When we moved into our new home my youngest daughter wanted a bunk bed with a slide. So we looked around a found a neat little bunk bed that would fit the bill and also allow for her to grow into the bed. Todays kid furniture has come long way know as when we were shopping there are now computer desks built into some of the beds. And some of the stores had a whole kids shopping experience to help them be more in the decision of what their room would look like. So now our daughter is the envy of her friends. I can only guess that this years sleep overs will be over at our house so everyone can sleep in the slide bed.
Archive for the ‘Consumer Generated’ Category
28
Apr
Do you have the look
If you have wondered what others thought of you and if you have the look of the year then there is now a site for you. At http://www.lookoftheyear.com you can upload your picture and bio and then others will have the chance to vote for their favorites. The key is that if you are one of the top vote getters there are prizes to be had. Plus for those seeking to break into the fashion world as a model then this may just the exposure you need. You can view the site and sign up is free to post those beautiful pics of you. It is basically an online beauty contest for young male and female contestants that anyone across the globe can enter. So if you think that you have the look and looking for a way to get recognized then head on over and give it your best shot.
This year as my kids get older they are actually awarded soccer trophies for placing in their league. In years past all the teams received medals for their participation and no actual record was kept. This was to make sure that the kids enjoyed the game and not have to worry about the score. While it was much easier to coach there were still parents that felt like their kid was trying out for the national team. I do like handing out trophies, but making them available for everyone on the team at this age to build confidence in their ability.
There are many new acne treatments that are available either as a prescription or over the counter. There are some surgical options that can help those with skin problems. A relatively new technique to resurface and smooth the skin is called Micro-demoabrasion. Micro-demoabrasion’s uses a principle where the machine is used firstly as a cleansing device using the same principle as a vacuum cleaner to clean the skin and empty out the blocked pores with a gentle vacuuming action. The procedure is usually quite simple and does not require anesthia. When treatment is completed the skin has a red healthy glow due to the increased circulation in the skin. This increased circulation brings with it oxygen and nutrients to refresh and regenerate the skin.
16
Dec
Make your own espresso
After going paying for my morning espresso drink I got to thinking just how much I spend per month on a cup of coffee. At about an average of $4 for my triple white mocha, I figured that I spend at least $75 to $80 a month. The convenience is a big key in my decision when finding a local espresso stand. I have always thought of getting my own personal espresso maker for home to save money but where do you begin and what makes a good machine. At sites like 1stincoffee they have a great selection of espresso machines and give you a one stop shopping experience to find the right coffee maker for you. It would be great to have the ability to make your own espresso on that Saturday morning without having to step out of your home. Maybe this is something that I will put down on my Christmas wish list and we will see what happens.
14
Dec
Check out my tags
My wife and I belong to an indoor soccer league where we attempt to keep up with some of the younger kids that are out there. Our team is made up of mainly 30 something couples with kids. While we have won a few games we are out there to have fun and get some exercise although some of the games can get pretty intense. Our team name is “The Rock Stars”, and this was suggested by our kids so we decided that would work. As we played the other teams in our division they all seemed to have matching jerseys and appeared to have played together for awhile. So to help create a team identity and show our unity I ordered this tag to attach to our bags and have given the information to the rest of our team. Having matching dog tags for our gear may not make us any better but the thought is that at least everyone will know who brought the beer.
Here are some interesting stats we saw on the value that home improvement will return on your investment.
1. Minor Kitchen Remodeling: Average cost = $8,655. Average ROI = 88%.
A minor kitchen remodel usually includes replacing the cabinets and counter tops with higher quality materials or increasing the total amount of cabinet storage and counter top surface area. It would also most likely include the addition or upgrade of appliances such as garbage disposals, built in microwave ovens, dishwashers, and higher quality refrigerators.
2. Bathroom Remodel: Average cost = $9,135. Average ROI = 81%
This project would include things such as installing attractive counter tops such as stone, granite, or marble. The fixtures would need to be upgraded and the shower and bathtubs should be resurfaced. Also, any tiling would need to be grouted. Other things that could increase the value of a bathroom remodel would be adding an extra sink basin, converting a bathtub to a Jacuzzi, or installing additional shower heads.
The newest offering from Ford has their Mustang set to make a new stance in the muscle car arena. The one great fact that has made the Mustang so great is Ford’s ability to keep the brand strong and create long time loyal customers. There are Mustang clubs across the US that gather to share stories and find hard to get parts for their vintage cars. As with the newer models they have become increasingly reliant upon the computer chip. So if you are looking for 2002 Mustang parts they can be found at sites like americanmuscle.com which offers some of the complete offering of Mustang parts on the net.
There is nothing like getting a new garage and having a place to store all your tools. You can have the best garage in the neighborhood but if your tools are just laying on top of shelves and tool boxes it looks like a mess. I am in the process of purchasing new stainless steel drawers to hold my tools. I love the look that I saw a long time on the sit-com “Tool Time”. Tim had a great system for tool storage and it always seemed that he had all the tools anyone could want. While I am not into all the power tools I do have your basic cordless drills, router saws, and drill bits. Having all this organized will make my garage look better than all my tools just laying every where.
