What is a Muse?

Review by: Erika

I was excited when I had the opportunity to try out the Muse . Muse is the brain sensing headband that helps reduce stress, alleviate anxiety and increase focus and concentration.

The initial setup was easy, the Muse headband connected to my phone via Bluetooth after I downloaded the app. Muse has 7 sensors so it can read your brain signals accurately - the headband itself is lightweight and fits comfortably. 

The app provides guided exercises of different time lengths as well as challenges and milestones. The results were very straight forward and simple to understand. They included total points, calm percentage, graphs/charts and awards. 

Overall, I was very impressed with Muse. It was quite interesting to see my brain patterns & the way it reacted to the training. The Muse headband proves how powerful the brain really is. If you're looking for a relaxing and fun way to train your brain, choose Muse!

Fun Summer Activities For Your and The Kids

With Summer is approaching, it means the kids will be getting out of school soon. It is a great time to spend some quality family time together. Now is a good time to start thinking about some fun activities you can do this Summer. 

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

One thing the family can do this Summer together is go on a beach trip. Kids just love going swimming. And there is a lot of fun things you can do at the beach too. Like building sandcastles, or collecting shells. Or you could even fly a kite at the beach!

Another fun activity to do with kids is have a backyard campfire. Nowadays most people have an outdoor fire pit, if not you can purchase one fairly cheaply. You can have fun right in your own backyard, by starting a fire. You can roast some hot dogs for lunch or dinner over the fire. Then maybe have some popcorn for a snack. And for dessert of course there is roasting marshmallows and making s'mores. And for the evening set up a tent in the backyard- spending the night out there instead of indoors!

Some other fun things you can do this Summer is visiting your local attractions. One place that is fun is a museum. Check your area and there are probably a lot of different museums for the family such as Children’s Museums or a Science Museum. Or visit a Zoo or Aquarium in your area! Be sure to check the local events page always in in your newspaper as well.

Of course, with all this family fun time, you may need some down time or some time to yourself, this Summer. Playing bingo is fun.  A Galaxy of Treats Awaits at Moon Bingo. Win fancy prizes while you play too!

These are a few ideas you can try this summer to have some fun. There are many more things you can do too, just ask your family for ideas and you are sure to come up with some more! 

Smart Ways to Invest and Make Your Money Go Further

We all wish we had a little bit of spare cash in the bank. Whether it’s for a vacation or just as rainy day money, it’s nice to have some kind of nest egg. Most of us will scrimp and save, in the hope that one day our lucky numbers will come in. However, we could be missing a trick. Investing has become more popular with regular folk recently - not just the Wolves of Wall Street. Can a smart investment make your money go further? 

Photo credit

Start Blogging

If you invest just a small amount of time and energy into creating a blog, then the payoff could be massive. Think of it like investing into your very own business, only without so much outlay. You can purchase a domain name and hosting for next to nothing. The only real thing you need to invest in is the time it takes to write up your posts. As long as you have a passion for whatever you’re writing about, and some time to spare, you’ll see a return on investment.

Pay Off Your Debts

It may seem like a bit of a weird one, but paying off your debts is technically an investment. Especially if you’re paying out in charges every month. Imagine being debt free! Set aside just a small amount each week to pay a bit over your usual monthly payment. The quicker you pay off your debts, the more free money you’ll have for other investment opportunities.

Gold

Investing in gold at the right time can be a wise move. The price often fluctuates for a commodity like this, which means you can buy low and sell high. You may want to collect old jewelry or coins, to hold onto as a family investment. Alternatively you could trade in bullions or by trading on the stock market. Have a look through this page to find out how you can invest in gold.

Real Estate

If you have quite a bit of money to spare then real estate will always be a smart investment opportunity. Especially as house prices are currently low. This is an even smarter investment if you know people in the construction industry! Buy a property that needs work, fix it up, and then sell it on. When the house prices have risen, of course! Real estate can make you a small fortune if done correctly.

Diverse Portfolios

If you want to invest in several things at once then this is called a diverse portfolio. This is one of the smarter ways to invest, as it means not all of your eggs are in one basket. You should have a balance of equities and commodities, along with fixed earnings. Chatting to a financial adviser is the best course of action, if you want to go down this route.

