Have you ever wondered what Professional Athletes salaries are? Take a look at this Professional Athletes Salaries Infographic. I had no idea that NBA basketball players made so much money! The figures are astonishing.
Feb 102015
Feb 102015
Gingerbread Knitted Blanket Giveaway
Welcome to the Mamas & Papas Gingerbread Knitted Blanket Giveaway
Hosted by Conservamom
Mamas & Papas is known for their gorgeous products that are made with quality and love for your little one. The Gingerbread Knitted Blanket is no exception! This beautifully soft knitted baby blanket is luxuriously soft to the touch and will make your precious little one feel special. An ideal gift for a newborn and practical too, designed to fit all Mamas & Papas strollers, bassinets and cribs.
With the cold weather still here wouldn’t you love to wrap your little one in delicious cosiness? This blanket is perfect for any occasion or outing all while keeping your little one toasty and warm.
You can purchase this gorgeous blanket online over at the Mamas & Papas store. But better yet, you can win one right here! So head below for your chance to enter to win this gorgeous blanket that retails $49.99!
One lucky winner will get this blanket! Open to US only and ends on 2/25 at 11:59pm. Good luck!
Disclosure: All opinions are 100% mine. This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network.All opinions and experiences are Conservamom‘s. Open to Continental US , must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor will be responsible for product fulfillment to winner(s) of the giveaway. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions or to see your product featured in an Event you can contact Elia At Conservamom
Feb 102015
*Product was received to facilitate this review
Stark Reflective Vest Review
If safety in the dark is important to you, then you need a reflective vest that will be seen from afar. I can guarantee you that the Stark Reflective Vest will do the job you’re looking to accomplish. This reflective vest can be seen from more than 50′ away, clearly, in the pitch black of the night.
Features of the Stark Reflective Vest
Unisex and Adjustable – The reflective vest is Unisex, so it can be worn by women and men. And it is completely adjustable to fit snug or loose and still have plenty of range of motion. Fits easily and can be worn over just about anything.
The vest comes in two sizes:
S/M/L: – Waist Band: 63 – 100cm (25 – 39 inch) Shoulder Straps: 38 – 58cm (15 – 23 inch) waist to shoulder
L/XL: – Waist Band: 86 – 136cm (34 – 52 inch) Shoulder Straps: 62 – 100cm (24 -39 inch) waist to shoulder
Comfortable – Easy to take on and off with the convenient buckle and is made with soft stretch elastic for non-restrictive configuration and full range of motion. You can throw over a jacket or over your shirt. It won’t cause you to get too hot. This feather light reflective vest is a cyclist’s must-have too, designed with a high front and extended back for greater on-bike visibility.
Multifunctional – Not only is this vest great for daytime or night time use, it is also recommended for a number of different activities including: Running, biking, event traffic directing, or any low visibility situation.
Low maintenance – Our vest can be worn over and over again without washing it, drying it, and all the other things we do to maintain our gear and laundry. Between uses, just hang it up or fold it and put it where it’s handy for the next time.
Our Thoughts on the Stark Reflective Vest
The vest is made of a durable material that reminds me of a car seat buckle strap. The buckle is of substance. It’s on the larger side, as it needs to accommodate the straps and this is a plus, as it’s much more durable than a small buckle would be. This would also hold true for the buckles that adjust the size of the vest. We ordered the XLG as we wanted the vest to accommodate several family members. This was a good choice as even for those who aren’t the measurements for the XLG vest – it still works well. The vest is light-weight.
We put the vest to the test out in front of our house where the street light, literally, has a mind of its own. We live on a corner lot and when cars come from down around the bend before hitting our corner – it’s extremely difficult to see anyone that is, out in or near, the road. So we had one person driving the car who stopped the car at one telephone pole. The person wearing the vest walked to the next telephone pole. Telephone poles in our state are positioned 50′ apart. As you see in the picture above – the person wearing the vest was clearly visible to the driver of the car.
We will be using the Stark Reflective Vest a lot. It will be used when we walk the dog. When we are walking the park at night (speed limit is 15 mph but many think we live at an International Speedway) and I see us taking this fishing with us.
You can purchase this vest at Amazon.com.
Do you wear a reflective vest? What do you find it most useful for?
