There’s no denying the power and influence that movies have on us. Sometimes so much that they make us fall in love with not just the character and the story but also the places and the culture shown in them. So, here’s a list of some of the greatest movies of their time which are also an alluring portrayal of the beauty and the culture of London.

Four Weddings and a Funeral
This 1994 British rom com was shot in locations like St Bartholomew the Great, the South Bank, Greenwich and on Highbury Terrace, Highbury Fields (the place where Charles flat was and the romantic reunion in the rain was filmed).

A Fish Called Wanda
The 1988 Charles Crichton dark comedy used locations like Kipling Mansions, St John’s Gate and the New Square in Lincoln’s Inn.
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Sherlock Holmes
A great movie also needs a great location to be filmed at, and that’s exactly the case with this modern remake of Arthur Conon Doyle’s classic character, played by none other than Robert Downey Jr. The filmmakers chose spots like St. Paul’s cathedral, 0ld Royal Naval College in Greenwich, River Thames, Brompton cemetery in Kensington, The Reform Club in St. James’s and St Bartholomew, the Great Church 

Notting Hill
The street market of Portobello Road is easily in the list of top ten tourist’s attraction of London. The weekends here are extremely crowded, and hence the best time to visit. It is also on this road that you will find Grant’s bookshop.

Bridget Jones Diary
Bridget’s flat is located on the Bedale Street of Borough Market, also known as food lover’s paradise. Other famous locations include Royal Courts of Justice, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street Station and the Tower Bridge.

Bend It Like Beckham
This aspiring story of two 18-year old’s was filmed in locations like Carnaby Street, the Gunnersbury Park, London Heathrow Airport and the Piccadilly Circus.
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Oliver!
Although the entire movie is filmed in the Shepperton Film Studio, this 1968 musical drama portrays the mysterious and dangerous side of the city perfectly.

28 Days Later
In case you have never been to London and are totally scared after watching this movie, then don’t be. Cause the city is never this empty. The creepy Danny Boyle Sci-Fi horror had some of it scenes filmed at the Westminster Bridge, Royal Exchange, Piccadilly Circus and St Anne’s Church.

The Bourne Ultimatum
This action-packed Matt Damon film was mostly shot in the Pinewood Studios near London but some of the fight sequences were also shot in real locations like the Waterloo Station and the Charing Cross Underground Station.

Mary Poppins
Just like Oliver! This Disney classic was also shot entirely at the Walt Disney Studios, but the painted London backgrounds get the job done.
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Brick Lane
This story of a Bangladeshi woman who leaves behind her family and friends for a life in London is beautifully shot at places like Chapel Market, Liverpool Street Station and the Brick Lane itself.

Harry Potter
Just because Hogwarts or the entire Harry Potter universe is made up, doesn’t mean that the places it was filmed at are as well. It is kind of like a ritual for every Harry Potter fan to visit the Millennium Bridge, and the Claremont Square (also known as Grimmauld place) and obviously the Kings Cross station.

The Kings Speech
There are many reasons that this film won an Oscar and the choice of beautiful London locations might just be one of them. Some of these locations include 33 Portland Place, Avenue Garden, Battersea power station and the Draper’s Hall of Throgmorton Avenue.

Sliding Doors
This Gwyneth Paltrow British American was filmed at some of the most beautiful locations in London. Albert Bridge and St Philip Street in Battersea, Waterloo and City Line in London Underground and Fulham Broadway Underground Station, just to name a few.

Which of these movies have you seen? Or which location in London have you visited.  I don't know about you but I am ready to pack my bags for a visit.  If you are, contact AJ! Clonts at 440-965-6868 or by email at aj@asyouwishluxurytravel.com.

There’s a lot that you need to consider when you are travelling somewhere for the first time. Where are you going to stay? How much is it going to cost? Which places to visit? How can I make the best use of my time and money? These are just some of the important questions that every traveler, no matter where they are going, asks and struggles to find the answers to.
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So, in case you are travelling to London for the first time and your mind is filled with all these unanswered questions, here are a few tips and tricks to help you. 