There are plenty of ways to invest your money, without relying on measly savings interest rates. Some of these are riskier than others. However, sometimes we need to make those risks in order to see the biggest returns!

My "Boys"

My "boys" spending time inside and out of the RV - like the house, always something to do. Plus now we're thinking of doing some renovations in the RV- to make it more like home, especially if we plan to get away for a few months this Winter.

Skylanders Happy Meal Toys Celebrate Trap Team (USA)

            Skylanders is celebrating it's partnership with McDonalds (USA).

Skylanders Trap Team toys are now appearing in the McDonald’s Happy Meals, which, while not compatible with the existing Skylanders games, can be used to unlock mini games in McDonald’s own McPlay application. The toys that are available are a mixture of Trap Masters, Villains and other Skylanders, namely being Food Fight, Painyatta, Snap Shot, Wallop, Wildfire, and Wolfgang.

The Skylanders Happy Meal packaging also comes with a $10 off coupon for Skylanders Trap Team Starter pack and $1 off a Skylanders figure.

** Disclosure: I received the Skylanders Trap Team toys for announcing the toys being available at McDonalds through Skylanders and Activision.

Yengo- Canadian Online Shoe Store Review and a Giveaway! (Canada only)

Who is Yengo? Yengo is a Canadian online shoe store. If you are looking for modern and comfortable shoes, then Yengo is the best option for you. Their focus is to offer not only comfortable shoes, but ones that will be really good looking on your feet too.

You can buy shoes from Yengo, without worrying about extra costs. They don’t have extra costs like import duties. You also won’t pay extravagant shipping costs, or unexpected processing fees. Shopping at Yengo is basically worry free.

Yengo has been in business for many years, and knows shoes inside and out. They make shoes that are comfortable, stylish and they will make you feel confident. They have a long history in Toronto and give their costumers a superior online shopping experience. They have a very large selection of shoes for Men and Women. They have shoes that range from boots, clogs, sneakers, slippers and more. 

I personally love their slippers- especially ‌LAMO ESSENTIAL LDS Austrailian Moccasin Chestnut Faux Fur slippers. My feet are always cold because I have Raynauds. I can wear warm fur slippers in the summer and my feet won't get hot! I l do like the LAMO brand on the site, but other brands are also available, in a variety of colors, price ranges and styles- so check them out! 

Yengo has offered to do a giveaway with us for the LAMO brand and will give an up to $100 credit towards one pair, to one Canadian winner in our giveaway! 

A random draw will be made on June 10, 2015 from all Canadian entries received through Random.org


To Enter:

Tell me which style you would choose of the LAMO brand if you are the winner?(don't forget to leave your contact info)


Extra Entries:

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Tweet this giveaway- one time only
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Good luck to all!

Getting Your Fashion Footwear On with Hush Puppies this Summer

Well Summer is almost here and now is a good time to buy some sandals. There is a great selection of them from Hushpuppies.com They have casual and comfortable sandals for women on their website.

All the sandals are so stylish and contemporary. The women’s hush puppies are designed using a selection of materials such as leather, suede and latex.  Many of the sandals also have HP2OFlex. This technology provides the ultimate in cushioned comfort.

The sandals have padded insoles, memory foam heel pad, and cushioned forepart, all that cushions the foot while walking. The HP20Flex, is like walking on air.  This triangular foot bed pattern, conforms the way you walk. It provides air circulation, flexibility and superior support.

Some of the styles of the Hush Puppie sandals include the Nina Nishi - a  leather strap on sandal in colors such as white, tan or black. Or the Greta Lucca, a  classic wedge platform sandal. 

I'd personally like to recommend the Rebecca Keaton's. 

Comfortable and relaxed look and feel for day and evening wear. Casual or a bit dressed up. A girl can never have enough pairs of Summer sandals!

"Sprucing" Up the Yard with Tree Time

I've always wanted a hedge/ shrubs around the perimeter of our front yard. The neighbors have and I've always been envious of theirs. I thought of the white picket fence before out front but always came back to thoughts of a hedge of sorts. I've also seen a few neighbors with big trees in their front yards as well and thought our front yard was lacking something. Our back yard has alot of trees and is fenced in. Time to spruce up the front yard! The time has come and it's been done. Tree Time to the rescue!

