[Review] DesignEvo: Is this the Canva of logo making?

I was very excited when I found out about DesignEvo. The interface reminded me very much of Canva, a graphic design web application that allows users to create layouts and graphics using a drag-and-drop interface. With access to millions of photos, layouts, fonts, and graphic elements - it's my one-stop shop for quick design solutions. DesignEvo pretty much works the same way, except it's geared more towards logo making, something designers and non-designers would both benefit from. It's free, easy to use, and has relatively fair pricing packages should you want to purchase the logo you created.

To show you how awesome and simple to use this application is, here's a very quick logo project I created through the app. Aaaand if you want to try it for yourself, just head on to DesignEvo.com to start working on one.

By the end of this article I'd be giving away 3 100% off purchase coupons that you can use to buy a logo! Joining is easy, so please stick around! You don't need to join, I'm sharing the coupon codes at the end of this post!:D

30-minute logo design, is that possible? Oh yes!

Project: Logo for Surf and Perf

Brief: Surf and Perf is a small technical blog covering topics around Software Automation and Web Design. It used to be dedicated to Software Performance Testing alone (hence the blog name), but the owner starting dabbling in different fields of automation so the topics grew. The owner needs a logo for their website at www.surfandperf.com.

Keywords: quality assurance, web design, web, software testing

Preferences: simple, minimal, clean symbol

Process:

Timer starts now?

DesignEvo has tons of logo categories to choose from. But since we already established that the company is software related and technical, let's ignore the other cats and head straight to Technology & Communication

At this point, I didn't really have a concept in mind. I just scrolled through the many options and filtered those that struck near the keywords.

Aaand I stopped at this:

There were so many similar templates with a check mark and a computer but this one seemed most relevant because all the lines could stand for something.

✔  Check mark for quality assurance
✔  Computer for web surfing
✔  Brackets for coding/web development

I guess it was love at first sight. So I took it and started editing. The next step is really just a matter of placing your title text.

And we're done! How easy was that? You can choose from several fonts, and add shapes and backgrounds too. I didn't though, because the brief asked for a simple mark. Finally, you can download your logo by clicking on the Download link on the upper right corner of the page. Or for better appreciation, check out the Preview link first to see your design in several mockups.

 Looks legit!

The checkout process is very simple. After clicking the download link, you'll be presented with  3 download options. 1 free and 2 paid.

The inclusions are all included there. For this project, I could very well just pick the FREE version because all I needed was to place it in a website, and that wouldn't take up more than 500px of space. But for demo purposes I got the PLUS version because I wanted to see the inclusions of the download pack.

DesignEvo accepts paypal and credit card payments and you're guaranteed a secure checkout process.

FREE COUPONS TIME!

Here are 100% off coupon codes you can use at DesignEvo should you want to purchase the logos you created for free. I'm scrapping the giveaway mechanics 'cos I noticed it wasn't taking off so well, so might as well just give the codes to anyone who'd ask.

Each code is good for 3 uses, valid until December 31, 2018. And since it's all out here, first come first served basis applies. If the code doesn't work that means it's been used already.

Here you go:

DEP100FFHY1A

DEP100FFHY1B

DEP100FFHY1C

To use, just follow the Checkout page and click on the "Have a coupon?" link to enter the code.

Back to the download

As promised, the download pack contains a complete set of files you'll need should you want to further edit the logo.

✔  Font file

✔  Hi-res images (in transparent and white bg)

✔  Vector files (pdf and svg)

What I found missing though is the document file stating the right to register a trademark.

So finally, I would recommend DesignEvo for:

✔  Those who want to create a logo quick

✔  Those who don't want to pay too much for a logo

✔  Those who don't mind generic looking logos

✔  Those who don't mind public domain fonts 

✔  Those who want to look for logo inspirations

✔  Those who want to discover new logo trends

✔  Those who are just starting a business and don't have much capital on logo and branding

Having a logo for your brand/business is important, and DesignEvo offers a practical solution to that!

Don't miss the giveaway!

Life Lately (we finally have a bedframe!)

Meeting finally over. I hate Friday evening meetings, they take away the T in TGIF. I was mentally stressing about it earlier because I feel like I wouldn't know what to say. But thank God for my senior who stepped up and said the words I was struggling to communicate because I kept waiting for the right timing lol. So in the end, he got to clarify things for me. And to validate my attendance, I re-clarified it for my own good HAHA cos don't we all want to be clear about everything? But really, I just had to break the 20 words quota in order to be officially part of the meeting hahaha. Anyway, that means I have work to do! Today marks my first year (and two days) with the company. My batchmates tried to celebrate through dinner, but I guess we're just too withdrawn from each other to even bother pushing it. I had a meeting too, so there's that. Hehe

Have I told you we finally have a bed?

