#i thought it would be fun to sample the colors directly from the few available stills of the unreleased music video

[cchanticleer]

Back in the first few days of 2019, i happened to draw a thing based on the song Rabid Child, just for fun. But what i drew didn't match the picture i had in my head, so i kept trying at it. It became a thing i did not-quite-every year, trying to get it right, and something i did to gauge how my skills had improved over the previous year (or two).

The 2023 one is pretty close to the original idea i had. Since i didn't figure it'd be very interesting to essentially just do the same thing again, i decided to make it in paper this time around; i really love how it turned out! This is probably the last year i'll iterate on this specific idea; starting next year, i'll have to find something new to replace it.

[prandstg]

Third Year of University

The third and final year of university was quite the handful. With Covid-19 forcing us all to stay at home we lacked many of the resources and had to make due with what we had at home. Originally this blog post was supposed to be on a personal website, but for reasons currently unknown to me, my website just doe snot work anymore, so here we are!

Advanced Project

One of our tasks we had to do is create an Advanced Project. Due to current circumstances. and the aforementioned lack of physical resources that were all at the university, I decided to recreate sound for a retro style game, since it did not directly involve creating music and/or sound by physical means. Furthermore, I decided to go with a video game instead of say, a music album, or an EP, or something like that, since my focus is on the video games industry.

So I set out to find a video game I would want to recreate the sound for. It took me a while to find something I would be content with. I ended up using “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” as my source material. So I began to acquire a video clip of this video game, and proceeded to create a list of all the sound effects I would need to recreate in order for this to work. Some sound effects that would work nicely I had already in my possession, saved to my hard drive in my sound library. Those are sound effects from a previous project with similar intent, giving me a nice head start already as I acquired a few sounds from that. 

Following that I then proceeded to create new sound effects. The digital audio workspace, or DAW for short, that I use is Ableton Live 10. Using the in-built synthesizer I set out to create new sound effects fitting a retro game from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (or SNES for short) era. Whilst I had great success with some sound effects, I had troubles with others. Specifically, I had troubles with the sounds for the swinging of a sword, a door unlocking, and footsteps going up and down a flight of stairs. 

I was not sure how I would be able to circumvent these troubles, and therefor decided to review the methods I was using. After looking into other games. to be precise video games that have retro style, but are in fact modern era video games, I realized that due to lacking the knowledge and skill for the time being, to create such very specific sounds and effects, that I had to use a different approach. So, I ended up dropping my attempt at re-creating sound effects from the SNES era, and rather focus on the here and now. For the sound of the sword swinging I ended up using the sound of a knife sliding across a hard surface, and then manipulated the sound. I first lowered the pitch of the sound sample, and then proceeded to reduce the bit-depth, which more or less means reducing the quality of the sound itself, until it sounded like something that would in in a retro-style game of the modern era. I proceeded to do the very same for the footsteps going up and down a flight of stairs. In the case of the footsteps, I got my hands on a sample of a pair of boots walking on a stone surface, which I gave the same treatment as the sword. As for the sound of a door unlocking I acquired a sound effect of two pieces of metal banging and sliding against each other, once more giving it the same treatment as mentioned before. 

The only thing that was left to do was create music. I was unsure at first how I wanted to approach the music for the game. I wanted to give it my own style, but still at the same time I wanted to make it fit at least somewhat, so I did not want to make it too contemporary. What I ended up using in the end was simply three built in instruments from Ableton Live 10. The first was a drum rack, the second one a nasal voice that sinds “Aahs” and “Oohs”, and the third one being a brass ensemble. The way I made those all sound like they belong in a retro/retro-style game was by giving them all the same treatment as my sound effects previously mentioned. I decreased the bit-depth of each one of those virtual instruments, and I also used an equalizer to remove all the low-end, aka all the bass from the each of the instruments, since making the instruments lower quality they can drone quite a lot if there is base within them. 

Finally it was time to edit it all and that was quite the chore for multiple reasons. Firstly there were a lot of small sound effects very quickly one after another in quick succession, taking a long time to line all the sound effects up correctly for them to fit perfectly where they are supposed to be. Another issue was that for some reason some times the video would not load from certain spots so I had to scroll back far enough so that the video would play again so that I then could place the sounds where they belong. Overall it was a very arduous task to do, that proofed less difficult, but more so extremely tedious, but in the end I managed to do it.

It was quite some long and hard work, but in the end it paid off, as I got to see a full five minute video of my hard work, being able to admire what I did, and finding it to be a job well done. I look back at the work now, happy that I did it, and happy about the way I did it, enjoying the fact that such hard work made a final product that I like myself for once as well.

Research Project

Sticking with my theme of “The Legend of Zelda” I decided that for the research paper that we were supposed to create I would look into the aspect of how the original “The Legend of Zeda: Link’s Awakening” and the remake that was released in 2019 differ. To do so I decided that it would be first prudent to take a look at each game. I decided to first start off with a general overview of both games, having a bit of a closer look at the limitations of the original console the game was released on, namely the Game Boy. Having studied it a bit it turns out that the Game Boy has massive limitations especially in regard to music and sound, having only 4 different channels available at any given time, meaning the game boy can only produce 4 different sounds at the same time. 

Realizing that I had a closer look at the music that Link’s Awakening has, and realized that indeed it only ever has two “instruments” playing at the same. One giving rhythm and also doubling as the bass, and one that is the leading melody of each song. It turns out that most sound effects do not interrupt the music, but mostly each other, if too much is going on at once sound wise, then sounds will cut out, not so the music however except for a few examples which I found quite interesting. 

Another aspect I ended up looking into was nostalgia. I realized that nostalgia is another big aspect that I should look into when it comes to comparing two games that are the same. In essence I realized that nostalgia is an important feeling when looking at the remake of a game, especially a game that is originally as old as this one. After all there are around 18 years difference between the original game and the remake, leaving a huge gap between the two. And as somebody who played the original on their Game Boy Color all happy and excited, because it was just such an extremely magical and wonderful journey as a child. As such it was important to me on a personal level that the remake felt just as magical. 

Therefor I decided to do some research into the nostalgia, which turned out the be quite insightful, finding some interesting sources talking about different forms of nostalgia, something I had not even considered. Within was explained that there are different forms of nostalgia, created and experiences in different ways, depending on what kind of game it is. It ended up giving me a more detailed and clearer insight into what exactly is going on in regard to the nostalgia within the new version, the remake. of the game, and how it ties the two games together. 

I then proceeded to pick the two games apart in detail, especially when it comes to the sound design, having a specifically close look at the bosses and mini bosses within the games, as they offer the most characteristics of the game, being the most imposing but at the same time most unique beings, so much so that even with the limit sound capacity of the Game Boy, they all have their very own special sounds they make, giving a great opportunity to cross reference the two to have a closer look at how the new version of the game handles all of these things. In the end it felt like sound wise the remake was essentially taking the original game and using it as a foundation to build upon to make it something contemporary. 

This task was by far the hardest, having to do a ton of research and taking a deep dive into both games, taking in everything and then in detail write about it. It took a long time and a lot of effort and patience, but I am happy with the end result I achieved with it. 

Professional Practice

One of the main things I had to do for professional practice was to create a show reel/demo reel. At first I thought I would have to create a bunch of new mini projects to get something together for it, but I decided not to do so. Instead, I decided I would take all the projects from the past three years of university and compile them into a three minute video. I wanted to give a full and true image of th spectrum of things I am currently capable and incapable off, not only to be true to whomever is seeing it, but also to be true to myself, to have a reminder just what exactly my errors are, so I can work on them, so by the time I release my next demo/show reel, I can show off just how much I have improved, not just to others, but myself as well. 

Doing a 5-year plan right afterwards was a massive help in that regard, making me realize just what kind of goals I should aim for, giving me a nice step-by-step guide fully created by myself to have a view into the future what I could and should do to further myself. It was a fun and interesting task, opening my eyes to the possibilities. 

Lastly I had to do an assessment, not only explaining my demo reel in depth, but also forcing me to do some research into the current state of the games industry, which gave me quite a lot of insight into just how much the games industry has grown, and how much more important it has becoming, opening my eyes to how big the challenges ahead of me are, but also giving me confidence that I can do it if I just work hard on it. 

Overall, it has been extremely stressful with everything that has been going on, but I am also extremely grateful for having gotten the opportunity to go and study at a university, and given the opportunity to learn all the things I have.

