December 22, 2013

One-night stay at the Hampton from She Scribes

She Scribes is giving away a one-night stay to any Hampton hotel in the United States. The Hampton Holiday program is all about helping hosts navigate these dilemmas and maximize their hospitality during the holidays with tips inspired by Hamptonality. If you have guests coming this holiday season then why not treat them to a stay at a Hampton Hotel near you? With over 1,900 locations worldwide, there is bound to be a Hampton Hotel near you.


From her blog:

Hampton Hotels would like to give a lucky reader a FREE NIGHT STAY! Hampton will send the lucky winner a  “Be My Guest” card which entitles the bearer to (1) free night stay at a Hampton location.
Read more at http://www.shescribes.com/2013/12/holiday-hosting-tips-hampton-hotels-giveaway-ends-122213-hamptonholiday.html#o8k4kOUqdQI0kYji.99
A night (or two) stay at a Hampton Hotel would make a great gift too – especially for a couple who would like to go on a romantic getaway.

Hampton Hotels would like to give a lucky reader a FREE NIGHT STAY! Hampton will send the lucky winner a  “Be My Guest” card which entitles the bearer to (1) free night stay at a Hampton location.

A night (or two) stay at a Hampton Hotel would make a great gift too – especially for a couple who would like to go on a romantic getaway. :-)
Hampton Hotels would like to give a lucky reader a FREE NIGHT STAY! Hampton will send the lucky winner a  “Be My Guest” card which entitles the bearer to (1) free night stay at a Hampton location.

Read more at http://www.shescribes.com/2013/12/holiday-hosting-tips-hampton-hotels-giveaway-ends-122213-hamptonholiday.html#o8k4kOUqdQI0kYji.99
A night (or two) stay at a Hampton Hotel would make a great gift too – especially for a couple who would like to go on a romantic getaway. :-)
Hampton Hotels would like to give a lucky reader a FREE NIGHT STAY! Hampton will send the lucky winner a  “Be My Guest” card which entitles the bearer to (1) free night stay at a Hampton location.

Read more at http://www.shescribes.com/2013/12/holiday-hosting-tips-hampton-hotels-giveaway-ends-122213-hamptonholiday.html#o8k4kOUqdQI0kYji.99

July 13, 2013

Review: Aurorae lavender pledge candle


I'm not a big fan of strong scented things, but the scent of the Aurorae candle is pleasant and not overwhelming. It's nice! If there is one candle to consider for relaxation, it's lavender. Lavender has many beneficial properties, and in this case, it can calm the mind and also soothe headaches.

I keep the candle at my bedside so I can easily light it, lay back, and relax. After long days of staring at computer screens and fiddling with my smartphone, it's not easy to "turn my brain off." Burning nicely without any black smoke, sometimes it helps me fall asleep, and sometimes it doesn't. Either way, it's great for when bedtime is nearing. I'm curious to know if Aurorae will make another other scent...

Like my review? Please leave a "yes" helpful vote for my Amazon review. Thank you!

June 4, 2013

Album review: Megadeth - Super Collider

Megadeth - Super Collider
 
If you've heard the first single off this album, "Super Collider," chances are you're probably feeling it's lacking. It sounds like it came straight off the Risk or The World Needs a Hero, two albums notorious for having very mixed reviews and receptions. Personally, I didn't mind those albums, and the first single is OK. It's not thrash, though.

Let's face it - the thrash bands of decades past are not what they once were. But despite the revolving door of Megadeth musicians, Dave Mustaine and company have managed to release new music pretty often, and that's a blessing in the grand scheme of things. I'm happy to have Super Collider even though it pales in comparison to albums of old. David Ellefson is back for another album (welcome back, Junior!), and that's something to be psyched about. He has writing credit for the opening song, "Kingmaker," a nice thrash appetizer to set up the rest of the album... which is hit and miss.

If you pay attention to other musicians' interviews and Tweets, some of them have harsh criticisms about this new stuff (Oderus Urungus of GWAR is pretty obnoxious). There are some really bright spots, however. "Burn" is a killer song and Dave Mustaine sounds great. Probably my favorite on the album. "Don't Turn Your Back" begins with some classic rock jamming and then the riffage really gets rolling. And the bass, oh, the bass. I don't understand why the song is so far down in the track listing, though. Move this one to the top please!

David Draiman has small parts in "Dance In The Rain" and "Forget To Remember." Ever read the Dr. Seuss story, Too Many Daves? Draiman's contributions are insignificant. There's also a Thin Lizzy cover, "Cold Sweat," which is pretty heavy. It'll get ya moving.

Overall a mixed bag for Megadeth and not one of the best albums, but there is material to be happy with here. It just might take a couple listens to appreciate.

Like my review? Please leave a "yes" helpful vote for my Amazon review. Thank you!

February 8, 2013

The best snow tube for adults

As a kid, snow tubing was my favorite outdoor activity in the winter, and as an adult it's still one of my favorite things to do. Check out my list of tubing and sledding spots in Newton.

The Yeti snow tube (found at Toys R Us and Amazon) is the largest snow tube I've ever had. As you can see, it's a double-rider for kids, but it's the perfect size for an adult. I'm 6'5" and I fit comfortably and safely. I picked up this 54-incher for under $20 and it's a great deal. Available in other sizes for kids, too.

Cruising down the sledding hill aboard this Yeti mobile is like being on a hovercraft. It's plump and comfy, and glides pretty smoothly. While you may not get the wild speed as you would from a plastic or wooden sled, you won't have to deal with bumps and a sore butt on the Yeti tube!

Features:
  • 4 heavy-duty color coordinated handles
  • Extra heavy-duty 16 gauge vinyl construction
  • 48 in. inflated / 54 in. deflated
  • Bright, colorful Yeti graphics
  • Special K-80 cold-crack additive to help vinyl withstand the extreme cold
  • Recommended for ages 7+

January 5, 2013

Places to go sledding in Newton, MA

Looking for a few cheap, fun winter activities? Let this be list be your guide for free sledding and snow tubing in Newton! Beware that none of these spots are monitored by staff like Nashoba Valley or Amesbury Sports Park, so please use discretion and be safe.

I've been scouring the internet for sources for sledding spots in Newton, and I'm compiling a list which will continue to be revised and added to. Please leave comments with suggestions of your own - anything sledding in Massachusetts! Or even better, sledding in Newton!


Fessenden School (map)
Street: Albemarle Rd or Fessenden Ln
Comments: The parking lots are free. There are two big hills here - one goes straight down, which is classic, and the other hill, which is more risky, curves around ("dog leg" in golf terms) with a half pipe-like ridge that prevents you from flying off course. Check out the dog leg hill if you're after thrilling tubing in Newton.

Casey Park (map)
Street: Watertown St
Comments: Only on-street parking available, but it's free. One of the weakest sled hills I've seen, it's more for kids sledding.

Claflin Field (map)
Street: Lowell Ave
Comments:

Charles River Country Club (map)
Street: Winchester St
Comments: One of my favorite spots for tubing in Massachusetts. No convenient parking so you'll have to park on a nearby side street. Beware that the golf maintenance road (marked with a sign) is off limits - I've parked there and was approached by a police officer saying I can't do that.

Brae Burn Country Club
Street: Moffat Rd
Comments:

Bobby Braceland Park
Street:
Comments:

Looking for sleds for adults? I have a snow tube that's amazing, and very affordable.