4 Apps Made to Help You Make Your Kids Safer

Being a parent is a challenge. (Hence, why we are reading mamachallenge.com, right?) 

Especially when they get to that point where they can open up your iPhone or iPad and begin navigating the Internet. And while using technology can be scary, there are a few apps out there designed to help you keep up with your kids, check them out when you are near and even show off their artwork from your phone! 

1. Life360
An accurate and powerful family locater app, Life360 eliminates the need for worrying about the whereabouts of your family. This app keeps millions of families and close friends connected, no matter what chaos life throws your way. With Life360, you can see where your family and friends are on a private map, stay in touch with group and one-on-one messaging, and get help in an emergency.

2. KIDO’Z
A popular app designed to provide a fun and safe environment for kids, KIDO’Z transforms phones, tablets and computers into kid-friendly devices. The best part? Kids playing on the KIDO’Z app can’t accidently or purposely wind up where they shouldn’t be on a device. KIDO’Z brings several layers of unique security, including a child-lock system, ads blocker, and apps filter to ensure that kids can only download suitable applications.

3. ICE: In Case of Emergency
This life-saving app allows parents to store important health data (allergies, emergency contacts, prescriptions, list of health conditions, etc.) for first responders and health staff to use in case of a medical emergency. The app can even be accessed when the phone is locked with a password code.

4. Baby Monitor & Alarm
Loaded with unique features, this easy-to-use app not only alerts parents when there is a noise in a baby’s room, but helps parents calm their child no matter where they are through a mobile device. Loved by parents, Baby Monitor & Alarm has received great reviews from newspapers and online technology websites.

Make Life Easier with the Samsung Chromebook

Tech Tuesday:

Disclaimer: 
I was so incredibly happy to receive a Chromebook from Staples for purposes of this review. It came at the worst of times and the best of times, so I was able to really try it out and learn what makes a Chromebook unique. Read on to hear my fairy tale of making life easier with Samsung Chromebook. 

Let me tell you a sad story. 

Don't worry, it gets good in the end...so keep reading. 

One day a girl had a wonderful tablet computer that she loved to do research on because it was easy to navigate and was extremely portable from a company called "Pear." (Names have been changed to protect others.) 

Unfortunately, one fine day while she was carrying her tablet, a mean, horrible monster came and took it from her basket. She was so sad, she cried. And when she went home, her family cried. It was a sad day. Whatever would they do without it? 

Then out of the blue, came a little fairy named Staples to bring her another computer called a Samsung Chromebook. While it wasn't a tablet, it had other special powers, that she wasn't even aware of yet. The fairy said, try this and see what you think. "You might be surprised what you find out." 

And so began a journey of discovery and exploration with the Samsung Chromebook. 

Considering I was already a total Google fan, getting going on the device didn't take long. Within a few seconds of logging into my Google account, I was working with all my pre-populated Google-everything platform. It was like I was working from my laptop, but instead much lighter at less than 2.5 pounds, quicker with its 10-second Fastboot technology and even more seamlessly with the integrated Google operating system. 

The Samsung Chromebook is thin and light with a lot of accessibility.

I was impressed. But what else could be so special about it? 

Plenty.

• The use of a keyboard is pretty obvious and unlike small tablets that can only connect to a keyboard via bluetooth, it's ready to go once you open it and as easy to type on as a laptop. 
• Built-in virus protection with the Google Chrome Operating System makes it a no-brainer for searching the Internet.
• With 6.5 hours of battery life, the Chromebook creates a world of opportunity, especially when you run into Starbucks to get online and there's not one outlet available. 
• Ports!  You can actually connect to files on flash drive via the USB and HDMI port - meaning I can charge up my lovely smartphone while I'm working. And it also comes standard with WiFi and Bluetooth, giving you even more options to connect. 
• Ready to conduct a quick Google hangout? Then start one in seconds with the quick button to the built-in camera! 
• And the price? Starting at only $249, you could have two Chromebooks for the price of the leading tablet. 

