October 14, 2019
The holiday season is approaching rapidly, and it is about time to start shopping for gifts. Buying a gift can sometimes be really hard. You need to consider a lot of things. You need to know the likes and dislikes of the person you are buying for. You need to figure out if the gift will be useful for your friend or not, and you also need to consider your budget.
So, if you have to do a secret Santa at work and the price range is set below a hundred dollars or you have to buy a lot of gifts for many people, and you are trying to follow a budget, here is a list of some amazing, useful and budget-friendly gifts that you can get for less than a hundred bucks. Check this list out for inspiration if you are having difficulty getting a gift for a loved one or a friend.
Bluetooth headphones are a very useful and fun gift. The great thing about them is that they are available in a lot of different price ranges and styles, so it is easy to find one that is according to your preferences. You can get some decent wireless headphones under fifty dollars, but you can also get some really good ones for close to a hundred dollars such as the Ncredible headphones in the above photo for $69.99. This is a great gift fit for the friend who is into music. They are also great for working out because they don't have any dangling wires that could get in your way. These days Bluetooth headphones have a lot of amazing options and you can by a unique and amazing set of headphones as a gift for almost anyone in your life.
Getting some practical and useful appliances as a gift for your friends or family members is a very old tradition. This is an easy gift to buy, and you have a lot of options as well. For a person who likes to cook, you can get a pizza stone. You can also get a robot vacuum for your friends. A robot vacuum won't cost more than a hundred dollars, and it can be very useful for your friends. For a friend who has a great car and likes to take care of it, you can buy a variable speed polisher. Check out porter cable 7424xp polishers if you want to get one. These speed polishers aren't only for cars either, they can also be used to do various cleaning jobs around the house, a speed polisher can make a wooden floor look new, and it can really help in bringing the shine to old furniture. Or even as simple as a wireless charging pad to place through the rooms as function and decor.
If you want to buy a fun and exciting gift for a loved one, then you can get those tickets to a concert or a sports game. If your friend is a fan of sports, then they will love to get a chance to watch their favorite teams live. Now we know you can't get the tickets for some of the big games for under a hundred dollars, but for most games, the back seats are usually less than a hundred bucks. This is a great and super fun gift that your friends or loved ones will love. If the person you are getting a gift for inter into sports that much, you can also buy tickets to a local concert. You can also get your friend tickets to a viewing of your favorite new film at the cinema.
If you want a gift that is a bit more personal and has more meaning, you can have a personalized item made for them. You can get a lot of amazing custom items made for a lot less than a hundred dollars. You can give your loved ones a personalized mug as a gift. If the person you are buying a gift for is a fan of cooking, then you can get a personalized cooking board or a personalized apron for them. You can also buy other custom items like notebooks and keychains for your friend.
If you want to add a personal touch to your gift, then you can go for a sentimental photo album. This gift won't cost you a lot but it will have tremendous value for your friends or loved ones, what you have to do is get an elegant photo album, and put some of the most memorable photos you have with your friends or loved ones in it. This whole gift will hardly cost you a hundred dollars and it will definitely put a smile on your friend's face.
If your friend is a fan of personal fitness, then a fitness tracker is the best gift for them. These amazing devices can really help in optimizing your workouts. They can tell you your heart rate, stress levels, and how many calories you have burnt. A fitness tracker can give you a lot of information that will allow you to plan your diet and workout perfectly. You can also connect these fitness trackers to your phone and get notifications from your phone when you are working out. A fitness tracker is a perfect gift for a person who likes to work out and stay fit, and you can get some amazing fitness trackers for less than a hundred dollars.
Another amazing gift that you can get for less than a hundred dollars is some merchandise. You should know what the person you are buying the gift for likes, and you can buy some merchandise accordingly. You can buy your friend a t-shirt from their favorite movie or TV show, or you can also get some other sports merchandise from your friend's favorite sports team. You can get a baseball cap or a signed poster that you think that your friend might appreciate.
Author Bio:
Anthony Henson has been covering consumer technology for a decade now. He currently covers consumer electronics in the PC Labs as the in-house home entertainment expert, reviewing TVs, media hubs, speakers, headphones, and gaming accessories. He regularly writes blogs at https://www.helpful.reviews/en.
August 14, 2019
Fathers work equally hard and parents being a mom or a dad, they both are the backbone of the family. Father’s day and our dad’s birthdays are 2 best days to pamper them and make them feel extra loved and cared. Buying a gift for a dad can be a bit difficult as he is not going to easily fess up as to what he would like you to buy for him. Hence try spending some time with him and you will get to know what he likes or needs the most. Also, do keep in mind the budget before choosing a gift. I have listed below 5 perfect gifts for your dad which will put a smile on his face.
