For Christmas I wanted a bigger kitchen space so I can move around more when I'm cooking or baking, but because it's impossible to wrap that, I guess I'd go for an espresso machine instead. And that's exactly what I got!
J gave me a Baumann Living One-Touch Café Express in white for Christmas.
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| Baumann Living One-Touch Café Express fresh out of the box |
I was excited to get it out of the box but it took me one day before I primed and used it because I was so intimidated. (Heck I still haven't used J's anniversary gift to me which is the Baumann Living Breadmaker, heh.) (God knows it also took me a while before I opened and used my Instant Pot, but now it's my cooking bestie.)
Anyway, I was looking for reviews of this machine but couldn't find any so I figured I would just go ahead and write one.
SPOILER ALERT. I loved it.
Making my [first] cup of coffee in the morning is one of my favorite parts of my day, and the One Touch Café Express just made it more enjoyable. For one, instead of my regular brewed coffee from my old handy-dandy coffeemaker, I can now enjoy either espresso, Americano, latte, or cappuccino. All I need is freshly finely ground beans, milk optional.
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| The first drink I prepared with my new machine is a latte. It's soooo easy! One touch, indeed! |
What I love about this machine is that I do not need to tinker with a lot of buttons and settings to prepare my chosen drink. All it needs is a touch (or two) of a button, and it does its magic. I only pressed the Latte button twice for this much latte as I had a big mug, but for a smaller cup, one press is enough.
The compartments for milk and water are also easy to take out to refill and clean and snap back in again, so crafting multiple drinks in one go shouldn't be a problem.
You can also customize how foamy you want your milk to be. :) Do I add latte art to my [never-ending] list of hobbies?
I guess my only gripe about this machine is that because there are some plastic parts, it could feel a little flimsy, but not to the point that it looks easily breakable. I just need to be more delicate with it than say, a Breville or a De'Longhi, but for the price point, it definitely serves its purpose.
I got my Benguet coffee beans from Cafe Le Bearded Dogué. :)
A couple of years ago I got a coffee recipe book. It's in the condo somewhere, I better read up because I am excited to craft more drinks with this toy. Thanks, J!
Hello, friends! i would need you to recommend your favorite iPad apps to me (aside from Procreate that I have already purchased), because you are looking at a first time owner of an iPad. Hah. It's the 8th Gen version, and I've been loving it so far!
It was a surprise from my boyfriend, whose employer gave away iPads to everyone in the company. Because he recently got an iPad Air, he gave me the new one that just arrived! You best believe how my eyes widened at this windfall!
It's my first time to own one as I never really found the need to have one since I have a laptop, two mobile phones, a Kindle Paperwhite, and a Nintendo Switch Lite for both work and recreational purposes.
Welp, I just realized both my Kindle Paperwhite and Nintendo Switch Lite also came from J.
So, yes, any recommendations? :)
Ever since the first camera phone was released in 2000, built-in cameras on phones have progressively become more advanced. Nowadays, phones are able to offer the clarity and texture control to rival most professional cameras. They’re also more portable than chunky cameras and you can easily integrate them with apps or upload photos instantly.
I personally haven't had my own camera since my last digital Canon point-and-shoot gave up on me years ago. I've never owned a DSLR as a I can't justify the price since I don't shoot photos professionally anyway. I have a Huawei P20 Pro and iPhone 12 and they both take excellent photos, plus it's so easy to edit and enhance via my favorite apps like A Color Story, Snapseed, and Enlight. They're also very handy for quick snaps and chance encounters with someone you don't see regularly, as opposed to having to set up a camera and change settings (aperture, shutter speed, et cetera) just to take a photo.
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| Photo taken by my friend Ed in my new home yesterday, using my iPhone 12 and a ring light, enhanced with A Color Story |
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| Photo taken at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) last Wednesday using my iPhone 12 |
But then, despite the benefits of smartphone cameras, owning a camera as a separate gadget still has its benefits. Cameras are ergonomically designed for taking pictures. The lens choice and exposure also cannot be rivaled, plus there’s so much more hardware that you can use with a camera.
