by | Apr 13, 2016 | Review |
Hi Beautiful People,
Today has been a crisp 60 degree, sunny, blue sky day in the Show-Me State; not having to turn on the air conditioning has been a blessing.
Over a cup of Chai, I was thinking how much I enjoy high-tech gadgets, even more so than my hubby. My iPhone 6plus is great, however Jay has a Samsung S6 that he thinks is cool too. Yes, a house can be a home with different brand gadgets. My hubby and I recently had the opportunity to demo the newly released Samsung Galaxy S7 Smartphone and the Samsung Gear S2 Watch. The technology duo, courtesy of Verizon Wireless, can be paired to work together.
JT using the new Samsung Galaxy S7
Samsung S7 Specifications:
The Samsung S7 screen is bigger and clearer than the S6. The smartphone runs on the Android operating system, powered by Google. With Android, you have access to Google Play to find cool new apps or movies, music and other media options. If you are not familiar with Android and Google Play, it is quick and easy to navigate and to learn to use. One key feature that I like is the ample selection of moving image backgrounds available, a feature that is not available on the iPhone.
Clear screen
The phone has a slim profile and is feather-light, weighing in at only 5.36 ounces. It will not weigh down your handbag, and it can easily slip into your pocket without a problem. It looks like the phone’s width is less than a 1/2″ inch.
The Thinness of Samsung7
Other details from the Verizon website:
– The dual–pixel camera provides faster, more precise autofocus and a new low–light sensor for fewer blurry photos and crisp detail even in soft light. You can get brighter selfies even in low–light settings.
– The phone had 32GB internal memory that can be expanded with a 200GB microSD card. That’s up to 50,000 songs, 130 movies and 200,000 photos.
– Hear the difference with HD voice. If you have dual Samsung phones, you can do video chat, make calls over Wi-Fi, take video calls, talk and surf at the same time.
– Water resistant
– Fast, wireless charging with the power cord that is included with the phone.
Gear S2 Watch
Since I am a gadget gal, I think that it is awesome that the Galaxy S7 smartphone can be paired with the Gear S2 watch. The Gear S2 has many features that make it a worthwhile investment. It provides quick access to new email messages, tracks your fitness activities and a host of other things.
If you are active and do not have to take your phone with you all the time this gadget may be for you. The S2 will track your steps, measure your heartbeat and record your amount of time spent walking, running or another fitness activity.
In the photo below, you see my hubby wearing the Gear S2 with the Snoopy home screen. In the settings mode, you can create an appearance that is as unique as your personality. It will show your beginning interface, in our case, it was Snoopy as the Red Baron. It could have the look of a traditional watch or one of the many other designs that are included. The watch will remain in the off mode. However as soon as the watch is turned towards you, the watch turns on and the first screen appears.
Jay wearing the Samsung Gear S2 Watch
Gear S2 Specifications
– The watch is sleek and comfortable. It includes a second identical band if you need to replace it. The watch is designed to be for either male or female with its neutral design.
– The watch can be used the as my phone. When a call comes in, the Caller ID will show who is calling and you can actually use the watch to talk to the other person. Kind of reminds me of Dick Tracy!
– The watch provide access to your email account and get a notification when I have a new message. The interface on the watch does not show the images; but I can read the text by scrolling.
– The watch’s bezel rotates which allows the user to access the different menus, options and apps. There are two buttons on the right side: one for manually go between the different screens and the other for waking up the watch.
Buttons work for you
– I setup the watch to work with the Samsung Pear app, which is designed to be used when exercising and working out. There is a stopwatch, activity tracker that will record my steps, and heart rate monitor.
Working out with the Gear S2 Watch
-The Samsung Gear S2 watch is compatible with other Android devices; not just the Galaxy S7.
-The Gear S2 operates on the 3G network so you can make calls, use GPS for directions, and send and receive text messages.
Gear S2 on Charger
– I can take the watch off and charge it wirelessly on the dock, shown above. It is simple and easy to set up, pair with your smartphone and to use throughout the day. Keep in mind that the watch needs to be charged daily, as the battery only last about a day. I can see how much memory is left on the watch as soon as it touches the dock.
