Good Gear Bamboo Shirt Review and Giveaway

The first time that I heard of fabric made from Bamboo was when Good Gear contacted me about doing a review for their sports apparel. Since then, I have done some research and have been seeing mentions on other blogs about bamboo fabric. Before I get into the review part of this post, let me tell you a little of what I have found out about bamboo fabric.

Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource. It doesn’t require fertilizers or pesticides to grow. It is also self-replenishing. New shoots are always growing off of the old ones. I have first hand experience with this, because I used to live in a house that had bamboo in the yard. It grows like a weed. My husband and I had to work hard each year just to keep it under control.

Bamboo fabric is created from the pulp of the bamboo. There is a chemical process in the creation of the fabric, but it is done without harsh chemicals. If you have skin allergies, irritations, bamboo fabric is a good alternative. It regulates your temperature, keeping you warm in the summer and cool in the winter. It absorbs sweat faster than other materials. It is also easy to care for. You wash it in cool water and tumble dry it.

Good Gear sent me one of their shirts to review and keep. The first thing I did was try it on. It fit like a glove. Describing the feel of it is a little difficult. It’s soft, but not like cotton. It’s more like a soft spandex, or a combination of spandex and cotton. I was worried that it would shrink in the wash machine. It didn’t. I didn’t put my shirt in the dryer, though. Instead, I just hung it up to dry.

For me, the big test was wearing the Good Gear shirt while exercising. I put it on for a workout with my Wii Dance Workout. I will admit, but don’t tell anyone, that I sweat like crazy when I exercise. Usually, when I do this workout, I have sweat dripping down me by the end of it. My body heats up quickly. During this workout, wearing this shirt, my body temperature was more regulated. I noticed a big decrease in body sweat.

The bamboo shirt was also non-restrictive. I was worried that I would feel that my movements were restricted by the close fit of the shirt. I’m used to wearing loose fitting clothing when working out. Once I started my workout, I didn’t even think about it.Good Gear has a sports apparel line for both men and women. They carry both bamboo shorts and shirts. You can purchase Good Gearon their website. Use  coupon code GetFit for 20% off.  Good Gear has also offered to give away one of their bamboo shirts on my blog.

The prize would be one Good Gear Tank or T-Shirt .Winners choice of in stock color and size, men’s or women’s style.  Starts now and ends May 30, 2012.  Open to all of my readers.

Leave a comment for each entry.  I will be choosing the winner by random.org.

Main entree:  Like Good Gear on facebook and remain a fan for the duration of the contest.

Additional entry:  Follow my blog via email.

Unmarried Women Can’t File For Domestic Abuse

Last week, NC passed a marriage amendment that defines marriage solely as a union between a man and a woman.  I’m against that.  NC already had a law in place against same sex marriages.  This was just to solidify the law, and close loop holes.

What you may not know, is that within the amendment was a much scarier topic.  Domestic violence. With this amendment now in place, you can no longer file for domestic abuse if you are not married.  It doesn’t matter if you are a couple, living together.  If you are not married, you can not seek protection of any kind based on domestic abuse laws.

It took a long time, and a lot of hard work, to get domestic abuse laws on record.  These should not be based on whether or not you are married.  If you are a couple, living together or not, they should apply.  I feel that NC has taken a step back in time with this amendment.  This amendment should not have passed.

 

#Autism and Teenage Hormones

I love my son so much.  It’s what gives me the ability to be patient and understanding with him.  Raising a child with autism has many challenges.  I take them on, day to day, and handle them to the best of my ability.  Some are easy to deal with, others are not.  Now that my son is a teenager, some of them seem to be getting harder.

My son has always had a stubborn streak.  In the past, I have been able to manage this.  He was easily redirected to something else.  Now, he isn’t.  He gets his mind set on wanting to do something, or get something, and there is no redirecting him.  We’ve been having a really hard time at night because of this.  He doesn’t want to go to bed when it is time.  He wants to be on the computer, or he wants the computer turned off.  He won’t go to bed if the computer is on, even though we are using it.  My son has always been OCD, but it was always minor.  It didn’t interfere with day to day life.  Now it does.  His OCD has gotten worse.  One example is walking.  In the past, he would walk around a different surface type, and avoid stepping on things.  It wasn’t a big deal, but could be challenging when walking across a parking lot.  Now,  he has to step on everything.  Any little difference in the surface, any object on the ground.  His entire focus is on the ground.  This is dangerous when we are walking in a parking lot.  It’s also lead to him walking into people, or things.

