Eddie Bauer Adventurer Backpack Review #2013HolidayGiftGuide

This is one of Eddie Bauer’s most favored daypacks, and I can totally see why. The Eddie Bauer Adventurer Backpack has everything I‘ve been looking for. It is big enough for all of my necessary items, is lightweight, has tons of pockets, and comes in a variety of colors! I can easily carry this backpack around with me all day without it being uncomfortable.



The adventurer backpack is extremely durable and dependable. I don’t have to worry about a strap breaking, a zipper snapping off, or it not having the strength to hold my laptop. It is one of the largest backpacks that they make. It’s built for someone who needs a strong, durable backpack that will meet their needs for years to come!



It has numerous features that make it comfortable and useful, even when the backpack is fully loaded down. The back panel is made out of padded air mesh and foam. This helps keep the majority of the weight from being right on my spine. It is actually relaxing the way that it molds to my back and keeps my laptop or binders from poking me in the back.

The contoured shoulder straps definitely are a MAJOR bonus. Most backpacks don’t offer padded shoulder straps and it shows within the first hour. Without the padding my shoulders would start burning and aching from all the pain. With these straps, I feel absolutely no pain at all because the padding shields my shoulders! They are adjustable too, which makes the backpack even more comfortable.


This backpack also comes with a sternum strap & stowable waist belt. This is what hiking backpacks use to keep the waist balanced off your back. Genius idea, it really helps when you have a heavy load and have a long way to walk to class or if you have to wear it for a long time.



It also has a safety whistle on the sternum strap. The sternum and waist straps definitely make the load seem 10 times lighter when the weight is shifted and balanced, not just put on your shoulders and back. The waist belt is able to be hidden and tucked away inside the backpack, so that isn’t dangling or getting in the way when it isn’t in use.



I love that there are various zipper compartments in a variety of places. This includes a zipper compartment that allows direct access to my laptop. I can slip my laptop in and out of this compartment with ease. I can write while waiting at the doctor, at the park, or wherever and I don’t have to fight with getting the laptop in the main compartment with all my binders and papers! It is just so convenient and makes it easy to get stuff done!



I love that the backpack comes with a Velcro strip to secure my laptop inside very easily. This isn’t an easy task when you have a 17’ laptop. I looked everywhere for a backpack or even carrying case for a 17’ and couldn’t find one of good quality until now. This holds my laptop with ease and secures it. I love the fact that it’s padded as well. It keeps my laptop safe from slight bangs or bumps if someone accidentally knocks into me, or knocks my backpack over!



  I love how spacious the main compartment is. I can easily put my laptop, 2 full sized binders, a couple notebooks, and some books without having trouble zipping it up. It’s very roomy and definitely has more space than a normal backpack! I don’t have to decide between this binder or that one, I can carry it all!



Inside the second compartment is a lot of extra space to fit everything I need to carry with me at all times. I can put my pens in the pen slots and unused index cards in the bigger zipper compartment. I can put my SD cards and USB flash drives in the mesh compartment on the side. My keys on the key fob, and my index cards I’ve written notes on along with my business cards in the smaller card slots!



On one side of the backpack is a mesh drink compartment. I can store my Cool Gear Canned drink, a 20’ coke, or a water bottle. That way my hands are always free, I really like that. I also like that I don’t have to worry about the drink sweating on the stuff inside my backpack. The outside keeps the stuff on the inside safe from the condensation. On the other side is a hidden compartment where you can hide your credit card/debit card/money or whatever!



The outer mesh compartment can be used for anything and everything. During spur of the moments, I usually push my jacket or sweater inside of it. It can be used for smaller notebooks, more supplies (pencils, pens, sketchbook, reading book, tablet).



I am IN LOVE with this backpack! I love everything about it. Especially the fact that they have so many color options. Usually I can’t find a backpack that has my favorite color on it (lime green) and wa-lah! Eddie Bauer hit the spot!

