Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

The Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is the latest keyboard featuring high-speed, whisper-quiet keys, adjustable backlighting, G-keys, and more. If you are looking to replace your standard model keyboard to improve your gaming, this is one you seriously need to check out.

Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyword

“Tactile high-speed, mechanical keys – The mechanical keys on the G710+ deliver gaming-grade responsiveness and tactile feedback superior to rubber-domed keys. With an actuation force and distance of 45 g and 4 mm, respectively, the keys are optimized for rapid command entry. Plus, the keys have been tested for durability to a 50 million cycle life.

Whisper-quiet keys – Quiet, non-clicking key switches and a built-in dampening ring underneath each keycap significantly reduce the distracting noise coming from your key presses without sacrificing responsiveness.

Adjustable dual-zone backlighting – Easily locate keys – even in low light. The entire keyboard is backlit in white LED light and adjustable to one of four brightness levels plus “Off”. For better visibility of the WASD and arrow keys, their brightness can be adjusted independently from the rest of the keyboard.

6 programmable G-keys – With three macros per G-key, you can configure up to 18 individual functions per game, including single key presses, complex macros or intricate LUA scripts. You can also create macros on the fly.

110 anti-ghosting keys – All 110 keys of the G710+ are calibrated to prevent anti-ghosting. Press and hold multiple keys simultaneously without fear of missing or unexpected key presses.

26-key rollover – With 26-key rollover, press almost any number of keys plus modifier keys (Control, Alt, Shift) in any order and get exactly what you entered.

Instant media access – Convenient, one-touch controls give you instant access to volume control and media playback.

Game/Desktop mode – No accidental interruptions – you can disable the Windows/Context Menu keys when you play.

USB pass-through – Easily connect your mouse, headset or other USB device via the Hi-speed USB (2.0) pass-through instead of searching for your computer’s USB port.

Removable palm rest – You’ve got extra support when you need it. Or simply detach the palm rest when it’s in the way.

Durable tilt legs – The G710+ has superior durability in all aspects – and its tilt legs are no exception. The durable tilt legs provide stability and comfort even in your most intense gaming sessions.” - Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyword

My Thoughts

If you are a serious MMO gamer, you know that the extra upgrades for your computer setup are well worth it when it comes to gaming. A new gaming mouse can make you move with ease on long gaming sessions, and the extra G-keys help you to do things faster. A new gaming keyboard can help just as much, and should definitely be considered when upgrading your computer.

The Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is everything it says it is. The keys are extremely fast, quiet, and they light up (if you want them to), so you can play in the dark and still easily locate your keys. You can also use the USB connector on the keyboard to insert your mouse to make the wires less confusing. The palm rest is a nice addition to the keyboard, and it is easy to remove if you don’t need or want it for your keyboard. The G-keys are also very easy to program for your specified demands in the games you play.

I really like this keyboard. The keys are much quieter than any keyboard I have used before, which is very nice. I also like how I could make the “WASD” keys brighter to find easier when using these to move in a game. There is just the right amount of G-keys for me, and they are easy to locate when needed.

The only thing I really didn’t like about this keyboard is that you don’t have the option to change the backlight color. The different levels of brightness is nice, but I would have fallen completely in love with this keyboard if I had the option to choose what color the keys and backlight area were able to be set to. White is boring.

Overall, this is a great gaming keyboard. If you don’t mind that the keys only light up white, you’ll enjoy it tremendously for your gaming. I definitely recommend it.

Disclosure: Thank you to Logitech for providing me with the product for review. All opinions, experiences, and thoughts about the product being reviewed are my own.

Miraculous by Kevin Belmonte

Miraculous by Kevin Belmonte takes a look at stories about miracles that have taken place in our world. Miracles are everywhere, we just don’t always remember them from human history, or see them occurring around us today.

Book Description

“For thousands of years, the hope of heaven has called to people through miracles. When we stop to consider their stories, God’s voice calls to us as well.”

In our age of constant innovation, technological achievement, and the sad tendency to see ourselves as the captains of our fate, we may be tempted to make little time for miracles, or give little credence to them. But to live our lives without a sense of the miraculous is to live impoverished lives. Our word for miracle comes from the Latin word mirari, “to wonder.” And well might we wonder when we consider the nature of miracles and their purpose.