I blame this on teenage hormones.  Becoming a teenager isn’t just a matter of my child getting older.  It means things have changed internally.  Chemical changes.  Every parent of a teenager will tell you that their child completely changed when they became a teenager.  I had hoped that I wouldn’t have to deal with this with my son.  Of course, that was wishful thinking.  The teenage years are officially here, and I feel overwhelmed.  The school has even noticed differences.  I have an IEP meeting scheduled the last week of school.  I am going to talk to them about a behaviour plan.  We haven’t needed one before, but I think it is time now.

We’ll get through this, I know.  It’s just going to take time and patience.  Something I’ve gotten good with.

The #Avengers and Dinosaurs

It was a great weekend.  We went to the movies on Saturday, and saw the Avengers.  My husband and I were looking forward to watching this movie.  I was worried about taking the kids to see it, but they loved it.  I was also worried about the cost, but this movie was worth the money.

There were a lot of great moments in the movie, but two stood out as perfect.  To have one perfect scene in a movie is great.  To have two perfect scenes is incredible.  These two scenes had everyone in the theater laughing and cheering.  If you have seen the movie, I’m sure you know which two scenes I am talking about.

They both involved the Hulk.  The first one was Hulk and Thor fighting the aliens.  When it was just the two of them standing next to each other, it happened.  The perfect moment.  The perfect scene.  One quick movement from Hulk, and the audience was laughing and cheering.  Too bad for Thor that the movement, or punch, was directed at him.

The second perfect scene was Loki and Hulk.  I won’t describe it, because it’s one of those things you just have to see for yourself.  Again, if you have seen the movie, you know what I am talking about.  It’s the only scene with just the two of them.  It was awesome.

These two scenes were what everyone was talking about after the movie.  There were other great scenes, and my husband and I talked and laughed about them afterwards, but we always came back to the two perfect scenes.  If you haven’t been to see this movie, you need to go.  The Avengers is an absolute must see.

The next day, Sunday, we went to the zoo.  It was a great day.  The weather was cool, and we were able to see some great attractions.  The NC Zoo in Asheboro, NC, has a new attraction that we were looking forward to seeing.  It was a dinosaur exhibit.  The dinosaurs were mechanical, and were amazing.

Isn’t he a sweetie?  He’s the last one we saw on the dino trail.  I just had to stand in front of him and admire the little cutie. My husband was standing off to the side, as was everyone else.  I was standing in front of him, watching his head move, and listening to the sounds he made, when it happened.  I was in shock when it happened.  I couldn’t believe it.  It spewed water out at me!  Cold water!  I was in shock, looking around at everyone in disbelief.  Then I started laughing and it happened again.  When I was standing there, coming to terms with what had just happened, it didn’t even occur to me to move out of the line of fire.  The second time it happened, my brain started working again, and I moved.  And what was my husband doing?  Laughing!

Dinosaurs were not the only thing that we enjoyed seeing at the zoo.  Here are some pictures of some other animals that we enjoyed seeing.  The trip to the zoo was great.  It was fun, and the kids had a great time.  I’m glad I took the weekend off from working, and just spent time with the family.

Having My Own Home Business

I enjoy having my own home business.  My first one was Avon, but I stopped that after we moved and started selling felt boards.  Now that my kids have outgrown the felt boards, I decided to give that up and go back to Avon.  I’m really happy that I did.  My Avon business is doing great.

Not only am I selling Avon, I am also building a downline.  I am working on becoming a Unit Leader.  I like that I am earning money by both selling and mentoring other Representatives.  It’s been keeping me busy, but I am loving it.

Do you have a home business?  Other than blogging?  Some people may think that blogging isn’t a business, but it is.  There is a lot of hard work that goes into operating a blog.  It’s a shame that most people don’t realize that.  I haven’t been giving my blogs as much attention as should, lately.  I’m going to change that.  I am planning out my weeks in advance, giving myself time to do everything that needs to be done.  I’m also making sure I include family time, and me time.

