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  • Small Business Outlook: Top POS Systems of 2019

    Small Business Outlook: Top POS Systems of 2019

    As a small business owner, you’re probably spending a lot of your time, effort, and attention on the process that leads up to the point when a customer makes a purchase. But what about that very moment? The exact point of sale?

    A POS is a point of sale system that handles all of the transactions you make throughout your business day. It is where your employee will physically run the payment from a customer for goods or services rendered by your company. The POS is both the hardware and the software that keeps the heart of your company pumping. But too many small businesses neglect this all-important aspect of their business health and wellness, and that leads to one thing: cardiac arrest.

    The heart of any business is its sales structure. After all, the best product, service, marketing team, and PR staff won’t do you an ounce of good if you aren’t making sales. Which is why finding the right POS system for your business is so important. Make sure you know everything there is to know about the best POS systems, their benefits for SMBs, and how to choose the right one for you.

    There are many different hardware components that you can choose for your POS. Some of them include:

    • Cash register
    • Barcode scanner
    • Receipt printer
    • Credit card reader
    • Register screen

    With literally hundreds of retail, small business, bar, and restaurant point-of-sale (POS) systems on the market, buying a new POS solution can become overwhelming rather quickly. Let’s look at the top 5 POS systems of 2019 for your small business.

    The Square POS System

    The first top POS system for small business is the Square POS system, in all of its different shapes and sizes. Square point of sale is a cloud-based POS solution for iOS, Android devices and square’s own point of sale hardware. This software allows you to manage customers, transactions, inventory, invoicing, and payments. It also has additional tools for managing customer loyalty, employees, marketing, and payroll.

    Square POS also offers chip, magstripe, and contactless card readers for accepting payment via debit, credit cards, Google pay, and Apple pay. Square offers a wide variety of iterations of their POS system, all of which will be remarkably intuitive and fairly priced.

    The Square Register is the most souped-up version of the point of sale software that Square offers. For a cool $999, the Register will allow your business to accept all types of payments, no additional iPad necessary. Plus, the Register comes with two interfaces—one for you and your employees, and the other for your customers—in order to make the checkout experience as smooth as possible.

    Shopify

    Whether the order is placed through in-store, online or from a mobile device, all the orders are automatically synced through Shopify. It is also easy to monitor cash register adjustment and staff changes.

    Shopify reports will let you easily track customers, payments, and sales made both online and in-store. Shopify comes with robust hardware compatibility and freedom to use with any computer, iPad or Mac. You can custom design each register to suit its counter space and layout.

    Netsuite

    Netsuite is the top POS system with mobile-ready technology enables you to deliver a superior in-store experience, satisfies omnichannel users and builds customer loyalty. It is an end-to-end unified system that provides real-time insights into customers, sales, inventory, financials, and more.

    This helps to grow sales as it empowers sales associates with tools and information to build stronger customer relationships. The cross-channel functionality options are also available which can get used according to your requirement.

    Bindo

    Bindo is cloud-based and was designed specifically to work with iPad, so it’s mobile, but it also comes with an iPad stand if you want to keep the system in one place. You get a barcode scanner, a cash drawer, credit card reader, as well as a receipt printer and it integrates with QuickBooks. A product database manages inventory for you. Bindo can also handle e-commerce and mobile payments.

    One of Bindo’s neatest features is the way it handles employee time-keeping, photographing your workers as they punch in and out. You get free, unlimited, 24-hour customer support, although only via e-mail and in-app chats, and a built-in loyalty program.

    Clover

    Clover is ideal for just about any type of business, but it’s especially suited to larger businesses with more complex needs. You can start with a basic package, then build onto it through Clover’s own API to achieve the exact system your business requires. Ultimately, it will do everything from the basics to scheduling employee hours and maintaining and overseeing your customer loyalty program.

    The Clover System offers multiple POS systems. Clover Mini, introduced in 2015, might be compact, but it manages every sort of payment, as does Clover Mobile for more on-the-go business types. Clover Station is a cash drawer system and offers multiple integrations. One drawback is that you’re limited to using only the merchant processing company that you purchase the product from.

  • This is Why You Need a Directional Microphone

    This is Why You Need a Directional Microphone

    Some microphones are designed to hear equally in all directions (omnidirectional), and some are designed to be more sensitive in certain directions. Directional microphones can be a big advantage when such a microphone is used in a hearing aid or in an Assistive Listening Device (ALD), because it can be used to enhance some sound that you need to hear. A directional microphone picks up sound from specific directions.

    Directional microphones allow you to focus on picking up sounds from very small pathways directly in front of listeners. The use of a directional microphone is more advantageous than using a traditional omnidirectional microphone in a lot of situations. The most advanced directionality comes from using multiple microphones. With two or three microphones, the directionality is improved because the shorter distance between microphones allows them to be hyper-selective about which sounds to cancel and which sounds to concentrate on.

    Today, we are going to take a look at the directional microphone and some of the best on the market.

