Thursday, October 31, 2013

Boo To You 2013

Holiday Accommodation For The Mid-Range Budget

So you’ve selected where you want to go for a vacation and you’ve decided that you don’t want to go on a package holiday? The question still remains however: what sort of accommodation would you like to stay in? Of course, nowadays there’s such a lot of choice, that some hotels can be as cheap as a hostel, and some B & Bs can be as luxurious as a 5-star resort.

So how do you choose from the this mid-range section of accommodation – say from $60 to $100 dollars a night? Whether it’s a European vacation you’re going on, a break in one of our states or even going further afield such as to Asia, you’ll probably be thinking about staying in a guesthouse, B & B, hostel or mid-price hotel.

With so many great online hotel coupons available these days, you might want to just play it safe and stick with a brand that you know. Certainly, if you’re a frequent traveler, you may be able to claim – or negotiate! – a discount at chain hotels. And if you just want holiday accommodation where you know exactly what to expect, searching for hotel offers might be the best option.

In my experience, B & B’s and, on the European continent, ‘pensions’ can offer a much more intimate, warm and friendly vacationing experience than some larger hotels. Often family-run and certainly willing to provide a bespoke service, smaller guesthouses make for the ideal base for sleeping and eating and they will often help you with local travel and sightseeing advice – the little touches that can make a vacation stand out.

Hostels are usually the cheapest option you can get, but this may not be ideal if you’re travelling with kids. However, top-end hostels can often rival their cousins in the comfort and cleanliness stakes so if it’s just an overnight stop on a road trip abroad, you may want to check local hostels for family rooms.

Of course, it often comes down to what your particular travel requirements are on any trip. And don’t forget, if you’re happy to dispense with the catered options, you can save a lot of expenses by renting an apartment or holiday home. Particularly in places like the UK, you can get charming and remote cottages in real beauty spots like the Scottish Highlands, which charge by the week and give you much more of a budget for day trips!
 

Liven Up Your Saturday Nights

As a child during the early 1960s, George Edward Exciting GE Smith got a Telecaster guitar for his birthday and never looked back. Through his six hit-making years with Hall and Oates, his decade-long run as Saturday Night Live bandleader, and his touring stints with Bob Dylan, Smith is widely hailed as a modern master of the Telecaster.

In his honor, Fender created this new Artist Series Tele, a special guitar that combines a '40s-era Fender lap steel with a '50s-era Telecaster. Features include a large U-shaped maple neck, lap steel "oval and diamond" fingerboard inlays, custom cutoff vintage-style bridge plate, and body-mounted bridge pickup.
 

Take Me, Cowboy

Take Me, Cowboy by Jane Porter

About The Book:
When Jenny Wright’s fiance leaves her standing at the altar in a Vera Wang bridal gown she can’t afford, she’s humiliated and heartbroken. To have Marietta hero bull riding champ Colton Thorpe witness her shame - makes the rejection even more devastating. Jenny and Colton grew up in the same rough neighborhood and they both left home right after school to pursue big dreams. Now they're both back, with Colton as the celebrity chair for the 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo, and Jenny in disgrace. Sexy, rugged Colton didn't get to be a national champion by chance. He's a man that takes risks and goes after what he wants. During the rodeo weekend, Colton makes it clear he wants Jenny. Flustered but flattered, Jenny finds it difficult to resist his charm. But what happens when the rodeo ends and Colton leaves town? Will she dare to dream again?

My Thoughts:
This is a sweet story. Sort of like the one that got away, but came back and got a second chance! I think out of the series, this is my favorite one so far, though they are all really great. You will fall in love with Colton! Swoon!

About The Author:
Jane Porter, a native of Visalia, California, graduated from UCLA with a degree in American Studies and worked in sales and marketing before returning to school to earn a teaching credential and an MA in Writing from the University of San Francisco. Since publishing her first romance novel in 2001, Jane has written and sold 39 novels. A bestselling author, Jane has also been a finalist for the prestigious RITA award in 2002, 2003, 2008 and 2010 from Romance Writers of America. Jane, her surfer husband, and three sons make their home today in San Clemente, CA where she's currently working on her next novel.
 
