Apple equals Luxury.

It’s no surprise that Apple is a successful brand. They announce a new product, and people around the world sit anxiously at the edge of their seats as they watch the stream of their keynote online. Recently, they announced their new line of the MacBook Pro series.

The design is smooth, sleek and minimal as it usually is, and just screams exclusive and luxurious. In its most boosted performance specifications, a 15-inch MacBook Pro is priced up to a whopping $7,000! $7,000! A laptop that clearly markets well to the wealthy, but that’s the highest extreme in the situation. Their lowest end model of the new MacBook Pro series costs as low as $1,800, and while incredibly cheaper than their highest priced model, the low-end 13-inch MacBook Pro remains relatively expensive.

But, what’s not to love? Owning this MacBook Pro specifies an elite-like status to one that bears it. Hip. Cool. Trendy. Although, as luxurious as the product is, there’s more than meets the eyes. Apple products have always been known to provide powerful and long-lasting performance products. I personally still own an iPhone 5S that can probably still run laps around most modern-day smartphones without problems. 

Surprisingly, it’s not only the power within the hardware that runs more miles than a decade old vehicle but its construction as well; all built with 100% recycled products. Apple was the first company to introduce the unibody form factor into its devices, made of strong aluminum metal that didn’t only provide strength, but elegance in its appearance and other companies didn’t hesitate to follow in its footsteps. Companies like Dell and Asus have adopted so much of the design, I’ve personally had to do a double-take and make sure I didn’t just see a MacBook Pro in the Windows section of a Best Buy.

Free BlenderBottle?! What A Steel!

Winter is here and so is bulking season! Everybody knows its all about gains, gains, and gains! Some of us have trouble achieving these gains, and that's probably because you're not consuming enough protein. So, what do we do? We go out and buy protein powder, but we still don't seem to be hitting our protein goals. Why?

Well, that's because it's never been easy to stay on top of it... until now. This new Radian Insulated Stainless Steel Shaker Bottle by BlenderBottle is the best thing to hit the market, and we've got Julian Smith, the all-natural bodybuilder, and owner of Arm's Race Gym is helping us give it away!

To get these bottle flying off the shelf, we will be using promotional codes distributed by Julian Smith. Though promotional codes will allow the increase of sales, we're also looking to increase attention to the brand as well as Julian. 

What we will ask of the audience is to share a post of their own fitness journey for 1 week, tagging both BlenderBottle and Julian Smith in their posts, as well as mentioning 3 friends and applying the hashtag #BlenderBottleSteel. 

Smart Espresso Machine: Does It Exist?

I love me a great cup of coffee; a gourmet one at that. More specifically, a delicious 12 oz latte from Bird Rock Coffee Roasters every morning would be ideal. What's not ideal is having to drive out of my way and pay $4.50 a cup every morning to get a delicious pick me up. I may not be able to make finely grind, compress and extract my caffeine, and mix it with steamed whole milk while decorating a beautiful swan as it flows to the brim of my cup, but I should be able to do something relatively close, right? It's nearly 2019 and there has been so many innovative home technologies that allows you to bring the finer things in life into your own home that there has got to be something out there by now.

So, I started my search. Just like everyone else on this planet who doesn't live under a rock, I "googled" it starting with some keywords:

"SMART ESPRESSO MACHINE."

I knew I needed an espresso machine to be able to brew a proper cup of espresso, which is essential to making a latte, but I have no knowledge other than that to make one, so, the machine had to be smart and easy to use. My eyes instantly track to the first result with an image... it looked fancy: Nespresso Expert Original Espresso Machine ($285).
The first question that comes to mind is, "HOLY #$&% that's one expensive machine!" followed by, "but what can it do?" Here are the specifics:

• Versatility: Nespresso expert offers 4 different single serve Coffee or Espresso cup sizes including Ristretto (.85 oz.), Espresso (1.35 oz.), Lungo (3.7 oz.) and for the first time Americano (.84 oz. Coffee and 4.2 oz. Hot water).
• Custom: 3 temperature settings (medium, hot and Extra hot) to fit your needs which also includes a separate spout for hot water and Americano preparations.
• Smart Coffee maker: Bluetooth (LED) technology enables you to create personalized single serve coffees, easy Nespresso capsule re-ordering and simplified machine care & assistance.
• Efficient Coffee machine: Espresso single serve automatic machine heats-up in under 30 seconds with a single touch and powers off after 9 minutes.
• Complimentary gift: each Espresso machine includes a Nespresso Original capsule welcome kit with a range of 14 capsules with unique aroma profiles.

The next few of questions I ask is, "Is it worth it? Does it meet my needs? And can I found something better?"

