Grooms: Top Tips for the very best skin care from the experts!

This one is especially for our grooms, but no doubt brides will find it very interesting too!! 

We all want to look good in pictures all the time but we do even more so in our Brides photos and while a quick splash of water might have been all you grooms to be have been doing in the morning so far, we've spoken to the expert and have the low down on what, where and when you should be doing to ensure your skin looks fabulous when you come to say 'I do'! 

We were lucky enough to get the opportunity for a quick interview with the very fabulous Dr. Jeffrey Benabio a leading Dermatologist who among many noteworthy accomplishments is the Physician Director of Healthcare Transformation, with Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, CA. He kindly answered our questions on how Grooms can best take care of their skin in the lead up to the Brides and indeed for the rest of their life! 

Tell us about yourself?

I am Dr. Jeffrey Benabio a Dove Men+Care product expert and practicing dermatologist in San Diego, CA, so I get to talk to guys everyday about their skincare needs and concerns. But, most importantly, I am a husband to my incredible wife Susan.

What is different about men's complexions compared to women’s?

The obvious difference is that men have more hair, especially on their face. Men usually have thicker and oilier skin than women, which is why they should use products designed specifically for them. In addition, men’s pores are generally larger, which makes their face more prone to acne and blackheads.

Will a groom's skin benefit from a skincare regime?

Absolutely. Men who stick to a disciplined skincare regime, reap the benefits. Men who regularly cleanse and moisturize their skin generally have skin that is healthy and looks great. But there’s more to a skincare routine than just using deodorant – guys should also remember to care for their faces, too, because I’ve seen that too many guys simply splash some water on their face and consider that “washing their face.”  Products in the Dove Men+Care Face range, including the Hydrate+ Face Wash, will effectively cleanse skin of dirt and build-up.  Follow this with a face lotion like the Dove Men+Care Hydrate Face Lotion and you’ve successfully cared for your face.

What's the best way for a groom to care for his skin before the Brides?

Grooms should make sure they are washing and moisturizing their skin every day – leading into, during, and after their Brides day.  And, if they live in sunny/warm climates, using sunscreen every day will help skin stay healthy.  The best way to care for your skin is to make this your daily routine.

How important is it from a groom to use skincare products aimed at men, rather than 'borrowing' his fiancées?

Since men and women have different skin, they should use products specifically formulated for their needs.  That’s why Dove created the Dove Men+Care line, a line of products for men’s skin and hair – which also includes shampoos like the new Aqua Impact Fortifying Shampoo and 2-in-1 shampoo + conditioners like the Fresh Clean 2-in-1, which were developed to make men’s hair three times stronger.

What products should he be using?

In addition to the products I’ve already mentioned, guys should remember to think about their shave as a three-step, four-product, routine (that includes a pre-shave scrub, pre-shave oil, shave cream and post-shave balm.)  The Dove Men+Care Expert Shave range products follows this approach. 

Step one is all about the preparation. First, use the Expert Shave Exfoliating Pre-Shave Scrub to clean, scrub and smooth skin for a closer shave. It also lifts hairs and helps reduce ingrown hairs. Next, apply the Expert Shave Softening Pre-Shave Oil, which is specially formulated to soften hair and help deliver a closer shave.  It also moisturizes the skin to help protects it while shaving.  

The second step is the actual shave. Dove Men+Care understands that all skin is different, therefore, the range includes two different shave creams: the Expert Shave Total Comfort Shave Cream and the Expert Shave Smoothing Shave Cream.  The Total Comfort Shave Cream is the richest, most protective formula, designed especially for drier skin. This moisture-enriched cream is clinically proven to hydrate skin and to help reduce shaving irritation.  The Smoothing Shave Cream also helps protect against irritation and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated better than its competitor creams, foam and gels. 

The final step is the post-shave. Apply the Expert Shave Intense Post-Shave Repair Balm to help soothe skin after shaving. It’s fast absorbing formula is clinically proven to rehydrate and help repair skin after shaving.

