Natural Hemp Kindle Case

So there have been some reports recently (you can find a good summary here) saying that the Kindle is more environmentally friendly than buying real paper books. I’m inclined to think it may be true on my first rule-of-thumb which is simply cost. These days the cost of something is, well OK a lot of it is tax and maybe the less said about that the better. But leaving aside the tax we pay for two things in a product, people’s time to design it, make it and sell it and the raw materials (including the usually petroleum derived energy) used to manufacture and transport it. The more you pay for it the more it is likely to have cost the environment. Just a rule of thumb but using it I equate my Kindle, price wise, with maybe a dozen or so books.

But hang on. What bit of the environment are we worried about and why? If we are worried principally about green-house gas then perhaps we should think again. If I cut down a tree which has sequestered a truck-load of carbon, the CO2 cost depends on what I do next. Worst clearly is burn it and not plant a new one. However if I make the tree’s carbon into books, store my treasured tomes carefully AND plant a new tree, the CO2 cost might even be negative. We have a net sequestration of atmospheric CO2 and the Kindle doesn’t look so good.

The key question now becomes ‘how much energy is used in the manufacture of the Kindle device compared to the books?’ and here’s the problem for the paper, it may only be a fifth of the total CO2 used in the manufacture that’s actually sequestered in the pages. The rest is burned during the manufacture and transportation. So I pick up my Kindle again with a smug glow? Not so fast. These days we have some control over our fuel sources, perhaps I can choose to pay a bit extra for a renewable-energy manufactured book transported by renewable-generated electric truck and I’m back to a net sequestration of CO2. Breaks my rule of thumb this extra cost but I think it may be an exception. Then there are the other impacts of even sustainable paper production, (lack of) bio-diversity in managed forests and waste products of production, a good discussion can be found at lovelyasatree.com.

I don’t think we are finished yet and some readers out there will spot more complexities I have missed. Working out what is green and what is not can be fiendishly difficult. Still I really don’t think anyone should feel guilty buying a Kindle. Hmm then I have to buy a case to stop it getting scratched – after all I want it to last – buying a new one each year would not be earth friendly (sorry Amazon). I look round at the case material alternatives, Neoprene, Silicone, Leather…. doesn’t sound good – but hold it, there is a green alternative here as well, hemp! Take a look at these Kindle cases from UK designers Tuff-Luv.

New Forest, Hampshire, England

One of Britain’s largest national parks is situated in the South of England. Walk around the cute villages of Christchurch and Brockenhurst and try not to buy some antiques or handmade curiosities in the artisan shops. The new forest is very big and famous for its great cycle and walking paths. Enjoy the fresh air, the animals that are running wild and beautiful scenery for the day until you find that perfect spot to sit down and enjoy your home made picnic. Don’t feed the ponies though; they will never leave you alone.

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Scotland

The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh houses the world’s biggest collection of plants that are native as well as non-native to the UK. It is a great place for a day out especially during spring when the trees start to blossom and the flowers come out. You can easily walk around for an entire day in between the multitude of flora that the gardens have to offer. Take a look at the website for special events and festivals that are organised during the spring and summer months to make your visit even more special.

Fermanagh Lakelands, Enniskillen, Northern Ireland

Fermanagh Lakelands are part of the beautiful countryside of Northern Ireland. They are situated in the West of the country and only 2 hours away from Belfast. Within the parameters of this countryside jewel you will find a treasure of outdoor activities. You can do anything from caving to hiking and from cycling to paintballing. We suggest a nice horseback ride through the countryside of Irvinestown with a picnic at Enniskillen Castle.

Llangennith, Swansea, Wales

This beautiful stretch of sandy beach on the coast of West Wales is great for an outdoor picnic. The beach itself is gorgeous and deserted during low-season. However there are always some great surfers battling the crashing waves who are certainly of entertainment value. If the weather really heats up, you can also sign yourself up for some surf lessons in one of the many surf schools around the area.

Organising a picnic in a park or a forest is a great way to celebrate a birthday. Most parks are open to the public so you can invite as many people as you like, or make it a romantic lunch for two instead. To make the picnic extra festive bring one or two birthday present hampers which you can find online via many Great British patisseries. All you need other than that is a blanket, sunglasses and a charged i-Pod.

Enjoy the spring!

