Boomer Products – Let’s Shop!

“I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist.” – Tammy Faye Bakker

When I was contacted by Tonya from TheBoomShop.com, I was excited to learn that there is an online shop with Boomer Products – just for us baby boomers. After “window shopping” the site, I decided I would take Tonya up on the offer to share my opinion of this store with my readers, and was compensated with a gift card.

According TheBoomShop‘s press release, Boomers are the largest demographic for online shopping. It makes sense to me, as we’re a pretty busy bunch, with careers, caring for family – both younger and older loved ones, running households and more. Plus, we have grown wiser, and value our time, and can search and shop online faster than running to the mall. And, some of us have knee issues, which makes online shopping even more appealing 🙂

Anyhow, once on the web site, I was greeted by a clean design and easy-to-navigate departments. Welcoming me to the website was this quote: “Our quest is to search the world & create a collection of products that make your life simple, effortless & comfortable.” A non-cluttered site, in my opinion, is a great start.

The online store caters to the 50+ crowd. What I was most impressed with were the kitchen items – everything from gadgets to small appliances to cookbooks to accessories. In the Home department, I saw wellness mats. If you have ever stood in one place for a long time, think of how lovely it would be to have one of those cushion-y, anti-fatigue mats! Plus, there were several other departments, such as Health and Wellness, Fitness and Recreation, Sleep Science and several more. Look for a Nutrition Department soon. And yes, there is a sale section, too.

Several name brand items are available, and I found that the prices were inline with other stores – online and brick and mortar. TheBoomShop has a “no hassles” return policy, which makes online shoppers happy, and free shipping on orders $49 or more. Also, the check out process is very simple! Basically create an account, shop-til-you-drop, add your credit card info and you are done.

Check out TheBoomShop, as they are giving my readers a 15% discount by using coupon code 99124. (Valid until June 21, 2014). My order should be arriving in a few days! I am sure you will enjoy this new online store geared for boomers.

Happy shopping!

Did you checkout TheBoomShop? If so, let me know what you think in the comments section.

February 6, 2014February 21, 2014

The Elephant in the Room

Full disclosure: I am participating in a Vibrant Influencer Network campaign for Depend. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with Depend and do not earn a commission or percent of sales.

“What I feared was the onset of incontinence was simply a mid-laugh crisis.”Venita Louise

A little humor can go a long way when dealing with life’s challenges. But the topic of incontinence isn’t funny for people who suffer from the affliction.

The condition is rarely mentioned, because let’s face it, it is embarrassing. But, millions of Americans have bladder control issues, (also known as incontinence). The condition can affect anyone – not just older people. Bladder control issues can also affect young people, particularly women who have given birth or men who have been treated for prostate cancer. For those who suffer, their lifestyles can be greatly affected. Many sufferers feel like they are prisoners in their own homes, fearful to go out in public in case they have an accident. Sometimes, a sneeze, cough or a laugh can put enough pressure on the bladder to cause leakage.

When I was first asked to write about incontinence and Depend® products for my blog, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to bring up this delicate subject matter. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought, “why not?” Though I don’t suffer from this, maybe some of my readers do. And if they don’t, maybe they are caregivers for someone who does suffer from bladder leakage.

I received a package of Depend® underwear for women, and opened the contents. I was really surprised at how thin and lightweight they are, and how flexible the material is. Made with Lycra®, the garments look like they would be comfortable to wear, and everyday movement could be done with ease. These products could easily be worn under one’s regular clothing and not be detected. Depend® Underwear with Flex-Fit® is available for both men and women, plus there are other leakage-control products available: light, moderate and maximum absorbency levels.

Years ago, when I had a conversation with my doctor about a health issue, he gave me some very sound advice. To paraphrase him, “When your quality of life is affected, that’s when you know you need to take action.” After reading and researching about incontinence, it pained me to know that so many people had given up things they loved due to bladder issues: socializing with friends and family; sports and exercise; travel and more. Many who suffer incontinence also suffer from self-esteem issues and shame. As technology and materials become more user-friendly, it is good to know that health aids, such as Depend® products, could make a positive difference in someone’s life, allowing them to return to the activities they enjoyed.

Depend® has posted videos on their website, featuring the personal journeys of people with bladder control issues and highlighting how these products made a difference in the quality of their lives, giving them the freedom and confidence to get back to living. Here is a link where you can watch their inspirational stories.