[sleepwalkingiguess]

Run Your Own Service By Marketing Wholesale Baby Clothing On Ebay.com

In order to chat regarding love and also still construct a socially acceptable metropolitan identification, musicians tend to apply one of the five successful love narrative kinds. Nobody comprehends situations like that, people cant handle it, so they 'll talk concerning it for life. The woman trying to sell me their newest phone package referred to a tv advert. She kept me speaking for about 10 minutes during which time she referred me to this particular TELEVISION advert a more 4 times, as well as each time I assured her I had actually not seen it because I don't enjoy tv. Knitting can be grabbed throughout the adverts and also operated at for 5 or 10 mins at a time. New threads and also fashionable pattern layouts make weaving fun and also quickly, and I can knit even if I am viewing TV, albeit an unusual occurence for me directly! With the web, also if you reside in a community that is little, you aren't restricted to your area, as well as can discover people not simply around the UK, however throughout the globe as well! Then embellish with baby pictures as well as such, after that take it to your regional copy shop, like Kinkos, and also have them print the web page on pastel colored paper. In some cases weve discovered local street fairs or windsurfing tournaments or a design train museum. Weve spoke about endometriosis, that which can be a cyst. So, you can have bleeding with a cyst yet the majority of the time those are rare conditions. The endometriomas, if they continue, and theres continual blood loss in the abdomen and also the ovary that can create adhesions. Any kind of hemorrhaging cyst can be a trouble. A maternity with a corpus luteum, the second type of functional cyst takes place to develop as the child is growing. Many of these, the bigger blood materials, the bigger capillary on cysts are generally the corpus luteum cyst. A lot of ovary cysts in as well as of themselves are not going to be creating an issue. But, the vital thing here, is that cysts themselves, in and of themselves are not going to be an issue or harmful issue. The nature of the event is possibly mosting likely to tend in the direction of the feminine side; if the organizers of the party have an arrangement for this, then welcoming men would be great. Certainly, there are numerous males and ladies that are making good cash making use of the web service route. In this tune, the poet makes use of the affective story to recognize that some males "dont be comin right ", however that he has a different understanding of ladies than these various other guys. Meant to aid with the discomfort, supposed to assist me keep In this tune, Expert makes use of the different story to share his sight of what love should be. It is necessary for the garments to be entirely dry prior to they are done away with or put on by a kid, as well as hanging the clothes on kids garments wall mounts will certainly aid keep their kind. Nonetheless, aspartame was allowed on 1981 for dry items and 1983 for carbonated beverages.

free baby stuff expecting mother

Individuals utilized to exchange items and solutions for various other products and services before cash was developed, and some people still barter today to stay clear of making use of loan (primarily for tax factors I am informed). A few other excellent services are a diaper solution for towel diapering moms, and even a diaper distribution service for disposables, and also pay for the initial two weeks or a month worth of diapering products. Even the colors made use of in the textile ought to be natural and non-toxic. You may be at first attracted by all the eye memorable shades as well as the fanciness of the outfits, but if your child is not going to like it, it is going to become pointless. Jammies and also bodysuits for little infant girls been available in all different colors as well as designs, and also are created all types of weather. A couple of pieces would certainly do - a set of rompers, a set of shirts, a set of pyjamas. At the same time, you can place a T-shirt over their pyjamas. They will secure and insure any kind of loan you put into a financial savings account and pay you probably 3% annual rate of interest on your deposit. They know that if you're satisfied with your sample, even more than most likely you be come to be a regular consumer and also spend cash with them. There are really a great deal of free offers offered; you simply need to understand just how to look for them. Or search by chemical active ingredients (see listed here for some examples) and also uncover what brands have it. Next, you will get to your search engine result web page; this is a checklist of all items that fulfill your search criteria. Let us take a peek right into what makes these criteria a have to for those parents looking for infant garments. Likewise, let your very first couple of road journeys show you what you require to have along. There are numerous initial time mommies available that have a lot of information to show to you as well as they do not want you to be without the info. They wish to have gowns with breathable fabric as well as simple on the body. Is this what we have involved, - every person in our region enjoys the exact same adverts, the same programs, the exact same newspaper article each and every single day or night? Note: After attempting solitary foods, excellent mixes are potatoes and carrots or carrots as well as peas. And also not just will I examine it for him, Ill make it appear like the Elvis of foods, because Im currently quite certain that Sickness like a hamdog. He additionally describes his love interest as "this Ethiopian queen from Philly ", using the imperial characterization so usual in spiritual love stories. If you're truly strapped for cash money, after that you can possibly use utilizing your bed as a changing table, yet if you can, this is something I highly suggest. Its much better to feed baby first point in the early morning, then permit some play or rest time in between prior to giving baby a bathroom. At a "Pamper Event," a suggestion significantly popular for moms who currently have numerous youngsters and for that reason the majority of right stuff they really require, they might take house medical spa devices such as a loofah or bubble bathroom. A great bath-themed gift basket would certainly include some hypo-allergenic bath products, like baby baths, talc, towels, and also bathroom playthings.

The significant and also is that many, if not all of these totally free products, are supplied right to the mommy's house. And also, with that, allows get right down to the core. Do you have the software application you require to get going? At some point you are going to want to carry your infant, so you will certainly need to purchase something. Unless you're preparing to hang on to them for your following child, they're simply collecting dust. With a few easy skills, an useful collection of "things, " and simply a little bit of preparation and preparation, youll get on your means! There is a place for TELEVISION in our lives and it desires all the fastest way of taking in news from worldwide. Taking courses abroad Below, the poet makes use of the spiritual story to describe the moment, area as well as emotions that his love was founded on, talking them as if they were in some way suggested to occur. Maybe she thought that was her place worldwide and also no-one could fault her if she did her duties to the utmost of her capability. I when had a neighbor that informed the world and it's mom she thought tidiness was alongside Godliness as well as invested all the time on a daily basis cleaning her home. It is believed that from this you truly have the option to have a look at whatever before you even have to get something. Tight neck lines would trouble you and even the placement of switches at weird placements would certainly cause you troubles, so check these beforehand. At the exact same time the switches as well as various other components in the design should be very carefully stitched. Yet Betty had the cash money whenever I went to prison This track additionally illustrates the use of contrasting narratives to express love. This instance additionally shows making use of introductory language in conversational narratives. The poet feels it is inappropriate for anyone to "call you out your name ", or in other words, utilize disparaging language towards his love. A number of the child shower ideas will benefit any kind of place, inside your home or out. Do you desire your baby to look cute or amazing with baby clothes but you do not have suggestions on where to look for them? Price is a major thing you would certainly want to think about when purchasing child clothes. It's very easy, check out a child clothing store. Clothes care plays a large function in your child's safety. Hence, it is constantly recommended that you keep the security and comfort factor in mind also when you are buying celebration gowns for your kid. Also when you have actually bought a lacy blouse for your little girl, if you wind up getting a size that happens to be somewhat bigger than her actual dimension, she will be comfortable in it. And also, parents will be most likely to keep getting clothes to maintain up with the changes in the infant's development - size, weight, length, and also shape. Therefore, buying clothes that are somewhat bigger than the genuine size of your infants body presents will certainly be good as it guarantees optimal convenience for the youngster.

Nonetheless, these immunization procedures will just make their systems solid yet it doesn't give an assurance that microorganisms can not penetrate their method. So why did she act by doing this? The exact same thing can be real with, certainly with tube pregnancies, thats why those two can be perplexed. Yes it holds true that child clothing don't last lengthy with children expanding as quick as they do, however taking care of an infants garments is still simply as, if not even more, important. Hip-Hop, you the love of my life which's true This passage is unique since it utilizes both the metaphoric as well as different narrative methods. The presentation of Hip-Hop love stories is a very uphill struggle. As well as that leads us to the most popular metaphoric Hip-Hop love narrative of our time. Children will love this recipe. Thick and also fluffy outfits will keep the infant cozy from head to toe. Right here is a list of preferred things that has actually been looked into with some of the largest online merchants of child products. Below are some of the standard things you'll intend to have. Do you want to offer a present to a brand-new mother without investing a great deal of loan? They use it when washing to remove odors, soften the textiles, and also offer your baby and kid clothes a fresh as well as a lot more natural aroma. When you are assuming of your childs convenience, its not only about the style of the clothing youre purchasing it will certainly also refer exactly how the item rests on your children body. Consider just how much you have right into the item. The following time you are re-assembling your set, make sure to add that thing. I prefer to hang out with my friends and family, talking on the phone, choosing lengthy strolls or dancing the night away. With all that having actually been said, Ive discovered a brand-new food that I recognize I'm mosting likely to enjoy. Soon you'll uncover that having just a few wonderful clothing ends up being unwise. I had an excellent free website a couple of years ago I went to daily. Utilize your Road Adventure logbook to tape-record everybodies remarks regarding the day. This will offer no good as getting baby items indiscriminately will not simply be waste of loan yet also waste of time and also energy which you can put for some positive use. If taking a trip by cars and truck you must constantly make use of a vehicle seat as well as comply with the producer's instructions for suitable. If your journey limit disappears than a one-hour car trip one means, after that search for areas of interest within regarding 40 miles of home. Which is not a problem because much like kidneys, similar to testis, women with one ovary can have equally as numerous infants as a lady with 2 ovaries as well as 2 tubes. Evidently it is a 2x matrix, suggesting those initial two people you reached sign up with are on your first degree. You need to always have two pairs during the night time, due to the fact that you never ever recognize when a child is mosting likely to spew up or have a baby diaper leak that can call for a full garment modification.

