Samsung Galaxy S4 Review #VZWlife #vzwbuzz

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is the top choice for anyone wanting a large screen and a phone that does everything. It’s long list of features is what draws most people in. There are so many features that make it stand apart from other phones.

The phone is ultra slim and easy to hold in one hand. It runs on a super fast Android 4.2.2 Jellybean operating system. It is the latest and greatest Android phone on the market and for good reason. The S4 is one of the fastest loading smartphones on the planet when it comes to graphics. The phone can do absolutely everything and is fast while doing it. Keeping me organized and entertained at the same time, I love it.

It has a unique textured back and the phone comes in both white and black. It has a rectangular home button with metallic colored accent around it. The Volume & Up/Down buttons are made of polycarbonate plastic with metallic accents. Since I always get a phone case anyway, the plastic design doesn’t matter to me.

I really love the sophisticated sleek design of the phone. I would definitely choose this over the boxier IPhone designs any day!

I am loving the battery life of the S4. I can read, check email, update Facebook or Twitter, watch YouTube videos, and play games without the hassle of the battery going down really quickly. The average battery life is about 10 hours, which is amazing. It does need to be charged daily. I also love the fact that this has a removable/replaceable battery. Most newer phones don’t, I’m glad this one does!

Android is definitely the best OS a phone could have. It has so many extras such as directly connecting to your Gmail account. I have access to Google Play, YouTube, Gmail, Google Calendar and so much more. I couldn’t imagine my life without the Galaxy now, it is AMAZING.

There is no need to download the essentials. It comes with Google Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, Kindle App, and many more. The others can be found in the Play Store (where most are free). I love the fact that I can search through the apps and find exactly what I need.

 

I had a Nokia Lumia 900 before getting the Galaxy. The Window Apps are so different, There was no way to search for certain apps like “Facebook” or “Instagram”. I had to scroll and scroll until I found what I was looking for. The apps are also different. I couldn’t directly get Instagram on the Nokia without paying $1.29. The Google Play store offers tons of apps free that I couldn’t get in the Window apps.

It IS hands-down an amazing smartphone, so smart in fact it should be named SUPER smart! It has a 13 Megapixel camera that gives us the ability to take pictures with our voice. All you have to say is capture or smile. It automatically focuses in eliminating any chance of blur, which is awesome in itself!

1. (Me when I was a little kid) 2. Me, My little cousin Mikie, My sister Brandy, and my cousin Sara

1. My son Aidan when he was a toddler. 2. Me @ the age of 9

1. My daughter when she was a baby   2. My great grandma, me, and my sister.

I love the fact that I was going through some of my grandma’s old picture albums and was able to capture pictures of the actual photos. There was no blur, no issues, and the auto focus was amazing. I was able to share them instantly on Facebook with the people in them, which is also awesome.

It also has dual-shot. The front facing camera is only 2 Megapixels and doesn’t contain a flash.. but still it’s pretty awesome. Usually the person taking the picture gets left out of the fun! Now, they can be IN the picture as well! Cheers! There are tons of settings to use when taking pictures.

I have to admit that I chose the Galaxy S4 for it’s strong camera performance and picture taking options. As a blogger I have to take a ton of pictures. Whether it’s pictures of a product, or a selfie of me with the product in use, I needed a great camera on my phone. I’ll admit I had a ton of fun testing out the different features.

Even if you take away all the other amazing features, the 13 megapixel camera is still stunning. I was very impressed with the pictures and how well they turn out. This phone takes better pictures then the digital camera I have, so WIN! The pictures are clear, crisp, and very detailed thanks to the HD feature.

Taking pictures is so easy. I love how I don’t have to push a button and risk slipping and messing up the picture. I can just say “smile” or “capture.” I absolutely LOVE this feature. It makes it 10x easier to take pictures of myself- both up close and full body pictures. Before I’d have to set a timer for the full body pictures and they didn’t always turn out so well.

 

The phone comes with the ability to add more memory, which is definitely something I look for in a phone. What use is it having a phone if you can’t add your favorite music, apps, and books because you don’t have a memory card slot?

I got the SD-micro mini adapter for about $10 at Walmart, so I can easily transfer music, videos, pictures, and documents from my laptop straight to the phone without a problem. If I had Bluetooth on my computer, I could automatically connect that way, which would be awesome… but my laptop doesn’t have it.

The phone comes with 64MG already on the phone, which is plenty for most people. I love the fact that Samsung gives me the option to add more though. The phone makes it easy to store photos on the SD card even if the pictures were taken on the hard drive of the phone. I also have a lot of music, apps, games, & Ebooks—and am not even close to the 64MG.

