Tips for Hand-Me-Down Tech Gifts

If your child is clamoring for a computer, tablet, or a smartphone, there’s nothing wrong with giving them your old device when you trade up for a new one. In a survey of parents of 2- to 10-year-olds, PBS KIDS found that nearly a quarter of parents will find a second life for their personal tech devices this holiday season, passing their used mobile phones and computers to their kids when they get new ones for themselves. Computers (54 percent) and mobile devices (38 percent) will be the most passed down.

While hand-me-downs certainly save a family money, it’s also important to prepare those devices properly before putting them in the hands of your kids.  PBS Kids advises parents to do the following to ensure that devices are ready to use regardless of the age of your child:

• Sweep it: All devices should be cleaned of any content including personal files, credit card information, etc. before handing down to kids. Parents should swipe all their browser “cookies” and perform an application sweep.

• Secure it: There are parental controls on most tech devices that can turn certain features on and off. Settings on the iPhone, for example, that can be restricted include explicit song titles, Internet browser, YouTube, iTunes and the camera.

• Set limits: As with any new toy, parents should set expectations and limitations with their kids when the device is handed down, and should encourage other forms of learning and play beyond the screen.

• Find the right apps for your child: A good app is the perfect combination of education and entertainment, and should be appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development.

• Avoid apps that try to sell: Apps labeled “lite” or “free” often attempt to make money by trying to sell virtual items while a child is playing a game, or link to another related app that requires payment to download. Select apps from trusted, reliable sources, and make sure that they are not trying to market to your child. 

Technology can be a fabulous gift but only when there is thought put into making it safe and age appropriate. Do some research to ensure that the software and apps that come with the device are the best ones for your child’s age and abilities. 

For content suggestions, take a look at the apps I’ve reviewed.  I’ve also been privy to look at some of the newest PBS Kids mobile apps that promote educational play with favorite characters including:

Fetch! Lunch Rush (free, iPhone/iPod Touch)— This app is PBS KIDS First augmented reality app.  The app uses the camera on iPhone or iPod touch to overlay computer-generated graphics on top of the physical, real-world environment. The 3D game printables to help kids visualize the math problems they are solving during play.  It’s definitely a cool cutting edge app and perfect for ages 6+.

SUPER WHY Alpha Boost ($2.99, iPhone/iPod Touch)— Preschoolers who love interacting with the touch screen will enjoy practicing their letters and other beginning reading skills by being Wonder Red, Alpha Pig, Super Why, or Princess Presto as they search the sky for “super letters” and interact with content that reinforces letter recognition and letter sounds.  Kids will love the storybook adventure format that mimics the beloved show.

SID Science Fair ($2.99, iPhone/iPod Touch)— Reinforce a love of science and math with Sid and his friends. Kids ages 3-6 will enjoy using their magnifying glass to look for patterns in common objects, sequencing with Gerald, and an introduction to statistics through Chart It.  I only wish stats had been this fun when I took it in college and grad school!

LITTLE PIM French and Spanish ($2.99, iPad)— The same great language learning that is conveyed through their DVD, CDs, and books is also available for the iPad for kids who want to practice their developing language skills on the go.  Don't forget to enter my Little Pim gift set giveaway!

Some information used in this post was provided by PBS Kids. I was invited to attend a media event at PBS Kids headquarters this fall for a look at the apps but all opinions are my own. No compensation was received for this post.

Positive Effects of Video Games & Win 1 of 2 Nintendo DS Prizes Packs from Ubisoft!

With so much emphasis constantly on the negative aspects of too much screen time, neuroscience and education research indicates that there are advantages to video gaming.  Yes, you read that right.  Advantages to playing video games.

At this year’s Family Online Safety Institute’s Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., Bristol University neuroscientist, Paul Howard-Jones, shared findings that examined the impact of the internet on our brains and also discussed the positive impact of video gaming.  After providing the disclaimer that he isn’t an expert on online safety, Howard-Jones shared the following facts about gaming:

• Digitally based training can improve working memory
• Action video games actually improve visual spatial skills and teach players to tune out visual distractions while teaching transferable skills
• Video games provide a rapid schedule of rewards to the brain, stimulating the mind in a way that mimics the effect of psychostimulating drugs

Rather than viewing gaming in a negative light, Howard-Jones emphasized that it’s more important to take a look at how we use technology, when it is used, how often we use it, and what for.

