The Criteria for Organic Food

I received my All You magazine and read it last night.  I was interested in one particular article that discusses how to fit organic food into your budget and what allows a seller to state their food is organic. 

Per the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the seller must adhere to "strict" rules to call their food organic and what they are allowed to place on their food label:

• Food must be produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics or growth hormones.
• Food cannot be genetically modified, include animal parts or come into contact with sewage sludge (i.e. our wastes retrieved from wastewater treatments plants<-- yes, they do that as I used to be a state inspector for a state agency) or ionizing radiation.

I've long wondered the ramifications of growth hormones not only to speed up the growth factor of animals but also the milk hormones given to dairy cattle to get them to produce milk quicker and in higher quantities.  It seemed odd to me that after the 90's, there seems to be an abundance of teens that weigh 100 pounds and have a size D chest.  Coincidence?  Maybe but if you ever watch television shows from the 80's and early, there aren't many big chested girls.  Granted the late teen and older women are getting surgically enhanced but I doubt the early teen girls are.  I digressed ...

What do the labels mean?

• USDA Organic - single ingredient foods  (fruit and vegetables, milk, meat, eggs or cheese) certified under USDA rules and multi-ingredients products made with at least 95% organic ingredients.
• 100% Organic - all the ingredients in multi-ingredient foods with this label are organic.
• Organic - products bearing this label contain at least 95% organic ingredients.  The remaining ingredients are not available organically but have been approved by the USDA's National Organic Program.
• Made with Organic Ingredients - these products must contain at least 70% organic ingredients.

To see more specifics on label claim rules, the USDA has a page here.  If you are interested in purchasing organic food and don't know if you have a local farmer's market, you can check here.

Friday Follow: Join Us For Week 5

Friday Follow: A Celebration of Followers - Week #5

I love Friday Follow! Here is our 5th week of Friday Follow. Come join the party. We have had a great turnout so far and are finding some wonderful blogs to share.

Welcome to the Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.

Here's how YOU can join the celebration:

--Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.

--Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.

--Follow as many blogs as you'd like.

--Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.

--Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow.

The Blog Hop is the same at each of our three hosts blogs so you do not have to add your blog at each site. Just one - but you can follow each blog. Follow a few or follow them all.

The list is new each week. The links do not carry over. Please link up each week for new participants to find your blogs. The list is only open to add your blog links on Fridays. It will be visible all week to visit the blogs listed.

Please be patient with following or getting followers. With the tremendous response there are a lot to visit. The Mcklinky will stay here all week so you can visit blogs at your own pace.





Thank you for joining us. Have fun!

Tom Binns Alice in Wonderland Jewerly Collection

Ever heard of Boutique to You?  They carry designer clothes that you see the stars wear (if that matters to you).  I was drawn to check them out as Tom Binns has a new collection coming out with the release of the new Johnny Depp movie, Alice in Wonderland which I cannot wait to see!

I don't know if it's my internet connection or not but the pages take awhile to load.  They actually do have some really good buys pending your tastes.  Back to Alice in Wonderland, all the jewelry is on pre-order basis but they really have some cute pieces.

The Rabbit Clock Pendant Necklace is cute and priced at $66.  Hop to it! The Tom Binns Rabbit Clock Pendant Necklace features a silver-plated rabbit clock face with movable fork and spoon clock hands. 28" Rollo chain with 3" extender.

I like the Queen of Hearts Necklace but it's priced at $176!  The Tom Binns Multi-Layered Queen of Hearts Necklace is a hematite-plated multi-layered necklace fit for a queen. Features multi-sized black resin heart charms.

Multi-Entrants

Since I moderate all the comments to keep the bots out with their spams, I have to same that some of you should win just for effort!

I always marvel at how much work is put in to winning and I really, truly wished I could give out the wins to everyone who enters.  It's the highlight as the winner is selected when I get to send the e-mail stating they won but it's also sad to all the others that didn't win.

I'm enjoying blogging as I'm getting to correspond with some very wonderful, loving, caring and busy people!

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to enter and leave comments!