 

The Evolution of the Easy Bake Oven

Easy Bake Ovens singlehandedly revolutionized the toy industry, making it into the top 100 toys ever made. http://www.partselect.com/ has created an infographic entitled “The Evolution of the Easy Bake Oven”, detailing the emergence and life of the Easy Bake Oven, along with dishing out delicious facts behind the iconic children’s toy! Taking a conventional oven and shrinking it down to kid-friendly size was a conception originally thought up by a creative engineer named James O. “Jeep” Kuhn in 1963. The first model retailed for $15.95; adjusted for inflation, that price would be equal to $115 now. In 1968 General Mills acquires Kenner Products and starts producing products specifically manufactured for the Easy Bake Ovens, along with Easy Bake Oven accessories such as a corn popper, chip maker, and a bubble gum recipe. In 1973 the toy was rebranded as the Betty Crocker Easy Bake Oven, skyrocketing its popularity. By 1997, over 16 million of the ovens were sold. 2002 saw a huge change to the Easy Bake Oven, by re-inventing the toys to cater to boys, and named it the Queasy Bake Cookerator. In 2009, the oven had to go through a re-design after 100 watt bulbs were banned in the United States. The Easy Bake Oven was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 2006, and the Food Network produced a cookbook celebrating the event, full of recipes and contributions by top chefs like Bobby Flay. A voluntary recall was issued from 2006-2007, after reports surfacing of children being burned by the oven, which prompted another redesign of the Easy Bake Oven. By 2011, over 23 million units were sold. 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the Easy Bake Oven, and Betty Crocker has released the Ultimate Easy Bake Oven, in a special edition color. Feel free to like, share, and comment on this infographic brought to you by http://www.partselect.com/ entitled “The Evolution of the Easy Bake Oven”.
 

Happy Halloween 2013

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

What Consumers Should Know when Buying Silk Screen Shirts

Silk screen printing is a unique image transfer process. The artist or manufacturer stretches a mesh cloth over a wooden frame. The design is then printed onto the screen or affixed by stencil. Ink is added to the inside of the screen and pulled over the image area with a squeegee. There are different techniques, and the process can be used on a wide variety of materials, including materials used for making t-shirts. If you want to buy a top with a brilliant, dynamic image, consider the following shopping tips.

Find a Reputable Merchant
Although this process has been around in the United States since the 20th century, not every online clothing company offers products that are enhanced through silk screening. You may have to complete a targeted search to find dealers and printing companies. Check the reputation of the candidates you found. Make sure that they have excellent consumer reviews and testimonials. You can also check recent Twitter feeds for comments on products and services.

Know Your Size
Do not ruin your custom-made shirt because it is the wrong size. If the top is too small, you can give it away as a gift. Starting your order over would double the original cost though. Garments that are too big do not look right. The effect will not be the same, and your friends will not be impressed.

The Right Shirt Type
V-neck or round? Long or short sleeves? These are some of the features that you have to determine even before selecting your artwork. Think long and hard about the color. Only when the background is right will your image come to life.

Find an Attractive Image
A first-class printing company allows customers to submit their own images. They can also design a picture for you for a small, affordable fee. You should be able to edit existing artwork and add text. If you are undecided, a knowledgeable staff member should give you excellent advice, and not just in regard to decorative pictures.

Competitive Fees
Price is a big factor when you want personalized clothing. Companies specializing in silk screen printing should offer discounts for bulk orders. Be aware that if you want your shirt in an hour instead of waiting a week, it will cost you more. That is usually the case for rush orders and services, no matter what you buy. 
  

#ShareLeTote & Win! Daily Le Tote Sweepstakes!

Le Tote is launching a great new sweepstakes this week with lots of chances for you to win! Every day between 10/29 and 11/8 we are giving away a whole season of access to Le Tote’s hottest trends PLUS two $50 gift cards - one for the winner and one for their friend!

How to Enter:
Share a pic of your #OOTD featuring a piece you borrowed from a friend on Instagram or Twitter with hashtag #ShareLeTote or upload it via the Enter To Win tab on Le Tote’s Facebook Page starting 10/28! Winners are announced daily!

