Video 1: Buckle up! Let's get the Wazoo Review party started!

Hello Fellow Adventurers!

I'll be posting a series of YouTube videos over the next few weeks to review the Wazoo Adventure bracelet. My videos (link below) and blog posts will feature:

* Seeing the bracelet in action 

* Explanation of each item

* A demo of me using each of the 16  

  components

* Me having a BLAST reviewing this 

  awesome bracelet

* TBA ~ Some special features to come

 

For as long as I can remember, I've had a passion for learning about survival skills. I love the feeling of preparedness, gaining knowledge about dealing with certain scenarios, and the empowerment knowing what to do myself if I had to use the skills. One of my favorite books is the US Army Survival Manual: FM 21-76. Check it out. Insightful!

My interest in and inspiration to continue learning about survival skills was my Dad. He was an accomplished Army Officer, though he would never boast about honors/medals.  That was one of the many qualities I admired about him. In his younger days, he lived adventure being a part of the 82nd, a Green Beret and venturing to far off places. Growing up he shared with me ways to do things and readings. He passed away this year. The opportunity to practice with this product review keeps my memories strong of our talks about survival skills, which I always enjoyed. He will always inspire me.

So, I'm looking forward to sharing with you my experience of covering the Wazoo Adventure bracelet. 3 things to view the action and get into the game!

SEE - DO - PLAY

See ~ Check out my youtubes, read links I share for different perspectives and coverage. 

Do ~ Visit Wazoo's site and buy your own bracelet or keychain.

Play ~ Try out the features yourself! The cool part of the bracelet is it doesn't require full disassembling to use numerous features. You will have plenty of items to play with without having to tear down the bracelet completely.

Share your comments on the video or blog posts. I'd be interested in your tips on using the features I cover and what you think of the bracelet. I love learning so through our mutual shares, ideally we'll both pick up new insights through the experience.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch the latest videos and stay tuned to this blog for more information, action pictures and links!

My YouTube: http://youtu.be/4G9q2grr51c

Wazoo's site: http://www.wazoosurvivalgear.com

Check out their Rad products! Snag one for yourself and, while you're at it, consider giving them as a gift to the Adventurer you know. This bracelet is A for Adventure & A for Awesome!! 

Action shots from today. A freeze frame from my YouTube video just posted!

Wearing the bracelet at the Farmers Market in Richmond, Virginia, this morning. I love my fresh produce. Feeding the mind and body with quality keeps my happy feet fired up! Here I am buying Okra from Crumpton Farm.

This bracelet is loaded with 16 tools integrated in it. I really like Wazoo's site. Clean look and details on each of the survival tools. 

Hyperlinks on the site cover each item found in the bracelet.

The folded insert that came with the bracelet includes great overview details.

Details and specs on each item!

The list continues! In my first video, I demo the whistle. Really smart design integrating it in the buckle. Easy to use.

Made in the USA, right on!

Nick, this bracelet ROCKS! Looking forward to unveiling more.....

....and a sneak peak at my next video to be posted. It will introduce the compass, glow light & reflective mirror. 

Is this bracelet "exciting around your wrist" or what?!!? 

Stay tuned for more, Fellow Adventurers! 

White Water Paddleboarding Adventures on The James River

You know how much I enjoy the James River from previous posts, as a matter of fact refer to my last one! Today was a blast experiencing white water paddleboarding through Riverside Outfitters here in Richmond (RVA), Virginia. 

Outside Magazine named Richmond Best River Town in the USA in 2012. River fun & love is strong here. It's a must experience! If you live in/or around Richmond or will visit Virginia and want to do something fun on the river, check out Riverside Outfitters (RO) site. They do various guided tours ~ kayaks, canoe, rafting (Class I-IV), paddleboarding & even some tree climbing.

I had to leave my iPhone in my car, else you know I'd post a gazillion pictures. :-) Instead, I snagged the picture below from ROs site. This is what it actually looked like today. Our group was about 12.

Our guides for this adventure were Ben & Brian. Both were very cool Dudes, making the experience a fun one. They were easy going, knowledgeable, patient and encouraging throughout it!

We started off near Pony Pasture and ended at Reedy Creek. We experienced a nice blend of flat water to start off, then got some needed practice before experiencing our first taste of white water paddleboarding ~ WOOHOO!

The rapids we went through were Class I-II. The session was about 3 hours. You remain active throughout. A few tips I'd share ~ use sunscreen, river shoes (Not flip flops) are a must (I got a great pair at Dicks for under $10!), stay hydrated, and be confident, but listen to instructions & directions provided by your guides. If you're a newbie at it like me, you know they've been doing this for far longer than you. 

I like how RO transports the group to the River, provides all equipment, water & snacks and picked us/equipment up to take us back. This is my second tour with ROs. I did another one a while back using duckies going down the James River. I'm certain I will use this Group again to go on another RVA River Adventure with friends or a date!

