Monday, May 31, 2010

Be Prepared

First, D&D is back! (Can I even use those symbols together without getting sued?)

Second, Happy Memorial Day! My father served in the US Army for 25 years and my fiancee served in the Air Force for 6, and both say they're better people for it. To those who defend our country, (or used to) I say THANK YOU.

Third, I had a doughnut (spell check would not allow DONUT) this morning for breakfast, and boy oh boy was it tasty.

Survival of the Alive-est
A few weeks ago, before one of our weekend Warhammer sessions, Jon, Liz, Chris and I were pontificating on the subject of survival during a "hypothetical" zombie epidemic. Jon happened to hear of a brilliant  item called a "bug-out" bag. This is a bag packed with gear that you would need to survive at least 72 hours in case you had to "bug-out" of your house quickly. In case you didn't already have one put together, I have given you some options below.
Your bug-out bag should be small enough for you to carry on your own, but big enough to store the essentials. They need to be durable enough to withstand the elements and a some "wear and tear." (Especially the "tear" part if we're talking about zombies.) The first style, is a backpack design which leaves both hands free, in case you need to carry weapons, children, or pets. (Or one of each?) The second is a messenger style, which also leaves both hands free. The last example is a hand carry, which if heavy enough, could also be used as a blunt weapon.

 
1. SPEC.-OPS."T.H.E. Pack", available (here) $179.99
2. UTG "Multi-Functional Tactical Messenger Bag", available (here) $28.50
3.Klein Tools 20" Canvas Tool Bag, available (here) $60.87




Even more important than the bag part of your BO bag, is what is contained within. As much as I would like to include lip-gloss, some instant Starbucks coffee, and a fashion magazine or two, the BO bag needs to be pared down to hold only the basics. (Although it's questionable how long I would survive without a cup of coffee.)

1. Rand McNally, "Map of Northern Virginia", available (here) $4.70
2. Morakniv™ " Forest Exclusive Model 311BB 4 1/4", available (here) $99.00
3. Adventure Medical Kits, "UltraLight/Watertight Medical Kit, available (here) $36.00
4. Surefire, "E2L Outdoorsman Dual Output LED Flashlight," available (here) $159.00
5. Eton, "FR400 Special Edition Pink Crank Powered Emergency Radio with AM/FM, NOAA and TV-VHF", available (here) $58.99
6. Glock "19 Pistol, 9mm," available (here) $459.00
7. Datrex, "2400 Kcal per ration Emergency survival food bar," available (here) $5.19/12 pack
8. Steri-Pen "Traveler Hand-held UV Water Purifier," available (here) $60.00
9. Evian bottled water, available (here) $34.99/24 pack
10. Ultimate Survival Technologies "StrikeForce Fire Starter," available (here) $24.00
11. Max Brooks, "The Zombie Survival Guide," available (here) $9.50


Is there anything you think I should have included and didn't?
Do you have your own version of a bug out bag?

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Monday, May 10, 2010

On Location

With summer just around the corner, I have been day dreaming about all of the many exotic places I would love to go on vacation. I love the outdoors, so I would be happy on a beach, in a forest, in the mountains, and yes, even on a snow-capped mountain. 

It's a big, beautiful planet so there are lots of choices for all of the aforementioned choices. If we're talking day-dreams though, you might as well dream big. And what could be dreamier than visiting one of the seriously amazing settings seen in some of the most epic movies and television shows.

New Zealand: Lord of the Rings

Nelson Region, NZ
Image: TripAdvisor



Wellington Region, NZ
Image: Wellington, NZ, Botanical Society


Taupo Region, NZ
Image: http://timmjunge.files.wordpress.com
Middle Earth
 
For information regarding "Middle Earth" tours, check out the following sites:

United Kingdom: The Chronicles of Narnia

Glenfinnan, Scotland
 
Image:  ParadiseConnection.com


Gloucester Cathedral, Great Britain
 
Image: Business Week 

Oxford University, Great Britain
Image: Veritaserum.com 

Hogwarts
 Image: PotterForums.com

Harry Potter Location Tour Information:

Harry Potter Fan Trips  (This is amazing!!)



