Can You Ruin Your Family With Too Much Technology?
May 17th, 2012 by ChristenAs the tech savvy matriarch of the family, I find it important to keep my nieces & nephews on top of the latest tech trends and new releases. However, I’m still deciding if I’m more of a fan of smartphone/tablet use as entertainment vs education for children – check out a few facts below…
Many parents seem to think gadgets don’t just keep kids occupied — they can also help them grow and learn. 77% of parents think tablets are beneficial to kids, and 77% think they help develop creativity, according to Schools.com’s findings. More than a quarter of parents have downloaded apps for their kids. The top genres? Fun, at 46%; education, at 42%; and creative, at 28%.
Are you a tech-heavy parent raising tech-heavy kids? Do you think smartphones and tablets do more to help or hurt the development of kids today? Sound off below.
Last Minute Tech Gifts For Mom (That’ll Make You The Mother’s Day Hero!)
May 11th, 2012 by ChristenWith Mother’s Day this weekend, you’re surely racking your brain for the perfect gadget to give to show appreciation for everything dear Mom’s given you in life. Here are our top picks at prices you can afford!
Aluminum iPad Keyboard Case ($76.99)
The Aluminum iPad Keyboard Case is the perfect metallic companion for your iPad. Made from aircraft aluminum with a bead-blasted, anodized finish, it matches the design, look, and feel of your Apple device. Its innovative hinge provides a multitude of viewing angles in both portrait and landscape mode. Best of all, the built-in Bluetooth keyboard allows for fast, responsive typing.
GE X500 Camera ($114)
We had to check twice to make sure the price of the GE 14MP X500 camera was correct after seeing how well online test images turned out. It performed better than our own higher priced point-and-shoot, and also offered the customization options (19 scene modes and image stabilization) of something five times its price. If you’re looking to get mom a new camera but if it’s the picture quality you’re after, and for less than $150, we’re sure Mom will consider it a wise investment.
Converge – USB Charging Hub ($39.99)
Converge is the futon of charging hubs. Its white folds remind us of a bendy futon mattress, but it has the added feature of a slot to slip in charging cables. With the help of soft TPE grips, cables stay nestled out of sight behind Converge. Just plug the power source into your nearest outlet and you can charge up to 4 USB devices while they chill out on Converge’s curvy frame.
Nook Simple Touch With GlowLight ($139)
Mom’s been known to fall asleep with the lights on midchapter of a book just about every night, driving Dad, with the sensitive sleeping habits, crazy. End the nightly bickering with the latest update to the Nook ereader, the Simple Touch With GlowLight. Enough subtle light to keep Mom reading as long as she wants, without the harsh LCD glare and brightness of a reading lamp that could keep others awake.
FridgePad – Magnetic Refrigerator Mount for iPad ($49.99)
In comes FridgePad, ready to save the day! It’s the best no-tools iPad mount on the market and holds your iPad or iPad2 to the fridge so tightly that you can slam the door without fear. Check your email while waiting for coffee to brew, listen to music while washing the dishes, or catch up on your favorite TV shows while getting a bite to eat. Need to charge your iPad too? The super long PowerLine makes a great companion for the FridgePad.
Four Text Messaging Mistakes You’re Making Right Now!
May 2nd, 2012 by ChristenHave you ever wondered why your text messages, (and even phone calls)always seem to get no response? You could be making some of the most common mistakes that men and women make in modern day communication. Find out if you’re making these common mistakes and how to avoid them in the future below…
4. Asking Questions That Require Detailed Answers…
Asking YES or NO questions and for quick updates is what texting is intended for. Texting should not be used for asking things like, detailed opinions on the global warming crisis and how it could potentially affect urban development. Text messages requiring explainations, or multiple paragraphs? KISS that response goodbye (Keep It Simple Stupid) People! Keep it short and simple and you’re sure to get a considerate response. If an elaborate response is necessary, call or meet in person for those important conversations & discussions..