The first thing that you worry about when you are planning a trip is the accommodation.  A lot of travelers end up buying the cheap rooms outside the central city but regret the decision as soon as they get there. Reason being that although you saved a lot of money but now you have to commute in and out of the city every day, and this is a huge waste of not only your money but also your time. Your best option is that you stay in central London where you can easily find an average hotel with affordable rates. It’s not going to be your cheapest option but at least you will be closer to majority of the famous tourist attractions and wouldn’t have to worry about transportation.
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Another problem that the first-time travelers face is that they try to see each and everything in just one visit, which is totally impossible. You have to understand that London is a huge city and people cannot accomplish that in weeks or even months, let alone in just a couple of days. Plan ahead and use your time efficiently. Just visit 2 to 3 attractions or major landmarks a day. This way you won’t get exhausted quickly and would be able to properly enjoy the places that you decide to visit. Also take some time out for random walks around the city and try to visit some of the less known places as well or just find some new ones on your own. It’s these little things that will make your trip unique and more personal.

​Trying out some of the, if not all, traditional cuisines is also part of the travelling experience. But it doesn’t mean that you need to go way too overboard with that by wasting your money on fine dining. You can get a taste of traditional foods in local markets as well. Just grab some sandwiches from the local supermarket or Fish&Chips from The Golden Chippy and go for a picnic in one of the public parks. In case of the traditional afternoon tea experience, you can go to St. Ermins. The place is known to serve really good afternoon tea at affordable prices. 

​Last but not the least, wear comfortable shoes as there is going to be a lot walking involved, always carry an umbrella with you as it can rain anytime in London and make sure that you have a travel adaptor with you as most of the plugs in UK are Type G. Other than that, just don’t worry too much about doing everything right and try to have as much fun as you can with your time there. 

London; the capital city of the red-brick country. First founded by the Romans when they invaded the Britain in AD 43, the name “London “originates from a Celtic word Londinios, which means “The Place of the Bold One”. Aside from the historic landmarks and the gloomy yet somehow beautiful weather, there is a lot in this city that familiarities us about the history and culture of not only the city, but also of the country.
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The Tower of London, one of the most historic places in the country, was initially built to guard the city in 1078 by William 1 when he took over it. Since then it has been used as a palace, a weapons store, a castle, a prison, a mint and even as a zoo.  As of present time, it is open for the public who can enjoy the Crown Jewels exhibition as well as the annual art installments which began in order to honor the Golden Jubilee of Britain’s involvement in the first World War. Buckingham Palace, The Elizabeth Tower and St. Paul’s Cathedral are just few of the other historic places that are a must see during your trip to London.

​If you were lucky enough to visit London and didn’t enjoy a ride on the giant London Eye, then you clearly missed an opportunity of a lifetime. The 30-minute ride on the famous ferris wheel gives you such a breathtaking view of the city that you will not be able to witness even if you are at the top of the tallest building of London. My recommendation would be that you save it for the end of your trip, cause what better way to say goodbye to the city than enjoying the stunning bird’s-eye view of it that this ride has to offer.

​When it comes to food and drinks, the Borough Market is known as the ultimate heaven for a food lover. The classic English breakfast, a Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding, beef wellington and fish and chips are just few of the foods that London is known for. The relaxing afternoon tea served with the usual milk and sugar is just what the afternoons in London were made for. You can also have it black or with lemon if that’s more suitable to your taste. Real ale, an unfiltered and unpasteurized beer brewed with natural ingredients and served with natural carbonation. Although available in almost every part of the world the Real ale experience that you can enjoy in London is unlike anywhere else.

Because of the unpredictable weather of London, summer is the best time for tourists to visit the city and enjoy outdoor activities such as picnics in the famous Hyde and Kensington Park. However, it is still recommended to bring a sweatshirt or a sweater in case it rains, and it gets a little chilly.
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Last but not the least make sure you go on a night tour of the city. Whether by yourself or with a friend, an evening walk offers a special experience of the city that you will remember for the rest of your life.
 

