« Reading |
Front Page
| Sports »
The Great Outdoors
Mark and I just celebrated our 7th Anniversary, which means he has been trying to get me out camping for 6 years, 11 months, and 3 weeks. (I got a 'buy week' my first week here. ;-) )
It's not that I don't like being outdoors. Really. I go outside quite often - to the store, to the pool, to the mailbox. It's just . . . you know . . . bugs - and cold and cooking over a campfire and - bugs. (Well, it does bear repeating.)
I think that I may have to revisit my aversion to camping, though. After perusing all of the goodies at
Sierra Adventure Gear, I think I could get into the
Great Outdoors - on a regular basis. Seriously!
Just look at this stove! You have to understand, in our first apartment we cooked on a two burner hotplate - for almost 2 years - that was not nearly as nice as this camping stove. This thing is fantastic! If it came with an oven, I'd throw out my current stove!
We've got a tent, by the way. Mark bought it a few years ago and, according to Frankie (the only person who's ever used it), it is a great tent. It has three sections - a main 'room' with two sleeping areas that attach on the sides. But, even in Arizona, it gets cold out there at night!
Not a problem, apparently. There are sleeping bags, like this one, that have zippers all the way around - so you can zip two together - and are actually rated by temperature. (I've really got to get educated, it seems.) We can even get pads to put down under the sleeping bags. How cool is that?
It appears that I will be spending time in the
Great Outdoors pretty soon. Just as soon as I find the bug spray!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Nikon Ultimate Package
It's not often that I write about hunting. I do not believe in the indiscriminate, mindless (read: Sarah Palin) killing of furry creatures. But, I'm also a meat-eater and am quite fond of venison stew.
For those of you who do hunt, you know how important long-range vision is; not just for accuracy, but for safety. Unlike Dick Cheney, the average hunter isn't gunning for his fellow hunters and a good rifle scope (plus, common sense) can help reduce the risk of targeting something without an 8-point rack.
In honor of the beginning of
bargain hunting season, take a gander at the
Nikon Black Friday Promo. It's a tremendous deal on great equipment. And, just for this weekend, Nikon is extending the gift card promotion to their incredible line of binoculars.
If you're in the market, you really can't beat this offer.
Depending on where you live - rifle deer season is upon us. Do be careful out there!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Computer Memory
One of the problems we have with our computers is computing speed. With limited RAM, pages don't load as quickly; not to mention, running a couple of programs at the same time brings everything to a crawl.
We use a utility that recovers RAM and helps things run a bit quicker - for a while. To say the least, we need to upgrade our
computer memory. How, in the world, do you do that? I started looking.
Oh, boy! what a mistake! Both the desktop and the laptop are 'previously-owned'. I had no idea what memory either one has or even how to find out. Then, I found a great site!
Simply download a temporary file. It reads the settings on the computer and presents 100% guaranteed-compatible options.
I think I'm in love.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Computer Parts - Video Cards
We've got two computers - a used Dell laptop (mine) and a rebuilt desktop (Mark's). You've probably read that parts of the laptop don't quite work - battery doesn't charge, AC connection is loose.
Well, the desktop has a couple of issues, too. Hence, I've been shopping for (among other things)
video cards. Little did I know, many games don't work well unless the video card can support the speed of the graphics. I play games, you might have guessed, that aren't exactly graphics-intense, so it's never been much of an issue for me.
Sitting here, staring at a page of video card options, I'm glad that my needs are simpler. It's going to take me a while to figure this one out.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Pet Promise
I get this great newsletter from
Care2.com:
Healthy & Green Living. It's filled with great ideas for, you guessed it, healthy and green living. There are natural remedies, cleaning ideas, and great recipes - among other things. I highly recommend it.
Friday's issue included a link to a fantastic site. If you're worried about the food that you're feeding your pet, worry no more!
Pet Promise has the answer to all of your questions. I was seriously impressed.
They promise (good word, eh?)
no animal byproducts,
no added growth hormones,
no antibiotic-fed meat sources,
no factory farm meats or poultry.
Pet Promise also promise natural meat, chicken, or ocean-caught fish; and they know where the meat comes from, because they only work with ranchers who can guarantee that their animals were raised without hormones and antibiotics.
