If you have a ton of books lieing around that you don't read anymore check out BookCrossing.com. It's a neat little site I found where people exchange books with a twist. If you've got a book you haven't read in awhile and probably won't pick up again, release it to the world! How do you release books? Collect up a few books, take them to a public place and leave them there. Then return to the website and list the location where you left the books. Another lucky member can swing by that location and pick up the books to read, and when they're done they can release them again!
I think it's such a cool concept, and it's better than letting your books lie around collecting dust. You don't have to give up your identity or location this way either, so it's an easy way to trade books online without giving out personal information. You can choose to release books to the community or to a specific member, and it's so easy to do because signing up for an account at BookCrossing.com is free! I only see one person right now participating in my area, but maybe if I spread the word and leave a few books around town I might get some people participating!
Refinishing Garage Floors
I've got to spend some time this weekend helping my Grandpa in his basement garage. Awhile back he mentioned that he had found some concrete paint stuff that he wanted to use in the basement garage to make it look nicer. I have a feeling my Grandma is really the one behind the whole mess because my Grandpa really doesn't care what the garage looks like. Tomorrow hubby and I are going to spend some time helping him clean out the garage, then I guess they'll pick up the paint and finish the job in the next couple of weeks. Honestly I wish I could convince him to redo the floor in our garage, too, but cleaning out and painting both garage floors would take a lot of work because my Grandma uses our garage for storage. Ours is stained with oil from years of car rebuilds, but I probably won't get lucky enough to convince them to do it. Oh well, it's always nice to dream isn't it?
iOne Lynx-Q5 High Precision Gaming Mouse Review
A few months back I bought hubby a new mouse because he'd been complaining about how much he missed having a gaming mouse. I decided to pick up the iOne Lynx-Q5 high precision gaming mouse for him to use, and he's loved it. I haven't really had a chance to use it since the day he took it out of the box, but I finally got around to testing it out myself today. I borrowed it to use with my new computer while he was at work, and since he didn't run home to play Battlefield I got in a little extra testing time. I can see why hubby loves this mouse, but honestly it's just not for me. Here is a list of the features.
- 7-Button Ergonomic design
- High performance mouse for gaming
- Accurate and instant positioning of cursor under high speed movement
- Image processing speed: 5.8M/second
- Highest speed: 1m/second
- Highest acceleration: 15g
- 1600 dpi optical sensor rate with 3 adjustable sensor rate (400dpi, 800dpi, 1600dpi)
- USB interface with PS/2 adapter
- 2 meter non tangle cable
- Super smooth Teflon feet
Ok I see where this mouse has it's high points. I do like the 7 button design. You can easily scroll through websites while going forward or back with the click of a button. You can also control the scroll speed directly from the mouse with a quick click up or down without having to load your mouse settings via your computer to change them. The fact that you have a three-tier resolution of 400, 800, or 1600dpi that can easily and quickly be changed with just a click is also an added benefit.
The mouse really is a great mouse for the cost of around $14.95, but here's where I have a problem with it. The ergonomic design is nice, but it's not made for small hands. After a friend used hubby's computer I heard her complaining that his mouse was just too bulky and hard to use. After spending the day testing it out I have to agree. This mouse is made for larger manly hands. I know I'm a small woman, but the bulky design leaves me stretching my fingers to reach some of the buttons.
Informal Critique Rating? Stay away from this mouse if you've got smaller hands. I'll give it 4 stars for all the great features packed into the small price with just the one flaw.
Messy Office
I've realized lately how disorganized my home office has really gotten. Between building a new computer for myself, working on client computers, and sorting through extra computer parts I've made a mess. I have boxes stacked everywhere full of things that need for my work, and I have bags of shipping supplies randomly strewn about. My files are stuffed into a box that is my temporary filing cabinet, and there are cds and dvds everywhere you look. I really need to do something about it. You wouldn't even know there was any office furniture in this room because you can barely see the top of my desk! I think I know what I'm going to spend tonight doing. My office seriously needs an overhaul.
The Joy of Reading
Have I ever told you how much I really love to read? I seriously do, and I've always got a book lieing around somewhere waiting for me when I need to escape from my own little world for awhile. I've got a huge collection of Nora Roberts books, and I've been going through them recently reading the ones I've never gotten around to. I love reading trilogies and series because I hate getting to the ending of a book and realizing it leaves me hanging. At least with series that contain multiple books I can pick up the next one.
This week I've been reading the Nora Roberts Dream Trilogy. I read the first book, Daring To Dream in a matter of a couple hours Monday night, and I immediately had to start reading the second book, Holding the Dream. I finished it Tuesday and began the final book, Finding the Dream, but this is the first time I've realized that I've reached the end of a trilogy and wanted more.
How many times has that happened to you?
This week I've been reading the Nora Roberts Dream Trilogy. I read the first book, Daring To Dream in a matter of a couple hours Monday night, and I immediately had to start reading the second book, Holding the Dream. I finished it Tuesday and began the final book, Finding the Dream, but this is the first time I've realized that I've reached the end of a trilogy and wanted more.
How many times has that happened to you?
Drooling Over Johnny Depp
I know one thing I'll be doing during the Holiday's this year. I'll be checking out some Johnny Depp! What woman doesn't think Johnny Depp is hot at least in some way? I know I've drooled over him plenty of times since I hit puberty, and I'll be drooling a little more. I loved watching him in 21 Jump Street when I was growing up, and I've drooled over him plenty of times in movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and Finding Neverland.
For me Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas is my all time favorite Johnny Depp movie. My all time favorite Fear And Loathing moment? I love when Raoul Duke (Depp) tells Dr. Gonzo "No We can't stop here. This is bat country!" If you haven't seen the movie you just can't understand the meaning, and it's really a great movie that you should check out.
I think I would have to say Edward Scissorhands is my second favorite Depp movie of all time. This is one of those great movies Tim Burton directed that I'll watch over and over again. I love the part where Edward Scissorhands (Depp) gives Joyce a haircut.
There's another great movie coming out December 21st that I can't wait to see. It's another one that I know will be great because Johnny Depp has teamed up yet again with director Tim Burton to give us the movie version of Sweeney Todd. I absolutely love the Sweeney Todd musical, and I've not only had the chance to see it many times, but I also was given the opportunity to perform in it at the local community theater when I was in high school. Sweeney Todd is also the only musical that hubby has ever been interested in seeing, so I can't wait to take him to see the movie.
If you like Sweeney Todd don't forget to visit Sweeney Todd on MySpace after you take the time to visit the official Sweeney Todd movie site. There's tons of stuff to check out on both sites including Myspace profile layouts, video clips, behind the scenes footage, banners, wallpapers and more! I could spend hours on both sites, and I can't wait for the movie!
For me Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas is my all time favorite Johnny Depp movie. My all time favorite Fear And Loathing moment? I love when Raoul Duke (Depp) tells Dr. Gonzo "No We can't stop here. This is bat country!" If you haven't seen the movie you just can't understand the meaning, and it's really a great movie that you should check out.
I think I would have to say Edward Scissorhands is my second favorite Depp movie of all time. This is one of those great movies Tim Burton directed that I'll watch over and over again. I love the part where Edward Scissorhands (Depp) gives Joyce a haircut.
There's another great movie coming out December 21st that I can't wait to see. It's another one that I know will be great because Johnny Depp has teamed up yet again with director Tim Burton to give us the movie version of Sweeney Todd. I absolutely love the Sweeney Todd musical, and I've not only had the chance to see it many times, but I also was given the opportunity to perform in it at the local community theater when I was in high school. Sweeney Todd is also the only musical that hubby has ever been interested in seeing, so I can't wait to take him to see the movie.
If you like Sweeney Todd don't forget to visit Sweeney Todd on MySpace after you take the time to visit the official Sweeney Todd movie site. There's tons of stuff to check out on both sites including Myspace profile layouts, video clips, behind the scenes footage, banners, wallpapers and more! I could spend hours on both sites, and I can't wait for the movie!
