I Can See Clearly Now The Frames Are Gone- ACUVUE Moist

***I received a 1 month trial of new ACUVUE Moist Astigmatism 1-Day lenses for an editorial here on the blog. Regardless all opinions are authentic, and all images original content, copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2013.
Momma Told Me: I'll wear Coke bottles, so long as I can see!

I'm not going to lie, I love my glasses; but that just may be because I've been wearing them nearly every day for 20 years. Believe me, the first time Momma drug me through Lenscrafters, at 6, I was absolutely mortified. Peering up at Momma's circa 80s frames, with lenses as big as an orange in width, I wanted no part in the fashion statement that would only further extend my awkward social status. I'd already had my gorgeous long hair chopped into a bowl cut, thanks to the great hair cleaning incident of '91, and was about to inherit a pair of round metal frames with a nylon neck catcher on them. It was a very low day in my childhood; one I'd avoided for months with lively declarations that I was not squinting in class. As it turns out, my decline in vision was just beginning, and would prove to be a lifelong 'circumstance,' as these things tend to be. So I learned to live with my frames, even hide behind them, and invested in as many pairs as possible to help ease the impact on my fashion life.

Sometime shortly before graduating high school I finally convinced my father to allow me to be fitted for a contact prescription. Back then the lenses that were available were quite hard and rigid, intended for multiple wears throughout the week. I didn't care much for the handling involved with my eyes, but was more concerned with decreasing my nerd status (graduating at 16), and toughed it out. That was until, I moved out on my own and, sans insurance, was faced with swallowing $300 for a pair of new frames of $580 for a year of contacts. So back to glasses I went, until several years later I found the finances to foray into the frame-less world once more. I tell you this because that last lens fitting experience was a nightmare for me. All my life I have had astigmatism, the football shape the cornea assumes from excessive squinting, with the condition being more pronounced in my left eye. At the time, some 3 years ago, I returned to my optometrist for 4 fittings, all without finding a lens that would sit stationery on my left eye.

I was heartbroken; I had learned to love my frames, but living as an adult with my eyes hung off my nose 365/7 was not all flowers and giggles. There are many things us glasses wearers have to contend with and even forgo due to our extended eyes. One of the things I seem to encounter most commonly today is the need to don 3-D spectacles when out to view a feature film in a theater. Every other blockbuster hit is cranked out in the latest technology, HD 3D, and that means putting smeared plastic glasses over my own frames; the experience is NOT the same. And don't even get me started on visiting a theme park with the family, where I have to tote around a glasses case the entire afternoon to secure my frames on rides. And, since I can't see more than 1 foot in front of my face, without my 'eyes,' it's simply not the same thrill everyone else gets. And don't even get me started on how embarrassing it is to have to fumble with smeared and sliding frames during smooch time on date nights! Yes, I love the fashion and expression my everyday frames offer, but having contact lenses on hand simply open my world to more everyday opportunities.

After cutting nearly all sugar from my diet late last year I noticed an immediate and (to me) dramatic change in my vision. Some things that had once been crisp now seemed blurred, almost doubled, through my prescription frames. Alarmed I visited my optometrist, a year before my old prescription was due for renewal, and had my eyes examined. While it turns out I was simply being one of "the most visually discerning patients" my optometrist had ever encountered (my vision had changed, but only by the slightest margins), it was also the perfect time to investigate the health of my eyes. I agreed to a full retina mapping (it's as simple as looking in a computer window for 20 seconds), and prepared myself to hear the "have you ever tried contacts" shpeel again. I immediately opened my mouth to protest, telling the optometrist that contacts simply didn't work for me, when he handed me a flyer for new 1-Day ACUVUE Moist Astigmatism. He informed me that, even in the past 3 years, advances had been made in contact lens technology, and this particular lens was his personal top pick.

