Charge Your Brain

Awesome Plastic Golf Tees!

2018-05-24T15:56:00.000-07:00

When it comes to golf, I am particular about what tools I use for my golf game. I have a specific type of tee that I like to use. Those were once the Zero Friction 3 prong tees, but not anymore. After playing with the Hyperion Golf 5 prong golf tees, I am switching. Here are my reasons:

More Durable

The Hyperion Golf tees lasted longer than the Zero Friction tees. Usually when I played with the Zero Friction tees, they would start to get a weak and bend after a few holes. These stay strong and I couldn't notice any sort of weak spot.
Much more economical than wood tees. It seems like wood tees always break every hole. These last for a long time.

Stable

They are very stable. You can get the ball on the tee much easier, and have it stay, than the 3-prong tees. The wind doesn't blow it off the tee.

Longer Distance

The Hyperion Golf tees also seemed to go farther than the average tee.

Reduces Friction and Side Spin

Due to the 5-prong design, it reduces the amount of friction on the ball during the shot. It also decreases the amount of side spin you get with average tees.

Great Price

These tees are a great price! You get 30 per pack for only $9.95. That's like 3 for $1.

Overall, I would definitely recommend these tees. You can get them on Amazon. Click here to get yours now. Have fun on the course!

Great New Golf Ball!

2017-08-24T09:10:00.003-07:00

If you've ever wanted to get the most out of your golf game and haven't been satisfied with the results, you may be playing with the wrong ball. Most golfers struggle with a slice and spend most of their time searching for balls in the weeds and bushes. One reason for that is the ball they play. If you don't know how to control the golf ball, which most golfers don't, and you play a Pro V1 or other high end golf ball with a urethane cover, you're asking for a slice. The reason is that they're designed for spin, which average golfers can't do.

Here's a great solution for that problem. There's a great new ball available on the market that gets you the best performance. It's rated currently at 5 stars and plays straight. It still offers you control and a soft feel, but keeps the ball from spinning off of the club. The only real way to slice it is to have an extreme out to in swing. Other than that, you're good to go.

Better yet, they have a 20% discount always available to those who purchase it. You just have to click on the Buy 1, Get 1 20% OFF button on the main page to get the code. I've played it myself and am extremely satisfied with it. I've spent much less time in the woods chasing balls, and have felt a greater deal of control over my game. At the listed price of $24.95 before the discount, it's a great deal compared to other high performance balls. After the discount it's $19.96 per dozen!

So if you want to give it a try, just go to Amazon and search for Hyperion Golf balls or just click here. I think you'll really like what you see when you play with them. They're definitely my go to ball now.

Hyperion Golf also provides tips to improve your golf game. They've got videos on their Facebook page that are super helpful in playing a better round of golf. As of the date of this post, they've also got an offer currently for 70% OFF of the balls, so it's a must buy. Good luck to you in your golfing game!

Presidential Poll Results

2016-11-08T09:06:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who participated in the poll! We managed to get 147 responses from everyone within the past couple of months. The results are as follows:

Hillary Clinton	55 (37%)
Donald Trump	52 (35%)
Gary Johnson	22 (14%)
Jill Stein	7 (4%)
Other	1 (0%)
I'm not voting	10 (6%)

So it looks like a pretty tight race, with only 2% separating the two main contenders. It will be interesting to see if those voting third party will affect how that actually goes tonight. I'm one of them.

One thing lacking in the poll that I really would have liked to add, but I would have had to reset the results, was to add Evan McMullin. He's another independent third party that holds conservative values, and in my opinion is most fit for the presidency.

Regardless of who you decide you would like as President, I encourage you to go vote. And don't just vote for someone because everyone says you'll waste your vote otherwise. As I've heard mentioned, a wasted vote is one that has no conviction behind it. So vote for the person who holds your values, who will do what you want to see happen.

I have heard a lot of people say that they're sick of the Presidential candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties. Well, the only way that it's ever going to change is if we cast our voice for those that we feel will actually do what we want for our country. It's time to stop buying into the lies sent to us from the media, the Democrats, and Republicans and stand up for what we believe. If what we believe happens to coincide with a member of the two major parties, then great! Just vote for what you believe in, not trying to strategize or being shamed into it.

A note to those who aren't going to vote this election. It is your right and privilege to vote; to study out the candidates and determine which one is best suited for President or whatever offices are up for reelection. There are a lot of candidates on the ballot, with 5 main candidates. If you normally vote democrat, but can't stand Hillary Clinton, then vote for either Gary Johnson or Jill Stein. If you normally vote republican, but can't stand Donald Trump, then vote for Evan McMullin. There are lots of options this election and if we actually vote for who we want in office, then things can start to change for the better.

