Gadget Travel Essentials, Vol. 1

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There are so many gadgets out there that it can be difficult to decide what to take, especially when we travel.  What items do I need to take?  Which cables will I need?  How will I pack them?  How much room will they take up?  These are a few items I like to take whether I am flying or driving to my destination.

1.  Macbook Air + Charger  ($899.00 and up)

Image courtesy of apple.com

I am so glad that I was able to purchase the MacBook Air.  It was awhile ago (mine is the 2011… I think), but it still runs as well as the day I purchased it.  I chose it for several reasons.  It has everything I need program-wise with ample storage.  Another big selling point was the weight.  It weighs next to nothing (~3lbs.), so I carry it with ease.  Since I have neck and back problems, it is difficult to carry weight.  If you are in the market for one, I suggest that you look at the refurbished section first.  Anything that needs replacing is fixed, so you pretty much get a new computer with the same warranty for less.  If you are in education or are a student, they also have educational pricing. 

2.  Western Digital MyPassport  (~59.99 and up)

Image courtesy of Western Digital

I love WD.  My friend gave me a MyBook awhile back, and it is what I back up everything to.  I do a lot of travel, and it was quite cumbersome to pack.  When I saw the MyPassport on sale at Target, I couldn’t pass it up.  This mini version of the MyBook takes up about as much room as an iPhone 6.  I purchased the one for Mac with 1 TB of storage.  They also make them for PCs in a variety of styles, colors, and shapes depending on the specs.  I can back up everything regardless of where I am, which allows me to have another back-up and clear up space on my computer.     

3.  GoalZero Flip 10 Recharger  ($29.99)

Image courtesy of GoalZero

This power stick is awesome!  I received mine at CES, and take it everywhere.  It is important that you know it does NOT come with a cable for the iPhone 6.  The cable is for Android phones.  That being said, it is compatible with any cable, and since I always have extra iPhone 6 and iPad cables in my pack, the lack of one is not an issue.  This power stick weighs 2.5oz, and has the following dimensions:  3.6 x 0.75 x 0.75 in.  The USB allows me to charge the power stick in the USB port on my computer and my phone simultaneously.  Charge it at night, and when you wake, unplug the power stick and toss it in your bag or pocket.    

4.  AfterShokz Blues 2  ($99.95)

Image courtesy of AfterShokz

Image courtesy of AfterShokz

If you haven’t already, check out my post on these Bluetooth bone-conduction headphones.  They are perfect for the gym, airport, plane, and anywhere else you are.  They are lightweight and have a continuous play time of 6 hours (standby time = 10 days).  The Bluez 2 will never hurt your ears since they rest just beyond the tragus.  They also allow you to hear everything around you.  Remember: Safety first!  Each pair comes with a charging cable, carrying bag, and reflectors that are perfect for the night.      

5.  Clarisonic  ($99.99 and up)

Image courtesy of Clarisonic

Okay, I know you are probably thinking that a skincare tool shouldn’t be in this list, but hear me out.  Plenty of men care about their skin, and if you don’t, you should.  Clarisonic helps you to put your best face forward by providing a deep clean with its oscillating brush.  They come with a carrying case (Mia 2), and one charge will hold for at least two weeks even with regular use.  Toss it in your grooming kit (charge it so you don’t need to take the cable), and ensure that your skin will always look its best.   
 

FabFitFun [in a] box!

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There are so many subscription boxes and programs out there now that it is hard to keep track.  Recently, I purchased the FabFitFun box to see what $49.99 could really get me.  I also used a promo code that got me two extras, but one has not arrived yet.  For first-time subscribers, they have other promo code incentives, such as $10.00 off your first box.

I had seen the FabFitFun ad plastered all over my Facebook page, so I decided to see what others thought about it.  The reviews were generally positive, so I signed up, and my box was shipped 10 business days after I placed my order.  The site does mention that boxes will ship 10 business days after payment, unless (1) you have signed up before, or (2) the box is sold out.  In that case, you have to wait until the next season’s box.  You can upgrade your membership as well, which will allow you to customize your box, for $20.00 more/month.

When the box arrived, I thought, “Damn, this is heavy!”  Below are pictures of what the box looked like when I first opened it.

Luckily nothing had leaked out or exploded.  I have had that happen a couple of times with Birchbox.  There were 10 items in the summer box, along with one other item (from Pur-lisse) that I received as part of a promotion.  A water bottle with an infuser was supposed to be included as well, but they ran out, so I am told one should ship within the next week.  There was also a promotional card for Giuliana Rancic’s book, which I didn’t list below.

