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Month: August 2019

  • Want the New Galaxy S Pen for Free? Here’s How:

    Want the New Galaxy S Pen for Free? Here’s How:

    The Samsung Galaxy line of devices still has that one feature, that one tool that no other phone pulls off quite as well – the S Pen stylus. Are you interested in the new S Pen but not quite ready to dish out $1,000+ on a new smartphone? Here’s a hack on how you can get it for free:

    If you’re like most Android or Apple users, you probably just upgraded your smartphone not too long ago. But, as usual, the new versions keep rolling out. Who can keep up? We’ve got great news, these retailers are slashing $100 – $150 off the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4, which includes the brand-new S Pen! We’ve got the scoop on the best deals.

    Samsung is a dominant player in the smartphone industry, so it should come as no surprise that the company also makes a great range of tablets. Named of the best iPad Pro alternatives, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 brings more than just a tablet experience into the table. You can now take advantage of the portability of a tablet with the productivity of a desktop computer, all in one device.

    If you’ve been eyeing that brand-new S Pen and could use a new tablet, this is your chance! Check out this list of retailers slashing major $$$ off prices:

    Amazon

    Amazon currently has a deal on the Samsung 9.7-inch Galaxy Tab S3 (S Pen included) that lets you have it for only $449 – that’s 18% lower than its usual $550 price tag. From entertainment and creativity to productivity, there’s so much you can do with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3. Grab the black version today on Amazon at a discounted price of $449 while in stock.

    Walmart

    If you are looking for an all-around premium tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 10.5-inch Tablet a legit contender – and it comes with that S Pen you’ve been eyeing. Available in 64GB and 256GB models, Walmart is giving away $150 discounts on both variants, selling it now for $498 and $598 from its original price of $648 and $748, respectively.

    Best Buy

    The cheapest Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 model typically sells for $650, but you can get one right now for just $500 from Best Buy. Apart from the $150 discount, customers who purchase the tablet will also receive a free S Pen and a $50 e-gift card, and a six-month Trend Micro Internet Security subscription.


  • Breaking News: You Can Now Rent Tesla Solar Panels for Super Cheap

    Breaking News: You Can Now Rent Tesla Solar Panels for Super Cheap

    Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, declared that 2019 would be “the year of the solar roof,” when launching a new program that lets homeowners rent Tesla solar panels for just $50 per month! An average solar installation will save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars over its lifetime. A green investment and passive income!

    Save money and our planet with renewable energy

    Elon Musk took to twitter early Sunday morning to pitch Tesla’s new solar rental program. Tesla’s sales pitch for choosing the rental option is that it will be cheaper, quicker, and less of a burden for homeowners to get solar panels on their roof.

    According to Musk, the new program is “like having a money printer on your roof” for those who live in states with high energy costs. “Still better to buy, but the rental option makes the economics obvious.”

    Rentals now are available in six states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New Mexico. Tesla’s rental program will offer three solar panel packages, with no installation costs and no time commitment.

    Promising to make solar sexy, Tesla’s panels are virtually impossible to notice. The panels are nearly indistinguishable your neighbors normal roof tiles. To make these camouflaged solar panels, they created a special coating that becomes more or less transparent depending the angel you’re looking from.

    What’s this going to cost you?

    Under the new system, Telsa is offering customers the option to rent solar systems for anywhere from $50 a month for a small installation (except in California, where they start at $65 a month), to $195 for their largest installation. Customers only need to pay a fully refundable $100 charge. Tesla said customers can cancel the leases at any time.

    The rental rate varies by state and size of the system — small, medium, or large — but in all instances, the super cheap monthly fee covers anything from the hardware and installation to maintenance and support. According to the agreement, owners can purchase the system outright five years after it’s up and running, too.

    What’s the catch?

    For starters, Customers must own their home to have the panels installed. Tesla doesn’t require solar panel renters to sign a long-term contract and claims the process of signing up requires just “one click, instead of lengthy consultations and piles of paperwork.” While the contract can be canceled any time and renting Tesla’s solar panels might be cheap and easy, be aware that they will charge users $1,500 to remove the system once it has been installed.