Feb 102015
*Product was received to facilitate this review
+LIFEGUARD MINI 1 Portable Charger Review
A common problem in our home is that we are always forgetting to charge our devices. It’s a never ending situation. The teen is most famous for not charging her cell and I am most famous for insisting she have it on her when she leaves the house. That said, on occasion I tend to forget to charge mine too. And the last phone I had – oh dear, that thing drained in just hours and at the most inopportune times. And then there’s the iPod – that always seems to get charged…(wanna tell me how that works?).
This is where we find a powerbank to come in extremely handy. Of course, these need to be kept charged too; and I have delegated myself to be in charge of that over caring about charging my phone. It’s imperative that before the teen runs out the door I ask about her cell being charged, and if it’s not, I hand her the powerbank.
About the +LIFEGUARD MINI 1
- Smart plug & play Samsung grade A cell battery.
- Real 3000mAh capacity – full charge your phone and still have juice.
- Quick charge – get your device 100% charged in 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
- Free 5.9in Apple compatible lightning cable – LIMITED TIME ONLY.
- Tough aluminum shell makes it impact resistant.
- Can be recharged more than 800 times.
- CE, ROHS and FCC certified.
BUY NOW AND GET A $14.00 LIGHTNING CABLE FOR FREE
Buying the +LIFEGUARD MINI 1 portable charger right now you will get a 5.9-inch charge & sync lightning cable (Apple compact). It has a convenient size for charge your iPhone (6+, 6, 5S, 5C or 5) with +LIFEGUARD MINI 1.
COMPATIBILITY
iPhones, iPods, HTC, Samsung, Motorola, Nokia, Sony and other cell phones, MP3, MP4, digital cameras with DC 5V input.
GUARANTEE
+LIFEGUARD’s confidence in the MINI 1 is backed by its 18-month money-back guarantee. Feel safe to buy the +LIFEGUARD MINI 1 and enjoy your cell phone more than ever.
So we put this baby to the test. It charged our cells and the iPod with no issue. That said, when I went to charge my Samsung tablet, it appeared as though as it was charging then the next thing I knew it was beeping. I unplugged the powerbank and the beeping stopped. It appeared as though the powerbank was out of juice, as when I plugged it in to charge it, the red light appeared. This is a rather nice feature, because if you think you’re charging your device and it’s not charging – you’ll know it.
The +Lifeguard mini 1 portable charger powerbank comes in three (3) colors – black, pink and white and can purchase be purchased at Amazon.com
Feb 062015
*Post contains affiliate links – should you make a purchase through the links – a FCS team member may receive a commission.
Shutterfly 50% off Hard Cover Photo Books + 30% off Everything Else
This is a Shutterfly savings you don’t want to miss!
Want it for Valentine’s Day? You got it!
ALL customers save 50% off hard cover photo books in addition to 30% off everything else with promo code SWEETSALE from 2/4 – 2/10
Go take a peek around the Shutterfly site. Make a few photo books – maybe you’ve procrastinated getting those Christmas photos into one? Or would like to give one for a gift?
Check out their calendars! I just received the first one I’ve ever made through Shutterfly and I am SO impressed!
Terms: SWEETSALE Offer expires 2/10/2015 (11:59 P.M. PT) Offer is good for 50% off select qualifying 11×14, 12×12, 10×10, 8×11 or 8×8 hard cover photo books and additional standard pages, and 30% off other photo book cover types and accessories, cards & stationary, prints, calendars, photo gifts and home décor products through Shutterfly.com, our mobile-friendly site or Shutterfly apps (only certain products are available on the apps). Taxes, shipping and handling will apply. Not valid on personalized postage stamps, Hallmark inserts, prepaid plans, gift certificates, Videograms, cards sent using mailing services, prior purchases, or orders place for in-store pick up. Cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with other offers or credits. Not valid for resale.
Feb 052015
Four Fish-Free Alternatives for Vegetarians
Fish-Free Alternatives for Vegetarians
There are a wide variety of options for vegetarians looking for alternatives to beef and chicken. Fish substitutes can be a little trickier due to the more unique flavor of fish which is harder to replicate than other types of meat. However, there are some good vegetarian fish options that can satisfy cravings as well as providing an adequate dose of important Omega-3 fatty acids.
