Win Roblox Toys

Recently, Roblox announced their new toy line, inspired by some of the games, characters, and developers in Roblox’s user-generated universe, and its is the perfect gift for any Roblox gamer!

 

With the toys, Roblox is seeking to “Power Imagination” in the same way they inspire participants in their online platform to express their creativity.  Fans can take apart the characters in the physical toy line and mix and match parts to create new characters just like they can in Roblox’s virtual world.  To make the games even more interactive, each toy comes with a code that can be uploaded to the game for cool, new in-world accessories.

The Roblox toys are sold Target and Toys ‘R Us.

Roblox, the massively popular user-generated content gaming platform, and the largest user-generated social gaming platform, has gone offline with their new toy line from Jazwares. With the toys, Roblox is seeking to “Power Imagination” in the same way they inspire participants in their online platform to express their creativity.  Fans can take apart the characters in the physical toy line and mix and match parts to create new characters just like they can in Roblox’s virtual world. The imagination of users is also strongly reflected in the toy offerings, with a selection of playsets and characters based on the creations of some of the most popular community developers. To tie the toys back to the online platform, each comes with a code that can be uploaded to the game for cool, new in-world accessories.

You can win a Roblox Toys Prize pack- feel free to use the RC form below. Ends Jan 26, 2018. Good luck!

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Magnaflex – Fun Building Toys

In the landscape of building toys available there, are a few characteristics which make the greats stand out.  Originality, simple, form, function, and ease of use as well as of course use of colors.  One of the most interesting building toys available right now is the Magnaflex by Wowwee.  These building pieces are magnetic, flexible, and easily stick to one another to make anything your imagination can put together. From buildings and robots, to flowers and animals, even faces and a crown.  Make them in 2D or 3D, these shapes can make just about anything with the right amount of imagination and creativity.

Some of what we like most about Magnaflex is its ability to be used anywhere. The pieces are big enough to not get lost easily, yet small enough to keep hands busy in the car.  Also, Magnaflex are brightly colored and make for a wonderful gift.  Magnaflex uses the power of magnets to hold themselves together, so your works of art can last for as long or as short a time as you would like.  Pieces separate with ease.  These pieces can be incorporated into a metal surface like a filing cabinet or refrigerator door, adding to the places you can play with them.
Kids can build 2D or 3D creations anywhere with this innovative, educational toy that promotes creativity, visualization, and fine motor skills. Magnaflex high-quality building pieces are interchangeable and can be combined with different colors from other sets for more complex projects. Neodymium rare-earth magnets safely enclosed inside the Magnaflex strips ensure a strong magnetic connection. And when playtime is done, Magnaflex strips can be stacked together for easy storage and transport.  Magnaflex ae available now at fine retailers everywhere including Amazon, where you can get a starter animal set for $19.99 which includes 14 pieces.

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

The weather has been all over the place this winter, and that means so has your wardrobe been. Shoes are the hardest part to figure out- no one likes wet, cold, uncomfortable feet- that makes for a long day. We are loving this footwear, and we thing you will, too.

winter shoes for men

 

Waldlaufer has a huge variety of women’s shoes- but did you know they offer mens, as well? It’s a great time to check them out. We have been wearing the Men’s Jack Hayo Waterproof Oxford Schiefer shoes for about two months now, and using them for everything from daily wear to hiking and even to the gym a few times- they remain sturdy, easy to wear for long days out and about, supportive, and they do keep your feet dry.  They are a bit heavier then your average shoe, but they are also pretty rugged since they offer so much protection.  This ankle high waterproof boot will protect your feet all winter long- and beyond.  You won’t be leaving these in your closet when the season changes.  Since it is made with a waterproof membrane, it prevents moisture from entering the shoe.  The soles have great traction and durability as well as a supportive footbed. Get yours at https://www.waldlaufer.com for $190.

Perfect for winter (or any season but summer, I’d say) are the water-resistant and insanely comfortable new Luana ankle boots from Arcopedico.  These have very fast become my favorite boots, and perhaps my favorite shoes in general. So soft, so comfortable- and ethical as well. Made entirely of vegan materials (that never hurts, a “good for the environment” choice) they are easy to pair with almost any outfit, or to dress up and dress down.  These look like suede, but are actually Lytech with a self-adjusting side elastic for a super comfortable fit. With rounded toes and a slight wedge heel, these are actually machine washable as well. Really. Three colors available, Black, Brown, or Burgundy. Get yours for $105 at http://arcopedicousa.com

For something a little different then boots yet still transitional, check out the Stripe ballerina type flat. With a satin and cotton fabric upper, a rounded toe, rubber sole, and it’s lighter than air weight, this is a shoe you can live in once the weather warms up (and if you get someplace warmer for your vacation!) $115, available in three striped color options- Blue/White, Beige/White, or Black/White.