Oh it's gorgeous. It's made of imported pinewood and cost us ₱10,600 (delivery and installation included). Now our room smells like musky wood yey ♡

Having a bed custom made has been on our wish list ever since we learned we can't fit a standard queen sized bed frame in our space. Our best bet would be a bed box, but I didn't like the idea of it haha.

My biggest worry was looking for a contractor to hire because I didn't know where to look and I'm clueless about this whole home improvement game. But well, looking for a contractor was actually easy! I just joined a woodworkers group on facebook and asked for leads. I posted my pegs and specifically requested for an actual on-site estimate because we wanted to make sure the bed would fit on that corner. 

Would you believe it, not a day in and I got 7 quotes from professional suppliers who have really great portfolios. The most affordable offer was ₱6,500 and the highest was ₱18,000. In the end I decided to get Kismet Construction & Supply. They're located so far up (Caloocan) but I got them majorly because I saw they've already worked with something similar, and delivered to a condo with the same developer as ours. Yehey!

That bed is high. It's definitely higher than your regular bed, and I didn't expect it to be that way haha but it's actually nice. I can definitely put storage underneath, which is my next project! ♡ I'm inspired with this post: Storage Upgrade (Or How I Conquered the Chaos Under My Bed)

And thaaat's it. I really wanted to share some more but I can't guarantee to keep the positivity so I'll just dump them woes on my twitter.

Happy long weekend!

[Food Phase Fridays] Nitro 7's Nitro Mocha

Their kiosk at Greenbelt 3

It's been an awfully long while since my last Food Phase Fridays post so here I am with a new entry. To refresh you on what this tag is all about, Food Phase Fridays is a blog series where I share my current food obsessions on a Friday. Not every Friday, just on a Friday just so we could have more words to put on the tag lol like The Sunday Currently, Throwback Thursdays, and Friday's 10 Happy Things... yaknow? It helps with post scheduling and makes me look like an organized blogger.

Large Nitro Mocha (₱135)

Today's obsession is Nitro 7's Nitro Mocha. Basically iced cafe mocha using nitrogen infused coffee. This type of infusion makes your regular cold brew richer and creamier. And no doubt it does! I've never tasted coffee this good. Seriously. It's way better than Starbucks' iced cafe mocha. Their chocolate syrup isn't gritty and the coffee is really smoother. Super duper worth it. I learned about Nitro 7 when they opened a kiosk at Crave Park Marikina two years ago, and when I learned they've branched out to a couple of places, I was so delighted! I used to always get their Nitro Breve, which is a latte, whenever we're at Robinsons Magnolia. I was never addicted to it, but Nitro 7 eventually became my first choice for coffee whenever it's around. And when I tried Nitro Mocha for the first time last week, I mentally cried in despair at why it's too far from the office.

I had this drink for 5 days straight and all I can say is that it's worth the 20 minute walk to and from the nearest kiosk. The lengths I'd go to for quality coffee!

Try it guuuys they have branches at the following places:

• SM Megamall B
• SM North EDSA Annex
• SM Dasmarinas
• Robinsons Magnolia
• Ayala the 30th
• Greenbelt 3
• LA Village
• Eastwood Citiwalk 1

Also, follow Nitro 7 Coffee and Tea Bar on Facebook and Instagram!

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Food Phase Fridays is a blog series featuring my current food obsession. Learn more about them here or join in the fun by making your own Food Phase series!

[Review] V&M Naturals ExfoBomb and CPC+G Oil for Underarm Whitening

The underarm whitening journey never ends! After having undergone 2 sessions of underarm diode laser hair removal, I now have better hopes of whitening my underarms. So to resume the journey, I took advice from a friend to try to V&M Naturals ExfoBomb, an all-organic exfoliating and skin-lightening salve. According to BeautyMNL reviews, it's effective in lightening the skin as long as you use it religiously. I bought one from their Glorietta branch, and also got sales-talked into getting the CPC+G Oil too. They're a good combo according to the sales lady. And me being in my overly-open-to-suggestions state spent a hefty ₱745 for 50g of a whitening salve, and 30ml of a miracle oil. Definitely not affordable for topical whitening agents, but is it worth it?

Hell, yeah.

Not gonna recommend them fully yet, but I can say that it's truly effective. Consistency is key in maximizing the effects of these products. I've only used it for 21 days straight (started on July 20) and I can already see results. Not drastic, mind you, but there's peace in knowing that slowly but surely it does the job.