    As mentioned, directional microphones pick up sound primarily from one end of the device.  The most common type of directional mic is called “cardioid” for the upside down heart-shaped pickup pattern. This type of mic favors sound from the front, while still picking up some sound on the sides. Virtually no sound is received at the back of the microphone. This type of pickup pattern helps to reject background noise and accentuate the sounds you want to record, whether that is a voice, music or sound effects.

    There are two main variations of the cardioid design,   the super-cardioid and hyper-cardioid. Each has a progressively narrow sweet spot while rejecting more sound from the sides of the mic. The ultimate in directionality is the shotgun microphone. These mics are extremely sensitive towards the front with small bumps of pickup to the side and rear. This means you can either pick up sound from further away or better isolate the sound close up. Because they’re so sensitive, they also tend to pick up more handling noise. That’s why you’ll often see them mounted in some type of shock absorbing device.

    Best Hyper-Cardioid: AKG C1000s Multipatter

    AKG C1000s is an inexpensive all-around mic with a switchable cardioid / hypercardioid pattern. It has a signature bright sound that creates an illusion of higher fidelity but also helps to clear up the sound in a live environment. Definitely not the highest quality mic, but if used correctly it can produce very decent results for instruments and female vocals. For videographers, it isn’t recommended. There are simply no viable mics at this price range, so don’t even hope for a cheap booming solution. This mic requires a bit of patience to set up – positioning will play a crucial role in getting a good sound out of it.

    Most of the small diaphragm mics available on the market have a flat frequency response, so they sound more or less similar. However, the AKG C1000s does not sound like the rest. It is much brighter and creates a richer more vibrant sound that sounds more expensive.  It is extremely useful for live performances. This mic clears the little things up and efficiently cuts through where flatter mics don’t.

    Best Super-Cardioid: Shure Beta 58A

    Super-cardioid microphones use an even tighter pickup area at the head of the mic, quickly taper to reject sound from the sides and have a very small lobe of sensitivity near the rear of the mic.This makes them great for the studio and for live performances. Shure Beta 58A is a great performance supercardioid mic, capable of delivering nice and clean vocals without killing your budget.

    Adequately bright but unobtrusive in character, it will do a great job of clearing up vocals while keeping the over complicated surrounding sounds. It has a linear response throughout the entire vocal range, which is especially appreciated by versatile singers. The Shure Beta 58a is very easy to work with, both for singer and sound engineer alike. It is also quite durable and definitely a great buy.

    Best Shotgun Microphone: Sennheiser MKE 600

    This microphone is a fantastic quality, 10” short-range shotgun. Although considered an entry model, which is available at rather modest price, it can deliver a professional sounding performance! Moreover, I’d say this mic is probably the best raw performer in its range. This is not only about the quality but also about the design.

    The Sennheiser MKE 6000 also performs great in both close and open areas without relying on post EQ. It is reasonably flat and while peaking in the upper range with a slight 2-3 dB boost it gives just about enough presence not to sound lame. It seems, Sennheiser took best of both mics for their MKE 600, and then improved it even further.

    When it comes to short shotguns, Sennheiser MKE 600 is the deal. Of course, it is more expensive than other entry-level models, but you get a superior performance. This mic is such a great deal that every videographer should definitely consider having it in their equipment bag.

  • 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: The Right Car for Your Family?

    2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: The Right Car for Your Family?

    The bigger, beefier design of the Tiguan is still here, but does it live up to its body’s big promise? The German engineers over at VW have unveiled the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. It is a beast to behold, but does it have the power to match? Today we’ll answer that question and more with our review.

    If you’ve been looking into buying a new SUV, you may have been considering the VW Tiguan. We’ll break down the features, trims and drive experience to help you make an informed decision. Is this the right car for your family, or should you opt for a different SUV?

    2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Review

    What’s New?

    Honestly, not much is new this year. That’s to be expected: 2017 to 2018 saw a huge redesign for the Tiguan. If you missed it, the Tiguan grew by about a foot between 2017 and 2018, and got room for a third row or additional cargo space.

    The true changes this year are really minor. The SE trim level gets a standard alarm system, while the SEL trim now gets a digital gauge cluster. Oh, and the SEL gets parking sensors, now, too. That’s about all that’s new to the Tiguan this year.

    Trim Levels

    Speaking of trim levels, let’s get into those a bit more. There are four, and they’re pretty easy to parse. The base trim is S, and it starts a $25,290. The SE trim is $27,690, while the SEL is $32,790. The high end is the SEL Premium trim, which goes for an eye-watering $38,190. That puts the Tiguan in the mid-range of price at the base level and up to the “luxury” mark for the high end.

    All trim levels get a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and automatic eight-speed transmission. Buyers can opt for a four-wheel drive powertrain, though in any event the engine never really feels quite powerful. The body’s massive size actually somewhat belies the underwhelming engine under the hood.

    Fuel Economy

    Another important consideration with any new vehicle is gas mileage. Impressively, the front-wheel-drive model gets 32 mpg highway, making it a surprisingly efficient engine for an SUV. That goes double for just how big the Tiguan is. It looks and handles a bit like a tank, so the good fuel economy is a welcome boon.