Mt. Everest and Retirement

2016-09-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

So what do Mt. Everest and retirement have in common? Quite a bit actually! If I were to ask you, "What is your goal when you climb a mountain?" your answer would most likely be, "To get to the top." But do you also want to get back down? Oh, yeah...getting down. That's the part that most people don't think about when they climb a mountain, yet it's the spot where 75% of the deaths occur.

The same is also true for retirement. Most people focus entirely on the accumulation phase, while ignoring the distribution phase. This is equally hazardous to most financial plans. The problem is that traditional financial planning doesn't take into account how to best distribute assets in retirement until it's too late! Advisors constantly tout rate of return, while ignoring rate of withdrawal.

Let me give you an example*. This assumes both individuals save the same amount of money and retire at the same age.

Person A goes the route of traditional financial planning. He gets great rate of returns, while losing in various years when the market is down. At the end of the day he averaged 8% (which by the way is what Warren Buffet averages on his stuff). He's happy and has accumulated $1,000,000! Life is good! Traditional financial planning says that you can withdraw 3% of your account value adjusted for inflation each year and hopefully not run out of money according to Monte Carlo curves. So after all of Person A's hard work, he gets a first year check of $30,000. Wow, that's sort of depressing, but he did well and probably is better off than others.

Person B goes the nontraditional route of financial planning. He gets moderate returns, but never loses money with a downturn in the market. At the end of the day he averaged 6%. He was only able to accumulate $700,000. He's quite happy because his money was safe from market losses the whole time and still acquired a bit of assets. His rate of withdrawal, however, is 5.5%. This amount is also guaranteed to last his entire life. He will never outlive his money. He will get $38,500 each year guaranteed.

So the question becomes, who is better off in the end? To conservative investors, Person B is better off. To risky investors, Person A is better off. Person A's income should increase by about 3-4 percent each year with inflation, at least that's what history says. He would start making about the same amount of money after 8 years, but wouldn't catch up in overall dollars withdrawn until year 17.

From my experience in the financial world, most people are more conservative. Many think they are risky investors, but they cringe when their accounts drop. So most people are likely to enjoy Person B's experience more than Person A. There's a lot to be said for a stress free financial life! If you would like more information on the Person B scenario, contact me here.

*Rates of return and income withdrawn in the above examples are for illustration purposes only and in no way constitute actual performance. Guarantees are determined by each company and dependent on product. Please request actual illustrations for current rates and product information.

How to Get an "A" on any Paper

2016-04-19T15:27:00.001-07:00

School is hard enough without having to write a flawless paper. With all of the homework and busy work that professors are having students do today, it's a wonder that anyone can get papers done at all. Nevermind an "A" paper. Especially if you're a foreign student and English is a second language to you.

However, there's a cool new service that I found recently that will help you get that "A", aplusedit.com. They edit everything from school papers to websites to books! The great thing is that it's really affordable too. They do a full edit of your paper. This includes spelling, grammar, how the paper flows, and your format too. It' super comprehensive. You can even tell them when you need it done by and pay accordingly. So if you need your paper turned in by the next day, they can get it done.

I've seen similar services out there like this before, but they've been a little pricey. That's why I had to do all of my papers before without a professional editor looking over it. Now it's a different story! Just go to aplusedit.com to get the full scope of what I'm talking about. Good luck to you on the rest of your papers. You definitely won't need it with this service!

How to Shave Pounds FAST: Part 1

2015-10-30T22:06:00.002-07:00

If you look at the US and compare it to the rest of the world, we eat incredibly unhealthy. What the government allows food companies to make for us to consume is a crime. While other countries are banning processed, genetically modified, and other types of foods with additives, the US is supporting and pushing these types of foods.

Knowing this, it's pretty easy to lose weight quickly. Part 1 of the Shaving Pounds program is to cut out unnecessary drinks. These include sodas (even zero sodas), energy drinks, fruit juice drinks, tea and coffee.

Some of these may seem self evident, but what about the others? I'll list out the reasons why each of these are contributing to your weight gain.

Soda - It's full of sugar, not to mention a load of other stuff that's hard for your body to digest and deal with. If there's no sugar, then there's a substitute like aspartame which is even worse for you.

Energy Drinks - Again, sugar is high in these, not to mention the huge amount of caffeine. Both of these contribute to weight gain.

Fruit Juice Drinks - This is pretty much the same reason as the others...sugar. Granted there are some vitamin and mineral benefits to them, but they are incredibly high in sugar. Whatever your body doesn't need in sugar will go straight into fat.

Tea & Coffee - This is the same reason as energy drinks. The caffeine content is really high. There's actually a substance in it called CGA which is the main culprit.

So there are the things to cut out of your diet if you want to lose a quick bit of weight. It will also make a huge difference in how you feel every day. You'll actually have more energy when you're not consuming these drinks.

