Christmas is right around the corner. It’s countdown time.
Are you still pondering what to get that mother-in-law and father-in-law who has everything? Do you not know what to get your niece who is in college?
Well let JTwisdom and Jay, with the help of Verizon Wireless, find the perfect gift. You do not need to know anyone’s ring or shoe size.
Do they like to listen to music? Do they want to feel like they are the only person in the room while they are listening to music?
My top gift selection of the season is the Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones. I have to get myself a pair. They are that good. You have to experience the superb sound quality and the comfort to believe it.
Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones are perfect for listening to your favorite tunes or inspirational messages. The range of the wireless connection was great. You could go from one room to the other without any sound interruption.
Superior noise-cancelling technology for better audio, enhanced sound blocking
Connect easily to wireless devices via Bluetooth® and NFC pairing
Up to 20 hours of wireless listening per charge
*Disclaimer:The Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones were out of stock on Verizon’s website when I demoed them. Hopefully they will be in stock soon. You could check to see if the headphones are available in a Verizon store near you.
My second top gift selection is the Pixel, the Google phone teamed with the Daydream View.
The Pixel is the first phone created by Google and is causing quite a stir in the tech community and for good reasons.
To name a few:
Slick Design and comes in Quite Black, Very Silver or Really Blue
Storage 32GB or 128GB capacity. This phone has smart storage so you will never have a message that says your storage is full. Once you set it up you Smart storage it will let Pixel know when you need to free up space for extra storage.
Google Assistant -Ask to a question or tell it to do things for you. Reminds me of Siri that you would use on your iPhone.
The photo images taken with the phone are very clear and video quality is nice.
Charge phone for 15 minutes and it gives 7 hours of battery life only if it’s plugged into the wall outlet.
Setup for Daydream view
Pixel, Phone By Google
Daydream view VR
Which is a higher technology marvel and makes the View finder of yesterday really look like a child’s toy.
Daydream View
Hubby really enjoyed the Daydream View which is a headset and remote controller by Google that takes you virtually into museum art galleries, go swimming with the dolphins, jump from a helicopter, learn how to surf a wave, and visit the Taj Majal, and go 360 degree journeys around the world. Jumping from the helicopter was a doozy. You really have to make sure you sit down at all times you are using this device. You can even play a few games, the collections are growing and you can watch Youtube videos or movies.
I don’t know if its my head, wearing glasses or what, but when I would first put on the headset it felt fine. However after a few minutes I would feel the viewer sliding down the front of my face. I would hold the front of the viewer to be able to see clearly through it. Once I took the viewer off and adjusted it again I was okay. I could only play for 45 minutes because the headset would get heavy on me and the phone would get hot, and battery would go from fully charged to 40 percent. I needed to stop and let it cool down and recharge it.
If you do not have a Daydream ready-phone, it will not work with the Viewer. If you don’t have the Pixel, Phone by Google, please see the full list of compatible phones here. *Daydream-ready phones are built for VR with high-resolution displays, ultra-smooth graphics and high-fidelity sensors for precise head tracking.
The Boise QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones, Pixel, Phone by Google, and the Daydream View VR would be wonderful gifts for the techy person on your list for gift giving this Christmas or however you celebrate the holidays this season.
FTC Disclaimer:
Verizon Wireless provided us with these items to demo and write a review. We did not receive any monetary compensation for this review. All opinions are our own.
I was invited to attend a #MOTOZFASHIONNIGHT BY #VERIZON, at Laurie Solet. The Laurie Solet store was closed to the public for this special event. I found out more about the new New Moto Z Device and accessories; available exclusively to Verizon Wireless. I also was able to learn about Verizon’s Hopeline program.
It was an awesome night and I had the privilege of meeting the Verizon representatives in person, and seeing some familiar faces and a great group of bloggers who blog about various genres from Fashion to mom-hood.
Motorola Droid Z
The Moto Z Droid Phone is one of the thinnest phones I have seen and very lightweight. Verizon representative, Megan gave a demonstration of how to use the phone. The Moto Z has a battery that can last a full day and includes the turbo drive charge that can charge your phone for eight hours of use in only fifteen minutes. The snap on interchangeable Moto Mods that attach to convert the phone into a projector and speaker.
