Alvin and Co. Professional Drafting Table

 
A few weeks ago I was given the opportunity to do a product review from CSN superstore.  This offer could not have come at a better time, as I’m transitioning to working from home.  My job requires a full day of computer time, and sitting passively in front of the computer all day somehow makes me simultaneously lethargic and distractible.  With the transition to home, I was hoping to switch to a standing desk. I wasn’t sure if I could make the switch successfully (I have enough ergonomics experience to know this transition would have to be handled correctly, or I’d abandon my shiny new desk to sit on the couch all day), so I wanted an economical solution that I could try on for size.

 

My favorite part of the CSN shopping experience was the search capabilities.  I really had no idea where to start, but was able to quickly narrow the field by selecting variables like Desk Height (the slider controlling price point was particularly helpful.  Yes, there is  a $5,000 desk available.  No, I don’t need to know about it).

 

In the end, it was the diagram below that really let me hone in on the desk I wanted to try.  I needed to make sure that a drafting desk would be able to give me a flat surface at a height high enough to meet my needs.  The specifications provided for the Alvin and Co. Professional Drafting Table looked perfect, and at $144.00 (plus $13.93 shipping), the price was right.

Shipping was quick and painless, though assembly required a bit more effort than expected (it would have been nice for the description to include a list of required tools). Nothing outlandish was necessary, just a hammer and a screw driver, but I had a disproportionate feeling of handiness once all was said and done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the final product below shows, there is still some work to be done (a replacement for my book-tacular laptop lift, for one).  After two productive days working from home, I am loving the new, less lethargic work-style.  Now back to CSN to find a nice book shelf to rest my laptop on…

Description

The portable, versatile and durable Professional drafting table is ideal for children and adults, beginning artists and professionals. High quality backed by a lifetime guarantee ensures long-term use. Board angle adjusts from 0° to 45° with an adjustable height of 29 " to 45 " in the horizontal position. Base is 1 " heavy-gauge square steel tubing. Table folds quickly and easily into 4 " width.

Features:

Product Details

• Warp-free white Melamine® drawing board
• Angle adjustment from 0° to 45°
• Height adjusts from 29 " to 45 " in the horizontal position
• Folds quickly and easily to 4" width for portability
• Base is 1 " heavy-gauge square steel tubing
• Non-skid self-leveling feet
• Base in white or black powder coat finish
• Weight: 64 lbs
• Table top dimensions: 48 " (W) x 36" (D)

The awesome publicists at CSN have come a knocking with another opportunity to review and given all the buzz in the blogosphere, I’m excited to give them a try.  While I’m a veteran on-line book shopper, my experience is limited to purchases of the paper or eInk variety. As CSN can’t ship me an ARC of MAGIC SLAYS (*hint hint*, publishing gods), I’m hoping you guys can help me pick out a  good second choice.  My husband is leaning towards the flat panel TV stands, but then he’s going to want a TV to go on it, and you know how that goes.  If you give a mouse a cookie (or a man an entertainment center)…

 

Left to my own devices, I’ve been looking at all the bookshelves, office chairs, bookshelves, desks... ok, I really want more bookshelves.  However, that’s probably not the most practical choice.  In the next few months I am going to be begin working from home full-time.  I feel like the responsible thing to invest in, both for my day job and for blogging, would be an ergonomic  upgrade for my computer set up (currently an old kitchen table and chair).  Are there any experienced home office warriors out there who can point me towards their “must have” item?  I’ve been reading about standing desks and am very interested in creating a similar set up, does anyone out there in bloglandia using one of these?

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If you could pick anything from CSN’s 200+ stores to boost your blogging/reading mojo, what would it be?  Thanks in advance for all of your input, and please stay tuned for my review later this month!

Tis the season for shopping!  Have you finished your Christmas Shopping?  Have you even started yet?  I somewhere in the middle.  But I know that I’ll be doing plenty of shopping at CSN this year.   

As I promised last month, the next time CSN invited me to do a review or giveaway, I’d be hosting a giveaway.   How does a gift certificate for $125 dollars sound?  Think how many sling backpacks you could buy!

