Duck Tape Creativity

October 4, 2018 by 10 Comments
duck tape crafts

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Duck Brand® for IZEA Worldwide. All opinions are 100% mine.

There is a substance known to man that has proven one of the most important substances to handy-men and women, crafters, gardeners, mechanics and children.  This substance is Duck® brand duct tapeR).

This wondrous tape will hold things together tightly, is weather poof and is now available in time for back to school.  You may be asking what does Duck Tape(R) have to do with back to school?  Well the answer to that is quite simple.  Lets say your little ones want something truly unique and special that only they have.  Why not make them something?  Maybe a pencil case with a nifty design and color unique to them?

Take a look at creating a Duck Tape(R)  school supply case.

This pencil case is perfect for cleaning up that cluttered backpack or desk and starting the school year off right. You can use any kind of tape, like Color Duck Tape® or Printed Duck Tape® to make your projects more individualized.

The directions below are from the Duck Tape(R) Ducktivities projects.

Approximate Crafting Time

1 Hour & 0 Minute

Supplies and Tools

Duck Tape(R)

1 qt. sandwich bag with zip closure

Scissors

Craft knife

Pen

Ruler

Crafting board

duck tape

Directions

Step 1

Cut the zipper part off your sandwich bag. Leave about 1/2 inch of bag attached to the zipper part. Do not throw away the rest of the bag.

Step 2

Make 2 pieces of Duck Tape(R) fabric that measure as wide as your bag and 4 in. tall.

Step 3

Using a strip of Duck Tape(R), adhere the piece of Duck Tape(R) fabric you made in step 2 to the zipper from step 1. Repeat for the other side with your second piece of Duck Tape® fabric.

Step 4

Fold a single piece of Duck Tape(R) over each of the open edges of the supply case to close them up. Trim any excess tape.

Step 5

For the I.D. holder cut a rectangle out of the remaining plastic bag that measures 2.5 in. tall by 4 in. wide.

Step 6

Cut a piece of  Duck Tape(R) that measures 1 in. tall and 4 in. wide and fold it over the top of the plastic rectangle from step 5. Use 3 more pieces on the sides and bottom to attach it to your case, keeping the top open.

Step 7

If desired, adhere 3 more strips of a different color Duck Tape®, leaving a little of the previous color Duck Tape(R) showing. Trim any excess.

Step 8

Create a tab to add to your supply case by cutting off a 5 in. long piece of Duck Tape®and folding it over on to itself lengthwise.

Step 9

Cut a 1 in. slit in the side of your supply case with a craft knife and insert the tab. Use a small piece of tape on the inside to hold the tab in place.

Also make sure you follow @TheDuckBrand on Twitter for other fun Ducktivities.

Visit Sponsors Site

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Relay, A Smartphone Alternative For Children

October 4, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Relay (Republic Wireless)

What do you do if you have young children who you know aren’t ready for a cell phone (perhaps because you aren’t ready for the inevitable battles about screen time and social media), but you still want to be able to reach them when they’re not with you? Relay may be just what you’re looking for. Relay is essentially a walkie talkie, with a few fun twists. For example, since it works over 4G LTE and Wi-Fi, it has they same (essentially unlimited) range as a cell phone, so friends in different states can communicate with each other. And it has GPS tracking, so if you use the free companion app, you can see where all of your Relays are in real time. Relays also come in a variety of friendly colors and with stickers, so your child can personalize his or her device.
We did have a few issues with Relay. First, they didn’t seem to hold a charge for much more than 4-6 hours. Second, they use a proprietary magnetic charger, which means you’re in real trouble if you lose or misplace yours. That said, we know that Republic Wireless is continually adding features and we’re confident that these issues will be resolved soon.
As you know, we love companies that support their communities, and Relay is doing just that, donating $5 from each of the next 5,000 Relays sold to Common Sense Education, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students harness technology for learning and life by providing teachers and schools with free research-based classroom tools. For ages 5 and up. $99 for one, $149 for two, $199 for three, plus about $6.99 per month per device for unlimited use. https://relaygo.com/
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Learning to Loan – 3 Things to Consider Before Taking on a Travel Loan

September 27, 2018 by Leave a Comment
travel overseas

Honeymoon travel planning

As numerous travel loan financing companies have been cropping up in response to consumer demand, obtaining funds to travel has become more accessible to people of all ages and financial backgrounds. A simplified application process combined with relaxed loan terms make it possible to travel anywhere at a moment’s notice. However, while travel has become more accessible, consumers should still be cautious of the various traps that result from taking out these types of loans.