Guest Blogger: Fashion As You Age

Sandy at Diviine Modestee has provided a guest post blog on dressing appropriately as you age.  I liked this topic as the media (aka Hollywood) keeps bombarding us with these images of women in the 40s and older dressing as if they are still in their late teens or early 20's.  I feel that every person should dress age appropriately regardless of how great your body may look.  There is just something classy and timeless about a 50 year old woman who dresses modest yet elegant versus letting it all hang out. 

Thanks Sandy for the article and advice!



No woman wants to look old and frumpy, no matter what her age. So what’s a woman to do who has counted quite a few years behind her? Sometimes it seems like there are only two choices in fashion styles for this older set: Frumpish and Outdated or Trendy Whippersnapper. Shopping for the 50+ set can be daunting when it seems all the choices are one extreme or the other. But with a few simple tips and suggestions the mature woman can cultivate a style all her own, appropriate for her, yet contemporary, current and yes…even youthful.

• First of all, be confident. A woman with confidence radiates whether she is wearing knee-hi nylons with a housedress or not.
• Know your body type and dress to compliment and camouflage. Show off shoulders and legs…they are the last to show age. Turn collars up or select stand-up collars to hide the neck and bring focus to the face.
• Adapt fashion trends to suit you. One suggestion is to purchase highly trendy fashion items in black, which adds sophistication. 
•  Don’t wear the most extreme versions of a fashion trend. For example, the Gladiator Sandal...

The Gladiator on the left is a perfect example of extreme fashion and should be left to teenagers and Hollywood Elite. The Gladiators on the right however are the perfect version of this trend and can be worn by the young and older alike.

• Don’t get stuck in the style that worked for you when you were 20. Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve said: “There are people whose watch stops at a certain hour and who remain permanently in that age.” Don’t let the same thing happen to your wardrobe! Even though those styles looked great on you back in the day, they will only date you now. Make sure to purchase and wear one “with it” item (or more) each season. Look at magazines and online to see what celebrities your age are wearing.
• Wear color over neutrals. Especially stay away from beige, gray and dark blue. Those colors will tend to make you look drab.
• Comfort IS important but when your wardrobe screams “Comfort!” over “Fab style!” you are doing something wrong. While your days of “Beauty hurts” may be over, select clothing items that are BOTH comfortable and fashionable. It is possible!
• Wear a classic look updated in stylish patterns and colors. A wrap dress is a classic that has been around for a long time, is still fashionable and compliments all figures. Instead of a neutral colored or plain wrap dress go for a fantastic pattern such as this dress from http://www.diviinemodestee.com:

While this model shown is fairly young, this classic Wrap-style dress compliments all figures. It creates a shaped waist, yet draws the eye upward and its fun color and pattern add youthfulness.

While age is something that occurs to all try to not let your wardrobe look old. I personally like Oliver Wendell Holmes’ take on aging: “Old age is fifteen years older than I am”. Strive to make your wardrobe reflect your youthful inner-age and keep from making you look fifteen years older than you are. Master this art and your age will be an enigma not a stigma.

Optimal Eating and Losing Weight

Like so many others, I struggle with weight loss and I suppose if I spent as much time blogging, I would be thin!  I've finally figured out a way that I can balance the laptop on the recumbant bike and workout at a not-so-bad pace.  Today, all in all, I biked over two hours.  I pulled that heavy thing into my office area and watched training presentations for work while I put away over an hour's worth of time and then I did another hour.  On top of that, I completed 20 minutes with my daughter and EA Sports Active.  That is such a fun workout and I'm glad Colleen introduced me to that one.

I'm on a weightloss group from another blog and I have to admit that I have not been posting like I should and I'm not losing weight like I should be.  I'm hoping today will be the turnaround point.

I was reading an article that in Europe, people eat their heavest meal between 10 am and 2 pm.  I think that's all good but moderation still plays in terms of picking the right food.  Starting tomorrow, I'm going back on what I learned from Quick Weight Loss and hopefully will achieve my results.

Kelly's Cake Off for a Cause: How You Can Help

Kelly Ripa and Electrolux has teamed up again with the help of MomSelect to spread the word on yet another great project that Kelly is heading up.  Kelly's Cake Off for a Cause and accomplished master baker and cake decorator Buddy Valastro, from TLC's "Cake Boss," recently joined forces at a fun event to bake lavishly decorated cakes in support of The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). To add to the excitement, five teams of baking enthusiasts were invited to take part in Kelly's Cake Off, where they used what they learned from Kelly and the Cake Boss, to decorate their own cakes.