Shopping clever

Compare energy prices using a price comparison or money-saving website and you are likely to find a supplier who can offer you a better deal than your current provider. With many people estimated to paying up to £300 more than necessary, here are some things to consider when switching:

• Be sure to compare tariffs offered by each provider as well as the providers themselves. Many people sign up to ‘standard’ tariffs without thinking and miss out on further savings.
• Most people naturally choose to have one supplier provide both gas and electricity for convenience. However buying gas from one supplier and electricity from another could save you a considerable amount. Compare the prices for individual packages and dual packages. The possible savings may well outweigh the convenience.
• Choose the correct payment method. Most suppliers offer a cheaper rate to those who sign up to pay by direct debit but there are also savings to be made for pre-pay customers.

Energy efficiency

There are a number of ways in which you can reduce the amount of energy you use. By introducing these minor measures you can save a considerable amount of money:

• Energy efficient boilers, though more expensive than their standard counterparts, use much less energy heating themselves and savings on utility bills can quickly outstrip the initial purchase cost.
• Heat is lost quickly from water heaters and pipes if they are not well insulated. Ensure that your boiler is in a well insulated location and lag pipes to minimise heat loss and reduce utility bills further.
• Massive savings can be made by retaining heat once you have put it into your home. Loft, floor and wall insulation (both for cavity and solid walls) is easily installed and could save you over £300 a year in heating bills.
• Keeping an eye on thermostats to ensure they are at the correct temperature, fitting individual radiator thermostats, and having an electronic timer to switch off heating when not needed are all measures which can reduce your bills.
• Purchasing energy efficient electric appliances such as kettles, tumble dryers, dishwashers and washing machines can significantly reduce electricity prices. Water saving appliances can generate even further savings!
• Appliances left on stand-by (such as televisions, computers and laptops, satellite boxes, DVD and CD players and games consoles) are a huge source of waste. By switching these off with the power switch (or even at the mains) you could save up to £50 a year.
• Lighting is another area in which people waste a lot if energy. Standard filament light bulbs waste a huge amount of electricity so consider switching to a lower wattage energy saving bulb. And by remembering to switch off lights when not in use you can optimise your savings in this area!
• Everyday tasks are another area in which you can save energy: don’t overfill the kettle when boiling water; always cover pots and pans when cooking; close the fridge door in between use and cool foods before storing them in the fridge of freezer; wash normally soiled clothes at 30 and not 40; and optimise dry and breezy weather by drying outside not in the tumble dryer.

If you’re feeling frenzied and pulled in a hundred different directions, it is highly likely that you could benefit from a little house cleaning. But finding your balance isn’t the only benefit you’ll get from a more organised living situation. From you thinking that you should “sell my old dvds with musicMagpie” to donating those free weights so that someone you know can keep up her New Year’s resolution, read all about the other advantages of clearing away clutter right here.

You can make someone else’s day. When you find old items that are in perfectly good condition, don’t just allow them to sit in your home. You could be doing yourself a favour by clearing that space, but you could also be doing someone else a favour by giving your stuff away. If you know someone who could benefit from that old bike, or an extra set of kitchenware, don’t hesitate to pay your fortunate lifestyle forward.

You can make money for yourself. Another useful idea for what to do with all of your trash is to turn it into cash. Using the Internet as a resource, you can find buyers for all of your old belongings, even some that are in disrepair. One of the most popular kinds of items to sell online are old discs, and you can use a service like musicMagpie to sell them as you clean. This site will send prepaid packaging through the post so that you can mail your CDs to them, or you can have a courier call to get them. Either way, you get to make a wad of cash without leaving your other household chores unattended to.

You can add a new look to your home. Once you’re able to see what you’re actually working with in terms of decor, you may even get inspired to move the furniture around or buy new pieces of art. Changing the layout of your house is the best way to feel renewed, and once you see the finished product, you will be more likely to to want to keep it that way and less likely to clutter it up again.

You can make life simpler. The old saying “less is more” goes a long way when it comes to home decor and organisation. If you spend untold amounts of time searching for your keys or trying to figure out where you put the remote control, the problem may be that you have too many things to search through. Getting rid of some furniture and trinkets (by either selling them or donating them) will help you locate everything much faster, including your mind.

You can get some physical activity. Clearing the clutter does wonders for your mind, but the health benefits don’t end there. If you’re smart enough to plan your clearing days ahead of time, you can use the afternoon to burn calories while you clean. The physical activity can be one of the ways in which you stay in shape, and it will only amplify your sense of pride in yourself.

You can impress your friends. If you like to entertain, your guests will also appreciate the effort that you put into de-cluttering. Having a home free of unnecessary objects often feels more inviting to visitors, and it can also make them want to stay longer.

Now that you have six good reasons to get started, hop to it! Cleansing your mind and your home at the same time is a great return on your time and hard work.

