Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Wind & Weather: Weather Direct Forecast Station {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, hendy!}

Around here, you never know what the weather is going to be like. Even if it is 85° and sunny today, it might be overcast and 60° tomorrow. There's nothing wrong with a little variety, it's just that it makes it slightly difficult to plan ahead for which days are best to play at the park versus staying inside at the library without having to turn on the television or computer all of the time to check. Where's my personal weatherperson when I need one?

Actually, the answer to that is right here. No need to go search for an updated forecast when I have the Weather Direct Basic from Wind & Weather to turn anyone, and I mean anyone, into a weatherperson.

A satellite-assisted, internet-powered weather station, the Weather Direct Basic gives you the ability to have up-to-the-date forecasts at any time that are customized just for your area. By plugging the transmitter into your high-speed DSL or cable router, weather information can be sent to the display in any room of your house all without any wires or cords to get tangled. For an even more personal report, set up the additional sensor in your yard and you can have the accurate outdoor temperature at the press of a button.

When I pulled the Weather Direct Basic out of the box, I was first struck by its great size. Measuring a total of 6 x 6", this isn't large bulky gadget that is going to stick out in a room nor is it so tiny that you have to be inches from it in order to read the display. Looking further into the box, I was glad to see the small number of parts and pieces that come with it. How hard could setup be when it just needed to be plugged in and turned on?

The answer: easy. With a brief introduction in the instruction manual, I was directed to the Weather Direct website to follow the clear, easy-to-follow steps that were laid out there.

After connecting the Gateway receiver to our router (which can be purchased right on Wind & Weather if you don't already have one) and plugging it in, I headed to my computer to register my Weather Direct Basic. Entering in my information was simple and I was able to choose my state, county and then city (there are 60,000 across the U.S. and Canada to choose from) to create my account.

From there, I simply followed along for another few minutes and selected the options that would make this work best for us. I was happy with how easy the entire setup process was, as the illustrations were extremely clear and showed everything from where to find the serial number to how the gateway should be positioned to where to find the port to connect the cable. For more help, there are even instructional videos available for complete visual assistance.

After just a short time (and a few batteries), the Weather Direct Basic display was on and running and all of the options I had customized had appeared on the screen. Across the top I can easily see today's forecast, including the day's high and low, as well as the time and choice of date, seconds or indoor temperature (which can be changed with the press of a button).

In the middle, the next three days are shown as well as their predicted high and low temperature and images that are clear enough that a 3-year-old can read them. "Today it's sunny," Big Sister E will say, "and tomorrow rain. And then more rain. And then clouds." I think I see a future career here, no?

The bottom line of the display scrolls through more detailed information about the 4-day forecast as well as sunrise and sunset times, which I have found interesting to notice. In just the short time that we have been using the Weather Direct Basic, the sun now sets 20 minutes earlier than it did before - no wonder it seems like it is getting dark so much sooner than a few weeks ago!

Another nice feature that we are enjoying is that by setting up the outdoor sensor (which only involved finding a place to put it and screwing on the holder), I can perform my is-it-cool-enough-that-we-need-a-jacket? test without having to open the door to check. With the press of a button, the scrolling line on the bottom of the display tells me the current temperature right in my own backyard.

For a weather enthusiast or if you just want a quick and versatile way to know if you need to grab an umbrella, the Weather Direct Basic is a great weather station to have around or give as a gift. You can even customize your your forecasts to include up to five cities so that you can keep tabs on comprehensive, reliable information for the locations that matter most to you (and can be changed online at any time).

I really like that the graphics and data are easy to read and that I was able to choose which options I wanted to see. The Weather Direct Basic even lets me know when a storm warning has been issued so that we can be prepared. Now when Big Sister E wants to go outside and play, she is the one to tell me if it's a good day for it. I love convenience!

For all of the weather instruments that you could ask for and the yard and garden objects and decor to go with them, Wind & Weather has a large collection of items for your home (or that of the lucky recipient of a great gift). Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will be able to forecast the weather in their area with ease, because...

