Review: Kensington KeyFolio Pro 2 Removable Keyboard, Case & Stand for iPad

As promised last weekend, here is my review for the Kensington KeyFolio 2 for iPad. The box cover states that it is compatible with the latest iPad, but I have the iPad 2. Overall, I'm really digging this contraption. It has made class and school work a little easier thanks to its ease and tech savvy-ness. I've only had it for a week, but I surmise that is enough time to give a slid review as I've used it both for school and for leisure at home.




Note that the lime green sticker says "iPad 4th Gen" compatible!

What I liked:

1. IT'S CLASSY! What I mean by this, is that the case itself says "I mean business!" The color I chose, a soft maple brown color, is suitable for both women and men's tastes and provides ample protection if being carried in a work/school bag that may have a tendency to get tossed around. As a Grad student, I just can't carry around an iPad cover riddled with hot pink, leopard, peace signs, or glitter (never mind I still like those things, I just think it gives off the wrong impression).
2. EASE OF USE! Though the KeyFolio 2 comes with a great set of start-up instructions, it really wasn't necessary to ogle them in order to get everything set-up and running. The Bluetooth sync was seamless and I didn't run into any issues when doing this. The iPad itself fits snugly and securely in the allotted slot. It isn't so tightly packed in there that you can't get it out whenever you might want to use it sans keyboard and classy cover. I also have one of those sassy green magnetic smart covers for regular, standard home use.
3. FULL KEYBOARD! The removable Bluetooth keyboard is of solid construction and features all the creature comforts of a full-size keyboard packed neatly into a fun-size for iPad. My long fingers had no problem navigating its landscape whilst editing documents or writing them. Also, the charge holds for a phenomenal length of time. I haven't run into a charging issue yet! I'll put it on the charger every now and again when I remember, but it lasts so long, I never run out of juice!
4. SOLID AS A ROCK! The construction of the KeyFolio 2 is commendable. There are no protruding threads from shoddy workmanship, nor is anything ill-fitting or flimsy. The Velcro strips used to hold the iPad up as a screen are heavy duty! I was very surprised when I used this in bed and sat the KeyFolio 2 on my lap to type. I felt secure when I needed to touch the screen to navigate my iPad. No wobbling.

What could use improvement:

1. I LOVE MICE! The KeyFolio 2 would only be that much more amazing if it had a mouse pad on the keyboard. It's a little awkward to get used to using your fingers to make edits on a document. It would be easier with a mouse.

The KeyFolio 2 was well worth the $69.99 I paid at Office Depot. Compared to some pricier options, I think this was a steal. Kensington is a known and trusted brand, so I have faith in their product. Should my feelings change, I'll come back and edit this post to reflect my views.

I was in no way, shape, or form endorsed to review this product. The views expressed in this blog are my own. I purchased this on my own accord and am not encouraging or discouraging anyone from buying this product.

Love,
Charnelle

Review: KeyFolio Pro 2 Removable Keyboard, Case & Stand for iPad 2 COMING SOON

Keep an eye out for my upcoming review on the Kensington KeyFolio Pro 2!

After a week of searching, comparing and bargain-shopping, I finally settled in this folio to help with grad school papers and the whatnot. I purchased it at Office Depot on sale for $69.99 (down from $109.99). They also had a great deal if you turn in ANY old iPad case, you got an extra $10 off!

Check back soon to read about my experiences!

Love,

Charnelle

Guyanese Style Dosa, Otherwise Known as a Crepe-Like Pancake

In all my years, I've never woken up more excited on a weekend morning than those when my Mother makes Dosa (pronounced dough-say). It has such a savory taste from the buttermilk and sugar. It can be eaten with almost anything and, best of all- it can double as a pancake when eaten by itself or with some maple syrup.

fresh, warm, and buttery goodness

My Mother, like most Guyanese, cooks by sight and taste. She does not measure anything. It's some supernatural ability that clearly was not passed down to me. I asked her to measure (for my sake) when she made Dosa this past weekend. Whatever she makes comes out perfectly every time, so you can understand why I had to try out the measurements for myself this morning to make sure everything was just as perfect as it was over the weekend.

I set out on my Dosa-making adventure and let me tell you- they came out just as good as my mother's and, that's living up to a lot!

The recipe is as follows:

Dosa
1 large egg
1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
2 Tbsp. melted Butter
2 Tbsp. room temperature Butter (to top the Dosa after cooking)
1 cup Buttermilk
1/2 cup milk (any kind you have: the higher fat content, the richer the Dosa)
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1 1/2-2 cups All-Purpose Flour

Cooking Utensils
A Medium-Size Mixing Bowl
A whisk
A spoon
A flat griddle pan (Guyanese use a cast-iron pan called a tawah)
A spatula
A sheet of paper towel
A plate

Preheat your griddle pan on the stove on low-medium heat (depending on your pan type and stove power).