The Yulia Bootie is easy on, easy to wear, and you won’t want to take them off- by Beartraps. This bootie is fun to wear with skirts or pants, and is lightweight as well as comfortable. Casual and fun, it has a low heel and slight ruching on the top. Cute details at the strap detailing is eye-catching and adds interest. Easy to zip on and off from the side, you will find yourself wearing these constantly. Available in three colors- black, grey, and mushroom, for $80- but on sale now for $50, go take a look! https://www.footwearunlimited.com

Perfect for this time of year, but great year round (because when is mud not a thing, after all) the Detour BUGrip GTX are the perfect hiking or running sneaker- no slipping, super supportive, and no laces.  Instead of laces, these tighten up with a Boa® Closure System, which “provides custom comfort with smooth, even closure and no pressure points”. It’s actually pretty cool- you turn the little knob like circle on the tongue of the shoe, and it clicks until you reach the setting you like. Pull it up to release. Very neat. The  waterproof GORE-TEX® membrane keeps the snow, slush, water, mud, etc out and your feet dry- what’s not to love about that. The carbide studded, BUGrip outsole is great for ice and snow, though has no issues on pavement, wood floors, or anything else we’ve tired them out on- although people WILL hear you coming, they are not sneaking up shoes, with their “crunching” steps. No, they will not scratch anything- they just add traction.  Grab yours at https://us-shop.icebug.com/ for $230.

Headed out into the great outdoors? In this weather Just kidding- why not? Just bring your Metro2 Classic BUGrip, these are the hiking boots you won’t want to take off. Comfortable, keeping your feet warm and dry, and like all Icebugs, slip resistant with carbide studded, BUGrip outsoles. Soft “collar” around the ankles keeps you comfortable as you trek, just pull them on and zip them up. Soft, oily nubuck on the outside, fleece lined, with supportive insoles, they will keep your feet warm in temperatures up to -4 (Fahrenheit).  Let me tell you- these are nice. You are going to love them. Pick them up at https://us-shop.icebug.com/ for $200.

 

Where to Stay in Sicily

Sicily is undoubtedly one of the most popular and desirable holiday destinations in Europe, and indeed the world. A brief glance over any holiday brochure or travel guide concerned with the island’s rich and varied culture, dramatic landscapes and idyllic climate will no doubt explain why. Owing to its position at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, and its history as one of the major meeting points between the Eastern and Western worlds, Sicily is a place where multiple towering cultural traditions meet and intertwine on a sun-drenched island encircled by the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

 

If you’re currently looking for holiday villas in Sicily and hoping to spend your next holiday on this enchanting Mediterranean island, you can count on an experience full of beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and friendly people. For food lovers, Sicily is also the ideal place to sample the great diversity of Mediterranean flavours: Sicilian cuisine is of course majorly influenced by the culinary traditions of Italy, but it also draws upon the traditions of Greece, Spain, the south of France, and even the Arab world. Perhaps the island’s most celebrated dish, pasta alla Norma, is prepared with fresh tomatoes, aubergines and basil – a more authentic taste of the Mediterranean is hard to find!

 

Choosing your Location

 

When it comes to deciding where to stay during your holiday, there is plenty to consider. Of course, you’ll want to look into your various options when it comes to your base location, and this decision will ultimately be majorly effected by what kind of holiday you’re looking for. If you want a quiet time relaxing in peaceful and picturesque town set amongst beautiful scenery then Taormina, with its famous ancient amphitheatre, could be the perfect place. Lounging on the terrace of one of the many Sicily villas with pool facilities in the area, you’ll undoubtedly get a real sense of the Italian dolce vita.

 

If you’re looking for a more fast-paced and explorative holiday experience, basing yourself in a villa, hotel or apartment in one of Sicily’s major urban centers is perhaps your best option. In the capital, Palermo, you’ll be able to explore the impressive cathedral which is in fact a converted mosque, the many galleries and museums, and the beautiful Palazzo dei Normanni. In Syracuse, you can experience Sicily at its ancient best, with the city boasting countless historical sites set amongst luscious orchards, baroque piazzas and sprawling cobbled lanes. From both famous and historic cities, you’ll be able to enjoy easy access by car or public transport to the rest of the island and all of its most captivating spots.

 

So regardless of whether you want a city break full of incredible cultural experiences, a fun but relaxing family holiday in a private villa, or a romantic long weekend in an ancient, charming and entirely beautiful setting, Sicily’s eclectic range of holiday possibilities makes it a versatile and exciting destination. From slick modern apartments in bustling cities to luxurious rustic villas in the iconic countryside, there’s bound to be something for everyone on this vibrant and beautiful island.

