Boox Palma: More Than an E-Reader – My Personal AI Assistant!

I’m excited to share my latest tech obsession – the Boox Palma e-reader. This little device has the potential to be far more than just a way to read books! This e-reader is more than meets the eye! See how I turn my Boox Palma into a personal AI assistant.

What is the Boox Palma?

Think of the Boox Palma as a super-compact Kindle with a whole lot of extra features. Its crisp eInk display lets you read books with incredible clarity, even in direct sunlight, and the battery lasts incredibly long between charges.

Boox Palma
Boox Palma

The Palma is ridiculously small – about 6 inches tall by 3 inches wide, and less than half an inch thick. This makes it smaller and lighter than most smartphones! Despite its size, it packs a punch:

  • 16-megapixel camera
  • Microphone and speaker
  • Power and volume controls
  • Customizable function button
  • 128GB onboard storage (expandable via MicroSD card)

More Than Just an E-Reader

While the Palma is fantastic for reading, it has something many e-readers lack: Android 11. This opens up a world of possibilities. I decided to take things a step further and turn my Boox Palma into my own personal, pocket-sized AI assistant.

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FOCI AI Review: Can It Boost Your Focus and Productivity?

My First Week with the FOCI AI Wearable: Can it Really Boost Productivity?

As someone in the tech industry managing a global team, I’m always looking for ways to boost my productivity. The search for smarter, not harder, work habits is never-ending. When I discovered the FOCI AI wearable, I was immediately intrigued. This device clips to your waistband and promises to track your focus, distractions, stress, and fatigue, ultimately helping you optimize your work sessions with gentle vibrations. I tried Foci for a week, here’s what happened.

The Setup: Easy and Unobtrusive

Unboxing the FOCI was straightforward (you can check out my unboxing video here), and I was happy to find it clipped sturdily onto my waistband – I barely noticed it after putting it on! The real magic happened after I connected FOCI to my iPhone and started wearing it. The device needed about three days to learn my breathing patterns, a key factor in how it determines my mental state.

First Impressions: Insights with Some Vibrating Caveats

After a few days, FOCI’s app began showing fascinating data about my work habits. It pinpointed periods of deep focus, but also a good deal of distraction and even fatigue I hadn’t necessarily been conscious of. Perhaps most interesting were the vibrations designed to alert me when my focus waned.

My workdays are full of context switching – meetings, rapid decisions, and constant collaboration. It’s no surprise that Foci initially flagged this as a distraction – and honestly, it’s right. Context switching is a major focus killer! The frequent vibrations started to feel more disruptive than helpful after a few days. This raises an important point: even tech designed for focus can become a distraction itself. The vibration intensity also surprised me. I hope Foci will either learn to adapt to my work style, offer settings to adjust the alerts, or I’ll just grow accustomed to them over time. But the Foci is doing its job!!

What’s Next?

Foci AI Review
Foci AI Review

I plan to continue wearing the FOCI and track if anything changes in its analysis patterns or if I get used to the vibration feature. It’s a truly innovative concept, and I’m curious to see how it evolves.

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Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf

Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf | Crazy4Me
Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | Crazy4Me

Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco may be one of the most iconic places to visit when in California. The wharf is full of amazing eateries and shops, but Cioppino’s Restaurant in particular will leave you completely satisfied with their delicious Italian food. This restaurant has a warm atmosphere that is perfect for families or couples looking for an enjoyable meal. The restaurant has been featured on TV shows such as Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. Today, Gary and I were at Cioppino’s to try their pizza.

Approaching Cioppino’s you can smell the delicious garlic and tomato sauce. We decided to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine and breeze though indoor is available with proof of Covid vaccination card.

Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf | Crazy4Me
Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | Crazy4Me

The waitstaff are super friendly and efficient and took really good care of us. At one point the sunshine was rather bright and hot, and they moved umbrellas around for us, so we’d be more comfortable sitting outside. The Cesar salad came out first and we ordered a small, but it was easily enough for two people to share. Nice tangy dressing and crispy lettuce. The people watching outside is fantastic as there are tourists from all over the world walking by.

Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf | Crazy4Me
Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | Crazy4Me

I had a direct view of the pizza ovens, and it didn’t take long at all for our hot and fresh pizza to be ready. This is one good-looking pizza, and it was now time to taste it. Pizza time!! The first thing we notice is the golden crust and how crispy it is. By far, Cioppino’s pizza crust is one of our favorites we’ve had thus far on the great San Francisco Pizza Tour. If you like a solid and crispy crust then this pizza is for you. The pepperoni and Italian sausage toppings were high-quality but had a subtle flavor so not too overpowering like you can get with some Italian sausage. The cheese was light but full-flavored and tasted like a mozzarella Parmesan combo and the sauce was not garlicky at all also very subtle. There was a good amount of toppings on this pizza, and it was very delicious. And this was certainly not a greasy pizza at all and a very high-quality pie.

Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf | Crazy4Me
Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | Crazy4Me

The location of Cioppino’s being on Fisherman’s Wharf right in downtown San Francisco just steps away from the Bay with views of Alcatraz and proximity to all the attractions of the wharf simply can’t be beat and, you add delicious high-quality food onto that (not cheap touristy food) it is a wonderful experience and should not be missed.

Let’s rate Cioppino’s Restaurant on a scale of 1 (being lowest) to 5 (being highest): 

Style/Crust : Oven baked pizza – 4.8

Sauce: Basic red sauce –  3.8

Toppings: 4

Taste: 4.5

Presentation: 4.5

Experience: Location/Staff: 4.8

The location of Cioppino’s being on Fisherman’s Wharf right in downtown San Francisco just steps away from the Bay with views of Alcatraz and proximity to all the attractions of the wharf simply can’t be beat. You add delicious high-quality food onto that (not cheap touristy food) it makes for a wonderful experience and should not be missed. Their menu has something for everyone – from pizza to cioppino (their signature dish)! If you are looking for an amazing restaurant in San Francisco for a delicious and enjoyable meal, then you’ll want to visit Cioppino’s.

Was it that good? Or am I just that full? Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf | Crazy4Me
Was it that good? Or am I just that full? Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | Crazy4Me

Comment on this post on Instagram or Facebook and share your favorite pizza!!

Let us know if you try any of the places we are reviewing, we’d love to hear what you ordered and your experience. Tag us on social media @crazy4thepizza

All pics by my sweet hubby Gary Greco

Keep up with our San Francisco Pizza Tour of 2021 where we are regularly visiting pizza restaurants in San Francisco to find the best and tastiest pies – www.crazy4pizza.com  Instagram @crazy4thepizza and https://www.facebook.com/crazy4thepizza 

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How to Write an Effective Women’s Fashion Review

Fashion Review

Being a seasoned voice in the fashion industry, I have had the pleasure of writing numerous reviews and collaborating with a wide range of brands and companies like Eloquii, Betsey Johnson, Sourpuss Clothing . Each review presents a unique opportunity to influence the purchasing decisions, spark creative styling ideas, and even steer the course of future fashion trends. Today, I’m thrilled to share my insights and experience on how to write an effective women’s fashion review. This blog post is your guide to the key steps and best practices to craft a review that not only resonates with your readers but also reflects your personal style and flair.

Understand the Purpose

Before you start writing your fashion review, it’s crucial to understand its purpose. Are you trying to inform, persuade, compare, or just expressing your personal opinion? Each purpose will require a different approach, so clarifying this beforehand will help guide your writing.

Get to Know the Brand

A solid understanding of the brand behind the outfit will give your review credibility. Research about the brand’s history, its design philosophy, and its target demographic. This information can provide valuable context for your readers, as well as show that you’re knowledgeable about the fashion industry.

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The Pretty Dress Company Figure Flattering Vintage-Inspired Dresses

The Pretty Dress Company Myla Dress

Springtime in California is marvelous. The sun shines brightly but not too hot and there is a gentle breeze blowing. Everything is blooming and the air is perfumed with jasmine, roses, and orange blossoms. The vineyards here in wine country are just starting to bloom and what could be better than getting all dolled up in a figure flattering dress by Pretty Dress Company and spending the day at the stunning Ferrari Carano winery.