    Just how powerful is the sun?

    According to the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL), the amount of energy from the sunlight that falls to the earth in one hour could supply the world’s energy needs for an entire year! Powerful Indeed.

    What would it normally cost to purchase and install solar panels?

    Residential solar costs are at their lowest in over 30 years. For reference, Tesla sold the systems, which can cost upwards of $30,000, in Home Depot stores for several years, but now it relies entirely on direct sales like its electric vehicles. More affordable than ever, today’s residential solar panels feature technology advances that maximize power production.


  • They thought It Was Just A Headache. Thank Goodness for This Miracle Cure:

    They thought It Was Just A Headache. Thank Goodness for This Miracle Cure:

    Yes, it’s true. Botox will prevent that throbbing migraine before it even starts. In fact, patients reported that two Botox treatments helped to reduce the number of migraine days by a whopping 50%. Here is everything you need to know:

    We’ve all heard of Botox. It is most commonly known as the secret weapon that has been keeping generations of smooth foreheads in Hollywood. What you may not know, however, is that Botox has been successfully bringing great relief to those who suffer from chronic migraines for years. Since Botox was approved to treat chronic migraines in 2010, an excruciating number of patients are reporting great success.

    Migraines and Botox

    The FDA has only approved Botox for those suffering from chronic migraines. What does this mean? You must have 15 or more days of headaches each month. You must also be 18 years or older. Does this sound like you?
    Botox may be the treatment to finally offer you some relief. In fact, the more frequently you suffer from headaches, the better you’ll do with Botox treatments. With that being said, Botox is not recommended for patients who experience less than 15 headache days each month.

    What is the treatment like?

    Your physician will use a tiny needle that won’t feel like anything more than a pinprick. The doctor will continue to inject small amounts of Botox into shallow muscles on your skin. Typically, patients receive about 30 injections in 7 key spots on their head and neck. You should expect your appointment to last about 20 minutes.

    How long does it last?

    You’ll receive a Botox Treatment once every 10 to 12 weeks to dull or prevent migraine headaches. Keep in mind that the treatment won’t work right away. You will see results 2 to 3 weeks after your first treatment.

    What are the side effects?

    Those who treat their chronic migraines with Botox have reported neck soreness as the most common side effect. We recommend using an ice pack to reduce the discomfort.

    Is it covered by my insurance?

    For cosmetic reasons? No. As a chronic migraine treatment? Yes – by most plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Allergan, a Botox manufacturer, offers a “Botox Savings Card,” which offers patients reduced fees.


  • Best of Beauty: 3 Award Winning Face Moisturizers Proven to Fight Signs of Aging

    Best of Beauty: 3 Award Winning Face Moisturizers Proven to Fight Signs of Aging

    Goodbye, wrinkles. Hello, youthful skin. If you’re like most of us, you’ve been on a life-long search to discover a soothing moisturizer that is best suited to your skin’s potential. We’re here to help you narrow down that search. After much trial and error, we’ve discovered these 5 thirst-quenching moisturizers that are proven to smooth away your fine lines:

    CLINIQUE

    Clinique avoids using allergens, irritants, and ingredients that can age or harm skin, while never sacrificing one bit of the effectiveness you need. It is formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates. Clinique’s Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is allergy tested, non-acnegenic, and free of fragrance, alcohol, SLS, talc, mineral oil, and oil.

    Thier Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is a refreshing gel-cream that provides an instant moisture boost—and is now enhanced to deliver almost twice as much hydration at the end of the day than it did before. It offers solutions for dryness, fine lines and dullness or uneven skin texture. This multitasking formula can be used anytime skin needs a moisture boost, under or over makeup, or as a five-minute mask.

    New auto-replenishing technology with activated aloe water actually helps skin create its own internal water source to continually rehydrate itself. It then locks in all that moisture for an endlessly plump, dewy, healthy-looking glow. Bursting with hyaluronic acid, nature’s perfect moisture magnet, testing proves that it works non-stop for up to 72 hours—even after washing your face.