To celebrate the positive effects that video games can have on the brain, Ubisoft is providing 2 readers with Nintendo DS Lite prize packs, each containing a Nintendo DS Lite and 4 games that will include an assortment of Imagine and Petz titles.

About Imagine games— Designed for girls ages 6-14, the Imagine line allows girls to explore their favorite interests and hobbies in an interactive way.  Title such as Animal Doctor, Artist, Teacher, Gymnast, etc, are themed so game play focuses on learning the skills associated with the profession in an fun and engaging way while being able to build a business. Games retail for $29.99 each and can often be found on Amazon for less.

About the Petz series— The Petz line allows players to take care of their own virtual animal.  With multiple titles including domestic (catz, dogz, hamsterz), wild (monkez, dolphinz, and more), and fantasy animals, it isn’t hard to find a game to help delay the introduction to a new furry pet into your home. 

Win 1 of 2 Nintendo DS Lite prize packs with 4 assorted Petz or Imagine games courtesy of Ubisoft!

REQUIRED ENTRY: Share which Imagine or Petz games your girl would like best by going to Ubisoft’s Parent’s Corner and clicking on the Games tab.  Leave the name of the game along with your email address or Twitter handle.  Valid entries must include an email address or Twitter handle!

For extra entries, you MUST complete the above and do any of the following:

• Complete the Tech Savvy Mama reader survey if you haven’t completed it as part of my Xbox giveaway.  Those who have not completed the survey will receive 2 entries- 1 for the survey, 1 for leaving a comment below saying you completed the survey.  If you have completed the survey as an optional Xbox entry, leave a comment to let me know you’ve done so and you’ll still get 1 entry into this giveaway.  Please note that all responses will remain anonymous. If your comment is selected, I will check to make sure you really did complete the survey.  If you just comment below without completing the survey, your entry will not be valid. (1 or 2 entries)

• Share one technique you use to limit screen time in your home. Include your email/Twitter handle. (1 entry)

• Subscribe to Tech Savvy Mama via RSS or email. Include your email/Twitter handle to let me know you've done so. (1 entry)

• Follow me on Twitter and leave your Twitter handle in your comment.  (1 entry)

• Tweet this daily and leave your Twitter handle in the comments:  I entered to win @TechSavvyMama's @Ubisoft @Nintendo DS #giveaway! Enter here before 12/9: http://bit.ly/UbisoftNintendoDS (1 entry/day)

• Blog about this giveaway and include “TechSavvyMama.com is giving away 2 Nintendo DS Lites with 4 Petz and Imagine games by Ubisoft” with this link http://bit.ly/UbisoftNintendoDS.  Leave a permalink and your email/Twitter handle in your comment. (10 entries)

Winner will be randomly selected from valid entries on Friday, December 9 using Random.org.  Winner will have 24 hours to reply with a U.S. mailing address and phone number before another winner will be selected.  Nintendo DS Lites and games are being provided by Ubisoft and will be shipped directly by them to the winner. Complete rules regarding this giveaway can be found in the Official Sweepstakes Rules.  

I was not compensated for this post or hosting this giveaway.  All opinions are my own.  

Xbox 360 with Kinect: Family Settings Keep Kids Safe While Learning (giveaway)

Since its debut just over a year ago, Kinect for Xbox 360 has transformed the landscape of gaming with the introduction of interactive elements that recognize voice and full body movement for a truly interactive experience.  With recent announcements that Xbox is focusing on “playful learning,” it becomes a tool for learning in a fun way. If you’re thinking about getting an Xbox for your home this holiday season, new content makes it a fabulous educational tool while a newly released dashboard for parental controls helps keep your kids safe while gaming and learning.

