Daily Archives: December 28, 2014

Why Birchbox Is One of my Favorite Things

Posted on 28 December, 2014 in Beauty & Fashion, Favorite Things

beauty-boxWhen I like something, I tend to keep buying it, over and over and over. Because I am so busy with work, being a mom, learning to fly, and rescuing dogs, automation is the only way to organize my life. Every possible bill goes on autopay, and I even prepay for a year of cell phone service so I don’t have a bill to pay every month. Amazon prime delivers my favorite Stonewall Kitchen Pancake Mix every month (seriously, it’s better than scratch). And Ava and I are addicted to our favorite Amy’s Kitchen Pesto Tortellini, which is always in our freezer. If we like something, we are loyal.

Another thing I’ve come to be addicted to is Birchbox. I got on the Birchbox train earlier than most people, in fall of 2011, and have been a loyal subscriber every month. It is one monthly indulgence I don’t give up. When I move, I update my Birchbox subscription before I change my postal mail address. If you haven’t heard of Birchbox, it is a subscription beauty box. Think of it as a little bit of happiness every month, delivered straight to your door. Every month is a little different, and I’ve gotten everything from Stila lip gloss and Essie nail polish to Smashbox mascara and Toni & Guy hair spray. Sometimes you get a yummy treat or even a “lifestyle” sample like a note card or coaster. Everything is high quality and fun. I love opening up my box each month when it arrives.

Monthly subscription boxes are very popular these days, and some pretty unusual ones have popped up. For a taste of options, check out the dive bar tee shirt club (exactly what you think). Fairtreasure.com (think fair trade jewelry, décor and accessories) or BarkBox (for dog toys and treats every month).

Skin&Co Body Gel One of the reasons I am so loyal to Birchbox is Birchbox is so loyal to me. Customers earn points for every dollar they spend, not just on their subscription but also on products they purchase. My one experience with a damaged product was handled quickly and professionally – I ordered some Skin&Co Detoxifying Body Gel with Organic Rosemary & Verbena Extract that leaked through the box. I sent them a message and they replaced the product immediately and credited additional points to my account. I love to give Birchbox subscriptions as a gift because it is unique and fun – who doesn’t love goodies in their mailbox? And when I gift Birchbox, I get rewarded with points I can spend in their online store.

Birchbox also rewards you if you refer friends. For every friend that joins Birchbox, they give you 50 Birchbox points after they purchase their subscription. Ready to check it out? Here’s your official invitation.

FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Study Session #1

Posted on 28 December, 2014 in Private Pilot Exam

I am already thinking ahead to the FAA airmen knowledge test, which is the “written portion” of the private pilot exam. I know there are going to be 60 multiple choice questions and I will have to have to get a score of 70% to pass. From everything I’ve read, this multiple choice portion of the test isn’t that hard, and the subject matter itself is the equivalent to junior high coursework. But just because I’ve learned something once, doesn’t mean I’ll always remember it. And only knowing 70% of the information I should know doesn’t feel like a good plan. So, along with my ground school Cessna flight training, I’m going to start reviewing and planning for the knowledge test. The FAA publishes a sample exam, so I will be including information from that as well as the Private Oral Exam Guide by Michael D. Hayes.

Sample Questions and Analysis

The term `angle of attack` is defined as the angle between the

A) chord line of the wing and the relative wind.
B) airplane`s longitudinal axis and that of the air striking the airfoil.
C) airplane`s center line and the relative wind.

The correct answer is A. The angle of attack is the difference between the wing’s chord line and the flight path – not the ground. Relative wind, which is defined as the direction of the airflow over a wing in flight, parallels the flight path.

When activated, an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) transmits on

A) 118.0 and 118.8 MHz.
B) 121.5 and 243.0 MHz.
C) 123.0 and 119.0 MHz

The correct answer is B. The newer ELTs also transmits a 406 MHz encoded digital message to the Cospas/Sarsat satellite system, which allows for rapid identification and reduces Search and Rescue response time. Mandatory ELT laws were instituted in January 1968.

Unless otherwise authorized, if flying a transponder equipped aircraft, a recreational pilot should squawk which VFR code?

A) 1200.
B) 7600.
C) 7700.

The correct answer is A. You can find more information about transponder requirements and ATC Transponder phraseology on the AOPA website.

When making routine transponder code changes, pilots should avoid inadvertent selection of

which code?

A) 7200.
B) 4000.
C) 7500.

The corrector is C. This is the Hijack code, and a way for the pilot or flight crew to silently alert air traffic control that it is under duress. If you input this in the transponder, the air traffic controller will has you to confirm you input the code.

Deviation error of the magnetic compass is caused by

A) northerly turning error.
B) certain metals and electrical systems within the aircraft.
C) the difference in location of true north and magnetic north.

The correct answer is B. Magnetic deviation should not be confused with Magnetic Variation, which is the difference between the Compass North and True North. Learn more about the mag compass at pilotfriend.com.

That’s all for tonight… more to come soon.

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