Down & Out
I don't know why but I've just felt so bummed over the past couple of weeks. Normally I've got holiday cheer busting out my pores, but this year I just can't seem to get into the mood. I pulled my Christmas tree out 2 weeks ago, but I haven't even gotten around to fully decorating it yet! I had a little spurt of the Holiday feeling earlier today, so I put my garland on the tree, but I stopped after I had to keep wrestling it away from both the dog and cat. I threw it on there as quick as I could and went off to do something else. I haven't even begun to pull out my ornaments. I just can't seem to get into the holidays.
Maybe part of it has to do with the fact that I've been sick a lot over the past couple of weeks. Everyone I know has been passing around some sort of bug, and I think every one of them has hit me. I've had a stomach virus keeping me down on and off, and then yesterday I started getting chills and feeling all achy all over. I DO NOT want to be coming down with a bad cold right now, so I've been popping my vitamins with some extra vitamin c and zinc thrown in. Hubby's felt down and out too, so I guess that hasn't helped me much.
What would you do to bring the holiday cheer back?
Maybe part of it has to do with the fact that I've been sick a lot over the past couple of weeks. Everyone I know has been passing around some sort of bug, and I think every one of them has hit me. I've had a stomach virus keeping me down on and off, and then yesterday I started getting chills and feeling all achy all over. I DO NOT want to be coming down with a bad cold right now, so I've been popping my vitamins with some extra vitamin c and zinc thrown in. Hubby's felt down and out too, so I guess that hasn't helped me much.
What would you do to bring the holiday cheer back?
Free Blogger Business Cards
As bloggers we know we want to write, but how do you gain an audience that will read your writings no matter what your subject is? We all know about social networking, blogrolling, link exchanging, and advertising online, but do you take the time out to advertise your blog offline as well? How many times have you met someone that you mentioned your blog to, but you knew they wouldn't remember the blog address? I know I've done it plenty of times, and the normal response is them asking me to email them with the address.
There's an easier way to market your blog offline than you might think. Through the use of the old fashioned business card you have the power to share your blog at your fingertips whenever you run into someone who might be interested. Don't lose a reader just because they don't have the time or the means to stop and write your address down!
Even though traditional business cards may not look like they're designed for blog promotion, Ooprint has made it easier with their "Business Card 2.0". These cards are designed specifically with bloggers in mind allowing you to add your url as well as a personalized tag cloud that focuses on keywords you want associated with your blog. What's even better is that Ooprint is offering bloggers 100 FREE business cards to check out what they have to offer while allowing you a chance to try out your offline marketing techniques with business cards. All you have to pay is shipping, so it can't get much better than that!
There's an easier way to market your blog offline than you might think. Through the use of the old fashioned business card you have the power to share your blog at your fingertips whenever you run into someone who might be interested. Don't lose a reader just because they don't have the time or the means to stop and write your address down!
Even though traditional business cards may not look like they're designed for blog promotion, Ooprint has made it easier with their "Business Card 2.0". These cards are designed specifically with bloggers in mind allowing you to add your url as well as a personalized tag cloud that focuses on keywords you want associated with your blog. What's even better is that Ooprint is offering bloggers 100 FREE business cards to check out what they have to offer while allowing you a chance to try out your offline marketing techniques with business cards. All you have to pay is shipping, so it can't get much better than that!
Curious As A Cat Week 93
Are you curious? I know I was this week! Join me in Curious As A Cat!
1) Name an event where the power of the crowd was inspiring.
The first thing that comes to mind is when I had to perform a violin solo in the middle of Disney World. I was so nervous throughout the entire set as I watched the crowd build, and I didn't think I would make it through my solo, but as I began playing my solo I watched the crowd smiling at me, and it really made the difference. For a 16 yr old kid it really made me feel great.
2) What is your oldest article of clothing that you still wear?
Geeze it's hard to name just one. I still have a lot of clothing that I've owned for years that I still wear. My favorite pair of jeans is a pair I bought on a trip to the Commerce, GA outlets when I was around 12 or 13, so I've had those jeans for about 13 years.
3) If you were to describe your first "real" kiss, what would you say?
It was definitely an eye opening experience.
4) When were you most moved by a ceremony?
When I watched my grandparents renew their vows on their 50th wedding anniversary in a quite little private garden ceremony where only real love mattered.
5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
I'm reminding of the many pounds of food I ate this week and how my favorite pair of jeans is fitting a little snug at the moment!
1) Name an event where the power of the crowd was inspiring.
The first thing that comes to mind is when I had to perform a violin solo in the middle of Disney World. I was so nervous throughout the entire set as I watched the crowd build, and I didn't think I would make it through my solo, but as I began playing my solo I watched the crowd smiling at me, and it really made the difference. For a 16 yr old kid it really made me feel great.
2) What is your oldest article of clothing that you still wear?
Geeze it's hard to name just one. I still have a lot of clothing that I've owned for years that I still wear. My favorite pair of jeans is a pair I bought on a trip to the Commerce, GA outlets when I was around 12 or 13, so I've had those jeans for about 13 years.
3) If you were to describe your first "real" kiss, what would you say?
It was definitely an eye opening experience.
4) When were you most moved by a ceremony?
When I watched my grandparents renew their vows on their 50th wedding anniversary in a quite little private garden ceremony where only real love mattered.
5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
I'm reminding of the many pounds of food I ate this week and how my favorite pair of jeans is fitting a little snug at the moment!
Almost Dead Because Of Drugs
It's so sad when I hear of yet another one of m old friends who is in serious need of drug rehabilitation. This morning I ran into a friend of hubby's family. We used to spend a lot of time at her house just hanging out on the weekend, my hubby got her hubby a job awhile back, and I would babysit her kids on occasion. A few months ago her family sort of dropped off the face of the Earth, and I've been wondering about them. Her husband quit his job, and we haven't heard from them since. When I ran into her this morning I was so happy to see her, but as soon as she started filling me in on what happened my heart sank.
I know her husband used to have a very bad drug problem, but when his first child was born he opened his eye and got help. He stayed clean for 8 years, but about 3 months ago he ran into one of his old college buddies and started using again. My friend took the kids and moved to her mom's house downstate when she realized what was going on and her hubby refused to stop. They were trying to work their problems out, and about a month ago her hubby agreed to get help, but he didn't take it seriously.
I was horrified to hear about what happened. She's up here this week to take care of paperwork because her soon to be ex was in a serious accident. He was at his drug dealer's house, and another guy with a serious drug problem walked in with a crossbow threatening to kill the dealer if he didn't give him the drugs he needed. My friend's soon to be ex stepped between them, and the other guy shot him with the crossbow. He was hit in the neck, and is very lucky to be alive. It sliced his jugular, and he would have bled to death if he hadn't been two blocks from the hospital.
Now not only has he lost his wife and kids, his house, his truck, and everything else imaginable, but he almost lost his life. Why can't people see what drugs do to you? Seriously? Are they worth all this?
I know her husband used to have a very bad drug problem, but when his first child was born he opened his eye and got help. He stayed clean for 8 years, but about 3 months ago he ran into one of his old college buddies and started using again. My friend took the kids and moved to her mom's house downstate when she realized what was going on and her hubby refused to stop. They were trying to work their problems out, and about a month ago her hubby agreed to get help, but he didn't take it seriously.
I was horrified to hear about what happened. She's up here this week to take care of paperwork because her soon to be ex was in a serious accident. He was at his drug dealer's house, and another guy with a serious drug problem walked in with a crossbow threatening to kill the dealer if he didn't give him the drugs he needed. My friend's soon to be ex stepped between them, and the other guy shot him with the crossbow. He was hit in the neck, and is very lucky to be alive. It sliced his jugular, and he would have bled to death if he hadn't been two blocks from the hospital.
Now not only has he lost his wife and kids, his house, his truck, and everything else imaginable, but he almost lost his life. Why can't people see what drugs do to you? Seriously? Are they worth all this?
Guitar Hero Fender Stratocaster Replica Controller Vs. Activision Guitar Hero Wired Controller
I know I've mentioned before that I love playing Guitar Hero. I've got Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II for the Playstation 2, but we've been saying for a long time that it's lacking a few things we would love to have like the ability to add vocals or play the drums. When we heard about Rock Band for the Xbox 360, we were extremely happy. A friend of ours purchased special edition that includes the drum set, guitar, and microphone, but we all agreed the set isn't enough for the full band. You really need 2 guitars if you want to play a full band, so hubby and I went out and bought the Activision Guitar Hero wired controller for Xbox 360. I have a very similar guitar for Guitar Hero II, so this is one I wanted to try.