Tree Time.ca is a Western Canadian company. They produce a large variety of native and landscape seedlings. These are shipped out of their cold storage warehouse every spring.Their seedlings can be are quickly transported and can be easily planted. They also have very competitive prices. Tree Time.ca has over 100 species available. And most of their stock is grown from seeds that have been collected locally.Tree Time been in business since 2003. They specialize in selling prairie hardy trees, and shrub seedlings.

Tree Time is also owned and operated by professional foresters who influence the environment positively. They promote tree planting to help clean the air, and conserve the soil. They also have a new growth guarantee as well. Tree Time.ca stands behind their products. They guarantee their seedlings are in good health on arrival, and will put on new growth after being planted. If you receive seedlings that you think aren’t in good health  upon arrival and you contact them within 7 days, or do not produce new growth after 30 days they will replace your seedlings.

We got some trees and shrubs for our yard recently. Some Green Ash trees for parts of our yard. And some Peking Cotoneaster shrubs for the front yard. We were even able to share some of our bundle, with my parents, for their yard.  

We put one tree from our Green Ash bundle in the front yard but also were able to add a few to the back yard. I can't wait till the trees all start growing now! 

Enjoy the photos of me putting poor Gerry to work- he has the better green thumb than I do- and more energy at times I think as well!

Review: Solvit PupSTEP Wood Pet Stairs from 1-800 PetMeds

Having an RV now, and traveling most times with Jakey, (our little Yorkie), we had come across the problem that the bed was quite high for him to jump up onto. We were always asking him if he wanted to go up there or would just have to put him up there at bedtime. But there was the worry that if he would get up there, and we weren't nearby, he'd try to jump off and hurt himself on the floor.

For this reason, anytime we went out, we'd have to remember to close off the door to the bedroom so he wouldn't be tempted to jump up on the bed.

I thought there has to be a better solution, so started searching for steps that he could use to get him up and down. I also was looking for steps that would also fold easy for storage, while traveling in the RV. 

Well, I found the Solvit PupSTEP Wood Pet Stairs from 1-800 PetMeds.

They are perfect. A must have for small dogs and cats for the home or those high RV beds. Also great for arthritic pets. Highly recommended. The steps even have carpeting on them, for added no slip protection for them.

How it works:

Solvit PupSTEP Wood Pet Stairs' solid wood construction includes a wooden brace to lock the stairs in place and built-in side rails to prevent sliding and other injuries. The large size has smaller step treads and is intended for small - medium sized pets. The extra large size is intended for larger pets and those needing access to higher levels.

Benefits:
•	Safely aids pets in ascending and descending
•	Folds flat for easy storage and portability
•	Solid wood construction with a walnut finish
•	Built-in side rails provide added protection
•	Large and extra large models available
•	No assembly required and supports up to 200 lbs

** Disclaimer: these pet steps were provided to me free for review, but the opinion in the post was my opinion and did not impact my review in any way.

Ceto Swimwear Review

I had the opportunity to review some nice swimwear from Ceto Swim recently, reviewing their Foiled Snake Print. The one piece I tried on was in a black/silver combo, that also comes with a poncho cover up. I was quite impressed with the combination: a very classy bathing suit with stylish cover up.

I do recommend when you are ordering to please consult the sizing chart, so you buy the right size and do not have to worry about returns or exchanges. My swimsuit was bought bigger than what I wear in day to day clothing, but surprisingly fit well and wasn't too big at all.

Ceto Swim is an online swimwear company that was founded in 2014. 

It is an exclusive online retailer, known for it’s swimwear vendor Chuck Handy. With 35 + years in the swimsuit industry Chuck Handy promises to push the limits on this new swimwear line. 

They offer a very large range of  fashionable and also flattering swimwear. They want to make  you feel confident, while at the pool or beach, and they also have unique ideas on materials, manufacturing, styles and design.

Chuck Handy swimsuits, are sold as sets. The Tankini and one piece swimsuits are available in sizes 8-24W, and come with a matching coverup. Each piece is also constructed with pillow soft foam, molded cups, and T3 Tummy Tamer Technology. This technology, ensures flattening and a comfortable fit, such as the Foil Snake print I reviewed throught them.

