Nordica Infinite

Link to the Infinite on Nordica USA site

I grew up skiing on lousy hardpack in New York state, but we moved to VA almost 10 years ago and I hadn't given skiing a lot of thought after that.  However, recently I have been getting all into it again - it's super fun and gives you something active to do when nobody wants to go outside in the cold, otherwise.  So I had sold my old, enormous 183cm Salomon race skis, and decided to start looking at new gear.  From reading forums at The Ski Diva, I found out that the best thing to do is find a Demo Day, where skiers (or snowboarders) can try out different brands & models to see what suits them best, since there is so much variation.  What is comfortable to your friend may feel horrible to you.

So this past weekend we went up to Wintergreen Resort because the on-site ski shop was hosting a Demo Day.  It was my first time on skis in over 6 years, but I got the cheap rentals and tried a couple runs first to make sure everything still worked.  Then headed over to the demo tent - what a neat opportunity!  I tried the following women's-specific models out, all around lengths between 151-154cm:  Nordica Infinite, Dynastar Exclusive Elite, K2 Burnin Luv, and Head Wild One.

From the pic above, I'm sure you can guess which was my favorite.  The Nordica and the Head skis were both a little wider underfoot (80 and 81mm, respectively).  To me, the additional width and stiffness of these two skis made them feel very stable and "solid".  Some may not like it and prefer the more nimble feel of a thinner model.  But the Nordica in particular just made me feel like I could do anything on those skis - the conditions were typical lousy east coast icy hardpack, with zero natural snow, and those things had an edge that held onto anything.  The Head Wild One was a close second, but the Nordica was my pick of the day.  I am truly in love!

Let readers know what you think of skis you've tried or owned.  If you don't ski or snowboard, give it a try - it's National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month!    :)

Shires StormCheeta Combo Horse Blanket

Link to purchase this blanket at Dover Saddlery

So I just bought this fantastic blanket for my Quarterhorse mare, Holly, after I paid to have her partially body-clipped at the start of our VA winter when it was still getting up into the 50's and 60's.  Of course, right after clipping her, the temps dropped into the 30's and now I feel bad every time I have to take her blanket off.  We had a nice Rambo blanket for her with an extended neck, but I really wanted something that would cover up her neck and chest better to keep the body heat in, and I found this blanket online at Dover for $189.  It has a super-strong 2000 denier ballistic shell, and 400 grams of fill for cold weather.  Also, the straps are intelligently designed and there is lots of room for body movement & adjustability - especially across the chest and shoulders, where my horse has the most issues with fit.  She is small in height, but bulky in her body, and most blankets pull too tightly across her chest.  This blanket fits great, although I made the mistake of sizing up too much due to our previous issues with fit across the front, but I'm not returning because it's been on backorder and I want it now!  (thanks, JG Wentworth!)  I also like the design of the covered neck - you don't have to clip it on, and there are no gaps in the neck or chest.  Just an awesome design.

Love this blanket!  I've been happy with our Rambo products, but this one is something I would replace them all with for the really cold weather.  Thanks, Shires!

ModCloth!

Link to ModCloth

So, I have really been getting into finding style & fashion blogs, which link to online clothing sites that I haven't heard of.  Sometimes you get tired of shopping at the same places all the time, and I have been feeling like my closet consists of all the same old things in different colors.  And not many colors at that, with no real "style" - know what I mean?

Sooo, I was linking through to other blogs from Already Pretty Contests and Giveaways, and came upon this site for ModCloth - a very cool clothing, accessories, & decor retailer founded by a couple who loved vintage & retro type-stuff.  There is TONS of stuff to choose from and the website is done very well - it's extremely interactive & easy to navigate.   In one hour last night I ended up with 14 super-cute things on my wish list, and had only looked at a fraction of products available!  I found the most awesome, unique dresses & tops, and just placed my first order tonight - which came with complimentary 2-day shipping (awesome).  

Here's a few things I love:

Totally cool "Deer Friend" shirt:  

Cute "After the Harvest" cardigan:

And the lovely "Ablaze with Beauty" dress:

So check ModCloth out!   I think just about anyone could find some new style & neat things to buy from this site.   :)  Happy shopping!   

(and Merry Christmas to all!)

2011 Ford Mustang GT

Link to 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium

My husband and I are car "aficionados", and we regularly research and drive the newest, fast & expensive cars - usually German-built - for fun.  I have never been very partial to American models, but recently we decided to stop by our local Ford dealer to drive the new GT Mustang.  I asked the salesman to show me the fastest car on the lot with the most stuff, and he put us into a black GT with the Premium package. 

We were super impressed right away - the interior is quite nice, with the programmable lighting in the gauges, footwells, and illuminated doorsills.  Interior materials are nicer too, and the car had all the features we like (except seat heaters, which are available as a separate option).  Nice sound system, bluetooth & iPod jack, satellite radio, and power driver's seat.  Oh - you can get a glass roof too, which I think is so awesome!  Here's a look at one version of the interior (no nav in this one but that's available too):

Anyway, the real fun was driving - the V-8 has 412hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.  I honestly had so much fun driving this car, I am considering buying one in the future over a BMW/Audi/Infiniti/etc. which should say something about its driving dynamics.  The steering was so responsive and tight - much better than previous models - and everything just seemed really solid.  The car felt much lighter than I expected it to be too. 

So this one makes the list of "Good Stuff" - go check it out!  (Want more fun?  Check out the Shelby with 540 hp - that is just crazy!): 

Link to 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

First Review - Land's End Chevron Down Jacket

 

Link to jacket on Land's End web site...

This jacket has been my obsession over the past 4 weeks!  Do you want to know how bad the obsession is?  I actually have three two of them (*it was getting out of control...).  I know.... absolutely dreadful.  But it is the best jacket ever!  The temperature dropped really fast here in central VA, and I have an outdoor hobby (horses), so I needed a warm, windproof jacket that I could spend a couple hours outside with at the barn.  I also wanted a double zipper so I could ride my horse comfortably without the front of the jacket pulling across the front. 

This thing is SUPER warm and comfortable - the fur zips off for not-so-fancy moments, and it does indeed have a double zipper.  There is soft, cozy fleece around the wrists and neck too.  The sapphire blue is a gorgeous color but keeps selling out - I also LOVE the ivory and have a black one for the barn.  If it gets dirty I just wipe it off with a damp cloth & it looks good as new! 

Every year I buy at least one sort of jacket or coat from Lands End because their customer service is the best!  Plus you can shop locally through Sears & do exchanges/returns there.  So this is my plug for Land's End -- I'm sure there will be more write-ups of their products in the future.  Did I mention the Chalet Faux Shearling Boots???   Link to Women's Chalet Faux Shearling Boots...