Duracell Instant Charger (Holiday Gift Guide 2012)

You know that moment when you aren’t home and you won’t be for a while but your phone is dead or dying and you need to be able to use it? Yeah it happens to everyone.  It sucks. Let’s be honest.

I don’t even rely on my phone as much as some others since I don’t as of yet have a smartphone but I feel lost without my clock and an easy way to communicate with my husband. You can also use it with your ipod or other small devices you can charge with USB.

At the P&G Mom Event I attended in October we were shown a new product from Duracell, called an Instant Charger. I was blown away.

It works like this:

1. Plug it in to your computer at home using USB cable and allow it to charge (it took around an hour or so.)
2. Place it in your purse, bag or car along with the cord you use to charge your phone with USB.
3. When you are out and your phone is dead or drying, plug it into the charger and turn the switch to on and it will charge your phone! We tested it out with my mom’s phone which gained 35% in a little over an hour.  You can still use the phone while it charges if you need to and you can charge it just enough to tide you over till you get home if you want.
4. After use, when you are at home again, recharge up the instant charger so it’s ready for the next time you need it.

What a great invention!

The Instant Charger retails at $44.99  and offers up to 35 hours but there is also the pocket charger which offers up to 15 hours and retails for $29.99

*Disclosure: I received the product mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Clorox Electronic Cleaning Wipes (Holiday Gift Guide 2012)

*Stocking Stuffer Idea*

The perfect stocking stuffer ideas for an electronic lover, Clorox now has Electronic Cleaning Wipes (as well as Cleaning Spray and a Cleansing Cloth, all for electronics)

These e-cleaning products give a typical Clorox level of clean but are safe for electronic displays and touch screens. The cleansing spray and pre-moistened wipes come with a microfiber cloth to buff to a shine.

This new line of products can be used for any electronics from cell phones to computers screens, television, tablets etc.….

The wet wipes would be good for putting in your purse for when you are out an about and need it for your tablet or phone. The spray and cloths would be good for home or business use.

*Disclosure: I received the product mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative as part of a sampling campaign. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

These Hot Men Want You To Touch Your Breasts

*Don’t worry this is family friendly

How would you like a hot man to remind you to check your breasts and get your mammogram? Breast Cancer Awareness month is almost over but you need to check your breasts regularly, not just in October. Downloading the Your Man Reminder app for Android or IOS will help you remember

Features:

• Hot Video Messages – You’ll love the attention our hot guys give you as they remind you to show your breasts some TLC.
• Reminders - Tailor your calendar schedule with settings for weekly, monthly or surprise reminders.
• Risk Reduction – The App features special tips than can help reduce your breast cancer risk.
• Education - The App includes a special “signs and symptoms” tab to hone in on the importance of early detection.
• Get Checked – Use a variety of scheduling options such as doctors’ appointments and many more.
• Man-O-Gram – Send a personalized message from a hot guy to a friend to help them stay on top of their breast health.

Check out the video to see the app updates and find out more:

Available for FREE on Android and IOS – Your Man Reminder App

*Disclosure: Nothing was received for this post, I love the idea and wanted to share

REVIEW: Napper Clock from Convenient Gadgets

When I saw the Napper Clock I knew I needed to get it for my husband. He has a strange sleep schedule and constantly ends up taking a nap and needing or wanting to get up in a certain amount of time.

How It’s Different

Unlike a regular alarm clock, which can only be set for a specific time and you have to go through all the other possible hours and minutes to get to it, with the Napper Clock, you can also just set it for a certain amount of time in 15 minute increments.

For example, want a nap but don’t want to sleep more than an hour so you don’t mess up your bedtime? Hit the 60 minute button once and it will wake you in one hour from whenever you set it.

Want a quick 15 minute power nap? Choose the 15 minute button. You can add up the 15, 30 and 60 minute buttons in any combination up to a total of 8 hours! There is also the option to set it like a regular alarm clock to if you want.

The clock runs on AA batteries which is good if like us, you don’t have enough plugs in your house or you want a clock you can use even without power. Although napping is probably not a priority in a natural disaster, it would also make a good clock for your emergency preparedness kit since it’s so lightweight and takes batteries.