​With the rich culture of Ireland that include the traditional arts such as weaving, silversmithing, and wood carving, no wonder Iceland is on your bucket list.  In fact, the Reykjavik area has several professional theaters, a symphony orchestra, an opera, and many art galleries, bookstores, cinemas, and museums.  So when traveling to this area, it is very important to make sure to work with a trusted travel advisor like, As You Wish Luxury Travel, to design a custom itinerary that allows you to immerse yourself in the best that Iceland has to offer.  Here is are the top 5 water-related activities you will want to consider when traveling to Iceland

Whale Watching Tour – There are many tours available that allow you to see whales as well as puffins.  You can engage with Naturalists and experience rare sightings that will leave you in awe.  It is best to whale watch in the summer months, preferably April through September.  Minke whales are the most common in Iceland.  Follow instructions carefully and be safe.

Blue Lagoon Spa – This mineral-rich attraction is minutes from the Keflavik International airport.  There are many spa options available due to the geothermic forces and many natural elements.  The lagoon is man-made and renewed every two days with fresh water.  You can easily access the site via car or bus.  

​West Fjords – Located in a popular peninsula, the Fjords are breathtaking.  You need to plan well and leave time to really explore all this area has to offer.  They have great attractions.  You can visit a myriad of special sites, such as the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum or the famous Látrabjarg cliff.  There is much to experience in this mountainous remote area.  You will have options that will keep you interested while on your expedition.

​Skogafoss – The perfect place for you to get a shot with a double rainbow, Skogafoss is the most scenic fall in Iceland.  With a drop of over 60 meters, the view is spectacular.  There is also a legend of gold that lies within the falls.  Take your chance and search if you dare…

​Silfra - Silfra is an amazing diving spot located in Thingvellir National Park.  It is the crevice between the tectonic plates in North America and Eurasian continents.  It is the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates that shift roughly 2 cm every year.  The shifting of the earth creates new caverns and tunnels.  There is plenty of wildlife to see on your dive/snorkel.  The three main dive sites are; Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon.  The maximum depth is about 207 feet.  The water is the purest in the world, and you can feel free to take a sip while diving.

Ready to go?  I know I am.  You can view a sample itinerary for Iceland on our website by clicking here.  Next click here to schedule a FREE consultation about your travel plans and let us discuss how we can design a custom itinerary just for you.  Or contact AJ! Clonts by email at aj@asyouwishluxurytravel or by phone at 440-965-6868.

​This year (2019) in Ohio seems to be very gray, cloudy, and raining.  Isn’t it time for a change to warmth, sun, and fun?  If so, consider St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida. This area is served by two airports.  One is the Tampa International Airport, which is 30 minutes away.  The other is the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport.  These two international airports make it very convenient to fly in and out and at a very reasonable cost.

 
According to TripAdvisor St. Pete-Clearwater is consistently ranked the best beach in the US and ranked among the top 10 beach areas in the world. It offers miles of sugar white sand, tranquil gulf breezes, clear water views. It’s the perfect location for fall ages offering a variety of interests.

​What’s not to love about St. Pete-Clearwater? Sun and fun lovers have an endless supply of great dining, museums, and extensive outdoor activities on land and at sea. It draws visitors all year long who love jet-skiing, parasailing, and paddle boarding. The Caladesi Island State Park provides adventure seekers the opportunity for biking, hiking, kayaking and more! 

The year around pleasant temperatures attract cyclists and roller bladders who glide along the beachfront promenade.  At night, the Beach Walk, which is lined with restaurants and café’s is the perfect pathways that leads you to Pier 60 which comes alive with a nightly festival of music and art.  Also don’t forget to visit Downtown St. Peterburg museums.  There you will find the largest The Salvador Dali museum outside of Spain.  Or visit the Chihuly Glass museum and offer your eyes a feast of beautiful glass shapes and colors.  