One lucky person will win a Weather Direct Basic from Wind & Weather! ARV $69.95!

To enter to win: Visit Wind & Weather and tell me another of their innovative products that you would like to own.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry if you sign up for the Wind & Weather email newsletter to find out about new products, clearance sales and special promotions!
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Will it be sunny or rainy? WIN a Weather Direct internet-powered weather station ($70)! @thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/aHrOaD #giveaway #win

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me publicly with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Wind & Weather.

Giveaway will end on October 8th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to Wind & Weather for providing a Weather Direct Basic for review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

954 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   1 – 200 of 954   Newer›   Newest»
Anonymous said...

I like the Pug Metal Sculpture!!!

Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I entered the Play-Doh giveaway.

Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

Cheryl said...

I love the Kinetic Helix Twirler! It would look really cool hanging off of my deck.

Cheryl said...

I Tweeted about your giveaway (I am @Inquiring_Mind_)

Cheryl said...

I follow you through Google Friend Connect.

Cheryl said...

I have your button in my Blogging Besties page.

smdrm said...

I'd like the Professional Rain Gauge.

kg4rmt at arrl dot net

smdrm said...

I'm subscribed via Google Reader.

kg4rmt at arrl dot net

smdrm said...

I entered the GiftZip giveaway.

kg4rmt at arrl dot net

debbie said...

I like the bedford stool.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

follower 2
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Jenny said...

So cool! I like the Professional Rain Gauge!

wigget said...

i'd also like the Starter Weather Center 2

wigget said...

subscriber

jan said...

I love the Chatsworth fountain! sammiejanL40 at aol dot com

wigget said...

subscriber 2

wigget said...

entered zoobie pets giveaway

wigget said...

entered box tops giveaway

jan said...

signed up for the Wind & Weather newsletter sammiejanL40 at aol dot com

jan said...

I follow you on twitter and tweeted sammiejanL40 at aol dot com
http://twitter.com/luvmyrosie/status/24490798668

wigget said...

entered iplay giveaway

wigget said...

entered pillsbury giveaway

jan said...

I follow via GFC sammiejanL40 at aol dot com

jan said...

Subscribed via RSS sammiejanL40 at aol dot com

jan said...

Subscribed via RSS sammiejanL40 at aol dot com

jan said...

email subscriber sammiejanL40 at aol dot com

Soggy Cereal Mom said...

I love the Victorian Terrarium!
mommieseatsoggycereal at gmail dot com

Soggy Cereal Mom said...

Following via GFC
mommieseatsoggycereal at gmail dot com

Soggy Cereal Mom said...

Following via GFC
mommieseatsoggycereal at gmail dot com
#2

dannyscotland said...

I love that they have little dog statues. My daughter loves the two I have that are from my days as a single girl in an apartment wishing for a real dog! I know she'd love to have some more out there. I would get the Scottie or the Loyal Westie.

dannyscotland said...

http://twitter.com/dannyscotland/status/24493745471

Following @dannyscotland and tweeted

clenna said...

I love the Copper Tulip Rain Chain.

clenna at aol dot com

dannyscotland said...

Google Friend Connect

dannyscotland said...

Get your emails

dannyscotland said...

Facebook fan

dannyscotland said...

Google friend connect, entry 2

dannyscotland said...

Get your emails, entry 2

clenna said...

I signed up for the Wind and Weather email newsletter.

clenna at aol dot com

dannyscotland said...

Facebook fan, entry 2

clenna said...

#1 I follow via Google

clenna at aol dot com

dannyscotland said...

Your button is on my blog at daydreaming of cloth diapers dot blogspot dot com

dannyscotland said...

Your button is on my blog at daydreaming of cloth diapers dot blogspot dot com, entry 2

dannyscotland said...

Your button is on my blog at daydreaming of cloth diapers dot blogspot dot com, entry 3

clenna said...

