Enjoying Fleece Tie Blankets

A Masterpiece of Fleece

In the winter time the best way to snuggle up and enjoy a movie or any sports game is to have an awesome fleece tie blanket to use. Fleece tie blankets are those beautiful blankets, that can feature anything from roses to sports one them. They are made up of two fleece fabric materials tied together; hence fleece "tie" blankets.

The wonderful thing about these blankets is that they keep you warm and express your individuality at the same time. Fleece tie blankets came about in 1980 when the fleece fabric first hit manufacturing. This high thread count material began to be incorporated in winter-wear in 1981 by Malden Mills, a Textile company in Lawrence, MA and commercialized the fabric as "Polartec polar fleece." This great upgrade in winter-wear was mainly to suit mountaineers, but as the fleece circulated through out the country, everyone started to use it.

 

But aside from its origin they are great to make. I picked this hobby up three years ago. It was almost Christmas time and I wanted to do something special for my niece's first Christmas so I went searching. And I came across an article talking about fleece tie blankets, so I tried it. I thought they would make a good "change of pace" gift during Christmas time, but I was wrong. This gift was the greatest, this new found gift idea turned into a full blown hobby and small business. That Christmas I made three blankets: one for my niece and two aunts. Each of them were unique and tailor-made for them. My niece got the licensed Princess and the Frog print with Pink; one of my aunts got a Blue and White checker print and white; and my other aunt got a Red and Yellow Diced Checker Print with Yellow. Like I said each one was unique to its new owner. 

Christmas is a great time to give blankets but I wanted to test run a theory for a new venue. I wanted to see if including birthdays would get the same reaction I get during Christmas and I was right. For my best friend's 17th birthday I made her a Licensed Denver Broncos print and Denver Orange blanket. She loved it and still uses it to this day. Another very very close friend of mine got a Monkey print and Lime Green print blanket from me and absolutely adores it. However, the best story about one of the blankets is the one I made my mother. When I first started making these blankets she thought she was on the short list of people that were going to get one. Sadly, she had to wait two years after I started to finally get hers and she screamed when she opened her Christmas present in 2012. It was a glorious tulip garden with purple on the bottom. I also kept the tradition alive with my nephew and his first Christmas; he received a Licensed Iron Man with Red blanket.

As you can probably tell, my responses were "I love it", but I went back and asked them what they thought about their blankets and this is some of the feedback I got.

I love it. I love my blanket. It keeps me warm and Brandon did a great job with the color scheme because its my Sorority colors [Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc]. Its my fuzzy wuzzy.         - S.H.

He knows me so well. It is so pretty and he did a great job with it.                                                  - A.W.

It's so gorgeous, I can't wait to put it in my house because it matches my furniture.                    - E.

 I love it haha. I love that you could find the Denver fabric and it's the right size for me. I loved the creativity and uniqueness of it :)                                                                                              - J.W.

As their mother, I love them. To see their faces light up is great. These blankets are great because it's something they can call their own.                                                                                      - C.S. S.S. J.S.

I love it. Its my favorite color and its what I've been waiting two years for.                                 - Mom

So you can see that I do a great job, but keep a close eye on the Bayside Scoop because a page will be coming soon about fleece tie blankets. This page will walk you through the process and offer my expertise and services if requested. After this, I would wanna pick up this up. 

Soring with R/C's

 Take to the Skies

Super Sonic R/C SYMA 9399 Training Airplane. My 2nd R/C

Playing with toys is fun. Even as an adult, toys can be fun. Today, I am going to talk to you about one of my greatest passions and hobbies. It's flying Remote Control (R/C) airplanes. I absolutely love flying these planes. I started flying when I was little and my mom had got me my very first R/C helicopter. It was Christmas and I could not wait to fly it. Mind you, at the time, I had no inkling of how to fly one of those things. Long story short, it lasted as long as a T-Rex's arms. It wouldn't be a few years later until I actually bought another one, but when I finally got the hang of it, nobody could get me to come inside. 
 
R/C planes and helicopters are great, but what's so special about them is that you are able to witness the greatest phenomena man has ever overcome. From the Wright Brothers to Boeing's Fleets, we have been improving our aircraft and systems so that we can service more people in less time. The most interesting thing is what the future holds for the industry. Picture in the air space above your head airways used by everyday people for transportation. But I digress. Kids this is a great hobby to pick up because it teaches so much with every attempt to fly: patience, perseverance, humility, success and failure. This hobby is not for the those that like to start at the finish line, its for those that are willing to put in the time and effort to be awesome. 

Time is one your side because the R/C's that were good when I was a kid are even better now. Plus R/C's are not limited to just airplanes and helicopters, there are boats, cars, trains, and the best being model rockets. You can not go wrong with any of them. Personally I have model planes, trains, and rockets. I love the planes but the rockets are awesome and fun to watch take off. So parents, if you're out there wondering what hobbies your child should pick up, think R/C's.

