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A River Trilogy book review Adventures Authors book Book Review book reviews Fishing Fishing Destinations Fly Fishing Books Fly Fishing Stories and Tales Lifestyle Travel Product Links W.D. Wetherell Author

Outright Fishing Tales: A River Trilogy

  • By
  • May 3, 2018
New England Fishing
New England Fishing
A naturalist’s account of the Vermont River, One River More, and Upland Stream

 

“Vermont River,” “Upland Stream,” and “One River More” are all books by acclaimed author W.D. Wetherell. He combined those three classics into entertaining and descriptive reflections of his most endearing fly fishing moments. A “Word at the Start,” hooks you and then reels you in as you read one tale after another.

“I had fallen in love with fly fishing as a teenager, thanks to my parents buying a summer house on a bassy Connecticut lake,” Wetherell wrote. “This led me to fly-fishing, and then a passionate reader as a kid-to the literature fly-fishing boasts of, the ‘fishing in print.”

Wetherell is an award-winning novelist with more than 20 books to his credit. A few of his other titles are “The Writing on the Wall,” “North of Now,” “Soccer Dad,” and “Summer of the Bass.” Vermont River is the first book in his fishing collection and a requiem to his love for fly fishing in Vermont. Trout Magazine deemed this selection as one of the 30 finest works about fly fishing. You won’t be disappointed, even if you’re not an angler – each of these works are indicative of Wetherell’s love of nature and family.

A River Trilogy is a fluid, gentle, and entertaining literary work that will leave you yearning for more stories. It’s truly a work of literary art. I encourage you to travel along on his journeys through New England, Montana, and Scotland’s most treasured waterways.

You can purchase the book here by clicking on this link. .

Learn more about W.D. Wetherell at wdwetherell.com.

DISCLOSURE:

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase but at no additional cost to you. I have experience with all of these companies and by linking to their product or a party that sells their products, I recommend the product based on their helpful and useful nature, and definitely not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something.

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Trying to Save Money on Travel?

  • By
  • October 11, 2017
Trying to save money on travel. Read this luggage report on joanmatsuitravelwriter.com.

 

the best luggage deals
Does shopping for luggage make your head spin? Follow these tips to find the best luggage at affordable prices.

Why the luggage manufacturing business will probably never fail.

Written by Renee McDermott

 

One item travelers cannot do without is a suitcase. From rolling duffels and hard shell suitcases to backpacks and designer bags, the vast array of styles and options they offer consumers is enough to make your head spin.

And make your wallet a bit thinner.

Is Your Wallet FAT or Thin?

 

Many shoppers still head to brick and mortar stores when it comes to the final luggage purchase. After all, this is where you can open, close, lift, touch, zip, snap and test every aspect of a suitcase before you buy it. However, the price tag dangling from each bag is printed with a relatively high number compared to what you would find online.

Purchase Your Luggage Online?

 

Did you know that 88 percent of luggage is available online and that you can save an average of $110 by opting to purchase it there?

It is certainly a wakeup call for many travelers who think that the cheapest way to purchase luggage is during a seasonal sale or from the clearance section.

Let’s face it – traveling is expensive, and luggage isn’t always at the top of the priority list.

Thanks to the help of an in-depth study done by Test Facts, shoppers will be pleased to know that Delsey, Samsonite, American Tourister, and many more brands are all available online for less.

So should you head to your favorite online shop and start adding luggage to your cart?

Yes, but be aware of a few traps along the way.

For example, products with a high volume of negative reviews usually have a higher discount. While you may be getting a great deal on a heavily discounted bag, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is worth the purchase.

Do you want the zipper to fly off the track after your first trip with it or the retractable handle to break?

 

You get what you pay for, so shop wisely and make sure you understand the average lifespan of a suitcase or bag before you purchase it.