About Le Tote:
Le Tote offers unlimited boutique style apparel and accessory rentals for just $49 a month. It’s like Netflix for clothes! How it works:
·Complete your style profile at www.letote.com by selecting items you love.
·3 garments and 2 accessories are delivered to your doorstep. Wear everything as long as you want.
·Send everything back and Le Tote will ship your next tote immediately. Shipping is free, both ways
·No return dates or late fees.
 

Gourmet Gift Tower Giveaway - 2 Winners

Want to be spoiled for the holidays? Then enter the Gourmet Gift Tower giveaway that runs through November 10th, 2013. We are giving away two Formal Holiday Towers valued at $63.00 each.

Giveaway Rules Summary
Simply enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Any of the options for entry are acceptable, and entries per person are limited to the number indicated in this contest form. Entries will be reviewed and any duplicate or incomplete entries will be removed. If you have issues using the Rafflecopter form, be sure you are running the latest version of your web browser and JavaScript.
NOTE - You must complete the specified entry task in order to be eligible to win the contest. If you click the entry button without completing the task, your entry will be disqualified from winning. This contest is open to all residents of the 48 Contiguous States and only to those 18 years of age or older! Winners are picked randomly. The two lucky winners will receive the Formal Holiday Tower shown on this page - a $63 Value.

Prize will be fulfilled by the contest sponsor aagiftsandbaskets.com. Winners will be notified via email, so please provide a valid email address. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that time, another winner will be chosen. The full list of rules can be found here.

Giveaway ends at midnight EST on November 10th, 2013. The giveaway winners will be announced by November 17th, 2013.
 

Meaning Of Dreams

Do you know what your dream means? Find out here.
 

Master Manufacturing Products

Master Manufacturing provides a variety of products to protect you and your office furniture. As the industry's leading supplier, they provide replacement casters for 99% of the office chairs on the market today. They produce competitively priced high quality products. With a long-standing reputation for quality products and excellent customer service, Master Manufacturing Company is a leader in the office furniture and supply industry.
We received a few great products from them! Microfiber Dual Action SMARTer Gloves - These unique gloves not only keep hands warm, they are also safe to use on any electronic device (smartphones, tablets, navigation devices, etc). With these gloves, you can use any or all of the five fingertips to operate your touchscreen device. In addition, you can use the palm of the glove to clean finger print smudges, dirt and other impurities from the touchscreen device. The gloves are both washable and reusable. With fall and winter just around the corner, these gloves are the perfect accessory for people who want to text and keep their fingers warm.
ReStor-It Furniture Touch-up Kit - The Furniture Touch-up Kit restores furniture by concealing minor scratches, blemishes, worn edges and imperfections. Popular marker colors match Natural, Light Oak, Dark Oak, Cherry, Walnut and Mahogany wood finishes. Filler sticks blend with light, medium and dark wood grains. Repairing blemishes can extend the life of furniture as well as save users the cost of replacement. The Furniture Touch-up Kit is great to keep around any home or office.

Check it all out at Master Manufacturing on Facebook.
  
 

Onzie Apparel

Make your move. Onzie active apparel, designed with Free-Flow Fabric Technology, dries quickly for ultimate ventilation while you work out. You'll stay comfortable, cool and fully supported, in and out of motion. Developed by a 20 year Bikram Yoga veteran, Onzie blends the best of traditional yoga wear with modern innovation and a touch of whimsy. Pronounced Own-Zee.
I got a ton of great products that I love! Criss-Cross Bra Top:
The most popular bra top, this criss-cross style helps support your chest as you move. Strapping is made with full flex elastic for added support. The front is a scoop neckline and can reveal a little bit of cleavage for a sexier yet supportive look.
All-In-One Tank:
Made from free flow jersey fabric and full flex spandex. Built-in-bra top is lined for maximum coverage and support. Top falls longer to cover hip area and is snug at the hip. Designed to be loose fitting around the stomach area.
Gypsy Pants:
Start living the “pura vida style” with this amazing new pant! Made from free flow jersey fabric. Slits along the side and a slimming back side design. This pant will glide with your practice. An easy going pant that can be worn loose or tied at the ankle.
Sport Short:
Similar to the Side String Short, the Sport Short is also made out of free-flowing fabric, designed to move and groove, fitting a wide range of customer body types. This style is a more square cut short providing additional coverage in the front and back.

