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February 26, 2008

Rustic bedding

Bear Mountain Blankets and Throws

Our rustic bedding collections feature ensembles made from the finest fabrics available. They are a perfect compliment to any rustic decor - whether it's your cabin, log home or lodge.  Our collection includes Bear Boogie by Denali, Pearl Bear, Wooded River, Bear Mountain and Cabin Bear. Each collection features blankets and throws with matching bed skirts, shams and pillows.

Denali Throws and accessories are softer and warmer than fleece, these unique throws are made from an innovative fabric twenty years in the making. Called Microplush®, this hi-tech pile fabric is knitted with a very fine denier acrylic fiber making it light, soft and comfortable to touch. Machine washable, Microplush® is naturally water resistant, colorfast and stain, odor and mildew resistant. Denali Microplush® throws are said to "feel like a hug".

Denali's fine acrylic MicroPlush bedding is machine washable and made in the USA. Denali uses a 60" center of patterned fabric with coordinating solid color drops on each side. Our bedspreads are then backed in a coordinating solid fabric.

Cabin Bear The finest weavers in Italy weave these soft, easy care fabrics for the Cabin Bear Collection. Every order is expertly crafted in Nampa, Idaho. Our Cabin Bear bedspread and shams are machine wash, tumble dry. The fibre content is 45% acrylic, 30% polyester, 20% wool and 5% other. All fibres are obtained from 100% recylced materials.

So pour yourself a hot chocolate, grab a throw and snuggle up to the fire.

Posted by BearatHome at 10:30 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 25, 2008

“Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself”

I was recently reminded of the old The Franklin D. Roosevelt adage while watching an episode of “Wonderfalls.”  At one point the main character, Jaye is questioning her once heavy neighbor, “Fat Pat.”

“I’m Fat Pat.  That’s who’ll I will always be.  I tried to turn off my “fatdar”, but I can’t.  Every time I go outside, I wonder, does that restaurant have a booth big enough?  Does the theater have retractable armrests?  What time does the market close ‘cause if I go when its busy, somebody might look in my cart.  And turnstiles?  Why would you do that to a person?”

Wonderfalls is a cute sitcom, but Pat’s pain rang true.  I personally remember going to the beach in a sweatshirt.  Not because I was chilly in the 90 degree heat, but because just a t-shirt would reveal my stomach.  How many things did I pass on, because of my own insecurities about my size? 

People can say really mean, hurtful things, but they don’t hold a candle to how harshly we often judge ourselves!  These negative self-scripts that you have either given yourself or that were given to you prevent you from living a productive, healthy, and growth-enhancing life. 

There are no easy answers to changing year’s worth of self-doubt.  It’s about taking the first steps.  DO SOMETHING!  Forcing ourselves to do something – anything – can change our focus so that we forget to be afraid.

What has fear prevented you from doing?  Fear makes us afraid to meet new people, so we are lonely.  It makes us afraid to explore the world, so we are disconnected.  So get out there, it’s a great big, wonderful world waiting for you.  Isn’t time you started living fully?

Posted by BearatHome at 06:36 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 20, 2008

Time is money, honey . . .

The other day, I was working late on a project and my dog came in and dropped his ball in my lap. "Not now, buddy - I'm working,” I said pushing him away. A few moments later he tried again. This time I looked up and saw a wagging tail begging for my attention. Hey, I am not made of stone.

For years, my work schedule prevented me from having a dog. Now that I do, I'm telling him to wait. Wait till when? There will always be projects, customers, demands, etc. Life doesn't wait. Cherish your time and the time of others – it is not renewable.

We've all heard the Pearl Bailey adage, "time is money, honey." How are you spending it? Remember you have life outside the office - I’m not suggesting you ignore obligations – however, sometime we all need to just go play outside.

Liza and I have been known to slip out on a sunny day to take the dogs to the beach. Could we have used this time to solicit new customers? Develop a new campaign? File that mound of paperwork? Absolutely! But when we look back on this venture, I want to remember the dogs, the customers and our friends – not the filing.