Connect with Eddie Bauer online:
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Fall brings Cooler Weather! Heather Tune Up Time & Heating Unit Tips

October is here and although you wouldn’t be able to tell by the temperatures right now, you will be able to sense the cooler weather here soon. You’ll definitely be thinking about kicking that heat on in the next week or so as the temperatures drop fairly low.

Did you know that Almost half of the energy used in our homes goes to heating and cooling? Making better choices when it comes to your homes heating and cooling units will hugely impact how much you’re forking out for your electricity bills this winter.

If you own a heather system that is slightly on the older side of life, you really need to consider finding a company that specializes in heater maintenance and ask them about a heater tune up. They will look at your furnace and help with any concerns or problems that you may be having with your unit.

They will let you know if they find something wrong with your unit and whether or not it can be fixed and if you should consider purchasing a new one. Having heater repair that is affordable and reliable usually revolves around companies that have been around awhile and are family owned. They (in my opinion) are better to hire because their family relies on your business.

If your unit cannot be fixed, you’ll have to consider purchasing a newer model. If you are constantly picking up the phone to call a repairman to come out and take a look at your unit, you may just want to go ahead and purchase a new one. Not only are you going to save yourself from freezing toes and the hassle of a broken unit every time you turn around, but you’ll also save money overtime.

If your heating unit is more than ten years old, it might be time to replace it. Newer equipment that is also high-efficiency will be more costly to buy outright but it will be worth it in the long run. Energy efficient heating units help to regulate the humidity in your home, which will save you money because it will lead to a better quality of air in your home (hence saving you money).

If you don’t think that your heating unit is more than ten years old, or that there isn’t very much wrong with it.. you can always choose the option of fixing it. It might just require the seasonal cleaning which flushes out the dust, mildew, or mold that can grow inside while the heater isn’t in use during the summer months.

Whether you just need a regular tune-up or you need an entirely new unit- after all is said and done, you’ll see a major change in how much your energy bill runs you a month. A tune-up to a heating unit is just like tuning up a car, you need to keep it in tip top shape to keep it running right!

A professional inspection and tune up every few year or at least every OTHER year is a good investment. It will keep your furnace running efficiently, your bills down, and your toes warm! The professionals have the knowledge and skills to make sure that any part of your unit that might slowly deteriorate over the years is replaced properly.

If you are in the Dallas, Tx Area you should definitely check out Aramendia Plumbing, Heating, and Air

Jessica Renee

CaseCow.com: iPhone / iPod cases bundle sales

Do you have an IPhone or Ipad? Then you know how important is to protect them. You also must know how easily the screens can crack with an accidental slip of a hand. How about kids? Have you downloaded apps for them to play on and learn with? Are you scared they might accidentally drop it?

You definitely need an IPhone/Ipad case to protect them from those accidental bangs against the tables and the dropping. Casecow.com is having a huge bundle sale right now that is site wide and on a huge variety of cases to keep you covered!

• Any 3 iPhone 5/5S cases for $20, with a free screen protector and free shipping to the United States

 

• Any 3 iPod 2/3/4/Mini cases for $30, with a free screen protector and free shipping to the United States

They have more than 150 cases available for every style of IPhone and Ipad. These would make amazing gifts for the 2013 holiday season for those on your list with Apple products! You can’t beat the affordable prices and variety of styles. They have something for everyone, no matter what style or color they may love!

You could mix it up and give 2 as gifts and keep one for yourself. OR you could gift one to your husband/wife, keep one for yourself, and gift the remaining case to someone for Christmas. Either way you decide to do it, it is a win-win for your pocket. This is something affordable, useful, and stylish. Not only is this an amazing deal but Casecow also gives free shipping AND a free screen protector to go with it.

I love that they have a variety of textures, designs, and colors to choose from. They have genuine leather, wood, aluminum, felt, and more. Stock up while the deal lasts! Usually just ONE case is $30, so you’re getting an amazing deal at 3 for the price of 1.

*Free shipping to the Unites States ONLY, and discount applied at checkout.

 

-Jessica

Gift Card Budgeting Tips & a $25 Gift Card Giveaway to Kmart or JCPenny #GCBudget

Gift Cards serve a ton of purposes! Some people assume that gift cards only provide an alternative to buying actual gifts. Most gift givers give give gift cards during holidays, birthdays, and even anniversaries. There are various reasons why people would rather give a gift card than an actual gift.

