HiTechMommy

Feeling Fat? Me too :-( (Giveaway)

OK moms- here's a giveaway for ya!

Here are the easy guidelines: This contest is open to any reader in the 50 United States only. 1 winner receives all three products.   This Mother’s Day, treat yourself to the chance to win these three fabulous products.  

Get in Shape with a Bar Method^® At-Home DVD

Hey moms - summer is right around the corner.  Here's my plan of attack... Burr Leonard, founder and creator of The Bar Method, a full-body exercise workout that utilizes a ballet bar technique, offers consumers a motivating way to learn signature weight-loss moves at home.  Drawing from the principles of isometrics, dance conditioning, interval training, and physical therapy, The DVDs showcase a step-by-step workout regimen to help viewers get a toned “dancer’s body”, like the coveted “Bar Butt”. Each of the five DVDs specializes in a different workout: Beginner’s Workout, Super-Sculpting Workout, Super-Sculpting II Workout, Dancer’s Body Workout and Pregnancy Workout. With minimal equipment needed and workouts that range from 37 minutes to 63 minutes, even the busiest of moms will be able to tone-up at home.

 

Get healthy with Isabel De Los Rios’s Beyond Diet book:

Stop Counting Calories…Start Eating Well…and Start Living!

www.BeyondDiet.com

 Isabel De Los Rios is a certified nutritionist and exercise specialist who has already helped over 250,000 people all over the world lose incredible amounts of weight, regain their health and permanently change their lives. The Beyond Diet book not only includes a template for a healthier lifestyle, but also almost 100 pages of recipes. This book is a great household addition for any mom looking to incorporate healthier meals into her family’s day-to-day life.

Cherish the moments that make you happy to be a Mom with a gift card from BKeepsakes.com

www.bkeepsakes.com

Created in 1994 by Karin Delaney, a mom herself, Birthday Keepsakes, LLC offers a plethora of one-of-a-kind gifts dedicated to mother and child. Top selling items include the Day-You-Were-Born Prints, which highlight fun facts about your little one’s birthday, the Name Meaning Keepsake, which gives you the definition and origin of your child’s name, personalized storybooks and personalized growth charts.

 

 

Cat 

Stay Organized This Thanksgiving, Hitechmommy style!

Hey everyone. Hi Tech Mommy here. Now that November is upon us, it's time to talk about Turkey Day. I have found a great App that solves all of my Thanksgiving problems, as well as is a life saver everyday.

Springpad- Free

Springpad is an amazing way to save, share and act on what's important to you. With Springpad you can recieve, share, and enjoy information with your family and friends through the ease of your own phone. I love this app because of the notebooks. You can create a notebook for an event, person, or idea and share them with your family and friends. 

  

You have to get this. Has saved my life when Jack's after school schedule gets hard and I need to share it with my Mom and the babysitter! 

Springpad is going to come to your rescue this Thanksgiving. It helps you pick recipes, SHARE THEM, and save them all in one place so that they're is no question when it comes to put that Turkey in the oven. Also, you can share decor and ideas that you have had with other Springpad users, and the inspiration continues.

 

Cat On Marie Osmond + Steve Harvy

Hey guys!  This week is a busy week for me.  I was on Marie talking gadgets with Marie and Betty White then tomorrow I'm flying to Chicago to educate Steve Harvey on how we Modern Moms navaigate through life with teh latest tech! The show will air shortly after we shoot it.   Wish me luck!

Back To School With Success!

Hey everyone. HiTechMommy here. So school is really getting underway for our little ones, so I thought it was time to show you some great gadgets to get Back-To-School savvy!

Octa Tablet Tail- $49.99

The Tablet Tail is a cute and very efficient way to use your iPad as a standing computer. This product has been great for the times when I go to watch Jack at Karate class and I want to take pictures of him kickin' butt. I love this gadget because it has a one-handed grip that is easy to hold, as well as it is vaccuum sealed so it won't just fall off your device, which would be the worst. Another great thing about this particular holder is that tha handle (whale tail) bends fully both ways, so you can adjust the tail for any situation! It works great for books and mirrors as well, to name a few things. 

ZAGGkeys SOLO Keyboard- $69.99

Of all of the bluetooth wireless keyboards I have seen, this one by FAR takes the cake. It is perfect for those times when I need to reserch a dinner recipe, or I am sending a quick email to one of Jack's teachers about an after school program. This keyboard syncs with all Apple and Andriod systmes, has costumized functions, and can kit inside on any iPad case. I don't think any mother should be without this keyboard, it is a lifesaver, and it NEVER runs out of juice. Also, this is perfect if you have older child, and they are starting to use their own iPad and cell phone for assignments. It's just perfect.

Cozi Family Organizer- FREE!