I used a LivingSocial deal. I have seen

additional deals. People, if you have not snagged this deal, what are you waiting for.... Get out & get some River Fun!

Today was indeed a Great Day, here in RVA! Here are a few shots I snapped of RO & the James. Gorgeous out!

RO

One of ROs buses.

Me, post paddleboarding, scoping out a fishing spot on the James!

Learn more about RO & all the cool river play things they do here: http://www.riversideoutfitters.net/

What fun plans do you have this Labor Day weekend? Whatever you do, enjoy the time, be safe and Carpe Diem!

Fresh Local Goodies! South of the James

Get on out and snag some local goodness. My mission accomplished! Quick in and out to snag fresh produce! I left with red leaf lettuce, tomatoes, & pickling cucumbers! Got a cup of Blanchard's coffee.

Parking was Nuts around 9. I opted for parking 2 blocks away.

Added bonus ~ saw my fab friend Dionne, her husband & dogs (Ella & Winston). Pleasant surprise!:-D

What goodies did you snag?! Here are a few action pics I snapped:

Gorgeous RVA weekend! Go out & play:-)

Beautiful weather this weekend! Today started off right with a good brunch date with my friend Dionne. We went to Weezies in Carytown. Great chill spot. 

Then an impromptu stop by a favorite James River spot netted me some unexpected sights & more intel about where to fish around here. Love when that happens!:-)

I saw a bunch of Richmind Fire Department trucks & found out they were there for a Water Rescue training exercise. I was a tad late to catch the action & only caught glimpses of them packing up. I chatted it up with a family who was watching the action. They told me that crew was simulating rescues like helping people stuck on rocks. Then I talked with a guy going out on the water. I asked him about his boat & he filled me in on some local fishing spots. I'm looking forward to getting out to fish soon!

Here are a few action pictures I snapped. 

Richmond Fire Department Water Rescue. Wish I caught them in action. Maybe another time!

Spring is here!:-) 

This view Never gets old. I just love it!

Chatted with this guy & he shared some fishing spots. Good intel!

Nice river ride.

Beautiful sky! Can tell by the cloud patterns ~ windy up there.:-)

Took this beautiful shot yesterday. I just love how the blossoms fly off the trees. Nature's confetti ~ So lovely. :-)

It has been a gorgeous weekend here in Richmond, Virginia! (RVA). What outdoorsy shenanigans were you up to this weekend?

Today's blog theme song is Pharrell Williams, Happy.. The RVA video! http://youtu.be/pWJsFb3JGfA

Shrinky Dink Artist @IKnowTiffany, Richmond, Virginia

I know a fabulously talented artist named Tiffany. She is a Richmond gem. I met her through Social Media after moving to RVA from Southern California a few years ago.

She is definitely someone who stands out. Beautiful outside & in! She's got such a good, positive & geniune vibe. Real Rockstar quality!

A talented creative artist, she's also a successful Food Allergy blogger. I'm a fan of her & glad to say I know Tiffany!:-)

She recently unveiled & held an art show here in Richmond of Shrinky Dink Art. I was lucky enough to have a mini me created.... & a piece capturing a picture of me flying over Virginia. Could not have asked for a better moment. LOVE Flying!:-)

My aviator shrinky dink portrait:-)

Portraits from her Feb 2014 show:-)

Look at all the pieces she brought to life!

My nephews were so excited to check out my shrinky dink portrait:-) Cheese!

More cheesing:-D

My mini me piece, lower left! Love my flying moments!

The art show venue in Richmond, Virginia

Follow this RVA gem @iknowtiffany to get glimpses of her creative adventures.

Travel Adventure: Richmond Love

I grew up overseas. Lived many years in Southern California. Never imagined I'd move to Richmond, Virginia. Could not be happier that I did. I have had some of my best chapters here.... & still the best is yet to come, but I will forever be grateful to have discovered this sweet spot of America called Richmond:-)

Great video posted by Virginia  Tourism showcasing RVALove. So much to do here! 

http://youtu.be/pWJsFb3JGfA

Features in this pic, left to right:

1) Virginia Museuem of Fine Arts (VMFA) a must see here in Virginia for art lovers

2) Me flying over Virginia. VA is where I started my flying lessons. LOVE it!

3) Rappahannock oysters @ Rappahnock Restaurant in Richmond. 

4) Luray Caverns, VA

What are your favorite things about where you live?

Love Adventures

I LOVE every moment I feel this way... 

 

Every rare person who had made me feel this way & every experience in life... most specifically, every runway I take off & land on.... Every single one is a True Exhilarating Adventure. :-) 

What makes you feel adventure? Fess up!:-)

Aviation Adventures: Good flying, good learnings

Flew from home base New Kent W96 to West Point Middle Peninsula KFYJ (2nd time there) to Williamsburg Jamestown KJGG (1st visit!) back to W96. Jim has me learning more about VOR navigation which I like for the added orienteering skills. Also, looking forward to familiarizing myself more with the foreflight application.