Win Tickets to The Liberty Science Center #LSCStarShow

 

The Liberty Science Center in nearby Jersey City, NJ has a ton to do for kids and families. They recently opened the Largest Planetarium in the Western Hemisphere- not too shabby, ay?

 

“Its diameter is almost twice as long as a bowling alley lane. Its screen is taller than four giraffes. It offers a true 8K projection. Its lights produce trillions of colors. And it will provide breaking space and astronomy news and discoveries in real time.

It is Liberty Science Center’s greatest experience yet–the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the entire Western Hemisphere. The only three that are bigger are in Beijing, China, and Nagoya and Niihama, Japan.”

Liberty Science Center, the largest interactive science center in the NY-NJ metropolitan area, officially opened the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium on December 9, 2017.

The kids had an amazing time watching the live show in the domed theater. The seats we were in were pretty high up, but you can choose seats closer to the ground should you want to. The speaker used a laser pointer to show different stars and constellations in the sky, and made the sun rise and set as you watched in just a few seconds. He was also able to zoom in and out of very specific locations- one of which being the science center itself. You and your kids can see the stars at different times of the year as the speaker zooms around and gives explanations of each constellation.

“You can fit any other planetarium in the Western Hemisphere inside the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium,” said Hoffman. “Add in the state-of-the-art technology and you have a spectacular unique theater like none other in the world. Visitors will be able to fly through the universe, experience the grandness and vastness of space, roam planetary surfaces, navigate asteroid fields, and watch the latest full-dome movies.”

 

Other unique features of the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium include:

• A dome that has a diameter of 27 meters, or about 89 feet. That means if you made a straight line from one end of the dome to the other, it would be 1.5 times the length of a bowling alley lane.
• From the bottom of the theater to the top of the dome screen is 60 feet, the same height as 4 giraffes.
• 588 perforated aluminum panels are seamlessly joined together to form the domed screen with a surface area of 1,145 square meters, or 12,345 square feet. That’s a nice size four-bedroom, two-bathroom home in terms of area.
• The 10-projector system features an 8K resolution of 88 million pixels.
• The sophisticated software allows for downloads of the latest animations and images from NASA to keep up with breaking science news.
• The lighting system can produce over 281 trillion individual colors, which can allow the planetarium dome to look like the blue Earth daytime sky, the red sky of Mars, or a rapidly changing pattern to enhance laser shows. A human can see about 10 million colors, while a computer screen displays about 16.8 million colors for a “full-color” image.
• In addition to out-of-this-world planetarium experiences, guests will also enjoy immersive 8K films on the wraparound dome screen courtesy of a brand new digital projection system.

Find out more info here.

 

Also available is the new rotating exhibition, Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience.

“In this interactive, immersive exhibition based on one of the world’s most popular sci-fi series, you’ll step into the shoes of a newly minted cadet in the 26th century. As you travel through nine different zones, you’ll receive the necessary science, engineering, medical, and command training to navigate your way from orientation through graduation.

Both Trekkies and non-Trekkies will be engaged by the science behind the science fiction. Learn how Star Trek paved the way for many of today’s cutting-edge technologies—such as a functional tricorder, NASA’s warp drive theory, and experiments involving phasers and teleporters—and even get a glimpse into the future of Star Trek science.”

star trek museum

Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience will be at LSC through May 28, 2018.

If you would like to win a 4 pack of tickets, please just leave your name and email in the comments below. Ends Feb. 20, 2018. Thanks!
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What Attracts Flies To A Home

It is believed that the humble fly originated in Asia, but now it doesn’t matter; they are everywhere where humans live. Perhaps they are your new best friend!

The problem with flies is not just that they are a nuisance; they seem to have an amazing ability to buzz repeatedly just millimeters from your face. But this is only part of the issue. The real concern is what the flies carry when they land on your work surfaces and food.

Flies sample anything they land on with their feet to decide if it is edible or not. If it is they will vomit onto the surface. The vomit is acidic and turns the substance into liquid which the fly can then suck up; they have no teeth.

The problem is that anything which lives on a liquid diet will be virtually constantly going to the toilet. This means the waste is coming out as they are sucking up new food. Their waste products and their feet can carry bacteria which can make you very ill and even cause death.

You might want to check out Vectothor to make sure you have all the right tools for preventing flies from landing on your food and work surfaces.

What attracts the Flies

Different flies are attracted to different things although there is a consistent pattern of decay. The common housefly is attracted to rotting meat or any substance which is decaying. Unfortunately their sensors are much better than your eyes. They will find minute crumbs unless you make sure you have cleaned the surfaces properly.

