Hi, my name is Candy in Austin, TX and this my blog to rave (and sometimes rant) about books, movies, products, services or just whatever strikes my fancy. I love when people comment on my blog, so feel free to agree or disagree or maybe I inspired you to try something?

Disclaimer: I do get some of these books/products for free for doing an honest review. Yes, those are affiliate links and I could be compensated if you purchase through them. It\'s always small and it always goes to my kids college funds.

22 May 2013 ~ 0 Comments

Logitech G105 Gaming Keyboard with Backlighting (920-003371)

My family has a long standing relationship with Logitech keyboards. My husband uses a Logitech G19 with the full color LCD, my daughter uses his old Logitech G15 and is an ace at using those G-keys.

Me? I just wanted something sturdy, and I love the way their keyboards are lit!

So now I have my very own Logitech G105. It is missing a lot of the bells and whistles of the other Logitech keyboards in my house, but the ones that it does have are impressive:

Adjustable back-lighting: I love this! I do wish I could change the colors, but the blue is very nice and relaxing.

G-keys: I have no idea what my husband uses 16 3-way programmable keys for. But, 6 keys, that is something I can use! The software from Logitech makes it a breeze to assign a shortcut to a G-key, or even record a quick macro.

Media Keys: I watch a lot of movies and tv shows during the day while I am working at my computer. While it is pretty easy to click the mouse on pause button, it is even easier just to hit the pause button on the keyboard. I know this is a feature on a lot of keyboards these days, but I am glad it is one that Logitech did not decide to leave out!

Construction: No, I do not plan on using my keyboard as a baseball bat. No, I probably won’t use it as a hammer when I fix the kids playscape. But, as far as keyboards go, it is really well made.

Overall: 4 Stars. Great keyboard though it is a little on the pricey side.

Description:
It’s easy to be passionate about winning, but at Logitech, our passion is in the science that makes winning possible. We build precise gaming instruments. We advance technology so gamers can reach new levels of speed, precision, reliability and comfort. Science is our philosophy, our methodology for studying, testing, and advancing gamers’ experience—in the lab and in the game.

Rating: ★★★★☆

20 May 2013 ~ 0 Comments

BUILT Kindle FIRE HD 7 Slim Folio Case, Jacqui Stafford Snake Skin Design (will only fit Kindle Fire HD 7″)

I’ve been with the Kindle for every iteration since the Kindle 2. Once of the hardest things for me is finding just the right case for each of my babies.

The BUILT Kindle Fire HD 7 Slime Folio case is one of the prettiest that I own. I really wanted to like everything about this case. The colors are great, the design is awesome, and it is really nice to have the charging port readily available.

However, it uses elastic straps to hold the Kindle in place. And the straps aren’t even that tight. I’ve already had my Kindle Fire fall out of the case twice just sitting there playing a game. I do not think that this bodes well for the lift expectancy of my Kindle.

Overall: 3 Stars. Beautiful, but be cautious of those elastic straps.

Description:
The BUILT Kindle Compatible Slim Folio Case for Kindle HD 7 in this stylish snakeskin pattern designed by Jacqui Stafford features a hot pink interior for an unexpected splash of color. This is the ideal case for the fashionable Kindle user. This slim folio case features four inside mesh corners that hold your kindle securely in place yet don’t obstruct the screen or direct access to all ports and buttons. The inner lining is soft against the Kindle screen and will not scratch. The cover opens and tents backwards featuring anti-slip grips, stabilizing your Kindle in stand position for up-right reading/usage. The elastic strap secures the front cover in place when open or closed. You can dress up or dress down with this case in classic black. Perfect for traveling with your Kindle anywhere and everywhere. From briefcases to backpacks and everything in between – your Kindle is secure! Spot clean with a damp cloth. Iconic design and function from BUILT. LOVE YOUR STUFF!

Rating: ★★★☆☆

17 May 2013 ~ 0 Comments

Pieces of Me By Eisley Jacobs

When I read the description for this book, I immediately thought of the movie “Memento”. It has that same sort of vibe and it sounded like it would be a fun ride. Amnesia, nefarious doings afoot and a strong lead character made me want to read it right away. I’m SO glad that I did.

The premise, while it has been done with varying success with other books and movies, this one was so well executed that you were pulled hurdling down the journey that the author laid out for you. It has a few wild twists and turns and a few that you can see coming, but feel powerless to help.