While you may not be able to touch or feel a potential piece of luggage on your computer screen, you can gain useful insight into its quality and durability by referring to customers’ comments. Many include photos of their purchase or detailed explanations of the product, which will put the wary shopper at ease. Popular products will have a high quantity of reviews, so it is easy to find all of the information you need to make a confident purchase online.

Based on the study, the three luggage manufacturers that offer the most savings (in dollar amounts) are Nautica, Kenneth Cole, and Victorinox.

And which online stores offer the most savings?

 

Surprisingly, Walmart online store is at the top of the list, followed by Century 21 and Target. Kohl’s and Macy’s, it seems, aren’t even worth considering.

The Bottom Line

 

Regardless of the brand you prefer, the statistics show that online shopping is best when it comes to purchasing luggage. Travelers on a budget can always turn to brick and mortar stores when it comes to touching and testing a product, but to save some real cash, be sure to make your final purchase online.

 

 

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Appalachian Trail book Book Review books about camping books about hiking books about hiking to raise money for charity books about positive thinking Good Reads Safety while traveling travel author Travel Book Travel Book Review Travel Product Links Travel Tips

A Walk for Sunshine

  • By
  • September 28, 2017
A Walk for Sunshine book review by Joan Matsui Travel Writer

Jeff Alt’s Walk for Sunshine

Adventure on the Appalachian Trail

 

A book review

 

“A Walk for Sunshine” is a special anniversary edition and a celebration of the 20th annual Sunshine Walk, Run and Roll, a fundraiser born out of Jeff Alt’s 1998 2,160-mile trek along the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.

Beaufort Books recently released the commemorative edition to celebrate Alt’s 147-day time out from civilization and more than $500,000 he has raised since 1998.

Alt experienced long days and nights alone as he braved a variety of weather conditions that ran the gamut from excessive heat and wind, 10-foot snow drifts to bitter cold and agonizing blisters to raise money for Sunshine Communities, a small community in Maumee, Ohio. His brother, Aaron has cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability and has called Sunshine home for more than two decades.

A Walk for Sunshine is a fascinating account of his travels that’s so well-documented, heartfelt, and humorous you’ll want to read from beginning to end in one shot. In one of my favorite passages, Alt describes a typical day on the trail.

Of course, a simple guess of “walking, eating, or sleeping” would sum up my typical day. My life was very simple. As I breathed, a beautiful sunset in a valley or paused at a stream to drink in the tranquil sound of fast-moving water, I envisioned different people from home who would appreciate what I was seeing and experiencing. I wished that everyone could stop what they were doing and walk with me. I wished Aaron could experience this adventure firsthand.”

Whether you’re inclined to spend your days hiking or you have a family member with disabilities, you will find Alt’s endearing portrait refreshing and inspiring.

Buy A WALK FOR SUNSHINE on Amazon.com.


A Walk for Sunshine was published on Sept. 9, 2017, by Beaufort Books, New York, NY and is available in print and e-book editions. For more information, visit http://www.beaufortbooks.com.

Learn more about Jeff Alt’s continuing travels and expeditions at jeffalt.com/#intro.

 

 

A Walk for Sunshine book review by Joan Matsui Travel Writer
Jeff Alt’s 2,160-mile trek along the Appalachian Trail has raised more than $500,000 for individuals with disabilities.

DISCLOSURE:

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase but at no additional cost to you. I have experience with all of these companies and by linking to their product or a party that sells their products, I recommend the product based on their helpful and useful nature, and definitely not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something.

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Eye Protection to Suit Your Every Mood

  • By
  • September 20, 2017

Sunglasses for your adventurous spirit

Sunglass Warehouse

This post is sponsored by Sunglass Warehouse.

Has anyone seen my SUNGLASSES?

Maybe they’re in my car or in my handbag.

The last pair of expensive designer sunglasses I purchased did not come home with me after playing a few sets of tennis. I left them on a bench near the tennis court and I experienced buyer’s regret for at least a few weeks after losing them.

Forget the expensive designer eyewear if you’re prone to breaking or losing your sunglasses.

