2020 Father's Day Gift Guide

Celebrate Father's Day June 21st, 2020! Find the perfect gift for Father's Day but checking out some of the brands we're partnering with this year.


doTERRA - DIY Beard Oil- 

The Cedarwood, Melaleuca and Rosemary oils, combined with vitamin oils and a variety of moisturizing ingredients, provides an all-natural, leave-in conditioner that nourishes and moisturizes beards. It stops dryness, tangles, and frizz while bringing out your beard's natural luster. Recipe, instructions and oil uses can be found here. 



doTERRA- Volo Onyx Diffuser- 

The Volo has a handcrafted polyresin stone top with a custom diamond pattern and multiple light settings. Combine the Volo with some man-cave-worthy essential oils and dad is set!  Volo Onyx Diffuser Uses and Benefits 




Letsfit T126L Sleep Machine-

This affordable sleep machine is great for any Dads looking to relax and catch a bit of shut eye (which is even tougher with the kids home). The sleep machine includes up to to 14 natural sounds to help Dad quickly drift off to sleep and get the rest he deserves. When selecting from the sound menu, I personally enjoy the Dryer Setting. Additionally, the sleep machine provides touch control, a soothing warm light, and a timer feature that allows Dad to get a nap in without missing a beat! 

Underdog Games-

Trekking the National Parks brings the fun and challenge of modern family board games to your table. The game was specially designed to be both entertaining and educational. Every park card features an interesting fact and gorgeous photograph that will inspire players to explore the protected natural wonders of America. Each game also begins with a unique setup that alters the play experience in surprising ways, allowing for endless replayability. Trekking the National Parks is the perfect gift to anyone who loves the outdoors and board games.


Banana Republic -

We are holding our loved ones close during these tough times and whether we are with them virtually or in-person, this Father’s Day is a great way to celebrate, appreciate and honor the dad’s in our lives. With Tie-Dye must-haves, sustainable Traveler Jeans, moisture-wicking Core Temp chinos, versatile backpacks, stylish sneakers and more – Banana Republic offers a wide selection of on-trend, summer ready pieces and accessories perfect for any father-figure, even if they’re celebrating inside!

Our pick: Banana Republic’s Dry Indigo^© Traveler Denim – a collection of men’s denim made using 99% less water than traditional dyeing methods and Banana Republic’s most sustainable jeans yet! The Dry Indigo^© Traveler Denim is offered in four washes in a slim fit and is a great comfortable, everyday jean for the father-figure in your life.

Dearfoams Slippers -

For the dad who spends a lot of time on his feet these comfortable, cushioning slippers will be the perfect fit. Offered in a variety of styles all under $100, each pair of Dearfoams slippers are equipped with the brand’s extensively tested memory foam insoles and are lined with cozy fabrics such as genuine Australian sheepskin, giving them all the elements needed to make all dad’s feel good around the house.

In addition, for every pair of slippers purchased on Dearfoams.com, the brand will donate a pair to a healthcare worker on the front lines amid the COVID-19 pandemic as part of their “buy one, give one” program until 6/15.

Timbre & Style-

Father’s Day is the opportunity to celebrate our dads which usually sneaks up on us as we are still congratulating ourselves for having aced Mother’s Day. Gift ideas that are both useful and affordable do not always come easy. When time is of the essence, however, nothing at all may come to mind. Drawing conclusions from recent purchases of your dad may not work either: between juggling chores at home and tackling competing priorities in their jobs, dads may not find the time to shop for themselves. So, what do you give to a person who seemingly has everything they ever wanted? Considering how your dad spends his few moments of free time may be a straight-forward way to finding a gift that he is actually going to enjoy.

Timbre & Style is a new apparel company that has been challenging state-of-the-art processes of graphic design. The designs focus on topics people are passionate about, and they are slightly abstract which makes them look engaging for a long time: people deeply involved in the topic will “connect the dots”, while others may only see geometric shapes. All Timbre & Style t-shirts are printed on high-quality and ultra-comfortable fabrics. You can find them at timbreandstyle.com as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

goSili’s Travel Mug-

Dad will love his morning coffee or favorite beverage in goSili’s Travel Mug, the only silicone coffee cup on the market without a plastic lid. GoSili travel mugs are 100% platinum European grade silicone and 100% plastic-free with an embedded stainless steel ring that makes them strong enough to grip without collapsing. It's microwaveable, it's stylish, and it'll fit in dad’s cup holder!