​There is so much to do and see in St. Pete-Clearwater, we can’t name them all.  We encourage you to book our Clearwater, Florida vacation package located here!  Our vacation package includes private transfers from the airport of your choice for 2 people to stay 7 nights at the 4-star Opal Sands Resort (or similar 4 star hotel) with accommodation in Premium Gulf Front room. And there are two amazing tours included as well. One is a dinner cruise and the other a helicopter ride.  This trip does not include airfare, travel insurance nor meals (unless otherwise noted). We are willing to assist with arranging these aspects upon your request. The icing on the cake is we do include a $200 Visa or Mastercard that you can use as you wish during your stay.  All of this is for one low price for two people

​For more information click here or contact AJ! Clonts at 440-965-6868 or by email at aj@asyouwishluxurytravel.com.

Are you looking for a vacation experience that is unlike the norm? Then Iceland is the place for you! The rugged beauty of the land, the natural wonders, and festivals all year round are not to be missed! If so, we have the vacation package for you.

This vacation package is in Reykjavík (pronounced “rake-ya-vick”), Iceland. The package includes accommodations at a 4-star hotel called Fosshotel. 

Daily breakfast is included with your standard room. Located near the middle of Reykjavík, you have easy access to shops, restaurants, and the Reykjavík Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir that is part of Klambratún Park.

Reykjavík the capital of Iceland, has many quality restaurants with award winning chefs that create delicious Icelandic cuisine sourced locally. And be sure to try the local coffee and beer!

​Listen to a concert at the Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre, visit the Geothermal beach, and the largest whale exhibition in the world are just a few of the many events and activities around the city. 

​Your package, during the 7 day stay, also includes three tours as follows:

The price for this 7 day/6 night stay for 2 people is $4105.20. Included are private roundtrip transfers from Keflavík airport. hotel, daily breakfast, and three excursions. For more info visit our website at: 
 https://www.asyouwishtravelagency.com/iceland.html

Are you looking for a different type of vacation experience? How about indulging in local culture through food, wine, and shopping? If so, we have the vacation package for you. You will stay in a town nestled into the hillside, overlooking beautiful blue waters. A small but quaint community that has only two roads that allow car traffic. Most of the traffic is on foot walking up and down steps, peering into the shops of local retailers.

The vacation package is in Positano (pronounced Po-see-ton-o), Italy. The package includes accommodations at a 4-star hotel called Positano Art Hotel Pasitea. Daily breakfast that is included with your standard sea view room. Located in the middle of Positano, you have easy access to shops and restaurants.  The hotel concierge provides recommendations for transportation, restaurants, tours and vespa rentals (which is a motor bike.) 

​Positano is a small picturesque town in the famous Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy. This small community is bursting with natural beauty.  Wisteria-draped hotels, smart restaurants, and fashionable retailers line the steep streets and steps.  You will experience the southern-Italian flair through sunbathers eating pizza on the beach, kids pestering parents for gelato, and chic signore from Milan browsing the boutiques.

Your package, during the 6 day stay, also includes two tours as follows:

​Capri Cruise from the Amalfi Coast. Starting from Positano in the morning, hop on a 33-foot boat. Get a glimpse the Bay of Naples. Stop at the renowned Faraglioni rock formations or the Li Galli nature reserve. The boat visits the famed Blue Grotto, which is the former private bath of Roman Emperor Tiberius. Next take up to four hours of free time visiting the Island of Capri on your own. Then get back on the boat and return to the Amalfi Coast and arrive back into Positano in the early evening.

​Positano: Traditional Home Dinner on Amalfi Coast. Delight your palate and indulge your desire with a tradition dinner in Positano. Your dinner includes a four-course authentic Italian meal in the home of Chef Giacomo. Eat prepared products and herbs, sample excellent wines, and taste homemade liquor.

​The price for this 6 day/5 night stay for 2 people is $4,850. Included are private roundtrip transfers from Naples Airport or train station, daily breakfast, and two excursions. For more information visit our website at: https://www.asyouwishtravelagency.com/positano-italy.html.

It’s the start of the New Year!  Bridal Show season is upon us, which means lots of wedding planning begins including looking for a wedding dress. We understand that shopping for the perfect wedding dress can be overwhelming and frustrating at times. Here are 6 tips that will help you help you with your wedding dress shopping experience.

