Sunday, December 29, 2013

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Duos I9192

Well have had my Galaxy S4 Mini Duos for few weeks now. I have yet to experience much of the features still since they are extensive however its a great device. Definitely more than a phone. Its my hand held android based computer pretty much. Features front and back cameras. The front facing camera is great for video calls and the rear camera takes nice pictures. Cameras feature several modes to help in various situations such as taking pictures at night. So far I only have used the night scheme and it works very nicely. The screen is 4.3 inches however it is a  bit small compared to its parent phones it still packs a punch in pixels and has great resolution.  I run mine with off a tmobile mvno Spot Mobile currently and not too happy with the service so far. Probably will switch it to at&t mvno shortly  and see if its better. May run both at some point since the phone is a Duos and has 2 sims that can run it. I have the factory unlocked version so can be used with any gsm carrier. Had difficulty with the mms for a bit as I had to setup the apn settings myself then that has worked since. It immediately had an update right out of the box which brought it to android 4.2.2 however I was hoping for the 4.3 update then I would be closer to kitkat update but nothing yet. Once in while the phone has issues with making phone calls and hearing the caller or persons you called. Then suddenly it just restarts itself and it works fine for a while. However unsure whats the cause of this difficult and its sudden reboot. Does it 2 to 3 times a day depending on my usage of it. Plays games with ease and is pretty simple to use its general features.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

My First Infuenster Vox Box The JollyVoxBox

I received the #JollyVoxBox from +Influenster the other day. Today we tested out some of the products included in it. My niece spent the night last night so we tested the makeup products today. Included in the #JollyVoxBox was +RimmelLondonUs #ShowOffLipLacquer. It is a nice pink lip lacquer that is shinny and great fitting with our skin tones.
We also tried the +NYCNewYorkColor #HDColorTrio. It having nice tones with a highlighter, the all over lid, and the crease colors all in tan/brown tones.
The +Puffs #passThePuffs tissues included in my #JollyVoxBox from +InfluensterVox were Puffs Plus Lotion and very soft and helped with the irritation from another brand of tissues I had been using. My nose is no longer raw from needing to blow it due to using the +Puffs tissues I received. We both tried the +TheSkinnyCow and was able to #IndulgeWithSkinny. I loved the smooth, creamy, flavored dive filled chocolate candies. Feeling no guilt whatsoever eating them. Its a very well put together snack. My #VoxBox also included +TheDuckBrand #MiniDucklings roll of splashed duck tape we plan on making a small project with. It is a mini roll of white duck tape with what looks to be paint splashes of yellow, blue, green, purple, and orange on them. I am excited to make a crafty little thing with the #MiniDucklings tape that came in my +Influenster #VoxBox.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Schick Razors

I have tried 2 different Schick razors over the past couple months. The first a Schick Hydro in which I really liked. Its handle was shaped ergonomically and not plastic feeling. The razor fit nicely in my hand making it comfortable to hold while shaving the different contours needing to be shaved. It also had a close shave making it a nice shaver. However the next time I went to use it, the shaver and blades were stuck to the plastic protector that came with it. The moisturizer in the shaver had seeped out and dried itself to the shaver making the shaver unusable without buying a refill pack of blades. I was not about to dish out $25 for a refill package of blades only to get one use out of each of them due to the seepage of skin moisturizer in them. I do not recommend this product to others. Though I then bought a Schick Intuition razor which was much better and I do recommend. It came with 2 cartridges with a moisture dried creme surrounding the blade. It works really well and comes with a nice cover and suction cupped holder to place it in when not in use. This prevents the previous problem from occurring that I had experienced with the Schick Hydro. The design is much different however it provides a comfortable grip to hold it and shave the contours needing to be shaved. I truly like the design and shave I receive from this.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Blue Diamond unsweetend Almond Milk

I mainly buy the +BlueDiamond Vanilla Almond Breeze Almond Milk however I usually try to keep the Original on hand also as I do not buy regular milk and use Almond milk in everything that calls for milk to be used. I use the Vanilla in my hot and could cereals as well as prepartion of my Hot Chocolate and in making my fresh smoothies. I use the original in my mac and cheese, my potatoes, my casseroles, and everything else including baking that calls for milk. I always replace the milk in recipes with Almond milk. I have not tried the Blue Diamond chocolate Almond Milk. Almond milk has more calcium and less calories than regular milk. It is soy free and lactose free. However I do suggest to be careful if you have nut allergies.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Suave Clinical Protection

I have used Suave Clinical Protection Wild Cherry Blossom prescription strength wetness protection anti-perspirant deoderant for about 5 months until my most recent switch due to medical issue. However,the Suave 24-hour pro solid protection it gave was great. It helped my underarms stay dry and free from perspiration as well as gave me a security when I smelled the sweet scent of it instead of perspiration. It has given me a sense of security knowing I was protected and did not have to worry about body oder throughout the day when using it. I hope to be able to go back to using it soon. It was a great product and replacement for another product I used that was good too but Suave was more affordable and gave me the needed security. I was saving money and having all I desired from the product. I recommend Suave Clinical Protection to all who can use an anti-perspirant that blocks the sweat.

