Take the stress out of shopping for tech gifts this holiday season

I am a gamer and lover of all things tech. I spend more time then I should drooling over the ads featuring the newest gaming equipment, iPads, or anything else under the sun. Unfortunately, that makes me hard to shop for. Because I am so in to technology and all the latest gadgets, I tend to be a bit picky if you will, when it comes to my gifts.

Shopping for the Tech lover on your list doesn't have to send you running for the nearest exit. With a few easy steps, you can easily shop for every tech lover on your list.

Compare Ads: Check your local sales ads before going into the store. A lot of tech gifts have different specs. There are 2 different Xbox 360s and multiple bundles. Write down what it is you are looking for.

Check price match policy: Call the stores you want to shop at and find out what their price match policy is. Wal-mart will match prices. Sears matches prices and then gives an additional 10%. Take a few extra minutes to see which stores offer the best prices.

Check the online vs in store price policy: Some items are cheaper online then they are in stores. Will the store match the online price? Wal-mart offers free site to store shipping. Order it at the online price and pick it up in store. Make sure you are clear on the policies before you go shopping. 

Ebay is not always the way to go: It used to be that Ebay was your one stop shop for anything you could want. When it comes to tech gifts, however, they are usually way overpriced. Stay away from Ebay and opt for a retail store.

When in doubt, buy a gift card:  Not sure which iPod to buy? Grab a gift card for the purchase amount and let your recipent chose which gadget they want. It will save you time and a headache. :)

(I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible for a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here)

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Need to make changes



Via Google Images



It isn't a secret around these parts that I have been feeling pretty frustrated with life lately. It has lead to Steve and I having some intense arguments discussions about my life, what changes I want to make, what changes he wants me to make, and what I need to change to find my "happy" again.In all honesty, I do need to make some changes. I know I do. I just don't like being told what to do. (I have a wicked stubborn streak).

The problem is I don't know how to make the changes. Or even where to start. I know that I am not happy. It isn't one particular thing either, it is a whole slew of things that really have me ready to throw up my hands and walk away. When I get to feeling like this it is a signal that I need to take stock of what I am doing with my life and what things I can change to make things better for me. I accept that there are somethings that are the way they are. And I can't change them. But, I can change how I let them affect me.

At this point, I know that I need to make some changes. I am working on those changes. Both inwardly and outwardly. :)

What Are You Thankful For?

Thanksgiving is tomorrow. My turkey is thawing in the fridge, pies are waiting to be baked, I am looking forward to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Steve has to work 3rd shift that day, so not looking forward to that, but atleast we will get most of the day together as a family  before he has to leave.

I am quick to wish away 2010. Then I realize that it was a good year as well as a trying year.  So, because I would rather focus on the the good...I have decided to post what it is I am Thankful for this Thanksgiving.

1.) My kids. They keep me motivated and grounded. I love them more than anything in the world.
2.) My family. From my in-laws to my family. There have been a few times during the year that we needed them and they were there for us. They love our kids just as much as we do.
3.)Luke. He is my personal trainer. I am thankful for his guidence and support and willingness to work with me even when I am being as stubborn as a mule.
4.)My friends. I have an amazing group of friends. I have made some friends this year that I know will last a life time
5.) I am thankful for the ability to learn and grow. I am thankful that each day is a new start and I am in control of my life.

Have a happy Thanksgiving.

Goals and Such

It is hard to believe that in just a few short days, it will be Thanksgiving, and then a few short weeks after that Christmas and then the New Year. 2010 feels like it went by at a breakneck speed. 2010 hasn't been the best of years towards me, but it also hasn't been the worst. It was a year that has tested my very inner strength. It is also one that opened my eyes to a weight problem and eating disorder. (You can read about that here) I grew a lot as a person this year (emotionally and spiritually).

Going into 2011, I am already setting my intentions for the year. These are things that will happen. No question of "if." I am taking all other options off the table. One of the things that I have learned is to name your goals as if they already happpened. Don't leave room for the "what ifs" Just say and then own it.

So, I am sharing my goals with you for the 2011 year!