1. Be honest about the dress

Be honest with your wedding dress consultant about the dresses you try on. When trying on dresses ask yourself: “Do I feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable in the dress? Can I sit down without feeling self-conscience? Can I move it in without feeling trapped? Is this a dress I can wear all day?” If you cannot answer these questions, it may not be the right dress , no matter how beautiful it is.

2. Strike a balance when trying on dresses

Dresses always look good on a hanger (they can look awful too). Avoid making a quick judgment. You must try the dress on to see it if fits your silhouette. This means that you may need to try on several dresses but not too many. Trying on too many dresses can lead to frustration, confusion, and disappointment. To make it easier, look at bridal magazines or Pinterest to get an idea of the perfect wedding dress for you. This will help you try on the right amount of dresses without feeling overwhelmed. If you don’t find the dress you want and begin getting frustrated, take a break and try again another day. Also, work with your dress consultant as they can assist you with finding the perfect dress for you.

​ 3. Don’t order a smaller dress size

You may be alarmed at the size wedding dress you order. It turns out that bridal gowns can run two or three sizes larger than what you would normally wear. We all have hopes to be a small size on our wedding day. So once you locate the perfect wedding dress, order that in the size you are that day. The great news is that when you lose weight, the bridal dress shop can always adjust it to your reduced size. Focus more on the look and how amazing you feel in the dress than the size. You will be happier on your wedding day as a result.

4. Begin dress shopping at least 6 months before the wedding

You should begin shopping for a dress 6 to 7 months before your wedding. Picking your wedding dress within 4 months of the wedding date is considered to be a rush. A rush order will incur extra costs. If you are under 2 months away, you may have to take whatever is on the rack. This could be frustrating as it may not end up being the dress of your dreams.

​5. Shop for your gown with the right under garments

When gown shopping you will spend a lot of time in your underwear. So wear something pretty, which must include a well-fitted bra. Before gown shopping, get fitted for the perfect bra. There is power in having well-fitted undergarments under your wedding dress. Also consider wearing spandex. This will make it easier to slip in and out of all the wedding dresses you will try on that day.

6. Make an appointment
 
Make your appointment with the bridal shop to try on wedding dresses. This will allow your wedding gown shopping day is as smooth as possible. When you make an appointment it secures your spot. It is also recommended that you make the appointment for as early as possible. The store will be less crowded and you can get more attention from your consultant as a result.

The entire process of planning a wedding from beginning to end can be exciting or stressful. Your dress shopping will be better if you remember to be honest with yourself. Don't forget to shop early enough and follow the other tips listed above. These tips will assist you with having an enjoyable wedding dress shopping experience. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Brides World in Sandusky, Ohio at (419) 626-8539.

If you’re like many cruisers that aren’t fans of having to wait on a cramped deck to board your tender to shore when your cruise ship is stopping in port, then you’ll love the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that moves up and down the exterior of the ship depending on the need of the moment. It will never move while guests are on it for safety reasons, but its function changes depending on what deck it is positioned. When on Deck 2, The Magic Carpet is a relaxing waiting area for passengers to sit and chat until their tender boat comes to pick them up. The Edge tenders, known as Edge Launches are enclosed air-conditioned boats with large windows and bucket seats to travel to the port in style.

When The Magic Carpet is on Deck 16, it serves as a specialty restaurant in the evenings named Dinner on the Edge. Thanks to its position on the outside of the ship, you’ll literally be dining over the open water. The views from your table will be outstanding.

​One of the best parts about a cruise vacation is being able to view the scenery as you sail along the open ocean and seas passing gorgeous coastal towns and stopping at the scheduled ports of call as the beautiful landscapes come into view. Now, Celebrity Cruises, with the debut of Celebrity Edge, brings the outside in for your cruise more than ever before with The Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda. This newly designed stateroom features remotely controlled doors that open completely to let you bring the sea air right into your stateroom, so you can easily step up to the railing and see the sights that each day brings you.

What does this mean for your experience? A cruise ship that puts a focus on contemporary design with artistic flair and without sacrificing comfort. You’ll find bright, airy settings along with the modern luxury details discerning travelers from around the world have come to expect from Celebrity Cruises.
 