I'm thinking this would make a very nice suit/cover up for holiday getaways or even a cruise!

Kellogg's Canada Brings Back Premiums in SMP of Kellogg's Cereals

Remember a time when opening a box of cereal brought the excitement of finding a surprise inside? It was thrilling and adventurous—like going on a treasure hunt at the breakfast table.

This spring, Canadian families can experience that delight again as they open specially-marked, family-size boxes of Kellogg’s cereal with one of five collectible Cereal & Milk Spoon Straws inside! Each spoon straw features a beloved Kellogg’s character and will bring a little more FUN to breakfast. 

I love the spoon and straw idea for kids for their cereal. I remember as a kid I used to either eat the cereal dry right out of the box, or as a kid your always using a straw to blow bubbles in something liquid.  I do hope that Kellogg's Canada will continue offering premiums in their cereals. As a kid I remembered when mom would bring food and cleaning products home that would contain a little surprise in them. I always wanted to be the one to open the box right away and dig it out! Oh the good 'ole days! Let's bring that back again!

Review: His and Hers Sanuk Sidewalk Surfers (Canada)

Have you heard of Sanuks? We're big fans of their shoes. And one kind of shoe that they sell are called the Sidewalk Surfers. The Sidewalk Surfers are a true shoe and sandal hybrid. They're a slip ons and very comfortable - like walking outdoors in your bedroom slippers. Them being lightweight, makes them perfect for your Spring/ Summer shoe. Gerry and I each have reviewed them on occasion and really love them. So do our"adult kids"- who have their own pairs as well ...so I know we're in style!

                                            ( Gerry's Sanuks)

                                                                 ( My Sanuks)
                         

Sidewalk Surfers are so stylish though, that they can be worn with any outfit. That's because they come in a variety of designs, colors and sizes. Once you try a pair for yourself, you'll be able to buy them for the whole family, since they come in men’s, women’s and kid's sizes. I might add too that their also very durable!

Sign up for the Sanuk Email Club on their main page and you'll get  updates on the the latest and greatest styles from Sanuk, news from their ambassadors, contest opportunities and much more!

Big Fire Burning in Bush Behind our Trailer

Pictures from fire that started tonight very near our trailer that had out 2 water bombers, 1 spotter,1 helicopter , fire department and natural resources.

Branson Trip- The Expense Report

Still trying to get caught back up to a normal pace of life again. RV needs a cleaning and the laundry and everything from there had to come back in the house. Washing clothes and bedding, etc.. Getting caught up to emails, blogging, etc..oh my!  

I was able to get my trip expenses all done up though so this is what it looks like for those interested:

I did not separate the US $$ from the CDN $$ so these are just the figures without that.

- Condo: ( timeshare deal) plus camping. ( Left May 6th and came back on the 19th- so for almost 2 weeks) - $485.00
-Groceries: $84.00
-Fast food: $66.00
-Gift cards/Free food: $110.00 worth
-Dog kennel for Jake and a vet visit: $220.00
-Gas/propane for RV and SUV: $1600.00 ( 4 days drive there and 4 days back)
-Verizon/Internet for me : $75 ( I bought time cards but bought too much and had left over time but unfortunately if you don't use it within a month you lose it. Will have to maybe call tomorrow and double check that it can't be saved or transferred to someone)
-RV repairs and 2 new tires for the SUV- $1330.00

Have to head out again to the city in June for dental,( had to cancel that last appt. since we got delayed with the storm coming home), and to see the podiatrist. We are thinking we may be reimbursed for some of the travel expense though, since I had been before for the same thing with dental, years ago. Also have to make a separate trip to the city before that to pick up a daughter coming home for a 2 week stay. So not sure another vacation will be happening before Gerry retires in the Fall and we head south. Too many expenses.

May is Better Sleep Month

May is Better Sleep Month, according to the Better Sleep Council. This month is officially dedicated to getting a better night's sleep. 

When it comes to health many people focus on exercise and nutrition, but overlook sleep.

Sleep is a very important factor, actually in one’s overall health. It is recommended that you get 6 to 8 hrs of quality sleep a night. And sleep can help with improved mental and physical health at home and in the workplace.