3. Rapid Fire Text Messages
There’s texting too often and then there’s outright texting Turrets. Stop that! There’s a 10-text maximum per 10-minute window (and that’s being generous). If you break that rule, practice this one tip—text it and forget it. (Get lost in the world wide web if you’re keystroke happy, or just shut down your phone completely for the next 10 minutes until you cool off.)
2. Too Many LOL – Smiley Face…
A little sarcasm via texting is healthy when flirting, but not every sarcastic (or non-sarcastic message) needs to be accompanied with an LOL or an emoticon. If you’ve developed a nice rapport with your text recipient, they should have a good sense of your personality—if all else fails, try texting your sarcasm in italics to avoid the abbreviation and 
overdose. Or, add a “haha.” For some reason, it seems so much better than an LOL.
1. Sexting
Yeah, we know. There’s nothing wrong with harmless flirting, but when messages get a little too hot and heavy and/or when naughty photos are involved that’s when your text-messaging privileges have gone too far and you’ve committed one of the original texting sins.
Have you been guilty of any of these texting faux pas? Have you gotten any of the text mistakes mentioned? How would you let the guilty texter know that they’re breaking one of the four texting rules?
Time To Spring Clean Your Beauty Regime…
April 17th, 2012 by Christen
Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.discoverbeautywithin.com/
If you’re still not convinced that Spring is here to stay (even after a near 90-degree day in New York City on Monday) look at your calendar, is it starting to look a bit fuller than usual? A filled calendar is the true indication that Spring has Sprung and with weddings, parties, vacations and more isn’t it time you stepped up and spring cleaned your beauty regime?
The warmer it gets, the less likely you are to pile on the makeup – so let’s start with the foundation instead shall we? Your hair, smile & skin. A clean pallette is the ultimate accessory this spring and there’s no better way to enhance your natural beauty than with these skin cleaning must haves.
- Clean. Get rid of dull winterized skin by exfoliating & getting a deep down clean with Neutrogena’s Microdermabrasion System.
- Water. Drink 8-10 glasses a day and watch mother nature purify your skin and rejuvenate your body from the inside out.
Go for bottled water or this handy filtered water bottle from Rubbermaid, either way they’re compact and can go with you anywhere!
- Brighten. Nothing says a healthier, more beautiful you than a nice bright smile. No need to call a Dentist, your neighborhood Walgreen’s has tons of smile brightening options from at home kits, toothpastes & oral washes too.
- Go Green (well sorta…) Did you know that there are hair styling tools that’ll give you a salon style without the use of a curling or flat iron? Toss those hairstyling tools away for the season and try using hair rollers, rods & pins to create stylish looks for Spring.
With Spring’s busy event season in full effect, there’s no reason why you have to sacrifice time or convenience while on the road to becoming beautiful. Check out a few of these bloggers and their stories on how to get fabulous in a flash, just in time for Spring’s busy event season…
- ELZABELZ - I’ve been dreaming of hosting a really cool fancy dress party and wondering what I’d wear. Time for a post on Special Event Style! What? You don’t dream up parties and imagine the outfits you’d wear?
- THE BABY SHOPAHOLIC - If you have been reading my blog longer then a week you know I attend a lot of different types of events. Remember Mister’s big Movie Premier? In my head, I hype it up like I am going to hit the E!
- MINORITY WEIRDOS - The great thing about being a lady is that we have so many options for our personal beautification projects from different colors, foundations to cleansers and more. It’s so much to decide on and make good decisions about.
- MUSHKI LOVES - Do any of you have special events to attend? What do you consider a special event? For me a special event would be going to a baptism for a niece or nephew. A church function or a family event, or going out for a date night with the hubby!
- MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG - It used to seem like I had endless amounts of time to get all dolled up for different things, like parties, dancing and baby showers, but now? What I wouldn’t give to have a whole afternoon to get ready.
