Monica T

I like upscale comfort food, like seitan wings, veggie dogs, mexican food with tofu, mac n cheese, etc. I also want to go somewhere with a good beer list. It doesn't seem like there are many places in DC to fit the bill.

We have four days in Rome and are looking for a moderately priced hotel. Is there a neighborhood that offers a nice compromise between price and location to all the tourist sights?

we moved into our house in November and are very curious what kind of tree this is. It has some dried flowers or pods left on it from the winter, but we have no idea what it's going to look like this summer. One hint is that we live in Pittsburgh, PA.

Here's a link to my Flickr page that shows a photo of the tree.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pilarkitty/4479273329...

Thanks!

We are looking to install either an air conditioner or heat pump to an existing 80% efficient two-stage furnace (Carrier Weather Maker). We've gotten quotes for both an AC and Heat Pump in 13 and 15 SEER ratings.

(cheapest being 13 SEER AC, most expensive 15 SEER Heat pump)

We don't know which one is the best option for us. Will the 2 additional SEER rating be that much more energy efficient? How much energy will using a Heat Pump save? There are so many variables involved with the cost of gas and electricity that it's hard to figure. Here's a link to Pittsburgh's average temperatures.

http://www.cityrating.com/citytemperature.asp?City...

Any advice is welcome.

Looking for a good burrito

I don't have children so I have no idea what I should buy. I really don't want to buy them clothes. Their parents are specific about what they dress them in. Thanks!

We are going to Vegas this weekend. It's my first time and my husband's first time since he was 16. We are looking for a nice restaurant that won't break the bank, but where we can have a nice meal before seeing Cirque du Soleil at New York New York. A restaurant with a nice view is definitely a plus. We are staying at the Monte Carlo. I am vegetarian and would like something other than steamed vegetables or a salad.

When and where are they?

it was walking with what looked like a limp, but now it's just sitting there. I did a search online and it said that you should just let it lie where it is and that the mother is probably watching, but I don't know. it looks so sad. i feel really bad for it. Does anyone have experience with this? What should we do?

Is it nice? Do you recommend it? Any tips or recommendations on the room type. I see that prices range from $100-$225/night. Is it worth getting a crater view room? Any other thoughts?

They aren't registered and are both 60 years old. We have no clue what to get them and lack creativity. We need your help!

I have two options for MOH.

1. My best friend who I have known since I was 4 (almost 30 years ago). She lives about 6 hours away from me, but I know I can always count on her. The downside is that she has a young son that keeps her busy and because of the distance she may not be able to be there for all the pre-wedding activities.

2. A friend I have known about 8 years. She lives in the same city as me and her boyfriend has known my fiance since high school (so he would end up being the best man). She would do a great job and be more available with her time, but I don't have the history with her like I do with "friend 1".

Both are great friends. What should I do? My heart is really torn and my gut isn't giving me any good ideas, either.

I am taking a cruise and Curacao is one of the ports-of-call. We can't decide whether to mountain bike or kayak. Has anyone been to Curacao to recommend one over the other? Is the view of the shoreline more beautiful than biking through the island? Any other suggestions for a must-see in Curacao?

Thanks.

Since there is free food throughout the ship, I can't imagine what they would offer. Priority shore excursions?

I reserved the cheapest balcony cabin on a Royal Caribbean ship. (Category E2) They have upgrades from E1, D3, D2, D1 (D1 being the most expensive.) Am I going to have an obstructed view? Should I upgrade? I can't figure out why my room was cheaper than the others.