S2 Charger without watch
The watch is available at Verizon for $299.99 with a 2-year contract ($349.99 retail price).
If you are in the market for a new smartphone, I recommend the Samsung Galaxy S7. It is sleek and stylish, easy to use with the Android operating system and fully-loaded with many great apps. The Gear S2 watch is a great add-on; and I would recommend it if want to have the latest technology at your finger tips; but don’t want have our smartphone available.
DISCLAIMER:
Verizon Wireless provided us with the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Gear S2 watch to demo for twenty-one days. We did not receive any monetary compensation to write this reviews. All opinions are strictly our own.
by | Apr 13, 2016 | Pets |
Are you thinking of getting a puppy? If so, it’s best to consider a few things before you make a decision. Puppies are gorgeous, but they do require a lot of care and attention. Here are some things to think about before you commit to giving a puppy a new home.
JT with Gio and Vinny
Time
Are you away a lot? Do you have a busy work schedule? Are you constantly chasing your tail, and living for the weekends? If so, getting a new puppy may not be the best idea. Puppies require a lot of time and devotion. Like babies, they rely on you to feed them, and they need lots of affection. Dogs are less independent than cats, and they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. They also need to be let out to go to the toilet. If you work long hours, and nobody will be at home during the day, it’s not fair to bring a new pup into the family. You’ll also need to devote time to taking your puppy for walks, and when it gets a little older, obedience classes. Your dog will need grooming and washing on a regular basis. If you have very little time as it is, it may be best to wait.
Money
Pets are never cheap. After the initial cost of buying your puppy, you’ll also have to consider the price of feeding and caring for your dog. You will need to pay for injections and boosters, food and all the accessories puppies need when they first join you. You’ll probably spend a fair amount of a lead and collar, a bed, toys and food bowls. Vet bills can be incredibly expensive and it’s always wise to invest in pet insurance. Additional costs you may need to consider include a dog boarding service for when you go on holiday.
Gio
Space
Dogs can take up a lot of space, especially if you go for a large breed. If you’re thinking of getting a puppy, it’s worth considering whether your home is suitable. Do you have a garden for them to go out, go to the toilet and have a run around? Do you live near a park or open fields, so that you can take them for a walk every day without having to drive for miles?
Flexibility
As loyal and loving as they are, there’s no getting away from the fact that dogs tie you down. If you’re a fan of spontaneous days out, or you like to go away for the weekends, getting a dog may not be such a good plan.
Vinny
Getting a puppy can be incredibly exciting, but it’s essential to understand the level of commitment required. Dogs require a lot of attention and you can’t leave them alone for long. Think carefully about whether you could adapt your lifestyle and schedule to offer a new puppy the devotion is deserves. If you’re not quite ready now, there’s no harm in waiting.
by | Apr 6, 2016 | Accessories |
Thinking of buying a custom engagement ring? This handy guide will show you everything you need to know and guide you through the process.
Image by boersmajelle via Flickr
Want a totally unique ring design that symbolizes your love for your fiancé? Consider a handcrafted or custom made engagement ring instead of a commercially made one. These rings are often a better value than you may believe because they’re often handmade by a reputable local jeweller so you eliminate all the mark-up costs from sending the jewellery out to commercial factories and the like. In addition, you’ll never find anyone else with the exact same ring so start researching it early and begin the process of finding the perfect ring.
What You Should Know Before Purchasing A Handcrafted Ring
Custom made rings include many benefits, including telling the story of who you are as a couple and starting conversation at social gatherings, but you need to be aware of the trade-offs. These handmade rings often cost more depending on the design and it’s a very involved process so you’ll need to select a reputable jeweller. You just need to source your exact requirement in order to find the perfect handcrafted ring that fits your style.
Start early.
Typically, it will take at least a month but can easily take a few months from the time you and the jeweller sketch out designs to when you actually leave the store with your completed diamond ring.