Be forewarned that most people do have a withdrawal period from many of these drinks. Great replacements for these are water, herbal teas, and water kefir. Let me know how it's worked for you!

Weightloss Secrets

2015-10-05T12:43:00.002-07:00

So I've known many people throughout my life who struggle with losing weight. Those I've known have tried seemingly everything from low calorie diets, HCG, weight watchers, to Jenny Craig. The funny thing about all of them have been that they have had initial success, but then put the weight back on rather quickly after the diet was done.

The reason is that diets don't work! There are, however, some secrets to weight loss that most don't know or understand. You can thank all of the media and lobbying by food companies for that. In an e-book called "Weightloss Simplified" there are some amazing truths about weightloss uncovered. It can be ordered at the site store and is definitely worth the read.

In it there are not only nutritional tips, but also an exercise program that will get you started on your way to being the healthy person you've always wanted to be. The best thing is that it's risk free. It's backed by a 30 day money back guarantee, so if you don't like it or whatever, you get your money back. There's also lists of food that are great to help in various areas of your nutrition habits. Give it a go and see how it works for you.

How to Easily Hit out of the Rough

2015-10-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

Many of us probably struggle with being in the rough a bit. If you've ever noticed, those types of shots are much different than fairway or even sand shots. The rough grabs the club, slowing your swing down and actually turning your club in the process. So a well hit ball often goes the wrong way! Here's a great video that gives three easy tips to get out of the rough successfully.

Source: GolfChannel.com

How Long Would it Take You?

2015-07-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

So golf is now getting to the point where drives range anywhere from 350 - 400 yards. If I could hit like that, my local course would be a piece of cake! With all of the advanced technology in the drivers and new swing methods, it's not too difficult for these pros to be hitting it like that. As a result, courses are now extending the length of some of their holes to increase the difficulty.

At the Slovakia Challenge at Penati Golf Resort, they've got a Par 6 hole, which is the first ever on the European Tour. There are many people who are quite optimistic about this whole though. Ricardo Gouveia had this to say about it:

"It is a birdie opportunity, definitely. If you don't mess it up there's going to be a lot of low scores there this week." - EuropeanTour.com

Obviously with the distance these pros can hit the ball, it shouldn't be too hard to get it there in 3 and then 2 putt. That's what most seem to think anyway.

My personal opinion is that the courses should just make it more difficult by adding some doglegs or other features that make it a game of skill rather than sheer driving power.

Let me know your stance on these incredibly long Par 6 holes by leaving a comment down below.

Source: EuropeanTour.com

How to Fix Your Slice and Hit Straight

2015-07-09T13:35:00.002-07:00

So most golfers worst enemy is the slice with a driver off of the tee. You know, those of us who are scared that we're going to smash through the window of someone's house on the right side of the fairway.

Most of us know how to line up the drive, making sure that the line from the tips of your shoes is pointing right down the middle of the fairway. The part that often throws people off though is how to turn with the club and make solid contact with the ball.

Even if you don't tend to slice the ball bad, most golfers will at least have a minor slice that still goes off of their original line to the right. That can often lead to being in a sand trap or in the deep stuff (hopefully not behind a tree or rock). The good news is that with a little correction and practice, you can fix your slice and start to find the fairway everytime!

Rickie Fowler and Butch Harmon give some great tips to help straighten the swing out in this video.
Source: GolfDigest.com

Good luck out there and keep 'em straight!

Have you Ever Made a Birdie Putt with Your Sand Wedge?

2015-07-06T10:23:00.001-07:00

Golf is a hard enough game with using the correct clubs for your shot, nevermind using a wedge for a putter. That's exactly what Robert Streb did at Greenbrier. He damaged his putter after the front nine when he threw it to his caddie. As a result, he ended up making 3 birdie putts and 1 par putt with his sand wedge!

Check out this video to see to see him sink a 26 ft. putt with his sand wedge.

Source: PGAtour.com

If you want to see a compilation of his successful putting attempts at Greenbrier, check it out here.

Source: Golf.com by Coleman McDowell

Putting Made Easy

2015-07-01T20:53:00.001-07:00

If you're anything like me, you hit pretty well with the driver and irons...well, maybe just the irons, but you can't make a putt to save your life. Thankfully, there are people who are amazing at putting and have shared some valuable tips to help us not so good putters sink the putt.

Watch this video by Dave Stockton as he breaks down the correct steps to a putt, and teaches how to make putting like a pro a breeze! By the way, Dave is the guy who has worked with pro golfers like Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Rose...just to name a few.

Source: GolfDigest.com by Dave Stockton with Ron Kaspriske

Best 7 Layer Dip Around!

2015-06-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

If you don't have a great 7 layer dip recipe, you've got to try this one! Even if you do have one, try this one. You won't regret it!

