Gadgets | Style Blog

Style Days Of Christmas: HP Envy Printer Giveaway

It’s 11-11-11, and as promised, our Style Days of Christmas Giveaways begin!!! Are you feeling lucky? Well, you should! The giveaways are really a way to say THANK YOU to my lovely readers for supporting this little bloggity blog, for following, liking, reading, commenting, emailing…for all of it – THANK YOU! Style Blog wouldn’t be the same without you.

So, as the holiday season is nearly upon us, we will be giving away 1 fun prize per day from our favorite brands and retailers (well, except for Saturdays and Sundays) for 12 days, as a way to say thanks for your support! Rules will be simple, but still, to ensure that you qualify, please read each one carefully!

Having said all that, here goes our first giveaway!!!

Up for grabs is this awesome HP Envy 100 e-All-in-One Printer (valued at $299.99, courtesy of HP)! With its sleek design, high-res touchscreen, super quiet operation, and a retractable paper tray, this printer is a lovely addition to any style-conscious home office. But as stylish as it looks, HP Envy is also packed with awesome web-connected technology features. You can print wirelessly from your e-mail-enabled smartphone, and even print directions without using a computer!

As a lucky HP Envy owner myself, I can attest to its functionality – I’ve been using it to print out my wedding invite proofs and templates, personal photographs (print quality is amazing by the way), and to scan documents and photos. It takes seconds to print out, and the results are always top-notch.

Ok, so if you need a printer, and you like what you see, here’s what you will need to do to qualify (after the jump!).

Shopping: Kobo Wi-Fi Touch

The other day, as I was passing through The Bay, I noticed…Christmas ornaments peeking out from behind the curtain! GASP! It feels like summer just packed up its bags, and already there’s Halloween-a-palooza all over the place, and apparently Christmas on its heels.

While browsing NKPR TIFF IT Lounge offerings back in September, I walked away with an amazing gift – Kobo Wi Fi Touch! If, like me, you want to get your Christmas shopping done sooner rather than later, I want to make sure that you check out the Kobo Wi Fi Touch ($139), and consider giving it to a book lover in your life. They really might not know what they are missing!

Though originally, I balked at the idea of owning any type of e-reader. I cannot express how much love I have for my new Kobo! I still love the smell, feel, and look of real books, and I definitely own my fair share. But living in the city, though has its privileges, leaves very little room for an extensive personal library. Kobo solves that problem! My 2GB version has room for around 1000 books on it. That’s right. ONE THOUSAND BOOKS in one tiny little reader! Which also is quite a relief…because I hate lugging heavy books in my bag!

Kobo is stylish, lightweight, super-portable, easy to use, and it will actually make you read more. How? Well, simply because e-books are much cheaper than regular books. Had it not been for Kobo, I would never have discovered The Maze Runner trilogy by James Dashner! If you loved The Hunger Games, you will LOVE The Maze Runner! I tore through the first two books (The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials) in days on my Kobo, and finished reading the advanced copy of The Death Cure soon after. Fast-paced, thrilling, full of mysteries, and downright scary at times – The Maze Runner trilogy was an awesome read, that I did not want to put down, and with the final book coming out on October 11th – you really should get reading. You won’t have to suffer the painful wait for the next book to come out - you can read them back to back!

More after the jump!

Windows 7 Royal Tea

Last month, the lovely Jen of She Does The City, hosted a Royal-Wedding-themed tea party at Windsor Arms. Between the yummy scones, the whimsical hats, the delicious tea, and the Wills+Kate ~~hoopla~~ talk, we watched a Windows 7 presentation, showcasing some cool new features that we, as bloggers, could definitely put to good use.

One of my favorites was the Windows 7 + Windows Live Photo Editor, which allows for quick and easy editing of photos (which I have to do on a daily basis), one click photo sharing from Windows Live photo gallery to Facebook, Flickr, or SkyDrive, and of course, the no-Photoshop-needed crop feature (which helps fuse several photos together to create one perfect image, without much effort). Basically, the tools we were shown are for the lazy bums/busy bees out there…the ones that can’t be bothered (or have no time) to spend too much time editing photos, or uploading them. And as I definitely fall into one of those categories, Windows 7 + Windows Live photo editing will definitely come in handy.

Have you tried Windows 7 + Windows Live tools yet? What are your faves? Share in the comments.

Holidays 2010: Cool Guy Gift Ideas

For some awful reason, gift-buying for le boyfriend is particularly difficult this year. I don’t know if it’s due to the lack of paying attention on my part, or due to his lack of wanting things. I’m guessing it’s the former.

If you’re unsure, uninspired, and completely don’t know what to get your special someone this Christmas, check out a few gifts I’ve given in the past, and would consider giving in the future. Once again, prices range from $29.95 to $450, to fit various budgets.