Kinect for Xbox 360 as an Educational Tool

As a teacher, I’ve always believed that children learn best when information is presented in a variety of ways. Some children absorb information through listening, others need to read and write in order for knowledge to stick, and certain kids need to immerse themselves in the experience in order to learn by doing.

Since there is no one right or wrong way to learn, Kinect for Xbox 360 provides another avenue for learning.  While gaming promotes cooperation and communication and the Kinect promotes physical movement, new partnerships with trusted educational brands such as Sesame Street and National Geographic promotes interactive learning. Children can practice the alphabet and numbers with Grover, read a book along with Cookie Monster in Once Upon a Monster, and pretend to be a bear by playing Kinectimals Now with Bears.

Xbox 360 is also filming a season of interactive shows in partnership with Sesame Street production, bringing a whole new level of interactivity to educational television with “Kinect Sesame Street TV.” With interactive versions of shows from the current television season, new content written and filmed just for Kinect and access to classic clips from the “Sesame Street” archive, “Kinect Sesame Street TV” is bringing educational television to life.

Parental Controls Keep Kids Safe while Gaming and Learning

As we enter the holiday season when everyone is buying new technology, this new video reminds families to use Family Settings that serve as the hub for parental controls. Xbox features safety features built into the game console, such as game ratings, setting limits on time, and the ability to restrict online access.

With the new dashboard, it’s easier than ever to locate Family Settings.

The new Xbox dashboard puts Family Settings front and center

One resource that I find myself turning to is Microsoft’s GetGameSmart.com, a site that  “is designed to help families enjoy video games and online media in ways that are safer, healthier and more balanced.”  It also provides a wealth of resources that can be downloaded and printed since they are must-reads for new Xbox owners.  Helpful documentation includes:

• Your Guide to Using Parental Controls
• How to use The Xbox 360 Family Timer
• Ways to restrict online access through Xbox Live 101
• Guide to Using Game Ratings

Win an XBox 360 with Kinect courtesy of Microsoft!

REQUIRED ENTRY: Watch either of the videos embedded above and leave a comment about what excites you most about bringing an Xbox with Kinect into your home.  Valid entries must include an email address or a Twitter handle.

For extra entries, you MUST complete the above and do any of the following:

• Complete the Tech Savvy Mama reader survey. Leave a comment that you have done so and include your email address or Twitter handle.  Please note that all responses will remain anonymous. (2 entries- 1 for the survey, 1 for leaving a comment below saying you completed the survey. And yes, if your comment is selected, I will check to make sure you really did complete the survey.  If you just comment below without completing the survey, your entry will not be valid.)

• Share one parental control that you plan to use when you get your Xbox through your comment. Include your email/Twitter handle. (1 entry)

• Subscribe to Tech Savvy Mama via RSS or email. Include your email/Twitter handle to let me know you've done so. (1 entry)

• Tweet this daily and leave your Twitter handle in the comments:  I entered to win @TechSavvyMama's @Xbox w/ Kinect #giveaway! Enter here before 12/9: http://bit.ly/xboxkinectgiveaway (1 entry/day)

• Blog about this giveaway and include “TechSavvyMama.com is giving away an Xbox 360 with Kinect” with this link http://bit.ly/xboxkinectgiveaway.  Leave a permalink and your email/Twitter handle in your comment. (10 entries)

Winner will be randomly selected from valid entries on Friday, December 9 using Random.org.  Winner will have 24 hours to reply with a U.S. mailing address and phone number before another winner will be selected.  Xbox 360 with Kinect is being provided by Microsoft and will be shipped directly by them to the winner. Complete rules regarding this giveaway can be found in the Official Sweepstakes Rules.  


I received my Xbox with Kinect from Microsoft for review purposes but use Family Settings to keep our kids safe while gaming.  I was not compensated for this post or hosting this giveaway.  All opinions are my own.  

2012 Honda CR-V: What A Tech Savvy Mama Looks for in a Car

Today's guest post is by Grace Duffy— tech writer, mom blogger, and real housewife of Silicon Valley.  Grace spreads her special brand of wit and charm on her personal blog, FormerlyGracie.com, and is a contributor for a number of other parenting and tech sites.