I’m having a pretty good week, I’m happy to say.  My son’s communication device was delivered yesterday.  It’s repaired, and working great.  This nasty cold is still going around.  I was over it, then my kids came down with it and my husband relapsed.  Now that they are getting better, it’s made it’s way back to me.  This time, thought, it’s not as bad.  I’m loading up with vitamin C and Zinc.  I’m also taking it easy, getting as much rest as I can.  That’s one of the benefits of being your own boss.  You can arrange your schedule to suit you.

Did you know that it is only $10 to sign up to become an AVON rep?  You will get books and samples to get you started, plus a free website to sell to customers online.  You can sign up online, www.start.youravon.com/.  If you want, you can use my code tlessick, and join my team.  I will be happy to help you build your business.

$1000 Diamond Earrings Giveaway

Coupontrade.com and My Jewelry Box are offering an AMAZING giveaway for Mothers Day! Mom is a girl, so who is her best friend? That’s right, DIAMONDS!

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This stunning pair of 1/2 carat (ctw) diamond earrings boasts the luster of over five dozen round, brilliant cut blue and white stones and is delicately crafted from 10 karat polished white gold. Fourteen luminous blue diamonds glimmer alluringly among a bed of fifty-two pristine white diamonds.

Make this Mothers Day like NONE other- Entry is simple! Just fill out the Rafflecopter Form Below!

$1000 Diamond Earring Giveaway Free Blogger Sign Up Event

$1000 White and Blue Diamond Earring Giveaway

CouponTrade.com, partnered with My Jewelry Box, is offering this stunning pair of 1/2 carat (ctw) diamond earrings, valued at $1000. This set boasts the luster of more than five dozen, brilliant cut blue and white stones, delicately crafted from 10 karat polished white gold. Fourteen luminous blue diamonds glimmer alluringly among a bed of fifty-two pristine white diamonds.

This is a free blogger opp that will help you increase your Twitter following.  This post tells you how you can sign-up to participate in this event.  The giveaway itself will go live on 4/30.

 

Starts on 4/30 12:01 AM EST – 5/4 11:59 PM EST
Open to US residents 18+

To Participate in This Event:

• Create a post about sign ups for this event, and link back to the entry form for a FREE Twitter entry.
• In lieu of posting, you may send $1 for your Twitter entry to contact@mvmgroups.com
• Additional links are available for $1 each (Choose from Facebook or email subs)
• Complete the entry form here-  http://cute-ecakes.com/2012/04/blogger-sign-ups-1k-1-5ct-blue-diamond-earring-gveaway
• Your submission confirmation screen will contain a link to the post html, and rafflecopter script, and you may schedule your post to go live at 12:01 am 4/30 EST.

#Words+ and @HP Lost My Son’s Communication Device

Remember the post I did about my son’s communication device being broken at school?  The device was broken at the end of March.  We sent it to Words+ to be fixed.  My husband called them and got the address to send it to, and an estimate on what it will cost to repair it.  He packed it up and shipped it out.  We waited for a phone call that never came.  You would think that they would call us when they received it.  No.  It just sat on a desk.  It was looked at, but that was it.

My husband ended up calling to find out what was going on.  They said only the screen needed to be replaced, and they needed payment before fixing it.  The cost was $350.  We paid it.  It hurt us, but it hurt more to have my son without his communication device.

We were told that we would have it back in a week.  A week went by, and nothing.  We waited a few days after the time that was given to us to expect it in the mail.  Then my husband called.  Words+, in California, mailed it to Texas.  That didn’t make sense to us.  If it had to go to Texas to be fixed, why weren’t we told?

Two weeks later and still nothing.  It’s been over a month since we sent it to be fixed.  We’ve paid for it to be fixed.  My completely nonverbal autistic son has been without his device for over a month.  My husband called yesterday.  Guess what?  It’s somewhere between Words+ and HP.  HP?  When did they get involved?  Words+ is the software.  HP is the hardware.  Since it’s the screen that need to be replaced, that falls on HP.  Only, nobody knows where it is now.  We were told it shipped out from one to the other, but they can’t find the tracking information.  It’s lost.  Now what do I do?