It is here that a grand conversation beckons. God has been our help in ages past. He is our hope for years to come. To learn of holy events and people—supremely, to look upon the Savior—is to see the power of God, and how He has always sought to draw us to Himself. He is our eternal home. Miracles point the way there.

Look at a night sky, studded with numberless constellations of stars. Each is a celestial shard of glory—bestowing glimpses of the eternal. Miracles in Scripture are like the stars. They, like the heavens, declare the glory of God.

In these pages are scenes and lives touched by eternity, settings of almighty declaration, moments marked by deliverance, by mercy, or visionary unfoldings of God’s divine intent.

Kevin Belmonte provides learned insight into the profoundly important history of miracles. Miraculous is a richly researched text of wondrous things that have taken place from ancient times to the present.” – Miraculous

My Thoughts

Miraculous is a very well-researched text about miracles. Belmonte focuses on biblical miracles that can be found in scripture, which is found in the first half of the book. The second half of the book focuses on miracles that have happened to some historical people in more recent history, including George Washington.

This book isn’t a light and easy read about miracles as I thought it would be. It is aimed more for those that have a strong background of scripture and appreciate many historical notes and a strong bibliography.

Although it is highly focused in a more academic way than light reading, I did enjoy the miraculous stories. I wish that he had included more modern miracles than focus on so many in biblical history though. Overall, it is an okay read, but not something I’d want to go through again.

* Thank you to the publisher of Miraculous, Thomas Nelson, for providing me with a copy of this book for review as part of their Book Sneeze program. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Lumineers “Ho Hey” – Simple yet Amazing

I haven’t posted a song on here for a while, but this song made me want to share it with everyone. Everyone needs a good pick-me-up, feel-good, loving song every now and then, right? Well, this one by The Lumineers called “Ho Hey” is just that.

I first heard it on the CW show Hart of Dixie last year I think, and I’ve loved it ever since.  What do you think of it?

Hanes Boot Liner Tights Review

Hanes Boot Liner Tights is the latest in new hosiery for Fall 2012. If you wear boots and still want to wear tights or leggings, this is the type of tight you want to try.

Product Description

“Silk Reflections Blackout Convert-A-Tight delivers maximum opacity for a sleek, slim look. The Comfort Stretch™ Panty with no bind waistband provides the ultimate in comfort. The unique style can be worn as a tight or a legging.” – Hanes Boot Liner Tights

My Thoughts

In the Fall and Winter seasons, I love to wear tights and leggings with my boots. The problem usually comes when I try to wear those and then also a pair of boot socks. It doesn’t usually end up looking very sleek or fashionable, and ends up bunched up in my boot.

Hanes has a new Boot Liner Tight that provides blackout coverage like a legging would, while still being comfortable, and has a ribbed foot part to help fit with boots better. I tried these on with my favorite pair of boots and was amazed by how much better it felt wearing these instead of big boot socks. They didn’t bunch up after hours of wear, and the tight stayed comfortable all over. The blackout tight is truly blackout and looks like a legging, it isn’t sheer at all.

Hanes has once again combined fashion and comfort. If you like to wear boots with tights or leggings, I highly suggest these for your wardrobe.

* Thank you to Hanes for providing me with the product for review. All opinions and experiences expressed are my own.

Madly in Love with Me by Christine Arylo

Madly in Love with Me by Christine Arylo is more than a self-help book, it is a self-love book that gives you back your self-esteem and so much more. In today’s fast paced world that is pushing women and children to be perfect, do more, have more, and be things that are unattainable, learning how to love yourself can change your life more drastically than you can even imagine.

Book Description

“Most of us know that loving ourselves would be a good idea, but we have no clue what that really means. Self-love feels too vast, too esoteric, and frankly like something you should keep under wraps.

This breakthrough book on self-love changes all that by taking you beyond the idea of loving, valuing, and caring for yourself into daring acts that will help you experience it. Christine Arylo provides practical, fun ways to explore and embody the ten branches of self-love every day and in every part of your life. Reading this book is like receiving permission to treat yourself as a best friend would. Imagine having the power to:

• Give to yourself first, without guilt
• Shower yourself with loving words instead of criticism and comparison
• Go for your dreams with conviction and courage
• Choose the situations and relationships that make you happiest
• Discover and explore your deepest thoughts and desires — and act on them” – Madly in Love with Me

My Thoughts

Madly in Love with Me is a book that I think everyone should read. Most people tend to criticize themselves, put themselves last, and go after goals that others have set for them. Women especially tend to lose themselves along the way, and Christine Arylo found a way to teach women how to find themselves again – and start loving the person they found.

