Fitbit Charge 5 Review

Back in January, I posted about getting a Fitbit Charge 5 in Friday's Joy. and I decided to actually buy it and see if its as good as I hope it would be. 

I missed having my Fitbit (I had the Fitbit Flex back in 2013(?) and it was a super basic step tracker but its 10 years old and it wasn't charging/updating.  I used my phone for a while to track my steps and sleep patterns but it wasn't effectively tracking those things. I had been looking for either a smart

January 13

Overall I really like it. It took me a while to figure out how to customize it. 

Love sleep tracking. 

Came with FitBit Premium for 6 months; it's nice but I don't think I'll continue it after the trial. 

February 13

One month in. I really like it. Ilike that FitBit premium gives me more in-depth data especially for my sleep patterns. I bought this mostly for running and sleeping. 

I don't obsess over the numbers and some days I don't wear it. 

I think it gives pretty accurate data. Better than my steps tracker on my phone. 

When I wore it for the Cupids Chase 5k, I liked how it tracked my progress and gave me a map at the end with my pace and distance. It said I didn't run a full 5k but im pretty sure I did. 

March 13 

Two months in.

I've figured out how to customize the clock face and I  took some features away that I don't need. I am all for simplicity. 

I've been using the timer often and the alarm is perfect especially with the smart wake feature. 

I don't always wear it and i don't stress about i either. Love to see how many steps I take but I think its off sometimes. I talk with my hands alot so yeah (Italian problems) 

April 13

Three months in.

I am really happy with this watch. It does exactly what I need and shows me what's important to me. 

I like how I can read text messages and see notifications on screen. It cuts down slightly on me picking up my phone to check it. 

I also like how it analyzes my sleep; I find that fascinating.  I wear it 90% of the time but like the previous monthly, I don't stress when it's not on. 

The hourly encouragement to get up and move has been fantastic. Sometimes at work, I "forget" to get up from my desk; this gentle reminder (and my competitive side) to fill up the circles each day really helps. 

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I am very happy with this watch. I think this is a perfect compromise for anyone who's looking for a smart watch but doesn't exactly want all the bells and whistles of one. I love the custom displays ans being able to read my texts on thr screen. It's simple and straightforward. 

I love the in-depth reports I get from Fitbit premium but after my trial I won't be continuing it. 

I got this on-sale and definitely would recommend this to anyone who wants a activity tracker with some features of a smart watch. 

The only downside is sometimes it doesn't recognize my workouts if I'm not walking or running and it doesn't have many color options. 

Do you have a Fitbit? 

[[There is no one Giant step that does it. Its a lot of little steps.]]

My Coffee Table Photo Book

You probably know, I love a good sunset and my camera roll can attest to that; there are many photos of pretty sunsets, skylines and other landscapes that I stumble upon. I don't always have a chance for them to be printed or displayed. SAAL Digitial gave me an opportunity to create a professional photo book.

SAAL Digital have one of many lines of professional photo books that lay flat and look beautiful. I just knew this would be the perfect place to display these cherished photos of mine. I decided to create a coffee table book with all my favorites landscapes.

Using SAAL Digital software, it was really easy to create the perfect photo book. Before jumping into the software, I decided to pre-choose the photos from my camera roll and place them all into a folder on my phone. I downloaded everything on to my computer and then hopped onto the downloaded software to create my photo book. 

I choose the 8" x 12" Professional Line Photobook with the leather cover. I initially let the software autofill the book with all my photos. I hated it- it cropped each photo different, almost always cutting off the best part of the photo. I cleared the autofill option and decided to choose photos that would fill a both pages. 

As I started to choose the photos, the software was able to determine if the photo was good quality or if it would end up grainy. I appreciated those suggestions because I didn't want to open up the photo book to all blurry photos.

After choosing the 22 photos for the book, I went back and then started to crop and make sure they were aligned the way I wanted; some I cropped out houses or other distractions, some I left the distractions because they made the photo distinct. 

I spent a few nights making this and making sure everything was perfect. The last thing I needed to do was to choose a cover. I had picked the pebble leather option but I wanted to add a photo to the front. I had lots of photos still to choose from. I started choose different photos I didn't use in the book to see what would work best. I realized quickly that a vertical photo was not my favorite option, the horizontal ones looked much better and they wrapped both the front and back over of the book. 

The winner ended up being a bright yellow and orange sunset from Ocean Gate but there was just something off. I flipped the photo horizontally to have the pier appear on the right side of the book and the sunset on the left side. It was perfect- exactly what I wanted. There was just  one last thing missing- a title.

I wanted something meaningful and I immediately started scouring Pinterest for something. Pinterest provided me with some great contenders for the cover. I finally settled on this 

time stands still best in moments that look suspiciously like ordinary life

Landscapes and sunsets, to some people look like nothing special, often mundane. To me, these are the times where something beautiful can happen and usually does, if you have patience to watch what happens. All these photos I chose, were moments that were nothing but I made them something special and I think that is something underrated. 

