Vacuuming is a necessary evil in every home. There are all sorts of different vacuums out there to adding to the confusion. If you have a multi storied home chances are you won’t want to lug a canister vacuum up and down the stairs. So why not consider using a stick vacuum.
Stick vacuums are great for spot cleaning. They’re small compact and lightweight. They can slide under furniture and get in those hard to reach places.
Another great benefit is the price. Being so inexpensive you can afford to buy one for each floor of your home. This means no lugging anything up or down the stairs.
The Hoover S2220 Flair Bagless Upright Stick Vacuum with Power Nozzle has an easily removable dirt compartment that can be rinsed out under the sink. In addition, the vacuum has plenty of air filtration so there’s no worry about kicking a bunch of dust up into the air when in use.
The vacuum comes with a 20-foot power cable, the perfect length for just doing a bit of spot cleaning. The cord wraps neatly around a couple hooks built into the unit.
One of the best features of this vacuum is that it can be used on multiple surfaces. You can use it on bare floors or the thickest of carpeting. With just a flick of the switch you can turn the rollers off to work on hardwood or tile floors.
What We Like:
Skinny, small, lightweight design is great for storage. It sticks into a corner or closet without taking up too much valuable storage space.
The vacuum comes with a really strong 7.4 amp motor that ensures all the dirt is lifted up off the floor.
It comes with a 1-year warranty so you don’t have to worry about quality craftsmanship. This is a vacuum that will last for years.
CLICK HEREto buy the Hoover S220 bagless stick vacuum cleaner
A cardio workout is one of the biggest keys to staying healthy and in shape.
As we age though, going for a run can wreak havoc on the knees. That’s just one of the reasons ellipticals have become so popular over the last few years.
An elliptical trainer is extremely low impact you can glide through your work out without aggravating bad knees. This is a great choice for those with arthritis or who aren’t physically capable of going for a jog.
We’ve seen a lot of elliptical machines over the years but the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer really caught our eye. It has a lot of features expected of high end professional gyms but at a great price.
What We Like:
Price is always a concern and the Schwinn comes in as a great bargain. You can see and feel the quality when you step on it for a work out.
It’s the little touches that make this so special.
The footpads follow your heels throughout the entire range of motion keeping your work out low impact.
Another great added feature is a pulse monitor built into the handholds. You’ll get constant real time monitoring of your heart rate greatly improving the efficiency of your work out.
We love that elliptical trainers give a full body work out. You aren’t just working your legs like you would on a treadmill.
The handlebars are comfortable and when you start ratcheting up the resistance it will really work those back, chest and arm muscles helping to improve your overall fitness.
The unit has a heavy 25 pound flywheel that when combined with current brake resistance means even the most fit of people will still be able to work up a sweat with this unit. It can go from effortless to exhausting with just a few button pushes.
Hard to believe, isn’t it. Barbie is 50 years old. And doesn’t she look fantastic for her age. If only we all weathered as well.
It only seems like yesterday my girls were playing with their beachtime Barbie dolls back in the 60′s and now she is 50 ( and they are in their 40′s).
To celebrate this awesome event Robert Best has designed a beautiful 50th Anniversary Barbie Glamor doll for the Gold Label Collection.
And when you think about it, this is quite an achievement for a doll to be as popular today as it was way back 50 years ago when it was first released.
This lovely glamor doll is a remake of the fashion featured on the original 1959 doll with a modern day update to meet the look of today’s glamor fashion.
Whether you BUY HERfor yourself or for a Barbie doll enthusiast friend, this is one collectible that will take pride of place in any Barbie Collection.
And here are some other Barbie dolls that you may have missed.
Music is an important part of our lives. In fact it’s one of the first methods of communication. For thousands of years all we had were live performances until the invention of the phonograph. Well in a little over a hundred years look how far music storage has come, from the record player to the 8-track to the compact disk and now the MP3 player.
MP3 players can store an entire album collection on a tiny little device like an iPod. Since it’s all solid-state hardware you never have to worry about the CD skipping. MP3 players are rugged and dependable.
One of the downsides to an MP3 player though is the need to hook it up to a computer to load new songs into it. You have to plug it in, search through a music library and then download the music. Now there’s an easier option. The Easy iPod Media Sharer lets you hook 2 iPods together and transfer songs between them without having to deal with the hassle of hooking each unit up to a computer.
This means you now have access to a whole new world of music just by grabbing a friend’s Ipod and sharing.
Of course there is the legal issue of media piracy involved that’s why the Easy iPod media sharer uses DRM technology to ensure everything stays legitimate.
What We Like:
Small compact design that’s about the size of 2 iPod jacks laid side by side. You stay portable and on the go and computer free.
The charge lasts for ninety minutes giving you plenty of time to transfer hours of songs from one unit to another.
It comes with an AC adaptor that will recharge the unit in four hours. In addition you can charge an iPod with the device so you never have to worry about the battery dying on you.