[instefanspants]

Run Your Own Company By Re-selling Wholesale Child Clothing On Ebay.com

In order to speak about love and also still create a socially appropriate metropolitan identification, musicians have a tendency to implement among the 5 successful love narrative types. No person understands situations like that, individuals cant deal with it, so they 'll talk regarding it for life. The woman attempting to offer me their latest phone plan offer described a television advert. She maintained me talking for roughly 10 mins during which time she referred me to this particular TELEVISION advert a more 4 times, as well as each time I ensured her I had actually not seen it since I don't watch television. Knitting can be picked up throughout the adverts and also operated at for 5 or 10 minutes at once. New yarns and fashionable pattern layouts make knitting fun and fast, and also I can weaved also if I am watching TV, albeit an uncommon occurence for me directly! With the net, even if you live in a neighborhood that is tiny, you aren't limited to your city, as well as can find individuals not just around the UK, yet across the globe too! Then enhance with infant pictures and also such, after that take it to your neighborhood copy shop, like Kinkos, as well as have them publish the web page on pastel tinted paper. Occasionally weve taken place upon neighborhood street fairs or windsurfing competitions or a version train museum. Weve discussed endometriosis, that which can be a cyst. So, you can have hemorrhaging with a cyst yet many of the moment those are rare conditions. The endometriomas, if they persist, and also theres constant blood loss in the abdominal area as well as the ovary that can create attachments. Any bleeding cyst can be a problem. A pregnancy with a corpus luteum, the second kind of useful cyst goes on to establish as the baby is growing. The majority of these, the bigger blood products, the bigger capillary on cysts are typically the corpus luteum cyst. Many ovary cysts in as well as of themselves are not going to be creating a problem. Yet, the vital thing below, is that cysts themselves, in as well as of themselves are not mosting likely to be a trouble or harmful trouble. The nature of the party is most likely mosting likely to often tend towards the womanly side; if the coordinators of the event have a provision for this, after that inviting males would certainly be great. Indeed, there are numerous men as well as ladies who are making great loan using the internet organisation course. In this track, the poet makes use of the affective narrative to recognize that some males "dont be comin right ", but that he has a various assumption of ladies than these other males. Expected to aid with the pain, expected to help me preserve In this tune, Master uses the different story to share his sight of what love need to be. It is essential for the garments to be totally dry prior to they are put away or worn by a kid, and also hanging the clothes on kids clothes wall mounts will certainly assist maintain their type. Nonetheless, aspartame was enabled on 1981 for dry items as well as 1983 for carbonated beverages.

free baby stuff expecting mother

People made use of to exchange items and services for various other goods and also solutions before money was produced, and some individuals still barter today to avoid using loan (primarily for tax obligation reasons I am told). A few other wonderful services are a diaper service for fabric diapering mothers, or perhaps a diaper delivery solution for disposables, and spend for the first two weeks or a month well worth of diapering items. Also the colors used in the material should be natural and safe. You may be originally attracted by all the eye appealing shades as well as the fanciness of the outfits, but if your youngster is not mosting likely to like it, it is mosting likely to end up being pointless. Pyjamas as well as bodysuits for little child ladies can be found in all various colors as well as styles, and are made for all kinds of weather. A couple of pieces would certainly do - a set of babies suits, a set of shirts, a pair of jammies. At the same time, you can put a Tee shirts over their pajamas. They will secure as well as insure any cash you take into a financial savings account as well as pay you probably 3% annual passion on your deposit. They know that if you're pleased with your sample, greater than most likely you be come to be a regular customer and also spend money with them. There are truly a whole lot of free offers readily available; you simply require to recognize how to look for them. Or search by chemical active ingredients (see listed here for some instances) and uncover what brands contain it. Next off, you will certainly reach your search results page web page; this is a listing of all products that fulfill your search requirements. Let us take a peek right into what makes these requirements a should for those parents shopping for baby clothing. Likewise, let your very first couple of roadway experiences instruct you what you require to have along. There are numerous very first time mommies available that have a great deal of info to show to you and also they do not want you to be without the details. They want to have gowns with breathable textile and also simple on the body. Is this what we have concerned, - everybody in our region watches the same adverts, the exact same programmes, the same newspaper article each and every single day or evening? Note: After attempting solitary foods, great mixes are potatoes and carrots or carrots as well as peas. And not only will I examine it for him, Ill make it appear like the Elvis of foods, since Im already rather sure that Ill love a hamdog. He likewise refers to his love interest as "this Ethiopian queen from Philly ", utilizing the imperial characterization so usual in spiritual love narratives. If you're truly strapped for cash money, then you can most likely make do with utilizing your bed as a transforming table, yet if you can, this is something I extremely suggest. Its far better to feed infant first thing in the morning, after that permit some play or remainder time in between before giving infant a bath. At a "Pamper Event," a suggestion increasingly popular for mothers who already have a number of youngsters and also as a result the majority of the stuff they really need, they may take house day spa accessories such as a loofah or bubble bath. A fantastic bath-themed gift basket would have some hypo-allergenic bathroom products, like child bathrooms, talcum powder, towels, as well as bath toys.

The significant and also is that many, if not all of these cost-free items, are delivered right to the mom's home. As well as, with that, allows get right down to the core. Do you have the software program you need to obtain begun? At some point you are mosting likely to intend to transport your infant, so you will certainly need to acquire something. Unless you're planning to hold on to them for your following infant, they're simply collecting dirt. With a couple of straightforward abilities, an useful collection of "stuff, " and also simply a little of planning and prep work, youll get on your method! There is a place for TELEVISION in our lives and also it desires all the fastest way of taking in news from around the globe. Taking courses abroad Below, the poet uses the spiritual story to explain the time, area and also emotions that his love was founded on, talking them as if they were in some way implied to take place. Maybe she believed that was her place on the planet and also no-one might fault her if she executed her obligations to miraculous of her ability. I when had a neighbor who notified the world and it's mommy she thought tidiness was following to Godliness and also invested throughout the day everyday cleaning her home. It is believed that from this you really have the alternative to look into everything before you also have to get something. Limited neck lines would difficulty you and even the positioning of switches at weird placements would trigger you problems, so examine these beforehand. At the exact same time the switches as well as other elements in the layout should be carefully sewn. Yet Betty had the money each time I mosted likely to jail This song better highlights using contrasting narratives to share love. This instance better illustrates using introductory language in conversational narratives. The poet feels it is unacceptable for anybody to "call you out your name ", or to put it simply, utilize defamatory language towards his love. Most of the child shower ideas will certainly work for any type of location, inside or out. Do you desire your child to look adorable or amazing with child clothing yet you do not have suggestions on where to try to find them? Expense is a major point you would certainly wish to think about when getting baby clothing. It's very easy, look at an infant apparel store. Clothing care plays a large function in your child's safety. Thus, it is constantly encouraged that you maintain the safety and security as well as convenience consider mind also when you are looking for occasion outfits for your youngster. Also when you have actually acquired a lacy blouse for your small girl, if you end up getting a dimension that happens to be slightly larger than her real size, she will certainly fit in it. And also, parents will certainly be most likely to keep getting clothes to stay on top of the changes in the baby's development - dimension, weight, length, and form. Therefore, acquiring clothes that are somewhat bigger than the actual size of your children body gifts will certainly be excellent as it makes certain maximum convenience for the child.

