New Year, New Resolutions!

If you’re anything like I am, you have mixed feelings about New Year’s resolutions.

It seems like a natural time to make important changes. It’s like a universal pressing of the “reset” button. Maybe that’s why so many Americans make New Year’s resolutions in the first place. But here’s the thing, how many people are successful in achieving them? I’m definitely not one of them!

I suspect it has something to do with the nature of the resolutions themselves. My guess is the majority of people want to lose weight, fall in love, or win the lottery. Which is great! Let’s do it! Being happy and healthy is super important. But we shoot for the stars and we end up making it to the tree tops because we overwhelm ourselves with these HUGE goals. So, here are our tips on how to achieve your resolutions this year.

A)  Start small. If you want to lose weight, signing up to run a marathon isn’t the best place to start. Try taking those dreaded stairs once or twice per week instead of riding the elevator. Or maybe you can shovel the driveway instead of digging that snowblower out of the corner of your garage the next time we get a snow storm. Are you sitting on the couch watching an episode of the Bachelor? Instead of forwarding through the commercials, do sit ups or leg raises during them, it’s an easy way to time yourself.

My point is, heading to the gym and thinking you have to spend hours there every day isn’t the only way to lose that weight, nor may it be the right way for you. There are tons of options to get yourself in the mindset of leading a healthy lifestyle, and it starts small. One pound at a time. Diving in head first doesn’t work for everyone and it could cause you to be overwhelmed and burnt out, therefore your interest is lost. Just remember to have fun with it!

B)  Be honest with yourself. If you’ve never held a tennis racket, planning to win Wimbledon later this year might be a stretch. The same goes for your goals, and it’s okay if you don’t know all the answers right away. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and going into a new resolution with hopes too high will almost certainly result in letdown. Want to fall in love? Start by putting yourself out there and setting up an online dating profile. Reaching that first goal will provide a sense of accomplishment and keep your motivation up. Keep in mind that everyone who has ever achieved anything first had to start at the beginning.

C)  Educate yourself. An old friend of mine had a sign hanging above her desk that read “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” Without the proper knowledge, you’re far more likely to fail in your new endeavors. (I personally need to educate myself on how to win the lottery. Step one: buy a ticket.) But really, you wouldn’t leave on a cross country road trip without a map, right? Well, you shouldn’t start a new goal without a good plan either. There are tons of free resources available today to help you find the answers to your questions.

D)  Have fun. If you don’t remember anything from this article, at least remember this. If you don’t have fun with what you’re doing you’re just going to be stressed out and miserable. Don’t be miserable.

So there you have it! Shep’s tips on how to accomplish your New Year’s resolutions.

 

13 Gifts Under $30

Remember, it’s the little things that matter most during the holiday season.

Coworker treats, stocking stuffers, secret santa, a little something for your favorite barista at your coffee shop, and more. Don’t forget all the people on your list that can use a little pick-me-up this holiday season with these simple gifts that work for everyone.

 

Manzella Hybrid Ultra Touchtip Outdoor Gloves For Men

You can never go wrong with commuter gloves! Going outside to get the mail, start your car, take your dog on a walk, you name it, these are perfect! And the best part?! Save the hands from the bitter cold but still have all the functionality to use your phone, it’s a win-win!

 

Sale Price: $16.99

 

Gordini Fall Line Mitten For Women

Give the gift of warm hands this holiday season, she’ll love you for it!

Why this mitten? Well, you can’t beat the price. Also it’s waterproof, windproof, breathable, stick-grip fingers, wrap caps & thumb with digital grip! Need I say more?!

 

Sale Price: $26.99

 

 

Hats, Hats, and More Hats!!

You can NEVER have enough hats! I always said that I need one for every outfit, sometimes I want warm hats, sometimes I want dressy hats, big pom, no pom? I just always need more hats! And I know I’m not the only one, so when in doubt, grab a hat!