LOVE THIS APP. It is like a mega Mom app. The Cozi app has capabilities such as monthly calendar views for you and your whole family, a shopping cart, To-Do list, and my favorite...the family journal. In the "journal" setting, you can create a newsletter for your own family and email it to other family members so everyone is in the loop about all of the awesome activities going on every day. This is perfect for those times when my Mom can't come see Jack at after school activites. I can upload a video into the journal section, and send it to my mother with a description of what's going on.

 

Marie Osmond Show "Organization Tech" Gadgets

 

Hey everyone. Cat Schwartz, HiTechMommy here. I am doing a segment on “organization tech” because I know that I am looking for some new ways to organize all different parts of my life. And, it’s fun for Jack, too! Check out these new gadgets and apps that have been really helpful in making me the most organized mom I can be!

The Smart Shopper- $149.99

First off, we have The Smart Shopper. It is super helpful device that allows you to input all of the items you need in the fridge, and where you are ready to go to the grocery store, just print out your list. Its intuitive interface is fun to use and easy to master. The Smart Shopper is wireless, lightweight, and the best part...it’s voice activated! Check out The Smart Shopper and say goodbye to misplacing those grocery lists.

Quad Lock Case- $39.99-69.99

I don’t know about you all, but sometimes I want to use a recipe I found on my iPhone, and while I am cooking, I don’t want to have to worry about my phone getting dirty or destroyed. I have found a solution! The Quad Lock Case is versatile iPhone case attaches anywhere using one simple multi-purpose mount. A slim protective case that's perfect for everyday use. The case can mount in both portrait and landscape positions. This is a great way to make sure your phone is safe, and you can use the screen in even more ways than before.

AViiQ- Portable charging station- $60

This is perfect for the Mom in need of some organizing, like me. With everything going on in my life, that last thing I think about my phone charging cables, or even my computer charger. The AViiQ Portable Charging Station is designed for those who don't want to spend fumbling with cables. Taking up only one outlet port, it gives you the ability to charge 3+1 devices. Complete with a zip-up bag, it's the companion that helps you remember the little things. This is great for bedside and travel, is cordless, and has the ability to keep all of your devices charged so you can go on with your day!

Q Card Case- $39.99

I have been using this for the last few weeks, and it is so simple and easily to most helpful phone cover I have EVER had.  The Q Card Case is a wallet case for iPhone 4/4S combines superior protection, sophisticated style, and pocket-friendly convenience. My son likes the different colors, and I love that I don’t have to reach for my big wallet when we’re grabbing a quick snack on a date out together! Fashion and technology create the devices that simplify all that is important to you. These devices become an extension of yourself that you love and protect.

WeMo- $49-$99
   
Life is really easier and therefore, more organized, with WeMo around. With WeMo, you run your home right from your iPhone. The free WeMo app lets you control individual or multiple devices. Turn off a lamp from the other side of the house. Turn on the lights in the living room, from the other side of town. This is great for those times when we are on the go, and forget to turn off that upstairs light or lock the back door. It also helps with safety in the home, and can also help your children when they are in the house without you. Everyone and everything is safe!


Under Counter iPad Dock $100

I love this! Now that I have an iPad, this is perfect for using this device to the fullest. And, my son loves to pick his favorite music and set it on the dock so we can dance! This Innovative Technology iPad under-cabinet music system lets you jam to your favorite tunes. The CD clock radio features a built-in audio cable for connecting your iPad. This is cordless, easily hidden in the home, and AWESOME for keeping your iPad safe and organized in a spot you will always remember.

Logitech Harmony 1100 Universal Remote- $359

Best home organization tool! There is nothing worse than having 10 remotes and not knowing which one works for what! It is frustrating for my family and I EVERYTIME. The Logitech Harmony is an awesome remote that encompasses all players and devices in the home. Whether you want control for a basic TV setup or rechargeable touch screen command center for a complex home theater, Harmony is a great solution. This gives you ability to eliminate other remotes and need for batteries. And kids think you are a genius!

Rdio App- $7.99/month

This is my son’s new favorite craze. Rdio is a new music app that lets you organize your music and share it with others of the same taste. It is the easiest way to access the music you love, categorize by family member, and kids LOVE it. Another great aspect of this app is that it is inexpensive and the music is endless and without a lot of advertisement. Let the music play!

Keeper App - FREE

Perfect for the Mom that has children and friends using her phone and computer. This app allows you to keep all of your passwords organized and in one place. I have so many different passwords that it truly is too hard to keep track of all of them. This app allows you to add notes, links and requires its own password to access - just make sure you put the lock on your cell. Great tool for parents, like me, that need to remember a lot of information and keep losing random pieces of paper. Also, you can save it all.

