Rose Cottage Ltd

++ Startups Racing to Renovate the Home

This is a bit of a “one-off” but I thought it was good info to know…

++ How long is too long to keep food in the fridge?

++ Ark. real estate agent disappears while showing home

++ Investing In Luxury Real Estate

Now here are two headlines that show how closely you need to pay attention to the news, and what it’s really telling you:

++ U.S. New-Home Sales Surge 18% in August

Versus:

++ US existing home sales fall, investors pulling back

So if any news source makes a blanket statement about what the “real estate market” is doing, be very suspicious!

++ Norway jumps to second-biggest foreign buyer of U.S. real estate

I don’t know why it bothers me, but I am concerned about how many foreign interests are buying up huge chunks of America. Some foreign investors are buying REITs or real estate investment trusts – which means they can potentially own major stakes in many US commercial buildings, rural property, or single-family communities.

My worry comes from what I know to be true in single-family properties. Who takes the best care in and has the most pride of property ownership? One who lives in what they own. Absentee landlords? Not so much.

Just got the word from National Geographic’s online store…free shipping with NO minimum purchase…

TODAY ONLY!

Sweaters, maps, gift items, etc., etc. Take advantage of this one day offer!

Here are a few more gift ideas for you. Time to get cracking on your Christmas shopping!

Small Shona Crane Sculpture

The Shona are a diverse people who live in parts of Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique. Known for their stone carving, many Shona artisans quarry their own rapoko soapstone, which they chisel and polish with hand tools. This graceful pair represent the endangered wattled crane, a symbol of longevity whose habitat in Zimbabwe and throughout Africa is dwindling. Expect variations in coloring and carving as each is handmade and unique.

Small ($69) and large($79) sizes available or save a few bucks and buy the pair for $139.

If you have a spot that needs a bit of color…

Talavera-style Frog Planter

Talavera-style pottery techniques have been passed down through generations of Mexican craftspeople since the style was first introduced by Spaniards in the 17th century. The bright colors of this placid frog planter are part of the traditional color palette. Handcrafted in the talavera style in Dolores Hidalgo, Mexico.

Only $75 and click the links here for details on free shipping – NO Minimum!

Know someone who loves silver and who also likes bracelets with a bit of weight AND style?

Persia Bracelet

Only $32 each!

European art during the Renaissance was highly influenced by the goods coming from China along the Silk Road. Natural motifs of flowers and leaves decorated exquisite Chinese porcelain and began showing up in European furniture and jewelry designs. These silver-colored metal bangles borrow from the same cross-cultural tradition, referencing classic East-West patterns. Individual links strung on elastic give the appearance of a solid bangle, but have a universal fit that makes these a great gift idea.

Choose Persia (top), Fergana (center), or Yellow Rivers (bottom) Bracelets. Buy all 3 for only $79!

Believe it or not – there are only 74 days until Christmas. Sounds like a lot of time until you remember how fast the days seem to fly this time of year.

As promised in a earlier post, I’ll be presenting you with some gift ideas from great online merchants.

Order when you have time to think about it, avoid the last-minute shopping, traffic, and crowded stores – and spread your holiday spending out a bit. Buying gifts for those we care about is supposed to be fun – not pain!

Here’s a great place to start – National Geographic online.

++ Shop more than 150 new items in the National Geographic Store!

++ Sale! Save as much as 70% in the National Geographic Online Store

++ Gear and Gadget Sale! Save as much as 50%!

++ The Kid’s Shop from National Geographic!

Let the games – begin!

Do you know someone who really likes the outdoors? Do you know someone who likes to watch birds and other animals around their property? Here’s a gift idea (or two) for you. None will break the budget and gifts will be most appreciated by recipients long after the Christmas tree is down and the leftover turkey is gone!

8.0-megapixel Infrared Digital Motion-detection Camera

This infrared version provides clearer nighttime images without use of a flash. Equipped with a 50-degree wide-angle lens, an adjustable (on/off) 30-foot flash or infrared emitter range, and test mode.

Features 24-hour operation, burst mode for multiple exposures, four time-out settings between activations, minimum focus of 5 feet, AVI video capability, and time/date/moon phase stamps on each image. SD card slot for memory accepts up to 32-GB card (not included) for thousands of images.

Also available: 5.0 Megapixel Infrared Digital Motion-detection Camera

This one is on sale right now – over 50% OFF!!

Audubon BirdCam

Look at your backyard in a whole new way with this motion-activated 5-MP digital camera. “Smart sensor” technology and laser aim let you photograph birds and wildlife without disturbing them. Because the camera is activated only when an animal is detected, you’ll have fewer empty frames and a longer battery life.