    Ride Quality

    While the engine is nothing special, the ride quality is solid. It’s not terribly precise, and it won’t be taking turns with anything resembling speed. That said, the ride is quiet and smooth, which will be more than enough for most use-cases. If you’re getting an SUV to tear up the road, you’re probably missing out on some great sports cars that you would rather have.

    That said, the automatic transmission feels like it’s never in a hurry. The car can even feel sluggish as it hesitates to downshift, keeping you somewhat locked in awkward rhythms, especially during heavy traffic. In any event, it’s fine for going on trips or picking up groceries. It’s just less than ideal for driving downtown or on crowded highways.

    Interior Features

    The interior is simple, in the classic VW style. It’s not showy or flashy and it gets the job done while remaining comfortable. It’s hard to say whether this is a good thing or bad thing and it really more up to your individual preferences.

    Impressively, the Tiguan uses its space efficiently enough that you can squeeze seven people into the vehicle, including the driver. That makes this a great compromise for bigger families that don’t want to bump up to the minivan level but need tons of seats.

    The standard trim has cloth seating, but you can opt for faux-leather seats with higher trim levels. The seats themselves are comfortable and well-made, and never feel to cramped. Even with seven people squeezed in, everyone has ample legroom (assuming they’re not NBA player-sized, of course.)

    Bottom Line

    Between the unassuming interior, large cargo space, good fuel economy and smooth ride, there’s a lot to like about this vehicle. On the flip side, those looking for a flashier vehicle, or one with more fun under the hood, should look elsewhere. While the prices are mid-level for the base trim, you get a lot of good features standard.

    Notable among the standard features is the excellent Car-Net infotainment system. The large, easy-to-navigate system makes you feel like all of your car’s features are right at your fingertips. As for non-standard features, there are ample safety features available at higher trim levels. Examples include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and emergency braking.

  • Top 5 Meal Delivery Services

    Top 5 Meal Delivery Services

    Have you stopped and looked around at the world we live in today. We are undoubtedly in the best of all times to be alive. This statement can be righteously confirmed with simple services like meal delivery services.

    Our species has evolved past the hunter gather format to a place where pre-prep foods from all over the world are sent on a daily or weekly bases,  delivered to your doorstep for you to cook into gourmet dishes at your convenience. I really don’t know what manifest destiny means, but I’d like to believe this is it. For those of us that want to get healthy meal prep is one of the best ways to ensure you have the time and energy to make healthy meals all week long. Meal prep kits are the best way to do meal prep without all the work.

    The meal delivery services field is growing, with specialty purveyors focusing on vegan foods, seasonal ingredients, and smoothies. These meals are healthy, tasty, easy to make, and maybe best of all, you don’t have to wait for inspiration to strike and then battle the crowds at the grocery store. With home meal kits, you just go online and browse the latest recipe ideas, and they come straight to your door ready for you to put together. So this leads to the question, which one? Lets Look at the Top 5 Meal Delivery Services.

     

    Purple Carrot

    Purple Carrot runs on plant power. If you don’t eat animal products or are lactose intolerant, you’re in luck. Every single dish from Purple Carrot is not only vegetarian, but vegan, too. But don’t worry, we’re not talking boring grilled veggies here. This box features seasonal produce, herbs, and creative sauces that keep things interesting. Each week, Purple Carrot chefs create a new selection of plant-based dishes like cauliflower l’orange and coffee teriyaki skewers. In addition to being healthy and tasty, Purple Carrot encourages users to appreciate the way that eating plant-based meals instead of ones containing meat is environmentally friendly, cutting down on water use and emissions. In addition to the individual plan serving one to two people there is also a family plan returning that makes two meals for three to four people, and a “performance” plan that ups the protein content of each meal, and is gluten-free.

     

    Blue Apron

    They’re the OG of meal delivery services.  Most of Blue Apron’s recipes are pretty easy, making the company a good choice for beginner cooks.  Instead of spending all night at the grocery store or in the kitchen, Blue Apron delivers pre-measured ingredients for simple recipes straight to your door. Meals start at just $9.99 per serving and you can choose the two-person plan, This comes with two or three meals per week or the family plan which comes with up to four meals per week. Also for those of use that like a nice glass of wine to to compliment this 5 star gourmet dinner you just prepared check out the company’s wine delivery options.

    Blue Apron never fails to take you out of your comfort zone. The most impressive thing was that out of the dozens of meals I made, there were only one or two dinners that I’d never make again. Another perk is that they love condiments as much as I do. Many of the recipes require you to whip up different sauces or au jus for dipping.

    Though there are generally a few choices for your three weekly meals, this isn’t the best option for those with dietary restrictions, as they really only offer a regular and vegetarian option. And even though the meals won’t take forever cook, you’ll still spend a decent amount of time in the kitchen—somewhere in the neighborhood of 45 minutes. If you use cooking as a way to decompress and chill out after a long day, you are in luck. Blue Apron never fails to take you out of your comfort zone. The most impressive thing was that out of the dozens of meals I made, there were only one or two dinners that you would never make again.