What's even more impressive - to this niece and granddaughter of family farmers - is that
Pet Promise didn't intend to be a pet food company. The original goal of their work was to support
family farmers and ranchers; the people committed, for generations, to standards of quality and sustainability and humane treatment of animals. You just don't get that from corporate - grow everything with chemical-enhancements in a cage - farms.
I grew up watching my cousins show cattle at the local fairs and helping my aunt collect eggs from the chicken coop. (If you've ever collected eggs, you know that hens don't share well with others.) Not to mention, steak-and-eggs (or fried chicken) dinners that were the best on the planet. My uncle grew corn for the cattle, that lived in the barn and roamed at will. The chickens were in a large coop, with a nesting area that had more room than the bathroom of our old studio apartment.
This is something that means a lot to me - supporting family farmers, healthy foods for us and our pets, and reducing the market for products that flood our systems with growth-hormones and dangerous additives.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Sports Gift Ideas
It's shopping season, so it's time to find the perfect gift for everyone on that shopping list. Not so easily done. Which is why I'm always on the lookout for something a little different; something special.
I stumbled across a
sports gifts site and got really excited. When I moved to Arizona, I left behind all of my Minnesota Vikings paraphernalia. I really miss my jackets!
Well, the site wasn't what I expected, but I'd be willing to bet that these blankets, pillows, towels, and wall hangings are just what a lot of people are looking for. Personalize items for your local team or your favorite PeeWee player. They even have items for Curling fans! Way cool!
I did find the NFL items and - knowing me - will probably be back. Can't have enough Vikings, Bengals, and Buccaneers goodies!
In all fairness, those aren't afghans. Blankets, yes. Afghans, no.
I'm just sayin'.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
New Partners-In-Shopping!
With the holidays approaching, we can all use new ideas for gifts. Whether it's goodies for a new smartphone, those favorite CDs and DVDs, or the latest in inspirational reading ~ we've got it!
Please welcome our newest
'Shopping Partners' ~
Handango, Inc. offers over 75,000 mobile software and game titles ~ including dictionaries, eBooks, GPS utilities, and smartphone software for Windows Mobile, Blackberry, Palm, T-Mobile G1, and Symbian devices.
Simply select your phone and start browsing!
f.y.e. has all of your entertainment needs ~ music, movies, and games. New and used, as well as a variety of media storage. Enter to win a Sony Playstation or autographed guitar. Or get a Backstage Pass for even more savings ~ including 20% off on Your Birthday!
Hay House has what you need, whether you're interested in self-improvement, life inspiration, health and healing, spirituality, astrology, or even feng shui. No time to sit and read? Download your favorites to your iPhone, or any of 500 compatible devices.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Another Laptop?
Would someone please tell me if it's possible to be a
laptop jinx? Because I'm having trouble with this - my 3rd laptop in 4 years. It's beginning to hurt my feelings!
It's not that they were particularly inexpensive or odd-brands. The first (purchased new) was a Compaq model which, we found out later, had a habit of overheating. No kidding! It got so
warm that it actually melted the AC connection.
The second laptop, also purchased new, was an Acer with a decent (we were told) reputation for reliability. In self-defense, we bought a cooling pad. But this computer had a habit of crashing the hard drive - and it was never recoverable. After mailing it back for replacements - twice - the monitor failed. (Granted, the laptop got bounced off the bed. So, I'm pretty sure that we contributed to the monitor problem.)
Now, I am being tormented by a refurbished Dell. This puppy has had some minor problems since it walked in the door - the AC adapter connection is loose and the battery doesn't charge. The battery isn't a huge issue, since I rarely move the laptop from where I sit, but if the power goes out - not so good.
However, the loose AC adapter has become a serious pain in the neck. I use the laptop as a true laptop 95% of the time. This means that, with a loose power connection, if I sneeze or wiggle or move wrong - the laptop unplugs! No biggy when I'm playing a game. But, 500 words into a 600 word article or 2 sentences from the end of a blog post . . .
Let's just say I've developed a keen ability to make up curse words when the need arises.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Wilmington Real Estate
The housing / mortgage crunch notwithstanding, I can't help house-hunting. Some day we will be moving and it's important to know what's available and where and at what price.
With the kids gone, we have the luxury of looking everywhere and anywhere. Today, I found an interesting site for
Wilmington NC real estate. I really liked some of the options.
For example, there is a small community north of Wilmington. The zip code only has about 4,000 people. Just what we've been looking for. And the housing prices are pretty nice, too.