Whisk together the egg, sugar, vanilla extract and nutmeg in your mixing bowl. Make sure the egg is well blended with the other ingredients. Add the melted butter and continue whisking. Once incorporated, add buttermilk, regular milk and, continue whisking.

Add baking powder and flour. Incorporate the flour a little at a time, making sure to fully blend it into the batter until the consistency is smooth but, not watery. My mother suggests using the whisk to incorporate the flour for better blending. If the consistency is off, add flour or milk depending on if it is watery or too thick.

Using a wadded up paper towel, dip it into the vegetable oil and coat your griddle pan completely. If the oil begins smoking heavily, your pan is too hot. Adjust the heat, as needed. The cast-iron tawah works best on low-medium heat.

Pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the griddle pan. Using the back side of the spoon, gently spread the batter until it is thin but, not transparent. This may take one or two practice Dosa's to perfect, so don't worry. Once tiny bubbles appear, use the spatula to flip the Dosa. The other side should be a deep golden brown-dark golden brown color (see photos). Continue to cook for about 30 seconds and remove the Dosa.

Place it on the plate and spread some of your room temperature butter on the inside. Fold up the Dosa in fours (2 half folds) and set aside.

Continue this process until all Dosa has been cooked. This recipe yields about 6 Dosa, depending on size.

I like my Dosa fresh off the stove and all by itself. That's the best. Guyanese sometimes eat Dosa like a roti paired with a meat dish. My fiancé likes his topped with some fresh fruit and maple syrup. How do you all like to eat your Dosa?

Love & sweet breakfast wishes,
Charnelle

P.S.- if you are curious about Guyana, Guyanese people, culture or customs, I suggest these sites for more information:
Wikipedia: Guyana
Guyanese Pride: Recipes
Metemgee Blog: Guyanese Cooking

Update! Life Hack: Gel Mani Using Any Color Gel Polish

Update!

My hybrid gel mani has help up to the test of time- 11 days in. It's still shiny, and perfect! 

Take a look for yourself...

 

In light of my new discovery, all my old, non-gel polished will not be confined to their Tupperware container indefinitely. They've found new life! 

Happy weekend!

Love,

Charnelle

Life Hack: Any Color Polish Gel Nails Using the Sensationail System

I truly love to do my nails. I enjoy having a fresh coat of polish- all shiny and pretty. Recently, I purchased the Sensationail Starter Kit from CVS on a sale with major ExtraBucks savings. The best purchase I've ever made. Honestly. Two weeks of chip-free, super lustrous, salon quality nails that I did myself and for pennies on the dollar. I purchased a few more colors since then, but my interest was piqued when I saw through social media that they now offered a Clear Gel Polish. Could I use this over a regular nail polish color and get the same results? Well Sensationail ladies, there was only one way to find out.

I purchased the Clear polish at CVS (again, with major ExtraBucks savings). I used Sally Hansen Hard as Nails polish in "Wet Cement". I love this color in all its smoky gray goodness. I prepped my nails the same way I would if I were using the system in the traditional way- filing and lightly buffing the nail. I used my usual base coat, and applied two coats of the Sally Hansen polish being careful to allow it to dry completely between coats and not to allow the polish to touch any skin around the nail/cuticles. 

 

Once fully dry, I applied the gel primer and base coat per Sensationail instructions. I cured my nails for the recommended 30 seconds after the bas coat application. I followed with two coats of the Clear Gel polish- curing for 1 minute between coats. I used the Sensationail system top coat, and cured for another 30 seconds. I used the lint wipes and solution to buff my nails once complete and I achieved these results. They look great! Just as if I had used the colored Sensationail products. 

I am going on Day 4 now with no chips. Still fabulous nails. I will update this post at the end of two weeks to compare the results, but so far it looks like a win! I didn't find this method endorsed by the brand, so this was all out of my own curiosity. I still plan to purchase more Sensationail color polishes, but some trendy colors- I just don't think are worth spending $9.99-$12.99 per bottle for. Hopefully this is beneficial to any others who use the Sensationail system. I'd love to hear any other tips/tricks or feedback concerning this method.

 

Happy Gel-ing!

Love,

Charnelle

P.S.- My views are unbiased. I am not compensated for anything in this post, nor for any other product!

6 Steps to Fit: A Hot Mama's Tried & True Tips

I am a sucker for a great motivational/inspirational story and luckily I am blessed enough to personally know someone who fits that bill. Meet Christine. She's a super fit, hot mama and wife that also has a full-time career and full-time social life. Her journey to becoming fit will practically force you to put down that tub of organic ice cream (organic doesn't mean it won't add to the circumference of your buttocks) and implement some of her most  tried and true tips that helped to chisel her physique.