Mikol Marble Business Cards
Laser engraved business cards are now becoming very popular in the market. Paper business cards end up getting worn out and lost. Hence marble cards stand out and last a long time. They also attract more business clients because of its attractive design and authenticity. Mikol's laser engraved cards are made of the finest quality marble and these cards will be the perfect gift for our father especially if he owns his own business.
Once you have selected your design all you need to provide are the details you need on the card, and Mikol's graphic design crew will take care of the rest. If you browse on their site, Mikol has made it user-friendly. It has many design templates to choose from. Else you can provide them with your template, font design or artwork and they will assist you 100%. The production team will take over once they have received a confirmation from you and once they have gone through the design that you have selected. For Mikol, quality and customer satisfaction are the topmost priority and as world leaders in marble engraved business cards, they do an excellent job. Your father will love this genuine and personalized present so do go ahead. Check it here.
Coffee Thermos
If your dad is a coffee lover, this will be the perfect gift you can purchase for him. Everybody loves their coffee hot. There are many thermoses available in the market. All of them differ from their size, quality, and even their functionality. If your dad travels a lot you can purchase a spill-proof thermos. If he likes to drink a lot of coffee, you can get a tumbler size or a big coffee mug size thermos with even a lid and a temperature control setting feature along with it. Thermoses with handles can be a bit bulky to keep inside a bag. Also, do check the insulation time frame and material of the thermos. I would say a stainless steel thermos flask is the best option.
One of the best thermos flask in the market today is from Ember. This is the perfect gift you can get for your father. This thermos is a temperature control flask which can be controlled via an Ember app on your father's smartphone. He can set the temperature and once the desired temperature is reached he will get an alert on his smartphone. It comes with a two-hour charging facility and also a charging coaster for an entire day. Its ceramic coating prevents any scratches on it and you can even handwash this without any problem. You can check more excellent coffee thermoses here.
Foldable BBQ table
If your father loves to cook whenever you all have a family BBQ this present will be the best a dad can get. One of the best foldable grill tables available in the market, Camco surely has done justice with its innovative design and quality.
Made from stainless steel, this foldable grill can be opened and closed easily without any hassle. Once open it has a tabletop, two side shelves to keep all your vessels and grilling pieces of equipment and also hooks if in case you want to hang some spoons or towels. The best part about this table is that it is durable and can withstand pressure and weight. As it is portable and comes with a case, your father can even carry it when going on trips. This is an ideal gift for your father who loves cooking and is the heart of the party.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones
If anytime your father wants to relax after coming from work or after helping out with household chores, Bose QuietComfort Wireless Bluetooth Headphones is one of the best gifs you can purchase for him. These headphones are also Alexa enabled. Hence your dad can listen to not only music but can keep himself entertained listening to the news.
This Bluetooth enabled headset has a battery life of 20 hours. These amazing noise-canceling headphones are so helpful that even in crowded places you will be able to hear your music or make calls without any outside disturbance. Also, these headphones do not cause any distortion and if taken care of well they can last a lifetime. Once your father downloads the Boss Connect App, he will have the world in his hands from adjusting the noise level to sharing music and can switch off from the world and take a good nap.
Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager
If your father has regular leg discomfort or has to stand for long hours at work or has to walk a lot, this device will be a boon for him. Do check out the charcoal grey foot massager by Miko Shiatsu.
This amazing foot massager massages tired feet using air pressure and heat. You can accordingly set the levels for the massager as per your convenience. This way it increases the blood flow to your tired feet and acts on the pressure points, thus easing the tired nerves in your feet. This device comes with 2 wireless remotes so you can adjust the pressure levels of the massager which are up to 5 levels. By heat getting applied to tired feet and pressure points, it relaxes the feet so well, your father can sit back and sip on a glass of wine or read the newspaper with complete relaxation.
Guest Post by Olivia Moore
July 30, 2019
Minimalism has changed the style for the Millennial generation. If you’re keeping up with the trends, your home is likely thoughtful and tidy. You’ve spent hours planning each meticulous detail. From the decor on the walls to the functional objects like furniture and entertainment devices, your space has been perfectly knit together by you and for you. However, the work is not done once you’ve put your home together. You still need to keep it clean. We’ve come up with four cleaning hacks to help you keep your purposeful place exactly how you want it.
