Prime Day 2020 – Last Chance for the Best Deals!

This is it, you guys! – it’s the last day to save  during  Prime Day 2020!

It’s all over at midnight tonight, so here are some of the best deals, and everything you need to know about making the most of Amazon Prime Day 2020!

What is Amazon Prime Day?

Prime Day 2020 is October 13-14

The deal is that Amazon has an annual humongous sale every year that’s called Prime Day.

This year – because most people didn’t go back anywhere due to COVID-19 lockdowns – the Prime Day sale is in October, which will be a huge savings for holiday gift and entertaining items.

And today, October 14, is the last day to save!

But you need to be a Prime Member to get the savings.  Click the banner below for your free 30-day Trial:

>GET the Free 30-Day Prime Trial here!<

Now through midnight October 14,  that’s TODAY, you can get big savings on all of  your tech,  fitness,  and Holiday shopping!

Continue reading Prime Day 2020 – Last Chance for the Best Deals!

Prime Day 2020 – Big Savings Now on Tech, Gear and Holiday Stuff!

Most recently updated October 14th, 2020

Unless you’ve been hiding out in the backwoods off the grid somewhere – which might actually happen with some of you guys! – you’ve probably heard of Amazon Prime and Prime Day.

If you haven’t heard of it, here’s everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2020, October 13-14.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST DEALS BEFORE THE SALE ENDS AT MIDNIGHT!!

What is Amazon Prime Day?

Prime Day 2020 is October 13-14

The deal is that Amazon – the huge online store that sells everything on Earth and delivers it right to your front door – has an annual humongous sale every year that’s called Prime Day.

The annual Prime Day online shopping event is a major opportunity to nab some bargains on Amazon, and this year  – due to COVID-19 – shopping online is more popular than ever!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through my website (at no cost to the purchaser), and also get the inside skinny on sales and such.

Usually the Prime Day sale is held in the Summer – to help reduce the cost of all of those back to school items. 

This year – because most people didn’t go back anywhere – the Prime Day sale is in October, which will be a huge savings for holiday gift and entertaining items.

But you need to be a Prime Member to get the savings.  Click the banner below for your free 30-day Trial:

>GET the Free 30-Day Prime Trial here!<

 

Products all across the Amazon site are discounted for Prime members already, and new product discounts will be added every day.

This year Prime Day is October 13-14
This year Prime Day is October 13-14

I’m not a fan of conspicuous consumption, but everyone needs things for their home, their kids – and of course outdoor gear – and I am a big fan of getting quality items that you need at the best possible price!

Prime Day can help you do that.

Get your Prime free membership so you can get all the deals!

In support of small businesses during COVID-19 and beyond, Amazon is investing an additional $100 million in special Prime Day and holiday promotional programs.   

New on Prime Day 2020

Now through October 12, Amazon will offer a $10 credit to use on Prime Day to members who spend $10 on items sold by select small businesses in Amazon’s store.

Continue reading Prime Day 2020 – Big Savings Now on Tech, Gear and Holiday Stuff!

Clean Your Indoor Air With Houseplants for National Indoor Plant Week!

Most recently updated April 19th, 2023

Estimated Reading Time: 20 minutes

Indoor plants are growing in popularity in American homes and workplaces, and also in places like hospitals, shopping malls, and hotels.

National Indoor Plant Week (September 16-22) was established to promote and increase public awareness of the importance of live plants in interior spaces. 

Anyone can participate in this holiday.  You can do your part with something as simple as giving a plant to a friend, or picking up a new houseplant for your kitchen or living room.

Some of my potted plants spend the summer on the deck outdoors.

Houseplants and other indoor greenery improve your mental and physical well-being in a host of ways you’ve probably never thought about.

These days, with more people working from home, we’re spending more time inside our own homes than ever before.

By now maybe you’ve realized there’s a funky smell you’ve never noticed before, or the decor could use a little brightening – or maybe you’re just tired of watching screens and need to create something!

Plants can help clean indoor air, enhance your mood and create a soothing and cheerful living space.