For $112,000, we could get a 1,700+ square feet, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom on 1.2 acres. Now that's affordable!
Granted, we'd have to be closer to a VA hospital and the climate would be seriously hard on Mark's lungs. But I have to admit, it's a good start to the hunt.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Safety Products
During a web search for something totally unrelated, I ran across a website for
self defense products. Honestly? Most of them scare me. Mace, pepper spray, and stun guns - I just don't like the idea.
Not all self-protection items involve pseudo-weapons, though. There are motion sensors, alarmed doorstops, and - my personal favorites - diversion safes.
You've seen them. They look like rocks and soda cans (and more), but they hold cash or other valuables - hiding them in plain sight. What burglar is going to take the time to go through every can in the pantry or refrigerator? Especially if a motion detector started screeching the minute they tried to open the door.
Best of all? The prices are reasonable and, depending on what you order, shipping may be free.
Now, I just have to remember what I was searching for to begin with.
(After I order a couple of safes and a door jam, that is.)
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Used Cisco Equipment
There are a lot of caveats to buying used computer equipment; especially when you're purchasing over the Internet. It's not like you can drive back to the store and demand satisfaction, if something goes wrong. And, unless you've got a laptop, even that isn't a convenient option.
When it works out-of-the-box, how long will it work? tends to be the next question. Not much point spending hard earned dollars only to have the system crash within the first month - and no remedy for the problem. (Although, some days even the new systems let you down.) And, what about appearance? Does a used system look like it's been beaten and bounced around? Not good, regardless of price.
I recently found a site that sells, among other brands,
used Cisco systems. They provide a 90-day warranty and guarantee that the used/refurbished equipment will qualify for a service contract through the manufacturer.
They even extend their refurbishing attention to the appearance - which really impressed me. I don't mind buying used - if it's a reliable unit - but I shouldn't have to put up with a computer or system that looks bad. (My latest laptop has many of the keyboard markings rubbed off, not to mention a good number of dings and scratches on the case.)
It's nice to know that there are sellers with an interest in quality.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Wine of the Month
Has anyone out there tried a
wine of the month club? There are a bunch of them out there, but they are definitely
not all created the same - despite similar prices.
I'm not exactly a wine connoisseur, (that's my son's talent) which means I've not been brave enough to join one of the clubs. I don't want to get locked in to paying every month for something I may not have the palate to appreciate.
Although, after reading about the
2000 PlumpJack Cabernet Cuvee -Napa Valley Oakville and the
Robert Stemmler 2003 Pinot Noir, I am seriously tempted to give it a try. Especially, since this club doesn't charge fees or tie you into a lengthy contract.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Acne Cures
As I have complained before, I can't stand having breakouts at my age. Granted, it's not like I take great care of my skin - but still . . .
Needless to say, I am always on the lookout for a simple (read: I'll-remember-to-use-it), effective (read: doesn't-cause-more-problems) way to keep the
acne at bay. Oh - it also has to be supremely affordable.
I'm not certain that I believe in a 'cure', but it is nice to have some options. There are a couple of products that I find interesting - not the ones that have pills and scrubs and gels - but the 1-step, once-a-day options.
Given the price of a 90-day supply, I may just have to try one. After I do just a little more research.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Unique Baby Gifts
I am always looking for special products to complement our one-of-a-kind designs. Cuddle up under a Cozy Afghan, with a tasty tub of popcorn - or a yummy basket of goodies. What about a personalized gift for your graduate, paired with a Twin-size Afghan in his/her new school colors?
We've got great gift ideas for Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, your favorite Aunt and Uncle, Godparents, Brother or Sister - everyone in the family. Even Fido and Fluffy! But, I'm still on the prowl for truly
unique baby gifts.
Just imagine - a complete layette set, in your favorite colors, with a matching future-heirloom crib afghan. It just doesn't get any better than that!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Sony Vaio
I've decided that it's time to start my Christmas wish-list!
Although there are a number of items that are always on my list - shoes, handbags, watches, yarn -
Sony Vaio has captured my attention this year; particularly the NR series. There are so many models, with the speed and storage that I need, without the sell-your-first-born-to-buy-this price tag. Heck, they even come in different colors - Silver, Granite Silver, Wenge Brown, and Silk White!