Make Organization Stylish
You have plenty of objects that are used each and every day. These objects, such as glasses and keys, are used so often that they may not have a permanent home in your space. You don’t want to leave them sitting on a surface while you’re home, however, as this adds unnecessary clutter. Consider creating a beautiful space for your floating objects while they are not in use. There are many ways to solve this problem with style. One great home for these small things is a glass dish, or better yet, a marble wall magnet. These magnets beautify your walls and hold small metal objects, such as glasses or keys, as well. Or simple minimalistic wood & marble trays are easy to keep your space organized.
Hide Your Cords
Our society is becoming more digital every day. Your home is likely filled with cords because they are necessary for charging your devices, but they can be a significant source of clutter as well. Cords crossing the floor or laying in a tangle in a corner are not much of a relaxing sight. Consider finding a sneaky or stylish way to hide or disguise cords in your living place.
Use Natural Cleaning Products
Aside from styling your home, you will need to focus on cleaning your space as well. To protect your belongings and the air that you breathe in, you may want to use natural cleaning products. For example, you can make your own vinegar solution to clean glass and other hard surfaces. To make this mixture, fill a spray bottle half full of water and half full of vinegar. Then, squeeze the juice from half of one lemon into the bottle as well. This is better for you as it doesn't affect air quality, and it's better to spray on your belongings than harsh chemicals.
Protect Your Surfaces
In your space, your surfaces are likely pieces that you put thought into. They are also likely to attract messes as you set food and beverages on them. You will want to protect your surfaces from water rings and stains by using coasters and trays. You may want to consider added stylish, marble surface protectors to your collection of functional belongings.
If you are wanting to keep your stylish home a place filled with relaxation and an overall tidy feel, remember to put these cleaning hacks to use. Use stylish organization, hide your cords, protect your surfaces, and clean with natural products. By following these four tips, your stylish living place will stay just as nice as you’ve created it to be.
Guest Post by Jane Sandwood
May 28, 2019
Marble has long been one of the most desirable natural stones used in art, building, and home decor for centuries. The gleaming metamorphic stone boasts beautiful tones and unique marbling throughout. It’s a sign of elegance, class, and wealth and everyone wants to get their hands on it. It’s an expensive option if you’re planning on decking out your home in marble, but there are also marble accessories that you can find to create glamour in your home without having to take on a full home renovation. Read on to discover the top 5 marble accessory trends of 2019.
Marble sinks have always been around but in 2019 they have made a comeback. A marble sink is a beautiful option as opposed to traditional steel or white colored sink. It’s also a cheaper option if you just use it as an accent on your countertop. In contrast, having an entire countertop made of marble, although beautiful can be costly. Installing a marble sink will add the perfect touch to your kitchen or bathroom. The marble in a sink works beautifully as the backdrop for water flow. Because of its smooth surface, the marble sink is desirable and due to its design, it’s harder to spot stains as compared to a traditional sink. You can install one in your bathroom or kitchen, but keep in mind that you probably use your kitchen sink much more than your bathroom sink.
A marble sink is also easier and quicker to maintain in comparison to an entire marble countertop. It’s a smaller area to seal and upkeep. Marble should always be sealed and special precautions must be taken. Never apply too much heat or the marble can crack. Also, avoid acidic substances from staying out too long in a marble sink or you could end up with scratches, etchings, and stains.
It’s not uncommon to see homes with expensive marble countertops, but imagine having not only marble countertops but also marble tabletops. Marble tabletops are the perfect way for accenting any room in the home with a touch of luxury. You can choose a variety of marble tabletops. Whether it’s the kitchen table, coffee table, side table, or just a nightstand, a marble tabletop adds a modern twist.
Most marble tabletops come in the white shade of marble that has gray marbling throughout. This also helps to lighten and brighten a space. Another marble table trend is to contrast the marble tabletop with gold edging and wooden or metal table legs. This gives the table a contemporary look.
As with all marble, it’s crucial that proper care is diligently followed. Marble is a porous stone and can be easily permeated and discolored. It is also prone to cracking and staining.
In 2019 marble is not just being used as a statement piece accessory such as a sink or large table, it’s also being used as an accessory in the kitchen and other rooms. Particularly popular are marble cheese boards, or charcuterie boards, and marble trays. Marble cheese boards are an eye-catching way to decorate your table when it’s time for guests. Pile on the cheese, meats, and bread, and you’ll be sure to capture not only everyone’s taste buds but their attention too. Marble cheese boards are the perfectly elegant way to pass out a snack and keep them coming for more. It’s also a perfect union between the neutral colors of the board and creamy colors of cheese and the perfect contrast between the pink colored cold cuts.