    ESTÉE LAUDER

    Estée Lauder offers an unparalleled collection of skincare, makeup, and fragrance products, including bestsellers and proven solutions. As one of the world’s most beloved and respected brands, the Estée Lauder name is recognized in over 100 countries as a symbol of quality, luxury, and promises kept.

    Their DayWear Matte Oil-Control Anti-Oxidant Moisture Gel Crème is an ultra-light gel cream moisturizer that helps control oil and minimize shine, reducing the look of pores and leaving skin fresh, soft, and hydrated. It offers solutions for oiliness, dryness, and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. Apply as a last step in your skincare regimen, avoiding the eye area.

    This fresh, ultra-light Gel Crème, with powerful MoistureMatte Technology, controls oil and helps skin minimize visible shine, giving skin a healthy-looking, matte finish. It reduces the look of pores and helps resist the first signs of aging. This product is dermatologist-tested and non-acnegenic.

    LA MER

    Miracle Broth is at the heart of La Mer and is infused into every treatment in the collection. This elixir is formulated with hand-harvested sea kelp and other nutrients and minerals unlocked via a natural fermentation process. Surging with vital energies, it supports the five facets of natural healing: moisture, regeneration, soothing, smoothing, and radiance—which help to bring skin back to its healthiest state. The iconic opal jar is hand-filled within eight hours of the Crème’s creation.

    There’s a La Mer moisturizer for every complexion. Infused with cell-supporting Miracle Broth, these celebrated moisturizers visibly soothe, plump, and smooth away fine lines as a natural new radiance is revealed. Their Moisturizing Soft Cream is an ultra-soft moisturizer that nourishes skin for an instant luminous finish. It offers solutions for dryness, dullness, uneven texture, fine lines and wrinkles. Pat a small amount between fingertips to release the Miracle Broth and press gently into cleansed skin, morning and night.

    Created with microscopic moisturizing spheres for the ultimate smooth and lightweight texture, this soft variation of Crème de la Mer delivers the same game-changing benefits as the original. At first touch, skin looks instantly radiant and naturally balanced as imperfections fade. Miracle Broth visibly softens, nourishes, soothes, and gives skin the energy it needs to focus on repair, while powerful antioxidant lime tea protects against stress and pollution for a healthy-looking glow and vitality that lasts.


  • 5 Psoriasis Myths Debunked

    5 Psoriasis Myths Debunked

    Psoriasis affects about 7.5 million people just in the United States. There are so many misconceptions about psoriasis, even by those who are affected. For the sake of those living with the condition, we’re here to clear up some of those myths.

    1. Psoriasis is contagious

    First things first, let’s get this out of the way – No, you cannot catch Psoriasis from someone, not even if you touch, hug or kiss them. It has nothing to do with their hygiene or how clean they are, Psoriasis is not contagious.

    2. Psoriasis is a skin disease

    Again, wrong. You cannot “catch” it – In fact, Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. The skin condition results from someone’s defective immune system, which in turn causes their bodies to start producing their skin cells much quicker than normal.

    It is, however, genetic. If one parent has it, this will increase your risk. While having two parents who have Psoriasis may increase your risk even more. Although it is genetic, this does not necessarily mean that you will ever get it.

    3. There is a cure

    While we wish this was true, it is not. Psoriasis is a lifelong condition. However, that does not mean it is not manageable. People who must live with Psoriasis go through times where they have almost non-existent flare-ups. They also go through periods where they will have a particularly bad flare-up.

    4. There is no treatment

    While it may be a journey of narrowing down treatments that work for each individual, there are plenty of treatment options out there. There are three goals when trying to treat Psoriasis: stop the overactive cells from reproducing, sooth the itching, and to remove all the excess dead skin. Many have also found relief with prescription drugs that work thought the body. The condition usually improves during the summer months due to sun exposure slowing the cell growth.