Moto Droid Z
I was amazed how the Moto Droid Z projected the image onto the screen up to 70 feet. I can envision friends and family showing photo galleries at get-togethers. It could also be used for presentations at work if the presentation was downloaded on your phone.If I get the opportunity to try out the phone and the snap mods I will do an in-depth detailed review on my blog.
moto-droid-z-as-a-projector
The night included some great shopping, I and the other bloggers received a Laurie Solet gift card. The store has beautiful women’s apparel and jewelry that are perfect for fall and winter. The designs are from local designers and the styles are relaxed and laid back.
fashion-at-laurie-solet
What I thought was most important was learning more about Verizon’s Hopeline program. Megan gave a presentation that shared some of the Hopeline facts. If you have old cell phones or devices, Verizon will collect them and either give them to people in need or recycle them an a environmental manner.
Did you see in the chart that 1 in 4 Women, 1 in 9 men, and more than 3 million children are affected by domestic violence in the USA.
Please watch William Gay’s story.
The color purple represents Domestic Violence Awareness month. In the gift bags were the Mophie power station charger and a pair of LG Tone Pro headphones.
On each box of a Verizon purple product for Domestic Violence Awareness Month reads:
hopeline
“Support victims and survivors of domestic violence by going purple. For every purple product purchased for Domestic Violence Awareness Month , Verizon- through its HopeLine program will make a $3 donation to Camp Hope America. Your purple purchase will help victims and their children gain access to valuable services to help them heal, survive and thrive.”
Thank you Verizon for inviting me to this event. Great opportunity to learn and support Domestic Awareness Month.
JTwisdom received a Laurie Solet gift card for attending the event; and a Mophie Powerstation and the LG TonePRO in the gift bag in exchange for writing about the Hopeline Program. This blog is my honest and heartfelt review of the event.
Blessings to you!
Recently, I was leisurely spending a Saturday afternoon reading an e-book on my iPad2, when suddenly a pop-up window comes up saying that my storage was full. Super Big Bummer! When that menu appears, I have to do an overview of what I have on my iPad, from the apps, to music and photos. I have to look through everything and delete what is taking up too much space, or delete apps that I don’t need or use any more. Why do you have to do that you say? Glad you asked! Because my iPad2 has only 16GB of storage and anything over 12GB is too much if I have to do an update on the operating system. Unfortunately, that is my only option I have at the moment.
For about three weeks, Verizon Wireless provided me with an opportunity to demo the new iPad Pro (9.7 inch) with 32GB of memory. I wanted to demo a iPad with at least 32GB to see if made a difference and that I wouldn’t be seeing that annoying pop-up menu and more.
The moment I took the new iPad Pro out of the box, I noticed a difference. The iPad Pro 9.7″ is thinner and slightly smaller than my iPad 2. It is almost light as a feather, weighing at just one pound on our scale; while officially Apple notes that the weight is 15.36 ounces – about the same. The iPad Pro 9.7″, protected in a case, will easily fit into a medium to large purse or tote. There is no concern that this tablet will weigh you down.
Weighing in at just one pound, this iPad Pro delivers a powerful punch.
I really enjoy the iPad Pro. Can’t you tell from my expression on my face? Can you see that the iPad Pro is smaller than the case my iPad2 fit in? Again, lighter and thinner, simply genius.
JT not wanting to give the iPAD Pro back after the demo period had ended.
With 32GB of memory, I have sufficient storage to keep all the apps that I want on the tablet, without having to delete any of them when a new update is needed to the operating system. I added several more new apps and still had enough storage to add my music and photos. In addition to the fun things that the iPad can do (music, Siri, photos, and videos), I also have my brain apps to challenge my mind. When my hubby and I bought the iPad2, we thought that 16GB would be enough storage; but we soon found out that this was not the case. And now, the new iPad Pro doesn’t even come in a 16GB option. I guess Apple knows that 16GB is way too little since the operating system continually eats away at the storage amount.
Brain Games on the iPad Pro. It’s not all fun and games for me.
It amazes me that a device so small and so lightweight can deliver with such powerful capabilities. If you have never experience the joy of using an iPad, I recommend that you give this one a try. From the 12MP built in camera, to the 10 hour battery, to the newest Retina Display, to Garageband already installed this iPad does not disappoint. But I was a little (okay a lot) disappointed when I had to return the iPad Pro back to Verizon. I definitely will be in the market to purchase the new iPad Pro with the 32GB or more storage space. And then I won’t have to be struggling with my current iPad and seeing which app I need to delete when the new updates are ready to be installed.
DISCLAIMER:
Verizon Wireless provided <BubblingWithEleganceAndGrace.com> with an iPad Pro (9.7 inches) to demo for 21 days in order to write this review. I did not receive any monetary compensation to write this review or gifted an iPad Pro. All opinions stated in this review are strictly my own and not that of Apple or Verizon Wireless.