Justifying spending $300 on something that may not meet my needs didn't seem logical, so I bookmark the page and start looking for alternatives. I then adjusted my search criteria to:

"BEST SMART ESPRESSO MACHINE..."

in hopes that adding "best" as a keyword will not only result in one that could possibly offer the best features and meet my needs, but show some machines at an more affordable price because let's be honest, we're all trying to spend a little less when possible. After scrolling down the first page, it became clear what the best route into finding this one product, and it was to find what other people thought through articles and blogs. It was easier to get deeper insight on certain machines with brief reviews that included pros and cons, hits and misses with each individual machine.

After reviewing about 5 articles, ranking their top 10 machines on the market, none of them seem to hit home for me. It then dawned on me why I couldn't find my perfect machine. All the machines I kept finding only made coffee, but I wanted to make a latte! I needed a machine that not only made espresso, but frothed milk! I then adjust my search criteria one last time:

"BEST SMART ESPRESSO MACHINE FOAM MILK."

The first search result says, The Best Espresso Machines of 2018 | Digital Trends and I dive right into the article. As I scroll down looking for the most affordable price, at last! It speaks to me in a flaming red, shiny industrial steel, yet modern and smart, all-in-one. At a $260 price point that hits all the points I want out of a machine, I'm convinced it's the one.

Delonghi EC680R DEDICA 15-Bar Pump Espresso Machine

• De'Longhi Manual Cappuccino: Enjoy authentic Italian quality cafe drinks with the richest, thickest, longest lasting foam, quickly and effortlessly. 
• Sleek, Ultra Slim Design: Outstanding espresso experience in less than 6 inches of counterspace. 
• Thermoblock Technology: Heats up to the ideal brewing temperature in just 40 seconds so you are never far from an authentic Italian espresso.
• Flow Stop: Automatically delivers 1 or 2 shots; always the exact amount of espresso you desire. 
• 3 in 1 Filter Holder: 3 in 1 filter to accommodate single shot, double shots and easy serving espresso.
• Easy-to-use Control Panel: Includes 3 illuminated buttons.
• Warming Tray: Always have a warm cup ready.
• 15 Bar Pump Pressure: Achieve the most authentic flavor.
• On/Off button with Automatic Stand-By: Saves energy consumption after a period of non-use.
• Self-Priming System: Means the machine is always ready for use.
• Adjustable Cappuccino System: Advanced manual frother mixes steam, air and milk, producing a rich, creamy froth for great cappuccino.
• Descaling Alarm.

If you're a crazy person like I am, always looking for home alternatives invest on to adjust some spending habits, this could be the one for you. And if red isn't your color, there are multiple colors to choose from that may even bring the price down and have you brewing your own gourmet latte for the price of some coffee beans and milk! Check it out here on Amazon.com.

Click-Clack, Bring Me Back... to Classic Keyboards

The world of personal computers has vastly advanced since it was released back in 1975. I remember vividly the time my family had purchased our very first desktop computer for the household. It was huge! A clunky computer tower that still took floppy disks and a gigantic CRT tube monitor that took up the entire desk leaving very little real estate for the keyboard and mouse. 

Fast forward to today, we’ve advanced to incredibly low-profile computers such as laptops and tablets that carry much more power and are so portable that they slip right into your backpack. Although the convenience of portability is undoubtedly impressive, it came at the sacrifice of some functionalities such as removing disk drives, device ports, and headphone jacks for the sake of size. One of the major changes in the strive to make these devices even more portable is creating keyboards at an even lower profile and to be quite honest, I’m not a big fan.

We need keyboards that push back. Keyboards that give us enough resistance to rest our fingers on keys without accidentally stroking a key. College students that have to type out thousands of papers with thousands of words feel the pain. Some consumers out there actually get by with using tablets such as iPads as their designated personal computer and those don’t even have a physical keyboard for efficient typing. 

Luckily, a company by the name Qwerkytoys, Inc has created a keyboard that not only brings back the marvelous tactile keyboard we’ve all grown accustomed to but in an elegant way that resembles the original typing machine, the typewriter; a writer's dream. With the use of social media platforms, it will be no problem shining light back on to this retro machine. The company will be releasing exclusive color schemes and promoting it through Marvel's Daredevil series available on Netflix.

"I hit the keys, I hear the sound, and I’m more aware I’ve just written a word. I put more care into carefully crafting each sentence in my mind before I write."

So, if you've been looking for a beautiful piece to set on your work desk, or have just been tired of accidental typos and pressing that backspace key more times than you'd like, then pick up a Qwerkywriter S Typewriter-Inspired Mechanical Keyboard and sign up with Qwerkytoys' newsletter to receive updates on how to win an exclusive Marvel's Daredevil Qwertywriter!