What's the best way to prevent ingrown hairs and irritation bumps on a grooms face?

In my experience, there are two sure-fire ways to avoid ingrown hairs. First, you must exfoliate, and that’s why I recommend the Exfoliating Pre-Shave Scrub I mentioned earlier.  It not only cleans, scrubs and smoothes skin for a closer shave, but it also lifts hairs and helps reduce ingrown hairs. Guys should know never to shave against the grain because that’s the easiest way to get ingrown hairs.

Because time can be precious in the morning, what is the best 3 minute routine you can suggest to our grooms?

My best advice here is - it’s your Brides day, take some time and spend more than three minutes on grooming.  But, if you’re in a crunch (I’ve seen The Hangover, so these things do happen) here’s a quick three minute routine – brush your teeth, wash your face with Dove Men+Care Hydrate Face Wash, followed by Dove Men+Care Face Lotion and, finally, apply some Dove Men+Care Fresh Awake Antiperspirant, which will give you 48-hour sweat and odor protection in a non-irritating formula, and very quickly style your hair with whatever you use.  Those, I think, are the bare essentials when it comes to grooming.

Tell us about the range you've recently developed for Dove?

Dove Men+Care worked with leading dermatologist and barbers, like myself, on their brand-new premium link of shave products called Expert Shave. This new range was developed using our expert insights because we’re the ones talking to guys every day about their skin and using these products ourselves. When used together, the Expert Shave regime will better care for skin before, during and after shaving. 

To learn more about any of the products I’ve recommended, please visit www.dovemencare.com and check out my own skincare blog www.thedermblog.com. 

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Unique proposal ideas for the Groom

It's that time of year again. If you haven't proposed already with the onset of a new year or perhaps the opportunity never arose, your next opportunity is fast approaching - Valentines day.   The next most popular day for couples to get engaged after Christmas and New Years is the day of Love.

If you are now reading this, a sudden sweat emanating from your brow, your knuckles clinched in stress, fear not, today on Groom's corner we have some inspirational ideas to get you started.

1. The Traditional Approach.
The Bended knee approach is said to be around since the times when we wore Armour instead of cashmere.  It is stated that to be chivalrous, a knight must be on bended knee to ask his betrothed to marry him.   It also is advantageous for the fitting of the ring as presumably you would be at the same height as your betrothed's hand.






2.  The Dramatic Approach

Take him or her to their favourite show and at the end, have the cast ask your better half to marry you.   This will require some planning and possibly a friend who is a stage hand to do but if you have the right contacts, it can work out as an excellent surprise.  The show itself does not matter as long as you both enjoy it.  It can be Cats, Rocky Horror, Mama Mia or even Calender Girls.   Its probably best avoiding depressing shows or performances about murdering one's partner.

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3. The Novel Approach
If you are creative and she prefers spending her time in front of a Kindle than a stage, how about writing her a story such as when you first met?  Add some illustrations and you can self publish it.  The final chapter can be you popping the question.   One tip however, make sure its a short book or they are a quick reader, otherwise your patience may run thin.



4. The Final Approach
One of the most memorable ways of asking someone to marry you is that everyone else sees it too.  If you are looking to make a grand gesture, nothing screams grand more than hiring a skywriter and having them fly past with the words 'will you marry me' etched across the sky.   Make it even more memorable by taking them to the place of your first date.

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These are just a few ideas to get you going but remember, its best to make it personal.  Always consider what the other person likes and look at adapting that into your proposal.  It will mean you have actually thought about it and it will definitely be unique.  

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Is the Xbox One for your Groom?

By now, unless you've been living under a rock in Grand Theft Auto, you would have heard about the latest console wars between the major gaming companies.    

In case you haven't heard, Microsoft and Sony are launching their next generation consoles this week in a flurry of marketing hype with the launch of Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony PlayStation 4.

I was one of the lucky ones to be selected to come along to the launch of the Xbox One event in Dublin last week and view the latest in Microsoft's aim to be the top gaming console.

