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Keagan Pearson

About Keagan Pearson

Keagan is a family man, marketer, and project driver. He is the founder of LaunchBlot Media and FatherhoodFactor.com. You can connect with him personally at: Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – LinkedIn – Email

Apple Watch with a Luxury Watch Feel

January 14, 2022 By Keagan Pearson Leave a Comment

You’re either a fan of the Apple Watch (or smartwatches in general) or you’re not… and there doesn’t seem to be much of a middle ground.

I admit, when I first got the Series 1 Apple Watch in 2015, I didn’t really get it. I wore a mechanical watch almost every day, but having a tiny computer on my wrist, when my phone was always within reach, didn’t make much sense to me. But, I decided to give it the full return period to see if it grew on me… and grew it did.

Now, my intention is not to convince you to get an Apple Watch. If you’re still reading this then you’ve already been convinced of that. This is for those that, like me, are interested in addressing the one complaint that many mechanical watch lovers share about Apple Watches: the fact that they lack physical substance.

They’re dainty.

Functional for sure… but they don’t look or feel like a real watch, and for a real watch lover, that’s an issue.

In fact, I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time flipping back and forth from my mechanical to my current Apple Watch Series 5, 44MM, all while missing aspects of the one I’m not wearing at the time!

I know, “you poor, poor, privileged person.” If only life’s troubles were so inconsequential, right?

However, it’s one of the few knocks I’ve had against the Apple Watch in all the years I’ve owned one.

It was this dilemma that lead me to Steve Mille.

To be fair, I was skeptical. I’ve owned several Apple Watch cases with integrated bands, and although most have been usable, none have ever given me an authentic mechanical watch feel.

I suspected that Steve Mille would be the same. Thankfully, I was wrong.

What arrived was their Poseidon Armlet, which retail’s for $299 USD. I also received their Black Silicone – Silver Buckle, so that I could swap out the band when I wanted to dress it down. It retail’s for $49 USD. The Armlet case fits the Apple Watch 4, 5, 6, and SE versions.

I was STUNNED…

I guess for a combined retail cost of $350 USD, I should expect quality… but I honestly didn’t have high expectations.

Pros

  • The steel and silicone band, as well as the steel case, are precise and sturdy. Also, the machining of the case makes it perfectly aligned with both the crown and buttons on the Apple Watch.
  • The design is impeccable. As soon as I started wearing it, I had several people ask me what kind of watch I was wearing. Most didn’t even realize I was wearing an Apple Watch at first.
  • It’s got weight and size. I know that’s not always a selling point for those that like the small stature of the Apple Watch design, but for me, it was a huge plus. Instead of disappearing on my arm, it’s now a statement piece, regardless of what I’m wearing.
  • The watch is protected. A silicone sleeve comes with the watch, which encompasses it before it’s placed in the case for cushion and scratch resistance. Then the case back is attached with four small screws, securing it to the faceplate. The only areas exposed are the face and the sensor for charging and heartrate monitoring on the back of the watch.
  • The silicone band is particularly easy to take on and off. Both bands have quick release pins that secure them to the case, but the silicone band pins are installed inside the band so they always stay in place. Losing them is nearly impossible and it makes attaching it a cinch.
  • Both bands are very comfortable, with a slight advantage to the silicone band for obvious reasons.

Cons

  • Price. When you’re spending upwards of $500 USD for a basic Apple Watch, the idea of spending another $350 USD for a case and band isn’t appealing. I might be able to help a little here though. Using one of the product links that I inserted above, or a unique coupon code of FATHERHOODFACTOR, will get you a discount on their products. That said, with this case and band, you’ll have every bit of a $1,000 watch on your wrist, in look, feel, and functionality.
  • The quick-disconnect pins that come with the steel band aren’t affixed to it. That means that they slide out of the band easily when you’re trying to attach it to the case. It makes swapping the band from silicone back to steel a little more involved and time consuming. It’s not a major issue, but it is enough for me to suggest doing your band swap when you’re not rushing to get out the door. Trust me, you’ll avoid some frustration.
  • It doesn’t come with a link removal tool. For anyone that has purchased steel bands for their Apple Watch, you’ll know that they almost always have to be sized. That means taking sections (links) of the band out so that it fits correctly. Every steel band that I’ve owned has shipped with a link removal tool that helps you remove the pins that fasten each link together. Considering the quality and price of the product, a tool not being included, was surprising. It wasn’t particularly problematic for me because I had a couple of those tools lying around, but it’s certainly something you should consider if you decide on one of the steel band products.

Is it worth it?

If you don’t mind spending some money on a band and case… you won’t be disappointed! The quality of the product is unmatched in my experience.

The packaging arrived intact, on time, and inconspicuous enough that it won’t draw any unnecessary attention during shipment. Consequently, the only attention you’ll draw will come from those admiring your choice of timepiece!

If you’ve got any comments or questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

Enjoy!

Athena: Focused Learning for Busy Lives

February 28, 2021 By Keagan Pearson Leave a Comment

If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t afford to stop learning. Few would likely argue this, but knowing what you need to do and actually doing it, that’s something altogether different. It’s not as if we’re deprived of opportunity, right? If you’ve got an Internet connection then you’ve got access to more information than at any time in the history of the world.

So, if it’s not a matter of access, then what is it? Ability? Motivation?

Maybe.

But I suspect there’s something else.

For most of us, our downfall is that we have too much competition for our attention. We carry computers in our pockets with every form of social media and a 24-hour news cycle that’s always at our fingertips.

Add to that a grinding work-culture, coupled with demanding family responsibilities, and it leaves little to the imagination as to why we’re scattered and unfocused.

Under these kinds of circumstances, thinking about elective learning seems almost ridiculous. Who’s got that kind of time?

We have difficulty keeping our highest priorities straight, let alone diving deep into learning new skills or concepts that aren’t really “necessary.” The problem is, just because something’s not deemed “necessary,” doesn’t make it unimportant.

Thankfully, along with all the innovations that can contribute to the chaos, there are services that have actually attempted to make things better.

Athena, is one of those. Think about the most capable note-taker you knew in college, then add technology and time. That’s Athena.

Officially, Athena:

Delivers the best ideas from the best books in easy-to-understand insights, which you can read or listen to in 15 minutes or less.

Athena’s growing library spans a multitude of topics to help you do everything from turbocharge your career, boost your health, improve your relationships, find inner happiness, and even up your chess game.

Available in audio and text formats, Athena gives you everything you need to learn when, where and how you want.

Apple App Store

Distilling the best takeaway’s from impactful books, in the midst of a busy life, almost feels like a superpower. Ditch the cape and tights and think Dr. Xavier.

In about 15 minutes you can tackle almost any topic, and walk away with the highlights. While it may not be the right choice for those that enjoy a good, long book, it does open up some options for the most time-challenged among us.

Obviously, there is a cost…in the form of a monthly subscription.

Monthly Library Pass – $4.99/month

Annual Library Pass – $49.99/year

Lifetime Library Pass – $189.99

Apple App Store

They do offer a free trial for those that are interested in testing the platform before you subscribe, but as of right now, you’ll have to own an Apple device in order to use it.

However, with the generosity of the team at Athena, we can help a couple of you with a nice little giveaway.

They’ve provided Fatherhood Factor with 2 Lifetime Library Passes (worth $189.99/each) and 1 Single Collection Pass.

Here’s what you can do to get a chance for one of these passes:

  1. Leave a comment below, letting us know you’d love to get a pass for the Athena service. Be sure to check back for responses to your comment on this post if you choose to enter only through this blog post.
  2. For additional entries, head over to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and like/follow my profile, like the post associated with this giveaway, and leave a comment tagging someone that might also be interested in entering.
  3. Entries from comments on this post and from entries from social media will be combined to determine the winner.
  4. The giveaway will close at 11:59PM EST on Sunday, March 7th, 2021.
  5. No purchase necessary.

Good luck…and happy learning!

It’s About the Sound: Sennheiser M3 Momentum Wireless Headphones

September 26, 2019 By Keagan Pearson Leave a Comment

Audiophiles, this is your time…

For those that are shuttling kids to and from their endless activities, there are certain things that you need to have as part of your “parenting survival kit”:

Bandages, chapstick, some kind of moist towelette, and a really good pair of wireless headphones.

For those that are needing the latter, Sennheiser’s new MOMENTUM Wireless headphones are about as necessary as GPS is for that directionally challenged person in your life.

It’s not too much to say that these headphones exist at the point where intuitive design meets superior sound.  They redefine your premium headphone experience by reproducing the balanced depth and precision of studio-quality sound. In short, you will Hear the Difference.

Let’s be clear…these are not for the faint-hearted, bargain-shopper. So, if you’re looking for a pair of headphones that junior can use when he’s glued to YouTube…you’d probably want to keep looking.

These are of the “good wine” or “premium cigar” variety. That’s not to say that they wouldn’t work for lesser pursuits, but there are far more price effective options out there for that.

That being said, if you’re into experiencing your favorite music and media with a level of precision that makes you forget you’re not there…then the $400 price tag for the new MOMENTUM headphones is an investment that you won’t regret. You can pick them up at your local BestBuy or order them online right now.

That $400 gets you a healthy lineup of options…like:

Available Colors:

  • Black
  • Sandy White

Auto On/Off and Smart Pause

Never miss a beat with seamless On/Off and Smart Pause functionality.  Simply fold the earcups, open or close to turn your music on or off.  Remove your headphones to bring your music to a pause, and then slip them back on to get back into the groove.

Active Noise Cancellation (3 modes) and Transparent Hearing

MOMENTUM Wireless adapts to your environment wherever you find yourself allowing you to experience your audio world on your terms.  The advanced Active Noise Cancellation offers three modes that are tailored to different environments.  With the Transparent Hearing feature, you can enjoy music while still being aware of your surroundings.

3 Modes:

Max: The Max mode offers Maximum Mode Cancellation (Airplane)

Anti Wind: Provides noise cancellation optimized for outdoors

Anti Pressure: Softer noise cancellation for at-home use

Three-Button Interface

Easy to operate, without needing to read a manual, the simple and intuitive 3-Button Interface means you can switch between your music and making calls in an instant.  You can also activate Volume Control at the touch of a button and link to voice assistant technology immediately.

Automatic Pairing Mode

Makes setting up easy on the first activation.

Smart Control App

Build-in equalizer, Noise Cancellation and Transparent Hearing modes mean you can tailor your sound to your situation.

Smart ‘Tile’ Technology

Track your headphones, so the only time you feel lost, is in the music.

Soft Earpads and Headband

A genuine leather head strap and premium earcups deliver superior comfort for those who like to enjoy endless listening.

What’s in the box?

  • MOMENTUM Wireless
  • Audio 3.5mm cable
  • USB-C to USB-A adapter
  • USB-C Charging cable
  • Case
  • Quick Guide
  • Safety Guide

If you’re serious about your sound then these should be on the top of your list of product to consider.

Happy listening!

Breakfast in Bed Printables for Mother’s Day

May 8, 2019 By Keagan Pearson Leave a Comment

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, which means it’s time for dads to get to work! Moms are superheroes who work tirelessly to take care of their families. Show your appreciation for her hard work and remind her how much you and the kids love her. To help you give her the perfect Mother’s Day, Personal Creations has created a printable breakfast in bed kit!

Breakfast in bed is a Mother’s Day staple and will mean the world to the mama in your house. To go above and beyond, use these printables with your breakfast creations!

Punny Printables

Floral Printables

Parenting Tips on Smartphone Usage

June 3, 2017 By Keagan Pearson Leave a Comment

It’s a smartphone world today, so what does that mean for your kids? If you’re like many parents, you appreciate the idea of being able to reach your children in an emergency. However, you also worry about the risks of letting them go online alone.

How soon is too soon to buy your kids a phone? How do you know if your children can handle the responsibility? Have you thought through the risks? If you do buy a phone, what steps can you take to monitor and protect your children while they are using it?

To help you answer these questions, the following slideshow showcases some helpful information about kids and smartphone use. Learn more about safe and responsible smartphone use for adolescents — and kids — in this resource.

A Parent’s Guide To SMARTPHONES created by Digital Doc

A Dad’s Guide To Matching Pasta With Sauce

May 26, 2017 By Keagan Pearson Leave a Comment

When you’re looking for a fast, easy, crowd-pleasing homemade dinner option for your family, it’s hard to beat the appeal of pasta and sauce. Whether you cook with spaghetti, rotini or something else, there is a world of options available for making that pasta delicious. Make some fettuccine Alfredo, spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna Bolognese or bucatini with tomatoes and cream. One factor to keep in mind as you’re planning your meal, however, is that not all kinds of pasta complement all sauces interchangeably. In fact, the shape and size of pasta have a direct impact on the best sauces to go with it.

How can you know what pasta to use with what sauce? To help you make the most of your meal plans, here are a few key pairing tips to keep in mind:

  1. Skinny noodles are versatile. Pair spaghetti or angel hair with tomato sauce, meat sauce, cream, vegetables, oil/butter or seafood.
  2. Flat noodles absorb sauce. Long and flat ribbons of noodles are great for thick sauces, as they have more surface area for soaking up sauce.
  3. Tube pastas pair well with thinner sauces. Short and long pasta tubes like macaroni or rigatoni work beautifully with holding thin sauces.
  4. Tiny pastas are ideal for soups. Wondering what to do with a tiny pasta type, such as pastina? Try it in soup. Other good possibilities include salads and baked pasta dishes.

When it comes to pasta and sauce, you’ll get more from your mealtime when you think strategically about your pairings. The tips above are a great place to start. Are you interested in learning more about pasta types and sauces? Check out the full breakdown of smart pairings in the helpful infographic from DeLallo Foods below.


Matching Pasta With Sauce Guide from Italian Food Supplier DeLallo Foods

A Step-By-Step Guide To Moving With Kids And Pets

May 11, 2017 By Keagan Pearson Leave a Comment

Moving into a new home can be one of the most stressful situations of your life. You’re not just relocating all your belongings, you’re changing your life. It’s no wonder that some people believe moving into a new home is more stressful than getting a divorce. As stressful as moving can be, preparing kids and/or pets could make it even more stressful — as the emotional burden they carry throughout the process can be even greater.

For young children and pets, routines are very important. Children experience constant changes as they grow and develop, so the security of familiarity — such as bedrooms or backyards — provides some much-needed stability in their lives. For pets, any changes to their routines and surroundings can be upsetting. In both cases, moving to a new house can throw their lives into upheaval. Unless you pay special attention to their needs before, during and after the move, children and pets could become withdrawn, scared or depressed.

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to make the moving process potentially less stressful for your children and pets. For example, you can help kids adjust to the idea of moving by letting them choose the color of their new bedrooms. With pets, you can help them adjust by taking them for long car rides (if you’re moving long-distance). Packing your children’s favorite items in the same box can help them feel more comfortable by knowing where they are, not to mention easily accessible after the move. Leaving pets with a sitter could help to keep them occupied. Once you arrive at the new house, you can help kids and pets settle in by arranging their belongings as similar as possible to the layout of the old house.

These and other tips for all stages of the moving process can be found in the guide created by University Moving and Storage below.


A Step-By-Step Guide To Moving With Kids And Pets produced by University Moving and Storage
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