It is reassuring to know that progress has been made in the development of good products to help with bladder control. If you, or someone you care for, is experiencing incontinence, check out the full line of Depend products by visiting their website, where you will also have an opportunity to request a free sample. The website also offers links for “Community & Support” and for “Caregivers.”

I hope this review was helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please post in the comment section. If you feel this information will help someone, please feel free to share this post.

October 28, 2013

Yes, we hosted a digital party for Verizon!

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Boomer Voices program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.

Well, we did it! The Chief Blonde from Still Blonde After all These Years and I pulled off our first digital party! It was the first time either of us ventured into a digital party, and we certainly learned a lot – especially me.

As part of the Verizon Boomer Voices program, we were given devices and products to test, review and blog about. We also share new Verizon programs through social media. Additionally, we were asked to host a party to share what we have learned with our colleagues and friends. Since we are writing about technology and how it can make life a bit easier, the Chief Blonde and I thought, “Why not try to have a digital party?” And that is what we did!

What We Did To Prepare:

The Chief Blonde is more social media savvy than I, so she gave me a crash course in RaffleCopter (which we used for the giveaways) and how manage several open Twitter screens at the same time. We were both familiar in using online meeting rooms, so there wasn’t a huge learning curve there.

After inviting Michigan bloggers to the party – via Facebook – we sent out a PowerPoint presentation, which was used as a teaser, to gauge what products our guests were interested in, and to get the party RSVPs. Additionally, we took photos and downloaded images to use throughout the party. Using RaffleCopter, we were able to draw the prizes for the guests, plus we fielded some questions about the products before the party began, which was a huge help in explaining each device. We had notes on the three devices each of us presented, and opening/closing words. We created Tweet templates ahead of time, and edited them with the names of the prize winners as the party progressed, so we could posts Tweets while the party was in session.

The Party

I admit, I wasn’t nervous until the party began! As soon as guests began to electronically arrive, the butterflies began to take flight in my stomach. Then, I felt like I was on stage and would “mess up my lines!” All in attendance could see us through a webcam! But once I relaxed in front of the camera, I enjoyed chatting with the group. The Chief Blonde and I took turns presenting the devices, and whoever was not in front of the camera monitored the “chat” for questions and comments. The guests were so gracious and added so much to our experience. Everyone who attended received a nice goody bag filled with fun items from Verizon. And there were several winners of some great products, like the FitBit One, FitBit Flex, Tagg Pet Tracker, Sure Response, Belkin Digital WebCam and more.

A whole lot of work went into this digital party, probably as much as with a traditional party – but we didn’t have to clean the bathrooms before the guests arrived! It took many hours to tweak and practice to make sure we had no technical issues, but the pay off was big! We both learned so much, and believe our guests did as well. It was wonderful to connect with so many talented bloggers.

After the Party:

My dining room table mirrored a warehouse as I was busy packing up the goody bags and prizes for our guests. After shipping all the boxes and reviewing the entire process, I have to say that the Chief Blonde and I had a wonderful time learning together. We made a great team, and had we not been invited to be part of the Verizon Boomer Voices program, we would not have had the opportunity to work together – and become friends in the process.

Have you taken a leap and ventured into unchartered technological waters? How was your experience? Feel free to share in the comments below.

June 24, 2013

A brand new opportunity!

“Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Boomer Voices program, and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Yep! It is true! I have been approached and asked for my opinion! So, you will see this disclaimer on my blog when I write about my adventures with the new device.

How cool it that?

I am really excited on so many levels. One, a new tech toy to play with! Two, my opinion will matter to someone other than me! Three, I will get to meet some other “Boomer” bloggers, which is really going to be great. The chance to meet new friends – fellow writers – and network and pick their brains about the blogging world is just wonderful.

It has been a crazy few years. In fact, I started this blog to help journal my feelings with my dad’s Alzheimer’s. Then, he got so sick that I didn’t have the heart – or the time – to write. After my dad died, my blog kind of morphed into my own little “column” of random ramblings, grief therapy and observations. I have shared some ups and downs, and I am happy to say that, yes, sometimes, out of the blue, an opportunity lands in your lap.

So, stay tuned. I plan on capturing the moments and sharing them with you. The journalist in me can’t wait to investigate this product! The writer is dying to know if I can blog from it! The traveler in me can’t wait to get to my destination and meet everyone!

And the blogger in me can’t wait to share all of this with you soon, soon, soon!

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“What I feared was the onset of incontinence was simply a mid-laugh crisis.”Venita Louise

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