Is everyone enjoying the warm weather? It finally seems to be here to stay for the summer, and we have wasted no time in getting outdoors for all kinds of sports and family fun. One of our regulars is volleyball, but we're enjoying everything from tennis, basketball, bike rides, family walks, and just about anything you can imagine doing outside. Everyone has a favorite summer sport or activity, and it's good to have the necessary gear for participation. For example, skateboarding can be done wearing just regular sneakers, but did you know there are actual skate shoes that are designed for use while skateboarding? For the longest time I never realized this, until J informed me some time ago. (Leave it to the teenager to teach the adult!).
Skates.Co.UK sent me a pair of DC Youth Block Net Skate Shoes for review. These are overall black with some really eye-catching lime green trim and laces, definitely some shoes that will stand out in a crowd. Perfect for M, who loves bright colors! I love the extra safety these provide for skateboarding. Because of the special design, the shoes feature an almost sticky outer sole that will help the rider maintain a good grip. The shoe upper is made with real leather, so these are certainly shoes that will last for a good long time-even with the wear and tear of skateboarding.
We also discovered that these shoes are perfect for use on scooters too. M loves to ride a scooter, and again, these provide an ultra-tough grip. You don't have to worry about your child's foot slipping off the skateboard/scooter when wearing these skate shoes!
M doing the Mary Poppins stand :)
If you need a pair of skate shoes like these DC Shoes, or perhaps some roller blades or in-line skates for yourself or the kids this summer, why not check out Skates.Co.UK? They have great prices and super fast shipping (even coming from the UK, I was impressed with how fast our shoes arrived!). Of course they also have all kinds of skate gear, from boards, clothes, helmets...it's literally a skate superstore!
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of CB2 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Have you ever wanted to visit a foreign country? I guess techincally I have, because I have been to Canada quite a few times, but somehow Canada just doesn't seem as exotic as Brazil! So, let me share some exciting news with you, how you could win a trip (for up to 4 people) to Brazil.
First of all, the CB2 and Novogratz Sweepstakes is, obviously, sponsored by CB2. I must plead shameful ignorance here, because I had never heard of CB2 before! When I checked out their website though, I immediately fell in love with the beautiful home furnishings and decor. The newest line, CB2 and Novogratz Collection, features pieces from design duo Robert and Courtney Novogratz. This collection was inspired by their vacation home in Brazil, and I just love the style and colors! I think the Quadrado Rug is my personal favorite from the new collection; it is simply stunning.
Now, for what you've been waiting for-information about the CB2 and Novogratz Brasil Sweepstakes! The grand prize winner will receive a 1-week stay (for yourself and 3 friends/family members) at the Novogratz's vacation home in beautiful Trancoso, Brazil. If you don't win the grand prize though, don't despair-10 other winners will receive a $100.00 CB2 gift card, and an autographed copy of "Home by Novogratz". The sweepstakes runs from May 2nd through June 3rd, so what are you waiting for? Hurry up and enter!
I'm really not much of a hat person, unless it's a baseball cap. Give me a baseball cap and I can wear it all day, but other than that-I don't wear hats. That is, I didn't until I discovered the cutest hat ever-the Ladies Scala Visor!
I received a Ladies Scala Visor in Fuchsia/White, and from the moment it arrived, I knew this would be my constant companion for the next several months. It is so much better than a simple baseball cap on so many levels! First of all, this Visor protects your neck as well as your face. Full protection, and it's much wider than a cap bill-it features a 5-inch peak.
Secondly, I love the feminine style of this visor. It brings to mind ladies gardening, or sipping lemonade while visiting in the backyard. Just a lovely, ladylike, must-have accessory!
I know, it doesn't really match the red shirt :)
In addition to the sun protection and style, this visor is perfect for traveling. It has an elastic loop attached at the back so you can simply roll the hat up and toss it in your suitcase, purse, or in a pocket in your car. It is completely crushable/bendable, and it pops right back into shape. I will be bringing this on our trip to Texas and New Mexico next week, as I will be certain to need sun protection out there!
With a retail price of only $25.00, this Ladies Sun Visor is affordable for anyone, and if you're going to be spending any time outside this summer, I highly recommend you check this visor out!
Not too long ago I stumble onto a Jewelry website by the name of TeNo. I was amazed at all their gorgeous pieces, from rings to necklaces to bracelets-and a good selection of accessories as well. I was so pleased when they offered to send me an item for review, and I was given the opportunity to choose one of their Steel Blaze Bracelets. I chose the Blue Steel Blaze Bracelet, simply because it's the color I wear most often. This is a braided leather bracelet with a stainless steel clasp. What is unique is that this doesn't hook or catch, it is magnetized for easy on and off. However, it does not just pop open-something I was wondering about. I wear this just about every day, and whether it's a casual day running errands, or I'm playing racquetball at the gym, the bracelet stays in place.
