Mother's Day Card Making at #TinyPrints4Mom Brunch

#TinyPrints4Mom favors

Time with friends is always fun but it becomes even better with some delicious food, mimosas, pampering, and time to create Tiny Prints cards.  Today I had the pleasure of hosting an intimate brunch for bloggers as part of the #TinyPrints4Mom campaign. 

Over brunch on a beautiful Saturday, we spent some much needed time catching up in real life rather than online or at a venue requiring air travel, enjoyed manicures, massages, and browsed the Tiny Prints Mother’s Day card collection.

I love that the Tiny Prints Mother's Day card line has such a wide range of options.  From silly to sentimental, there’s really a card for everyone and the ability to customize text and photos makes the card even more meaningful for the recipient. 

@Petroville gets her crafty on
via TinyPrints.com

The Tech Savvy household was fully outfitted with laptops galore for my guests who brought USB flash drives filled with photos.  We dove into creating unique and personal cards for loved ones while chatting it up and taking turns at the pampering stations. 

I won’t divulge the designs I selected for the special women in our family’s lives for fear of ruining the surprise (hi Mom!) but selected different cards to suit each one’s personality and then made it even more unique with a custom message.

If you are racking your brain trying to think of a great Mother’s Day gift, I find that a personalized card can be just as special. Tiny Prints greeting cards start at $1.99 per card and can be shipped directly to the recipient. 

Get a free card by “liking” the Tiny Prints Facebook page and be sure to order by May 2 in order for your card to be shipped in time for Mother’s Day!

Huge thanks to Tiny Prints and Clever Girls Collective for making hosting so incredibly easy!  I love these two brands separately but when they combine forces and then provide catering and make arrangements for spa services they become a hostess’ dream!

Tiny Prints and Clever Girls Collective compensated me for my time as a hostess. Tiny Prints is also an advertiser on my site but not only do I spend plenty of my own money on items that I love, but my opinions are never influenced by site advertisers.

AMD Twitter Party (5/4) with Sony VAIO & Gift Card Giveaways

Remember back in February when I hosted a giveaway for a fabulous Sony VAIO courtesy of AMD?  You amazed me with 450 entries and now AMD is giving you another chance to win!

Please join Advanced Micro Devices and the AMD Moms for a Twitter Happy Hour this Wednesday (5/4) from 8-9 pm EST.  We'll be discussing ways to ensure your technology is running efficiently and cleaned up for spring!   

Here are the details:

• What: Spring Cleaning Twitter Party with AMD & AMD Moms!
• When: Wednesday, May 4 at 8 - 9 p.m. EST
• Who: Everyone! Starting with @AMDNotebook @TechSavvyMama @HomeEverAfter @LittleTechGirl @ScrappinMichele
• Where: On Twitter using the hashtag #AMDSpringClean or using this custom TweetGrid link: http://bit.ly/AMDSpringCleanTwitterParty

Prizes include:

• Grand Prize: Sony VAIO YB with AMD Fusion Technology
• Five $25 AMEX gift cards will be given out throughout the night to help you purchase spring cleaning tools to keep your computer running smoothly throughout the year!

To RSVP:  Follow @AMDNotebook on Twitter and leave a comment below that includes your Twitter handle in order to be eligible to win the prizes throughout the evening.

Looking forward to Tweeting with you on Wednesday night!

As an AMD Mom, I receive a stipend to help defray conference expenses and products to review.  No additional compensation was received for participating in the Twitter party or promoting it through this post.

It's Arbor Day! Celebrating Trees with Your Kids

I just put up a post on The LeapFrog Community called Be Inspired to Learn About Trees on Arbor Day.  If you aren't up for running out to purchase a new tree for your backyard, take a look at the resources that I'm sharing including books to read, tree identification charts to download, and even an animated tutorial about how to identify trees!

So maybe you aren't up for planting a tree today but I also included links to the new gardening products I learned about from Growums and MiracleGro Kids after attending yesterday's unveiling of the Time to Play Most Spring 2011 Most Wanted List.  

These specially designed container gardens for kids make it easy for parents with even the blackest thumbs to teach them about the growing process and might even inspire them to eat what they grow!  MiracleGro Kids features specially formulated soil to help the seeds germinate in only 4 days (because we all know waiting for seeds to grow is hard!).  I love the online component to Growums virtual world that extends the learning about plants to plant care and growth through activities that are designed by horticulturalists and reviewed by the company founder, Michael Ferraro whose family has been in the nursery and gardening industry for 3 generations!