Great places to start is Amazon, Buy.com, your local Hobby Lobby. Note, for more experienced flyers Nitro Planes has great quality and service. HUGE SALE Going on NOW at NitroPlanes.com!

 

Stuck in that Revolving Door Again?

 There is Still Hope

As we are coming upon one month in the new year, I can guarantee you that there are still some people that opted to fulfill a health related New Year's Resolution that came up short. I want to tell you that you are not alone. As much as half the country falls victim to this loathing disappointment; however I have a handful of great tips you can use to take control of your health, shed some pounds, and make this New Year's Resolution one for the record books.

Tip #1: Be Adventurous at Work

Studies show that majority of the workforce spend their day siting in an expensive chair filling reports, attending meetings, etc. The siting continues when the shift ends and you head home and continue the collateral damage. So to help, start making rounds around the office. This has so many benefits both to your health and for professional development. I'll explain: walking around the office obvious stimulates blood flow in your body and burns those pesky calories; and two, being adventurous and walking around allows you to become more acquainted with your co-workers which builds a better workplace.

Tip #2: Wear Comfortable Shoes

The majority of the people in America that claim they do not walk/exercise due to his/her lower body discomfort. Well, if Dr. Scholls wasn't right, then why would he suggest changing your shoes, i.e. your souls, to combat lower body discomfort. So, bottom line, change your shoes and you might actually want to walk in them.

Tip #3: Pack Snacks

This is the most inexpensive way to slim down because you are substituting the Vending Machine Parades with the cast of the Fruit of the Loom (apples, grapes, and salad). Making the extra effort to pick up healthier options goes a long way for your health and your pocket.






Tip #4: Play Just Dance!

Nintendo was on to something when they first released the Nintendo Wii. This game console has sparked an asserted effort to fight childhood obesity, but it is not limited to children. With the partnership with the Just Dance Label, dancing has never been easier. The label on the game reading "E" for Everyone alone should give you the green light to strut you stuff and get down. The Just Dance chain has music options out of this world, so you can pick your style and rock out. The best part about this tip is that you can make this a family thing and reap the health benefits as a bonus.

And Finally Tip #5: ZUMBA!!!

Zumba has taken America by storm. The moves that these choreographers are coming up with are killer fat burners and calorie busters. I have Zumba'ed (or however you make Zumba a past tense verb) before and absolutly loved it. Personally, I love the music; it has its way of taking over. Although, the ultimate prize is the ability to have fun with people and dance calories away. How fun is that? For those reading from Del-Mar-Va, I have your hook up. Listen up! There is this awesome Zumba instructor by the name of Jess Wiggins. She is absolutely great. She is a long time friend of mine and she teaches Zumba for Powerhouse Gym in Salisbury and in Ocean City. She is the best on the coast and will surly have you rocking and having fun. Check out her page on Facebook. Like it and follow her as she makes Zumba the official fitness program of Del-Mar-Va. And tell her Brandon sent you.

*Beachbody is giving away free gifts with purchases of various products like INSANITY, Brazil Butt Lift and more, Don't miss out, just click the logo*

Memoirs of a Cyclist

 Lance Edward Armstrong

This man was a legend. Lance Armstrong always exceeded expectations whether it was in triathlons or the esteemed Tour De France cycle races, but all his credibility has been washed away.  

I remember learning countless time about what a success story Armstrong was. To be exact, at Salisbury Middle, Mr. Lawson taught me every aspect of healthy living, which included daily dieting and proper exercise. At the time Lance Armstrong was the "Poster Boy" of all our class discussions because of his devotion to health living, exercise, and community outreach with the Livestrong campaign. With the teachings from middle school in mind, I found it hard to believe that he was doping. But as an athlete I understand the mentality of wanting to be the best and doing everything in your power to get there. HOWEVER, that means you have to put in the extra workouts and sessions to be the best, not cutting corners and hoping that you don't get caught. 

This is a tragic event but the irony is that it is showing up in sports more frequently than most commissioners would want. My concern is the negative impact these athlete impress upon their admirers. Believe it or not, children look to athletes as role models because of their success and the ease to emulate them; example: my childhood hero was Freddie Adu. I enjoyed watching Freddie Adu play for D.C. United plus I could see myself in him because that was a time in my life where I played soccer and was very talented. 

But I digress, Oprah on the Oprah Winfrey Network interviewed Lance to address the findings of the allegations. This video was the seller that bought me on the fact that Lance Armstrong cheated. Livestrong meant so much to so many people but has its impact diminished?

 

*For people that want to get straight to the point please start video at time 0:40*

 

Inauguration 2013 and More

 Inauguration Day & Martin Luther King, Jr Day of Remembrance

Some thought this man would be one and done. Many believed this man would give up, but President Barrack Obama has stood tall against all adversity. The President has served this country well and has brought the United States of America back from the brink. As many accolades as I would love to give the 44th President of the United States, I do not believe in everything he has done throughout his presidency. However, I do believe we are better off and have made dynamic strides toward National sustainability.


