iPhone 6 plus Camera Not Focusing Fix

So, while I was at the beach this past weekend, I realized my camera was not focusing for pictures that were at a distance of more than a few feet away. This was an issue! Here I am, at the beach, having fun with friends and my boyfriend, and my camera isn’t working. Not the best situation to be in, right? Sure, things could be worse, but it was definitely annoying!

We were only at the beach for a short amount of time (about a day), so I didn’t have time to research and fix what was going on. However, now that I am back at home, I figured it out and fixed it rather simply.

I found some “quick fixes” to fixing the iPhone not focusing, but they didn’t work for me. I tried tapping the phone at the top, cleaning the lens, taking the case off, shutting it down, etc. Nothing was working and I really wasn’t wanting to go to the Apple store or have to reset my iPhone to factory settings.

So, what fixed it? Well, I went into settings and looked to see if there was a newer update (iOS 9.3.3) that would maybe fix this camera not focusing bug. It didn’t mention anything about it in the updates, but I figured I’d try to download it and see if it fixed it anyways… and it did! So, if you are also having an issue with a camera out of focus on your iPhone, you might want to try it. New iOS updates can bring about new problems, but this fixed my current problem, and I’m quite happy about that. Also, sidenote – I also read it helps Pokemon go run smoother on the iPhone. So, there is that!

UPDATE: So, my iPhone 6 Plus camera went blurry and not focusing... again. The update only seemed to fix it for about a week (or maybe less, I wasn't taking many pictures). This made me quite mad, so I did a lot of research into the topic. It seems there is an "iSight Camera Replacement Program for iPhone 6 Plus" which has you put in your serial number to determine if it is in the batch of known phones with issues. Mine was.So, I called up Apple Support which had me setup an appointment for their Genius Bar. The guy on the phone said I'd have to pay about $30 to get it fixed, but I said I refused because it wasn't my fault this happened. He said I'd still have to pay. I could have also sent it in by mail to be fixed, but I can't go without a phone for who knows how long.

I had the appointment yesterday, which was also my first time to an actual Apple store. It was super busy! You really do need an appointment to get anything done there tech wise. After the guy was checking out my phone and determined it was having issues, guess what? I didn't have to pay anything. It was free to get fixed. No appointment charge or anything. It took about 2 hours, but the store was located in a nice shopping area, so I just went and browsed some other stores. All in all, not a bad experience.

If your iPhone 6+ is going blurry or not focusing, see if your serial number is in that batch and/or take it into the store (with an appointment) and get it fixed.

Happily Ever After... and 39 Other Myths about Love by Linda & Charlie Bloom

Happily Ever After... and 39 Other Myths about Love by Linda & Charlie Bloom is the book to burst the myths of “love” right out of the rocky waters of love. Everything isn’t perfect with love, and the myths we have been clinging to (sometimes without even knowing it) aren’t all correct. In fact… some are so wrong it hurts.

Book Description

“According to bestselling authors and relationship counselors Linda and Charlie Bloom, accepting common myths such as “couples with great relationships don’t fight” or “little things aren’t worth getting upset over” can prevent you from building the strong relationship you hope for. This book offers compelling stories and valuable suggestions for replacing myths with realistic expectations, equipping you with behavior and communication guidelines that will enhance and strengthen your intimate relationship. With the Blooms’ strong yet flexible approach to love, you’ll discover a new openness in which mutual understanding can thrive.” – Happily Ever After... and 39 Other Myths about Love

My Thoughts

Happily Ever After... and 39 Other Myths about Love is a book that everyone should read that is married, engaged, in a relationship, or wants to be in a relationship… so that is 99.9% of the population, right?

This book is laid out with each myth as a chapter, so it makes for a rather breezy read. You can read the ones you have fallen victim to or read them all. I vote to read them all because it makes for a better well-rounded view on the subject, but this is not always the best option for everybody.

The first chapter I read wasn’t the first myth, either. It was the one titled “If you really loved me, I wouldn’t have to ask” – you know, the one where one person feels that the other should be a mind reader? We need to express ourselves more and just because our partner is very close to us and does understand us, it doesn’t mean they always know what we are thinking or what we want at any given time. We need to be more vocal, and this is something I think a lot of us need to do with our relationships. Great chapter.

Overall, I think this book is a great tool to improve relationships. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Happily Ever After... and 39 Other Myths about Love, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Polyvore: Beach Road Trip

Beach Road Trip by starry943 featuring a handbag tote

OwlCrate Unboxing June 2016 – Royalty

Thanks for watching my OwlCrate unboxing for the June Royalty themed subscription box full of bookish items. I’ve been getting this box for just a few months, but I am always excited when I see it has arrived - too bad Hedwig isn’t actually carrying it to me though! This month the is the Royalty theme, which I was very excited for!