We'll be planting our container gardens today in honor of Arbor Day because honestly, a new tree just isn't in our plans. Perhaps some azaleas though!

Happy Arbor Day!

I am a paid contributor with a weekly column on The LeapFrog Community but am not required to share my posts here.  As a guest of Time to Play, I received Growums and MiracleGro Kids products as samples and they generously covered my travel expenses in order to attend.  All opinions are my own.

Klutz Guide to the Galaxy, Scholastic Storybook Treasures DVD & More Friday Favorites (w. giveaways)

Congratulations to Thien-Kim who won all three items below and Michelle and Heather who will be getting a Klutz Guide to the Galaxy!


Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the spring and summer Time to Play showcase to learn about the hot toy trends for the coming months.  While I have so much to say about the things I saw and played with, I’ll share all the great things I learned about at a later date because I wanted to share these three great items and giveaways with you.

Klutz Guide to the Galaxy ($19.99)- Looking up into the night sky to explore the universe from your own backyard has never been more fun or educational thanks to Klutz’s Guide to the Galaxy.  According to Klutz, “when the scientists at Klutz Labs tackle outer space, questions like “where’s the Big Dipper?” are just the beginning.”  The guide also tackles important questions like “How likely is it that a meteor will fall from the sky and squash me flat?” and “If I lived on Mercury, am I already old enough to drive?” and “Why do they call them MoonPies?”  The guide comes with a telescope that kids will have fun putting together and a red-lense flashlight that helps keep your night vision intact to consult the Tourist Map of the Moon and super-simple star charts. Other activities include telling time with a star, using the book’s built-in sundial, and an astrolab to figure out your latitude anywhere on Earth. This book is great for younger kids to use to explore topics related to planetary science with their parents or older kids to use on their own.  Win 1 of 3 copies of Klutz Guide to the Galaxy by entering below.

Scholastic Storybook Treasures Tikki Tikki Tembo…And More Stories to Celebrate Asian Heritage ($14.95)- Just in time for May’s Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, Scholastic Storybook Treasures Tikki Tikki Tembo brings together 6 wonderful stories.  Tikki Tikki Tembo is a beloved 20 year old classic set in ancient China that will have you saying Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sa Rembo Chari Bari Ruchi Pip Peri Pembo and make your children happy that you gave them much shorter names in the event that they ever fall in a well.  Additional stories include The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks, Grandfather’s Journey, The Stonecutte, Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China, and Sam and the Lucky Money which is one of our favorite Chinese New Year themed stories. Win a copy of Tikki Tikki Tembo by entering the giveaway below.

Debbie and Friends Story Songs and Sing Alongs DVD ($14.95)- Boston based Debbie Cavelier of Debbie and Friends released her first DVD to the delight of her fans who previously enjoyed her music videos on YouTube. Story Songs and Sing Alongs features 10 animated music videos with cartoon versions of some Debbie and Friends’ songs, like new versions of classics like “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Jack and the Beanstalk,” plus original songs like “Willy Won’t” and “Home Run Ronnie.” Debbie’s music has a fun pop vibe and if it seems familiar, it was featured on the TV show “24” last year! 

GIVEAWAYS: Win one of each of the fantastic products mentioned above as part of the Friday Favorite gift pack valued at $50.  One winner will receive one of each of the following:  1 Klutz Guide to the Galaxy, a copy of Scholastic Storybook Treasures Tikki Tikki Tembo DVD, and the Debbie and Friends Story Songs and Sing Alongs DVD!  Two other winners will receive the Klutz Guide to the Galaxy.

To enter: Leave a comment that includes your email and which product you’d most like to win and why. 

• Leave a comment on my Facebook wall about which item you are most excited about getting as part of the prize pack.
• Tweet daily and leave a link to your Tweet in your comment: @TechSavvyMama #FridayFaves w/ #giveaways featuring @Klutz Guide to the Galaxy, @Scholastic Storybook Treasures DVD, Debbie & Friends DVD

Fine print:  Winner will be selected randomly among all eligible entries on Friday, May 13 and must provide a U.S. mailing address for direct shipping purposes.  Winner must reply within 24 hours of the initial email notifying them of the win otherwise an alternate winner will be chosen. Leticia- TechSavvyMama is not responsible for items lost or damaged during shipping. 