TeuxDeux -  $2.99

This app has saved my life! TeuxDeux is a simple but effective to-do app. It is perfect for family plans today, tomorrow, and even “someday”. If you like making to-do lists, you will love TeuxDeux. Use the free browser-based TeuxDeux at work/home and then take your to-do's on the road with the iPhone app. Great organization tool for parents on the go. It is an easily way to write down your plans and keep them together, also great for starting a new routine. You can also have your info on the computer or phone!

Hope these keep you as organized as they have kept me!

 

iPad Case That Rocks!

Hey friends. I have found a GREAT iPad case, that is perfect for desk time, travel, and play time with the family!

The X-Doria Dash Folio Felt Case for new iPad and iPad 2 is the name. And iPad case is the game. This product is great for so many different reasons; It has a leather outside and a felt inside which is PERFECT for keeping stains away, and is easily cleanable with a wet rag.

Another awsome thing about this case is the small kickstand that is located on the back of the case. And it has size adjustment based on the height of your surface, which is great for kids that are having a hard time looking over a table to play a game!

My favorite part of this case it has a magnetic top cover that keeps the screen of the iPad protected from dirty fingers, snoopy christmas gift expectors ( of all ages), and of course, any animals that get hungry!

Check out the X-Doria Dash  for $49.99!

I know you'll be hooked

Hey, families! New High Tech Barbie Doll You HAVE to Check Out!

This is so cool, I had to spread the word. When I was a little girl, I loved my Barbies so much. They have been a treasured and loved doll for the last several generations, and now, Barbie is getting a High Tech makeover! Made by Mattel, this Barbie doll has all of the same features as the original, except for one HUGE difference, her shirt is an LCD screen for taking pictures! Her pink "heart" belt acts as a "on/off" button for the camera, which is located on the front of her belt!

You can take the photos to change the Barbie's graphic tees, or you can stick with the pictures that come with the doll.  And you can customize your photos with 15 frames and effects. If you want to get the photos off of your Barbie and onto your computer, there's a Mini USB embedded in the middle of her back. So you and your children can upload the pics and continue to take more!

It is currently set to hit stores in August 2012...and it is priced at only $49.99!

Alright parents...say cheese and go get this doll ASAP!

How I GPS

So living in L.A. is great. Perfect weather, great food, fun nightlife, but the thing that always brings me down is the driving. I have lived here over five years and I ALWAYS get lost. And I know I’m not alone. So, I decided to test 4 different forms of GPS that were accessible to me, and here’s what I got to help with what you’ve got:

GPS INSTALLED IN CAR!

Okay- So, I have a 2011 Benz (that I work very hard for)  and it came with a built GPS. I drove it around the city for a whole day, solely using the GPS in my vehicle. A great thing about having a GPS installed in your car is that you can stay hands free, which is a safer and easier way to drive. Especially with a family in the car! Another great aspect of the “in-car-GPS” is that it is ALWAYS available to you- even when your phone or other devices have died. One of the downfalls of this GPS is sometimes it does not recognize street numbers, and kind of ignores your requests. Also, the voice, which is adjustable in volume, can be alarming to you if traveling alone, or with small children. So overall, it is a convenient appliance to have, but I would only use it in a pinch!

 PORTABLE GPS - nüLink 1695

 

I am a huge fan of this product! I recently got the Garmin nuLink GPS and I absolutely love it! Not only does this device have a split screen application to show you the directions to and from your location, but it has a restaurant, gas station, bank, and really…anything you want locator! Most portable devices range from about $30-$2000 and can be found easily at any Best Buy. This Garmin is also hands free, and comes with different voice recordings and settings such as route changer, mile count, and “time upon arrival” capabilities. Although it is a little on the pricier side,( $439.25), I think it is worth it when on a trip, or finding your way around a complicated city! The best part of all…IT IS WIRELESS AND CHARGES IN 5 MINUTES!

 Complimentary Map Application on iPhone

 

I have an iPhone 3G, and I use this device ALL THE TIME. But honestly, I think it is more useful as a walking tool than a driving tool. Although it has the capabilities to locat and guide you based on your “current location”- it is difficult to see the map due to the size of the phone. I have used it several times while driving-oops- and I found myself turned around more than another mapping device. The best thing about this is that it comes complimentary with the phone, so no excess spending is needed if you are in a financial bind. I would not recommend it to the family driver, but if you are walking around and looking for a nearby yogurt shop, it is more perfect than any of these other devices!

