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National Preparedness Month Safety and Security from Master Lock

From hurricanes to tornadoes or fires, every state in the U.S. is vulnerable to some type of emergency weather situation, and just in time for National Preparedness Month, Master Lock is standing by to help families and individuals prepare for any emergency situation.

Here in Florida as almost anyone knows our main concern is hurricanes. Sure we have advanced notice when they are coming which is nice but it is still great to do some basic safety steps once a year to make sure you are fully prepared. I will admit that I am not as prepared as I should be but thankfully Master Lock as listed some simple steps for me to help get started.

Master Lock offers up some Tips to help you get prepared.

Stay Informed. Sign up for automated alerts from FEMA and WEA to notify you of any emergency situations happening in your area.

Know the Facts. Understand the terms used by weather anchors and reporters, such as the difference between a watch and a warning.

Safeguard Your Stuff. Possessions can be replaced, but critical documents are vital to efficient disaster recovery. Gain access to any document by securely uploading them to the Master Lock Vault.

Make a Plan. Almost 50 percent of Americans do not have an evacuation plan and/or shelter, food or water readily available.

Gather an Emergency Kit. Learn what you need to build an emergency disaster kit so it’s ready when you need it most.

Click here to view the full press release with additional tips and details.

A little embarrassing to admit but I do not have all my important paperwork together in case of any disaster. I was sent a Security Chest from Master lock for this exact purpose. I like that I can put my family’s identifications, birth certificates, bank numbers, credit card information, insurance info all safely in once place for when I need it.

Product Features:

Large locking security chest with fire retardant insulation
4? (10.2 cm) H X 13.5? W (34.3 cm) X 10-3/4? (27.3 cm)
Durable steel construction stands up to daily use
Key lock to protect and secure your personal documents
Fits standard-size documents
Handle for convenient carrying
Includes 2 keys

It is plenty big enough for all the paperwork you need.

If you are more the type that has all your important information electronically Master Lock can help you with that too with their Master Lock Vault. The Master Lock Vault (www.masterlockvault.com) is a free, secure online storage system that allows users to save passwords, user name, combination code and critical documents. Also available on a mobile app. Master Lock knows how to help you get prepared and here I thought they mainly made bike locks and school locker locks.

Take a little time this month to get yourself prepared for any sort of disaster your family may face. I am definitely a believer of you are better safe than sorry.

Connect:

You can connect with Master Lock on Facebook, @MasterLockUS on Twitter.

Buy It!

You can purchase the Security Chest for $40.70.

Giveaway Winner: Entry #579Patty W.

I received a sample product for this review. All opinions are my own and/or my family’s, take it or leave it. Click here to view my whole disclosure policy.

Fun Back to School Projects with Duck Tape

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This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walmart for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Summer is officially over and kids everywhere are back in school. I’m sure you’ve spent countless hours {and money] at various stores on supplies for your little learners. But did you know that you can buy Duck Tape at Walmart to create fun projects with or for your supplies? I didn’t either – until now! I know what you’re thinking – “What could we possibly make with Duck Tape? that would actually be cool?“. Little do some of us know that Duck Tape? actually is pretty cool though. They now have all sorts of fun patterns and colors to help get your creativity flowing!

I took a look at their website and found all sorts of fun things that I want to make with the kids. Big Bro is in middle school, so he has a locker. Well when I was in school, I used to tape photos and other things that I liked to my locker door. However, his school has a “no tape” policy for lockers, so he can’t do any of that! Well I found this really neat Duck Tape? Locker Message Board that I am totally making for him! I’ll add a magnet or two to the back of it for an instant tape alternative. He’ll love being able to showcase photos and other stuff and I think he’d have a great time helping to design it as well!

And seriously, if I had a girl – I could go insane with fun crafts such as the Flower Pens. They are just super cute and I honestly might actually make some for myself! Hey now, don’t judge!

The ideas on their website are just so plentiful that I could browse for hours and find hundreds of fun projects to make for back to school and even for the upcoming holidays! So when you’re out gathering last minute supplies for your kids, be sure to head to the paint and craft departments at Walmart and check out all of the fun Duck Tape? colors and patterns available.