Oh, and if you don’t find what you’re looking for here, check out Holidays 2009, and Valentine’s Day gift guydes. Any other suggestions? Please feel free to let me know in the comments…I am still not done shopping!

1. Old Navy Fair Isle Cardigan $54.50 (Old Navy)

2. Marc Jacobs BANG $69 (The Bay)

3. Burton Snowboard from $450 (Burton)

4. Nokia N8 Cell Phone $79.99 with 3-year plan (Rogers)

5. Danier Weekender Bag $199 (Danier)

6. Philips SensoTouch 3D Shaver $139-$329 (The Bay)

7. Converse Jimi Hendrix Sneakers $120 (Converse)

8. Lanvin for H&M Bow Tie $29.95 (H&M)

9. Macallan 12 Year-Old Scotch $89.95 (LCBO)

10. Cookies (baked with love…works every year)

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Style Blog, November 22nd 2010 | Tags: BANG, Burton, Christmas, converse, Danier, Gift Guide, Gift Ideas, Gifts, Guy Fashion, H&M, Holidays, Holidays 2010, Lanvin, Macallan, Marc Jacobs, men, Nokia, Old Navy, Philips, Shopping, The Bay
Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Gadgets, Shopping

Motorola FLIPOUT Phone Giveaway

So after all the teasing and hinting, the day is finally here! A couple of weeks ago, the kind folks over at Motorola Canada sent me a really nice package: 2 Motorola FLIPOUT phones and some other goodies. Since then, I’ve been playing and flipping and socializing, all via the teeny-tiny FLIPOUT, with all of my contacts, Facebook, Gmail, Twitter, and other social media outlets literally one finger touch away, I’m loving it!

As I mentioned, the phone is very small (perfect for clutches, and small purses), with a touchscreen display, allowing easy access to all the menus. Once you flip the phone open, a full QWERTY keyboard is revealed, making typing emails a breeze. There’s a 3MB built-in camera, camcorder, and many other cool features. But the one that definitely stands out is – Happenings. Happenings integrates all of your social media into one constant stream of information (which you can edit as you please) via MOTOBLUR. This little tool helps me keep on top of all of my tweets and Facebook messages, displayed on the front screen of the phone, and I love it!

Motorola FLIPOUT is an Android phone, so access to various Google apps is also very, very easy. And for someone that can’t check her Gmail from work, this is really useful. And just like with an iPhone, there are numerous apps available via the Android Market – some very useful (PayPal) and some not so much (Frozen Bubble).

The look of the phone is definitely one of the cooler features about it. People continuously comment on the FLIPOUT, and usually think that it’s “super cute”. And it is super cute and a lot of fun to use (it’s an addiction!).

So if you’ve been paying enough attention, you must’ve noticed that Motorola Canada sent me TWO phones. One for me, and one for a lucky reader! So if you like what you see, make sure to read the contest rules very carefully below.

Click to enter the contest.

Philips SensoTouch 3D Shaver Preview

If your boyfriend/husband/father is difficult to shop for, then you might want to read on! A couple of weeks ago, the lovely Leslie of One Voice invited le boyfriend and I to the launch of the newest and most advanced Philips shaver – SensoTouch 3D. The first ever line of wet and dry 3D electric shavers, created to provide men with an expertly close shave and an advanced shaving experience that leaves the skin ultra smooth, with minimal irritation.

No stranger to Philips shavers (he’s currently using Philips Arcitec), le boyfriend already knew that a Philips shaver does the job better than any other he’s ever had, but we still couldn’t just take their word for it.

To demonstrate SensoTouch 3D’s abilities, a professional barber shop was set up, complete with a barber (flown in from Montreal), and a scruffy, but handsome model. We watched the barber shave each side of the model’s face with and without shaving gel, and the results were great – just look below at the “after” shot. Not bad, right? Afterwards, other attendees were invited to try SensoTouch for themselves. And though le boyfriend looooves his Philips Arcitec, he did admit that SensoTouch shave felt “closer” and faster.

Here are some of the features of the new Philips SensoTouch 3D:

GyroFlex3D: Minimizing pressure and irritation, the shaving cap pivots around, tilts inward, and flexes outward to adjust seamlessly to every curve of the face and neck
SkinGlide system: Also minimizing pressure and irritation, the smooth surface with rounded edges glides effortlessly over the skin for a flawless shave
UltraTrackheads: Catching every hair with fewer strokes, channels help to catch longer hairs, slots catch the normal length hairs, and holes catch even the shortest stubble
Aquatec sealing enabling the use of shaving gel for additional skin protection and water for skin rejuvenation
Skin friendly precision trimmer, perfect for mustache and sideburn trimming
Battery powered for 60 minutes, or 20 days, of shaving time

The four models of Philips SensoTouch 3D shavers are available now and range in price from $229.99 to $329.99 CDN. SensoTouch shavers are also available in 2D (with slightly less features) ranging in price from $139.99 to $219.99. If your guy is still using disposable shavers, this is definitely one item to keep in mind for the upcoming Christmas season! And just to let you in on a little secret, Style Blog might be doing a little gift-giving in time for the holidays…so if you think your special guy would like one, make sure to check back. I’m sure with a shaver like this one, snuggling up by the fireplace might be a bit easier on your face as well!