I went through the book one last time, making minor changes here and there. I submitted it for printing and then I actually forgot about it until I got an email from SAAL stating it was being shipped 5 days later. I got so excited to see the finished product. 

It was being shipped by DHL and you betcha I was stalking the DHL tracking website to see the updates. It was set to arrive on a very rainy day. I was nervous because with it being a book, I didn't want to have it damaged by the rain. With DHL, I was able to leave them a note saying there was going to be a bag on the front porch for them to put it in. They took it one step further and put the box in their own DHL bag and then provided me with a proof of delivery photo. I was seriously impressed by their delivery. 

I couldn't wait to get this inside and look at what I created. It was better than I expected. The quality was really high and it was beautiful. The photos I chose were colorful and vibrant; I was worried that the colors would not translate well to print. I was blown away by how beautiful the photos looked and how they came out. Each page was better than the next. 

My parents were blown away by the photos and how beautiful they were. I think we all were shocked about the quality of the book and the fact that I took all these photos on my phone. 

THANK YOU SAAL Digital for giving me the opportunity to create something beautiful. In exchange for my honest review they provided me a $150 credit to make this book. I have no other affilation with them and I do not receive any commission from any sales.

If you are looking for a photo book that is simple and easy to create AND looks really beautiful and professional, take a look at SAAL Digital. 

Do you make photo books for special events? 

[[We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone]]

-gabrielle

Check, Check and Check: January Goal Review

Is it just me or did January fly by in a blink of an eye? I swear it was just New Years Day then my birthday and Bam! Its January 30! Since its the end of the month, lets review my goals I set for this month:

Be More Present// I did really good with this goal. I put my phone and enjoyed the moment a lot more. I made memories that weren't photographed and I had a lot of fun with this.

Exercise half the month//  I sorta completed this! I ended up working out only 10 days this month. An early morning weekly yoga class, weekly training and optional Saturday class, helped a lot.  I end up walking a whole lot during the day and I feel like its paying off- I am starting to feel stronger!

Organize living areas//  This one was sortanot completed. I organized my desk and my dresser but not my clothes. My clothes and closet are my biggest area that needs to be organized and it just didn't happen this month. This will be accomplished later in the year

send out FIVE handwritten cards/// This was an easy one to complete. Between my birthday and just hi notes I sent out more than five notes. I was excited to use my stash of thank you notes!

I am sad to see this month go but I am excited to see what the rest of the year holds.

Did you complete your goals this month?

December Goal Review

December was a wonderful, crazy month. I was able to pack a lot of Christmas joy and excitement into this month. My goals were always on my mind and I think I did a great job trying to complete them all.

Here are my December goals:

Workout 3x a week//completed
 I ended up workout 11 total days. The goal was 15 total days.

Take a photo a day//completed
This is one of my favorite goals each month. I love seeing the collage at the end of the month. It’s a nice way to remember each month. (Check back on January 1st to see the collage!)

Read two books// not completed
I have been struggling the past few months to find books I enjoy and I am excited to read. I rarely buy books; I use the public library to check out new books but since most of the books I want to read are usually the new ones, the wait for these books is long, which makes it hard for me to read something that looks good and current.  I hope for the new year I can set a year goal of the number of books I want to read.

Experience as many Christmas Activities and moments I can//completed
This was such a fun goal to complete. I was able to experience over 15 holiday experiences. They include the annual Santa Breakfast, Taking our Christmas card photos, Decorating the Christmas Tree with Eric, Baking lots of cookies, Drove around seeing Christmas lights and watching Christmas movies.  I have really embraced the Christmas spirit this year. Since I was so sick last year, it was really important for me to have a Christmas filled with special activities.

December was a lot of fun. Lots of family, fun and food. I am very excited to see what 2016 has in store for me. Stay tuned in the beginning of January I will be revealing my Year goals and also my goals for January.

Popcorn, Monsters and Ticket Stubs

There is no secret that I do not like scary things and with Halloween being last month, I had an itch to see something sorta scary. I like kids scary movies that are cute but also a little scary. Eric and I went to see some not so scary movies- Hotel Transylvania 2 and Goosebumps. We thought it would be fun to review the movies from our own perspectives.

Hotel Transylvania 2

Source

Gabrielle's Review//
I saw the first Hotel Transylvania a few years ago and I fell in love with the cast of monsters and the story behind it. I had high hopes for the sequel and it did not disappoint. The lovable cast of monsters and humans alike were invited back to the Hotel to celebrate Dennis' birthday. The "Drac pack" is back for a new adventure to try to teach Dennis how to be a monster. The zany antics kept me laughing the whole time. You can't help but love this movie

Kids, Adults and everyone in between will love this movie- its action, comedy and even a little love story. The hilarious voice actors- Adam Sandler, Andy Samburg, Kevin James and Selena Gomez- make this film. Adam Sandler's character Dracula actually looks like him!! I'm curious to see if they will make another one!