CLICK HEREto buy the easy share iPod media sharer.
Both Paula and I each have a PlayStation 3 system as we are both avid gamers even though we are not geeky teenagers. We even play ‘Magic the Gathering’ which is generally considered to be an IT guy game.
I would have to say that Resistance: Fall Of Man is probably our favorite game and we love Resistance 2 although it is limited in the offline two player mode.
When we are not playing single player games we like to play the whole game through as a team on a split screen and we find that most games only give you specific campaigns to play in the offline mode.
We also each have an Xbox 360 and Wii as we find that each platform has games that are specific to that platform and we like to play a variety of games.
The Playstation 3 has revolutionized how we play video games. This is one of the first consumer entertainment electronics pieces that can fully integrate between the computer and the home entertainment system.
It isn’t just a video game console.
It has a high end HD blue ray DVD as well as Internet connectivity. It does more than just let you shoot the bad guys. Even though the PS3 can be an expensive upfront purchase when you consider what all you get with a unit the price is really quite reasonable.
There’s a lot of computer power built in to the PS3. It’s all about gaming. Graphics for the Playstation are unbelievable and offer lifelike 3d rendering of people, true to life facial expressions and the amazingly intricate background designs.
The controllers are intuitive to use and ergonomically fit your hands.
Let’s talk about the blu-ray DVD player for a second. Although this is the prime way of loading games into the system, it can also be used as a regular HD DVD player as well. This means you don’t have to shell out an additional payment to upgrade your existing DVD player. The unit can be fully integrated into an HD system through a standard HDMI port.
When we brought our systems we had outdated TV’s which didn’t do the graphics justice so we brought a Sony BRAVIA which absolutely brings the action to life.
The Playstation 3 comes in several different models with budget units having a 20GB hard drive and advanced models having a 60 or 80 GB drive. All units have the same operating system so all you need to worry about is how much you’ll have loaded onto the hard drive.
Another thing to consider if you have PS2 games, you may find that the 20GB system is not backward compatible. I commute between two states regularly so I brought a second system as I didn’t want to transport my PS3 around with me. I have the 80GB which plays PS2 games just fine and so when I brought a 20GB as the second system, it wasn’t until I went to play an old favorite PS2 game that I found it wasn’t backward compatible. So make sure you check this feature if it is a concern for you.
Some of the other features available are Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity, SD card readers, and USB ports making the unit easy to integrate.
With all the features available it’s easy to see why this system is great for any home be it for casual entertainment or for the serious hardcore gamer. A Playstation 3 easily integrates into any home entertainment system
I have to say I love the PS3 and we have great party nights with Singstarand Buzz
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Why Arai Motorcycle Helmets Are Rated #1
In The World Of Motor Sports!!!
A Mom’s Journey to Find the Best Motorcycle Helmet
Having motorcycle riders in the household means that conversations often center around bikes and of course motorbike accessories.
And more often than not, my lot tends to get into heated discussions on the pros and cons of different motorbike helmet brands.
Being a mom, my primary concern is for my family’s safety, so regardless of the cost I want them to have the best protection available……but that’s just a mom thing!
My family of bike riders, on the other hand, is more interested in other things. They want the helmet to feel comfortable, especially if they are riding for long periods at a time. And the younger ones just want to look cool, rad or whatever the word of the day is!
So since I was getting sick and tired of the bickering at the dinner table, I made it my mission to find the ultimate in bike helmets. I wanted it to have all the best safety features plus have the comfort and style that the rest of the family desires.
So did I succeed? – You bet I did!
It took a bit of work but after many hours of research on my own and then with input from the family, we eventually decided that ARAI are by far the best brand of motorcycle helmets on the market.
And how did we arrive at this conclusion?
There were lots of reasons actually…and each reason just made us like this brand of motorbike helmet even more.
I mean the company has been going for 65 years already which is a feat in itself. You don’t last that long if you are manufacturing a shoddy product. Arai actually have a vested interest in making damn sure their helmets meet stringent standards – to ensure the continued support of their loyal customers and to maintain the excellent reputation they have for safety and comfort.
Plus the fact that some of the biggest names in the motorcycle racing industry use these helmets has a big impact on me.
Arai RX7 Corsair - Hayden Laguna
Here are just a few of the notable names:
Nori Haga
Nickey Hayden
Scott Dickson – Winner of the 2008 Indianapolis 500
Ryan Hunter-Reay – Rookie of the Year
Jeff Gordon – Nascar
Jeff Burton – Nascar
Juan Pablo Montoya – Nascar
And these are just some of the reasons why I am more than happy to pay extra to make sure our riding headgear has been designed and made by craftsmen and thoroughly tested for its safety features.
After all we deserve the best and why settle for a lesser helmet with a lesser guarantee.