Shopping: Berry Ball

As a person who dreads throwing her delicates into the wash, at the fear of pulling them out as a uniform tangled mess, the Berry Ball might just be the solution to the problem. The ball consists of two half shells hinged with a rubber closure to support your bra, while the unique vent holes, allow water to flow thoroughly during the wash and rinse cycles. The floating-ball designed with protruding soft peaks massages the bra using friction for best cleaning results.

The ball comes with a laundry bag specifically designed for panties, socks and hosiery, which would make washing delicates a breeze. I haven’t ordered one yet, but if you tried this, and it works, please leave a comment and share your experience with Berry Ball. So far, this sounds like a great idea!

Valentine’s Day: Gift Guide

Only one week left till Valentine’s Day! So excited! As I’ve mentioned before, Valentine’s is my favorite holiday EVER! All the red and pink everywhere, hearts, flowers, more hearts, lips, kisses, stuffed toys, balloons, chocolates, jewelry, fancy dinners and dressing up! What’s not to love? I do think that the holiday has become very commercialized, and the whole meaning of celebrating love gets lost somewhere between a trip to Godiva and all the money spent on expensive lingerie, but I still really, really love it. Sue me.

This year, just like last, le boyfriend and I are very lucky to be able to celebrate Valentine’s Day down South. Last year we were in Los Cabos, this year we chose beautiful Cuba! If only I wasn’t horrifyingly sick (complete with snot fountain, dry cough, fever, headaches – the works), I would be jumping up and down in excitement right about now. Unfortunately, since I am disgusting, I can only try to get some rest and drink endless cups of tea with lemon and honey, with only faint hope of getting better by tomorrow.

So enough about me, what about you? Have you gotten your boyfriend a gift this year? If not, you still have one week left to pick up something special for your loved one! Below is a little list I put together, to, hopefully, give you a few ideas, just in case you were in a panic mode! I ran these gift suggestions by le boyfriend, and he approved. But then again, different people have different tastes. Make sure your choice suits your man’s style! Happy shopping!

1. Sports Jersey – Does your boyfriend watch hockey or soccer religiously? If so, he might want a jersey of his favorite team! And if he already has one, some teams have different jerseys every year, so it might become something of a collectors’ item. Though, make sure you’re not getting him the exact same one he already has!

2. Espresso Machine – Who doesn’t like to wake up to a steamy kiss? We all do! But when you’re not around, a cup of hot and yummy home-made espresso might do the trick!

3. Call of Duty 2 – I know about this game, not because I’ve played, but from my male friends and le boyfriend, who are all obsessed with it. If you go with this one, please don’t blame me if quality time with your man goes way down. This is not just a game – it’s a lifestyle.

4. Magazine Subscription – Does your man care about style? Does he like to take care of himself? Does he like to read? If so, a men’s mag subscription might be a cool and an inexpensive gift that keeps on giving! Men’s Health, GQ, Esquire, Vanity Fair, Vibe, Toronto Life…the list goes on and on.

5. Graphic Tee – Most men are kids at heart. When I asked le boyfriend about He-Man vs. Hulk, his eyes lit up. If he’s into superheroes, a cool (maybe even vintage) tee might just be a perfect gift for him.

6. Cookies, cupcakes, meat – Well, pretty much any type of food that your man enjoys would make an awesome gift. Plus, cooking for him, will let you showcase your amazing kitchen prowess…and if said prowess is lacking, then The Cupcake Shoppe is the way to go.

7. iPad – Ok, this one is quite pricey, but every single man I asked said that he would definitely love to get one. Men like gadgets – simple as that.

8. Sunglasses – I am only putting this on this list, because that’s what I got le boyfriend this year. A pair of classic Ray Ban Wayfarers. I lent him mine a few times, and loved the way he looked in them, so since he needed a pair for our vacation, I went and got him a pair just like mine. Yes, we’ll be disgustingly matchy-matchy on our vacay. And I love it (and him)!

9. Lingerie – Well, this one isn’t exactly for him. But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t enjoy it just the same. Maybe even more so.