The subscription costs about $30/month and is less if you purchase the pre-paid plan. This is my second unboxing of it to share with you, so I hope you enjoy it! Also, sorry my voice/thoughts are still not quite the best, recovering from the flu in June is awful!  

Sign-up for OwlCrate! $29.99/month - https://owlcrate.com/refer/Sheri-ZGAYFFEH  (affiliate link)

If you like this video and want to see more unboxing or reviews, subscribe to my channel. I’m going to be doing more videos like this or maybe even ones with me in them, too. ;) 

The Activist’s Tao Te Ching by William Martin

The Activist’s Tao Te Ching by William Martin is an interpretation of an ancient Chinese text that shows how small changes by few can overcome the angry, frustrated, and greed that has overcome so many in our culture today.

Book Description

“Change and anger are in the air. Looking for answers to today’s wrenching challenges, William Martin turns to the Tao Te Ching and finds that while Taoism is known for its quiet, enigmatic wisdom, the Tao can also have the cleansing force of a rushing river. 

Through his interpretation of this ancient Chinese text, Martin elucidates revolutionary messages condemning power-seeking and greed. He emphasizes that humans have a “natural virtue” that can help them heal the planet; shows how Taoism’s simplicity can be subversive and its flexibility a potent force; and reassures that “when injustice is the rule, justice always lies in wait.” 

Provocative and stirring, Martin’s Tao flows within and through those who ride the waves of anger and frustration and gently guides them to true freedom.” – The Activist’s Tao Te Ching

My Thoughts

The Activist’s Tao Te Ching is a small but mighty read. Martin does an excellent job of quickly summarizing 81 subjects into a very thought provoking page or two. I have not read the original text in length, but I feel that this interpretation of it along with Martin’s insights makes for a truly valuable read. It is calming and gives a sense of peace reading through the pages, and minutes or hours after reading I had “ah-ha” moments where something clicked and I got the bigger picture of what I had read.

This is an excellent read for everyone who is noticing that things in this world do need to change, but are perhaps feeling small and insignificant on such changes. I definitely recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of The Activist’s Tao Te Ching, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

GlossyBox May 2016 – Unboxing – Beauty Box

Thanks for watching my Glossybox May unboxing for the subscription box full of beauty items. I’ve been getting this box for about a year, and I am always surprised by how many great full-size or large trial size items they put into it each month. The subscription costs $21 and is sometimes less if you can find it going for a sale price. This is my first unboxing of it to share with you, so I hope you enjoy it! I’m still a little nervous making the videos, so keep watching and cheer me on to get rid of some stage fright. Thanks!

Sign-up for GlossyBox! $21/month (or less if buying 6 month or 1 year subscriptions) - https://www.glossybox.com/referal?CI=MTg5MTUz  (affiliate link)

If you like this video and want to see more unboxing or reviews, subscribe to my channel. I’m going to be doing more videos like this or maybe even ones with me in them, too. ;) 

OwlCrate May 2016 – Steampunk – Unboxing

Thanks for watching my Steampunk OwlCrate unboxing for the May 2016 subscription box full of bookish items. I’ve been getting this box for just a few months, but I am always excited when I see it has arrived - too bad Hedwig isn’t actually carrying it to me though! This month the is the Steampunk theme, which is hit or miss with me, I actually really liked the box though. The subscription costs about $30/month and is less if you purchase the pre-paid plan. This is my first unboxing of it to share with you, so I hope you enjoy it! I’m still a little nervous making the videos, so keep watching and cheer me on to get rid of some stage fright. Thanks! 

Side note, I clearly wasn’t wearing my glasses in this video so it was hard to read some of the text! Sorry about that!

If you like this video and want to see more unboxing or reviews, subscribe to my channel. I’m going to be doing more videos like this or maybe even ones with me in them, too. ;) 

Sign-up for OwlCrate! $29.99/month - https://owlcrate.com/refer/Sheri-ZGAYFFEH  - use code “NEWMEMBER” to get 10% off your first box!

Boxycharm Beauty Box May 2016 – Unboxing

Thanks for watching my Boxycharm beauty box unboxing for the May 2016 subscription box full of beauty items. I’ve been getting this box for about a year, and I am always surprised by how many great full-size or large trial size items they put into it each month. This month the products totaled $106 retail! The subscription costs $21 and is sometimes less if you can find it going for a sale price. This is my first unboxing of it to share with you, so I hope you enjoy it! I’m still a little nervous making the videos, so keep watching and cheer me on to get rid of some stage fright. Thanks!