Eric's Review//
      Having never seen Hotel Transylvania 1, I didn’t really know what to expect when it came to the sequel. Don’t worry, you don’t necessarily need to see the first one to enjoy to second. Knowing it was a children’s movie had me skeptical (I’m a 31 year old man) but the animation and the constant barrage of jokes kept me entertained from the opening credits.

        Hotel Transylvania is a hotel run by a lovable staff of monsters. Starring comedy heavy weights like Adam Sandler and David Spade its no wonder this movie had no slow spots. It moved from one hysterical and heart warming scene to the next. Ultimately, what made the movie so appealing to me was the story line. It displayed the timeless bond between family members. It doesn’t matter if you’re 10 years old going on 30 or 30 years old going on 10, Hotel Transylvania is a hit from beginning to end. I just hope they have a room for me at the hotel.

Overall review//
 We both really liked it and it was a perfect film for October and Halloween.

Goosebumps

 

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Gabrielle's Review//

As a kid, I grew up reading Goosebumps books, watching the scary movies and tv shows. I was super excited when I heard there was going to be a movie! I didn't know what to expect with this movie, I was just hoping all the favorite characters would be in it- Slappy the dummy, the abominable snowman, Fifi the vampire poodle, the lawn gnomes. The movie itself was cute, very appropriate to watch on Halloween. The story line was a bit far fetched for this 27 year old but as R. L. Stine said, every story has three parts- a beginning, a middle and the twist. I didn't see the TWIST coming but it ending being a fun easy going film.

I think younger kids would like this more than the generation that actually read the R.L. Stine books. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it. The jury's out on this one. 

Eric's Review//

  I’m not going to sugar coat this one. Jack Black, definitely did this movie for the pay check. The movies run time was only about an hour and a half but it felt like an eternity. Jack Black, who plays Goosebumps author R.L. Stein,  is the only bright spot in an otherwise morbid, black hole of poorly shot scenes and under enthusiastically delivered lines.

        I may not be the best reviewer for this because I’d never read any of the Goosebumps books but I could only imagine a hardcore fan would have been outraged. Goosebumps—a book that should have stayed on the shelf

Overall Review//

We should have waited to see this on Netflix.

As you can see, Eric and I had different opinions about Goosebumps but each time at the movies we had a great time! We also cannot wait for The Good Dinosaur, Sisters and Star Wars.

 

Have you seen any good movies lately? Are you excited for any movies coming up?

Doctor's Appointment and Atlanta Bread Review

Happy Wednesday. My day started out very early for a doctor's consultation 2 hours away. I was a bundle of nerves for the whole car ride there. My anxiety has been crazy with my current hospitalization and not knowing what is happening. We ended up getting a little lost and we were trying to find someone to ask and then all of the sudden, I saw a man in a white lab coat and screamed "DOCCCCCTTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRR!!!" We jammed on the brakes and rolled down the window. He was sorta helpful that he got us to the vicinity of the building we needed. The butterflies in my stomach were working extra hard today. Once we got upstairs and to the right office, the whole office staff was wonderful. From the receptionist to the nurses to the doctors, they were professional, courteous and very helpful. They looked at me like a person not just symptoms. The doctor gave me a lot of insight and also a diagnosis which I have been waiting for FIVE years. Its nice to finally know what is going on but at the same time its really scary. I said to my mom last year that I really want to find out what is wrong with me and I am very glad I did. Now I am on an adventure to try to stay healthy and symptom free.

On the way home at 2pm I was starving. We were in the doctors for almost 2 hours which was 1. very rare to be with a doctor for SO LONG and 2. very nice to be able to speak openly and not be told, ' oh thats not important' or ' that is not relevant to this'.
I suggested we stop at Atlanta Bread, which is one of my favorite sandwich shops.
 If I don't feel like going to a restaurant and fast food is too quick for me, Atlanta Bread is the perfect solution. There are two locations close to me and I love both of them equally. Atlanta Bread has a nice relaxed atmosphere to it. Its a cross between a coffee shop and a library sitting area with really great food.
The food choices are a great variety that include sandwiches, soups, paninis, salads and baked goods. They incorporate old classics with new and exciting dishes. All of the choices look delicious and I always want to try something new, but i always fall back on my old favorite- Bella Chicken.

Yes, it tastes just as good as it looks. The little container in front of the sandwich is basil pesto sauce ((so yummy!!)) I substitute the focaccia bread for a french baguette. I could easily eat five of these in one sitting. They are THAT  good . I have to give credit to my parents, because they are the ones that started eating this sandwich and I just jumped on the bandwagon with it.
Since my parents were with me, ordering was super simple- 3 Bella Chickens, one with the french baguette. 
This ended our crazy day perfectly.

Today was an emotional roller coaster and I was very happy that my parents are there to offer their support and a shoulder to cry on. This is a sorta scary time in my life and I'm happy to have their support.

I am BEYOND excited to go back to work tomorrow. I hope tomorrow is a nice easy day. Though I wouldn't be upset if it was a crazy day like I remember.

XX Gabrielle

ps. We passed a coffee shop/ religious material store called HOLY GROUNDS and I couldn't stop giggling. What a perfect name combining two totally unrelated things.