This phone does things I’ve never seen and never thought possible before. It has the ability to become a remote for your T.V., (Smart Pause) Can watch your movements and pause when your head or eyes move, and can translate what you say into another language.

 

This phone just keeps on amazing me. I am so in love with how quickly everything loads. Whether I’m reading and replying to emails, searching through Pinterest, or updating twitter or facebook. Articles from blogs and websites are amazing. I can zoom in easily with 2 fingers, which I also love.

As a blogger the phone has everything I need. I can write posts directly to my blogger AND Wordpress blogs, social media, and everything I need to stay organized. Like access to my Google Calendar, to-do list apps, and even Microsoft OneNote. 

This phone will actually let you put it in easy mode if you don’t want all the extra features. The extras might be confusing to those who are new to phones or just want something simple. The Galaxy S4 is definitely ahead of the pack!

I will continue updating about different features of the phone!

 

Jessica

Winterize Your Skin with St. Ives! Pear & Soy Body Wash and Intensive Healing Lotion Reviews

 

Winter has been nasty this year. Cold, rainy, and lots of snow. We hadn’t seen this much snow in Kentucky in forever. The kids had tons of snow days already, and it’s only January. Winter has already alerted my skin!

Tired of that itchy, dry winter skin? Fix it with St. Ives® Revitalizing Pear & Soy Body Wash & St. Ives Intensive Healing Body Lotion

 

Pear Body Wash

 

Waking up and getting out the door during these cold winter months is hard for me. I absolutely dread the cold. I hate the way it makes my skin feel dry and itchy. Winter and I just don’t get along very well.

That’s the reason I love the St. Ives Pear Body wash so much. It awakens my senses and energizes my mind while moisturizing my body. The succulent sweet pear scent is just delicious. I’ve never seen a pear body wash before now, and let me tell you—I was definitely missing this in my life.

The fragrance is at about a medium level- Not too strong yet has lasting power. It is light, fresh, fruity and yet has a milky creamy overlay that adds amazingness to something already at a 10. It’s a subtle, sweet, inviting, invigorating scent. I can’t get enough!

The body wash is very rich and creamy. The mixture is very luxurious and bubbles up very well. It definitely does moisturize and heal the skin from dryness. I am in love with this body wash and it will remain a favorite in my swap-up.

This unique formula of pear extract & soy not only deeply cleans the skin but also helps to improve the texture. The combination of vitamins and minerals soothe and deeply moisturize the dryness.

Product  Benefits

- 100% Natural Moisturizer

- Paraben Free

- Dermatologist Tested

- Hypoallergenic

It is hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and paraben free.

Get It: St. Ives® Revitalizing Pear & Soy Body Wash $3.97

Intensive Healing Lotion

Winter has left my skin really dry, itchy, and dull. My skin definitely needed some extra TLC and that’s exactly what the St. Ives Intensive Healing Body Lotion gives. Applying a rich lotion like the St. Ives Intensive Healing Body Lotion will help keep dry and flaky patches at bay, by locking in moisture for 24 hours.

This lotion is very rich and creamy yet not at all greasy. I love the fact that it doesn’t take forever for the lotion to take effect. As soon as I applied it, my skin felt 100% better. The dryness was gone and the itching had gone away.

There isn’t really a scent to this lotion, if there is it’s very light. I love that this locks moisture in for a good 24 hours and is proven to heal even the driest skin. It has only 100% natural moisturizing ingredients such as soy bean oil, olive oil, mango seed butter… etc.

I love the fact that there are natural ingredients in the lotion and it’s affordable. The lotion is priceless because I can even use this on my kids!

Get Yours: St. Ives Intensive Healing Body Lotion $4.43

 

-Jessica

How To Select The Best Office Chairs

An office chair is something that most people take for granted. In fact if you asked most people about what kind of office chair they have, they will look at you with a blank expression. It's the same kind of question as what kind of gas do you put into your car. People just generally don't know. If it's served at a forecourt and it goes inside the car they will fill up and drive off. Same goes for office furniture, especially chairs. In most companies the phrase “cheapest is best” comes to mind. But of course this is a false economy. Most people work at least 7 to 8 hour days, and at least 6 of those hours are sat in a chair. I you have an office job. So it is very important, in fact it is imperative that you have good office chairs. Anything less is a disservice to yourself and to your people as a whole. Having said that they don't have to be super expensive, you can get all sorts of chairs for the home office or the office environment.