Ultimately, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself to work out whether a camera or phone is best for your needs.
What type of photography are you interested in?
When it comes to everyday photography, a smartphone is usually all you need. However, if you’re looking to become a serious hobbyist or go pro, it may make sense to buy yourself a ‘real camera’. For one, it might affect your credibility if you’re doing professional wedding shoots with a smartphone. Secondly, while you can do a lot with a smartphone camera, there are going to be limitations.
A good example could be landscape photography. Smartphones simply aren’t able to do long exposure shots. In order to make use of slow shutter speed, you need a DSLR. There are sometimes hacks to get around this. As this tutorial shows, you can simulate long exposure photography on an iPhone with the help of some apps. If you’re a hobbyist that doesn’t want to shell out on a camera, then it could make sense to stick with your smartphone and rely on these tricks.
What type of camera would you buy?
Some cameras are just as capable as your smartphone. In fact, there’s very little reason to buy a cheap digital camera other than as a fun toy to give to kids who aren’t ready for a smartphone yet.
A more expensive DSLR or mirrorless camera could have advantages. There are also all kinds of niche cameras such as GoPros, 360 cameras and camera drones. Then of course there are film cameras which may have the same retro appeal as vinyl or a classic car. These are the types of cameras that are actually worth buying because they offer features that a smartphone simply cannot replicate.
What type of phone have you got currently?
If you’ve got a basic older model of smartphone, then it’s likely the camera on your phone isn’t as good. In this case, it may make sense to buy a separate digital camera - even if it is fairly basic, it may still have better photo quality than a basic smartphone.
You could always upgrade your phone. However, if you’re happy with a basic smartphone, you may not see the benefit of spending a thousand pounds on a new phone when you can spend a fraction of this on a camera.
As you may know, I am moving to a new place this weekend and I have started to pack. Because we will not be renting a moving truck, I will not be able to bring everything with me and would have to prioritize some things over the others and just come back for the rest every time we go visit. As I took stock of my stuff, it got me thinking of things that made me go, "Where have you been all my life?" when I first started using them. I thought of compiling them on this list to inspire others who may be on the fence about getting them because I'm an enabler I like helping people make informed decisions.
Kindle
I got my first Kindle back in 2013 and it was a HUGE game changer! It is a nifty solution that allowed me to carry more than a hundred books at a time. I also loved the capability to highlight passages and store them for future reference AND look up the meaning of words easily. I didn't know I would love a gadget this much.
For my 32nd birthday, my boyfriend upped my Kindle game by surprising me with a Kindle Paperwhite (that's wrapped seven times in seven different boxes and gift wrappers, LOL). Suddenly I could read even when it's dark without the need for a separate night light! Amazing! Again, I didn't know I would love a gadget this much.
Its only bane is that the ease of 1-Clicking books make me collect and collect eBooks even though I don't have the time to read. It's hoarding but make it digital. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored
Never do I feel more beautiful than when I am wearing a great red lipstick. THE SHEER POWER. I have written extensively about the immensity of my love for Rihanna's brainchild that is this lip color and I do not think I will ever stop. I have convinced friends to buy it and I will not stop until every woman (or man, no one's judging) has one.
Just kidding. Leave some for me because I will need back ups for when I finish my bottle. Which will not be any time soon because girllll one swipe goes a loooong way!
I love it so much.
Bluetooth earphones
I can exercise, I can bake, I can run, I can wash the dishes, I can do my laundry, I can clean the house, I can listen to music, audio books, or podcasts, and I can do all those without dealing with pesky wires! The user experience offered by Bluetooth earphones is unmatched. My current toy of choice is the Sabbat VOOPLAY True Wireless Earphones in Cereal, and opening the case to use them never fails to make me giggle because they look like a couple of Biogesics. Hee hee.
adidas by Stella McCartney Ultra Boost Knit Lace Up Sneakers
I am not going to lie. I have a lot of clothes and shoes, but I am cheap. Unlike J who owns a lot of adidas shoes, I am not going to cough up more than, let's say, Php 3,000 for a pair of shoes, no matter what magic or technology it claims to have. This has resulted to me being grumpy almost all the time when we were doing our walkathons exploring Singapore on our last visit almost two years ago. He was always on the go, while I didn't think I could have walked another step as my feet were close to giving up.