Latitude Finance are travel loan providers who service loans all throughout Australia. As one of the more popular online institutions, it is a good example of an outfit that provides clear, concise information to consumers seeking financing for travel. In seeking out other loan providers though, travellers looking to finance a trip should keep a few other factors in mind while applying.

Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to consider when taking out a travel loan.

Financing Alternatives

Travel loans, while functioning a little differently, are still loans that have to be paid back. For this reason, it’s best to consider other less expensive options to taking out a loan. If you have enough time before travelling, consider saving a good portion of the money and then taking a loan out on the balance.

Another alternative to taking out a travel loan is to use the low-interest or no-interest balance transfer option on your credit card to finance the trip. To avoid paying interest, pay the balance off before the new interest rate kicks in. Ultimately, you want to finance your trip for as little as possible, and every time you take on a debt, you’re charged on any balance on the debt, which in the grand scheme of your financial life, might not be all that advantageous.

Types Of Travel Loans

If you have to take out a travel loan, become well-versed on the various types of loans available. There are four main travel loan types depending on your need. Foreign travel loans are usually for large amounts and can only be used for specific purposes. Domestic travel loans have much lower interest rates and can be obtained by both individuals and families. Senior citizen travel loans allow the older population to borrow money for all travel-related expenses. Finally, general personal travel loans are unsecured and can be used for any travel-related purpose.

In most cases, people can take out a loan without having a destination in mind. Furthermore, there are few stipulations regarding how these loans can be spent, which can lead to waste if you’re not careful. Ultimately, getting a travel loan today for many consumers is quite easy with a good credit rating and employment.

Loan Terms

While credit report and budgets are important parts of applying for a loan, consumers should pay attention to the loan’s many stipulations and the fine print. For the most part, these loans do charge an establishment as well as an early termination fee, which can add to the final balance. Also, some banks will assess a monthly surcharge to any remaining balance, which, in addition to interest, can add up.

Furthermore, make sure you understand the penalties for making late payments because, while no one ever wants to go delinquent on their debts, delinquency is a reality of life in a consumer-driven, materialistic culture. These penalties can make paying the balance on the loan downright expensive. A good practice is to read the details of the loan for any hidden disclosures so that there are no surprises for you at any point in the lending process.

Travel Loan Considerations

The convenience of accessing cash quickly is a great feature of online banking. However, while it might be easy to access travel cash, the responsibilities related to securing a loan still apply and can be quite expensive if not taken into careful consideration. In a day and age of full disclosure, enjoying a wonderful trip does not have to come at the risk of complete financial ruin.

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3 Ways to Pack Efficiently for a Weekend Trip

September 26, 2018 by Leave a Comment

What are your plans for the weekend? Going off somewhere, away from all the crazy stuff in the city?

Before you head off, you may want to learn some common techniques on how to pack your bag, especially if you’re still a rookie at travelling. You do want to enjoy your trip, don’t you? You don’t want to fuss over your baggage, do you?

Worse yet, you may even lose a few items during your trip just because you didn’t organize your bag properly. Thus, young padawan, follow these three ways to pack efficiently for your weekend trip.

Get a Decently Sized Bag

First of all, you’re gonna need one good bag that can accommodate all your stuff. You don’t want to be overburdened with several small carriables.

Get the best weekender duffle bag that you can find, preferably one that has multiple compartments, which are useful for separating certain items from the rest of your baggage, giving you easy access to those things without having to dig through your pack.

As a bonus, leather duffle bags look dapper and chic with a simple charm to them. You’ll be roaming around in style with one slung over your shoulder.

Roll Clothes instead of Folding Them

The bulk of your belongings will typically be your clothes. What, you expect to bring one set to wear for the entire weekend? What if you get wet from the rain or muddy your nice white shirt while taking a stroll on the countryside?

Hence, it’s recommended that you bring two or three sets of clothes, more if you’re gone longer.

When packing your clothes, don’t just simply fold them like they’re going inside your cabinet. Instead, roll them into tubes. Squeeze out every last pocket of air from them so they’ll fit snugly inside your bag.

Not only will you save space this way, but you’ll also have an easier time when pulling them out.