2012 Honda CR-V

Last week, a redesigned, all new Honda 2012 CR-V  was debuted at the L.A. Auto Show. A few weeks prior, I was invited by Honda to the gorgeous Park Hyatt Aviera in Carlsbad, California on a covert mission to test drive this fabulous new car for myself.

No Tweeting. No Facebook. No blog posts until it could be unveiled to the public! In other words, pure agony…  So it is with much suppressed excitement that I share with you what an honor and a thrill it was to be a part of this event!

If you know someone who drives a CR-V, I’m not surprised. It’s been the best-selling SUV in America since 2007. Last year alone, Honda sold over 200,000 of them and there is a reason for that. Stylish, casual yet elegant, and dependable, the CR-V goes from day to evening as effortlessly as a little black dress. Honda had a tough job in making an excellent car even better. Yet, they did!  

The latest evolution of the CR-V features a more dynamic and sophisticated exterior, spacious interior, and smoother ride. It boasts a 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower, top-of-class EPA-estimated fuel economy is rated at 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined (depending on how you drive) and Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat. Honda has also added an easy-to-use and flexible cargo area and made the CR-V more effective at mitigating a crash. 

While safety crash tests have not yet been done with the new CR-V, Honda’s R&D engineers expect it to achieve the difficult 5-star rating under the new federal government tests, as both the company's Accord sedan and Odyssey minivan did earlier this year.

While these features are certainly amazing, what really caught my eye was the tech, of course!

Tech Features in the newly redesigned Honda CR-V:

Eco Assist™ and ECON Mode

Fuel economy and environmental concerns are high on consumers’ priorities these days, and Honda responded with its Eco Assist™ and ECON mode.

Every CR-V model will be equipped with the Eco Assist™. These are lights on the instrument panel that indicate to the driver when the vehicle is being operated in an efficient style via “green” visual cues surrounding the speedometer. When the lights turn white, that signifies an inefficient driving style is in effect and the driver is “coached” into better driving.  

A selectable ECON Mode alters operating characteristics of the vehicle to support an efficient driving style with a press of a button. When activated, several of the vehicle’s operating features are altered to contribute to better fuel economy. For example, the climate control fans are gradually lowered and interior lights are dimmed.

Integrated Navi Display, Rear-Entertainment System (RES), and intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID)

The dashboard comes equipped with two screens-- on top the full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and below, the Integrated Navi display. This allows for convenient, line-of sight access to vehicle, navigation, and entertainment information. The systems are intuitive and easy to use, even when first using the vehicle.

The Rear-Entertainment System (RES) can be found behind the front seats and comes equipped with a 7-inch wide-screen LCD display. The audio can either be played over the CR-V’s audio system or through a set of wireless headphones, so the driver can listen to something completely different.  The DVD player can be found in the center console, where it can be controlled one of three ways: remote control, audio-system controls, or through the unit itself.

The i-MID comes standard on all CR-V models. Whereas the Navi and the RES either/or options on the EX-L.

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®phone interface and Steering Wheel Mounted Controls

Hands-free Bluetooth® with steering wheel mounted controls comes standard on all models and makes it possible for the driver to make or answer calls without removing their hands from right where they belong, at 10 and 2 o’clock.

Pressing the “pick up” button on the steering wheel answers the call and mutes the audio system, as the call is heard through the vehicle’s speakers. An overhead microphone picks up the driver’s voice, while minimizing background noise.

Numbers with voice tag can be stored in the system’s memory, while new numbers can be dialed by speaking the number. All of this information is automatically imported and logged on your phone’s call history, ensuring that you never lose a contact or a call.

This system is only compatible with Bluetooth®- enabled cellphones with the Hands-Free Profile. A list of compatible smartphones can be found HandsFreeLink.com. You can pair up to five different compatible models with your 2012 CR-V.