Nevertheless, these immunization processes will only make their systems solid however it does not give an assurance that microorganisms can't penetrate their method in. So why did she act in this method? The exact same thing can be real with, definitely with tube pregnancies, thats why those 2 can be perplexed. Yes it holds true that child clothing don't last long with children expanding as fast as they do, however taking treatment of a children clothing is still equally as, if not even more, vital. Hip-Hop, you the love of my life which's true This flow is special because it uses both the metaphoric and also contrasting narrative strategies. The presentation of Hip-Hop like stories is an extremely hard task. Which leads us to one of the most popular metaphoric Hip-Hop love story of our time. Children will certainly like this recipe. Thick and also cosy clothing will keep the child cozy from head to toe. Below is a checklist of preferred things that has actually been investigated with several of the largest online merchants of baby products. Right here are a few of the standard things you'll wish to have. Do you intend to provide a present to a brand-new mother without spending a great deal of money? They use it when washing to get rid of smells, soften the materials, and also provide your infant and also kid apparel a fresh and also extra natural fragrance. When you are thinking of your childs convenience, its not just concerning the design of the apparel youre acquiring it will likewise refer just how the thing rests on your babys body. Consider how much you have right into the item. The following time you are re-assembling your package, make sure to add that thing. I prefer to hang around with my friends and family, talking on the phone, opting for lengthy walks or dancing the evening away. With all that having been stated, Ive found a new food that I understand I'm going to enjoy. Soon you'll uncover that having just a couple of great clothing comes to be unwise. I had a good free site a few years ago I saw daily. Utilize your Road Experience logbook to tape-record every people comments about the day. This will certainly serve no great as buying child products indiscriminately will not just be waste of loan however also wild-goose chase and energy which you can place for some positive usage. If passing by car you ought to always make use of a child seat and follow the maker's guidelines for suitable. If your journey restriction is no even more than a one-hour vehicle flight one way, after that look for areas of interest within regarding 40 miles of house. Which is not an issue because similar to kidneys, much like testis, women with one ovary can have simply as numerous infants as a woman with 2 ovaries and also two tubes. Obviously it is a 2x matrix, indicating those very first 2 individuals you reached sign up with get on your very first level. You ought to constantly have two pairs in the evening time, because you never ever recognize when an infant is going to spit up or have a diaper leakage that can require a full garment adjustment.

[josephlrushing]

Hoop Cam Plus Is an Excellent Security Camera That Moves to Your Touch

Home security cameras are quickly becoming a commodity these days, and they all follow the same basic formula – the more you pay, the more you get. The Hoop Cam Plus seemingly breaks that mold by offering a very affordable camera that is attractive, easy to both operate, and setup that even includes panning and tilt in its feature list. The Hoop Cam Plus has no right to be this good for this price, and I’ve been impressed with how good it truly has been.

Source: Hoop

I’m relatively new to Hoop Home, but their Hoop Cam Plus really caught my eye when I unboxed it. The model I received to review was a pleasant red color, and it came in a tall cylinder packaging that felt very well thought out as it wasted minimal packaging. The box itself only contained the camera and charger with the requisite cable. The cable itself is worth mentioning because it’s a flat cable (think how old school phone line cords are), which makes it easy to hide out of the way or staple/tape to the wall. Great touch there.

Setting it up was very easy, I just downloaded the Hoop Home app (available on both Android or iOS) and went through the fairly smooth setup. As is often the case, there was an update waiting, which took a few minutes to install, but after that, it was ready to go.

I placed the Hoop Cam Plus on my fireplace mantel and left it there for over a week to see what it would capture and perform. As you can see in the picture, the camera can pan and tilt using the app, which is an incredibly useful feature but is mainly for when you are viewing the camera live. When you leave the camera alone, there is no way that I found to have it continuously pan and tilt over a specific area, for example. I also don’t think this is a big deal or a major issue since the camera lens is wide-angle enough that it picks up a large area even when static.

Source: Hoop

The mobile app is surprisingly good because it feels like while there are a lot of companies out there that can make great hardware, great software is always more challenging. Luckily, Hoop has a very solid and usable mobile app available that is enjoyable to use.

The main screen gives you a nice scrollable list of clips that are recorded and stored on the cloud for the day. You can scroll the list left to see prior days, and it’s all sorted in chronological order so easy to find what you’re looking for. Each clip has options to be shared, favorited, downloaded, or deleted. One of the better user interfaces I’ve seen in a mobile camera app and most likely the area you will spend the most time on.

There is also a quick toggle for the various modes such as Home, Away, High Alert. Each mode has a day and a night mode, which is an excellent feature. So this will allow you, for example, to turn everything off for Home – Day, but maybe at Home – Night, you want to have some motion detection on or be alerted if anything is depending on where the camera is.

The live camera screen is also very easy to operate. There is a virtual d-pad below the screen you can use for pan/tilt, or you can actually flick/touch the viewfinder as well. I have to admit this is very satisfying and works as well as I would expect so more kudos to Hoop for getting this detail down.

The camera also integrates with both Alexa and Google Home, so I was able to add it to my Google Home app, which allowed me to view the live feed on my Google Home Hub Max or Google Home app even. This seems basic, but you’d be surprised how many products don’t have this functionality, so it’s nice when it’s there and works.

The video quality itself is excellent as it’s 1080p, but it’s nothing that will stand apart from other similar cameras – many you’d expect from higher price ranges, though. The camera also supports 2-way audio so you can have fun scaring your kids or partners when you wish while also being able to hear them curse at you for doing so.

The final point, perhaps the most important one, is that this Hoop Cam Plus costs $69. To me, this is an incredible value given the quality of the video/audio, the excellent hardware design, the fantastic mobile app experience, among many other things. After having used this myself for this review, I would expect to pay maybe twice that much and still be impressed with it, so to get it for what it costs, it almost feels too good to be true!

The Hoop Cam Plus sells for $69.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer and also from Amazon [affiliate link].

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Excellent hardware design with different colors; supports pan and tilt; solid 1080p video with audio; 2-way audio works as described; motion and sound detection works well; fantastic mobile app; integrates with Alex and Google; phenomenal value

What Needs Improvement: None that I discovered during the review

from Joseph Rushing https://geardiary.com/2020/06/15/hoop-cam-plus-is-an-excellent-security-camera-that-moves-to-your-touch/

[asfeedin]

Google Pixel Buds 2 Review: New Design, Better Sound

Google Pixel Buds 2 review-in-progress: New design, better sound

“Google’s newest Pixel Buds pack a big boost in audio quality.”

Streamlined setup

Attractive look

Excellent voice integration

Useful features

Average battery life

No noise cancellation technology

This is a review-in-progress. We’ll update this review after spending a few more days with Google’s new Pixel Buds.

It was only a matter of time before Google brought its first real contender into the arena of true wireless earbuds. Honestly, I’m surprised it took this long.

Google released its second-generation Pixel Buds today, a $179 pair of earbuds that scraps the wire that tethered together the originals, and adds new design elements and tons of features. While I haven’t had enough time with the Pixel Buds for a full review, I have listened long enough to have some thoughts.

Out of the Box

The packaging for the Pixel Buds — which are technically the Pixel Buds 2, but I’ll use Google’s official name for them throughout this review — is tiny, white, and adorned with different images of the buds themselves. Inside are the buds, resting inside a wireless charging case, as well as extra eartips, a USB-C charging cable, and the appropriate documentation.

Nick Woodard/Digital Trends

Normally, I unpack everything, check out the product briefly, then take a glance at the quick start guide to see if there are any set-up quirks to adhere to. But with the Pixel Buds, I never opened the booklet.

As I was pulling the first bud out of the case, a notification appeared on my Pixel 2 smartphone prompting me to pair with the buds. A second prompt followed, instructing me to download the accompanying app, and the rest of the set-up process was set in motion from there.

That’s all thanks to Google’s Fast Pair on Android feature, allowing you to immediately pair your Pixel or Android 6.0+ device with the earbuds. I’ll be the first to admit that most earbud setups are relatively easy, but this was as simple and streamlined as it gets, and more in line with how Apple’s AirPods work.

The original buds, which were $20 cheaper at their initial release, had their fair share of connectivity issues. It’s a small sample size, but I have not experienced any such snags in my time using the new Pixel Buds, which are outfitted with Bluetooth 5 technology.

Design

The Pixel Buds are not the smallest earbuds in the game (at 5.3 grams, they outweigh the Apple AirPods by over a gram each), but they aren’t the heaviest, either — both the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ and Amazon Echo Buds weigh more. They’re right in the wheelhouse, which is all we can ask of most earbuds these days.

Nick Woodard/Digital Trends

It’s the Pixel Buds’ actual design, however, that has me the most intrigued. The original Pixel Buds, from our perspective, were loose-fitting and though they never fell out, they did not create the seal in your ear canal that’s important for noise isolation. Google listened, and created a pair that sits nearly flush with your ears, providing a much more secure feel. I managed to fit in a five-mile run in my first few hours with the buds, and had no problems with them shifting in transit.

The Pixel Buds will only be available in their cutely named Clearly White color at launch, but will follow that with Almost Black, Quite Mint, and Oh So Orange options. The charging case more closely resembles an egg than the pill-shaped carriers Samsung and others have adopted. It’s also heavier than every case except the Echo Buds, but still pocket friendly.

Features

At first look, the Pixel Buds’ set of features remind me of a classic power hitter in baseball. They’re going to hit some doubles and homers if you can tolerate a whiff here and there.

Nick Woodard/Digital Trends

Double: An IPX4 weatherproof rating, giving them protection against splashes and sweat. You will not want to submerge them, but the Pixel Buds should be plenty workout proof.