Check out how thin the Samsung Chrome is next to my smartphone. (No judgement on the chipped equipment!)

However, it's the machine that keeps on giving, too! 

As part of Google's interface, it also means that in addition to all the standard apps automatically in your Google account, you can add more apps to create your custom Google portal. And if you work off more than one machine like I do, it's wonderful to be able to access all your files and everything without investing in an FTP or duplicating files in another system. Your files are updated in real-time, and if you are sharing documents with others, you don't have to have all the other programs to update thanks to Google Drive. And Google Print, is nothing short of genius! 

Photo courtesy of Staples.com

One of the other great things about this low-cost laptop are the added goodies like more Google Drive space, a free trial of Google Play and even 12 free Gogo in-air internet passes to use when you are traveling!

So with all the benefits of the Samsung Chromebook, it's like a dream-come-true for those of us that are looking for a portable computer option that's easy to use, can run tons of apps and access programs, and of course, fits into our price range. 

And as the story goes, the girl lived happily ever after. 

Graphic courtesy of Staples.com

Create your own computer fairy tale by getting your Samsung Chromebook at Staples, where they make things easy. By purchasing at Staples, you can get free shipping as well as 5% back when you are a Staples Rewards Member.

Wouldn't a Chromebook make your life a little bit easier? 

Healthy Summer Crock Pot Recipes To Keep You Out of the Kitchen

TV Tuesday:

This morning I made a visit over to Dallas' WFAA 8 Good Morning Texas to cook up some of our favorite take out recipes - done healthy! And best of all making them in the slow cooker, you aren't slaving away in the hot kitchen! So bust out that crock pot and let's get cookin'!

Check out my healthy crock pot recipe redos for Carnitas Tacos, General Tso's Chicken, and Chicken Parm!

I have lots more healthy slow cooker recipes where those came from on my Pinterest!

Do you have any healthy recipes you'd like to share? I'd love to test them out! 

To-Do: Iphone Dieting, Gluten-Free Baking and Soup Fairies for the NTFB

To-Do Thursday: 

This weekend I was hoping to enjoy the weather...however, since today is supposed to be sensational and then starting tonight it all goes to crap again, I've decided to enjoy the weather today!

And...I've decided to surprise my kids and take them somewhere they will love. Interested in our journey? Then follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see where we end up!

However, if you can't enjoy the weather either or are looking for something else to do in DFW, let me make some suggestions (for this weekend or to get your tickets NOW!) 

This Weekend:

Go Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free with Best-Selling Author, Jan. 26

Does your child have Celiac Disease or do you have a family history of diabetes or looking to lose weight? Baking instructor and best-selling author Peter Reinhart offers a new take on gluten-free baking for four nights at local Central Market locations. 

Schedule for the Future: 

Book Your Enchanted Fairies Calendar 2014 Personal Fairy Session NOW

Every little boy and girl (and their mother) dreams about to be a princess or a warrior and now it is possible with Enchanted Fairies studios and the 2014 Enchanted Fairies Calendar and a donation to the North Texas Food Bank.

Buy Your Tickets:

Enjoy Super Soups with Empty Bowls 2013, Dallas and Fort Worth!

One of my favorite annual charity events in Dallas and Fort Worth is Empty Bowls! The unique event is a fantastic fundraiser for each area’s food banks, North Texas Food Bank in Dallas and Tarrant Area Food Bank in Fort Worth. With admission, patrons are invited enjoy any of the soups, breads and desserts provided by several of your favorite local restaurants and go home with a hand crafted bowl created by an area artisan. 

A part of my "Empty Bowls" collection from over the years! Don't miss this one!

In Your Downtime: 

Dieting? 5 Food Apps to Satisfy Your Craving Without the Calories

Are you on a diet like everyone else is this month? Since I’m all about SHREDDING the weight, I’m craving everything I’m NOT supposed to be eating like pizza, cake balls and Chinese food. So in efforts to satisfy my urges without caving, here’s this fabulous list of fun food apps made for kids, but will keep you (and your waistline) happy.