Pandora Integration and SMS Text Messaging Function with Smartphones

While USB-connectivity for entertainment and devices is expected in most new vehicles, in a first for Honda, all new CR-V models have been designed to provide an interface for Pandora Internet Radio. Users can chose from and create up to 100 personalized Internet radio stations, as they would through their computer, with the free Pandora app.

Another standard feature in all CR-V models is the SMS Text Messaging Function that reads incoming texts over the audio system, and allows the driver to respond with any of the six factory “quick standard replies” such as “I’m running late” or “Talk to you later. I’m driving”. Safe and smart, to further eliminate driver distraction, incoming messages are not displayed unless the transmission is in “Park”.

For now, the full Pandora integration is only available for iPhone and the text-message technology is limited to Blackberry and Android smartphones. The voice-controlled navigation option is the same unit the manufacturer offers across all models, but Honda indicated that major updates to this system will be announced in the near future, as technology advances.

Multi-angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines

The wide-view rearview camera safety feature was once just an option, but now comes standard on all models of the CR-V. Visible on the intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), the camera shows what is immediately behind a vehicle about to back up -- such as a pole, another car, or a dumpster… not that I’ve ever hit one (Yes, I have.) Guidelines help drivers gauge how close they are to an object and a dotted line indicates how much clearance you have to open the trunk.

The 2012 Honda CR-V will be available for purchase on December 15, 2011 at a suggest price range from $21,000-$30,000. Manufactured at the Honda Auto Plant in East Liberty, Ohio, Honda expects to produce over 200,000 units over the next year.

Disclosure: I was a guest of Honda for their CR-V press event in Carlsbad, California. Honda provided travel arrangements and accommodations. Although I was not required to write about the event, I was more than happy to do so. All opinions are my own and no compensation was received. Images courtesy of Honda. 

Kidworth: Teaches Kids Financial Literacy Through Message of "Build Wealth, Not Waste"

If you dread the glut of toys will infiltrate your home as a result the holidays and wish that you could put the money spent towards longer term goals for your child instead, meet Kidworth. 

Kidworth is a free site that is designed to “build wealth, not waste” through a coordinated approach to savings, spending, and sharing. It allows parents to work with their children to set, track, and share goals while enabling gift givers to contribute to a child’s goal of saving for an activity of their choice. The site is also designed to teach and empower a generation of children to build wealth through saving, investing and smart spending.

How does it work?

Parents open a free Kidworth account and work with their children to create goals that are part of their portfolio. The portfolio can include anything from saving for products, long term savings, or charitable gifts using monetary gifts, allowance, and earnings. Kids use their own efforts, and help from their support network, to save and spend wisely.

Why use Kidworth?

Financial literacy is a necessary lifelong skill that isn’t taught in school. With kids receiving an average of $25,000 in gifts and cash from 0-18, yet having a net worth of zero upon leaving home, they need to learn essential skills of budgeting and saving despite the consumer driven culture of our society. Kidworth is designed to help kids of all ages learn financial goal setting so they leave the nest with a nest egg in place.

Kidworth Features

If you aren’t sure how to start, Kidworth provides a variety of different services making it easy to start a portfolio. Use prebuilt sharing, savings, or spending goals established by Kidworth’s Parent Council. Easy goals such as savings $500 towards college, donating $100 to the ASPCA or Toys for Tots, or saving $200 to spend on a bicycle are available right through Kidworth’s home page and can be set up with one click.

Kidworth also offers easy to use features that make it easy to share financial goals with friends and loved ones. Send birthday invitations right through Kidworth and share pre-established goals with guests. Upon receiving the invitation, guests will know what your child is working towards so rather than purchase toys that will eventually end up in a landfill, they can purchase gift cards through Kidworth that contribute to the birthday child’s long term goals. The site keeps a record of gifts and allows kids to send a thank you note directly from the site.

With the holidays coming up, another useful feature are holiday eCards. Holiday greeting cards sent through Kidworth can link to the family page, listing your children’s goals and allowing friends and relatives who normally give gifts to buy Kidworth gift cards that help work towards goals.

How is the site free?