Tofu
Tofu is a great all-purpose, high protein substitute for meat, and many vegetarians incorporate it into their diets. This soy product can be a particularly good alternative for fish because it does not have a lot of flavor. Some ways to infuse a fish-like taste into tofu include cooking it with dry seaweed, kelp powder, or even seafood broth. Another option is to spread tartar sauce, which is a frequent seafood condiment, on a tofu sandwich. When using tofu in place of fish, picking a brand that has a medium or firm consistency will probably more effectively imitate the texture of fish than a softer tofu.
Crushed Garbanzo Beans
Crushed garbanzo beans, also called chickpeas, are another wonderful, healthy option for vegetarians yearning for fish. They are high in protein, but aren’t high in calories and don’t contain the saturated fats that other sources of protein do including meat and eggs. Crushed garbanzo beans don’t have a seafood flavor, but can be seasoned with some of the same ingredients mentioned for tofu. Their texture is nut-like and can convincingly mimic fish. A great way to use them is as a replacement for tuna fish. Combine the crushed garbanzo beans with the other ingredients for a tuna salad, including celery and seasoning, and serve the mixture on lettuce garnished with tomatoes and crackers.
Sea Vegetables
Sea vegetables are another viable alternative for vegetarians in search of a fish substitute. Many kinds are believed to be high in nutritious minerals, and may also help to lower cholesterol and detoxify the body from environmental pollutants. Their consistency is not very fish like, but their flavor can be much closer to the real thing. Some sea vegetables worth checking out include arame, kombu, wakame, hijiki, kelp, and dulse. Sushi eaters are probably already consuming sea vegetables in the form of seaweed; nori seaweed is a commonly used wrapper for sushi rolls. Asian groceries are a good place to look for sea vegetables.
Oils, Nuts, and Seeds
One of the major health reasons to eat fish is they contain Omega-3s. These essential fatty acids cannot be made by the body and must come from one’s diet. Omega-3’s are believed to provide numerous health benefits such as a reduced risk for heart disease, joint pain, depression, and asthma. They are also thought to help brain development in infants, and many prenatal vitamins include Omega-3 supplements. Fish is the primary source of Omega- 3s, but there are some plant based alternatives as well. Fish-free examples of Omega – 3s include flaxseed oil, walnuts, ground flaxseeds, and some soy products.
Vegetarians in search of a convincing substitute for fish, or some super-healthy Omega-3s, don’t have to go without. There are a number of ways to satisfy the craving and provide the body with what it needs.
Feb 052015
There’s one sure-fire way to save money on Valentine’s Day, and that’s to make sure you’re not in a relationship when it arrives! However, that won’t suit everyone, so let’s take a look at ways to have a truly memorable and romantic evening that won’t leave you penniless – after all, it’s not that long ago we were doing the holiday shopping…
Stay Home & Save
Thankfully, an inexpensive Valentine’s Day can often be the most romantic, if you decide to base it around things you can do at home. If you’re in a happy relationship, there’s no need to go out and spend big at a fancy restaurant. Start things off with a home-made card, choose your food and drinks wisely, lay on some entertainment at home with a selection of movies, glam things up with some online casino games or kitchen-table poker… as long as you put a little thought into it, you can have a day to remember without going broke!
Eating & Drinking
Nothing says “I love you” quite like a really good home-cooked meal. Keep it simple and you don’t even have to be a great cook – just follow a tried-and-tested recipe and give yourself enough time to allow for the unexpected. Start things off with a romantic glass of bubbly; cava (from Spain) and prosecco (from Italy) are delicious, very well-priced alternatives to champagne. You’ll get a far better deal buying decent cava, for example, than cheap champagne (which means that, if you like, you can have more of it…)
What To Cook
The key to cooking a successful Valentine’s meal is choosing something you both like. Arguably it’s more romantic to cook something only your partner likes – but there’s no need to be a martyr about it! Skirt steak is both delicious and reasonably priced, and unlike some cheaper cuts, doesn’t need to be cooked for hours to make it edible. There are plenty of online recipe ideas for skirt steak; ask your butcher as well if you get a chance!