WARNING: It’s loud! I could hear it through two rooms. You don’t want to use this clock if you don’t like to be awakened loudly or if there are sleeping babies nearby.

Video Review

Buy It: It’s $14.95 + shipping at Convenient Gadgets and Gifts.

*I received product from a company or PR agency for evaluation purposes. All review are honest.

REVIEW: Swift To-Do List 7 Task Management Software #blogathon2

Do any of the following describe you?

• You have a bunch of to-do lists around the house, some are on the computer, some are on papers around your desk, some in your phone or on your fridge maybe.
• You have to-do lists but nothing ever seems to get crossed off of it
• You have a lot of commitments that require certain tasks to be done and you have a hard time keeping track of what needs to be done, for what thing, and when (volunteer work, consultant of a company etc.)
• You are a blogger who works with brands and you have trouble keeping track of the reviews, sponsored posts, giveaway hops etc. that you are required to do.
• You prefer to have a list of what needs to be done written down somewhere but yet you can never figure out the system that works best for you.

If at least one of those reminds you of yourself, then you will want to pay attention.

Organize Your To-Do Lists

I have been testing out the Swift To-Do List 7 task management software for the last month or so and although I still have to get into the routine of adding new tasks, so far it’s helped me meet my deadlines and get more done. Yup, I got more done, just because of a to-do list.

Not Just a To-Do List

Okay well actually it’s more than that. Here are just a small sample of the Swift To-Do List features:

• Organize multiple to-do lists in a tree.
• Multiple icons to choose from
• Add reminders (you can snooze or mark as done)
• Create recurring tasks
• Email your tasks to yourself or your team member
• Edit or add multiple tasks at once
• Track the time spent on your tasks
• Carry the program with you on a USB thumb drive.

Take a Look

On the left I have separate to do lists for my blogs, Girl Guides and Life (doctor’s appts etc) I will be adding more lists eventually too. In the main section you can see my to do list for this blog. The ones with checks beside them already and greyed out are ones I completed already. You can prioritize your tasks, list them as different types and add due dates, reminders and make them recurring.

I just figured out that I can edit the task types so I added in types that work for my blogs. I added a sponsored post type too but I don’t have any currently in my list. I also changed the font in the task list and made it bigger. You can change the font colour and background colour too.

Making a new task is easy. Add a name, change the priority, type and due date and add reminders notes and such as needed. In the settings of the program you can change what the default is of those.

Setting a Reminder – set a specific time or set it to be reminded a few days before the due date.

This isn’t just for business owners, it could be used by:

• Stay At Home Moms (to clean, phone calls to make, household taks)
• Those Who Volunteer (phone calls to make, paperwork to do, etc.)
• Bloggers (posts to do, emails to send, deadlines to meet)
• Small Business Owners
• Girl Guide Leaders (meetings to plan, parents to call, paperwork to do)

There are three different editions of the program:

Standard ($44.95)
Professional ($89.95)
Ultimate ($149.95) – also comes in a 1 user 3pc option for $199.95

- for details on what is  included in each, check out the explanation of editions.

Bottom Line

Honestly I’m in love with this program. Like I said I still have to remember to add a new task to the list but now when I sit down to work on my blog, I can call up my list to remind myself what I need to work on and based on due date or priority.

For bloggers who have other reviewers on their team, you can email them a task.

Buy Now

Dextronet (maker of Swift To-Do List 7) has offered one of it’s Ultimate Edition 1 User 3 PC Liceneses ($199.95) as a prize in the Biannual Blogathon Bash Jun 22-25/12. All bloggers are welcome to join and you must be a participant to have a chance to win!

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Marvel Super Heroes Magazine–Avengers–Comic Books #marvel #theavengers #comicbooks

I haven’t had the chance to see The Avengers yet because it’s hard to get to a movie theater with a nursing child but I can’t wait to see it. I grew up with my  brother reading comic books and although I never liked to read comic books, I loved the characters and I love watching superhero movies. My daughters have developed an interest in comic book heroes from watching their uncle and dad’s interest. My son is only 13 months and had super hero board books!

This past weekend was Free Comic Book Day, did you get any free comics?