The tools and suggestions for us to do in the book are inspiring. I especially enjoyed the “Me Art” which let me express myself creatively. There is also “Daring Acts of Love” which are short invitations that let women get out of their comfort zones and into their love zones. “Me Moments” asks questions much like a BFF would to help guide you to your true desires and goals in your life.

This book is truly amazing and can be life changing for those who read and use it. I highly recommend it.

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

Modern Magic by Kirsten Riddle

Modern Magic by Kirsten Riddle is a refreshingly simple take on magic for modern times. There are no complicated ingredients, spells you have to memorize, or any of the other things that make it a little bit too “woo-wooy” for modern people to want to attempt. If you want an easy to read and fun book about magic in a modern way, this is the book for you!

Book Description

“Taking a wholly original approach to self-improvement, the innate magic within each person is harnessed in this spiritual survival guide that reveals how to utilize everyday routines and surroundings in becoming a better version of oneself.

Offering a modern appeal and quirky sense of fun, newcomers to the practice of magic or those hesitant to commit to a new lifestyle will find the book to be a relaxed, welcoming aid that will inspire confidence in the art.

The author also takes on existing rituals and magic from different eras and nations and adapts them to the contemporary reader. Enchantment as part of the everyday and the incorporation of common objects into magic, including modern technology, is clearly explained. The book provides instructions on how to manifest what is needed to fulfill desires and needs, and for individuals to fully embrace the creative and contemporary aspects of themselves.” – Modern Magic

My Thoughts

Modern Magic is written simply and to the point. It is fun to read and nothing about it takes too long to understand. It is spiritualism and magic in a very condensed and fast approach that people can relate to. Don’t think that what you’re getting isn’t just as powerful as long rituals or ancient spells though, it is, when done with passion and purpose.

I enjoyed reading this approach to magic and spiritualism, and find it to be very true to what I believe in as well. It can be used with everyday activities and items, and it doesn’t have to be drawn out and complicated to get magical results. If you want a modern book of magic, this is the one for you. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Modern Magic, Findhorn Press, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Logitech G930 Wireless Gaming Headset Review

Are you looking for a gaming headset that will last for your long gaming sessions? Well, look no further because I found the perfect gaming headset for everyone from serious MMO gamers to casual gamers. The Logitech G930 Wireless Gaming Headset offers comfortable padding, surround sound, wireless connectivity, programmable G-keys, a noise cancelling microphone, and much more!

Logitech G930 Wireless Gaming Headset

“2.4 GHz wireless connectivity – Designed for a lag-free, interference-resistant connection with a range up to 40 feet – so nothing stands between you and victory.

7.1 surround sound – Advanced Dolby technology delivers a detailed sound field that lets you hear your enemies before they see you.

Three programmable G-keys – You’ve got one-touch command over music, voice morphing, chat clients and more.

Adjustable, memory foam-lined headband – Creates a personalized fit to fend off fatigue.

Plush, noise-isolating ear pads – Ease pressure points and seal out unwanted noise.

Laser-tuned drivers – We analyze each acoustic element – magnet, coil and diaphragm – to optimize the drivers and pinpoint unwanted distortion, so you hear only rich, clear audio.

Noise-cancelling mic with auto-mute – The microphone reduces annoying background noise for clear, intelligible voice commands, and automatically mutes when you rotate it up and out of the way.

Microphone mute light – The microphone tip glows red when muted.

On-ear audio controls – Adjust volume and microphone mute on the fly – don’t fumble for controls in the heat of battle.

Painless recharging – Recharge using the universal micro-USB cable – even while you’re still playing. When charging is complete, wrap up the cable inside the charging base.

Batteries built for battle – With up to 10 hours of battery life, this headset can get you through the most epic gaming sessions.

Adjustable audio settings – Tweak surround sound settings and equalizer levels using the included software.

Real-time voice morphing – You can select from six voices – troll, mutant, alien, giant, cyborg, and space squirrel.