It Hurt Me (Good) to the Core {Free Fab Ab Video}

Try-It Tuesday:

Every mom, except maybe Heidi Klum, has to work to get her abs back after giving birth.

Too bad in my case, I'm still looking to get some in the first place.

Bellybands, girdles and Spanx are very useful in creating optical illusions, but when it comes down to it, nothing beats working out that core section to create those coveted Jennifer Aniston abs.

Unfortunately, while practice does make perfect, it is hard to pony up to a pilates class because when you hear "100," you think it means it's a sponsored Nabisco snack time. (That's another story.)

Thankfully, Jill Miller has created a solution that helps you build-up those abs layer-by-layer to help you overcome core and abdominal weakeness caused by underuse, injury and scar tissue (i.e. babies.) Through  her seven sequences that can be completed at home in no matter what shape you're in, she works to create a strong, flexible and balanced core with her newest video in her Yoga Tune-Up series, Coregeous (yep, say "goregeous" with a "c.")

While I won't be sharing my first experience working through the video, I can definitely admit - my abs have been worked in ways I never thought possible. After being in bed due to illness, I need a lot of help. And if I can get up off the floor tomorrow, I'll be doing this again and again...(How else am I going to make Ryan Gosling mistakenly call me Eva?)

FREE ALERT: Wondering if this is for you? Jill's really nice and has some free videos for you to check out online.

Coregeous with Jill Miller

$14-$19 

Buy It (Amazon.com and YogaTune-Up.com)

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Five Free Christmas Apps to Entertain Them (and Save You)

Sharing Saturdays:

For all of you that will be traveling like our family this holiday, cartime togetherness may be wonderful one minute and whoa-is-me another. While talking and sharing time together may be a more positive option, sometimes it's ok just to turn around and hand them your Iphone. So prepare yourself just in case with these 5 free apps to entertain your kids and save your sanity this holiday season!

Hungry Santa
Fatten up Santa before Christmas. Tilt the device to move Santa’s mouth under falling treats, but watch out for the healthy broccoli. Santa gets fatter and fatter as he chomps on all the goodies. Give him some fatty bonuses by bouncing the treats off his belly before he eats them, or eating long strings of treats all in a row. Go for the elusive “Crazy Chomp” bonus. You can’t play this one without laughing out loud.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hungry-santa/id476208269?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tegtap.hungrysanta

Gingerbread Crazy Chef Cookie Maker
The tradition of leaving cookies for Santa has never been as fun and no-fuss as this. Gingerbread Crazy Chef is an innovative app that kids and parents can use together to create the most colorful, playful and crazy holiday cookies to leave for the Jolly Old Elf on Christmas Eve. Choose the shape, mix the ingredients and make “digital cookies” for Santa. Best of all? No mess and no clean-up! Great for kids, families and parents with children.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gingerbread-crazy-chef-cookie/id569863692?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tabtale.christmasgingerbreadcookiemaker

Cut the Rope: Holiday Gift
From the creators of Cut the Rope, comes the Special Holiday Gift game, which combines all the outstanding physics, devilishly tricky levels, and bright colorful visuals of the original — with a festive winter feel. SHAKE your iPhone for a special surprise! Swipe your finger to cut the ropes and feed Om Nom candy. Don’t forget to collect stars as you play. Think before you cut, and be sure to avoid spiders, spikes and other obstacles … getting that candy to Om Nom won’t be easy!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cut-the-rope-holiday-gift/id406513121?mt=8

Santa’s Village
The perfect game for the whole family. Help Santa by building a bigger and better village, and save Christmas from being ruined by the Grumpkins. Start by building homes for Santa's elves, create a toy factory and make lots of toys, teach reindeer how to fly, and meet magical neighbors like Yobo the Yeti. Unlock special buildings and colorful decorations to make your village even merrier.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/santasvillage/id457724319?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.makingfun.santasvillage

Snowman Maker Plus
The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful … and since we’ve no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Yes, you can sit by the fire AND build an adorable, realistic looking snowman when you play Snowman Maker.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/snowman-maker-plus/id405388005?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sunstorm.android.snowman

Last-minute Gifts for Your Tech Tot, Teen or In-Between

Tech Tuesdays:

It's hard to imagine this time next week, all the work you've taken to carefully select the right item for the right person and then wrap it up beautifully under the Christmas tree will be sitting in a pile of trash after Christmas morning. However, like many people I know the tree is still bare and last-minute shopping is in high gear as those not done (or started) with their list clamor for the shopping centers or online in hopes to have something in hand when they show up for Christmas. 