The writing, the editing, the pacing… all exquisite. Not a single word was wasted, not a single scene was overly detailed. It was just completely spot-on. I cannot say enough about Jacob’s ability as an author. It screams professional and you’ll be left double-checking that this is a self-published book. She IS what self-publishing in the Young Adult genre should be.

I was telling my kids (boy 12 and girl 10) about it and they both were interested. Both loved the book and want to read more by this author, hopefully with the same main character groups. I think they really got attached to the characters, which I totally did too.

Highly recommended for adults and young adults alike. A great read for you and your pre-teens to enjoy together.

Description:
Forget everything you know. Forget your name. Forget any memory of your parents. Forget your own face in the mirror. Then, and only then, can you understand my world.

My name is Braidan, and I’m seventeen years old. I wake every day with no memory of what happened yesterday. No recollection of who I am. Only a series of sticky notes hint at the life I supposedly lead. But no matter how hard I try, I can’t dismiss the thought that this isn’t my life or my true identity. Notes plastered all over my room and school books tell me to search for answers. But how can I learn the truth when I’ll forget everything the moment my mind drifts to sleep?

Ian, the new boy at school, claims he has the key to my walking coma. If what he says is true, I’m far more than just a girl with amnesia… and I’ve got precious little time to unlock my past.

Pieces of Me depend on it.

Rating: ★★★★★

Book count for 2013: 19

15 May 2013 ~ 0 Comments

Friendships Don’t Just Happen!: The Guide to Creating a Meaningful Circle of GirlFriends By Shasta Nelson

I’m very lucky in the friendship department. I have a group of 12 core friends – we call ourselves “The Mom Posse” because we met through a mom’s group about 12 years ago. As our kids have grown older, our relationships have changed – it’s no longer about play dates and more about getting away from the pre-teens to spend time together over a few drinks.

I say that “I’m lucky” but I think the reality is that it’s more than luck. I’ve worked hard to have the friendships that I do and we have to make an effort to get together on a regular basis. We have a book club night each month, we try to have dinner with each other regularly, etc. We’re there for each other, through the very good times and the very bad times.

While I completely agree with most of what this book had to say, there were parts that kind of bugged me a bit. I totally agree that friendships don’t just happen and it’s like any other relationship in that you have to show up, nurture it and be consistent. I also completely agreed that relationships can change and ebb and flow and all that great stuff.

What I had the hardest time was the act of putting my friends into buckets, it felt too much like pigeon-holing our relationship. I think friendships are much more fluid than that.

Having said that, this book did really make me look at my friendships and analyze them a little as far as who I was friends with, why and what that friendship meant to me. I think you can over analyze it though. Sometimes, you’re simply friends and sometimes… that’s all that matters.

I did choose this book for a book club selection and I’m interested to see what they thought of it.

Recommended for those that do want to delve a little deeper into their friendships and figure out why things work sometimes – and why they don’t.

Description:
This essential go-to guide reveals how women can enhance their lives by creating valuable friendships in today’s busy, mobile world, from nationally recognized friendship expert and CEO of GirlFriendCircles.com.

Every woman is searching for a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life. Many realize the significant role that an intimate, tightly knit circle of friends plays in creating a more fulfilling life, but with hectic schedules, frequent moves, and life changes, it’s more important than ever for women to establish natural, meaningful friendships that will contribute to their overall wellbeing.

In Friendships Don’t Just Happen!, Shasta Nelson, friendship expert and CEO of GirlFriendCircles.com, reveals the most important proven steps, processes, and secrets vital to establishing the five different levels of friendships, or Circles of Connectedness, that women—no matter their age or relationship status—are longing for in today’s stressful and mobile culture. This revolutionary, engaging guide will also benefit women who already feel
rooted to fabulous friends, with insightful principles that will help them maintain and enhance their current friendships.

Full of practical how-to tips, fun activities, guiding questions, and step-by-step instructions, Friendships Don’t Just Happen! highlights several areas of developing lasting friendships, teaching women how to:
·Evaluate their current circle of friends
·Recognize what types of friends they are seeking based on career, interests, location, and relationship status
·Create a prioritized friendship action plan
·Find extraordinary friends—where to look and how to approach them
·Take initiative to jumpstart friendships and face fears of rejection
·Establish “frientimacy,” trust, and happiness through conversation and activities
·Maintain meaningful friendships and determine which ones are worthwhile

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Book count for 2013: 18

13 May 2013 ~ 0 Comments

Monoprice 7.1 Dolby Digital Amplified Gaming Headset for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC (109770)

My husband and son have gone through a lot of headphones. Either they are not comfortable, they don’t have good sound, or they microphone does not work well. Right now, they are fighting over who gets to keep these!

