Tablet vs. Desktop Computer

You're probably wondering that a tablet and a desktop are two different products and not very comparable. You're likely right. They are different and targeted for different needs and purposes. I would say a tablet is mainly for convenience and entertainment, whereas a desktop computer is a workhorse with the capability to handle multi-uses. Just like a phone with a built-in-camera might pack less punch than a camera, what a computer does, a tablet won't do as well and vice versa.

The reason I am even comparing these two is because I am in the market for one of them. With the price I am willing to spend (let's say between $400-$600) I can either afford a tablet or a desktop with monitor. Of course I know there are cheaper tablets available and more expensive desktop computers on the market. What I want to do is create a concise lists of the pros and cons of each and evaluate my own needs and wants.

I'm going to start with the obvious.

                                                            

The Pros of a tablet are:

- Portable 

- Convenient

- Instant accessibility

The Cons of a tablet are:   

- Short battery life

- Heats up quickly

The Pros of a desktop computer:

- Durability

- Workhouse

- Add-ons (upgradeable, fixable)

- Resale value

The Cons of a desktop computer:

- Non-portable

- Heavy, big, space-taking

I know if I was going to compare a specific tablet brand/ model with a specific computer brand/model I would need to go into the technical specifications. I realize this, and you should always check this before purchasing anything, but in my post I wanted to take a broad and logical view. What are my needs? What do I want to do with it? Etc.

 The love the idea of being able to carry a gadget around where I can connect to the Internet, watch movies on the go and enjoy the net at my leisure. It's not heavy and it does the typical things. Realizing how quickly it can heat up I don't plan to use it for many hours at a time and even if I do, the battery life won't hold up. I am keeping in mind that once I buy it it's mine and there isn't much resale value because once a battery dies it's not worth the price of battery. Or if something goes wrong I can't easily buy parts to fix it and it's a throwaway. Basically I would buy it for entertainment value.

Now with a desktop computer (or maybe a laptop), I know it's a workhouse. I can enjoy the Internet and when I really need it for work I can count on it. Imagine trying to type with one of those flimsy things used on a tablet? Nope. I know I can use it for many hours and intend to keep it for a long time. I can upgrade it or fix it with parts. It's durable and I would buy it for usage value.

Personally, I'm leaning towards a desktop. And even if I do buy a tablet it would be an entry-level, cheaper one. Whether you're in the market for a tablet or desktop, I hope my post helps. I'm in the same boat! Remember, do you see yourself using it mainly for entertainment or as a staple work equipment in you home?

I'm using these images for visuals only. My posts talks about tablets and desktops in general. If you would like to learn more about information about them, just click on the pictures.

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My Tip on Combating Dry Skin in the Winter

For the most part I have pretty good skin. Acne-free, the occasional adult pimple and even tone skin. I should be thankful and I am, for good genes and being proactive about taking care of my skin. I drink lots of water, try to eat as healthy as possible and take my vitamins. I still need to work on getting more sleep, though. One thing that really gets to me, especially during the Winter season is that the skin on my face gets really dry and has dry, flaky patches. I've been trying for so long to figure out a way to get rid of them without much success. I use higher name brands of face moisturizing lotions from grocery stores and still can't see much result. Sometimes they'll help but in a few hours the dryness will creep through. I was recommended the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream and this stuff works. I should say I was skeptical at first, because it wasn't a specific face care cream or lotion but a general body cream. Plus, I had heard of the brand before but in the context of people who had acne or severe skin problems or sensitivity, none of which I had. I had normal to better than average skin with some dryness. I wasn't sure if I should be using a body cream for my face.

Well, I used it and...wow my face feels smooth and looks moisturized. What I mean by this is that my skin has that dewy look so I look refreshed. It wasn't greasy but can be a bit if you use too much. I have combination skin and use a about a finger dip. I'm not too crazy about the jar packaging because I like to pump lotion onto my hand. The texture is a bit hard so it's not watery or oily. I rub it all over my face but use slightly less around my t-zone which tends to be more oily than the other areas of my face. Mostly I use it overnight or in the evening after I've washed my face. I will use it during the day, but only if I don't go out because I do not go out without using SPF sunscreen on my face, which this product doesn't have. I did find a Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer with SPF on it. Now that I know this product works for my face I might try it next.

I did find it pricey at first but then I thought back to all the bottles of face lotions I did use and the price was comparable, considering it's such a big jar. And I can use it on other parts of my body. They works on elbows and foot too, but I make sure to scoop out the needed amount to avoid reaching into the jar again, which isn't very hygienic.When I picked this up, I also bought the Vaseline Skin Therapy jar. I have heard many good things about Vaseline but just never tried it. This also works at moisturizing my face, though I found it slightly more greasy. It is a cheaper alternative.

I have combination normal skin and my mom has oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin and we both use it, and find it works for us. This is the first Winter in a long time, maybe even ever where my skin feels soft to the touch and there are no more pesky patches. It was worth it to us and I recommend trying this if you need to solve dry skin.

Cooking for the Holidays

With the holidays here and many upcoming celebrations, this can be a daunting time. When I think of celebrations, I think of cooking. Lots and lots of food. I want it to be easy, simple, and still tasty. The questions I'll be asking myself is how many people will I be cooking for, what foods will appeal to the general guests, and how can I prepare something that won't cost too much, take too much time and still be delicious.