#2 I follow via Google

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

#2 I subscribe via email

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

#1 I subscribe via RSS

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

#2 I subscribe via RSS

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

#1 I'm a fan on FB

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

#2 I'm a fan on FB

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

#2 I subscribe via email

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

I entered Target $25 GC and Box Tops for Education Prize pack

clenna at aol dot com

Matt said...

I like the Professional Rain Gauge. With my garden, this would be great!

mattschmunk at gmail dot com

clenna said...

I entered $25 Amazon GC giveaway

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

I entered $35 Jiffy Lube Gift Card giveaway.

clenna at aol dot com

Matt said...

Follow and tweeted. http://twitter.com/matt0701/status/24494218942

mattschmunk at gmail dot com

Matt said...

Subscribe to your RSS feed. #1

mattschmunk at gmail dot com

Matt said...

Subscribe to your RSS feed. #2

mattschmunk at gmail dot com

Cassie and Lou said...

I would love to also have any of the binoculars or Telescopes!

ccarring81@hotmail.com

Cassie and Lou said...

I signed up for their newsletter

ccarring81@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I love the Solar Rainbow Maker

Donna
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Cassie and Lou said...

I'm a FB Fan #1

ccarring81@hotmail.com
cassie carrington dimauro

Cassie and Lou said...

I'm a FB Fan #2

ccarring81@hotmail.com
cassie carrington dimauro

Renee said...

I would love to have the
Ivy Silhouette Clock, sometimes I forget what time it is when I am doing water aerobics in the pool. LOL

Anonymous said...

I've signed up for Wind & Weather's e-mail newsletter

Donna
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Cassie and Lou said...

I get your emails #1

ccarring81@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

entered your Zoobie giveaway

Donna
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Cassie and Lou said...

I get your emails #2

ccarring81@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

entered your Target $25 gc giveaway

Donna
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

entered your Amazon giveaway

Donna
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Cassie and Lou said...

I have your button #1

ccarring81@hotmail.com
http://bubbasplace29.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

entered your Chic Monkey giveaway

Donna
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Cassie and Lou said...

I have your button #2

ccarring81@hotmail.com
http://bubbasplace29.blogspot.com/

Cassie and Lou said...

I have your button #3

ccarring81@hotmail.com
http://bubbasplace29.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

entered your Clouds & Stars giveaway

Donna
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I follow you on Twitter as 2Cats2See and I tweeted.

http://twitter.com/2Cats2See/status/24494788236

Donna
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog

Donna
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Cassie and Lou said...

I follow with Google connect #1

ccarring81@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog -2

Donna
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Cassie and Lou said...

I follow with Google connect #2

ccarring81@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I subscribe to your feed

Donna
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I subscribe to your feed -2

Donna
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I subscribe to e-mail

Donna
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I subscribe to e-mail -2

Donna
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I'm a facebook fan

Donna Hufman Warrington
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I'm a facebook fan -2

Donna Hufman Warrington
dwarrington1@gmail.com

Jennifer said...

I like the Dream Catcher Chimes jk{dot}gorcery{at}gmail{dot}com

Jennifer said...

I follow via google friend connect #1 jk{dot}gorcery{at}gmail{dot}com

Jennifer said...

I subscribe via email #1 jk{dot}gorcery{at}gmail{dot}com

Jennifer said...

I subscribe via email #2 jk{dot}gorcery{at}gmail{dot}com

Jennifer said...

I subscribe via google reader #1 jk{dot}gorcery{at}gmail{dot}com

jmajor4870 said...

i love rainbow soo i would pick the Solar Rainbow Maker
jmajor4870(at)aol(dot)com

jmajor4870 said...

subscriber
jmajor4870(at)aol(dot)com

Soggy Cereal Mom said...

Entered the zoobies giveaway
mommieseatsoggycereal at gmail dot com

Soggy Cereal Mom said...