There’s something about a pretty dress that just makes everything feel a little more magical. Maybe it’s the way they swish and sway when you walk, or the way they make you feel feminine and beautiful. A day at the winery is all about dressing up in your prettiest dress and enjoying a day of wine tasting and relaxation.

That’s why I was excited to collaborate with the UK based Pretty Dress Company as they make vintage-inspired clothing that is figure flattering, chic, and makes you feel magical. I had selected a couple of dresses to review and style, and they came very quickly (within a couple of days) all the way from the UK to California. I decided to wear this cobalt blue Myla dress because the blue color is so vivid and lovely and I thought it would really pop for a trip to the vineyards.

Fearri Carano Winery Yasmina Greco

The Myla dress has a classic silhouette with a very full circle skirt, v neck, and fitted bodice. I was not sure which size to order and decided to order one size up and I am very glad that I did as the dress fit a bit tight on my bust but was still very comfortable and the fabric has a little stretch as it is made from stretch lux crepe.

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Square Pie Guys: SF’s Best Detroit-Style Pizza

Yasmina Greco Square Pie Guys Detroit-Style Pizza in San Francisco

Experience the best Detroit-style pepperoni pizza at Square Pie Guys, nestled in the heart of Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco. This is the ultimate destination for pizza enthusiasts seeking a deliciously satisfying square pie experience.

Craving a hearty slice of Detroit-style pizza? Look no further than Square Pie Guys in San Francisco, offering the finest square pies in town. Perfect for a quick meal or a fun outing with friends, you won’t be disappointed with their incredible menu options.

Square Pie Guys Detroit-Style Pizza in San Francisco

On a beautiful summer day, my husband Gary and I ventured to Square Pie Guys in Ghirardelli Square. This newly opened pizza haven boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, a drink counter, and friendly staff ready to serve. Ordering is a breeze with a QR code scanning system that directs you to their app.

Detroit-style square pizza in San Francisco at Ghirardelli Square – Square Pie Guys
Yasmina Greco Square Pie Guys Detroit-Style Pizza in San Francisco
Yasmina Greco Square Pie Guys Detroit-Style Pizza in San Francisco

We indulged in the 6×8 pizza with red sauce, 48 pavone pepperoni, cheddar cheese edge, and mozzarella. With a diverse menu catering to various tastes, you can choose from cheese, supreme, white sauce, vegetarian, all meat, honey-drizzled pork and pineapple, or even customize your own pizza. Don’t forget to try their salads, chicken wings, cheesy bread, crispy asparagus, and desserts. While traditional sodas aren’t available, they offer Acqua Panna Italian water, cocktails, beers, cola, and root beer.

Square Pie Guys Detroit-Style Pizza in San Francisco

The ambiance is light and welcoming, with attentive staff ensuring a pleasant experience. Our pizza arrived promptly, boasting an irresistible aroma and mouth-watering appearance. The crispy pepperoni and perfectly balanced red sauce combined with ooey-gooey cheese made this Detroit-style square pizza a delight. The stunning view of the San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island added to the unforgettable experience.

Square Pie Guys Detroit-Style Pizza in San Francisco – Ghirardelli Square

Let’s rate Square Pie Guys on a scale of 1 (being lowest) to 5 (being highest): 

Style/Crust : Detroit-style – 5

Sauce: Tasty red sauce –  5

Pepperoni Toppings: 5

Taste: 5

Presentation: 5

Experience: Location/Staff: 5 (location is incredible, right in the heart of San Francisco’s Ghirardelli Square, service was good)

When in the Bay Area, don’t miss out on Square Pie Guys at Ghirardelli Square. Relish their delectable Detroit-style square pizzas while soaking in breathtaking views. Can’t visit in person? Explore our blog for more tantalizing reviews.

Want more SF Pizza reviews, check out these reviews we posted?

Stinking Rose in San Francisco

Acre Pizza – Northern San Francisco Pizza

All pics by my sweet hubby Gary Greco

Keep up with our San Francisco Pizza Tour of 2021-2022 where we are regularly visiting pizza restaurants in San Francisco to find the best and tastiest pies – www.crazy4pizza.com  Instagram @crazy4thepizza and https://www.facebook.com/crazy4thepizza

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