The event itself was held in the Ambassador in Dublin, a venue usually associated with exhibitions like those of the touring Body Worlds; showing cadavers in various states of undress. It seemed fitting that this was Xbox One's venue, as those other lucky participants, at the event, looked very much like they should donate their bodies to science!

Upon entering the venue, we were advised to remove our coats, (possibly because we may have looked like the type to fit an Xbox One under our jackets, ahem!) and as it was a cold day we were initially hesitant. After being reassured that the heat was indeed pumping at '11' and that we were going to be warm from the heat of over 100 consoles in one room, we handed them over.  

On the first floor we were greeted with a line of 32 inch LCD TV's, all displaying the small avatars of an English football team side by side to a Zombie Apocalypse. {Very apt some would say ;)} I spent a number of minutes 'attempting' to kick a virtual ball at a number of boxes stacked in strategic displays. My attempts were lackluster at best. I would like to consider that I make a better real life footballer than a digital one but that is also untrue.    

The first impression of the games console was that the controller felt (to me) like putting on an old pair of slippers on a winter's night, only to discover they now had a new vibration feature to sooth my toes.    It was easy and similar in shape to the previous Xbox 360.  Although there are reports of Microsoft spending $100 million on developing this controller, which in the grand scheme of things appears to be a lot of money, only to arrive back at the original design. It just proves the old adage, if it ain't broke why fix it?

After my continuously embarrassing skills at Fifa 2014 (especially so, as a member of the Xbox Event team was standing behind me viewing my attempts with obvious merriment), we proceeded downstairs to a much larger room. Surrounding the room was another selection of LCD's, only this time we are shown all the other gaming delights Microsoft had to offer. This included, Battlefield 4, Ryse, Son of Rome, and others. 

Around the middle of the floor, were even more TV's but this time lower so the participant were forced to sit on a somewhat very low but yet comfortable bean bag. This may have been exciting for the student, who enjoys sitting close to a floor so as to not fall over, but not for someone with a bad back {like me}!  

On a stage situated at one end of the room was a young lady flaying her arms around as if she was having a seizure. On closer inspection, it was in fact her playing a particularly 'groovy' (yes I am down with the kids) dance using Microsoft's unique selling point; The Kinect.

For those of you who are unaware what the Kinect is, this was launched for the Xbox 360 in June 2011 in response to the popular Wii Console. The Kinect is a camera and motion detector which mimics your movements in certain games. Most of us 'gamers' believed it to be a fad but Microsoft stuck with it. 

The latest Xbox One has a new upgraded Kinect, this time with more accurate movement detection and a HD Camera. It also has the facility for HD Skype and voice control.  

Never being one to shy away from a dance off (ask my wife), I tested the new Kinect and I was extremely impressed. Microsoft claim the latest Kinect is so accurate that it can monitor your heartbeat. From what I saw, it didn't show that but it was incredibly accurate displaying my not too shabby dance moves. I did not have the opportunity to test the voice capabilities but from reports they are apparently more accurate than its predecessor. This makes the console unique, in that you can control what you want the Xbox to do with requests, such as simply saying 'Xbox Skype'. This will launch Skype immediately onto your TV screen.   More commands can be viewed here and list of gestures, here.   

Following my 'impressive' dance moves, I said I would like to go for a drive so I took my seat on a bean bag and decided that I would take my red Ferrari out for a spin with the game Forza Motorsport 5. The first thing that struck me about the game were the graphics. They are incredible. So much so, I got lost in simply staring at my chosen vehicle for ten minutes.  The graphene finish, the leather interior, the bright red colour all had me transfixed. 

Once I got into driving the vehicle, I was amazed at the sensitivity of the controller and the car to my reactions. The triggers on the new controller have a vibrating function which provided feedback on every turn, every brake and every time  I ended in the rough of the racetrack (not as often as you think). I spent the majority of the rest of the day playing this.