At Bear at Home - we believe in living life fully. We believe it's important to occassionally take time to care about you. That means finding balance. That means exploring a hobby. That means calling in sick on a sunny day and just playing hooky. . .

We promise we won't tell anyone . . .

Posted by BearatHome at 02:54 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 15, 2008

The morning after . . .

Many of us consider the success of Valentine's Day to be dependent upon having a significant other. And while that is the obvious intent of the greeting card companies - maybe we need to start a little closer to home. Maybe, we need to check in with our feelings about numero uno.

You are unique and beautiful. There is but one you. It's easy to find flaws when we look at ourselves - I could be thinner; I could be more successful, etc. That continuous loop that runs in our heads reminding us of all of our insecurities. It is time to change the tape (it's probably an eight track anyway!).

The new iPod version is about what an amazing creature you are. Change the dialogue - what about all the amazing things you accomplish every day? Maybe, it is raising a daughter who doesn't judge her worth by the scale. Maybe, it is raising a son who respects women. Maybe, it is accepting yourself and finding beauty in the simple things that encompass your world – like the first buds of spring.

To be loved is the most amazing thing in the world - to love oneself . . . well, that's priceless. So with Valentine's Day a memory, start a new tradition - send yourself a card. In the card write 3 things that you appreciate about you. Thank you for being you.

And more importantly, remember you are loved.

Posted by BearatHome at 03:30 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 14, 2008

Remember your Heart . . .

This Valentine's Day take care of your heart ...

Did you know . . . More women than men have died of heart disease every year in the U.S. since 1984. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women. One woman dies every minute of heart disease, nearly half a million women each year. To call attention to this critical health issue, the American Heart Association has launched Go Red For Women movement.

Whether it's visiting your healthcare provider, eating a healthier diet, or increasing your exercise - you can do something special to love your heart. Check the Choose to Move program.

Choose To Move is free 12-week physical activity program for women. The program shows women how to Choose To Move... by being physically active, eating healthfully, loving their body, selecting nutritious foods and taking time for themselves.

Happy Valentine's Day

Posted by BearatHome at 03:32 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 13, 2008

Bitter Ball

Ugh, with Valentine’s Day looming and all your coupled friends planning sweet nothings, are you feeling a little bitter? C’mon – admit it – just a tad?

Good, now relish it. I’m not suggesting wallow in it, but once a year (how about the Day before V-Day?) just let it all out. Think of all the things you can do that your “coupled” friends can’t. Eat cereal on the couch while watching Golden Girls? Let a variety of gases escape your body without apology. Stay up late watching bad Lifetime movies, again.

And, let’s not forget those potential mates. . . OMG – does she ever shut up? Doesn’t he know Aramis died in the 80’s? Don’t forget - 500 feet – it’s in the restraining order! Does he really still live with his mother? And my all time favorite – Dialing Drunk. You know when your ex gets the urge to call you after a pitcher of Margarita’s to express his/her undying love.

So gather a few friends tonight, go out heave a little fun, dish the dirt on all your “married” friends and just cut loose.

Now, don’t you feel better you got that out of your system?

Posted by BearatHome at 03:26 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 12, 2008

Missing the Garden?

Bear Paw Stepping StonesI grew up in the North East.  By mid-February, memories of the first snow fall have faded and all we were left with was brown slush.  This is the time of year; we’d begin yearning for spring the urge to return to the garden.  Crocuses and tulips bravely pushing their heads out of the frost hint at things to come.

Need a little green right about now?  How about a repotting party?  A little get together with your fellow garden enthusiasts.    The party is a chance to learn about and receive new plants with some personal history.

This is also a great opportunity to encourage your little gardeners.  They can leave with their very own plant and their first taste of the earth.  Some easy to grow plants include Spider Plants, Devil's Ivy or Pothos and most succulents like Aloe.