No tools, wires, or software is needed to get your weatherproof camera up and running. Several mounting options available: attach to a post or tree with included stretch cords, or simply set it on the ground. No flash; daytime use only.

You’ll have to invest a bit more in the next gift, but the rewards will last a lifetime. The night vision binocular would be a great gift for that person on your list who already seems to have everything!

National Geographic Night Vision Binocular – 5x Magnification

This lightweight and compact night vision binocular extends your explorations to the once unknowable realms of darkness so you can see what wildlife roams at night. The state-of-the-art intensifier tubes provides the brightest image possible with 5X magnification.

If you need to see in complete darkness, switch on the powerful integrated infrared illuminator, which works even at low battery voltage. Multicoated glass optics allow 53-foot field of view at 200 feet and feature precise click-ocular focusing. Housed in a rubberized, ergonomic, water-resistant body.

Also available: National Geographic Night Vision Binocular – 2x Magnification

No time like now to start thinking about gifts for the holidays. As fast as time seems to be moving, it will be Thanksgiving before we know it! Shop more than 150 new items in the National Geographic Store!

YEAH! 59 degrees in North Carolina this Saturday morning and it feels GREAT! Time to start a check on sweaters for what’s to come in Fall/Winter 2013.

++ First Day of Fall: 22 September 2013

Here are some fantastic options:

Men’s Casa del Moral Alpaca Sweater

Check out the colors on this beautiful Alpaca sweater!

Artisans in Arequipa adapt some of Casa del Moral’s architectural details into this jacquard-knit baby alpaca sweater in shades of sky blue, smoky gray, and marigold.

Just under $150

This Norwegian Quarter-zip Wool Sweater even LOOKS warm!

Enjoy the timeless style, durability, and warmth of pure wool in this Norwegian sweater by Devold, the oldest manufacturer of knitted goods in the country, in business since 1853.

Around $250

One of my favorites from last year is this Wool WWII Military Sweater.

Wool and cotton twill in a classic military mechanic’s sweater. If it was good enough for them, it’s good enough for me!

Part of standard-issue military wear during WWII, sweaters like this olive wool pullover were popular among servicemen for comfort, durability, and easy pullover warmth. The shawl-collar style buttons up to cut the cold just as it did onboard aircraft carriers in the ’40s. Cotton twill canvas-reinforced elbows add durability. In Navy or Olive.

Under $150.

Going walkies? This Scottish Wool Walking Sweater will come in handy!

The walking sweater is a tradition in the British Isles that dates back more than a century. This classic outdoor style uses 100% Shetland wool fiber for its warmth and natural moisture-wicking properties. Built to withstand Scotland’s vigorous, often fast-changing weather, it has suede patches at shoulders and elbows for durability and reduced wear and tear from backpacks or camera straps. Crafted in a 19th-century mill on the banks of the Annick Water in rural Ayrshire, Scotland.

Under $200

Look for more colors and styles…

Team up with National Geographic for their superior line of travel, education and adventure products. Books for the beach, gift products for family and friends, or maybe some travel and outdoor inspiration for yourself.

30% off books and DVDs right now – don’t wait!

++ Buy three or more kids’ books and save 20%!

++ Shop for Language Software & Translators at National Geographic!

++ Shop unique home decor, collectibles, and garden supplies from National Geographic!

++ Shopping for Adventure? Find books, videos, maps, gifts, and more at the National Geographic Store!

++ Gear and Gadget Sale! Save as much as 50%!

Everyone, especially hard-working adults, needs to shop for toys once and awhile. Even if you aren’t in the market for a particular product, looking at all the cool stuff available is IMHO – good for the soul.

Here are a few new and “cool” products for the great outdoors 2013…

How about a Eco-explorer Boat for your 2013 water adventures? And it’s on sale right now!

This rugged inflatable boat turns ordinary excursions on lakes, ponds, or calm seas into educational water explorations you’ll never forget.

A saltwater-resistant, 300,000-candlepower submersible light lures water creatures near so you can see them through the boat’s clear-vinyl floor window. When deflated, it packs compactly for travel.

You’ll want to be wearing a “Boat Day Aloha Shirt” to really look legit!

I looked at getting this Night Vision Binocular last year but didn’t. If I can find enough “coin” this year, these are on the list!

Lightweight and compact night vision binoculars extend your explorations to the once unknowable realms of darkness so you can see what wildlife roams at night.

The state-of-the-art intensifier tubes provides the brightest image possible with 2.5X fixed-focus or 5X magnification. If you need to see in complete darkness, switch on the powerful integrated infrared illuminator. Multicoated glass optics allow a wide field of view at 200 feet and feature precise click-ocular focusing. Housed in a rubberized, ergonomic, water-resistant body.