Marble trays are also “in” this year. These trays can be used for just about anything, carrying snacks, breakfast in bed, and organizing random knick-knacks. You can place these marble trays anywhere in your home from your kitchen to your bathroom and bedroom. The trays are strong and durable, as marble is known to be, and they can hold a lot of weight. To clean your marble tray, make sure you dust it every few days.
Home decor and countertops aren’t the only big thing anymore when it comes to marble. Marble is being incorporated into almost every facet of the home this year. You can find an endless variety of kitchen utensils with marble accents. Choose from forks, knives, and spoons that have marble handles. Usually, these are coupled with stainless steel, copper, or gold tips and edges. You can also find marble rolling pins cutting boards, cake holders, fruit bowls, and much more. Adding these to an already existing marble countertop isn’t overkill if you choose the accessories that have a hint of wood or metal incorporated into the marble. It’s also a beautiful contrast to a countertop that isn’t made of marble.
Marble kitchen tools and utensils can seem like over-extravagance but they have their benefits. Many of these tools and utensils last longer because of marble’s high durability. It’s a fun and classy way to add style to within the small details.
Last but not least, marble accent decor is a must-follow trend for 2019. Adding a touch of marble decor to your living room, bedroom, or bathroom adds prestige, purity, and class. Because of marble’s smooth and lighter toned look, it can help to brighten up space. Consider purchasing marble picture frames and even marble covered clocks for pops of lightness around the room. It’s also the perfect way to draw attention to a certain area in the room.
Another cute way to make a room seem inviting and bright is to plant your favorite green plants or flowers into marble pots. These pots come in all shapes and sizes, from mini planters to large vases. The combination and contrast of green with the lightness of the marble creates a beautiful and calming look.
Marble Galore
Don’t shy away from 2019’s marble accessory trends. You don’t have to stick with only marble countertops anymore. Take any room in your home from zero to hero by adding marble accents around the house. Following the top 5 Marble Accessory Trends of 2019 will instantly beautify your home and give it that luxurious look that you and your house deserve.
Guest Post by:
Emmy Noel
February 24, 2019
A Simple Guide for Selecting Marble Designs
Marble has and always had an unrivaled presence in the interior designing world. It's carried that luxury elegant appeal for centuries. The beauty of marble is not just in it's distinct characteristic and artistic flow. But there is a piece, a style that fits everyone. Some find the busy veins through a clear white background stylish and appealing, others may prefer a clean simple look.
Before you plan for which piece and style to go for with natural marble, learn what should be added and what should be avoided while making a choice of the stone. Here, we have brought to you a simple guide to help you select the perfect natural marble piece:
The Timeless Elegance
As per the trends, the classic white marble remains the top choice when it comes to selecting any sort of decoration piece. This snowy look has been luring marble fans for years, and the craze is nowhere fading. While making the selection you will come across varying cuts in style as you explore deep into the quarry. Each of it has its unique elegance and can be selected according to the budget and requirement. As long you know what to expect out of these white marble designs, they can be an elegant choice for home interior or product selection that can last a lifetime. Here are some factors to look for while selecting these veiny stones:
Varieties
Natural marble comes in hundreds if not thousands of varieties and each of it has its boundless elegance. Green, gold, taupe, black, and red, purple, blue, and the list goes on. This is why so many people go to a designer or stone specialist to select. The easiest way is to slowly narrow down what you like and don't like, starting with color. Narrow down to a few colors that you prefer, and from there decide if you want a veiny marble or less veiny. As you slowly deduce the selection in marble categories, you can eventually come to a piece that belongs to you.
Veining
When it comes to veining, there are certain types of patterns of stone and is usually differentiate by cross cut and vein cut. These patterns are utilized to give a certain look to your design, whether home interior, furniture and luxury fashion products. While the cross cut will impart an open flowered pattern, the vein cut allows you to achieve the linear and striped appearance.
Finish
Technology has brought a wave in the marble industry, enabling the use of several tools to attain certain types of finishes. The honed and polished technique are one of the more popular options leveraged by the artisans. Most people love that glossy clean feel to bring out the rich colors of the natural stone. However, artists, designers sometimes do enjoy trying different finishes to stand apart from the general population, using leathered finish, sandblast, textured, and so on. The honed finish is also a famous choice imparting a matte appearance to the whole interior. The honed finish is recommended because it hides the natural etching of the natural material.