     

    Plated

    Plated has easy to follow recipes and is very flexible with customers, but it’s the food that is simply divine. The recipes are crafted by the company’s culinary team and use high quality ingredients that are free of hormones and antibiotics. And while the recipes can be exotic and seductive, you can also just whip up some more standard fare like waldorf chicken salad and spicy crunchy shrimp bowls. You can also add dessert if you really feel like getting carried away.

    Plated is also flexible – the company will allow you skip weeks, switch recipes and cancel anytime. There is a great range of recipes—from an elevated grilled cheese to stuffed roasted squash to pumpkin rigatoni—that reflect the current season. It’s also great they have a two meal a week option. One drawback though – the company doesn’t offer specifically vegan options

     

    Hello Fresh

    What makes Hello Fresh unique is that it offers a vegetarian meal plan for folks who don’t eat meat. The company is also committed to using responsibly-sourced ingredients. To use, first choose from the veggie, classic, or family plans, which all come with two or three recipes per week and start at $7.99 per serving. Still skeptical? Purchase a Hello Fresh Meal Delivery Services in select grocery stores for your first go-around. All the recipes are straight-forward and rarely included unnecessary steps. Plus, the portions are bigger, so we always had leftovers for the next day.

    Sun Basket

    If you’re trying hard to stick to a certain food regimen like Whole 30 or the Paleo Diet, Sun Basket’s meals can help. They only send the cleanest ingredients to their customers. Choose from either a classic plan, which serves two to four people, or a family plan, which feeds four people and starts at $10.99 per serving.

     

    The Final Meal Delivery Services Thought

    It didn’t take long for me to realize that a meal delivery service was exactly the type of instruction I needed. You choose the meals you would like to make and they send you the stuff needed. Not only did it save me time since I didn’t have to go to the store and scour the shelves for specific ingredients, but it also broke down every step for me in dummy terms. Not only am I getting to eat these gourmet meals with ingredients Ive never even heard of, I get a daily win and sense of accomplishment from cooking a 5 star meal.

  • 2019 Buick Encore: Does it Deserve a Standing Ovation?

    2019 Buick Encore: Does it Deserve a Standing Ovation?

    The 2019 Buick Encore is here. Does it deserve the encore it has as a namesake or is it time for this car to get off the stage? Today we’re digging into the 2019 Buick Encore and dissecting all the ins and outs to help you decide whether it’s worth it. The Buick name has long been synonymous with luxury. Does that legacy continue with this year’s Encore?

    2019 Buick Encore Review

    Design

    The Buick Encore is a slick-looking and solid SUV. And when we say solid, we mean solid: this thing looks like a sturdy vehicle and has a really smooth drive. The interior is made of high-quality materials, making it feel very premium and luxurious. The seats are plush and comfortable, and the cabin is incredibly quiet. You could take a nap during a firework show in this thing.

    Okay, that last one is an exaggeration but you get the idea.

    Interior Features

    It wouldn’t be a modern SUV without ample features in the interior to make you feel like royalty. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so the car functions as an extension of your smartphone. Controlling your phone with your voice keeps you from driving distracted, which makes things easier (and legal) while you’re driving.

    As for other interior features, trim levels can dictate just how much luxury you get with the 2019 Encore. The infotainment screen is big and easy-to-use, but you can get an even bigger one with higher trim levels. The same goes for the seats: the higher trim levels have even more luxurious materials and levels of comfort for the seating.

    You can fit five people in the Encore, although the backseat may be a tight fit for three adults. That said, there’s ample headroom, and the interior uses its space well. No one should have cramped knees unless they’re tremendously tall.

    For people who love being in control, the driver’s seat is sufficiently high to see the road well. The drive itself is smooth, though not lively. The Encore handles well and drives very smoothly, though it’s not for thrill-seekers. Acceleration and horsepower are not the name of the game here, even at higher trim levels.

    Exterior Features

    LED lights, well-known for their extreme brightness, are out in full force with the Encore. You’ll be able to see way ahead of you on even the darkest roads while making sure others see you coming. There are a variety of paint colors available from the manufacturer, and they all look sleek and luxurious.

    Make no mistake: anyone who sees you driving an Encore will know you’re in a Buick. If you like the classic Buick body style, you’ll love the Encore. It doesn’t swap out the tried-and-true “Buick SUV” look, but it does look modern enough to impress.

    Under the Hood

    The engine in the Encore is nothing to cheer for. It’s sporting 138 horsepower in a four-cylinder engine standard, which isn’t going to impress anyone. The Sport Touring and Essence trims both have the option for a slightly mightier engine, one sporting 153 horsepower. Well, that’s not turning any heads either.

    As for fuel economy, the Encore is an average vehicle. It gets 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, which is ever-so-slightly ahead of the competition. While that’s not going to win any awards, it’s in a car that earns its spot in the Buick lineup in other ways.