10. Rock Band – I got this one for le boyfriend last year. Drums, guitar, microphone, and a list of super-awesome rock songs to rock out to. What man wouldn’t love to “slap some base” with an upgrade from his usual air guitar?

And if none of these gifts work…a simple “I Love You” note and a make-out session go a long way! Ok, I am done being disgustingly cringe-worthy about the Valentine’s hoopla (but I love, love, love it!).

Check out the Christmas 2009 gift guide for more gift ideas!

Saxx For His Package

saxx

A few weeks ago, my friend told me about a guy walking around the Dragonboat team tents, promoting a line of men’s underwear with better support for…the family jewels. And not just support, but also package separation from the legs, hence reducing the shifting and the sweating. What sounded as a joke at first, started to make a lot of sense after I learned a bit more about it! I went over to the Saxx Apparel tent to check it out for myself, half expecting a weird contraption remotely resembling a pair of undies…What I found was regular-looking pairs of black boxer briefs, flying off the shelves!

The main feature in Saxx are the Saxx Comfort Side Panels that are inside the main compartment and create a hammock-like effect for the man’s package. In addition, the Saxx pouch has no internal seam and more room which promotes a natural resting position. The tent offered 3 types of Saxx: Bamboo, Everyday, and Performance, ranging from $25 to about $35 CDN. My friend got a pair of Everyday ones, and did a little testimonial for the readers of Style Blog. His reaction was definitely positive, saying that the boxer briefs were quite comfortable, and that they definitely delivered on their promise of…separation. The one gripe that he had was that while the price of the undergarments is in line with such brands as Calvin Klein and Underarmour, the quality of the cotton briefs was not up to par. But considering that it’s a very new brand, and it’s already sold 50,000 pairs, I’m sure the quality will catch up sooner rather than later. In the meantime, I think Saxx underwear would make a pretty thoughtful gift for that special guy in your life. Go to their website to learn more!

saxx

Note: This is not a sponsored post. I simply found this idea very cool!

Photo Credits: 2nd photo – www.saxxapparel.com

Commuter Tie

Wondering what to get for a guy that has it all? How about this commuter tie? Thomas Pink’s amazing color palettes are second to only Paul Smith, and the IPod pouch on the under-side of the tie takes this accessory to another level! So clever and convenient – this is not your typical run of the mill boring tie! This item is no longer a limited edition piece, and will be available in stores and online this September! Love it!

Photo Credits: Thomas Pink

A purse hook-er?

They really should come up with a different name for this awesome gadget! If you’ve ever been in a crowded restaurant wearing a large purse, I know you’d appreciate this handy purse hook! Just hook it to any tabletop/bartop and let your purse hang! I’ve tried this out, and it can really hold even the heaviest of bags (I would know…since my bags usually weigh around 100lbs)! This one in particular folds nicely, so it won’t take up much space in your purse. Plus it will keep the bottom of you bag clean and dry, while saving the chair next to you for an actual person, not your purse!

You can find similar purse hooks at Indigo, on eBay and other online stores for anywhere from $4 to $20 in various styles, designs, and colors, some even custom-made!

Photo credits: www.mytagalongs.com

My little steamer

"Go Mini" Steamer by Joy Mangano

I don’t know anyone who likes to do chores, with the exception of my friend Lovelys, who apparently looooves doing the dishes. Needless to say, she’s welcome to come by for dinner at my house any time she wants.

Dishes aside, the one household task that I truly dread is ironing my clothes, especially since I usually do a few laundry runs at the same time. The whole idea of pulling out and setting up the awkward ironing board, and then spending precious time trying not to ruin the garment at hand by burning it or ironing the seam tracks into the fabric, just seems…tedious.

That’s where the Joy Mangano mini steamer comes in. Back in my retail days, I worked at Zara, and I used to love the simplicity and usefulness of the steamers that we used to de-wrinkle garments with. This little thing seems to be much more compact, although it does come in a variety of sizes. Judging from the reviews, this gadget does just what it promises to do – “iron” the clothes gently, without the worry of ruining the fabric, or the hassle of the ironing board. Love the compact design of the steamer, and the colors are nice and bright! And at the mere $30 to $40 bucks, I think I’m sold!

My Little Steamer with retractable cord by Joy Mungano

Photo credits: www.hsn.com

Chanel Segway?!

My boyfriend and I recently took a Segway tour of San Francisco and we both looooved it! It’s amazing how easy it is to zip around town on one, not to mention environmentally friendly (they are electric). Well, imagine my delight today, when I found out that…Chanel just launched a Segway-like transporter of their own! Even including a Chanel bag at the front of the gadget, instead of the unsightly and plain backpack!

I can totally imagine myself riding one around Toronto! Ahhh, Chanel…somehow they always know just what I like!

Chanel Personal Transporter

Photo credit: www.stylelist.com

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