Plug and play setup – Don’t worry about unplugging or rearranging your speakers. Just plug the wireless adapter into the charging base or a USB port and you’re ready to play.” – Logitech G930 Wireless Gaming Headset

My Thoughts

When playing MMOs, people often use Ventrilo or TeamSpeak to communicate vocally with their teammates. Many gamers chose to use a headset and mic combo to do this with. It gives the gamer privacy if others live with them, and the mic helps to make their voice come through better for others.

As a MMO gamer, I use Ventrilo, and I’ve gone through a few headsets that never lasted very long. I have also tried using a separate headset and the internal mic on my laptop, and also a separate microphone. This worked for a while, but it got rather annoying for using for extended periods of time.

After using the Logitech G930 Wireless Gaming Headset for about a month so far, I am pleasantly happy with it, and have had absolutely no problems with it. It was extremely easy to setup and use. If you want to listen to something without the headphones, all you do is unplug it from the USB slot. It really couldn’t be any easier.

It is a comfortable headset to use when it is wireless or plugged in to charge the battery. The cords coil up when not charging, so they don’t get in the way and make my desk look messy. The sound is fantastic, and the mic works flawlessly, too. I have fun using the space squirrel voice morphing on my friends, and it also makes me laugh when hearing it for myself.

Overall, I really like this gaming headset. It is comfortable, has amazing sound quality, and is quite durable. If you are looking for a headset for gaming, this is the top of the line quality you’re looking for. I highly recommend it.

Disclosure: Thank you to Logitech for providing me with the product for review. All opinions, experiences, and thoughts about the product being reviewed are my own.

Review of The Sims 3: Supernatural

The Sims 3: Supernatural expansion pack brings more of the paranormal to The Sims 3 game. If you have wanted to play as a fairy, witch, werewolf, vampire, or zombie, this is an expansion pack you won’t want to miss out on!

Game Description

“Enter the mysterious town of Moonlight Falls where strange things happen by the light of the moon. Create supernatural beings from menacing werewolves and cackling witches, to mischievous fairies and more intriguing vampires. Then stalk the night, use your wand to cast spells, claw the furniture and more. You can mix dozens of elixirs that can turn Sims into zombies or transform them into gold. Share your enchanted brews with any friends who have The Sims 3! Spooky surprises are in store for you in the world of The Sims 3 Supernatural!

Play as supernatural Sims: Create witches, wizards, werewolves, more intriguing vampires, and fairies, each with their own magical abilities, traits, and interactions.

Explore the town of Moonlight Falls: Discover what mysteries and abilities are revealed by the light of the full moon. Will your Sims freak out or become more powerful?

Hone your magical crafts and share the enchantment: Learn to cast spells and find rare ingredients to brew elixirs, so you can charm or hex your Sims’ lives. Send your magical elixirs to any of your friends’ games who have The Sims 3. Your Sims can hone their psychic abilities and build a career as mystic fortune teller.

Discover supernatural items: Race around the arena on your broomstick, visit the gypsy caravan, or preen in front of your magic mirror. Even awaken the classic character of Bonehilda, the quirky skeletal maid. With tons of new enchanted objects, what will happen next?

Deck out your home in gothic style: Add a secret lair with the sliding bookcase door and fill your home with creepy new furniture.

Zombification: Mix a special elixir to create shuffling, brain-hungry monsters of your very own. Chomp on other Sims to spread the love and wreak havoc. Don’t fret, you can always concoct an elixir to change your Sims back.” – The Sims 3: Supernatural

My Thoughts

I had been waiting for a supernatural or paranormal type of expansion to The Sims 3 since it was first released. I love everything having to do with the paranormal, so when I heard about the release of this expansion pack, I was beyond excited. After finally being able to play it, I am pleasantly surprised with everything, and am still having a lot of fun with it.

Fairies have been the playable life state I have really wanted to play. When you “Create-A-Sim” you can pick the type of fairy wings your fairy will have, and everything else you’d normally be able to choose for your new Sim. They can fly around, grow plants well, build charisma faster than normal Sims, and can use their magic for good, or be mischievous and use it for bad.

Witches and wizards brew potions, duel with other witches, ride around on a broom, and they too can use their magic for good or bad. Having a family (or school) of witches in your game makes it more fun than just having a lone witch in the town, but to each their own.