Arai helmets have a 5 year guarantee
My research shows that most other manufacturers have only a one year guarantee. And that got me to thinking why would you trust your safety to a helmet that the manufacturer doesn’t have enough faith in to give you more than a one year guarantee.
This brings me to how I know that Arai helmets are safe!
Each helmet is 100% handcrafted and then hand inspected a minimum of three times during manufacture:
when the shell is made;
after the painting and the graphic has been completed, and
after the helmet has been completely assembled.
Let’s just go through that statement again – ‘each and every helmet’ – not just a random selection – but every single one is hand inspected a minimum of three times during manufacture.
Apparently Arai test way above the accepted industry standards. As a mom, I love hearing this.
And that brings me to the comfort factor -and lots of interesting bits of information
Arai helmets have a lower weight density than other motorcycle helmets. This means that they are lighter and have a lower center of gravity.
In other words, they are more comfortable than most other helmets. This is especially important for anyone who rides for long distances at a time. A heavy helmet can cause neck problems and headaches and just makes riding uncomfortable.
For your motorcycle helmet to be comfortable, the interior must fit snuggly. You need to feel a firm pressure around the contour of your head but you don’t want the pressure to be such that it becomes uncomfortable at a later stage.
The reason why you don’t need to be concerned with the facial fit is because of Aria’s replaceable cheek pads. Once the crown fit has been properly sized you can then spend time getting the right facial fit.
arai-vector-scream-full-face-helmet
Does your Arai helmet reduce noise?
Well we know from experience that a noisy helmet is extremely irritating. The noise factor is something that riders often complain about.
Well apparently the key to reducing helmet noise is to make sure you buy the right size helmet that fits properly and isn’t loose.
It appears that more than half of bike riders choose a helmet that is a size too big.
Arai helmets are also designed to reduce noise with their Free Flow System which helps to reduce wind noise.
Who knew that a chin strap could be so important!
Arai helmets are fitted with a ‘d’ ring chin strap. One of the regulations for MotoGP is that riders must use a D-ring chinstrap.
Now you would have to think that if professional riders are required to use it then it must be the right thing to do. Plus this type of chinstrap is considered one of the most comfortable.
Why the long face?
Did you know that ARAI manufactures different shaped helmets for the North American market? Apparently Americans have a face shape that is longer and more oval so Aria helmets are manufactured to take this into account for the North American market. They are always thinking of the comfort factor for their customers.
Arai uses fiberglass-based shells!
The Arai Company spends lots of time researching, testing and performing comparison tests into a variety of materials and they have found that fiberglass is the best material for constructing the motorcycle helmet shell.
Fiberglass spreads the impact energy over the widest area and maintains structural integrity and flexibility. Who am I to argue with a company that has over 65 years of experience in determining what works best.
The Brow Vents are in the faceshield
Arai don’t see the point in placing holes in the shell where it can reduce the performance of the shell material and the liner, so they have the vents in the face shield, but they have made sure that the air is directed away from your eyes. So you keep cool without the wind making your eyes water.
Arai use simple double-sided tape or small screws to fasten its top vents
Using double sided tape or small screws is another safety feature that ensures that the vents separate quickly and easily from the shell if the rider has a fall.
Arai keeps the shell thickness right down to the bottom edge
Unlike a number of other helmet makers Arai do not reduce the amount to shell material at the bottom edge of the helmet and adds strength to the area. This lowers the center of gravity and gives your helmet an overall balance that means your helmet sits more comfortably on your head.
Arai uses Side Pods instead of Pod-Less systems
Apparently pod less shield systems are much easier to manufacture seeing it is simply a deep, flat recess in the shell but they are not as efficient as the side pods used by Arai.
It seems that having a pod less system means the interior liner needs to be thinner and harder in the recess creating an impediment to the smooth distribution of energy around the outer shell.
The Arai’s pod system has a shallow recess with rounded edges which allows the energy to flow smoothly over the entire shell. This means the shell can be less bulky, narrower and more aerodynamic in design
Conclusion:
So you can see why my family and I have finally settled the argument and agree that Arai motorcycle helmets are by far the safest and most comfortable helmets to buy.
Arai Helmets have all the safety features that I want for my family, meaning I can rest easy while they are out riding, while giving them the comfort and style that they want.
Do the Benefits of Arai Helmets Make Them Worth the Money?…
You bet they do!!!!!!
Vacuuming is a necessary evil in every home. There are all sorts of different vacuums out there to adding to the confusion. If you have a multi storied home chances are you won’t want to lug a canister vacuum up and down the stairs. So why not consider using a stick vacuum.
really caught our eye. It has a lot of features expected of high end professional gyms but at a great price.
to their collection.
that you may have missed.
system as we are both avid gamers even though we are not geeky teenagers. We even play ‘Magic the Gathering’ which is generally considered to be an IT guy game.
is probably our favorite game and we love 
although it is limited in the offline two player mode.
as we find that each platform has games that are specific to that platform and we like to play a variety of games.
and 
