12 Haziran 2012 Salı

Review and Giveaway: Runnur Mini Backpack

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Do you ever feel weighted down with bags just about everywhere you go? You need to carry stuff with you, but purses are for girls, fanny packs are uncool and you can only put so much in your pockets before your pants start falling off. I often carry a small purse on trips - and more often larger ones - but there are so many places we go that I just wish I were hands-free, but still had my essentials. You probably go to many of these places, too: the dog park, the airport, biking, hiking, theme parks, anywhere you have a baby with you... The list goes on and on. This is why I was so thrilled to find the Runnur.  They market it as a mini backpack, but it's way more awesome than any backpack I've ever owned. It's also more comfortable and doesn't give you nasty pre-calculus flashbacks.

Testing out this fancy new gadget was a no-brainer. I like thedesign for both men and women, because it's so functional and has a simplelook. I, personally, wouldn't try to wear it out to a 5-star restaurant, but Ican see it working for some men. I chose the Runnur in medium, so Eric and Icould both try it on and give thoughts. As you can see, it works much betterfor me than him. I was happy with the size, but certainly could have gotten asmall and had it work, too. If I planned to do a lot of activities like hiking, thesmall would fit more snugly and been a better choice. Eric is excited to get aRunnur in large before our next trip.

Let's get to why this product is so great and what's going to makeyou rush to the website to get one. Obviously, the Runnur was designed forrunners, right? I suppose you could use it for running, but this convenient sling that fits like a seatbelt was designed for those on-the-go. The nylon strap makes use ofevery inch of space, with pockets and loops and a carabiner as well as easyvelcro and zipper closure. Eric says it’s effortless to wear and thinks it’spretty cool and manly. I think the pockets are perfect for carrying everythingyou need, and then some. I packed mine for an on-the-go gadget geek – like withwhat I would want to take on a plane. Surprisingly, I would not have been ableto get the same items into a similarly sized handbag.

How did I get it all in there? It was easy with all the pockets and slots and holders. The Runnur has a great ID card holder, so you don't have to fumble around for it. It also has a built-in wallet with card slots and separate sections for money and receipts, two velcro pockets for electronics, a bigger velcro pocket with a thick front to keep glasses, or any number of other things from getting crushed, a larger zipper pocket that has room for snacks, your camera, change and makeup. This pouch has a nice reflective strip on it for being seen in the dark. You also have a carabiner to hold keys, pen holders and a mesh pouch for your water bottle. Above you can see what I stuffed in there and following you can see where I put them all.


As you can see, your money and your ID are kept right next to youin highly convenient compartments. Carry all your important things in thiswallet pocket, like cash, credit cards, gift cards (for anyone who saves themfor vacation), your boarding pass and your passport - or you can use the secretpocket on the inside for your passport. Sneaky! Having them right there willeliminate thievery and since you are keeping everything in theRunnur, you can save time emptying your pockets at airport security and justplace it right into a bin and put it right back on when you exit. Simple!


These two pockets are great sizes and can easily fit a point and shoot digital camera and my smartphone with case that makes it even fatter than usual. I didn't even have to wrestle it out when I wanted to use it - my favorite part! The nylon fabric makes sure things don't stick and will slide easily in and out.


Like to carry keys or one of those tiny flashlights or even a reusable grocery tote that packs into itself? This carabiner is pretty handy. I will admit that walking around with keys jangling can be sort of annoying, but you certainly won't lose them and will always know where they are. If you'd rather, you can put them in the zippered pouch.
Eric loves taking his DS with him everywhere he goes, and would totally use the Runnur to carry it around. He'd also be able to carry extra games and a spare stylus, but I generally have one puzzle game that I'm playing, so I filled my larger pouch with a healthy snack, pressed powder and tinted lip balm. I don't like to be shiny, hungry or chapped. I also don't like to be thirsty, so this mesh bottle holder is a perfect addition! 