Sunglass Warehouse review by Joan Mead-Matsui
Sunglass Warehouse has a fantastic selection of sunglasses to suit your every mood and activity. You can buy your next pair of Retro Sunglasses for less than $20

Sunglass Warehouse offers a variety of styles and frames that can be worn for all of your activities from hiking and cycling to fly fishing. Your options are to buy sunglasses at affordable prices with no worries if you happen to lose or break them, or obsess about your designer frames when you should focus on your activity and have fun.

What if your sunglasses fall off your head into the water while you’re fly fishing or on a canoe or kayak trip? Will you dive into the water to retrieve your glasses? I hope not.

Sunglasses are not only accessories. They also protect our eyes from UV damage and Polarized lenses improve visibility for activities like fly fishing. Each of the five pairs I’ve sampled has withstood the test of time, after countless hours on the water.

Sunglass Warehouse has hundreds of styles of sunglasses that are priced at $20 or less. If you prefer round, square, oblong, Aviator, textured, black, blue or brown, you’ll find what you’re looking for at www.sunglasswarehouse.com. Click to shop sunglass warehouse BEST SELLERS. 

The site is easy to navigate and filters allow you to find your ideal pair from among Sunglass Warehouse (SW) Exclusives, Festival Shades, Brow Bars, Flat Lenses, Matte Metals, Retro Classics, Bold Shades, Colored Lenses, Cut-Out Shades, and Rose Gold.


DISCLOSURE:

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase but at no additional cost to you. I have experience with all of these companies and by linking to their product or a party that sells their products, I recommend the product based on their helpful and useful nature, and definitely not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something.

 

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Hydrate in Style

  • By
  • September 18, 2017
Product Review Joan Matsui Travel Writer

Green’s Your Colour Inc.

Triple Insulated Bottle

Designed and Tested in Canada
Product Review Joan Matsui Travel Writer
Green’s Your Colour Inc.

With countless water bottles on the market that promise to keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot, how do you narrow down the selections?

Green’s Your Colour Inc. is “tastefully” number one on my list. Whatever beverage you choose to fill this outstanding vessel comes out at the perfect temperature with absolutely no aftertaste.

I have two bottles I carry along with me while fly fishing. One dedicated to hot liquids and the alternate is filled with chilled water or tea. The 17-oz./500 ML “Jammin’ Jade” insulated bottle is my all-time favorite. In fact, after I purchase a second bottle, I’ll ditch my old orange one and drink exclusively from a “Green’s Your Colour Inc.” bottles.

Jammin’ Jade keeps cold for 36 hours and hot for eight hours, although I’ve had mine beside me indoors and outdoors and my coffee was hot for at least 10 to 12 hours. The bottle is 18/8 stainless steel, BPA and Phthalate free, leak and sweat proof, with no plastic inner liner and non-leaching.

But best of all (in my opinion), the tea and ice strainers that are included with each bottle, are IDEAL for transporting your favorite herbal drink or ice cold water. One strainer is designed to keep the drinking spout free of ice or fruit and the second is used as a tea infuser to strain your tea leaves, herbal blends, and tea bags.

Green’s Your Colour Inc. can be used for coffee, tea, water, juice, pop, soup, and yes, alcohol. (Maybe a Margarita or Egg Nog, depending on your preference.)

Looking for herbal beverage suggestions? Try Tazo Herbal Tea  or Bigelow Herbal Teas.

Be sure to check out deals and order information at greensyourcolour.com.

 

 

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Book Review Family Travel Food and Travel Good Reads Lifestyle Travel Product Links

50 Super Cool Fidget Spinner Activities to Take on the Road

  • By
  • September 10, 2017
Fidget Spinner Book Review by Joan Mead-Matsui

Spin on Fidget Spinners

Tricks to Take on the Road

Book review and information for the itinerant traveler to make life more enjoyable while you’re on the road. 