 

 

 

Sale Price: $9.99+

 

 

 

Terramar Ecolator Base Layers (Long Underwear)

Cold people are not happy people, so lets keep everyone happy and warm! These pieces are versatile enough to be worn as an outer or inner layer which makes these base layers the perfect top and bottom for any man, woman, or child.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sale Price: $27.99

 

 

 

SE 3 Watt Headlamp

Runners, hunters, bikers, and nighttime lovers. This is the gift for them! It’s lightweight, adjustable, and it’s bright! 120 lumens to be exact. There will never be a dull moment again with this awesome stocking stuffer!

Sale Price: $4.50

 

Oakley E-Frame Goggle

We all know that one person. You know, the one that can never have enough snowboard or ski gear. Watch them jump for joy when they open this gift! Not only will they be the most stylish person on the hill but they’ll think of you every time they ride!

 

 

 

 

Sale Price: $29.99

 

 

Patagonia Tech Web Belt

There’s something about these belts that everyone loves. Maybe the awesome colors it comes in? Most likely the fact that it keeps everyone from seeing your underwear AND opens your beer bottles! WHAT?! Yes! You heard me, it opens your beer! So, if you were looking for any college kid, beer lover, tailgater, or just anyone in general, your search is over because this is your answer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sale Price: $29.99

 

 

 

 

Hydroflask 18oz. Standard Mouth Bottle

Once you go to an insulted water bottle, you never go back! Whether you’re out enjoying the warm sunny day on a boat ride, keeping your hot cocoa warm in the middle of winter, or trying not to spill all over yourself while doing some mountain biking, this is the perfect solution.

Sale Price: $29.99

 

Spacecraft Beer Can Glass

So these are just super cool!

Drink more of your favorite cold (or warm) beverages out of these custom Spacecraft glasses. Each glass features two engraved logos and holds 16oz of your favorite drink. Comes in a 4 pack limited edition box!

 

 

 

 

 

Sale Price: $19.99

 

 

Smartwool Socks

When in doubt, buy socks!

It’s time to relax with ample cushion, a soft Merino blend, a Virtually Seamless toe, and a decorative design to match any style. Your feet will stay happy all day, whether you’re playing cards, walking the lakeshore, or cozying up to the fireplace.

Sale Price: $20-$25

 

Outdoor Research Sensor Dry Pocket

Do you know someone who has a tendency to forget their phone in their pocket and jumps in the water with it? Maybe someone who does a lot of fishing, boating, hiking, camping, or vacationing? Help keep their gadgets safe and dry in the boat or on the trail. It protects touch-screen devices from the elements while still allowing for their use through its clear, waterproof, touch-sensitive window. The clear window wraps around to accommodate your devices’ camera lens.

 

 

 

 

Sale Price: $24

 

 

Dakine Micro Lock

We’re back to that person who can never have enough snowboard or ski gear! Are you ever on the hill and see someone carrying their gear with them everywhere they go? It’s probably because they are worried someone will take their awesome new skis or snowboard! Help them eliminate the worry and enjoy the atmosphere in peace with the Dakine Micro Lock.

Sale Price: $13

 

Patagonia Trucker Hat

Last but surely not least! The trucker hat we all know and love. Whether they’re out exploring or just going grocery shopping, this hat fixes any bad hair day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sale Price: $29

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays from the Shep’s Crew!

Gifts for Dad

Did you come here for inspiration?  A small gift or a big one? You know we’ve got Wausau’s largest selection of ski and snowboard gear, bikes, tennis, camping and waterspouts.  But we’ve got other great gifts that wrap up in small packages and require only small budgets too:

Man-Cans   Ahhh, the scent of Bacon.  Or Grandpa’s Pipe, a Leather Mitt, Fresh Cut Grass, Sawdust, Fresh Brewed Coffee, Campfire, Gunpowder or Hot Chocolate (to name a few.)  There’s nothing girly about scents that do more than just smell good.

Man-Cans are made inside a real soup can.  The can is donated to a soup kitchen and when it’s been cleaned and returned, the label is removed and the can is filled with manly scented natural wax.  When you buy a Man-Can you’re helping feed people who need a little extra help.  All thanks to a 13-year-old with a unique idea.  And dad likes good smells as much as mom.  $11.50

Does dad like to hang out on the patio, do a little camping, hide in his man cave?  Help him spruce up his favorite place with kitch-y cool knick-knacks from Outside Inside.  Seriously neat bird feeders, games, and other fun stuff.  $20-35 range.

