In a former or next life my career path will be very different. I want to travel the world and explore species of animals that few people ever see. Lonesome George is one of them. He’s a 100 year old Pinta tortoise from the Galapagos Islands that may be the last of his species.
Lonesome George has become the icon for world conservationists and ecological educators. Lonesome George is also the name of a clothing and accessories collection designed to inspire people to respect and embrace the world we have. Wearing Lonesome George & Co Impact Apparel makes a statement to those around you that you care and want to be part of the change for good.
Sabreena received the 1930 Element tee that features Lonesome George himself as well as a message asking for help. She’s chosen the right career path; Environmental Engineering. She wants to do something good for the world; she’s on the right track already. The tee is soft, thick, cut large and long and expected to last a long time.
Created using organic Peruvian Pima cotton each tee, hoodie and tote helps support the efforts to bring back the Galapagos Islands where it should be. This oasis and home to many unique species of animals is under attack by commercial fishing, tourism and introduced species. The money raised with the sale of Lonesome George products goes directly to programs to prevent more loss.
Lonesome George Needs Your Help
HP Envy 110 e-All-In-One To Save The Day
Over the years Melinda and I have accumulated thousands of family photos and we are more do it yourself photo printers rather than having someone print them for us so we need a good quality photo printer. We need a printer that not only does photos but can be used for everyday use as well. Recently we were offered the HP ENVY 110 e-All-In-One for review and so far I am very happy with this printer.
The HP ENVY 110 e-All-In-One is a wireless printer which is also a touch screen that prints up to 7ppm black and 4ppm color. It is also a scanner and e-fax (requires an account) so this is the perfect printer for most people who have multiple needs.
The biggest thing that I like about this printer is you only need two ink cartridges which cost under $50 for the set unlike a lot of printer where ink can cost you close to $100. We have had other photo printers and so far this is the best one we have owed so far. The photo quality is awesome and the regular print quality is great as well. I have used it a few times as a scanner and it has worked well. I did have a hard time getting my computer to recognize the printer but that could be my fault and most likely you will have a better result.
All in all this is a terrific printer that was easy to set up and super easy to use. For additional specs on this printer click HERE because to be honest there are just too many to list.
Monitoring your Fitness with Sportsline
A couple weeks back Rob rode the Bike MS: City to Shore, 100 mile bike ride for Multiple Sclerosis. Doing the ride is more than just a fundraiser; it’s an intense workout. Rob is a regular cyclist and monitoring his progress and health is a must.
Rob was able to try out the Sportline’s CARDIO 660 Series heart rate monitor for the ride.
The Sportline Cardio™ 660 heart rate monitor is simple to set up and use so you can focus on your fitness while you run, walk and bike.
- Quick and easy to set up, the Cardio 660 heart rate monitor lets you customize the user profile for accuracy
- Press the dedicated heart rate button to display your heart rate at any time during your workout; watch displays average heart rate and percent of your maximum heart rate
- Watch calculates calories burned and fat burned during your workout
- Coded transmission between the watch and the included chest strap eliminates interference from other heart rate monitors
- Time your workouts with the countdown timer or the 50-lap stopwatch
- Sportline Cardio™ 660 heart rate monitor has standard watch features that include time, date and alarm
- Operates on 2 CR2032 lithium batteries (included)
Rob said the results he received were accurate and helped him pace himself through the rougher parts of the ride. For whatever the sport a Sportline Heart Rate Monitor is a great addition for your fitness needs. Visit Sportline.com for more details and other selections and options.
Decorating for Halloween with #PotteryBarnKids
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays to decorate for. I like it fun, festive and cute. Rob and I went into a Pottery Barn a couple weeks back and bought this cute spider candle holder. It was the first decoration that appeared in the house for the holiday.
What a coincidence that I received an email a week later from Pottery Barn asking to review some Halloween décor and costumes. I opted out of the costumes since the kids has already decided what they were going to be but told them send me whatever for decorations because I liked everything.
This is how we decorated this year.
I like to keep it fun with happy pumpkins and cute skeletons. I don’t like the gore and blood and cobwebs that invoke a spooky or creepy feeling. Pottery Barn has tons friendly and lighthearted décor for parties and home. I thought about getting a banner that read Happy Halloween but I wasn’t sure where to put it.
