Showing posts with label ipad

iPad Mini 6 Review

in , , , , , by BLuca, 5:30 AM

 It was only right before the pandemic that I purchased my iPad Mini 5. I was feeling sorry for myself because my boyfriend was breaking up with me and I had gotten my tax return so why not treat yourself? It was a great purchase because who knew just a few weeks later we would be locked in the house for months?

That iPad kept me sane and really opened my eyes to what a good iPad can be used for. I raved about it over the past *almost* two years but I had been contemplating getting an additional or a different iPad. I wanted something bigger, but I'm not really sure why? I was just kind of bored I guess.

I wrestled with the idea of a new iPad for a while but then when I found out Apple was holding a September event for their new launches and new iPad were part of it, I knew I had to wait it out. I watched that event live and when I saw the new iPad Mini 6 and how upgraded it actually was, I knew that that was the way to go.

The Apple event made it look too good to pass up and I had to have it immediately. 







I ordered the iPad Mini 6 in 'Pink' the moment it was available for purchase and received it on September 24th. I was giddy with excitement and honestly do not remember the last time I loved a tech purchase so much... I guess it was my Macbook Air I purchased in January 2021. Man, Apple products just speak to my soul! 

Anyways, as soon as my iPad arrived in the mail, I was obsessed. It is really sleek, very fast and so lightweight. It feels so different from the other iPads also, because of the very rectangular design. The corners are sharp and it feels much more tech-like than anything else I have.

The iPad Design and Technology

 This iPad also comes with iOS15 already installed so you have the most up-to-date Apple technology which I think makes a huge difference. I love iOS15 and think on the iPad it looks and runs even better. I mean, the iPad is also fast because it's brand new but I just think it's a big difference. 

Another big difference is also the size; this iPad mini is slightly bigger than the iPad Mini 5 but there is no home button, therefore, the screen is so much bigger, which I love! I think having a bigger screen makes using the iPad a lot easier and more user-friendly. Having everything be slightly bigger gives the illusion that the iPad itself is bigger. 

The home button is not removed completely, it's now located on the top right of the iPad, and Touch ID is now enabled, which I love. It makes everything so much more convenient.

As for the color, I got the shade Pink but it's hardly a color at all; it's super light and very reflective. That doesn't necessarily bother me but I wish it was a touch darker so you can actually see the fact that it's pink. Though


I think all of the colors in this launch were very light and a little techy. 

How I Use It

I am still using my iPad the same way that I have in the past but I think I use it more than my other iPads, solely because of the weight and size. This iPad feels so different in your hand and in a way, it makes using it a lot easier. 

There are days where I use my iPad more than my phone. I have my messages hooked up to it for now (I might change this in the future) so I can be laying on my living room couch, my phone charging in my bedroom, and be fine. 

I have been reading a lot on my iPad; I have both a Kindle and Nook and stick to reading exclusively on those. I usually hate reading on an iPad because of the screen but now, I can adjust brightness and coloring on both apps and my iPad is faster than both. Also, for certain books I like that there is a bit of color in the screen; I like reading self-help books on the iPad because it feels more like a regular book to me. Because of the large screen, the nature of the fast processing, and the fact that it's so easy to get to, I like to be able to reference things in these books faster than I would be able to on a normal e-reader.

In addition to reading books, I use my iPad to read articles and blogs, a lot! I like reading on here more versus my computer or phone because it feels more natural. 

Another way I use this, and probably my favorite way is to use it as a double screen for my work computer. I couldn't do this with my old iPad because of the outdated tech but with this one, ah it's so nice! I use a software called 'Duet' that allows me to hook up the iPad to my work computer and viola, double screen! It's such a huge help when it comes to managing a heavy workload and it makes me feel super professional, which I love.

Worth It or Not? 

All in all, I definitely think if you just want a simple iPad and aren't someone with a business, someone who's in school or is an artist, I think an iPad mini will suit you just fine. I think iPad pros and regular iPads are better for those who utilize an iPad more than a computer, or who need a bigger screen for creative purposes. 

There are enough differences between the iPad Mini 6 and the older models to make a case for upgrading; it feels totally different from the other iPad minis I've had and I'm simply obsessed!