Quality of sound: You can really tell when someone is behind you or what side of you they are on. While it doesn’t sound like you are in a concert hall, it does sound like you are in a realistic environment with things going on all around you.

Quality of construction: Very sturdy even if they do look a bit plastic-y. My son has a habit of dropping his headphones onto his computer when he is done. This is about a 2 foot drop onto hard metal. So far, no problems and he has done this several times a day for the last 2 weeks. They still look and sound like new.

Comfort: I think this is the real sticking point with my boys. They both wear glasses and over the ear headphones tend to squish the ear pieces into their heads. Father and son say that the soft pad is just soft enough to let them play for hours but hard enough keep the headphones in place.

Price: Looking at the price of headphones, you can spend pretty much as little or as much as you want. My husband has several that cost more than this that are now sitting in a drawer for one reason or another.

Description:
While stereo audio is great for recorded music and television, when it comes to FPS gaming you really need more audio directionality, so you can hear when someone is ahead of you, behind you, or even overhead. In short, you need a Dolby 7.1 channel audio system, such as this 7.1 Channel Dolby Digital Amplified Gaming Headset from Monoprice!

The headset is designed to connect to PC, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360 gaming systems, and comes with all the necessary cables and connectors. It supports both analog 2-channel and digital 7.1 channel Toslink (optical) input and is certified by Dolby for use with Dolby Digital 5.1, Pro Logic IIx, and Dolby Headphone modes.

The headset uses a USB connection for microphone communications on the PC and PS3, or a 3.5mm TRRS plug for the Xbox 360 and Smartphones. It comes with two boom microphones, one designed for gaming and the other for mobile hands-free use with Smartphone. Additionally, it supports the Xbox Live Communication standard.

The Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) creates the necessary phasing of the audio signal to the headset to produce a clear and accurate 7.1 channel soundstage, which provides the necessary audible queues you need to excel at FPS gaming. The DAC also allows for separate volume control over each of the 8 audio channels, so you can adjust it for the perfect soundstage balance.

Although this audio system comes with only the single headset, the system supports up to two headsets. The headset from our Entry-Level Amplified Gaming Headset (PID 9770) can be used as the second headset for this system. Although the Entry Level system is not designed for 7.1 channel audio, the headset can produce a 7.1 channel soundstage using the DAC’s internal phasing circuitry.

Rating: ★★★★★

10 May 2013 ~ 0 Comments

Art Academy by Nintendo

I am an adult and I like video games! There, I said it. I feel better. But, in truth this is not really a video game. Art Academy for the Nintendo DS is more of a learning title.

But then, I’ve always wanted to learn to draw and paint. Art Academy teaches you a lot of the basics, and even some of the not so basics of creating your own art. You unlock new “abilities” by finishing each lesson. So, in a way, you progress much like an art student. Other graphics programs throw all the tools at you at once, Art Academy doesn’t give them to you until you need them and are ready for them.

Why do I play video games? To relax and to get away from the worries of life. I have heard that some of the great artists used painting to do the exact same thing. Nintendo DS Art Academy puts both together and makes it easy to escape for a while and create.

Description:
Draw, Paint, Create Step-by-step lessons for everyone! Learn to create art on the DS. Art Academy is a fun, interactive training program that teaches real-world painting and drawing techniques, much as you would learn in an art class. Lessons take you from basic sketching techniques with pencils to painting with brushes, color mixing and water dilution—all with a realistic feel and producing realistic results that can be applied to real-life materials outside of the Nintendo DS environment. Simple, easy-to-understand instruction. An in-game tutor walks you through each lesson step-by-step, giving examples, providing demonstrations, and offering helpful tips. Each Lesson gradually builds off the previous one, and allowing players to advance at their own pace. Art on the Go! Inspiration can appear anywhere –in the park, at a bus stop, even on an airplane. With Art Academy software’s free paint mode, your personal art studio is no farther than your pocket, ready to assist in creating your latest masterpiece.