I love the look of the bracelet; the braided leather gives it almost a western feel (great when I pair it with a denim skirt and cowgirl boots) but the steel clasp adds a touch of elegance. It can really be worn for casual or dressier events, due to the combined leather and steel. Honestly, it's a very versatile piece that any woman would love to have! And, if blue isn't your color, TeNo offers this in several other colors, so be sure to check them all out.
One of my readers will receive a Steel Blaze Bracelet!!
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
How many of you are looking forward to gardening if and when we ever actually get the weather for it? I just posted on my blog about finally getting some consistent spring weather for a few days, and would you believe they're calling for possible snow again? Yeah, it's supposed to hit the low 30's today, and just yesterday it was 80 outside! However, gardening doesn't always call for a huge yard and being outdoors for several hours, digging in the soil. Did you know you can create your own mini garden with Miracle-Gro? That's right, Miracle-Gro is bringing a whole lot of fun garden projects, some of which are for indoor gardens!
So, after getting some inspiration from The Gro Project, a site that shows some really cute ideas for a garden, I decided to try my own. I went with a bowling theme; our family has started bowling quite a bit in the past couple months, so I thought this would be fun. Plus, we had picked up this mini bowling set somewhere, and this looked like a great use for it! With a cost of less than $5.00 total, and only a few minutes to design, creating these mini themed-gardens is something I could really get into! This one is pretty basic, but I am coming up with so many more ideas to try. I used a ceramic baking dish that we had picked up from a Goodwill, and filled it with potting soil. The next step is to add some flowers, and make sure it is planted in good. Then add your theme decorations; in my case, I set up the bowling pins, and used a large marble for the bowling ball. It's so easy, yet fun and pretty! And I know I can give the plants proper care with Shake’n Feed All Purpose Plant Food from Miracle-Gro.
Looks like fun, huh? Be sure to follow Miracle-Gro on Pinterest for more ideas, and you can also check out The Go Project Video!
Have fun getting creative in the garden this year!
Have any of my readers ever grabbed lunch from a food truck? They are a pretty common sight in many larger cities, and even some small towns have a food truck. For example, during the summer when we get a lot of tourists coming through our small town (I'm talking really small-we don't even have a fast food restaurant in town) we have a truck that drives through town offering ice creams and frozen treats, as well as some other snacks. Not a meal truck, but still a food truck after all! Our family visits Chicago several times throughout the year, and this is where you can really see food trucks in action. Some of these trucks have lines longer than the regular restaurants along the street come lunch time! I don't recall ever trying one during our visits, but perhaps we should since they seem to be so popular. Of course, one place almost everyone has sampled food truck fare is at a carnival, fair, or even an amusement park. We will be visiting Six Flags Over Texas next week (yes, we are all vey excited!) and I am sure we will sample some of the finest Texas food truck meals!
As you probably have realized if you've read my blog for any length of time, I am very particular about my MacBook. It has been in the shop twice in the past few weeks for repairs (first time in 4 years of hard use). Both times, I felt like I was missing something important-and I guess I honestly was, since I do so much work on it. Let me just say after using a Mac for 4 years, returning to a PC was a little strange, and made me very thankful to have my MacBook back! Anyways, when I was given the opportunity to choose an item to review from GearZap, a tech device accessory shop, I quickly spotted the perfect piece. GearZap sent me the InvisibleShield for MacBook Pro 15".
This is unlike the typical case you get for a laptop or MacBook, in that it is not a hard plastic case that snaps on and off your device. Instead, it is a clear film that is applied to the top, bottom, and wrist rest/track pad area of your Mac. While this does take longer to put on than a basic case, I believe it is well worth the few extra minutes. You literally peel the film off the backing, spray it down with the applicator spray, and then line it up on your MacBook. This is what takes time; making sure it is lined up properly, and then using the squeegee (included) to remove any air bubbles and such. Once on, you hardly even know it's there, because it is a clear plastic film that clings to the frame. Unlike the previous case I had on for protection, this adds no bulk or weight.
You can't even tell there's a case/cover on!
You may not think a simple film cover is enough to protect your device, but this is military-grade, and will protect against scratches, oils and dust, etc. Watch this video to see just how strong it really is! Check out GearZap for all your device accessory and MacBook case needs; they have something for everyone!
I know, it's every mom's dream, right? Imagine never losing a single sock again! How many times do you run a load of laundry, and end up with a couple single socks with no match? You hold on to them for a few weeks, but the matching sock seems to have just disappeared. I know, we've all been there. That's why I wanted to share this exciting news with you-introducing Sockskies, the solution to the age-old sock dilemma!
Sockskies are fashionable, yet will prevent you from ever having a lost sock again.
THE DESIGN:
OUTSIDE OF EACH SOCK: One button is sewn in the middle upper part of each sock, beautiful and symmetrical.
