Kids and adults love collecting the 50 state quarters series. In 1999 us mint started releasing quarters that highlighted each state in America! Each year since 1999, us mint has released 4 new state quarters. Until 2009 when the last 5 state quarters were released.
I have collected many sets of these 50 state quarters. My favorite set I bought was the painted 50 state quarters set! You can see it listed below! So grab a quarters collectors book and start collecting those state quarters!
Kids and adults love collecting the 50 state quarters series. In 1999 us mint started releasing quarters that highlighted each state in America! Each year since 1999, us mint has released 4 new state quarters. Until 2009 when the last 5 state quarters were released.
I have collected many sets of these 50 state quarters. My favorite set I bought was the painted 50 state quarters set! You can see it listed below! So grab a quarters collectors book and start collecting those state quarters!
Anyone Can Start Collecting State Quarters
Although these quarters have been around for a while, it is never too late to start collecting them. You can grab yourself a bargain by scouring eBay or amazon and seeing which ones you have.
Buying a complete set at once would be expensive and nowhere near as much fun as adding to your collection gradually. Collecting is all about adding to what you already have, a bit at a time until you have a collection you can be truly proud of.
Get yourself a quarter collector’s book if you want to keep track of what you already have and what you want. Perhaps you have a friend who you want to compete with, seeing who can complete their collection first.
This is also handy if you find you have duplicates because you can swap one of your duplicates for one of theirs, and both of you end up with a better collection. Many things are more fun if you are not doing them alone and part of the appeal of deciding to collect state quarters means you can enjoy this hobby with another family member or with a friend, each of you taking pride in your collection and encouraging each other too.
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Collecting the 50 State Quarters is fun for kids!
Do you collect the 50 State Quarters?
Collecting the United States Quarters is fun because you always have quarters in your pocket and when you find one you need to fill up that book, it can be exciting!
What’s this 50 state quarters thing all about?
The US Mint tell you about the 50 State Quarter program!
Celebrate our 50 states with the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program. Thanks to this innovative ten-year program, every 10 weeks you will see a new state’s quarter – released in the order states were admitted into the Union. Every coin is unique, as is every state’s design selection process. To learn more about this exciting celebration, check out the Program Fact Sheet, the Design Criteria, the Evaluation Process and The History of the Quarter.
Hawaii is one of the 50 State Quarter Collection
Hawaii State Quarter
The fifth and final quarter-dollar coin released in 2008 honors the State of Hawaii and is the 50th and last coin in the United States Mint’s popular 50 State Quarters Program. Hawaii, spelled “Hawai” in the Hawaiian language, is nicknamed “The Aloha State.” It became the 50th state admitted to the Union on August 21, 1959. The release of this quarter signals the end of the ten-year 50 State Quarters Program.
State Series Quarters Collector Map
This Quarter Collection Folder is a Great Way to Introduce Kids to U.S. Quarter Collecting!
This map is a nice size, and you can view which years the different States launched their quarters on the back. Open the map using the Velcro seal and read some fun facts about each State. Next to the facts area is a huge color-coded map of the whole of the United States. Each State has an opening where you can put the corresponding quarter from the State. This is an enjoyable tool for people of any age, kids or grownups, to use when collecting State quarters. Once you have all the quarters, you can either display the map by standing it up on a table or shelf, or you could get it framed and hang it on the wall so you can showcase your whole State quarters collection. When the map is open it measures 37" by 13" inches. The folded size is 13" by 12" inches. This is ideal for collectors of State quarters because there is somewhere to put each quarter, and then you can admire the whole collection.
50 State Quarters
Will 50 State Quarters Ever Appreciate in Value?
The State Quarters program is one of the most popular coin series in American history, and about 140 million people are believed to be collecting them. Whether or not they appreciate in value has a lot to do with the state of the economy in the future.
If people need to cash in those quarters because they need the money, the market is going to be inundated with them, and that will push their value down, yet that would also mean fewer collectors.
The value would depreciate because there would be a greater supply of the quarters available to collectors, but this depreciation would not be permanent.
On a national level, this scenario is fairly unlikely, and fluctuations are usually brief and modest. Also, coin dealers have a fair bit of control over coin values, so if a lot of state quarters hit the market suddenly, these coin collectors would snatch most of them up. This would be a good thing because they would be removing the excess coins from the market, thereby pushing the prices up.
People are putting away their complete uncirculated sets since experts believe the answer to the question " will 50 state quarters ever appreciate in value" is a definite yes, although it is not known for sure when this is likely to happen.
As with any collectible, it is worth completing your collection and keeping them safe until the price does rise, and then you can decide what to do with your collection when the time comes.
Best Reasons to Collect State Quarters
Collecting is always fun, no matter what you happen to collect. Some people only collect things so they can sell them in the future, but for others the main pleasure is collecting the quarters and either trying to make a complete set or taking pride in the complete set of 50 state quarters they already own; the price of their collection is secondary because they do not only collect in order to sell.
However, if you do invest in rolls of state quarters whenever you have some spare cash, and keep them somewhere safe, by the time you wish to retire or use the money, it is a safe bet that they will have appreciated in value.
1 S 1999 thru 2009 US Proof Sets – 11 Set Combo Deal Proof
A wonderful gift or something for you to collect, this set offers all the coins from 1999 through 2009, and you get 127 coins in all, so a complete set and something to be proud of. The set includes all the San Francisco Mint ‘S’ mints plus the 6 new territories. The 4-coin Lincoln Commemorative Cents from the 2009 set is included too, and you can be assured this set comes with government packaging with the US Mint Certificate of Authenticity. If you would prefer to buy the whole set rather than collecting the individual coins, or you want to present this to somebody as a fascinating gift for Christmas, their birthday or another occasion, this is a great buy.
The 50 State Quarters program for Kids!
Encourage Kids to Start Collecting the 50 State Quarters!
Collecting the 50 State Quarters can be educational and fun for kids! 50 State Quarters Program is a hit with kids! Thousands of children are collecting these unique coins-one commemorative quarter for each state in the Union-and learning more about their country’s history and heritage. Bring the excitement of this historic event to your classroom with FREE 50 State Quarters Program lesson plans. Designed by teachers for teachers, each lesson plan includes everything you will need to create stimulating learning experiences for your students!
50 State Quarters Game
Individual 50 State Quarters
Take a look at the currently available state quarter coins and see which ones you want to add to your collection. Perhaps you are only 1 or 2 coins away from a full set, or maybe you want to get some of these as gifts for a collector in your family or group of friends. Either way, you know what you are going to get when shopping online for these collectible coins. As time goes on they are going to become more rare and collectible, so grab your chance to get the coins you need now, and you can take pride in your patriotic collection. The availability of these coins changes too, so keep an eye on this page (perhaps bookmark it) and then check back to see when your most-wanted coins become available.
What is Error Coins Worth?
As an alternative to collecting state quarters (or if your collection is complete and you are looking for a new coin challenge!), you might like to look out for error coins. When coins are minted, various errors can happen, and the coin not looks right. You can buy these or just look out for them in your small change.
Plating Issues
Cents made later than 1981 are struck in zinc and copper. Zinc is plated with copper for the coppery appearance, so the coin looks like solid copper. Sometimes the metal is not plated along with the nickel, resulting in silver-colored coins. Coins like this are worth up to $10 each.
Quarters, dimes and half dollars are made of nickel and copper, and the nickel is used for a silver appearance. If the metal is not plated properly, then coins will look like copper instead. Expect to make between $5 and $20 for one of these coins.
Blank Coins
A planchet is a blank metal disc, and you get those when the disc escapes the mind. A blank on is worth $1 to $4 depending on the condition, but you are unlikely to find one of these in your small change.
Misprinted Coins
Sometimes coins will have a feature missing if there was some grease between the planchet and the die, or another kind of foreign object in the way. This happens a lot, so these coins are not worth much more than their face value, although you are more likely to discover one in your wallet or pocket if the error is very small, since most people will have overlooked it.
Off-Center Minting
Do you have a coin which has been minted off-center? If you can still read the 4 digits of the date, the coin is worth more than if the date is smudged or obscured. The more off-center the strike, the more you can sell the coin for, as a rule, and the date makes a difference too. Most of these error coins are worth $1 to $10 depending on these factors.
National Park Quarter Archive Map Hardcover
If you are looking for a collector map to display your collection of state quarters, you might like to find out more about this one. Featuring 56 openings for the National Park quarters, you can really show them off in here. The back, front and inside of the album are glossy, and the covers are 1/8 inch thick, so it is nice and sturdy. The coins fit snugly, and there is a list on the back cover which tells you each quarter’s name and year. Inside there is a page telling you when each historical park, national park, national forest or national refuge was established. Each opening shows off one side of the coin only, but if you do not mind that, then you should like this album because it is reasonably priced, good quality and ideal for anybody who likes to collect state quarters.
The Official U.S. Mint 50 State Quarters 1999-2008 (P and d Album)
This hard cover album is archival quality, and it has thick cardboard pages with reinforced edges. There are 5 pages, and each one holds 20 coins. The quarters fit snugly and do not fall out because there is a thin sheet of plastic between the coins and the page to hold them in place. You will find a space for both Pennsylvania and Denver coins and the album is well-made and seems very durable and professional. There is a short history of the quarters on the inside cover. There is no page for territory quarters, so you will need to put those elsewhere. This is a nice buy whether or not you have completed, or already begun, your 50 State quarters collection.
Baseball Legend TED WILLIAMS US State Quarter Colorized 3-Coin Set *Licensed*
This is perfect for anyone who likes to collect state quarters, and it also makes a wonderful gift. You will get Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, and Ted Williams, all immortalized on state quarters, and these are collectible and should increase in value over time as long as you take care of them. Collecting coins is a popular hobby because once you have finished collecting one set, you can begin with another, swapping and adding to your collection until it is complete, and getting the satisfaction that finishing a set brings you. Coins take up very little space too, so you do not need a large room to begin this hobby. These coins are unusual, and they are a good purchase.
Fifty State (District of Columbia and Territorial) Commemorative Quarter Folder: Deluxe Edition (Official Whitman Coin Folder)
Fifty State (District of Columbia and Territorial) Commemorative Quarter Folder: Deluxe Edition (Official Whitman Coin Folder)Sometimes when people collect State quarters they also seem to accumulate a range of folders and albums, wanting the best one to showcase their collection. This sturdy, attractive folder is great for your State quarters. It is not a multi-page album, but you can fit the whole set in there, including the Denver and Pennsylvania quarters. This folder costs much less than the multi-page kind, and the coins can be displayed without touching one another. Open out the folder to admire your whole collection. There is other information about the States printed on the folder too. This is a great budget choice.
50 States Quarters Platinum Paperback
This trifold book is a great way to show off your collection, and you can fit all the coins in there and admire them all at once without having to turn a page. There are lots of 50 States quarters albums, books and folders to choose from, so it pays to take your time and make sure you choose something you are going to be happy with. This one is nice for a child who wants to collect State quarters, but it is also a good choice for an adult too. The quality is good, and the book displays the coins nicely.
State Quarter Map
Colorful 50 State Quarters Map
U.S. Commemorative Quarter Collection Map makes collecting these quarters fun for the kids! U.S. Commemorative Quarter Collection Map, Every year through 2008, the U.S. Mint will be releasing five specially designed commemorative state quarters in the order that the states joined the Union. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to begin collecting all 50 coins in this incredible map display.
The open display board is a beautiful U.S. map measuring 26-inch wide by 16.5-inch tall, and each state has a pop-out where you will place the new coin when it is released. The back showcases the 50 state flags along with the year each quarter is to be released. Features sturdy construction and elegant artwork with gold foil stamping.
Begin collecting all 50 state coins in this incredible map display
Display board is a beautiful U.S. map measuring 26-inch wide by 16.5-inch tall
Each state has a pop-out where you will place the new coin when it is released
The back showcases the 50 state flags along with the year each quarter is to be released
Features sturdy construction and elegant artwork with gold foil stamping
50 State Quarters Collection
Take a look at these 50 state quarters collections and see which one matches your requirements. Some people already have most of the quarters and just need 1 or 2 more, while others prefer to begin with a small collection of several pieces and then add to it, and others just want to purchase the entire collection as a souvenir or gift without actually having to collect the coins separately. Whichever sounds like you, have a look what is available today and see which tallies with your existing coin collection. Buying coins online is easy, and it means you can see at a glance which coins are available and what the current price is. Some of these come with folders or display books.
50 State Quarters Collector’s Folder: 1999-2008 Denver & Philadelphia Mints
50 State Quarters Collector’s Folder: 1999-2008 Denver & Philadelphia mints it’s a coin collector’s dream folder, with space for every state’s newly designed quarters–arranged according to the year each was minted–along with dozens of fascinating facts. When Congress passed the "50 States Commemorative Coin Program Act" in 1997, which led to the creation of quarters honoring every state in the union, its members especially hoped that young people and their families would collect these memorable tokens.
More about the State Quarters Program
State Quarter Collection for Me for You
5 quarters were released each year between 1999 and 2008 by the United States Mint, and the reason for this was to spark interest in the country’s legal tender as well as in the history of the United States. One-quarter was released every 73 days, and each one came out in the order in which the state joined the Union.
Each state has its own specially designed quarter which reflects its personality and accomplishments, and collecting all of them is something which appeals to adults and kids alike.
What’s on the Head and Tail Sides?
The heads side still has George Washington on, but you will notice that his portrait is smaller than on regular quarters. It says ‘quarter dollar’ at the bottom of the coin and ‘The United States of America’ (instead of Liberty) at the top. At the left, it says ‘Liberty, ’ and at the right, it says ‘in God We Trust’ so the portrait is smaller to make room for the text.