Rad Dad Crop•Ex Coffee Gift Set-

Rad Dad Crop•Ex Coffee Gift Set

includes $10 discount to use on future orders

$25 with free shipping (over $45 value)

The perfect gift for the father in your life who appreciates a hint of exotic in their morning cup of Joe. This Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Co. Father's Day gift set includes two 12-ounce bags of Crop•Ex single origin coffee. The Costa Rica Tarrazu is a medium-dark roast with hints of dark chocolate and orange peel. The Ethiopia Guji Hambela is a medium-light roast with hints of caramel and lime. Order online.

While best known for its delectable flavored coffees, Barnie’s also sells Crop•Ex, a premium line of single-origin, small batch roasts. Each Crop Ex specialty coffee can be traced back to its literal roots in family farms around the globe. On the day it’s roasted, each bag is hand-signed and dated to validate its authenticity.

**Watch this spot for more gift ideas coming soon!

Affordable Gifts for Dog Lovers

We all want to give our friends and family special gifts for their birthday and for the holidays. But we also know that this can get pretty expensive. If you are on a budget, there are still a lot of cool and thoughtful presents you can buy for your loved ones. You just need to know where to look.

Is your friend or family member a dog lover? We have found some fantastic and affordable gifts you can consider.

Customized Blanket

When you are watching television on the couch at night, everybody likes to snuggle up with a cozy blanket. This could make a great gift for your family or friends. But you do not want to get them any generic blanket. Instead, you can customize it! Since they love their canine so much, why not choose an adorable image of their pooch for the blanket? They are going to love this thoughtful gift and they can actually use it. Do not worry, it is not a gift that is going to break the bank either. Everybody wins!

Dog Chef Apron

Do you know a dog owner that loves to cook? Perhaps it is time that they had their own personal apron. There are some awesome chef aprons out there with adorable dog designs. Not only is this a thoughtful gift by considering your loved one’s hobbies, but it can also be special with dogs on it. A lot of chef aprons are affordable and you can find one that is within your budget for birthdays or the holidays.

Personal Canvas

Probably every dog lover will have a photo of their canine on their wall or in a frame. It is the rules of owning a pup! The good thing is, a personal canvas can make an affordable and special gift for a friend or family member. You can look online for the best gifts for pet lovers and order a customized canvas with an image of their dog. It will be one of their favourite pictures to hang on the wall.

Dog Wine Charms

If you are on a budget, you obviously want to keep the price down on gifts for loved ones. But in the process, you want to make sure that they still think they are getting a good present. Well, if you have a friend that loves a drink in the evening, we suggest dog wine charms. They are going to be much cheaper than buying a good bottle of wine but just as much fun to use if they are a dog lover.

Dog Throw Pillow

Perhaps you are searching for a thoughtful gift for somebody that loves home décor. Well, we have the perfect solution; a dog throw pillow! You can get a lot of designs now that are fun, colorful and personal. This means that there is a throw pillow out there for everybody, including dog owners. You can choose one with a funny message or even have it personalized with an image of their pooch.

Book Review: Contesting: The Name It & Claim It Game: WINeuvers for WISHcraft

I just finished reading my copy of the book Contesting: The Name it and Claim It Game by Helene (Helen) Hadsell -- The woman who wins every contest she enters.. book updated by Carolyn Wilman- aka- The Contest Queen.
This book is 153 pages long. It is a softcover book with a few photos and a few illustrations on the inside. It is an easy read book with a good size print. 
In the book you will read about Carolyn Wilman and how her love of being a contestor led her to a most memorable visit with Helene, before her death.

You will learn Helene’s dynamic philosophy of successful living through positive thinking, and you too can enjoy rich rewards in terms of spiritual, physical, and material well-being.