So far every new airport is an exciting adventure. Love the feeling of discovery. Still, I always enjoy the return to home base. 

You ever hear ever the saying it's the little things that matter? In aviation, there are no little things. Every step of the process is extremely important. Today I learned more. Valuable in growth & experience. It's was a good day of flying. 

Today's route 

Quick shot as I verified fuel levels before takeoff at Williamsburg Jamestown

4 stamps. Looking forward to experiencing landings & Takeoffs at more new airports!:-)

By far, some of the best sunsets I've seen in my Life I've experienced flying in these planes. It's an uniquely special feeling. Looking forward to experiencing many more to come all over the world!:-) 

Here's heading back to W96. I even got my first night flying time tonight!

On the food front: Enjoyed this delicious antipasta salad from A Taste of Italy in Midlothian, Virginia. Great Italian food!! You must try them is you're in the area.

Cheese pizza is delish!

What kind of flying, food &/or fun adventures were you up to on this 2/21/2014? Do tell!

Aviation Adventure: Digital Tools ForeFlight

Playing with ForeFlight tonight. Here I'm pointing at Richmond airport!:-)

I Love the 2 finger feature!!! Instant heading, nautical mile distance. Booyyaaahhh!

LOVE technology at times like this... Cannot wait to learn more of what this digital app can do to support my flying!

Pilots ~ Fess up, what are your favorite features of ForeFlight?

Aviation Adventures: Glittery Flight Plan

Looking forward to getting some sky this weekend. Love the possibilities. So many places to visit. Thinking this weekend I'll propose two airport stops. Good flying & I can get more stamps for my avi ambassador passport.:-)

I'm feeling a greater sense to venture farther. Seems like a natural progression after my first solo & in line with my near future cross country trip to come. One great flying step at a time!!! Bring it!!!!:-D

Note: I'm loving my new glitter nail polish. Roger that! :-)

Aviation Adventures: Flight Plan Briefing--> next stop Richmond Executive Airport for a lunch buffet ~ BOOYAAH!:-D

Flying is a magnificent experience. I don't come from a flying family. It wasn't until I went on my first discovery flight on the West Coast in 2007 in a R-22 helicopter, without the doors on which was The Best, then my first cessna discovery flight on the East Coast in 2012 that I found this passion to aviate & thank goodness I did. I knew, on that first Cessna ride, I wanted to pilot, not be the passenger. Aviation is what I imagine it's like meeting the love of your life. Simply put, it just feels like home! Aviation to me is something you would never take for granted & always showing up at your Best! I love that, really I do because it demands my best. 

To lift smoothly off the ground in a plane you're operating, climbing steady towards the sky is nothing but exhilarating. Cruising high above, things below, thoughts, concerns melt away. I'm acutely present in each & every moment. No distraction.  The steps that lead up to a landing keep me even more so razor focused. To feel the wheel softly touch the runways upon landing is pure zen.

So, last Friday I proposed a flight plan to my instructor Jim to include a visit, my first, to Richmond Executive Airport (formerly known as Chesterfield Airport) & ... priorities... check out their lunch buffet! Yeay!!! Oh yes, flying & eating are 2 of my favorites things! I'm excited about my very first Fly & Dine experience. One of very many, many, many more to come.:-)

Here are a few pics I captured of the adventure. 

There's my lil guy!!! 152 stud:-)

I love my checklist. Preflight. I really enjoy climbing up to check the fuel.

NKAs helping hands to get the lil guy out of the hanger! Hercules!!

Flying to Richmond Executive Airport (formerly known as Chesterfield airport). Note, inflight pics mean I have positively exchanged controls. Just saying ~ safety, first!:-)

Getting closer to the buffet:-)

Love these aerial views! Amazing to really look at these after a flight & awe over how different Life is from a higher altitude:-)

Great first landing at Richmond Executive Airport!:-) Greeted by Ben.

Beautiful charter planes to my right.

Sweeeeet pano of the airport.:-)

Hiya REA!

Finally, I get to try Kings Korner buffet! Bring it!!!!

Yum:-)

Spotted fellow NKA W96ers dropping in for lunch!

Got my Virginia Aviation Ambassador Passport stamp. Cheese!:-D

Eager to get this stamped to the full!

Me directing Jim to take my photo with the Pilots only sign:-) I once came here to meet a date who flew in, now I'm flying a plane in & out. Love how that happens!;-)

Cheese!

Got to watch this beautiful take off while checking the fuel:-)

Checking fuel levels. I love this.... I reeeaaaalllyyy do!:-)

Flying back to W96.

River view

Love these views

Saw this article from AOPA Flight Training Magazine at my FBO. I'm definitely flying into Tangier!

Yes!!!! My license plate came in!:-)

A beautiful Virginia sunset to close out an awesome day of Flying, Food, & Fun! LOVE!

So, fess up... What are you favorite fly & dine spots!  Help an aviator newbie out. Where's the best fly & grubbin I should ass to my list?!

Safe flying to all you Aviators sharing the sky!