 

 

I got the chance to ask this fit mama about her own inspirations for creating a healthier life, as well as her secrets to such an awesome bod. Her enthusiasm and joie de vivre are certainly something to aspire to. With any luck, after reading this, some of her passion will rub off on you.

 

What motivated you to become healthier?
 

"First let me start off by saying- it takes 30 days to create a habit and with working out and eating right, it takes one day of not doing either of these things to ruin a good habit. What I found is that we don't set goals that are realistic. We want instant results and we are looking for a quick fix. After years of running countless miles and trying to starve myself, eat no carbs, eat all carbs, count calories and eat-one-meal-a-day diets, I was done! I looked at a picture of myself taken on 12/31/10 at the stroke of midnight leading to 2011 on my digital camera and said 'Oh my God, I am so fat... my arms are bigger than my husbands!'

I decided right then and there that I am doing something about it and I am going to do it right! I decided to go to Weight Watchers and I fell in love with the program. I lost 8 lbs. the first week. I couldn't believe I could (and continued to) lose weight each week eating food!"

 

How has your fit journey changed you/your life?
 

"I had been trying to get pregnant for 2.5 years and could not figure out why. Honestly, it was because I was fat (yes I was fat). The reason I know this is because the day I lost my 40th lb. I took a test and was with baby! I later found out I had a bad thyroid and, by eating correctly and losing the weight I was able to get pregnant.

After having my son, I waited a month before I started applying Weight Watchers to my diet again. I slowly adding jogging (due to my C-section it was harder for me to do all the things I did before I got pregnant) and in time, I was a running machine. Then- it happened...total plateau! I was at a loss and  started making bad eating choices and slacking on workouts. Finally, I got my head back in the game when I was introduced to circuit training. I started seeing results again but I just knew that there was a leaner, thinner me inside. Then, I found out about a group 90 day challenge and Shakeology. The shakes help with appetite, cravings for sweets and even make me not want to smoke. I quit as soon as I found out I was pregnant; however, after I had the baby and long after, I would get horrible cravings to light up. Since I started Shakeology ... not a craving!

I started a 60 day regime of Insanity with Shaun T. and saw amazing results. I currently am the 30 day transformation winner and have even been called 'little Ms. Amazing' by two of the head coaches!  This group holds you accountable for your actions, so you don't want to cheat, miss drinking your shakes or miss a workout. I have more energy now than I did when I was 15! People are always asking me 'how do you it?' All I say is that 'I feel too good about myself to feel bad ever again.' It has changed my life in unimaginable ways!"
 

What would you say to the women who say they are too busy or too tired to make healthier lifestyle choices?
 

"I workout 6 days a week- sometimes twice- and when people say 'I just don't have time', I say 'yes you do!' Do  you have time to go on social media for 25 minutes, eat a double cheeseburger for lunch or watch your favorite shows at night? You have to make time! You deserve it and so does your body!
I am a runner, so I take my son on 3- 5 mile runs with me.  No excuses- take your child with you and you can even incorporate your child into your workout! My son is 19 months old and when I say 'lets do push ups', he does them. When I say 'squat time- drop it likes it's hot', he does! You have to make these changes and make them work for you!"

 

Who did/do you look up to for "fitspiration" (fitness inspiration)?
 

"Right now, my biggest inspiration is myself and that of my group challenge coach's transformation. In 60 days I went from a size 13 to a size 8! I completed a full round of Insanity, including 60 days of sweat-dripping-off-your-body work outs that you think may never end and have you saying 'oh my God, I am not doing this workout again'... but you do, because you can't believe the abdominal lines forming on the side of your stomach! My coach's progress has truly challenged me along this journey. Now, I am so ready to help others get that body they have dreamed of as a Beachbody coach."

 

What are some of your favorite healthy snack swaps in place of the usual high fat snacks like chips or snack cakes?
 

"Hummus- a good, salty treat that I like to eat with pita chips or raw veggies.
Cool Whip- a sweet treat to freeze with fruit and make 'ice cream'
Sesame teriyaki cashews- a salty, protein packed snack
Laughing Cow cheese- they can be used as a spread for your sandwich instead of mayo! I never, ever eat mayo and I don't miss it either.
Popcorn/tortilla chips -  stay away from pretzels... everyone thinks they are good for you. Guess what? They are a horrible 'fat free' snack.

Greek yogurt- frozen or plain, it can be used in place of sour cream. If you have a sweet tooth for ice-cream and cool whip isn't doing the trick, try this.

 

I have even made chocolate chip cookies made with hummus- yes, you heard me right- hummus." Do your own research on swaps for your favorite snacks. It's fun to see what you can come up with!
 