On the tails side, there is something to do with each state. The governor of each state decides what goes in the quarters and the citizens of that state often help.
Ohio quarters, for example, has a spacesuit and the Wright Brothers’ airplane, and the text ‘Birthplace of Aviation Pioneers’. The New York quarters feature the caption ‘Gateway to Freedom’ and the Statue of Liberty.
On the whole, this program has been hugely successful and more than 100 million people have either shown interest or are actively collecting the quarters. Not only is collecting state quarters something for avid collectors but it is also educational and will teach you more about the history of the United States and what each state is most proud of and most famous for.
Quarterama: Ideas and Designs of America’s State Quarters, Pocket Change Edition
This paperback book with its color illustrations is a fascinating way to familiarize yourself with America’s state quarters and find out more information about them. Each one of the 160 pages is sure to grab your attention and curiosity, offering a wealth of facts, dates, maps, mintages, and more. Whether or not you already have a full or partially completed collection of state quarters, this is a great book to increase your interest in the topic and offer plenty of useful information. This book makes a great gift for any coin collection or anyone interested in collecting coins. Even if you already know a lot about coin collecting and America’s state quarters, this book is sure to give you some more knowledge about these collectible coins.
A Pocketful of History: Four Hundred Years of America–One State Quarter at a Time
A Pocketful of History: Four Hundred Years of America–One State Quarter at a time one of the most successful and ambitious programs the US Mint has ever taken on is that of the fifty state quarters. The project has been well received by the public and thus has become extremely popular with collectors both old and young alike. The programs last minting occurred in 2008 and with the relapse of the last coin gave everyone in America a chance to have a unique coin representative of the fifty states of the union. This book looks at the history of the fifty states and what went into the discussion making behind each states personalized coin. It tells of what went into the design and how each state set out to make its mark in the collection. The book “A Pocketful of History” takes the reader on a journey of fascinating history behind the whole project and is a snap shot look at America’s rich and full history and changes itself.
Learn about the 50 State Quarters by Following These Links!
Links to websites that have information about the 50 State Quarters program.
50 State Commemorative Quarters Designs The winning images and proposed designs submitted for inclusion in the U.S. Mint 50 United States commemorative quarters program scheduled for release every ten weeks from 1999-2008
50 State Quarters An introduction to 50 State Quarters program, its history, the coins already released, and more.
50 States QuartersIn 1999, the United States Mint began an ambitious program to create a special Quarter Dollar for each of the fifty states, to be released in groups of five coins each year until the series is completed in 2008. The public’s reaction to this program has been overwhelmingly positive and millions of new coin collectors have been created.
50 State Quarters DatabaseFind pictures, explanations, links, a timeline, statistics, and more information about the US Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program and the history of the US quarter dollar coin.
CoinSite – Coin collecting, rare and old coins, coin prices and the Coin DOC.”>Welcome to the CoinSite – your source for rare and old coins and paper money. If you are viewing this text, your browser lacks the ability to read frames. Don’t worry, you can still enjoy the CoinSite. All the pages can be accessed from the Home page or menu bar. So please come inside!
Videos for Collect the 50 State Quarters YouTube Videos for “50 State Quarters.”
Find the Right Option of Jansport Driver 8 Backpack for You
Jansport Driver 8 backpack most of us will want or need a good quality backpack at some point, and JanSport is a brand you can trust. The JanSport Driver 8 backpack is a popular choice. This model, which is made from 600 denier polyester, features a front stash pocket, padded grab handle and controlled motion, as well as a retractable handle and padded sleeve for your laptop.
The front utility pocket is handy for your essentials and the shoulder straps convert this wheeled piece of luggage into a backpack which offers two large compartments.
The JanSport Driver 8 wheeled backpack features large wheels which glide easily. Wheels are really handy if you want to pull your backpack instead of carrying it. The wheels have stability control and traction, so even if you have a lot in the bag, you can pull it with ease.
The JanSport rolling backpack is a great choice if you are traveling on business and you can use it as your carry on luggage in a plane. It is also the right size for an overnight stop since you can fit a change of clothes in there, as well as basic toiletries, your laptop and any paperwork you might need.
The handle on the JanSport driver 8 is really good. You simply press the button and down it goes without any resistance. If your existing wheeled backpack has one of those handles you have to force down, then you will love the easy button version. Whether you want a rolling backpack for school, college or business, you cannot go wrong with JanSport.
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JanSport Wheeled Superbreak Backpack
This is a durable, sturdy backpack, and the hippy design is a lot of fun, whether you are buying this for weekend trips, as carryon luggage or using as a school bag. There is a telescopic, 3-stage, molded rubber handle which retracts easily, tuck-away straps and skate wheels. This pack is built to last, and even though JanSport bags can work out a little more expensive than other brands, there is a reason for this. This bag will serve you for years. You can wear it like a backpack or put it on the floor and pull out the handle for wheeling it along. Wheeled backpacks are handy for everyone, and you can give your back a rest by pulling your luggage instead of carrying it. Perhaps it would make a great school bag for one of your kids.
Whatever your age or size, a wheeled JanSport backpack is a good choice. A medium-size backpack makes a good bag for school, and this can be pulled along easily by a child of any age. Wheeled backpacks are also great for traveling because they come in different sizes so they could be your carry-on baggage if you are traveling light, or an accompaniment to your checked baggage if you simply want to keep your laptop and a few personal effects with you.
If you pack light, you could even use this backpack for a two or three-day trip, easily fitting in everything you will need. The pockets will keep your tickets and passport safe, and the padded laptop compartment means no harm will come to it.
Convert your rolling backpack into a regular backpack using the comfortable padded straps or wheel it along if you want to carry a lot with you that day. The different compartments in the backpack hold various items, and the wheel handle is easy to use – it just pops out and back. JanSport backpacks are constructed in style and also offer all the features that you could need, giving you mobility and convenience.
JanSport Driver 8 Core Series Wheeled Backpack
Like the rest of the JanSport range, this JanSport Driver 8 backpack is very well made. The fully padded back panel has to cushion for comfort, and the front utility pocket has an organizer in it to keep all your essential items to hand. The padded sleeve will fit a laptop up to 15 inches. The 2 main compartments are roomy, and the tuck-away shoulder straps mean you can convert this bag into a backpack. The bag has retractable wheels, and it comes in purple or pink. Rolling backpacks like this one are better for the back than carrying items over one shoulder, and it is easy to pull along the hallway, picking it up by the straps when you are climbing stairs. It is hard to go wrong with JanSport because all their models are well designed and top quality.
This backpack is made by JanSport, which means it is sturdy and durable. Featuring skid rails for extra protection and tuck-away straps, this makes a great gym bag, travel bag or school bag. It is larger than the regular Superbreak backpack, measuring 19 x 13 x 9" inches, and it weighs 6 pounds empty, but as you would imagine it does carry a lot. Also, the weight does not matter because this is a wheeled backpack and it can be pulled along instead of having to be carried. There is plenty of storage room in here, so you can easily fit in everything you need. The handle is long so even if you are tall you should find it comfortable to use. This is a good choice if you are looking for something durable which is going to last. If you are tired of having to change your backpack every year, then try the JanSport Wheeled Superbreak Backpack, because it will last for a long time.
JanSport Driver 8 Core Series Wheeled Daypack
JanSport bags always get high reviews, and this is a popular model to choose. This wheeled backpack is large enough to hold notebooks with up to a 15-inch screen, as well as all your other luggage. There is a side water bottle pocket, a zippered pocket on the front, and a big front drawbridge compartment. You get a quick-grab handle, tuck-away shoulder straps, and a padded back. The wheels function well too, and they are large and side-mounted and offer stability control and traction, so you have full control of the bag. The handle is easy to put down too, so if you need to climb stairs you just have to press the button, and the handle goes down cleanly and simply.
JanSport Wheeled Superbreak Backpack
This bag is built to last, with its 600-denier polyester construction. You can use it as a daypack or school backpack. It has a big main compartment as well as smaller ones you can use. The shoulder straps are padded and comfortable. This is a great one for school, because it comfortably holds several textbooks, spiral notebooks, a binder, cell phone, calculator, paperback books, a bag lunch, pencil case, and more. This bag comes with a lifetime warranty and you can choose the Downtown Brown Lad Plaid or another color or design. It can be difficult to find classic American styled backpacks these days instead of all the outlandish offerings out there, but JanSport offers something for everyone. This bag looks cool and is really durable. Many reviewers have happily been using their JanSport bags for over a decade.
“Jansport Driver 8 Wheeled Bag” Video Guide
Watch this video to Learn More about the “Jansport Driver 8 Wheeled Bag”
Many people fly frequently, and even if you do not, it is worth having a good backpack which can double up as carryon baggage. Most of the JanSport bags are excellent for this. They are durable and sturdy enough to carry everything you will need in the cabin. Also, a lot of them will feature various zippered pockets so you can quickly and easily find that lip balm or spare battery for your mp3 player without blocking the aisle for 10 minutes searching through the main compartment.
If you are just going away for a day or two, you might like to skip paying to check in a bag and only travel with your carryon, in which case you will want something large enough for the job. A backpack on wheels is easier to maneuver through the airport and of course pulling it is easier on your back, although if you do want to carry it these bags also offer straps for that purpose. However you might wish to forgo the added hardware (wheels) to save on weight, since part of the maximum cabin weight will already be the backpack itself and the more the bag in question weighs the less you are going to be able to put in there. Rolling luggage can weigh up to twice what non-rolling luggage weighs.
Another thing to consider is the dimensions of your carryon luggage. If the bag is larger than their airline allows you will have to check it in anyway, so plan your trip in advance and make sure you know the maximum allowed weight and dimensions, then you can choose the best carryon baggage to take and work out whether or not to take check-in luggage too. Remember a backpack is softer than a rigid cabin case, so you will probably be able to squeeze it into the luggage template if it is near enough the size, perhaps pulling out a sweater to reduce its dimensions first.
A Versatile Choice
The small rigid cases are often used only for air travel, while backpacks tend to be more versatile, so you can get the perfect JanSport backpack to fly with, plus use it for hiking, city trips, going to the gym and whatever else you need. JanSport certainly make durable, high quality backpacks, so you can do all these activities and more, and your backpack will be your best friend during the trip, keeping your possessions safe inside. So when deciding which JanSport backpack is best, consider how often you travel or take trips, as well as what size and type of backpack will serve you the best.
More About These Brilliant Backpacks
JanSport backpacks are always very much in demand because they have a reputation for very good quality. There are backpacks for everyone, so whether you are just looking for something to take to school or college, planning a hiking expedition, or needing something waterproof, durable and up to the challenge of snow sports or extreme sports, then JanSport backpacks would be ideal. A lot of professional sportsmen choose this brand, so you will certainly not be disappointed with the quality you get.
The top selling JanSport backpacks are the simple ones which you can use for a day trip or take to school or college. These are loved all over the United States, Canada, Europe and in other places too, and the brand has a global appeal. Not everybody needs to lash straps for snowboards or loops to hold ice picks, but if you do, then you can also get backpacks like that. There is something for every need, no matter what your age, gender or requirements are.
JanSport backpacks come in all kinds of colors and designs so you should have an idea what type and size you want to get, then you can think about colors. A JanSport backpacks are going to last for years and years so make sure you pick out something you like. You can always get more than one in you want a smaller backpack for day trips and a larger one for weekend camping or hiking trips.
Introducing your child to circuitry has never been more fun or inviting with these Snap Circuits Electronics Kits. Give your child educational gifts that keep boost their development and give them a love for science. Perfect for the little electrician on your list this season, these Snap Circuits Electronics Kits will make the perfect gift for any child.
Perhaps you are wondering what to buy your child for a birthday or Christmas, and while not all education items are fun, these circuitry kits are both fun and educational, so you get the best of both worlds.
Kids love to experiment and discover new things, and learning about circuitry is enjoyable. They will be able to conduct their experiments, and these kits are specially made for young minds. Get your child one of these, and he will have hours and hours of fun, learning all about science at the same time.
Brand
Detail
Our Rating
Editor's Choice
Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Discovery Kit
Create Working Electronic Circuits30+ Snap Modules
A photosensor, flashing light and adjustable-volume siren
Photo Credit: All product images are credited to Amazon
Best Selling Snap Circuits Electronics Kits
Snap Circuits Electronics Kids
This snap circuits set has hundreds and hundreds of excellent reviews, and it has also won some awards. You get over 60 parts which snap together, and this is enough to build more than 300 projects such as a burglar alarm, doorbell, radio and more. Everything you need is in the box, so you do not have to buy additional tools. There are various ways to introduce your child to science, but one of the best ways has to be a child-friendly science kit like this one. Having to decipher adult-oriented circuit diagram components and solder them yourself is enough to put any child off, but this user-friendly set will allow your child to get started right away with projects suitable for his young age. This kit will instill a love of science in any child. All the pieces have symbols stamped on them, and the pieces are numbered individually to avoid confusion. The manual is in color, and it is very easy to follow. If you have a child between 8 and 12 years, this kit is fantastic. If you are shopping for a teenager, choose the Snap Circuits 500 instead.
An Introduction to Snap Circuits
Elenco Electronics is the company behind Snap Circuits, and this company offers a range of educational electronics kits for kids. These kits can be used to build all kinds of things like doorbells, lamps, motors, speakers, AM radios and burglar alarms. The company was founded more than 30 years ago by 2 engineers. Children love these sets and can have plenty of fun with them, and you will be happy knowing they are learning and developing a love for science while they are enjoying themselves making all kinds of incredible creations.