    Bottom Line

    On the upside, the 2019 Buick Encore has a few things going right. There are a lot of standard features, especially in the interior of the vehicle. The infotainment system is very useful and has a much better user interface than some of the competition. That’s not to mention that the interior is luxurious in even the base trim level.

    Additionally, the ride is smooth and comfortable, if unexciting. However, most SUV owners aren’t looking for a high-performance vehicle, so this is hard to mark against the vehicle. That said, the underwhelming engine does raise some alarms with the higher-than-average price.

    Pricing

    The 2019 Buick Encore has a base price of $23,200 for the intro-level trim. That gets you a number of standard features for the interior, as well as that smooth, quiet ride Buick is well-known for. However, it’s also a bit pricier than other cars in this category, meaning you’re paying a bit more for that Buick name.

    At the top end of the range, the Essence trim level comes in a hair over $30,000, which puts it firmly in the luxury range for an SUV. If you’re looking for a Buick SUV, the Encore doesn’t disappoint, though it is a little on the pricey side.

  • To the Cleaners: The Best Washer and Dryer Combos

    To the Cleaners: The Best Washer and Dryer Combos

    It can be very difficult narrowing down which washer and dryer you want. However, one of the most cost-saving moves you can make when shopping for a washer and dryer set is to get a combo. Washer and dryer combos not only look sleek in your laundry room, they also work well in unison and tend to cost less than buying two appliances.

    Today we’re going to help you narrow down which washer and dryer combo you should get. These are some of the top-rated washer and dryer combos on the market right now. Remember, there are no “correct” choices, these are just some of the most highly rated options.

    Best Washer and Dryer Combos

    GE 5.0 cubic foot Smart High-Efficiency Washer and 7.4 cubic foot Dryer

    This smart, high-efficiency model is a great device for new homeowners and long-time veterans of domesticity alike. For one thing, it’s a high-efficiency washer and dryer at once, meaning it will keep your power and water bills down.  For another, it’s absolutely massive.

    The huge interior and impeller in the washer mean you’ve got room for even the mightiest of laundry loads. That includes huge comforters, large amounts of laundry and obscure items like cushions. The big tumbling space for clothing in the dryer is a great pair to this, meaning that you’ve got tons of room for even the biggest laundry loads.

    You’ve also got the option of several heating and tumble cycles. There are 14 cycles available, meaning you can handle any task. There are also 5 heating modes, meaning your clothes won’t get ruined by the dryer.

    Did we mention it’s smart-home enabled out of the box? “Alexa, start my laundry,” is a pretty cool command. Not to mention asking how long until your laundry is done. The best part of this smart capability is that the washer-dryer combo can act as an auto-dispenser for detergent. It’ll even reorder detergent for you on Amazon if you want it to.

    Whirlpool WTW4816FW Washer and WED4815EW Dryer

    If you’re all about energy efficiency then this is the washer and dryer set for you. This combo was literally made with money-saving as a primary concern. The washer and dryer both have custom settings in place to consume less power, water and money. What’s not to love?

    The washer is only 3.5 cubic feet, but it can fit a surprising amount of laundry. It has load-sensing technology that detects how much laundry is in the drum. Then, it attempts to tailor the amount of water being dispensed to match the load in question. That means that you’ll spend less water on small loads.

    The dryer, for its part, has an AccuDry mode you can use that will cut the machine off when the clothes inside are dry. It will even tumble the clothes occasionally, in a mode called Wrinkle Shield, to keep them from getting those annoying wrinkles. Talk about handy!

    Samsung WF45M5500AP Washer and DVE45M5500P Dryer with Steam

    Samsung’s name is linked with quality, and for good reason. If you want one of the best overall washer and dryer combos, this long-named pair is what you’re looking for. Where do you begin with a set of appliances this well-made?

    Well, we’ll begin with the steam technology. With steam technology, the washer and dryer get clothing clean in a deep, holistic way that is hard to describe. It’s almost like picking up your clothes from the cleaners, but they’re coming from your own home.

    Next, the combo looks absolutely elegant in any laundry room. The stainless-steel design and high-quality interface make these luxurious to use. If you want your laundry to feel like less of a chore, making your washer and dryer into sleek pieces of technology is one way.

    People who use this washer and dryer set describe it as quiet and efficient. No obnoxious clanging or home-filling sounds of laundry. If you’re like us, you hate all that racket when you’re trying to watch TV or read at home. Thankfully, these don’t have that problem, if the reviews are to be believed.

    Bottom Line

    There are no right answers when it comes to the best washer and dryer combos. However, these three devices represent the best of their fields according to reviews online. The GE set has top-of-the-line smart home features. The Whirlpool set is the best high-efficiency set out there, according to reviews.

    Most notably, the Samsung set was highly rated across a number of both professional and user reviews. If you want the best of the best, these are what you’re looking for.

  • Best Laser Hair Removal Options that Actually Work

    Best Laser Hair Removal Options that Actually Work

    No one likes having to shave manually. Between ingrown hairs and irritation, traditional razors just aren’t all that great for getting the job done. That said, laser hair removal hasn’t been a great alternative either until recently. Previously, laser hair removal gadgets were just too expensive and didn’t even really work all that well.