The High School musical show that has been produced by Disney has been an unbelievable success. There is now a movie planned with several follow on shows that will follow Troy and Gabriella in their high school journey. The show has turned into such a success that the group will be touring the US and you will be able to get High School Musical tickets from online vendors for a show near you. It will be interesting to see if the original cast will be part of the tour since one of the stars, Gabriella, has run into some published reports that she posed nude. This may not sit well with Disney and they may be looking to find a new fit to star opposite Troy.
28
Aug
Zero is more
If you love new places to visit on the internet then Coke zero has a new website for you. Their campaign “Life as it should be” allows you to direct your own video online and then submit it to your friends. There are a series of old video clips that you can choose from then you type in the words that you want the actor to say. Once you are finished you can submit your video to compete against others. Brought to you by Coke Zero: Real taste, zero sugar.
13
Aug
Friday Night Lights
It is August and the sound is in the air for football. Many of the NFL teams have started their pre-season games to determine who will be on the final roster come September. This is also the time for high schools across the country to start double days and getting ready for Friday Night lights. This is where the true game of football is played for the love and passion of the sport. Where kids are out for the true competition and thrill of victory. There is something about sitting out in a chilly Friday night watching local high school players enter the field of battle and leave everything on the field.
17
Jul
Going old school
There is something great about going retro and having items that you grew up with. When I was in high school the shoes to have were Air Jordans I remember getting my first pair and heading out onto the court I am sure that they helped me to sink the long range three and drive the lane with ease. The psychological effect that a new pair of basketball shoes can have on a young kids game is quite something. At the time they were abuot $75 which we thought was pretty expensive. Nowadays that is the starting price for most kids shoes.
7
Jul
Finding free stuff
Finding items to buy online is so easy today that even my kids will shop on the internet or do research before asking for something. There are a lot of sites that you can go to find discounts and special bargains. At Mysavings.com they provide a site where you can find Free Samples and Savings on products, and some great deals. For instance when we went to the site today you could find a wireless router for only $5. They also had free samples of folgers coffee which is great if you have not seen the price of coffee lately.
You can even find coupons to may online retailers like Home Depot, Walmart, and BestBuy. They even have a forum where you can communicate with other online shoppers for great deals and bargains. You can search the internet for hours to find the best deal or you can use a central resource like Mysavings.com to save you time and money.
25
Jun
Virgina plastic surgery
With the recent reintroduction of silicone breast implants cosmetic surgeries have been on the rise. One of the fastest growing areas is actually major operations where surgeons are actually cutting away pounds of flesh. The tune-ups like nose jobs, Botox injections or even breast augmentation are taking a back seat to some major surgeries.
Innovative devices that allow a minimally invasive surgery are only further increasing the procedure. Patients can loose hundreds of pounds after the operation, but their skin remains stretched out, often becoming a lose and baggy apron. In search of a
Northern Virginia Plastic Surgery expert then visit Dr. Naderi online.
Neckties are one of the essential elements in any businessman’s wardrobe. The necktie can be used to accent a particular color in a suit, or make a power statement. We have all seen the “power Ties†that are typically solid in color and red or maroon accent. In choosing the necktie you must consider the fabric and what type of look that you are trying to achieve. Are you going into an important business meeting, or going for a night out on the town.
High-end neckties from Belisi fashions will help you make that statement. They are made to help the consumer enhance their wardrobe, and put the finishing touches on your wardrobe. Belisi in Italian means “beautiful†and the name in the fashion world means luxury. Founded by Peter Belisi while living in Palm beach, he got his inspirations from customers that he served as a bartender.
8
Jun
Outdoor comforts
We recently purchased a fire pit to put out on the patio to roast marshmallows and have some heat during the cooler spring evenings. It is very similar to having an
outdoor fireplace but more contained. We opted for the propane version which is great since there are no logs that you have to take care of once you are done. This makes it handy to fire up the pit and have instant warmth and a great place to make smores.
In a recent move we were on the hunt for some new furniture. We had a brand new formal living room that apparently needed furniture so we set off this past weekend to find some great new tables and couches. We went to several discount furniture stores and actually found some great quality that was not going to break the bank. We will have the new furniture soon to sit in a room that we hardly use. I guess this is the price you pay for upgrading.
8
Jun
Staying cool
I just attended a wedding over the weekend and the temperature was over 100 degrees outside. As we were driving from the church to the reception I was so thankful that for our Auto air conditioning .There were a few of our friends who were driving without AC and I could only imagine the misery they were feeling in their dress clothes heading over to the hotel for the reception. It is not often we get 100 degree days but it sure pays to have those extra comforts when you need them.
I enjoy golf and try and get out on the course whenever I can. The great thing about golf is that you can love it one minute and then be ready to toss your clubs in the lake the next. It always amazes me how effortlessly the pro’s make it look. The great thing about us weekend hackers is that we get to use golf carts, which does not do much for the exercise. Many a time we have knocked off a few golf cart parts when vearing off the golf path. This makes for a more enjoyable time and you get to see more of the course this way.