when the dog bites: a few of my favorite things

I really didn’t think I could move on. I mean, once your smart phone has been an iPhone, what more do you need, right? I had an iPhone for a long time and I didn’t know much about the Moto X until I was at BlogHer Pro and met some people who make them. Friends, this is a great phone. (Full disclosure: Yes, the nice people gave me a Moto X. But, they did not require or even bring up my telling you about said phone on the Internet. So you can be sure, I’m just telling you because of the warm fuzzy feelings I have for this phone.) Why, you ask?

For starters. You get to pick your own color, for the front and the back.

Nextly. To get the phone ready to take a photo, like at the very last second…you twist it back and forth. No really…I mean, like…you flick your wrist and *click click* it’s ready to shoot!

Also. It responds to your voice, so it’s hands-free. This means that if I’m dozing off while reading a book and my phone is on the nightstand, I’m all *yawn* and (without touching the phone) I say,

Hello Moto…set my alarm for 6:30am

Then it says, Okay, Heather. I have set your alarm for 6:30am.

Thank you, Moto. *zzzzzzz*

Yeah, I love this phone. And don’t worry, it has a great camera, tons of storage space and yes, you can add a cover for extra safety. Though I did witness Guy Kawalski throwing his down to the floor on purpose to show its durability. (Okay, it wasn’t his, it was his assistant’s phone and she didn’t even look worried.) (There are clear cases so as to not cover up your cool color choices.)

You can create your very own Moto X via the Moto Maker online:

Moto X photo courtesy of phonearena.com

:::::

I’m obsessed with ginger lately. Not Ginger with a capital ‘G’, like that woman on Gilligan’s Island, but ginger like ginger ale, ginger tea and foods with ginger in them. I even buy crystallized ginger and eat it plain. I am so weird. I think it’s because it’s got a kick. I like a kick. And it’s good for you, so there’s that. My favorite way of ingesting ginger, by far, is via Maine Root’s spicy ginger brew. OH MY YUM. This stuff is the real deal, friends. It ain’t no baby ginger, yo. AND, you can get it delivered right to your door. From Maine, because they really do make it there. (Or you can get it at cool places like Natural Grocers here in Austin or other health food stores near you.) (and also FTW (Grandma, that means For The Win), it’s Fair Trade Certified. (full disclosure: I have nothing to disclose…I am in no way partnered with Maine Root, I just like telling you about cool stuff.)

 photo courtesy of MaineRoot.com

 :::::

Sol Republic Headphones:

I love over the ear headphones, and what I love about SOL Republic headphones is that they come in two over the ear options. One option is the full coverage bigger head phone that rests just outside your ear, and the other is the option that I have, which fits just inside your outer ear. The band around your head has a pad for support at the top of your head, and they’re very bendy! (Technical term, obviously.) Also, the sound is crisp and clear, excellent really. Oh, and the variety of colors!

photo courtesy of karmaloop

photo credit to ubergizmo

The speakers can slide up and down to fit you perfectly, and this also means that if you’d like to purchase separate “tracks” in a variety of colors, you can! You can also make an original purchase of the Tracks Remix version which is customizable from the start and comes in a variety of colors and styles.

If you’re going to go the route of gifting fancy headphones, I suggest these, my friends. Get more for your moola, okay? (Again with disclosure: I did receive these headphones for review courtesy of Sol Republic and I’m glad because they’re awesome.)

 :::::

Handmade Personalized City Skyline from Uncommon Goods

Have you seen these beautiful pieces of art?

I’m re-doing my home office, slowly over time, and started with this one inspiring piece. I love changing up the decor by following the lines and colors inspired by one thing I love. SO, I have an Austin city skyline. Where are you from? What city do you love? Order up your skyline on Uncommon Goods, friends. What a great gift idea, huh? If you’re looking for unique gifts, this is the place — Uncommon Goods. There are so many rare (and often handmade and personalized) gifts through that site, and I love just about everything. Especially this:

wooden cuff bracelet. FTW! (Remember, Grandma? FOR THE WIN.) (LOVE YOU.)

or, how about this  great gift idea? Or, this? Or, one last thing….I can’t stop!

(I did not receive that bracelet courtesy of Uncommon Goods so maybe I should get it for Christmas, but I did receive my City Skyline for review and I’m grateful for the chance to tell you about my sincere love for it.)

That’s it for now, just a few of my favorite things. I think about them when the bee stings. (Not really, I run for an epi pen or ER when the bee stings. Just so you know.)