Gifts for the Active Men in Your Life #GiftGuide

November 28, 2018 by 18 Comments

If you are anything like us, you want to be active and outside as much as possible. Colder weather complicates things, but not to worry. You can get outdoors and enjoy your vitamin D year round, just bundle up a bit. Check out these functional and eco friendly cool-weather options we are loving right now- they would be perfect for the active men in your life this holiday season.

eco friendly clothing

Stopping off at Trader Joe’s on the way home- active wear that is great as any wear

The perfect slip on shoe for indoors or out, the Original Stegmann is not only comfortable, but also functional. They are great for camping, running errands, and everything in between. They have fantastic arch and toe support, so if you have aching feet, issues like Plantar Fasciitis, or a bad back, these might be worth considering. They have free shipping and exchanges, so nothing to lose. Made with a Tyrolian & Merino wool blend into a single piece, it is then paired with an anatomically contoured cork sole that is balanced for both arch and metatarsal support. These shoes have a gentle slope which helps reduce ankle and back pain as well. These shoes as a whole are designed for comfort, so if that’s your thing- and honestly, whose isn’t- check them out at https://www.stegmannusa.com . Prices vary.

A brand we have really fallen in love with over here is Mountain Khakis. Not only are the products soft and durable, but the environmentally friendly fabrics and practices have completely won us over.  Take for example the Rainmaker Jacket. It’s all sorts of wet-proof (rain, snow, mud, etc), and it’s strechy as well. It’s also warmer then some raincoats, without being swelteringly-sticky-hot like so many can be. A nice medium-to lightweight, and easily layered. It has a removable hood, with welded seams and snap-closed patch pockets.  It has a relaxed fit and hits about the hip area. Best part? The eco-friendliness of this jacket. Polyurethane is a greener alternative to the traditional raincoat’s vinyl. It’s also more durable and is better for the environment in long term care and use. Polyurethane does not require the chemicals used to soften vinyl in the manufacturing process, and is eventually biodegradable, where as PVC (vinyl) never breaks down, and is usually incinerated.  This leaches toxins into landfills and emits carcinogenic dioxin into the air. Any reason to choose PVC over PU? Not in my book. Check out https://www.mountainkhakis.com for your jacket, available in several colors, for $139.

Your new go-to sweatshirt will be the Poker Flats Pullover, which is soft and cuddly, perfect for chilly nights.  Named for the inspiring Teton National Park, this namesake sweatshirt is also inspiring. With it’s certified recycled fleece (which is made using sustainable REPREVE® technology) fabric, each garment reuses about 25 plastic bottles in it’s creation. Half zip, relaxed fit  with a high collar that can be folded down, it also has a snap chest pocket and thumb thumb loops. It comes in two shades- one is several shades of blues and greens, the other is a deep red with shades of grey. Get yours at https://www.mountainkhakis.com for $85

The Old Faithful Pants are just that. The most comfortable winter all-around pants we’ve found in ages, we find ourselves living in these. As in, I’ve had to peel them off my partner to wash them, he doesn’t want to part with them that long (like when you have to wrestle that dress or much loved t-shirt off your toddler, and you need to promise to put it right into the wash, they can have it right back- promise!) I jest, but not much. Known also as the “campfire pant”, these  pants are made with recycled sweaters. They are both sweatpants and pants, with a drawstring waistband as well as a zippered fly. Yes, multiple pockets. The ribbed waistband and cuffs at the ankles keep the pants where you want them, and comfortably so. (Are you seeing that the themes here are comfort and function? Because seriously so.) Thicker then most sweatpants, but not sweaty-thick- just warm. The legs are slim fit, which surprised and weirded us out for a hot second, but only about one. Got used to them in no time, and they have become, as mentioned, our very favorites. These come in “oatmeal and black”, but seem really more like light grey and dark grey to the novice eye. $90 at https://www.mountainkhakis.com

Filed Under: clothes and shoes, Holiday Gift Guide, review Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Love the Environment? So does NJ350! #GivingTuesday

November 27, 2018 by Leave a Comment

350NJ

If you are a fan of clean water, clean air, and helping the environment, NJ350 is a group to considering donating to this Giving Tuesday.