With the right to say what I wish, I want to personally congratulate President Obama on his second term of Office. It is fitting to have your Inauguration on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Remembrance. I see a lot of King in the President and I am glad the Dream has manifested itself, but it doesn't stop there. As African-Americans we have much to gain in this world but with the strides made so far,  National Equality is in our sights. Even though African-Americans have struggled, Americans as a Nation's people need to come together and fight for the rights of all its citizens regardless of race.
 

Sunday Morning Bit

Good morning everyone. I hope that everything is going well today, but just in case I want to share some insight from RBC Ministries' Our Daily Bread. This booklet has been around since 1956 and is still full of powerful insight. Note that this daily devotion is Christian based but has universal applications. 

Every Sunday I will be posting a passage from this powerful booklet. Please take the time to read it because I guarantee that its message will be of great use to you, if not now then down the road.

 

Our Daily Bread

By: Jennifer Benson Schuldt 

RBC Ministries 

January 20, 2013

Read: Deuteronomy 31:16-22

A Song To Remember

I was delighted when I received a free gift in the mail—a CD of Scripture set to music. After listening to it several times, some of the melodies took root in my mind. Before long, I could sing the words to a couple of verses in the book of Psalms without the help of the recording.

Music can help us recall words and ideas we might otherwise forget. God knew that the Israelites would forget Him when they entered the Promised Land (Deut. 31:20). They would forsake Him, turn to idols, and trouble would follow (vv.16-18). Because of this, He asked Moses to compose a song and teach it to the Israelites so they could remember their past closeness with Him and the sin that hurt their relationship (31:19-22). Perhaps most important, God wanted His nation to recall His character: “[God] is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He” (32:4).

Consider what God might want you to remember about Him today. Is it His power, His holiness, His love, or His faithfulness? Can you think of a song that celebrates God’s character? Sing it in your heart to the Lord (Eph. 5:19).

Give me a spirit of praise, dear Lord,
That I may adore Your name,
Sing praises from the depths of a grateful heart
To the One who is always the same. —Dawe

 

Remembering God’s goodness puts a song in your heart.

 

 

Championship Weekend

The National Football League kicks off Championship weekend with tons of analyst reviews from the NFL Network which includes "NFL AM", NFL Total Access and NFL "Playbook". But quoting what Rich Eisen, Deion Sanders, or even Jamie Dukes says wouldn't be as fun, so I am going to offer my amateur analysis of the two matchups on Championship Sunday.

San Francisco 49ers vs Atlanta Falcons

Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA

3pm EST FOX

This matchup between the 49ers and the Falcons is a surprising contest on FOX Network. I had originally predicted that the NFC Championship Game would be between the two NFC West powerhouses, i.e. 49ers and Seahawks, but as the game played out I will put my slighted ego aside. This game statistically is heavily in the favor for San Fran with their 3-Dimensional Offensive attack (QB Colin Kaepernick, RB Frank Gore, Wide Receiver Corps) and shutdown defense. Falcons QB Matt Ryan and his crew will have a steep hill to climb in order to validate their season with a ticket to Super Bowl XLVII. I strongly believe that San Fran will have their way with the Atlanta Defense; Matt Ryan (QB), Julio Jones (WR), Michael Turner (RB), and others will find a way to make the game worth watching but when everything is said and done the game will belong to the San Francisco 49ers 42-30.

Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots

Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

6:30 EST CBS

This game I believe is "America's Game." As everyone already knows this is a rematch from the 2011 Postseason down to the very last detail. I am sure everyone remembers, especially the Ravens fans of RavensNation, the ultimate disappointment at the end of that game. But skipping to my take on the outcome of this AFC Showdown, I believe that the Baltimore Ravens will make Super Bowl XLVII. How you ask?? Well here is my claim: The New England Patriots have had and still sustains the most potent offensive attack in the NFL. From QB Tom Brady, WR Wes Welker, TE Aaron Hernandez, and a resurgence of their running game, the Patriots have the offense any fan would want for their own team. But even though the New England Patriots are the standard for a complete team both offensively and defensively, the Baltimore Ravens bring intensity, passion, a trigger happy QB in Joe Flacco, a hungry defense lead by General Ray Lewis, and an impressive running presence in Ray Rice that will neutralize any offensive and defensive gameplan. Skipping to the chase, the Baltimore Ravens will dictate the tempo of the game; this leaves Tom Brady to be at the mercy of the Ravens D. Wide receiver Anquan Bolden will be the key to Baltimore's aerial arsenal. I am sure the running game will be there and TE Dennis Pitta and WR Torrey Smith will be contributors but WR Bolden will be the key. Ravens win 31-28.

Be sure to tune in to FOX and CBS for your NFL Championship experience.

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