• Art,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    Sketching is simple with HOW TO DRAW ALMOST EVERYTHING, VOLUME 2!

    If you’ve ever wanted to draw super-cute illustrations but weren’t sure where to start, never fear: How to Draw Almost Everything, Volume 2, is here!

    Publishing this June, How to Draw Almost Everything, Volume 2 gives step-by-step instructions on drawing over 2000 illustrations (whether or not you know Volume 1). Starting from basic shapes, you’ll draw everything from flowers to people to everyday objects to special illustrations for different seasons and holidays! You’ll also learn to create decorative motifs, frames, and text.

    With a little practice, you’ll be making adorable doodles in no time!

    How to Draw Almost Everything Volume 2 (Quarry Books / June 16, 2020 / US $19.99)—a follow-up to the popular book How to Draw Almost Everything, part of the Almost Everything series from Quarry Books—shows how easy it is to draw even more cute illustrations.

    • Learn to draw each illustration in easy-to-follow steps. Just follow the arrows to complete each step. You’ll also find helpful tips and ideas for drawing variations.
    • Start with basic shapes, such as circles, triangles, and squares, then add special details to personalize your illustrations.
    • Draw animals, people, everyday objects, patterns and borders, and holiday and seasonal themes, along with warm-ups and special lessons.
    • An inspiration gallery offers fun ideas for adding illustrations to everyday objects or creating one-of-a-kind notes, cards, and gifts.

    Six Pommes is the pen name for the six contributing illustrators whose work is featured in How To Draw Almost Everything Volume 2. Each book in the Almost Everything series offers readers a fun, comprehensive, and charmingly illustrated visual directory of ideas to inspire skill building in their creative endeavors.

  • Los Angeles

    6 Sweet Gifts for an Awesome Entrepreneur

    While it’s easy to think of entrepreneurs as people who have no time for the pleasures and delights of life, the truth is that they simply love great innovation–in any context. Thus, they will appreciate any gestures or presents that take them by surprise in design or functionality. 

    This article highlights six excellent gifts that will surely impress every entrepreneur, especially if they are the trendy type. Go through these suggestions to discover what to wrap up in a gift box for your entrepreneurial friend, relative, or colleague.

    A Productivity Planner

    Although entrepreneurs are driven by passion for their businesses, they can still find it challenging to stay on track. Not every entrepreneur is super organized–although it certainly helps if they are! In fact, being a touch disorganized or lacking focus can be why some new ventures fail; coming up with entrepreneurial ideas is not enough on its own.

    The entrepreneur has a lot on their plate, so they have to create plans, remain accountable to their commitments, and look out for issues that come up out of the blue. 

    And before you say that these responsibilities come with the job, entrepreneurs also grapple with tons of distractions that could easily steer them off course. However, an excellent Productivity Planner sporting useful efficiency hacks can give insights to keep them on the straight and narrow. To cite one example, the so-called Pomodoro Approach helps the entrepreneur to get more from their precious working hours, as detailed here

    Apart from that, a Productivity Planner will prove handy when it comes to taking note of weekly or daily objectives. Things can even be stepped up further with productivity ratings to help quantify accomplishments. Furthermore, users can document their wins and utilize in-built strategies for monitoring time tracking. 

    A Portable Hydro Flask

    If the entrepreneur you want to impress loves carrying home-made beverages to work–such as fruit smoothies to aid their concentration–then a hydro flask will undoubtedly be an excellent gift. These items work incredibly well when it comes to keeping cold drinks cold and hot beverages hot, but they can also be super stylish and well-sized for a small case or carry-on bag.

    The beauty of one of these is that they come in many innovative finishes, colors and styles, to suit the individual’s creative flair. Moreover, they come with a well-functioning lock, and are set to ensure zero spillage and go just about anywhere with someone who never stays still.  

    Some such flasks–unlike the ancient Thermos flask everyone’s grandpa has in the back of the cupboard–even hold a small cage-like filter in the center, allowing fresh fruits, supplements, greens, rock salt or whatever you like to ‘feed’ the drink. These flasks come in a variety of high-tech materials from modern polycarbs to powder-coated metals, marrying form and function perfectly. 

    Stylish, Super-Cool Socks

    When we say super-cool, we mean on-trend. 

    An entrepreneur needs to look classy, feel comfortable, and stay warm throughout their workday, but how can they when it begins at the crack of dawn and ends really late, with the in-between time filled with dashing from this meeting to that?

    Many entrepreneurs are used to carrying spare shirts with them so that they can change–but the worst feeling of all is to have clammy, sweaty or simply tired-out, overheated feet when you’re stuck at the office.

    So much focus is given to suits, shirts and shoes while giving little thought to something very important: socks. But what else provides class, comfort, and warmth at the same time?