    However, modern gadgets are much better about actually, you know, removing hair. Not to mention they’ve become more affordable in the intervening years. That’s not to say you should feel compelled to remove body hair; it’s totally natural after all…  but if you do want to remove it, try these laser hair removal options.

    Laser Hair Removal Options

    Silk’n Infinity 400,000

    This device doesn’t actually use lasers, it uses Intense Pulse Light, or IPL, to eliminate hair. Interestingly, this IPL does a number of things when used on hair follicle. For one thing, the pulse itself burns the hair away easily. The second effect is the one that people love about laser treatments.

    It destroys hair follicle. No, seriously. After repeated IPL treatments, you’ll find that the hair follicle will be destroyed entirely. That means that some people who use these devices regularly will eventually have no hair growth in the treated area.

    As for the Silk’n Infinity, it’s a long-lasting device. As the name suggests, it has 400,000 IPL pulses stored in its battery. After it spends those pulses, though, it’s dead. That’s pretty much standard across all laser hair removal devices.

    This one is a bit on the pricey side, though. It retails for $350. That said, it’ll last you for a long time, and it works on all skin tones.

    Remington iLight Pro Plus Quartz Hair Removal System

    Speaking of skin tones, that’s this system’s drawback. This Remington iLight is a fantastic hair removal device… unless you have darker skin. This device won’t even activate if it can’t differentiate skin from hair, so people with darker skin often can’t even use this.

    The reason for this is that the Remington iLight system uses IPL, like the Silk’n Infinity. However, it can’t differentiate from hair and skin by any method other than color detection. That means people with especially fair body hair would also likely be unable to use it.

    Those complaints aside, this is a fine hair removal system. It retails for $243, and it sports an impressive 300,000 IPL bursts. Like the Silk’n Infinity, it can destroy hair follicle over repeated treatment. That means you won’t have to worry about hair in a treated area after multiple treatments.

    Tria Hair Removal Laser 4x

    The Tria Removal Laser is unique among gadgets on this list, as it is actually a laser hair removal device. As in, it uses energy in the form of lasers to eliminate hair follicle. It’s FDA approved for home use, making it nearly one-of-a-kind in this field. It also costs enough to balance out just how unique it is: it comes in at $450.

    While that may seem expensive, consider what you’re getting. This is a laser designed for home use that can make it so you don’t need to shave anymore. If you think about how much you spend on razer blades and other shaving products it makes it really hard to call this a bad investment.

    If you’re not already familiar with laser treatment, this device walks you through it quite easily. It’s recommended that you only use the device with clean, freshly-washed and shaven skin. If you don’t you could risk burning yourself or improperly using the device.

    After that, the device’s LED display walks you through the process step by step. That’s a good thing, as this process isn’t exactly straightforward. For those looking to use a real laser to get rid of their body hair, this is the device for you.

    Illuminage Touch Permanent Hair Reproduction System

    Another IPL device, the Illuminage system retails for $445. It sports a relatively small 120,000 IPL pulses, but that’s not the whole story. The notable thing about this system is that it can target hair follicles of red and blond colorations, making it unique among IPL devices.

    That’s because it has the ability to differentiate hair follicle of that color from the surrounding skin. This means that it’s safe to use even if you’ve got a fair complexion, unlike some other systems. This device offers best results if used once a week for about six or seven weeks.

    That said, consistency is key with this device and others like it. It’s important to get on a schedule and stick to it. While you may not see results immediately, god things come to those who wait. Keep up the treatments, stay consistent with shaving and keeping your skin clean, and you’ll see results.

    Remington iLight Ultra Face and Body Hair Removal System

    Another Remington iLight device, this one is a bit different than the Quartz from earlier. How so, you ask? Well, as the name implies, you can use it on your face. That’s right: any pesky facial hairs that are hanging out can be targeted with this device.

    Well, as long as they’re dark enough. Like most IPL devices, this one can’t easily target light hair colors. Blonde, gray and red hairs tend to avoid the IPL beams, making this more for people with darker colored hair they want to target.

    A note on this one: avoid your eyes. Don’t put the device anywhere near your eyes. The IPL bursts it lets out can literally blind you, so be careful when you’re using it. That goes for all of these devices, of course: don’t point them into your eyes. Seriously.

    This device is also $450, which seems to be a normal price for devices that can remove hair with a laser. If you’re looking to get into home laser hair removal, it is much less expensive than going to a clinic for treatment, and it’ll likely save you a ton of money on shaving supplies.

    Above all, remember: you should only change your body if it’s something that makes you happy. Body hair is completely natural, so only remove it if that’s what you want to do.

  • Best Jean Brands for Every Woman’s Body Type

    Best Jean Brands for Every Woman’s Body Type

    There’s nothing better than a fabulously-fitting pair of skinny jeans. As soon and you slide into them, you just know they’re the right jean for you.   The length is perfect, the knees aren’t baggy and they sculpt your body in all the right places.  Not to mention they make your booty look amazing. These are your go-to jeans, and putting them on makes you feel like the goddess that you are.

