A Review of the Zippo Handwarmer

One of the things that my family looks forward to every year is the beginning of the spring the start of what we like to refer to as "fire season". This is the time of the year where we fire up the bonfire in the back garden, invite our friends over and have a great time chatting and theoretically solving all the worlds problems in one evening. Nearly every year, my husband and I do I trial run by ourselves, always entirely too early in the season and freeze our backsides off. We had this years trial bonfire on my birthday and although it had been unusually warm for February, it was still really cold outside.

I took the opportunity however to use and review a hand warmer that I had been provided by Zippo. The Zippo Hand Warmer is made in the same high quality metal that you would expect out of a Zippo lighter. It is very sturdy and does not feel like it would fall apart with multiple uses. There are several warnings in the instructions, such as to only use Zippo lighter fluid in the product and not to keep the hand warmer on one part of the body too long. At first, I must admit I found it a little disconcerting that I would have a flame in my hand. However, the flame is kept under control in a metal housing and then slipped into a nice fabric pouch to protect your hands.

In order to get the Zippo hand warmer to work properly, you must follow the instructions provided exactly or as I found out, it will not work. Once I went back and actually read all the instructions (I have a tendency to jump the gun sometimes), the hand warmer sprung to life. The fear of having a flame in my hands disappeared as the toasty warmth warmed my hands up quickly as I sat outside in the chilly weather.

The only complaint I have about the hand warmer is that the Zippo lighter fluid is not provided with the purchase of the warmer, it comes separately. I would however definitely recommend this product for those of my readers who are the outdoorsy type. If you enjoy camping, early spring gardening, or long walks in the chilly English weather I would definitely have this in my gear. It is a bit more expensive than the disposable hand warmers, but it is reusable and will last for years with proper maintenance.

Silent Sunday- Moose Girl

Dear So and So...It's A Jungle Out There

Dear Parents w/ Their Children in Public,

Is it really too much to ask that you make your children follow the rules? I took my children to two public "childrens attractions" this week and I saw kids breaking the rules set down by the parks right in front of their parents noses and nothing was even said to them. These rules are there for your child's safety and the safety of the children around them. It isn't like the parks are trying to ruin your child's fun by having some rules that EVERYONE should follow.You don't have to be harsh with your children, just remind them that rules are there for a reason. There isn't enough staff to make sure that the kids don't run up the slides and walk instead of running, so, hey, why don't you try to help the park out by doing a little parenting. Ya know, before you try to sue the park for negligence when your child hurts themselves.

Thanks. Kat
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Dear Paradise Wildlife Park,

I had an amazing time at your park yesterday. The animals were all out and about so that we could actually see them (unlike some of the other zoos I have been to), the staff were all very friendly, and the animal demos were great and very educational. My kids were on cloud nine the entire day. It made my birthday fabulous.

Will Try to Visit Again, Kat












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Dear Readers,

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. If you have a letter, please link up!

Love,
Kat

Motoart Ejection seat bar stool

Hat tip to the great 1800Recyling blog who blogged yesterday about warplanes and alike being turned into office furniture.

I don't blog much about office furniture as its not really my thing but Motoart caught me eye.

The collection is pretty amazing from seating pictured to table and lamps, well worth checking out the site here http://www.motoart.com

COME SAIL AWAY.

All photos by Melodie Kwan.

Eleven was a total blast.

After consuming food and drinks at the home of ultimate fighting (Toby's), and taking a spill on the black ice (still feeling that one!) we played what was to be one of our most totally panicked sets in a while. Relaxing is definitely not what we're about! Also? Bruised Knees are the greatest.

It's My Birthday!

I'm 30! Holy moly! I can't believe it. I guess their are advantages to not being in my twenties anymore, not that I have felt like I have been in my twenties in a very long time. Also, I still have writers block, so I made yet another couple of lists.

Good Things About Getting Older

1. I worry less about trivial things.
2. I know who I am. I know what I am good at and what I can improve.
3. I love myself more than I did when I was in my teens/early 20s.
4. I don't feel peer pressure like I did when I was younger.
5. I usually make better choices.
6. I have better skin. Other than my laugh lines, but I do love laughing.
7. I can have a good laugh at my own expense.
8. I am more motivated.
9. More patience for important things.
10. Better Birthday presents.


Things That Stink About Getting Older

1. Things that were once north are slowly sliding south.
2. My feet seem to have grown. They were already huge.
3. My metabolism has taken a hike.
4. Relentless inner dialog.
5. Having to cross my legs when I sneeze or cough hard.
6. Forgetfulness. (OK, this isn't really from getting older, that is just part of my charm.) (Yes, we're gonna call it charm)
7. Caffeine all of a sudden has started making me stay awake, which never was a problem when I was younger, but now if I have a sip of caffeine after 9pm I won't sleep until 3am.
8. I am not longer the last person in my group of friends who is still in their 20s.
9. No patience for trivial stupid people.
10. Gas...yeah....

Things To Do When You Have Writers Block

Things To Do When You Have Writers Block

1. Make lists.
2. Watch really horrible reality TV. (as opposed to completely awesome reality TV. There is a difference)
3. Yell at TV when channel starts blinking out.
4. Have mini-birthday party with family. Squee loudly when receiving the BEST. BIRTHDAY. PRESENT. EVER. (iPad)
5. Download apps.
6. Do the dishes in the sink.
7. Complain.
8. Wander around house aimlessly.
9. Tweet about writers block.
10. Play with new iPad (The Most Awesome Birthday Present EVER)
11. Talk to friends on gchat.
12. Name iPad. Her name is Iris.
13. Remind self that nobody reads this drivel anyway.
14. Play with iPad some more.
15. Stare out the window wishing it weren't raining.
16. Read blogs.
17. Read books.
18. Go to post office and hope new book has arrived.
19. Throw silent tantrum.
20. Dance around kitchen because my hubby is awesome and got me an iPad!!!!!

Of course this list is purely hypothetical. (except I really did get an iPad for my birthday)(and do everything else on this list)