The Ultimate 7-Layer Dip

Yield: Serves 8-10

Note: STOP! Don't get scared away by all the components and ingredients listed below. I promise it's not as complicated as it looks - and I promise the result is worth it. This recipe is usually served in a clear dish so you can see the layers. For a crowd, double the recipe and serve in a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish. Keep in mind that the parts of the prep for the tomato and guacamole layers need to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.

Ingredients

Tomato Layer:

4 large tomatoes, cored, seeded, and chopped fine

1 jalapeno, seeded and minced

3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro

2 green onions, finely minced

2 tablespoons lime juice (from about 2 limes)

1/8 teaspoon salt

Guacamole Layer:

2 green onions, sliced thin, green and white parts separated

1 jalapeno chile, seeded and finely minced

1 small garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons lime juice (from about 2 limes)

3 avocados, pitted, peeled and chopped

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Salt to taste

Black Bean Layer:

1 16-ounce can black beans, drained but not rinsed

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)

3/4 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Sour Cream Layer:

1 1/2 cups sour cream

1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Cheese Layer:

1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Extras:

Tortilla chips, for serving

Directions

For the tomato layer, in a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro, minced green onions, and lime juice. Stir in salt and let stand until tomatoes begin to soften, about 30 minutes. Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer or colander and discard the liquid. Set aside.

For the guacamole, in a small bowl, combine the white parts of the green onions, jalapeno, garlic and lime juice. Let sit for 30 minutes. Add two-thirds of the avocado to the bowl with the jalapeno mixture and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Gently fold remaining avocado into mashed avocado mixture. Gently stir in the green parts of the green onions and the cilantro. Season with salt. Set aside.

Pulse black beans, garlic, remaining lime juice, chili powder, and remaining salt in a food processor until mixture resembles a chunky paste. Transfer to a glass 8X8 or 9X9-inch dish or similar sized bowl, spreading into an even layer. Quickly rinse and wipe out the food processor and pulse the sour cream, 1 cup pepper jack cheese cheese and 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese until smooth. Dollop the sour cream mixture on top of the black bean layer, smoothing to the edges in an even layer.

Sprinkle evenly with remaining cheese. Spread guacamole over cheese and top with tomato mixture. Sprinkle with additional sliced green onions, if desired, and serve with tortilla chips. The dip can be tightly covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Source: Mel's Kitchen Cafe

The Most Delicious Dessert Yet

2015-06-26T15:39:00.001-07:00

So I love dessert. Who doesn't though...right? I've had desserts of all kinds; cakes, cupcakes, brownies, ice cream, lemon bars, pies, etc. That being said, I have never had a dessert that was as good as the Vanilla Bean Coconut Cake! This thing is absolutely amazing! I just can't get enough of it.

Now I'm not exactly sure why this is my favorite cake because I'm not really into coconut. The overall taste is just divine though! One of the best parts about it too is the meringue frosting. It is silky smooth and delicious!

One thing that we've done for those who don't like coconut that much is to only cover half of the cake with coconut instead of the whole thing. All I can say is that if you want the absolute best dessert ever made, you need to make this cake! Here's the recipe. Enjoy!

Coconut-Vanilla Bean Cake with Coconut Meringue Buttercream Frosting

Yield: 8 to 10 servings
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 to 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

A fabulous, moist coconut cake studded with vanilla beans is filled and coated with a coconut meringue buttercream frosting.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:
2¼ cups cake flour
1¼ cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 2-inch pieces
6 egg whites
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise

For the Frosting:
1½ cups granulated sugar
6 egg whites
1½ cups unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
⅔ cup coconut milk

For the Garnish:
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Directions:

1. Make the Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans; set aside.

2. Sift the cake flour into the bowl of an electric mixer. Add the sugar, baking powder and salt and beat on low speed for 15 seconds to combine. Add the butter pieces and beat on low speed for 1 minute, or until the mixture is coarse and crumbly.

3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites, coconut milk and the 1 cup shredded coconut until combined. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the mixture and whisk to thoroughly incorporate the seeds throughout the mixture.

4. Add half of the coconut milk mixture to the dry ingredients and beat on medium-high for 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, add the remainder of the coconut milk mixture and beat on medium speed for 30 seconds, or until the batter is well-mixed, light and fluffy.

5. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the tops are firm and golden brown and spring back when pressed lightly in the center. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans on a wire rack.

6. Make the Frosting: In a small, heatproof bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg whites. Place the bowl on top of a saucepan with about an inch of simmering water (do not let the bottom of the bowl touch the water). Heat the mixture, whisking occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the mixture is hot to the touch and the sugar is dissolved.