The aforementioned companies provided samples for review purposes.  No compensation was received for this post.  All opinions are my own.

Due in May: Bump Month!

The Splash Creative Media team is excited to announce the arrival of Bump Month in May! 

It almost seems like it’s been 9 months since we first conceived of the idea and certainly the last month has been a frenzy of planning and getting everything ready for the big day but it’s almost here and we couldn’t be more excited!

Throughout the month of May, 9 influential bloggers will be dedicating blog content to 9 months of pregnancy and newborn babies.  We’ll be sharing mom advice, tips for maintaining your sanity, highlighting fantastic products, hosting incredible giveaways, sharing memories and struggles of being new moms, providing support, excitement, and encouragement to new moms to be!

We’re holding 3 live Bumpin’ Showers being held in Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles so if you live in one of those cities, stay tuned for dates and be on the lookout for an invitation!

Don’t be disappointed if you can’t make one of the live showers because we’ll bring everything to you for a Bumpin’ Twitter Party!  Mark your Calendars for Wednesday, May 18 from 7:00-9:00 pm EST!

Meet the Splash Creative Media team and the 9 Bumpin’ Bloggers:

• Alison Ray from Sassy Moms in the City @sassymomchicago

• Andrea Fellman from Savvy Sassy Moms @savvysassymoms

• Grace Duffy from Formely Gracie @graceduffy

• Jessica Rosenberg from It’s My Life @kikarose

• Julie Meyers Pron from Just Precious @justprecious

• Kelly Whalen from The Centsible Life @centsiblelife

• Laurie Cooper from Guessing all the Way @clueless_mama

• Leticia Barr from Tech Savvy Mama @TechSavvyMama

• Whitney Wingerd from Mommies with Style @WhitneyMWS

Huge thanks to our Bump Month sponsors!

Handmade Mother's Day Cards: You Used to Say It With Macaroni

Nothing warms my heart more than a handmade card. The many I've saved are like little time capsules that remind me of how Little Miss Techie and Captain Computer have grown up through the years.

Early cards were full sheets of paper covered in stickers and crayon lines or amorphous shapes drawn with washable markers. Then as fine motor skills developed, pseudo-hearts started appearing. Now we've progressed to more complicated cards that are folded rectangles stuffed in elaborately decorated envelopes, full sentences with punctuation declaring love for the recipient, and creative art with the addition of sparkly objects.

This fabulous video from Tiny Prints makes me think of all the wonderful Mother's Day cards I've gotten from my kids throughout the years!  Be sure to watch to see the amazing offer at the end of the video!  

Since the best Mother's Day cards are the ones you spend time making, I'm excited to be working with Tiny Prints and Clever Girls Collective to host an event that brings people together to create special cards for the wonderful women in their lives. There may or may not be macaroni!

Tiny Prints and Clever Girls Collective is compensating me for my time as a hostess. Tiny Prints is also an advertiser on my site but not only do I spend plenty of my own money on items that I love, but my opinions are never influenced by advertisers.

Learning About & Experiencing Technology That Makes Driving Safer- 2011 NYAS

While attending the New York Auto Show (#NYAS) with Auto Alliance, I was able to meet with representatives from Ford, Volvo, and Mazda to talk about the technology in their vehicles that makes them safer than cars manufactured 10 years ago. The goal for auto companies I spoke with is to integrate technology in a non-invasive way to make us safer behind the wheel.

Volvo's Don Johnston

Volvo’s Product Communication Manager, Dan Johnston, spoke about their safety concept car and the way they incorporate technology into vehicles without it being a distraction to drivers. Johnston said there’s a “migration towards prevention and driver awareness” in their vehicles. He said there’s “not 1 technology that will get us there” and rather, there’s a need for collective technology such as Volvo’s technology package, pedestrian detection, blind spot option, and stability control which are designed to work together.

Cameras in the front of Volvos have a 60 degree radar sensor that photographs objects, matches them to a database, and knows in 50 milliseconds what the object is to warn drivers of the obstacle. Johnston said that the first generation of this technology can detect objects 32” tall or more but second generation technology will recognize smaller objects to detect the presence of animals or children. The Technology Package also includes sensors designed to detect obstacles in the road.

Volvo S80, just one of many of the vehicles Volvo offers with a Tech Package.

Besides the technology, cars are made to withstand the impact of a collision thanks to high strength steel that is designed to absorb impact sustained during an accident rather than transferring the force to the passengers. Volvo’s XC90 uses ultra high strength steel in some parts of the car to provide protection to the passengers sitting in the third row. Mazda’s CX5 hatchback has a hatch made of reinforced steel. 