The Samsung Rugby Smart By AT&T Takes A Licking And Keeps On Ticking…(GIVEAWAY)
March 29th, 2012 by Christen
Once in a while you hear of urban myths that seem too good to be true! The new Samsung Rugby Smart by AT&T is definitely one of them…but this urban legend of a shockproof, dustproof & waterproof smartphone is actually true indeed! The Rugby Smart device is the latest addition to the Samsung & Android family weighing only 4.4 ounces with rubberized grips on the side and tough, scratch-resistant glass up front covering a 480 x 800 Super AMOLED 3.7″ panel. The Samsung Rugby Smart offers brilliant, vibrant color and clarity that make it easy to read indoors and outdoors (although if you’re reading it outdoors, you may want to steer clear of direct sunlight because this strong screen comes with a bit of a glare.) The display is protected by a strengthened glass that resists damage from bumps, drops and scratches. It’s talk time / use time gets a gold star (especially after lasting more than 10hrs of use in a busy day – it definitely gave me a reason to smile!) It’s 5-megapixel camera and video quality isn’t nothing to sneeze at either, but more than anything – my interest was in the claim that the Rugby Smart is a shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof device!
Upon unboxing the Samsung Rugby Smart, I immediately began my mission to abuse this device and take it beyond the point of no return! As an aunt with very inquisitive nieces and nephews – I’m always in need of a device that can take a licking and keep on ticking. (I’m talking about a phone that can be fumbled, multiple times without the uncomfortable pangs of cracked or shattered screens.) As you can see below, I subjected this device to the harsh elements of staircases, street curbs & subway platforms – not to mention dunking the phone in water as if it was a Chips Ahoy cookie in from of a full glass of milk.
Check out additional details, video demonstration and giveaway details below…
Learn more about the Samsung Rugby Smart by AT&T and find out how you could WIN a Samsung Rugby Smart of your own below…
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Sunny Day Gadgets That Can Save You Some Pocket Change!
March 15th, 2012 by Tiffany Kelley
Metallic Solar Recharger, Back-up Power Boost, for Cell Phones, Blackberry, iPod, and iPhone.
Premium Solar Charger - Ultra Thin Solar Powered Backup Battery and Charger for Cell Phones, iPhone, iPod, and Most USB Powered Device - Also Includes Built-in LED Reading Light and Window / Windshield Suction Cups
Solar power usage is growing as rapidly as the technology using it to function. Many things are converting to solar power… attick fans, cars, gas stations, restaurants, etc. However, the demand for smaller solar panel battery chargers initially created a shortage in supply. Thus, when first introduced to the market prices were much more competetive than they are now.
For fun in the sun with no hastle this summer, the coolest way to charge cell phones, GPS units, Ipods, and other gadgets is with the sun! You might as well use the heat to your advantage. Afterall, using solar panel power is environmental friendly and very easy. These charging devices can be your best friend in case of an emergency as well. Numerous manufacturers have jumped on board. Motorola, Samsung, Nokia, Apple, Kodak, and Palm. There is even a universal solar charger kit – Solio, which allows charging to multiple devices.
So many other solar powered gadgets are making their way onto the market. Solar powered ultrasonic mosquito killers, MP4 players, flashlights, radios, digital cameras, and even some children’s toys. The convenience of solar powered chargers has transcended all boundaries of convenience. There is even a USB battery charger shaped like a wristband and powered by the sun. The perfect device for anyone on the go!
Now is the perfect time to buy your solar powered charger. Prices aren’t as high as before and summer is right around the corner. Amazon and Ebay have amazing prices no matter what gadget you need charged while in the sun or on the go.
Apple iPad 3 Announcement…Do You Feel Pressured To Buy?
March 1st, 2012 by ChristenIt seems the end is finally in sight when it comes to the wait for Apple’s highly-anticipated iPad 3. According to many sources, the tech giant has begun sending invitations out for a mystery launch event on March 7th, to take place at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco at 10AM PST (6PM GMT).