7. Remove the bowl from the heat and transfer the mixture into the bowl of an electric mixer. Using the whisk attachment, whip on medium-high speed for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the mixture becomes a light, white meringue and the mixture is cool to the touch. Reduce the speed to low and add the butter a couple of pieces at a time. Increase the speed to medium and mix for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the butter is thoroughly incorporated and the frosting is smooth and glossy. The frosting may initially look curdled after adding the butter, but continue beating and it will come together, looking smooth and creamy by the end of the mixing time.

8. Add the vanilla extract, salt and coconut milk and whip for another few minutes on medium speed, or until the coconut milk is thoroughly incorporated and the frosting is smooth. Again, the buttercream may look thin and separated, but continue mixing until it comes together. It will be more of a satin-like consistency, versus the thick powdered sugar frostings that are often used.

Note: Use the frosting within 30 minutes, or transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 1 day, then beat with a mixer (using the paddle attachment) until smooth before using. You can also store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, then bring to room temperature and beat with a mixer (using the paddle attachment) for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth before using.

9. Assemble the Cake: Remove the cooled cakes from their pans and level the tops, if necessary. Place one cake layer on a cake stand and top with 2 cups of the frosting, using an offset spatula to spread it evenly to the edges.

10. Place the second layer on top, top-side down. Spoon 1 cup of the frosting onto the top of the cake and use a large offset spatula to spread the frosting on top and over the sides of the cake, covering it with a very thin layer (this is the crumb coat). Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

11. Use a wooden spoon to mix the remaining frosting to lighten it up since it has been sitting. Spoon it onto the cake and spread it evenly over the top and down the sides. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth finish. Press the 1 cup shredded coconut onto the top and sides of the frosted cake. The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Source: BrownEyedBaker.com

According to BrownEyedBaker.com, this recipe is from "Flour: Spectacular Recipes from Boston's Flour Bakery + Cafe". If that book has more recipes like this cake, then I'm getting it for sure!

Can Spieth Make a Grand Slam?

2015-06-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

All of the talk in golf these days seems to be about Jordan Spieth, and for good reason. There are very few people who have been able to win the first two major championships of the year. According to Neil Paine on fivethirtyeight.com,

"It’s only the fourth time since 1958¹ that the same player has won both of the year’s first two majors, and just the 13th time any player won back-to-back major titles."

With so few people accomplishing what Spieth has, it's no wonder that he's the talk of the town! Neil also shares a list of golfers who have accomplished this feat, but there is only one who has ever made a grand slam...Tiger.

So the real question is, "What are the odds that Spieth will make the grand slam?" According the Neil,

"After adjusting for the house edge built into betting odds, the sportsbook Bovada.lvassigns² McIlroy a 13 percent probability of winning the British Open and an 11 percent chance of winning the PGA Championship; the site gives Spieth a 9 percent shot at winning each tournament."

"No matter how you cut it, the odds of Spieth finishing off the Grand Slam are still fairly low — about 1 percent, if the probabilities above are any kind of guide."

With McIlroy in the picture, as the number one golfer in the world, it's going to be quite a challenge for Spieth to pull off a grand slam. It sure would be cool to have someone up there with Tiger though!

Source: Neil Paine -- fivethirtyeight.com

Palmer, Nicklaus, Player, & Trevino to Build US Open Course

2015-06-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but with names like Palmer, Nicklaus, Player, and Trevino building a golf course targeted at hosting a US Open, I can't expect anything short of amazing! Here is part of the article.

The Greenbrier owner Jim Justice has retained golf legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Lee Trevino to build a course in West Virginia meant to attract the state's first U.S. Open.

In the vein of Chambers Bay, which was designed with the U.S. Open in mind and with consultation from the USGA, Justice, who is also running for governor in West Virginia, aims to build a course near The Greenbrier property in the Allegheny mountains.

Ground is scheduled to be broken in the next 30 days with the intent of opening the course in Fall 2016.

Source: golfchannel.com by Nick Menta

Best Shower Mirror Ever!

2015-06-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

So if you're anything like me, you have to shave in the shower or else your face breaks out with a wonderful razor burn. My biggest problem with shaving in the shower was getting a mirror that didn't fog up and was clear.

Usually the "fog free" mirrors that you get have some sort of coating over them so that even when it's clear, you can't see yourself very well. I've been using a new mirror I received free to review from ReflectX called Mirror on a Rope recently. It is everything that I wanted in a shower mirror!

Pros

Crystal Clear!
Very Portable
Doesn't Fog

Cons

Only one hook

I have travelled with this mirror and it is absolutely awesome! It is super thin and lightweight. I can carry it in my bathroom bag without it taking up much room. I've had to overcome a couple of things with the mirror though. There's nowhere to hang your razor. There's only one hook, so when I travel I don't have the hook to hang it on.