If you are in need of a better night’s sleep there are a number of products to help with that.

Hot Spring's Hot Tubs-

Soaking in a hot tub is a proven method for improving sleep. A study by the Journal of Physiological Anthropological Applied Human Science researched the subject. In the study, one group soaked in hot water before bed. Another group soaked their feet in warm foot baths. A third control group did neither. The study found that those who soaked in a bath or soaked in a footbath fell asleep faster, moved less during sleep and had higher-quality REM sleep. Consider a beautiful, healthful hot tub, such as Hot Spring's new Highlife Collection NXT, if you’re looking for a better night’s sleep.


Montmorency tart cherry juice -

Tart cherries are one of the few natural sources of melatonin, which is responsible for the regulation of the body’s internal clock and sleep-wake cycle. Researchers believe it’s the combination of melatonin and the anthocyanins in tart cherries that might help you sleep better at night. A new study found that drinking Montmorency tart cherry juice twice a day for two weeks helped increase sleep time by nearly 90 minutes among older adults with insomnia. Read more on this study here. Also, adults who drank two servings of Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate each day for seven days slept about 40 minutes longer on average and had up to a 6 percent increase in sleep efficiency, compared to the participants who drank another beverage. Find more on this study here.

**Watch this spot for more great ways to help with a better night's sleep.

Happy Victoria Day!

Happy Victoria Day long weekend fellow Canadians! Proud to be Canadian but we love our travels to our neighbors in the USA too!

REVIEW: BLACK SEA ON DVD/ BLU-RAY/ DIGITAL LAW

The movie- Black Sea by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

This is a 2014 British adventure thriller film directed by Kevin Macdonald, written by Dennis Kelly, and starring Jude Law.

Jude Law plays, Robinson, who is a veteran Captain of undersea salvage. He was recently divorced. He misses his wife and son. Then on top of everything he loses his job. He is asked to leave. His former employers give money for his services and  ask him to clean out his desk and leave the premises.

Later he finds out, from his friend and former colleague, about a German u-boat that sank during WWII, in the Black Sea. It is reported to have a cargo of gold worth millions. His friends, says he has been working on a plan to recover the gold. This would make his life and the rest of the crew he hires, so much better. Robinson agrees to meet with an unknown backer, named Lewis and the plot thickens.

Being shut in due to the weather at the campground last night, and not having tv hooked up yet, it was sure nice to have a movie to watch/review. There was suspense with this movie from beginning to end. Loved it! It reminded me of a toss of two movies- The Perfect Storm and U-571. Highly recommend it. Great acting through and through and an ending that made sense and didn't have you asking any questions at the end like so many do. 

Book Review: Frugal Isn't Cheap Spend Less, Save More, and Live BETTER by: Clare K. Levison

I recently received a book to review called, “Frugal Isn’tCheap: Spend Less, Save More and Live Better.” The Author is Clare K. Levison, who is also a Certified Public Accountant.

In this book she gives you practical financial advice, with a side of Southern Charm. She promotes taking a realistic and sensible approach to saving money. Instead of abstinence and cutting up your credit cards, she serves up ways to be responsible with your money in a way that everyone can live with. Some of her tips include, a simple formula for financial success and the best ways to make large purchases. 

This made for good reading while we've been traveling. Liked her tips, and facts on saving money and would recommend this book more so for the beginner looking to start saving money and keep themselves out of debt.

Stuck in North Dakota

Well, it looks like we'll be stuck back in Casselton, North Dakota again. Severe rain, and wind that is suppose to turn into snow tonight, has us heading back to our past that campground due to the heavy rains and wind that is pushing the RV when driving.

Had dental surgery scheduled for a fix on root canal, but have to cancel that now. Will have to see about when I can go again.

May 16th- Saturday

Just leaving St Joseph, Missouri. Camped here for the night- never got settled till 11:30 PM . Too late to be looking for a campground actually. But we had tried for over an hour and had issues finding anything in the dark. We came to one our GPS pointed out but was a one way road, and with it being dark, we couldn't really take the chance, so just kept driving and looking.

Nice to have Verizon internet while driving, but costly I'd say, and bumpy when Gerry is driving. Some roads though better than others.

Enjoy the pics!