Check it all out at Onzie on Facebook.
 
 

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Take Your Halloween Makeup to the Next Level

This Halloween, look frighteningly fabulous with Whitening Lightning’s Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Glosses. Whitening Lightning, the latest technology in teeth whitening, has recently launched an Exotics Lip Gloss Collection, with 5 innovative colors that can be worn alone or combined for a more fashion forward look. Unlike standard Halloween makeup, these luscious new lip glosses contain collagen peptides to increase lip volume and reduce lip wrinkles, while doubling as an amazing moisturizer. The built-in light and mirror will make all on-the-go touch ups a breeze, even in haunted houses with the most drab lighting.
Ideas & Inspiration · Try the Lighted Lip Gloss in Fiji, Bahama, Bermuda to add a pop of color to any fairy or princess costume. These pretty shades of purple, pink and blue are guaranteed to brighten up your Halloween look. · The ghostly white shade Phuket is perfect for the standard skeleton or trendy day of the dead girl. This lip gloss is also a great finishing touch for the more angelic costumes. · Boreno Lip Gloss is the must have accessory for those channeling their darker side this Halloween. The shiny black gloss will turn any witch or vampire into a gothic beauty.
The complete line of Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Glosses is available for $38 dollars each via www.whiteninglightning.com.
 

The Moms, Win a Day Off Sweepstakes

Mothers, we salute you. You deserve a much-needed day off, and the Purex brand would like to provide it! You can enter to WIN a day off for yourself or nominate another deserving Mom.

 

PrintedArt.com

PrintedArt is a collection of fine art photography. Every piece in the collection is sold as finished artwork mounted on aluminum dibond and optionally finished with acrylic for a modern display without the need for framing. PrintedArt also accepts print orders from customers who submit their own material and would like to get it finished on the same gallery-grade material as the PrintedArt collection.
Here is the photo I chose, and what the photographer says about it:
I had the afternoon available for photography in Iowa’s Loess (pronounced “luss”) Hills above the Missouri River. These hills are a 200-mile-long string of glacial dust that was deposited by strong winds during our glacial periods when planet Earth was much cooler. The afternoon was gloomy, with rolling thunder going on and on and on for about an hour - really! Eventually a brief rainstorm swept through, but afterward I was able to create some good photography. The light was far too dull for color photography, or even traditional black-and-white, so I turned to an old favorite - infrared photography. Infrared photography doesn’t record the light spectrum visible to our eyes. Instead, it transforms a scene, with leafy greens recording as ethereal shades of white and light gray. Even the focus point for the camera is much different than for visible light. In this photograph the mighty Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) towers over a dark gate. A two-track road leads down the hill behind, into the mystic forest. Location: Preparation Canyon State Park in the Loess Hills of western Iowa, USA. 

Check it all out at PrintedArt on Facebook.

 

Devotional Stories For Wives

Chicken Soup For The Soul: Devotional Stories For Wives

About The Book:
101 daily devotions to comfort, encourage, and inspire you. Any woman of faith will find solace and strength in these 101 unique devotionals - consisting of a scripture reading, a Chicken Soup for the Soul story, and a custom-written prayer by women of faith - as they go through the ups and downs of daily life and marriage. This collection will affirm God's unconditional love and His wisdom. With stories that cover everything from everyday trials to tests of faith, this collection will inspire, uplift, and counsel any woman of faith who needs a boost or reminder of God's ever-present love.

My Thoughts:
This is a great book. I love how it is set up like a devotional so you can read a little a day, or more if you choose. It is lovely, and really helps get you through the day sometimes, as all kinds of situations and emotions are in it. Great gift book!

About The Authors:
Susan M. Heim is a long-time Chicken Soup for the Soul editor and Christian author, specializing in family-oriented books and women’s issues. Karen C. Talcott is an author and educator with an expertise in women’s issues, faith, and angels.

 

Happy Spring Equinox

~Hayley