Sol Republic Relay Headphones Review - #VZWBuzz #TechReview

The Sol Republic Relay Headphones are designed for both work & play. In ear earphones have always bugged me before because they would slip out when I’d lean too far one way or bend over to pick something up. Music is a big part of my life and I love listening on the go—I’m glad I found these.. they’ve helped in SO many ways.

I strap my phone in it’s case, choose a playlist, and listen to music while I clean. Before, I didn’t have much choice in movement. One sudden movement and there wouldn’t be any music, the earphone down by my side. It would fall out and leave me scrambling for it.

Now I don’t have to worry about that. I love the fact that I can put these in and sweep up a pile of dirt, mop the floor, or fold clothes. I can wear these while I’m walking/exercising which was also always a chore. I’d run a little too fast and the earphones would slip out.

These earphones are true to their word. I love the snug fit and comfortable design. Even after wearing these for long periods of time, they are still comfy. Usually my ear would have started hurting or at least a little irritated from other in-ear buds. These are designed to fit inside the ear at the angle the canal is shaped. These were still as comfortable as when I put them on.

They truly amazed me and have changed my opinion about in-ear earphones. I can’t even wear the left ear bud on most in-ear earphones because I have my tragus pierced. The earphones would get stopped by the tragus bar and not let sound into my ear. Or it would just fall completely out of my ear. These stay snugly in place on both sides, even with my tragus bar.. Yay!

They are designed to flex so that they fit inside any ear without irritation or coming undone. They come with four sizes of ear buds, so that you can choose which size is best fitted for you. These are designed for people who wear headphones while on the move, whether at work, the gym, or cleaning (like I do).

The inside sounds just as amazing as the outside feels with these earphones. They bring with them full sound with amazing quality and a base that booms. This is always a plus with music lovers or those who watch movies on the go. They also have a mic attached and in-line control which allows switching over to a phone call.

This would be the perfect Valentine’s Day Gift for your sweetie.. and Verizon Wireless has a Free Overnight shipping on orders over $49.. woohoo.. JUST in time!

The Sol Republic Relay Headphones  $79.99

Disclosure: As member of a pretty cool team of influencers, the #VZWBuzz Team, I received the Sol Republic Relay Headphones from Verizon. No additional compensation was provided nor did I promise a positive review. All opinions are my own.

 

*Jessica

 

#SuperJeweler Emerald Cut Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring #Review

SuperJeweler is the premier online retail destination for jewelry at discount prices. Whether you’re on the hunt for a pair of classic studded earrings or a sparkling diamond necklace, SuperJeweler has something in everyone’s taste. The brand also offers free shipping worldwide – a huge plus for those who waited until the last minute.

I was given the opportunity to check out their 1ct Emerald Cut Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring in Sterling Silver. I fell in love with it as soon as I opened it. It’s even more spectacular in person than it is on the website. There’s no capturing the clarity and beauty of the color of blue.. it’s beautiful.

Gemstones will never go out of style, and I love colored stones. This has a classic Emerald cut which will always look elegant and stunning. It’s surrounded on each side by a small diamond square.. the light hits them just right and makes them tranquilizing. I love the ring, and you can’t beat the price of $39.99 for a ring like this.

It looks so dainty and delicate, and captures the eye. I have had a ton of compliments on the ring, the paleness of the gemstone is magnificent. I am SUPER impressed with the ring, the quality of the ring, and how fast it came after the order was taken.

It fits perfectly and looks amazing. It feels comfortable on my hand, and has an elegant simplicity. I couldn’t be happier. High quality workmanship, real sterling silver, and looks beautiful. There isn’t a reason to pay higher prices if you don’t have to, so why do it?

Jewelry has been my thing since I can remember, and I love the fact that SuperJeweler offers such a large selection for such great prices. I loved looking around the website, all the pieces were beautiful. No matter what price range you’re looking for, they have it.

1/4ct Platinum Diamond Stud Earrings; $299.99

1/4ct Blue Diamond Pendant in 14k White Gold; $199.99

2 3/4ct Cushion Cut Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring in Sterling Silver; $79.99

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Promise, Engagement, and Wedding Rings. Gemstone Rings, earrings, bracelets, & necklaces. Fashion Jewelry and even a variety of Men’s Jewelry!

Additionally, throughout the month of February, SuperJeweler will be giving away a different heart themed piece of jewelry via their Facebook page each day with each entrant automatically entered into a Valentine's Day drawing where one lucky winner will receive a stunning 1 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring in 14 Karat White Gold!

 

-Jessica

Tech Review: Beats By Dr. Dre Studio Over-Ear Headphone @Staples #TechReview #Beats

The Beats by Dr. Dre Over-Ear Headphones are absolutely amazing. Music is a big part of my daily life as a writer. When I sit down to write, I turn the music up and drown the rest of the world out. I have my tragus pierced and it keeps in-ear earphones from going into my left ear because of the barbell. I was excited to find a stylish pair of over the head earphones that deliver amazing quality. Staples carry them and they are on sale. This would be an amazing Valentines Day Gift!!