To make things a little easier for finding the right thing for that special person on your list, I've put together a few last-minute items that can still be found online or on shelves for the kiddo with the avid imagination, the bigger kid thill-seeker or the next Van Gogh. While developed with kids in mind, some of these are cool enough your "big kids" (or even mom and dad) will want to get their hands on them. And like many gifts now available, each one has a tech capability, so everyone can share their fun and imagination when you attach it to your computer. 

For the Adventurer (in the making with an avid imagination):

NERF Nightvision Camcorder, Ages 5-9

I was so excited with this camcorder, I almost had to wrap it up and put my name on it. NERF has combined the world of toys and technology to create the perfect gift with a night-vision camcorder that not only allows you to see up to 50 feet in the dark, but records video with 4x magnification. Best of all, you can store those magic adventures with the SD memory card slot or with the USB port to plug into your family computer. Known of its durability, the Nerf Nightvision Camcorder includes a carry strap, removable lens cover and several button options to capture his/her latest adventure.

At just about one 1 lb., your little one can pick it up, but your big kids will be grabbing for NERF Nightvision Camcorder, especially on Christmas Eve to spot Santa in the act. (Perhaps this is what Santa should be bringing instead.)

SRP: $89.99 – Toys “R” Us, on sale for around $75 at Amazon.com

For the Thrill Seeker – skateboarder, snow ski enthusiast, biker:

Action Shot Camera, Ages 8 and above

Next to a helmet, this is the second thing your thrill-seeker should have – the Action Shot Camera. With the 'Click & Grip' mounting system, mount this small camera onto helmets, bike handlebars, skateboards and more and to record those “wow moments” they’ll want to share less with you and more with their friends. Includes a helmet mount, adhesive mount, protective or mounting case, USB connection and editing software is included with the camera as well as 128MB of on-board memory, MicroSD card slot to add more memory. With the digital capabilities of video - VGA resolution (640x480) at 30 frames per second, QVGA resolution (320x240) at 60 frames per second, photos- 640x380 resolution.  In a nutshell, they can get some great shots, but they won’t necessarily be able to display them on ESPN.

Thankfully, now with the Action Shot Camera they won’t try to use their smart phone and use both hands on the adrenaline-rush of the day.

SRP: $59.99 – On sale on Toys “R” Us for $34.99, Amazon.com

For the Illustrator, Artist or Photography Nut:

EasyPen i405XE, KYA, Ages 12 and above

Another item that this mom was reluctant to wrap up and put under the tree for someone else is the EasyPen i405XE from Genius Tablet.  Ideal for anyone already with an artistic inclination and a computer, this plug-and-play digital art studio allows artists and photography nuts to create their own drawings and add their own creative touches to existing pictures with the ease of a cordless pen. The tablet attachment includes a wide selection of brushes, paints, pens and paper textures to allow the user to add unique touches to photos, scrapbooks, paintings, etc. and includes Corel Painter Essentials 4, one of the leading graphic software on the market today. 

The only limitations of the Genius Tablet is what can be created by the person holding the cordless pen.

SRP: $59.99 (but on sale for less than $50 on Amazon.com right now.)

If you're still looking for the RIGHT present for the right person, make sure to take a look at my HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!

DISCLAIMER:

I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Hey, Go Elf Yourself (and how my family does it rap-style!)

Tech Tuesdays:

You know you’ve done it or at least thought about it.

Yes, everybody does. Elfing yourself! (tee-hee!)