The Volvo XC90 has crumple zones engineered in the back
to keep passengers safe if rear ended.

Like the Volvo XC90, Mazda’s use of reinforced steel in key areas makes it safer for consumers to provide protection around passengers but the ability for the vehicle to crumple when rear ended.

Mazda's SUV with SkyActiv Technology

Mazda also spoke about the roll stability in SUV lines like the CS7 and CS9. The dynamic stability control senses driver needs to provide safety. Electronic sensors monitor speed while anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and dynamic stability controls make for a responsive and productive vehicle.

While it was great to hear about the technology in such vehicles, it was another to experience it. Outside the massive Javits Center where the New York International Auto Show was being held, Jeep set up an outdoor off-road type test track to experience the technology other car manufacturers told me about.

Here’s a video that I took during my Jeep Off Road Experience:

The entire time I was on the course I felt safe.  I never felt that the Jeep was going to roll on any of the inclines during the traction or stability tests.  The Jeep traversed the log course with ease when putting the ground clearance to the test.  I had been warned that the suspension test over a series of logs could be bumpy and while it was, I felt secure in the vehicle which is a testament to the technology that auto manufacturers are using in current models.

Photos of the Jeep course:

I learned so much meeting with auto manufacturers and talking to Wade, Liz, and Scott who were kind enough to invite me to be part of the Auto Alliance’s online press team during the press preview days.

I look forward to sharing additional information with you about the latest technology in vehicles designed to make driving safer and photos of some amazing concept cars from the auto show floor.

Auto Alliance and Hynes Communications paid for my travel and accommodations to attend the New York Auto Show.  I was not compensated in any other manner for my time.  My opinions posted here are my own. Logo courtesy of Auto Alliance. 

Attending New York International Auto Show with Auto Alliance

Today I’m attending New York International Auto Show as a press guest of Auto Alliance, an association that consists of 12 vehicle manufacturers and is dedicated to “developing and implementing constructive solutions to public policy challenges that promote sustainable mobility and benefit society in the areas of environment, energy and motor vehicle safety.” Auto Alliance includes BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo and represents 77% of all car and truck sales within the United States.

I’m excited to learn more about Auto Alliance’s mission and they ways they work with car manufacturers to develop and introduce new technology that will make cars safer, more energy efficient, and reduce the impact on the environment.

Here's a brief video about some of the work Auto Alliance is doing:

I’m very curious to know if there will be a standard for the new electric cars on the market. While at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this past January, I learned that the auto industry is building electric cars to be charged using different charging stations that are unique to each car manufacturer.

Smart’s electric cars charge using a 220 outlet, a household standard that powers a clothes dryer. However, Ford, Nissan, and Chevy have distinct charging stations unique to their brands. I wonder if a standard will be put in place to enable future electric cars made by any auto manufacturer to use the same charging stations.  Doesn't it seem more efficient for electric car owners to recharge using the nearest charging station rather than having to hunt for one that works specifically for their car during a daily commute or while on a road trip?

What questions do you have about the technology in cars? What would you like to see in the future?

Here are my past posts on events where I’ve gotten to see new technology in vehicles:

• #IntelUpgrade: Intel’s Context-Aware Devices Won’t Sacrifice Personal Privacy about the prototype of a connected car that uses face recognition software, environmental sensors, and personal preference to build a data profile for each driver.

• Ford Engages Bloggers to Show Off Tech Savvy & Eco Friendly New Vehicles

• North American International Auto Show 2011 Eye Candy

Auto Alliance and Hynes Communications paid for my travel and accommodations to attend the New York International Auto Show.  I was not compensated in any other manner for my time.  My opinions posted here are my own. Logo courtesy of Auto Alliance.

Preliminary Research Shows Stove Top as Possible Antidote to Dinner Sleep Attacks

Washington DC— A recent phenomenon of families being struck with sudden tiredness at the dinner table has hit homes in the area.  Doctors are puzzled by the way kids and adults alike are waking up to cold plates of food before them and sometimes their cheeks covered in food as they use their plates as pillows.  

“One minute we were talking about our day and the next thing I remember was waking up and wiping food off my cheek,” recalls Bethesda, MD resident, Spud B. Gone.