The United Nations panel on climate change has released a study showing that the world is in more trouble than we had thought. Warming and related damage has accelerated. The window for correcting the problem and avoiding disaster has become much smaller. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/07/climate/ipcc-climate-report-2040.html

These are frightening times. We need a transformation in the way we live that is enormous in scale, and we need it very fast.

What can you do? Many things. Write letters, reduce your carbon footprint, support climate friendly candidates, educate your friends and family, etc. It is a long list.

Today we are writing about one action item that we hope is also on your list, and that is making donations to organizations that are fighting to save our planet. Specifically, we are hoping you will make an end of year gift to 350NJ-Rockland.

We are proud that in 2018 we did the following!

·     Held a beginning of year planning retreat and a membership soiree

·     Partnered on a screening of “How To Let Go”

·     Participated in the NJ Climate Summit

·     Provided leadership for fossil fuel divestment campaigns in NY and NJ

·     Participated in Food and Water Watch’s OFF-ON Fossil Fuels Campaign

·     Played a leadership role in opposing the Gateway Expansion Project

·     Hosted a showing of 350’s RISE campaign launch

·     Co-sponsored the Poor People’s Campaign’s climate protest (three of our Steering Group members were arrested!)

·     Opposed the CPV fracked gas power plant

·     Participated in the Lac Megantic Memorial event

·     Submitted a comment opposing Williams Rivervale South to Market pipeline

·     Co-sponsored an educational program on the Army Corps of Engineers proposed Hudson River Barriers

·     Helped defeat the New Planet Energy solid waste gasification project

·     Co-sponsored the Sustainability Sunday program in Caldwell

·     Participated in the March on Albany and 2018 Women’s March

·     Opposed the Meadowlands natural gas power plant

·     Co-sponsored the Oil Train Safety Rally

·     Co-sponsored an educational program on polar ice melting

·     Endorsed the recent No New Infrastructure fast in Trenton

·     Conducted various outreach and tabling events

We are grateful to the many, many supporters who helped us accomplish all of this great work!

As you probably already know, everyone who works with 350NJ-Rockland is a volunteer, and we do most of our work on a shoestring budget. We rarely ask for money; we prefer to focus on making things happen.

But as the season of giving approaches, we hope you can help us set the table for 2019 with a generous contribution to support our fight against climate change. Giving is easy: simply click here: http://world.350.org/newjersey/donate/.

Your financial contributions will be used for things like: web-hosting, direct action trainings, printed materials, liability insurance for events, protest signage, scholarship assistance for trips, entry fees for tabling opportunities, and travel. Our annual fundraising goal is $10,000.

Climate change threatens nothing less than the future of humanity. It is a cause that is so big and so urgent that it can be thoroughly daunting. With your help, though, we can and will make a difference. For the sake of our grand-children and great-grandchildren.

Thank you for your help!

350nj

Filed Under: charity/notforprofit, environment Tagged With: ,

For #GivingTuesday , Why Not Pledge to End Alzheimers? #EndAlz

November 27, 2018 by Leave a Comment

#givingtuesday

Are you done waiting for a cure? Every 65 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s. So there’s no time to waste. Not for them, and not for the people already living with Alzheimer’s – or the carepartners who put their lives on hold. We need to accelerate our search for a cure. That’s why a generous donor has given us the opportunity to do just that by matching your gift FIVE TIMES in honor of Giving Tuesday!

We must break down barriers to a cure. We can only do that by securing federal research funding and improving clinical trials. We don’t want you to miss the opportunity for your gift to have FIVE TIMES the impact on this urgent work. Please con making a tax-deductible gift by midnight tonight to help us stop this disease once and for all?

People living with Alzheimer’s and their carepartners are done waiting. We’re done waiting. Aren’t you? Take advantage of Giving Tuesday by multiplying the power of your gift by FIVE to accelerate a cure.

samantha feuss

Filed Under: charity/notforprofit, health Tagged With: , ,

Things To Know When You Start Surfing

November 26, 2018 by Leave a Comment

surfing lessons

Are you an adventurous person looking for the best and the most entertaining fun activities to do on your next trip? Well, if that is the case then you need to stick with us till the end of this article because today we are going talk about one of the best and the most adventurous activity that will help you make a lot of memories and it will definitely make your trip fun. Hereby that activity we are talking about none other than surfing.