So, after all of this, should this be a present you want to purchase for your groom?

Well, first of all, here comes the science bit - The Xbox One comes with an 8 core custom AMD processor - that is 5 more cores than the Xbox 360 making it able to handle over 5 times more on screen than Xbox 360.   It also has 8GB of RAM, 500GB of internal memory and a Blu-ray drive. It also has the facility to connect with your cable television provider (although this is not fully implemented in Ireland or Europe yet) so technically it could be or Microsoft hopes it will be, your all round media entertainment box.    

If you/your groom already has an Xbox 360, then they will love the Xbox One but don't give up the 360 yet as backwards compatibility (the ability to play Xbox 360 games on Xbox one) is not installed on the new system.   

If they have a PlayStation, the PlayStation 4 maybe the best choice (review on this coming soon).

If its their first console, then I would still side with the Xbox because it is easier to use their system.

If they are a PC gamer, then its probably best to get them a new graphics card.   

If you are still unsure, well so is everybody. There are advantages to Xbox (more initial exclusives on games) and to Playstation 4 (slightly faster graphics and processor) so it could come down to the flip of a coin.

In summary, to pick the perfect console for your other half, you need to strip it down to what will be played most? What games will be to their taste?  Will they use the Kinect?  Will it be used as a media center for your living room?  Once you answer these questions, you should have the answer on what console will suit you best.  

So much like the idea behind Body World, you need to take away the skin and delve deep into the psyche of who you are buying it for.  

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Groom's Corner: How to look a cut above the rest!

While the brides and bridesmaids of this world have teams of make up artists and hair stylists to work on them, Grooms sometimes feel they have to settle for just the standard barbers cut or sometimes just purchasing a new razor in Boots.  

Don't worry, here at Groom's Corner, we like to ensure that you, the Groom get the equal treatment that the female variety enjoy.   The following are some top tips to make you look dapper on your big day.

1. The Hot Towel Shave

Nothing screams trust than to have a stranger using a sharp instrument on the skin closest to your most vital artery.  A hot towel shave is still the epitome of shaving.   Having the feeling of the heat on your skin followed by the cold swipe of a blade.    The hairs just fall off the skin and makes for a much better shave than you could ever try yourself with a standard blade.

Top Tip, if you are trying this yourself, you could soak your towel in water and a little lavender fragrance oil.  Place the towel in the microwave for a few seconds (be careful not to set it on fire!) and then place over your entire face.   The fragrance of the Lavender oil has natural relaxing properties so it will calm you down.

When it comes to shaving, this video should help you with some great tips on the best way to remove hair from an area that can sometimes be very sensitive.

2. The Hair style

For most of us men, our hair styling does not tend to change that often, in fact for hair, most prefer short and simple.  Long gone are the days of the parting in the middle and short back in sides.   There are now infinite hairstyles that a man can choose from and each year, they are changing.   If you are looking to change your hair style or maximize your look with a different shape to suit your face.  For some inspiration, you should check out GQ's 2014 guide to hairstyles by clicking on the Source below the break.  

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3. The Skincare

Having supple skin on your Brides day may not be everyone's cup of tea but it can look fantastic in Brides photographs.   There are thousands of moisturizers on the market.   The best brands are the ones that you know and trust but also contain a sun protection factor.  This is especially important if you work outside or exposed to the sun.   Hit the link below the break to see the Independents top ten moisturizers for 2013.  

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 4.The Finger Nails

This aspect is rarely considered before the Brides day for men however think about all the photographs your hands will be in on the Brides day.   There are times when the photographer will be taking close up shots of your fingers such as during the exchanging of the rings, the cutting of the cake, raising the veil etc.  Its best not to have oil or greasy fingernails that will be forever etched in your coveted Brides photographs.   

The ultimate treatment for your nails is a manicure ( I know I can hear manly men shouting WHAT!! from here) as they give the best look to your nails and are professionally styled.   If you are brave enough to try it once, you will probably never go back to those silver nail clippers again.