Hawaii, United States: LOST

North Shore, Oahu 
 Image: Mark Benko.com


Kualoa Ranch, Oahu
 Image: AffordableHawaiianTours.com
K'olau Mountains, Oahu
 Image: Pono-loa.com
New Otherton
 Image: lotsafunmaps.com




If money was no object, where would you go on your dream vacation?
Is there a set from a film or tv show that you'd love to visit?
 

 


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Saturday, May 8, 2010

Pick a Palette: The Legend


This is for a friend, who had a request. I think it really works for summer. Or going on an adventure to save a princess.



Clockwise from top:
Shirt: Old Navy, "Women's Eyelet Flutter Sleeve Top," in New Zealand, (here) $24.50
Belt: Banana Republic, in bark brown (here) $55.00
Ring: Noir Jewelry, "Dagger Knuckle Ring", in gunmetal, (here) $77.00
Pants: Gap, "The New Easy Straight", in khaki, (here) $25.00
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman, "Apron Sandal", (here) $375.00


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Thursday, May 6, 2010

Pump up the Jam

Image:  http://paleolife365.wordpress.com


Promoting a healthy, active lifestyle, is something that I've been striving to do for the last several years. (And at the very least I want to be prepared to outrun zombies.) In my opinion, the best way to do that is to lead by example. This week I've been evaluating my fitness levels (or lack thereof) and have decided to make some small daily changes that I know I'll be able to keep up with. Now, I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. But I'm going to share the things that I've learned from experience. 

  1. Small Changes make a Big Impact- By trying to change everything all at once, you are only setting yourself up for failure. (Especially if you have a lot of other things going on in your life.) Today, for example, I forgot my lunch, so I went to Subway and chose apple slices instead of chips. When I go to visit my colleagues on other floors, i try to take the stairs. It's easier for me to make things a habit when I start small. 
  2. Be Active- Something as simple as taking a walk around your neighborhood or going for a bike ride will give you more energy and contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Activity doesn't always have to take place in a gym. It could be your backyard, a pool, or a park. Make it fun! I take horseback riding and fencing, and am looking for a hip-hop dance class in my area. Want to ready yourself for a possible zombie apocalypse? Look up your nearest accredited martial arts studio or medieval sword-fighting instructor. (yes, they exist!) 
  3. Set realistic goals- Instead of saying "I want to lose X amount of pounds in X amount of days" or "I want to have a body like so-and-so" why don't you say to yourself "I want to be able to do 30 push-ups in a row," or "I want to be able to run a 5K." I used to say the aforementioned things to myself all the time when I was feeling down and out about my fitness. Now I just want to be stronger, faster, and appreciate my body for all the amazing things it can do. 
  4. Everything in Moderation- Let's keep it real here. I am not giving up sleeping in on Saturdays, lazy Sundays, french fries, cupcakes, beer, or pizza. But I always try to keep in mind how much and how frequently I have these things. It's easy when I'm active, because I always want to choose to do/eat things that make me feel good and give me energy.Moderation means I will never feel deprived.
My work-out must haves!
 Clockwise:
1. SIGG water bottle. This is a kid's version, but there are many more designs and sizes (here). Good for the environment and keeps water cool. Also at your local Wegmans or Whole Foods grocery stores.
2. iPod video. This is an older version, and really any portable music player will do. I like how light-weight this is. (here)
3. Herban Essentials Wipes: These come in packs, with scents like Peppermint, Lemon, Eucalyptus and Lavender. These are really refreshing after working out, and awesome in the summer as a general anti-bacterial, all natural wipe. I got my packs at Marshalls for $4, but you can also purchase them online (here).
4. Nike training gloves. My hands get very sweaty, so I HAVE to have these when I lift. (here)
5. Towel from my linen closet. :)



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Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Wall Swag


A house isn't a home until you've put your own personal touches on it. The easiest way to impart your sense of style, aesthetic, and sense of humor is by adorning the biggest canvas you have: your walls!