    5. Psoriasis is preventable

    While there are certain measures you can take to prevent a flare-up, Psoriasis is a lifelong condition. By managing factors such as you stress level, weight, alcohol intake, smoking, etc. you can reduce the risk of a flare-up. You can also prevent a flare-up with over the counter medications and light therapy!


  • Biggest Mistakes People Make When Buying Laptops

    Biggest Mistakes People Make When Buying Laptops

    If you’re shopping for a laptop for your kids going back to school, or just looking for something to help you with productivity, there’s a lot to choose from. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for laptops on the lower end to distance themselves from competition in the form of tablets and even smartphones. As such, tons of weird gimmicks have started showing up on laptops across the entire market, and they can be hard to sift through.

    When you’re shopping for a new laptop, there are a few basic mistakes you’ll want to take care to avoid. Whether they’re experienced tech junkies or relative newcomers, here are the basic mistakes that people make when they’re shopping for a new laptop.

    Paying too Much

    Some of the higher-end laptops you’ll find are downright amazing. However, that doesn’t mean that every expensive laptop is a good deal. If a laptop feels like it’s straining your budget for you to fit it into your purchases, it’s likely rocking some features that are completely unnecessary. Don’t get suckered in to paying a huge upcharge for a 4K display, 4TB of memory and 12GB of RAM when the laptop is going to be used for taking notes and watching YouTube videos.

    Along this same line of reasoning, make sure you know what display resolution you’re comfortable with. If you want to use a laptop for lots of Netflix streaming, video games and photo editing, you might want to opt for the full 4K resolution. However, if you’re buying for a student so they can write research papers and check their email, then you might go for a 720p screen that costs less than half the price.

    Undershooting Your Needs

    On the flip side, if you buy a laptop entirely based on “oh, this is the cheapest one I could find!” then you’re likely going to get what you pay for. If your laptop barely has any storage or RAM, then you’ll find it quickly running out of usefulness for you. Likewise, if you need a lot of applications running at once but opt for a dual-core processor over a quad-core processor, just because the dual-core was cheaper, you’ve only short-changed yourself.

    When you’re buying a laptop, have a good idea of your needs. When you know what you need, then it’s easier to set your price point. If you undershoot what you need, then you’ll have issues on you hands that you won’t be able to fix until you just buy the laptop you should have bought in the first place. Likewise, if you overshoot and buy something hilariously overpowered for what you need, then you’ve wasted a ton of money on bells and whistles that aren’t helping you.

    Not Trying it Out

    Would you ever buy a car without test driving it, or a home without touring it? If you would, then, congratulations on your huge piles of disposable cash. However, people with normal budgets try things before buying them, and your laptop should be no exception. The prevalence of online buying has made this a bit less common in recent years, but this is a disturbing trend. It’s important that you try out any complex piece of technology before you buy it.

    The feel of the keyboard, the speed of the processors and the appearance of the resolution are all important things to see in person. Even minor touches, like the shape and weight of the laptop, are hard to gauge just by looking at stats and dimensions on a cold web page. Little things like the sensitivity of the touch pad or the lack of certain features might not jump off the page at you, but would be immediately apparent if you tried the device in-person.


  • Buying an RV? What You Should Know

    Buying an RV? What You Should Know

    One of the most enduring and fun pastimes that Americans enjoy during their vacation time is going camping. However, camping can be a bit inglorious: slumming it out in a tent in the woods is a bit harder to do once you’re out of your twenties. So, what’s a lover of the great outdoors to do? Well, the simplest solution would be to buy an RV, so you can bring a little bit of home with you when you go camping!

    RVs are quite the investment, though. It’s important that you know what you’re getting into before you buy an RV. To that end, we’ve compiled a quick guide of things you should know before you buy an RV. Get ready to hit the road and the campground in style!