Due to the widespread outbreak of these instances occurring in multiple DC Metro area counties, The National Institute of Health has assembed a team of medical professionals to research these sudden attacks.  Conclusive findings indicate they are similar to narcolepsy, a sleep disorder causing excessive sleepiness and daytime sleep attacks, but different because these incidences seem to be resulting from boredom at the dinner table.

Interviews with families indicate that the sleep attacks happen most often during dinner when there is a presence of starch as a side dish.  Rice, baked potatoes, and mashed potatoes seem to be causing adults and children alike to fall face first into their food. 

Research findings indicate white starchy foods cause sudden sleep at the dinner table.

“I served our usual brown rice with dinner,” remembers Mrs. Norice, “and sat down to eat and was stricken with a sudden tiredness I’ve never felt before.   I made it through the meal but my eyes were heavy and I found it hard to carry on a conversation.”

To help provide an explanation for this strange occurrence, families throughout the region have volunteered to document their dinner meals for NIH researchers.  Preliminary data shows that the absence of starches such as rice and potatoes in favor of side dishes such as Stove Top Stuffing could be an antidote to such dinner related problems.

“We’ve never had a problem with being tired at the dinner table,” reports Sally StoveTop of Fairfax, Virginia.  “Our kids revolted against boring white starches like rice and potatoes years ago so now Stove Top is our side dish of choice.”

NIH researchers are waiting for more conclusive evidence that Stove Top could be the cure for dinner sleep attacks but there is a strong indication that serving the zesty flavors of Stove Top keeps dinner lively and diners awake.

For ideas about ways you can make dinners more flavorful and less sleepy in your home using Stove Top Stuffing Mix, “like" Stove Top on Facebook to get access to special offers, view easy and delicious recipes, and hear what other fans are doing with Stove Top as they replace the boring starches served with dinner.

For ideas about ways you can make dinners more interesting in your home using Stove Top Stuffing Mix, “like" Stove Top on Facebook and get access to special offers, view easy and delicious recipes, and hear what other fans are doing with Stove Top as they replace the other starches in their homes.  If you have a "boring" potato entry, Stove Top and Technorati Media invite you to share your story for a chance to win a $100 AmEx gift card.  Full contest rules at: http://technorati.com/stovetop-unpotato-contest

This is a compensated post written in conjunction with Kraft Foods’ #unpotatofest campaign and Technorati Media.  Images courtesy of Stove Top.

Unplugging in Honor of Screen-Free Week

The Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood Screen-Free Week provides the perfect opportunity to re-evaluate your family’s screen time.  Being held from April 18-24, this annual event is designed to heighten awareness about the time we spend in front of screens that research concludes is astonishing. 

The Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood’s cites research that shows preschoolers spend “an astonishing average of 32 hours a week” in front of screens and the time increases as children get older. The non-profit group also states, “Time with screens is linked to poor school performance, childhood obesity, attention issues and other health and social problems.”

Rather than completely disconnecting from all screens this week, ease into it.  Use this week as an opportunity to think about the time that your family spends in front of devices with screens. Consider it an opportunity to reconnect with your child by creating conversations about what your child sees on a screen.  In the long run, having an open dialogue about the content being seen on screens is a better solution than completely cutting off screen time this week.

Having just come home from Mom 2.0 and a whirlwind weekend of learning in New Orleans, I’m going to unplug a little in honor of Screen-Free Week. Now is the perfect time for me disconnect in favor of processing what I’ve learned while spending quality time with Little Miss Techie and Captain Computer during their spring break.  

We’re going to be planting the seeds that were given out as conference swag (thanks Claritin!), working in our vegetable garden to prepare the final bed for planting, testing out new board games, and Little Miss Techie wants to practice using the sewing machine. 

In fact, Captain Computer just came to ask what we’re going to do today so now is a perfect time for me to get off the computer and enjoy this beautiful spring day.

Please note that posting will be lighter than usual this week as I honor my commitment to spend time with my family during Screen-Free Week.

Angry Birds: Rio the Movie Review & Giveaway ($25 Fandango GC)

Congratulations to Michelle, lucky #20, who will be receiving a $25 Fandango gift card and a Rio coloring book!


Oh Angry Birds!  You sucked us in with the addictive app and now there are sounds of Samba stuck in our head after catching a preview of Rio, the G-rated movie that brings the birds to the big screen.  This charming animated 3D movie has all the elements of a good story with the theme of animal conservation cleverly woven in throughout the story that takes place in Rio de Janeiro.    