So, yes, I only scored a pair of these because my friend S did a massive closet sale and sold hers for more than half the price! And we have the same shoe size! As luck would have it, someone beat me to it, but because that someone was being too stingy on the shipping fee, S just opted to pass it on to me! Yay! And ohmygoodness, what was I thinking depriving my feet of the wonders of Ultra Boost! I wish the pandemic is over so I could wear them every freaking where.
I believe I may be forgetting some things that should be on this list but these are at the top of my mind at the moment. Watch me update this blog when I think of stuff to add, or watch me say that and not follow through. Heh. But yes! Since I will be moving and hopefully getting new stuff to make condo life easier, I am sure I will have discoveries I can add here. Maybe it will be a Xiaomi mop and/ or vacuum cleaner, maybe it will be an Instant Pot, or maybe it will be storage hacks. Who knows?
How about you? What are things you didn't know you need until you got one? I am open for recommendations!
If we are friends in real life and/ or in social media you would know that I've been caught hook, line, and sinker by Animal Crossing: New Horizons since I got it in June. J got me a yellow Switch Lite and a copy of the game for our fifth anniversary, and it's been an endless source of joy and delight since then.
How I wish I put up an Animal Crossing-dedicated blog when I was just starting out to mark all my game milestones, but as it stands I didn't really have the energy to do anything else aside from work and play Animal Crossing. The state of this country and the way we are [inefficiently] dealing with the pandemic is enough to drain me, and I couldn't muster enthusiasm for things I enjoyed doing in the past, like reading, writing, baking, watching movies and TV shows, endlessly scrolling on Instagram, and yes, even blogging. There were things I said yes to but had to back out of because I couldn't for the life of me Do Any Thing.
Things have been slowly turning around, and look, a new blog post here in months! I guess I just have to take things easy and remember that I do not have to carry the burden of worrying about things that are beyond my control.
Now we go to things I CAN control, like my island.
The iPhone X is almost here, and you can get it first from the country’s foremost Apple Premium Reseller when the clock strikes 12 on December 1!
Marking its official commercial release in the Philippines, the revolutionary iPhone X will be available for purchase during a special midnight launch on December 1 at Beyond the Box in City of Dreams Manila.
Experience the iPhone X’s outstanding technology in a live iOS 11 tutorial during the event. Lucky customers who are among the first buyers of this swanky device get a free Beyond the Box Essentials Kit as well.
Meanwhile, BPI cardholders at the midnight launch get special 12/24-month installment rates for the highly coveted iPhone X.
The line for the launch starts at 9 PM on November 30 with slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. Stocks are limited so make sure you go there early! RSVP here if you're coming!
For more information including pricing, please visit Beyond the Box's website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
It was my first time to go to one of these and ohmygollygoodness everything was at 70% to 90% off!
Still, we are very pleased with our loot!
I would've spent P10,370 for these but because of the massive discounts, I only paid P1,090 FOR EVERYTHING! There were a lot of powerbanks and speakers available but I only got cases (from Odoyo, Laut, Native Touch, and Incipio) and a pair of Motorola In-Ear Headphones to replace the Urbanears one I have that gave up after two years of everyday use, heh.
Meanwhile, here's J's loot for the weekend including a NECA 18" Arkham Knight Batman and Justice League Gods and Monsters Kirk Batman.
He only paid P1,250 for his Digital Walker haul amounting to P9,485!
I was hoping to get straps for my Fitbit Alta HR, but I think I'll just check out the stuff from the Digital Walker stores. Were you able to shop from the Digital Walker Madness Sale? I've been checking the #DWChristmasComesEarly to check everyone's hauls. ^_^ Now I'm looking forward to next year's Madness Sale!
PS: Speacial thanks to Tin and Marco of Digits!
Here are some out-of-the-box photos as well as samples of my first print jobs.
