ideas and inspiration for moms
I published my last Father’s Day Gift Guide post last night.
There were 19 posts total in the series and over $1,700 worth of prizes to be won.
If you haven’t had a chance to enter, please feel free to check out the Father’s Day Gift Guide hub. The deadline for all giveaways is Monday, June 8, 2009.
Thanks for participating!
STAY TUNED. Tomorrow, I’ll be debuting another Themed Weekend (…but it will be a bit more “relaxed” than my massive gift guide was. A girl’s gotta live, you know).
Bang. Bang. Bang.
The gunshots awoke me from my dreams.
Startled and sleepy, I looked over at the clock to confirm my suspisions that it was sometime in the wee hours of the early morning.
Then, I looked over at the little desk in the corner of our 364-square-foot studio apartment. My husband sat, concentrated…playing a video game!
That was back in our newlywed days (pictured left: newly married), back before my husband “grew up” and realized that he could not achieve greatness if he squandered hours on gaming and media. He still enjoys playing video games occasionally, but it’s rare. He’s different now. He spends his time caring for his girls, fixing the cars, thinking up business ideas, working on projects, helping people, connecting with friends.
That said, he still spends quite a bit of time staring at a computer screen for his “day job” so his eyes can get weary from the LCD lights and text.
I recently discovered Gunnar Optics, a company that specializes in digital performance eyewear. It’s an innovative concept – eyeglasses that are “engineered to enhance your computer vision.” The patent-pending i-AMP lens technology helps “relax the eyes, improves performance, and delivers the optimal viewing experience.”
Ranging in price from $99-$189, Gunnar Optics offers four collections of high-performance digital eyewear with 15 styles to fit each individual’s personal taste. Gunnar Optics also offers a prescription program so if your eyesight is less than stellar, you still have options.
My husband received the WI-FIVE glasses and they are quite fashionable looking. They have an intellectual, futuristic vibe. He quickly commented how comfortable the frames are and has since mentioned numerous times that these are the best frames he has ever worn. He hasn’t had them long enough to truly verify if they “increase contrast, optical resolution, and detail,” “improve visual performance,” and “increase productivity” as the company claims, but so far he’s impressed.
And so am I. Apparently, a women’s line is slated to debut anyday now…and I can’t wait to see the styles. I spend quite a few hours in front of my computer and iPhone – and I’d love to reduce computer-related eye strain.
If your guy is a gamer, a computer programmer, an engineer, a professor, a researcher, or a student, he’s bound to appreciate these spectacles. He’ll be amazed at how comfortable they are and he’ll be thrilled to be a part of the wave of the future. Something tells me this kind of technology isn’t going anywhere. In fact, maybe I should buy a share of Gunnar Optics…
Both my husband and I go a little bezurk when the Internet connection goes down. We just don’t know what to do with ourselves. Well, how about we make dinner? Oops! My favorite recipes are online. Well, let’s see then. Why don’t we order pizza? Oh, wait, we do that online too. Well, let’s just go to dinner, then. Is it open on Saturdays? Check online…oh, wait a minute. Okay, I’ll just do that project for work. Hmmm…that won’t work. I need an image off Flickr. See where I’m headed here…our laptops are our lifeline.
If your husband/dad/grandpa owns a laptop, then he is mostly likely a tech-savvy kinda guy. He probably wants to protect that piece of property as if his life depended on it. What better gift than a laptop bag to suit his personality?
the Switch MB (base price: $129.95) by Brenthaven
A messenger bag with a reversible flap, this is an excellent choice for the younger dad (20′s and 30′s). It has that cool, intellectual “university” vibe. With 17 different flaps to choose from, you’ll be sure to find something just perfect for the recipient of your choice.
the Cargo (~$100) by STM Bags
Trend-setting, sturdy, and full of character, the cargo goes beyond basic black. The oatmeal-colored canvas bag with chocolate detailing is an outstanding selection for the modern businessman. It looks like the kind of bag that you would see in NYC. Who would be carrying it? A successful stockbroker wearing a Brooks Brothers suit – and very expensive shoes. ***Enter to win a bag of your choice from STM bags – see below.
the FIGURA ($159.99-$169.99) by Tucano
You can’t go wrong with this classic briefcase-style laptop carrying case. It’s simply professional with loads of functionality. Pockets provide the ability to organize and you can choose to carry it by the handle or to sling it over your shoulder with the accompanying strap. Available in black or dark green, the FIGURA is an optimal choice for the organized and efficient businessman. ***Enter to win this bag – see below.
the Expand-It Messenger bag ($84.95) by BBP
Sleek, stylish, and ultra-cool, this is the bag for the city slicker dad. BBP thought of everything with this bag. It even includes a matching snug laptop sleeve for those times when you want to tote your laptop and don’t want to carry anything else. There’s also a luggage handle pass through for use when he’s cruising through the airport to get on his next flight. To top it all off, this bag is the epitome of modernity. I actually think I might have to steal this one from my husband. It’s THAT chic. ***Want to buy one of your own? Use coupon code 10metmama to receive 10% off your order (non-clearance items only, no expiration date).
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WIN IT! There will be two winners. The first winner will receive a laptop bag of his/her choice from STM bags. A second winner will receive the FIGURA bag from Tucano.
You may enter for both bags, but be sure to leave a separate comment for each bag.
The deadline for both contests is Monday, June 8 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).
*UPDATE* The winner of the STM bag is #100 Erin Hill. The winner of the Tucano bag is #65 Dolly. Congratulations to you both!