Rating: ★★★☆☆

08 May 2013 ~ 0 Comments

Swingline GBC Fusion 1000L 9-Inch Laminator, 5 Minute Warm-Up (1703072)

We’ve been using a “cold fuse” type of laminator for a few years. It was ok, but you had to be really careful that you placed the document to be laminated on it just right or both the document and the laminating sheet would be ruined. For those unfamiliar with “cold fuse”, it is basically a big piece of clear tape that you put on both sides of the document.

We got tired of that last week after spending an hour just trying to laminate a few signs for the garbage and recycling cans. Luckily, we got the chance to try out the Fusion 1000L!

We had gone the cold fuse route in the past because laminators my husband and I had experience with took too long to warm-up. Also, we’d both burned ourselves more than once.

The Swingline GBC Fusion 1000L states that it has a 5 minute warm-up time. We timed it and it was just 3 minutes on the dot and it was ready to go! While the unit felt warm to the touch (nice on a winters day!) no external part was hot enough to cause even mild discomfort. It will definitely not burn you if you are using it correctly!

Did I mention how long it takes to line things up right with some laminators? It was really easy with the 1000L: put your document into the pouch. Make sure it is up against the closed end and not hanging out either side. Easy, simple, and ready to go!

The slowest part of the whole process was feeding the document into the laminator. The unit says it will do 10 sheets per minute. It took right at 5 seconds for the signs to feed in and out the other side.

Ok, actually, the hardest part was getting the extra laminating pouch I accidently got out back into the box, but I think that is more of a 4 stars for me than a dig on the 1000L.

Overall: great product that I will use over and over!

Description:
Affordable Performance & Superior Simplicity

The compact and stylish Fusion 1000L thermal pouch laminating machine offers simple, one step lamination. To start laminating, all you need to do is turn the laminator on and watch for the indicator light to turn green. With a short 5 minute warm-up time, this laminator is both fast and easy. The 1000L is a simple solution that meets basic laminating needs. It operates at a laminating speed of 13″ per minute to laminate documents, photos, craft projects and more. Perfect for home and small office use, the 1000L is available in two sizes to laminate documents up to 9″ wide or 12″ wide depending on the model. Both models can be used with 3 mil thermal laminating pouches to provide quality protection for all your items. A 5 mil pouch can also be used when laminating an item up to 4″ x 6″ in size. Preserve and display important items using the Fusion 1000L Laminator and Fusion EZUse pouches.

The Fusion 1000L Laminator offers easy one step lamination. Turn it on and start laminating in as little as 5 minutes. Offers a laminating speed of 13″ per minute, and is available in a 9″ or 12″ size. Best for occasional use, the 1000L is compatible with 3 mil pouches or 5 mil pouches for small items.

Rating: ★★★★☆

29 April 2013 ~ 11 Comments

Book Giveaway: The Wrath of Angels: A Charlie Parker Thriller by John Connolly

I’m giving away a copy of The Wrath of Angels: A Charlie Parker Thriller by John Connolly.

To enter the contest, post a comment below that you’d like to win. The drawing will be held Monday, May 13.

Description:
In the depths of the Maine woods, the wreckage of a plane is discovered. There are no bodies, and no such plane has ever been reported missing, but men both good and evil have been seeking it for a long, long time.

What the wreckage conceals is more important than money. It is power: a list of names, a record of those who have struck a deal with the devil. Now a battle is about to commence between those who want the list to remain secret and those for whom it represents a crucial weapon in the struggle against the forces of darkness.

The race to secure the prize draws in private detective Charlie Parker, a man who knows more than most about the nature of the terrible evil that seeks to impose itself on the world, and who fears that his own name may be on the list. It lures others, too: a beautiful, scarred woman with a taste for killing; a silent child who remembers his own death; and a serial killer known as the Collector, who sees in the list new lambs for his slaughter. But as the rival forces descend upon this northern state, the woods prepare to meet them, for the forest depths hide other secrets.

Someone has survived the crash. Something has survived the crash.

And it is waiting. . . .

24 April 2013 ~ 0 Comments

Words with Friends Luxe

Words With Friends took Scrabble off the board and onto the phone. I have been a huge fan of Words With Friends since it first came out, and a huge fan of Scrabble for over 20 years. I wasn’t sure I was ready to go back to the board after being freed from it for so long. I’m really glad I did!