I was entirely skeptical, but agreed to the added measurement costs, and waited anxiously for my special ordered prescription sample lenses to come in. It took me near a half hour to get both of those lenses in the first time (a little rusty!) I was surprised how thin and light the lenses were, yet wider in diameter than I had expected. The 1-Day ACUVUE Moist Astigmatism lenses also feature one of the highest levels of UV protection available in 1-Day lenses and patented LACREON technology that extended oxygenation to the eye and maintains that 'fresh lens' feeling all day long. As it turns out, my astigmatism is a special 'diagonal' kind that often keeps lenses from staying put on the cornea. However, with a few special measurements, my optometrist found the perfect prescription and lens for me. Not only do the 1-Day ACUVUE Moist Astigmatism lenses stay put all day, but the improved crispness and clarity, over frame lenses is remarkable. It's the difference between standard and high def vision, for me!

I am in love with the comfort level and clarity of my new ACUVUE Moist Astigmatism lenses; especially the fact that they are 1-Day and can simply be tossed at the end of the night. This cuts down my fuss time spend cleaning and money spent on solution and cases. Even better, I can use them once or twice a week, on days when glasses are less practical, and always have options on hand! I'm not going to lie, these are top of the line lenses, and not the cheapest; but there are many wonderful contact lens rebates available now through your optometrist and the ACUVUE website. Even if Astigmatism lenses aren't for you, I highly recommend requesting a trial of ACUVUE lenses during your next appointment!

What Daughter Says: Don't let your vision get in the way of life, ask your optometrist about new ACUVUE Moist 1-Day lenses!

Baked Cherry Apple French Toast + @SahaleSnacks Giveaway 6/1

****I was sent product samples from Sahale for the purpose of this post. Regardless, all images and opinions contained there in are property of Momma Told Me Blog 2013.

Momma Told Me: What we eat today is inspired by where we are, and where we came from.

I still recall taking that fateful pre-college tour of the Art Institutes Los Angeles and walking down brightly colored cavernous halls filled with accolades from Le Cordon Blue. At the front of the 'campus' (which, as Art Institutes go is actually a series of office buildings), was a fully equipped kitchen and operating fine dining cafe. I could understand possibly pastries and fondant folding being considered art, but how was making a sandwich inspired? I had skepticism about an art school which aligned itself so loosely with cooking. That was, of course, until I learned the difference between McDonalds, and gourmet, cheese and Asiago, pasta and Mediterranean. It turned out, there was a whole world of inspired cooking; meals crafted both visually and for taste for a truly encompassing dish intended to tell stories, and ignite passion.

No, I'm not referring to aphrodisiacs, though an excellent example of the emotional properties of food, I mean the collection of ingredients meant to symbolize an era, heritage, or nation. Much like a composer constructs a concerto to move an audience to tears, the truly gourmet chef paints with a palette of ingredients and precision so vivid each and every dish tells a story. And while I may never understand which wine to pair with an Alfredo, or how curry works so magnificently with coconut and cashews, it's an art I've grown to appreciate. I attempt to push my culinary boundaries, and expand my horizons beyond the typical each and every day, constantly searching for hidden gems. And, as an individual many things set me apart, and define who I am, so why shouldn't my snacks?

Sahale began in 2003 when the brand's founders found themselves atop Washington State's Mt. Rainer with an inspiring view. They had great company, plenty of supplies, and a clear day. What they did not have was a snack fitting the occasion, or lively enough for their taste buds. The processed nuts and granola in their backpacks kept them fueled, yes, but they certainly didn't fuel the soul. And so, creators, Edmond and Josh conceived a brand that would offer vibrant nut and fruit blends with bold flavors as exciting as the places and people behind them. This meant all natural, conveniently packaged, whole nut blends with compositions inspired directly by global flavor and beauty. Not only would Sahale boast a wide range of premium nuts and fruits, but a comprehensive collection of spices, preservative free ingredients and exotic flavors.

I must admit, though rare to find a product as beautiful in photo as in person, the Sahale line attracted me for that impressive fusion of design and recipe. Not only did the brand's website offer exploratory menus, colorful images of ingredients, and tantalizing product profiles, but a personable mission I was curious to see translated to the product itself. The name itself, 'Sahale' is of Native American origin with a variety of meanings, though the founders chose it for a favored icy peak. The nut blends themselves sport unique and intriguing titles meant to pay homage to a specific region of the world. Products cover Nut Blends, Glazed Nuts, Biscotti Crisps, Seasoned Nuts, and the newer Sahale Crunchers range with dry roasted and preservative free ingredients of the highest quality. Many of the blends feature an extremely addictive, and top secret, glaze which fuses the ingredients together for a wonderful crunch and sweet chewy surprise in each bite!

