Category: Talk

5 Ways a Micro-Cation Is Beneficial

Karyn Locke
Sunrise on St. Simons Island, GA.

Have you heard of the latest trend, a micro-cation? It’s the latest style of travel, and folks are jumping on board with its benefits. Here’s the scoop and why you may want to consider one yourself. This post is sponsored by Allianz Global Assistance (AGA Service Company) and I have received financial compensation. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own! As a travel writer, I’ve been taking micro-cations for years, but they just didn’t have a title. Unless it’s a very long way away from my home (think driving…

RECON 70 Gaming Headset Review: Best Gaming Headset?

Karyn Locke
Turtle Beach Recon 70 Gaming Headset Review

Disclosure: This post on the RECON 70 gaming headset review is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Turtle Beach. All opinions are my own! #TBRecon70Gamer #BuiltToWin #HearEverything Looking for a really good gaming headset to ramp up your XBOX or Nintendo Switch play? We tested the Turtle Beach RECON 70 gaming headset and based our review on sound quality, ease of use, functions, and appearance. Here’s a full review.    I’m an old-school gamer, so think Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog. My teen daughter, on the other hand,…

Must-Try Summer Essentials for 2019

Karyn Locke
Must-try summer essentials for 2019: healthy items

Looking for must-try summer essentials for 2019? This year, I’m all about swapping in healthy items for not-so-nice things. So, it’s a no-brainer to test-drive new products before summer begins, right? From super foods in a tablet form to water bottles that are safe for me and the environment, here are my top picks. Disclosure: Post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the link and choose to purchase, I’ll make a small commission with no additional cost to you.  Glasstic Shatterproof Water Bottles If I use a metal…

Dear Evan Hansen in Pittsburgh Review: No Spoilers

Amanda Bahney
Dear Evan Hansen in Pittsburgh Playbill

Pittsburgh once again is lucky to have an amazing cultural identity but still enjoy not being a large city.  Broadway Across America brought Dear Evan Hansen to Heinz Hall last night and it’s hard to imagine that the production wasn’t every bit as impactful as seeing the show on Broadway.  The cast gelled wonderfully and could blow anyone away with the talent.  No surprise that Ben Levi Ross, who plays the title character, has Pittsburgh connections as he studied at Carnegie Mellon School of Drama.  Dear Evan Hansen isn’t a…

DIY Disney: Minnie Easter Wreath

Karyn Locke
Minnie DIY Disney Easter Wreath: Super easy and affordable

Looking for a fun and easy DIY Disney wreath? Even better, looking for a Minnie Easter wreath that ‘s cute AND inexpensive? I’ve got you covered! Here’s a step-by-step tutorial for the cutest Minnie Easter wreath that’s a snap to make – and under $11 total. Ready to jazz up your front door? Let’s go!  I’m all about adding Disney touches to my home for every holiday. But I’m also all about saving money – especially when I can make it myself. This Minnie Easter Wreath is not only cute…

A Bird’s Eye View of Manhattan with a Unique Wood Watch by JORD

Karyn Locke
Unique Wood Watch by JORD: Hyde Watch at top of the Rock in Manhattan

Mr. Locke’s style has always been impressively classic with cool, modern touches. So, we hit the Big Apple to get a bird’s eye view of the city with his new Jord Hyde wood watch. Here’s why he’s loving it, wears it everyday, why you’re probably pronouncing the name incorrectly – and a giveaway! Disclosure: Jord graciously provided Mr. Locke with a Hyde Ebony & Iron watch in exchange for this post and a giveaway. All opinions are our own! #jordwatch #jordwatches   I’ve known my husband since high school and,…

Can You Really Save Money with SodaStream One Touch? A Full Review

Karyn Locke
Can you save money with SodaStream? Make it yourself lemon water

Thinking about purchasing a SodaStream but still on the fence? Are you wondering if it’s actually cost-effective enough to purchase? But, most importantly, can you really save money with SodaStream Fizzi One Touch? Here’s answers to your important questions.  My family loves drinking carbonated water. And, in our kitchen cupboards and pantry, we don’t really have a ton of space to store bottles of it. Plus, there’s the fact that I’m a recycling fool and don’t like to purchase plastic bottles if I don’t have to. It’s actually spared my…

Saatva Mattress Review: Why You Should Consider

Karyn Locke
Saatva Luxury innerspring Mattress Review

As a travel writer, I’m getting really good at judging good mattresses. Heck, spending so much time in hotel rooms has not only let me see places I’ve never, but it’s really given me a “I like this, not that” perspective on sleeping. Should you buy a Saatva Mattress? Here’s the scoop on delivery, quality, and if it makes sense for you.  Disclosure: I was gifted a Saatva Mattress from the company. This post also contains affiliate links. If you chose to click on a link and purchase a Saatva…

DIY Disney: Hidden Mickey Mouse Christmas Wreath Tutorial

Karyn Locke
DIY Disney Christmas Wreath: Hidden Mickey Tutorial

I’m all about decorating with Disney touches this year, but with shopping for Christmas presents, cooking, baking, and wrapping, I want my DIYs to be easy and affordable. This year, I created Hidden Mickey Christmas wreath using affordable ornaments. Plus, all of the other things I used came from the dollar store. Here’s my tutorial for a DIY Disney: Hidden Mickey Mouse Christmas wreath! As a family, when we visit Walt Disney World we love to look for hidden Mickeys (have you seen the ones at Magic Kingdom?). So, why…

Unique and Creative Men’s Gift Ideas for 2018

Karyn Locke
creative men's gift ideas

Not sure what to get the man in your life this holiday season? Or maybe you have, but now you’re looking for a little extra something that both creative and unique? I’ve got you covered. From making your man a Lord to craft brews delivered to his door, here’s our holiday guide: unique and creative men’s gift ideas for 2018. Disclosure: Sand and Snow uses Amazon Affiliate links. If you click one and purchase an item, we’ll get a small commission with no additional cost to you.  What do you…