Disney Publishing has 3 ways for you to celebrate this week, the first two are about Apple apps but if you don’t have an apple product, be sure not to skip the third way to celebrate – you don’t need any electronics! (HINT: it includes a giveaway)

#1 – Disney Comics Free App

The Disney Comics app is available for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch and gives you instant access to one of the most extensive collections of comics, short stories and graphic novels. You will find everything from classic Mickey Mouse to Cars 2 or Toy Story. This app will let you download more comics whenever you want, including FREE Disney comics from the DigiFree section.

#2 – Avengers Origins: Assemble! App Promo (5/4-5/11)

Disney Stores and Apple are teaming up to giveaway 100,000 coupon codes for a free download of Avenger's Origins: Assemble! app when you purchase at least $20 worth of merchandise at any Disney Store location across the U.S and Canada.

#3 – Marvel Super Heroes Magazine (+ Giveaway)

Disney Publishing recently created a new 36-page magazine for it’s youngest comic readers. Available in newsstands and by subscription.

Kids can now join forces with their favourite Avengers: Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and The Incredible Hulk.  Inside every issue there are action-packed comics and a never-ending cast of villains ready for battle. Inviting families to bring home the “Mighty Marvel Universe,” the magazine features brain teasing puzzles, cool activities, cut-outs, plus an exclusive poster of the Invincible Iron Man.

So how would you like a chance to Win A Year’s Subscription to the magazine?

Thanks to Disney Publishing I am able to give away a year’s subscription to the magazine as long as you live in the US or Canada (exc. QUE.) A year is 8 issues and the price ranges from $30-$40 depending on which country you are in.  If you want to buy a subscription, you can do it here.

Enter using the rafflecopter form below. You only have to do the first entry to win but the more you do, the better your chances of winning. Please consider supporting the sponsors at least. It may take a few moments to load. Click on Do It for more instructions and then after you do it, click Enter. Make sure you read instructions carefully. If you have any questions or problems, leave a comment or email me callista83 AT cogeco DOT ca.

A copy of the giveaway rules are below and on the rafflecopter form. Entering the giveaway means you have read and agree to the rules.

Giveaway open to US and CANADA (except QUE) 18+. Giveaway open until May 22, 2012 @ 11:59 PM EST. Odds of winning depend on number of valid entries received. Duplicate (accidental or not) entries will be deleted before a winner is picked and winner's entries WILL BE verified. Winners will be selected using rafflecopter's random.org on May 23, 2012 and will be contacted by email. Winner will have 2 days to claim their prize or their prize is forfeit and another winner will be chosen. Contest Void Where Prohibited. This giveaway is not associated, nor sponsored by Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.

Road Trip from Hell and Smart Phones to the Rescue

What did you do for labour day weekend? We went camping.  Sounds fun and relaxing right? It did NOT go as planned.

The warning signs we ignored:

• My brother mixed up what date we were going and for a while wasn't sure if he could go.
• My dad's work made a mistake when giving him vacation days and we didn't know till last minute if we could go Thursday or Friday and you can't reserve without knowing the days.
• It was calling for rain all weekend.
• We had a hard time deciding on which campground to go to because we wanted one that allowed the dog on the beach if possible and we wanted one close to Waterloo, ON. We were hoping for one that allowed alcohol but the ones close by didn't allow alcohol during Labour Day Weekend. 
• We had a lot of stress trying to figure all this out.

What Went Wrong:

• I woke up the day we left for camp with a migraine. 
• We were shocked to find a bag of wood cost $8! Ice was $2.75
• The Sobeys in Waterloo, ON we shopped at had higher prices than we are used to here.
• That bag of wood? Not dry. Wet wood doesn't burn. We couldn't cook on the campfire (thank goodness we brought a stove) We also didn't get to sit by the campfire.
• Not only did I have a migraine, but my migraines last 2-3 days so I had it Friday and Saturday and Sunday we left camp at 1:30 and we spent the whole time packing so I was pain free only a few hours at camp. Oh and I'm nursing so I couldn't take anything strong so the pain wouldn't ease up and it was horrible. I was nauseous and dizzy too. I spent a lot of time laying down or napping. 
• Remember that rain I mentioned? Friday was beautiful but Saturday we had torrential rain for about 20 minutes (instant flooding) and more thunderstorms later in the evening (which were luckily almost nothing, they were predicting severe storms.) We were lucky as St. Jacob's Market (very close by) was hit by an almost tornado.
• My husband almost got sprayed by a skunk. He was sitting by campfire when something brushed against his leg. He saw a flash of white and thought the dog had got out of the tent. He quickly realized it was NOT the dog. It lifted it's tail and my husband hissed at it and it ran away. Whew! 
• We went swimming in their little beach (an area roped off, only chest deep.) Fun right? It was alright till we got out and saw my youngest daughter had leeches on her!