 I was sent a selection of the newest product range, Sahale Crunchers, for review here on Momma Told Me and was immediately attracted to the sleek and colorful packaging. The entire brand presents itself as premium, though the target price point is rather reasonable (sold nationwide at Starbucks, Whole Foods, and WalMart). I began with their Cranberries, Sesame Seeds, and Honey Crunchers; featuring juicy naturally dried cranberries and slivered almonds bound with an Orange Blossom Honey Glaze and sprinkled with pure ground Madagascar Vanilla Bean. I love that Sahale offers individual, easy tear, pouches as well as the larger zipper portions, though it is nearly impossible not to munch your way through any size bag in a sitting. Yes, they are THAT addictive, especially for nut lovers. Speckled with toasted sesame seeds, and inviting a world of culinary experimentation, this Crunchers blend was  indulgent and satisfying. Crunchers are much more than a snack, as the Sahale website aims to inspire; sprinkle them over your favorite Summertime salad, or atop a grilled chicken breast for texture and flavor.

Sahale sent along some of their signature Crunchers recipe cards for me to experiment with, and I quickly set my heart on their Baked French Toast with Cherry Apple Crunch. This unique Sahale Crunchers blend featured in this recipe is more fruit dominant, with natural dried cherries and apples alongside a maple-cinnamon glazed sliced almond medley. The sweetest of the Crunchers trio, this reminded me of a fresh peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and made a wonderful Greek Yogurt topper. I loved the texture of the almond slivers in contrast with the slightly sticky fruit bits. Rarely do you find a comprehensive palette in an easy to grab pouch! In all, I could rave for paragraphs about the convenience, quality, and complexity of this brand. There is something for everyone and I highly encourage hunting it down!

Pan Asian Orange Chicken Wraps + @CitizenChef Giveaway~ 5/31

**** Citizen Chef provided me with complimentary product to experiment with here on Momma Told Me. No further compensation was provided. Regardless, all images are original content, copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2013.

Momma Told Me: Eating 'light' doesn't mean eating dull.

 Ah, how I long for the days when my biggest nutritional dilemma was whether to get the Double Chocolate Crunch Drumstick or Vanilla Caramel Crunch Drumstick for dessert. Just today Jay took Sabrina (10) and I out for lunch, a special treat for us. And, as I was watching Sabrina slurp the last few bubbles of her 3rd glass of Cola, in between amorous bites of her grilled cheese, I was reminded of the time in my own life when these ceased to become meal options. You see, I never had a 'quick' metabolism to begin with, and by the time I was a tween I was well on my way to grasping the food pyramid and basic nutrition. Somewhere around the time my father began taking prescriptions for high cholesterol all the 'fun' foods slowly began disappearing from our household cupboards. The word 'diet' was said in hushed tones, my ears ringing with fear the entire way. Whether the goal is weight loss, or general health maintenance, there becomes a time in all our lives when we must began juggling indulgence with practicality.

Cooking delicious, well rounded, meals can be a challenge. Not only do most 'healthy' ingredients tend to be costly and highly perishable, but finding natural and low sugar options for sauces and flavoring can seem near impossible. I've made enough sauces 'from scratch' simply because the shelf stable versions contained ingredients with more syllables than I can pronounce. So, when I got to the third Citizen Chef Simmer Sauce in this series I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it's citrus notes- cook a light, and cool, Summer entree. Living in Southern California the temperatures are already creeping past the high 80s, and having an easy serve lunch on hand in the fridge is a lifesaver. We pack lunches for family outings year-round, and food that requires no extra heating really cuts down on my stress. In the Summer I'll often slow cook several chicken breasts then fine mince them for various wraps.This time I tossed some minced mushrooms, sweet onions, and food processed candied walnuts into the pan with the diced (cooked) chicken.