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| What a beaut. |
Turns out I'm very adept at following directions! Heh. Not only did I install the ink cartridges properly, I was also able to set up wireless printing via the laptop AND my mobile! It's actually very easy, thanks to Canon's fool-proof manual.
I have yet to check the price of these cartridges but they supposedly cost less. Additionally, the PIXMA Ink Efficient E410 and E470 can print up to 400 black and white documents, and up to 180 pages for colored documents. Unlike old generation printers, these printers are made more cost-efficient with its compatibility with low-cost color ink cartridges. That's great to hear!
The best part about this printer is that any home within a local wireless network can easily connect to the PIXMA E470 through its built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. Even without a wireless router, the PIXMA E470 is able to support direct wireless connection to mobile devices or laptop computers using its Access Point Mode. No more dealing with messy cords!
The PIXMA E470 is also cloud-aware, offering true print-from-anywhere mobility when paired with the Google Cloud Print*1 service. Users can now connect to the printer via the Internet through supported applications such as Gmail or Google Drive, or from the Google Chrome web browser on PCs and laptops running on Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Chrome operating systems.
I can also print directly from my phone! When paired with the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, users of the PIXMA E470 can print and scan documents and photos using any mobile device running with an iOS or Android operating system with wireless connectivity. I don't even remember the exact steps I followed, all I know is that I was able to easily print my phone wallpaper, the ending words in Lin-Manuel Miranda's Best Score speech at the Tony Awards for Hamilton: An American Musical.
From the app, users can also monitor ink levels, adjust printer settings, and register their printers to new cloud services, while the remote copy function allows them to make a document copy even when they are not physically beside the printer.
At this rate its only missing functions are the capabilities to print clothes and food for me. Heh.
Would you look at how vibrant those colors are. I printed sticker versions of my watercolor postcards! They're a bit too big, though. I need to make smaller versions. If I print more and sell them, do you think people will buy them?
I also printed out more of my other artworks as well as some of my favorite pins from Pinterest: art inspired by How I Met Your Mother, Hamilton, The Little Prince, and my favorite fictional couples Joel and Clementine and Jesse and Celine.
These are printed on matte sticker paper sheets. I will try glossy sticker paper sheets next time.
I'm so excited to make more!
Now whether you're a Mom who's helping her kids with their homework, an entrepreneur who needs to print several documents for his/ her business all the time, or anyone at all who has a need for a printer, the Canon PIXMA E470 will meet your needs. At less than P5,000 the Canon PIXMA E470 is an affordable choice if you're in the market for a new printer, especially since the ink cartridges are also economical.
If you're indeed a Mom, watch out for the upcoming Canon #PIXMom series of events in the malls nearest you in July. Families can visit Canon’s interactive booths: a back-to-school booth where kids can select icons of what they want to be when they grow up; a kitchen booth where guests can design their cupcakes; the creatives in the family can print their own coloring sheets and scrapbook in the arts and crafts booth; plus dads and kids can test the speed of taking sharp photos using select Canon cameras at the basketball booth.
Guests are also assured that every Canon purchase they make counts by prioritizing rewarding and giving importance to avid Canon customers. By downloading the Canon Red App available in Apple Store and Google Play, exciting freebies and rewards from over 150 partner merchants await Canon customers when they earn points. Registered users can enjoy discounts, prioritized service and product loans, free workshops, camera cleaning, extended warranty up to two years, special after sales services, plus up to Php10,000 worth of credits with every purchase of participating Canon products. Visit www.canon.com.ph and www.shopcanon.ph for more information about these events and promos!
I am so pleased with my printer, can you tell? Hee. It fed my artistic sensibilities and now I can't wait to work and make more stickers and printables!
For you folks who have extra money to burn and a hankering to get a new gadget, Apple premium reseller Beyond the Box has made it easier for you to get your hands on this swanky new device!
At the stroke of midnight tonight, the iPhone 7 will finally be ready for purchase at Beyond the Box. This special Midnight Launch event will mark the official commercial release of the iPhone 7 in the country. Attendees can expect to get a full rundown of iPhone 7’s impressive new features during the event, but more importantly, be the first ones to own Apple’s latest flagship device.