The Snap Circuits manuals accompanying the kits offer easy-to-follow, colorful instructions and plenty of pictures, making it easy to put the pieces together and make whatever your child wants to make with the kit. All the parts are mounted on plastic modules, and it is very easy to snap them into place. There are no tools required either, which means your kids can start making things as soon as they have the box open and they will not need supervision or assistance. Kids from 8 years old can use Snap Circuits. There are plenty of different kits to choose from, and each one comes with a board with pre-wired interconnections.
The child then snaps the pieces into the right places, to create a working circuit. These kits have won awards and gained praise for introducing young kids to elementary engineering concepts. Learning about electricity is not just for budding engineers. Even if your child wants to become a ballet dancer or a veterinary surgeon, everybody has to use electricity, so a basic knowledge of how it works is great from a safety point of view, plus it is also handy to understand the things we use on a daily basis. The plastic pieces snap on to the grid with small buttons. The pieces are quite durable but they can break, so it is handy you can buy spares online if that does happen.
Make Learning a Snap
Kids will pick up plenty of knowledge from using these kits. They will discover more about positive and negative, and how to use a multimeter to measure voltage. Although the kits are aimed at age 8 plus, if you have a smart younger child, he or she will probably be able to assemble the kit too, perhaps with a little help. Snap Circuits are friendly to small hands, sturdy, and well planned. The projects are fascinating to a child, and this is the kind of thing you can have fun with, then put away for a year or so, and then rediscover. If you are not sure which kit to get, get one of the larger ones. You might have to pay close to $100 for it (some are less than half that though) but when you consider the cost of an iPad or similar tablet, you will see Snap Circuits are well-priced for what they offer, and your kids will not only be playing but also educating themselves about electronic circuits.
Top Rated Snap Circuits Electronics Kits
Snap Circuits Electronics Kids
Snap Circuits electronics kits almost always get high ratings and reviews jam-packed with praise, and this one is no exception. Kids love these science kits, and so do their parents. This kit is designed to appeal to kids who would otherwise be intimidated by a science kit. There are hardly any wires, and the components are hidden, giving the set a child-friendly, uncomplicated appearance which a child can relate to. Everything snaps together like building blocks, making an electrical tape, testers, soldering irons, and screwdrivers unnecessary. The instruction manual offers diagrams for 101 different projects and if you help your child with the first couple, he ought to be able to work his way through the book without assistance. The projects include games, a fan and lamp, sirens, and light or clapping-activated projects. This toy is educational and lots of fun.
Elenco Snap Circuits SC-750R Student Training Program
This fantastic Snap Circuits kit has 80 parts, and you can build over 750 experiments with it, including a rechargeable battery, adjustable light controller, lie detector, sound-activated switch, AM/FM radio, and more. The parts include a computer interface, solar cell, analog meter, photo resistor, power amplifier, and full-color manuals. The quality of the parts if flawless. Topics covered include batteries, relays, integrated circuits, resistors, transistors, motors, diodes, digital recording, parallel circuits, and so much more. This is a brilliant kit for kids and teens and the fact there are so many projects and experiments to choose from means this will keep your kids occupied for many hours.
Elenco Snap Circuits Green – Alternative Energy Kit
Tech your child about green energy options with this Snap Circuits kit. You get more than 40 parts and can make a hand-crank solar cell FM radio, a windmill clock, and much more. There are over 125 different projects with this kit; each one focused on using alternative energies. There is a full-color manual with over 100 pages and an educational manual too. The kids will have hours of fun with this, and be amazed at what they can create with ease. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, and this is a great kit for kids 8 years old and over. Reviewers love everything about this set, including how well organized everything is. As soon as you open the box, you will see everything has its compartment and all the pieces are labeled. If your child already has a Snap Circuits set, this one is a good option to complement it, because you will not have duplicate projects, or barely any, between this kit and the one your child already has.
Kids are naturally curious and love to learn about new things. Although electronics are not usually aimed at younger kids, Snap Circuits kits are great for capturing the imagination of young minds and getting them interested in making items using their kits. Not only are these kids educational because your child will be doing the project himself, but he will also glean understand how things work. If your child is interested in how things work, you might be frustrated at having a lack of resources to show him anything.
After all, younger kids prefer to be shown something or to try it themselves, rather than just listen to someone talk about how something works. Snap Circuits allow kids to work independently, at their own pace, which is the best way of learning. The electronic components are enclosed in plastic, so they are safe to use, and they are pretty durable too, although replacement parts are available if anything does snap. Kids are fascinated by the bright lights and movement of objects from a very early age, and from just a few months old, babies will start at anything moving or flashing. Older kids will try to take toys and other items apart to see how they work, although this can work out very expensive or dangerous depending what exactly they are taking apart!
To help them learn in a safe environment, you can foster their curiosity by using basic electronics and simple machines, if you have something you can use. Another option would be a Snap Circuits kit. Everything your child needs is in the box, and kids can be left to their own devices to make the projects. They will learn from every project they do, about resistance, motors, force, positives and negatives, and other concepts that will crop up on a daily basis in their lives.
Such a Great Gift
A Snap Circuits set will be one of the best gifts under the Christmas tree this year, and of course, it also makes a wonderful birthday gift. Your child will have hours and hours of fun with the kit and in the future will have fond memories of the hours spent on projects. Of course, this is also an educational setting, so if your child’s letter to Santa is full of requests for comic books, candy, and games, why not invest in one of these kits. A lot of kids do not realize how much they are learning from Snap Circuits because they are such fun to use, and fun is usually associated with non-educational things.
Elenco Snap Circuits Lights
This Snap Circuits set focuses on light, and there are plenty of lighting-related projects to work on. Enjoy listening to music with your MP3 player or iPod plugged in and watched the lights dance to the beat. Enjoy the strobe light, infrared detector, color changing LED and plenty more. You get a clear plastic assembly board with numbered rows and columns, and plastic-encapsulated electronic connectors and other gadgets. Everything is labeled, and one reviewer says her 6-year-old son loves it, which another says her 12 years old also loves it, so the age range for this kit seems pretty wide. It is a good idea to supervise younger kids, at least to start with, to make sure they do not create short circuits which might damage the parts, and take care around moving parts like the fan and motor. There are instructions in the manual for 182 different projects, meaning hours and hours of fun and education in one box.
This is a lot of fun, and there are more than 50 parts and more than 40 different experiments to try. You also get a full-color manual. This kit allows you to build a robotic rover and you can then use the remote control to control up to 3 of these machines. Try making an infrared avoidance robot, a line tracking robot, or a programmable one. You will need a 9-volt battery and 6 AA batteries. This kit is recommended for kids 8 years and up, and the robot has a disc shooter, music sounds, and digital voice recorder to add even more appeal. This is quite a sturdy robot, and it is nice you can do a wide variety of things with it. Making the robot from scratch is something that kids will love, and it is certainly more fun than a toy which is already assembled. Your child will be challenged, intrigued and very enthusiastic to receive this as a gift.
The top 10 gaming headset reviews search before you buy. We’ve done the research and rank the top 10 gaming headsets by price, features and audio quality. To get full reviews for each pair of gaming headsets on our list and quickly narrow down which one is right for you to watch our top 10 gaming headset reviews below.
PS. We’ve ranked the best gaming headsets on audio quality, comfort, done the research, price, performance, and some special other features. To get links to all this stuff and add to this list search for top 10 gaming headsets which one is right for you. Let’s get started with the list.
Turtle Beach TBS-2214 Ear Force Z6A Gaming Headset Reviews
Hi! Today we’re going to count down the top 10 headsets. First, go reviews gaming headset dot com backslash top 10 gaming headset reviews for the list. And we’re going to start with number ten the Turtle Beach TBS-2214 Ear Force Z6A Gaming Headset. This one looks pretty cool with blue accents, USB powers it and it’s got many plugs for the audio.
It was released in June 2011, so it’s reasonably new. However, would not recommend this headset because there seem to be a lot of reports a bit blurry games. That is poorly built, but it has to be sent back for warranty repair constant. So it might be cool looking but probably might not wanna try this one.
Razer Megalodon Over Ear 7.1 Surround Sound PC Gaming Headset Reviews
All right let’s look at number nine of top 10 gaming headset reviews and number nine is view Razer Megalodon Over Ear 7.1 Surround Sound PC Gaming Headset. So this was released in June 2009, and so it’s a bit older. And it looks pretty comfy, and it’s got some noise filtering. But one thing about this there use before halftime driver issues. It seems primary because it’s trying to use 7.1 surround mode but use the baton USB bandwidth. So if you want surround sound, these could be cool if you don’t care then maybe it doesn’t matter.
Next one top 10 headsets, let’s see the number 8 the Plantronics GameCom 380 stereo PC gaming headsets. Now, this is the little brother to the GameCom 780 which is at the end of our list here. It was released in January 2012 is extremely new, and it’s quite inexpensive. People say it has really good sound, has come to light weight and it’s well designed in quite a bargain. So you probably can’t beat this guy, and you should note that you will need a USB converter if your computer does not have audio inputs.
Okay top 10 gaming headset reviews let’s check out number seven the Sharkoon X-Tatic SR Gaming Headset this thing looks pretty X-Tatic SX doesn’t make it. This one was released in September 2010. It seems to be primarily aimed at the x-box and ps3 market. However, it does seem to work well for PCs well. So you can use it via USB or 2.5 mm plug. Now we looked at the reviews, and they seem a bit mixed, and we’re put this down probably to the fact that its USB and USB headsets complications there can be no reason USB brings the things like that.
The next one top 10 gaming headset reviews let’s look at number six the Creative Fatal1ty Gaming Headset. Now this one is just using the plugs not USB, and it’s got a price to reflect new for quite cheap indeed. It was all released in June 2009, but it seems to get quite good reviews. I did feel light weight and comfortable. It sounds fairly decent. One reviewer wrote that it blocked out so much noise that they had trouble hearing the doorbell or phone, so if you want to like real isolation style of headset this one to work out for. This also should be taken with a grain of sound. However, there are some people said that this one is just really not durable at all, it’s a kind of a big issue with a headset because the cheap ones might sound good but you drop them burst up on and that’s pretty much it gone.
All right top 10 gaming headset reviews we are now halfway through our list at number five the Turtle Beach Ear Force Z11 Gaming Headset. There is branding blue in green cool, now this one is not USB it just uses a mini plug and for the lot of people if you have already had a sound card your computer you might just be happy with a mini plug headset because the USB headsets come out another layer of complication, and there are cool things with the mini plug headset like you have inline volume controls, and you don’t really need to mess with the settings a USB interface. So this one has gotten quite good reviews but it’s very cheap, and people say that you know maybe the best in this price bracket and Turtle Beach is a well-known name.
Top 10 headsets let’s look at number four the Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930. That comes with all kinds of custom software, and it is expensive. It has USB wireless plug which is the way that you put into your computers, and it’s really like it goes the full distance into an high-tech powerful headset experience. Now it’s got these programmable keys, so you’ve been this theoretically with one-touch and turn various things on and off your audio and recharge it was the space station. To me, it looks maybe a bit more complicated than necessary, and you can see some of the reviews are that disconnect and this is exactly the issue with USB headset sometimes.
All right top 10 headsets down to number three the Yapster TM-YB100A. This is one of the most popular headsets out there right now, and it’s cheap, in the US it’s only 17.98 which is like basically nothing. It uses a 3.5-millimeter connector, and it’s gotten pretty decent reviews.
Turtle Beach Ear Force X12 Gaming Headset Reviews
Right! Top 10 gaming headset reviews to throw down to number two this is the Ear Force X12 Gaming Headset with amplified stereo sound. Now, this is powered by USB and has bass boosted many cool things and has gotten really strong reviews. But note that is a many plugs headset with the audio comes in through many plugs. People say it’s for comfortable sounds great and it’s so sensitive that is almost picks up too much. And the noise cancellation doesn’t seem to work, so there’s sometimes a bit noisy with these USB power headset.
All right here’s the number one headset top 10 gaming headset reviews number one the Plantronics GameCom 780. This thing looks pretty cool, and it’s a pretty hardcore looking decent gaming machinery, it’s not too expensive, and it gets really really good reviews. I think something about this with you should keep in mind is that it’s probably quite durable. Now, this is the USB headset, but there are not a lot of complaints about incompatibilities. So that’s quite cool, and it seems to be very well me and not of something that will just like evaporate the moment you throw it on the ground. Look at number five star reviews are anonymous on people say it’s very clear, the earcups strong and deep-set so you should check this one out.
So again see all the whole list at reviews gaming headset dot com backslash top 10 gaming headset reviews.
Want to buy the best electric skillet? Then you ought to have a look at this short list of electric skillets. Every one of them has received plenty of great reviews from users everywhere.
Check them out. I surely hope this list can help you find the best electric skillet for your cooking needs.
Presto 06852 16-Inch Best Electric Skillet with Glass Cover Review
It’s a 16-inch skillet, so the kitchen area is indeed vast (and deep too). You can cook a lot of meal at once. A nice feature if you have a family more than four people.
* Perfect for all kinds of cooking
It’s ideal for roasting, braising, grilling, frying, griddling and baking too.
* Glass lid
Very useful to reduce oil splatter and also allows you to check if you are done cooking the food
* Non-stick surface
Presto’s non-stick coating is better than Teflon. It makes sure that nothing sticks to it and it also means cleaning is a snap. You just have to consume a few minutes to clean it thoroughly.