Yigal Azrouël, Tess Giberson & Timo Weiland Runway Shows At Saint Louis Union Station
for Saint Louis Fashion Week
This Fashion Show at St. Louis Union Station featured a multitude of fashion lovers coming out to support designers showcasing their latest designs.
The models looked very young and the size range maybe a double-zero to four. Hopefully, in the future, we can see models who represent women who are a variety of sizes and shapes.
The designers showed a variety of designs that were edgy, yet fun and elegant at the same time.
This design of the dress below is fresh. I could wear itt to church, work, or out on the town with my hubby. This look is feminine and rocker at the same time.
Photo by Mark Schwigen for ALIVE Magazine.
This look can go from runway to everyday by adding a black tank or rayon/silk turtleneck underneath and adding a leather or corduroy jacket. Add tights and boots for a cool and fresh look.
The dress below is a very pretty look. It would be flattering on women of all shapes and sizes. A belt could be added to cinch in the waist and would give a completely different vibe to the outfit.
The designer and DJ made a splash with color blocking and bold prints, creating sharp looks. I can see putting a blouse underneath the crop top and adding a blue or khaki blazer.
Photo by Mark Schwigen for ALIVE Magazine.
Bold color blocking for men with stripe-print paints.
Photo by Mark Schwigen for ALIVE Magazine.
The night was awesome and everyone came out to support fashion in Saint Louis. They announced that over 1,000 people attended the show. Wow! What great support from the Fashion Community.
UnionStationRunwaySTLFW
I felt a little self-conscious because I did not know what to expect. This was my first runway show / fashion show. I decided to wear a pink, blue and white color-block dress. I choose red ballerina wedges because it coordinated with the dress and was an unexpected choice.
JT at Fashion Conference in front of Steinberg Hall
Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com attended the Midwest Fashion Conference on Saturday. This informative conference gave fresh perspectives on how Saint Louis can become a fashion destination. My hubby and I work near Washington University, where the conference was going on. So, we decided to walk from our job’s parking lot to the University. When we arrived, we were trying to get in — literally looking in the door — and could not get in the glass doors. No one got up and opened the doors to let us in. We had to walk back to ask the greeter how to get in. She said that we would have to knock for them to let us in.
When we all walked up the steps, someone opened the door for us to let get in. It turns out that we were trying to get in the back doors of the hall. The entrance was actually on the other side of the building; but still when we stood at the doors with everyone looking at us; but no one got up to open the doors for us.
It is ironic this happened because Fern Mallis, creator of NYC Fashion Week, spoke to people who want to break into the fashion industry. Her number one suggestion was “Be nice!” because you will encounter and have to work with various different people from all walks of life.
The first session of the day was Saint Louis Fashion Fund Presents: Fashion as a Civic Agenda
The panelists included Fern Mallis (Creator of NYFW), Stan Herman (Renowned Fashion Designer and Former President of CFDA), Gary Wassener (CEO, Hilldun Corporation), Derek Blasberg (Editor-at-Large, Harper’s Bazaar), and Timo Weiland (Designer).
Fern Mallis
Fern Mallis, Founder of NYC Fashion Week, introduced the panel.
Panelists (Left to Right): Stan Herman, Gary Wassner, Derek Blasberg, Timo Weiland, Fern Mallis
It was so interesting to hear in person from Stan Herman and Fern Mallis how NYC Fashion Week started and what it took to raise the funds for this event. I have seen videos with Stan Herman talk about how NYC Fashion Week started, so it really means a lot to hear him in this forum. To hear Fern Mallis talk about how she had to get on the phone and call Anna Wintour and other corporations to get NYC Fashion Week started. Reaping the knowledge of Gary Wassner who has worked with Betsy Johnson for years discuss how he helps designers regarding financing.
Can St. Louis have a better focus on Fashion?
The focus for St. Louis is to keep the local talent here where they will not want to get their break in NYC they want to stay here. One of the key factors was to engage the local financial community such as the banks.
Bring Production Back to The US!
Fashion Designer, Timo Weiland, discussed how he has been able to bring his production back to NYC from Asia.You can have a tighter handle on quality control in NYC. Gary Wassner discussed how by having your production in the US it gives designers an upper handle on having their designs to be first on the floor of a store and not last.
On a side note I have seen Stan Herman on QVC selling his designs of lounge sleepwear, I have a leopard robe of his, and he’s working in collaboration with Carol Hoffman amongst the major provider for uniforms. It was such a treat to see him. I was this close.
TAO Designer with Fern Mallis and Stan Herman
BUTIK Vendors were showing a wide array of designs.