Entered the playdoh giveaway
mommieseatsoggycereal at gmail dot com

Soggy Cereal Mom said...

Entered the citizenpip giveaway
mommieseatsoggycereal at gmail dot com

Soggy Cereal Mom said...

Entered the chic monkey boutique giveaway
mommieseatsoggycereal at gmail dot com

Soggy Cereal Mom said...

Entered the guidecraft giveaway
mommieseatsoggycereal at gmail dot com

Soggy Cereal Mom said...

Entered the boxtops giveaway
mommieseatsoggycereal at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Hubby is a weather geek, he would love this. I like the Teak Solar Lights

Anonymous said...

Entered Kodak

Anonymous said...

Entered Play-Doh

Anonymous said...

Follow and tweeted http://twitter.com/KiddiesCorner/status/24499323639

Anonymous said...

Follow via GFC

Anonymous said...

Follow via GFC

Anonymous said...

Like you on facebook

Anonymous said...

Like you onf acebook

Anonymous said...

Button in blogroll

Anonymous said...

Button in blogroll 2

Anonymous said...

Button in blogroll 3

Rebecca W said...

I'd like to own the Chatsworth fountain
rebeccaw2005 at hotmail dot com

Rebecca W said...

I follow via google friend-rebecca williams
rebeccaw2005 at hotmail dot com
#2

Ma What's 4 dinner said...

Oh wow!!!! How cool is that??? We need one of those for sure.

Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner
www.mawhats4dinner.com

Jenny said...

I am a follower.1

Jenny said...

I am a follower. 2

Jenny said...

I have your button on my blog:

http://ourniftynotebook.blogspot.com/

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

I like the Solar Rainbow Chimes.
gourdesrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Target $25GC giveaway
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Citizenpip
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Play Doh Creatons
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Magneatos
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

entered Gift-Zip $25 Amazon GC
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Nebraska Hockey Mom said...

I would LOVE their pedometer/pulse reader. I have had cheap ones in the past...and they don't last long...I need a good one!
jtfilleman@cox.net

Nebraska Hockey Mom said...

I follow you!
jtfilleman@cox.net

Nebraska Hockey Mom said...

I subscribe to you!
jtfilleman@cox.net

Nebraska Hockey Mom said...

I subscribe to you!
jtfilleman@cox.net

Brenda said...

I like the garden angel whirligig.

brendashandmade@yahoo.com

Brenda said...

I signed up for the Wind & Weather email newsletter.

brendashandmade@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I like the Floating Rain Gauge
kowandamcbride at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I receive the Wind and Weather newsletter.
kowandamcbride at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

follow on twitter and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/Kowanda/status/24512127571
kowandamcbride at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I subscribe via email #1
kowandamcbride at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I subscribe via email #2
kowandamcbride at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

facebook fan #1
kowandamcbride at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

facebook fan #2
kowandamcbride at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

facebook fan #2
kowandamcbride at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I subscribe via RSS Feed #1
kowandamcbride at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I subscribe via RSS Feed #2
kowandamcbride at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I love the Kinetic Pinwheel. That would be fantastic in front of my house.

Unknown said...

I subscribed to their newsletter

Unknown said...

Follow TMC on Twitter @manthas24

Unknown said...

1 Follow TMC with GFC

Unknown said...

2 Follow TMC with GFC

Unknown said...

1 Like TMC on FB

Unknown said...

2 Like TMC on FB

Unknown said...

1 Subscribe to TMC Feed via google reader

Unknown said...

2 Subscribe to TMC Feed via google reader

Unknown said...

I entered the Jiffy Lube Giveaway

Unknown said...

I entered the Magneatos Giveaway

Unknown said...

I entered the pillsbury giveaway

Unknown said...

I entered the Gift Zip Giveaway

Unknown said...

I entered the Cards Direct Giveaway

Unknown said...

I entered the I PLay Giveaway

Unknown said...

I entered the Zoobie Giveaway

Unknown said...

I entered the Kodak Giveaway

Unknown said...