Many women love gifts of gold and silver, but can soon become tired of jewellery. So why not go for something entirely different? Something silver and engraved is bound to demonstrate your affection for your other half, as well as having that extra personal touch. You can even give them your ‘last Rolo’ – now available online is a solid silver Rolo, the delicious chocolate sweet, an engraved gift with your very own personal heartfelt message. They’ll know you think they’re someone special if you give them your last Rolo.

You don’t even need to buy your partner a tangible, physical object – taking him or her away for a spa day, or an adventure day out, can show just as much love and originality. Why not take your partner zorbing? Strapped together inside a gigantic bouncy plastic ball as you bounce your way down the carefully-crafted hillside run, you’ll feel closer to your lover than ever. Your partner will really appreciate the unique gift idea!

If you have a bigger budget, you could even whisk your other half away on a weekend skiing trip to France! Cuddle up by the fire in a cabin on the slopes by night, and hit the powder by day. What better way to toast each other for Valentine’s Day than with the clink of champagne glasses on the side of a moonlit French mountain?

Obviously a weekend like that won’t come cheap, and so it’s not something that everyone is going to be able to afford. You can treat your partner just as much, though, by arranging a spa day or a romantic seaside getaway for the two of you, right here in England. There might not be mounds of snow for you both to zip through, but a walk along the beach, hand in hand together under the stars, can be just as exciting. You can get some great rates on single- or two-night room deals at coastal hotels up and down the country – all you have to do is look!

Even cheaper still, but just as appealing, are ‘couples adventure experience days’. For a one-off payment (usually just under £100) you and your Valentine can pick out one of thirty different events or sessions for the pair of you to experience together. This can be as simple as a swanky seven-course meal at a fancy London restaurant, or it can be as outlandish as White Water Rafting, or a makeover, followed by a photoshoot. With so many options available to you both, you’re bound to find something perfect.

Never fall into the trap of becoming predictable to your partner – especially at Valentine’s Day. Keep the magic alive by treating them to a unique alternative Valentine’s Day gift this year – instead of sticking to the ‘safe bet’ of chocolates and flowers, whisk her away on a romantic weekend for two, or treat him to a couples’ go-karting session! Go on – love’s what you make of it.

Should I Buy It?
Are you someone who is always second-guessing yourself when it comes to purchases? If you are someone who would love to always have a friend on hand to shop with, get this app. It allows you to scan the barcode of a product into your phone, which then presents the product and its specs to your Facebook friends. In turn, they can immediately give you a thumbs up or a thumbs down on this purchase. With Should I Buy It? you’ll never shop alone again!

RedLaser-Barcode and QR Scan
This app allows you to scan the barcode of a product that you have in front of you. After that, it will give you the prices available online. If you have ever wondered if the thing that you were going to purchase was going to be cheaper online, this is the app for you. RedLaser allows you to decide whether you want to spend a little less and have an item shipped to you, or spend a little more and have it immediately.

Yowza
If you are a natural coupon clipper, you’ll find that you can’t do without Yowza. Yowaz finds deals that are occurring in your area at the places where you shop. You’ll get notifications when your favorite stores add a coupon, and you’ll also find that you can share what you’ve found on email, Facebook, or Twitter. This is a perfect app for people who like to shop and who love deals; it’s great whether you want clothing, food, or musical instruments!

FastMall
Have you ever been in a strange city and realized that you simply want to go shopping at a mall? Instead of asking around, you can access the locations of malls in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and many other countries. You can see what shops they have listed, as well as read reviews on each location. If you are someone who definitely shops until they drop, FastMall ensures that you will definitely have the ability to do so no matter where you may roam.

Etsy
If you prefer home-made goods or you simply are looking for something out of the ordinary, you can now get Etsy on your smart phone. Etsy is a site where crafters, sculptors, sewers and jewelry makers can get their wares out there, marketing straight to the consumer. Etsy is a great choice for your holiday shopping or even when you simply want to make sure that you are getting your loved ones a gift that no one else can get.

Take a moment to think about all the help that your smart phone can give you when you are on a shopping expedition. Whether you are invested in finding the perfect cardigan or you need several ounces of high-quality jasmine tea, there is a shopping app for you!

Nicole Rodgers has been blogging in the fashion, technology, and fitness for three years. When Nicole goes shopping she makes sure to check her shopping apps in order to find the best daily deals. When Nicole was looking for accessories for spring she made sure to pick up something bright. She decided to pick up some nice pastel nail polish to go with the spring season

1. Free Location
You can have the wedding in the backyard of a friend or relative who will not charge you a fee.   Many churches do not charge to use their facility, even if you’re not actually in the faith. Perhaps a city park or beach will allow you to do so for free or at a reduced rate. Regardless, it never hurts to ask around (and do a google search).