* Excellent build-quality
It is one of those kitchen appliances that will serve yours for years to come. It is one reliable cookware!
* Doesn’t heat up the kitchen
Since while cooking the electricity is used to heat up the heating element only this skillet releases very little ambient heat. It’s a much better way of cooking during hot summer days.
* Handles stay cool
Whatever it is you’re cooking you can hold the handles safely. They just won’t get hot!
* Cheap
It’s a great skillet, and it costs less than $45. What more could you ask?[/su_box]
[su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#f53a31″ title_color=”#040404″]
* No rubber feet
It doesn’t slide around much, but rubber feet would make this skillet perfect
* Non-vented lid
All the steam are locked inside the skillet so you when you open the lid you need to be careful and open it slowly.[/su_box]
Note
Please remember to season your skillet before use. Put a little oil on the non-stick surface and wipe with paper towel. Ensuring the longevity of the non-stick coating is important.
Yes, it’s one inch smaller than the Presto, but still, a 15-inch skillet is big enough to fit six 1/2 pound hamburgers in one go.
* Cooks evenly
The heat from the heating element is spread evenly to the whole cooking area. No hot spots.
* Rubber feet
These rubber feet (plus its weight) ensures that this skillet won’t move around. Rubber feet are also beautiful when you have glass counter-top because they don’t leave scratches.
* Vented glass lid
The small vent lets steam out and makes sure they won’t build up too much inside the skillet.[/su_box]
Yes, this is a stainless still electric skillet, and no, it doesn’t have the non-stick coating. But that doesn’t mean it’s a pain to clean. On the contrary, this skillet is easy to clean by just wiping it with a damp dishcloth. Just remember to season with a little oil before using it for the first time.
* Heats up fast and evenly
You don’t need to wait too long when preheating this skillet. It also spreads the heat evenly all over the cooking area
* Accurate temperature control
If you set it to “keep warm” it will do just that, and if you tell it to go as high as 300 degrees, it will do that too. No hassles.
* Available In 12-inch as well as 16-inch
The 12-inch one will be an ideal choice if you’re only cooking for two though I still advise you go with the 16-inch one just to be prepared when you have companies coming.[/su_box]
Always Remember These 5 Important Elements Before Buying
1. Budget
The first and foremost thing before purchasing a quality electric skillet you just have to look on your budget. Make sure it how much expense you want to spend for the skilled. Set a price range will help you to reduce the choices which you can’t bear. Don’t try to purchase an electric skillet if you find it at a low price. Also, keep the same thing in your mind while buying the expensive one. Just find out the best one through your research with a broad mind.
2. Size and Shape
When your budget is all set then thinks about a magnitude and shape. The electric skillets manufactured in several ways, so there are various options to choose the best one. Usually, the skillets are available in the market in between 10 and 16 inches in diameter. The easiest way to picking a perfect size just find out what type of food you want to make in it. Moreover, you also have to ensure how much counter space you have. The electric skillet usually comes in three different shapes such as rectangular, oval and square.
3.Cleaning Method
The most vital element is to clean the electric skillet; it must be easy to clean. Pick an electric skillet because there is no need to wash dishes with hands just places it in the dishwasher. But also keep in mind that all the skillets are dishwasher safe. The rest of the skillets can only clean with a cloth and solution.
4.Temperature Controls
You would also want the perfect temperature controls. Every single skillet has a different high and low heat options and warm settings. If you want to cook deep fry than you need to bring a skillet which can reach at least 450 degrees. On the other side, the skillets which only goes up to 400 degrees are beneficial for stir frying.
5.Cooking Style
What type of temperature controls you want; it depends on your cooking style. If you like to cook much more soup and stew, then you should buy an electric skillet with a glass cap. You can view the material in the pan without uncovering the cap. Because of glass cap, you don’t need to remove the cap you can easily see the situation of your cooking content from outside. If you want to cook the meals which only take a few minutes to cook then a plastic cap will be okay. Besides, if you are thinking to cook the meal on high temperature then just buy an electric skillet made with stainless steel.
This is one of the funniest games ever. You get a box of black cards and a box of white cards. The black cards are all question cards, and the white cards are all answer cards. The great thing about Cards Against Humanity is how funny the white cards are in answer to the black ones. There are plenty of cards in the original game, or you can get a Cards Against Humanity expansion to add even more madcap questions and hilarious answers to the mix.
The Cards Against Humanity Rules
Each player takes 10 white cards, and one player is chosen as the ‘Card Czar’ to select a black card. The question on the black card is read aloud, and everyone else chooses a white card and passes it to the Card Czar. The cards are then shuffled, and the answers on the cards are read in response to the question on the black card.
The player whose card is chosen as the funniest by the Card Czar gets to keep the black card, and this becomes an ‘Awesome Point.’ Someone else gets to be Card Czar for the next round, and the game continues in this way. You can always play an extra card in this game if you have two funny ones, but you will be betting one of your ‘Awesome Points’ black cards when doing so. Keep the point if you win, or lose it to whoever wins instead of you.
Some black cards will say ‘Pick Two’ on and this means people play two white cards instead of one. These are handed to the Card Czar in the correct order (the order they will be read in).
Photo Credit: All product images are credited to Amazon or eBay
Have You Ever Played the Cards Against Humanity Game?
Cards Against Humanity the Game
Rarely does a game get such consistent high reviews, but it seems Cards Against Humanity never fails to make people laugh. The concept of this game is so simple. You have 90 black cards (those are your question cards) and 460 white cards (the answer cards) in the game. You also get game rules and alternate rules, and a box to keep everything tidy. The questions and answers are printed on high-quality cards, and this is a game which you will want to play long into the night because everyone loves to laugh and the laughter this game provokes will go on and on! If you are looking for the funniest game and your friends have a sense of humor, then consider Cards Against Humanity. There is nothing not to love about this classic party game.
Players can return any cards they do not understand as long as they confess this to the group.
House Rules to Make the Game More Fun
Cards Against Humanity Game Rules
Although Cards Against Humanity is already hilarious played the regular way, you can mix it up a little by adding a few twists to the rules. Instead of having a Card Czar, you could get people to read their cards and vote on the funniest.
Players can return any cards they do not understand as long as they confess this to the group. Instead of awarding an Awesome Point to the winner each round, the Card Czar could choose the top three and then they could be voted in order of funniness, so the winner gets 3 points, the second best gets 2, and the third best gets 1.
A ‘Survival of the Fittest’ adaptation could be that instead of picking the funniest card, the least funny is voted off, and then the last remaining card wins.
Something else you could do is pick one random white card each round and have an imaginary player. He gets Awesome Points just like everyone else, but imagine the shame if he were to win!
You can also make up your rule variations if you like. Just do whatever gets the most laughs. After all, this game is about having fun.
Other Cards Against Humanity Sets
Cards Against Humanity
First Expansion
Playing Cards Against Humanity feels like you are sitting around telling jokes. You will want to play and play until all the cards are gone. But then what do you do? Well, you could always use the cards again. After all, there are millions of combinations. But another idea is to get the Cards Against Humanity expansion. With the Cards Against Humanity First Expansion, you will get 20 new black cards (for the questions) and 80 new white cards (for the answers) as well as bonus blank cards so you can make up your questions and answers. Even if you do not get the expansion pack, the game will provide hours and hours of fun every time you play, but adding the expansion cards brings you, even more, mirth and laughter, which is why a lot of people choose to upgrade their set with the expansion.
Cards Against Humanity
Second Expansion
Cards Against Humanity is an adult game since a lot of the topics are a bit extreme for kids, but that is something that makes it even more fun. You never know what is coming next and the combinations of hilarious answers with crazy questions make this game what it is. Although you get plenty of black cards and white cards with the original set, you might wish to expand the game with an expansion pack. Choose from the first or second expansion, or even get both. The second expansion offers you 75 new white cards and 25 new black cards, as well as blanks so you can make up your questions and answers if you like. You do not need to buy the first expansion to use the second expansion, although you can if you like since you will end up with even more crazy questions and answers, and therefore more laughter and enjoyment.
Cards Against Humanity Complete Set
Base set Plus First and Second Expansion Packs
Although having both expansion packs is highly recommended because you get to have as many questions and answers with which to play this funny game as possible, as well as the blank cards you get with the first and second expansions. It works out better value to buy the game and then buy the two expansion packs individually, instead of buying the complete set. You will end up with the complete set plus the expansion packs, but it will cost you less buying them individually. This game is fantastic and always gets a laugh. If you are looking for a unique party game, try this one. One word of warning though – the humor can be very dark and twisted, so if you are not easily offended and you have a great sense of humor, you will love Cards Against Humanity.
For drone enthusiasts, there is always something new coming out regarding performance and enhancement.
Drone accessories can be purchased separately, giving your drone all kinds of different add-ons and capabilities.
There are lots of different products available and choosing the correct ones can be a minefield for even the most experienced drone operator.
Below, we have added a list of the most important accessories with a short description of why we think the product will enhance your aircraft:
drone-carrying-case
1. Carrying Case
While we are on the subject of traveling, it is imperative to have a carrying case, especially if you are traveling a lot to capture your images. As mentioned earlier, arriving at your location only to find something has broken in transit, is one of the most frustrating things when it comes to flying drones. Be safe, get yourself a carrying case.
As we touched on the fact the propellers are very fragile previously in the article, it would be a great idea to not only purchase an extra set of propellers but invest in some propeller guards.
Propellers will always break, it is one of the unwanted facts of flying drones, no matter how experienced the operator is. Buying some propeller guards with definitely, save you money in the long term.
3. An Extra Set of Propellers
Although they are not strictly associated to your camera footage, purchasing an extra set of propellers can save you a lot of unnecessary stress. Let’s say you travel to a place to shoot some videos, and 5 minutes into it, one of the propellers breaks and you cannot continue, you will have to either find the nearest gimbal store and hope they have a compatible set, or worse case scenario, travel back home without your footage. We all know how delicate the propellers can be, so save yourself from future headaches and pick-up some extra sets.
4. Spare Batteries
Most drones are operated by lithium-polymer batteries or (LiPos) and normally only give you around half an hour of flying time. Therefore, it would be a good idea to pick-up an extra supply of batteries.
A lot of drones will give you the option to add extra batteries to your drone to give you more
flying time. If you are looking to shoot a video for longer than 30 minutes, then you will need an extra supply onboard. Keep in mind that extra batteries will increase your payload, so be sure that your drone can manage the weight.
A GoPro Camera
GoPro Hero cameras are other important additions you can purchase for your drone for quality picture shots and videos.
Many GoPro cameras are designed to be connected to your drone, as they made with really lightweight material and are robust enough to survive and crash landings you might encounter. There are many different types of GoPro cameras, therefore, ensure that your drone is compatible before making the purchase.
6. A Drone Gimbal
If you are looking for beautiful smooth camera images, then a GoPro gimbal for your drone is a must.
When flying your drone, there are many different things that can make your camera work look like something out of the old movie flick The Blair witch project.
Nobody wants to see wobbly camera videos that make you feel nauseous after watching the footage for a few seconds.
Whether it’s the weather conditions, the drones vibrations or even the operators flying technique, an onboard gimbal will always level out the camera, delivering beautiful, silky smooth camera work.
7. FPV Goggles
With the world of virtual reality changing the world as we know it, why not take your filmmaking to the next level?
What can better vantage point there be than filming from the sky, through your own eyes?
FPV goggles are new to the drone world, but we can say that the experience is unforgettable and something you will want to do again and again.
The screen is split between what you can see on the ground and what your camera sees in the sky.
You can easily switch between screens so that you don’t bump into things on the ground. View the world from your drone, becoming as one, is breathtaking.
8. Drone LED Lights
Drones don’t normally come with lights. Therefore, you will need to buy some if you are going to any location where the lighting could be compromised, or there is a chance the sun is going to set.
Drone lights come in all different shapes and colors. Flyers tend to choose LED lights for their drones as they look great when in flight, and are easy to see from the ground. Keep the colors in mind when making your purchase, because if you have some professional shoot, bright green and yellow lighting might not be the best choice.
9. Memory cards
Memory cards are a must for serious filmmakers and photographers. Imagery storage is extremely important, not only to keep your work together but nowadays you need to upload and download data on a regular basis.
Having a memory card or a few memory cards, helps you store much more data that a GoPro can hold and more importantly, they give you the option to carry easily and transfer your images.
10. Drone Collapsible Sunshade
Filming with your drone when the sun is blazing can prove to be a very difficult task. We all know how it feels to have the sunlight directed in our eyes and it’s no different to your camera.
You will have no idea that the sun’s glare has affected your images until you land your drone and look back at the footage. It is a good idea to invest in a sunshade, so you are not leaving your important camera shots to luck.
To understand what makes the best cat trees, we need to understand why cats love high places. I have 10 cats, and before I bought them a cat tree (actually 2 cat trees!), I would find them all over the house in the most unusual places.
One cat would be on top of the refrigerator, and others would be on top of the bookcase, on a shelf above my desk, on top of the wardrobe, on the mantle place, on the backs of sofas, and on window sills.
So, as well as finding out which are the best cat trees and why I will also explain a little bit about why cats love vertical spaces and why you need to buy your cat(s) a cat tree.
Finding the best cat tree is quite difficult as there are at least 5000 different designs available! Before buying my cat trees, I did a lot of research and made a lot of notes on all the pros and cons. Hopefully, you will find my recommendations useful for choosing a cat tree that your cat will love.
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Whether you have one cat or several, you and your cat will be better off with more than just a cat tree. Even though most cat trees have surfaces designed for scratching, your cat also needs a few strategically placed scratching posts and loungers placed around your home.