1: Classic Simple

Simple un-cushioned plastic chairs which are ergonomically designed to fit the human back and posterior. These chairs are best suited short use activities such as laboratories where the lab assistant will be sitting for 20 to 30 minutes per time before getting up and walking around. Stores like Great Deal Furniture has chairs starting from $135 + you can receive free shipping within USA.

2: Cushioned

Cushioned chairs are usually similar in design to the plastic chairs but they have quilting or cushioning for prolonged periods of sitting. Ideal for receptionists or data input clerks or purchase or sales ledger clerks and accounts departments. Grey seems to be the usual colour as it an easy to clean colour.

3: Executive

Leather executive chairs, these chairs are usually reserved for executive management. Or people who have to sit for a long period of time. They're usually fairly expensive in comparison to the standard office chairs. But they offer that luxury and comfort only afforded by the use of the best quality materials. You can look at Sit4life collection because they have huge range of office and home chairs.

As you can see finding a good quality office chair is imperative to the health and safety of your co-workers. Moreover is it detrimental to buy cheap office chairs. They also tend to break quicker and therefore you are paying twice for an item that you could just pay for once if you bought the best quality in the first place. The range of office chairs available is as wide as the applications they are designed for. But the old maxim of “you get what you pay for” still stands whatever the office it needs to live in.

 

-Jessica

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

The kids have been out of school since before Christmas. They got out the 18th and were supposed to go back the 2nd. Well they were sick the 2nd, so I kept them home. Friday, Today, AND Tomorrow have been all snow days.

It’s been super cold here, snowing, icing, AND sleeting. It’s been nice but just let me say I AM SO ready for school to be back in! My kids have done their fair share of fighting, whining, and making HUGE messes.

I’m pretty sure I need a vacation about now, lol. 3 kids, 4 dogs, and not enough coffee. I am ready for the silence and a nap!

So-

yeah, yeah, yeah

this MAMA is ready for school again!

 

-Jessica

Just Don’t Do It

 

To live a happier life, there has to be more positive thinking. How can you step forward if you’re always looking back and rethinking or worrying about the future. If you have a dream, a goal, something you want to do, to be..

Think Positive. Always. If you think you can,  you’re halfway

there.

That is where confidence comes in. If you believe in your ability, your talent, your goal.. GO for it. Don’t let negativity blind you.. be you and be confident in yourself.

 

Don’t Let them Dull Your Shine

. Just Don’t Do It.

This is a part of the 365 Blogger Dare, Day 3.

If you’d like to join in, look at the prompts here.. link up your blog post below and I’ll comment.

 

-Jessica Renee

 

Almost There… #WritingPrompt

My main personal resolution (even before New Years) was to become more organized in both my personal and blogging life. Now that I own two blogs, it’s twice as much work & time.  I wanted to become more organized and use time wisely.

I desperately need to create a schedule so that both blogs get enough time and attention to prosper. I want to have amazing blogs while still having time for myself and my family.
I’ve been organizing everything around my house, my files, and my pictures on my phone/computer. I’ve been planning posts to write and thinking about so many different tutorials I want to share with you all.


I wanted to create time to actually “create.” I love crochet, sewing, and digital design. I love to design with digital scraps and website layouts. I would love to incorporate that into my blog this year. I think I’ve spent enough time working hard to get all of you loyal followers, now I want to make it worth your while to visit.

I don’t just want to be known as the “review” blog or “mom” blog or whatever. I want to offer more than a “niche”.

So, now that I have everything set up, now it’s just time to plan that schedule and stick to it. AND hope that creativity strikes more often, lol.

What tasks/goals/life plans have you almost met?

Join in on the Bloggy Moms Blog Dare Challenge and link up below! I’ll come visit!

My goals and resolutions for 2014

My 2013 wasn’t all bad, but it was more on the negative side for me personally than positive. This blog (Stylish Southern Mama) was selected for some extremely amazing campaigns this year.. my favorite being the Verizon South Blogger. I got to work with some amazing people and learned that no matter WHAT as long as you are dedicated, motivated, and work your ass off you’ll go places in life.

Southern Rambles  (my second blog) was created in July of 2013 and I am VERY proud to say that I went from a PR0 to a PR2 in just 5 short months, which was AMAZING to me.
BUT as great as 2013 was for both my blogs, I ended up falling into a bipolar depression around November- early December. My family lost 3 people unexpectedly this year, two of them being infants.

