Tech Review: Nokia Lumia Icon #VZWLife

Disclosure: I received a Nokia Lumia Icon at no cost for review. I am a Verizon Wireless Buzz Lifestyle Blogger. I did not receive compensation for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

(Picture credits):  Verizon Wireless.

I’ve been working with Verizon and I was given the opportunity to review the Nokia Lumia Icon Black. Nokia has definitely stepped up their game with the Icon. It has the ability to do things that no previous Nokia can.

There are so many features that make it worth buying, but the best one is the camera. I’ve never seen a smartphone with a better camera. Even the Galaxy S4 is only 13 megapixels while the Icon is 20 megapixels.

The Nokia Icon pulls ahead of most other smartphones in some ways. The Nokia Icon is jam-packed with futuristic, cutting edge hardware, including a 2.2 GHz Quad-Core CPU. This is definitely the perfect windows phone that everybody has been wanting.

Specifications-

• Windows Phone 8 Update 3, build 10521
• Lumia Black firmware
• 5” full HD 1080p OLED display, ClearBlack, Sunlight readability, Glare-free, Super sensitive touch, Gorilla Glass 3
• Pixel density: 440 ppi
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 Quad-Core processor, 2.2 GHz
• Adreno 330 GPU
• Camera: 20 MP PureView, ZEISS optics, OIS, 2x lossless zoom, oversampling, dual LED flash
• 2 GB RAM
• 32 GB internal storage (no micro SD)
• Bluetooth 4.0 LE
• Display features: Brightness control, Orientation sensor, Sunlight readability enhancements, Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3, Easy to clean, High brightness mode, Lumia Color profile, Sculpted glass, Wide viewing angle
• 2420 mAh internal battery with Qi wireless charging
• Dimensions: 5.39 x 2.79 x 0.39 in
• Weight: 166g /5.86 oz
• nano SIM
• Networks: LTE: 700MHz; SVLTE Band 13; Band 4; CDMA: 3G EVDO 850/1900 Rev A with Rx Diversity; Global Ready: GSM (850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz)  UMTS (850MHz, 900MHz, 1900MHz, 2100MHz)

Design-

There aren’t any creative or bold design colors available with the Icon. It is only available in white or black. So if you were hoping for green, yellow, or blue.. you won’t find it. Nokia tried to keep the Icons design as conservative as possible and since most people buy cases, phone color shouldn’t matter anyway. Or at least to me it doesn’t.

It definitely feels sturdier than other smartphones. I needed something that could withstand the torment of my 5 year old and seven year old. I needed something tough and the Google Glass screen makes it just that. The phone has already fallen out of my truck onto the concrete and it didn’t even scratch anything (WITHOUT a case).

Size-

Plenty of people skipped out on buying the Nokia Lumia 1520 because of its enormous size. The massive size made it awkward to hold the phone comfortably. The Nokia Icon has totally changed up the game with the size, it’s only a hair taller than the Lumia 928. Fits perfectly in my hands, and I have small hands.

Homescreen

The Homescreen is fully customizable with Live Tiles and apps that you check the most, such as email or social media. I absolutely love it. I love that the tiles flip and show my updates and notifications. I don’t have to constantly click anything because my homescreen lets me know if I have a new email, message, or Facebook update.

Screenshots

Each smartphone is different in which buttons you should push to get a screenshot. With the Nokia Lumia Icon:

To capture a screenshot, press the Start button and the Power button at the same time.
To view the screenshot you've taken, navigate Photos > albums > Screenshots from the start screen.

I love how easy it is. It’s even easier to screenshot with the Icon then it is the Galaxy S4. With the Galaxy I was having problems getting the home button to push in as the same time as the power button. The home button gets stuck sometimes. With the Icon, the windows button responds very well to my touch. It didn’t even take me a second to get it right. With the Galaxy I’d have to try a couple times before it would work!