What are your thoughts on iPads?
xoxo
B

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Monthly Muse: August 2021 Favorites

in , , , , by BLuca, 5:00 AM

August is OVER. Summer is OVER. Bring on fall!! I'm so happy to say hello to my favorite time of the year and feel like myself again. Yet, the summer was good for me. I had so much fun with my friends, relaxed, worked on my mental health, and feel like I'm in a great place.  

I'm ready to welcome the fall with open arms and feel better than ever.

That being said, in August, I loved a lot of things as I always do. I tried to keep shopping to a minimum and it worked well for the most part but somewhere along the way, I forgot I was trying to do that. September though, that might be where it's at. No, Spend September... we shall see. 

For now, let's dive into my favorites of the month! 

Stoney Clover x Disney Collection


I cannot get over this collection! It might be my favorite SCL collection aside from cozy. I love Disney so much and over the month, this collection has instilled more of a love than ever before. Stoney Clover Lane partnered with Disney to release seven princess prints, and one all princess print, in various sizes and styles. I had a hard time picking what I wanted but I knew I definitely needed something Aurora and Belle because they're my favorites.



I ended up with a large Aurora and small Cinderella pouch, along with some Cinderella patches and a Belle scrunchie. A few days later I decided I needed a Belle notebook for my fiction writing because Belle=books and someone were able to purchase for me in-store. 

We haven't gotten word of a to restock date yet but the full collection will be restocking. For that, I'll probably pick up a Tiana small pouch and a Snow White large. The prints are so beautiful and really stand out; they all have the princesses and then some additional side characters and other things related to the movies. It's so sweet and perfect for carrying some Disney magic with you every day.

iPad Mini



I feel like every few months I discover that I have an iPad and become obsessed with it again. It's very odd but I think a lot of people do it. I've been using it alongside my laptop during work hours and it's just so handy. I like to multi-task so having another screen is great. I also subscribed to Apple News+ because I've been wanting to just brush up on my reading of world news and my lifestyle websites. I feel so at peace and myself when I'm reading the news, it's so nice. I just love my iPad so much and it's so great to get used to it.

I'm really wanting to buy myself a bigger one, not sure why, but I really want one LOL 

Habit Tracker App


I am going to do a huge post on this app but I have to mention it here. For the past few months, I've felt the urge to establish better routines. I knew I wanted to improve my mental and physical health but I felt there were so many options or things I wanted to implement into my life... I just didn't know how to start or keep track. Enter this app called 'Habit' that allows you to input different habits you want to keep track of and check them off on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. It's completely customizable so you can set the frequency of the habit, the name, icon, etc. It's really like one big to-do list and because I feel like I get 'rewarded' *aka a burst of confetti at the end of the day*, I stay motivated to continue the habits. It has helped me so much in terms of a better wellness routine and just staying positive and on track throughout the day. It has completely changed my life. 

Truthfully, I don't have a lot of other favorites - these three things have been at the forefront of my mind since August 1st! 

What did you love this month?
xoxo
B

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iOS7: Perfect in Every Way

in , , , , , , , by RoyallyPink, 7:30 AM
I've been an avid iPhone lover for the past year now but I've been a tech junkie since I could remember. I was always a computer junkie, since my AOL Kids days. I'm the resident Geek Squad member in my home because I know how to fix the computer whenever it's down. 

I somehow just understand computers and everything that goes along with them; I am by no means a computer science major but I know my way around.

I get extremely excited when there are new tech gadgets being released, especially by my beloved Apple. That's why I had been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the brand, spanking new operating system to come to all iPhones and iPads.

iOS7 came out last week and blew up the internet. Service was down, it took hours to download the update and there were some glitches but it's also very exciting that my iPhone was going to get a new look.



I had seen pictures of the update but nothing beats using it for the first time. It took me a total of 2 hours to complete the update on my iPhone 4S but less than an hour on my iPad. Immediately, I fell in love with iOS7.

I had seen throughout the day people were very iffy about the new operating system; a lot of people didn't like it and wished they had never updated while others were on the fence. I hardly saw anyone that was in love with it.



I was one of that small percentage that was obsessed and still am, five days later. Yes, it does look very similar to the Windows phones and it's sort of two dimensional but it's Apple and I will pretty much love anything new that they put out.