    While this casual wardrobe fixture has been reinvented endlessly, it is still a classic. Denim is one of those outfit staples that can be both perfect and overwhelming all at the same time. Nothing is worse than an ill-fitting pair of jeans. For example, finding the right denim for someone with a shorter frame, hips, and a sizable butt can be extremely difficult.  With the countless styles, fits, and wash options available,  along with the dreaded dark fitting rooms with incredibly unflattering mirrors – it’s easy to get overwhelmed pretty quickly.

    The key is to know what design features will enhance your particular shape.  A higher rise is great for curvy women as it slims the waistline and gives a sleek overall look. However, petite and boyish figures will want to avoid the higher waistline as it can engulf the shorter torso. Also, you want to check the back pocket placement. It makes a monumental difference for aiding in lift, accentuation and creating smooth lines. The wash of a jean can also make or break a look depending on a lady’s body type.  Let’s look at some of the top options available for women’s jeans.

    The GAP

    A favorite cheap denim and staple since high school for many are Gap’s consistently good jeans. The brand has a great range of petite sizes and they boast a well-rounded selection of curvy, cropped, slimming, straight, and even novelty denim. Gaps jeans have ridiculously soft fabric engineered to upgrade your comfort.  Gap has some of the best jeans and the best prices.

    Forever Karlie Flare Jean

    Karlie Kloss, a world-renowned supermodel, first collaborated with Frame Denim after confessing her struggle to find jeans that were long enough for her 6’2” silhouette. This jean was designed with tall girls in mind and features a higher rise, lengthened leg proportions, and a stretch blend fabric.  While these are designer jeans created for specific body types, they are elegant and striking for the right-sized ladies.

    True Religion Casey Low Rise Super Skinny Jean

    These jeans are most suited for women who have a straight up and down figure. These are a lower rise jean, and are a great option to help accentuate or even invent new curves. This particular pair from True Religion is constructed of stretch cotton denim and has a flattering dark wash. These jeans also feature a lower waistline, with a slightly cropped hem. With a super skinny fit in a deep midnight blue wash, this low rise jean takes you from day to night with minimum effort.

    Levi’s 712 & 311

    The 712’s jeans from Levi’s are flattering and comfortable, and can be dressed up or down. You might be surprised by how much you will like the slim cut.  The 712 is a slightly more grown-up and less overtly “sexy” look, with a versatile fit. They will definitely become your new favorite daily jeans if given the chance!

    The 311’s are a mid-stretch denim with a skinny leg and fit that shapes throughout the hip and thigh.  This style includes tummy-slimming technology with added stretch for comfort. They hold their shape and don’t end up baggy by the end of the day. For those with athletic thighs you won’t be nervous about skinny jeans any longer. These are very slimming.

    As the main stream American jeans brand for the last 100 years, Levi’s are readily available just about everywhere. Most major retailers carry all styles and offer discounts and BOGO’s frequently. This makes it very easy to get your favorite style of Levi’s at a great and affordable price.

    Good American Good Legs High Rise Skinny Jeans

    Contrary to what you may think, wide hips can look rather fabulous and jaw dropping even in skinny jeans. This is especially true in Good American Good Legs High Rise Skinny Jeans!  In addition to a body-lengthening high waist, they feature a contoured waistband and “advanced stretch recovery” for a fit that moves with your shape.

    These jeans feature a signature four-piece, gap-proof waistband that contours to the body to help avoid a gap appearing at the back of the waist. Good American was launched last year by Khloé Kardashian and Emma Grede. They are available from the Good American website and Nordstrom at lower prices than you might expect.

  • Top European River Cruises

    Top European River Cruises

    From remarkable Dutch tulip fields in the spring to Germany’s magical Christmas markets and loads of other renowned cities and landmarks, European river cruises offer wonder and  whimsy for all travelers.

    Unlike ocean cruises that offer “sea days” with plenty of time to relax, voyages along European waterways include a stop each day with a busy itinerary. With lots to see and do on a daily basis there is not as much downtime at sea as you might expect. Most of the European river cruises are a week long. Some stop in three countries,  while others offer longer trips that can last 10 days to two weeks or more.

    They almost always start in wonderful destination cities such as Paris, Amsterdam and Budapest. Lets take a look at some of the Top European River Cruises.

    Crystal River Cruises

    Crystal Cruises blew the world of river cruising away  in 2016 with the launch of Crystal Mozart. An antique vessel completely refurbished to Crystal’s exacting standards and offering a product like no other. With New Ships,  Bach, Mahler,Debussy , and Ravel all added in the last year, there are a plethora of great options.

    Crystal River Cruises aims to redefine river cruising. The exteriors of its ships are the same as most other river cruisers, with the exception of Crystal Mozart, which is double the width of the standard river cruiser. The others are all the same width and length as most river cruisers operating on the rivers in Europe. Where Crystal’s River ships differ is in delivering Crystal’s renowned luxury product. The company has had more than 25 years to perfect its luxury travel experience on the high seas, and so it was well-prepared to adapt its award-winning product to the rivers.