The Fender Stratocaster replica that comes with the Rock Band special edition is very awkard for me. First of all, they changed the design of the fret buttons. Instead of having rounded button in the middle of the guitar neck, you now have full keys. This is awkward because you find yourself accidentally hitting the keys all the time. Slightly bumping the neck of the guitar can exit you out of the game or start something you don't want. On top of that, the size of the guitar is much larger and heavier.
Personally I don't like it at all. The start, directional pad, and Xbox buttons are all in a weird position as well. They sit at the bottom of the guitar under your whammy bar, and you accidentally bump them during play causing you to pause your game in the middle of a song.
Also you have to pretty much slam the bar to strum your notes, and even then sometimes it's still not hard enough to play the note. Also, the fret buttons have been changed. Before they were buttons centered at the top of the neck. Now the buttons span across the neck, and you can easily bump them sending you back to the main screen. The buttons also have a very awkward feel to them that's very uncomfortable during play.
After about 6 hours of use the guitar died, but thankfully Walmart was willing to exchange the guitar by itself without having to pack up the entire kit for exchange. We were hoping the new guitar would fix a lot of these problems with strumming and hitting the notes, but it didn't. My rating for the Fender Stratocaster replica? I give it a non rocking 0 out of 5 stars. It doesn't even work with Guitar Hero 3, so if you want to own both games you need to buy a separate guitar for each player instead of using the Rock Band guitar.
I hooked up the Activision Guitar wondering if it would be just as awkward, and it's not. I will never play with another guitar again. Because this one is designed like the old school Guitar Hero guitars your buttons aren't easily triggered accidentally. The buttons are also much softer, so you don't have to strike them very hard to play unlike the Rock Band guitar.
Also the Xbox button, directional pad, and start button are located at the base of the guitar, so you have no chance of accidentally hitting them and pausing your game during play. We've all had to learn to take turns playing with the Activision Guitar because everyone loves it, and no one wants to play with the Fender replica!
What's my ruling? If you're going to buy Rock Band, save yourself some cash by purchasing the Activision Guitar Hero wired controller instead of the Guitar Hero Fender Stratocaster replica if you need a second guitar for your band. You'll get much more enjoyment out of it, and you'll also save a few bucks. The only thing this guitar lacks is the specially designed solo switch that allows you to change your sounds during solos. Honestly if you play on hard mode like I do you most likely won't have time to worry about switching sounds anyway. You'll be too busy playing away. I give this guitar a rocking 5 out of 5 stars!
The Fender Stratocaster replica that comes with the Rock Band special edition is very awkard for me. First of all, they changed the design of the fret buttons. Instead of having rounded button in the middle of the guitar neck, you now have full keys. This is awkward because you find yourself accidentally hitting the keys all the time. Slightly bumping the neck of the guitar can exit you out of the game or start something you don't want. On top of that, the size of the guitar is much larger and heavier.
Personally I don't like it at all. The start, directional pad, and Xbox buttons are all in a weird position as well. They sit at the bottom of the guitar under your whammy bar, and you accidentally bump them during play causing you to pause your game in the middle of a song.
Also you have to pretty much slam the bar to strum your notes, and even then sometimes it's still not hard enough to play the note. Also, the fret buttons have been changed. Before they were buttons centered at the top of the neck. Now the buttons span across the neck, and you can easily bump them sending you back to the main screen. The buttons also have a very awkward feel to them that's very uncomfortable during play.After about 6 hours of use the guitar died, but thankfully Walmart was willing to exchange the guitar by itself without having to pack up the entire kit for exchange. We were hoping the new guitar would fix a lot of these problems with strumming and hitting the notes, but it didn't. My rating for the Fender Stratocaster replica? I give it a non rocking 0 out of 5 stars. It doesn't even work with Guitar Hero 3, so if you want to own both games you need to buy a separate guitar for each player instead of using the Rock Band guitar.
I hooked up the Activision Guitar wondering if it would be just as awkward, and it's not. I will never play with another guitar again. Because this one is designed like the old school Guitar Hero guitars your buttons aren't easily triggered accidentally. The buttons are also much softer, so you don't have to strike them very hard to play unlike the Rock Band guitar.
Also the Xbox button, directional pad, and start button are located at the base of the guitar, so you have no chance of accidentally hitting them and pausing your game during play. We've all had to learn to take turns playing with the Activision Guitar because everyone loves it, and no one wants to play with the Fender replica!
What's my ruling? If you're going to buy Rock Band, save yourself some cash by purchasing the Activision Guitar Hero wired controller instead of the Guitar Hero Fender Stratocaster replica if you need a second guitar for your band. You'll get much more enjoyment out of it, and you'll also save a few bucks. The only thing this guitar lacks is the specially designed solo switch that allows you to change your sounds during solos. Honestly if you play on hard mode like I do you most likely won't have time to worry about switching sounds anyway. You'll be too busy playing away. I give this guitar a rocking 5 out of 5 stars!
Find The Right Hosting For You
I saw a website tonight that I think is great for us bloggers who are looking to move away from free hosting. The website it called webhostingchoice.com, and it's a great resource to compare different hosting sites and plans without being bombarded with advertisements. The first thing I noticed is that this site is built to help those who don't know a lot about web hosting. If you've never owned your own hosting before, you might not know where to start. Webhostingchoice.com has a quick start guide that will help you determine what you need.
Once you know exactly what kind of services you're going to need, you can quickly search for what you need by choosing how much you want to spend a month, the amount you're willing to spend on setup fees, how much space you need, and how much bandwidth you will need. Then you'll receive a list of different providers offering packages to fit your needs.
For those of us who are more advanced users, there's also an advanced search that allows you to pick each and every option of your webhosting package such as control panel, ftp accounts, web mail, pop3 mail, Coldfusion, and Perl. Whether you're an advanced user who knows a lot about picking a package or a beginner looking for their first web host, check out the site. I think it's a very informative site that we should all keep handy in our bookmarks.
Once you know exactly what kind of services you're going to need, you can quickly search for what you need by choosing how much you want to spend a month, the amount you're willing to spend on setup fees, how much space you need, and how much bandwidth you will need. Then you'll receive a list of different providers offering packages to fit your needs.
For those of us who are more advanced users, there's also an advanced search that allows you to pick each and every option of your webhosting package such as control panel, ftp accounts, web mail, pop3 mail, Coldfusion, and Perl. Whether you're an advanced user who knows a lot about picking a package or a beginner looking for their first web host, check out the site. I think it's a very informative site that we should all keep handy in our bookmarks.
Curious As A Cat Week 92
It's been awhile since I did the Curious As A Cat meme on Everyday Randomness, so I decided to start doing it again on Informal Critique. I like this meme because it asks some interesting questions that are sometimes hard to answer. Other times it just gives you something to think about.
1) What period of your past life do you think or dream about most?
I would have to say I dream mostly about my childhood. Wouldn't we all love to go back and be a kid again for a day?
2) Describe the kitchen in the house in which you grew up.
I grew up in a mobile home, so the kitchen was small, but around 10 years old I helped my dad remodel it. I got to pick out the cabinets and flooring, and I thought that was the coolest thing. We turned the breakfast nook into part of the kitchen which really opened it up. My mom liked to decorate the kitchen in ducks, so even when she changed wallpaper there was always a duck theme of some sort. I used to love to sit at the counter on a barstool helping my mom cut out biscuits...yes the homemade kind, and I fell off those barstools plenty of times to make my nose crooked.
3) In what store would you like to work? Why?
If Woot had a store, I'd totally ask for a job. Heck I'd be quite content with working in the Woot warehouse!
4) What was the most difficult choice you were ever forced to make?
My most difficult choice I ever had to make is something I just can't discuss. It hurts too badly.