Theraflu Warming Relief Nighttime

Recently when sick I purchased Theraflu Warming Relief Nighttime to help get through the night time coughing and congestion in my nose, head, and chest. It helped me be able to sleep without needing to cough myself silly throughout the whole night. Within a few days my symptoms dispersed. The cherry flavor in it was not that bad a taste however it did not seem to give me any warming feeling or effect at any point. Not as it went down my throat or after.

HP p2-1334 Desktop Computer

Back in August, right before classes started I set out to buy a cheap desktop computer. I bought an open box item at Best Buy in my town. The desktop came with everything except speakers and a monitor for $224.99. I also purchased a HP 21 inch monitor and already had speakers sitting at home. Before purchasing I was already aware that the newer AMD processors were not as great as their predecessors and truly was not wanting a computer with one but instead wanted an Intel processor. Unfortunately, I decided to settle and get the open box for the price not the processor. I should have stuck with my desire for an Intel instead.

The HP p2-1334 came with the AMD E1-1200 Accelerated Processor, 4GB DDR3 RAM, a 500 GB hard drive, an AMD Radeon HD 7310 graphics card, a SuperMulti DVD Burner, and Microsoft's Windows 8. It supports multi displays also. However, I may not have spent much for a brand new desktop, I am very dissatisfied with myself for this purchase. The computer from setup has been slow and difficult to use. I truly dislike Microsoft's new Windows 8 and the Windows 8.1 upgrade has not done much for its likeability. The system rates low on the Microsoft scale being a 3.4. HP should be ashamed of themselves for releasing a desktop such as this. It is slow and not user friendly. However, with a touch screen Windows 8 might be better though I don't believe it would be much better since at this time there are not much support are development for it or apps. The graphics are okay on the computer. Streaming a movie does not work well on this computer and there are compatibility issues with many websites I go to. Windows 8 does seem to be secure though and good for those who desire the strong security rather than having a desire to surf the web freely without having to do extra to get the page content.

I do not recommend this desktop to others especially those who desire a stress free internet useful computer.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Vitabath Body Wash

I received 7 samples of +Vitabath body wash to test and survey. They each were mini bottles and I used one each day. they each had a different scent. I enjoyed most and truly loved 4 of the 7 scents. I however disliked 1 scent completely. I really disliked the Sweet Vanilla Amber scented Vitabath body wash sample. I loved the Heavenly Coconut Creme, Dreamy Pink Frosting, Lavender Chamomile, and the Wild Red Cherry. The Pomegranate & Blood Orange and Lemon Citron Basil were alright. All were scentuous and left me feeling relaxed after my bath in the evenings. They left my skin smooth and clean feeling. I felt clean and smelt clean.

Vizio 24" Smart TV

I have had my +Vizio SmartTV for about 4 days now. I am missing the screws to connect the base to the TV so it is sitting up but scary that it could fally so I have to have something behind it so It does not fall. The picture is great and it is nice and clear. I have tried the different features on it and they work well. I am able to connect to the internet wirelessly and by ethernet cable. I have it connected to the cable box by just a straight cable connection. I do not have an HDMI cord which it says the picture will be better if connected this way. However this is my first flatscreen television of my own and I think it works great. I love the Smart features except the fact that they are very limited and I have my choice of just about 150 apps. Many of which are +Yahoo apps such as Yahoo finance, Yahoo weather, Yahoo news. It does have Facebook and twitter. But I cannot add apps of my own choosing that I would like. It does allow me to play Youtube videos and has +HuluPlus, +Netflix, +Amazon and +M-Go. But it does not have +Redbox streaming unfortunately or +Blockbuster.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Nabisco Newtons Fruit Thins Toasted Coconut Drizzled with Dark Fudge