If you’re looking for even more creative inspiration, be sure to follow @TheDuckBrand on Twitter! If you happen to make any fun projects with Duck Tape?, I would love for you to share them with us!

Skillet Ravioli Recipe

Blog· Recipes

This meal is so quick to make, but tastes like you worked all day! Perfect for crazy school weeks or when you’re just low on time but tired of take out!

It involves fresh garlic and basil and then pantry staples like a jar of pasta sauce and frozen ravioli.

You just throw things into one skillet. Now that’s easy clean up! First you saut? garlic, releasing that sweet and nutty flavor. Next, you throw frozen ravioli into the skillet. No need to boil it in water first, trust me!

Throw some pasta sauce of choice on top and some fresh diced tomatoes. It’s all the liquid you need to keep cooking the pasta. Just throw it all together and forget it for a few minutes. Help the kids with a few math problems or pop the cork on some wine, whatever suits you. Once simmered through, throw some basil and cheese on top and let it melt away!

Serve with garlic bread. I was totally lazy and used frozen. I usually make my own, but some nights we all just need a tasty but simple made meal!

The beauty of this is you can add whatever you like. Top with crushed red pepper. Add thawed and drained spinach instead of basil. We ate this on our ‘Meatless Monday’, but add ground beef, tofu, or even sausage. Go ahead and make it your own!

Right click me! Save-As or Print. C’mon, you know you want to!

Enjoy!

The Law of Second Chances by James Sheehan

Blog· Review

The Law of Second Chances
By James Sheehan
Center Street, September 10, 2013
ISBN: 978-1455574520
Pages: 416

9781455574544

Jack Tobin, a Florida trial lawyer, is committed to justice for the innocent. But when he’s presented with Henry Wilson’s case, he’s unsure of the convict’s innocence. Wilson has eight weeks to live, and Tobin has to decide if he can and will help him.

Benny Avrile is a small-time thief with his eye on an oil man’s big billfold. But Benny is way over his head on this one. The robbery goes bad, and the oil man ends up dead. Just when Benny’s fate is all but sealed, an old friend from Jack’s past reaches out…

The clock is ticking on Henry Wilson’s life, the cops are in hot pursuit of Benny, and back at home, there are dark clouds on the horizon for Jack and his beautiful wife, Pat.

Jack
Tobin, a Florida trial lawyer, is committed to justice for the
innocent. But when he’s presented with Henry Wilson’s case, he’s unsure
of the convict’s innocence. Wilson has eight weeks to live, and Tobin
has to decide if he can and will help him.

Benny Avrile is a
small-time thief with his eye on an oil man’s big billfold. But Benny is
way over his head on this one. The robbery goes bad, and the oil man
ends up dead. Just when Benny’s fate is all but sealed, an old friend
from Jack’s past reaches out…

The clock is ticking on Henry
Wilson’s life, the cops are in hot pursuit of Benny, and back at home,
there are dark clouds on the horizon for Jack and his beautiful wife,
Pat. – See more at:
http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/james-sheehan/the-law-of-second-chances/9781455574520/#sthash.mv7pAFhR.dpuf

Jack
Tobin is a trial lawyer with a searing-hot reputation in Miami, far
removed from his scrappy youth on the streets of New York.

But when a young man, Rudy, is railroaded into a murder conviction in
the tiny Florida backwater of Bass Creek, Tobin resolves to pay back a
debt to his best friend, the boy who once dubbed him ‘the Mayor of
Lexington Avenue’.

Heartbreak, tragedy, courtroom drama and the hope of redemption play out
in this utterly page-turning, thought-provoking legal thriller.
– See more at:
http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/james-sheehan/the-mayor-of-lexington-avenue/9781455574544/#desc

Jack
Tobin is a trial lawyer with a searing-hot reputation in Miami, far
removed from his scrappy youth on the streets of New York.

James Sheehan

James Sheehan is the author of The Lawyer’s Lawyer, The Mayor of Lexington Avenue, and The Law of Second Chances.
He was a successful trial attorney for 30 years, and currently teaches
trial law and is the Director of the Tampa Law Institute at Stetson
University College of Law in Tampa, Florida.