Place Small Essentials in Separate Compartments

Passport, plane tickets, documents, toiletries, toothbrush, and such items that need to be accessed quickly and often should have their own place in your pack, like in an external compartment.

If you have any bottles of liquid or water-sensitive stuff, seal them inside ziplock bags in case of spillage and accidents. Even then, put them in pockets separate from your other belongings.

You may also want to get pouch bags that can be attached to your belt or worn around your waist. They make it convenient to carry essentials that you do not want to store inside your main bag.

Organize Items according to When They’ll Be Used

A good technique to sort your pack is to arrange its contents sequentially.

For example, place your Saturday clothes on the sidemost section of your bag. Order them according to what you’re going to take out first: underwear, pants, then shirt, for instance. Then place the next batch of clothes right after the first batch.

Items that you expect to use when you’ve settled down in your hotel room or your camping tent can be placed farther back. These can be your phone charger, your journal, your bedtime eye mask.

When putting things back inside your bag, you can do it differently but still in an organized way. Worn clothes can stay on the other end of the bag, for example, and placed inside ziplocks so they won’t mess up your other things.

Conclusion

These are just the basics, but they’re all you need for a weekend trip. Apply these tips to your preparations and on your journey, and you can travel hassle-free.

So where are you heading off to?

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Products For Your Home You Will Love

September 25, 2018 by 9 Comments

With winter on the way, and fall finally here (thank goodness for the end of that scorching summer heat!), we are going to be spending more time indoors. Keeping that in mind, here are some interesting and useful new items that you can use year round.

Calamityware serving-ware brings whimsy and art to the dinner table. These fantastical porcelain-plates will also serve as conversation starters, with hidden pictures created by Calamityware and artist Don Moyer. These clever takes on flatware are both pretty and unique, while using a traditional blue and white color scheme. Unexpectedly decorated plates, mugs, and more are covered with depictions of sea monster creatures, giant robots, frogs, and more creatures from sci-fi.  Dishwasher and microwave safe, they are as functional as they are interesting. While they aren’t cheap- $42 for each plate, for example, they make your table a more fun place to dine. Check out all the options at  https://calamityware.com

dinner plates

Save money and single-use-plastic waste by filling and refilling water glasses and  bottles at home. Safe Home Drinking Water Test Kits help provide peace of mind, letting you know what’s in your water. Learn about your tap water with these helpful and easy to use home test kits. Test your water, and make sure that your family’s health is protected.  There is a lot of nonsense in most town’s water nowadays, find out if there is trouble with yours. 80% of the body is water, and you use it for everything- cooking, bathing, drinking, washing, and more. It’s vital to have safe water.  According to the brand, “Safe Home® and Safe Home® Pro EnviroTestKits from Environmental Laboratories, Inc. (ELI), one of North America’s largest EPA Certified Laboratories for testing drinking water, provides several testing options in three easy steps.  Upon receiving the results, you’re empowered to make appropriate decisions – for instance, installing a water treatment or filtration system or disinfecting your well system, among other solutions.”  They are easy to use, the directions take only about a minute to complete and are all but foolproof. There are options for test at home as well as sending a sample out for more detailed information. For more information, visit http://envirotestkits.com/drinking-water-test-kits/

at home testing kits

For your pets, check out HandsOn Gloves (in several colors and sizes, including for children). Get rid of all the excess hair and shedding, which will help your home as well as your allergies. Some dogs (and many cats) hate being brushed, but with the use of these gloves, it just feels like some petting and attention. You can use them in the water at bathtime, or dry. Get your kids to help out, and take care of the pets like they promised to- it’s not work and it’s very easy. It’s also effective, which many products can’t claim honestly.  They take off huge amounts of unwanted and excess fur with no pain or struggling- we were amazed by the huge clumps of fur made by our youngest dog, especially. Good for all hair types, although with very long haired pets you might want to supervise the kiddos so they don’t create knots (as with any brushing). Made with hypo-allergenic, bio-friendly components that are proven to be safe for use with humans and animals, it does it’s job by keeping everyone healthy. For more information, prices, and to choose yours, please visit https://handsongloves.com

easy to use pet brush

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7 Super Ways To Beat Stress

September 25, 2018 by Leave a Comment

stress busting

Are you constantly stressed out? Chronic stress could be causing long-term damage to your health. Here are just seven ways in which you can help beat stress and feel happy and healthy again.