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For further updates on Grooms corner, keep coming to www.Brideshigh.com.   Enjoy the planning.

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Transport for the modern groom

There are few opportunities for most grooms to put their stamp and personalities on a Brides.  Transport from the home to the Brides and onto the ceremony location (if required) is something that men feel its their responsibility for.  I, myself, know how important a nice car or unusual transport option is.   For me, the more unusual the better and what better way to look back on your photos in years to come and point out how you and your wife actually made it to the church on time.

Today, I will be mostly listing my top 4 favourite ways from around the web to get to your Brides.  This is to give you some idea of what can be done rather than relying on the usual horse and carriage or Bentley.

1.  The television show transport.

The 80's were a great period for cars and transport.   You had so much popular culture to choose from that you were spoiled for choice.  I grew up watching the American shows of Magnum PI, the A-Team and of course my all time favourite, the one where David Hasslehoff had a bee nest for a head, Knightrider.

There are a number of car suppliers that can supply perfect replica's of these vehicles, including a working Kitt.   They also make for an excellent talking point around the dinner table after the ceremony.

If you have a Brides, if no one else can help, maybe you can hire.....

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Great Scott!! its...

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Uh Oh Micheal, we need to turbo boost to a Brides...

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2. I prefer 3 wheels.

Of course, the traditional 4 wheel method of getting to your venue may not satisfy your needs.  There are options for those who prefer to be out in the open air or to have a bit more danger to their method of travel.  The following are excellent ways to enjoy the benefit of the air without getting your shoes dirty.  The following is a little more unusual than most but looks like good 'craic' as us Irish would say.

Keep that motor runnin'.....

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This Rickshaw will add some colour...

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Finally, in the three wheel variety we have....

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3.  The even more unusual.

Finally, I have scoured the internet and found ways of getting to your Brides that not everyone will prefer but it would make for an extreme talking point.  What if you're a farmer and you cannot let go of your favourite tractor even for one day?  What if you are a bus driver and its been your dream to arrive on one? What if you decide you wanted to demolish a village on your way to the Brides and drive a tank?  All are catered for. 

Let's cut the silage before getting married darling.....

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Ding Ding, Next stop your Brides....

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I love the smell of Bridess in the morning....

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These are all merely ideas to get you started on your road to transport.   These are necessarily not all available everywhere but it should help seeing what is possible.  If you have any ideas of your own, let me know by commenting below and remember to share the post to anyone who may be interested.

Please keep an eye on Brides High for more posts from Groom's Corner.  Until next time, happy planning.

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Groom's suits with Fun Flair

It's easy for a groom to be forgotten when it comes to fashion and style however there is a movement that Grooms are taking back the control and choosing their own style to put their own personality into their big day.   Today, we are looking at groom styles that are a little bit different to the traditional tails and top hat.


Those magnificent Grooms and their Flying Machines

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This style is very different and would also stand out in photos.  If you are having your Brides in an unusual venue or somewhere resembling a French Palace, this would fit in perfectly.   The Jacket on the groom is a ordinary coat and tails, the waistcoat is of a dark wine colour which match the pants perfectly.  The flying goggles on the top hat can be found on Ebay.   The best men also do not have to match the Groom and can have their own styles as is perfectly illustrated in the above photo.

The Force is strong with this one groom.

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Whether you prefer a lightsaber or the bridge of the enterprise or maybe you would rather the Bat Cave to the Fortress of Solitude, you and your bride to be can stamp your own taste to your Brides by dressing in your favourite characters from your favourite movies.  But keep it clean for the sake of the in-laws and of course respectful to your choice of ceremony location.

Mad Grooms

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It is not only movies that inspire today's modern groom's fashion.  TV shows with their own unique style and context also influence what is in style.   If you love the era of Mad Men, there are many styles and colours to choose from that can quite easily be purchased today in any high street men's clothing shops or also many traditional tuxedo shops are stocking suits for the 60's inspired man.  