1.  Hello Konjac Cleansing Sponge, $12.00

I have been wanting to try out a konjac sponge for a long time, but haven’t wanted to fork over the money for it.  Needless to say, I was happily surprised when I saw it in the box.  I will be testing it out, with and without a cleanser, to see if there is a difference. 

2.  Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Spray Moisturizer, $7.99 (but I found it for $5.99 on Target.com)

Vaseline was the sponsored bonus product for the summer box, so everyone got one.  It is a full-sized spray that I love to use especially when I’m strapped for time.  The formula absorbs fast and does not leave my skin a greasy mess.  If you are allergic to aloe there are other formulas available.  As I mention above, I found it for a couple of dollars less just by doing a simple search.

3.  FabFitFun x CosmoBody Jump Rope, $14.00
 

For those of you who know me, you’re probably laughing because you know how much I hate pink.  But I love jump rope… although I have to consult my neurosurgeon since I don’t think I’m supposed to use it.  That being said, I will probably give it away.  

4.  FabFitFun Everyday Wireless Speaker, $29.99

Front side w/cable
Back side.  Dial & Power/Bluetooth are on the right

You have no idea how glad I was to see that I received the turquoise speaker!  The other option was a pink, much like the color of the jump rope handles above.  Anyway, this neat little speaker can go just about anywhere.  It has a carabiner-type latch, rechargeable battery (comes with a micro USB cable), FM radio, Bluetooth wireless pairing (10 meter wireless range), microphone, SD card slot, calling features, and more!  Once your device is paired, you can adjust the volume on the phone, and change the song on the speaker.  There is a small dial at the back (see above right picture).  The sound quality is surprisingly good; it’s very clear.  It’s been on for about 20 minutes now, and I couldn’t be happier.  It really is all about the little things in life.      

5.  tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss, $19.00

I LOVE tarte!  They have wonderful products with staying power.  I was really excited when I see this lip gloss.  The color is beautiful (much more sheer than it looks), is not sticky and pairs well with their lip tin
ts.  Did I mention that it is a full-sized product?! 

6.  Inkling Scents Roll-On Perfume, $25.00

Don’t know about you, but I am really picky when it comes to fragrances.  Sultry is the name of this scent, and I suppose it is fitting.  It has a warm slightly sweet, musky smell with a sawdust undertone.  I picture a smoke-filled night club in the ’20s, and this fragrance worn by a woman who looks like Claudette Colbert in a black dress.  I, literally, put some on my hand less than 2 minutes ago, and it is already nearly undetectable.  I’m not really sure that it works with me, and would love to see how it works with other people.  It’s also pretty oily and left a slight film where I applied it.  

7.  Gorge “I’ll Make You Look Amazing” Daily Spray $24.95
 

 I just sprayed this in my hair to see what it smelled like, and it smells like a sweet shop.  Similar to a lime freeze at Jack’s in Whittier.  By the way, if you haven’t been in for that, you should.  I sprayed just above the ends of my hair, and I can see that it gives quite a bit of shine.  I am excited to see how it works right after I shower.  There will be a review of this as well as a leave-in conditioner comparison piece later on.

8.  Scratch Nail Wraps, $12.00 (select styles are on sale now for $8.00)

These nail wraps will most likely be given away as well because I am not a fan of pink.  They are interesting though.  They look like a slightly larger version of the Sally Hansen kind.  I am not sure how well they work or what their staying power is.  I do know that you can buy them individually or in subscription box form.  

9.  Headspace 3-month Subscription, $38.95 (subscriptions are $12.95+/month depending on the plan)

  
At first, I thought that Headspace was a sight for headbands, hats, etc.  It is not that at all.  It is a meditation site.  Sounds cheesy, right?  Well, it really helped me.  I did the first 10-minute session (it is 10 minutes/day) has you focus on your surroundings, then you and your breathing, then back to your surroundings.  Finally, every time you start to wander, you are brought back to focus on you.  I found it to be quite relaxing, so if you get a chance to try it out, please do.  I was able to relax my whole body, pinpoint everything that hurt, and do my best to relax it.  It’s like a mini-vacation… a very mini-vacation.
10.  WREN 14kt Gold & Black Sapphire Necklace, $100.00

I received the horseshoe version of this beautiful necklace.  The pendants come in other shapes,  such as moons and hearts, with different colored plating (i.e.  rose gold).  I love it because it can be paired with any type of outfit.  Dressing up?  It works.  Headed out for a day at the fair?  Pair it with your favorite shirt and jeans.  Don’t you just love versatility?