I just love Buddy and his TLC show.  I became easily hooked when I watched his show for the first time and marveled at his creativity and humor.  Having Kelly and Buddy hook up had to be a riot.

Here is where you come in to help raise fund for ovarian cancer.  By visiting Kelly-Confidential.com, you can cast a vote for your favorite cake from Kelly's Cake Off.


For every vote cast, Electrolux will donate $1 to OCRF as part of its $500,000 commitment to help fight ovarian cancer!  What a perfect way to show your special valentine your love as you can even decorate and send a special virtual cake to a friend, family member or someone you love. For every cake sent, Electrolux will donate another $1 to OCRF.

Get a bonus entry for the induction range giveaway by tweeting your cake

This is the cake I voted for:  

Buddy's top cake decorating tips are available as a treat!

Get involved now here!

Thanks to MomSelect, Kelly Ripa, Electrolux and Buddy (The Cake Boss)!

Bello is Back! – the Big Apple Circus in Atlanta 2/12 - 2/28 Discount Tickets

Get the kids and the hubby and pack up to see Bello in the Big Apple Circus!  Time Magazine calls him, "America's Best Clown" and now, Bello is Back! under the Big Apple Big Top performing breathtaking feats of humor in the theatrical focus of one ring with no seat more than 50 feet away! Bello is joined by a world of stellar circus stars and the Big Apple Circus’ very own clown – Grandma!

Performances of Bello is Back! begin Friday, February 12th and run through Sunday, February 28th, 2010, under the Big Top at Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta, the third stop on the Big Apple Circus's 11–month, 7–city tour.



YouthfulTips readers get to enjoy a 30% off!   To purchase your discounted tickets to the Big Apple Circus:

• Online: http://bigapplecircus.org/atlpop.aspx and submit the code POP10 in the Promotional Codes box.
• By Phone: CALL 888-541-3750 and mention code POP10.
• In Person: Big Top Box Office 10AM–6PM daily. No service fee. Bring a copy of this blog post

*Offer good on select seat locations and performances. Must present this blog post to receive discount at the box office. Performance schedule subject to change. Offer is subject to availability; not valid on prior purchases; cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. This offer can be revoked at any time. Discount amount varies. Limit 8 tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. Telephone and Internet orders are subject to standard service fees.

Tickets for performances at upcoming venues are currently on sale to Big Apple Circus members only. In addition to knowing your membership helps kids in need, benefits include discounted tickets, VIP seats, invitations to exclusive member-only events, and more! For full details, check out: http://bigapplecircus.org/support/membership.aspx.

Check out Big Apple on Facebook or Twitter.

Want to know more about the performers?  Here they are:

Bello is joined by a world of stellar circus stars:

• From Spain, Picaso Jr. returns with his sizzling style and extraordinary juggling act — puffing into the air up to five ping-pong balls simultaneously, and catching them — with his mouth!
• From Russia, the Aniskin Troupe amaze with their bravura, athletic trampoline act — then soar into the Big Top stratosphere with their spectacular flying trapeze act!
• The Big Apple Circus' own lovely and graceful Regina Dobrovitskaya performs a shimmering spectacle on aerial silk ribbons!
• Equestrians Christine Zerbini and Sultan Kumisbayev present an electrifying riding act — standing atop galloping chargers, Roman–style!
• Luciano Anastasini’s Pound Puppies (all rescued from animal shelters) return for a joyously jumping mélange of human and canine acrobatics!
• Of course there’s more and for an extra measure of love and laughter, there’s the Big Apple Circus' very own clown -- Grandma.

* Disclaimer:  American Pop Digital provided the information for this promotional opportunity for my readers. 

Top Ten Tips for Creating a Distraction Free Vacation

I love TwitterMom's contest and can't wait for the next one as they are thought provoking and fun.   Alamo is sponsoring this great contest and you can join in!

It's been year's since we had a family vacation after all, before moving to Georgia, we lived in Hawaii so we had a vacation every day!  We are planning a mini vacation sometime this month or next month before my husband deploys to Kuwait for a year.