 

Fidget Spinner Book Review by Joan Mead-Matsui
Inspired by “Fun With Fidget Spinners: 50 Super cool Tricks & Activities,” my nephew, Andrew, practices a forehead spin. Photos by Joan Mead-Matsui, travel writer and photographer. 

What do kids fall back on when they’re bored? Of course, most children FIDGET.

Travel by car, plane or train can drain a kid’s patience. When my son, Yoshi, bought his first Fidget Spinner, I thought the constant buzzing sound coming from my car’s back seat was REALLY annoying. But the idea behind this toy makes sense for children who are by nature, busy, young human beings inclined to keep their hands and minds busy at all times.

Fidget Spinner Review by Joan Mead-Matsui
“FUN WITH FIDGET SPINNERS: 50 Super Cool Tricks & Activities” teaches kids the ABCs of Fidget Spinner tricks.

“Fun With Fidget Spinners: 50 Super Cool Tricks & Activities,” by David King of “Geek Bite” – with Colleen Dorsey & Katie Weeber, is the bible, or guidebook to the ABCs of fidget spinning tricks. If you’ve never seen a Fidget Spinner, it’s a multi-lobed flat toy that spins on its axis, resulting in a gentle hum or buzzing noise. They were invented as far back as 1993 but became popular in spring 2017.

Fun with Fidget Spinners review by Joan Mead-Matsui
My nephews, (shown from left to right) Matthew, Noah, and Andrew, review some of author David King’s basic tricks kids of all ages can practice.

With some practice, kids can show off their skills with “The Hot Potato,” “The Tower of Power,” “Dinner is Served,” and 14 other impressive tricks. “Stop Fidgeting’ and Other Bad Advice,” and “The Origin Story” are two bonus items kids will also find entertaining. Tricks and activities are categorized for the beginner, intermediate and advanced fidgeters.

Fun With Fidget Spinners is published by Design Originals, an imprint of Fox Chapel Publishing. For more details, or to buy a copy, visit d-originals.com.

 

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David Essel debunks “the myth of the power of positive thinking.”

  • By
  • August 22, 2017
David Essel Author

The Reality of Success

It’s never too late to tackle your subconscious

 

David Essel Author
David Essel, M.A. is the author of nine books, a Master Life Coach and Teacher, Business, Relationship and Addiction Recovery Coach, International Speaker and Radio/TV Host.

David Essel believes positive thinking will never change your life.

Before you say, “What? That’s a ludicrous statement,” understand the premise of Essel’s ninth book, “Positive Thinking Will Never Change Your Life…But This Book Will!

By utilizing more than 30 years of experience as a life coach and educator, addiction recovery coach, international speaker and radio/TV host, Essel has transformed his own life through diligence and hard work – the keys to facilitating change. Rather than relying solely on positive thinking, he translated those positive thoughts into an actionable plan to achieve his goals.

Positive thinking, alone, is not a vehicle for change, explains Essel, but coming to terms with the truth: the good, the bad and the ugly in your life, is an integral part of the process he avows.

Whether you need to be motivated to lose weight, resolve debt and achieve financial freedom, save your marriage, or give up bad habits like addiction and codependency, Essel will help you to understand the distinction between positive thinking and quantum thinking.

David Essel Author
David Essel, M.S. is the author of nine books. His most recent book, “Positive Thinking Will Never Change Your Life…But This Book Will!” debunks “the myth of the power of positive thinking.”

What’s the ideal age to begin your journey from positive thinking to quantum thinking?

 

Essel takes his readers to a place beyond wishful thinking and “fantastical affirmations.”

 

Much like practicing yoga, the perfect age to feed the “5000-pound gorilla,” within you, is “anywhere from eight years of age until 80 years of age,” says Essel. He cites yoga as a technique we can employ to build confidence and work through uncomfortable circumstances we face on a day-to-day basis.

The bottom line Essel spells out in black and white over and over in his book is we need to get uncomfortable in our approach to letting go of a lifestyle and habits that are not healthy for us.