I entered the Play Doh giveaway

Unknown said...

I entered the citizenpip giveaway

Unknown said...

I entered the Kodak Giveaway

Unknown said...

I entered the Chic Monkey Giveaway

Unknown said...

I entered the citizenpip giveaway

Unknown said...

I entered the clouds and stars giveaway

Janice said...

I'd like the Professional Rain Gauge

jbabbagirl@aol.com

Unknown said...

I like the Solar Rainbow Maker
anita[dot]truck[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

entered Cards Direct giveaway
anita[dot]truck[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

entered guidecraft giveaway
anita[dot]truck[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

entered halo sleepsack giveaway
anita[dot]truck[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

entered play-doh giveaway
anita[dot]truck[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

entered citizenpip giveaway
anita[dot]truck[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

follow via GFC #1
anita[dot]truck[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

follow via GFC #2
anita[dot]truck[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

subscribe to your feed #1
anita[dot]truck[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

subscribe to your feed #2
anita[dot]truck[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

facebook fan #1
anita[dot]truck[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

facebook fan #2
anita[dot]truck[at]gmail[dot]com

Lois said...

Hi on this fine Tuesday! :) I've looked there before, and sure have liked some of the stuff I've seen. . . but sure would love me one of those telescopes! :)

Lois
OV_099@yahoo.com

Lois said...

and already have long since been on their newsletter. . .

Lois
OV_099@yahoo.com

Lois said...

and already follow via GFC #1

Lois
OV_099@yahoo.com

Lois said...

and already follow via GFC #2

Lois
OV_099@yahoo.com

Lois said...

and already follow via email #1

Lois
OV_099@yahoo.com

Lois said...

and already follow via email #2

Lois
OV_099@yahoo.com

Lois said...

and entered the Play-Doh giveaway. . .

Lois
OV_099@yahoo.com

Jennifer said...

I follow you on Twitter (@jkgorcery) and I tweeted: http://twitter.com/jkgorcery/status/24520855286

jk{dot}gorcery{at}gmail{dot}com

Lois said...

and entered the Box Tops giveaway. . .

Lois
OV_099@yahoo.com

Lois said...

and entered the GiftZip Amazon.com giveaway too! :)

Lois
OV_099@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Bear Hug Body Pillow I love that big pillow.
mommiesgotfivechildren at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I signed up for the Wind and Weather email newsletter.
mommiesgotfivechildren at hotmail dot com

The Baldree Family said...

I like the wooden galileo.

rachelbaldree at hotmail.com

The Baldree Family said...

I subscribe!
rachelbaldree at hotmail.com

The Baldree Family said...

I subscribe!
rachelbaldree at hotmail.com

The Baldree Family said...

I follow!
rachelbaldree at hotmail.com

A Little Bit of Everything! said...

They have some super neat things. I really got a kick out of the Doggie Water Bottle though. :)

abfantom said...

I would like to get Wind & Weather's Garden Rain Gauge.

abfantom at yahoo dot com

abfantom said...

I'm an email subscriber entry #1

abfantom at yahoo dot com

abfantom said...

I'm an email subscriber entry #2

abfantom at yahoo dot com

abfantom said...

I follow via GFC: abfantom entry #1

abfantom at yahoo dot com

abfantom said...

I follow via GFC: abfantom entry #2

abfantom at yahoo dot com

Jenbutterfly said...

I love the bubble lights for the garden.

jenbutterfly12 at yahoo dot com

Jenbutterfly said...

I signed up for the Wind and Weather newsletter.

jenbutterfly12 at yahoo dot com

Jenbutterfly said...

Tweet, Tweet.

http://twitter.com/jenbutterfly/status/24535900951

Jenbutterfly said...

I follow via google friend connect (jenbutterfly12).

Jenbutterfly said...

I follow via google friend connect, 2. (jenbutterfly12)

«Oldest ‹Older   1 – 200 of 954   Newer› Newest»