Now, as convenient as I think this would be for travel, it would also be awesome for physical activities. Fill it with a bottle of sports beverage, snacks and first aid supplies. My first thought when I saw the Runnur was that it was amazing for theme park travel. Now, I didn't jump up and down and stand on my head to test out whether or not items would fall out if I did, but the closures are so well made, I wouldn't be worried that they would fail. Leave it on while on rides or put it in the pocket in front of your seat. I like to hold on to my stuff so I don't forget it, so another option is to wear it around your waist during crazy rides and then wear it normally again once you get off. You always want to keep a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated, your camera to capture memories, sunscreen to keep from getting scorched and snacks to hold you over until mealtimes. The Runnur is lightweight and foam-filled, to make it comfortable to wear against your body. It also features a non-slip shoulder strap that is contoured to fit your curves. Eric can't wait to get his to wear while out bike riding. I wish I had one over Memorial Weekend when we were hiking the lava cave, because it would have been so much more comfortable than my usual cross-body bag, and I would have had somewhere to put my water bottle. Have I convinced you yet? If not, maybe this video from Runnur will help:


Additional informationWhere you can buy it: On the GoRunner websiteHow much it costs: $39 - and they ship internationally!Colors it comes it: Canvas, Plum, Black w/ Red Stitching, Silver (the one I have on) and Solid Black.


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I was provided with a Runnur for the purpose of this review, but all opinions are 100% mine.

6 Haziran 2012 Çarşamba

Dr. Tiller honoured for the 3rd anniversary of his death

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From Wichita Peace and Freedom Party Examiner;
A private party was held, last week at the Donut Hole, in Wichita, for the 3rd anniversary of Dr. George Tiller’s death. Tiller is one of the few abortion doctors to have done late term abortions. People came from all over the world to his clinic.Tiller was murdered on May 31, 2009. Scott Roeder shot Dr. Tiller in the head during worship services at the Reformation Lutheran Church, in Wichita, where he was serving as an usher and handing out church bulletins.Several people spoke out about their feelings on Tiller“We lost a real hero when we lost Dr. Tiller,” said Diane Wahto.“One day when Dr. Tiller came out and we were doing clinic defence, I told him it’s not fair that the antis (anti-abortionists) say we get all this blood money and we don’t get paid at all,” said Jim Erickson. “He gave all of us there that day a dollar. I mounted mine on this plaque.”Julie Burkhart, of Trust Women, was on hand to MC the event. “We can’t let these folks get us down,” she said. “We’re going to put on foot in front of the other and keep going.”Everyone present said they were going to continue to fight for abortion rights and counter the Thuggish tactics of the anti-abortion crowds. 
Many friends of Tillers gave first hand accounts of their interactions with him.

Last-Minute Vacations for Less

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Sometimes you just don’t havethe time to plan your vacation, or you just find such a good deal that you haveto book it and figure out the specifics while you’re packing your bags. Whenyou have the luxury to travel in 90 days or less, then you can really find somegreat bargains. There’s no better way to travel on a budget than to find apackage (or hotel) at a deep, deep discount.

Lastminute.com.au is theAustralian site for LastMinute.com and has all the same great deals for last-minute hotels, last-minute flights andtrip packages. How can they offer such good rates? LastMinute sells the lastrooms and plane seats available in order to make the airlines and hotels money.They get customers and you get to save a bunch of money. Score!

I’m all for a site that cansave me money to do things that I love. It’s also awesome when families want toget away, but their budget is tight and any savings can help them take theirkids somewhere fun and not go into debt doing it. Whether they want to travelto other parts of Australia or want to explore the rest of the world,LastMinute has got them covered, and you if you want to travel to and stay inan affordable hotel in Australia. In fact, you can find hotels from themid-$50s.

Have you ever wanted to fly onthe fancy SingaporeAirlines or Qantas?You can do it for less! Save even more by booking on discount airlines like Jetstarand VirginBlue. LastMinute has something to fit any budget, whether you are takingyour annual vacation or need to fly last-minute for emergency or business. Makesure it’s your first stop for booking your trip.

LastMinute.com.audoesn’t just deal in quickly planned travel either. You can also book furtherin advance and still find money-saving flights, rooms and packages. This givesyou more time to plan the finer points of your trip, like where you’re going toeat and what you’re going to do! You can find some excellent competitive rates,and for those of you who aren’t in or want to vacation in Australia, you can goto the main site and check out LastMinute for your country for airfare dealsfrom where you live.
Thissponsored post was brought to you by Lastminute.com.au.