If you wish to get first access, all you need to do is line up at Beyond the Box in Resorts World Manila starting 11PM tonight. The first 100 customers who will purchase an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus at the event will take home premium accessories from Beyond the Box in partnership with Bodyguardz.
For more information, including pricing, please visit Beyond the Box's website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram! Are you coming tonight? Tweet me as you are as I'll be there! It's a bit problematic for me because I still can't drink coffee but, yeah, see you later!
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| Because I already ran out of comic books for Manix to sign |
Well, as Paulo Coelho said in my favorite book The Alchemist, "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
I work in PR and Beyond the Box is one of our clients. To celebrate the amazing talent and creativity found in Filipino comic book artistry through the use of technology, the Apple Premium Reseller brought together some of the country’s most respected and known comic artists to create a one-of-a-kind comic book compilation made solely using the iPad Pro — the first of its kind in the Philippines.
Harvey Tolibao, Manix Abrera, and Mervin Malonzo have been challenged to write and illustrate under the theme “beyond” as an ode to Beyond the Box as a brand that encourages pushing limits and exploring possibilities.
Harvey Tolibao is a Filipino comic book artist who has gained recognition by pencilling and inking for Dark Horse, Marvel and DC Comics. He is currently a cover artist at Zenescope Entertainment, a comic book artist at IDW Publishing, an artist at Nautilus Comics, and a cover artist for DC Comics.
Manuel “Manix” Abrera is a Filipino comic artist best known for his daily comic strip Kikomachine for The Philippine Daily Inquirer and his webcomic News Hardcore! on GMA News Online.
Mervin Malonzo is a Filipino freelance designer, artist, animator, illustrator and cartoonist for web, video animation, print, and comics. He is known for writing and drawing the National Book Award-winning comic Tabi Po and his work with writer Adam David for Ang Subersibo, a comic adaptation of Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.We launched Beyond at Hole in The Wall in Century City Mall last Tuesday (that's a couple of days before I had my hair cut, heh) and oh my, if only I could absorb even half of the creativity and awesomeness in the room!
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| Hi, Sab! |
The project is a creative collaboration between the CEO of Digits Trading Inc. Charlie Paw and Graphic Designer Dan Matutina, who jump-started the idea.
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| Three variant covers by Harvey Tolibao, Mervin Malonzo, and Manix Abrera |
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| With my friend Ed |
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| With my blogger/ TV host friend Alvin who I haven't seen in so long |
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| With Emile, Donna, and Natasha |
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| With Manix and Mina! Do I smell a collaboration? |
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| A photo with my idol! Yay! |
Beyond the Box launched this comic book compilation along with artist signings with Harvey Tolibao, Manix Abrera, and Mervin Malonzo at the AsiaPOP Comicon that started today at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Each book costs P350 only. I will be there on Sunday to have my copy signed by Manix! Rakenrol!
For more information, you may visit Beyond the Box's official website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
What perfect time to open my package from FAVORI than last weekend, then. Really, my new Leaf Aerator is heaven-sent. ♥
Even a total noob can set this up. All you need to remember is to put enough water in the container while it is unplugged, add a few drops of your water-soluble oil of choice, and voila! You now have a fancy addition to your room that removes dust and smoke and reduces indoor pollution as it deodorizes and refreshens.
The color-changing display and LED illumination are nice touches, too. I was mesmerized!
I used the Eucalyptus oil when I used my Leaf Aerator for the first time and it helped clear my sinuses. I am looking forward to using the other oils I got: Cherry Blossoms, Coco Vanilla, and Pink Grapefruit! They said you can also mix different oils to "create your favorite feeling." Doesn't that sound like crafting an Amortentia in Potions class to you? Just make sure not to copy off the book of the Half-Blood Prince. ;)
FAVORI is a local brand that offers a wide variety of scents in the forms of Aroma Oils, Reed Diffusers, Air Sprays, Soy Aroma Candles and Aroma Pouches, as well as numerous options for Aerators, Diffusers, and Burner Devices in stylish designs because the owner marketing practitioner turned scent crafter Jac Tripon understands that cent preferences vary depending on a person's personality, mood, lifestyle, and specific needs. A scent for every occasion, so to speak.