    Be Selective

    It’s okay to take your time when you’re looking to buy an RV. Check out all the options available to you, take it slow and easy, and don’t fall in love with the first camper you see. It’s easy to fall for a hype sales pitch, but don’t let it convince you to buy something you’re not sure about yet. An RV is likely the second-most expensive thing you’ll ever buy, after your home. As such, it’s important you’re as discerning with your RV as you were when you bought your home.

    Keep a lookout for substandard components. Maybe the plumbing isn’t ideal, or the water pump is outdated. Check the cabinets out and double-check the build quality on the furniture. This is a huge purchase: it’s okay to take a year or more doing research and weeding out the campers you know you don’t want before you find the one you do.

    On the Lot

    When you’re going in to buy the RV, make sure you know when to buy. The best time to hit the dealership is towards the end of the month, or the end of the year. That way, you’re close to the deadline for some of the dealership’s quotas and sales targets. This gives you a lot more power in negotiating. When the power is in your hands, you can negotiate much more freely.

    Start by haggling for around thirty percent off the sticker price of the RV. If you can get the price down around that region, you’ll be in good shape. It’s important that you know to walk away if you can’t find a good price with the dealership you’re at. Let the salesperson know that you’re willing to walk away and work with their competition if they won’t work with you.

    Or Buy Used

    If you don’t feel like fussing with a dealership, you can try to buy an RV used. RVs are unusual in that they’re luxury items, but their value depreciates rapidly once they’re purchased. After being driven off the lot, they can drop as much as 25% in price on the spot. As such, if you’re willing to shop around and deal with secondhand sellers, you can likely find RVs for as much as half off their MSRP.

    When buying used, make sure you check the living quarters thoroughly and ask the owner for all the paperwork showing the proper upkeep and maintenance of the RV. They can be a big hassle to keep up with and maintain, so if the person you’re buying from is done with the RV and wants to get rid of it, you’ll likely find it easy to haggle for a better price on the camper. Be aware before you buy any RV that repairs can be costly and can take a lot of time, so be ready for a big responsibility. If you put the work in, though, they can be huge fun!


  • 2020 Chevy Corvette: A Real Corvette Under $60,000?

    2020 Chevy Corvette: A Real Corvette Under $60,000?

    Corvette: the name alone conjures up images of low-slung, aggressive performance vehicles. Clean body lines, aggressive tuning, monstrous acceleration. Corvette. The last thing you think of when you hear the name Corvette, though, is “under $60,000,” unless it’s 1978 and we’re not adjusting for inflation. Believe it or not, though, Chevy has delivered on their promise: the base trim of the 2020 ‘Vette comes in at a cool $59,995, including the destination fees.

    Keep in mind that this doesn’t include taxes or fees, which will inevitable bump the price up above that $60,000 mark. But, to Chevy’s credit, this is a Corvette, and it’s coming off the showroom floor for less than $60,000. That’s impressive, to say the least. But, what are you getting for your money? Is this a water-down car with the ‘Vette emblem slapped on it, or a refined and distilled version of the much-vaunted performance vehicle?

    Drivetrain

    The most important part of any Corvette is under the hood. In the case of the 2020, all trim levels benefit from the same beautiful 6.2-liter V8 that pushes out 490 horsepower and rips 465 pound-feet of torque. If that isn’t enough power for you, every trim level can opt for the $5,000 “Performance” package to get 495 horses and 470 pound-feet. No matter which engine you go for, this thing can fly.

    If you were worried that the lower price tag on the base trim meant it would be getting a half-baked version of the “main” engine, fear not. That 6.2-liter V8 is running under the hood of the base trim, too, and it can punch out some serious power. If you’re looking for a car to make some noise and haul some boogey, the 2020 ‘Vette has you covered at all trim levels.

    Interior

    Tons of interior options are available on the 2020 Corvette. These include six different interior schemes, along with six distinct seatbelt colors. Your ‘Vette will feel unique and distinct from any others you see on the road: there are even two optional upgrades for the seats, of which you have the choice between three different styles. It’s unlikely you sit in any Corvette that looks just like yours after you pick all of your favorite customization options.