I solved the first problem by hanging my mirror on the hook by the hole that is in the top corner instead of by the rope. This allowed me to hang my razor on the rope. It works great! I solved the second problem by hanging the mirror on the showerhead of where I stayed. You just turn the showerhead away while you shave and viola! You're good to go.

It comes with a travel bag, so the mirror won't scratch if something hits it in the suitcase or something, a hook, and the mirror on a rope. It's a really good deal on Amazon! I paid more for other mirrors in the past than I have on this one, and it's the one I like! Anyway, click here or any of the pictures to get one for yourself. It's amazing!

It's All About Style!

2015-03-31T14:13:00.003-07:00

So I got the opportunity to review these sunglasses from Catania. At first, I was a bit skeptical because these sunglasses aren't exactly the style that I'm used to wearing. I usually wear the sport sunglasses that wrap around the side of your head. These sunglasses don't do that. They are straight, with zero curves.

After trying them on though, I thought they looked super cool! I could totally see myself wearing them with my more business casual outfits. So here's a breakdown of the pros and cons for these sunglasses.

Pros:

They keep the sun out, which is the primary purpose for getting sunglasses.
They are stylish! Like I said, they go great with my business casual outfits. They just add a bit more class.
They fit well.
Comes with a soft bag and cleaning cloth.
I can use the front of the lenses as a mirror for a quick spot check!

Cons:

If the sun is behind you, it glares against the glasses into your eyes.
If the sun is at your side, there isn't any shade to block the sun, so it gets in your eyes then too.

Those are the only complaints I have really. As I mentioned, they're really all about style! It's like wearing uncomfortable shoes just to get that look you want, except these sunglasses do have some great functionality. They work great as sunglasses in any situation, except the two cons I mentioned. To be honest though, in the summer months that wouldn't even be a problem because the sun gets up high in the sky so quickly.

Overall, I think these are great! My kids love them too. My oldest especially keeps on asking me if he can wear them! If you're looking for a great pair of sunglasses that also give you style points, you've found them.

Click here to get a pair of your own!

Amazing Protein Powder!

2015-03-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

So I am very picky about the type of protein powder that I use. I only use whey protein powder and it's got to be a good, healthy quality. That pretty much cancels out most brands that I would buy at Walmart. The whey protein from Summit Nutritions is excellent! It met all of my criteria.

First of all, it's a whey protein. It's all natural. If you look at the back of the package, the only ingredient listed is Whey Protein Isolate, with natural flavoring.

It packs 25 grams of protein per serving! This is a great amount for me. I workout in the morning and need some protein afterward to help me build the muscle I want. I tested this two different ways.
One day, I had only the protein shake. (I mixed it with milk using a blender bottle). I didn't get hungry for 3 hours with just the shake! I was pretty impressed.

The second day, I tried it with a piece of toast (sourdough bread with butter and strawberry jam). That held me off for over 4 hours! It was perfect because I usually eat lunch 4-5 hours after breakfast.

It tastes really good too! The flavor I got was dutch chocolate and mixed with 8-10 ounces of milk tastes so good! For how healthy this protein powder is, I was surprised that it tasted so good.

The protein powder comes in either a 2 lb., 5 lb., or three pouch pack and is a great price for what you get. I usually pay at least $10 more for the 2 lb. container of the protein powder I usually use. I think this is a great protein powder that you must buy. Click on the picture below to get to the site and buy it or just click here.

Best Sun Glasses!

2015-02-26T12:10:00.000-08:00

So I couldn't help myself from putting this post under the BSG tab. Normally it's the place that I post all of my Business Strategy Game stuff, but come on...Best Sun Glasses! I couldn't resist.

So I'm usually the guy who buys his sunglasses from a gas station or Walmart for $10-$15. I don't like to spend a lot on them because I usually end up misplacing them somewhere. I'm also pretty particular on the fit of the glasses I buy.

The X-Loop sunglasses really are amazing! I'm pretty hesitant to purchase sunglasses online because I can't try them on, but man...these proved to be totally worth it! First of all, they fit inside of my budget. They only cost $14.95 on Amazon, plus free shipping with Amazon Prime. They fit very well, except they were a little high up on my nose due to my wider than average nose. My wife tried them on and it fit her nose perfectly! I later realized that I could solve that problem by simply adjusting the metal nose holders. They fit perfectly now!

They are super comfortable around the side of my head, which is always a huge issue for me. They also work perfectly in the snow, sunshine, or glare off of cars. We recently got 15" of snow here and they were awesome for keeping my eyes protected from the blinding glare of the sun off of the snow. So I can imagine that they'd be incredible for skiing. I can't wait to try them out on the slopes!

They are very good quality glasses as well as CE certified. The case that they come with is amazing! It's a silver case with padding inside to protect the sun glasses. They are incredibly durable and well padded. My youngest child threw the case with the glasses in them and they had no indication of damage whatsoever.