Learn more at jamessheehanauthor.com

– See more at: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/james-sheehan/the-mayor-of-lexington-avenue/9781455574544/#desc

It appears I am officially a reviewer of James Sheehan’s novels and in that time I have become a huge fan. I have reviewed The Lawyer’s Lawyer and The Mayor of Lexington Avenue previously here at Outnumbered 3 to 1. In The Law of Second Chances we once again follow the incredibly brilliant lawyer, Jack Tobin, in his quest to help provide the best case possible for the accused.

My Summary
Jack Tobin is living the dream with his wife Pat in the small town of Bass Creek, Florida. Although he is retired with millions he still works cases where he believes innocent people sit on death row. His next case is with Henry Wilson who has but a few weeks until his day of execution and with his criminal record a mile long Jack is unsure if he should even represent him.

While Jack spends time going through all of Henry’s files while trying to make up his mind on the case his wife Pat is hit with terrible news but she tells Jack that he must continue his investigation into Henry’s case.

Meanwhile in New York a murder is committed and Benny, a homeless street criminal, is booked and faces first-degree murder charges. It looks like an open and shut case. Until Jack finds himself in New York and looking into the case but he is not normally one to represent someone unless he knows they are not guilty and that is not the case with Benny.

The Law of Second Chances is yet another brilliantly written book by Sheehan who has a knack for piecing together two what seems to be totally irrelevant stories into one remarkably nail biting story. I have only ever read a handful of legal thrillers before and none of those ever piqued my interest and excitement for reading like Sheehan’s books. His plot twists are not to be missed!

Connect: You can connect with James Sheehan on his website, his facebook page and @James_Sheehan on twitter.

You can connect with Center Street on their website, facebook or @CenterStreet on twitter.

Buy It! You can buy The Law of Second Chances by James Sheehan for the list price of $15 and currently on sale at Amazon for $11.42.

I received a sample product for this review. All opinions are my own and/or my family’s, take it or leave it. Click here to view my whole disclosure policy.

aden + anais New Organic Muslin Collection-Organic Dream Blanket Review

Blog· Review

aden + anais Organic Dream Blanket

Every one’s favorite line of muslin swaddle blankets, aden + anais now has a brand new Organic Collection. I was first introduced to aden + anais when my second son was born last Summer, and from first glance I loved everything about their muslin swaddle blankets. Now in in addition to their already super soft muslin collection aden + anais has added an Organic Collection.

The products that are included in the new aden + anais Organic Collection are the organic burpy bib, organic changing pad cover, organic easy swaddle, organic sleeping bag, and the organic dream blanket. For this review I received the Organic Dream blanket in the Starstruck pattern; it is also available in the Snuggle Bug and Oasis pattern. In addition to the patterns that the organic dream blanket is available in aden + anais has also added a few other new prints to the collection; these prints vary by product.

I can not say enough about the Organic Dream Blanket. The Organic Dream Blanket is super soft and billowy. My 13 month old DS loves being wrapped up in it at night. The Organic Dream Blanket is the perfect transition for my toddler from his aden + anais muslin swaddles. The dream blanket is perfect for the baby that no longer likes to be swaddled or has outgrown the swaddling stage. The dream blanket is definitely heavier than aden + anais’ swaddle blankets, yet it is still breathable and will keep your baby warm without overheating him. It has been in the 90’s here in NY and my DS has still been going to bed with this blanket every night, and I think this will be the only blanket that he will need even during the cold Winter nights we have.

The Organic Dream Blanket measures 47″ by 47″ and is made from 4 layers of GOTS certified organic cotton muslin. When I first took the blanket out of the box it was already really soft, but since receiving it I have washed it twice and it was only gotten softer with each wash. The blanket was big enough that I could easy snuggle up in it while up at night with my DS. I have no doubt that even my 3 year old would love this blanket if I let him get his hands on it.

If you already familiar with aden + anais’ wonderful products I am sure you are going to love their new Organic Line, and if you are new to the brand you and your baby will love indulging in their super soft Organic Line. If you have never tried aden + anais’ products, trust me you won’t regret it. I only wish that I had known about the brand with my first son.

Connect:

You can connect with aden + anais on Facebook, and on Twitter!

Buy It!

You can buy the Organic Dream Blanket for $69.95.

I received a sample product for this review. All opinions are my own and/or my family’s, take it or leave it. Click here to view my whole disclosure policy.

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