Get your child suited up in their best Halloween costume and submit it to Pottery Barn’s Spooktacular Costume Contest for the chance to win 1 of 5 $100 GC.
We Learned, Created and Shared our LeapPad and Tag
Each year there is a new hot electronic toy for kids and we usually end up indulging before any real research. This year that must have toy for kids is the Leapfrog LeapPad learning tablet. Tablets are all the craze right now, we have an iPad and the kids love it but I don’t love them using it. The LeapPad is JUST FOR KIDS with a built in camera, video recorder, activities and games.
set up and play within minutes
Our family hosted a “Learn, Create and Share” party for Shae and some friends to try out the LeapPad and Tag Reading System. With a bowl of frog gummies, froggy faced cupcakes and lilypad placemats we started our party with tasty snacks of course. The real fun began when the kids got to work on activity sheets and testing out the Tag and LeapPad for themselves.
fun with the tag
The set up was easy, hook up to the computer to download apps then hand it over to let the kids explore and have fun. Shae’s first game was Jewel Train; a puzzle game that gets minds thinking. Her new favorite thing is taking pictures so as soon as she found out there was a camera she went snapping away. The quality was good as long as there was enough light. The included software allows kids to manipulate pics with funny faces and drawings.
As a parent I looked for some other features. The size was perfect for small hands with buttons large enough not to miss and materials that weren’t slippery (like the iPad). The response time from when the children tapped the screen and when the movement or action happened was instant. This is important especially when you have impatient kids that will keep clicking or tapping resulting in the wrong answer or outcome. As a whole I’m pleased with the LeapPad and expect it to last many years.
LeapFrog products are a staple in our house. In fact about 10 years ago we purchased another item called a LeapPad; a completely different product than this one but it is still regularly used. Shae’s My First LeapPad is still going strong and has been handed down to my niece. The Leapster was Shaun’s best companion and found a new home with a younger neighbor. Learning can be fun and LeapFrog makes this very clear in every gadget they put out. The library of additional games and apps available for purchase is much larger than other kid devices I’ve seen out there and BONUS for the LeapPad and Tag; there are NO cartridges to lose.
Learn to read, create, write and play with LeapFrog.
I received free LeapFrog products in order to host a Learn, Create and Share Party. LeapFrog did not influence my opinions expressed here as a result.”
This one brings back memories
Home Décor has never been so much fun now that I’m working with Gallery Direct. You seen Rob’s Father’s Day Gift and our bedroom addition, now it’s time to see the unique twist I installed in our living room.
Merrymaking IV from M Drake
I had a long wishlist of art that I wanted for the house in all different styles. I am particularly drawn to florals and landscape scenes but when I found M Drake’s Merrymaking collection I was in love. It reminded me of vacations at the beach and how little time we spent there this past summer. I wanted to capture a piece of those memories and be able to see it each day. Merrymaking IV is the Ferris Wheel installation and it’s so much fun to look at. With greens and purples it doesn’t match our living room at all but it doesn’t matter. Each person that has seen it is instantly taken a back and mentions how much they like it. I’d love to get another piece but I am all out of wall space in this room.
Gallery Direct is proud to be a sponsor of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. We’ve all seen the extraordinary transformations of families all over the nation. If you take a closer look inside the homes you’ll see lots of my favorite pieces and artists being represented. You can see M Drake’s pieces here at Boys Hope Girls Hope Baltimore.
Take my word for it; Gallery Direct has so much to offer and the quality is awesome. Take a peek around and don’t forget to check out their Facebook page; they often have coupon codes and giveaways going on.
It’s Costume Time
It took many hours of intense thought and investigation but the decision has been made; the kids costumes are decided.
I implored Shaun to NOT pick a costume that had a mask. We’ve done that in the past and it always ends with the mask in the bag because he can’t see well or it’s too hot. This year he chose a Ninja Master Costume. While it does has a mask it’s a half mask that shouldn’t inhibit his sight. The costume comes complete with shirt, pants, hood, leg guards, arm guards and over vest. The sword isn’t included but that is fine with me because I always end up carrying the accessories. Shaun is done, now it’s time to work on Shae.
Costume shopping this year can be easy with Wholesale Halloween Costumes. Whether you are buying 1 or 10 the shipping is fast and cheap. Up the cost $1 and get expedited shipping and delivery within 5 days. There is still plenty of time to order and receive your costume before Halloween.