For any good 'wrap' base, I'm sure to pre-cook the additional ingredients for 3-5 minutes in the pan prior to adding my minced chicken and desired seasonings. Because the chicken is pre-cooked the goal is to effectively combine the flavors through low heat, not cook the mixture again. About 2lbs of cooked, minced, chicken breast, 3/4 cup minced mushrooms, 1 minced sweet onion, and 1 container of Citizen Chef Pan Asian Orange simmer sauce will make several days worth of wrap filling for us. For added texture, and a little extra sweet, I decided to add the candied walnuts in this round, though it is not necessary for taste. Once combined, the wrap filling can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen and thawed for later use. While Jay prefers his wraps warm, I like to scoop my Pan Asian Orange Chicken Filling into a fresh flat-bread tortilla with some fresh greens, and eat it ice cold. It's quite the refreshing lunch during the warmer months and can easily be packed for away meals and to-go-sacks.

While it's not the prettiest meal, these Pan Asian Orange Chicken Wraps are full of flavor and texture (especially with the crisp of your favorite greens), and saves a heap of time when the filling is prepared in advance. I have the terrible habit of eating the chicken filling out of the bowl with a spoon- but I also love that I can choose to wrap it in greens alone, or with my favorite whole grain bread. Getting Sabrina (10) to eat protein by choice can often be a battle, so having flavorful dishes like this, where she can 'create' her own wrap also help get younger family members excited about mealtime. And, with the flavor ready to pour in a Citizen Chef tub, you can't beat the fresh food and easy preparation! Citizen Chef sauces are amazingly versatile and full of culinary inspiration; look for them in the refrigerated sauce aisle of your local grocer today. Then, head online and check out all of the meal ideas and recipes, for a simple meal your family won't soon forget!

What Daughter Says: Encourage healthy eating with simple to prepare, flavorful meals inspired by Citizen Chef sauces.

One Momma Told Me reader will win a case(6) of Citizen Chef Simmer Sauces, Bamboo Cooking Spoons, and Recipe Cards!

Paper Towel Flowers + A FREE Movie With #ScottValues

***I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias®  and KimberlyClark® #cbias #SocialFabric All images and altered screenschots are original content copyrighted to Momma Told Me Blog, 2013.
Momma Told Me: Frugal can be fun!

As a child, few things (barring a teenager in a sweaty mouse costume at an arcade) were more exciting than a chance to go to the movies. I recall the mini strip mall in our little Southern California home town had one of the largest arcades I've, still, ever seen; complete with a little snow cone booth outside. This particular strip mall was the mecha of all things childlike and whimsical, for it didn't stop there. All the way on the far East end was a KB Toy Store, and smack daub on the middle was the Edwards 8 Cineplex. Naturally, even though I knew I was already being treated to the special occasion of a movie, I never let Momma leave without visiting the entire array of entertainment attractions. As a child money meant little to me. I always assumed Momma received an allowance magically deposited into her piggy bank each month, much like mine. I never stopped to consider how all the small frugal things she did (like pop our popcorn at home and smuggle it into the theater in Ziploc baggies), made all the awesome treats possible.

Today I'm very much like Momma, when it comes to the household budget and stocking up on essentials at great prices. In addition to frequenting the wholesale club once a month, I am constantly clipping coupons and taking notes for upcoming sales. We shop at Walmart often for their everyday low prices that promise to match or beat local competitors; and of course, for their accommodating coupon policy. Not only can I buy value packages of my family's favorite brands and products, but I can extend the savings with exclusive promotions and paper coupons. Just the other weekend I opened one of our households 3 copies of the Sunday paper to discover the above beauty in a Smartsource insert. Two specially marked Scott paper product value packs now feature an exclusive $4 Vudu movie credit for a limited time. We already stock up on our favorite Scott Shared Values products regularly, so I knew I wasn't going to miss my chance to snag these limited quantity packages.