I am so frustrated at the lack of support from Words+.  I’m so angry that my son is still without his communication device.  If I had known that this was going to happen, I would have went with a different company for a communication device.  I should have gone with a device from DynaVox Mayer-Johnson.

When Things Get Worse You Keep Smiling

It’s not easy.  Just when I thought I was getting better, I got worse.  I have an ear infection, and it woke me up this morning with popping and then fluid draining out of it.  It hurt.  It still does.  I had to cancel my dentist appointment, and go see the doctor.  As miserable as I was, I kept smiling.  I was not going to let it get me down.

Before I went to the doctor, I caught my sister on Facebook.  That doesn’t happen that often.  She lives in a different state, has a really busy schedule, and is fighting Leukemia.  She had a doctor appointment today to see if she was in remission.  She also told me she has been suffering from depression.  This fight with Leukemia has been hard for her.  When I got home from seeing the doctor, I checked her update, and she isn’t in remission.  I just want to go down to FL and put my arms around her.  She needs help, and I am too far away.  Her husband has been great, really supportive of her needs.  I just wish we lived in the same state, and town.

I don’t understand what she is going through.  I don’t know a lot about Leukemia.  I do know that it is physically and mentally taking it’s toll on her.  I worry about her.  She was up here last month, and seemed to be doing good.  But that is my sister.  She puts up a good front.  If she can, I can.  Even though today was tough for me, I can keep smiling.  I’ll get better.  I just hope my sister will, too.

Trying Not To Be Sick and Failing

I went to bed Thursday evening feeling sick.  I had a pounding headache, and my throat was feeling soar.  I woke up Friday and was miserable.  I had big plans on Saturday, and couldn’t be sick.  I also had both kids for most of the day.  I took it easy, as best as you can when you have two kids in the house.  When my husband came home, after work, he went straight to bed.  Alright, I thought.  He’s tired.  A few hours later, he gets up and doesn’t look too good.  I asked him if he was sick, too.  He did his best to answer yes.  Poor thing, he had lost his voice.  So, what’s worse than both parents being sick at the same time?  Both parents being sick, two kids that aren’t, and a busy weekend already planned.  Yikes!

I didn’t get much sleep Friday evening.  I was so congested, and was head throbbed.  I got up early Saturday, took some medicine, stood in a hot shower, then got myself together for the day I had planned.  Remember the big plans I said I had?  I had reserved a spot at our Golden Corral parking lot yard sale. (Golden Corral rents out parking spaces in the lot to raise money for their camp.  I don’t know how often they do it, but I think it’s once a year).  I had to load up my stuff, and leave the house early.  It was difficult, but I was able to do it.  By the time I got over to Golden Corral, my medicine was helping, and I was telling myself I was going to be fine.

I was out there with my Unit Leader.  Did I mention I did this to sell some of my AVON inventory?  This was important to me and I couldn’t let being sick stop me from doing it.  We were out there for about seven hours.  It was very successful.  I forgot my sunscreen, but I had my hat.  My arms got burnt, but my face didn’t.  I pushed all thoughts of me being sick to the back of my mind.  While I was out there, I wasn’t sick.  I did great.  Until we were done.  And my husband and kids showed up right as we were breaking down.  Talk about perfect timing.  They wanted to eat.  I wanted to go home.  But, I was hungry, and I had been smelling their food all day.  I didn’t eat much.  My throat just wouldn’t let me.  I managed to get some green beans down and a bowl of chicken noodle soup.

I spent Sunday resting, and doing the mom thing.  My husband went to the truck race.  He still sounded miserable, but he said he felt better.  He enjoyed the race.  I started feeling better by the end of the day.  Then, when we went to bed, we both started coughing really bad.  Really?  The coughing had to start when I thought I was finally going to be able to get some sleep?  Another night of bad sleep, and feeling miserable.  Now we are up to this morning.  Still miserable, but working hard on getting better.  Trying not to be sick, and failing.  But I won’t give up.  I have a busy week planned.