Color
Since we are dealing with a natural material, the base color may vary from piece to piece. Many times we come across questions and frustrations that one piece is more yellow than the other when it comes to white marble. It's not that it's yellow, but when you put a really white marble piece next to a slightly less white marble, the less white appears to be yellow in comparison. So if separated, you don't "discover" this issue. It's not the issue of the stone, just there are so many shades in the marble quarry. And since it is a natural material, there is no way to control the outcome.
The best part about working with natural marble is whether it is an accessory or kitchen slab, it can always be re-polished. So, if you feel the interior needs a new touch, go for it without any hesitation.
February 18, 2019
Is it your first time picking out natural marble slabs for your new project? Not to worry, the best part about choosing a marble piece is that there isn't an exact answer. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This saying holds very true when it comes to choosing marble slabs. People like different colors, different patterns, veining, texture, etc. Italian marble and craftsmanship are the most well known, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's the best. Just like German cars are known for great automobiles. But they aren't necessarily the best depending on your needs and what you're looking for.
So how do we tackle this overwhelming mission! What is the best marble slab for your countertops, walls, flooring, bathroom, home decor piece?
You want to first picture what color stone fits your master design. This way when you walk into your neighborhood slab yard, you won't feel stressed out with a plethora of options. You can easily zone into the colors that match your design and see which marble slab characters match your personality.
Finding the right marble slab can bring a sense of nature into your living space as no other material can. It demonstrates your artistic flavor with class and lux.
As mentioned above, you should already have an idea of the color and style of marble you want for your next project.
Picking out marble slabs is like walking into an art gallery, where you have the beauty of all sorts of colors, styles, patterns, etc. It is best to keep an open mind and have a general idea of the color marble you desire.
Do you want a lot of veining in your marble piece or very little? There's no right or wrong answer, but more of a personal preference.
Marble stone is unique because every piece is always different. So be sure to check a few different marble slab facilities in advance to see if they have the type of stone you want. Check and see if they are willing to send some photos for you to preview.
Also finding the right dimensions and quantity you require could also save you money in your project. Then let the slab gallery know you will be coming for a visit to see the physical marble slab piece. Photos could come out quite different than the actual piece. Lighting could be slightly off, some inherent flaws in the stone may not be present in the photos. This will allow you to ensure the right piece for your project.
You also want to inspect the quality of the polish as well as cracks in the slab. Having a cracked slab is quite frustrating. Think about every time you come across your marble countertop and you see that crack that you missed when shopping for a slab. It is such an eyesore!
However, fissures and cracks are entirely different. Natural marble often carries fissures which appear to crack, but are actually just part of the natural characteristic of the stone. You shouldn't be able to feel the fissure. A common test in the industry is to run your nail across it. If it catches your nail, then it's more likely a crack. Fissures are part of the stone's character and don't change the integrity of the stone.
One of the most fascinating aspects of natural marble aside from its luxurious beauty is the history behind it. Most stone quarries have a long history that was passed from generation to generation. It's a great cocktail story when you have friends over to explain why you chose that piece along with the story behind it.
November 26, 2018
Every time this year, we receive millions of newsletters, social media updates on wonderful gift ideas for every person in your life. It seems so frustrating deciding and trying to find that perfect gift.
Whether this gift is for family members, friends, co-workers or significant other in your life. You want to choose the perfect gift that will bring a smile to each person's face.
Even though we have so many options these days, it's hard to find that perfect gift. On top of that, you don't want to give a gift that everyone else is giving or has!
From all our years in the happy gift giving business, personalization has been the best way to show how much thought you gave to each person. A simple engraving of their initials can take even the smallest gift to the next level. If you want to do more, you can also personalize a design, a short reminder that they are on your mind or an inside joke. This way everytime that person looks at the gift, it'll remind you of them.
Here are a few great personalized gift ideas that we compiled for your reference this year:
This is on our number one list because it's been the most popular item in our store during the holiday season. Most everyone has an iPhone these days and they love switching their iPhone case designs like it is a fashion accessory. When you personalize such a product that gets used every day, that person is sure to remember you everytime they pick up their iPhone.
We listed a few photos to spark some creative ideas:
Are they a positive person? Send them an engraved daily reminder.
This good night has more unique feature. The Waitomo Ruby iPhone XS case actually glows in the dark at night! During the day, it looks like a nice red travertine, but at night, they sparkle like the stars!
Maybe it's a gift for your boss or someone that is a high executive?
Our turtle designs were meant to raise awareness for cleaner oceans and saving the habitat. Is the person you are trying to gift a lover of the environment?