I love how the icons are flat on your home screen, I love the bright colors and the new lock screen. I love how the background is bigger and doesn't have that weird spilt screen look like the old operating system. 



One great feature is that there will be no more annoying notifications from the app store that your apps are due to be updated. That's because the app store will now be updating apps automatically and you'll get that notification (not a pop up) if your control center. 

The new control center is something I'm still getting used too but I do like the sleek look of it. I am also obsessed with how everything is white, like the keyboard.



To me, iOS7 is how an iPhone and an iPad were always meant to look. It's a no frills, simple and colorful look and I think it's utterly perfect.

My favorite part of the entire update? iTunes radio! I love Pandora but I hated how they would play the most random songs on stations I loved. iTunes Radio is completely changing Pandora and going to give them a run for their money. iTunes Radio has great stations and even though it's kind of similar to Pandora, there are so many different things in my opinion.

They have featured radio stations, iTunes top 100 stations, and the ability to buy the songs you're listening too. 

I've already deleted the Pandora app and fell in love with iTunes radio.

All in all, I am completely happy with the iOS7 update. I cannot get enough of this new look and operating system, I've fallen in love with my iPhone all over again!

Have you downloaded iOS7? What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments!


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Back to School Series: School Bag Essentials

in , , , , , , , , , , , , , by RoyallyPink, 7:30 AM
I hope everyone enjoyed the guest posts from the past few days; my blogger friends are seriously talented and wonderful! I enjoyed ALL their posts and I hope to feature some more guest bloggers on Royally Pink soon.

I'm all settled into my house and have internet and cable hooked up so let's continue to your regular scheduled programming.

------

Here is another series that I got inspired to start when thinking about heading back to school. My first last day of school starts next Tuesday so I'll spend the week gearing up and preparing for senior year.

All week I'll blog about things you need to know when heading back to school, mainly college, but there is always something for younger students also!

I spend a majority of my days on campus and not in my apartment. Running from class to class to meetings to lunch with my sorority sisters, I am constantly on the go. 

I am also a huge bag lady; I have a ton of different bags, totes, satchels, cross bodies, I cannot get enough. Along with that, I'm also a huge pack rat. I am constantly being called Hermione or Mary Poppins because I always have everything that you could ever imagine in my bag.

Combine all of these characteristics and you've got yourself an expert on what to carry in your school bag!


I purchased my Longchamp at the beginning of last year because I found that none of my other tote bags were big enough to handle the load of stuff I carried with me on a daily basis. I have to medium size longchamp and it is the perfect size. There are no inside pockets expect for a small one on the side but there is so much room inside, it could fit pretty much anything and everything.


1. Notebooks, school related and non school related

Maybooks are the perfect extra notebook!


If you're headed to class, you should always carry your subject notebook with you. I really like having one notebook for all my classes (I use a FiveStar 5 subject for my 5 classes) so I don't have to worry about carrying a bunch of notebooks with me. I also always have at least one non school related notebook so I could jot down to-dos and random scrap notes. I feel incomplete if I don't have a notebook with me.

2. Pens, Pencils, Highlighters

Of course you need writing utensils when headed to class. It's also important if you're headed to a meeting of some sort to always have a pen on you. 

3. Emergency Kit



I always feel like I need everything and anything at any given moment. I always keep an emergency kit with me, a little bag filled with odds and ends that are common everyday uses. I use my Lilly Pulitzer Estee Lauder make up bag to keep in my school bag. I keep it filled with a bunch of little things like advil, hair ties, allergy medicine, lotion, hand sanitizer, lip balm, pressed powder, oil blotting sheets, and tissues. It's great to get into the habit of keeping a small pouch filled with these things that you never know if you're going to need.

4. Planner



Oh this is a give in! I am never without my planner; even if I'm just running to get coffee at the library or something non school related, I usually always have my planner in my bag. It's essential to my sanity.

5. iPad or Laptop



Depending on if I'm headed to work during the day, I usually always have one of my electronic devices with me. If I'm going to work, I have my laptop, if not, I'll probably just have my iPad on hand. It's great for getting some work done, reading a book, or just using it instead of your iPhone.