Sketch out some ideas.
Sometimes looking at styles you like will give you insight, such as do you prefer mixed metals, intricate details on the ring, or fancier ring settings? Do your best to draw the ideas as detailed as possible or bring a few examples and a detailed list and the designer may be able to sketch up a few ideas instead.
Work with a reputable jewellery designer.
Find one that is known for making handmade jewellery and that also sells GIA certified diamonds, which is important if you’re getting a custom made ring as you’ll need a wholesale diamond too.
Know what to look for when choosing your diamond.
While all of the 4 C’s (Colour, clarity, carat size, and cut) are important, the cut is often the most important. The way the angles and symmetry is cut into a diamond helps it reflect light and brilliance. shop now at www.Diamondjewellerystudio.com.au where you’ll find an extensive choice of diamonds, including the world’s newest diamond the TripleEx H&A, which features very exact cuts and you can see 8 hearts and 8 arrows in it. Another favourite is the 58-faceted round brilliant cut diamond.
Consider adding a pop of colour.
While white diamond rings were traditional, many couples are now adding coloured gemstones or even coloured diamonds. While the Diamond Jewellery Studio specializes in Pink Argyle diamonds, they also carry a number of other coloured diamonds.
Experiment with a variety of styles and settings.
While you may think your mind is set, don’t be afraid to try on a few different rings in similar styles. For example, are you crazy about the trendy halo style and do you like them more rounded or more square? Maybe you prefer a 3-stone princess cut ring but with coloured diamonds as the side stones and fancy filigree along the band.
Keep in mind, your designer can take ideas from other rings into consideration but a custom ring has to be a totally new design so make sure it’s one that you’ll want to wear for the rest of your life.
by | Apr 4, 2016 | Beauty |
Keeping your skin smooth and attractive is something you should do if you want to keep your youthful looks as you age. You might not even need to think about your skin right now. If you’re in your early 20s your skin is probably still smooth, supple, with a youthful glow to boot. However, if you don’t start taking care of your skin you’ll have some problems to contend with. These skin smooth tips will help you along the way:
Moisturize Every Day
You should moisturize your face and body every single day if you want smooth, supple skin. This is best done after you get out of the shower or bath usually, but it can be at any time you feel you need it to get the most from your skin.
Exfoliate A Few Times a Week
Exfoliation is essential. It should be done to both the face and body a couple of times a week to get rid of dead skin cells and encourage new, glowing cells to come through. You should make sure you use a gentler scrub for the face, as the skin here is far more sensitive. You can exfoliate with scrubs, mitts, and brushes depending on what you prefer. When you moisturise after exfoliating your skin will feel brand new!
JT using an exfoliating mask to cleanse her face.
Use Face/Body Oil and Massage Movements
Alongside using a good moisturiser, you can also use a face and body oil to really infuse that good stuff. Using circular massage movements as you apply it will encourage the skin to repair itself and may even smooth out fine lines.
Don’t Frown as Much
This is easier said than done. Try to pay close attention to when you frown, and put a stop to it. Some people go as far as giving up smiling, but you shouldn’t go that far!
Use Special Skin Treatments
Special skin treatments are slightly more expensive than your plain old moisturisers, but they can be worth it if you have special needs. Maybe you need more of a smoothing or peeling effect. Ingredients such as glycolic acid can be great for this, but it depends! Make sure you speak to a professional if you’re unsure of what your needs are.
Visit a Professional
A professional dermatologist or therapist of some kind can help you to assess your skin and give you tips on what you need to perfect it. They might recommend a cream, or a treatment such as botox to help you. You can find info about botox treatment here if you’re not sure this is the right treatment for you!
Apply SPF
SPF will protect you from the sun’s rays and other harmful things in the environment. You might not be able to see damage straight away, but if you don’t protect your skin it’ll be there. It’s only a matter of time before it shows up!
Use these tips consistently and you’ll have the smoothest, healthiest looking skin. Leave any of your own tips below! Come back soon!
Follow!