Maybe they are getting over a breakup, job loss or downtime in their life. Words of motivation are very helpful in these situations. A constant reminder to habitually build a stronger mind.
These wireless chargers have been flying off the shelf this year! Maybe because of all the new mobile phones have wireless capabilities now such as the iPhone XS, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, Samsung, and other android phones.
These wireless charging pads are made from 100% genuine marble which fits perfectly into your living space without being an eyesore. A decorative tech accessory that is functional and stylish at the same time.
Again, you can engrave anything you like onto the marble with these wireless chargers.
At the end of the year, companies love to personalize these wireless chargers as gifts to customers and employees. The marble gives off a sense of luxury, but at the same time, it is a useful item that you don't just throw to the side.
Many people may think notebooks are outdated. For the most part, it is true, MacBooks, or jotting down notes on your iPhone seems so much easier. BUT! There is still a special meaning and feel to having an actual notebook. Something, where emotions come to life and memories, can be stored without being accidentally deleted.
These are the world's first real marble notebook journals. It comes in 180 pages split into lined, squared and blank for multi-functional use. Again, the big feature aside from a big beautiful piece of marble is the personalization. Names are always a great way to have a sense of personal belonging. But a creative design on the cover could really show how much heart and thought you put into this gift.
When you think dog tag necklaces, you probably assume someone who has served in the military or marines. But it has become quite the fashion item. Big fashion houses such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Yurman all have popular dog tag necklaces they offer. At MIKOL, we really try to retain as much as the natural marble look for our fans. We truly believe in having our design enhance natural beauty.
Below we have a few examples of how our fans enjoy using the dog tags, whether it's just the marble or designing their own style.
Wallets are always terrific gifts because they actually get used! Minimalism is trending and it shows that it does improve our daily lives. Carrying a minimalist wallet does make a person more organized because you carry only the daily necessities such as ID cards, credit cards, travel cards, and cash. It reduces the chances of losing your wallet. It doesn't misalign your back when you sit on it as traditional wallets do. And it's just so much more stylish!
September 18, 2018
As the verge says " Apple has gone from being an iPhone company to being an iPhone X company". This year Apple is introducing the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max as well as a midrange iPhone XR.
The two iPhone XS models are 5.8-inch XS and the new iPhone XS Max, which has a much larger 6.5-inch display.
Both iPhone XS models have a spec-bumped update to the iPhone X. They have a new main camera sensor, a new processor, and a bunch of small updates that add up to a much nicer device than the X.
There is still a dual-camera set up with a 12MP telephoto sensor and a 12MP wide-angle sensor, but that wide-angle primary sensor is much larger than the iPhone X. Specifically, they’re bigger by 1.4µm pixels and deeper by 3.5µm pixels. There are twice as many focus pixels for better autofocus according to Apple.
Apple also improved the software powering of the camera on the iPhone XS. The company introduced a Smart HDR feature which uses the new A12 Bionic chip to enhance photos. The new iPhone XS takes multiple shots with different contrast levels and zero shutter lag to create the best possible shot.
And because of that, many compare it to Google's Pixel 2 with HDR+.
With Apple unveiling their new features and sizes, our team at MIKOL have also made some new updates.
We wanted to focus more on the wellness stones such as the Amethyst iPhone case above.
Pink Rose quartz iPhone X case has been a super hot seller than we ran out! This year, we will add a slight amount more to our production, but still in limited quantities.
Certainly, we can't leave out the chill laguna blue iPhone X case. Its mystical blue has been a great eye-catching feature for many of our customers.
In the recent years, there has been an upsurge in popularity of wellness stones or crystal healing methods from a spiritual standpoint. Since mobile phones are items we carry around with us every day, we wanted to use this opportunity to create a wellness program. An iPhone case that infuses these crystal gems to balance out the negative energy in your life.
We wanted to spice up the marble features a little this year by introducing leathered finish marble pieces on the new iPhone XS cases. The touch is still smooth, but you will feel a 3D touch to it. Every grain of the marble evolves and reacts differently, which gives off these unique textures that is one of a kind.
Are you ready for the new iPhone XS models? Which piece of stone would you match best with your personality?
July 30, 2018
Many people like to ask us, why did we decide to use marble as our signature feature for iPhone cases and other lifestyle products. We often receive questions asking about what is so special about marble? The short version is if you're asking this question, then you are most likely not our target audience. Our intention isn't to try and sell you a product, but build a community of people that appreciate natural stones. We are looking for those that love the look of marble, understand there is the history behind, and the unique factor natural stones carry.