6. Chargers, Earphones

Because I am constantly out of my apartment probably from 8am till 11pm (long days, I know), I have gotten into the habit of bringing my iPhone charger with me everywhere. I also always have earphones just incase I need them in the library or want to listen to Pandora. I've also recently purchased a J.Crew portable phone charger (I have a Lilly one too) so I'll be adding those into the mix incase I'm not near an outlet or USB port.

It is very easy for me to pack a heavy school bag. I always feel like I need a thousand things throughout the day and most of the time, I do use everything I pack. I feel that all these things are essential to my school days and I hope this has helped you in some way!

What are your school day essentials? Tell me in the comments!


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Palm Beach Preppy

in , , , , , , by RoyallyPink, 7:30 AM
I declare this week Lilly Pulitzer week!

No but really, I have rediscovered my intense love and obsession for the Queen of Pink and Green! With the arrival of my new planner, I am reminded of how incredible the Lilly Pulitzer brand is.

It's been about a year since I discovered Lilly and became highly obsessed with it but till this day, I do not own a piece of Lilly Pulitzer clothing.

GASP!

Either I never have the money or I don't know where I would wear it, I've always found a reason not to purchase any Lilly clothing. Till now, that is.

It was Friday night when I was home in bed, unwinding from another hectic week, when I saw RueLaLa post on Facebook that they had some Lilly items on sale in a boutique that was ending soon.

With my bank account replenished from pay day, I was determined to buy some form of Lilly Pulitzer clothing. 



With my luck, I found a gorgeous shirt, in my size, for a reasonable price--and I got one of the last two left. It's called the Lana Resort White Valley Girl Top and I'm in love.

It's the perfect starter Lilly shirt and I'm so excited to wear it, paired with black or white pants, and my Jack Rogers.

On Monday, RueLaLa also hosted another Lilly Pulitzer sale where I scored an iPad cover; I thought about buying another piece of clothing but if you could imagine, I destroyed my bank account this weekend.




It's a pretty old print but I'm completely ecstatic that I scored it for only $8! And because I recently purchased something else from RueLaLa, I had free shipping.

RueLaLa is pretty great and there is always something to buy for a relatively cheaper price. It's a shopacholics worst and best nightmare.

They always have wonderful designer boutiques from handbags to jewelry to home items to kids clothes. It's too amazing to put into words. I really need to utilize RueLaLa more.

I think they feel that way too because they tweeted at me after I made my order Friday!



Use my personal link for an invite to RueLaLa and start buying today!

Also, follow me on Twitter :)


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How to Get Through Your Midterms

in , , , , , , , , by RoyallyPink, 7:00 AM
It's halfway through the semester; college students every where are settled into their new classes, comfortable with their schedules, and looking forward to Spring Break.

With all this going on, midterms are kicking in and making students crazy. Last night I went to the library to study for my psychology quiz and the place was packed with students! On a Sunday evening, when kids are still nursing their Saturday night hangovers, they were busy at work.

There is something about midterms that makes students crazy, possibly even crazier than finals. Midterms sneak up on everyone; we think we have days and weeks to study for the big test but you look at the calendar and realize that the test is in two days, and you have three of them to study for.

Midterms creep up on us because they come right in the middle of the semester (obviously) but no one is ever prepared.

There are a few things you could do in order to help your midterm angst.

1. Talk to your professors

If you have three or more midterms on a single day, your school might have a policy that doesn't allow that to happen. Talk to your professors and see if there is a way you could take the test earlier or later to ensure that you get the best grade possible. There isn't any use studying to the bone for three tests if you're going to do below average on all of them.

2. Organize, Organize, Organize

If you haven't gotten the hint by now, I'm all about organization. Sit down and make a schedule of when and what to study, that will be a huge help. Also, if you make index cards or a study guide, that'll help too. Be sure to save those materials for finals week so you have most of the information already written down!

3. Study Uniquely

The worst part about midterms is obviously studying; not only are you worrying about doing a good job on your test and dealing with the stress of balancing all these tests and papers, you have to study. Being a Mass Communications major, I don't have many tests and the tests I do have aren't difficult, the information is pretty straight forward. Therefore, when I try to study psychology or history, I have a tougher time absorbing the information.

With the trusty help of my iPAD, I discovered some great apps that help with studying and make it a little more fun and a little bit easier: Brainscape and FlashcardLet. They're great interactive apps that have helped me immensely!