 

Tackle the source

 

A lot of things can trigger stress. In some cases, you may be able to get rid of the trigger – this could involve a quitting a job that you hate or splitting up with a partner who is making your unhappy. In other cases, the source could be something that you can’t get rid of and you may simply have to find a calmer way of approaching it. Stress is only necessary in dangerous situations – if you’re getting stressed over non-dangerous situations, start questioning yourself why the moment it happens.

 

Take a break

 

A well-earned break away from the source of your stress could also be needed. This could be a holiday away or simply a weekend to relax at home. Don’t feel that you can’t rest because of commitments – you can always book time off work, hire a babysitter or look into respite care services if you’re looking after a sick or elderly relative. Make sure that your break is spent relaxing and not doing other activities that could cause more potential stress.

 

Exercise

 

Exercise is one of the best stress-busters out there. When stressed, our body is preparing for fight or flight – by being active, you’re giving your body the release of energy that it needs. Exercise floods the body with endorphins, which can help flush the stress-causing cortisol out of your body. Just make sure that it’s a physical activity that you enjoy.

 

Have a hot bath

 

A hot bath can also be a great stress reliever. This is because the hot water helps to fight a lot of the symptoms of stress such as helping tense muscles to relax and releasing endorphins to fight cortisol. It’s the perfect stress reliever for the end of a hard day as it can also help to improve sleep quality.

 

Get more sleep

 

On the topic of sleep quality, this is also an important factor that can affect stress. Lack of sleep and stress can cause a vicious cycle – when you don’t get enough sleep, you’re more likely to be stressed and when you’re stressed, it’s harder to sleep. Reward yourself with an early night so that you can get the hours of rest you need. If you find it hard to get to sleep, you can always try out some of these tricks to help you sleep.

 

Laugh it off

 

Laughter is also good for tackling stress. When we laugh, we release endorphins. This can help to get rid of cortisol in our veins causing stress. A night out with friends or a comedy could be all you need.

 

Meditate

 

Another stress-buster worth trying is meditation. Meditating is great for clearing the mind, for bringing down high blood pressure and for restoring steady breathing. This could involve simply closing your eyes for a minute and taking yourself away from the situation.

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Volunteers Set to Restore Public Lands from Coast to Coast

September 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

On September 22, 2018, volunteers are expected to turn out in droves at parks, forests, beaches, rivers, and other public lands throughout the country to celebrate the 25th annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD). Organized each year by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), National Public Lands Day promotes the connection between people and the environment by inviting everyone to get outside. With support from NPLD national corporate sponsor Toyota, eight federal agency partners, hundreds of state and local partners, and dozens of nonprofit organizations, National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort.

“Whether it’s an iconic place like Yellow Stone National Park, the soccer fields down the street, or a strip of greenspace in the middle of the city, our nation’s public lands offer limitless opportunities for recreation and relaxation,” said NEEF President Meri-Margaret Deoudes. “National Public Lands Day is the perfect opportunity to spend the day outside with friends and family, caring for and enjoying these special places.”

The theme for this year’s National Public Lands Day is restoration and resilience. On National Public Lands Day, more than 200,000 volunteers are expected to turn out for trail maintenance and planting projects, trash pick-ups, and other refurbishing activities aimed at restoring public lands and making them more resilient. The day will also feature a variety of education, health, and recreation activities—all set on the backdrop of the country’s public lands and waterways.

“Natural disasters and extreme weather, human activities, and a host of other factors wreak havoc on our public lands and threaten the health and wellbeing of the people and wildlife who depend on them,” said Deoudes, noting that in 2017, weather and climate disasters caused more than $306 billion in damages—the highest annual cost in U.S. history. “If we want to continue to enjoy all the benefits these outdoor spaces have to offer, we have to help care for, restore and work to make these special places more resilient to future threats.”

NEEF is partnering with the National Park Service (NPS) and Toyota to host a signature NPLD event at Big Thicket National Preserve, which suffered extensive damages last August when Hurricane Harvey blew through the 113,000 acres of land and water spread over seven counties in Southeast Texas. Over the past year, park officials and volunteers have mounted a steady clean-up effort, but some areas still need help. NPS plans to mobilize volunteer support during NPLD 2018 to restore areas that have remaining storm damage and debris.