I apply the products before going to bed, exfobomb first then 5 drops of CPC+G oil next. I make sure to clean my underarms before application, and also make it a point to wear sleeveless or sando shirts to avoid getting oily residue on my shirt sleeves.

ExfoBomb -  (₱395, 50g)

It's waxy, seemingly oily, but not the annoying type of oily. The main exfoliant is dead sea salt, which is great because it gets dissolved eventually as you massage it on your skin, hence you don't need to rinse it. Also, it smells nice!

It's day 21 and I'm almost through my first tub so I already bought myself a spare. I'm thinking a tub would last 1 month of regular use if applied on both underarms.

UPDATE: My 2nd tub was so different. It has less exfoliant. Maybe they lessened the amount of sea salt? Parang hindi masyado nakaka-scrub itong 2nd tub ko huhu. I'm kinda disappointed. Will give it another chance on my 3rd tub!

CPC+G Oil (₱350, 30ml)

Recommended use is 5-6 drops per underarm. I do 5, and so far I've only consumed 1/4 of the bottle for the last 21 days. The oil feels warm for some reason, but it doesn't burn okay. It comes in a dropper bottle for easier application and I put it after the exfobomb. I'm not sure if it's the right order but the sales lady said you can layer the products, so I didn't care so much for the order. BUT, tonight I'm gonna try putting the oil first then the exfobomb 'cos I feel like my skin should get the oil first hahaha.

After application of these products, your UAs will feel oily but it's not disgusting. The feeling is tolerable. Or maybe I tolerate it because my whitening needs is more pressing than my underarms' comfort haha. Anyway, just do it before going to bed to avoid the potentially icky feeling.

I didn't see any harmful reactions on my skin. It didn't itch or burn, and I didn't notice any peeling. I believe it's all happening slowly in a micro level because for sure it does work, just not that fast. My underarms did look a bit lighter, and I know I still have a long way to go before achieving the shade I want haha. I have progress photos too but I'm too hesitant to show them because, uhm, TMI and I'm shy hehe.

So yeah, will continue using the products because the effects are rather promising! I've had it with instant whitening products whose effects also instantly fade off so maybe an all-natural and organic product is what I've been waiting for. :)

You can order online from their official website or at BeautyMNL.
You can also visit their stores listed here.

9 Camping Activities You Should Try on Your Next Trip

Photo from Pixabay

About 82.3 percent of Australians with ages over 15 years participated at least once in exercise, recreation, or sport in 2010, according to a survey by the Australian Sports Commission and State and Territory Departments of Sports and Recreation.

Another study shows that walking for exercise is more popular than going to the gym in Australia. Results of these surveys represent Australians' love for outdoor physical activities and adventure. If you are among those who yearn for more physical activities to counter the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, try these nine camping activities on your next trip. Make sure you bring complete camping gear to protect yourself from the elements.

Camping activity #1: Hike around Ayers Rock or Uluru

Ayers Rock lies deep within the North Territory and southwest of Alice Springs, which is the nearest town at 463 kilometres. Ayers is a part of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

The sandstone formation features an elevation of 863 meters, a width of 1.9 km, a length of 3.6 km, and a base circumference of 8.4 km. You can walk around the formation in 3.5 hours. For activities, you can take camel tours with a trained cameleer, have a bird's eye view of Uluru via a scenic flight, learn about aboriginal culture and history, and watch the magnificent sunset. You can also meet an aboriginal artist and partake in a workshop by visiting a cultural centre. If you choose to camp outdoors, make sure that you bring complete gear such as a tent, sleeping pad, portable stove, GPS, air pumps, Swiss knife, a portable drinking and dining set, foldable chair, and portable solar panels for phone, light, and laptop charging. 

Camping activity #2: Go hiking around Booderee National Park

This coastal park is located north of Jervis Bay Airport, west of Bay Village, south of Sydney, and east of Canberra. If you go hiking, make sure that you bring water, a GPS or smartphone, and solar panels. Avoid wandering too far and always bring a colleague with you. While camping, you can engage in plenty of outdoor activities such as birdwatching, boating, fishing, walking on the beach, watching whales, joining cruises and tours, diving, and snorkelling. You can book via a government-owned park site at Booderee Camping.

Camping activity #3: Explore Kakadu National Park

Situated 171 km southeast of Darwin in the Northern Territory, Kakadu National Park is in the Alligator Rivers Region. It features wildlife diversity, landforms, and rivers. A camping or pass fee that ranges from $20 to $100 applies, and you can book at Kakadu Pass. Because of the national park's high level of biodiversity, you can do more than just camp here. You can partake in ranger-guided tours, boating and fishing, spotting crocodiles, and visiting rock arts. You can swim in Jabiru public pools, Jimjim Falls, Bark Marlam, Twin Falls, Maguk, Gunlom, Boulder Creek, and Motor Car Falls.