Super Useful Travel Links 6.1.12

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Having just come back from a mini-vacation that included a bit of a shopping spree (very little, mind you), I got to thinking about shopping on travels and how you can make the most of your money, but still come back with some pretty cool finds. I love to shop like the next gal, but I realize that if I spend $200 on some fancy shoes, then I probably won’t be able to eat the next day or go see that production/concert/attraction I’d really rather experience more than a pair of shoes I don’t actually need. I can probably find something similar – and so much more affordable – if I shop around and then just have to eat lunch somewhere cheap, instead of having to eat PB&J sandwiches for the next 6 meals. Markets are a travelers dream, because not only can you get handmade awesomeness that is made locally, but you can also save a bunch of money by haggling. Maybe you’ll even meet some fantastic people while you’re at it. In Ecuador, everybody we bought something from was super friendly and somehow had a connection to Portland. We loved it!

Have you been thinking about taking a trip to Paris? I would definitely recommend it, but it can get spendy if you don’t plan ahead (just like almost anywhere). If you’re looking for a more unique trip – with offbeat gems to bring home – then check out Bonjour Paris’ post on Markets of Paris. Outdoor, indoor, linens, antique tchotchkes, jewelry, art. You will find something to suit any shopping experience you hope to have and find some fabulous items in the process. 


Do you love shopping so much that you can get lost in it for hours? Have you ever been to a “mega-market”? If browsing for half the day until you have no idea how to get out of the market is your idea of heaven (or you’re just super picky and need a HUGE selection of items for sale to choose something), then you will want to read up on these 6 Mega-Markets from Nile Guide. You will find one for whatever part of the globe you are headed to and can get everything from handmade alpaca sweaters in Ecuador to crazy weird food and drink in Thailand.



I am a sucker for outdoor markets, flea markets, farmers’ markets and the words “Gift Shop”. I can look at things I don’t need or want for half the day, because it’s fun and because it is usually different from what I can buy or find at home. While in Bend this past holiday weekend, we hit up the “Saturday Market” and had a good laugh. It had maybe 30 booths and was held in a parking lot. One of Portland’s festivals – and even ones in the suburbs – has at least three to four times as many vendors. There was a good representation of everything one could want from a market: wooden toys, handmade scarves and hats, fancy soaps and lotions, healthy snacks, jewelry, jewelry and more jewelry and some guy who made electric guitars from recycled wood and cigar boxes. Amazing! We whiled away about 45 minutes and then headed off in search of other things on our itinerary.

Did you know that some ways of trying to get cheap airfare just don’t work anymore? Shocking, right? As times change, so do some of the old tried and true practices of travel planning. You don’t need to book 9 months in advance or stay over a weekend to catch yourself a deal. In fact, some ideas that used to be standard – like you can always choose your seat for free – are changing. Check out FareCompare’s 10 Old Rules That Said Goodbye and be a smarter traveler for the modern age.
If heading to London for the Olympics was on your to-do list for the summer, you’ll be happy to know that hotel rates have fallen an average of $20 per night. Everyone was so afraid of high prices that bookings have been slim and hotels are scratching their heads over it. While the Olympics seem to be really popular, staying in traditional hotels…not so much. So, you can expect a bit of a price break on stays in the capital now, especially if you’ve waited this long to make a reservation. And if you’ve booked already, see if you can’t possibly cancel and rebook for a better price. Unless you are charged a cancellation fee, you may end up with a screaming deal.

I usually don’t add my own links to this list, but this week I’d like to point you toward a post I did for FareCompare on travel apps. There are, like, a bazillion out there and some are just the suck, right? I’ve whittled down to a list of five of what I think are some of the most useful apps out there right now that can organize your travel and also help you get through the airport efficiently. You’ll spend zero dollars to make this happen, too. Just download and go!
Have you come across any greator interesting travel-related news or articles that you’d like to share?

Your (Vegan) Summer Travel Guide 6.2.12

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Summer is unofficially here and that means that everyone will be trying to travel soon. It’s estimated that approximately 74% of Americans have plans to vacation this summer and I’m positive that a good portion of them are vegetarian or vegan. With this in mind, I set out to find some great resources for vegan travelers that can help them find destinations to travel to and find easier eats on-the-go. Obviously, if you plan to road trip it, then you can easily bring food stuffs with you to fill in the gaps where you just can’t find a suitable dining establishment along your way, but if you are flying, it can be a little tougher to pack your bags with food for meals, and even harder if you aren’t staying in a place that has a kitchen.