Wow...I can definitely say these are great cookies. I have not had a coconut cookie as good tasting as these. I love the flavor for sure. They blended them very well. The fudge drizzle is all around not overbearing at all and goes very well with the coconut. I really enjoyed them. i actually ate half the box in a single sitting without any intent. Perfect afternoon snack with any drink.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Mederma Old and New Scar fading

I used this after a dog attack in which my lip was ripped and needed a plastic surgeon called into the emergency room. The surgeon redid my lip and though I still have some non feeling there he did a good job all and all. However the scars would be there once all said and done. Mederma helped my scars fade before having time to set in. Not only did I have the scar on my lip but also several other facial tears where I was stitched. Immediately after removal of stitches I used mederma and worried it would not help but it did. I barely can see the scars 13 months later. If not for Mederma I am sure the scars would have stayed clearly visible. I used it intermittently with Vitamin E as well as needing to keep sunscreen on my face at all times throughout the process.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Naturemade VitaMelts

I purchased the chocolate mint Naturemade VitaMelts Relax. It is a package of 60 tiny 3mg melatonin melting tablets that have a chocolate mint taste. The taste truly is that of chocolate mint and is not chalky or chemical like. This is the first of this type of product I have used as I have had sleep issues for years. I currently am prescribed sleeping medications but don't like to take them every night due to their addictive nature and of course I have been on many and these work for me which is rear so I also do not want to build a tolerance. So I figured I would try the VitaMelts having no expectations of them working for me however for the past 3 nights I have taken 2 VitaMelts and gone to sleep shortly after taking them. I am quite surprised they have worked for me and they tasted as good as they do too. I plan on purchasing some more! I definitely recommend Naturemade VitaMelts chocolate mint Relax to others who need help falling asleep.

HP Touchpad

I have had my HP Touchpad for just over a month now. I bought it from eBay used and already a dual boot system. It boots Windows iOS and Android. When I initially got it the camera only worked in the Windows iOS system which is common with custom changing ROMS. Also the Bluetooth did not work and the Android system as well as the iOS system needing upgrading. It worked well for my games and web browsing however.
I was not satisfied until a few days ago when I was able to figure out and fully upgrade the whole HP Touchpad. It took me a while due to needing to bring the touchpad all the way back to its state of coming out if the box and then customizing it from there by upgrading the iOS system first then adding the dual boot to it with Android. I have it running Ice Cream Sandwich Cygenmod 9.
The 1.2 GHz processor is running great. The camera is not the best but its okay for Skype and keeping in touch with family and friends through your favorite online or app based video calls. The web browsing works well and seems to be handled with ease on both systems with the HP Touchpad. I am running about 80 Android apps on mine and don't see any issues since updating it. Android system is the system I use daily don't hardly use the Windows iOS side of this tablet but all in all its a great device and in my opinion better than the iPad 2.


Sunday, November 10, 2013

Glade Hawaiian scented wax melts

I bought the Glade Hawaiian wax melts that go into a burner and diffuses a sweet aroma into the air. Along with the wax melts I also purchased some air freshener to natch for the bathroom. I found the scent to be excellent and seem to be a lasting effect compared to some other products I have used including products that claim to be better and that cost more money. Nonetheless the Hawaiian Glade wax melts have aromitized my apartment for a few weeks now and as I get ready to switch scents and try another product I am hoping I don't lose the great aroma I smell even before opening the thick door I have. The aroma does not seem to last longer than 2 days at most 3 days before I feel it needs changing as it is not as strong. Glade definitely has produced a nice product with an excellent mix of fruity floral combination to this Hawaiian product. I am glad I bought them and caught them at CVS during a great rewards period.

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Friday, November 8, 2013

Samsung Galaxy S3

I have had my Samsung Galaxy S3 for just about 4 months now. Its a great phone compared to my previous phone that was not bad for its time but got old quick which was also an Android based phone. I am currently running a custom ROM on Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean. My S3 is a US Cellular version, however it is flashed over to a prepaid network, Selectel Wireless, which runs off the Verizon cell towers and roams on US Cellular towers without having to add money to my account for extra roaming fees. I pay a flat fee for my unlimited monthly service and get my talk, text, data, and web. The web speed is throttled after 2gb per month I believe but not for sure as I most of the time use wireless networks so do not believe I hit that point with this provider as I have previously with some others who I know throttle the web and data speeds after 2gb.