I'll probably have to settle for a working battery for the laptop I have - but it never hurts to wish!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Home Theater Sconces
We've been thinking about rearranging the furniture. My wireless card doesn't seem to work as well from my recliner as it does from the table next to the chair. Since I don't actually bend that way anymore, something's gotta give.
Since we're planning to move the TV to a different wall, it seemed like a good time to do a little redecorating. Among other things, I fell in love with some
home theater sconces. These are absolutely great!
The styles include an "Admit One" movie ticket, "Take One" clapboard, stars, popcorn, movie camera, and comedy and tragedy masks. Or create a custom design just for your family's home theater. They're wall mounted and can even be connected to a dimmer.
I may have to get the restroom sconce to hang over my bathroom door. It's just too fun to ignore!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
New Affiliate Partners
It has been a busy month.
Two (2) of our
Partners-in-Shopping have discontinued their programs. We will miss them very much. But, before we had a chance to mourn our missing associates, we acquired three (3) new Shopping Friends! Very Exciting!
You've read about
CurrentCatalog.com. Now let me introduce our two (2) newest shopping friends:
- Cheryl & Co. ~ "Fresh Baked Cookies, Desserts and Gifts"
From a single cookie store in 1981, Cheryl & Co's has grown to include gifts and desserts along with an expanded dessert line which now includes brownies, cheesecake, pies, and cakes.
- Just Because Baskets
~ "Baskets & Beyond" You decide what goes inside at Just Because Baskets. Build your own or choose from pre-assembled gift baskets; perfect for personal and corporate gifts.
Please stop by our new partners and see what they have to offer. I just know you'll find something to love. I did!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
CurrentCatalog.com
I am so thrilled to announce that JMark Afghans, etc. is now partnering with:
For years,
Current was my only choice for stationery, calendars, greeting cards, and personalized checks - to mention just a few.
They have always offered unique, quality products that appeal to everyone. Somewhere, on one of the pages in the online catalog, there is a notecard set or calendar or gift wrap package or holiday assortment that is just what you need and didn't even know it!
Here's just one example:
First Year Calendar has room for a 3 1/2" x 5" photo on each page; includes 12 birth announcement postcards. 72 milestone stickers included, also; 9" x 12". Second year calendar sold separately ©Morehead, Inc. Designed by Ruth J. or Bill D. Morehead
Imagine the joy on a new mother's face when she receives this adorable calendar, tucked inside a beautiful
JMark Afghans Baby Blanket.
Personally, I just love the
Pull Bows. Looped and stored flat, you literally pull the different sections out and shape the bow at the time you need it. No more squashed bows - and no more need for tons of storage space.
Another great idea? This
Lifetime Address Book & Stickers. Never worry about changed addresses again. Just write the new address on one of the included stickers and place over the old address.
Voila!
Why not add this Address Book to a comfy new Afghan? Make updating all that information comfy and relaxed.
Please enjoy shopping with our new Affiliate Partner. I know that I'm going to be spending a lot of time with CurrentCatalog.com!
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Proactiv Acne Cream
As I have mentioned before, I am always looking for a great way to care for my skin and minimize breakouts. But, it's not easy or inexpensive to find exactly what will work on my combination, sensitive, old-lady skin without some help. Luckily, there are places on the Internet that do the hard work for me.
With all of the commercials for
Proactiv acne cream, you have to wonder what people who aren't getting paid would say. Apparently, nothing too positive. It seems that this product doesn't work that well, doesn't continue to work over time, doesn't moisturize sufficiently, and doesn't mention the overwhelming smell from all three (3) steps.
Admittedly, the drying problem may mean that it's only good for people with oily skin. I don't know. It's hard to get a real feel for something, after only one review.
Maybe you can help: Have you tried this acne program? Did it work for you? What about the smell? Was there a problem with overly dry skin?
Let me know. I'd love to know what you experienced.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Artificial Nails
For those of you - like me - who do your own nails, I have a great product for you!
Kiss Natural Curves are absolutely amazing nails. They are more substantial than all of the other nails that you can get at the corner drugstore. And they come in terrific styles.
I just did my nails tonight - and for add-some-glue-and-stick-'em-on-your-nails I don't think you can buy better at this price. They aren't oddly shaped or ridiculously thin. When I put them on, I know that they're gonna stay.
I'd offer a picture of my nails with my favorite style - but none of our cameras capture the nails without making me appear to have old-lady-hands.
Don't forget to visit
JMark Afghans and
My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