Below you will find my pick of the very best in cat furniture that includes a scratching post, multiple posts, or other scratching surfaces; cat tree furniture, a scratching post, a cat scratcher lounge, a cat scratcher box, a cat hammock, and a cat bed.
Dogs and humans are quite happy living in a horizontal world, but cats are different. Cats enjoy both the horizontal and vertical in their surroundings. Cats depend on vertical areas for various reasons; hierarchy, safety, exercise, comfort, and play.
A cat tree is especially important for indoor cats, but indoor/outdoor cats will also enjoy them. My cats are all indoor/outdoor cats, but we make sure they are all safely inside by 6 o’clock in the evening. After they have eaten and groomed themselves, they all wander off to their preferred perch on one of the cat trees for a nap.
Apart from buying a cat tree, you might want to evaluate the vertical territory that is available in your house. I mentioned raised cat beds and hammocks above, but there are other things you could add to:
Window perches, cat shelves, cat stairs, and cat walkways are just some of the items you can add to increase the vertical territory for your cat. With a little bit of thought, you can create a more secure, comfortable, and fun home for your cats.
Other benefits and uses for a cat tree are the following:
It Saves Your Furniture – As nearly all cat trees include scratching posts, your furniture should be safe from getting clawed and scratched. You may have to train your cat to use the scratching posts instead of your sofa at the beginning though, but it isn’t hard to do.
Exercise – Cats that don’t get enough exercise, which is particularly true of some indoor cats, will be more likely to keep you awake at night or wake you up too early in the morning. Cats that run around use some muscles and some energy but a cat that is climbing and scratching their cat tree will be working out all their muscles and use up more energy – a tired cat is a happy cat (and a sleepy cat!)
A More Natural Environment – If you prefer your cat to be an indoor cat for safety reasons, then a cat tree will provide something that indoor cats miss about the outdoors – climbing trees.
If you live in a multi-cat household or you have visited friends with more than one cat in their home, you will know that cat fights are part of the process of establishing feline hierarchy. However, the addition of a cat tree can increase the likelihood that there will be harmony; the highest ranking cat will claim the highest perch and the lower ranking cats, the lower levels.
It is very rare for two or more cats to share the same windowsill or the top of the refrigerator, but with a cat tree, you will find that cats are quite happy to share the same tree, as long as there are several perches on different levels.
Below you will find five popular cat trees that are designed for several cats. All were highly rated by customers, and all are reported to be sturdy, high quality, and a hit with the cats.
Cat Trees are Great for Shy Cats and Cats with Low Self-Esteem
Before getting my cat trees, most of my cats had some vertical surface to retire to. However, there was one cat that I would always see lying under the wardrobe or the bed. The reason for this is generally because a cat is shy or has low esteem.
This particular cat, Felix, had an adversary who couldn’t pass by without attacking poor Felix. There just weren’t enough high perches in our house for all 10 cats. Now, with the cat trees though, Felix has a middle-level condo and perch on one of the trees, while his adversary has the top perch on the other tree.
Cat trees are great for timid cats as they can have a safe elevated perch to keep an eye on their surroundings and yet be out in the open (as opposed to hiding under a bed.) Many of the large cat trees have at least one cat condo where a shy cat has the option of being more hidden but still maintain a visual advantage over any approaching cat.
Where to Place a Cat Tree
The most obvious place to position a cat tree is near a window so that the cat(s) can look out the window and do some bird watching! However, you may not want to place your cat tree in such a prominent position in the room.
Some people find that all cat trees are unsightly and they place them in out of the way places, like a spare bedroom or even in the basement. Well, guess what? Your cat will probably never use the cat tree if it is not in a pleasing position for them.
There are a couple of options if this is your situation; find a cat tree that compliments your décor or do what I did in my family room – I placed one of the cat trees in the corner (slightly out of the way yet the cats can still observe the room), and I also got the PetFusion Cat Scratcher Lounge that is positioned in a prominent place in the room – it has such a stylish design that it would look great in any home.
If you want a cat tree that doesn’t take up much space and is pleasing to the eye, then the tree by Cozy Cat Furniture on the right might be what you are looking for. It is quite a stylish design that would look good in most homes. It has 5 different color options for the carpet, and it is made of solid wood in the USA.
Realistic Cat Trees – The most beautiful cat trees that I have seen are from Pet Tree House ®. They are the most realistic looking cat trees you will find as they feature real branches and silk leaves. Each of the realistic cat trees that you see below is hand crafted in the USA by highly skilled American craftsmen.
Cat trees that will please your cats as well as look good in your home
Let’s face it, most of the cat trees are covered in off-white or beige carpet and look very 80’s – in other words dated! If you want a cat tree that will look good in your home, take a look at the selection of cat trees that look like trees below.
Take a look at the factors below before you decide
Size: Apart from the height or the number of levels, the size of the perches has to be considered. If you have a large cat, then make sure that the perches are large too. Your cat has to feel safe and comfortable on its perch which it won’t be if its legs are hanging over the edge. It is a good idea to get a tree with different styles of perches too – some can be flat and square, but cats also like perches with sides, perches up against posts, and condos.
Sturdiness: If the cat tree is wobbly, your cat will probably not use it. The higher the tree, the wider the base needs to be. You could read through some cat tree reviews online to find a tree that is very sturdy. It is worth noting though that most cat trees require assembly, so it is important to assemble the tree correctly and securely.
I read the reviews of one of the most popular cat trees on Amazon, and hundreds of people were satisfied with how sturdy it was, but one person said he was disappointed with how wobbly it was. It would be safe to assume that the unsatisfied person didn’t do a good job of tightening up the tree properly.
Design: Apart from the aesthetics of the tree, you should evaluate the design features that your cat(s) require. Things like overall height, the number of levels, number of scratching posts, the materials of the scratching posts, the different types of perches, and other accessories – ladders, hammocks, hanging toys, etc.
Learn How to Build a Cat Tree From Scratch
A Father and Daughter Build a Sturdy Looking Cat Tree
After watching the below video, you will see that it is not that hard to build a cat tree; it also looked like it was a lot of fun too!
If you are imaginative as well as being a DIY type person, there will be no limit to the kind of cat tree that you will be able to build.
However, for those that need a little bit more help in the planning stages, you should take a look at these Cat Tree Plans.
Which is Your Favorite Cat Tree?
Also, let us all know about your experience with cat trees that you have bought.
If you are looking for the best quality knives, you cannot go wrong with Chicago Cutlery. The Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition set offers high-carbon stainless steel blades which will resist rust and stains, as well as attractive and durable wooden handles. The blades are made with Taper Grind® technology, so they are easy to resharpen and stay sharp for a long time.
The brass rivets which attach the blade to the handle are triple-compressed to offer stability and safety, and the full metal tang gives extra control, strength, and balance to each knife in the set.
Although Chicago Cutlery also offers knives with soft-grip, polymer or stainless steel handles, wooden handles offer a timeless elegance, and this knife set will look beautiful displayed on your kitchen countertop. Some people prefer the look of metal or polymer, but wood will always be the classic choice. Not only does it look stylish but it will last for many years.
Chicago Cutlery Walnut Knife Options
If you are interested in these knives, you can choose from the Chicago Cutlery 4-piece Walnut Tradition, a 14-piece block set, or individual knives such as the Chicago Cutlery Walnut bread knife or some of the smaller knives. You can also begin with a small collection and then add to it until you have completed your professional-quality Chicago Cutlery Walnut knife collection.
Consider knives as an investment rather than a luxury, because they are something you will be using every day. These knives are designed and constructed beautifully, and you can be sure they will last you for many years. Of course, with knives, you not only have to make a wise choice when choosing them in the first place, but you should also maintain them properly. Some people throw their knives in the dishwasher, but it is best to wash them briefly in warm soapy water, then wipe them immediately on a clean towel. This will clean them properly and eliminate any water marks.
Sharpen your knives when they need it, to keep them sharp enough to effortlessly cut through your food. If you are happy to maintain your knives properly, then you deserve to invest in a great set, choosing a superior metal for the blade as well as a beautiful handle such as walnut. Whether you want to extend your collection of knives or replace your existing set with a new one, these knives are truly wonderful to use and will slide effortlessly through your ingredients and be a real pleasure to use. See what reviewers have to say about Chicago cutlery, and you will discover why so many home cooks love them.
Photo Credit: All product images are credited to Amazon or eBay
Have You Ever Used Chicago Cutlery?
Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 14-Piece Block Set
This Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 14 piece block set makes a great gift for newlyweds or a college graduate in his first apartment. The set features a 5-inch utility knife, a 6-inch chef’s knife, an 8-inch sharpening steel, a pair of 3-inch paring knives, 8 steak knives and a storage block made from hardwood. The blades are high-carbon stainless steel, and there is a full tang (the metal running down the length of the knife into the handle) for great durability and balance. This knife set is a bargain, and the excellent performance is something home cooks love. Treat them right, washing them by hand and sharpening them from time to time, and they will last for many years.
Knives are something we use every day, no matter whether we are professional chefs or simply enjoy cooking for our family at home. This is why a knife set should be viewed as an investment rather than something to skimp on. A good set of knives is built to last a lifetime.
Not only that, but poor quality knives can be dangerous. You might assume that a cheap, blunt knife is safer in the kitchen than a sharp knife, but that is not correct. Trying to force a blunt knife through food means it is more likely to slip and end up in your finger. A high-quality Chicago Cutlery knife will easily slide through whatever you are trying to cut, resulting in neat slices instead of ragged ones, and intact fingers!
Chicago Cutlery has a reputation for quality, and their entire range of kitchen knives is designed with the professional chef in mind. Knives should be designed to last and perform the tasks they are supposed to. A steak knife, for example, is supposed to cut cleanly and easily through a steak, a serrated bread knife is meant to cut any bread, a chef knife is multi-purpose and can be used to cut meat or fish steaks, and perform other tasks too. A sharpening steel will keep all your blades in tip-top shape.
These are My Husbands Favorite Knives for Feel, Comfort of Use and Performance
“Chicago Cutlery Videos” Video Guide
Watch this video of “Chicago Cutlery – The Zen of Carving Chicken.”
Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 3-Piece Prep Knife Gift Set
This knife set offers a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a boning knife. The handles are contoured and ergonomic, and they are made of solid walnut wood. The stainless-steel blades resist stains, and rush and these knives are covered by a lifetime warranty because they are of such high quality. Chicago Cutlery always gets great reviews because these knives are built to last. They also look stylish and elegant. Because of the high level of carbon in the blade, they are durable, and you can get them back to super-sharpness every time you need to sharpen them. These knives are offered for an economical price compared to other top- quality brands, which is something else that buyers always love about Chicago Cutlery.
Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 10-Inch Sharpening Steel
This sharpening steel will sharpen any knife with just a few strokes. It is long enough to handle any knife without being too long to use comfortably. Because it is grooved rather than straight, it will take off tiny bits of metal to sharpen your knife blades. This results in a silvery powder between the grooves, but it is easy enough to clean out. The walnut handle is much more elegant than plastic or polymer, and it gives a good grip. This no-nonsense sharpening steel is a ‘must’ if you have a set of Chicago Cutlery Walnut knives, so you can take the best care of the blades and ensure they are kept sharp and in the best condition for many years. This is not expensive, but it performs like an expensive sharpening steel.
Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 3-Inch Slant Tip Paring Knife
This knife is really sharp, and you will find you use it all the time, reaching for it when various knives could be used, just because this one stays sharp for a long time and cuts things quickly. The Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 3 inch slant tip paring knife is well balanced and feels good in the hand. This knife should last twenty or thirty years, and a lot of people have these knives that long or even longer. To keep it in the best condition, never soak the knife or put it in the dishwasher. Use a soapy cloth to wipe the blade clean, then rinse it and dry it. Treated in this way, you can expect a long life from this excellent quality knife.
Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 3-Inch Paring/Boning Knife
This is a beautiful knife, both regarding appearance and functionality. The Walnut is stylish and classic, and the blade is sharp and performs well. This knife is comfortable to hold regardless of your hand size, and Chicago Cutlery is known for selling professional quality knives at really competitive prices. If you are looking for a paring/boning knife, this one gets consistently high praise and has many loyal fans who prefer it over any other brand including the more expensive ones like Wusthof or Henckels, just because it performs as well or better and also looks gorgeous. This knife comes with a lifetime warranty.
Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 2-Piece Carving Knife Set
Chicago Cutlery is sharp, durable and lightweight. It lasts for years, although it is inexpensive to replace should you ever need to. Just like the rest of the Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition range, this 2 piece carving knife set gets great reviews, and people love how comfortable and easy it is to use. Wash the knife by hand after use and keep it in a knife block or sleeve, and it should serve you for many years. The high-carbon stainless steel blade means the knife will slide through your meat while the sharp 2-prong fork holds the roast in place. The knife will cut your roast into neat strips instead of giving it the ragged-looking edges that inferior knives often do.
Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 5-Inch Boning/Utility Knife
This boning/utility knife feels very balanced in hand and offers a great cutting edge. It is inexpensively priced but well designed and very functional in the kitchen. If you are only going to have a few knives, then make sure this is one of them. You will need a long, wide chef’s knife for cutting large foods like cantaloupes or pumpkins, as well dicing food finely, and also a serrated bread knife, but this boning/utility knife can be used for pretty much everything else, and you will find you reach for it often when preparing food. Like all Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition knives, this one features the stylish walnut handle and high-carbon stainless steel blade which stays sharp for an amazingly long time between being resharpened.
Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 8-Inch Slicing/Carver Knife
Excellent for carving cooked meats, this 8-inch slicing/carving knife is a great addition to your collection of kitchen knives. One nice feature on this one is the end curves up into a point rather than being straight, and this makes it easier to cut and serve the meat. This knife will last for decades, and it will only need sharpening a few times a year even if you use it frequently. The Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 8 inch carving knife gets plenty of praise and great reviews. It even slices bread better than most bread knives, so you can get away with just having a few knives in your collection if you use them for different things. Saying that Chicago Cutlery is cheap enough to buy a full set and it will last for decades anyway.
Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 7-1/2-Inch Slicing/Fillet Knife
This slicing/fillet knife is ideal for cutting raw chicken or filleting fish, although the blade is quite rigid which might not be what you are used to if your current slicing knife is quite flexible. The rigidity does seem to offer more control though so that you can cut your meat or fish into nice, even filets or slices. Although this knife is unwieldy for cutting smaller fish such as perch, it is great for cleaning walleyes and other larger species. It is also ideal for making sashimi and sushi when it is important to have smooth, even pieces of fish. The walnut handle is slip-resistant which is always a bonus, and it looks stylish too.
Chicago Cutlery 4-Piece Walnut Tradition Steak Knife Set
Rated ‘just as good as expensive steak knives’ on America’s Test Kitchen, it should not surprise you that these knives get great reviews on Amazon too. If you are used to using serrated steak knives, you might be wondering just how well a non-serrated knife will compare, but these slice through the steak easily no matter what type of steak you are eating or how it has been cooked. You can sharpen them on a regular knife sharpener too. The Walnut handle feels good in the hand and looks classier than polymer. If you care for these properly, washing them by hand instead of in the dishwasher and sharpening them when necessary, there is no reason they will not last for years.
Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 10-Inch Serrated Bread/Slicing Knife
This serrated knife has a 10-inch blade, so you will not have a problem cutting an especially large or wide loaf of bread with it. Do make sure your knife block can accommodate a 10-inch blade though. The knife is 15 inches long including the handle. The teeth on this knife are spaced a little wider than on various other bread knives, but this does not impair the cutting in any way. In fact, this knife is good at slicing bread and leaves you will smooth, not ragged, slices. This serrated bread/slicing knife offers an outstanding performance, and it is little wonder this knife keeps getting such excellent reviews. Look after this knife properly, and it should last a lifetime.
Some knives have metal handles while others have plastic handles. Wood is also a lovely material for the handle of a knife because it is nice to hold and does not get as cold as metal handles. A handle can be humanmade or natural. Natural materials like bone or abalone can be very beautiful. Abalone comes from the shell of a mollusk, and it is sometimes used to make gentlemen’s pocket knives because it is not as durable as some other materials. Bone is usually given a special texture to improve the grip the user has. Bone is easy to shape, attractive and durable. Mother of pearl is also beautiful.
The strongest lightweight synthetic material for a knife handle is carbon fiber. The carbon strands are light-reflecting which makes the weave pattern in carbon fiber very attractive. Because carbon fiber takes a while to make, it is more expensive than some other options. Stainless steel is anti-corrosive and durable, and it is often used along with rubber or plastic, so you have a good grip. Unfortunately, these handles are quite heavy. Titanium is lighter and feels good in the hand. Aluminum is durable, and it feels solid without feeling weighty. The finished aluminum knife handle is usually anodized to add protection and color.
You will not see leather-handled knives in many kitchens, but leather is used on some military and hunting knives. They are made by stacking leather washers. They are attractive but not as durable as some other materials. Zytel nylon, which was developed by Du Pont, is a thermoplastic material which is resistant to abrasion and almost unbreakable. A surface texture is often added to Zytel to improve the grip. Nearly any hard material can be used to make a knife handle, although metal seems to be one of the most popular choices with cooks, along with wood, prized for its beauty.
Wooden Knife Handles
Oak, maple, rosewood, or other hardwoods are used to make hunting knife handles, while fine or soft woods such as black walnut are not so good if they are exposed to a lot of water or moisture. If mesquite, desert ironwood, spalted maple or another stabilized wood is impregnated with plastic, it can be used to make a waterproof handle which is both durable and comfortable. Fancy wood-handled knives are prized by collectors, while kitchen knives often feature wooden handles for both durability and a comfortable grip. Wood offers a charming, old-fashioned style, whether you are using a wooden-handled chef’s knife or investing in a set of steak knives.
Recently I join a local gym I found very hard to decide whether to use the elliptical trainer or the treadmill. I decided to do research to determine which is best and why. It is the ultimate elliptical vs treadmill comparison, and find some interesting facts about both. Now I decide to share all the required facts about both with you so you all can quickly decide which trainer you have to use and why to use.
What is an elliptical trainer?
An elliptical trainer also is known as the cross trainer. This stationary exercise machine you will see almost in all gyms and people’s homes. You can say these are most familiar tools they offer a way to exercise with little to no impact on your joints. This machine is specially designed to give a cardiovascular rather than a resistance workout. Due to the low impact, it is even suitable for you to use when injured. (Depending on your circumstance, of course, check with your doctor first.) The design of the cardio machines means that your lower body and upper body is used to perform the movement.
Are there different types of elliptical trainers?
While the machines generally work in the same way, simulating a walking or running motion as closely as possible while reducing the impact on your joints there are different designs that you may need to consider if you were considering buying an elliptical trainer yourself.
The machines are either feature belt resistance or magnetic resistance. Both offer comparable levels of resistance with cheaper machines normally featuring belt resistance and more expensive models magnetic. There are always advantages when a machine has less moving parts as there is less to go wrong, and also the magnetic machines tend to be smoother and quieter when in use.
As we are all different shapes and sizes machines are sometimes not suited to us out of the box. A good elliptical trainer will allow you to adjust the stride length to suit your body. This is very important to ensure you avoid injuring yourself when using the machine. While I am on the topic of fitting the machine to your body, you should also consider the size and shape of the footplates and the shape and ergonomics of the handles. It is these that connect your body to the machine, and it is these that will quickly become uncomfortable if badly fitted.
I don’t think I have ever seen an elliptical trainer that doesn’t allow you to train both forwards and backward but it is worth checking that the machine is able to do both as each direction offers you an entirely different workout targeting different muscle groups. I would also recommend getting a good computer display with plenty of programs built in as while you can visit sites like The Body Blogger to research how to use the machine once bought it is easier to use out of the box with this functionality built in.
What is a treadmill?
A treadmill is also a stationary exercise machine found in most gyms and commonly in peoples homes. It too allows you to perform a walking or running motion but differs as the exercise does cause impact to your lower body joints. This in itself is not a bad thing but does need to be considered. While a treadmill doesn’t always have a motor, I will assume that they do as most gym machines usually do and most home machines will too. There is a belt which you will walk or run on that is pulled in the opposite direction to your travel. You remain walking or running on the spot. You can increase of decrease the speed of the motor and in turn the speed at which you are walking or running.
Are there different types of the treadmill?
In comparison to the elliptical trainers which offer belt and magnetic options treadmills are all conveyor belts attached to motors. There are options available such as the ability to incline the belt and monitor your heart rate while exercising and also the machines differ in build quality, top speed, and impact absorption. Some machines are more comfortable to run on as they absorb the impact of your bodyweight more than others. This should be a consideration when picking a treadmill to use.
In the same way as an elliptical trainer needs a good computer display with plenty of built-in programs it is a good idea to get a treadmill with these features. You should also have the ability to attach a safety cord to your body so that if you travel too far away from the front of the treadmill the motor stops operating. This may seem silly to some of you reading, but I have seen people fall and get thrown backward when running on the treadmill because they were not using the safety cord.
Ensure the belt length is sufficient for you is you have a long stride. I am tall and have found in some smaller gyms that I struggle to run with a normal stride due to the short belt length. I should have mentioned previously that if you are looking at buying either of these pieces of equipment, you should consider warranty as there are moving parts and they are likely to be complicated and expensive to replace so I would suggest getting the longest warranty available while taking everything else into account.
Elliptical vs Treadmill, The Conclusion
I hope that I have been able to provide you with enough information above for you to make a decision as to which to use or buy. It is hard to compare both items in terms of results as both machines are usually used at different intensities. If I had to pick and was able to compare both at the same intensity, I would prefer to use the elliptical trainer because of the lower impact on my joints. However as I am a savvy trainer I tend to use both machines, treadmill less frequently, in order to keep my body from getting used to the routine. This is the best way to keep the results and the benefits coming.
Photography is one of those things that can bring you so much joy just by having it as part of your life. Deceptively simple on the surface, photography can bring you a lifetime of discovery and learning.
One of the joys of photography is that there are so many different areas that you can jump into and explore. The basics that you learn in a beginning photography course will help you throughout your journey into this artistic realm.
Landscape Photography Tips
Landscape photography is ideal for you if you enjoy the outdoors, traveling and have a pretty fair amount of patience. Most people don’t realize the time that great landscape photographers put into their craft. Being at the right place at the right time, often waiting for hours for the perfect light or moment, envisioning just how the image will look when it’s completed.
The tools needed to begin your quest as a landscape photographer are pretty basic. You need a good quality wide angle lens, preferably a tripod, often with a panoramic head for shooting panoramic landscapes, various filters including a polarizer, variable neutral density, split filters, etc.
Take note that if you enjoy landscape photography during the winter, you’ll want to stick with a carbon fiber tripod as the cheaper aluminum ones will more often than not, freeze when you need them the most. Carbon fiber offers the added advantage of being lighter which you will greatly appreciate after hiking a few miles through the woods or snow. You should try camera for hiking to make a good photo.
Macro Photography Tips
The smallest elements in nature often are the most beautiful and fascinating. Macro photography allows you to view nature in a way most people never imagine. Once you start photographing nature at this scale, you begin to see and appreciate the awe inspiring beauty nature has to offer.
One of the nice things about macro photography is that you aren’t quite as much at the mercy of mother nature. You have a lot more flexibility in the range of items and lighting conditions that you can shoot in. With everything so small, you can easily light the subject with your portable flash equipment to achieve the desired effect.
In addition to the previous complement of equipment, you might want to consider a tripod that has an arm that works both horizontal and vertical. This will give you a lot more flexibility in shooting difficult to reach subjects. Also, a series of close up lenses will often make the difference between a so so photo and a great piece of art. They will change and improve the perspective and decrease the camera to subject distance quite dramatically.
Nature Photography is more about photographing the elements rather than the landscape. whether you photograph birds, wildlife or thunderstorms you will most likely be out in the elements a great deal.
Nature photographers, like their landscape counterparts, are out at all hours of the day and night to get the perfect image. It may be the middle of the night to shoot a great storm passing by, or early in the morning when wildlife is out feeding. Patience is a virtue as often you’ll have to wait on mother nature to align with the universe and give you that amazing photo you are looking for.
Tools of the trade are similar to landscape photographers. A good tripod, an assortment of lenses from wide angle to telephoto to macro, various filters, a few small flash units (great for shooting the small stuff), and a raincoat. Many backpacks, like Lowepro which is the brand I use, have built in rain gear to protect everything.
I would highly recommend Lowepro for your next camera bag. I’ve used them for many, many years, and they last unlike anything I’ve ever owned. Sturdy, they wear well, zippers keep working, can withstand a lot of abuse and they are very comfortable to carry out in the elements.
Many small businesses like to do their product photography. If done properly, it’s cost effective, saves a lot of time, offers flexibility and helps to keep production in house.If you are interested in doing your product photography, it would be well worth your while to enlist the help of a professional photographer to give you an afternoon tutorial in just what you need to do and the types of equipment required to do the job properly.
Once you have a workflow set up to shoot your products, it can easily be replicated for future projects. Make sure though that you have the proper lighting, lenses, etc. to ensure a final quality image. It does no good to save a few bucks by doing it yourself, only to create a poor quality image. Remember that image is what sells your product. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that it’s ‘just good enough”. It’s not.
A low-quality image denotes a low-quality product and a company that does not care about its image. Would you want to buy from a company like that in a world where a competitor is just a mouse click away?
Remember the last ad you say for a great restaurant? The food in the photograph makes your mouth water. Your product photography should do nothing less.
The image pictured here, by the way, is a one-ton fossil extracted from the crystal mines in Mexico. It is approximately six feet high and could only be moved via pallet. In the world of product photography, you need to be prepared to shoot anything!
You may be interested in learning to create photographs to advertise your business or to possibly become a commercial advertising photographer. While it can be a somewhat lucrative field to be in for the select few, the bar is set very high, and competition is fierce.
To create your photography for advertising requires some skills. You need to have a good sense of composition, symmetry, and balance as well as know how to shoot a subject to be cropped and integrated properly for an ad. Start with simple concepts and build upon them as you gain proficiency.
The gear compliment is rather straightforward. A good, solid tripod, lenses from wide angle to telephoto to possibly (and probably) macro, studio lighting, light boxes, umbrellas, backdrops, posing tables for products, etc.
Study various periodicals to see the style and concept that the photographer and graphic artist were striving for in the ads that they create. You’ll be amazed at how much you can pick up just by analyzing someone else’s work.
Family Portrait Photography is ideal if you love photographing people, groups, and kids. It’s something you should take rather seriously if you choose this route professionally, as you are creating lasting memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.
To prepare yourself for your entry into the world of family photography, you need to develop your talents with posting individuals, groups of people and kids as well. You need to be a people person to make family photography a career or even to do a great job of it with your own family and friends.