11.  Pur-lisse SPF 30 Sunscreen (1.7oz),  $50.00 (prices vary.  $55.00 is the price on their site)

 
I have not tried this SPF yet, but I will tomorrow.   Hopefully it is not greasy, will absorb fast, and most importantly, protect my skin.  Have you used Pur-lisse before?  I would love to know your thoughts!

Closing Thoughts
The FabFitFun card says that the box was worth $275.79, which is actually off, but not by much.  Including the items in the promotional offer, I easily have close to (if not more than) $300.00 in products.  Of the subscription boxes I have tried, this has been the biggest bang for my buck thus far.  Do I think it is worth it to pay extra to customize your box?  I guess that depends on how finicky you are, but I don’t think it is.  The price for each FabFitFun box (sent out quarterly) is $49.99/box plus tax depending on your state.  You can cancel at any time.  I should also note that customer service takes awhile to get back if you have any questions.  That would be their one downfall.

Curry & Wasabi Ramune?!

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Yes, I found both of those while at Tokyo Central.  Of course, I had to get them.  They had a third (spicy curry), but I didn’t get that.  It was the same price as the other two, and had about half as much.  Unlike the other Ramune, these bottles are plastic and have a different shape.

Curry (left) and Wasabi (right)

The first one I tried was curry.  Upon opening it (the ball is significantly easier to push down in the plastic bottle) I immediately got a whiff of curry.  It was like opening up a box of curry blocks, with a sweet finish.  And the taste?  Well, the taste is not as bad as it sounds.  It’s similar to a curry-spiced sweet ginger ale.  Part of me really likes this curry ramune, but the other thinks it would serve a better purpose elsewhere.  I probably will not purchase it in the future, but I’m glad I tried it.  You never if you will like something until you do.

Now, onto the wasabi ramune.  It smells amazing, much like a stronger version of the plain ramune.  The flavor is just like the plain ramune with a lightly sour finish.  I cannot even taste the wasabi.  Even if I could, I’m sure I would still love this one. 

If you are an adventurous eater, you may want to try them out.  You only live once, so you might as well, eh?  What is the oddest thing you have tried?  Or, the oddest thing you’ve tried and liked/loved?

Stay beautiful!

An Update and My First PINCHme Box!

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Hello to all of you beautiful people! 

The past week and a half has been crazy.  I’ve been getting (maybe) 4 hours of sleep a night, and that’s being generous.  One of our wonderful cats was ill, so we took her to the emergency vet.  She was given an antibiotic and pain killer, and then had a check-up on Monday.  Her tests results were fine, so nobody knows what was wrong with her.  Whatever was wrong has seemed to clear up, and she is finally back to her spry self.  I should probably mention that she is around 16, but still acts like a kitten most days.  With her medication schedule, there is little time for anything between the hours.  Luckily, she will only need them through Sunday.

The box was damaged, but the products weren’t.

Now, onto the PINCHme box.  PINCHme is a really neat way to receive samples, though there are a few cons.  There is no shipping, so everything actually is free.  First, sign up and make sure you post a valid e-mail address and mailing address.  Then, go to your profile page and fill out the questionnaire.  It’s a really simple check system that gives an idea about your interests so they can pick out the samples.  There is a countdown on the homepage as well that will say how many days are left until the next set of samples.  Once your samples arrive, you are given a time period to complete required surveys.  They hardly take any time, and are vital to companies. 

The pros are the samples, if you can get them.  The site notes that there are some weeks when a user does not qualify at all.  Each set of available samples varies for the users, so what I may be able to try could be different from you.  The biggest con, for me, was the duration it took to receive the samples.  The site says that you should get them within 4-6 weeks from ordering (no tracking available).  I placed my first order on 5/25 and was shipped on 6/23.  It arrived to my door today.  They should probably state that it will take 4-6 weeks from the time it is shipped.  Of course, everything is free, so maybe I shouldn’t complain. 
  

In this first box, everything was sold out within minutes (at the very bottom, you can opt-in to get to the samples a day early).  The only things I could get were a sample of Gold Bond Ultimate Healing with Aloe (0.75oz) and a Nutro Perfect Portions Soft Loaf for cats (2 servings).  There was a nice surprise, and it was a $100.00 wine voucher for nakedwines.com ($100 off of $160 purchase).  My second box will contain quite a bit more, so I hope it gets to me. 

Stay beautiful!

Birchbox: This Time it’s like Christmas in July!