I would think kids would have a blast with these during those “sleeping out in the backyard” tent nights!

Here’s a great product to have if you’re heading out for a day’s hike!

The National Geographic Mini Weather Clip clips to your backpack or belt loop, and always have the day’s forecast at your fingertips.

Icons display current condition, temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity, as well as digital time and forecasts for the next eight hours. Carabiner clip flips around to become a desktop stand.

Batteries included.

I’ve been pondering one of these cameras for the last couple of years and am taking a look yet again. Quality of picture and “viewability” features continue to improve so now might be the right time.

Below are a few options from National Geographic – people who know a thing or three about watching our great outdoor world.

8.0-megapixel Infrared Digital Motion-detection Camera with High-definition Video

This one is so popular it’s out of stock at the moment, but I’m bookmarking it for future reference because of the outstanding features offered on this higher-end ($299) camera.

Triggered by heat and movement, this simplified all-weather cameras capture multiple images of backyard wildlife— our newest version also captures high-definition video. And with infrared technology, it provides clearer black-and-white nighttime still images or video without the use of a flash.

Equipped with a 50-degree wide-angle lens, an adjustable (on/off) 30-foot flash or infrared emitter range, and test mode. Features 24-hour operation, burst mode for multiple exposures, four time-out settings between activations, minimum focus of 5 feet, AVI video capability, and time/date/moon phase stamps on each image. Can also capture video in color or night vision for 5 to 300 seconds per triggering. SD card slot for expanded memory accepts up to 16-GB card for thousands of images.

This next camera comes in at around $120.00. In stock and ready to ship.

The 5.0 Megapixel Infrared Digital Motion-detection Camera provides clearer nighttime images without use of a flash, so nocturnal animals aren’t startled. Equipped with a 50-degree wide-angle lens, infrared emitter, test modes, and 24 hour operation. Features a 1- to 20-minute pause time between activations, minimum focus of 5 feet, AVI video capability, time and date stamp, moon phase stamp, built-in 32MB memory, and an SD card slot for expanded memory.

If you have even a passing interest in finding out who is visiting your bird feeder, this next web cam is for you!

With the Audubon BirdCam you can look at your backyard in a whole new way with this motion-activated 5-MP digital camera. “Smart sensor” technology and laser aim let you photograph birds and wildlife without disturbing them. And because the camera is activated only when an animal is detected, you’ll have fewer empty frames and a longer battery life. No tools, wires, or software is needed to get your weatherproof camera up and running. Several mounting options available: attach to a post or tree with included stretch cords, or simply set it on the ground. No flash; daytime use only.

Around $160 – In stock and ready to ship to your bird feeding area!

I’m fortunate to live in a rural area on some acreage and have plenty to see and do outdoors this summer. Others will have a work a bit harder to take advantage of the beauty the US has to offer. Fortunately, National Geographic makes it much easier with guides and maps to State and National Parks. Here are a few of my favorites…

This National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the U.S., 7th Edition is the most current, handy, practical guide, completely updated for the 2012 edition, offering comprehensive information on the crown jewels of the national park system.

Price: $26.00

The 10 Best of Everything National Parks guide covers “classic” parks, national historical parks, national monuments, national battlefields, national scenic trails, and beyond. Hundreds of Top 10 lists highlight every park’s best attractions—best lodges, best hikes, best star-gazing spots, best campfire meal spots. Destinations are covered by region, theme, season, and occasion.

Price: $21.95

National Geographic Complete National Parks of the U.S.

One of the most comprehensive offerings from National Geographic…

This extensive travel planner covers not just the 58 official National Parks but also the nearly 350 additional properties in the Park Service’s domain. The premier parks are described in detail, but equal attention is given to the National Monuments, Memorials, Preserves, Historic Sites, Battlefields, Cemeteries, and Seashores, not to mention a network of “National Trails” and even the intriguingly referred to “Affiliated Areas.” From Yellowstone to the Statue of Liberty, from the hallowed ground of Gettysburg National Military Park to the Pacific waters shrouding Hawaii’s U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, this catalog spans American history and territory both, with practical advice on how to reach each park, when to go, and what to do there.

Price: $40

This National Geographic National Parks Explorer 3-D Mapping Software would certainly make a great gift!

Explorer 3D combines the precision and accuracy of our printed Trails Illustrated topographic maps with the award-winning TOPO! custom mapping technology. The easy-to-use interface helps you quickly locate trails, create instant elevation profiles, plan routes, and print your own custom maps with trail, trailhead, campsite, hiking, safety, and trip-planning information.
Includes the 25 parks for a price of only $45.95.

Look for these and other great deals on ideas about getting out and enjoying the US this year…who knows it better than National Geographic!