Overall, I'm incredibly pleased with these shades. I can't even think of any downside to them! I'd definitely pay the $14.95 for them, especially since I get a sweet case with it! I'm pretty sure no sunglasses I ever bought from Walmart or a gas station ever came with a case, or even a cloth sac to put them in.

So if you want some more details on them, go check them out on Amazon. You can either click on the top picture or click here to see them.

10 Affirmations to Weight Loss

2015-01-26T21:08:00.002-08:00

One of the coolest things about the human body is its ability to change. The crazy thing is that most of the change occurs in the mind first! So if you're trying to lose weight, you may need to change the way you think about yourself first before any results will show. So here are 10 affirmations that you can say out loud (don't worry, you don't need to do it while others are around). It's even better if you can say it while looking in a mirror and say it with conviction, but out loud will work.

1. I am confident.
2. I am attractive.
3. I love my body.
4. I find joy in my life.
5. I am fit and energetic.
6. I love myself for who I am.
7. I only eat as much as I need.
8. Others respect me for who I am.
9. I love healthy foods that keep me slim.
10. I am releasing all negative beliefs about my body.

It's very important to do this everyday, preferably first thing in the morning. The results won't be immediate, but if you stick with it you will notice shifts in your body begin to take place. Remember, the first step to change is taking action!

If you're SERIOUS about losing weight and want faster results, then you've got to check this out!

If you're SUPER SERIOUS about losing weight, then you've got to check this out!

I have used these techniques listed under the "SUPER SERIOUS" section for over a year now, and for me they have worked wonders in my life.

Best way to get Soft Feet!

2015-01-13T13:17:00.000-08:00

Have you ever used those manual foot files that for removing dead, dry, callused skin? If so, can you recall the crazy amount of work you had to put into it just to get the skin off? I think it qualified as a workout of its own! It seems that those were the only real solution to the never ending callus and dead skin problem, but not anymore.

As I was perusing the internet, I found an amazing product that will remove the calluses and dead skin off your feet with hardly any effort. Remembering all of the back breaking work it was to use a manual foot file, I decided to try it out and see if it worked. The results were amazing! At the end of the session, my feet were completely smooth! I didn’t even have to break a sweat or take Advil for tennis elbow! It was easy to use and effortless. I wished that I had found this earlier!

Another great thing about it was that I got it on Amazon for less than I had seen in stores and other websites. The reviews helped me build my confidence that it was a quality product too. The shipment was quick and the whole process was easy.

I’m so grateful for this little device! I can’t even imagine myself going back to using a manual foot file again! Compared to the electric callus remover, that foot file seems like dial up internet!

Click on it to get yours now!

An Exercise You Can do at the Office

2014-11-06T09:11:00.000-08:00

Do you feel like you never have time to do anything, let alone exercise? This article will show you how you can get in plenty of muscle toning exercise while at work, and all you'll need is a desk (or table) and a chair.

Ok, so you're one of those people who just has the worst schedule known to mankind. You get up at 5am to get to the office by 7am. You have to go to a parent-teachers conference at your kid’s school right after work, then you have to take your kid to soccer practice after that. This seems to be the daily routine. You never seem to have much time for yourself between all of the things you have to do every day, so how can you possibly find the time to incorporate exercise into your day? Exercise takes time, and time is one luxury you just don’t have.

Well, there is a way to get some exercise into your day, and that way is to simply exercise at your desk. No, that was not a typo. Here is a little routine that you can do right at your desk. It doesn’t take up much time, and while it will not make you a candidate for the next fitness competition, it will give your muscles enough work to stay firm.

Complete one set of each exercise in order. Do 10 to 20 repetitions of each exercise, followed with 1 to 2 more sets in order, if time permits.

Chair crunch:
Sit tall in your chair with your feet flat on the floor. Begin to slowly round your upper back downward until you feel your abdominal muscles tighten. Hold for 3-5 seconds, and then return to the start position.

Squats:
Stand up in front of your chair. Sit back into a squat like you are sitting back down in your chair, keeping your weight on your heels and your knees behind your toes. When you are almost touching your chair with your butt, push yourself back to the standing position using your leg muscles.

Calf raises:
Stand in front of your desk and put your hands on the desk for balance. Lift yourself up onto the balls of your feet. Hold for 3 to 5 seconds, and then lower yourself back down to the floor.

Desk pushup:
Stand 4 to 5 feet away from your desk and put your hands on the edge of the desk. Relax your lower body, and using just your arms, lower your chest down toward the desk and stop when your chest is about 3 to 6 inches away from it. Then push yourself back up to the starting position again using only your arms.