2. Borrow a Dress
You want your dress to be spectacular.  However, you only wear the garment once, so you can wear the dress of a relative or close friend if they have a stunning gown. You could even choose to wear the same dress as your mother wore at her wedding. Just make sure you offer to get it cleaned and do something very special in return.

3. Pictures
Wedding photographers can be quite expensive, so if you have a friend who is talented, you should ask them to take the photographs. You just need to make sure that you choose someone reliable, and again, make sure you do something special in return.

4. Seasonal Flowers

It will be cheaper if you buy flowers that are in season.  If you try to find rare flowers that the florist will have to order, your bill will skyrocket. Flowers are already expensive, so anytime you can pare down the bill, it’s a good idea. Have someone pick them up, instead of having them delivered, too.

5. Bake the Cake
Because you want to have a gorgeous cake, you want to make sure it is baked by someone who is experienced and loves to cook.  Many people who enjoy cooking could make you a fabulous cake.  Therefore, if you have a friend or family member who is qualified to bake the cake, ask them if they could do it.  You could pay for all of the ingredients, and perhaps even their time.

6. That Special Date
Weddings are most popular from May to October. If you have your wedding in one of the other months, you could save money on the location, flowers, limousine, anything really, because during the peak season, you are competing with other brides. However, during the off-season, business slows down, so in addition to services generally being cheaper, you could even negotiate for further discounts.

7. Downsize
If you just invite your family and close friends, you could save a significant amount of money.  You can still have the wedding of your dreams, but you will not have as many people.  Going with a small and intimate wedding is sometimes more romantic anyway. If you’re really lucky, you might even be able to swing a destination wedding. I don’t know about you, but I would trade in spending an evening with dozens of my extended family members for a weekend in the Caribbean ANY DAY! The price of a few airline tickets (especially if you shop around for the right date) could be much cheaper than a huge party and dinner for 100.

8. Attendants
If you cut down the number of people in your bridal party, you can save on flowers, clothes and gifts that you have to buy for your wedding party.  It will also save you money on the rehearsal dinner, because you will need to invite not only your attendant, but also her date.

9. Music
Many excellent bands or singers are just getting started in the business.  You could look for bands at a local college, or you could look online for musicians who are more affordable. Simply make sure you hear them practice, and be sure to pay them well enough to ensure that they pull through. Perhaps form a contract and notarize it

10. Afternoons Rule!
Standard wedding etiquette states that if you have your wedding in the evening, a meal should be served.  If you have the reception in the afternoon, you could just serve finger foods, fruits or cheese and crackers. Invite everyone to a nightclub or other activity later, like a sporting event or something fun, like laser tag! You could also go somewhere naturally beautiful in the area, like a waterfall or beach, to enjoy the scenery and take pictures.

Bruce Filmore likes to write about event planning, travel & saving money at www.flowerdelivery.net.

A smart approach is to be realistic and avoid making so many resolutions that their achievement seems overwhelming. Instead, stick to one or two, perhaps one more demanding in necessary commitment time than the other. With an approach like that, it will be easier to actually get started, noting progress in small steps taken rather than experiencing frustration from feeling too weighed down by thoughts of when and how to begin. When people choose unrealistic goals that are nearly impossible to fit into their lives, whether from conflicting time constraints or unhealthy demands on current situations, there is much less chance that New Year’s resolutions will be pursued.

Armed instead with realistic goals, posting them on social networks, such as Facebook or Twitter, allows sharing with others; that exposure demands accountability. Letting friends know about goal reaching plans and consistently updating status will provide a great form of tracking progress and make resolutions more real.

Having realistic, reasonable goals that seem worthy of the time needed to achieve them also makes it justifiable to set necessary time aside. Moreover, using reminders such as phone calendars or blocking out workouts at the gym in advance, for instance, make other spur-of- the-moment events less likely to sidetrack committed plans. Along the way, devices that serve to remind of appointments can also provide a means of recording anticipated sub- or mini-goals, with the due dates spurring enthusiasm for each milestone. No one is going to lose 25 pounds at once, but posting goals of incremental weight loss is encouraging for the big picture at the end of the road.

After a few weeks of establishing good habits towards goal attainment, rewarding oneself with a device, tool, or gadget that makes it even more achievable is a great motivator. If resolving to read more books, a Nook or Kindle device, for instance, fits right in with new habits and contributes to goal achievement in a fresh and fun-filled way.

Two other tips involve finding a support group, whether online or in person, that is made up of people with the same or similar goals. By sharing frustrations, and victories too, there will be a sense of community that is inspiring as compared to going it alone. Advice and encouragement are free and never easier to be found than today.