I believe also that scents give individuals the power to control how they feel by evoking positive memories, uplifting moods, and alleviating anxiety. I especially like the Human Nature Orange Oil given to me by my friend Tish, and now I love that I can easily purchase the Sunkissed Citrus Aroma Oil from FAVORI and put a few drops on my Leaf Aerator to make the whole room smell like a freshly-peeled orange. ♥
I also love that FAVORI advocates recycling by actively encouraging customers to return empty FAVORI bottles at their retail outlets in exchange for a discount on their next purchase. Yay for brands that consider the well-being of the environment!
If you would like to get your own FAVORI Leaf Aerator for free, all you have to do is collect ten (10) stamps in your FAVORI Rewards promo card! Every P1,000 purchase of any FAVORI scent products or aroma devices entitles you to one (1) stamp. The promo runs until October 15, 2016 and redemption of the FREE Leaf Aerator is until December 15, 2016.
Needless to say, my FAVORI Leaf Aerator is a VERY welcome addition to my relaxation essentials. Next on my FAVORI wish list: the Lavender & Vanilla Soy Aroma Candle, the Natural Ionizer Burner, and more Aroma Oils.
Speaking of relaxation essentials, I got my copies of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child with the help of my boyfriend and Neil Gaiman's View from the Cheap Seats this week so I am looking forward to reading and creating my favorite feeling at this weekend's me-time. ♥
But first, Suicide Squad movie-date with the boyfriend tomorrow.
For more information on FAVORI products, follow FAVORI on Instagram, like them on Facebook, and vist their website. FAVORI scents are available at Robinson’s Place Manila, SM Megamall, SM City Marikina, SM Southmall and Market! Market!
Disclosure: FAVORI sent me my Leaf Aerator and four bottles of Aroma Oil as a gift but I was not required to nor compensated for this post. Read my complete Disclosure Policy here.
I got a pink Speck Candyshell Grip case and Momax Screen Pro+ screen protector and oh boy, what a difference they made! The Speck Candyshell Grip case has raised rubber ridges that provide a no-slip grip, dual-layer military-grade protection, patented raised bezel screen protection, perimeter port, camera, and responsive button protection, and lab-tested durability. I really like the color, too! Meanwhile, the Momax Screen Pro+ screen protector has Nano Technology Coating that is water, oil, and fingerprint resistant and HD ultra-clearness. My phone feels like it's brand new all over again!
You also have until the end of the month to check out the special offers by Beyond the Box and Digital Walker!
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| Evo Xplorer (Php 3,950) |
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| EVO Endurance Charging Case (Php 4,650) |
Both cases surround your phone with FlexShock technology making them compact, lightweight, and shockproof for up to 6.6ft. Beyond the Box's Featured Products of the Month are available at a 10% discount this May only. Visit Beyond the Box and get your iPhone ready for more adventures!
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| JOBY GripTight Micro Stand (Php 1,750) |
The JOBY GripTight Micro Stand is not just any micro tripod. It’s the king of micro tripods. Sturdy, elegantly-designed, and virtually weightless, this device is made up of two main parts—the legs and the grip. The legs come with a quarter inch screw which allows you to attach your camera directly onto it, while the adjustable grip is able to hold any smart phone between 2.1s to 2.8 inches wide (with or without a case).
To say that this device is impressive is an understatement. Made of a durable steel inner frame and zinc alloy legs, the stand is sleek and durable enough to keep in your pocket or on your key chain—so you can take it anywhere you go. Its hard-gripping rubber feet allow you to stabilize your smart phone even on uneven rocky surfaces and its machined aluminum mini-ballhead with 36 degree movement gives you full control of your camera’s position—so you can get the best angle for your photos or videos.
Visit Digital Walker and get your hands on the May Gear of the Month!
Happy shopping! ;)
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