With the anticipation of the iPad 3 boasting higher resolution screen and possible bezel touch controls – I’m not to enthusiastic about the new device. Maybe it’s because I realized that it was just this time last year that I got my iPad 2 and unless the iPad 3 comes with a “make me invisible” button I can’t figure out why anyone would want to ditch their iPad 2 for the newly released version.
A recent study has revealed that 42% of polled Apple consumers said they felt under pressure to keep up with the new generation of Apple products. (OH, but it gets worse…) Over a third of consumers admitted they found themselves in debt after purchasing an Apple product, with 29% saying they bought an Apple gadget using a credit card and 6% admitting they’d actually taken a loan out to afford one in the past.
Kudos to Apple for making gadgets “Cool” and “popular” – as a “fan girl” I’ll admit that they’ve done an excellent job of embedding Apple products into the social fabric of consumers everywhere. However, as a consumer that knows every year Apple will release a newer or updated tablet – I’m not a fan of paying $500+ annually, just to have the latest in Apple tablet technology.
That’s my opinion. What’s Yours?
Do you have an Apple iPad? Thinking about getting the iPad 3?
Samsung Rocks Mobile World Congress With The Galaxy Beam & Note Tablet!
February 29th, 2012 by ChristenIf you’ve been keeping up with all the mobile announcements during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona then you know all about the buzz that Samsung has been making this week! Samsung recently revealed it’s newest member of the Galaxy Note family – a 10.1 tablet accompanied by the same S Pen found in the smaller Note. With its large display, GALAXY Note 10.1 provides multi-screen functionality to maximize efficiency in learning, work and creative endeavors. Its multi-screen functionality enables you to do a true multi-tasking, by viewing Internet pages, videos or other applications side by side while writing or sketching your ideas. Complete with an convenient “eraser” tip at the other end of S Pen this tablet is perfect for students inside the classroom as well as artists on the go!
Ensuring intuitive multitasking and web browsing, GALAXY Note 10.1 runs on AndroidTM 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and features a 1.4GHz dual-core processor and HSPA? connectivity.
Rear camera: 3 Megapixel Auto Focus Camera with LED Flash. ts real-time video streaming and Full HD video playback add to the device’s content versatility.
Not to outshine the Galaxy Note family, the new Galaxy Beam takes mobile to epic sharing proportions! The projector/smartphone hybrid has been in the works for awhile, but the Galaxy Beam may just be the prototype for the masses to enjoy. The Galaxy Beam can project content from video clips, maps, business information, games – a whole range of multimedia content can be beamed instantly in high-definition projection up to 50’’ wide. Despite featuring a full built-in projector, the GALAXY Beam does not compromise on style or portability, measuring just 12.5mm thick and featuring an elegant, ergonomic design perfect for male & female users alike.
It runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread which is powered by an impressive 1.0GHz dual-core processor, ensuring great versatility and a highly responsive user interface.
An impressive 8GB of internal memory allows ample multimedia storage without compromises, and a powerful 2000 mAh battery ensures greater display power and content freedom.
For more on pricing and availablity on both the Galaxy Note Tablet 10.1 and Galaxy Beam visit http://www.samsungmobilepress.com/
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- Rear camera: 3 Megapixel Auto Focus Camera with LED Flash. ts real-time video streaming and Full HD video playback add to the device’s content versatility.
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- It runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread which is powered by an impressive 1.0GHz dual-core processor, ensuring great versatility and a highly responsive user interface.
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- An impressive 8GB of internal memory allows ample multimedia storage without compromises, and a powerful 2000 mAh battery ensures greater display power and content freedom.
Who’s More Obsessed With Their Smartphones? Men or Women
January 31st, 2012 by Christen*Singing* Anything you can do I can do better… I can do anything better than you…*
In the timeless battle of men vs women, a new study finds that one definitely out-obsesses over their smartphones and gadgets more than the other.