 

 

Kuhl Clothes   Does Dad like to look cool?  Or is it Hot?  Or even sick?  Whatever, he will look and feel good in duds from Kühl®, where the passion remains to get outdoors and have fun. Kühl® is what it means to be comfortable and relaxed in the challenging environment of life and sport. For Kühl®, this dedication to original thinking translates into excellence in design and exceptional construction because they use not only innovative style and features, but exclusive fabrics with unique weaves and vintage washes that create authentic character. Articulated, gusseted, precise designs as well as the utmost craftsmanship provide a fit that is pure comfort. Wearing Kühl® not only represents the freedom of movement but also free will.  Dad will love their long and short-sleeved shirts, fleece and wool sweaters and great outerwear in addition to their well known pants. Every man looks good in Kuhl.  Starting at $45.

Does dad have a lot to juggle?  How about a great day pack, with a lifetime warranty to boot.  Dozens by The North Face, Patagonia, Dakine and Burton are in stock.  Starting at $45

 

 

How about a round of Disc Golf?  This is a sport everyone can love.  There are usually no greens fees, you can dress down, and most courses have no pro shop, no marshal, no tee times, and feel much more like what they are: a public park where people can come, go, and do as they please.  Of course ‘golf etiquette’ is practiced just like ball golf, which makes for a pleasant outing for everyone involved.  Pick up a disc and give it a spin and you’re on your way.   Shepherd & Schaller stocks hundred’s of Innova and Discraft golf discs each spring.  Starting at $8.99

Sock it to him.  Smartwool socks are a gift he’ll really love.  At the heart of these great socks is the highest quality merino yarn available from sheep raised in the most amazing places on earth.  Skillfully woven in the American Southeast, the world’s best performance socks are Made in the USA.  Dad will like that too. Read more here and fall in love with Smartwool even more.  Starting at $14.95.  (By 3 Get 1 Free June 1-15, 2014)

 

Found his photo of a Perception paddler from NC who reviewed his boat online.  Looks like he’s having fun!

Got a little healthier budget?Recreational Kayaking.  If you have access to a local lake, stream or river and can sit and move your arms, you can kayak.  Sport kayaking is a relaxing way to spend a day outside.  The crew at Shep’s can help you decide what kind of boat is right for your goals and the water you expect to be on, and can recommend a PFD (personal flotation device otherwise known as a life jacket) that is specifically designed for paddling.  Don’t forget the paddle – or dad will be up a creek in no time!  Recreational boats from Perception are incredibly stable, so rolling is not usually an issue.  Many models are designed for fishing, so dad wins again. Boats begin at $399.  And be a sport.  Get him some Sun Bum Pro sunscreen too.  Starting at $3.99

Visit us in Downtown Wausau, Wisconsin or online at www.shepssports.com to shop for  Bike, Camping, Tennis, Water Ski and Snow Sports departments too, along with a great selection of clothes from Patagonia, The North Face, Kavu, Smartwool and lots more.  Dad’s worth it.

 

Hey Mom! Let’s Go Outside and Play!

Mom probably likes flowers, perfume and candy.  But you know the gift she really wants  this Mother’s Day is time with you.  Remember when she taught you how to love playing outside?  This year, return the favor.  The Wausau, WI area is flush with great outdoor spots to enjoy.  See what mom needs to make her outdoor adventures complete (we can help if you need ideas ) and cap off a great gift with time together doing something you both love.

Gift ideas (with each photo) and a list of nearby campgrounds, boat launches, hiking and bike trails, disc golf courses and tennis courts is just a click away.  But click quick, then get outside!  Happy Mother’s Day mom, from all of us at Shepherd & Schaller 🙂

 

 

Celebrate with Savings

May brings fresh new reasons to celebrate.  Is there a graduate in your life? A wedding on the calendar? Mothers Day, a birthday, or simply that the sun is shining?  Treat yourself and the special ones in your life while treating yourself to savings.  Present this coupon image on your smartphone when you visit us in-store through May 30th, 2013.