They may simply work too much and be way too busy to buy every single person on their holiday list a gift. This could be that they work a ton of hours and have a lot of people on their list, which would require a lot of planning and time. So, they may just make it quick and grab a gift card to make it easier.

They also might not KNOW what everybody on their list like/want, so they make it easier on everybody by giving gift cards. This will not only save the recipient of the gift the hassle of possibly returning something they didn’t like.

Did you know that Gift Cards can also serve other purposes besides gifts though? They could actually be VERY helpful at teaching kids about money and budgeting and keep YOU from overspending. Here are some very helpful Gift Card Budgeting tips:

Envelope Budgeting

Image via dealbreaker.com

There's an almost ancient idea for budgeting called "Envelope budgeting". The idea is simple. You divide up the cash that you have on hand and put it in separate envelopes with the expense categories on them. You can only spend what is in the envelopes.

When there is no money left in the envelope you can't spend any more in that category. If there is money left in the envelope at the end of the month, you  can either put it into a savings account
or put it with next months “expense envelope.”

This idea can be applied to gift cards too. This will make it even easier because the kids have less chance of losing a losing a gift card or getting it stolen. They will also be less apt to spending money on a gift card then they would cash.

Teaching Kids about Money & Budgeting

Kids these days have a very hard time comprehending where money comes from. I was at the mall where a kid was asking his mom for a new Playstation or DS game. His mom replied “we don’t have enough money to buy that right now”. He looked up at her and said “mom, don’t worry. You have enough money, you can swipe the card” He seriously thought that money just WENT on the card, that she or his dad wasn’t working for the money that went on the card.  This is a very common thing and why many kids do not know that expenses/budgets even exist. This is why when teaching kids the value of money, gift cards can be very helpful.

Say that your son needs a new pair of shoes for basketball practice. Instead of taking him to the store and right out BUYING the shoes for him, there is an alternative. This will help him learn the value of money because he will see which shoes he can purchase with the amount of money he has. Instead of giving him cash, load the amount you need/want him to spend on his basketball shoes on a gift card. Let him make his own decision about what shoes he can get with the amount of money that is on the card.

He’ll be able to understand that there is $100 on the card. Buying a pair of $105 shoes cannot happen because there isn’t that much on the card. If he looks closely he might be able to find the same brand of shoes a little cheaper in a different color or make?

Modern allowance

Image via GoWallet

Instead of giving  your kids their monthly allowance in the form of cash, give it to them on a gift card. Tell them that they can only spend the amount that is on the card, and they don’t get anymore. This will soon help them learn how to weigh the prices of the things that they purchase.

Prom Budget

Families spent an average of $1,139 on prom in 2012. Help her make money prior to prom and save it on gift cards to the store she wants to buy her dress & accessories. Most parents favor splitting the bill with their teen. Their teen makes half of the money and the parents chip in the other half.

Budgeting Your Bills & Necessities

This might not have crossed your mind before, but Adults can use these tricks too. Think about all the things that you spend money on during the month- gas, breakfast before work, lunch while at work, and coffee? Eating out with your family, buying clothes for your family, and household necessities like cleaning supplies, dog food, and groceries. You could take a month’s receipts and add up the average amount that you spend in each category and budget those expenses onto gift cards.

There is a possibility that you already own at least one gift card. You could add more to the mix to help you stay on budget. Think about the certain stores that you shop at and think about buying a reloadable gift card. Do you purchase your cleaning supplies, office/school supplies, and certain other items at the same store? Target, Walmart, Kmart? Save money by buying a gift card.

How is buying a gift card going to help? It will keep you from throwing extra items into the cart randomly. You don’t want to use the cash you DO have on hand and you want to refrain from swiping your credit cards as much as possible. SO, you go by your gift card budget which will help you save money!

Do this with your grocery store, a certain spot that you buy coffee before or during work, and your go-to lunch spot. This will help you look for deals, specials, or maybe find certain coupons that will help you along the way!