Growing up, we didn't have the resources to enjoy a family vacation either so we made the most out of summers.  Here are some ideas and tips to make a memorable vacation:

1. Plan a family fun night where the kids choose the a couple of games to play, if you have a small theater type popcorn, buy the really good popcorn and plan a dinner menu that the kids can choose and help cook.  This is really a fun event for them and it keeps out all other distractions as you turn off the phones and shut down the computers.
2. Plan a fun filled day trip to some place local that takes one tank to get there.  For us, this would be Stone Mountain near Atlanta.  They have the circus coming to town as well as a great feature of making snow!  That would be ideal and again, leave the phones in the car!
3. Plan a family get together at a local park or somewhere that has shelterhouses you can rent.  Make it a pitch in and bring all the outdoor games with rules of no phones, no DS or portable devices. 
4. If you have a pool, pool parties are always fun and no one will want to risk getting the gadgets wet.  Create a theme whether it's tropical or the current movie du jour.  Themes add to the fun of any party.
5. Plan a road trip to a great feature nearby.  In Georgia, Savannah is just a hop, skip and a jump away!  Visit the haunted district, the old plantation homes or just relax and enjoy the many things to do.  Every area has a special place to visit that holds historical interests or other fascinating facts.  For those in the midwest, St. Louis is always nice too!
6. Book a night at a hotel that has a pool and interesting places to visit.  In Indianapolis, there is a hotel that has an inside.  The Caribbean Cover has over 50,000 square foot of tropical areas that the whole family can have fun with.  This would make a great vacation for those with kids who love the water.
7. Find things to do on the off hours such as bring along a scrapbook and start having everyone add what was special about the day's activities or the trip.
8. Make sure everyone has a camera or encourage sharing the camera to allow a unique perspective on every angle of the vacation.  What you see as interesting, the children may see something different.  It would make for an interesting vacation book later.
9. Just remember to make rules to be gadget free for the vacation.  You can make a rule exception as some that work will need to touch base with the office so allow some flexibility so you aren't requiring others to sneak and feel bad.
10. Finally, turn off the phones!  Only use as necessary!  No Tweeting, no e-mails, no nothing but family time.  As in number 9, make exceptions pending the urgency.

Just have fun, enjoy the children as you get such a short time to enjoy them!

Thanks for the contest Alamo and TwitterMoms!



Travel Tips for Moms & Families Reserve Now | Quicksilver | Online Check-in | Pre-pay & Save | Self-Service Kiosk

Colts Lost but I Won Dockers!

If you watched the Super Bowl, it was an odd experience with the commercials as I've never seen so many commercials with men in their underwear!  Usually, they exploit a ton of women and make us endure seeing size 0 models with size D chests bulging out. Even GoDaddy toned it down a tad.  I have to say there is no point to their commercials and I would never use GoDaddy just because of their commercials.

Anyway, isn't it interesting that commercials depicting men are typically of non-stud types while ads with women are hot?  It's just something I observed and haven't been able to figure out as if there are more women in the world, where are all the ads with the Gerard Butler, Tom Brady and George Clooney types?

Anyway, I digressed a bit and just wanted to note that Dockers had the man without pants ad that followed I think it was Career Builder's ad with people, mostly men, wearing no pants.  If you were one of the first to enter, you received an e-mail today notifying you to pick your size in Dockers.

We won!  My husband will get a nice new pair of Dockers to take with him to Kuwait!  Perfect color for the desert too and they match those cute desert combat boots...he'll be a fashionista in the desert ...grrrrrrr

Thanks, Dockers!

p.s. I have nothing to say about the Colts losing other than I still love Peyton!

NovaLash Eyelash Extensions

I've tried, really tried to use those false eyelashes because I have sparce eyelashes.  I'm so jealous when I look at my two year old who has long, thick vibrant lashes and I have boring one's.  I can't use those and I think it's probably one of those things like contact lenses that the more you use, the easier it gets.  I think they look amazing when they are put on correctly and not overdown.  I was really surprised to find out through Joni Rae and Associates that a company, NovaLash, has eyelash extensions that you can get professionally applied.