After 25 years, Dr. Dre was tired of spending months on a track only to have his fans hear it on weak, distorting ear buds. Two years and hundreds of prototypes later, Beats Studio headphones are the icons that bring you sound the way it was originally intended.

These headphones deliver professional quality sound for those who want to ‘hear” the music. The sound depth is absolutely stunning. We all know laptop and phone speakers are dull and can’t produce the “beats” of the music. These headphones changes everything. It’s like adding surround sound to your TV, rather than just using your TV speakers. Or the difference between regular car speakers and having a system. I love it.

The bass is nicely detailed and deep, which makes listening to any song so surreal. Whether it’s the bass and drums in a rock song, the beat of a rap song, or the melody of a country song.. each song is delivered to your ears unlike any laptop, phone, or MP3 player speaker can give you!

As a music lover, this is a really great gift to give and receive. I would do cartwheels to get these as a gift. I love being able to sit down after my kids go to sleep and put these on, and write as long as I want without my music disturbing anybody.

The headphones do require two AAA batteries to work. If you don’t have them inserted or you don’t have the switch on the right side of the ear piece turned on—you can’t hear anything. The batteries go inside the left ear piece, and snap right to lock the batteries in.

What hooked me was the unique look. The fact that they come in different colors and there’s such a variety for us to customize their headphones. That just adds to their awesomeness. I got the pink pair and absolutely adore them. They’ve added amazingness to my day!

Even when I’m watching movies or Youtube videos- it’s like having surround sound <<FOR YOUR EARS>>! It’s like an addiction,.. once you’ve put a pair of these headphones on, BAM.. you’ll never want to go back to the original speakers!

Regular speakers and headphones produce a flat, boring sound. Add some Dr. Dre beats and you can sit back and feel the music. You feel like you’re sitting right there with the artist as they’re making it. No more boring, dull beats—spice up YOUR music life!

I love the fact that I can use these with all of my electronics. Whether it’s my laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone. They are the most comfortable and best sounding headphones I’ve ever used. I am deeply infatuated with them, and you will be too when you try them.

The ear cuffs are super comfortable for long periods of time. They aren’t too bulky or heavy, yet are cushioned. They keep my ears from getting irritated or producing sweat when long for longer periods. I couldn’t be happier with the way they fit! I love them!

The folding design and carrying case make life ten times easier. My older headphones ended up getting worn out very quickly because they were big and didn’t have a carrying case. This hard plastic carrying case comes with a clip on the outside.. I can attach it to the inside of my laptop bag or backpack and not worry that the headphones are going to get broken.

What is inside the box?

Beats Studio on ear Headphones, Two (2) AAA batteries, 3.5mm audio cable, 1/4" audio adapter, In-line remote & mic cable (features may vary), Hard Shell carrying case, Beats cleaning cloth

Get Yours! –> $164.90 with quick 2 day shipping at Staples

 

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for more Reviews, DIY posts, fashion & beauty tips and more..

 

-Jessica

Valentine’s Day Beauty Deals I LOVE

 

Spa Sonic

Used and recommended by spas and dermatologists, this multi-brush face and body polisher will keep skin kissable and smooth. The set includes a face brush, body brush, pumice stone and sponge for moisturizer application. Available in three shades, White, Lavender and Pink, Spa Sonic will be on sale from January 24th to February 15th!

Spa Sonic Valentine’s Day deals can be found at the following:

• Walgreens.com (www.walgreens.com) Price: $34.99

• Target.com (www.target.com) Price: $38
• Walmart.com (www.walmart.com)  Price: $34.99
• Drugstore.com (www.drugstore.com) Price: $39.99

 

emerginC

Get primed, hydrated and red carpet ready with date-night essentials from emerginC. Purchase a jar of the hydra-repair topical infusion capsules and receive a red carpet primer for free.

Offer valid from Monday, February 3rd through Valentine’s Day. on he EmerginC website

Whitening Lightning

Get a bright white smile in time for Valentine’s Day with the Whitening Lightning I Wanna Sweetheart Special. Offer includes 2 Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Glosses, 1 Brow Bar To Go and choice of 1 whitening pen. Use coupon code SWEETIE at checkout to receive the bundle for $49.

Offer available on the website

Sublime Beauty

Restore skin’s youthful glow this Valentine’s Day with an exclusive offer from the new anti-aging skincare collection, Sublime Beauty. Receive 25% off the Face Whisperer Advanced Eye Gel, a targeted under-eye serum that helps reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines.

To purchase the Face Whisperer Advanced Eye Gel, visit Amazon.com and use coupon code EYEGEL25 at checkout.

 

Happy Shopping

 

-Jessica

Book Review: The Web Designers Roadmap by Giovanni DiFeterici; O’Reilly Media

The Web Designer's Roadmap is a full-color book about the creative process and the underlying principles that govern that process.

While other books cover the nuts 'n' bolts of how to design the elements that make up websites, this book outlines how effective designers go about their work, illustrating the complete creative process from start to finish.

As well as how-to content, the book draws on interviews with a host of well-known design gurus, including Shaun Inman, Daniel Burka, Meagan Fisher, Donald Norman and Dan Rubin.