    If you opt for the 2LT trim, which starts at $67,295, you get a ton of interesting upgrades in the cab. These include wireless charging for your devices, a color heads-up display, heated and ventilated seats, navigation and satellite radio. On the safety side, this trim level also packs blind-spot monitoring, a backup cam that can be displayed on the rearview mirror, and even a front-facing camera to keep you from biting the curb and scuffing the paint.

    Standard Equipment

    If you’re not interested in picking up the 2LT trim level, however, you still get a ton of bang for you buck at the base trim level. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, an 8-inch infotainment screen and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other great amenities include a killer Bose sound system, power seats with tons of maneuverability and even two-zone climate control to help with picky passengers.

    As for standard safety equipment, the 2020 Corvette will come complete with rear parking sensors standard. Other fun standard features include a 12-inch gauge display, keyless entry and keyless start, a powered-adjustable steering wheel, an HD backup cam and even a 4G LTE wi-fi hotspot. In short, even when you’re getting the base 1LT trim, it’s hard to call this a “watered-down” anything. This is a full-fledged, comfortable, exciting and blisteringly-fast Corvette, through and though. It just happens to have a much more wallet-friendly sticker price than it used to. We call that one a win!


  • Window Replacements: What You Need to Know

    Window Replacements: What You Need to Know

    Windows are a huge part of the flow of any home. After all, no one wants to sit in a dark, windowless room. People love natural light, seeing the world beyond their windows and taking in the sights outside their home. However, your windows could be costing you a lot of money, or letting in bugs and other pests. If your home’s got older windows, you might need some window replacements. Here’s what you need to know about getting new windows installed in your home.

    Window Replacements

    Older Windows

    Older homes tend to have more traditional, old-school windows with simple wooden windowsills. The issue with these old-style windows is that they don’t get a good seal between the wood frame of the window and the wood of the seal itself. This results in your home’s internal temperature being more difficult to maintain. It loses cool air in the summer, and lets heat out in the winter. This is bad for a number of reasons.

    For one thing, this means your power bill is going to be higher than it has any business being. For another, if your HVAC is constantly running at full-tilt to try to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, it’s unlikely you’ll get the same lifespan out of the appliance that you would if it were being run more normal amounts. In turn, this means that older windows just straight-up cost you more money.

    Pests and Bugs

    Another issue with old-style windows is that their lack of a proper seal allows bugs and other pests to easily wiggle their way under the window. While having newer windows isn’t a surefire way to keep bugs out, it does offer one more line of defense between your home and an ant or termite problem. If you’ve been seeing lines of ants crawling in under your window, you know it’s time to get some new windows installed.

    What Kind Should You Get?

    Older windows are different from modern ones in more ways than just the sill. The actual glass panes on older windows are single-pane, and typically made from real glass. Modern, double-pane style windows are more energy efficient, as they radiate less heat, and they’re usually not made from real glass. Instead, they’re created from translucent materials that are much safer. If you’re looking to replace your older windows, we suggest you use newer, double-pane style vinyl windows.

    As far as cost goes, modern, energy-efficient windows tend to cost around $500 to install, though the price in your region could vary based on cost of living. That said, these types of windows are notably more affordable to get installed than older, wooden-style windows, which can cost around $900 to replace. While these may look more “classic,” they’re not exactly a good deal for your wallet.

    Appearance vs Cost Effectiveness

    Many homeowners love the look of classic, wood-frame, single-pane windows. They look traditional, classy and even a little romantic. However, updating from your older windows to this style can be tremendously expensive, cost-prohibitive just to install. Beyond the sheer installation cost, there’s the other expenses these windows could cause you.

    For instance, in the case of your power bill, older style windows will be running the bill up. Heat radiates much more easily through a single glass panel, and wooden frames don’t create strong seals. This means that a draft could get going under the window, resulting in escalating power bills. Not to mention, if the windows are allowing pests underneath, you’ll have to pay even more for an exterminator to remove the problem. In short, unless you’re willing to part with a lot of cash, we recommend sticking with modern, double-pane windows.