Entertainment
When you’re done eating, it’s time to play. Try poker with real cards (and real forfeits!) for fun, or challenge each other at an online casino. Most will let you play for free, so you can enjoy a bit of glamor without spending anything. Let the winner choose what movie you watch afterwards. Netflix plans, for example, start at $7.99 a month, so there’ll – hopefully – be fewer arguments over what to watch…
(Image: Wikipedia)
Feb 042015
Hallmark Valentine’s Day Card Pack Giveaway
#PutYourHeartToPaper
Saying I love you is the easiest way to tell someone you do, indeed, love them. What if you were asked to put your heart to paper and not just say those words? Hallmark is challenging you to #PutYourHeartToPaper and not just say “I Love You,” say more!
Take a peek at Displaced Yinzer’s review of the new Valentine’s Day cards from Hallmark. Featuring cards from the Shoebox line, Sarah Jessica Parker, and more, you are sure to find the perfect cards for those you love!
Hallmark has generously provided a Valentine Card Pack Giveaway featuring cards from their new line.
This giveaway is a one-week giveaway – ends 2/10/15.
Feb 042015
23 Blast DVD Review
Based on a True Story
About the Movie
Rated PG-13 (brief drinking of alcohol on school property) / 1h 42m
As a typical teenager, Travis Freeman (Mark Hapka) is a local hero both on and off the high-school football field in his small Kentucky town, but in 1997, Travis contracts an infection that destroys his optic nerve and renders him blind overnight. With the loving help and concern of his parents, physical therapist, coach and best friend, Travis demonstrates what true bravery is: He continues to compete on the gridiron and helps his team advance to the state finals.
Our Take of 23 Blast
For starters, we love movies that are based on true stories. When you add to the plot a medically based issue – then we find ourselves compelled to watch the movie.
One can have a medical issue from birth or they can live years before one transpires. I’ve always said that I am thankful that my severely disabled son, who has been that way since he was 3-weeks old, never knew what it was like to walk, to play – he’s never missed anything because he never had it to begin with. Ironically, my son, has optic nerve damage that left him blind in one eye from a brain hemorrhage.
That said, when Travis lost his eyesight from an infection that one day just overtook his body leaving him with optical nerve damage – he became blind. Something he once had was gone – completely gone. How does one cope with that? How does the family cope with that?
In this inspiring movie you will see how Travis, his parents, and friends overcome the adversity that has been dealt their way. As a mother of a severely disabled child, I could completely relate with how Travis’ mom was feeling about the entire situation. I give much credit to Travis’ dad for handling the situation as he did – my son’s father didn’t, walking out on us and that’s hard to swallow.
It’s not easy to hear that your child has a disability that effects his sole being. It’s not easy to comprehend that this precious child you gave birth to is experiencing life in a way that’s not been an envisionment from the day of conception – even before.
So, as this movie unfolded, my heart, as did my teen’s and her friend’s, sank for Travis and his family. We watched this beautiful family have to deal with adversity that was so unexpected. But…they prevailed.
Travis found strength to believe in himself through the help of others believing in him. His mother, she found strength when she needed it most, and dad – he went with the flow and came out on top too. And the state of Kentucky is to be recommended for the laws they have in place for individuals facing adversity as such.
I don’t want to give away the end of this heart-warming story. You need to see how Travis helps his team move on to the state finals! It’s a movie that everyone should watch because one never knows when adversity will hit close to home. It’s one that will give you the reason to believe miracles do happen, and no matter the circumstance, you can prevail. I will tell you though – the ending is miraculous.
23 Blast is a must see movie – it will make you thankful for having the gifts you have and it will make you realize that you can change the life of another who is faced with such adversity.
Connect with 23 Blast!
Watch and share the trailer HERE!
Official Facebook
Official Twitter
Official Instagram
Official Website
Check out the 23 BLAST BOWL Official Website — 1 Grand Prize Winner Will Receive: 5 23BLAST DVD’s, an Autographed football from TONY DUNGY, Super Bowl Winning Coach and All Pro Dad National Spokesman, a pizza party for 8-10 guests, and awesome memorabilia from the film! It’s a great opportunity for a small group gathering. You can also find all sorts of conversation starters, discussion guides, and other free resources!
More info about the 23 BLAST BOWL HERE
Giveaway
Take a chance on winning a copy of 23 Blast for yourself.
Entry is easy – Rafflecopter powered. One entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
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