Some signs that your plants needs to be repotted are wilting between watering, lower leaves are yellow, roots appear at the soils surface or grow thru the drainage holes.  Early spring, just as new growth begins, is an ideal time to repot, but a plant that needs repotting should be done anytime of the year, except when actively flowering. 

Many plants in our garden started out as either cuttings or samples from a family member of friend.  There are Mom’s roses along the back fence; a jasmine from a college roommate climbs the arbor and plum tree shades the deck is left over from the previous owner.  Each invokes the memory of the giver.

Posted by BearatHome at 01:06 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 10, 2008

Bear Stonecast Planter


This planter is manufactured using a technique called Dry-Casting. This method has been around for centuries and has proven itself to be a durable, attractive and high quality alternative to other materials (such as terra-cotta, plastic, clay, fiberglass or concrete). The nature of our stone has a number of advantages, it has the appearance of carved stone at a fraction of the cost, and it ages much like natural stone, developing a rich patina quite rapidly.
 

Posted by BearatHome at 03:39 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 07, 2008

Happy New Year

Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on February 7th and ends on the full moon 15 days later. This is a very superstitious time of the year. Many believe that whatever you do on the first day of the year will dictate the year's fortune.

In other traditions, by this time in the year, most resolutions - made on December 31 - have been subtly forgotten. However, all hope is not lost, as there's a second chance to start afresh with the celebration of Chinese New Year.

So, you have been granted a second chance. While most of your family and friends have long since forgotten their healthy goals, you have a fresh start. How will you use it? Is this the year you start a new walking program? How about an apple a day?, or orange?, or something green on your plate?

Scientific studies have shown that routinely including fruits and vegetables - which are rich in fiber, antioxifdants, vitamins and minerlas - along with exercise can promote better health and reduce cancer risks.

Although celebrations of the Chinese New Year vary, the underlying message is one of peace and happiness for family members and friends.

Bear at Home wishes you much peace and happiness in the new year. . .

Posted by BearatHome at 02:52 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 05, 2008

Fat Tuesday

Fat Tuesday is Mardi Gras, the festival New Orleans, Louisiana, is famous for. "Gras" is French for fat and "Mardi" is French for Tuesday.

Fat Tuesday always occurs on the day before Ash Wednesday. The parties and parades will continue until Lent begins at the stroke of midnight on Tuesday.

Mardi Gras is also known as Shrove Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the ritual of shriving that Christians used to undergo in the past. In shriving, a person confesses their sins and receives absolution for them.

Fat Tuesday is something of a "last call" before the expected reflection and abstinence of the Christian Lenten season. Lent is the forty day period leading up to Easter.

Fat Tuesday is about celebrating life. It is all about Living Life Fully . . .


Now, where can I get some beads?

Posted by BearatHome at 03:28 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 04, 2008

Tip of the Month - Make Copies of Important Documents

Make a photocopy of the front and back of everything you carry in your wallet.  That way if you lose it, it will be easier to contact everyone for replacements.

Since you will be copying potentially sensitive personal information - SS#, credit card, etc. – ensure that you store your copy in a safe, secure place.

When you travel internationally, carry a copy of your passport in a different piece of luggage than the original.  If you have the original in your carry on, put the copy in the checked luggage.  If one of them gets lost, the other is likely to make it to your destination.

Posted by BearatHome at 06:39 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

February 01, 2008

Dining at Great American Lodges


Dining at Great American Lodges includes full-flavored recipes from lodge chefs, luscious food photography, and photos of each lodge. Home cooks will enjoy making Roast Duck Breast from Lake Placid Lodge, Roasted Beet Salad from Sundance, and Marionberry Crisp from Timberline Lodge. Quotes about the beauty of nature by Thoreau, John Muir, and Teddy Roosevelt will inspire hearts and imaginations.

On the companion music CD, instrumentalists of the Big Sky Ensemble blend bluegrass, country, western swing, slack key, and jazz. Inspired by traditional American songs, their music is a cross-country journey to enjoy while cooking, dining, and relaxing at home.
 
Order today

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