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So I walked down to the mailbox, and was greeted by the July Birchbox.  I started my subscription last year, and after the June box had seriously considered cancelling.  Boy am I glad I didn’t.  The July box features the following:   A benefit mini they’re real mascara, mini Stila liquid lipstick (I received the shade Venizia), a travel-sized Oribe dry hair texturizing spray, a deluxe sample of COOLA‘s cucumber SPF 30 sunscreen, and a deluxe sample of Dr. Brandt‘s microdermabrasion (one of my favorite exfoliators!).

I haven’t had an opportunity to try everything just yet, but as soon as I do, I will have a review.  Did you receive the July box?  I would love to know your thoughts on which product(s) did or didn’t work for you.

Also, if you haven’t subscribed but would like to, click here to sign up.  It’s easy and you can cancel at any time.

Stay beautiful!


 

It’s Monday!

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Hopefully you all had an amazing 4th of July weekend, and for those of you who don’t celebrate the 4th, I hope your weekend was nice and relaxing!  After my friend’s daughter’s birthday party (on the 4th), there were fireworks…and then I had an upset stomach…but it was all good!  Last night we watched Magic Mike XXL followed by dinner.  I thought the first was better with worse choreography, and the second had far better dance sequences.  I was in the minority, though…the general consensus was the XXL was better overall.  At any rate, both contained men with amazing bodies, dancing around and showing that they all have rhythm.  If you have seen either or both, which was your favorite?

I just want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for all the love and support!  I would also like to know what you’d like to see in future posts, and what your favorite travel necessities are.

Stay beautiful!

Happy 4th of July!

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It’s already Independence Day!  Be safe everyone.  Also, please make sure your pets are safe.  I know most people keep their animals outside, but they really should be inside… especially if you live anywhere near fireworks.

Image courtesy of geeksugar.com

Taking Up a Little Less Space in the Landfill with Facekins

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Image courtesy of Facekins.com

I was sent a sample of Facekins to try out, and I am in L-O-V-E!  For those of you who don’t know, Facekins are washable, reusable fabric facial pads.

I took these with me while I worked camp, and they were such a blessing!  I didn’t have to gauge the amount of cotton facial pads and cotton balls I would need, and the Facekins took up far less room in my kit!  Since I wash my face at least twice a day (morning, night, and in the shower of course!) and always use makeup remover and toner, I go through a ton of cotton.  Okay, not literally a ton, but you know what I mean.  It is one of the softest products to ever touch my face!  It reminded me of something that would be used during a luxury spa treatment.

I also found myself using less product.  At first, I thought it was too good to be true Facekins, but no.  I tested out how far one spray of toner would go on a cotton pad versus the Facekins.  Both items were the round-shape, and were about the same in width.  I tried to do things as error- and bias-free as possible.  I used the same amount of pressure on the spray nozzle, held the spray bottle at the same distance, and as I said, just one spray.  To make sure that the temperature didn’t affect the outcome, both products were used within a few minutes of each other.  My results were that the cotton pad, even though it distributed the product fairly evenly in the beginning, it was nearly gone by the time I was done.  The product on the Facekins pad, however, lasted throughout the application process, which was the same as the process for the cotton pad, and is most likely due to its composition.

Here is how my experience went (and I still do this at home):

–  Morning routine, side 1 used.
–  Night routine, side 2 used.
–  Wash after night routine.
–  Let it air dry while I slept.
–  Repeat.

Now, of course you can throw them in the washing machine.  Because of our location, I couldn’t do that, but it also wasn’t necessary.  I can see how useful having Facekins are.  For those with stubble, these are a wonderful option because you won’t have a bunch of cotton fibers hanging around.

I love that they are:

–  Ultra-plush
–  Reusable
–  Come in a variety of shapes & sizes
–  Multifunctional
–  Soft enough for those with very sensitive skin
–  Saves money (I won’t have to spend near that much on cotton anymore)
–  Saves landfill space
–  Handmade and packaged in Southern California

Ladies, they also make nursing pads!  They help to alleviate soreness, and even work for women who are sensitive before/during menstruation.

Thank you so much, Connie!

View their FAQ page and shop!

Sacrifice

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To my parental units:

I know that things didn’t always come easy.  You both were brought up in very different households.  Mom, your parents experienced The Great Depression and didn’t have a lot of money until you and two of your siblings were grown and gone.  Dad, your parents had to suffer through the interment camps, and despite your brother being born in one, everyone made it out.  They were release with what they could carry, and had to start completely over.  They (my grandparents) sacrificed so much to make sure there was food on the table. 