    Extremely important in any entrepreneur’s sock choice is that unusual mix of style and functionality, and that’s why supplying your entrepreneur with some extremely well-made socks is a great idea. We recommend something along the lines of a fine pinstriped pair of socks (or several pairs) in which the old-school, traditional pattern of fine alternating stripes meets up with cool cotton fabric, and vibrant, on-trend colors. This is a marriage of three things any discerning entrepreneur loves: prestige–style–and functionality. 

    Here, these finely woven socks sport a familiar design yet an on-point color scheme, and they will keep the feet dry and warm without being clammy–allowing the feet to breathe. An especially daring trendy entrepreneur could also mix-and-match the colors–one orange, one purple! 

    These entrepreneurs just love to live on the edge…


    Tile Mate

    Have you ever forgotten where you have put your keys and searched hours for them? Well, of course you have. And if you’re a trendy entrepreneur with a mountain of things to remember, you’re more likely than anyone to lose your car keys. Tiredness and brain fatigue are likely culprits.

    In fact, many business owners admit to working more hours after they started their own businesses than when they were employed. According to Business Matters Magazine, SME owners work about 17 days of overtime on average every year. Actually, that does not sound like a lot… we’re sure that most entrepreneurs put in way more time. 

    Anyway, what was I talking about…?  Oh, yes! Forgetfulness, and losing things. Well, there is a very handy solution to losing car keys and small items, and it’s called Tile Mate. This nifty, flat, tiny metal plate that’s a handy size for a keyring or wallet incorporates a tracker device–and it’s so small, it fits anywhere. This is the ultimate solution for tracking lost things and an excellent gift for a business person (unless they lose it before setting it up…). 

    Tile Mate attaches to personal items like keys, phone, wallet, etc. When you cannot find an item to which you have attached Tile Mate, simply wake up the app on your phone to track it. The app uses Bluetooth to find lost things and activates a noise to help you locate it. Therefore, it is not ‘live’ all the time but activates when required. These devices are a great talking point for a trendy tech lover.  


    A Virtual Laser Keyboard


    Most entrepreneurs, whether they are in the office or not, are constantly working to ensure that their business is running successfully. That’s why getting them a laser keyboard is a genius idea. 

    So, what exactly does this keyboard offer? 

    It allows a user to type regardless of where they are. One doesn’t have to be in the office to write a report, since this clever portable device creates a trendy keyboard on almost any surface, be it on a bench in the park or a table in a local coffee shop. 

    The device then uses Bluetooth to pair with your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Since it is a portable gadget, entrepreneurs can get work done wherever they are and enjoy the smooth and seamless experience of simple technology that just gets the job done–always a plus for every entrepreneur.

    Noise-Canceling Headphones

    Sometimes, it’s impossible to control the environment, and that’s an irritation for the dedicated entrepreneur who finds himself on a noisy train carriage but who needs to finish writing a debrief. 

    There is no better solution to this problem than a high-quality pair of noise reduction/cancellation headphones. Until you’ve owned a pair, you cannot really imagine how effective they are. These can be real lifesavers–or face-savers, anyway, as the entrepreneur will not have to show up somewhere with a partially completed presentation. 

    These headphones are useful even at work, since entrepreneurs in the early stages of their businesses don’t usually have the luxury of dedicated offices. And then there’s the growing trend of working from home and open-plan offices or coworking spaces. 

    A pair of noise-reducing headphones can help improve concentration and productivity, especially when paired with focus boosting music, as recommended by Inc

    Buy this gift for a versatile entrepreneur who always has top trends in mind. 


    Conclusion


    These were just a few ideas of things to buy for a trendy entrepreneur; getting the perfect gift for a business owner is not an easy task, but we hoped our insights helped.

    In future, just draw on the key attributes of gifts that will appeal to trendy entrepreneurs:  uniqueness; innovation; style; functionality; longevity; simplicity. These are core features loved by entrepreneurs the world over. Some of the best products fit most or all of these criteria.

  • Las Vegas

    Why Spring Could be the Best Season to Visit Vegas

    Visiting the fabulous Las Vegas is a trip that can be enjoyed at any time of year, but to get the very most out of any vacation, it pays to plan ahead and choose the best time of year. 

     

    Splitting the year nicely into quarters, we’ve got Vegas experiences in spring, summer, fall, and winter. There are pros and cons to any time of year chosen; however, for many visitors flocking to the gaming hub of the world, it’s spring that proves the very best season to visit Vegas. 

     

    With fewer tourists visiting the city during the earlier part of the year, there’s a great deal to be had on plenty of hotels, and a chance to really bag a bargain. There is great weather and even a fantastic selection of events including the NASCAR weekend and EDC Las Vegas. 

     

    So let’s get into it and find out precisely why spring could be the best season to visit Vegas. 