But since so many people ask, we thought to share 5 main factors of why we wanted to create fashionable lifestyle marble products.
1. Unique Factor
The general view of marble is that it is a luxury item. Natural stones can be quite expensive such as the Laguna blue you see in the above photo, also known as Azul Bahia. However, there are natural stones that are very affordable as well, especially materials like slate. So why does marble have such a luxury image? It's because it's a unique and exclusive product. And for the affluent class, they don't want an item that everybody else has.
You see plenty of iPhone cases on the market, even marble printed version phone cases. And they are great products as well! The only thing is, every single piece is exactly the same because it is mass produced.
Every real marble iPhone x case a customer purchases, that marble design will solely be theirs to own. There are no two cases that are ever the same because of it's natural everchanging vein structure.
If you're interested in finding out how to identify faux marble, we have another article here showing you the comparison here.
2. History
Most marble quarries have a super rich history! Materials such as the Carrara white marble dates back further than the ancient Roman empire. Known artist such as Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci or even modern architects loves using this material. If you want to find out more history and fun facts about Carrara marble, we have another article about this stone in our blog.
The history of the quarry/quarriers, artists, sculptors, architects, fabricators that all date back centuries are endless stories of this beautiful marble being applied. Something a simple print or design can hardly compare to years and years of history.
3. Experts
One main reason why we decided to use marble was that we were already experts in the field. And we had the technology to make ultra-thin marble pieces. Originally, it was intended for the construction industry to help conserve material. However, the business greed made it difficult to promote this new concept of marble sheets. Therefore we re-directed into an area where it would be appreciated.
4. Fashion
When we entered the market, it just happened the marble fashion trend was on the rise! People were using printed marble on bags, clothes, shoes, wallets, iPhone cases and many more. If people were happy with printed styles of marble designs, why wouldn't they accept the real thing? Aside from designing lifestyle products combined with natural marble pieces, we knew exactly where to source the best quality stones with a variety of colors to make it even more fashionable! An example of a popular item for our female customer base is the amethyst iPhone case. It's supposed to bring good luck and fortune. Also, the vibrant purple color is an eye catcher as well with crystalized structure.
5. Awareness
Last, but not least, the mission of our company is to raise awareness through our products. If you don't know our story, we originally developed the ultra-thin marble technology for the construction industry. The marble was 90% thinner which reduced waste, faster installation, lessen the structural load on the building and reduced emissions from less transportation cost. We could also use recycled materials such as the Terrazzo iPhone 8 case we have above. However, there were too many middlemen in the distribution channel to convince. Most wanted a quick sale, so the product was a harder sell. Instead of giving up, the owner of our company decided to drastically change industries into fashion and lifestyle products. The reason behind it was so we can educate the world that this thin marble technology was available. We can use thinner marble and still maintain its quality. Why lifestyle and fashion? MIKOL wanted to be in an area where people us and carry the product everyday with them to help raise awareness. If you are carrying around a real marble iPhone case, without any explanation, most will realize the possibilities of thin marble.
In a way, it was a success to us! Even though it's not widely used in the construction industry yet, but we do see more and more products utilize our thin marble technology. When we first started, there was a lot of doubts. Over time, as we grew and our customers help spread the word, it became more and more acceptable. We rarely get the question if our products are made out of real marble now.
But we still need to make a further push! The construction industry uses millions of tons of natural stones a year. It is something we can easily help reduce.
Please help us share and educate others of this available technology in an traditional space.
June 14, 2018
Long distance relationships are growing in number every day, especially for work-related reasons. Approximately 14 million people in the US today are in a long distance relationship, and 75% of all engaged couples have, at some point, been in a long-distance relationship. We live in a world where travel has become not just convenient, but also the norm. With our iPhones, it's been easier to connect through text, facetime, email, etc. At the same time, it's also put distance in our relationships.
As humans, we have always learned to adapt to times. And even though we may be far apart with a loved one, there are many ways to still stay connected. The wonderful gesture of gift giving can make it easier for your long-term relationship to work. Giving gifts can strengthen the bond with your significant other and create strong emotions. This has even been shown to have psychological benefits. The perfect gift becomes a reminder of the perfect relationship, a gift which your significant other can enjoy even if you are not there all the time. Choose something special, unforgettable and make it personal in a way that really represents what your partner means to you.
