My Technology Wish List

It's that time of year where the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting colder and once Halloween and Fireworks night are done, it leaves only one thing Christmas. I decided that there is no time like now to create a technology wish list of the things that I would love to get. 

Panasonic Bluetooth Speakers*

I love listening to music when ever I get into a gaming session, whether that be because I want to get hyped and try to go on a rampage in First Person Shooters such as Counter Strike or to relax and chill out playing Hearthstone. The SC-ALL05 is perfect for this with its ability to connect to almost any source including smart devices and via Bluetooth. It has battery life of 9 hours and a splash proof design so I'd be able to listen my favourite song on repeat for most of the day. The other half may even go for this thanks to its sleek design - RRP £199.99.

Logitech G430 Gaming Headset

I am in desperate need of a new gaming headset, sound especially in shooting games is key to knowing when the right time is to attack, The G430 is my ideal headset. With 7.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound capabilities, sports performance, ear cups that rotate up to 90 degrees and so much more, the G430 are the ultimate gaming headset - RRP £69.99.

Madcatz R.A.T Tournament Edition Gaming Mouse

I have the Madcatz R.A.T 3 gaming mouse and it's the most comfortable gaming mouse I've ever used. Designed to be slightly larger than most to prevent your hand from cramping, it also looks like a Transformers foot which makes it ideal for me. The Tournament Edition comes in the awesome black and blue you see above and with an 8200 DPI senor plus the ability to adjust the mouse to your requirements, it's definitely going to be my choice of upgrade - RRP £39.99.

Xbox One

For as long as I can remember, I've always had an up to date games console. I was a console kid growing up and for me there was nothing better that being able to come home from collage, sit down and play the latest game. I have managed to own every Xbox prior to the Xbox One and not having the ability now to play games such as Gears of War 4 kills me a little. I love the idea of being able to stream live from the console and the other media options along side the consule makes the experience of owning an Xbox One all the greater - RRP £199.99.

What do you have on your tech wishlist this year?

Let me know you thoughts!

Arran

*Sponsored post.

The Philips One Blade

As a man who takes pride in the fact that I can grow a decent looking beard I have been trying to find a trimmer that will help keep it looking sharp, without being difficult to use. So when the opportunity arose to review Philips Christmas Gift ideas alongside Alice, it was one that I was definitely interested in. I chose the Philips OneBlade* beard trimmer while Alice chose the Philips Satinelle Epilator. 

I currently use the Philips Beard and Stubble 4 in 1 3000 series to keep my face looking fresh and not allowing it to overgrow into a patchy mess. (I unfortunately can't pull of Opie's Sons Of Anarchy beard) While I like this trimmer for a general shave, when it comes to precision and getting rid of the awkward stray hairs, I find it doesn't excel too well. This is where the OneBlade comes into play.

The OneBlade is designed to cut the hair on your face and not the skin. Using a revolutionary design the OneBlade is able to cut in any direction, meaning that going against the grain isn't a problem. The blade head itself moves 200 times a second and each blade will last for four months. The OneBlade can be used as both a wet or dry shaver and comes in grades 1, 3 and 5, allowing you to cut, trim or completely shave your beard how you see fit. 

Using a Li-ION battery that lasts for 60 minutes from a four hour charge, I was really impressed with the Philips OneBlade, despite the fact I  messed up my beard and turned it into a goatee as the cut was better than I expected on my first use. I have definitely found my trimmer of choice. 

What's your go to beard trimmer?

*PR Sample 

World Mental Health Day

(Taken from BCH NHS)

As someone who has been through mental health symptoms growing up and who now works in a department that focuses on helping people going through mental health conditions, I know first hand how important it is to raise awareness on such an important issue. One in four people will suffer from mental health problems at some part in our lives but the support around those who need it, isn't at the level it should be both socially and medically. World Mental Health day is October 10th and set up by the World Federation for Mental Health.The theme for this year is Psychological first aid and the support that others can provide traumatic or distressful situations. 

Everyday people who suffer from mental illnesses go through a personal battle just to make it through the day, even in this day and age there is a high lack of knowledge and a stigma that is attached to mental health because it is something people don't understand or feel that the issues someone is facing aren't serious enough and could be brushed under the carpet. (Which if you have been through or suffering from a mental health problem is bullshit)

It's this stigma and views about mental health that need to be addressed and the way that this can be done is through the principle of psychological first aid. By being able to step in and provide help and assistance to someone when they need it from the first instance to the time they may require professional help, could be the difference in someones life. 

If there is one thing you do today, please look into mental health awareness day a little further and if you can help someone out, don't be afraid to set in to assist someone in need.  

At Home In The Man Cave

All guys know that having your hair on point is a must! You can't look fly if your hair is looking a mess, but you don't get a trim if you don't trust your barber. It's a catch 22 situation. Luckily for me, Southampton has Man Cave Male Grooming, a barbers in the city centre. Man Cave Male Grooming was created by Valter and Leon in 2015, with the idea that the barber shop experience in Southampton was lacking and they had a way to fix this. 

As soon as you enter,  it's clear see that it is different to any other barbers in the area. You are greeted and welcomed as soon as you walk through the door, offered a complimentary drink (Water, Soft Drinks or Beer) then asked if you have a specific barber you would like and they advise your waiting time. Usually this is a drag, however, Man Cave have got an app that you can download. Once registered, you can book an appointment with your chosen barber at any point of the day and so long as you arrive 5 minutes early you can get your cut done there and then, which I personally feel is a great touch.

Man Cave have installed TVs in the waiting area but also at each station so you can get a trim and not miss a moment of live sport. All the guys and girls are friendly and they never rush your cut while in the chair. I always have a mid fade 0-1/2 and it always takes around 30 to 45 minutes as they make sure that your cut is perfect. 

It's honestly a great experience and like no other in the Southampton. They are also currently building a bar in the back so that you can chill out and have a pint while you wait. I have been going there the last year and I wouldn't go anywhere else now. If you're Southampton based, make the Man Cave your next stop for a beer and a trim. 

NFLUK - Lions vs Chiefs

The NFL is back in full flow and today the Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars play each other at Wembley Stadium in the latest instalment of the NFL London game series. I wanted to take today as a chance to look back to November last year when I attended the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions. 

I met with my friend Sam and a few of the boys from the Staffordshire Surge American Football Team at Wembley Stadium. Wembley was awash with jersey's from all 32 teams as there is currently no NFL team in London, yet despite this the atmosphere in and around the stadium was incredible. We took a look around checking out the pro shop where merchandise from all team was available and the fan zone were the main tail gate party was being held. We then inside took our seats and got ready for the game. 

The Kansas City Chiefs were the home team for this game so the entire stadium was decked with Chiefs flags, sounds and video animations (The Tomahawk Chop, is so much fun to do). After the traditional national anthems, the game began and getting to see some of the most talented players that the game has today was amazing. My favourite moment was getting to see Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (also known as Megatron) play in what turned out to be one of his last professional games. The game itself wasn't as good as expected due to the Detroit Lions getting blown out 45-10 but the thing that made it special was just how into the game and behind the Chiefs the crowed had become, it actually felt like the Chiefs were the home team and not at a neutral venue. 

This was the second game I had managed to attend and I hope that this year I will be able to go to see my New York Giants go against the Los Angels Rams at Twickenham. I would strongly recommend anyone who hasn't been to a game that is interested to attend one for the experience. 

Have you been to an NFL game? If not what is the best live event experience you have been too?