The BoHo Man

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Boho Chic is very popular among brides at the moment so for the men, it offers a very casual look with plenty of options to personalise with your own little detail.   One nice idea is to have each of your groomsmen in different coloured shoes or suspenders making for unique photographs of your Bridess.

That's the groom all suited and booted.  For more Grooms tips, keep following Groom's Corner on Brides High. 

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Top Five Gadgets for the Techie Groom to consider.

Grooms corner has begun. 

 Over the coming weeks and months, I will be mostly focusing on Grooms and what is important to them. We would love to hear any views on what you would like covered and what is important to you as a groom in the Brides planning process. 

To start off, today I will be providing you with what I believe could be the top 5 new gadgets, some are not available, some are, to buy for your Brides as a treat or if your partner is looking to purchase as a gift for you. 

 5. The Samsung Smart Watch 

{Voucher Codes Pro}

There once was a time when brides would choose between Rolex or Tag Heuer, however now there is another watch for the budding first adapters to try. Samsung is rumoured to be launching a ‘Smart Watch’ called The Samsung Galaxy Gear. Leaks from informed sources are that the watch will come equipped with a Dual Core Processor which is similar to high end smartphones, 1GB ram, a 2MP Camera and will also feature Bluetooth and NFC. Potentially, you could bump any images you take of your big day to other smart phones or devices with built in Bluetooth or NFC. So during your speech, you could technically be able to shoot your arm in a certain direction, sending an exclusive look at the Brides photographs to your guests before they finish their vol au vent. 

 4. Xbox One 

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While your partner is planning what linen would suit the venue, why not shoot some scores with Fifa 14 on Xbox One? The Console Wars are hotting up with a launch date proposed for November, Xbox one is the latest Microsoft offering. It has the facility to even control your television using the power of your own voice. If you’re clever and are planning to get married for Christmas, why not stream the Brides worldwide using the latest innovative Kinect sensor attached to the console. 

 3. Playstation 4 

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If you prefer to spend less money but have a slightly more powerful games console between your fingers, you should opt (or drop hints at) Playstation 4. The launch date is officially on the 15th of November for the US and 29th of November for Europe. There will be 15 new titles to choose from at launch with a big focus on the smaller indie titles. Although the Playstation 4 will not help you plan a Brides any quicker, there will be much fun had trying. 

 2. 3D Printers 

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 Now I know what you are going to say, what can I play or show off on a 3D printer? Well take it from me, if you have one of these, you can do almost anything. How about printing a perfect replica of you and your partner for sitting on top of the Brides cake? How about printing your Brides ring? The revolution in printing has arrived and is now accessible to the anyone with a few grand to burn. After the Brides, you can then print a guitar to serenade your new wife to take her mind off the price tag. 


1. Google Glass.






The number one gadget on my list of ideas for your groom is a gadget that is set to revolutionize the way you see things. Imagine, stepping into a store and seeing offers jump up right before your eyes? Imagine, filming your entire Brides day by just putting on your glasses? Imagine being lost on your Honeymoon and your eyes laying down a marker for you to follow without having to even remove a map from your back pocket?
The latest innovation from the company that brought us Google search, Google Maps, Gmail and Android phones is about to be released to the general public. Despite recent privacy concerns, Google glass is set to become as popular as crushed garlic. 

 The device is essentially a pair of spectacles that sit on the rim of your nose. They are connected either via Bluetooth to your mobile phone or via wifi. It is operated by voice so, for example, you can ask Google Glass to find the nearest restaurant or how long of a walk is it from Battery Park New York to Dublin Ireland. You can also take random photos and videos of what you are looking at (although this is where the privacy concern lies). Battery life is 1 day but this is depending on usage. Price is not yet released but the initial explorer editions for those lucky enough to win the lottery of the first trials cost a tidy $1,500 or around €1120. The same price of a good photographer for your Brides, however Google Glass pictures may not be up to that standard. 

If you would think other gadgets should be included or there is something you would really like explored in the future, do let me know.

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