Sign-up for Boxycharm! $21/month - https://boxycharm.com/refer/Sheri-WRORVIMA (affiliate link)

If you like this video and want to see more unboxing or reviews, subscribe to my channel. I’m going to be doing more videos like this or maybe even ones with me in them, too. ;) 

Target Beauty Box May 2016 Unboxing

I love the Target Beauty Box, I just wish it were an actual subscription box because I don’t always get them before they sell out. I did manage to get my hands on the Target Beauty Box for May 2016, and here is my unboxing of it to share with all of you!

If you like this video and want to see more unboxing or reviews, subscribe to my YouTube channel. I’m going to be doing more videos like this or maybe even ones with me in them, too. ;) 

Fragrant Jewels Passport April 2016 - Maui Ring Candle

This is my first jewelry candle or ring candle I bought and I was super excited to open it, but I waited so I could share with you for the Fragrant Jewels Passport unboxing. See how it all looks and what the ring that came with the candle was worth.

This candle subscription box can be found at: https://www.fragrantjewels.com/passport/ it includes an exclusive scent each month, a ring worth at least $25 (with a code for another one possibly valued at $10,000), a sticker for your passport and a postcard from the destination. It costs $34.95 and you can pick your ring size for the candle. If you have a free candle, it is a random size (which as you see, I found out in this video). 

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder by Marissa Meyer is a retelling of the classic Cinderella fairy tale. I love a good re-make of a story, and this is so far my favorite one! I am very happy that I decided to start reading this series, thanks to all of the people in the #bookstagram community who shared their love for the series as well.

Book Description

“Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.” – Cinder

My Thoughts

Cinder is such a unique character. She isn’t just the “stepdaughter” who is being made into a maid and looked down upon by her family and society. She is a strong young woman who despite all odds has a joy about life, even if she has been brought to think her life as a cyborg isn’t as valuable. Not only is it valuable, it is perhaps the most important life to save the planet.

Prince Kai is a charming version of the prince who struggles with finding himself in the position of being a leader and a young man who wants to follow his heart. I liked him, but wanted him to pick up on more of what was going on in the story than he had. Maybe in the future books he will. Who knows though, he is a guy. ;)

The Lunars civilization on the moon was also a really captivating part of the story. Although I figured out the plot twist way before it happened, I still enjoyed reading it and thinking “hell yeah!”

If you enjoy fairy tales and/or sci-fi stories, this is a must read! Seriously, right now. Go to Amazon, buy it, and start reading it when you open up the package.

My Cat Drinks Water from the Faucet... Does Yours?

My cat drinks water from the faucet in the bathroom whenever she has the chance. This is why it takes me so long to get ready in the morning!

Does your cat do this, too? What other crazy or weird things does your cat do? I’d love to hear it! Mine might do it as well. Cats are weird, but I love them!

Don’t Be A Jerk: and other practical advice from Dogen, Japan’s greatest Zen Master by Brad Warner

Don’t Be A Jerk: and other practical advice from Dogen, Japan’s greatest Zen Master by Brad Warner is a paraphrasing of Dogen’s work for the modern people (like us) to read and enjoy.

Book Description

“A Radical but Reverent Paraphrasing of Dogen’s Treasury of the True Dharma Eye

“Even if the whole universe is nothing but a bunch of jerks doing all kinds of jerk-type things, there is still liberation in simply not being a jerk.” — Eihei Dogen (1200–1253 CE)

The Shobogenzo (The Treasury of the True Dharma Eye) is a revered eight-hundred-year-old Zen Buddhism classic written by the Japanese monk Eihei Dogen. Despite the timeless wisdom of his teachings, many consider the book difficult to understand and daunting to read. In Don’t Be a Jerk, Zen priest and bestselling author Brad Warner, through accessible paraphrasing and incisive commentary, applies Dogen’s teachings to modern times. While entertaining and sometimes irreverent, Warner is also an astute scholar who sees in Dogen very modern psychological concepts, as well as insights on such topics as feminism and reincarnation. Warner even shows that Dogen offered a “Middle Way” in the currently raging debate between science and religion. For curious readers worried that Dogen’s teachings are too philosophically opaque, Don’t Be a Jerk is hilarious, understandable, and wise.” – Don’t Be A Jerk: and other practical advice from Dogen, Japan’s greatest Zen Master

My Thoughts

Don’t Be A Jerk: and other practical advice from Dogen, Japan’s greatest Zen Master is a fun, funny, and inspirational book. I love Brad Warner’s style of writing, and definitely want to read more of his previous books now. The philosophy in this book needs to be read by this generation as much as it did 800 years ago. Although the original text is not paraphrased line by line, Warner highlights the paragraphs throughout the book giving a significant feel for the meaning behind it.