 If interested, go to http://www.apple.com/iphone/

 TeleNav GPS Plus Application on iPhone and iPad

 

This is an application recommended to me by my Mom, who swears by it. To buy the application,it is $0.99, but once 30 days pass, to maintain the voice guidance and satellite view, you have to pay $9.99/year, and if you chose not too, you can still have the application but without those perks. The street view is excellent, and there are more helpful applications on this such as all of the freeway signs, 2D and 3D views, and lets you know the speed limit everywhere you drive. The only downfall, is that it is not hands free. But if you have a place to put your phone, it’s a good resource if you are using the iPhone. Just make sure to plug in your phone to charge, because it drains the batteries.

 To get this app: Head the app store on your iTunes, and look for “TeleNav.”

 

 

A HiTechMommy's Mother's Day

Yay Yay Yay it's Mother's day!!  The time of the year I feel most valued and loved. Here are a few gift ideas for the HiTechMommy in your house!

 

With Sony Electronic’s new wireless digital photo frame, S-Frame, plays new and old memories without using a computer. The frame’s library of images can constantly be refreshed without the hassle of plugging into a computer and they have a new service called PlayMemories that makes sharing pics from your computer really easy. You can also asign your frame an email address and have frined send you hot shots.  It also has great features such as Pandora radio and can play video. You can find the Sony’s S- Frame in Sony stores/or online nationwide. 

Sony S-Frame, $159

The Nikon1 J1 is for Mom looking for a versatile camera that captures stunning pictures and video while striking the balance between performance and portability. It fits in between the classes of a compact camera and a D-SLR which is a great if you're looking to step up from a compact camera performance but don't want to carry a larger D-SLR. I love that face that the kit comes with a 10-30 MM lense and mom can feel like she's got a real piece of equipment she's working with. It also offers innovative in-camera features like Smart Photo Selector, Full 1080p HD video and quick continuous shooting speed plus autofocus which ensures accuracy and precise focus!

Nikon1 J1 - $649

 

Chances are, Mom probably has a lot of black or white at her desk, but her personal style is full of a color. These Logitech Global Grafiti Collection accessories feature modern colors and patterns, so you can choose a combination that helps mom express her personality. There's a great looking mouse and keyboard combo that takes mom's style up a notch. 

We also have a great gift to keep mom feeling like she's got the coolest phone on the block!The Droid Razr by Motorola is super thin and fits easily in a pocket or purse yet has a scratch –resistant display that’s crystal clear and big enough for reading everything. It comes in three stylish colors- your classic black, white and purple so you can match this smartphone with mom’s personality.  Because it's an Android based phone, if she’s into video chatting, taking pics, organizing the family or reading her messages it's got her covered.  

Attention All Geek Dads - It's Your Time To Shine

Today’s geek = A cool geek dad who is the definition of cool.  He's a confident, tech-savvy, engaged father who shares his passion for tech with his kids, creating new family traditions in his own way.  Personally it's one the most attractive aspects to my man.  He's into making sure we have all the right tech, that it works properly and that we ENJOY using it!

I found this really interesting - The Confessions of a Geek Dad survey conducted by Cisco Linksys sought to shed light on the emerging generation of guys fed on technology as children, and is now passing on this passion to their kids. The survey conducted in December found that a lot of dads are straight up  Proud to be geeks!  Nearly 70% of geek dads consider themselves to be cooler than other dads, with 75% of them attributing it to creating a home their kids’ friends enjoy hanging out at.  I just LOVE this! Also,   70% of geek dads say their kids think they’re cool because they’re tech-savvy, and that makes 87% of geek dads proud or humored. 

The Survey also pointed out that being savvy still comes with some trade-offs.  They found that 35% of geek dads say their partners get annoyed when they spend time alone playing with technology, yet 92% say their partners expect them to be the ones to maintain the home tech.  One in five geek dads admit to using technology in secret to avoid being discovered by their wives.  This cracks me up because I know this happens in my house but I don't care.  

 The last stat I found interesting shows an interesting redefinition in what's considered "quality time" with the kids. The numbers show that  71% of geek dads spend more time doing activities with their kids than their fathers did with them. 72% are more excited about teaching kids how to use tech tools than traditional tools, like a hammer or power drill.

 The survey showed that slow Internet (25 percent) and Wi-Fi connectivity issues (19 percent) are the top frustrations geek dads face when it comes to home technologies. Cisco says its  new Linksys E4200V2 Maximum Performance Wireless-N Dual Band Router, might be the answer to that,  geek dad or not, users get maximum streaming speed for HD/3D quality video streaming, superior wireless coverage, and faster USB hard drive disk performance for streaming media.

Also Geek Dads, check this out.  Cisco is giving away $10,000 in cool geeky tools to a lucky winner on their Facebook page!  Go to their Facebook page and tell them "What kind of new family tradition you or the Geek Dad

in your life is creating that demonstrates geek cool and helps develop your kids love and fascination of technology."

 

My question is - What's it like in your home?