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5 Popular iPhone 6 Smartphone Cases

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I absolutely love the new iPhone 6!  While I may have insurance on my phone, I do not want to go through the insurance hassle should I scratch or break the screen.  So I decided to find the most affordable, stylish and durable screen and phone protector available for my smartphone. Here is my list of iPhone 6 smartphone cases to buy:

71cqm3SzWWL._SL1000_1.

The first case I found is for the iPhone 6 Plus. It is contemporary and stylish, with its clear polka dots.  The other choices from this supplier appear to be endless and the prices are extremely affordable.  I was glad to read that it is made from environmentally friendly materials.

2.

811NK2nXXbL._SL1500_The next case is very rugged and durable. It’s similar to an Otter case, but less expensive.  I love all the many included features, including the kick stand, screen protector and CINEYO Stylus Pen. It allows you to have hands free control.

3.

61kCB+cdpJL._SL1000_The third case I like comes in a five pack with different colors. These cases are stylish and slim — they’re for someone who prefers a discreet, “minimalist” approach to things.  Someone who also likes to switch things up from time to time. It is made with enhanced rubber to secure your grip while holding your iPhone 6.

4.

51w014W5fZLThe next iPhone 6 case is made of a high quality durable material.  It’s the classic case that smartphone users tend to prefer due to its looks and strength. The accessories are awesome (2 Crystal Stylus Pens and a screen protector). It comes in purple (one of my favorite colors) but it may also be available in additional shades. This phone case also appears to be very easy to assemble.

5.

51iSv6kKe-LThe fifth and last iPhone 6 smartphone case that I liked had a very classy and professional look.  It includes inside pockets to store your license or credit cards.  I liked that it has a magnetic strip to close flap securely.  This is the one you get if you want to consolidate things and just have everything important in one convenient place.

Posted by Eve

3 Natural Products to Boost Your Energy

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Every winter I always need a boost of energy to combat the depressive scenes of winter — I think they call it the “winter blues” because you don’t get enough sunshine.  So, I went on a hunt to find a healthy, non-caffeinated and all natural way to boost your energy. Here’s what I found:

Green Superfood Powder

81KLsPo0kiL._SL1500_The first product that I found was a raw organic green Superfood Powder.  It can be put into your daily smoothie or just mixed in with water.  It includes vitamins, minerals, probiotics and anti-oxidants to help improve low energy levels.  An added bonus is the 100% money back guarantee if it doesn’t quite do the job.

Natural B-12 Liquid Shot

71FUd1jPjtL._SL1500_Another way to increase your energy is a natural B-12 shot in liquid form.  I have often heard of doctors and nurses that work long shifts using B-12 to boost their energy levels.  I was really impressed with the natural, quality ingredients used in this product.

Oxygen in a Can

31nwFc5CPfL.AA300_PIbundle-5,TopRight,0,0_AA300_SH20_The third natural energy boost that I found was oxygen in a can that helps boost energy.  This is a new idea — never heard of this solution! The brain needs oxygen to function properly. Sometimes it’s deprived due to diet and other factors, causing mental fatigue. So giving it an extra shot can help give you more mental awareness. It’s not cheap, but it seems that purchasing the oxygen booster in a 5 pack is more affordable — especially when you compare it to the cost of visiting a new age oxygen bar.  The product I found contains 95% pure oxygen.

As a writer, I know how difficult it can be to get motivated. Hopefully one of these ways to boost your energy will help you achieve your goals!

Posted by Eve

3 Good Professional Cameras Under $250

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Here are reviews of 3 good professional cameras under $250 that you can start out with in photography.

I grew up with my parents always taking pictures — whether it was a birthday, picnic or a family affair with relatives.  I always enjoyed looking at the dozens of photo albums that were accumulated over the years.  It was enjoyable because I always saw something new in the photos every time that I would look at them.

As an adult I love taking pictures as a result of my parent’s influence.  I am always noticing a great shot for a picture when I am out gardening, hiking and swimming.  I realized that I needed a upgrade from my cell phone camera to capture a more vivid and expressive picture.  So I have started my search for a good professional camera under $250 that was easy to operate, stylish and affordable.  It also had to take amazing pictures showing all the the colors and surrounded scenery.