My favorite chapter is “The Mystical Power of the Clothes You Wear”. Summed up, what you wear can affect how you act and how you think. I find this to be true each day I go to work in my nurse scrubs. I’m more of an introvert in real life, but as a Registered Nurse, I have to do many things I wouldn’t otherwise. The clothes don’t make me instantly become different, but it does help me to do my job and have the confidence that I need. This is true for many professions, students, and athletes. The clothes do matter! Think about that time you put on a great interview outfit or date outfit, and you had that extra confidence and it all worked out great. You know the power of it!

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about the philosophies presented in it. I think that it is written in such a way that all types of people can enjoy it, I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Don’t Be A Jerk: and other practical advice from Dogen, Japan’s greatest Zen Master, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Mala of Love by Ravi Nathwani & Kate Vogt

Mala of Love by Ravi Nathwani & Kate Vogt is a collection of 108 poems about love. If you are looking for some inspiration in the form of love, this is the book for you to read (perhaps in a relaxing bath surrounded by candlelight and romantic music). ;)

Book Description

“From the editors of Mala of the Heart: 108 Sacred Poems comes a true gift to the lover in all of us. Love sustains our passions and yearnings, holds us in times of joy and loss, nourishes our hearts, and melts our fears. It opens us to our deepest self and releases us into the embrace of the infinite. 

This powerful, reflective collection is filled with mystical insights into love. In these 108 poems, great poets, saints, sages, mystics, and artists across cultures give voice to the eternal presence of love. Together, the poems reveal a fuller story, inviting us to discover the inner essence of love within us. 

Over the ages, the number 108 has symbolized our hidden connections with the sacred. InMala of Love, 108 poems reveal that love is the path to greater unity and peace. ” – Mala of Love

My Thoughts

Mala of Love is a beautiful collection of 108 poems. The editors included 108 poems to honor the 108 beads in the traditional meditation mala which is used by spiritual practitioners throughout the East. It isn’t a traditional book of love poems, but rather one which can be woven together with love to bring about pure joy, compassion, and gratitude.

The poems included are a joy to read, and I will cherish this book in my personal library forever. It is a timeless collection which anyone who buys either for themselves or for others will most definitely enjoy as well. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Mala of Love, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 1: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 1: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan is a new Young Adult series by the author who brought us the beloved Percy Jackson series (and many other great books).

Book Description

“Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers. One day, he’s tracked down by an uncle he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. His uncle tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god. The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years. When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision. Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die…” – Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 1: The Sword of Summer

My Thoughts

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 1: The Sword of Summer is a fun book to read, much like all of Riordan’s novels. However, to be honest, I started reading this when it was released last year (I even pre-ordered it), but due to many other personal life events going on in my life, I didn’t have the time to finish reading it. So, I started back where I left off, and finished it this week. It was an easy book to get back into reading, and I’m very happy I decided to start reading it again.

Magnus Chase and the other colorful characters make for an exciting and funny modern-day tale of Norse legends and what they could still be doing if around. I love reading about Norse mythology, and seeing them interact in truly humorous ways in this story kept me entertained, and I bet it will for you, too. I can’t wait for the second book in the series to come out in October to keep the story alive. If you enjoy Riordan’s way with words, mythology, young adult series, and are looking for a new series to read, this is it!

Succulent Wild Love by SARK and Dr. John Waddell

Succulent Wild Love by SARK and Dr. John Waddell is a fun book about how to take your relationship from being good to great. It is filled with tips and resources about how to have a fulfilling relationship, but also their personal love story about how they achieved such a loving bond.