    The Weather

    The first piece of the puzzle that goes into deciding on a date for any trip is the weather–and when considering Las Vegas, it’s no different. 

     

    Defining spring as from early March to late May, visitors who select this time of the year will find themselves in Las Vegas in the most comfortable season. A table of Las Vegas’ average weather statistics during the spring months can be seen below: 

     

    Month  Average High Average Low Sunny Days Humidity 
    March  70 49 83% 33% 
    April  78 56 87% 25%
    May  89 66 88% 21%

    Table: Las Vegas average weather statistics during the spring months

     

    March kicks off the season with average lows of 49 and highs of 70, ending with average highs of 89 and lows of 66 in May. Humidity decreases as the months progress, with March facing an average humidity of 33% and spring ending with just 21% in May. 

     

    Everyone has a different preference when it comes to their favorite weather criteria–some even prefer cooler climes, rain or snow–but it’s safe to say that spring is a very strong contender for a majority of visitors. Just don’t forget to pack a few light layers, since temperatures will cool significantly once the sun hits the hay. 

    Great Events

    Needless to say, there’s always plenty to see and do throughout Las Vegas and the March-May calendar is no different. 

    NASCAR weekend (March)

    Race fans fire up your engines; it’s the NASCAR weekend kicking events off this Spring. 

     

    There’s very little better than the octane-fueled energy that visits Vegas for the NASCAR weekend, the whole city transforming around this superb event. With the main event taking place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the NASCAR comprises 400 miles of racing that should really be on every fan’s bucket list. 

    Water lanterns in the park (March)

    The Las Vegas Water Lantern Festival is one of the most beautiful events of the year.

     

    Located at Sunset Park, for the price of admission, visitors will be able to create their own lantern complete with illumination from an LED candle. When the time comes–8:30 p.m. to be exact–guests launch their lanterns in the water, producing a picturesque scene that’ll fill Facebook photo albums for years to come. 

    St Patrick’s Day (March)

    We all know that Vegas is the party capital of the world, and those who love a drink and a dance will adore spending St Patrick’s Day in the city. 

     

    Head to O’Sheas at The LINQ or Ri Ra Irish Pub inside the Shoppes at Mandalay Place for an authentic Irish feel and the absolutely essential–and perfect–pint of Guinness. With live music, gaming tables, cornhole, and beer pong, there’s no better place to celebrate.

    Great Vegas Festival of Beer (April)

    One for those die-hard beer drinkers now, with the Great Vegas Festival of Beer falling in April in the fabulous city. 

     

    The streets of downtown are transformed during this beer festival, making it the perfect occasion for any foodie or beer lover. With more than 500 craft beers featuring plenty of local and regional favorites sitting alongside food trucks and local restaurants, it’s a great day for the whole family. 

    Vegas Uncork’d (April-May)

    Now we come to the biggest culinary event of the year in Las Vegas. That’s right, it’s Vegas Uncork’d, landing late April/early May. 

     

    Lasting four days and with a star-studded culinary lineup featuring the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Guy Savoy, and Giada de Laurentiis, visitors will fall in love with the food through a number of tastings, dinners, and brunches. 

     

    The Grand Tasting at the Garden of the Gods pool at Caesars Palace is the highlight of the event, and it’s worth planning your trip to align with these unmissable dates if you’re a true foodie. 

    EDC Las Vegas (May)

    One of the biggest musical festivals in the world lands in Vegas mid-May, with the world-famous EDC Las Vegas

     

    The Electric Daisy Carnival comes jam-packed, with DJs performing from dusk to dawn across eight different stages. The incredible KineticFIELD acts as the main stage and will see the likes of the biggest and best artists of the moment whilst the festival grounds offer fantastic carnival rides and parades in an out-of-this-world neon spectacle. 

    Affordability 

    The spring months are some of the most affordable in which to visit Las Vegas, with the high season not quite in full swing. And the more you save on accommodation, the fatter your wallet so you can spend on gaming, shows, beers and events.

     

    Hotel prices in the city can become borderline ridiculous toward summer due to a plethora of coinciding events, scorching temperatures and the freedom for parents to take their children away for the school holidays, so it pays to look for a quieter time of year. 

     

    Adrian Sireca, of OnlineCasinoGems, shares his 2 cents on the hotel prices, stating: “Toward the busier months, it’s the hotels that become the bigger expenses of the trip. By visiting just a couple of months earlier, visitors can save hundreds of dollars whilst having the same experience. You’d have to be crazy to wait till the prices are high.”

     

    There are plenty of deals to be had; all you’ve got to do is search for them!

    Conclusion

    So there you have it, our argument as to why we love the earlier months of the year in Las Vegas. 

     

    With a quieter city in the spring months leading to a better deal on accommodation, plenty of great events and the most comfortable weather of the year, we really do feel spring is the best season to visit Las Vegas.