INSIDE OF EACH SOCK: One button hole is sewn on each inner part of the sock.
QUICK SECOND(S) PROCESS:
After you are done wearing them, simply button up the socks together, throw in the laundry or straight to the washer and dryer. After you wash them, the socks come out paired and together!
Do you have any friends or family who own or ride a motorcycle? While it is something I would love to at least try, no one in our family has a motorcycle. However, I have multiple friends who ride quite frequently. I will be recommending they check out motorcyclehouse for all their cycle needs from now on! We actually have a Pastor friend who usually once a year takes a weekend motorcycle trip with some men from his Church. They have a fun time, ride their motorcycles, and enjoy the company. I'm not sure if any of them wear motorcycle chaps for men, but I do know where they can purchase some now!
While it has been a men-only trip so far, I know a couple of girls from the Church have wanted to join them as well. The Pastor's daughters both enjoy riding, and have tried convincing their Dad to take them along! Maybe I should give them a motorcycle vest for women as a gift this year!
Still rushing around looking for that last minute Mother's Day gift? Thankfully this year I found the perfect gift well in advance, but there are many times that I have been frantically searching for that perfect gift! I mean, when it gets down to it, shopping for Mom can be one of the most nerve-wracking jobs, because we all want our Mom to be happy with her gifts, right?
Well, worry no more, because Seagate has the perfect gift for Mom this year, and you can pick it up online through several different online retailers, including Seagate.com and Amazon.com.
This Mother's day, why not surprise Mom with the Seagate Slim? This lightweight portable hard drive is literally no wider than a pencil's width. In fact, it's about the size of a typical tri-fold wallet! 500GB of storage for all Mom's photos and files, all in this tiny, portable device she can bring anywhere!
"The Seagate Slim portable drive is a thin and light way to back up the things that are important to you on Windows®computers.
Protect your stuff with easy, flexible backups
Automatically save photos from your social networks
Share photos and videos to social networks with a click"
How many of you have trouble finding the perfect gift for a family member? I actually have 2 that are difficult to shop for; my Dad, and my oldest sister. Especially my Dad, because he already has way too many ties and pens, but he doesn't really have a hobby or special interest that we can find related gifts for. However, if your Dad owns or rides a motorcycle, you might want to consider shopping for him at motorcyclehouse. You might be thinking motorcycle-related gifts would be expensive, but I assure you, you can find great gift ideas for very reasonable prices at Motorcyclehouse. For example, check out these mens biker gloves, that sell for only $24.99.
Of course, men aren't the only ones who enjoy motorcycles; I have a friend who enjoys riding with her brother, so don't count out the ladies when it comes to bikers! In fact, if your Mom rides a motorcycle, a pair of motorcycle gloves for women would make the perfect Mother's Day gift this weekend!
Okay, I am so excited to be sharing this fun product with you all today! Especially since we're finally getting the type of weather you can wear tees outside comfortably now, instead of freezing cold or pouring rain-our typical weather for the past month. Del Sol is a company that specializes in color changing clothes, and they graciously allowed me to choose a tee for review. I chose the Tribal Turtle T-Shirt, and it didn't take long for this to arrive.
When I first tried on the shirt, I immediately loved the fit and feel. It's just the right size; not too tight, but not bulky at all either. I also appreciate that it doesn't have cap sleeves or the mini sleeves typically found on women's tees. Those drive me nuts, and I was so glad to see that this shirt has regular short sleeves!
The real fun though, was wearing my new shirt outdoors. I tried it out once, and then called some of the kids out to see it. They were enthralled! Literally, within seconds of stepping out into the sun, the turtle design starts changing colors. It turns from white to sparkling colors in just seconds! Very fun, and the perfect piece to wear at any outside event or happening this summer! And, you might think that it needs special care with the color-changing feature, but simply cold wash and then dry on low in your dryer, and you're ready to go!
Did you know that motorcyclists have unique clothing that they wear especially for riding their cycles? I knew that most bikers had jackets, and possibly chaps, but I didn't realize there were also specific biker vests. However, it does make sense. Although I personally love the look and feel of leather, I think if I was going to take a motorcycle ride at night, I would much prefer having a reflective vest like this one.
However, I would probably end up with multiple vests, because honestly, I am a huge fan of leather. Probably stems from my love of all things horses, which includes leather saddles and other equipment, but ever since I was a child I have had a fondness for leather. So, I think if I was gearing up to get a motorcycle, I would probably end up with a reflective vest, and a leather biker vest. There are many choices in the style and design of biker vests; you can even get a motorcycle vest for women. These look just lovely. I love the fitted style of this one. Very feminine looking, yet not out of place on a motorcycle ride!
Hope's Cafe is a PR friendly blog. If you have a product or client you would like featured on Hope's Cafe, please email me at onepilgrim86[at]yahoo.com
I also accept paid advertising and sponsored posts. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Posts