 

What is your current fitness routine for a typical week?
 

A typical workout week is: Monday-Saturday: Insanity; Thurs., Fri. and Sunday: Supplement Insanity with runs. I just started BODYPUMP and TurboFire.  

BODYPUMP is a weight-lifting rep. effect workout and TurboFire is a high-impact cardio circuit training program. Note: it is the fastest moving workout I have ever done. I do not recommend it to any beginners! I also run anywhere from 2-5 miles, 3 days a week! I have been working out for years, so I needed to increase my cardio and fitness level to meet my needs. Here is an example of what I would recommend to a beginner:

 

 

What are your top, tried and true, tips to becoming more fit?

1. Create a plan with realistic goals. "Two lbs. of weight loss per week is ideal."
2. Measure, don't weigh in for your progress. "I would cry crocodile tears after working out all week and the scale wasn't moving, then I started measuring. Ahh the proof is in the tape!"
3. Create and stick to a Meal Plan. "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Bring healthy snacks with you on road trips, to parties, BBQ's, etc. People laugh at me but, I don't care! Add fish into your diet and curb your intake of red meat. Incorporate whole grains, like Ezekiel Bread, which can be found in the freezer section at your local Publix grocery."
4. Treat yo' self. "Give yourself a cheat meal, not a cheat day. Cheat days tend to bring back the 'old ways' of eating."
5. Set aside at least 25 minute's a day to workout. "You will see once you start a regimen that you magically have 45 minutes to do an extra run, cardio circuit or, some Pilates!"
6. Say NO. "Diet drinks- they are bad for you, end of story. Plus, the sodium content is out of this world!" Choose plain, or natural fruit-infused water. It's so simple to make!

There you have it. The secrets of a fit mama all laid out neat and nice for you. Sometimes it's hard to say "no" to your most favorite, decadent dessert every once in a while, or finish the last 5 minutes of a workout you think is too much for you, but for me- knowing Christine's story helps me to do so and also a little bit more. Are you ready to start your own journey to fit?

Christine can be reached at: www.myshakeology.com/cmehlenbacher and also at www.teambeachbody.com where you can create a free profile and search for her Coach ID (278399).

Love & "fitspiration",
Charnelle

P.S.- Everyone's desires and needs are different, so be mindful of that before beginning any workout plan and consult with a health professional.

Roasted Spaghetti Squash and Chicken Alfredo

Yes, ANOTHER Spaghetti Squash recipe.

I bought a Spaghetti Squash (SS) past weekend and didn't quite know what to do with it. I didn't want to do the average marinara atop the SS, nor did I want it to be flavorless. Hark! Pinterest saves the day!. I've seen a few pasta-type recipes floating around, but none of them really tickled my fancy. I
began by just searching for a simple Roasted Spaghetti Squash guide to see if there was *some* easier way to cut into the golden vegetable of delight.

Luckily, I found this great life hack on the From the Bosslady blog. It was so simple. I made a few tweaks for my personal taste and what I had on hand. What you'll need to roast the squash:

• One SS
• a good, sharp knife (dear Lord don't even try this with a butter knife)
• a cookie sheet (I used a roasting pan)
• enough foil to cover your pan
• an ice cream scoop
• 4 Tbsp. EVOO (I used Coconut Oil)
• 2 Tbsp. Seasoning blend of your choice (I used Garlic Pepper, Sea Salt & an Italian Blend)

Follow the Bosslady's steps to roast the SS. Take note of my swaps above. Once your SS has been shredded, set aside. What you'll need for the rest of the recipe:

• 1 lb. tenderloin
• 1/4 cup Vinegar
• poultry seasoning of your choice (I prefer McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Blend)
• 2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil (I used homemade oil I brought back from a recent family trip to Guyana)
• 4-6 oz. Alfredo Sauce (I used Bertolli Light Alfredo)
• 1/4 cup Asiago Cheese (I used Whole Foods brand Shredded Asiago)

Rinse chicken in a bowl with vinegar. Rotate vigorously for about 30 sec. to clean the chicken. Follow with a cool water rinse and rotate vigorously. Pat dry. Season the chicken with your choice of seasoning and place into the heated pan. Cook chicken (tenderloins) thoroughly for about 10-12 minutes, being sure to flip them halfway through. Remove chicken from heat and place them on a meat-use cutting board. Cut/shred the chicken into pieces.

Place shredded SS into a casserole dish (or any oven safe dish you have) and add chicken. Fold in Alfredo sauce- don't stir too vigorously. Sprinkle half of the Asiago cheese and fold into the mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese atop the dish. Place in a 350-375 degree oven for 10-15 minutes to experience flavor overload. Enjoy!