Homerun: The Pixel Buds are the first Google Assistant hotword-enabled earbuds, meaning all you have to do is say “Hey Google,” or “OK Google” to have your own voice assistant at your service. This is not new in the industry, of course, with Amazon and Apple ahead of the curve in that regard. But Google has made it effortless to use, to the point where I preferred asking Google to change a track or turn the volume up over the built-in gesture commands on the bud. Those are simple enough to use, but there is something more appealing about controlling the buds hands-free.

Swing, and a miss: The Pixel Buds have five hours of battery life in a single charge. Which, to be fair, is on par with the Apple AirPods and Amazon Echo Buds. But five hours just isn’t much anymore, not when the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ set the benchmark with 11 hours of playback time. With the included charging case, which is QI-certified and can wirelessly charge on any compatible charger, the Pixel Buds have a respectable 24 hours of total battery life.

Double: The return of Google Translate, through either Conversation Mode with Google Assistant or the Google Translate app. The feature was a highlight of the first-generation Pixel Buds, and it remains a fun tool to translate the words you or others speak into different languages. It’s a perk that not everyone will utilize, but remains nice to call upon if needed. The same goes for the ability to ask Google directly how to get somewhere or get notifications read to you from essentially any app on your device. Not totally needed, but neat.

Struck out looking: Google opted against adding noise-cancellation technology into their second-generation buds, and I think that’s a missed opportunity. Sure, the fit is much better this time around, making passive noise reduction possible. And yes, Apple’s second-gen AirPods don’t carry that feature either, at $20 more. But the Amazon Echo Buds did it, and they retail for $50 less than the Pixel Buds. It’s not detrimental that the Pixel Buds don’t have noise cancellation, but if they really wanted to make a power move in the true wireless earbuds category, that would have been the way to do it.

Audio Quality

As I began listening to the Pixel Buds, I wanted to be sure of what I was hearing. So, I passed them to my partner, replayed the Brothers Osborne track I had just auditioned (Love the Lonely Out of You), and asked her for a description of the sound.

Nick Woodard/Digital Trends

She took the exact word I was thinking of — crisp. The Pixel Buds have custom 12mm dynamic speaker drivers and what Google describes as a “hybrid acoustic design” where the eartips aim to seal outside noise, but spatial vents reduce the “plugged-ear feeling.” The result is, ahem, music to your ears.

I’ll need a few more hours with these before I can justify comparing them to any of the top competitors I’ve been mentioning. And they’re definitely not on par with something like the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 2, but then again, who is? All that aside, I can definitely say that the Pixel Buds have improved leaps and bounds from the sound of the first version, which was “just fine,” as we put it. The low end is present but not overbearing, the vocals are clear as day, and the mid-range is well-balanced.

Nick Woodard/Digital Trends

There’s no equalizer in the Pixel Buds app, but I likely wouldn’t use it even if there was. Songs like The Wood Brothers’ Luckiest Man were a treat, giving me the sense that I could hear the strings behind each individual note. Google also suggested listening to some 8D content on YouTube, where existing songs are re-produced to sound like they’re moving around the listener. It’s not music specific to the Pixel Buds, but it helps to have solid sounding buds recreate Freddie Mercury’s legendary vocals dancing back and forth across your head.

The few calls I’ve made were clear, with those on the other end of the conversation remarking that I sounded better than I had when trying out other buds. The Pixel Buds have a pair of beamforming microphones designed to focus on your voice, in order to be heard in louder conditions or when you’re on the move. It has been a limited experience so far, but so far so good.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Adaptive Sound feature in the Pixel Buds. The same way you can let your phone automatically adjust the brightness depending on the environment, Google gives you the option of letting the Pixel Buds adjust the volume based on where you are. It’s subtle, but it’s supposed to be, and I found it to work well when moving outside the house and on to a busier roadway.

Conclusion

The Pixel Buds are filled to the brim with features, though to access the best of them, you’ll need to be at least partially invested in the Google/Android ecosystem. They greatly improved the design and audio quality from the originals but equipped the newest version with just average battery life, and left out noise-canceling abilities.

I’ll revisit this review after more time with these buds. For now, Google’s Pixel Buds made some major adjustments, and because of that might just be the best Android-centric earbuds you can get right now. But they’ve left room to grow. In today’s fast-moving true wireless world, maybe too much room.

Editors’ Recommendations

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Tags: 2, Buds, design, Google, Pixel, Review, Sound

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Best-Kept Secrets: Favorite Design Decision

Besides the wonderful opportunity of peeking into vibrant and personally decorated homes each week, one of the things I enjoy most about the home tours here on Design*Sponge is that they essentially form a vast pool full of creative ideas, tips and tricks to be inspired by and learn from. I can't even tell you how many times I've thought to myself “I'm going to try that too!” or “Amazing - I would have never come up with that!” It's the clever solutions and personal touches that usually get me most excited.

Best-Kept Secrets is our new series where we gather design tips and creative tricks by people from some of your favorite home tours. We'll cover various topics and areas related to decorating or designing a home, and let you in on the most invaluable advice from inspiring individuals from past home tours who've tried it, lived it and loved it. To start off the series, we reached out to people from around the country to share the favorite design decisions that they have made in their homes. We'd love to know yours, too!

For me, leaving color out of my decor and instead using even more of it in my wardrobe has been my best design decision so far. Knowing that as long as I keep to my color(less) palette, everything I bring home, whether old and worn or shiny and new, will work wonderfully together. It has given me a sense of calmness I was missing in my previously saturated decor. That being said, I still love colorful homes, probably more so now that I can admire them freely here on D*S! If you scroll down you'll see some design decisions that are directly opposite to mine, which is perfect - we're all unique! -Sofia

  Batya and her family's Colorado home is a celebration of wallpaper and cheerful colors. 

  Portait by Matthew Eaton / @matteatonphotography, interior photography by Batya Stepelman

  “I love the look of layered design that is personal. It can be accomplished by purchasing pieces over time (don't decorate all at once or you'll end up looking like you live in a showroom!), mixing high and low, bringing in unique art, and incorporating older personal objects [and] heirlooms with newer pieces (many of mine were made by friends). As I work on our space, layer by layer, I'm always cognizant of the people who actually live in our home. I'm a mother of two rambunctious boys who often bring their friends over - nothing can be too precious or delicate. We want to be comfortable when we entertain and enjoy our surroundings, which is why you'll never find anything white in my home!”

  Batya Stepelman, founder of WallTawk / @walltawk Wallpaper Creates a One-of-a-Kind Family Home in Colorado

    Matt and Beau wanted their living room to feel as fun and over-the-top as the dinner parties they love to host in the space. Photo by Matt and Beau / Probably This

  “One of the absolute best design decisions we've made in our home is embracing our love of bold colors that really show our personality. In our last apartment, we both knew we wanted something over-the-top for our dining room because it's where we like to throw over-the-top-but-cozy and casual dinner parties, so we went and painted the entire thing pink (Mellow Coral by Sherwin Williams). Growing up, Beau always wanted a pink bedroom but couldn't have it because of the whole boys-don't-like-pink thing, so it was pretty important for us to embrace that desire and put a pink room somewhere in the house. The room was a conversation piece for anyone who entered, and it became a hit online. It's hard to be in a bad mood when walking through a pink room every day, or really any room that fits your particular desire, no matter how bold.”

  Matt and Beau of Probably This / @probablythis Before & After: A Vintage Camper's Revamp

  Clara moved her living room from one space to another after living in and trying out her new home for six months. The new living room and arrangement is perfect for her needs. Portrait and interior photo by  Banner Day Consulting.

  “It's been about a year since I moved into my house and I'm still figuring out how to decorate each room. When we moved in, I furnished the designated dining room as the living room because it was adjacent to the kitchen, and it had the best view. If you saw my home tour on Design*Sponge, you can see the original arrangement. About six months in, I realized this was a mistake. Although we don't entertain too much, when we did, the busing of plates and serveware became a workout. It's important to experiment, try out different ideas, styles, and learn from the unexpected. Even if it didn't work out in this instance, I'm glad I did it this way. Although TV would tell you otherwise, designing a home to last takes patience, thoughtfulness and a bit of perseverance!”

Clara Jung, founder of Banner Day Consulting / @bannerdaysf A Designer's Home In Berkeley, CA Is Warm and Inviting

  Jamie and Ingrid filled their fisherman's shack with made, found and swapped pieces. Interior photo by Luisa Brimble / @luisabrimble.

  “The best design or decorating decision we made in our home was not actually a conscious one. It was more an extension of how we live and adhering to what we believe in.