I know right away, it's going to be a home-cooked meal because it's more personal that way and cheaper. Now all that's left is figuring out the foods. Did I mention I'm not even much of a cook? But my mom is and I plan to help out as much as I can. My first suggestion was finger foods/appetizers. These are my favorites, especially if there is a variety to choose from. I'm currently hunting down cookbooks. From the reviews, it sounds like most people found the recipes helpful and delicious. The most important thing I look for in cookbooks is nice, big photographs and easy to follow recipes. Even if a recipe sounds good, if there's no picture that's not going to help me much :(

We're thinking of going with a buffet-style, fusion type of feast. What this means is we want to have a bunch of different types of foods and inspired by different cultures. It could be a dish of curry, a bowl of seafood soup, and spring rolls. We're not sure, yet but something along the line. The good thing about this is that it'll be a little bit of something for everyone. The bad thing is that it could be a lot of work if we don't opt for easy recipes. Plus, I want the food to stay warm! I've seen buffet warmers in stores and food courts but didn't realize there were small versions made for the home. I like the look of the Oster buffet server and think it would be really useful, not just for parties but for whenever we cook many meals at one time. I know that when some types of foods gets cold, it gets bad.

I'm one of those people who gets really scared of oil splashing. When it comes to deep-frying I leave it to my mom who looks like she knows what she's doing. You won't find me near a boiling hot, oil-splashing pan! I'm in the market for a deep fryer. They look easy to use, though I suspect clean-up might be a chore. I saw a commercial for the T-fal Actifry. This sounds really handy and healthy. I'm not exactly sure how it works but I like the idea of minimizing the oil I use. When we make our own fries they are usually soaked in oil, and though they taste good I feel guilty eating them. We own several T-fal pans and pots and the quality is really good. We may have to treat ourselves soon.

When it comes to cooking I could always use a set of kitchen gadgets like these. They'll make my life easier for a non-cooker like me or even a seasoned one. It looks like this holidays, a couple of cookbooks, a new small kitchen appliance or two and we'll be set. I hope you're prepared for the holidays and whatever the feast it'll be great.

Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas / Christmas with Holly (movie)

Christmas with Holly is a TV movie from Hallmark which is based from the book, Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas. It originally aired last week and I definitely watched it. Did you? I was curious to see how the characters would come to life and visit Friday Harbor. Like all films adapted from a book, there were some changes. The Nolan brothers from the book became the Nagles. with Sam becoming Scott. I thought that a little odd, but overall the story was there and it was a sweet movie. I remember the funny turkey scene! It did capture the small town feel and Holly was a cute little girl. You can learn more about the movie and watch the trailer on the Hallmark site here.

Before reading Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, I was already a fan of Lisa Kleypas's books. She writes historical and contemporary romances. Some of my favorites by her are contemporaries so I was excited to read this one. Christmas Eve at Friday is the first of the Friday Harbor series. The series is set in Friday Harbor and centers around three brothers. The first book introduces all this nicely and lets us get to know the character. Mainly it's about Mark, Maggie and Holly. Mark is left to care for his niece when she is left and orphaned and he meets Maggie who comes into their lives and bonds with Holly. It was short and sweet, and I only wished it was longer. Love the town, the characters, and Maggie's magical toy shop.

There's now a Christmas with Holly book, which I believe is the same as the original but with a change to the title to reflect the movie tie-in. If you haven't read the book or seen the movie. I hope you do and take a home a bit of the holiday spirit.

Information from Amazon
Christmas with Holly by Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Paperback:  224 pages
Publication Date: Movie tie-in ed. October 30, 2012 (Original: October 26, 2010)

Now a Hallmark Hall of Fame television movie (December 2012), CHRISTMAS WITH HOLLY (previously published as CHRISTMAS EVE AT FRIDAY HARBOR) is the first book in New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas’s new series, which begins during the most magical time of year...

ONE LITTLE GIRL NEEDS A FAMILY
One rain-slicked night, six-year-old Holly lost the only parent she knew, her beloved mother Victoria. And since that night, she has never again spoken a word.

ONE SINGLE MAN NEEDS A WIFE
The last thing Mark Nolan needs is a six-year-old girl in his life. But he soon realizes that he will do everything he can to make her life whole again. His sister’s will gives him the instructions: There’s no other choice but you. Just start by loving her. The rest will follow.

SOMETIMES, IT TAKES A LITTLE MAGIC…
Maggie Collins doesn’t dare believe in love again, after losing her husband of one year. But she does believe in the magic of imagination. As the owner of a toy shop, she lives what she loves. And when she meets Holly Nolan, she sees a little girl in desperate need of a little magic.

…TO MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE
Three lonely people. Three lives at the crossroads. Three people who are about to discover that Christmas is the time of year when anything is possible, and when wishes have a way of finding the path home…

Oh, and did I mention the movie will air again tonight? Go watch it!

Photo credit: http://www.hallmark.com/

Have You Seen these Puffin Classics?

Photo credit: http://www.puffin.co.uk/

Calling all books lovers, or more likely, book collectors to check out these Puffin Classics. They are newly redesigned hardcovers of classic books. I've seen them around and I really like them! They would look perfect on shelves and are pretty from the spine even. Plus, they are classics and who couldn't use a set of them? I love books but I am trying to not hoard so much of them, the print books at least. I have my keepers, though. I'm tempted by these. I don't read classics every day or often but I wouldn't mind seeing this collection around and will likely read more often if I did have them. I think these are really targeted at book collectors and meant to last. Plus, the whole family can enjoy them for years to come. I think they'd make wonderful gifts for book lovers. However, if you're looking to just read them once and don't want a significant collection taking up space, you may not need these beauties.

So, are these keepers for you? 

 

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

The Adventures of Robin Hood by Richard Green

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

These covers could certainly entice a young reader to try a classic.