Our family goes through an astounding amount of Paper Towels and Toilet Tissue. So much so, I constantly find myself turning into the P.T. (paper towel) Grinch, and marching around the house enforcing strict tearing regulations. It physically pains me to see a half torn paper towel laying crumpled on the kitchen counter, or a forgotten roll of toilet paper with several sheets left, in the bathroom waste basket. So, when I saw that I could buy 6 mega rolls of Scott Choose-A-Sheet Towels for just under $6 and score a $4 Vudu movie streaming credit I was in frugal heaven. Not only do these paper towels offer the added value of being tough and extra absorbent, but the simple tear-a-sheet lets us select a size to clean up any mess without waste. I was so moved by this amazing deal I actually told Sabrina (10) we could use paper towels for something other than cleaning!

Nearly everyone recalls paper tube crafts from their Elementary days, but have you ever made crafts out of the paper towels themselves? Naturally this wouldn't work with toilet tissue, but the thick and durable textured Scott Choose-A-Sheet towels offer variety in size and absorbancy perfect for some home dyed paper flowers and butterflies. All you need is a well covered workspace, some food safe dye, plenty of paper towels, pipe cleaners, and a designated 'drying zone.' This craft is a hit with all ages; who doesn't love playing with colors- and food dye isn't just for Easter Eggs! We had a blast folding the paper towels into various shapes then carefully, and quickly, dipping corners and edges into the various colors. When we were done I placed the sheets into our dehydrator (though they will air dry overnight just as well). Making 'flowers' is as simple as crumpling, rolling, or folding the dried sheets and wrapping a pipe cleaner around the base. These were a big hit at Sabrina's school the next day when she handed them out to teachers and staff!

Following our afternoon of crafts I decided it was time for a little break. We carefully peeled the $4 Vudu code sticker off the bundle of 24 Double Roll Extra Soft Scott bath tissue, and put the remaining groceries away. In our home there is a designated spot for overflow paper products; I have a fear of running out of toilet paper or paper towels and am sure to stay fully stocked. Sometimes, however, a deal is too good to pass up, and you'll open a hallway cupboard to find toilet paper tumbling down at you! In any case, with our Scott haul put away we whipped up some quick and healthy homemade frozen yogurt pops, and hit the couch for a double feature on Scott. We don't subscribe to paid cable television in our home, only high speed internet, so digital streaming is a way of life for us. We were no stranger to the Vudu digital media application on our Roku streamer. We simply logged onto the #ScottValues Walmart portal and entered our code to apply the $4 credit to our Vudu account. In no time we were enjoying the newly released Wreck It Ralph with dripping popsicles, and plenty of paper towels near-by.

As amazing as the limited time $4 Vudu Scott promotion is, there are plenty of more values to be found at the Scott Shared Values website. This entirely purchase free program is open to all US residents and provides immediate value from a collection of close brand partners. I've been with Scott Shared Values since it's kick off late last year and am constantly impressed by the quality of savings and deals that can be found. Currently members can enjoy a free roll of new Scott Extra Soft bath tissue, a one month trial of HuluPlus streaming, a special Weber Grill Set deal (just in time for Father's Day), and a free photo print from ClickPhotos.com. Not to long ago we enjoyed a family pass to a local entertainment venue, and a friend of mine took advantage of their NASCAR ticket savings. I'm always sure to log into my Scott Shared Values account each month to see what's new!

To sum it all up, Momma taught me to be frugal; but still have fun. I may stomp through the halls writing imaginary tickets for paper product abuse, but I still know a great opportunity for family fun when I see one. Just in time for lazy Summer afternoons the $4 Vudu credit on select #ScottValues products will keep the kiddos happy and Momma's checkbook in tact. Stock up now to take advantage of these great prices at Walmart, and be sure to join the Scott Shared Values program to continue the savings all year round. Follow us along on our Walmart visit and get a sneak peek behind the scenes in our Google+ album.

What Daughter Says: Don't be a Summertime Grinch, enjoy the hottest movies for FREE while stocking up on your favorite #ScottValues products.

Keep Calm + Stand On: Imprint Cumulus9 Anti-Fatigue Giveaway

 ***I was sent a Cumulus9 Island Runner for a feature here on Momma Told Me, no further compensation was provided. Regardless, all opinions and images are mine, and mine alone.
Momma Told Me: My aching feet!

