Coolpix S01 is Easy to Carry and Easy to Afford.

You know any camera can make THIS face look good.  But the Nikon Coolpix S01 can give you cute pics like that AND fit in the tiny pocket of your jeans.  No, really, I didn't believe it would, so I checked...

and it really did fit.  It's so tiny and light you can take it anywhere. 

We took it to see Santa...

And we were surprised to find a few other friends while we were out too...

It was super dark in Kringle's Kingdom and with so much to see it was super hard to get anyone to sit still for even a second.  But we had a great time and I thought this lil camera was pretty impressive when put the challenge of my kids!

There aren't a ton of setting options and unless I'm missing something it seems to revert back to default setting each time it goes to sleep so you'll want to keep an eye on that (especially with flash).  But I did play with it some with my Christmas tree which isn't all to interesting this year for the safety of our furballs (and my sanity).  But in a more controlled environment I was actually impressed with the quality of the photos. 

Other things to note, I'm not used to a touch screen capture.  This means if you tap the screen it will take a photo.  You can turn it off but it wasn't hurting anything so I have left it on but I DO have a lot of photos of the floor, ceiling and my hands. 
Also this camera features only built in memory, great in that I can't show up to an event and realize I have a camera and no memory card.  But you'll want to be sure to monitor how much room you have left.  With 7+G you're good for awhile but is just something to note if its different than what you're used to.  It also charges via USB.  A plus weight wise that you don't have a bulky battery but it doesn't give you the option to have back up batteries.  I have gotten used to just plugging it in regularly like I would my cell phone and haven't had it die on me yet.  (Being out for about an hour with pretty constant shooting, it barely shows battery draining.)

Final thoughts, I think this is great camera and at it's current sale price ($99) it is a STEAL.  I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a new point and shoot this holiday!

More info on the Coolpix S01 from BestBuy.com:
The smallest Coolpix camera ever delivers stunning photos thanks to a versatile 3x Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens and the EXPEED C2 processing engine. With a vibrant touch-screen display and built-in intelligence that optimizes the camera for you, the stylish Coolpix S01 helps you capture images with ease. Plus capture high-definition 720p movies with sound.

Product Features

10.1-megapixel 1/2.9" CCD sensor
Captures high-resolution images up to 3648 x 2736 pixels.

3x optical zoom/4x digital zoom/20x total zoom
Through a Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens for precise zooming and accuracy.

EXPEED C2 image processor
Provides fast operation, onboard intelligence and creative in-camera effects.

2.5" TFT-LCD touch-screen monitor
With antireflection coating. Easily swipe through photos and watch videos, adjust camera settings, add creative effects and more.

HD movie mode
Lets you record high-definition video clips in 720p with sound.

Electronic VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization
Helps prevent blurry photos and promotes sharp, clear pictures and videos.

Ultracompact design
Easily slips into a pocket or purse for incredible portability.

Scene modes
Include back light, close up, landscape, night landscape, night portrait, portrait and scene auto selector.

In-camera image editing options
Include color options, filter effects, fisheye, miniature effect and toy camera.

7.3GB internal memory
For convenient storage of images and video.

 

I received this Nikon from Best Buy as part of their Blogging Board. All opinions are my own honest personal feedback.

Chamilia Jewelry Review

If you are into personalized jewelry you should check out Chamilia.com.  I could spend hours searching the site for everything from birthstones to Disney themed charms.  There are so many choices I could fill several bracelets.  But after much pondering I narrowed my choices down to the ones in this post and finally chose just one...this one! "Believing is just the beginning!"

When I got my Chamilia package I was surprised by how cutely it was packaged.  As soon as I opened the box the bright green bag just popped.  Inside the paper bag was the small fabric draw string bag which serves as a great place to store your bracelet when you aren't wearing it.

 Once I got my bead and bracelet out, I was equally thrilled with the quality.

It took me a minute to figure out how to put the bracelet on. I even looked back in the packaging for directions but didn't find any. Luckily, upon further inspection I realized that the end with the 'C" on it pops open and secures the tip of the other end.  Once it was on it felt much more secure than other bracelets I've purchased for these style of beads. 