The site is free to use to establish accounts to create portfolios. Friends and relatives who want to contribute to your child’s goals purchase a gift card through Kidworth. Proceeds from the gift card purchases are recorded and kept in the child’s account until they reach their goal. Upon reaching the goal, funds can be withdrawn and are mailed as a check.

It’s the time of year when big glossy catalogs, commercials, and sale ads contribute to mile long wish lists and a house full of toys that are quickly cast aside. If this is a problem you encounter in your house, how might you use Kidworth this holiday season to “build wealth, not waste?”

I am a Kidworth Ambassador and am compensated for my involvement in the program.

Zaarly- App Connects Local Buyers & Sellers

If you’re a fan of buying and selling items locally through sites like eBay Local and wish CraigsList made it easier to find legitimate offers for helpful services that could save you time, take a look at Zaarly.  Launched earlier this year, Zaarly is an app connecting “buyers,” people more than willing to take time consuming tasks off your hands, with “sellers.” It's a helpful app for busy parents needing help completing their to-do lists and could use more hours in their day.

How do I use Zaarly?

Sign up for a free account and post what you want, when you want it, and how much you’re willing to pay. 

How does Zaarly work?

Zaarly relies on the community of users to answer the request, making it a huge time saver for busy parents.

What kinds of requests could I make through Zaarly? Recent examples of actual listings include requests for:

• Home improvements. Zaarly connects busy homeowners to service providers, such as house cleaners, handymen, movers, plumbers, decorators, and contractors.
• Event planning. Zaarly helps people planning events – weddings, birthdays, vacations, dinners – connect with caterers, event planners, venues, and entertainment.
• Hiring contract workers. Zaarly connects small businesses with short-term freelancers, graphic designers, developers, personal assistants, or lawyers.
• Discovering the hard-to-find. Zaarly is becoming a go-to resource for people seeking electronics, furniture, housing, concerts, and sporting event tickets; even cars.
• Errands.  Zaarly can be a time saver by providing assistance with tasks such as dog walking, dropping off and picking up dry cleaning, flower delivery, and picking up last minute gifts.

Request products or services locally through Zaarly

Who else uses Zaarly?

Zaarly is currently active in more than 200 cities across the United States although the app can be used everywhere. The most active cities include major metropolitan areas such as New York City, San Francisco, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston.

How do I sign up?

Zaarly is free. Head to Zaarly.com and sign up for an account.  By signing up, Zaarly is donating $1 to Feeding America for every sign up and you can leave a comment below to enter to win a $10 Starbucks gift card.

More about Zaarly

Zaarly started in May 2011 with initial backing from Ashton Kutcher. In the first 30 days, more than $1 million in requests were posted. In total, nearly $9 million in requests have been posted on Zaarly. Recently, Zaarly announced that Meg Whitman, former CEO of eBay and current CEO of HP, joined the board of advisers.

I was compensated for my time in evaluating Zaarly for this post but all opinions are my own.

Small Businesses to Support on Small Business Saturday

While you may be scooping up deals to save during Black Friday, designate some of the money you are saving to use during Small Business Saturday.  Presented by American Express, Small Business Saturday is a way to honor small local and online merchants who are the backbone of the economy.

Here are some of my favorite small online merchants who I am happy to support this year by highlighting their businesses as ones to support this holiday season:

Once Upon a Tree House— I’m always on the hunt for high quality toys to give as gifts and was thrilled to be introduced to Once Upon a Tree House and their incredible line that includes handmade dolls, maple wood dollhouses, beautiful furniture, doll clothing, and accessories.

Company founders and sisters, Lori and Tara, personally select family owned German and American manufacturers with years of experience creating high quality and long lasting products but with a modern spin. Once Upon a Tree House’s products are eco-friendly since they’re manufactured out of sustainable wood and fabric. Multicultural dolls featuring gentle expressions typical of Waldorf style are hand painted to be unique, reflecting true individuality.  By purchasing a doll from Once Upon a Tree House, you also become a Fairy DollMother.  The Fairy DollMother Program is a charitable commitment to provide a doll to a child in need with ever purchase of a doll from their site.  Simply great products from a company with a huge commitment to helping kids in need!  