Also most vendors offer discounts to consumers who hold gift cards to their sites. Also, you may want to look for their extra “MVP” cards, which will come with extra discounts. You will see the logo above certain items that will tell you that there is a discount for card members.

Bottom line? Gift cards help us concentrate on what we need to buy. If we just have a gift card handy–and not cash or credit cards–it's difficult to go adrift and waste money for things not within the budget. It assists us to say "no" to ourselves. When we can see the budget you have to work with and you know there will be NOTHING left after that budget is used up. Using gift cards to teach kids how to maintain and handle their money definitely gets them off to a great start!

Oh, and while you're at it manage those gift cards in one easy to run location with GoWallet. GoWallet allows you to combine and organize all your gift cards online or on your mobile device. You don't have to pack all the cards around with you.  One swift glance and you’ll see how much the balance is on the cards. It even allows you buy extra cards right through the app. Registration is free, Why not give it a test drive and give gift card budgeting a spin?

Sign up for Gowallet now!

The Giveaway

To get you started with the Gift Card Budgeting Idea, Stylish Southern Mama is giving away a $25 Gift Card to your choice of Kmart or JCPenny!

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules:

Please do as asked. The options aren't mandatory other than the blog comment.. but if you clicked done.. the task MUST be done or you will lose ALL entries into the giveaway.

Giveaway is only for those 18+ and residing in the U.S.

Only ONE email entrant per person. One person may not have several emails and enter.. I will check to make sure you aren't a giveaway fraud (someone who creates several emails for this purpose). It hurts other REAL entrants chances of winning so please follow the rules.

 

Jessica Renee

Giveaway: Pack-n-Sack Pals Backpack

Welcome to the Pack-n-Sack Giveaway!

Jenns Blah Blah Blog, Warm Milk, and some pretty darn fabulous bloggers have come together to bring you the chance to win this totally fun, super unique Pack-n-Sack Pal from Warm Milk.

If you have not been by WarmMilk.com than be sure and swing by they have tons of great products for your kids, and some pretty great diaper bags! If you want to learn more about this fabulous Pack-n-Sack from Warm Milk be sure to stop by and check out Jenns Blah Blah Blogs Post: Sleep Over's For Your Kids Have Never Been So Fun! If you are wondering a little about how the Pack-n-Sack Pals work check out the below image.

Winner picks which pal they would like. All come with pockets, and are made of durable nylon canvas exterior, padded adjustable shoulder straps, fleece blanket, coordinating plush pillow, 58” x 5” detachable padded nap mat, durable nylon canvas construction, and you can count on the fact they are lightweight and perfect for travel. Giveaway is open to US and Canada, must be over 18 to enter, and use the giveaway widget below. Good Luck!

Entry-Form

I have not been compensated for this post. All opinions and experiences are my own. Open to the US, must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of the giveaway. Sponsor will be responsible for prize fulfillment. This event is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

Jessica Renee

Fall Fashion Trend: Rockin’ Skinny Jeans with The Jean Girl

The 2013 Fall Fashion Trend is all about being bold without being too extravagant, being comfortable while still flattering your figure, and making your own unique statement! This years trends have “wear me” written all over them! This is a year that you don’t want to miss out on!

The 2013 Fashion Trends is all about rocking color while looking fabulous doing it. Color isn’t a bad thing, ya know. While some people adore color, some people would rather avoid it. You can add it into your wardrobe without overdoing it though! Color attracts the eye and actually (A TRUE fact) boosts your mood!



The Jean Girl Shop has everything that you need to rock this new fall look! Shopping online has never been more irresistible than now, because everything in the webstore is absolutely gorgeous. They carry dresses, tees, skirts, dresses, jeans, shoes, jackets/coats, and even accessories.



This year has brought back the skinny jeans and added color to them to make them even more alluring and stunning. I adore the fact that they not only have various colors to choose from but mix it up with polka dots and floral!

Skinny jeans can be worn in a variety of ways, all of which look nothing short of amazing!