Chamilia bracelets and beads would make a great gift for mom and can fit any budget as you can add as many or as few beads as you'd like.  Make a beautiful bracelet in her favorite colors or fill it with meaningful beads to commemorate precious milestones.

Need some inspiration check out Chamilia's blog.



Disclosure: I received a complimentary bracelet and bead courtesy of Chamilia to review, all opinions expressed are my own.

Give the Gift of Grace (Saving Grace by J.M. Hill)

Every girl could use a little more romance in her life, so why not check out Saving Grace.  This fun read will have you totally invested in the characters in no time.   I have to admit, I read  50 Shades and totally loved it, though it's honestly not well written. It'd been years since I really made time to read (aside from online/blogs).   I still haven't finished the series, mostly because I have seem to have book adhd and a friend who keeps recommending other books to read and I keep starting them instead because they have all honestly been better written and Saving Grace in no exception.  It IS however an exception in one way.  Saving Grace is totally clean!  It's a romance story you can shared with anyone because there is nothing embarrassing.  It'd make a great gift for teens to grandmas and everyone in between.    

Book Description From Amazon.com

Grace Burke doesn’t need a thing. She enjoys her quiet life in Fall Rivers, Colorado—running a bookstore and coffee shop with her cousin, Kate. The two have a successful business, a small circle of friends, and each other. What more could she want?
When the Anderson brothers move into the house across the street, it doesn’t take long for her to realize exactly what she’s been missing. At first sight, the youngest brother, Michael, captures Grace’s heart, and her quiet life is disrupted. Then it turns upside down.
Grace isn’t the only one with eyes for Michael. Nina Sandler, one of Michael’s clients, threatens to come between them. When Nina can’t get Michael’s attention, she focuses on Grace—in a very dangerous way.
But love is never easy and if the best things in life are worth fighting for, then Grace must find the courage to fight. Not just for love and happiness but for her very life. 

Be sure to follow my Facebook page as I will be giving away 10 copies of Saving Grace (Kindle Edition) this week!!!!

Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy on Facebook 

Shop Best Buy This Holiday Season for Practical(ish) Gifts For Her

We've all seen it, a husband out on Christmas Eve shopping for his wife (because everyone knows she shopped for EVERYONE else already) at whatever store is still open.  But with Best Buy's Value (extended price-match guarantee), Convenience (widest selection; free shipping; same-day pickup; extended return and exchange policy) and Expertise: (Best Buy Blue Shirts are unbiased experts who can help you pick the right gift for your lifestyle and make sure you have everything you need to wake up working this holiday season) there's NO EXCUSE to wait until the last minute!

If you need some inspiration, I've put together a small selection of items for the lady in your life this holiday!

SodaStream - Genesis Home Soda Maker $99.99

We have a SodaStream in our house and it's fun.   It is super easy to use and the best part, I think is that you can make your own mixed creations.  This would be especially great for someone who likes to entertain because it is usually a big hit at parties.

Rechargeable Wine Opener  $29.99

I'm not personally a wine drinker, but I know lots of ladies who are.  And I know if I WAS a wine drinker, I'd think this was a great gift. 

NeatDesk for PC Sheetfed Scanner  $399.99

I personally want one of these. I would also love someone to come and actually scan everything for me and get me organized so I could just keep up with it from here forward.  I know some people who've used this to really go paperless with all their record keeping and that sounds AMAZING to me.  I think this is an especially good gift idea for a work at home mom.  NOTE: this isn't a very romantic gift, proceed with caution when purchasing for a wife or girlfriend.

Crock-Pot 4-Quart Oval Slow Cooker $24.99

Maybe it's just me but this Crock Pot in red makes me think I might enjoy using it a little more!  But honestly crock pot cooking is one of my favorite ways to cook if I'm forced to and I'd really like a 4 quart unit. 
This is another one that may not be well recieved by a wife or girlfriend.  If you've been warned never to buy a kitchen appliance for a holiday, this is NOT an adviced purchase.  However, if you think you're safe, you can sweeten the pot (yeah that pun was totally intentional) by adding a homemade certificate good for YOU to make her one meal using this crock pot.  Or one a month for the year.  That would make it a gift I'd personally love to get.