Seated triceps lift backs:
Sit tall in your chair. Put your arms down at your sides with your palms facing forward. With your arms strait and elbows locked, slowly bring your arms up behind you until you feel your triceps muscles tighten. Hold for 3 to 5 seconds, then lower your arms back to the starting position.

Seated bicep curls:
Sit tall in your chair. Start with one arm down at your side, palm facing forward in a fist. Put your other hand over your fist and push against it for resistance while bringing your fist up toward your shoulder. Once your fist is close to your shoulder, lower it back down to the starting position maintaining constant resistance with the other hand throughout the entire movement. Complete all repetitions for that set, then switch sides and repeat.

After you have completed each exercise for the amount of repetitions and sets you can do, sit down and straighten your legs. Now gently reach for your toes until you feel you can’t go any further. Hold for 10 seconds (do not bounce), then return to the starting position. Next, reach your arms out to your sides as far as you can. Keeping them fully extended, bring them slowly to the front and cross them over each other as far as you can. Hold for 10 seconds and then return them to your sides. Now, reach your arms over your head as far as you can. Hold for 10 seconds and then return them to your sides.

Taking the time to do this simple but effective exercise routine at the office will help keep you toned, and you can do it even with the worst schedule possible because it can be done during your lunch break and still leave you enough time to eat your lunch.

Enjoy your workout!

The Truth About Carbs

2014-10-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

So what's the deal with all of this talk about carbs? Some people say that they're good for you and others say they're bad for you. Who do you believe? Hopefully this will educate you on the different carbs that you should and shouldn't eat...and why. First of all, where did this idea of staying away from carbs come from? It mainly started with the Atkins diet. Their big thing is to count the amount of carbs you're eating to lose weight instead of calories. This is somewhat crazy due to the fact that your body uses these carbs to actually fuel itself throughout the day. The only reason it has any credence is that when we don't use all of the carbs we've consumed the body can store them in the liver or tissues as fat.

What Type of Carbs Are There?

You have two main groups of carbs. The first is simple carbs, also known as bad carbs. The second is complex carbs, also known as good carbs.

Simple Carbs

Simple carbs are bad because they are high in sugar. They also don't provide you with any sort of nutritional benefit. Simple cabs serve as a short burst of energy to your body. It's nothing long lasting, and with no nutrients they body isn't getting any healthier. Some examples of things to stay away from with simple carbs are: sodas, fruit drinks, candy, white bread, etc.

Eating or drinking these sort of things causes your blood sugar to spike. It makes you feel good in the moment, be leaves you feeling down in the dumps when it's all used up. I know many people who experience this and it can cause weakness, shakiness, fatigue, and more. It's not fun...not from what I've seen!

Complex Carbs

Complex carbs are good for you because they promote good digestion through fiber, provide you with other nutrients, and last a long time. The reason they last a long time is that they first have to be broken down by the body into a simpler form to be transported and used. Many foods with complex carbs have fiber in them, which will help aid in digestion. Many foods also contain a lot of nutrients. Here's a list of some to help you see what type of nutrients would be in them: Oats, potatoes, beans, corn, wheat, etc.

This is a general overview of carbs. If you'd like more information on them, e-mail me for my free report. It contains more information on what are good and bad carbs, as well as what they do to the body.

What's the Best Exercise Program?

2014-10-22T05:45:00.000-07:00

So we all know that there are tons of exercises that we can do each day; walking, running, elliptical, yoga, sports...the list goes on. But what exercise is there that will benefit you the most? They all have their claims of "I'm the best workout. Choose me!"

When we look at exercise, we need to look at it for what it really is. There are two classes of exercise: 1) Low Intensity 2) High Intensity. Some examples of low intensity exercise are: walking, elliptical, even running. The reason being is that when we do those exercises, our heart rate only gets to about 60% - 75% of it's max capacity. Ideally, you want your heart rate to get up to 75% - 85% when exercising.

Example
The average 40 year old has an average maximum heart rate of 180 beats per minute. So if they wanted to hit 80% of their max heart rate, they'd need to keep it around 144 beats per minute.

I don't know about you, but my heart rate doesn't get up that high by walking on a treadmill! Another difference between low intensity and high intensity exercise is that low intensity exercise is often done for a long time, meaning between 30 minutes and an hour and a half. High intensity training only requires 10 - 15 minutes! No more waking up at 4 in the morning!

So all of this is fine and dandy, but how do you actually do the high intensity stuff? It's actually easier than it sounds. The concept is this, to alternate between short bursts of active exercise and active rest. One example for people who like to run is to do about 20 second intervals of running a race-like pace and then scaling down to a jog. Do that for 10 - 15 minutes and you'll be more than good for your exercise that day!

I've got more examples of the High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in my free downloadable e-book. Go ahead and e-mail me for your copy! As an added bonus it's got some other information about foods to avoid and foods that are good. It's also got information on the best ways to lose weight.