My cellphone camera lacks the ability to show a clear and detailed picture.  I love to hike trails in my area and take pictures of birds, trees and all sort of scenes in nature that go overlooked.  For example, on the trail where I hike there is a large tree that I always pass with a hollowed out hole where a large snake lives.  I need a camera that has the ability to zoom in, so that I don’t have to get close to that rather large snake to obtain a detailed picture of its home.  I also need the camera to have great resolution, to be able to capture the morning dew on a leaf or display the wonderful colors of a butterfly.

So here are the results of my search for all of the above on Amazon:

1) Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300/B Compact Zoom Digital Camera

To me, this is the consummate professional-level camera for someone who’s just starting out in photography. It’s compact, has a zoom-lens and even comes with a kit for professionals (including a tripod and carrying bag). The price is also very nice (about $210 as of this posting) considering the very high rating it gets from users.

2) Samsung WB1100F 16.2MP CCD Smart WiFi & NFC Digital Camera

This is a very modern hi-tech camera that also happens to be very affordable.  I like the color (deep red) and that it allows you to share your photos instantly with family and friends.  The camera’s zoom capabilities is amazing — it can take long distance shots very easily. It also allows you to film HD-quality video footage as well (maybe it’s time to try my hand at shooting some movies in addition to photography? We’ll see).  It’s an awesome deal with many positive reviews from users.

3) Olympus Stylus SZ-15 16MP 24xSR Zoom 3″ Hi-RES LCD- Silver + 8GB SDHC + Deluxe Case + Extra Accessories

This camera is a nice pick if price is a bit of a concern in addition to quality.  As of this publishing it’s on sale for $99.99 and includes free shipping.  I was impressed with all of the added accessories included (tripod, cleaning kit and more).  I also liked that it comes with an 8GB memory card as a bonus. Another impressive feature is the camera’s ability to capture panorama shots.

Honorable mention: The Canon Powershot ELPH 150 IS Digital Camera
This camera was stylish, lightweight and has all of the capabilities that I require, though it might not be considered a professional-level cam.  It’s very affordable and has a high rating on Amazon.

Scanning these choices, I believe that I like the Samsung camera best. It seems like a solid choice if you’re looking for good professional cameras under $250.

Have fun taking photos!

Posted by Eve

How to Get Free Stuff & Coupons from Your Favorite Businesses

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Here is a simple tip for how to get free stuff (including coupons and discounts) from the companies that you love.

There was a fast food restaurant in my old neighborhood that normally had very bad, slow service. Every time I left, I was sorry that I ever went! It was that bad.

But then one day I went in and everything was completely different. The clerks were nice, the service was lighting fast and the fries were very fresh and crispy. I decided to write the fast food chain headquarters a nice letter about how much I appreciated the change to that location.

A few weeks later, I opened up my mailbox and there was a letter from the fast food chain’s headquarters. Inside was a bunch of coupons for free food! I was so excited.

I learned a crucial lesson that day: positivity trumps negativity any day. I have sent negative feedback to businesses in the past — some didn’t ever send a reply and some did, but never can I remember getting such a great reward from it.

So if you want to increase your chances of getting free stuff, coupons, benefits and special deals from the companies you LOVE, take the time out to write more letters to tell them how great they’re doing. Here’s a quick step-by-step list of what to do:

  • Make a running list of all of the major businesses (medium to large companies) that you love and appreciate. Think of all the places that you visit each day, whether it’s the coffee shop, a restaurant or the gym. Include their name, corporate address and email address on your list (use a spreadsheet if possible).
  • Write a standard letter for each company. Here’s a simple format:
    1. Paragraph 1-describe the purpose of your letter (you recently visited the business and had a great experience and wanted to say thank you)
    2. Paragraph 2-include specifics about what happened at your recent visit that was so great.
    3. Paragraph 3- thank the company again and wrap it up.

As you can see, the only paragraph that you’ll probably have to edit in each letter is #2 – the rest can be the same or similar. A handwritten letter is a special touch — it shows that you put extra time and effort into the task.

  • Include your address, phone number (optional) and email address in the letter so that the company will have a way of contacting you back.
  • Drop your letters in the mail.

That’s it. Add to your list and do this as often as you’d like, but please remember one thing: make sure that your feedback is genuine and true.