Last but not least, blogging can be helpful. Once again, it provides a way to chronicle progress, recording notes or photos that help show your personal journey and the changes forging goal achievement. Like social media sites, blogging encourages accountability. The satisfaction that accompanies seeing how far one has come is incentive to continue, proof that the commitments made are bringing results.

All in all, with these simple suggestions, your New Year’s resolutions should be similar to goals for work or family, many of which demand time, resources, and patience. What’s more, as New Year’s resolutions provide an opportunity to focus on often-neglected personal goals, they should be more than whimsical thoughts easily forgotten by the time the New Year is well underway. Cheers, then, to New Year’s resolutions being both realistic and achievable!

Nicole Rodgers has been blogging in the fitness, technology, and fashion industries for three years. This year Nicole set a resolution to lose weight by eating well this year. To help with her goals Nicole decided to purchase some exercise equipment. She made sure to check for online and local daily deals so she could save money on her new work out equipment.

Couples Massage

Nothing says I love you more than a rub down next to your honey bunny.  Many spas and resorts have couples therapy rooms so you can relax together. Couples massages are a great way to feel closer to your lover. You get to be pampered together and feel more relaxed. Men who are not use to massages often find the therapeutic touch is extremely relaxing and restoring.

Single Solve: If you are single, treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment. You will be pampered and feel like the beauty you are.

Dark Chocolate Fondue

Enjoy indulging with a sweet treat and skip the processed box of chocolates. Packed with juicy sweet flavor, the dark chocolate helps prevents heart disease. Plus eating the yummy food mixed with fruit provides a sweet balance to your treat. Dark chocolate can also hello lower blood pressure. Which might help you on your spicy saucy date night.

Single Solve: You don’t need a super stud to whisper sweet nothings in your ear when you eat this sweet treat. Invite your beastie’s over to enjoy the dark chocolate.

A Fitness Date

Some couples enjoy going to the gym together while others run away from the gym. Weather you pound the treadmill pavement or leave that to the gym rates, getting active with your sweetie will improve your connection. Making a fitness date can be anything from going for a run together, ice-skating or hiking. If you want to be real intimate you can try something new together. Take up an activity that you have never done. If you are interested in bungee jumping you could go together.

Learn Something New Together

Couples who play together stay together. And when you learn new things your bound will naturally grow stronger. If you have always wanted to try a new hobby ask your partner to come along. Take up sailing, golf, kayaking. Trying a new sport or improving a skill will help you feel connected with your partner. All of the play time can also increase your mode for romance.

Shannon Kaiser is a health and wellness writer for many online and print publications. For more health tips visit TenderCare Dental, a Dentist in Tigard.

photo by: Dalboz17

Video and Sounds Baby Monitor. Admit it. You have a lot of things to do at home. You need to cook dinner for your husband and you need to finish the week’s laundry. How are you going to do all those chores if you have a baby on the other hand? I suggest that you buy a portable video and sounds baby monitor. Even if you are in the kitchen or in the laundry area, you can check out your baby. You will also be alarmed if he’s awake already.  

Cry Baby Monitor. If only you can understand your baby’s cry. But now, you can do that. There is a new gadget that is proven to be 85% effective. It can tell you what’s the meaning of different cries. I say that it’s a device that most moms should purchase. You don’t have to guess if your baby is wet, or he needs new milk.

Temperature Controlled Stroller. Do you know that babies are very sensitive when it comes to weather? They don’t want it too cold or too hot. This temperature controlled stroller is a safe place for your sweetheart. It can adapt to the current temperature. Hence, your babies won’t be prone to illnesses caused by sudden change of weather.

Fetal Heartbeat Monitor.  It would be great to hear your baby’s heartbeat even if he’s still in your womb. You don’t have to go to your OB- Gynecologist just to listen to your dear baby’s heartbeat. And the best part about it is that you can record the sound. You can keep that as your memorabilia.

Kid Sleep Device. It can be very tiring to put your kids to sleep. With a gadget like this, that should be no problem. There is a device wherein it will prompt your kids when it’s time to sleep. It uses warm colors that can help them lull down.

You might want to buy this for yourself before you ‘pop out’. Or, if you have friends who are about to give birth, the above options can be great! There’s no need for you to take care of your baby all alone. With these smart gadgets, you can do all your chores and still be able to take care of your baby efficiently.

Kim Bookman is one of the best writers for a Cable Modem Comparison site. Just so you know, it’s a source that compares Motorola Cable Modems and Zoom Cable Modems among many others.