• Bright colored skinny jeans (yellow, coral, orange) look stunning when combined with a dark colored blazer or cardigan. It emits a classic, sophisticated prepster style.

• Coral and orange skinny jeans can be paired beautifully with other bright colors (think yellow/colbat/teal). Mixing them with white and navy/denim is also a guaranteed show stopper,

• Partnering the intensity of red colored skinny jeans with more bright color is awe-inspiring. The best brights to mix with are yellow, hot pink, and orange. If you would like to pair the jeans with a white top and add the color in a different form; such as an accessory, that way it’s just a POP of extra color.

Ashlee Keating in red pants paired with a print.
David Livingston/Getty Images

• I really like the contrasting yet beautifully constructed look that matching brights with a print produces. Solid jeans paired with a print/patterned top that has a pop of the same color (as the jeans). Or you could vice vera it and get patterned skinny jeans and a solid top.

• Yellow is the new black. Yellow looks amazing when paired with any other bright color. Doesn’t matter it’s orange, hot pink, lime green… etc. Any color skinny jeans with a yellow top/cardigan/sweater. The yellow adds pop to the other color! You could also just add the yellow in with an accessory (jewelry, purse, or shoes) if you aren’t comfortable wearing two bright colors together.. wear a white shirt with your skinny jeans and add your accessory making it yellow.

• Bright colored pants also look stunning when blended with a black top and accessories. This definitely lets your jeans take the spotlight, while completing your gorgeous look. TIP: Skip orange/black mixture though- you’ll look like a walking Halloween parade.

Complete your look with The Jean Girl! She has beautiful colored accessories to complete your color mix.

2013 Fall Fashion: Reebok Top Down NC Splitz Color Shoes & Alicia Keys Mid Cut Wedge

Ladies, get ready to stand out this season! Reebok is paving the way for a fashionable fall with some great new footwear. With the Top Down NC Splitz Color Shoes and the Alicia Keys Mid Cut Wedge collection, you are guaranteed to have the hottest, most original style around.
 
Reebok Classic puts a trendy spin on a retro-inspired women’s silhouette with the Top Down NC from the new Splitz Color Pack. Featuring a unique color treatment on each shoe and a fold down ankle wrap, the bold look of the Top Down is a must-have this season! The Top Down NC Splitz Color Shoes come in two hot colorways, and is an online exclusive, so make sure you get to Reebok today to get your hands on a pair before it’s too late!

And what lady has more style and class than Alicia Keys? It’s hard to think of anyone who comes close. Reebok partnered with the perfect woman to create this sleek wedge. Step up your fashion game with the Alicia Keys Mid Cut Wedge for a smart, stylish look. The wedge comes in four colorways that are all perfect for a casual fall day, or a night out on the town. Check out the Alicia Keys collection now here: Alicia Keys Mid Cut Wedge.

Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway- $100 Gift Card & Breast Cancer Survivor Locket

Origami Owl offers a great locket that celebrates Breast Cancer Survivors, take a look: The NFL offers has an entire shop dedicated to "A Crucial Catch" and catching Breast Cancer early! You can love football and wear pink to champion, Breast Cancer Awareness. There are hundreds upon hundreds of clothing type choices you can select from socks to shirts.

We'd like to offer you one of the above, we will have 2 winners, 1 Winner will receive a $100 Gift Card courtesy of Gift Card Rescue to the NFL Shop where you can buy some of the great Pink items they have and 1 winner will receive the Breast Cancer Survivor Locket from Origami Owl. You can learn more about all the great ways to cash in on your unused gift cards in the review that Pittsburgh Frugal Mom wrote. a Rafflecopter giveaway     

 

My blog is not responsible for Prize Fulfillment. Prizes will be shipped within 4-6 weeks of entrants verification. Giveaway Begins, 10/3 October and ends 10/11 at 11:59p. One lucky reader will receive a Breast Cancer Survivor Locket from Origami Owl as well as a bag of YumEarth Organic Lollipops, while another lucky reader will win a $100 Gift Card to the NFL Shop!

 

Good Luck,

 

  Jessica