The story begins in the jungles of Rio where birds strutting and shaking to samba sounds are captured by animal smugglers.  One of the birds is Blu (Jesse Eisenberg), a rare blue macaw, whose crate falls off the truck destined for an exotic pet store.  He’s discovered cold and shivering in Moose Lake, Minnesota and pampered by Linda, a bookish bird lovin’ sort of gal, who swears he’s a “companion” rather than a pet.  
<br>Being one of the last two surviving Blue Macaws in the world, he’s sought after by an animal conservation group that wants to preserve the species.  Linda reluctantly takes Blu to Rio and that’s where the adventure and love story begins.

The movie takes Blu, and feisty female macaw, Jewel (Anne Hathaway), through Rio where they meet a hilarious cast of characters including a bird duo of Pedro (will.i.am) and Nico (Jamie Foxx) and a slobbery bulldog named Luis (Tracy Morgan) as they try to escape Nigel, the evil has-been of a cockatoo who is hell bent on capturing them for his sinister smuggling humans.  With new friends by his side, Blu learns to fly after being overly domesticated in Minnesota, thwarts the smugglers, and returns Linda, and finds love with Jewel.

Having previously been to Rio, I loved the realistic depiction of the city through the movie including the black and white patterns on the sidewalk along the beaches to the samba stadium for Carnival!  Tech Savvy Daddy’s diverse musical tastes loved how the film incorporated Brazilian samba and music by will.i.am (Hot Wings).  And the kids loved the entire thing!  Captain Computer giggled throughout!

Here's a behind the scenes look at the movie and music:

By the way, 20^th Century Fox was just awarded the Kids First Seal for Rio which means Coalition for Quality Children’s Media has approved the movie!

GIVEAWAY:  On behalf of Rio, I’m giving away a prize pack containing a $25 Fandango gift certificate and a Rio coloring book and crayons.

TO ENTER:  Share your favorite version of Angry Birds and include your email or Twitter handle in your comment!  Are you a fan of the new Rio, do you stick to the classic, or are still into the holiday version?  No judging!  Just curious to know which is your fave!    Winner will be selected among eligible entries on April 29.

For extra entries, complete the above and leave a comment after you do any of the following:

• Daily Tweet: Tweet this and leave the link in your comment:  Read @TechSavvyMama’s #RioMovie review & enter 2 win Rio prize pack w/ $25 @Fandango GC: www.TechSavvyMama.com
• Update your Facebook status to read: I read Tech Savvy Mama’s Rio movie review & entered to win a Fandango gift card on TechSavvyMama.com

For a second opinion on whether Rio is right for your family, read Common Sense Media's movie review.

And one last clip of something that parents can identify with!  

My family received complimentary passes to the Rio preview but I was not obligated to review the movie or host a giveaway!

Sponsored Post: Avalon Communities Provide Resort Services Through Family & Pet Friendly Accommodations

If planning an upcoming trip to attend college graduation or as a summer getaway, think outside the hotel box and consider making one of Avalon Communities properties your home away from home during your trip. 

With locations in the Northeast, the Mid-Atlantic, the Midwest, and Pacific Northwest, and California, Avalon Properties offer convenience, service, and amenities. Sites are within easy reach of employment hubs, transportation, shopping and entertainment.  They feature resort-style services and staff dedicated to excellence in customer service.

Finding an Avalon location is easy.  Start searching by clicking on Browse Communities that brings up a map of the United States.  Drop down menus allow you to refine your search and input region, sub-region, apartment style (loft, townhome, or penthouse), and pets (dog, cat, or both).

Since we travel to Northern California to visit my family each summer, I was curious to see what Avalon offered in the San Francisco Bay Area.  I found Mountain View, California apartments that feature studios and one and two bedroom spaces.  

Avalon Creekside in Mountain View

There are also Avalon apartments in Sunnyvale which would be a better fit for our family since they are 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms available, along with lofts and wifi!  Both accept pets but the policy differs for each location.

Avalon Silicon Valley in Sunnyvale 

While my parents would probably be quite upset if we decided to stay at the Sunnyvale or Mountain View property instead of with them during our visit, it’s great to know that there are many Avalon Communities locations around the country for future travel needs.

This is a compensated post.  All photos courtesy of Avalon Communities.