As a child I remember I was ultimately in awe as to just how much work Momma did around the house; like the Energizer Bunny, she kept going, and going. But Momma's feet weren't those of a faux fur covered plastic rabbit, and she had to rely on her own determination to push through when fatigue set in. The amount of time Momma actually spent sitting, when we were home, barely registered in my memories. The place she spent the most time was, of course, the kitchen. If I didn't know better, I'd have called it the heart of our household. The kitchen was more than just a replicator for foods, but also where the family calendar was kept, the location of the nook where I'd do most of my homework, and the perfect distance from the living room TV to watch soaps while balancing a checkbook. (These are all things I learned from Momma) Regardless, at the end of the day, Momma's poor feet were aching, and it was my job to relieve them.

These days it seems I have turned my own kitchen into an intergalactic hub of sorts. There is always a fresh baked sweet, or two, or three, sitting on the counter waiting to greet far away travelers, and my counters are often covered in top secret documents of intrigue and interstellar importance (mail). But even in my late 20s, I quickly notice the toll of standing on hard vinyl flooring for too long. Old high school injuries begin to re-awake in the form of an aching knee, and the slight curvature of my back drags me down into poor posture and compressed vertebrae. Ironically, it's usually my feet that begin to ache last, but that makes them no less the source of my other woes. In our kitchen I keep a long plush carpet runner out to help pad some of the shock of hours spent standing at kitchen counters. I have long loathed the decision in decor; while it matched our black and red color scheme, it slides from one end of the floor to the next throughout the day. It is also made of carpeting, which has dense and shedding fibers that tend to trap fallen food debris and dust, to look quite dingy no matter how many times it's vacuumed.

It quickly became clear it was time to invest in an anti-fatigue mat. When shopping for the right Comfort Mat for our home it was important to be well educated in the variety and functions. I could walk into my local Walmart and find a soft memory foam runner to toss in my kitchen, and while it would be cheap, I hardly doubt it would offer relief after hours of standing. Investing in an anti-fatigue mat of quality will cost a little bit of money, but quality brands like Imprint offer extended warranties with their top of the line ranges, such as the Cumulus9. Available in 3 standard rectangular sizes, as well as 3 patterns and multiple modern decor colors, the Cumulus9 Imprint Comfort Mat features some of the top of the line university tested compounds and technology. In addition to a 7 year warranty and anti-curl commitment, the dual layered anti-fatigue mat has been proven to reduce overall fatigue and discomfort by up to 60%. I was recently sent an Island Runner Cumulus9 in Cajun Coffee Croco for a feature here on Momma Told Me.

Our 6" long Cumulus9 Imprint mat arrived in a fairly compact, yet heavy, windowed box. I had an immediate concern regarding potential wrinkling and 'curling' from having been packaged rolled for transport. As I pulled the hefty anti-fatigue mat out of the box I was surprised to find there was no chemical odor. It turns out the Cumulus9 technology is manufactured using what the brand calls 'Eco9 technology,' that is environmentally friendly and non-toxic. Once on the floor, the two ends began to curl under; this was easily remedied with one simple roll the contrary direction. While some immediate visible storage wrinkles were evident on the surface (though hardly discernible amid the faux croco pattern), these worked their own way out over the course of the first 24 hours. I was also quite glad to find no additional stick runner was needed underneath the Cumulus9, which has stayed in place through weeks of constant use. In general, the range of Imprint comfort mats are also very design friendly; Sabrina walked into the kitchen and let out a gasp at first sight, "So fancy! Is that a real crocodile?" Of course it is not, but who can deny the whimsy of a 10 year old?