A non-academic book, this is a fun and easy read packed with practical information.

 

My Review*

The Web Designers Roadmap is a book about the creative process behind web design. One of the most challenging problems with design is knowing where to start, where to get ideas, and how to turn the ideas into actual web design whether it’s a website, app, or blog design.

This book focuses more on the actual structure of the design process. It doesn’t really let us jump into the HTML/CSS code and learn HOW to design. The book focuses on thought process and the different ideas and structure of beauty.

The book is written from the perspective of a designer who works inside a studio. So, it’s different from myself because I work alone and from home, but the information was interesting. I learned some interesting facts and ideas, so the book is for anybody- whether you’re already a designer or an aspiring one.

I’d say the book was good information for a designer and easy to follow. It wasn’t what I was expecting though. I thought there’d be some design elements thrown in, I love to see how to code different things, so it was a bummer it’s only design related and doesn’t HTML/CSS.

If you’re looking for inspiration or want to learn the history of design, this book is definitely for you!

About the Author

Giovanni has a BA in studio art and is currently completing a degree in graphic design. He is an accomplished illustrator and designer. He’s the go to guy when it comes to developing creative solutions to complex visual problems.

Get the Book: The Web Designer's Roadmap 

Print- $39.95     Ebook-$29.00

 

Jessica Renee

 

Book Review: Cake Balls: More Than 60 Delectable and Whimsical Sweet Spheres of Goodness by DeDe Wilson; Harvard Common Press

Just as delightful to eat as they are portable and fun to make, cake balls have been making appearances across the country in bakeries, upscale restaurants, children’s parties, and weddings. Innovating mom and prolific home baker, blogger, and author, Dede Wilson ushers in this popular trend in baking with over 60 delicious and decadent recipes.

What is a Cake Ball?

Cake balls are a combination of crumbled cake and frosting rolled into generous bite-size rounds and then dipped in a coating, usually dark, milk, or white chocolate. There is a cake ball for every party, holiday, bake sale, and any other occasion, and these sweet treats are sure to be a standout in an array of ordinary baked goods.

Cake Balls begins with nine basic cake recipes and ten basic frostings, ganaches, and glazes, which Wilson spins, with some design tricks and extra ingredients, into 63 distinctive creations, each handsomely photographed in full color.

DeeDee helps us ditch those recipes that call for boxed caked mix and canned frosting, which I love. She approaches cake balls the right way with from-scratch cake and frosting! There are a variety of cake balls in this book, and such a variety- this is definitely a must own book for anybody who would love to learn or add to their recipes.

Ch.1 Baking & Creating Fabulous Cake Balls provides the basic cake ball making techniques, tools, and ingredients. Also includes:

How to create your own unique cake ball recipe, All about cake ball decorations & Storage Tips

Ch.2 The Basic Recipes is split into two sections. The first section is basic cake ball recipes while the second covers frosting, pastry cream, ganache, and other “binders” to combine with the cake recipes (base).

Ch.3 The Cake Balls -More than 50 recipes for fabulously delicious cake ball recipes.

Ch.4 Cake Ball Creations 10 recipes that teach us to use cake balls to make show stopping desserts on a grand scale.

 

The Recipes

The recipes include kid-friendly ideas, such as Jam-Filled Cake Balls, Smores, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cake Balls; sophisticated treats like Cocoa-Dusted Truffle Cake Balls and Cranberry-Toffee-Walnut Cake Balls; and whimsical creations like Teddy Bears, Cake Ball Pumpkins, and the statement-making Cake Ball Tower, made of cream puffs. Wilson offers inspiration for baking pros with tips for original cake ball inventions, and guidance for rookies and bakers-on-the-go with tips on making cake balls from a mix.

I had so much fun with this book. The cake balls look so delicious yet so beautiful. The perfect treat for many occasions. There were so many of the recipes that made my mouth water like crazy.

Cappuccino Cake Balls, with additional details on making a Mochaccino Cake Ball.

Rocky Road Cake Balls which is made with a fudgy brownie base. (yum)

German Chocolate Cake Balls

Peppermint-White Chocolate

There are just so many more that I could mention. I can’t wait to try all of them. The book is absolutely amazing and I am so glad I’ve added it to my recipe book collection, it’s priceless.

It’s something not only that we can do, but that we can get help from our kids. They remember the small stuff, and just baking some amazing cake balls and playing a game after or something. Let them help you choose the cake mix or which type of frosting as well. We will definitely be doing this!

Download the recipe for Confetti Cake Balls

Download the recipe for Apple Pie Cake Balls

Download the recipe for Crème Brûlée Cake Balls

The Cake Ball decorations are super adorable. Whether it’s a Christmas Tree at your Christmas party, a princess for your daughter, Egg for Easter, or Pumpkin for Halloween.. they have it all. I love them!

Get Yours: Cake Balls: More than 60 Delectable and Whimsical Sweet Spheres of Goodness

$12.31

Harvard Common Press Independent publisher specializing in cookbooks, childbirth & parenting,

Jessica Renee