Caring for another living thing, even a plant, can be very rewarding.
Caring for a plant can be very rewarding.

I knew a guy who grew 200 potted marijuana plants in the attic of his apartment building…   But that’s not the kind of “mood enhancement” we’re talking about here 🙂

Growing indoor plants can really help alleviate loneliness and depression.

Caring for another living thing is very rewarding, especially when you see that living thing bloom and grow, all because of you!

No matter what your indoor space is like, there are many plants that would thrive at home with you – and be useful, too.

Continue reading Clean Your Indoor Air With Houseplants for National Indoor Plant Week!

How to Decorate for An Allergy-Free Holiday Season

Most recently updated January 3rd, 2024

It’s that time!  Time to get ready for your Fall & Winter holiday gatherings.

Yay!!! And also:  Oh, no!!

Everyone loves to decorate and make their home feel festive for the winter holidays, but before you can decorate, you also need to clean.   (This is the worst part, honestly.)

Lighted Christmas trees in the snow in Big Bear, CA
Lighted trees in the snow in Big Bear, CA

And not only do you have to clean your house, but you might also need to freshen up your stored holiday decorations!

Unfortunately, some of our traditional decorations can harbor allergens that may irritate allergy-and-asthma-prone family or guests.

Some people are even allergic to Christmas trees – which is a point in favor of having an artificial tree.

Are you allergic to your Christmas tree?
Are you allergic to your Christmas tree?

And just think about all of the other decorations you put up, where you put them, and how long they stay there.

The key to avoiding hosting allergens (along with your guests) is to prep your home well in advance of your first holiday event, and choose your decorations carefully.   

Read on to learn how!

Continue reading How to Decorate for An Allergy-Free Holiday Season

Gear Info and Tips

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

Below are all of our posts with info and tips to help you choose the best gear for hiking and all of your other athletics.  Some of the posts include links to gear you can purchase.

If you’re specifically looking for some new hiking gear, or something to give as a gift, take a look at our Gear Shop.

If you’re looking for gear with the IRW Logo, or something fun to give as a gift – especially our snarky T-Shirt collection –  take a look at our IRW Merch Shop.

Some of my posts contain affiliate links.  If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will receive a small payment at no additional cost to you.  As an Amazon Associate, and other marketing affiliations,  I earn from qualifying purchases.  I do not get paid for recommendations, all opinions on this site are my own. See full Disclosure page here.

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Find the best gear for your hiking and other outdoor adventures, or to give as a gift to your favorite hiker! We also have posts to help you make the best gear choices for your specific needs in our Library!

The Best Hiking Boots – Choose Your Perfect Fit

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

As the weather changes with the seasons, you should also update your hiking boots for better performance and comfort.

But how do you know what features the best hiking boots or hiking shoes for the weather and your hike should have?

Of course you should like how they look, and they should feel good when you try them on – but beyond that, what are the most important things to look for?

Meadow Trail at NCMA Park
Meadow Trail at NCMA Park

Some boot features to consider:

        • Are they waterproof? 
        • Do they have cushioned shock-absorbing heels?
        • Do they have grippy soles?

If your feet are wet or painful, you won’t be able to think about anything else – and might not even be able to complete your hike.

What you put on your feet is without a doubt your most important piece of hiking gear, so you’ve got to get it right!

Hiking boots or trail running shoes (not regular road running shoes) are your best hiking footwear options.

Aside from fit, one of the most important things to consider is what kind of trail you’ll be on, and how long you’ll be on it 🙂

Continue reading The Best Hiking Boots – Choose Your Perfect Fit

Foot Care for Hikers – From Blisters to Boots

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

My feet hurt most of the time.

Hiking at the Romero Pools in Arizona

Accumulated damage from years of dance, martial arts, high heels, various athletics and now a couple of decades and  lots of miles of hiking means my feet hurt more often than they don’t.

Add metabolic aging of my feet now that I’m in my 50’s, and it’s a recipe for some VERY painful feet.