When I hit the kitchen for a project I'm often on my feet for 4-5 hours at a time, and I usually experience the effects of fatigue after the first 2. The unique Cumulus9 multi-core composition features an immediately soothing soft upper layer, and a more supportive gel-like secondary layer to soothe and support arches and joints over time. Just standing on the mat for a few minutes, odd enough, does not seem to leave much of an imprint, however I can really notice the conforming cradle effect after 15 minutes or more of continued use. The easy to clean antimicrobial surface is also a blessing on it's own, wipe-able with most standard anti-bacterial kitchen cleansers, and a great gripping surface in a kitchen were messy spills can become quickly hazardous. Overall I love standing on my Cumulus9 Imprint Comfort Mat; and am looking to invest in a second one of equal length, to cover the entire kitchen floor. For now, I drag the mat from the sink to the stove, depending on where I will be spending the majority of my time each day. Not only is the Cumulus9 an upgrade for my decor, but a lifesaver for my feet and joints!

What Daughter Says: Don't punish yourself for hard work; invest in an anti-fatigue mat like the Cumulus9.

One Momma Told Me follower will win a Cumulus9 anti-fatigue mat from Imprint!

Bucket List Tuesday: Land Sailing

I'll admit, I was a, well, typical, teenager. Around the time Momma was settling into her new marriage, and freedom, with my stepdad; I was driving cross country at 17 to be near my high school sweetheart. But that is a tale for another post. My point is that I took the expression of my independence, and often indifference, to sarcastic levels only my mother's daughter could master. A short time after my 18th birthday I moved back to Southern California, and rented a small studio near Momma. There was always some crazy project in the works at Momma's house, but I spent most of my time with my nose buried in my own business. As it turns out, this is something I've come to regret. As they say, "When opportunity knocks...." I fear there were many things I begrudgingly participated in, only to reflect back years later, thinking how incredibly fortunate I was to have the opportunity in the first place.

I suppose I should begin by reminding my readers I was raised in Southern California just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, and a few hours drive from snow capped mountains. Something that does not get advertised very often is our proximity to the desert. Just a brisk 2.5 hour drive will take you up through the historic Joshua Tree national forest (to me, it's more like a desert full of creepy cacti), and down into El Mirage Dry Lake. What on Earth is a dry lake, you ask? El Mirage is a dry lake bed in the Mojave desert of San Bernadino county, CA. This stretch of scorched Earth spans an astounding 6 miles and is used, today, as a camping playground for off road vehicles and land based speed machines. I should also note this is the location where the vast majority of timed speed runs (think formula race cars, and sports automobile commercials), and the annual Bonneville Flats speed runs occur. If you Google this spot Wikipedia will also list the myriad of music videos, movies, and cover photoshoots that have been shot here.

In any case, San Bernadino County is where Momma was raised, and it will come as no surprise Land Yachting, defined as an Extreme Sport, is something she partook in as a child herself. Despite the annual dusting of snow each Winter, El Mirage averages 105-112F during it's peak recreation season. But what on Earth is land yachting? It's precisely as it sounds, and deceptively dangerous. By definition, land sailing is defined as the act of moving across land in a 3 wheeled vehicle powered entirely by air. As most things go, throughout the years this hobby developed into a thrill sport as the land yachts became smaller and smaller. One of the most common land yachts today, the Manta TwinJammer is little more than an aluminum frame with a fabric bucket seat and 9' tall sail. Remember how I said I was kicking myself for being such a 'teenager' when I had the chance to ride these? A Manta TwinJammer will set you back a cool $1800; and I spent most of my 3 days at ElMirage kicking my feet about how 'uncool' it was.

Of course, the truth is, landsailing was awesome; quite possibly the single most thrilling experience in my life so far. And that's saying a lot from a girl who passes signs for helicopter rides and hot air balloon trips on her daily commute. It looks kind of dull, right? A Manta TwinJammer is just inches off the hot desert floor, and can reach recorded speeds over 120MPH, with average stock speeds around 70MPH. Now imagine strapping yourself into an aluminum shell, inches off the hard, hot, ground and moving at those speeds with nothing more than your intuition to steer you past the racing ATVs and recreational vehicles. One wrong turn into the wing will send your land yacht careening onto two wheels and near out of control. It's a rush to say the least! And if you think you'd have to find a desert to experience this thrill, there are dozens of types of land sailing units; many will operate on any stable surface with a good wind. Momma used to sail hers in abandoned parking lots and on the beach. Myself? I'll be saving up some retirement money for a Manta of my own some day!