Why wade through the crowds this winter when you could cozy up with a mug of hot cocoa and simply shop from your sofa? ‘Tis the Stress-Free Season at CSN Stores, where we have something for everyone: cookware for the foodie, power tools for the DIYer, toys for the kids, and more! With over 2 million products and FREE shipping on most items, holiday shopping is a breeze.
Not sure what to buy? Browse our Top 100 Under $100, Finds for All Kinds, and Celebrity Selections gift lists below. And for truly fool proof presents, have your friends and family create an online wish list or get them a gift card to any of our 200+ sites.
We look forward to helping you shop easy this season, and wish you a Happy Holiday from all of us at CSN Stores.

Giveaway

Giveaway courtesy of CSN

$125 gift certificate

Giveaway Guidelines

1. Open to US & CA
2. Fill out the form
3. Entries must be received by Midnight MST on December 10th.

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Interested in offering a giveaway on All Things Urban Fantasy? CONTACT ME

KODAK EasyShare Z915 IS Zoom Digital Camera, 10MP, 10x Optical Zoom – KOD8112708

 
A few weeks ago I promised another product review from the monster sized CSN superstore.  After literally spending hours on the site, I settled on digital cameras (since my current Powershot is ancient), specifically the Kodak EasyShare Z915 ($199 + FREE Shipping w/ all the extras).  

My verdict? It’s pretty swanky.  I’m not a great photographer and I lack the patience to learn  all the bells and whistles that come with most cameras today (for those are techies, the Z915 does have tons of settings and features).  I just want to point and shoot, control the flash, and capture the occasional video.    I snapped a couple nature shots from my yard.  The colors came out bright and vibrant:

  

And here are some inside pictures of one of my bookcases (I have 8).  This first one is my UF/PNR TBR shelf:

And then my Paranormal YA titles both read and TBR:

I didn’t have to change any of the settings for either the outside or inside features, which for me is perfect.

The video capabilities were a little disappointing at night, but if you’re capturing video on a digital camera instead of a video camera it’s not bad.  I’m having problems uploading the video I took (my fault not the camera), it’s a little grainy, but passable.  I don’t recommend it for night time though.

Overall, if you need a new camera, I’m really enjoying this one for its easy of use and 10MP, 10x optical zoom.  The EasyShare software was easy to use too, although I prefer Picasa 3. This price isn’t bad and the free shipping is wonderful. 

Description

Produce crisp, clear images from any distance with this powerful 10 MP zoom digital camera. Capture far distances with ease with a 10x optical zoom lens and image stabilization for fast action shooting. Multimedia slide show creates personal presentations of photos and video streams. Advanced video features include multiple scene and color modes for low light environments, robust memory capabilities and more. Prioritize your favorite scenes and enhance creativity with text and sound tags. Automatic face detection reduces blur for clearer prints. Features red eye reduction. View multiple shots and decide which ones to keep on the high resolution 2.5 inch LCD screen. Film/Camera Type: Digital; Image Sensor (megapixel): 10.0; Focus/Zoom: 10x Optical Zoom; Exposures: N/A.

View product demo HERE

Product Details

• Post-Consumer Recycled Content Percent [Nom]: 0 %
• Height [Nom]: 2.90 in
• Film/Camera Type: Digital
• Depth [Nom]: 1.40 in
• Width [Nom]: 4.20 in
• Memory/Disk Drives: 32 MB Internal Memory, Accepts SD/SDHC Memory Cards
• Image Sensor (megapixel) [Nom]: 10.0
• Weight [Nom]: 7.80 oz
• Pre-Consumer Recycled Content Percent [Nom]: 0 %
• Monitor Specifications: 2.5" LCD Display
• Flash: Yes
• Connector/Port/Interface: USB
• Total Recycled Content Percent [Nom]: 0 %
• Global Product Type: Cameras-Digital
• Black & White/Color: Color
• Color(s): Black
• Focus/Zoom: 10x Optical Zoom

Package Includes

Includes KODAK EasyShare Z915 digital camera, KODAK alkaline AA batteries, USB Cable, Wrist Strap and User's Guide with KODAK EASYSHARE Software.
Warranty: Manufacturer's limited one-year warranty.

…Review.  Yep, it’s my turn to review something for CSN this time  (next time it will be another giveaway).  I’m eyeing some nightstands to keep my current reads on.

What would you get? What do you want to see reviewed?