Camping activity #4: Play scavenger hunt in North Stradbroke Island

A 38-km long island that lies 30 km southeast of Brisbane, North Stradbroke Island is the second largest sand island in the world at 275.2 square km. It contains lakes, springs, swamps, and wetlands. Scavenger hunt with your kids while enjoying the view of the island's biodiverse flora and fauna. While camping, you can enjoy nature by partaking in beach yoga, bush-walking, bird watching, cycling, dolphin watching, fishing, and visiting a dune. For the official site, visit Stradbrokeisland.com.

Camping activity #5: Wander in El Questro Wilderness Park

The El Questro Wilderness Park lies 100 km west of Kununurra. It offers you cascading waterfalls, thermal springs, rainforests, breathtaking mountain views, and salt-flats. You can camp while sipping a cup of tea, preparing BBQ, cooking, and fishing in the riverside. Other attractions near the park include Lake Argyle and Emma Gorge.

Camping activity #6: Stay in Croajingolong National Park

Another unspoiled paradise, Croajingolong National Park is located in Gale Hill Track, Wingan River, Victoria. It is located 516 km east of Melbourne and 339 km south of Canberra. Here, you can visit the Pebbly Beach with its jagged brown rocks and golden sand; and the Top Lake with its large campground, hotels, and shops. Watch hopping kangaroos, climbing koalas, and flying birds in Gipsy Point Lakeside and Double Creek Nature Walk.
Camping activity #7: Camp around Lake Burbury

Located east of Tasmania, the Lake Burbury Camping Ground is located in Queenstown, 250 km southwest of Launceston and east of Strahan. The place offers caravans, camper vans, motorhomes, BBQs, kayaks, and canoes. Here, you can engage in boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, birdwatching, camping, and fishing activities.

Camping activity #8: Build campfires in Adelaide parks

In the outskirts of Adelaide City, you can visit and build campfires except in the Chalks Campground at Mt. Crawford, which is covered by a campfire ban from November 1 to April 30. You can instead explore and build campfires in the Newland Head Conservation Park, which is 91 km from Adelaide; Morgan Conservation Park, which is 150 km away; and Deep Creek Conversation Park and Saunders Gorge, which are one hour from Adelaide. For more information, visit environment.sa.gov.au.

Camping activity #9: Set camp in D’Aguilar National Park

This park, about 31 km northwest of Brisbane, features subtropical rainforests and diverse plant species. Enjoy the wildlife view while spending time with friends, making BBQ, cycling, and bushwalking.

Have a fun and safe camping trip by ensuring that you have all the camping essentials you need. Visit Outbaxcamping today!

A week in July that's been sitting in my drafts for too long

July 12 - Thursday

❉ I brought the car to work for the second time. I was lucky enough (or not) that our building parking isn't full yet. But now that I think of it, it's actually too bad because the parking fee in this building is exorbitantly high. I'm nearing 9 hours already and that's freaking running me 200++ now. Fck this city. Makes me want to really work hard and get promoted, so I can earn the privilege of free reserved parking. Or even gas reimbursement. Or not. How about I just stop bringing the car to work?

The first time I brought the car was on Tuesday two days ago and I almost didn't survive because all the parking buildings nearby were full. Street parking was my only chance, but it required parallel parking skills... which I don't have much of. But with the help of the guards there I was able to squeeze myself between a Hillux and a Fortuner. Whew. I'm just really fascinated by all these driving and parking shenanigans. It took me only 13 mins to go home the other day. And 15 mins to drive to the office (excluding the time I wasted looking for a parking spot). That's freaking amazing. But still, parking remains a bigass problem for me. If only I were some big shot in this building with free parking things haha.

By the way... we actually got a parking spot in the condo already. If you remember we were just contemplating about it on my last post, but actually that same day I sealed the deal with a lessor lol.

❉ I ordered a Fitbit Alta HR on Shopee and I'm excited to get it. Here's to hoping it's not defective.

❉ I also opened a checking account, my first, because our parking owner required PDCs as payment. I was supposed to get the checkbook today, but I arrived late. So, let's hope for tomorrow. Oh, adult points. A checkbook! Oh God.

❉ My parents are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary on Monday and I wanted to treat them to something special. I was planning on booking a room at Novotel Cubao or Seda Vertis North for them but when I heard their jampacked Sunday plans, we resorted to just having dinner together. Which, hopefully, will push through. You know my parents. Nothing is ever sure.

While on the phone with my mom, she opened something up about the car lol. Turns out they need the car back because they have too many errands and they needed 2 cars at bay haha. That's actually too sad for me because I was just starting to enjoy having a car again. But since Jeckie and I are actually planning on getting another car, like a family car lol, my mom offered to just buy the car from us. Err. I don't know, we can't afford a new car right now that's for sure haha.

July 13 - Friday

❉ I brought the car to work... again. Every time I contemplate on bringing the car to the office, I always end up doing it anyway, then regretting it later. If yesterday's stress came from the parking rates, now I had to deal with the heavy downpour that had me late to our meeting. The rain was so bad. But thankfully, parking isn't full yet. After a series of meetings at work I drove the car out of the parking building (₱60) and back again to get a flat rate until midnight (another ₱60). My God. I had to go around the entire block just to enter the building again -- right in the middle of rush hour and a heavy rain. Such a hassle. Then again, parking fees are a bitch. Before midnight I need to get the car out again and park on the streets (where it's free) so I won't incur overnight charges (additional ₱60). But that really depends on the weather... and the availability of parking slots outside. CAN YOU IMAGINE MY PROBLEM?! LOL I'm so stressed HAHAHAHA. But every time I'm faced with the choice or driving or not, I always choose to drive. What's wrong with me.

On a different note, I was able to parallel park unattended, for the first time! Yehey!

Anyway, enough about my driving hulabaloo hehe.

July 14 - Saturday
Spent most of the day with my in-laws at SM Megamall. Watched Ant Man, ate dinner at Chili's (forever favoriteee), played Lazer Tag for the first time (high score, yeah!) and walked all the way to Emerald Ave. where dad parked the van. Can you imagine how bad the parking situation is at SM Megamall that we had to park three blocks away from the mall? My goodness.

July 15 - Sunday
I treated my parents to dinner at Yang Chow. I'm kindof sad we didn't prepare anything more special for their 30th anniversary. I'm so bad at planning, and their schedules are the worst. It's always been hard to squeeze some family time during the weekends. I think this was the reason I consider riding in the car with them as "family time" because it's the only chance we get to be in a small confined space together where we can talk hahahaha. Kanya kanyang buhay kami sa bahay I don't know whyyy.

4 Impressive Locations to Watch out for When Taking a Helicopter Tour in Miami

Photo from Pixabay

Miami is probably one of the most picturesque American cities with its golden sun-kissed beaches and art deco architecture. It’s a city that never rests with an endless selection of posh clubs and 24-hour restaurants. Right from its stunning skyline to its amazingly diverse population, Miami represents the best of the American way of life.

While the streets of Miami have plenty to offer, the skies present a unique point of view of this amazingly well-designed city. Tourists and locals often take helicopter tours to take to the Miami skies to witness the popular landmarks from a refreshing perspective.

Booking Miami helicopter rides can be done online or by visiting a reservation center for the touring company. Unlike the popular belief, these tours are not exorbitantly priced. Yes, helicopter rides in Miami are not cheap, but for the price, they do offer an experience that remains embedded in your memory for a lifetime. That’s a pretty sweet deal. Depending on the type of tour you select, cost per person can be as low as $95 to as high as $200. Tours in the city usually start from the Opa Locka airport. The chopper navigates above the beautiful cityscape and heads towards the sea. The pilot then navigates above the beach and heads south to give you the best views of the islands. Following are 4 amazing locations you get to see when you take a helicopter tour in Miami.

Sunny Isles Beach

Sunny Isle beach is best described as a location where stunning skyscraper properties hug the golden sandy beaches. The aerial view of the tall towers coupled with the pristine beach and the clear blue water is a sight to be seen. The series of towering buildings kind of complement each other as there is a great degree of uniformity in how they are arranged. These sky-hugging structures almost form a straight line standing as close to the sandy shore as possible.

Bal Harbor

Bal harbor is another popular beachfront destination that’s lined with impressive beachfront properties. While the buildings on Bal Harbor beach are not as tall as the ones in Sunny Isle, they do offer an impressive view.

Miami Beach

After flying over North Beach, you head over to one of the most famous beach destinations in America, Miami beach. The beach is riddled with some of the most iconic buildings in Florida. The tallest buildings in the state, the Blue and Green Diamond twin towers is amongst the many properties that embellish Miami beach. Other buildings to lookout for are the beautiful Portofino Tower and the iconic Fontainebleau hotel. You also get to see the one of the most expensive residential complexes in the state as you hover past Millionaire’s Row.

Fisher Island

After going past South Beach you reach one of the most expensive residential zones in America. Fisher Island is a tiny man-made island that’s peppered with luxury condos and hotels. The island only has a resident population of 467 and is a region that has America’s highest per capita income.