    Specializing in the most luxurious Danube River Cruises, truly amazing amenities are aplenty on these ships.  Exemplary service is among the most distinguishing aspect of the Crystal River Experience, delivered by European-trained professionals who are selected for their winning personalities and unparalleled expertise, who also happen to share your passion for world discovery. This is the top European River Cruise available and is worth every penny.

    Scenic European River Cruises

    Scenic is the most expensive European River Cruise line. With Cruise in most European Rivers including the Rhine, Main, Moselle, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Volga, Mekong, and Irrawaddy. With meticulously planned itineraries, unforgettable onshore excursions and all drinks and dining included in the price of your cruise, there really is no better way to experience the rivers of Europe and immerse yourself in the history and culture that lines its banks.

    Scenic’s ‘Space-Ships’ boast some of the largest suites on the European rivers. With a wealth of luxury facilities, it includes a spacious wellness area, complimentary WiFi connectivity, electric bikes, five exclusive dining venues and a spacious sun deck. The décor is fresh and contemporary. The all-inclusive pricing includes complimentary drinks all day, every day, tipping, flights, transfers and an interesting program of shore excursions.

    Viking River Cruises

    As the world’s leader, no one offers European river cruises like Viking. You can traverse through enchanting vineyards along the Moselle River, and they even offer  Rhône River Cruises. The fabled Rhône is lined with vestiges of a rich Roman past. The cruise courses through picturesque Provence, cultivating renowned vineyards and vibrant wild flower fields.

    The suites in Viking River Cruise’s lovely longship boats are best-in-class. Nine suites on each ship have both traditional balconies and wall-to-ceiling “French verandas”. They open the bedrooms completely to the passing views. The two Explorer Suites on each vessel measure 445 square feet. That is huge in river world standards, and they also have 270-degree views and wraparound balconies.

    Riverboats, particularly those that ply Europe’s waterways, all have to hew to the same size standards. This is  because of low bridges and tight locks. But the simple Scandinavian design of Viking’s nearly 50 newly built longships makes the best use of space we’ve seen. They don’t feel cramped, and they have a lovely indoor/outdoor dining area, the Aquavit Terrace.

    AmaWaterways

    Travel to legendary destinations on a 7-night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest. Explore a 2,000 year-old city, savor Wachau Valley wines, and experience the timeless beauty and fascinating history of Vienna and Budapest. The line offers a stellar series of wine-themed cruises that celebrate the varieties of the region, be it the grüner veltliners along the Danube, the reds of Bordeaux, or the port of the Douro region. Off ship, there are visits to local wineries and cellars, with tastings; on ship, U.S. winemakers provide tastings of their own wines alongside locally produced vintages.

    At the intimate 28-seat Chef’s Table, the food on AmaWaterways, the only river line to be a member of the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, is superbly prepared and plated. Menus reflect the regions the ships pass through. They are sensitive to dietary restrictions, and are complemented by such onshore experiences as restaurant takeovers.

  • AKG N700NC Review: A True Bose Competitor?

    AKG N700NC Review: A True Bose Competitor?

    Premium, noise-canceling headphones carry a hefty price tag. That means that when you look to buy a pair, you make sure it’s a good one. Top name brands like Bose and Sony tend to dominate the conversation when it comes to noise-cancellation. Can the AKG N700NC stand up to the big dogs?

    AKG N700NC Review

    Sound

    These headphones sound great, all said. The sound is open, wide and spacious, which is hard to do with noise-canceling headphones. Bass notes pack some serious punch, the high end is vibrant and the sounds are quite crisp.

    The noise-cancelation is superb, as to be expected from a device this expensive. These headphones offer an AmbientAware mode that lets some sounds through in the event you need to be aware of your surroundings. For instance, if you’re on a plane and want to hear when a flight attendant asks you a question.

    Design

    The headphones are made from a premium plastic material and the build quality is great. They’re not quite as solid as the competition from Bose, but they’re good. The earcups have a memory foam outlining that feels good, if not great, on the ear. Again, the edge in comfort goes to Bose.

    The AKG N700NC headphones are also a touch heavier than the competition from Sony and Bose. That’s not a huge deal, but it is noticeable. In any event, the build is great and reflects the high price, even if it’s slightly overshadowed by the competition.

    Price

    Coming in at the high price of $350 does a lot to discourage the curious, though. While Bose and Sony offer very premium and fantastic headphones at that price range, these AKG headphones don’t quite reach that lofty bar. If Samsung (who owns AKG, believe it or not,) wants to compete with Bose and Sony in a more direct way, something has to give.

    The next step for AKG needs to be either to drop the price of the N700NC to around $260 or to make a stronger pair of headphones. While the N700NCs are excellent, they’re not quite as good as, say, the WH-1000XM3 from Sony. What’s worse, the WH-1000XM3 is also $350.