The equipment required is fairly simple. A good tripod, portable and studio lighting, soft boxes and umbrellas. Lenses are pretty basic. Telephoto for individuals and medium to wide angle for groups.
Weddings have probably one of the more difficult entry points for a photographer. Unless you are looking for a recipe for disaster, don’t even think of shooting a wedding without learning the ropes and tricks of the trade from a professional wedding photographer. You need to shoot a fair number of weddings as an apprentice before you even consider offering your services as a wedding photographer.
I can’t tell you how many people have come to me over the years sorely disappointed because they found someone cheap to do their wedding. Ruined images, no images at all, or fighting with the photographer to even get the images are but a few of the scenarios that happen all too often.
There are a great many necessary skills to become a competent wedding photographer. Remember that you’re photographing a once in a lifetime event. There is no room for anything less than an expert behind the camera.
It’s a tough job, but I suffer through it day after day after day. 🙂 Photographing models can be a lot of fun (and exercise) for a photographer. You’ll often be out in the elements early morning or late at night, working with crews of people, models, make up artists, hair stylists, etc.
It can be a rewarding career, or at the very least a lot of fun just to shoot your friends. Take the time to learn the basics of lighting and composition and you’ll be off to a great start in learning to shoot models.
Equipment requirements are fairly straightforward. Medium to telephoto lenses, portable lighting, soft boxes and portable changing tents for the models.
Types of Photography
There are so many facets of photography to explore. Start with something simple and then expand your depth and breadth of knowledge as you gain experience. You’ll find that you will naturally fall into a particular category of what you like to shoot.
Developing your eye as a photographer is part of the process in building your skill as an artist. It may come naturally to you, or you may have to work at it a bit in order to be comfortable with the concepts of balance, symmetry, and composition.
The best part about photography is that when you look at your images that you have taken over the years, it instantly transports you back to the time, place, and feeling that created that image in the first place. So enjoy the journey, it’s the best part of the road to the destination.
If you have one or more sons in school, you may be looking for backpacks for boys for back to school in 2017. We have backpacks here for all ages of boys clear up to college age. Some of the backpacks for boys are shown here are rolling backpacks. These are wonderful if they expect to have a heavy load of books. It can be hard on your back to carry around that weight all day. Of course, we have the traditional style of backpacks for boys as well.
Choosing the best backpack is all about picking something which is going to stand the test of time. We all know boys can be hard on their clothing and bags! Kicking the backpack along the school hall after school or throwing it across the bedroom after a tough exam is all par for the course, so pick something durable.
While girls often choose pretty pink backpacks, boys are more inclined to want something cool such as camo-print or something in a dark color. Each boy is different of course, and you know your son better than anyone else, so have a look at the following backpacks and see which one resonates with you and which you think he will get on with best.
Different Kinds of Backpacks
There are so many backpacks to choose from, and different ones suit different boys. If your son is the sporty type and often carries around a change of clothes, swimwear or a ball for kicking around, then you might like to choose a roomier backpack or something with a waterproof pocket. If he has a lot of textbooks and folders, something square-shaped rather than with rounded corners might hold more. Not only can you choose the shape, size, and amount of pockets but you can also check other features on the backpacks like zippers, inner compartments, hidden zippered pockets and different kinds of padding on the back and shoulders.
Photo Credit: All product images are credited to Amazon
Best Backpacks for Boys
Looking for the Best Backpacks for Boys?
High Sierra Loop Backpack
This is a great backpack. It is sporty, trendy and available in 19 different colors and designs. There are 4 inside pockets and 4 outside zippered ones. The rip-stop nylon ensures the bag will not tear, even if it gets a small hole or tiny rip in it. The bag is coated with a waterproof coating, and the compartments make organizing easily. There is a zippered mesh pocket, a lidded media pocket, a key fob and pen pockets. The shoulder strap on this bag is padded for comfort, and the shoulder pads are non-slip, so the bag will stay in place whether being worn one-shouldered or two-shouldered. The swivel clip at the end of the strap stops it twisting around. Reviewers praise the comfort of this backpack as well as how great all those pockets are for keeping things organized.
A rolling backpack is a backpack on wheels, and a lot of parents are interested in knowing whether these are a good idea. A child should not carry more than 20% of his own weight, but since a lot of kids have to carry textbooks and other heavy items around, it can be hard to stick to this limit.
Before you invest in a rolling backpack, find out whether they are allowed at your son’s school. Some schools do not allow them, claiming them to be a tripping hazard. Call the school if you are not sure. Although a rolling backpack is primarily designed to be pulled along, it can also be carried, especially in crowded places, so ensure the straps are wide and padded. The bag should sit a couple of inches above your son’s waist. Check the handle is long enough too since having to stoop down will be just as bad for the back than carrying a heavy tote bag.
Something you should check is the load rating for the backpack you have in mind. Older boys usually carry more than younger ones do. Check with your son how he feels about rolling backpacks before buying one. And he will probably want something which looks ‘cool’ rather than something his grandmother would wheel on to a plane as carry-on luggage.
Rolling backpacks work great on sidewalks and indoors but are not so good when faced with fields or snow, as well as through the aisles of a crowded school bus, so the route to school matters as well. There are plenty of great backpacks for boys, both rolling and the conventional kind, so have a look at some backpacks online and see which ones you and your son like.
Top Backpacks for Boys in 2017
Top Rated Backpacks for Boys
JanSport Classic SuperBreak Backpack
This highly functional school bag is made from 600-denier polyester for supreme strength. Your son will be able to fit all kinds of things in there including several textbooks, a binder, calculator, cell phone, spiral notebooks and more. The shoulder straps are padded for your comfort and two-thirds of the back panel is padded too. An overwhelming majority of reviewers award this backpack with 5 stars because it is such good quality and you get a fantastic bag for your money. Some reviewers have owned one of these for over 10 years, and their backpacks are still going strong. This classically styled all-American backpack will never go out of fashion, and you will be surprised just how much you can fit in there.
This backpack comes in 12 designs, and it measures 16 x 11 x 8½ inches so you can pack a lot in there. The main compartment will hold everything comfortably, and the front pocket is an insulated cooler so you can put snacks and drinks in there. Use this as a school bag or as carry-on baggage. There is an inner mesh pocket for books, and a couple of mesh drinks pockets too. This is a versatile and durable backpack for boys, and it can either be pulled along or carried like a backpack, which is ideal if it happens to be heavy because pulling it along is so simple.
LEGO “Mini Figures” 3D Lenticular 16″ Children’s School Backpack
The perfect backpack for younger kids, this one is officially licensed by LEGO™ and features a 3D Lego design on the front. The bag measures 16 x 14 x 4½ inches, and there is a zipper closure, padded shoulder straps, and side pockets. Lego fans will love how this bag offers plenty of room for gym clothes, pencils, books and more. The mesh pockets on the side are useful, and you can pop a water bottle, note cards or calculator in there. Use the webbed locker loop to hang the bag when not in use. The fabric used to make this is durable and there are gray and light blue accents on the black. You will love the quality of this backpack while your son will love the cool, trendy 3D Lego design on the bag as well as how comfortable it is to carry around.
Backpacks Designed for Boys
Boys often engage in more ‘rough and tumble’ than girls, so a backpack which is anything less than durable is probably going to fall apart quickly, as any mom of boys will tell you. I have 4 boys myself, so I know all about how boys manage to break things and get through clothing and backpacks surprisingly fast! Let me tell you; it is never worth buying a cheap backpack because you are going to have to replace it every few weeks. One reason I love the JanSport, in particular, is the value for money you get when buying this brand. These backpacks are guaranteed for years, and even the roughest of boys would find it hard to break theirs.
JanSport is known for lasting many years, and some people have had their backpacks over 10 years, which is impressive when you consider how much we cram into our backpacks regularly. This is not the only good brand of course. If you are not sure which is best for your son, I suggest you ask him what he likes and considers the kind of things he carries around with him. Also, consider a backpack treated with a waterproofing treatment if you live somewhere rainy. Most of the good ones are waterproofed, but it is something to double-check before you buy.
Although some backpacks only have one or two additional pockets, this suits some boys who prefer just to use the main compartment. If your son likes to be more organized though, look for a backpack offering a key fob, zippered interior pockets and mesh pockets, so there is a place for everything to go. Of course the design and color of the bag are also important to consider. You might like to look out for a plain, classic style. After all, a Lego bag might appeal to your 9-year-old, but if that bag is still going strong a few years later you will probably find he has gone off it!
Versatile and Practical
The backpack has changed in recent years, transforming itself from a humble piece of gear into a fashion staple capable of defining fashion-conscious boys and men and sportsmen all over the globe. Not only is a backpack ideal for carrying around school books and school supplies, but it is also ideal for a weekend trip or a day trip when you want to carry things with you. Choose from polyester, nylon or another fabric, and choose a design which appeals to your son and which he will not outgrow. Even if your son has the back-to-school blues, he will soon cheer up when he can show off his cool new bag to his friends.
“Cool Backpacks- High Sierra Backpacks Review”
YouTube Videos for “High Sierra Backpacks Review.”
This 100% polyester backpack comes in 15 different designs. It features an insulated cooler pocket and fleece-lined valuables pocket, as well as various other compartments and pockets for storing and organizing your gear. It is machine washable and features heavy duty clips, zippers, and buckles so you can expect it to last a long time and perform well. It is large enough to store school books and binders, or you can use it for day trips or even take it to the beach. The cool colors show no dirt and back and straps are gently padded for comfort. While the insulated cooler section in the center might not be handy for school (well, it will keep a drink chilled) it means you can use the backpack as a day trip bag or beach bag and keep your refreshments cool in there.
So you are looking for foodies gifts. You are shopping for someone who is devoted to food. They adore the freshest most flavorful or delicately prepared, raised and harvested ingredients. A foodie loves food’s infinite combinations and the delight of eating an excellent repast! If you or someone you know has this affliction or addiction, then you are in the right place!
As a foodie myself, I have made a list of the top 10 gifts I would love! If by definition above, other foodies actually adore all things culinary, then they are in for a treat here. These make wonderful gifts for Christmas, Birthdays, Mother’s or Father’s Day, Valentines, Anniversaries or any occasion really, even hostess gifts. I have sorted items from least expensive to more luxurious for each category on the list to make reading the article and looking for culinary gift ideas, as quick as possible!
Dinner Party Ideas
For a memorable dinner party check these foodie gifts out! The dinner party cookbook with themes has some great ideas and along with the Foodie Board game, you gourmet friend or family member is guaranteed to host an evening that is talked about for years.
And how about a blind wine tasting evening to go along with a wonderful dinner. With the wine tasting kit, your foodies evening should go smoothly and be great fun.
Every culinary connoisseur knows it takes the finest ingredients to make the most excellent food. Quality, organic and locally raised are beautiful when in season and available. These gourmet staples at Amazon will certainly have the foodie’s pantry ready of any feasts they choose to prepare, or ready on hand for the finest dinner party.
These are simple, elegant foodie gifts that will make your foodies life easier in the kitchen. An excellent clean, shiny new Silpat is great and you can never have too many of them! The elegant cookbook stand is the heaviest to avoid tipping and hardest wearing I could find and will match most European or antique decors.
The green granite pestle and mortar is awesome and one of my favorite kitchen tools. For the real food lover, this is awesome for crushing whole dried peppers, and dried onions and herbs when you are ready to cook with them for a burst of flavor. Or maybe you can pound fresh garlic cloves in with a little salt for brushing with olive oil on the crust of a wood-fired pizza when it is cooked! The weight of the pestle is enough that grinding or crushing your ingredients is easy.
Of course, fine wines go with excellent culinary experiences. Many foodies are also oenophiles or wine lovers too, so here is a great selection of gifts for them to get the most our of their wine! They make an opening, developing flavor and storing their wine easy with these premium gadgets.
And the picnic set is for fun afternoons and sunny days, sitting on a hillside with a hunk of artisanal cheese, fresh crusty bread and a wonderful robust red wine.
I have this Cuisinart stick blender. It is way better than the last blender I had that I wore out making potato, leek, bacon and stilton soup. In comparison, this stick blender is much more powerful and quickly draws all the liquid through the blades without you even having to move the blender. This means you have very few missed lumps in your soup. The little processor base is great for making hot pepper paste and finely chopped veggies.
Any self-respecting foodie should have a kitchen aid mixer. This excellent fire engine red model is cozy and comforting. You can buy accessories and even a cover that holds the attachments. The white glossy kitchen aid mixer blends in with our decor beautifully. We have made a ton of cookies in outs and even mixed the sausage meat and home grew herbs for our own sausage links. It’s a cumbersome duty machine, I am hard on equipment, and it holds up perfectly!
If your foodie friend has ever had deep fried turkey a book that they will know how succulent it is. Now you can deep fry a turkey inside your home instead of freezing out on the deck and be missing out on the holiday fun. With home made ice-cream for dessert.
Fellow foodies…..
What your favorite gadgets and foodie treasures in your kitchen?
Tell us about your favorite foodies’ gifts you have received and add to our foodie gifts suggestion list! We, foodies, have to stick together!!
You know instantly when you walk into a room that is designed Feng Shui. The feel, a calming peace and a synergy and flow of the elements harmonize with your every movement. I am instantly relaxed every time I enter this realm.
In Feng Shui, there are eight pillars of in the Bagua. These are Life, Energy, Career, Wealth, Friendship, Parental Support, Health and Life Force, and Love.
A Feng Shui Living Room uses the principles of the over 3000-year-old ancient Chinese art, to better convey the purpose of the Living Room in your home.