Teaming Up with ChicaLogic to Spread the Tech Savvy to the Masses

Tomorrow I head to New Orleans for Mom 2.0 Summit where I’ll enjoy time with friends, the sights of the French Quarter, beignets at Café Du Monde, wander by Preservation Hall to take in the sounds of jazz, fantastic food (because I’m all about the food!) and lots of strategy with Lori Fraijo Raygoza, from ChicaLogic.  Just yesterday Lori approached me about becoming part of the ChicaLogic team to develop content to educate women about all things tech and assist with social media outreach.

One thing that I love about ChicaLogic’s approach is the straightforward way they present technology to busy women who are constantly multitasking.  Technology isn’t scary or overwhelming when it makes sense and is easy to use.

Since meeting parents at our local elementary school, many immediately get what it is I do and how I do it but a vast majority nod their heads with a look of utter confusion as I talk about social media, Twitter, online safety, and topics surrounding family computing that are part of my every day language. They are amazed at what I know and tell me that they don’t know where to start.  

As a teacher, I know that there’s a lot of learning that needs to be done and the ChicaLogic site is a great place to start.  One doesn’t have to spend tons of time reading our Tips & Tricks section in order to walk away with a great deal of knowledge from the well written posts that share the most relevant information through brief readable posts.

Even the most tech savvy (yes, full admission!) need reminders to check our ingrained habits to make sure we haven’t slipped back into our old ways.

Take a look at these 5 ChicaLogic posts (which I promise won’t take you long to skim) and I challenge you to not learn something from at least one of them:

• How to Wipe Clean Data on Your Phone
• How to Protect Your Identity Online
• FYI: Internet Acronyms
• Chica Says: Get Your Text Lingo On
• How is Your Smartphone Spying on You?

Now that didn’t take long, did it?  And chances are you learned something new or at least, you were reminded about something you’ve been meaning to do! 

Remember- start small.  Take baby steps. One foot at a time!

And if there's something you want to learn about, leave me a comment!  I'm happy to do the research for you and share what I learn the ChicaLogic way! 

And while you’re here, read yesterday’s post (ChicaPC-Shield Catches Rampant Malware to Keep Your Computer Running Smoothly) to learn about malware and enter to win 1 of 5 copies of ChicaPC-Shield!

I am compensated as a member of the ChicaLogic team however, all opinions are my own.

ChicaPC-Shield Catches Rampant Malware to Keep Your Computer Running Smoothly (w. giveaway)

Just as a cluttered desk can hamper productivity, a computer containing hidden software can halt productivity.  Such software is often called malware and comes in the form of Trojan horses, viruses, worms, and spyware.  These pieces of software are created with the sole intent of damaging your computer and are at work while you are checking email, sharing photos on Facebook, online shopping, and Skyping with the grandparents.   

Here’s a quick rundown on the most common forms of malware and how they can negatively affect your computer:

• Trojan Horses get their name from Greek mythology and the fact that software may not always be what it appears.  Trojan Horses install themselves on your computer by clicking on something that appears to be legitimate- a regular piece of software, an online game, or even antivirus software.  Ironic, right?  Clicking on a Trojan Horse will cause it to run, often erasing parts of your hard drive.
• Viruses are computer scripts that are often attached to email attachments.  They run silently in the background and often create, move, or erase files.  They are also memory hogs that can slow the speed of your computer, making it impossible to multitask.
• Worms are invisible files that make their way through the memory on your machine, multiplying as they go.  As worms multiply, they occupy more and more of your computer’s memory and space on your hard drive.  They are a form of computer virus that makes your machine sluggish.
• Spyware watches as you use your computer and works to capture usernames and passwords and credit card information.  This information is often sent to spyware creators over the internet who use your data as a way to make money.  Like worms and viruses, spyware often comes through email attachments. 

You never know when malware will strike!  It can live on your computer for a long time before compromising your machine to the point where it is useless but there are preventative measures to take to ensure that your computer will always operate properly.

Being knowledgeable about different forms of malware and where they come from is important but it's also critical to know there are programs that scan your computer in order to rid of infected files. 

One new company that I love is ChicaLogic whose tagline is “Empowering Women in the Information Age.”  Chicalogic is the creator of ChicaPC-Shield, a scanner that works to scan your PC to determine if your computer is a victim of a malware invasion or virus infection.  ChicaPC-Shield not only finds the threats but removes them, preserving the productivity of your computer!