Fast forward a couple of decades and you two are married.  Then, after some time, I was born.  Unlike my younger brother, I was born early…three months early.  I wasn’t expected to make it, but somehow I did.  You and dad sacrificed so much time, making the nearly two-hour drive to see me every day after work.  Grandma and Grandpa went sometimes, but I don’t know that Baachan and Jiichan did.  When I came home, I was on monitors and you two had to make sure everything was okay.  It was hard emotionally and financially, and you were so lucky to have the support you did.  Luckily, when my brother came along four years later, he was healthy and full-term. 

I was lucky to not have the plethora of health problems associated with prematurity.  Even though we have always had our spats, you have (for the most part) been supportive in whatever I was doing.  I can remember asking why you two decided to have kids.  Growing up, I was picked on periodically because I was mixed, and not just by classmates.  Family (on my White side) would says things, which made me fill that I didn’t belong.  Now, I am comfortable enough with who I am to tell them to f**k off.  Why can’t we all just see each other for who we are and not our skin color, ethnicity, and/or race?  Anyhow, in the video below the people were asked, “Do you have anything to say to your parents?”…and yeah, I do.

I know I don’t say it often, but I really appreciate everything you do and have done for me, especially financially.  You could have been like other parents and literally kicked me out when I went to college, but you didn’t.  Mom, Dad, thank you.  I love you!

– Me


—

I know that this video focuses on Asian immigrants, and wish they would do videos on Americans who have come from all over the world.  Of course there are outliers, but in general, people have made some sort of sacrifice for the betterment of their family.  It can be a hard thing to just head to a new country, especially when you don’t have a job laid out and are essentially alone.  Hope you like it, and that it makes you think about those who have sacrificed for you, whether or not they are your parents.  Thanks, Buzzfeed!

 
                                                 **Video courtesy of Buzzfeed

What’s Happened In June + Tech Trek: The End of an Era

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I know I’ve pretty much been gone most of this month.  Things have been pretty crazy, and are finally winding down.  Here is a little overview of what I’ve been up to and what is to come:

–  Packing, packing, packing!
–  Giveaways (one has CLOSED, but there will be at least one more for the summer).
–  Traveling (hoping to get to Canada this summer.  It has been far too long!).
–  Tech Trek (I’ll get into that later).
–  Mountainous adventures and visiting family.
–  More reviews, and possibly a first video on my YouTube channel (stay tuned!).
–  Tips & tricks for makeup, packing, etc.
–  Dissertation writing, editing, etc.
–  Booking for future events (I already have a room for CES 2016, and am so excited!).

There has been one pretty important event this month, which involves summer camp I work…well, worked.  It is only a week (this one in particular ended Saturday), but as with many things, it can feel like it lasts a lifetime.  Anyway, this year marked the last Tech Trek I will ever work.  For those of you who are not familiar, Tech Trek (AAUW) is a science and math camp for girls who are 12-13 years of age.  Many of them are interested in going into a math and/or science field when they grow up, and it is an excellent opportunity for them to see that there is more out there than just the gender-typed professions.  I should note that there is nothing wrong with women taking on gender-typed roles; this camp just provides other experiences that girls may not have thought of.  I digress…

Each girl is sponsored by a branch that pays all expenses for them (including meals, excursions, etc.), and this year they are going national.  It used to only be offered in California.  The process is much like that for a job interview.  The girls write an essay and are interviewed.  Many of them must provide an oral presentation at the end of camp, or produce an essay detailing their experiences.  During camp the girls go to a core class, attend a guest speaker panel, network, bond with their dorm mates, go on field trips, and get a lot of hands-on experiences with various workshops.  Each camp is different, with varying activities depending on their location.  All-in-all, it is a one-of-a-kind experience that any chosen girl is lucky to have.  

For the past 13 years, I have been a part of Tech Trek, and due to circumstances out of my control, I decided that this would be my last year.  My friend (we met at camp), who has worked camp for 14 years made the same decision.  To be honest, we were both much more sad about it than we thought we would be.  As Friday night rolled around, I realized that this would be the last time that this group of women would be sitting together.  It was the last time we would be in the dorms “shooting the breeze”…everything was really “the last”.  You know that moment in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, where Tula says that she stopped to take a mental picture of what was going on?  Well, I had that moment during their slumber party Friday night.  The girls were dancing around, and it was one of the happiest things I had ever seen in all the years of being a part of Tech Trek.  And then it dawned on me that this was it.  A sad yet serene moment, and now all of us originals are gone.  The end of an era.