 

Yes, you read it right and if you aren’t scared of water then just think about surfing for a moment, playing with the waves of the ocean and moving along the wind, surfing your heart out. Wouldn’t it be just amazing? Well, if you do find surfing to be a fun activity and if you’ve planned to go surf this week on your trip then here are a few things you need to know in order to get the best out of your surfing experience.

 

1- Get a quality board

First of all, you need to focus on buying the best possible surfboard product for yourself. Don’t worry, we aren’t asking you to spend thousands of dollars on a surfboard, it’s just that you need to be careful while buying one. You cannot just buy any board you see, in fact, you need to focus a lot on the quality of board you are buying because you don’t want to see it broken halfway while you are surfing. The most important thing is to focus on the material of the board and how strong it is. After you are confirming that the board is strong, you can then go for the looks etc.

 

2- The right time

You should surf in the morning or when the Sun is about to set because you clearly don’t want sunburn on your body. Also, you wouldn’t like the idea of the Sun rays going directly into your eyes while you are surfing and playing with the waves because that can sometimes even lead to accidents. You just need to be more focused on the waves and your body needs to be in your control so that nothing goes wrong. So, we’d suggest you to surf in the morning or in the afternoon so that you can get the best out of it.

 

3- Don’t wait  for the perfect wave

One of the biggest mistake people often make is that they sit and wait for the perfect wave to come. Know that surfing is all about catching as many waves as you can and whether it’s a small wave or a big one, you just need to continue surfing and playing with all the waves you can. Sitting there and waiting for the best wave will be just a waste of time for you.

 

4- Don’t take surfing too seriously

We’ve seen a lot of people taking surfing too seriously and punching their boards in frustration. Know that it’s not a competition and you just want to surf for fun. So, don’t take it too seriously and especially we’d suggest you to go out and surf when you are in a good mood because that’s what will make you enjoy the experience more.

 

Conclusion

These are some of the things that the first time surfers need to know in order to enjoy their surfing experience. We assure you that if you follow these tips, you will then be able to get the best out of your trip and you won’t be disappointed with anything at all about surfing.

 

Filed Under: fitness, health Tagged With: , ,

4 Boating Tips For A Fun Family Water Adventure

November 26, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Memories are created as children get older so spending quality time with them is one of the most important things that any parent can do. Spending time with the kiddos also helps you nurture a deeper relationship with them. But what summer fun family activities will get the whole family excited? Enter catamaran boating!

Boating with your family is an excellent way to create those forever memories. Kids that get out on the water will not only connect them with nature, but connect with everyone in the family as well.

To ensure your next family boating adventure is a memorable, safe success, we compiled a list of boating tips just for you and your family.

  1. Safety Is Your Number One Priority

Having the kiddos on the water means having plenty of safety measures in place. The Coast Guard recommends having whistles and bells, a fire extinguisher, and personal flotation devices aboard when boating.

When it comes to kids, it’s ideal to have life jackets that actually fit and appropriate for the person, or child, wearing them. Here’s a pro parent tip: Have life jackets that are comfortable or cool. If your kiddo has an uncomfortable lifejacket, he or she may want to take it off.

You can never be too careful when your kids are aboard, so make safety a priority. You can also have extra floatation devices, life jackets, and a complete first aid kit at the ready.

  1. Have An Exciting Schedule Of Boating Activities

To prevent your kids from getting bored while boating, plan activities that are fun. This will keep the kiddos engaged during the entire day. Here are some suggestions for the fun boating activities:

  •      Fishing gear for adults and kids
  •      Boat slides
  •      Cool flotation devices (think alligator blow up floaty)
  •      Water skiing, wakeboarding, or tubes
  •      Snorkling (depending on location)

You can even have a pirate theme day where you need to search for treasure. Just be sure to have treasure ready to find, otherwise it may be an upsetting end to the day.