5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
When I see that picture it makes me think of Thanksgiving, but the flower remind me of how warm it is this year during Thanksgiving.
1) What period of your past life do you think or dream about most?
I would have to say I dream mostly about my childhood. Wouldn't we all love to go back and be a kid again for a day?
2) Describe the kitchen in the house in which you grew up.
I grew up in a mobile home, so the kitchen was small, but around 10 years old I helped my dad remodel it. I got to pick out the cabinets and flooring, and I thought that was the coolest thing. We turned the breakfast nook into part of the kitchen which really opened it up. My mom liked to decorate the kitchen in ducks, so even when she changed wallpaper there was always a duck theme of some sort. I used to love to sit at the counter on a barstool helping my mom cut out biscuits...yes the homemade kind, and I fell off those barstools plenty of times to make my nose crooked.
3) In what store would you like to work? Why?
If Woot had a store, I'd totally ask for a job. Heck I'd be quite content with working in the Woot warehouse!
4) What was the most difficult choice you were ever forced to make?
My most difficult choice I ever had to make is something I just can't discuss. It hurts too badly.
5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
When I see that picture it makes me think of Thanksgiving, but the flower remind me of how warm it is this year during Thanksgiving.
A Ton of Goodies To Try
You guys know how much I enjoy trying and reviewing products, and I received some products of a different nature to review for you guys today. As soon as I saw the package in my mailbox I couldn't wait to rip it open to see what I was trying. Today's package comes from Vat19.com, and it was full of some great goodies. No, I didn't get any of the soap that looks like leaves, but I did get a bunch of other cool stuff!
For starters there is an Ambient Fire: The Ultimate Video Fireplace DVD. I stuck this DVD in my DVD player and had a fireplace going on my tv in just a matter of minutes. There are a ton of different fire settings to choose from including Holiday fire, Stone fireplace, modern fireplace, campfire, and candles. If you've got a High Definition TV then you would love this DVD. All the scenes are sot in High Def, and there's over 3 hours of features to set a mood in your home. This is great for those who don't have fireplaces in their home but would like to simulate one. There's also music that will play along with your fireplace if you would like including Classical, Holiday, and Jazz or choose real fireplace sound effects!
The second goodie in my package is a pencil. Why would I get so
excited over a pencil? This isn't just an ordinary pencil. This is a Smencils Gourmet Scented Pencil! It smells like bubble gum! Even though it smells super yummy, that's not the best part. This pencil is made from 100% recycled newspapers, so it's totally green! I'll totally have to use this as a stocking stuffer for my little sister-in-law. She'll love having a pencil that smells this great...that is if it doesn't make her hungry while she's using it!
Last but not least is the best thing of all. How about some Insta Snow? That's exactly what I've been playing with! The Insta Snow Fake Snow Powder is a dry powder that turns into fake snow when you add water. I decided to play with just a small amount to see how well it works, and I was totally surprised at the amount of fake snow I made from a teeny bit of powder. Click on the photo of the Insta Snow to get a better image of how little I used. This bag of powder is going to last a while, and I might even use it to make my fake snow I put around my Christmas village. It'll be a lot more fun than just buying a pre-made bag to sprinkle around!
For starters there is an Ambient Fire: The Ultimate Video Fireplace DVD. I stuck this DVD in my DVD player and had a fireplace going on my tv in just a matter of minutes. There are a ton of different fire settings to choose from including Holiday fire, Stone fireplace, modern fireplace, campfire, and candles. If you've got a High Definition TV then you would love this DVD. All the scenes are sot in High Def, and there's over 3 hours of features to set a mood in your home. This is great for those who don't have fireplaces in their home but would like to simulate one. There's also music that will play along with your fireplace if you would like including Classical, Holiday, and Jazz or choose real fireplace sound effects!The second goodie in my package is a pencil. Why would I get so
excited over a pencil? This isn't just an ordinary pencil. This is a Smencils Gourmet Scented Pencil! It smells like bubble gum! Even though it smells super yummy, that's not the best part. This pencil is made from 100% recycled newspapers, so it's totally green! I'll totally have to use this as a stocking stuffer for my little sister-in-law. She'll love having a pencil that smells this great...that is if it doesn't make her hungry while she's using it!
Last but not least is the best thing of all. How about some Insta Snow? That's exactly what I've been playing with! The Insta Snow Fake Snow Powder is a dry powder that turns into fake snow when you add water. I decided to play with just a small amount to see how well it works, and I was totally surprised at the amount of fake snow I made from a teeny bit of powder. Click on the photo of the Insta Snow to get a better image of how little I used. This bag of powder is going to last a while, and I might even use it to make my fake snow I put around my Christmas village. It'll be a lot more fun than just buying a pre-made bag to sprinkle around!
Only 6 Days Left To Enter!
Don't forget there's only 6 days left to enter the What Are You Thankful For Giveaway on Everyday Randomness. The prizes include a basket of goodies from Country Road Primitives, Ugly Ducking Designs, and Gramma Frans Fixins or you can choose a $15 gift certificate to Things That Make Scents! The giveaway will end November 25 at Midnight EST, and I will announce the winner between November 26-27. This is a great little gift pack for you or someone special in your life, so don't forget to tell us what you're thankful for this year!
What am I thankful for?
I'm thankful for the fact that I have a wonderful family and tons of friends who are all happy and in good health. We know that because we participate in extreme sports something could go wrong at any minute, but we're thankful we've been given the opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest of our ability, and that we're still here to enjoy more!
What am I thankful for?
I'm thankful for the fact that I have a wonderful family and tons of friends who are all happy and in good health. We know that because we participate in extreme sports something could go wrong at any minute, but we're thankful we've been given the opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest of our ability, and that we're still here to enjoy more!
Candy For Christmas
Each year at Christmas I make a ton of candies for my family and friends. I always make cookies, fudge, chocolate covered pretzels, snowballs, sugar candy, and peanut butter balls. I guess as much as I don't like spending a lot of the time in the kitchen cooking, I love spending a lot of time baking and making candy because I used to spend my holidays helping my Grandmother make candy. She used to make one thing that I have failed to master...candy canes. I've been looking for a good candy cane recipe for a long time, and I've finally found one I want to try. Check out the recipe and tell me what you think. I think I'm going to give it a shot this weekend, and if it turns out okay I might make enough to decorate my Christmas tree with handmade candy canes this year.
Pacific Scents Whipped Shea Mango Body Butter
Pacific Scents Description:
The scent is also really wonderful. It's a light and airy scent that doesn't overpower. The scent is great on it's own, but it's also light enough that I can wear my own perfume without the scents clashing. What do I rate this one? I give Pacific Scents Whipped Shea Mango Body Butter a 5 out of 5 stars!
This is the ultimate moisturizer perfect for drying winter weather! Rich Shea and Mango butters are whipped into a light, fluffy consistency. It slathers on light and airy not like body butters which are difficult to spread on, best of all this keeps you moisturized through the day! Try some today and you'll be come back for more!I'm sorry I'm not able to provide a picture of this awesome body butter because the first thing that stands out about the Pacific Scents Whipped Shea Mango Body Butter is the thickness of the product. I've used a lot of body butters that end up being more of a runny lotion than a body butter, but this one really does go on like thick but smooth butter. I've been using this body butter in the Snowflake scent for about a week and my body has absolutely loved it. I always have very dry skin around this time of the year, and with this lotion my skin has felt smooth and soft like I would always love to have it feel. Normally I'm reapplying normal lotions 2 or 3 times a day because my skin starts to itch, but with this body butter I haven't had to worry about itchy skin once since using the product. It has been a great moisturizer, and also it doesn't have a lot of the greasy qualities I've dealt with from a lot of big name brands.
The scent is also really wonderful. It's a light and airy scent that doesn't overpower. The scent is great on it's own, but it's also light enough that I can wear my own perfume without the scents clashing. What do I rate this one? I give Pacific Scents Whipped Shea Mango Body Butter a 5 out of 5 stars!
Personalized Christmas Gifts
I always have a huge problem picking out Christmas presents for the kids in our family, and it's probably because I don't have any kids, and I just don't really know what kids today like. I know my best friend's son is obsessed with Spiderman and Transformers, but not every kid is. This year I think I might take advantage of a website that sells Personalized Gifts for Children. What kid doesn't love getting something that has been personalized just for them?