First, if you’ve played Scrabble, then you can play Words With Friends Luxe. Same basic idea: random letters, build words, get points. However there are a few differences. Mostly in the scoring and tile placement. Those are easy to get used to, however.

Things I like better about Words With Friends Luxe:

The app that lets you check words! Amazing!

The way the board holds the tiles! This should have been done years ago.

Things I like better about Scrabble:

Better quality box for storage.
Scoring is simpler. Pencil and paper for the win!

Things that have me wondering:

Don’t most people have their phone in some sort of case? The phone holder aspect is useless to my entire family!

Overall, I rate this a 4. This was a ton of fun with my family. But if you have a Scrabble game in your game closet, you might want to pass this up. It is update, but it is still more of the same.

Description:
The hottest mobile word game just got more social and more stylish! For the first time ever, you can play WORDS WITH FRIENDS in person with your favorite wordies. Enjoy this premium version of the WORDS WITH FRIENDS game enhanced with a rotating gameboard, tile grip grid and special racks that hold your smart phone so you can play with the Word Check and Score Pad digital features.

Premium Version of Your Favorite Word Game

Now you can get together with your favorite wordies and play this premium WORDS WITH FRIENDS LUXE game right in your own home. Get into the action as you challenge your friends face-to-face with this deluxe version of the popular mobile word app by ZYNGA. Large rotating gameboard has tile grip design, and tile racks hold a smart phone so you can play with the Word Check and Score Pad digital features. Game includes a code to redeem the WORDS WITH FRIENDS ULTIMATE PLAY PACK to enhance your online play.

Popular WORDS WITH FRIENDS Game Comes to Life

Break out the snacks and bring on the laughs as you play WORDS WITH FRIENDS LUXE face-to-face. Now for the first time, plugged-in meets in-person with this stylish version of your favorite word game. Based on the best selling app by ZYNGA, this game brings the challenge of building words to a whole new level of fun. Build words on the large, rotating gameboard with a tile grip grid. Specially designed tile racks hold your smart phone so you can access the Word Check and Score Pad app feature quickly and easily. So get ready to engage your favorite wordies with the excitement of playing face-to-face — because it’s better together! Game also includes a code to redeem the WORDS WITH FRIENDS ULTIMATE PLAY PACK to enhance your online play.

Based on the Popular Online Game

The hot social word game just got more social! Now for the first time, plugged-in meets in-person with this stylish version of your favorite word game. Use the tiles to build words on the large, rotating gameboard while keeping your smart phone handy in the specially designed tile racks. Includes code to redeem a bundle of the most popular WORDS WITH FRIENDS features.

What’s in the Box

Rotating gameboard, four curved tile racks with smart phone stand, tile bag, 104 tiles, digital value card, and game guide.

Rating: ★★★★☆

22 April 2013 ~ 0 Comments

V-MODA Bass Freq Metal In-Ear Noise-Isolating Headphone (Gunmetal Black)

I have a lot of trouble finding ear buds that don’t hurt after even just a few minutes. I have even tried other V-MODA ear buds before, with no luck. Luckily, I decided to give these a try because I have finally found a good fit!

My first impression of these was when I was taking them out of the box. They just looked right. The shiny black “gun metal” really makes for an eye catching set of ear buds. They were a little bit of a pain to get out of the packaging, and the extra ear cushions went flying once I did get it open. Luckily the cushions already on the ear buds was the one for me!

You also get a little velvet bag to keep the ear buds in when you aren’t using them. I will probably never use it for that, but it is great to keep change from jangling in my purse.

The sound quality on these is much better than other ear buds I’ve used in this price range. I really like how the bass comes out! This is great for when I am exercising or just want to relax.

Using this with my Android phone I really did not notice the “thin highs” that other reviewers mentioned. Of course, I am by no means an audiophile and just need a comfortable set of ear buds to let me listen to my music in peace!

Overall: Very nice, 4 stars.

Description:
Designed for the style-conscious listener with a penchant for the vivid sounds experienced at the world’s finest clubs and concert venues, Bass Freq Metal Audio headphone’s premium materials combine to enhance all aspects of the listening experience. BLISS (Bass Level Isolating Soft Silicone) fittings in 3 sizes contour the ear to reduce outside noise and provide deep, yet precise bass. Constructed from a lightweight metal alloy, Bass Freq Metal headphones are also the perfect companion for strenuous activities including working out and running.

Rating: ★★★★☆