Celebrity Edge’s first sailing departed December 16, 2018, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which will also serve as Celebrity Edge’s homeport. Celebrity Edge will offer two different itineraries from Fort Lauderdale. The options will be an Eastern Caribbean Cruise that visits San Juan, Puerto Rico; Tortola, The British Virgin Islands; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The other itinerary option sails around the Western Caribbean and stops in Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico; and George Town, Grand Cayman. 

See more by watching our YouTube Video about this cutting edge Cruise Ship!

Contact AJ! Clonts if you would like to learn more about how to book your next cruise aboard this ship.  You can reach him at ​844-748-9474 or by email at aj@asyouwishluxurytravel.com.

There are so many steps involved in planning a great vacation. Planning a vacation can be overwhelming. So turn to a professional – most of the time it may not cost you anything extra to use an experienced travel advisor. As You Wish Luxury Travel offers personalized service. We assist with finding you the right trip for the best value. A good travel agent can reduce the stress when planning a vacation. Contact AJ! at 1-844-748-9474 or by email at aj@asyouwishluxurytravel.com.

​All Inclusive resorts are very popular.  In fact, we are witnessing the increase of constructing all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.  We are wondering where all the people are coming from?  This must be a sign of just how popular all-inclusive resorts have become. According to Frommers, the top two reasons that all-inclusive resorts are popular is time and value.  Did you know that six out of ten people explore the all-inclusive resort option when researching their vacation options? This is the reason why As You Wish Luxury travel specializes in all-inclusive resort.  Here are some reasons to consider if all-inclusive resort just might be a good fit for you.

​Budget
 
One the great things about choosing an all-inclusive resort is that these expenses are already included, making it easier to know the real cost of your vacation. A really important part of enjoying your vacation is not worrying about the expenses involved with meals and drink.  All-inclusive properties can offer the peace of mind in knowing you’ve already paid for a majority of the vacation. This allows you to truly relax and enjoy your trip with loved ones or your family.

Food

Many luxury resorts take great pride in their restaurants and the variety of their cuisine.  There are all-inclusive resorts with Michelin starred restaurants and world-famous chefs. If you are a foodie and have a particular niche you love then explore the culinary package add-ons at a resort, many times these experiences are included in the cost such as Karisma Resort El Dorado Royale. Frequently for a fixed additional fee, you can add specialty experiences to your stay. For example, Karisma's El Dorado Royale resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, also offers a week long wine experience, which includes tastings, cooking courses, pairings and a special dinner at a small additional cost.

It is unfortunate that so many people must take one form of medication or another these days.  This is the reason the most popular question of TSA is about the guidelines for traveling with medication through the airport checkpoint. Here are some helpful airpport security tips for consideration this holiday season and year around:

• If you have a medication that is in excess of 3.4 ounces, it is allowed.  You do not have to place it in a zip-top bag if it is a required medicine. However, you must alert the TSA officer when you start the checkpoint screening process that it is a necessary medicine.  Do not be alarmed if this results in additional screening. You may be asked to open the container for additional review.
  
  
• Unless it is in liquid form, you do not need to alert the TSA officer.
  
  
• According to TSA, your medications do not need to be in prescription bottles.  However, you must comply with your state law regarding your prescription labeling. Also, As You Wish Luxury Travel can assist you in locating this information.
  
  
• You can bring an unlimited amount of medication with you as long as it is screened.  Also, it is best if it is kept in your carry-on bag in case you need immediate access to it.
  
  
• Medication, such as nitroglycerin tablets and sprays ARE allowed for people who experience episodes of angina or heart disease. This medication has never been prohibited.
  
  
• All medication is screened by X-ray.  So you must make a request prior to the start of the screening process if you do NOT want your medication screened.  A TSA officer may ask for a visual inspection instead.
  
  

If you have other questions, contact TSA about what you can and cannot bring through the Security Checkpoint.  You can also ask TSA on Facebook and Twitter or the “What Can I Bring?” feature on TSA.gov. Last but not least, As You Wish Luxury Travel is always available to be of assistance to you too!