A sample of other restoration and resilience activities planned for NPLD 2018 includes:

  • At Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, located in the northeastern corner of Washington, D.C. at the Maryland state border, National Public Lands Day has been a mainstay event since 2001. This year, more than 200 volunteers are expected to turn out for trail maintenance, litter removal, and other restoration activities. A highlight of the event is clearing out the site’s water lily ponds and preparing them for the harsh winter weather. In a few hours, NPLD volunteers typically knock out work it would take staff months to complete.
  • Climbers in Yosemite National Park are poised to give the giant cliffs their annual facelift. Members of the Yosemite Climbing Association are planning a massive clean-up effort around National Public Lands Day to remove the wear and tear visitors and nature take on this iconic park each year. Last year, more than 1,400 Yosemite Facelift volunteers contributed a total of 9,692 hours and collected 14,762 pounds of trash.
  • Volunteers at the Plumb Beach Clean Up at Gateway National Recreation Area, just three miles east of New York’s Coney Island on Jamaica Bay, will help revitalize precious marine habitat and salt marshes. Naturalists will also be on site to educate volunteers about the creatures that live in the Bay.

More than 2,000 volunteer projects will take place throughout the nation, including 40 sites where Toyota team members volunteer.

“National Public Lands Day provides meaningful opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to give back to public lands in communities across the nation,” said Kevin Butt, Toyota Motor North America’s general manager of environmental sustainability. “Through our collective action, we can help contribute to the creation of a more sustainable future.” The company’s participation in NPLD supports the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050.

National Public Lands Day is a fee-free day for most federal sites as well as many state parks. Participating federal sites reward volunteers with a coupon good for free entry to any public land managed by one of the NPLD federal partners any time before National Public Lands Day 2019.

To learn more about National Public Lands Day or search for an event on NEEF’s interactive map, log on to NEEFUSA.org/NPLD.

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Review of the various Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes

September 17, 2018 by Leave a Comment

safari travel

When you are climbing a mountain, it’s not about choosing the route that will get you there fast, rather, it’s about choosing the route that will give you the best mountain-climbing experience ever.

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, is one of the most renowned tourist attractions worldwide. A trip here will give you a complete view of the wildlife and nature, but only if you use the best route. The following is a review of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes:

Major routes

There are 7 established routes for climbing Kilimanjaro. The routes start off alone from way below but they later join up as you approach the peak. They are:

  • Lemosho Route
  • The Northern Circuit
  • Machame Route
  • Rongai Route
  • Marangu Route
  • Shira Route
  • Umbwe Route

Lemosho Route

The recommended days for getting to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro using this route is 8 days. It can be described as a medium traffic, tough route with exceptional scenery. It is a good route to take if you want a body wrangling experience sure to sweat it all out.

Approaching from the west, Lemosho route crosses Shira Plateau right from Shira ridge to Shira camp. Climbers will encounter low traffic before reaching the Lemosho-Machame route intersection. This route is a favorite for many people due to the low traffic, breathtaking views, and high chances of reaching the summit.

The Northern Circuit

Also approaching from the West, the Northern circuit follows Lemosho route at the beginning. The northern circuit, however, avoids the southern traverse to follow the serene, virgin Northern slopes. It is the longest route in terms of the distance traveled.

The long distance is a good thing because it’s perfect for acclimatization. Acclimatization gives the users just what they need to push for the summit. If you are new to climbing, this route could be the better option as you can get acclimatized.  

Machame route

Also known as the whiskey route, Machame Route is the most popular route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The route is characterized by good scenery, a tough terrain and high traffic. This is just what you need for a socializing-laden hiking experience.   

Rongai Route

This is the only route that approaches the mountain from the North. It is close to the Kenyan border, so it’s perfect if you want to feel the breeze of two African countries. This route is perfect for first-time climbers.

Marangu Route

Also known as the Coca-Cola route, Marangu route is the oldest route and the easiest because of its gradual slope. You will come across hut accommodations, so it’s perfect for rainy weather. Low summit success rates and the crowd make it a poor choice.

Shira Route

This route is almost identical to Lemosho route. Lemosho route is, however, recommended due to the quick accessibility of the starting point by vehicle.

Umbwe Route

Umbwe route is described as a direct route. This is due to its shortness and steepness. It’s a tough route and is only a go-for for experienced hikers.

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