We love the ocean and bush and have always felt a sense of responsibility to look after it. And we have always preferred old things over new - old furniture, old cars, old wooden boats and old houses. We fell in love with the shack because it's a place where we can combine our love of old things with our respect for the environment.

Hand-built by fishermen using timber and stone they found on site close to 100 years ago, the shack was simple and practical and aligned perfectly with our philosophy of being content finding only what you need, rather than forever seeking all that you want.

So to us, furniture didn't have to be from well-known designers, brand new, or the latest trend. It just had to work. Almost everything in the shack was repaired, recycled, restored, reused and repurposed. If we didn't already own it or couldn't find it secondhand, we just made it. Not only did our approach cost less money, it had far less impact on the environment. And when you look out the windows here, you become very aware of just how important that is.

The shack is our simple little shelter where we feel most at home, most connected to, most in awe of, and most protective over the environment and where we hope our family, friends, and guests do too.”

  Jamie and Ingrid Kwong, owners of The Little Black Shack / @thelittleblackshack A Respectfully Restored Fisherman's Shack on the Australian Coast

  By painting the area around her front door, Liz was able to highlight the height of the room and create a colorful statement. Photography by Liz Kamarul.

  “My best decorating decision would be painting around the door and frame. It accentuated how tall the ceilings are, made the door feel larger and all for a few dollars of paint. I always say that paint is the easiest and most affordable way to change a space and enhance architectural features!”

  Liz Kamarul, stylist and designer / @liz_kamarul A Bohemian Apartment In New Orleans Makes Pattern Play Look Seamless Before & After: A Drab Laundry Room Becomes A Bright Dining Nook  

  Minetta transformed her bedroom with golden wallpaper. Now, this room is her absolute favorite space in her New York apartment.

  Portrait by Chelsea Prestin / @chelseaprestinphoto, interior photography by Minetta Archer.

  “The best design decision I've made in my home was to install wallpaper. I've had a long love affair with wallpaper and know its power to transform even the most mundane of spaces. Being a renter, I really didn't want to deal with the product and installation costs or having to take it down when I moved. After attempting to do a stencil in my bedroom as an alternative and failing miserably, I decided to bite the bullet.

I had gotten a vintage German wallpaper sample from eBay and, as luck would have it, the seller had a few rolls available. It wasn't enough to cover the entire room as I had hoped, but with some strategic cuts and placements, we made it work. Four years later I'm so glad I made the decision. My bedroom is my absolute favorite room in the apartment. The wallpaper sets a very glamorous yet playful mood. It gave me the courage to take other design risks and to wallpaper many of the other spaces in the apartment. I wouldn't change a thing!”

  Minetta Archer, decorator / @minettaarcher A Harlem Rental that Fearlessly Embraces the Color Wheel

  In her guest bedroom, Emily placed the bed in front of a row of windows - now the room feels spacious and centered. Portrait by Andy Cosnotti /@cloudandcolor, interior photo by Emily Cosnotti. 

  “Putting beds in front of windows! This seems like a total design mistake but if your headboard is lower than your window frame or is not solid and allows light to pass through, it can look great in front of a window. In both our master bedroom and guest bedroom, the bed in front of/under the window solution made a huge difference to the flow and feel of the room. I recently redecorated our guest bedroom and moved the bed from being squeezed into a corner to in front of a row of windows. Now it feels centered in the room, with space for larger nightstands and easy access to both sides of the bed. Every time guests visit they can't believe what a difference it made!”

Emily Cosnotti, stylist and photographer, The Sweet Beast / @thesweetbeast Blush and Moody Tones in a Pittsburgh Home for Photographers Before & After: Layers of Frills Become a Modern Board & Batten Powder Room

  Splurging on a good bed made all the difference in Hannah's main bedroom. Portrait by Patchin Podes, interior photo by Shawna Ankenbrandt

  “I believe the best design decision I have made in my home was getting a great bed for our main bedroom. For years we slept on a metal frame, so when it came to decorating our new home I decided that my biggest splurge would be our bed. I am so happy we went for it. Every time I would walk into our bedroom before I would think about how we needed a new bed. It was constantly on my mind, and when you see something in your home that really bothers you it's a sign that it needs to be changed. We chose the Nest Bed from DWR with a beautiful wool cover, which can be switched out if you ever wanted to change the color of the bed. Now, we spend a lot of time snuggled in bed with the whole family. No more metal frame!”

  Hannah Phillips-Kaplan, founder of Repeat + World / @repeatworld Warm Minimalism in a Los Angeles Family Home

[lotsofdogs]

PBF Gift Guide: Gift Ideas Under $25

If I were on top of my game and a better planner, sharing my PBF Gift Guides before Black Friday and Cyber Monday would’ve probably been a good idea but then again, it’s really hard to focus on shopping for gifts when your mind is consumed by thoughts of travel and turkey. If you’re just now coming up for air after Thanksgiving weekend craziness, hopefully the timing of my gift guides will be helpful to you! And if you’re all done with your holiday shopping, I hope you can hear my applause from here. Phew!

I’ll be sharing a small collection of various gift guides over the next couple of days/weeks with normal blog content sprinkled in the mix as well. As always, this won’t be a complete gift guide takeover, but I plan to feature similar gift guides to those I’ve published on the blog in the past that seemed to go over well with you guys!

Since stocking stuffers and inexpensive gifts are some of my favorites to shop for, I wanted to kick off this year’s PBF Gift Guide series with a roundup of gift ideas under $25. In fact, many of these gifts are under $10 and will hopefully pop out to those of you looking for that one special little something to wrap up for a loved one this year.

Enjoy!

Also, if you have any gift ideas for me to include in my favorite Gifts That Give Back Gift Guide this year, please let me know in the comments section of this post!

PBF Gift Guide: Gifts Ideas Under $25

Letter Board

I ended up ordering a letter board for our family on Black Friday because it seems like such a versatile way to communicate everything from holiday greetings and Happy Birthday messages to dinner menus for casual get-togethers with friends and more. It’s the kind of gift I could see many people enjoying but not thinking to directly add to their holiday wish list.

Corckcicle 12-ounce Stainless Steel Stemless Cup

This handy little cup keeps hot things hot for three hours (Coffee! Tea!) and cold beverages cold for nine hours (Wine! Cocktails! Iced coffee!). If you happen to reheat your cup of coffee 5 times every morning then I think you can understand the appeal of this gift idea! I also LOVE it for wine, especially when you’re on vacation or want to enjoy a cold glass of white wine on the back porch without it sweating and warming up too quickly. A great gift for coffee and wine lovers alike! These Corkcicle cups are selling out like crazy (probably because they were featured as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things this year – some additional colors are available via Things Remembered) but Swig and Sassy Cups seem to make similar 12-ounce cups with a lot of different colors available on Amazon.

Williams-Sonoma Hot Chocolate

I’m pretty sure this hot chocolate has been included in a gift guide every year since I began sharing gift guides on the blog. Apparently free samples work because Ryan and I first fell in love with this hot chocolate when we tried it in a Williams-Sonoma store and it blew us away. We ended up unknowingly buying it for each other for Christmas that year and now it’s something we buy every holiday season. The chocolate shavings make it feel a little more gourmet and special than usual hot cocoa and every cup is rich and creamy. The peppermint hot chocolate is my favorite flavor but every one I’ve tried has been amazing.

Gifts Ideas Under $10

Invisibobble

The Invisibobble was a previous Things I’m Loving Friday feature and it’s something I use every single day. It does the best job of any hair tie I’ve found at eliminating the bump in your hair caused by pulling your hair back with an elastic and I use it to pull my hair up at night to save my waves when I curl my hair so they last for a couple of days. The Invisibobble is also great for creating a loose messy bun!

Cozy Socks

I wear slippers non-stop in the colder months and when I travel, I love packing slipper socks to bring with me to keep my feet nice and toasty. A new pair of cozy slipper socks is a fun gift to give and receive and I love the look of these Pudus Classic Slipper Socks and the Amazon reviews are fantastic. And if you’re looking for athletic socks, BOMBAS socks are the best and a huge hit with my entire family.

Beauty Blender

I know, I know. I am SO late on the Beauty Blender train but now that I’m on it, I am never, ever hopping off! I used to dot on my concealer using my fingers but once I discovered Beauty Blenders, they changed everything. They allow my makeup to go on smoothly and cover blemishes and dark spots with less makeup and better coverage. Win, win! I love using them to dab concealer on my face and also smooth it over the dark circles under my eyes. Even those who already have a Beauty Blender would probably welcome more of them as a stocking stuffer since they are disposable and should be replaced fairly frequently.