A Marble Notebook
MIKOL's marble notebooks are truly one of a kind. There are many ordinary notebooks available but chances are, notebooks made of real marble are really hard to find. A notebook which is this special can be a perfect tool for journaling; you could even share the notebook with your partner and send it back and forth. After all, journaling is a great way to tell your significant other your feelings and how you are coping each day. You can journal in any notebook but a beautiful and resistant notebook, such as a marble notebook, makes for a wonderful writing experience and will allow the writer to cherish the memories for years and years to come. A notebook is made to be used often so this gift will certainly make a lasting impression; your partner is sure to think lovingly of you every time they use the notebook.
And I know many of you think email will be faster and more convenient. But there is something about holding a journal, writing in one and knowing that someone poured their hearts in there while flipping through the pages.
If you choose to journal with your partner, know that this can turn into a wonderful communication exercise; a recent study actually suggests that people in long-distance relationships have better communication because they build the right intimacy by writing and saying lovely things to each other. As you journal, be honest about your fears and insecurities. Don't hold back if you need to write about jealousy or anything else you are feeling. Hiding things from your partner will only push you apart. Being open and honest with each other, on the other hand, will bring you closer together and help you support each other. A marble notebook filled with memories written by both of you will serve as a wonderful keepsake for the future and will also remind you of how lucky you are to have each other.
You can also engrave each other's name on the marble, or label them by each destination, time period that you desire.
A Marble Phone Accessory
Since you are in a long distance relationship, you are probably going to be using your phone a lot to communicate. A wireless marble charger is a perfect gift as it's both practical and stylish. This way, your partner's phone will always be fully charged. Every time your partner charges their phone, they will think about you and how they can't wait to hear from them. Furthermore, not many people have wireless chargers and they can do wonders for productivity, something your partner will thank you for!
Another wonderful gift could be a tablet or phone protector in a new, exciting and stylish material such as marble. It's elegant and luxurious and represents both innovation and timeless tradition at the same time. It's also a gift that your partner will probably always have with him or her, a constant reminder of how important the relationship is.
Long-distance relationships aren't easy but they can work. Even when things get complicated or you're feeling lonely, learn to see the distance as both a journey and a test for the relationship. This experience and the unique gifts you cherish will bind you and your partner together in a stronger, more intimate way.
Guest Writer: Jane Sandwood
May 23, 2018
Hello everyone!! Summer is here and we want to celebrate! Ok, so we like to find any excuse we can to celebrate and have fun! But why not?!
So what's happening?!
We are are launching the world's first REAL marble minimalist wallets this summer!
But we need your help to spread the word and build up the hype with us! In return, we are giving away free bracelets to anyone that likes and shares our page on facebook as well as Instagram. Only part is, we need you to cover our standard shipping cost.
This little special will last until first week of June! Or the first 500 bracelets, whichever comes first!
Here is an example below:
You must be wondering, marble wallets?!?! Must be heavy and fragile.
The thickness is roughly the same as 3 credit cards stacked up together.
The weight is roughly the same as 3 chase sapphire credit cards.
Next question is the durability of the marble. Well, we do live in an age where technology is thriving. And using modern technology, we were able to create marble pieces that are shatterproof.
You can easily youtube our marble poker cards and see that they can be dropped.
We personally like to put up to 6 cards which seems to be optimal. Although you can stack up to 15 cards, that defeats the purpose of a minimalist wallet a little bit.
But everyone has their own style.
We personally like to have just the important cards such as drivers license, debit card, one or two credit cards and maybe a Starbucks gift card as well, or those who ride the subway.
Then maybe twenty to forty dollars worth of bills tucked away in the elastic band.
Slim, convenient to carry and use. It can slip right in our front pocket, side pocket or even purse for women.
The geometric shapes were designed for aesthetic features. But they were also are designed for functionality as well. The bottom cut allows your thumb to fit comfortably and slide up the credit cards. The top part, you can easily extract the cards or bend them open a little to see which ard you prefer.
And as mentioned, the magical elastic band holds cash very well and allows easy access when needed.
Lastly, why marble? For one, it's what we are really good at producing. Second, if you've been following us, you know we love marble because it's always different. Meaning every wallet produced will always have its own unique patterning.
Mostly, we see a lot of the minimalist wallets that are very functional. But unlike regular wallets, we haven't really seen any fashionable minimalist wallets. This is an area we wanted to fit into. A minimalist wallet that is stylish, fashionable and also easy to use.
Now, I am saving the best for last!
After the promotion of the bracelet giveaway! Whoever has the most shares and likes will receive a FREE WALLET!
Good luck to you all, and have fun while doing it!