But I’ve found ways to alleviate my foot pain and prevent more injury so I can keep doing the active things I love!

How to Care For Your Feet

Footbridge at Pullen Park

As a hiker, you can’t overestimate the value of wearing the best hiking boots you can to have an enjoyable hike and avoid possible injury.

But  there are other things you can do to keep your feet happy beyond simply wearing good boots!

I love to be active outdoors and plan to keep on going for the long haul.  That means investing effort in taking care of my feet and legs as much as I can.

These are some of my  favorite tips to avoid or eliminate foot pain and keep your feet  happy, healthy and ready for any adventure!

NOTE:  Instead of  illustrating this post with images of injured feet, I decided to share pictures of some beautiful things I’ve seen  – while walking around  🙂

Continue reading Foot Care for Hikers – From Blisters to Boots

Run and Hike the Lake Pine Trail – Even if You Have Asthma!

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

The Lake Pine Trail is a paved loop that circles the lake in Apex Community Park, located near the dividing line between the towns of Cary and Apex, close to Raleigh, North Carolina.

Like nearby Bond Park, Lake Crabtree County Park, and Umstead State Park,  Apex Community Park has the benefit of being in town, plus the appeal of hosting a fairly large recreational lake.

Another nearby park with paved walking trails is the North Carolina Museum of Art Park – but they don’t have a lake, just a pond. 🙂

The Lake Pine Trail Loop

Lake Pine is a great trail for running or walking, is smooth and wide enough to use your stroller or baby jogger, too – and is good for all skill levels.

Apex Community Park entry sign at Laura Duncan Road
Apex Community Park entry sign at Laura Duncan Road

The trail runs between the lake and other natural areas, so there’s a good chance to see wildlife.

I’ve seen deer, otters, loons, cranes, turtles – and fish 🙂

Dogs are also allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash.

The loop is about 2 miles long, and you have the option to venture off the main path to other unpaved nature trails, too. Continue reading Run and Hike the Lake Pine Trail – Even if You Have Asthma!

Hiking Tips

Most recently updated January 17th, 2022

If you’re a hiking beginner, there are a few things you should know before hitting the trail.

You really don’t want to become famous as an unprepared hiker who needed to be rescued!

Be prepared for weather and trail conditions!
Be prepared for weather and trail conditions!

I’ve put together some quick hiking tips for beginners, and if I’ve written a longer post on the subject, included a link to that as well.

Even if you’ve been around the trail a few times, you still might find a useful tidbit or two.

HIKING 101

The basic physical requirements for a hike are:

  • footwear that’s suited to your trail
  • hiking clothing layers that can be adjusted as needed
  • food and hydration for the trail
  • a way to carry essentials (daypack or backpack)
  • destination, with a plan to get there and back.

Continue reading Hiking Tips

10 Tips to Control Indoor Allergens – and Stop the Madness!

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

Spring! 

It’s the time of year when trees in the South release massive clouds of yellow pollen into the wind, to be distributed to allergy-prone noses and lungs everywhere.

Around here, it’s known as “The Pollening”.

Pine pollen is a huge problem in the South
Pine pollen is a huge problem in the South

Even if you don’t live in the South, it isn’t unusual to find your allergies heating up along with the air temperature.

The horrors of pollen season are so well-known that years ago, when my  boyfriend told me he’d be unavailable for a few weeks due to severe allergies,  I had nothing but sympathy for him.

Much later, I realized that my boyfriend’s allergies struck at exactly the same time as the “March Madness” basketball playoffs.  Hmmm… 

Basketball and pine pollen season arrive together

I’m not as gullible now, but I still have nothing but sympathy for people with allergies  🙂

If you have allergic asthma symptoms throughout the year (like I do), or even seasonal allergies and asthma,  you can’t do much about what’s floating around in the air outside.

 

What you can do is take steps to control allergens inside your home, so you can breathe and rest easier year round.

According to the The American Lung Association,  the air quality inside your home could be 2-­5 times worse than the air outdoors. Continue reading 10 Tips to Control Indoor Allergens – and Stop the Madness!