Do your best to stay positive during midterm week. Take a break from your four hour studying binge, paint your nails, get a coffee, and relax when you can. If you run yourself and your brain into the ground with information, the turn out will not be so great.

Keep Calm and Study On, you'll do great :)


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iPAD Love

in , , by RoyallyPink, 1:27 PM
My birthday is on Friday (the big 2.0..gahh!) and I wanted one thing and one thing only. I've been asking for it since last year and have waited patiently for it's arrival. 

Last week over Thanksgiving, I was presented with my early birthday present from my mom and aunt.

A brand new, beautiful, white iPAD 2!



I was so excited to get this and start filling it up with different apps and wonderful goodies.

Yes, I have a Macbook and an iPHONE but I feel as if the iPAD is so useful, if used correctly! In the week that I've had it, I have definitely proven my theory correct.

The iPAD is obviously smaller and sleeker than a laptop so it's much more practical to carry around to class and work. I realized I was bringing my laptop everywhere I went on campus because I needed it for class and it was getting to be too much.

I haven't had my laptop on me all week and my shoulders are thanking me. 

I could do everything on my iPAD that I could on my laptop--I even wrote a paper on it the other day and it was easier than I thought.

I love how browsing the web and reading a newspaper is more fun and a tad bit easier on the iPAD..the touch screen makes it a little more entertaining and is easier because you don't have to go through the keyboard or mouse, just your fingertips.

If you have the right applications, you can get a ton of work done on the iPAD. I downloaded "Documents" where you can write and transfer documents just as if you were in Microsoft Word. I also have Google Docs and Google Drive which makes it easy to transfer anything and everything from your iPAD to computer. 

The Blackboard app is a lifesaver both on my iPAD and iPHONE because whenever something new is posted from one of my classes, it pops up right on my homescreen and I don't need to be by my computer to access it. That was always my biggest concern.


Most people would say that typing on an iPAD is difficult but if you are an expert typer (and in this day, who isn't an expert typer?) it shouldn't be hard. I almost like typing on the iPAD screen better than an actual keyboard. Welcome to the 21st century!

I subscribe to Entertainment Weekly and because I get them mailed to my house, I am never up to date with them at school. That problem has totally been solved with my digital subscription and I love it! I downloaded the past few issues of EW but also bought the Sexiest Man Alive issue of People Magazine.

I didn't know how I would feel about reading magazines on anything other than good old print but I LOVE IT! I love the added features that you get from a tablet edition and how it's more interactive, it's wonderful. I might start buying all my magazines on the iPAD...(eh, maybe not. I love a good print copy).

Another great thing about the iPAD...the wonderful, gorgeous accessories that come along with it! I obviously needed a case so my aunt and uncle bought me this lovely polka dotted Kate Spade case for my birthday and I love it!

I love the folio type so it protects the screen when I'm not using it. 

I definitely will invest in a sleeve and back cover also because the folio cover is a little bulky.

Altogether, the iPAD is wonderful. I love it to the moon and back; I think it is so useful and can be used in so many different ways for different people. 


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Sunday Social

in , , , , , , , , by RoyallyPink, 7:45 PM

1. What is currently on your wish-list?

My birthday is November 30th and I'm pestering my mom to get me an iPAD so that's definitely on my wish-list.

I also really want the Patagonia Fleece Pullover



2. What is the new Fall TV show that is on your DVR?

I've been super busy this fall but the one show I fell in love with is NBC's "The New Normal". It's brilliant and hysterical. It's so different from anything on television with a gay couple having a baby through a surrogate. It's funny, offensive, and touching all at the same time. It's amazing!

3. Share your Social Media links for you to follow and explain your favorite one.

Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook

My favorite is definitely twitter; I don't go an hour without checking twitter. I love being constantly updated on everything and everyone. I was one of the first people I know to use twitter and I'm addicted. I want to tweet everything about my life and I want to hear everything everyone else has to say. I love it!

4. What is a TV show, movie, or song you could watch or listen to and never get sick of (feel free to name more than one): Gilmore Girls, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, Grease, Dirty Dancing, Sweet Home Alabama, The Notebook, any Taylor Swift song, I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing by AeroSmith..there's a bunch more 


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