Identity Direct has all kinds of personalized gifts for kids ranging from things like books, wall clocks, and stockings to bigger items like personalized scooters. I'm thinking about ordering one of the personalized wall clocks for my friend's son because this site carries tons of Disney and Sesame Street characters. Little A loves the movie Cars, so I bet he would love a personalized Cars clock for his bedroom. He also loves Ratatouille so I've got tons of options there! I think I might order personalized stockings for Hubby and I. Our old stockings have our names on them in fabric paint, and I'd like to have something that's stitched without having to do the work myself.
What do you think about ordering personalized gifts for your children? Do you think it's something they would love?
What do you think about ordering personalized gifts for your children? Do you think it's something they would love?
My New Phone: LG Voyager
I've found my next phone. Hubby and I have been talking about what to do in January when our new every two rolls around for Verizon, and we've been arguing over who gets the new phone. Well as usual it's going to be me. Hubby and I always argue over it because of course I always want the new phone, and I don't think he needs a new one. He thinks he should have the new one this year, but he's just too horrible with phones. He breaks one every couple months because he's always crushing them in his toolbelt, accidentally hitting them with his hammer at work, dropping them off a roof 3 stories up...he doesn't need a new phone!
It took a little bit of convincing, but I finally got hubby to see things from my point of view. I'm getting a new phone, and he's going to take my LG V9800, so he can have a keyboard type phone. He uses mine to text all of his friends already because he loves the keyboard so much. So do I, and that's why I'm upgrading to a newer model that still have a keyboard. I had considered upgrading to the enV because it's the newer model of my own phone, but now that LG has developed the Voyager, that's definitely what I'm getting.
The LG Voyager is very similar to both theV and
the enV, but it's so much more. It still has the clam shell design with the large color screen and keyboard on the inside, but the Voyager also has a much larger outer screen that is touch screen like the expensive and very over rated iPhone. It supposed microSD cards up to 8 GB. My current 9800 only supports up to 2 GB. I was told it would support 4, but I've had no luck with cards bigger than 2 GB. Right now Verizon is only offering this phone for pre-order, but it should be releasing any day as it was said to release mid-November. It'll definitely be on the shelves by the time I upgrade my phone in January, and I so can't wait!
It took a little bit of convincing, but I finally got hubby to see things from my point of view. I'm getting a new phone, and he's going to take my LG V9800, so he can have a keyboard type phone. He uses mine to text all of his friends already because he loves the keyboard so much. So do I, and that's why I'm upgrading to a newer model that still have a keyboard. I had considered upgrading to the enV because it's the newer model of my own phone, but now that LG has developed the Voyager, that's definitely what I'm getting.The LG Voyager is very similar to both theV and
the enV, but it's so much more. It still has the clam shell design with the large color screen and keyboard on the inside, but the Voyager also has a much larger outer screen that is touch screen like the expensive and very over rated iPhone. It supposed microSD cards up to 8 GB. My current 9800 only supports up to 2 GB. I was told it would support 4, but I've had no luck with cards bigger than 2 GB. Right now Verizon is only offering this phone for pre-order, but it should be releasing any day as it was said to release mid-November. It'll definitely be on the shelves by the time I upgrade my phone in January, and I so can't wait!
I Hate The Crowds
I know I said I wasn't going to go shopping on Black Friday this year because I don't want to have to deal with the traffic and crowds. Somehow I just got roped into going anyway by my best friend. She wants to get her parents big gifts, and she's really hoping she can luck up on the things she wants for cheap. I don't think it's worth it to fight the crowds when I can probably find what she wants on sale online.
Her problem is she doesn't really know what to get them. What do you get for the parents that have everything? I suggested getting a plasma stand for her dad's tv. I really like the wall mount kind. I'm trying to convince her to order her mom an engraved locket like the one I got for my mom. She could order one with photos of her son engraved inside it and a saying about Grandmother's on it. I'm going to keep throwing these ideas at her because I just really don't want to deal with Black Friday crowds!
Her problem is she doesn't really know what to get them. What do you get for the parents that have everything? I suggested getting a plasma stand for her dad's tv. I really like the wall mount kind. I'm trying to convince her to order her mom an engraved locket like the one I got for my mom. She could order one with photos of her son engraved inside it and a saying about Grandmother's on it. I'm going to keep throwing these ideas at her because I just really don't want to deal with Black Friday crowds!
Internet Issues
Days like these I'm glad I decided to keep my free blog. Most of you know I've been slowly switching all of my free blogs to my own domains over the past few months, but from the beginning I decided to keep at least one of my free hosted blogs going for times when I had a problem with my service. Well today is one of those days. Both of my self hosted blogs are hosted with 2 different services. One runs on Dreamhost while the other is basically a test blog created for a friend's hosting service. I'm having trouble accessing both of them today. It's not a problem with either host, and everyone else can access them just fine. It's a problem with my own internet gateway, and I'm having issues resolving the problem. For some reason I can still access my free hosted blogs though, so until the issue is resolved it looks like I'll be posting more and more here. This is just my little note to myself reminding myself that free hosted services aren't always bad, and if I really just need to sit down to write I have a place to do that.
Yes I Need A Camera
I think I've finally decided what I want hubby to get me for Christmas. I told you I'm super indecisive, so I normally change my mind 10 or 15 times, but this time I'm going to tell him exactly what it is so he can buy it before I change my mind. I definitely want a new digital camera for Christmas. I've been whining about how badly I need one all year, so I can't think of anything I would rather have. Now I've just got to pick out which camera I want. I'd love to have a nice digital SLR, but that's going to be a little out of our budget. I've been looking at a couple of cameras that also take pretty good videos, so that could come in handy as well.
I really want a digital picture frame, too. I look at them every time I go to the electronics section in Walmart, and it would be so much easier to have a digital frame than to print my photos out every time I want to frame one. Maybe I can convince hubby to throw in a digital picture frame with my camera for Christmas. lol I don't think that's asking too much!
I really want a digital picture frame, too. I look at them every time I go to the electronics section in Walmart, and it would be so much easier to have a digital frame than to print my photos out every time I want to frame one. Maybe I can convince hubby to throw in a digital picture frame with my camera for Christmas. lol I don't think that's asking too much!
Fuzzy Wuzzy Returned
I saw our groundhog again today. I walked out the door to hang out some clothes, and I wasn't paying any attention to where I was going until I was almost right on top of him. He was sitting under my clothesline again just hanging out. I really wish I'd had my cell phone on me so I could have gotten another photo, but I'd left it in the house. It's still hard to believe that he's not attempting to hibernate yet, but we've had such a weird fall that I can understand why. Last week our daytime temps on a few days didn't get above 55, and we were scrambling to pull out our blankets and get the heat on. This week it feels like spring with mid 70's temps for the daytime high. Our little fuzzy wuzzy is probably thinking Spring is here! Yay!
We'd had our humane groundhog trap set out since Thursday, but we've yet to catch the little booger. He's just too smart. Maybe he just doesn't like cabbage! Either way if we don't catch him by the end of this week we're going to put the trap up and let him be for the winter. If he's still around this Spring we'll catch him and move him so he doesn't eat the gardens.
We'd had our humane groundhog trap set out since Thursday, but we've yet to catch the little booger. He's just too smart. Maybe he just doesn't like cabbage! Either way if we don't catch him by the end of this week we're going to put the trap up and let him be for the winter. If he's still around this Spring we'll catch him and move him so he doesn't eat the gardens.
The Coolest Watch Of All
What do you buy for the DJ who has everything? That's exactly what my sister in law asked me yesterday. Her long time boyfriend is a DJ, and she wants to get him something related to that hobby, but he already has everything that comes to mind. I was looking on some DJ related sites this morning for her, and for myself because I haven't bought his present yet, and I found something that is just totally perfect for him. It's a DJ watch!