“Yoga primarily is such a powerful weight loss technique because it allows us to deal with the present moment, it allows us to deal with being a little uncomfortable in a pose but not giving up. It’s the same thing with weight loss.” ~David Essel

Self-discipline is paramount to overcoming obstacles and roadblocks to success. Since the philosophy of yoga is to become one with ourselves, a regular practice will help you to become more centered, more focused, and filled with more inner peace.

“If you look around at people who have practiced yoga for years you’ll find that most of them walk with a distinct confident style. Their body alignment is excellent. They breathe from the diaphragm instead of the lungs,” he noted in a email interview. 

“Flexibility is a key part of yoga practice. Focusing on the core muscles, the abdomen, and the lower back,” he says helps people to age gracefully and reduce stress. It may even take lines off of our faces. It’s powerful.”

You can read about yoga and how to use this centuries’ old discipline to accomplish your goals and reduce stress in Chapter 5, “The Top Positive Thinkers in the World Concur: Action is the Pathway to Success.”

How can you get started today?

 

Use “Affirmations,” “Visualization,” and “Prayer” as adjunct action tools for success

 

Here’s an excerpt from Chapter 6, “Using Affirmations, Visualization and Prayer as Action Tools for Success and A Look at the ‘Dark Side” of Our Lives.” His words hit home.

“Let’s use affirmations, statements of intention, for the weight you want to lose, the money you want to make, the relationships you want to have.”

You might also find shades of your own life in contributions from New York Times best-selling authors Eldon Taylor, Scarlett Lewis, Arielle Ford, Natalie Pace, JJ Virgin, Dianne Collins, Dianne Gray, as well as other top experts in the fields of personal growth and business.

I think you’ll find Positive Thinking Will Never Change Your Life…But This Book Will! refreshing and compelling.

Buy POSITIVE THINKING WILL NEVER CHANGE YOUR LIFE…BUT THIS BOOK WILL! 

For more information, visit DavidEssel.com.


DISCLOSURE:

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase but at no additional cost to you. I have experience with all of these companies and by linking to their product or a party that sells their products, I recommend the product based on their helpful and useful nature, and definitely not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something.

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Say “Hello” to Babytime Mighty Shield Bug Repellent

  • By
  • August 20, 2017
Joan Mead-Matsui Travel Product Review

Say “Goodbye” to bugs

 

Protect your family from annoying pests

Joan Mead-Matsui Travel Product Review

 

Babytime Mighty Shield by Episencial is a natural, mostly organic and plant-based bug repellent that’s enriched with Brazilian Propolis and Flax and Aloe. The pleasant smell of the active ingredients Castor, Linseed, Cedar, Lemongrass, and Rosemary oils make this product a welcome addition to my summertime arsenal.

Nothing takes the fun out of the outdoors like a pinch or sting and itch of an insect bite and the inflammation that can linger for days. On several of this summer’s hottest, most humid days and nights, I applied the lotion to my arms and legs before heading out to fly fish or walk with my family. Mighty Shield kept the bugs away, even after several hours of activities.

Babytime Mighty Shield Bug Repellent Review
Protect your delicate skin with Babytime Mighty Shield Bug Repellent, a product I’ve recently sampled.

While some of the widely used over-the-counter repellents can irritate sensitive skin, Babytime is perfect for anyone who, like me, has delicate skin. Mighty Shield has a pleasant scent and is formulated to keep skin bug free. The plant-based ingredients did NOT leave an oily residue and they deliver all-natural anti-antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritated skin from previous bug bites.

Buy Babytime Mighty Shield Bug Repellent.

Be sure to visit www.episencial.com to learn more about Mighty Shield and Episencial’s full line of baby-safe, animal-friendly, and GREEN products.

DISCLOSURE:

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase but at no additional cost to you. I have experience with all of these companies and by linking to their product or a party that sells their products, I recommend the product based on their helpful and useful nature, and definitely not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something.

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