The Mother Company— I know I can’t stop talking about The Mother Company!  Working closely with founders Sam and Abbie has shown me their dedication to their goal of “helping parents raise good people” through Ruby’s Studio products. 

From a DVD I fell in love with, to their new line of books, this small company’s mission to develop emotional literacy in children is evident through consistent positive messaging that empowers kids to open up and share their feelings even at a very young age.  Support The Mother Company by purchasing affordable enriching gifts with a thoughtful message.  The books (pictured below) are $12.95 each and you can get free shipping with the code FREESHIP11.  Be on the lookout for some great fabulous deals through the holiday weekend.  Oh, and they’re giving away a $100 Whole Foods gift certificate every week in December as a gesture of thanks to their fans!

Studio Jewel— My favorite pieces of jewelry are handmade with a lot of love by Lisa Lehmann, aka @TheBeadGirl.

Lisa is a one-woman operation who loves playing with metal and fire between home schooling her kids. Her inspiration comes from within and from fellow artists like famous sculptor, Alexander Calder. She handcrafts each incredible piece and is just as nice in real life as anyone could ever be.  Shop through Lisa’s Studio Jewel website or her Etsy store.  Pictured below: Silver Chain Bracelet Tangled Metal Sterling Silver

I consult for The Mother Company and received samples from Once Upon a Treehouse but would happily spend my own money on their products any day.  All Studio Jewel pieces have been personally purchased and will continue to be unless the gift fairy puts some of her treasures under our tree. All photos and logos courtesy of the companies mentioned above.

Sam's Club iPad App: Shop From Home and "Cybernate"

Tech savvy iPad owning Sam’s Club shoppers will be pleased to know that the new free Sam’s Club app allows members to explore in-store and online offerings from the comfort of their homes.

Earlier this week I participated in a webinar hosted by Techlicious to learn about the new Sam’s Club iPad app.  Even though I'm familiar with the iPhone app (read my review here), the new iPad app is more robust and interactive.  It includes new items, eValues, and provides instant savings on 40-50 electronic items at a time while also allowing users to browse inventory that includes 3,000-4,000 in-store items and over 40,000 products available online.  Seasonal offerings, video, and up to date in-store event tastings are designed to keep shoppers coming back.

“We created these apps so shoppers can “cybernate” and enjoy the shopping experience from home rather than deal with the crush of shopping in-store,” said Matt Martin, a long time Sam’s Club employee who leads mobile strategy and digital marketing.

The free iPad app is available to members and non-members alike, making it a great tool for conducting price comparisons when shopping for Black Friday deals and preparing for CyberMonday steals.

Sam’s Club already announced CyberWeek specials that will run from 12:00 AM EST on Sunday, November 27- Friday, December 2.  While anyone can download and search for deals through the iPad app, members will be able to take advantage of purchasing the following items and selecting in-store pickup or home delivery right from the app:

• Vizio 37” LED 1080p HDTV - $498, including free shipping**
• Asus i5 Notebook - $479, including free shipping**
• Skylanders with Exclusive Drill Sergeant Character Pack
• Dell Berry 4GB/640GB with AMD Processor and 15.6” screen in choice of Pink, Red, Blue or Black - $429, including free shipping**
• eZip TrailZ Electric Bike
• Canon T2i Digital SLR Bundle - $849, including free shipping** 

**Free shipping available while supplies last for select items purchased from 12:00 PM EST, Sunday, Nov. 27 through Friday, Dec. 2 

If you happen to be browsing and aren’t a member, Sam’s Club also allows you to purchase a membership directly through the app.

What is your strategy for Black Friday, CyberMonday, and CyberWeek?  Will you be shopping through your mobile device to score the best deals or searching online and through your phone before visiting stores?

I was compensated for taking the time to participate in the webinar and received a gift card towards a Sam’s Club membership but was not obligated to share my experience.  All opinions are my own.