Why the Yogis Buy Lululemon

Breathe. Stretch. Longevity. Joy.

Yoga. An exercise activity that has been rapidly growing for the past few years, has helped those that partake in the activity relieve stress, build core strength, and feel more in tune with their mind and body. More and more yoga studios in my local community like CorePower Yoga, The House of Yogi, and Radiance Yoga are popping up like ads while browsing through the Huffington Post,

While the title may seem to focus in on what yogis do in their routine for a better life, it's not exactly what I'm talking about here. Over the past decade, Lululemon Athletica has taken the world by storm, and through the community of yoga enthusiast, it has created a cult-like following in its respective market—athleisure wear. But, what is "athleisure wear?"

"Athleisure is bigger than a trend, as evidenced by the people who wear yoga pants anywhere."

Athleisure is a trend in fashion in which clothing designed for workouts and other athletic activities is worn in other settings, such as at the workplace, school, or at other casual or social occasions. Lululemon has pioneered this trend and continues to lead the market in athleisure wear. With yoga pants costing an average of $100 a pair, its premium quality proves its worth with fabrics that breathe, stretch, are durable, and bring joy to its consumers as it adds definition and tonality in a woman's figure.

I recently had the chance to visit a Lululemon store with my significant other, where she tried on one of its most popular yoga pants, the "All The Right Places Pant." She stepped out of the fitting room, and we instantly became believers. Without a doubt, Lululemon had a great product.

The fashion trend has spread amongst many other brands like Nike, Under Armour, and Victoria's Secret, all attempting to climb the athleisure ladder. Can these companies knock Lululemon off the top of the totem pole?

Beauty, Self-Esteem & How The Industry Influences It

Let Me Start By Saying...

We are all beautiful. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise and that's the truth. Unfortunately, due to the social construct we live in, we don't entirely believe this and that's not by choice. Ever since we've been introduced to media, the industry has ingrained an "ideal" look for the man or woman where men have to be men— strong, muscular, burly; And women have to be gorgeous— skinny, toned, attractive.

"No matter what we do,

No matter what we say,

We're the song inside the tune

Full of beautiful mistakes."
—Christina Aguilera

Believe it or not, it's in our nature to think this way. We are exposed to so many glorified ads in magazines, television, movies, etc., that display these "beautiful" people and trigger a process of social comparison, where someone tries to evaluate their actual self and compare it to these models/actors/actresses/symbols and think that that is their ideal self. Frighteningly, it doesn't just pertain to the measurement of wealth in beauty either; it can be the degree of social wealth, financial wealth or of relationships, too.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

A perfect example on the effects of social comparison is in the movie, 'The Joneses.' The Joneses family take this form of advertising to quite an extreme, but the impact of their status to others is represented perfectly on how the beauty industry influences our self-esteem. If you've yet to see this film, I'd give it a try and see how you feel about the power of the industry's influence has on you.

Pumpkin Spice Smells So, So Nice: How We Influence Consumers Through Perception

Do you smell the pumpkin spice? Doesn't it just remind you of Thanksgiving? No? Or, does it remind you of Halloween? Believe it or not, there's probably someone out there ordering their Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks right now, giddy at the thought of Christmas! We have taken these smells (or any other senses) and associated it with something of our own, and that is how we perceive them. Advertisers know this, and guess what? They're using them to their benefit!

It's a new era in advertising called, 'Sensory Marketing,' where companies think carefully about the impact of sensations on our product experiences, and fixate that experience to that product. Advertisers will expose the message they want us to receive, and attempt to grab our attention with sight, sound, smells, taste, and(or) textures. How we interpret that message, well... That's the tricky part.

"Life has different definition in the eyes of different people..."

The Red Pill Or The Blue Pill?

Today, we are slowly digesting the world of augmented and virtual reality, where we integrate our real world into a digital one. Advertisers have only been able to reach us with sight and sound in the comfort of our own homes through televisions and computer screens. When we completely transition into this realm, advertisers will be able to make stronger connections with our emotions, tapping into our wants and desires with technology such as haptic feedback for touch and little boxes that produce aromas for a sense of smell.

It may be a while until advertisers get to connect to everyone in their own homes, but with attractions such as movies and theme parks giving a taste of this experience, it's only a matter of time until the market opens up the opportunity to do so. Facebook has recently introduced the Oculus Quest; an inexpensive option for an at-home virtual reality experience that may soon bridge this gap. It looks fun and may look silly, but its a digital wave you definitely don't want to miss.