  1. Remember Sun Protection And Motion Sickness

This is often an afterthought, but sun protection and motion sickness pills are very important, especially for the kiddos. Proper sun protection prevents your little ones from getting sunburned, which could ruin their day, and yours.

Be sure to put some sunscreen on the kids multiple times throughout the day, to keep them protected after swimming sessions. Try to also create a bit of shade, whether it be hats, sunglasses, or staying under a boat canopy. If you are going the boat rental route, ask for a boat with a canopy so you have a place to hide from the sun when needed.

Your kids may suffer from seasickness once the boat starts to head out to sea, or lake, and this is a normal occurrence. This is common especially for your first time boaters. There’s medication, like Dramamine to the rescue if seasickness strikes.

This usually works for adults too, but it’s best to talk to your doctor to ensure all medication is safe for your kiddos. There are alternative substitutes that are great for kids too, but always consult your doctor.

  1. Do You Have Newborns? Boating Safety For Newborns

Newborns are not really supposed to go boating. This is because there are normally no life jackets that would fit a newborn. Boats, kayaks, fishing boats, sailboats, canoes, and even row boats are off the list for new born babies.

A boat with an open deck is not seen as safe for a newborn, but it does happen. This goes back to the safety issue. If your little bundle of joy can’t be bundled up in a lifejacket, it’s best to skip boating. Life jackets will have size and weight guidelines on them, so be sure to check.

Have you ever seen a baby on a boat in a car seat? This actually happens, but shouldn’t. If a boat flips and a baby is in a car seat, they are essentially strapped to an anchor. If you absolutely must take your newborn or baby boating, keep them out of a car seat and in the arms of mom or dad instead. Never operate a boat and hold a baby at the same time.

It Begins With Parents . . .

Safe and legal boating changes, depending on different aspects, but ultimately, it all begins with parents. Get education on boating safety and get a boating license to ensure you have the knowledge to make your next family boating adventure safe and successful. Be a mentor to your kids while boating as well. Wear life jackets, teach your kiddos boating tips, and make the experience fun. 

 

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With:

4 Reasons All Families Should Invest in Home Maintenance Plans

November 26, 2018 by 1 Comment

Your household has many appliances and other amenities that are important to your day-to-day life. Unfortunately, these useful household features can and do break. Repairs can be inconvenient and expensive. A home maintenance plan just might be the solution to your household repair problems.

 

General Home Warranty

47b036cd36c3bb9fd506365decf3f927.jpeg

Image via Flickr by okchomeseller

 

Home warranties are most often offered during the sale of a house. They are meant to serve as an incentive to attract more buyers at higher offer prices. Home warranties are useful not only for new home buyers but also for existing homeowners. Although home warranty inclusions will vary among different policies, some cover all basic household appliances, such as washer, dryer, dishwasher, and oven. There are also home warranties that cover specific systems, such as plumbing and electrical systems.

 

If you think a home warranty might be right for your household, make sure you consider all your options. Evaluate the age of your appliances versus the cost of the warranty. Consider the process of claiming a repair. Some warranty companies require that you pay out of pocket and then reimburse you, while others cover the repair up front.

 

HVAC Maintenance Plan

Your HVAC system is one of the most important elements of your household. It keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In fact, a broken HVAC system during an extremely cold winter is not only uncomfortable but can also be dangerous.

 

An HVAC home maintenance plan can protect you with 24/7 emergency repair services, HVAC maintenance, and routine filter replacement. These preventative maintenance services can help maintain the value of your HVAC system while also reducing the likeliness of an untimely broken HVAC unit.

 

Pool Maintenance

Having a pool in your backyard can be a lot of fun. It can also be a lot of work as you have to regularly clean and filter the pool water. Making mistakes during cleaning can get costly and take away from your pool time.

 

Signing up for a pool maintenance plan can take the work out of an activity that should be entertaining. Not only will it reduce the chances of needing an expensive repair, but it will also give you more time to actually enjoy the pool.