The description says:
I'm seriously loving this thing, and if it wasn't so expensive ($61.90+ shipping), I'd totally get one for myself. I used to collect watches, but I never wear one. If I had a totally cool Turntable watch like this one I'd probably wear it to show off my love for electronic music. I just wish the website gave a little more information about it. The specs say a battery is included, but I'd like to know what kind of battery it is. Do they make a lithium battery for watches?
The description says:Another quality product from htfr, introducing the stunning turntable design watch. Representing for the true heart of all things dj this watch pays homage to the wheel of steel and has a rugged steel band. Playing the perfect set is one thing, turning up on time is another, but with this watch you can do all things and do them with some style! This watch is the ideal gift for the dj in your life.
I'm seriously loving this thing, and if it wasn't so expensive ($61.90+ shipping), I'd totally get one for myself. I used to collect watches, but I never wear one. If I had a totally cool Turntable watch like this one I'd probably wear it to show off my love for electronic music. I just wish the website gave a little more information about it. The specs say a battery is included, but I'd like to know what kind of battery it is. Do they make a lithium battery for watches?
Mandrake Apothecary Scents
NYX Eau de Parfum
Mandrake Apothecary's Description:
This scent is from the Natural Perfumes collection and is definitely a very floral musk. I do like the scent however it's not something I could see myself wearing. Floral type musks smell wonderful in the vial, but they just don't smell good mixed with my natural scent. I did pour some of this perfume in my mist fountain this morning, and it smells wonderful as a room freshener. It reminds me of walking through my yard smelling all the flowers when the scent is strongest right before the flower die. This is definitely a nice earthy scent.
This scent is new to the Mandrake Apothecary and can be purchased in 5ml size for $25 or in a sample size vial for $5.
Circe Eau de Parfum
Mandrake Apothecary's Description:
When smelling this spiced scent from the Anima collection, the first thing that comes to mind is a Head shop quickly followed by a spicy rose scent. I am currently wearing this scent, and I love it. I dabbed a little on last night, and hubby agreed that it smells wonderful. I have a soft spot for those earthy scents you normally smell when you walk into a hippie type store. The rose really sticks out in this scent, but doesn't overpower the rest of the ingredients. The ginger is also noticeable, but not overpowering. It adds a nice bit of spice to the perfume. A little also goes along way when dabbing this on.
Circe eau de parfum may be purchased in a 5ml dram for $25 or in a sample vial for $5.
Mandrake Apothecary's Description:
voluptuous tuberose and jasmine grandiflorum meld with musky ambrette, a scant touch of tinctured Australian sandalwood; the rest of the heart is composed of ylang ylang and orange flower, sweetly suggestive, with a top accord of black pepper and pink grapefruit; tuberose is frankly overwhelming, sensuous, and restful, all at once.
This scent is from the Natural Perfumes collection and is definitely a very floral musk. I do like the scent however it's not something I could see myself wearing. Floral type musks smell wonderful in the vial, but they just don't smell good mixed with my natural scent. I did pour some of this perfume in my mist fountain this morning, and it smells wonderful as a room freshener. It reminds me of walking through my yard smelling all the flowers when the scent is strongest right before the flower die. This is definitely a nice earthy scent.
This scent is new to the Mandrake Apothecary and can be purchased in 5ml size for $25 or in a sample size vial for $5.
Circe Eau de Parfum
Mandrake Apothecary's Description:
She was the powerful goddess (or nymph, or sorceress, depending on who is telling the story) who inhabited the island of Aeaea. Her father was Helios, one of the Titans, and her mother was Perse, an Oceanid. Most of us know her as the plotting poisoner who poured a pearly green liquid into the wading pool of Scylla the nymph, which transformed her into a monstrous beast with six dogs' heads. And we know of her dalliance with Odysseus. Circe has always invoked a sense of quiet loneliness yet a vibrant well-lived life for me, and I sought to create that contradiction with her perfume. Knowledge brings power, but to what affect when one is essentially alone?
Dry but golden patchouli, soft Bulgarian rose, musky ambrette, fiery ginger, dusty cedarwood, overwhelming ylang ylang, the sourness of bergamot.
When smelling this spiced scent from the Anima collection, the first thing that comes to mind is a Head shop quickly followed by a spicy rose scent. I am currently wearing this scent, and I love it. I dabbed a little on last night, and hubby agreed that it smells wonderful. I have a soft spot for those earthy scents you normally smell when you walk into a hippie type store. The rose really sticks out in this scent, but doesn't overpower the rest of the ingredients. The ginger is also noticeable, but not overpowering. It adds a nice bit of spice to the perfume. A little also goes along way when dabbing this on.
Circe eau de parfum may be purchased in a 5ml dram for $25 or in a sample vial for $5.
Fuzzy Wuzzy In The House
We've got a new friend who came out to play this morning! I was looking out the kitchen window as I was fixing breakfast, and underneath my clothesline I spotted a big fat fuzzy wuzzy...aka a groundhog! We see them around here a lot, and I love watching them run around, but living on a farm with groundhogs can be a problem. They'll eat our gardens. I couldn't get really close to take a good photo, but I was able to get one itty bitty photo from far away.
I called my Grandpa over and he's on his way over with his groundhog trap. I promise it's the humane kind. We'll fill the trap with apples, and once the groundhog is captured we'll transport it to the creek on the backside of his 200 acres where it can live a nice happy life without eating everything in our fall gardens. If this was the spring or summer time we'd probably have to watch for another one to appear because the male and female share the same den during the breeding season. I'm assuming this guy is probably a male because he's not hibernating yet. Even though our temperatures have been pretty mild for this time of the year, most groundhogs start hibernating in October. Some males will only hibernate for 3 months though while the females normally hibernate during the entire cold season. This guy will still have time to dig a new winter burrow before it gets too cold.
I called my Grandpa over and he's on his way over with his groundhog trap. I promise it's the humane kind. We'll fill the trap with apples, and once the groundhog is captured we'll transport it to the creek on the backside of his 200 acres where it can live a nice happy life without eating everything in our fall gardens. If this was the spring or summer time we'd probably have to watch for another one to appear because the male and female share the same den during the breeding season. I'm assuming this guy is probably a male because he's not hibernating yet. Even though our temperatures have been pretty mild for this time of the year, most groundhogs start hibernating in October. Some males will only hibernate for 3 months though while the females normally hibernate during the entire cold season. This guy will still have time to dig a new winter burrow before it gets too cold.
Gift Ideas
I'm always trying to save money when it comes to presents, but this year I've really got to pinch pennies. I know there's tons of ways out there to save cash when it comes to buying gifts, and I'm good at making presents that can help me save.
I want to know what you do for Christmas. Do you pay full price for everything just because it's the holidays or do you try to hit up the sales? Do you make any of your presents?
I'm going to make gift baskets this year for all of the women in my family with candles, soaps, and other things they can use around the home, but I still have no idea what to buy for any of the boys. If you have a lot of men to buy for, what do you buy them?
I want to know what you do for Christmas. Do you pay full price for everything just because it's the holidays or do you try to hit up the sales? Do you make any of your presents?
I'm going to make gift baskets this year for all of the women in my family with candles, soaps, and other things they can use around the home, but I still have no idea what to buy for any of the boys. If you have a lot of men to buy for, what do you buy them?
Personalized Dog Tags For Stocking Stuffers
With Christmas right around the corner it's time to think about gifts, but how much time do you spend thinking about stocking stuffers for your kids? I might not have kids, but I still make up little stockings. Hubby and I make up stockings for each other, and then we make one for his little sister. His sister is 12 this year, so I've got to think a little harder on the types of stuff I include in her stocking.
I found one thing that I thought was a great stocking stuffer idea. I ordered a personalized dog tag from Quick Trophy. As soon as I saw the dog tags they have to offer I thought what a great stocking stuffer idea because there are so many uses for dog tags. My first thought was that she could attach one to her backpack. She's one of those kids who likes to have a ton of key chains hanging all over her backpack. Being an very creative kid I'm sure she could come up with 100 other ways to use it, and of course she can always wear it as jewelry. Because she's the baby of the family, all her siblings nicknamed her "Super Brat", so I thought it was only appropriate to have that printed on the tag.
