My Finds Online

Spring Has Arrived!

It's looking like spring has finally arrived for good.  The flowers are blooming and the birds are chirping.  I found these really adorable birdhouses that would make such a statement in your garden.  I love being outdoors in the beautiful weather surrounded by nature.  It makes everything feel so alive.  If your looking for a bold and bright birdhouse, take a look at some of their creations.  Their prices start at around $15.00 and go up as the birdhouses get larger with more detail.  They are so cute and colorful!

 

Why Do Cats Love to Sleep On Our Desks?

Working from home is a huge convenience, that is unless you have cats.  I wonder what their fascination is about climbing all over my desk while I'm working.  I think it's because they don't want me to get any work done at all.  I bet they are thinking, "Look at me, aren't I adorable?"  Which I do think you are but, "Do you need to lay on my keyboard?"  "Can't you just lay on the empty areas on the desk?"  This is my conversation with my two cats all day. 

Constantly pushing and shuffling them around my work area.  I even bought I much larger desk to compensate for them, but no, they must lay as close to me as possible.  I won't complain too much because they are the light of my life.  Even though I'm fighting with them all day for space, I am smiling while I do.  I can't help but think they are too cute and funny, I love them all to pieces.  I only have kids with 4 legs, not 2, so they are my babies. 

  Not only do I have 2 cats on my desk but my Lab Retriever insists on sleeping underneath my desk, practically on my feet.  I do like it in the winter though, I tuck my feet underneath him to keep my tootsies warm.  So I'm cramped no matter where I turn.  Oh well, they give me unconditional love so I can't ask for more than that.

This brings me to the whole reason for this article.  I came across the most ingenious idea ever.  The Kit-In Box is a small pet bed that can be attached directly to your desk.  The bed can support cats and even small dogs up to 20 lbs.  It is available in three different finishes; cherry, mahogany and birch.  This is an awesome idea for your little supervisor to be able to be with you but not on top of you. 

   

Going Green

These days all you ever seem to hear and see is how we can make our lives more "green".  This is a growing trend and something we do need to take seriously.  I am always amazed but how much people purchase on a weekly, even daily basis.  We spend so much money needlessly, yes my husband and I are guilty too.  That, I am determined to improve upon.  It seems like we are all in the "I want it now, I need it now" mindset.  I simply had no idea how negatively this affects our health and our planets future.

That was until I watched this highly informative video, The Story of Stuff.  The video is a little over 20 minutes long but I think it's definitely worth a watch.  I was shocked to learn that only 1% of products we purchased 6 months ago are still being used.  Only 1%!  That is shocking to me.  Ours lives have become so disposable, it's sad really. 

If you have teenagers, have them take a few minutes to watch the video too.  It's that important.  Afterall, the future will be in their hands soon enough.

A Red Fox Just Outside Of My House

My husband and I live in a small suburban neighborhood full of families and pets.  We do get deer in our yards, especially during winter, but that has always been the extent of wild animals.  This past Saturday morning at 4:25 am I was awakened but the most frightening sound I have ever heard.   

I was immediately alarmed that there was something terribly wrong.  I looked out our bedroom window and saw nothing.  The sound stopped so I used the bathroom and started to head back to bed.  Then I heard it again.  It sounded so close to our house but I couldn't see what it was.  I headed down the hall toward the living room.  My 2 cats were wide eyed sitting in the living room where the sound was quite loud.  I turned on the front porch light and looked out the living room window. 

To my surprise and horror, there was a red fox in the yard with a cat cowering in front of him.  I immediately went to wake up my husband.  I couldn't possibly leave that poor little cat to fend for himself.  The porch light must have been enough to scare the fox away.  When we finally made our way onto the porch they were both gone.  I can only hope and pray that the little kitty made its way safely back home.

My husband was upset that he didn't get to hear or see our little visitor.  I kept telling him it was making noise like I never heard before.  I kept trying to describe it, but he only looked at me like I was crazy.  So I did a little searching online and found many people have videos posted on YouTube of a red fox's cry.  If you have never experienced it for yourself, take a look.  Once you hear it, try to imagine hearing something so creepy just outside of your house, only yards away.

Moisturizing Shea Butter Bath Bombs

There is nothing better than taking a nice warm and relaxing bath after a hard day.  I especially enjoy a good bath after a long cold winter day.  I usually add some Bath & Body Works bubble bath for added fragrance.  That was until I came across bath bomb fizzies.  Bath bombs are made with hardened fizzing products with various skin moisturizing oils and butters added.  When added to the tub, they dissolve with fizzing action and give off great scents and oils.  Not only are they great for your skin, but they are really pretty to place in jars and bowls in your bathroom.

Last year I started purchasing wonderful bath bombs from the Coastal Body Shop.  These fizzies smell so good and are larger than I ever expected.  I purchased the 4oz ones and they are about the size of a tennis ball.  I break mine apart and get about 4 baths out of each bath bomb.  She also sells an 8oz size and I can't even imagine how big they are.  I ordered the Mango Papaya, Lemon Sugar, Beach, Pink Sugar, Cucumber Melon, Love Spell and Spearmint Eucalyptus.  I highly recommend all of these scents. 