A good tip is to check out the sale section and accessories section to get great deals on year round dress up supplies and costumes.
I found this ultra cute fairy costume for less than $20 and this Movie Clapper Board for less than $10. You don’t only have to buy costumes for Halloween,; these would be perfect for the kids when they put on shows in the house for rainy day entertainment.
If the choice is a Disney Princess costume, Green Lantern Costume or any other of the 100’s of selections you are bound to find just want the kids want at prices you can agree on. Have a safe and happy Halloween.
It’s time to clean out the closet with Scout by Bungalow
I really like the house we live in. We have great living space, a modern kitchen, a HUGE outdoor space for the kids and everyone has their own room. What we lack is sufficient closet space in the master bedroom and linen closet. This means that my “work and dressy” clothes, purses and shoes go in Shae’s closet and our sheets sets go in Shaun’s closet. We actually aren’t infringing on their space because they don’t require all the space but it was becoming a mess.
shae's closet before cleaning
shaun's closet before cleaning
The kid’s closets needed some help. There was a little bit of everything everywhere so I was able to consolidate with a Scout by Bungalow Junque Trunk storage toteto get their sheets and towels in one space. As you can see from the before and after pictures that the tote itself fits so much stuff and keeps it looking good.
shaun's closet after organizing
Scout by Bunglow is a unique but functional bag collection that also ventrues into storage, organization and insulated food bags. I was already a fan of Scout by Bungalow. I currently use their Daytripper on a very regular basis when we head out for the day as a family. Take a peek at all the fun patterns and options Scout by Bunglow has to offer and shop today
Get Psycho With CycoCycle
Shaun loves to ride bikes so when were asked to review the CycoCycle Shaun was super excited to receive it. I am going to be honest until I looked it up I had no idea what the CycoCycle was. Here is the first commercial I found showing me what it was:
Here is a video of Shaun riding the CycoCycle:
Here is some additional information about the CycoCycle that wasn’t mentioned in the above videos:
The CycoCycle is made out of super strong steel, crazy tough rubber and your weirdest nightmares. If you’re the kind of geek who likes to read about product specs, here they are. Maybe your mommy or daddy can read them to you before beddy-bye time.
FOLDING FRAME WITH LOCKING QUICK RELEASE LATCH
Instantly folds flat for easy transport and storage. Fits in the trunk or back seat, stores in the closet or under the bed. Take it or store it anywhere!
COMFORTABLE, ADJUSTABLE UNICYCLE-STYLE SEAT
Front and rear quick-grab handles, cantilevered seat post for even balance between all three wheels.
BMX STYLE PNEUMATIC TIRES
Multi-tread design for secure traction on pavement, grass, and dirt surfaces.
REAR STEP BAR WITH GRIP-TAPE
Non-slip surface for giving a friend a lift!
The CycoCycle is a HUGE hit in our house and can be in your for $119.00 but get yours while you can because they are flying off of store shelves.
A Big Boys Room
Shaun is a big boy. I’m not talking about his size (but yes he’s tall) I’m saying he’s not a baby anymore. It recently became time for him to get a bedroom that reflected his growing interests and personality. Beyond Bedding provided new bedding and we bought a new bed and gave him a mini makeover.
When I showed him his pattern options he instantly pointed out sports theme bedding. Hs previous bedding was sports but this new set was a bit more mature. What I did like about the set was the bed skirt. It wasn’t girly and allowed us to continue to utilize the space for storage without looking sloppy or messy. When the set arrived we washed it before using it. This softened up the sham and comforter but also shifted the batting inside. It ended up being more lumpy than I liked but the color stayed true and the stitching remained intact and it didn’t get pilly. As you can see in the picture the comforter doesn’t quite reach the bottom of the mattress. One thing I hate is having sheets show especially when they don’t match.
big boy sports bedding
sheet peeking through
The bedding set came with a valance but Shaun has 2 windows so we aren’t using it. I think I might be able to put together some throw pillows with it; I just need some smaller pillow forms to start with.
Recently Beyond Bedding added a Custom Bedding option to their already extensive collection of baby, teen and adult options. Select your size, item, color, trim and pattern to create a bedroom that reflects exactly what you envision for a perfect sleeping haven.