Vintage Style Super-Hero Posters by Michael Myers 
Artist Michael Myers has a series of these vintage super-hero posters, which would look awesome framed in a TV room or office. Click on his name above and check out his other designs and illustrations.
(Check out his blog! Some great work from him and links to other.)




Battlestar Galactica Propaganda Posters (as a 5 poster set) (here)
and First Cylon War Print (here) designed by Adam Levermore-Rich

"Join the battle against Cylon tyranny! Show your true colors and support the cause by displaying these posters in the common areas of your ship. Officially sanctioned by Fleet Operations, each poster contains critical messages from the Colonial Ministry of Information that will help recruit, inspire and inform your fellow Colonial citizens." - Quantum Mechanix

These would be a cool addition to any retro themed office.





Seems like any other battle, save for the cylon on the far right. Makes you look twice.

Nintendo Wall Graphics (here)
Of course, my preference is Original Mario, but they also come in Donkey Kong and New Super Mario Bros
I would have killed to have this in my room when I was a kid! Especially after that glorious day when I finally beat the game.




Star Trek Wall Decals- Full Wall Mural (here)
This is just spectacular. I love it as pictured, as the backdrop for what appears to be an IKEA dorm.
Truly, if you are going to do something, never do it half-way.





Are you a minimalist when it comes to artwork/decoration or do you like to go all out?

(Also, Happy Star Wars Day! May the Fourth be with you!)

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Monday, May 3, 2010

Three Wolf Moon: 3 Ways


Have you ever stepped into your packed closet, or rifled through drawers stuffed with clothes only to come to the conclusion that you have nothing to wear? Or consequently, waited far too long to replace those well worn/loved tees? Well, I'm here to tell you that it happens to the best of us.

But fear not. No matter your gender, skin color, or Stargate series preference, I am here to tell you that I have the answer to your couture quandaries. 

Yes, my dear readers, there is only one item you need to feel once more feel that rush of power when you prepare yourself for the day ahead. 

THREE WOLF MOON
 Three Wolf Moon T-Shirt by The Mountain, (here) 

But please, don't take my word for it. Check out the over 1,700 reviews on Amazon. Read about the amazing powers and irresistible allure this t-shirt has granted to it's wearers. 
In case you were wondering what you could possible pair with such a glorious piece, I have created three different looks to inspire you. 


Blazer: Fred Flare "The Boyfriend Blazer", in black (here) $64.00
Shoes: Miz Mooz, "Sachi", in green (here) $105.00
Jeans: Banana Republic, "Heritage Railroad Stripe Cropped Boyfriend Jean" (here) $89.50
Bag: Melie Bianco "Diagonal Stitch Tote", in gold (here) $79.00





 



Bracelets: Gap "Metallic Beaded Stretch Bracelets" (here) $9.50
Watch: Timex "Men's Classic Camper Watch", in black (here) $24.00
Jeans: Gap "Skinny Mid-rise Jeans", in medium wash (here) $60.00
Boots: Steven by Steve Madden "Iden", in cognac (here) $159.00






* wear shirt tucked in

Necklace: Banana Republic "Imperial Necklace" (here) $69.50
Bag: Matt and Nat "Hendrix" (here) $165.00
Shoes: Steve Madden "Caryssa", in blush suede (here) $89.00
Skirt: J. Crew "Perfect Pencil Skirt", in fresh plum (here) $79.99


Do you already own a Three Wolf Moon (herein after 3WM) or maybe it's less powerful predecessor the Two Wolf Moon (2WM)?
Have you seen one of these in action?



 

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