The book also contains:

• SPEC – what is it and how to use it to win prizes, and in life
• Learn WINeuvers for WISHcraft using your WINgenuity
• Helene’s Three-Step Process for Success
• The Difference Between Desire & Knowing
• How Helene Won a Fully Furnished Home
• The Nuts & Bolts of Contest Mechanics – the basics
• Frequently Asked Questions

I had enjoyed this book as I have been a contestor myself since my earlier years. I knew of Carolyn in the contest world and had seen Utube videos of Helene, and both were most interesting ladies.

I found it amazing how Helene could win so much by just wishing it!

I still continue to this day to enjoy entering contests, and on occassion win some.

My daughter also enjoys doing the same, and is much luckier than her mom, and spends more time with it.

Winning is fun...but to get there luck and a positive attitude are a must!

Our Changing Lockdown Behaviours

Lockdown has led many stuck at how for the past two to three months seek out new ways to stay busy or to stay entertained whilst waiting for the green light to get back to a normal day to day, whilst for some that day may be extremely close, there is still the possibility that there could be further delays extending this period of time - for many these changes are new forms of entertainment may be likely to stick around for a longer period of time, but what are some of the most popular alternatives?

DIY and home improvement -

It may be a surprise to many, but one of the most popular ways that many in lockdown are filling their day can be found in home improvement - there had been a big surge of people visiting DIY stores to get supplies to use their time to do some gardening or a little home improvement. Perhaps these are tasks that you’ve been putting off for a while because you just didn’t have time with your busy schedule, or just unsure on how to tackle the new project - this period of downtime has presented many with a way to approach doing so with all the free time available.

A hobby job -

I know what you’re thinking, how can a job be considered entertainment? Well fortunately for many during the lockdown, more time can be spent on their favourite hobby, and also luckily for many that means they have been able to turn something they love into a pseudo job whilst they may not currently be at work. This could be through crafting hobbies where you utilise sites such as Etsy to sell your goods, or even service sites like Fiverr for things in the creative field like video editing. Whilst it may not be a permanent solution, it could lead to many looking for a change in environment in the future.

A bit of gaming -

It’s not surprise that both gaming and streamed content have become extremely popular, what may be surprising is the audience that this may be targeting - mobile gaming especially is up amongst an older audience which has only been accelerated by the lockdown - the most popular of these can be found in online casinos as some have been facing their own struggles recently with regulation change and the introduction of initiatives such as gamstop, but directories such as this site are great for non UK casinos and a big part in why this market in particular is managing to grow an audience. Given that this also provides some with a chance to maybe win a little money on the side too, it’s no surprise that growth has been seen here.

For others changes may not be seen in alternative entertainment as many are finding a shift in priorities as more home life is leading many to reevaluate how much time is spent doing other stuff - and now lockdown is drawing to an end, it’s expected that big changes will be seen in how people handle their day to day, many of these changes in behaviour may be seen to remain for the longer term.

Flin Flon, Manitoba from the Sky

Review: Sibu Sea Berry (sea buckthorn) Oil

I love trying skincare products- and with being 50+, my skin becomes more and more "needy" as time marched on.

I recently was reading about a product called sea buckthorn, and found a company selling beauty products made with it, called Sibu.

Sea buckthorn skin benefits are vast, powerful, and incredibly healing. I have been using the sea berry seed oil of theirs for a few weeks already, on my face, and noticed wrinkle lines around my eyes have minimized. I find it makes my skin glow, and am going to start trying it on my legs. The oil appears to be very good for my face, and with dry legs that are hard to keep moisturized, this product is one I will have to start applying elsewhere on my body.

Everyone deserves to have beautiful skin and the confidence that comes with it...

But finding the right treatment for your skin type can be tricky.

Sea Berry (sea buckthorn) Oil has worked for my face, and am onward to trying it on my hands, and legs. Read the testimonials on their page, and you will see others have good things to say as well! Find how it can benefit you.