If your guy doesn’t have a great pair of sunglasses for summer, Father’s Day is the perfect time to pick up a pair. He’ll get them just in the nick of time – when the weather is hot and the sun is shining.
How about a durable, stylish, 100% American pair of military-inspired aviator sunglasses? These glasses are unique and fashionable, quite unlike the Target variety. RE glasses have actually been featured in countless movies over the years, including Top Gun and Flight of the Phoenix. With 9 different styles to choose from, the glasses start at $99-$119.95. If your man is a military guy, you’ll be happy to know that RE offers a 15% discount for any active duty US Military Member. [Pictured: JAG] ***Enter to win a pair of sunglasses of your choice from Randolph Engineering – see below.
Zeal Optics
Check out the sporty spectacles from Zeal Optics (price range: $99-$150)! The polarized lenses will give him clarity of vision. He’ll love wearing them for all of his active pursuits – swimming, surfing, running, or walking with his family around town. If your guy wears prescription glasses, you’ll want to peruse Zeal Optics’ line of Rx ready frames. [Pictured: Maestro]
WIN IT! One winner will receive a pair of sunglasses (winner’s choice!) from Randolph Engineering. To enter, check out the sunglass collection by RE and leave a comment stating which pair you would choose prior to Monday, June 8 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).
I remember when the iPhone came out in June 2007 (I laughed a lot when I watched the iPhone musical for the first time).
My husband and I were in awe, but we weren’t about to shell out over $500 for a phone.
So we waited.
The prices dropped.
And then we bought them.
And the iPhone IS incredible. I think all of the talk is called for, actually. It’s a feature-laden product that is truly innovative.
Want to…
NO PROBLEM! With an iPhone, you can do it all.
If your guy has an iPhone, he probably wants to protect it because it’s a pricey phone with a lot of important data on it. Why not surprise him with a case for Father’s Day?
NOTE: The following cases are specifically designed for the iPhone 3G.
Leather Flip Folio ($34.99) by Belkin
Stylish and sleek, this fully leather case is the height of professionalism. The grey stitching around the edges is subtle and the solid black leather matches with everything. He’ll be able to toss his iPhone in his pocket or messenger back without worrying about scratches or smudges. ***Enter to win an iPod or iPhone case of your choice from Belkin – see below.
Folio ($39.95) by Contour Design
The Folio is snazzy and sturdy. Available in red or black leather, this a a great classic case with a little extra pizazz. The slim profile will please dad because it will slip in his pocket with ease. This is actually my husband’s favorite case of these three options because it is so lean. The only bummer about this case is that the designer apparently forgot to add in a hole for the camera (oops!).
Dockable Case for iPhone 3G ($52) by Sena
This elegant case is constructed with beautiful Italian Napa Leather. Choose between 12 different colors when you purchase this sophisticated case that features a removable clip for easy fastening to his belt. ***Enter to win a phone case of your choice from Sena – see below.
Of course, all three companies (Belkin, Contour Design, and Sena) also offer cases for a variety of other phones…and iPods too…so be sure to check ‘em out. You might even find something for yourself while you’re at it.
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WIN IT! There will be two winners. One winner will receive ANY iPod or iPhone case of his/her choice from Belkin. A second winner will receive ANY phone case of his/her choice from Sena.
To enter for an iPod or iPhone case of your choice from Belkin, check out the case collection on the Belkin website and leave a comment telling me what case you would choose.
To enter for a phone case of your choice (for your BlackBerry, Motorola, Treo, etc.) from Sena, check out the phone case collection at Sena and leave a comment telling me what case you would choose.You may enter for both cases, but be sure to leave a separate comment for each case.
The deadline for both contests is Monday, June 8 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).
Just off the runway, this new denim line for men is smokin’ hot.
Retailing for $135-185 a pair, Cult of Individuality jeans are 100% Los Angeles. They have that California, “I’m such a celebrity” appeal. The washes are unique. The denim appears to high-quality. And the fits are at the peak of fashion.
My husband tried on the jeans this afternoon and I’m smitten. They’re stylish, masculine, and confidence-instilling. I love them.
Now, just one question: are you supposed to hem them or wear them long like the models on the Cult of Individuality website?
WIN IT! One winner will receive a pair of Hagen Straight Leg Jean in Ron ($135, pictured right). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, June 8 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).
*UPDATE* The winner is #140 LeaneG. Congratulations!
In our 7 1/2 years of marriage, my husband has never sported a true beard. Nor has he groomed a mustache. Thank goodness.
He’s had his moments with sideburns (not my favorite) and scruffy facial hair, but mostly he sticks to the clean-shaven look. I don’t mind a bit of scruffiness actually, but I think my preference is when he has that chiseled “military look.” He’s just so classic and cleancut and handsome when his skin has that smooth luster.
Philips recently sent my husband an arcitec 1090X ($199.99) to review. It’s a razor that “combines Flex & Pivot Action with the Triple-Track shaving heads for a perfectly close shave, even on the neck.” The razor offers a super close and comfortable shave, plus the clean-up is extremely quick and convenient since you can just “rinse-and-go” (no tapping on the sink to try to get out any lingering hairs). The razor also tells you exactly how much battery power is left…to the minute. This is one smart razor!
YOUR TURN: Do you prefer your husband with or without facial hair?
WIN IT! One winner will receive a Philips arcitec 1090X razor ($199.99). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, June 8 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).
*UPDATE* The winner is #155 Amanda. Congratulations!