NovaLash's motto is even cute, "They're you only better."  The really nice thing about NovaLash's lashes are you wake up and they are there!  You can have mile-high, thick, show stopping eyelashes anytime, anyday.  If you ever tried to just apply mascara to your eyes, you will notice the immediate effect it has.  Unfortunately, no matter how much I put on, it never lasts. 

NovaLash are applied to your natural lashes.  The eyelash extensions work with the Platinum Bond Lash Adhesive which is a rubber-toughened formula and is produced in an FDA inspected facility, and doctor-developed. Held to the highest standards in the industry these lashes look awesome.

NovaLash was created as an alternative to other lash brands, which may use untested, industrial glue imported from China and Korea which is the same glue used in auto manufacturing! I'm rather leary of products made in China so putting something on my eye scares me if I don't know it's been through an FDA inspected facility.

For safety and hygiene purposes, only a professional, certified lash extension expert should apply eyelash extensions. NovaLash lash artists are trained in comprehensive classes created by the very physicians and bio-chemists who developed the product. With a list of professionals in every state and 35 countries, NovaLash is available to help you find one in your area by clicking here.  There are many in Georgia (which is where I currently live).

Look at the before and after pictures to see for yourself:

I think they look very natural and the before shot of the woman's eye looks just like my lashes.  I would love to have this boost every day when I wake up! 

Once NovaLash extensions are applied, it is important to take care of them. NovaLash suggests using their pomegranate oil-infused cleansing pads which gently condition lashes as they remove makeup.  They also recommend avoiding waterproof mascara which can break the bonds of lash glue, although, your lashes will be so lush that you won't want to wear it anyway! Lash extensions can last as long as two months when properly looked after in this manner.

Award-winning, long-lasting physician-formulated adhesives have earned NovaLash its reputation as "the healthiest” professional lash extension system. Comprised of a wide-ranging palette of colors and textures that can be combined for looks that run the gamut from subtle and natural to trendy and glamorous; each application is a work of art with an intricate finish. As the industry leader, NovaLash offers superior education and training to its most talented and dedicated lash artists, and superior products and service to its clients. NovaLash works diligently to embody and exemplify the best that technology, science, creative artistry and customer satisfaction can achieve.

As in the case of Botox, you want to ensure the person applying something to your eye is certified and properly trained.  In the case of NovaLash, you are getting that.

Has anyone had a chance to try NovaLash yet?  If so, please comment as I would love to know your results!


*Disclaimer:  I did not receive any compensation for this post.  Given the content of my blog, the topic of eyelash extensions was of interest to me.

LuShae Jewelry New Giveaway Driven By YOU 4/31/10

LuShae Jewelry is having a competitions and has offered my readers a chance to win.  I'm going to do this a little different as the rules will be contingent on the number of readers who enter.

To enter, click here for LuShae Jewelry and the only prerequisite is you have to have a blog to place the button on your blog.

If I get 30 people to enter, I get $100 which I will split with one lucky reader.  $50 isn't bad for adding a blog code to your site and three bits of information (name, e-mail and blog/website).

Every month, LuShae randomly picks someone from the list of entrants to win $200!  You have to keep the button on your blog to win.  There is even a random yearly draw that will occur in October.

In summary, by entering, you have the chance to win $50 IF I get at least 30 entries, a chance to win $200 in LuShae's monthly giveaway and a chance at their annual giveaway!

If you haven't checked out LuShae Jewelry, you should as they have a great selection of beautiful jewlery and features such as the history of jewelry, gemstone guides, metals guides and so much more.

To Enter:

Click here for LuShae Jewelry and the only prerequisite is you have to have a blog to place the button on your blog.

Leave a comment that you entered and a link to your blog where you posted the button.

Giveaway ends 4/31/10.

If goal is reached of at least 30, random.org will be chosen to select the $50 winner.

Thanks for entering!

Beauty Product Obsessed?

My latest Yahoo Shine's Beauty Guru assignment was to blog about being obsessed with beauty products.  It didn't take me long to know the outcome of this one.  I'm not taking aging gracefully as I'm fighting it to a large degree.  I've tried Botox but quite frankly, it scares me.  Working in the pharmaceutical world, I know the importance of long term testing and I still don't think there has been any or enough clinical testing on long term effects of Botox.  All I know is when I completed two rounds of it, my eyelids dropped as it wore off and my wrinkles looked horrible.  Some of it subsided with time but I can't help to wonder about it.  I will also tell you that I LOVED the results from Botox while it was active. 