Book Description

“This is not your average relationship book. It’s coauthored by one-of-a-kind, out-of-the-box SARK, after all. SARK has made a career out of sharing her personal, journal-like writings and art and inspiring others with her vulnerable and honest journeys toward self-acceptance. She has helped her legions of fans craft lives filled with joy, creativity, and self-love — and even married herself in a “statement of self-liberation” described in Succulent Wild Woman. And yet SARK had left one stone unturned: overcoming her fears to commit to an intimate life partnership. In widower, psychologist, and spiritual teacher John Waddell, she met her match. Together, in what SARK calls her statement of relationship liberation, they offer guidance that combines their whimsy and wisdom. While they are delightful proof that every couple is unique, their insights celebrate the universal yearning to give and receive love.” – Succulent Wild Love

My Thoughts

Succulent Wild Love is a joy to read. I have been a fan of SARK since I was in high school. I was the editor of my high school’s literary/art magazine called “Omnibus” and my truly amazing and inspiring teacher went with us to see her at a book signing for one of her books that was just released. I have been a fan and in awe of her ever since. This book doesn’t disappoint even a little bit. It is different, but I love it because it is a combination of her and her love’s writing styles to show how the two can mesh so well, as we all do when we are in a relationship.

SARK and Dr. John Waddell teach about loving yourself, figuring out what you want, how to compromise, what should not be compromised, how to set and keep boundaries, finding joyful solutions, and so much more.

This book is perfect for someone who is in a relationship that is going great… or in one that isn’t going so great, but you both want to work on making it better. It is also perfect for someone who is single and wants to be in a relationship one day. I highly recommend it to everyone.

* Thank you to the publisher of Succulent Wild Love, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Where in the World is Sheri?

If you have been trying to play the “Where in the World is Sheri” game and have not been able to find me, I apologize.  I haven’t blogged since August of 2015, which is a long time. I’ve had a few big life changes, some of which I’ll write about here. I also encourage you to follow me on my other social media accounts which can be found on the side bar, or below.  Keep in touch, and check back here soon – I am going to start blogging again very soon!

Graduation!

In May of last year, I graduated from Nursing School with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It was very hard work, and I’m proud of this degree tremendously. Yes, I have another one in Criminal Justice, but it was not very useful for me. This one however, is a true passion and I am very glad I decided to do it. I made some amazing nursing friends and also learned more than I thought possible.

I Fell... and Broke Stuff

Right after graduation, I fell. It was a long, tiring day, without much food or liquids (not even a drop of alcohol). When I got home, I was turning around to grab something else out of the car, and I fell down the steps on the porch onto cement. Let me tell you, it was the worst pain of my life. A true 10/10 on the pain scale. I broke part of my foot, sprained both ankles, messed up the tendons, and bruised my wrist, lots of scratches, and bruising really. I had this very ortho-fashionable boot to wear for a month. By the way, nurses make terrible patients.

NCLEX

The NCLEX is the dreaded test that all of those who pass nursing school have to take in order to become a licensed, registered nurse. You know, to be able to say that you are an actual RN and get to sign your name RN after it. It was a month of studying after graduation and tons of partial breakdowns, but I passed the first time I took it. Whew!

I Fell… for a Guy

Okay, so I didn’t literally fall. This is Will and I actually met him while I was still recovering from the very hurtful fall. I was single for awhile, because I wanted to focus on school, and to be honest, I’m quite picky. This one though, is a keeper. Sorry ladies, he is mine!

Sheri, RN – Job # 1

I started my first job as a nurse in June. I thought night shift would work out fine for me, so I decided to do that as my first job. I liked the hospital I precepted at in Med-Surg, so I went there. However, I soon came to learn that it was very much not for me. Especially after I moved in with Will who lived about an hour and fifteen minutes away from that hospital. Yes, it was rough going back and forth to work on those nights and mornings.

Sheri the Rodan + Fields Independent Consultant

In December I decided to join the R+F team my friend had just signed up for. I knew I needed two regimens (Soothe and Reverse) so I just signed up as consultant to save money and get the other tools I wanted, too. I didn’t take it too seriously until I could see results for myself, which I started to see as early as February. I had my first R+F party in March, and am very excited about this business opportunity. If you want to know more, please let me know! To see my Rodan and Fields site to take the consultation tool to see what works for you and to shop, go to: https://sherinewton.myrandf.com/Pages/OurProducts/GetAdvice/SolutionsTool

Sheri, RN – Job # 2

Remember how I said I was driving so much on that first job? Well, I couldn’t keep doing it physically and work 12-13 hour shifts. So, I applied at jobs closer to my new home and was actually recruited by the place I ended up. It is a rehab hospital which is only about 30 minutes away. Not too bad! I just started it this month in March, but I like it so far.

…Keep in Touch

As I said, I’m going to be blogging more again and I have a TON of book reviews to catch up on. However, please add me or follow me on the social networks I use.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/sheri.newton

Twitter – https://twitter.com/sherinewton

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sherinewton311/

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/sherinewton311/

Polyvore – http://starry943.polyvore.com/