The S3 is nice sized touch screen device. It is not too big that it does not fit into a pocket, but also not small where you can hardly do what is desired. This phone is almost as good as a computer but yet its in the palm of your hands and it is more convenient than a computer. I use my phone for everything in my life just about nowadays. From banking, paying bills, checking in with family on social networks, watching videos, and playing games. I also use my Galaxy S3 to make about $20-$30 a month in gift cards by supporting research with my device. I even am writing this blog from my Galaxy. The screen resolution is excellent and videos play nicely. When playing games they run smoothly. I have not found them to be delayed or slow on the S3. I love the night scene mode in the camera as it has allowed me to take some awesome evening pictures of the moon in the clouded sky, something I had never done before. The rear camera is an 8mp camera and can zoom somewhat. You can manually adjust some of the camera functions with some tinkering. I have not played with the front camera much except to take a few pictures just to see the functioning of it which was more limited than the rear facing camera. The pixels are much smaller also.

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Macado's Restaurant

Had dinner with my brother, his wife, and their 3 kids at Macado's in Lynchburg, Va on Candlers Mountain Rd. It is a nice place with a bar and great variety on menu. Tuesday's is kids eat free night after 5:30pm and there is also a special on the burger meals. They even have some who comes and does face painting and balloons for the children on Tuesday evenings. The dining experience was good. I ordered the Philly burger and requested cheddar cheese instead of provolone. I also had them add jalapenos  on my burger too. I had my choice of chips or fries with the burger and chose fries with added cheese on top for an extra 75 cents. The burger came on a french bread roll. It was a 1/2 pound juicy and succulent tasty burger. I am glad I chose it as I had debated between that and the chili one which came with the jalapenos, cheddar cheese, and chili but no sauteed onions, mushrooms, and green peppers. But they both sound good. Actually just about all of them sounded good by their descriptions. The food was filling, matter fact it was over filling and I was completely full just after starting on my fries. The children all ordered the same thing, macaroni and cheese with cheese french fries. They barely ate supper as they instead enjoyed their entertainment by the face painting. But they too theirs home. The children's meals were adult size portions and looked delicious. The size of the meals for the children were definately worth going to this place plus adding the bonus of bringing it home for another meal yet not having to pay for them.

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Mio Energy

I bought a bottle of Mio Energy Green Thunder flavored from the local shell station. They had coupons for $1 off so I figured I would try it. The liquid water enhancer was added to 3 bottled waters and I drank them before noontime. I did not seem to experience any added boost in my energy for the day. I had no better alertness. I however did not drink my usual 2 cups of coffee. Though I also did not experience my needed alertness I get from the coffee instead I felt somewhat drained and dragging by 2pm.

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Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Waffle House

O20da3d0d8eb134b7d70458d7a43aa57fdc61916b4b58faf5bcn our ride home from South Carolina last week we stopped at waffle house for breakfast. I ordered 2 breakfast sandwiches with egg, sausage, and cheese. I substituted my biscuits for the new #JalapenoCheddar ones pictured in the poster posted here from the front window. First off service was not great at the specific waffle house we went to in South Carolina. The waitress was in attentive as well as the cook which was apparent when after my order came back wrong with just sausages on the Jalapeno biscuits without the eggs nor the cheese they fixed the order. The cook then left the pan on the griddle and its handle caught fire. My niece seen the small flame and the waitress was then able to put it out quickly with no issues and commented to the or waitress about "he did it again" talking about the cook. Anyway, the biscuits did not have much of a jalapeno taste nor spice to them and were fairly dry compared to some restaurant breakfast biscuits I have had. The coffee I had was good. But all and all I had a poor experience at this #WaffleHouse


Monday, November 4, 2013

Lindt Truffles

Went to +CVS/pharmacy  to do my shopping Saturday and found that #LindtTruffles were on sale. I had not planned on getting any and debated as I had gone there with an agenda but I could not resist the calling I get from my desire for white chocolate @Lindt Truffles that comes when I see them every year at this time. So of course I had to buy some. Only this time I bought my usual plus another 2 flavors, one I have had previously and liked and another I had never seen but is made of white chocolate also. I figured I would try them. Needless to say I have not tried the new kind yet as I am saving them for last. However, the white chocolate #LindtTruffles are gone already. I ate the whole bag between 11pm on Saturday and about 4pm Sunday afternoon. They were so delicious I just could not resist their smooth creamy centers with the outer she of irresistible white chocolate harder layer. Such a delinquently delicious chocolate. Its not a chocolate I eat all the time as I am on a budget, though not overly expensive, somewhat affordable, just not cheap. I have always been a white chocolate person, never liked milk chocolate and so #LindtTruffles white chocolate is perfect for me!

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