbourne. It is a Melbourne tourist attraction that has withstood the test of time. So, come to the Vic and enjoy the ride!
These jam doughnuts are reportedly the best in the world, and locals love eating them hot. You can visit the market five days in a week. It stays closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. But during the glorious summer months the Vic is open on Wednesday evenings too.
This special night market also includes pubs and live entertainment. You will certainly enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the market if you go there in summer. Whether you go by day or by night, you will find it easy to get around as all the areas are clearly marked for your convenience.
There are also fabulous historical attractions in other cities and countries of Europe as well. The formidable medieval castles and spectacular cathedrals that can be found throughout Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and many other countries are fascinating for travelers to explore, as most tours of castles and cathedrals are more like fabulous art history and art museum excursions.
Dallas indicated that real estate lending increased, with strength reported in loans for both single-family and multifamily construction projects. In contrast, Kansas City reported lower demand for agricultural loans, and Chicago noted lower utilization of credit lines for working capital.
Pushkar: Pushkar is one of the Hindu pilgrimage sites which is famous for its Brahma temple, Holy lake of Pushkar and colorful camel fair.