They now have the cutest cupcake shaped bath bombs too.  They look like real cupcakes and would make really great gifts.  I'm still stocked up but I will definitely be ordering some of these cupcakes the next time.  They are so adorable. 

The butter and oils in the bath bombs leave my skin so soft and smooth.  Be careful though, they can sometimes leave the tub a little slippery.

My shopping experience with Coastal Body Shop was top notch.  My order was quite large and it came really quick.  I can honestly recommend their products and they have great customer service.  They also have their bath bombs listed on Ebay where my purchases were made.

   

Positive Affirmation Bracelets For Young Women

Growing up, for young women, can be really challenging these days.  From peer pressure to poor self image, girls today face many obstacles.  We sometimes forget to make sure these young girls know that each of them is special and worthy of respect and love.

These positive affirmation bracelets can help you remind a special young woman that they are just that.  Each bracelet is made with a leather strap available in 4 different colors and a pewter engraved plate.  You have a choice between two messages also, "I am Enough" and "Unconditionally Loved".  They are sold for $20.00 each.  A minimal price for what could have a great impact on a young girls self esteem.

   

Polymer Clay Sock Monkey Bracelets

My husband has many fond memories of his stuffed sock monkey from when he was a kid.  So when I came across these sock monkey bracelets, they made me smile.  The beads are made from polymer clay and she got the colors so close to the original sock monkey fabric.  I think they are adorable.

 

Search For A Petsitter In Your Area

Every time a vacation rolls around I immediately become concerned for my pets.  I have 2 cats and a dog that have never been kenneled for an extended period of time.  Luckily, my parents live only a few minutes away and are willing to take care of my pets while I'm gone.  I am fully aware that I am lucky and not everyone is in my shoes.  Don't despair, I have found the most helpful site ever!

Sittercity can help you locate a petsitter in your area, anywhere in the country.  You simply type in your zip code and it will list profiles of available options for you.  My zip code came up with 307 possible sitters for me, wow!  I had no idea there were so many choices.  Several petsitters have backround checks posted on the site that are available to view once you register as a site user.  Tons of other information is also provided within their profiles such as prices, available dates, and services they will provide.

Not only does Sittercity help you find petsitters but they also have available searches for senior care, home care, babysitters, nannies and tutors.  A very helpful site all around.

Creative Cake & Cupcake Bakeries in New Jersey

Oh, how I wish I lived in New Jersey.  Just looking at these pictures online is making my mouth water.  I don't remember how I came across both of these bakery sites but what a coincidence that they both are located in New Jersey.  I have had them bookmarked for awhile and thought a mention couldn't wait any longer.

The Pink Cake Box in Danville has out of this world wedding and specialty cake creations.  The cakes are absolutely stunning and have been featured in several popular magazines.  If I lived anywhere near Danville and I was planning my wedding; I would run, not walk, straight to them for my cake needs.  Visit the blog portion of their site to see up to date pictures and stories behind the cakes.

Sweet Avenue Bake Shop in Rutherford has the most amazing collection of unique cupcake flavors ever.  They all look and sound absolutely scrumptious.  Thank goodness I live in Pennsylvania so I don't have to choose.  Take a look at the list of 21 flavors with their descriptions.  Some of the ones that caught my attention were the Cookies & Cream, Smores and the Root Beer Float.  Those of you close to this bakery, I am so jealous.  I can only dream of how good they taste.

Charge Up to 6 Handheld Devices With a Single Cord Using Chargepod

Almost every morning at 11:00 am, I faithfully watch The View while I use the treadmill.  Today something caught my eye though.  The Chargepod was their giveaway to the audience members.  When I finished my workout, I hurried up and jotted the name down so I wouldn't forget to research this gizmo.  Once I was back to my desk, I found the octopus looking gadget at the company's main site Callpod. 

The central unit has 6 ports available to accept the purchased adapters that coincide with your handheld devices.  You may ask, "What's the big deal"?  Well, it only uses 1 outlet to charge all 6 gadgets.  I've got things plugged in everywhere.  It sure would be nice to have everything organized neatly together in one area and only taking up 1 outlet.  You certainly don't have the clutter of all the cords either.

The central unit is base priced at $49.95 and even comes with a carrying pouch.  Each charging adapter is additional depending on what you need and want.  Also offered is a complete charging pack for $99.95.  It comes with the base unit, car charger and 6 adapters.

Another product, on their website, I think I should mention is the Dragon.  I myself do not use Bluetooth headsets but I know many people who do.  This headset eliminates the need to carry your cell phone within a 328ft range.  Again, I'm not familiar but that seems significant to me.  You are also able to connect to your PC Skype phone calls and mobile phone together.  Once fully charged, the Dragon enables 8 hours of talk time.  This headset sells for $129.95.

All of the Callpod products are available to purchase directly from their website.