Fern Mallis’s main point was to BE NICE! Make friends and be sincere, have passion – and work hard. Talk about fashion in St. Louis locally and get noticed nationally. The profile will raise as the industry raises. St. Louis had been a fashion destination with the Garment District downtown, but if everyone gets involved and puts a plan in place, it can make steps to grow fashion in the area.
Ideas of creating tag-lines and posting images downtown to start branding are all great ideas but we have to start somewhere.
Is St. Louis Ready to be the next Fashion Destination?
Fashion a Community In St. Louis
A town-hall discussion featuring above local civic and cultural leaders, moderated by Jill McGuire (Executive Director, Regional Arts Commission). Panelists include Jerry Schlicheter, president of Arch Grants; Kitty Ratcliffe, president of the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC) and Mobin Kahn, director of economic development and research at the Downtown St. Louis Partnership.
The beginning got pretty hot because Ms. Ratcliffe said that not everyone in New York is not fashionable; but it’s still considered a fashion city. Why did she say that? Fern Mallis corrected her and said that NYC is the Fashion Capital of the World. Ms. Ratcliffe than said she didn’t mean that and that she meant more like Brooklyn (paraphrasing). Stop now. Fern Mallis said Brooklyn has become one of the most expensive places to live now. Kitty said okay I will give you that one and the session started moving on.
The focus of this session discussed the creation of a Fashion Incubator in Saint Louis that helps designers get their start, have a business mentor, show them how to create a business plan and get their business off of the ground.
The key is to keep the momentum growing and create that marketing PR campaign and create a steering committee.
The audience was heavily involved in both discussions and are very pro-active that Fashion is St. Louis.
After lunch, three sessions were geared to Professional Development.
— The Art of Storytelling in Fashion: A look at impactful styling, photography and narration for brands and blogs.
— Brand Smart: Brainy Solutions for Creating Your Marketing Plan
— The Business of Fashion: A Look at Entrepreneurship in the Fashion & Lifestyle Space.
The panelists in these sessions discussed a wide range of topics, including blogging tips, how to create your niche, how stick with it, how to take quality photographs and how to be true to being you because your followers/readers can tell.
The Art of Storytelling in Fashion
The sessions in the afternoon made me think about my blog and how to focus more on social media presence.
Saint Louis Fashion Week started in full force with The Well Dressed Midwest VIP Blogger Lounge event.
This exclusive opportunity for bloggers to meet with local businesses was a wonderful experience. From gourmet chocolate, to all-natural skin care, to footwear and haircare. I was honored to be invited and given the chance to learn more about these companies and even purchase their products.
Here are some of the companies that were at the event.
Blissoma is an all-natural, plant-based skin care line that produces its products in downtown St. Louis. The prices are very affordable. I purchased a spray deodorant and two moisturizers. I will be writing a review of those products in the near future.
Blissoma
Vogue Footwear shoes are designed in St. Louis. The styles are on trend, affordable and stylish. It was cool to see that they also have a young girls line. Their shoe lines can be purchased at ZAPPOS, DSW, online retailers and at department stores throughout the country.
These ladies from KINK salon were so nice. I asked if they style natural hair and I heard a resounding yes. They shared a leave-in moisturizer spray that smelled great and adds a little sparkle to my hair. It was not being sold at the event; but if I wanted purchase it I could get it at one of the salon.
JT with the Stylists of KINKS Salon
All sorts of vendors that night.
Vendors and bloggers photo by JTwisdom
The Foundrie offers a wide range of handmade products, including jewelry in brass and leather with stamped lettering.
The Foundrie
The event was held at the Scape Restaurant in the Central West End, which provided food for the evening. The gourmet pizzas were delicious.
Gourmet Pizza: Photograph Alive Magazine
To end the night off with a smile, Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com won the Zettie’s gift basket of delicious cashew white chocolate and dark chocolate toffee, a Zettie T-shirt and coffee mug. The chocolate is oh-so good and yummy. Can’t wait to get a chance to write about it more.
Zettie’s Gift Basket
The swag bag included a copy of Alive Magazine, brochures, coupons, swimwear chlorine cleaner in a green drawstring bag and a beverage container.
Swag bag
It was a great night but we couldn’t stay late because we had to go to work in the morning.
The Well Dressed Midwest VIP Blogger lounge was a step up and I know that it will continue to be better each time this event is held.
Learn More About JT
Bubbling with Elegance and Grace started out as an outlet for my passion for fashion but has evolved into a place for me to teach, collaborate, and inspire. My hubby has since joined the team and we have been digital creators for 13 years. We are thankful for those who believed in us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
FTC Disclaimer:
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