Werewolves are an interesting type of Sim to play. They live slightly longer than regular humans, hunt collectibles, and gain athletic skills faster. They are also hairy, howl at the moon, and can be moody and start fights often. It isn’t my favorite addition to the game, but if you are creating a true paranormal town, you’ll need to throw in a few token werewolves. I only wish they were able to be as hot as Alcide in True Blood.

Zombies move slower than other Sims, but try to attack the other Sims in town to eat their brains and turn them into a zombie, too. They aren’t a favorite of mine either, but I’m not a big zombie fan.

Vampires have been in the game since The Sims 3: Late Night expansion pack, and they are also included with the “Supernatural” expansion as well. Nothing too big has changed with this supernatural creature, but it is still extremely fun to play, and an expected add-on for this game to add too.

The new town with this expansion is called “Moonlight Falls.” It is a truly supernatural town that is beautifully designed and one of my favorite towns to play in now. The new supernatural themed clothing and items are all fun and enhance this expansion pack even more. I absolutely love this game, and consider it the best expansion pack that they have released for The Sims 3 so far. I highly recommend it!

* Thank you to the publisher of The Sims 3: Supernatural, Electronic Arts, and Gamers Gate for providing me with a digital copy of this game and allowing me to review it. All experiences and opinions expressed are my own.

Dukan Diet: Day 1

Black Friday is today. It is also the day I decided to start the Dukan Diet. I didn’t go shopping today (there is serious madness around here when shopping today) so I thought it would be a good day to start my diet. I’ve heard Wednesdays are supposedly the best day to start a diet, but the day right before Thanksgiving I’d think would be terrible.

I’ve been restricted on the foods I can eat for a long time now. I can’t have gluten, so that cuts out a lot right there. As I was looking for a diet plan to follow that has had a lot of successes, I came across the Dukan Diet.

I remember hearing about it around the time Prince William married Kate Middleton because it was rumored she was on the Dukan Diet to lose weight before their wedding. Not that I think she needed to lose any weight at all, but whatever, we can’t all be skinny and married to princes either, can we?

The diet features four plans to help you lose the weight and keep it off. I’m planning on staying in the “Attack Phase” for ten days. I don’t know if my willpower will keep up for that long, but I am going to try. It is basically all meat and nonfat dairy for those days. Thank God I can at least have coffee with Splenda and skim milk. Without that, I don’t think I’d be able to do it.

Day 1 is almost over and it has been “okay.” I had some deviled eggs, ham, bacon, the oat bran galette, chicken, and hamburger patty. I miss vegetables and rice already.

I’ll check in with everyone on how I’m doing with the diet randomly. This isn’t turning into a dieting Blog. If you are also on this diet, how do you like it? Any big weight loss success for you so far? Please share!

Hanes Convert-A-Tight Review

Hanes Silk Reflections – Convert-A-Tight is the latest in new hosiery for Fall 2012. If you want a versatile look for your wardrobe, this tight can easily become a legging, creating two different looks with the same item.

Product Description

“Silk Reflections Blackout Convert-A-Tight delivers maximum opacity for a sleek, slim look. The Comfort Stretch™ Panty with no bind waistband provides the ultimate in comfort. The unique style can be worn as a tight or a legging.” – Hanes Silk Reflections – Convert-A-Tight

My Thoughts

I love wearing leggings and tights in the Fall and Winter seasons. They keep my legs warm, and make my outfits look stylish. This new style that converts a tight to a legging has me really excited because now I can use the same pair to create two different looks.

It is also really very easy to change from the tight to the legging, and when wearing it either way, nobody would ever know your little convert-a-tight secret, unless you tell them of course.

When wearing it as a tight, you just slide it on like any other tights. Put your toes into the toe pocket and they look like normal tights. When wearing as a legging, you put your toes through the opening in the foot. You then fold the toe pocket under and adjust the legging to the length you want it at.

This style is available in black that is actually a “blackout” look which provides maximum opacity for your legs. I really like this because it is warmer, and it also makes the legs look slimmer. The Comfort Stretch™ Panty with no bind waistband is also slimming while still being comfortable.

I love this Convert-A-Tight. It is fashionable, comfortable, and affordable. My only wish is that they come out with options for other colors for this style one day. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to Hanes for providing me with the product for review. All opinions and experiences expressed are my own.