Having just received a new HP dm1 ($499) to review as an AMD Mom, I wanted to scan my new machine because even new machines can have wacky stuff pre-installed that is a good idea to get rid of right away.  I downloaded the free version of ChicaPC-Shield and found that installation was fast and easy.  The Wizard took me through the installation process in a matter of seconds and then I was ready to scan my new notebook. 

As ChicaPC-Shield ran, I watched it count the number of “objects” on my computer that it was scanning.  There’s something satisfying about watching the scanner at work and seeing the number of objects scanned increase with every passing second.  A full scan of my new HP dmz1 took 40 minutes which was sort of surprising considering that I had no idea how much was on it.  Would you believe that there were 291,411 objects scanned?  Luckily none were infected!

After scanning my machine using the free version, I had the option of purchasing the full version ($29.95 value currently offered for the discounted price of $24.95).  While both feature advanced malware detection and removal, one main benefit to purchasing the full version is the ability to schedule ChicaPC-Shield to scan your computer on a regular basis.  Let’s face it…We’re all busy and it’s nice to have one less thing to think about thanks to the automatic schedule feature that can go through your files and protect you from the corrupt malware that will harm your machine and hamper productivity.

GIVEAWAY:  Interested in trying ChicaPC-Shield on your PC?  I have 5 codes for the full version of the software to give away!

TO ENTER: Leave a comment sharing a computer disaster that was caused by malware and include your email or Twitter handle so I can send you a download code when you win!  Winners will be selected on Tuesday, April 26.

ChicaLogic compensated me for my time in installing and examining ChicaPC-Shield but my opinions are always my own.

Mabel's Labels Limited Edition Camp Combo

Having just successfully made it through a winter of no lost mittens, hats, or scarves, I’m thinking ahead to summer camp with Mabel’s Labels Limited Edition Camp Combo!

At the start of each new season, I go Mabel’s Labels happy- affixing cheerful peel and stick labels to all new articles of clothing.  With spring just arriving and summer on it’s heels, I was thrilled that Mabel’s Labels sent me a Camp Combo for each child.

Even though Little Miss Techie and Captain Computer go to day camp and haven’t ventured into overnight camp, I consider the clothes, shoes, lunchboxes, water bottles, etc. I purchase for them an investment and want them to come back to me at the end of each day.

The labels are bright and colorful and have space for up to 20 letters and designs that will appeal to even the coolest kids!  They are water resistant or waterproof and can withstand being repeatedly washed in the dishwasher or washing machine due.

Mabel’s Labels Limited Edition Camp Combo includes everything your child needs to properly label their belongings for day or sleep away camp such as:

• 2 Bag Tags for hanging on backpacks, lunch boxes, sleeping bags and will withstand the elements thanks to their waterproof nature.

• 10 Sticky Labels that are versatile and long lasting for items such as water bottles and flashlights because of their UV resistant, dishwasher/microwave safe, and peel and stick properties. 

• 24 Skinny-Minis are smaller versions of the aforementioned Sticky Labels and are wonderful for toiletries, hairbrushes, and sunscreen sticks.

• 8 Shoe Labels affix to the insides of shoes so there’s no mix up of footwear at camp.  They can withstand trips through the creek or a dunk in the pool because they are waterproof!

• 50 Tag Mates that will adhere to every article of clothing and withstand countless trips through the washer and dryer!  They are the reason why we didn’t lose any mittens, hats, sweatshirts, or coats during the winter months!  I’ll be affixing them to swimsuits, towels, and more in the summer months!

• 2 Friendship Bracelets because making a new friend at camp is inevitable so why not give one to a new BFF before heading separate directions and vowing to keep in touch via email or text!

The Mabel’s Labels Limited Edition Camp Combo is currently on sale until June 24 for $39.95 and comes in 4 limited-time camp-themed designs and 27 motifs.

Planning on ordering Mabel’s Labels in the near future?  As a Mabel’s Labels BuzzMama, I can provide you with a great discount code!  Just leave a comment letting me know what you are planning to order along with your email and I’ll find the right discount for you! 

And while you’re ordering some for the kids, get a set for yourself!  I find that my set helps me distinguish my tech gadgets from everyone else’s when at a conference or event where chargers can be easily misplaced or unintentionally grabbed by someone in a hurry to a session.

I am a Mabel’s Labels BuzzMama and get products to review for my involvement in the brand ambassador program.  Mabel’s Labels is currently an advertiser on my site but my work with them never influences my opinion because I spent my own money on plenty of labels well before working with them!