Fruit flies unsurprisingly are attracted to the scent of fruit. However, in common with the housefly they prefer it if they are starting to decay, overripe fruit is their favorite. They will also sample anything which is full of sugar, including sugary drinks and even alcohol.

You may also come across the drain fly which is attracted to drains and moist climates.

It is important to know your enemy. This will help you to locate where they are most likely to target and then clean these areas thoroughly. In most cases the name of the fly will give away which foods it prefers to target but all flies will target decaying food and feces. This is how they pick up bacteria and spread them to you and your home.

It is worth noting that flies are attracted to flies and even the fly specks which are left behind by flies, cleaning away all traces of their presence is important.

Dealing with an Infestation

If you are struggling to control the flies in your home and they seem to be multiplying quicker than you can cope with then you will need to call in some professional assistance.  

Before you do this it is worth using antibacterial spray to clean all the areas where flies might land or you prepare food. You should also make sure that rubbish is removed from your home and not kept within 5 feet of your walls. Ideally you should keep it in sealed bins to make sure it is more difficult for the flies to get to.

Benefits of Adding A Fence

Whether you’ve just purchased your property, are thinking of getting one or have owned it for years, it is never too soon or too late to add a fence.

You will probably think it’s essential if you have a dog or other pet. But there are a variety of other benefits to adding a fence to your property.

However, before you start installing posts it is worth checking out a residential land surveyor, they will be able to determine the exact location of your boundary. This will ensure that there are no arguments or need to pull the fence down in the future.

Security

A fence offers security for your pets and your children. It means you will be able to play in the garden with your children and allow them to play by themselves without you having to worry about them. In addition the fence will prevent people from being able to just walk onto your property.

In fact a fence is a great line of defense against opportunist burglars.

Value

A fence will not always add value to your property but it can! The defining factor will be how the fence is made and whether other houses in your area have fences. If they do then having a fence is a plus as it will define your yard and ensure that a buyer does not need to factor in the cost of a fence.

However, if the other properties in your area do not have fences then adding one can make your house stand out for the wrong reasons, be careful!

It is also important that the fence is made from quality materials, this will ensure it looks good; curb appeal is important in attracting the right buyer; if you are planning on selling!

Privacy

A fence can provide you with privacy. This might be so that you can enjoy the garden without having to make conversation with your neighbors. Alternatively you may wish to sunbathe or simply enjoy the garden without feeling like you are being watched.

Although a fence will not provide complete privacy it will allow enough private spots to ensure you feel comfortable in your own garden.

Aesthetic

You already know that a fence adds curb appeal but it also improves your view. Providing it is well designed you will find it is more pleasurable to look at your fence than it is to watch your neighbor’s garden or the traffic passing on the street.

The style of fence will need to be designed to match the style of your neighborhood. The options include wire fences, iron and wood. You will also need to choose between picket, split rail, lattice or shadow box. There are many designs and even bespoke options.

A well designed fence can actually transform the look and feel of your property, taking it from being another one on the block to the best one. Even if you are not thinking of selling you’ll feel good every time you arrive home.

 

Win All-New Squishmallows Stuffed Toys

”Squishy” Style, super cuddly, Japanese-Inspired Collectible plush toys are available and oh-so soft- You will never want to let them go.

Both my son and my intended like to sleep on the larger sizes- and I have to admit, they make a nice pillow.  The Squishmallows collectible plush toy line is available in four sizes. Clip-ons (3.5”), small (8”), medium (13”) and large (16”) sizes have a suggested retail price of $2.99, $6.99, $9.99 and $19.99, respectively. They are very, very soft and snuggly- this can not be overstated, honestly, and adults would like them as well. I know we do, and not sorry to admit it!

The all-new collectible Squishmallows squad is now available in eight styles and in four sizes, including pink and blue penguins, purple and grey owls, a cat, fox, frog and hedgehog. You can sign up for the email list at www.squishmallows.com get the first look at four special editions available later this year. The line will expand in 2018 with seasonal styles including Valentine’s Day and Easter.

“These collectible characters are as cuddly as they are cute. Not only will Squishmallows be on everyone’s ‘squishlist,’ but they will make great gifts any time of year. Squishy and comforting, Squishmallows make great couch pals, pillows, bedtime buddies and travel companions—take them anywhere on the go.”

The unique line is made of super soft spandex “EF” and polyester stuffing — similar to memory foam — for crazy, cuddly fun. Caring for Squishmallows is easy; give them lots of love, wash in warm water and tumble-dry on medium heat.

Join the squad online and follow @Squishmallows on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.

One of you can win a Squishmallows prize pack of your own. Please feel free to enter using the RC form below.  Ends Jan 20, 2018. Good luck!

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