Filling Your Heart With Love- Squishmallows Flip-A-Mallow

Say Hello to the "Squishmallows Flip-A-Mallow!" Squishmallows plush toys are here to fill your hearts with love and affection. Since 2017, the versatile Squishmallows have grown into an international phenomenon and offer comfort, support and warmth as friends, couch companions, pillow pals, bedtime buddies and travel teammates. They make great gifts for all ages! Each Squishmallow has its own unique name and story line to add to the fun.

These are so cute, soft and squishy. I really like how they are not only kid friendly but even adults love the feel of them and their cuteness. I highly recommend them for brightening anyone's day! See below the toys and how they flip into another. 

Kellytoy created the line of loveable buddies from super soft, marshmallow-like texture and polyester (machine washable) and come in a variety of sizes from 3.5-inch clip-ons to an extra large 24 inches. The Squishmallows product line continues to expand with other styles such as Hug Mees™, Stackables, Mystery Squad and these cute, soft and squishy, Flip-A-Mallows.

Squishmallows are available in everyday and seasonal styles, and distributed through major, online and specialty retailers such as Walgreens, Amazon, Five Below, Costco, Learning Express and more!

Why Are White Shaker Cabinets So Popular?

As a homeowner, one of the things that bring you deep satisfaction in your house is a perfect kitchen. So, there's every likelihood you'll consider installing a popular design like white shaker cabinets. White shaker cabinets have grown in popularity for several reasons, and many believe that they are here to stay.

Investing in a kitchen remodel or purchasing new cabinetry for your kitchen has never been any easier for homeowners. Whether you are on a tight budget or looking to get the best that money can buy, you'll find that there are more than enough options to give your kitchen a face lift.

In our opinion, white shaker cabinets are a great way to go , and here are some common reasons why they are so popular among homeowners today; and why you should consider getting then.

They Are Classic and Timeless

You can never go wrong by picking shaker style cabinets for your home. This is a reputation that shaker cabinets have acquired and maintained for many years now. Most cabinet styles are great but trendy in fashion. This means that after a few years, the trends will shift,leaving you with the need to install new or current designs.

White shaker cabinets will live beyond trends and are simply the classics when it comes to kitchen cabinetry. So you really do not have to worry about updating your cabinets or keeping up with what's in trend. Because of their exquisite designs, white shaker cabinets can easily blend into any home style, either old or contemporary.

White Shaker Cabinets Brightens Your Room

You probably would like to have a warm and bright ambiance in your room or kitchen. That's another good reason why white shaker cabinets are so popular. They have a way of filling the room with natural brightness and projecting the lighting in the room with a welcoming feel.

Matches Almost All Existing Appliances

Generally, white color is universal, and they go with almost anything within your space. So getting white shaker cabinets eliminates the need to worry about contrast and color. Most appliances will blend in naturally in a white background.

Even if you later decide to do a bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen remodel, you won't need to worry about replacing your cabinets. Besides, white shaker cabinets make an excellent canvas for creative designs. You can combine any color of choice to reflect your style.

Shaker Cabinets Are Cost-Effective

Besides offering you the best in quality and style, shaker cabinets are generally
pocket-friendly. In other words, if you're looking to remodel your kitchen, you do not have to suffer any serious financial strain. Think of white shaker cabinets as everyone's preference when it comes to cost.

They’re Easy To Clean

The simple designs of shaker cabinets make them easy to clean. When you compare with most cabinets with a lot of ridges and curves on their surface, you'll find that white shaker cabinets consume less time and energy in cleaning.

In conclusion, picking the right cabinets for your home is no brainier at all. White shaker cabinets have stood the test of time and still rank at the top of the list.

Wondery Releases New Podcast “The Daily Smile”

Wondery, the world’s largest independent podcast producer, has launched a new show titled “The Daily Smile.” The program aims to balance out the barrage of negative news by providing feel-good stories from around the world.

According to the Harvard Business Review, individuals are 27 percent more likely to report having a bad day within six to eight hours after engaging in negative news stories, while 88 percent are more likely to report having a good day within six to eight hours after listening to a trans-formative story.   

“The Daily Smile” is a daily podcast hosted by Nikki Boyer that showcases the triumphs and uplifting stories in the world. The show explores carefully curated stories, such as the quarantine love story where a young man in Brooklyn used a drone, a bubble and some inventiveness to start dating a neighbor; or the inspiring group of elderly women in the UK who came together during quarantine and created their very own version of “The Golden Girls.”