PopSocket

HECK YES, PopSockets!!! This little gadget took some getting used to but after four or five days of using it, I don’t know how I managed my phone without it. I have the larger version of the iPhone 6s and my PopSocket makes it much easier to snap selfies, prop my phone up when I want to watch a video or follow a recipe online and makes me feel more secure when I hold my phone and text or respond to emails. I swear by my PopSocket and with so many different patterns, colors and designs available, it’s easy to find one that will appeal to everyone on your gift list this year.

Stainless Steel Straw / Koffie Straw

I don’t know what it is about drinking liquids through a straw but I greatly prefer it to gulping from a glass or a mug. I use my stainless steel straws daily and love popping one into a can of LaCroix or a tall cup of water. The Koffie Straws are my favorite for sipping hot coffee or tea in the morning and protecting my teeth from staining.

Seche Vite Instant Dry Top Coat

If you know a woman who loves to paint her nails but rarely has the time to do so, consider this fast-dry top coat! This nail polish was one of the best discoveries of 2016 for me (thank you to a blog reader for recommending it) because a few swipes of this top coat over any nail polish – essie, OPI, you name it – and your nail polish will dry almost instantly. It’s a miracle-worker especially when you want to paint your nails at the last minute and don’t have time to sit around, not touching anything for a bazillion hours. I LOVE this stuff so much!

Additional Gift Ideas Under $50

Makeup Remover Cloth (This $7 cloth is AMAZING and powerful! It easily removes makeup, including stubborn eye makeup at the end of the day.)

Portable Bluetooth Speaker (This $13 speaker has wonderful reviews.)

Tassel Keychain

Lil’ Chizler (A cheap but powerful food and label remover tool and a very useful stocking stuffer.)

Initial Mug (LOVE Anthropologie’s new intial mug design!)

Personalized Key Hanger (Love the rustic look of this Etsy find.)

New Book + A Unique Bookmark

Festive Candles

Cozy Sweatshirt

Journal/Planner

Essential Cocktail Book

Custom Name Ring

Body Butter

6-pack of Hand-Selected Local Beers

[Read More ...] https://www.pbfingers.com/pbf-gift-guide-gift-ideas-25/

[charllieeldridge]

12 Best Things To Do in Corfu, Greece

Lush interior, pristine coastline, unique rock formations, and a romantic capital city. All this and more can be found on Corfu Island, a destination that truly delighted us during our trip to Greece. There are endless things to do in Corfu, you’ll never be bored.

The northernmost (and most popular) of the Ionian Island chain, Corfu is actually very close to mainland Greece, and the countries of Albania and Italy.

Due to its proximity and history with mainland Europe, Corfu Island was actually one of the first Greek Islands to experience mass tourism.

Because of this, Corfu has numerous accommodation options, many restaurants and bars, and a more cosmopolitan feel than many other Greek islands.

Greece is one of the most affordable countries to travel to and also one of the best countries for cuisine, so it’s no surprise that Corfu has some great value and amazing dishes to try as well. 

We spent six days in Corfu (including our 10 year anniversary) and had many unique experiences along the way. This is one of the top places to visit in Greece for good reason!

Here’s my list of the 12 best attractions, places to visit, and things to do in Corfu.

1. Rent a Boat Independently (one of the most unique things to do in Corfu!)

Did you know that on many of the islands in Greece, you can hire a boat yourself and rip around the coastline? Even if you don’t have a boat license?!

If you’re looking for things to do in Corfu that are unique and fun, renting a boat is definitely it.

We first heard about this when we were on a tour with Luxury Island Events on Zakynthos Island. This is one of the best things to do in Zakynthos, and while we didn’t have a chance to rent one while we were there, we knew we had to give it a try somewhere else in Greece.

For our 10 year anniversary, we did just that.

We drove to the northeastern side of Corfu and met up with the rental company. After a very casual signing of documents and a once-over of the boat, we were set. The boat was 45 horsepower and could have fit six people, four comfortably.

Renting a boat is a great way to see the coastline of Corfu

Whizzing along the beautiful coastline, stopping off at seaside taverns for food and drinks, and mooring up at secret coves to jump in the Ionian Sea, how fun is that?!

Hiring a car is a must for getting around the island and seeing the interior, but hiring a boat is an excellent way to explore the coastline. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Corfu.

We booked with Agni Boats (info@agniboats.com).

We paid €80 for the boat in the offseason/shoulder season (would be €120 in the high season)

Boat gas for a day of driving cost us €40.

Make sure there are life jackets on board and you will need your own food and water.

Highlights include the lighthouse, Rothschild Estate, chapel and underwater cave.

Have lunch at Taverna Glyfa at Nisaki, the seafood is excellent.

Pulling up to private bays is the best part about hiring your own boat!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance For Corfu!

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  2. Visit Corfu Town

This UNESCO listed town is absolutely beautiful. Due to being under Venetian rule from the 14th century to the late 18th century, this stunning architecture can still be found on this island — especially in the capital of Corfu Town.

With Venetian style buildings, two fortresses, narrow little lanes, and numerous restaurants, Corfu Town is a place you’ll want to spend some time exploring.

We visited on two occasions, both times around sunset when the temperature was a bit cooler.

Strolling through the streets of the UNESCO listed Corfu Town

Wander by pastel-colored homes with wrought-iron balconies and wooden shutters. Make your way through character-filled, cobbled streets — streets so narrow that laundry can be hung on a line strung between two adjacent houses.

The slender alleyways give way to open plazas filled with tables from busy restaurants spilling out onto the street.

I recommend visiting both during the day, and in the evening to see the town in two different lights. It’s one of the most romantic places to visit in Corfu, and drinking wine in the old town was a highlight of our trip to Corfu. 

There is a highly rated walking tour you can join to experience more of Corfu Town. You can join in the morning or in the evening, and the tour includes an English speaking guide, visiting the important sites in town, food tastings, a drink, and a full meal as well. Click here to learn more and book your ticket.

☞ SEE ALSO: Weather in Greece – When Is The Best Time to Visit?

Parking can be hard to find in Corfu Town. Park just outside of the town itself, and walk in.

We highly recommend eating & drinking at Salto Wine Bar. Greek wines are on offer here (€20 / bottle, €5.50 / glass). Two appetizers & two mains cost us €38. Food, drinks and service are excellent.

Wander around the lanes and get lost. Visit the sights, but spend time just meandering around.

Entrance to the Old Fortress costs €6. Wear sturdy shoes and note that there’s not much shade.

3. Sleep in Beautiful Accommodation

It’s a bit weird to have accommodation as a highlight of an island, but there some gorgeous options available on Corfu. We stayed in two beautiful properties and can recommend them both, for different reasons.

MarBella Corfu is a proper 5 star, luxury resort, complete with all-inclusive menu plans, four a la carte restaurants, four bars, and a buffet-style restaurant serving up fresh food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Set just steps from the Agios Ioannis Peristeron beach, near the south end of Corfu, this is an ideal location for exploring this half of the island.

MarBella Corfu truly is a luxurious accommodation and if a resort holiday is what you’re after, then this is the place for you. We spent four nights here, but only dined at the restaurant two times — there were too many local restaurants that we wanted to check out!

The welcome drink and complimentary wine & fruit is a nice touch, the building itself is modern, and the staff here are incredibly helpful and friendly. It was the perfect place to treat ourselves for our 10 year anniversary.

Our beautiful room at the MarBella Corfu, plus the outdoor pool and meal at the Platea Greek onsite restaurant

On the northern end of the island, we stayed for two nights at Corfu Palma Boutique Hotel, and can highly recommend it.

With just four floors, this low-rise hotel has an intimate feel. We were staying on the 4th floor in the Superior Design Suite, which was absolutely stunning. The rooms are spacious, bright and the modern decor is exquisite.

The hotel offers a gym and a spa, as well as a large outdoor pool. The only downside is that it’s not located directly on the beach, but just a few steps away. The staff here are friendly and the manager, Spyros, will make you feel very welcomed!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this boutique hotel, and can recommend it based on the modern room itself, the lovely staff, the delicious food and the amenities on offer.

Our beautiful room at the Corfu Palma Boutique Hotel

Since there are so many things to do in Corfu, and since the island is pretty big, I suggest splitting your time between the north and the south, if you can.

That way, you can use your base in the north to explore nearby sites, then switch to your hotel in the south and check out that area of the island. Otherwise, you may find yourself driving a lot. The two hotels I listed above worked out well for us to do just that.

If you’re interested in staying in a small apartment or guesthouse (rather than a hotel or resort) during your trip to Corfu Island, click here to compare prices and search through numerous options on Booking.com, or click here to get your $35 Airbnb coupon and search for apartments on that platform. 

 Note: We were offered complimentary rooms at these two hotels through our partnership with Discover Greece, but we were never asked to write positively about them. All thoughts and opinions are that of Goats On The Road and were not swayed by complimentary services offered.