Some of the best places to travel this summer in the U.S. to save a buck are probably not destinations you would have considered, but not only are they affordable, but it’s super easy to find vegetarian and vegan fare in America almost anywhere. Look at locations in the Midwest (Branson, anyone?), the Southern States, Las Vegas and the Gulf Coast. South Carolina has had some spectacularly low rates on condo rentals right on the beach. You can afford $50 per night for a 2-bedroom condo, right? Plus, you have built-in entertainment for a good portion of your trip with the ocean right there.

Other things to look for in these areas to save your pennies:
  • Hotels that offer free WiFi, breakfast and parking. You can save a bundle by having breakfast taken care of each morning and also by not having to pay to check your email. 
  • Galveston, Texas has a new theme park opening called Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier  with a crazy coaster that goes 100 feet straight up and whips you around at up to 50 mph.
  •  Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a great offbeat theme park that adds a new ride every year it is open and this year they have unveiled a new “winged” coaster.
  • Disney World says goodbye to Snow White’s Scary Adventures and expands Fantasyland. They are adding Dumbo’s Storybook Circus, which opens in July. 
  • Universal Orlando has brought Despicable Me to life with an interactive, multi-platform ride/show/party called the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.
  • Sea World Orlando has opened Turtle Trek, a brand new habitat for fresh and saltwater turtles (and other sea creatures, like manatees).
  •  Wisconsin Dells’ Noah’s Ark Waterpark is the largest waterpark in the Midwest. Race three other people on the new Quadzilla water ride!

VegNews loves travel and they bring you the top 10 Vegan Travel Essentials, though I think it’s a pretty universal list for all travelers, as they are things that will help anyone out on a trip.

Looking for somewhere more exotic to travel that is vegan- and eco-friendly? Here’s a list of non-U.S. destinations for you:
  • Bahamas – Nassau is very popular, but affordable. For a less touristy location, check out Exuma Cays. Perfect for snorkeling and diving and avoiding hoards of people.   
  • Belize – Beautiful and lush, you will find many eco-lodges here and locally grown produce everywhere you go.
  • Berlin, Germany – Berlin has become a mecca for so many things. Not only is it becoming the hot new vacation destination for families, but now for vegans, too! VegNews recommends visiting Vöner, Chipps, and Lucky Leek.
  • British Columbia – The Pacific Northwest is chock full of vegan dining spots and BC is no exception. VegNews recommends visiting Gorilla Food, Edible Flours, and Grub.
  • Costa Rica – South America has so many amazing fruits and veggies that grow on the land that you almost can’t avoid eating some vegetarian meals.
  • Ecuador/Galapagos – Another South American treasure. Try those yummy potato balls and other delicious produce that they grow everywhere while you’re observing the colorful wildlife.
  • Greece – The economy is in ruins – just like many of the tourist attractions, ha! – so your dollar will go pretty far. Make sure you carry plenty of small bills, since if you pay in larger bills, you may not enough change back and could end up paying twice as much.
  • India – Did you know that about a third of the country is vegetarian? Now you do! Make sure you ask about ghee, creams and cheeses in dishes before ordering. 
  • Kenya – Even though you’re surrounded by wildlife, it’s still easy to find eco-lodges that specialize in vegetarian food. It would be hard to go on safari if you ate all the animals!
  • London – Hotel rates are slipping and it’s always more convenient to explain your food preferences when people speak your language. VegNews recommends visiting Saf, Inspiral, and Manna Cuisine. 
  • Thailand – Like India, Thailand is super easy to find non-meat cuisine. 
  • Vietnam – Pack your lightest clothes, because it is hot and humid here. The economy lends itself to a meat-free diet, so you won’t have any problem finding a place to dine here.
Do you have a favorite vegan food destination that you’ve found on your travels?

Live Like a Londoner

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When I travel to London, one ofmy “musts” is an apartment or a hotel with a kitchen. The city is one of themost expensive in the world and the easiest way to save is by cooking some ofour own meals. We always eat in for breakfast, because a bagel or cereal willkeep us full until lunchtime and will also save us $30 or more. We can eatwhile getting ready and not have to get up earlier in order to rush out thedoor to grab food and get on with sightseeing. It can be hard to find affordableapartments or hotels with useful amenities, but Robert and Polly Arnold havegathered them all in one website for you. They are native Londoners and knowthe city inside and out.