My sister lost my beautiful niece Makenzie. It was such a devastating day, which turned into a heartbreaking rest of the year. Brandy was 25 weeks pregnant when Makenzie began her journey into the world. I’d been there, done that with Aidan. He was 24 weeks when he was born. There was a twist though, Makenzie didn’t end up making it like Aidan did. I felt such heartbreak for my sister, I wanted so much to hold her and tell her everything was going to be OK but how could I? I knew it was going to be hard for her, for me, for our family.

It not only made me have so many memory relapses of the rush of Aidans emergency birth and put me into a depression. I didn’t know how to look at my sister without almost crying. I couldn’t hold back my tears, my love for her, and the hardship she was facing. I was there, EVERY step of the way. Hiding in the bathroom at the hospital so she wouldn’t see me break down!

We have overcome the darkest days and come out stronger than we were. We love each other a little more, hug each other tighter, and are thankful for every day! It changed us, but we tried to make something positive out of the situation. We may not understand why Makenzie never got to live her life, but we’ve stood together and endured all the pain.

Blogging Goals and Resolutions
*Perfect the Art of Multitasking.
I was really great at it before but I am definitely going to have to up my game now that I own 2 blogs. I need to set a schedule for posting and getting everything done on both now.

*To remain focused on my goals and to write a personal post (part of the blogging challenge of 2014) every day in 2014.
*To start offering blog buttons and eventually entire blog designs.
Creation is my passion and I would love to be able to design for others!
*To blog more. To actually make the time to get everything on track- Emails checked, posts written, and add more personality to my posts.
*To have more guest posts. TO use my blog to help others. To showcase small businesses. As a small business owner myself I know how hard it is to get your name out there. SO I want to interview and showcase small businesses. These are the women/men who try their hardest to bring their creative beauty into the world and I love it.

Personal Goals and Resolutions
*My main goal is to remain focused. As a writer, focus and motivation are the 2 most things we have to have. Without them work goes unwritten and I don’t want that. I want to remain on TOP of everything. My blog, my house, and my kids.
*Be a motivator to others. There are people out there just waiting for the right words, the right song, or the right ear to become a better person. To love stronger, to be WHO they are without fear of being judged. I have always been who I am and have never been swayed by what others thought of me. I think everyone should be who they are and LOVE who they are. I would love to help others see that they are indeed beautiful.
*To laugh more. I try my hardest to be a positive person, but sometimes my bipolar takes over me and the depression comes out. It is just a feeling that comes over me where I miss those who used to be a part of my life. I start missing old family members, old friends, and those who have passed.

There will probably be more to come, but these are my resolutions for right now. I WILL do each and every single one of these too. I’m not one to make resolutions and forget about them until December.
Do you have any resolutions? What are they?

14 Foolproof Reasons to Love Lemons in 2014

(SANTA PAULA, CA) - The New Year is all about fresh starts and self-improvements.   Lemons are one of the most underrated yet incredibly versatile tools we have at our disposal. With New Year's Resolutions declared and the accompanying sense of personal responsibility at hand, there's no better time to delve into the wonderful world of lemons - and all the fantastic things the number onetrendiest foods of 2014 can do for all those resolution-makers in 2014.

Beauty

Lemons are universally celebrated for their many uses in the world of beauty. See below for tips to look ones best, despite the harsh winter weather.

1.  Heal that dry skin. Cold winter winds can wreak havoc on your skin! Mix equal amounts of lemon juice and honey and apply on your face and neck. After 10 minutes rinse off with cold water. Lemon contains hydroxyl acid which is highly valued in many beauty products.

2.  Lemons work wonders on chapped lips. As with the dry skin, chapped lips are hard to avoid in the colder months. Mix a teaspoon each of cream, lemon juice and honey and rub it on your lips. Use for a week and see your chapped lips disappear - naturally!

3.  Revitalize dull or damaged hair. Combine ¾ cup olive oil, ½ cup raw honey, and 3 tbsp of lemon juice. Set aside. After shampooing your hair, towel dry and work the lemon juice mixture into your hair by combing it evenly throughout. Cover your hair with a plastic cap for ½ hour. Shampoo and rinse hair thoroughly.

4.  Keep your breath nice and fresh. Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice onto your tongue and swish it around in your mouth, swallowing the juice after a few swishes. This can lower the pH level inside your mouth and kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.

5.  De-bloat with lemon and cucumber. Take 1 cucumber, 3 stalks of celery, ½ a lemon, 1 kale leaf and 1 green apple and blend in a juicer. This simple, natural juice helps to fight unsightly bloating (and ease abdominal discomfort in the process).

Home

Lemons are an easily obtained, often overlooked asset to the running of any household. See below for tips on how to keep any home clean and lemon-y fresh in the New Year.