Fitbit - Zip Wireless Activity Tracker $59.99

I personally have and use the Fitbit Zip and love it.  There are several other models of Fitbit available with many additional features, but I love the Zip because its been designed better for the way I use it.  Its more water resistant and rugid. This gift idea however comes with a super high warning...do not buy this unless it's been asked for.  Buying any item that can be used for weight loss will likely result in disaster if not previously asked for.   It's like warpping a big sign that says "I think you need to lose weight, Merry Christmas."

This blogger is NOT responsible for any bodily injury should you chose to purchase any of these gift ideas without heeding my warnings.  Many woman do NOT want practical gifts for the holidays.  The expression 'diamonds are a girls best friend" didn't come from no where but if you have a practical lady on your list, maybe use these suggestions to inspire something she will truly appreciate and be able to use regularly.

You can also check out some deals going on now at Best Buy:

Buy any 3 tablet accessories and save (up to $75, save $10; up to $100 save $15; up to $150, save $30). No coupon is necessary for this offer.

10% off of  Headphones, Speakers and Health & Fitness Products through 12/29 with the coupon below.

You have even fewer excuses to shop early with BestBuy.com: 

• Best Buy is offering Free Shipping on all products on BestBuy.com through 12/27. Now through 1/2/13
• Shipping deadline for holiday arrivals in time for Christmas is 12/19.
•  Best Buy can accommodate orders purchased on BestBuy.com through store pick-up until 3PM on Christmas Eve- perfect for last-minute shoppers!
• Best Buy will price match products of both our in-store and online competitors throughout the season. The standard price match policy is valid on any gift purchased between 11/4-12/24 and runs through 1/24.  Online Price Match must be done at time of purchase. Check out bestbuy.com for more information.

 
I have been compensated for this post, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Things Sound Great with Klipsch from Best Buy

I am a music lover.  I literally can't imagine a day without music.  Music can really help pass time.  A few good tunes and an ebook make an hour long train ride downtown fly by.  Trust me, I've forgotten my earbuds a few times and it suddenly seems like its the longest hour ever.  But the only thing worst than not having music...is horrible sounding music.  Or having decent sounding earbuds that are too uncomfortable to wear for very long.  But with Klipsch I didn't have either of this issues.  When I took them out of the package they have a different shape than I'm used to so I wasn't sure how they'd fit.  But they fit great and offer a normal fit and and sport fit.  Either are comfortable and the sport fit is slightly more secure.  AND they sound amazing.

Klipsch are also designed to work with certain Apple products volume control and voice command.  I especially like the volume control when using earbuds during workouts.  I find that songs can have a widely different volume level and suddenly your eardrums can be blown away with an overly loud song. But with the volume control you don't have to fumble for your phone or iPod to turn on the screen and then adjust volume.

Klipsch - Image S4 Earbud Headphones Product Features

• Earbud design
  With an angled nozzle directs sound into the ear for deep bass and extended frequency response. 4 soft, flexible oval ear tips (small, medium, small/medium and large) for a comfortable fit in your ear canals.
• Moving coil driver
  Delivers brilliant sound. Tuned bass-reflex woofer system delivers enhanced bass.
• Noise-isolating design
  Reduces background noise for clear audio.
• Durable, built-in strain relief
  Keeps you comfortable while you listen to your favorite tunes.
• Works with Apple® iPod® and iPhone
  For wide-ranging compatibility.
• 4-1/5' cord length
  Allows you to move around and work on other tasks while you listen to music.
• 3.5mm connector
  For an easy connection.
• Ear tip cleaning tool
  For added convenience.
• Crush-resistant aluminum case
  Provides easy portability.
• 10Hz - 19kHz frequency response
  For faithful sound reproduction.
• 110dB/mW sensitivity
  For powerful sound.
• 18 ohms impedance
  To efficiently conduct power. 

Klipsch - Image S4 Earbud Headphones are available now at BestBuy.com

I received Klipsch Image s4 Headphones courtesy of BestBuy as a member of the Offical Best Buy Blogging Board.