Using their extensive knowledgeof London and its sights and attractions, the Arnolds have conveniently locatedaccommodations for any traveler, whether you are a solo traveler, businesstraveler or bring your whole family. The personally inspect and choose thelodgings that they offer for rent, which gives you peace of mind when booking.

Want to visit for the Olympics?Jump online and choose from the long list of suitable London apartments. Notonly will they keep you in the middle of the action, but you can find one thatwill also be far enough away from the action that you won’t be kept up allnight by revelers. Postings have all the relevant information you need tochoose the best apartment for you: plenty of photos to show you what the unitslook like, amenities of each room, what there is see and do nearby, the closesttransportation stops and the overall features of the hotel. If you have aspecific part of London you want to stay in, you can sort by neighborhood, too!

Apartment-Hotels has a separatesection for corporate travelers. Need to find things to do when you aren’tworking? They have that covered. Need a longer rental? No problem. Robert orPolly will help you choose the best London apartment foryou by going with you on viewing appointments. Who else gives you that kind ofpersonal service?

I’ll be traveling back toLondon in the fall and you can bet I’ll be staying in an apartment again, justlike I did before. Our first day always finds us at the local Sainsbury,gathering supplies for breakfast, snacks to take with us and even some dinnerstaples. It makes travel so much more affordable and gives us a reason to enjoyour room more often. It’s the perfect choice for the budget traveler and givesyou an excuse to buy interesting new food items that you don’t have where youlive.
Are you looking to travel toLondon? If so, have you decided to rent an apartment for your stay?
Thisis a sponsored post, written by myself on behalf of Apartment-Hotels. Please visit their website forconveniently located apartments in London.

30 Mayıs 2012 Çarşamba

In search of Bigfoot: Fact or Fiction?

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So what's the deal with Big Foot? Is he real? Is he simply a fabrication? Or is "he" maybe a "she?" Judging from my husband's comments about the winter growth on my legs, I am Big Foot!

But seriously, haven't you ever been a bit curious about the Big Foot thing? The videos of the hairy beast crashing through the Oregonian forest... sightings by reputable sources... the many people that believe.

Here are four Big Foot adventure tours that will bust the myth or not. Discover Big Foot for yourself on these travel adventures. Don't forget your camera.

On the Inca Trail: is that Sasquatch coming out of the mist?Photo by Stacey Wittig (c)
1.) Big Foot Tour Operator, Cusco, Peru promises mystical and custom-made tours to Machu Picchu. Although there is no mention of Big Foot on their public website, you can enter the "Private Area" -- if you have the proper user name and password. (Sound effect: door creaking) Perhaps behind this hidden area is the Sasquatch secrets as this company is the "Gateway to the Andean Universe." www.bigfootcusco.com

2.) Big Foot is "something of the gorilla type, is said to stand four feet seven inches in height and weigh hundreds of pounds. He has long black, strong hair and resembles a human being with one exception, his entire body, excepting his hands (or paws) and feet are covered with glossy hair about one inch long," according to the folks at BigFoot Safari located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

They further report that in 1910, the murders of two miners, found with their heads cut off, were attributed to the ominous creature. The 4x4 tour company purports to be a non-profit society dedicated to assisting with ongoing research of noted wildlife biologist, John Bindernagel PhD, author of "The Great North American Ape, Sasquatch".www.bigfootsafari.com

3.) Journey into the pristine wilderness of Honey Island Swamp outside of New Orleans, Louisiana with Honey Swamp Tours. They have been chasing Big Foot, locally known as "Wookie," for years. According to Dr. Wagner, a wetlands ecologist, "It can get kind of spooky at night. Sometimes you don't know what you are hearing. I was fishing near a canebrake one night and I heard some footsteps. Whatever it was, it sounded big. I turned to see the cane spreading apart, so I got out of there. Maybe it was Wookie, but I sure didn't hang around to find out!" www.honeyislandswamp.com

4.) When in northern Arizona, make sure to check out Bigfoot Bar-B-Q, voted "Best BBQ of Flagstaff" seven years in a row. You could order the Bigfoot Steak & Cheese, but my fave is the Nawl Ens-style
Junkyard Dawg. $7.99 buys 1/4 pound Spicy LaHot link topped with pulled pork and coleslaw. It's called the Junkyard Dawg cause this big boy will bite ya back. If you didn't see him before, you'll see the big Yeti man in your dreams after all this smokin' BBQ. Flagstaff, AZ.  www.bigfootbbq.com
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