6.  Lemons can keep your living space smelling fresh! Lemons work wonders to remove unpleasant odors. Throw a few lemon peels into the winter fire or boil them in water on the stove to fill your home with a fresh, citrus fragrance.

7.  Make your own all-purpose cleaner. Add an equal amount of lemon juice and water to a spray bottle to create an effective kitchen and bathroom cleanser.

8.  Keep the bugs at bay. When it's cold outside, insects often seek refuge in the warmth of homes. For ants, spray lemon water where you see them appear. For spiders, place bits of fresh lemon peel strategically in dark corners or on windowsills. For insects attracted to clothing, push cloves into the peel of new lemon and dry in the sun. After 4-7 days, the lemon will be completely dry (depending on weather conditions) and becomes a natural insect repellent for wardrobes, cupboards, and suitcases.

9.  Lemons add ambiance. Their cheerful yellow color adds a welcome splash of warmth into those cold January days. Place lemon slices in your flower vase and add water for a beautiful effect.

Health & Nutrition

Lemons are a staple for those who know that sometimes the best remedies are the simplest ones. See below for tips to battle the adverse effects that cold weather - and the ailments that go along with it - can have on the body.

10.  January is the month of the detox. Straight lemon water is a great detoxifier for your body. Squeeze the juice from a lemon half in your water. Cut the lemon half in pieces and put in your water for extra flavor.

11.  Germs abound this time of year. If you get a sore throat, add lemon juice to one cup of hot water and drink every couple of hours to help relieve a sore throat. (Hint - lemon water also increases production of white blood cells, thus fighting infections.)

12.  Lemons can help lower your cholesterol after a season of holiday snacking. Mix a pinch of salt with warm lemon juice and drink daily.

13.  Lemon juice is a handy weight loss tool. While no single food item is a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise, adding lemon juice to a meal can reduce its rating on the glycemic index (GI). This can promote weight loss by keeping you full for longer, or by slightly reducing the amount of fat the body will store.

14.  Homemade honey, lemon and ginger tea can turn the worst cold into yesterday's news.Take 1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger, 1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 Tbsp. honey.Put the ginger in a tea pot or medium bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water over it and let it steep for 3 minutes. Place the lemon juice and honey in a large mug, and strain the ginger tea into the mug. Stir to dissolve the honey, and add honey or lemon (or whiskey, if you're feeling old school) to taste.

Lemon uses described here have been selected from multiple public sources. Limoneira Company is not responsible for any adverse effects caused by following these generally accepted benefits.

For more wonderful tips to get the most out of every lemon, visit www.limoneira.com.

About Limoneira:

Limoneira Company, a 120-year-old international agribusiness headquartered in Santa Paula, California, has grown to become one of the premier integrated agribusinesses in the world. Limoneira (pronounced lē mon΄âra), is a dedicated sustainability company with approximately 10,000 acres of rich agricultural lands, real estate properties and water rights in California. The Company is a leading producer of lemons, avocados, oranges, specialty citrus and other crops that are enjoyed throughout the world. For more about Limoneira Company, visit www.limoneira.com.

 

-Jessica

Our Favorite Flooring Choices to Improve the Look of Your Home & Not Break the Bank

Whether moving into a new home or upgrading the look of an existing room, flooring installation can make all the difference. Picking the best flooring can be a daunting task, especially with all of the possibilities that exist, but we hope to make flooring installation a little easier with our favorite flooring options that will greatly improve the look of your home, and not break the bank.

Carpeting



If you love the delightfully warm and cushiony comfort of carpet, then perhaps it’s time to see the new and exciting carpet options that exist today. Many manufacturers are creating more durable and even stain resistant carpeting. It’s important to assess how much traffic your designated room gets, before deciding if carpet is right for you. Carpet is ideal for homes with small children, as it provides comfort and cushion for those adventurous crawlers.


Hardwood


Timeless, elegant and beautiful, hardwood flooring is perfect to obtain an elegant appeal. Hardwood flooring is expensive though, and requires a little extra care. There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing hardwood flooring. Visit a local Flooring America to find out what styles exist and can work in your home, or with your budget.

Laminate and Vinyl Flooring

Both laminate and vinyl flooring are excellent inexpensive alternatives that can resemble the look of more expensive flooring options. Laminate flooring is durable and very low maintenance, and flooring installation is a breeze.

Vinyl flooring offers a large selection of colors and patterns, and can also mimic the look of more expensive flooring options. Vinyl flooring is also durable and easy to care for.

Professional installation is still highly recommended to ensure the longevity of your floor.



-Jessica Renee