 

Roof Warranty

Roof warranties are often given after the full replacement of a roof. Sometimes they are transferrable with the sale of a house. Replacing a roof is one of the most expensive repairs you will make in your house. A roof warranty backs the durability of your new roof.

 

As always, it’s important to evaluate the specific conditions of your roof warranty. Understand the replacement process and what type of damage the warranty covers. For example, some roof warranties don’t cover storm damage. Others may not cover tree or branch damage if the surrounding landscape is not properly maintained.

 

Household warranties can save you a lot of money over time. Purchasing a warranty will give you the peace of mind that comes with being protected from untimely and costly repairs.

Filed Under: home Tagged With:

Take a Tour of the Oldest Restaurants in Germany

November 26, 2018 by Leave a Comment

If you’re like most Americans, one of the best aspects of traveling is coming across sites and establishments that are older than all of the United States. Though Germany itself is only as old as some of the newer states, the country boasts eating establishments that are upwards of 900 years old. If you want to get a literal taste of history, check out these three oldest restaurants in all of Germany. They may be miles apart, but the atmosphere and food is worth investing in a rental car from CarRentals.com and making the drive.

 

Zum Roten Baren

 

Zum Roten Baren is hands-down the oldest restaurant in Germany, dating back to over 700 years ago. If you’re skeptical about the true age of this establishment, just ask the current landlord for a ledger that details precisely who ran the establishment and when over the past seven centuries. There are a total of 50, each with a tenure of 30 years or more. The name “Roten Baren” has remained the same since its inception, as too has much of the décor. However, the street outside has seen a significant change. From within the restaurant, you can see where the road line used to be 800 to 900 years ago, which is 3.6 m beneath the level it’s at today.

 

In addition to delicious and hearty traditional German fare, the restaurant also boasts an extensive wine collection, which is stored in the cellar that was there even before the restaurant. That said, if you’re looking for a fancy restaurant, this is not. If, however, you’re a person who appreciates history and all its quirks, you will love this place.

 

Zur letzten Instanz

 

Established in 1621, this Berlin restaurant is nowhere near as old as Zum Roten Baren, but then again, a restaurant probably doesn’t exist that is. Zur letzten Instanz has been run by the same family for four generations, with each generation working with the same goal in mind: to provide a place where people can gather, eat, and be merry. Despite being over 400 years old, much of the historic structure remains. In fact, according to the owner, Napoleon himself was served at the restaurant’s tiled stove.

 

You too can eat at the tiled stove, or you can request a private room, a table within one of the two adjacent restaurants, or a spot in the beer garden. Once you’re settled in, you’ll be given a beer list of some of the best beers Germany has to offer, plus an informal menu with homey items such as pork knuckle, stuffed Beef Roulade, and liver.

 

Wurstkuchl

 

Located along the Danube, Wurstkuchl is appealing simply because of its location. However, it has something going for it that many surrounding establishments don’t: age. Wurstkuchl is over 500 years old, hence its prime location next to the Old Stone Bridge. The kitchen itself, however, is even older; evidence suggests that the current kitchen’s location has been a cooking area since as early as 1135.

 

The food itself has remained more or less the same over the past 500 years. While the menu does include more modern offerings, its best-selling plate continues to be the bratwursts and sauerkraut with sweet granny mustard.

 

Experience history like you’ve never experienced it before. Visit the three oldest restaurants in Germany for a history lesson like you’ve never been given before.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

Send a child to school this #GivingTuesday

November 26, 2018 by Leave a Comment

giving tuesday

A staggering 35% of Filipinos live in poverty. Girlie, a teenager from Malapatan in the Philippines, lost her mother at a very young age. Because her father struggles to provide for their large family, Girlie and her sister Leah were sent to Haven of Hope Orphanage and attend Holy Cross Academy.

Ten girls live in Haven of Hope Orphanage, and they need your support to continue to attend school. Due to chronic underfunding and declining education standards for public schools in the Philippines, private school is the best option for girls to receive a quality education.

With your help, we can ensure that these girls graduate from school so that they can break out of the cycle of poverty. By donating, you can help us reach our goal of $6,000 to send all ten girls to school for a full year.

Filed Under: charity/notforprofit, kids Tagged With: