The Mobile App Revolution: John Deere

Our digitally-advanced society has made information accessible in virtually all corners of the world. From streaming the an NFL game to browsing through Facebook’s News Feed, mobile devices have become our main source for gaining intel on the latest news, political stories, celebrity gossip, and social media. Technology has now become an integral part of running a successful business, promoting productivity and offering a handy solution for retrieving vital information. 

Even the construction and agriculture sectors have begun relying on mobile apps for jobsite management and to acquire data surrounding the execution of daily operations. These great on-the-go apps were designed to provide insight on a variety of topics from construction equipment, like a John Deere alternator, to agronomic stats for farming. 

JDLink
JDLink is the optimal production tool for construction managers and employees. Machine operators can log into the app to allow other workers to pinpoint their location, record their hours, and received geofence or maintenance alerts. For site managers, this app is immensely beneficial for tracking performance, fuel usage, and running remote diagnostic tests. 

John Deere Mobile Farm Manager
When you’re out in the field, having instant access to agronomic data is crucial to running a successful operation. Comprehensive information, like map or report viewing from any year, will drive efficiency and allow farmers to make educated decisions based on facts and statistics. Other features include soil sampling, GPS tracking to monitor field positioning, scouting, and the ability to record and share field conditions. 

John Deere PowerAssist
This app was designed with the John Deere engine in mind. The app scans the engine barcode to generate information about the user's particular engine. From emissions certificates and manufacturing dates to model numbers and the corresponding parts catalog number, the PowerAssist has the lowdown on all engine-related details. Have a faulty John Deere Alternator? The app will identify dealer locations and other information pertinent to your particular model. 

Italian Made Women’s Shoes – Why Choose Lesser Known-Manufacturers?

If you’re fond of shoes and invested in the fashion industry, you probably know that Italian-made ones are considered the best in the market. Italy has a rich and proud history in leather making and accessories manufacture. Most designers and producers have been in this industry for generations and use tried traditional techniques to produce the best quality shoes possible. 

Why Choose Lesser-Known Manufacturers?

Some of the best Italian-made women’s shoes are manufactured by small producers in Italy. These businesses still follow the traditional techniques and deliver a superior product. Here are some reasons why you should choose them:

•    Superior Stitching – The shoes are put together carefully with careful and precise stitching. These shoes won’t come apart easily, no matter how often you wear them. The stitching along with high quality leather makes these shoes very durable and resilient. 

•    Hand-Made – Most shoes created by smaller manufactures are hand-made and assembled with great care. They fit just right and adjust to the shape of your feet quickly. This means they’re easy to break in and don’t cause as many calluses and blisters. 

•    Unique Designs – It’ll be remiss of us to mention Italian shoes without mentioning the design. Italians have exquisite sense of style and create elegant accessories that can’t be found elsewhere, which is one of the reasons why they dominate the market. Smaller manufacturers have more control over the design process and therefore can create something unique and beautiful. 

At Brio & Co, we connect our customers with small but well-established producers in Italy. You will own a pair of lovingly manufactured Italian-made women’s shoes that will look pretty and last for a long time. Just browse through out gallery and look at the shoes we have on offer if you’re interested. 

How to Put Together Your Own Steampunk Costume

Are you preparing to embark on a steampunk adventure, complete with gears, goggles, brocade and corsets but you need a gown for the ball? We offer a few tips on how to put together your own steampunk costume.

Thrift shops
Thrift shops are a goldmine for steampunk clothing, so long as you know what you’re looking for. Be on the lookout for brocade pieces, buttons and clasps and high necks, which were all common in Victorian clothing. Natural fibers will work best with your steampunk costume, since they will better reflect the time period. Standing collars and lace detailing will also work well with steampunk imagery.

Specialty stores
Many specialty stores now offer steampunk clothing and costumes for off the shelf purchase. These stores (which are often online) will offer full steampunk dresses that feature corsets (underbust or overbust) boleros and tiered ruffle skirts. These are great spots to hit if you’re looking for one show-stopping piece (like a leather trimmed, steel boned corset) or an entire outfit. Keep in mind, these pieces are often limited run and high quality and will cost you accordingly.

Traditional stores
While you might think that you could never find steampunk clothing at the mall, you would be surprised at what you can find at traditional clothing stores if you know what you’re looking for. Like the thrift shops, there will be a lot of immediate discards, but many shops will be carrying some lace detailed or standing collar shirts and brocade has come back in a big way recently. We also love incorporating traditional jewelry into our steampunk outfits, especially chokers and ear cuffs.

Fabric stores
Fabric stores are treasure troves for those skilled with a sewing machine. These stores cater to a variety of people and will often have incredible selection of lace, chiffon, brocade and leather by the yard. They also have amazing selections of buttons in every metal finish you can think of.

Order Up an Offset Smoker, Sauce on the Side

Picture this: over the past few weeks, you’ve suffered from clammy palms and a tummy swarming with butterflies over your husband’s quickly approaching birthday. The mounting anxiety intensifies with each passing day because you have yet to find that perfect gift for your loved one. 

Put your nerves at ease because the following gift is sure to drum up some delight. Whether your husband is a grill fanatic or just enjoys the company of family and friends over a delectable meal, the Luling Offset Smoker is the perfect present to put a smile on his face. There are a plethora of options when it comes to offset smokers for sale, but why settle when you can have the Rolls Royce of smokers. 

For a Texas-style succulent BBQ, the Luling Offset Smoker will not disappoint. In order to achieve the savory smoky taste expected from using a smoker, you need to cook your meals gradually and thoroughly. In other words, your brisket or pork ribs should only be exposed to low heat, typically under 200 degrees, and maintain this temperature consistently over an extended period of time. 

The Luling is equipped with dual dampers for maximum control over airflow adjustment. Administering precise airflow will enable you to deliver a delectable meal that rivals the work of top culinary professionals. Even if this is your husband’s maiden flight aboard the smoker, he will be able to produce cuisine at the level of a grilling master. 

The slow-and-steady approach will surely make his mouth water, but the resulting tender meat will leave him feeling like a proud chef. Unlike many offset smokers for sale, the Luling offers a unique style of pit, which is commonly referred to as a stick burner. 

The name is indicative of the process where the firebox streams air over a wood-burning fire. This technique reduces heat levels in the cooking chamber and produces that exquisite smoky taste that you’re pinning for. So forget browsing the shelves of Home Depot or Best Buy in search of inspiration, because the Luling Offset Smoker is the gift that will impress. 

Bluegrass and Beer Festivals, A Match Made with Music

Imagine sitting on a back porch with sun going down over the fields, a cool beer beside you and the slow picking of a bluegrass tune on the banjo nearby. Beer and bluegrass go together like, well, like beer and bluegrass. In fact, they go together so well that you’ll be pleased as punch to learn that there are a bunch of festivals across the United States that exist only to combine the two.

Here are three of our favorite beer and bluegrass festivals happening this year:

Keystone Bluegrass and Beer
Held annually in River Run Village in the long, sleepy days of August, the Keystone Bluegrass and Beer festival is Colorado’s longest running festival of its kind. Calling itself a “whirlwind of hillbilly luxuries”, Keystone brings over 40 craft breweries from the great states of Colorado, 14 national and regional bluegrass acts, home cooking, and the glorious vista of the Rockies. 

Beerfest & Bluegrass Festival
Held in Lake Tahoe at the Northstar California Resort, the Beerfest& Bluegrass Festival has been going on for more than 10 years. Over 25 breweries attend the event along with two great bluegrass bands to set the mood.

Ticket options also include the chance to attend the 2016 Brewmaster Dinner Series, which will allow you to enjoy a delicious 5-course meal on Friday evening before attending the Beerfest & Bluegrass festival the next day.

Brews, Bluegrass & BBQ
Held annually at the RoxyAnn Winery in Medford, Oregon, Brews, Bluegrass & BBQ offers a great line-up of local and regional brewers bringing their beers and ciders for sampling. Delicious and traditional BBQ is on offer from a local vendor, as well as other locally sourced offerings and, of course, a great line-up of bluegrass acts. The festival also hosts a homebrew competition and a short workshop on local brewing.

Red Horn and Yellow Vein Kratom: A Brief Look at the Rare Strains of Kratom

If you have any experience in the kratom market, you know that there are many different types of it out there.Read below for an overview of some of the rarer strains, including Borneo Yellow Vein kratom and Red Horn kratom.

 

The herbal drug known as kratom serves different purposes for different people. It can work as a pain killer, mood lifter, relaxer, energizer and more. Many kratom users and enthusiasts are aware of the well-known strains of the herbal medicine, like Red Bali and Maeng Da. These strains are popular for a good reason. But if you are focusing only on the popular strains of kratom, you may be missing out on others that are not so much in the spotlight. Here’s some information on two rare strains, Red Horn and Borneo Yellow Vein kratom.

Borneo Yellow Vein Kratom

 
Borneo Yellow Vein kratom is considered to be a rarity that is on the rise in the kratom market. It is derived from the young leaves of a Borneo White Vein kratom plant. It is said to be one of the strongest strains of kratom.

Customer reviews are a great way to gauge the effectiveness and the nature of products, and this is true for kratom as well. For the yellow vein kratom, the general consensus among customers is positive. Many reviewers say that the strain is great for providing energy and focus. Additionally, some point to it as a pain reliever that combines energy with reduced anxiety.

Red Horn Kratom

 
Red Horn is considered to be the rarest strain of kratom. It originates in Thailand, like many other strains. It has effects most notable for medicinal use, although it is also used for pleasure.

The customer reviews on Red Horn suggest that it is satisfying. People say that it reduces pain and provides energy. Some call it an “herb from paradise,” according to Kratom Guides.

The rare strains of kratom are a good way to change up your herbal healing experience. An important thing to keep in mind is that, as a result of their rarity, these strains like Red Horn and Borneo Yellow Vein kratom are more expensive than most other strains. But if you are in search of a new kratom experience, it may be the price you are willing to pay.