• Weigh 160 pounds (or less). After spending the last 4 years over 200 pounds, I am leaving the 200's behind forever
• Run the Chicago Marathon. October 2011 will find me pounding the pavement in the city of Chicago
• Become certified to teach Turbo Fire and Hip Hop Hustle
• Become a Certified Personal Trainer (signing up for the classes in Jan.) and start working towards becoming a Nutritionist
• Publish my novel
• Publish my non-fiction book
• Start on my children's book series

These are things that are all non-negotiable for the 2011 year. There are a few other things as well that are on that list. These are things that will happen.

2011 will be MY year!

Dealing with death

This morning a furry member of our family gained their wings and flew to Doggy Heaven. Bella wasn't even a year old. We had got her in March at 8 weeks old. She was a pure-bred, blue eyed Siberian Huskie and a welcomed addition to our family. Today, she passed away.

She had been sick for a while, not really gaining weight. But, she never suffered. We tried everything thing we could for her, but nothing worked. Nothing was ever found to be wrong with her. She was a huge ball of energy. Just the other day I was playing with her. Yesterday, she was quieter than normal, I guess that should have been my sign that she was going. Today, I walked into the garage and called her name. And she didn't come running like she normally did. She had passed away. I had to explain to the kids what happened to Bella. At 3 and 4, they didn't understand. They watched at daddy dug a hole and we buried Bella in our backyard. They said goodbye to her. Aidan seemed a little sad, but I don't think he quite got it.

Me? I wish I didn't understand it. Because I am heart broken. She was my dog. I picked her out, I named her. She was mine. I know that, to some, she is just a dog. But, she was a member of our family. And it hurts.

Holiday Gift Guide: Xbox 360 Kinect



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Recently I got a chance to try out the new Xbox 360 Kinect with Kinect Adventures. Being the gamer that I am, I had been following Microsofts development of this project back when it was called Project Natal. I was hesitant at first, after all this technology is brand new to the market, and is even leaps and bounds above Playstation 3's Move.

The Kinect system operates soley on your body movements. There is no controller needed. The set up and callibration of the Kinect system is extremely easy. And you will be ready to play in no time.

Using the Kinect system was a little tricky at first. But, once you get the hang of it, it is pretty easy--and fun.

One of the best things about the Kinect is that my 3 and 4 year old can play with Daddy and I now. They always want to play games when they see daddy or their older brother playing, but they didn't quite understand the controller thing. Since the body is the controller, they have no problems playing now.

Kinect Adventures: This game comes with the Xbox 360 system and Kinect Bundle. My kids love this game because it takes your pictures and displays them on the screen. There are 5 or 6 games with a few different levels. They are all 1 or 2 player games.

Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout: I had to try this one. I had been using the one on the Wii for a while, but the controller kept getting in the way. So, I popped this game in. Holy Cow! This is a full body, intense workout. You can use free weights and an excersise ball (for your core)

If you are looking for a great gift for the video game lover on your list this Christmas, definately consider the Xbox 360 Kinect!

Information:

Xbox 360 Kinect/Console 4G~$299.99 at Wal-Mart

The Kinect ONLY~$149.99 at Wal-Mart

Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout~$49.99 at Target

(I was not compensated in any form, either monetary or through goods, to provide this review. )

5 Easy Thanksgiving Crafts For Kids of All Ages

I live in the midwest, which means that the amount of time my kids spend outdoors is slowly becoming less and less. I am an outdoorsy kinda girl, so having to stay indoors kinda bites. Not to mention with a 4,3, and 18 month old, things get kinda hectic--fast.

I am a member of the Kraft Delicious Bytes Blogging program and recently came across 5 easy Thanksgiving crafts for kids.

· Encourage your kids to draw a picture of something they’re thankful for. Laminate the pictures and display them on your front door to welcome guests
  · Use old magazines to make a festive collage featuring classic Thanksgiving foods.
  

· Create custom decorated nameplates to add a personalized touch to Thanksgiving dinner.
  

· Make an original seasonal centerpiece using pinecones, corn and colorful leaves.


· Transform a plastic spoon into a pilgrim puppet with some felt “clothes,” wiggle eyes and a hat made of construction paper