I also like how many style and color choices were offered. I chose a pink one with racing flags for Kristina because she loves to play racing type video games. She's a girly girl with a tomboy side, so I thought the pink with the racing flags was very appropriate for her. The photo is a shot of the actual dog tag, and I'm sorry it isn't better. My camera just couldn't handle how shiny and reflective the dog tag is! I also did smudge out the last name on the photo because I didn't find it appropriate to post a 12 year olds full name. There is also an included chain so the tag can be used as a necklace.
The price isn't too bad either, so if you think this is a great stocking stuffer idea, head on over to Quick Trophy to pick up a few. I know I'm going to be ordering more. I think I might order a few with my name on them to attached to my motorcycle gear. That way when we go to Deal's Gap no one can walk off with my riding jacket or leathers!
I found one thing that I thought was a great stocking stuffer idea. I ordered a personalized dog tag from Quick Trophy. As soon as I saw the dog tags they have to offer I thought what a great stocking stuffer idea because there are so many uses for dog tags. My first thought was that she could attach one to her backpack. She's one of those kids who likes to have a ton of key chains hanging all over her backpack. Being an very creative kid I'm sure she could come up with 100 other ways to use it, and of course she can always wear it as jewelry. Because she's the baby of the family, all her siblings nicknamed her "Super Brat", so I thought it was only appropriate to have that printed on the tag.I also like how many style and color choices were offered. I chose a pink one with racing flags for Kristina because she loves to play racing type video games. She's a girly girl with a tomboy side, so I thought the pink with the racing flags was very appropriate for her. The photo is a shot of the actual dog tag, and I'm sorry it isn't better. My camera just couldn't handle how shiny and reflective the dog tag is! I also did smudge out the last name on the photo because I didn't find it appropriate to post a 12 year olds full name. There is also an included chain so the tag can be used as a necklace.
The price isn't too bad either, so if you think this is a great stocking stuffer idea, head on over to Quick Trophy to pick up a few. I know I'm going to be ordering more. I think I might order a few with my name on them to attached to my motorcycle gear. That way when we go to Deal's Gap no one can walk off with my riding jacket or leathers!
Spider Cider From Things That Make Scents
When looking for wax tarts I have to admit I love to buy anything that has an apple or cinnamon smell to it. I probably have 30 different apple cider and apple cinnamon tarts in my big tart basket right now, but I have to admit I have a new favorite.
This on is called "Spider Cider" during Halloween, but it's regular name is "Mulled Cider". This huge tart comes from Things that Make Scents, and just as I expected it would, it smells absolutely great! I burned a bit of it yesterday, and as soon as I started smelling the cider smell I wanted to take a trip up the mountain to get some real cider. I didn't have time so I promised hubby to pick me up some on his way home today!
Here's the Things That Makes Scents Description of the Mulled Cider.
I love all of the Things That Make Scents tarts I've tried so far because not only do they smell great, but they're 100% soy tarts. These tarts are about double the size of the normal tarts I buy in stores, so they last. I normally break one into 3 pieces, sometimes 4 if I'm using my shallow burner. These have such a wonderful throw whether you're burning it or just sitting it out cold in the room. I just placed what's left of the tart in my bathroom, and I still have plenty in my burner to make it smell so nice in here.
These tarts are very very cheap in my opinion at $1.25 each, but if you order 10 or more you'll get them for $1 each! I just ordered 10 other tarts yesterday to try, and I really can't wait to get them!
This on is called "Spider Cider" during Halloween, but it's regular name is "Mulled Cider". This huge tart comes from Things that Make Scents, and just as I expected it would, it smells absolutely great! I burned a bit of it yesterday, and as soon as I started smelling the cider smell I wanted to take a trip up the mountain to get some real cider. I didn't have time so I promised hubby to pick me up some on his way home today!
Here's the Things That Makes Scents Description of the Mulled Cider.
After hours of seeping fresh juicy apples with cinnamon, anise and clove this heart warming fragrance comes to life!
I love all of the Things That Make Scents tarts I've tried so far because not only do they smell great, but they're 100% soy tarts. These tarts are about double the size of the normal tarts I buy in stores, so they last. I normally break one into 3 pieces, sometimes 4 if I'm using my shallow burner. These have such a wonderful throw whether you're burning it or just sitting it out cold in the room. I just placed what's left of the tart in my bathroom, and I still have plenty in my burner to make it smell so nice in here.
These tarts are very very cheap in my opinion at $1.25 each, but if you order 10 or more you'll get them for $1 each! I just ordered 10 other tarts yesterday to try, and I really can't wait to get them!
Tech Bargains
If you're looking for bargains on Electronic goods check out tech bargains the site that helps you find the cheapest deal you can get for your electronic needs. Get up to the minute RSS updates on the latest deals in HDTVs, GPS, digital cameras, iPods, desktop computers, cell phones and more all at one convenient place.
Browse discounts and coupons for online stores like Staples, Newegg, Dell, and Best Buy. Tech Bargains also keeps you up to date with weekly email newsletters that show you what deals are happening that week as well as customized deal alerts based on your interests. Take advantage of exclusive deals while searching through the extensive product database, reading reviews, and comparing products. They even give you updates on the Black Friday deals!
Do you need a last minute gift for a birthday or holiday? Tech Bargains can help you there, too. The site content is updated 24/7 even on weekends and holidays. With Christmas right around the corner and a ton of birthdays to buy for this month I'm going to keep this site bookmarked. You never know when I'll find a great Christmas present for a big discount, and we all know I can't afford to turn down a bargain!
Browse discounts and coupons for online stores like Staples, Newegg, Dell, and Best Buy. Tech Bargains also keeps you up to date with weekly email newsletters that show you what deals are happening that week as well as customized deal alerts based on your interests. Take advantage of exclusive deals while searching through the extensive product database, reading reviews, and comparing products. They even give you updates on the Black Friday deals!
Do you need a last minute gift for a birthday or holiday? Tech Bargains can help you there, too. The site content is updated 24/7 even on weekends and holidays. With Christmas right around the corner and a ton of birthdays to buy for this month I'm going to keep this site bookmarked. You never know when I'll find a great Christmas present for a big discount, and we all know I can't afford to turn down a bargain!
Candle Dippers Sheafoliate Sugar Scrub
Site Description:A creamy sugar scrub infused with shea butter! No longer do you need to dig your sugar scrub from an oily jar. Our sugar scrub is a 3 in 1 scrub, it cleans while gently exfoliating all the dry skin away then moisturizes with shea butter to leave you soft and silky. Why mess with wash, rinse, scrub, rinse, moisturize when you can do it in just two steps! Place the scrub in your hand and get the intensely dry spaces like your heels, elbows and knees. For the entire body you can use the scrub in your hand or on a pouf. This product is a must have for anyone needing to shed the winter alligator skin and reveal the summer glow! And being a sugar scrub means that you can use it anytime, even after just shaving since it won't sting and burn like a salt scrub!Scent Description:
9oz jar $10.00
Egyptian Dragon- The essence of sensuality captured in this fragrance with it's blend of exotic amber, elegant frankincense and myrrh with just a dab of patchouli. Then add a tiny bit of Rose and other florals that all drift softly into an musky background. Do not let the patchouli and musk scare you away from this one... it is truly amazing!This sugar scrub is absolutely amazing! It's part of the Body Essentials collection from Candle Dippers. I always experience dry itchy skin that begins this time of year and plaques me through the cold months. I decided to try this scrub because it looks so creamy and smells so good. If I'd gotten a fruity scent I'd probably be tempted to eat it. I went ahead and did the typical hair washing and shaving routine before I tried the scrub. When my legs are dry it doesn't matter what product I use in the shower, it's going to sting after shaving, but this sugar scrub didn't. It actually soothed my legs.
It isn't greasy at all, and I'm thankful for that. I absolutely hate products that leave my skin feeling greasy. Instead my skin felt perfectly moisturized without having to use an additional moisturizer once I got out of the tub. I don't think I have a single moisturizer in my cabinet that makes me feel this smooth! Hubby loves this stuff too. He kept complimenting me on how soft my skin was after using it, and even though I've only used it once over the last 3 days, my skin still feels extremely smooth. He loved the scent, too. Like the description says, don't let the musk and patchouli scare you. This scent is very light, and the musky scents actually remind me of a baby powder smell.