According to new research commissioned by online smartphone retailer Dialaphone, 52% of married women check their smart phones within 10 minutes of waking up. In fact 29% look at their phone before they even bother to look at their partner. However, it seems men prefer to look at their partners instead, with only 18% reaching for their phones straight away.
Personally, I’ve been in a few relationships where one or two minor arguments arguments about inappropriate smartphone use has challenged communications within the relationship. But on the other hand, I’m the same girl that manages to check her email during middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks. In this new age of technology, social media and its affects on interpersonal relationships how much is smartphone use is too much?
Do you believe that women are more obsessive with their smartphone use than men? Do you have any “smartphone” use rules? Sound Off in the comment section below…
Hair Removal, Lasers & Kim K! (Oh, My!)
December 1st, 2011 by Tiffany Kelley
Our tech savvy cosmetic and beauty world continues developing and advancing gadgets that are making almost anything possible from our homes. Just a few years ago the majority of individuals getting laser hair removal were either celebrities or wealthy professionals and done by a physician. Thanks to technological advances in beauty anyone can obtain at home hair removal devices that are more affordable and more convenient. However, before you go laser crazy know your options, read reviews, and research all claims.
There are two FDA-approved hair removal devices that dominate the market, first approved was the TRIA and more recently the No!No!. It’s only a matter of time before there are dozens of at home laser removal gadgets and gizmos available to consumers, but for now these are the two worth considering.
No!No! is one of the newest and most talked about at-home hair removal kits to hit the market. It is available at Sephora and other beauty retailers and is currently sold for about $175-$200. No!No! is reportedly safe to use and successful for all skin types, but is only meant for hair removal on the legs, arms, underarms and bikini line. No!No! emphasizes that for hair removal on the delicate skin of the face, laser hair removal or waxing is safer and preferred. The majority of reviewers I’ve encountered claimed a noticeable improvement in hair reduction with consistent, frequent use.
No!No!’s website puts out an important disclaimer as well: “No!No! isn’t a permanent hair removal system, and the length of its results generally don’t compare to those of laser hair removal or electrolysis. However, with regular and continued use, No!No! should gradually reduce the density and growth of hair on all treated areas.”
TRIA has had mixed reviews since its creation; it has proven effective for some. According to multiple reviews, the laser technique is tricky to perform at home. Additionally, the lasers used in the TRIA are weaker than those of professional hair removal, so it’s not as powerful as a professional laser system like one may expect.
Noticeable and important differences between these hair removal methods is that No!No! only uses heat, whereas the TRIA utilizes light energy. No!No! claims to be pain-free, while the TRIA hair removal system has a little more involved risk than the No!No! system does. If the TRIA isn’t used correctly, there’s a slight chance of burns from the product’s laser. Additionally, the TRIA is not compatible for all hair and skin types; it will not work on darker skin tones nor red, blonde, or grey hair.
But Wait! Before you get laser happy, like I was tempted, weigh your options with your own individual wants/needs. Read all the reviews on each product. Find out your skin type if you don’t know already or talk to your physician or dermatologist first. In the end, your decision to use No!No! Hair Removal, the TRIA, or professional laser hair removal will come down to personal preference and your individual hair removal needs. If you are mainly concerned with cost, or just want to remove hair from home, then No!No! may be worth a look. No matter what hair removal method you choose, be sure to do your homework before undergoing treatment or making a financial investment. Don’t believe everything you hear about these products either, especially celebrity-endorsed products, and specifically, those endorsed by Kim Kardashian.
After her highly publicized marriage hoax, Kim Kardashian is back in the news for lying to the public. According to legal documents obtained by E! News Kim has made multiple false claims and is now being sued by TRIA’s rival laser removal company Radiancy, owner of No!No!
So, there is also a noticeable difference in the claims that are realistic versus those that are either understated or, in this case, exaggerated. No!No! seems to put it all on the table, while I can’t say the same for TRIA and Kim Kardashian.
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