Okay time to go home. Bad luck is over right?  WRONG!

• For those who don't know, Waterloo is approximately 3.5 hours away from me here in Windsor. I mentioned above we left at 1:30 pm. When did we get home? 9 HOURS LATER! Why did it take 9 hours for a 3 hour drive? Keep reading.
• 8 People including 2 children and a baby plus the family dog were piled into the minivan for the trip. So we were squished which was bad enough.



(c) Flickr user Highways Agency

• About 20 minutes after leaving camp, we blew a tire on the trailer. We pulled over to the side of the road.  The guys changed the tire (we had a spare) and we got back on the road. Not even 5 minutes later, the replacement tire blew. We rode the rims to the next exit where we determined the other tire on the trailer wouldn't last much longer either. Out came the smart phones.
• We searched for the nearest Canadian Tire stores to find replacement tires. My mother didn't even have to enter the city we were in. With a touch of a button, it knew where we were with GPS and located the nearest stores. With just one more touch of a button she was able to call the store, without entering the phone number. Unfortunately they weren't very helpful. We called Uhaul to see about renting a trailer but they didn't have the kind we needed. It took over an hour just to figure out what to do. The guys finally drove back to Waterloo to look around. The rest of us stayed at the restaurant. Luckily the guys had some luck at Princess Auto and found new tires and rims for the trailer and were able to come back and replace both tires. We were off!
• Between all that and a few pit stops because of the kids, it had been a long evening already. We were just outside Windsor on the 401 when... wait for it... a tire blew on the van!
• Out the guys got again. It took them over 30 minutes to get the spare tire out of the van as it was stuck. Smart phone to the rescue again. The flashlight app on my husband's phone came in real handy as it was dark by this time. It provided light for them to change the tire. Another hour had gone by, by the time we got back on the road. Have you kept count? That's 3 tires in one day!
• And so 9 hours later, at 10:30 at night, we arrived back home. Thank goodness for smart phones. Now I just need to get one!

iPhones and iPads Oh My!

I’m participating in a contest at Best Kids Apps, a blog about iPhone apps for kids, for a chance to win an iPad.

First I'd like to state I don't own an iPhone. I would love to own a smart phone but it's just out of my price range. An iPad is even more out of my price range. I like how the iPad can function as an e-reader but isn't solely and e-reader. I don't read much e-books although I've never tried an e-reader. However I'm sure I could find many uses for the many apps out there, especially being a mom. I love the ones (for iPhone or iPad) that are books or games for your kids. That would be great for the waiting room.

If I won (or was gifted) an iPad for Mother's Day I think I'd faint.

The website mentioned above reviews apps for kids so you figure out which ones you may want for your kids. The apps are categorized based on age and type of game. I think the iReward Chart looks cool!

Do you have an iPhone or iPad? What do you think?

WFMW: Toddler Keys

It Works for Me!

The Cuteness is always coming over to my computer when I'm not on it and typing on the keyboard and clicking the mouse. She's button happy! Unfortunately, toddlers don't have to know what keys to hit to make something happen. She can shut down my computer, erase files, make new files, rearrange folders and more with just a few key strokes.

Thank goodness for Toddler Keys. It's a free computer program you can download onto your computer and then activate when you are done using your computer. A black screen comes up and nothing will happen if your toddler taps the keys or moves/taps the mouse. She won't be able to hit your power button or open up a disc drive. You can even put in pictures and sounds so when she does hit the keyboard, photos of her loved ones (or whatever) show up and sounds play. When she moves the mouse, she draws on the screen.

The only problem with the program is that all aspects of it don't work on all computers. For example, my disc drives can still open with Toddler Keys running and I have a power button on my keyboard, that still works too so I have to deactivate the special program that makes it work. But it's a lot better than nothing!

You can download it here.