Because this is a sample I purchased through the Out Of The Box Sampler, I'm not sure exactly what size it is, but you can tell from the photo that it's a large sample. Just look at it next to my computer mouse. I'm sorry the label isn't legible. I was in such a hurry to try this when I got it that I completely forgot to take photos first, so the label got wet. If you look closely at the photo of the open jar you will see indentations where I scooped some out to use in the bath. The container is still slap full because a little goes a VERY long way. For $10 I'll definitely be buying more of this stuff! It's totally worth the price!
My Out Of The Box Sampler Is Here!
I got a nice little bundle of surprises in the mail today! My Out Of The Box Sampler from The Candle Buzz arrived! I've been on my toes all waiting for it to get here! My mail lady must think I'm crazying watching me stick my head out the door everyday to see if she's at my mailbox or pulling into my driveway to hand off a box that smells really good! She always compliments on how wonderful my boxes smell every time I order the Out of The Box Sampler or The Little Black Box. I might just have to make up a little basket of goodies for her out of this one.
There were a lot of great participants this month including some of the regulars like The Ugly Duckling Designs, Gramma Frans Fixins, French Hill Country, 4 The Luv Of Jam, Country Road Primitives, and my personal favorite Things That Makes Scents.
I also will get to try some new products from Busy Bee Candle Shop, Just Peachy Candles And Soaps, Texas Scentsations, Possets Perfumes, Creative Body Essentials, and Candle Dippers Gifts.
Yes there are a ton of great goodies to choose from, and they all smell so great! I can already tell a lot of the wax melts and tarts have a great cold throw. My box has been sitting in my office since this afternoon, and my office smells like heaven! Now I'm off to take a nice long soak in the tub to relax. It's time I tried out a couple of these products!
There were a lot of great participants this month including some of the regulars like The Ugly Duckling Designs, Gramma Frans Fixins, French Hill Country, 4 The Luv Of Jam, Country Road Primitives, and my personal favorite Things That Makes Scents.
I also will get to try some new products from Busy Bee Candle Shop, Just Peachy Candles And Soaps, Texas Scentsations, Possets Perfumes, Creative Body Essentials, and Candle Dippers Gifts.
Yes there are a ton of great goodies to choose from, and they all smell so great! I can already tell a lot of the wax melts and tarts have a great cold throw. My box has been sitting in my office since this afternoon, and my office smells like heaven! Now I'm off to take a nice long soak in the tub to relax. It's time I tried out a couple of these products!
Discount Electronics
I can honestly say one thing I love about the world we live in are all of the great gadgets and electronics out there today. We've got an unlimited source of entertainment and information surrounding us through computers, tvs, dvd players, and more. It's just not always in our budgets to buy the latest and greatest, but what if you could get Plasma TVs, LCD TVs, home audio and video equipment, and stuff for really great prices?
Second Act is a website that sells refurbished, overstock, close outs, and open box versions of the expensive entertainment electronics we all want. I love sites like these! Just because something is refurbished doesn't mean it's bad. I buy refurbished goods all the time, and I love it because I get something I normally couldn't afford for sometimes not even half the original cost! You're thinking yeah, but this stuff must be off brand stuff that is really crap right? Wrong! Second Act carries tvs, audio, and video equipment from tons of name brands like JVC, LG, Norcent, Philips, RCA, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Hitachi, and Panasonic just to name a few!
That's not all. We know how much I use the one deal a day program I already buy from, but now I've got another place to buy great deals like that! Second Act now has their "Great Deal Of The Day" where they feature one product that day for an unheard of price! It's easy to keep up with these deals. They've set things up so you can subscribe to the deal of the day via email or rss, so you'll never miss a new item! Head on over to Second Act. You might see a Christmas present waiting to be bought!
Second Act is a website that sells refurbished, overstock, close outs, and open box versions of the expensive entertainment electronics we all want. I love sites like these! Just because something is refurbished doesn't mean it's bad. I buy refurbished goods all the time, and I love it because I get something I normally couldn't afford for sometimes not even half the original cost! You're thinking yeah, but this stuff must be off brand stuff that is really crap right? Wrong! Second Act carries tvs, audio, and video equipment from tons of name brands like JVC, LG, Norcent, Philips, RCA, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Hitachi, and Panasonic just to name a few!
That's not all. We know how much I use the one deal a day program I already buy from, but now I've got another place to buy great deals like that! Second Act now has their "Great Deal Of The Day" where they feature one product that day for an unheard of price! It's easy to keep up with these deals. They've set things up so you can subscribe to the deal of the day via email or rss, so you'll never miss a new item! Head on over to Second Act. You might see a Christmas present waiting to be bought!
Trying A Dictation Program
I decided to review another product for you today. The product I'm reviewing is a little different than the ones on normally review will. That's because I'm not actually writing this post. I'm dictating it. My aunt has been looking for a new dictation program, and she finally decided to purchase one, but she doesn't know how to use it. She gave me the program last night, so that I could learn it and teach it to her. We all know dictation programs aren't perfect. First of all you have to train them, but even still they can't recognize every word perfectly. The program I'm using right now is called Dragon NaturallySpeaking by Nuance.
The creators claim the program is 99% accurate, and that it will make her typing over 200 times faster. This is the first time I'm using a program to do an actual blog post, but it has taken me over 30 minutes just to dictate this paragraph. I know I have an accident, a Southern one, but the program learns to recognize your speech pattern. You were supposed to be able to talk in a normal voice at a normal speed, but I find myself sitting here speaking very slowly to study program can understand. In my opinion, I have actually wasted 30 minutes instead of saving it by using a dictation program. I could have typed this blog post, much faster than the program has allowed me to dictate it.
I will give you an update on how the program works after I've spent more time training it and fiddling with the functions. Overall, I do like the features this program offers, and it is much better than all the other dictation programs I have used. Still, I guess I'm just old-fashioned and prefer typing as I go. Instead of having to correct the mistakes of a program that is supposed to do the work for me. If you notice mistakes in this post, they are typos that I overlooked while editing. I realize it is much harder to edit something as I speak. It is to edit as I type.
One last thing before I go. I want to show you what the program would type if I were speaking at a normal pace.
I will say, "I am using Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Look at how the program works for me. Would you use it for your own message?"
Here is my dictation. "I am use Dragon NaturallySpeaking look at how she program works and a big picture. I message."
As you can see, the dictation isn't perfect, but with some training I might be able to tweak it
I'm not sure I will use this program began in the future for any other blog posts, but it was fine to give it a try. Would you use a dictation program to write your blogs? I do think it is a neat idea.
The creators claim the program is 99% accurate, and that it will make her typing over 200 times faster. This is the first time I'm using a program to do an actual blog post, but it has taken me over 30 minutes just to dictate this paragraph. I know I have an accident, a Southern one, but the program learns to recognize your speech pattern. You were supposed to be able to talk in a normal voice at a normal speed, but I find myself sitting here speaking very slowly to study program can understand. In my opinion, I have actually wasted 30 minutes instead of saving it by using a dictation program. I could have typed this blog post, much faster than the program has allowed me to dictate it.
I will give you an update on how the program works after I've spent more time training it and fiddling with the functions. Overall, I do like the features this program offers, and it is much better than all the other dictation programs I have used. Still, I guess I'm just old-fashioned and prefer typing as I go. Instead of having to correct the mistakes of a program that is supposed to do the work for me. If you notice mistakes in this post, they are typos that I overlooked while editing. I realize it is much harder to edit something as I speak. It is to edit as I type.
One last thing before I go. I want to show you what the program would type if I were speaking at a normal pace.
I will say, "I am using Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Look at how the program works for me. Would you use it for your own message?"
Here is my dictation. "I am use Dragon NaturallySpeaking look at how she program works and a big picture. I message."
As you can see, the dictation isn't perfect, but with some training I might be able to tweak it
I'm not sure I will use this program began in the future for any other blog posts, but it was fine to give it a try. Would you use a dictation program to write your blogs? I do think it is a neat idea.
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