The potential of getting free stuff and coupons isn’t the only benefit of writing positive feedback to the companies that you love. The more you take the time to do this (spreading positive energy), you may find that more and more positive experiences begin to happen when you patronize businesses in your area and beyond.

Happy writing!

Posted by Jade

3 Good Cappuccino (Espresso) Makers Under $75

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Almost every time I visit a coffee shop, whether it’s Starbucks or a neighborhood cafe, I get an extra shot of espresso in my cup. I really enjoy it and it gives me a boost for my day and when doing work. Yet, what I do not particular enjoy is the cost per cup! I decided to browse Amazon.com for an affordable, durable and stylish cappuccino maker that I could put on my kitchen counter and use every morning. Here are the 3 interesting espresso maker machines, all under $75 (as of the publishing of this post), that I’m considering:

Krups XP 1000 Steam Expresso Machine With Frothing Nozzle For Cappuccino

Krups cappuccino machine.This machine resembles an “old school” coffee pot, only much smaller. It has a 3-way switch to adjust the strength of your cappuccino and froth the milk. The brew time is just 3 or 4 minutes. It’s a very compact espresso machine that will probably tuck comfortably into a small nook on your kitchen counter.

Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker

Hamilton Beach Espresso and Cappuccino machine.I like this machine because it looks a lot like the machine you might find in Starbucks or another popular coffee shop. It advertises “café quality results,” which is definitely what I’m looking for. It has a 15 bar Italian pump that presses out the espresso, and steams and froths the milk for a perfect white-topped cappuccino. It also can brew two individual cups of espresso at the same time, so you can make one for you and one for your love. A nice way to start the day.

Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker

Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker.This is a traditional espresso maker that’s popular in Italy. You add water and your favorite coffee to the bottom compartments and the espresso brews its way up to the top compartment in about 5 minutes. It’s comes in a 1, 3, 6, 9 or 12 cup size depending on how much you like your espresso. While this doesn’t make cappuccinos, it is considered the premier way to make an authentic strong cup of espresso, takes up little space, and can be carried from room to room for serving to guests. It’s also reasonably priced at about $30.

I was really impressed at the choices and prices for these cappuccino maker machines on Amazon. I’m currently leaning toward the Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker because it’s right in the middle and gives me every option I’m looking for.

Posted by Jade

3 Must-Have Stylish & Practical Kitchen Appliances

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Having the right kitchen appliances are key to preparing meals successfully and beautifully. They should also add to your decor and be very functional.

I knew that Amazon would have a great selection of modern appliances to choose from, so I decided to do some browsing to see some of the latest products available. Here are 3 appliances that caught my eye—they will add style to your kitchen and assist you in preparing meals a lot easier.

Keep it Sharp

knife sharpenerOne of the most time consuming tasks that you have to accomplish when cooking is to chop up your vegetables and meats. The key to making this job quicker is to ensure that your knife is nice and sharp. The KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2 Stage Knife Sharpener efficiently and quickly sharpens your existing knives so that you’ll make quick work of your fruits, veggies and meat. And it’s under 7 bucks, worth every penny.

How Do Chefs Make Everything from Scratch?

food processorIf you are wondering how cooks, chefs and bakers are able to make everything from scratch, it’s because they always have a good food processor handy. The Cuisinart FP-8SV Elemental 8-Cup Food Processor in Silver is a highly rated, stylish machine that will do the job. Just slowly add your ingredients to the processor and allow the machine to do the work for everything from a perfect pie crust to a special sauce or salsa. You can also use it to chop up your vegetables in a hurry for a quick recipe. It’s easy to clean and has 350 watts of power.

Make Pasta like the Masters

pasta rollerIf you love pasta as much as I do, you definitely have to have a pasta machine in your kitchen! The Roma 6 Inch Traditional Style Pasta Machine is a handy little appliance that allows you to make homemade pasta just like the Old World chefs (like Lidia Bastianich) do. No preservatives or additives — just natural ingredients. Just make your pasta (use this recipe and your food processor), place the dough into the machine and turn the roller to create your spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine or lasagna. You can also make ravioli (yum).

Have fun with your new kitchen appliances!

Posted by Jade