Apps

I have been having tons of fun playing around with the apps. There are so many different apps in the Windows Store. There are apps for everything. The Store is an amazing place because you can search for exactly what you’re looking for. I personally think that the apps at the Windows store are somewhat better than regular Google play apps.

I love that I don’t have to keep scrolling through all the available apps and games. I can just jump straight to whatever it is I’m looking to download.

I also love the fact that the apps are alphabetized and can be searched through. I don’t have to spend time searching through the long list. I can just hit the search button and have the app right there. Makes things 10x easier.

Camera & Videos

The 20 megapixel camera puts the icon at the top of the list for the most powerful cameras. It never fails whether you’re in a light or dark place. The pictures are always sharp, never dull and fuzzy like some night pictures are. It also allows rezooming and reframing pictures after they’ve been taken.

There are also a ton of apps that you can download that takes amazing pictures, lets you edit, and lets you add filters. I love the fact that I no longer have to pack around a heavy camera to get high definition, beautiful pictures!

You can record full HD Video with the amazing visual and audio qualities. This is because the Icon has Nokia PureView Imaging. It comes with 4 microphones, which are all high performance. This allows the phone to capture true stereo sound with impeccable accuracy at cutting out most of the background noise.

It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for in a smartphone, the Icon definitely has it. There is no better choice and you’ll love the feel of the Windows 8 interface.

The Nokia Lumia Icon is only available at Verizon Wireless.

There will be more app reviews and such to come..

 

-Jessica

Guest Post: 8 Rainy Day Ideas To Cure Boredom Blues

Gloomy weather can ruin even the happiest of moods. Ward off boredom (and insanity) for both you and your kids with fun activities that will keep them from feeling cooped up.

In order to cure children’s boredom, have these stashed in your back pocket for the next rainy day so that the dreary weather will not dampen their spirits:

1. Build A Fort

Not only will children be occupied with the task of building a fort, they will be entertained for hours playing inside of something that is not part of their everyday life. In fact, be prepared that they might want to sleep in it.

And, if created near a TV, have a lazy movie date underneath the fort. Bring out the popcorn and juice, pop on a movie, and relax.

For anyone without TV, prepare ahead of time for the rainy day, and use http://www.saveontvdirect.com/ to find an inexpensive package.

2. Have An Indoor Treasure Hunt

Keep a child’s day lively with a treasure hunt. Create a few clues the children have to solve in order to find the final treasure. Once they find it, have a prize ready they can cash in on. Whether it is actual cash or some chocolate coins, the kids will love it either way.

3. Baking Day

Although this entails a messy kitchen, spending the day making delicious treats will keep even the liveliest of children entertained. Not only family bonding and hands on activity, it also yields a tasty end result that kids will absolutely love.

4. Arts And Crafts

Have special arts and crafts set-aside specifically for rainy days. Fun stamps, glitter pens, stickers, or special markers that are only used during rainy days can provide hours of entertainment especially for those who enjoy art projects. Because these craft tools are special, children will actually look forward to rainy days instead of dreading them.

5. Camp Inside (Or Outside)

For pop-up or small dome tents, it is easy to set up camp for your kids indoors. Do campfire activities such as picnicking inside of the tent, eating s’mores, and telling stories.

For the more adventurous folks, set up a waterproof tent outside where kids can experience the rain without getting wet or muddy.

6. Mad Libs

Spend the afternoon coming up with your best noun, verb, or adjective to create the most hilarious, sidesplitting stories. Easy to find and easy to play, the kids will love competing with each other over whose story was funnier.

7. Contests

With multiple children, providing some sort of contest is generally a good rule of thumb. They will be interested in winning and beating out their sibling that they will have no time to be bored. Whether it is a marshmallow-catching contest or water balloon contest, the kids will put forth their full energy.

8. Host A Tea Party

Boys will not be as into this, but girls will enjoy having grown up tea and dainty sandwiches, bring their make believe tea parties to life.

So, for the next rainy day, be sure to utilize these ideas and curb any boredom your child throws your way.