4. Join An Olive Oil Tasting & Tour

There are over 4 million olive trees on Corfu Island, 95% of which are lianolia variety. There are a few products that Greek people have been using throughout the ages, and olive oil is one of them. It has always been a big part of their diet, traditions and history.

Olive groves provide jobs and food for the people and they have for many years. Learning about the production of olive oil is one of the most important things to do in Corfu, and Greece as a whole.

We spent a lazy afternoon indulging in some olive oil and bits of food and enjoyed the company of the owners of The Governor. If you’re wondering what to do in Corfu when it rains, a visit here is a good bet.

Sampling the delicious premium olive oils at The Governor Mill

The Governor is a 5th generation, family-run establishment on the island of Corfu. It’s one of the most awarded premium olive oils out there. Not only does the olive oil taste delicious, but it has incredible health benefits as well.

This beautiful video was shown to us at the Governor’s Mill, and although it was filmed on the island of Crete, the traditions and values placed on the olive tree are the same in Corfu and the rest of Greece.

Going on an olive oil tour is one of the best things to do in Corfu! The passion these two brothers have for their family company is inspiring. The flavour is exceptional and the health benefits are incredible! We really enjoyed meeting the owners, learning about the product and of course, tasting it. Click here to book a tour online with Get Your Guide, or if you prefer, you can book with Airbnb.

5. Learn About Bees and Honey Production

Another Greek product that has been used for centuries is honey, both for enjoyment as well as curing of ailments. Hippocrates said that this Nectar of the Gods “cleans sores and ulcers, softens hard ulcers of the lips, heals carbuncles and running sores”. Aristotle believed that honey prolonged life.

We had heard about “Mr. Honey” (whose real name is Panagiotis Vasilakis) from Spyros, the manager at Corfu Palma Hotel.

Arriving at the office of Mr. Honey, we met a soft-spoken, chilled out man who told us his story of how he left a high-stress career in Athens for beekeeping in Corfu — a trade he knew nothing about before arriving here!

We met his bees, learned about the process of collecting the honey and were shown many of the natural products he makes. This is one of the more unique places to visit in Corfu, don’t miss a day with Mr. Honey!

Natural beauty products are just some of the many products on offer at Mr. Honey’s bee shop

Panagiotis is passionate about beekeeping and is keen to share his knowledge about bees and honey with you. Tours here are free, including samples of honey. The shop is called MKV – Melissokomiki Kerkyras Vasilakis, which is located here.

6. Visit an Ancient Monastery

There are over 250 churches and monasteries on Corfu Island! A couple of the standouts are The Vlacherna Monastery and Monastery of Paleokastritsa.

When driving south from the airport, it would be hard to miss the Vlacherna Monastery, which sits out on the water, on an island of its own. The island is actually connected to the mainland by a stone bridge that crosses the bay.

The chapel was built in 1685 and actually, this was once a nunnery monastery. These days, Vlacherna Monastery is a quiet place with cypress trees surrounding it, and dogs and cats roaming around. Fun fact, the For Your Eyes Only James Bond film had a scene set here.

The second must-see monastery is Paleokastritsa. The location of this religious site is stunning. Set on a lush hill above the beach with the same name, and surrounded by sheer cliffs and pretty bays, a visit to this monastery (which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary) is a must.

Paleokastritsa is still operating as a monastery today, and you may see a monk or two pass by during your visit. It’s important to dress appropriately and respectfully when entering into the complex.

This is one of the popular places to see in Corfu, there will probably be group tours here. But regardless of crowds, it’s worth a visit. Click here to open the GoogleMaps location of Paleokastritsa. Click here for Vlacherna Monastery.

7. Chill Out Beachside at Paleokastritsa

While you’re in the area visiting the monastery, make sure to check out the beaches and town of Paleokastritsa. There are 6 stunning bays here, which are surrounded by olive and cypress trees.

This is the perfect spot for spending the afternoon swimming, or just lazing on the beach. You’ll find numerous tavernas and restaurants here as well, including nearby Akron Beach Bar, which has a great setting for a meal or drink.

You’re in Greece, so it’s no surprise that relaxing on a beautiful beach is one of the top things to do in Corfu. In fact, the main beach of Paleokastritsa itself is known for being one of the best beaches in Greece.

8. Sip on Sunset Cocktails

Located on the very northwestern tip of Corfu Island, you’ll find 7th Heaven restaurant. With expansive views from atop a cliff out to the Ionian Sea, this is the ultimate spot to watch the sun go down.

It’s mostly known for being a place to grab a drink with sunset, but they also have food available. Cocktails go from around €7 and if you don’t have your own wheels, a taxi from Sidari to here is around €9.

The drinks may not be the cheapest, but you’re paying for the setting. Click here to see the GoogleMaps location of the restaurant.

9. Swim at the Canal d’Amour in Sidari

Speaking of Sidari, while you’re on the northern end of the island, make sure to visit the Canal d’Amour, or Love Canal. The rock formations around this area are colourful, crumbly and very unique.

You’ll find people laying on the beach, or jumping off of the cliffs into the clear water. This is one of the top attractions in Corfu by far.

There’s a canal here, which leads under the cliff. It’s said that if you swim through, you’ll get married soon. Whether or not that’s true, it’s still one of the most popular things to do in Corfu.

You won’t be fully submerged in water, and will be able to breathe the whole time, so don’t worry! Plus, the canal isn’t very long.

Swimming around the cliffs at Sidari is a must!

On a windy day, the waves can be a bit rough here if you’re planning to take a boat around the coast, but being at the beach is fine. You’ll find numerous hotels, restaurants and tavernas in the town of Sidari, making this the perfect spot to spend the afternoon, or longer.

10. Go Mountain Biking Around Corfu

Try to peel yourself away from the beautiful beaches and romantic towns to get some exercise. Renting a mountain bike to explore either independently, or on a tour is an excellent way to see the off-track interior of the island.

Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, there’s a route for you. Check out the guys at The Corfu Mountain Bike Shop to rent a GIANT bike, or book a tour here.

11. Indulge in a Decadent Meal

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, make sure to visit Etrusco Restaurant in the town of Dassia. Michelin Starred chef, Ettore Botrini is an Italian Corfiat, with three restaurants in Greece — Corfu, Rhodes and Athens.

This highly acclaimed chef knows presentation!

Each and every dish we had came out perfectly manicured, with a story behind each plate. The outdoor dining area is surrounded by trees and pretty pink bougainvillea flowers. Plus, the kitchen is behind a large window, so you can watch all of the action unfold while you wait for your food.

Dining at the famous Etrusco Restaurant, by Michelin Starred Chef, Ettore Botrini

You can order a la carte, or choose from one of three set menus: First Face, My Origins, or Zenith. All three have the option of including a wine pairing and go for around €70 – €160 for 7 – 12 courses, so it’s definitely a “special occasion” kind of place for most (including us). Click here to find Etrusco Restaurant on GoogleMaps, and click here to make a reservation and see the menus on offer.

12. Go Sailing (one of the best day trips from Corfu)

With Corfu’s location, it’s no surprise that there are some amazing sailing/boat day trips you can do! Cruise over the crystal-clear water on your way to nearby Antipaxos & Paxos, or cruise on over to the Sivota Islands.

The day is spent gawking at the scenery, swimming in the pristine water, and visiting small villages. Getting out on the water and visiting these islands and hidden coves is definitely one of the best day trips from Corfu. 

There are quite a few tours you can join, but this one to Anitpaxos and Paxos is very highly rated and at $30, it’s a steal. If you’d rather check out the Sivota Islands and the old town of Parga, this trip is also very highly rated and is also just $30.

Finally, if you’d like to cruise to Sivota and the Blue Lagoon, and enjoy a BBQ lunch on board, this highly rated trip is also just under $30. You really can’t go wrong! Click on the image below to see some of the day trips on offer from Corfu.

A few of the top day trips from Corfu

Now You Know What To Do in Corfu

With so many islands available to visit in Greece, it can be hard to decide which one to choose. If you’re interested in beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, religious sites, culture & history, and stunning accommodations, then Corfu Island is for you.

And, since Corfu is so close to mainland Europe, getting here is easy. You can take a quick flight from anywhere in Europe, with a short layover in Athens, or if you’re flying from North America, you’ll need to stop over in Europe before continuing on to Corfu. Check out Aegean Airlines for flights, or search engines such as Kayak.com and Google Flights.

If you’re nearby, you could also take a boat to Corfu Island! Hop over by boat from Albania or Italy. 

Check out our Travel Videos from Corfu!

  Have you travelled to Corfu? What were some of your favourite things to do in Corfu? Did we miss any of the highlights in the article? Share with us in the comments!

Thank you to Discover Greece for assisting us with our trip to Greece. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain our own. Some of the images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.

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