The living room is meant to be a place that everyone can enjoy and congregate to spend time with each other.The colors. Decor, furniture placement, etc. are all factors in creating an environment where everyone will feel safe, secure, serene and promote togetherness and happiness.
Feng Shui Colors for Your Living Room
Feng Shui Colors for Your Living Room are essential to creating a healthy and happy environment and an excellent way to control and shift energy in Feng Shui.
Use a Feng Shui Bagua Color Map to help guide you to the proper colors to use in your new Feng Shui Living Room. Choosing the proper colors will generate the energy that you need in the room to bring to life the other elements of your furniture, artwork and other decor items.
Feng Shui Mirrors are one of the simplest and most widely used Feng Shui methods to cut the negative energy, or ‘qi.’ Correctly placed, mirrors can dramatically improve the energy flow of the room.
There are three primary ways to utilize mirrors in your Fung Shui Living Room The first is for expansion, where the mirror gives the illusion of expanded space.
The second is a reflection. The objects facing the mirror are essentially doubled, so position good objects within the mirrors path.
The final method is used outside to counteract bad angles and negative energies. The Feng Shui Bagua Mirrors have eight sides and are ideal for this task. Having sharp edges or being in the center of a T-section road are two such purposes of these mirrors.
Feng Shui Art is also one of the easiest and most widely used Feng Shui methods to cut the negative energy or ‘qi.’ The right art piece can compliment the room and improve the energy flow as well.
The art that you choose should be a reflection of you. Choose artwork that promotes peace and serenity as well as something that compliments the room and colors.
The most critical factor in your new Feng Shui Living Room is the position of the sofa. It determines the movement of the chi (energy) movement in the room.
If the windows and front door are facing each other, avoid placing the sofa in between them. Doing this would put you in a position of fire (qi), as energy flows from the door to the window.
Do not position your sofa directly under and exposed beam in the ceiling as well.
Try to avoid having the back of the sofa against either a door or a window. The recommended position for your Feng Shui sofa is backed up against a wall., a sign of protection.
If your room can accommodate more than one sofa or any additional chairs, place them in a semi circular pattern instead of facing each other. This is not only more comfortable for you and your guests, but it promotes conversation as well.
Feng Shui Curtain
Here is some beautiful Feng Shui Curtain you will love theme….
Feng Shui. The ancient Chinese art of placement. The belief is that your environment or surroundings are a reflection of your life.
By adapting and changing your environment, you can enlist influences and feelings that can affect your life in a very positive way every day.
Top 5 Feng Shui Tips For A Happy Year
Celebrate the Positive Things in Your Life – When you look at the good things in your life, no matter how small, you begin to appreciate how important they are to your well being.
Make Sure Your Bed is in the Command Position – This is where your bed gives you the widest view of the room and is supported by a solid wall. It’s psychological. The less that is hidden and the more that you see, the safer you feel.
Embrace what IS working in your Relationships – Helps to change your attitude into one of thankfulness and gratitude and to gain as much happiness as possible from the good in your relationships.
Write an Affirmation of Gratitude and Appreciation – Write it down on a piece of paper and then plant it in the soil of a plant (preferably in the abundance area of your home). Every time that you water that plant visualize your life becoming more positive, powerful, healthy and happy.
Clean Your House!- It is as simple as that. You will feel better and more relaxed about your surroundings, and it will help to generate energy for you to thrive and succeed.
The Five Elements in Feng Shui – Earth Fire Water Metal Wood
Bagua Map
The Bagua Map or Pa Kua, and also known as the Lo Shu Square, is one of the primary tools used to analyze the energy in your space. It is the energy map of your home. Translated from Chinese, it means “8 areas”.
Each of the eight areas has a Feng Shui Element, Color, and Life associated with it.
How to use the Bagua Map
Begin by drawing out the Bagua Map, making sure that areas 8,1, and 6 are on the bottom of the page. You can stretch the Bagua Map to accommodate different floor plan layouts.
Align the Bagua Map with your front door, so it will always fall at either 8,1 or 6. It is aligned at 1 in the example shown. If you enter through a side door, it is best to start using the front door as it represents the “mouth of chi” and is where positive energy enters to nourish your home.
Don’t panic if you have an oddly shaped home where parts of the Bagua Map will be missing. As long as the front door is aligned with the bottom edge, you will be ok. Missing corners simply represent a loss of energy that needs to be strengthened.
Fire – Passion and High Energy – Red, Orange, Purple, Pink, Yellow
Earth – Nourishment and Stability – Light Yellow, Beige and Sand/Earthly Colors
Metal – Clarity, and Preciseness – White, Gray
Water – Abundance, Ease, Freshness – Blue, Black
Wood – Health and Vitality – Brown, Green
Colors
Colors relate to who we are and play a very meaningful role in Feng Shui. The purpose of colors is to help achieve a balance in your environment. Whether it’s planning for your office, home or personal appearance, here’s an insight into how they can help you achieve your harmony, inner peace, and goals in life.
Yin Colors & Feng Shui – These bring out healing and relaxation.
Blue – Has Yin energy and is calm and soothing. It reflects love as it heals and relaxes. It is the color of the sea and sky, so it is associated with exploration and adventure.
Black – Symbolizes money and income. Great color for careers especially when combined with metal. It is the color of power and emotional protection.
Gray – Neutral, Clear and Detached. Can be utilized as a dull gray or upscale Feng Shui color. The most benefit is gained by use in the North, Northwest, and West areas of your environment.
Purple – Has a great significance in spiritual Feng Shui. It is known for spiritual and mental healing and spiritual awareness.
White – Represents poise, purity, and confidence. It is often used in combination with gold or silver to create an atmosphere.
Pink – Gentle, Loving and Soothing. A fire element, pink is the color of universal love which is widely used to soften energy in your environment. It can be used almost anywhere from the bedroom to the laundry room.
Green – Growth, Vibrancy, and Health. A wood element, green is the color of renewal and regeneration. Very nourishing to your health it balances the whole body. For maximum benefit, it is recommended to utilize several shades of green.
Yang Colors & Feng Shui – the Contrasting opposite of Yin energy. Yin emphasizes softness and essence of feminine energy, whereas Yang denotes fiery directness of the Sun, aggressive speed of race cars, mountain rocks, and focused energy.
Yellow – Represents warmth, cheerfulness, sunbeams, friendliness, and motion. Prolonged exposure to intense yellow has been known to cause anxiety so use with caution.
Orange – Strength, and concentration. Ideal to use when your creative well needs nourishing. Orange is the color of organization and gives you a sense of purpose.
Red, Mauve, Tan/Beige, Brown, Maroon, Lavender, and Gold – Associated with Luck, money, and romance. These colors are used in different combinations with other Feng Shui elements for balancing chi in your home.
Brown – Nourishing energy and often associated with good things like dark chocolate, gourmet coffee, and deep, rich mahogany wood. Brown is most beneficial in the South, Southeast, and East areas of your environment.
North – Element: Water Colors: Blue and Black Life Area: Career & Path in Life
Northeast – Element: Earth Colors: Beige, Light Yellow, and Sandy/Earthy Life Area: Spiritual Growth & Self-Cultivation.
East – Element: Wood Colors: Brown and Green Life Area: Health & Family
Southeast – Element: Wood Colors: Brown and Green Life Area: Money & Abundance
South – Element: Fire Colors: Red, Orange, Purple, Pink and Bright Yellow Life Area: Fame & Reputation
Southwest – Element: Earth Colors: Beige, Light Yellow, and Sandy/Earthy Life Area: Love & Marriage
West – Element: Metal Colors: White and Gray Life Area: Creativity & Children
Northwest – Element: Metal Colors: White and Gray Life Area: Helpful People, Blessings & Travel
Chinese Feng Shui Compass
True Feng Shui requires a compass. Without utilizing a compass, you are only practicing interior design and not Fung Shui. The compass is nothing more than the Feng Shui formulas embedded into concentric rings on a plate known as the heaven dial and most often sits on a wood base know as the earth plate.
Keep in mind that in the western world, compasses point to the north, whereas the Chinese compass points south.
Wellness
Feng Shui has been defined, refined, and practiced for thousands of years with great results. By practicing Feng Shui, you are bringing order out of chaos in your universe.
Even if you don’t believe in the edits of Feng Shui, you will truly be amazed at how much better your life will become just by creating a happy, healthy, balanced environment to live and work in.
Many corporations are investing in Feng Shui environments because they recognize the importance of not only a balanced life, but also that the peace and happiness that it brings will translate into happier and more productive employees. Not to mention giving them a decided edge over their competitors,
Feng Shui Beauty – One Room at a Time
The joys and benefits of Fung Shui can be started simply with your attire, a small room, or an entire house. If you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed, start by converting a single room that can be your escape from the stresses of the world. A place to renew and refuel your energy and life force.
As you gain strength from your environment and see the lasting benefits of Feng Shui, you will want to spread the chi created throughout your environment, both at home and possibly even the office. Fung Shui is a lifestyle that can bring joy, balance, and harmony to your universe if you give it the opportunity.
Happiness and Harmony in Home Decorating
The beauty, peace, joy, and harmony created by a Feng Shui environment will be noticed by all who enter its realms. A properly designed Feng Shui environment has an energy, a feeling that is sensed by all. Make Feng Shui a part of your life, and you will be not only bettering your existence but helping to align the energy forces of nature and your world into peace and harmony.
I am not a mechanic. But being the owner of a lawn care business does afford me the opportunity to work on a lot of mowers, trimmers, edgers, and blowers. To do this, I needed a good set of tools, and the Craftsman mechanics tool set is what I got.
When I first started my business, I had all my tools thrown into an old Army ammo can. You know the kind that has a flip up lid? Well, that can could hold a lot of.Tools, but it was a pain in the butt.
If I needed a socket or a wrench I had to dig for it. If it weren’t on top, I would have to pour the whole can out and spread the contents around until I found what I was looking for.
After doing that a few times, and then picking all the stuff up to place it back into the ammo can, I wised up and started carrying a towel around with me to dump all the tools out onto. That way, when I was done with them, I could just pick up the four corners of the towel and then dump it all into the can. It made it a lot easier than picking up each piece individually and placing them there.
Apparently, my wife got tired of hearing me complain about my cruddy little ammo can tool box, so for Christmas one year she bought me this 263 piece Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set.
When I opened this big old box up I was amazed at the perfect order every thing was laid out. Each drawer is set up for its wrench size. So if I needed a 1/4 socket, I know it is in the top drawer. The 3/8′s are in the middle, and the 1/2′s are on the bottom.
The best thing about this set is that it is tough. Not only are the tools great, but the box they come in is thick and sturdy. I have had this set for about three years, and use it just about every day, and it is still about as good as new.
When the 1/4 drive wrench broke, all I had to do was run it up to Sears, and they handed me a replacement on the spot. The one they gave me was a used reconditioned one, but it worked. That is all I cared about. Plus, if it or any of the other tools break, I know that I can take them up and have them replaced.
The only drawback I can tell you about with this set is that it is heavy. It starts out at 45 lbs, and I have extra tools in the lid, so it is even heavier. If you have to lift it and haul it any distance, you may want to do so with a hand truck.
Overall I love it. It has been one of my favorite gifts of all time, and at the price you can find it on Amazon, it can not be beaten.
These are a few tools that do not come in the Craftsman Tool Set but would be nice to have with it.
A Pocketful of History: Four Hundred Years of America–One State Quarter at a time one of the most successful and ambitious programs the US Mint has ever taken on is that of the fifty state quarters. The project has been well received by the public and thus has become extremely popular with collectors both old and young alike. The programs last minting occurred in 2008 and with the relapse of the last coin gave everyone in America a chance to have a unique coin representative of the fifty states of the union. This book looks at the history of the fifty states and what went into the discussion making behind each states personalized coin. It tells of what went into the design and how each state set out to make its mark in the collection. The book “A Pocketful of History” takes the reader on a journey of fascinating history behind the whole project and is a snap shot look at America’s rich and full history and changes itself.
This snap circuits set has hundreds and hundreds of excellent reviews, and it has also won some awards. You get over 60 parts which snap together, and this is enough to build more than 300 projects such as a burglar alarm, doorbell, radio and more. Everything you need is in the box, so you do not have to buy additional tools. There are various ways to introduce your child to science, but one of the best ways has to be a child-friendly science kit like this one. Having to decipher adult-oriented circuit diagram components and solder them yourself is enough to put any child off, but this user-friendly set will allow your child to get started right away with projects suitable for his young age. This kit will instill a love of science in any child. All the pieces have symbols stamped on them, and the pieces are numbered individually to avoid confusion. The manual is in color, and it is very easy to follow. If you have a child between 8 and 12 years, this kit is fantastic. If you are shopping for a teenager, choose the Snap Circuits 500 instead.
Hi! Today we’re going to count down the top 10 headsets. First, go reviews gaming headset dot com backslash top 10 gaming headset reviews for the list. And we’re going to start with number ten the Turtle Beach TBS-2214 Ear Force Z6A Gaming Headset. This one looks pretty cool with blue accents, USB powers it and it’s got many plugs for the audio.
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I have this Cuisinart stick blender. It is way better than the last blender I had that I wore out making potato, leek, bacon and stilton soup. In comparison, this stick blender is much more powerful and quickly draws all the liquid through the blades without you even having to move the blender. This means you have very few missed lumps in your soup. The little processor base is great for making hot pepper paste and finely chopped veggies.
I am not a mechanic. But being the owner of a lawn care business does afford me the opportunity to work on a lot of mowers, trimmers, edgers, and blowers. To do this, I needed a good set of tools, and the Craftsman mechanics tool set is what I got.