You name the over the counter product and I've mostly likely tried it.

To see my post on Shine, click here and share if you have any obsessions!

Huggies Diaper and Wipes Review

I've diapered a lot of babies and although maybe I should have chosen cloth diapers, I was never one up for having to wash them.  I've been through many brands of diapers but by far, my favorite diaper brand is Huggies.  I've tried Luvs, Pampers and store brands but overall, Huggies is my tried and true brand.

I've used Huggies from preemie stage all the way up to 'yes, she's old enough to be potty trained' age.  Huggies not only offers the best products for babies but their site is filled with great articles on parenting.

Happy, Healthy Pregnancy has information, a sharing space, fun tools, special offers and all about their products.

You can join the Huggies Baby Network to get weekly tips tailored to you and your baby, activity books, coupons, offers, samples, ideas and much more.

Diapers:

Little Snugglers include sizes from preemies, newborn, size 1 and 2.  These were great for my littlest one since she weighed in at 5 pounds.  The extra little u section area to protect the cord is nice.  They even offer a wetness indicator that changes color when wet and a little extra pocket of protection against messes in the back along the waistband.

The Huggies Little Movers in sizes 3-6 are perfect for those on the go tots who don't know how to sit down.  The Huggies are ruged and withstand all the crawling, walking, jumping and normal wear and tear by active kids.  The specially shaped areas around the legs provides comfort and lessens the rubbing and irritation factor.  They definitely work overnight too.

Huggies even offers Pure and Natural diapers that are made of organic materials and has a touch of aloe and Vitamin E.  I have not tried these or the overnight diapers.

I have tried the pull ups and swimmers and like both of them.  I'm even taking part in the House Party Huggies Potty Party and will be offering another post on that.

My other favorite Huggies product are the wipes.  There are so many varieties to choose from which shows Huggies really listens to families and understands our needs.  Whether you buy the refills or the refillable tubs, they give you the variety to add cuteness to your routine with designer tubs.

My favorites are the Soft Skin type with shea butter.  I have not tried any of the others but I will have to look into the Calming Touch as the fragrance sounds interesting.  I like the thickness of the wipes and how they hold up against the messiest of messes.  They don't irritate the skin and have a pleasant fragrance. 

I recommend both Huggies diapers and wipes due to the quality, proven effectiveness in delivering what they promise, choice of packages (quantity) and the cost.  Both products are durable and surpass competitors.

*Disclaimer:  I received no compensation for this post.

Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Cradle n' Swing Review

The Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Cradle n' Swing is another swing that I had the opportunity to try out first hand.  I liked this swing as when it first was introduced, it was new and innovative with the features of the water globe offering lights that glowed.

Features include:

• This swing offers two modes of pattern:  Side to side or cradle motion and back and forth or head to toe.  This was an important feature to me as the swing that I used for my middle child was critical to my sanity.  My middle child had really bad colic and it was hard to soothe her.  This option to choose from different cradle motions was a life saver as it offered up variety which she needed.
• Six swing modes was also important as sometimes she needed more motion to soothe her versus a slower motion when she was asleep.
• The eight soothing songs was a nice feature as she didn't have to listen to the same one or two melodies.
• The moving mobile and the globe offered her distractions as well as stimulation during the periods she wasn't crying!
• There was a detachable tray with beads that was nice as she grew.  She enjoyed playing with the beads and placing toys on the tray once she grew a little older.
• The seat had two positions which provided comfort as she also had gastric reflux.  Having a seat pad that could be washed was a blessing as again, she had gastric reflux.
• This swing comes with two options of power:  batteries or AC adapter which is always nice if you have to go on a trip and use battery power or electric outlets.  It was also fairly portable.

I would recommend this swing given the flexibility of features and it was durable.  The only con is it takes up space but at the comfort of your baby, it's worth it.  It survived a cross the Atlantic voyage from Hawaii to Georgia with no problems.