Image Source: www.whattoexpect.co

Capresso A La Carte Coffee Machine & Capresso Cool Grinder Giveaway

Welcome to the Capresso A La Carte & Capresso Cool Grinder Giveaway

Jenns Blah Blah Blog and her blogging buddies have come together to offer you the chance to win a Capresso A La Carte & Capresso Grinder!  HUGE Thank You to our amazing sponsor Capresso.com for making this giveaway possible.

About The Capresso A La Carte & Capresso Cool Grind

One lucky person will win the Capresso Coffee a la Carte which allows you to brew a full carafe or an individual cup of coffee or tea using the innovative cup to carafe brewing system.  It’s perfect for any home.  The Capresso Coffee a la Carte is valued at $179.99. Winner will also receive Capresso Cool Grind is valued at $24.99.  The Capresso Cool Grinder allows you to quickly and easily chop your own coffee beans into find particles. Total value of this prize is 204.98! To learn more about the Capresso Coffee à la Carte and Capresso Cool Grind be sure to head on over to Jenns Blah Blah Blog and read about the Capresso Coffee a la Carte Coffee and Tea Maker.  Giveaway is open to US only, must be over the age of 18, and enter using the giveaway widget.  This giveaway is over at 4/8/2014 at 11:59pm EST.  Good Luck Everyone! JennsBlahBlahBlog.com was compensated either by free product or payment. I have not been compensated for this post. All opinions and experiences are my own. Open to the US, must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of the giveaway. Sponsor will be responsible for prize fulfillment. This event is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions, or to have your product featured on Jenns Blah Blah Blog you can Email Jenn at Jenn@JennsBlahBlahBlog.com giveaway tool code

Entry-Form

 

Jessica

Get Organized with Built NY! Gramercy Collection Quilted Small Duffle Tote #Review

Clutter can definitely influence the way we work. I noticed that I was spending more time searching for something I needed than I was spending working. Everything was very disorganized and I got lost in the clutter.

I would rather sit down and spend more time getting something accomplished. I wasn’t though, I was spending most of the time looking, not doing what needed to be done. I was wasting valuable time, and it was frustrating me in the process.

Between time management skills and getting organized, I figured life would be easier. I was now dealing with 2 (sometimes 3) kids, 4 dogs, a home, 2 blogs, and a hubby. I needed to get organized and work out a schedule.

The Built NY Gramercy Collection has a Small Duffle Tote that has been my go-to organization essential this last couple of months. I needed a tote, so that wherever I am I know what needs to be done. What posts need to be written, which emails need replied to, and when I have a meeting with a teacher.

It’s just the right size for me. I can put 3-4 1” Binders, a notebook, tablet, pens, & markers.. and go. I love that it holds my essentials but isn’t so large that I’m tempted to carry more than I need. It IS available in small, medium, & large so that no matter what size your “essentials” are, they are with you at all times.

I started from scratch- new binders, paper, dividers, & folders. I didn’t want to add anything that wasn’t necessary for my daily schedule. It’s My “Schedule” Binder, My “Review/Sponsored” Binder, and my “DIY inspiration” binder. I decorated each one and then added only the necessary tabs for right now. I may add a little as I go, but keeping it simple makes stuff easier to find.

I just added a little at a time until I had what I really needed. The tote has large compartments and a zip top closure to keep all items secure while also allowing for easy access. With its flat bottom design, this travel essential stays in the upright position when filled and lays flat when not in use.

I fell in love with the quality of the quilted fabric. Because the tote is made of neoprene material it is both washable and stretchy which makes it expandable. There is two ways to carry this tote, both are comfortable.

The comfort of the shoulder piece actually amazed me. Usually when I carry a bag for a long period of time it starts cutting into my shoulder and hurting. This tote has a extra double padded shoulder piece that makes it comfortable to carry this bag for as long as you need to!

Whatever it might be that you need to organize, do it in style with a Small Duffle Tote from Built NY.

 

-Jessica

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