Frequent Miler

Sonesta is a hotel program that’s tended to fly under the radar for most points and miles folks (including me). It’s been around since the 1930’s, but remained fairly small for several decades. That’s changed in the last ten years or so and it’s now become one of the fastest-growing hospitality companies in the US. In 2020, Sonesta had a total of 80 properties. Today, it’s grown to over 1100, in part due to its acquisition of Red Lion Hotels.

What are Sonesta points worth?

Missouri State

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CJ Coombs

The first time my family walked into a Ponderosa Steakhouse was in the late 1960s. It was new and the experience was great. Like other new restaurants, if the management doesn't stay on top, the quality of service can decline. The location we went to did change through the years, but in the beginning, it was great.

The 1960s: the Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses are still around in some states

According to Shakey's website, this pizza parlor is only in California, North Carolina, and Washington state in the U.S. now. This was my family's go-to pizza joint when my father was stationed with the Air Force outside of Omaha, Nebraska. We liked it so much, that when we were transferred again, it was hopeful we'd find another one.

Shakey's Pizza Parlor and nostalgia: the first franchised pizza restaurant also landed in Missouri

Chase is incorrectly denying cardholders Sapphire Preferred welcome offer points, Hyatt buys a new brand and a trick for booking cheaper business class awards. All that and more in this week’s Saturday Selection, our weekly round-up of interesting tidbits from around the interwebs (links to each article are embedded in the titles).

A trick for cheaper business class awards, Chase incorrectly denying bonus points and a new Hyatt brand (Saturday Selection)

Chicago Happenings

What is more summery than an icy, sweet frozen drink? If the heat wave is getting to you, try whipping up this simple frozen strawberry lemonade. All you need is your choice of lemonade and some frozen strawberries. You can use store-bought lemonade, make your own from scratch, or a powdered version. As for strawberries, frozen ones are the easiest choice. If you'd rather use fresh, add at least two cups of ice until you reach a nice, frozen consistency.

2-Ingredient Frozen Strawberry Lemonade: Beat the Heat!

Save 20% when booking Southwest award flights and using promo code MAX20. Must book by June 30th and travel between August 20th and November 20th. 20 percent promotion code savings valid for one-way or round trip Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares booked on Southwest.com® from June 28-30, 2024 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time (the “Booking Period”) and flown between August 20-November 20, 2024 (“Travel Period”). Travel to/from Orange County (SNA) excluded. Promotion code savings are applied before government taxes and fees.

Southwest Sale: Get 20% Off Both Cash and Points Bookings

California State

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The HD Post

CALIFORNIA – Governor Gavin Newsom announced, June 28, that 1,700 first-generation homebuyers have been conditionally approved for the Dream For All (DFA) Shared Appreciation Loan program.

CalHFA issues all 1,700 vouchers for down payment assistance program

Bryce Gruber

The color yellow is gorgeous, eye-catching, and downright happy for most people. So much so that it's the main hue in the world-famous happy face—but science says it's not the best color to wear on a date.

You Shouldn't Wear Yellow on First Dates, Here's Why

There are at least two new, targeted Amex offers out that gives an extra 4-5x when shopping at Amazon.com. These happen every year near Prime Day and tend to go fast. I’d recommend signing in and adding them sooner rather than later as these offers usually disappear quickly. There...

Amazon Amex Offers: Earn up to 4,500 bonus Membership Rewards points (targeted)

There is a (highly?) targeted upgrade offer for the Amex Business Platinum that started appearing on some cardholders’ accounts over the last few weeks. It seems to be targeted at both Business Gold cardholders and Business Green cardholders and it offers 120,000 points after $10K spend within the first three months.

Amex Business Platinum 120K Upgrade Offer (targeted)

Kansas City, MO

Cats of Kansas City

No matter where you live, there are plenty of cats looking for a place to call home, but these cats here, these are Kansas City cats. Everybody knows that Kansas City cats are the best cats in the world. Right? Regardless, all are available to adopt from area shelters--go and get them while you can.

A cat named Fluff and five other divine felines available to adopt

Upgraded Points has discovered a ton of standard award availability at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui during the Summer/early-Fall of 2024. Rooms are available between June and October, including multiple 5-night blocks(meaning it will work for 5th-night free stays). When there was wide open standard award availability a few months...

Conrad Bora Bora: Great availability July-September 2024

Mark your calendars: if you have Bilt points, Monday will be a great day to consider transferring them. If you’d like to fly Air France or KLM in business class, we published a couple of helpful tricks this week, whether that’s how to find a calendar of availability or how to book via chat with Virgin Atlantic. Read about all that and a lot more in this Frequent Miler Week in Review.

Bigness from Bilt, tricks for booking Air France & KLM, updated hotel point values and more [Week in Review]

West Texas Livestock Growers

Looking out onto a field of perfectly rolled hay bales is not just a beautiful sight; it’s a testament to your hard work and expertise. The feeling of pride and accomplishment that comes from baling them yourself is truly unmatched.

How to achieve perfect hay bales every time

Massachusetts State

Scituate, MA

Dianna Carney

Summer in a small town brings with it a unique charm. The slower pace, friendly locals, and idyllic landscapes create an atmosphere that invites relaxation and exploration. Smithsonian Magazine recently named Scituate, Massachusetts as one of the best small towns to celebrate summer. This selection is due in part to its beautiful seaside views and historic landmarks, such as the Old Scituate Light - one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States.

Smithsonian Magazine Names This Massachusetts Small Town Among Best Places To Celebrate Summer

Total Apex Sports & Entertainment

Everyone faces challenges from their childhood to adulthood. Some zodiac signs have creative solutions to their problems while others seek help from their loved ones. At times, an individual’s emotional state can enable or prevent them from solving a certain problem quickly. It is crucial to be logical when pondering about obstacles. Still, you can use your unique abilities to overcome challenges rather than consulting someone else. Which individuals are talented at overcoming adversity?

3 Zodiac Signs Who Are Experts With Creative-Solving Problems

New Jersey State

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Morristown Minute

Arms Unlimited accused of selling and shipping large-capacity magazines to New Jersey, violating state laws. The state takes action against Arms Unlimited for allegedly violating local gun control laws.

NJ Sues Arms Unlimited for Illegal Sale of High-Capacity Magazines

Josue Torres

We’ve all been there. You go out to eat, enjoy a meal, and then the bill arrives with an unexpected surcharge. These fees began appearing during the pandemic and have lingered, covering inflation and minimum wage increases.

New California law changes restaurant pricing, what diners need to know

Los Angeles, CA

San Diego, CA

CALIFORNIA – A Chapman University report, published this week, found that unaffordable housing markets in California and across the world pose a threat to the middle class's survival.

Report says unaffordable housing markets in California pose threat to middle class's survival

New York City, NY

Newark, NJ

NEWARK, N.J. – Joshua Goltry, 30, of New York, admitted today to defrauding investors out of millions of dollars through a fraudulent investment scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Goltry pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court.

Fund Manager's Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme

NewsBreak

Now 125K points + Gold status with new Sonesta World Mastercard offer

The Sonesta World Mastercard is out with a new offer that could be quite valuable for Sonesta fans: now earn 120,000 points after just $2,000 in...

Now 125K points + Gold status with new Sonesta World Mastercard offer

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