Marshall Lewy, Wondery’s Chief Content Officer noted, “At Wondery, we create shows that get listeners immersed in a story—and with ‘The Daily Smile,’ we want listeners to start their day with a positive one. Nikki brings humor and positive energy to ‘The Daily Smile,’ and working with her again gives us the opportunity to bring our listeners joy on a daily basis.”

With interviews, inspiring clips and chats with truly special guests, “The Daily Smile” takes you on a journey into goodness that will leave you with, yes, a smile on your face. New episodes are posted every weekday morning.

Nikki Boyer, host of Wondery’s “Dying for Sex,” is a vibrant comedic personality and three-time Emmy award-winning TV personality. As host of Yahoo’s “Daytime in No Time,” Boyer became the most-watched woman on the web, garnering over 700 million clicks. She recently guest-starred on TBS’s “Angie Tribeca” and the Netflix revival of “Gilmore Girls.” 

Boyer had this to say of her new program: “I love the idea that ‘The Daily Smile’ has one clear intention —to bring additional joy to the world.  We want to help spread some goodness, one feel-good story at a time.” 

Listen to episodes of “The Daily Smile” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.  And, for ad-free listening, subscribe to Wondery+ at Wondery.com

About Wondery

Wondery is the largest independent podcast publisher in the world, known for character-driven, binge-worthy stories including “Dirty John,” “Dying for Sex,” “Dr. Death,” “The Shrink Next Door,” “Blood Ties” and “Business Wars.” Wondery is behind 8 of the Top 20 New Shows of 2019 according to Podtrac, with The Shrink Next Door landing at the #1 new show of 2019. Twenty-six of Wondery’s shows have hit #1 on Apple Podcasts. Several of them have been, or are in the process of being, adapted for scripted television. Wondery has gained critical acclaim and commercial success for its immersive approach to sonic, emotionally-immersive storytelling which helps listeners to “feel the story”.  To learn more go to www.wondery.com.

Spreading Your Income - Tips For Making A Little Pocket Change

The spread of the coronavirus has made a number of things very clear to the everyday man - the top of the list has perhaps been that relying on one stream of income can often be a little uncertain in times like these - we’ve seen worldwide record high unemployment numbers and the struggles faced by those who are now in a position they didn’t think they would be. This had led to the surge in searches for those looking to find a different method of income, even in the short term - and here are some great tips for making a little extra.

Market your hobby - 

We’ve seen a number of sites pop up over the years that really help in this field such as Etsy, but if you have a creative hobby now may be the perfect time to grow your hobby into something a little more. This doesn’t need to be anything too extravagant either, if you’re able to focus in on a small niche you may be able to find success without the need to try too hard, especially if your product is a good one. Once you find your small pocket to operate within, you may be able to move away from some of these marketplaces and set up your own dedicated space, but this may be a great way to earn a little extra on the side whilst doing something you love.

Betting and gambling -

A bit of a risky one for some, but there are plenty that are able to safely make a little pocket change from doing a little betting here and there, especially if you understand it. You can find a list of non UK casinos here that offer great odds and sign up bonuses to get started, if you avoid a lot of the high risk of random games, you may be able to find a game that gives you a good return in a safe way - all it takes is practice and a little time, as well as a lot of control to not reach too far.

Document your journey -

Vlogging and blogging are still just as big as they ever  were and there’s a growing popularity in documenting your niche journey - it may not be something that takes off immediately, but if you stick to it you may be able to find an audience represented within your niche who may be interested in how you’ve found some success. As your audience grows, your income may grow alongside it if you’re able to gain subscribers or viewers through whichever platform you decide works for you - if you’re passionate it will show.

There are plenty of other avenues that you can take too, these are just a few small suggestions - as mentioned however it has become more important than ever to be able to support yourself in more ways than one during this crisis - it’s still uncertain whether or not a second wave of infection may come causing further delays in getting back to work, now may be the perfect time to try something new.