But this year, this holiday pastime has gotten bigger. Much bigger. And the kids are invited to play along with their own version – all year long.

Yes, ElfYourself.com, the most popular FREE holiday eGreeting from OfficeMax.com, with more than 470 million customized elf eGreetings during the past six holiday seasons, is back to turn everyone into dancing Santa’s helpers.  New this year, everyone who “elfs” themselves at ElfYourself receives a FREE year-at-a-view calendar featuring their “elfed” photos. Simply upload your photos, click “Let’s Dance” and select the “Get Calendar” link. The site will generate an exclusive promo code that can be redeemed for a custom ElfYourself Calendar at your nearest OfficeMax store. (Calendars retail for $6.99 and are limited to one per customer.)

But that’s not all folks… the guys at OfficeMax.com keep spreading holiday cheer by allowing you to share your custom eGreetings via email, Facebook, Twitter or by embedding it on websites. Or even better, you can get your 60-seconds of “Elf” Fame by participating in a new real-time holiday experience at ElfYourself Live, a dedicated channel featured on YouNow.com where your one-minute video is broadcasted online in front of a live global audience.

The brains behind those JibJab personalized greeting cards, such as Elf Yourself, are now letting your kids star in their own animated bedtime story books.  It’s a free iPad app that enables parents to create personalized, animated eBooks that include your child’s name and face in the stories Called “Starring You StoryBooks”.   

You can choose from one of many different kids’ books (with one free to start). The next step is to import your child's face so it's superimposed on the main character. You can take a photo using your device or select one from your photo gallery. Now you're ready to flip through the storybook. The main character – which now has your child's face – will walk, run, swim, cartwheel and dance around the pages. You can check out the StoryBots here --->http://www.storybots.com.  

I’m pretty sure my kid asks everyday to read HIS StoryBotsbook. He loves it and you will too!

Have fun and of course, “Go Elf Yourself!”

Point, Click and Pics with PostalPix

Tech Tuesdays:

As of today I've have around 1200 photos on my IPhone. While I have several apps to sync up my photos and send lots of photos to my email with regularity, my Photostream serves as my brag book, work portfolio and a little bit of (my) history. If you look through my first 10 photos, they include my wedding and the birth of my first son. However, for some reason, they've never made the real photo album or a picture on the wall. 

Thankfully, PostalPix is now making it possible to actually get those "someday" shots actually printed and sitting on your wall (especially if my trusty IPhone goes awry.) This free iPhone app enables you to order those photos as high-quality prints and have them delivered directly to your home. This works really well with your square Instagram prints since it has an option for square photos and is a great way to cherish these real photos in the home or at the office. 

It's sad that I actually take better Instagram photos than normal photos, but now you can actually show them off in a frame rather than just your Facebook friends or blog followers! And with the holidays around the corner, rather than having professional shots taken for Grandma's frames, you can just use those perfect "in the moment" shots for the best holiday gifts she has ever received. Best of all, you don't even have to mail it to your email account first OR send them to your drugstore for pickup, but just to the mailbox. (Hence, the name PostalPix!)

Stuff his Stocking with this Man Must-Have: The iGrill for IPhone and IPad

Tech Tuesdays:

As Texas residents there is a requirement that you own a grill. It’s like an extension of your kitchen and like many things also in Texas – the bigger the better. Thankfully, temperatures here allow you to cook outside ‘round the year except when Mother Nature throws you a loop about half-way through the grilling process.

I know from my own experience that there have been many times I’ve had the “perfect meal” ready to go…I just needed to cook the steaks. Unfortunately, you either have to stay and babysit the steaks OR put them on the grill, walk-away just for a second and then SOMETHING always makes you forget and you end up having some really well-done steaks. It’s like I just need a little steak cook for about 20 minutes to watch the meat and then tell me when they’re done…

And then there was iGrill. Your IPhone/IPad already does everything else. It’s already your phone, computer, assistant, baby camera/monitor (yes, I have that app), and everything else…well now you can add cook to its long-list of reasons you’ll never be able to go to another smart device. Created by iDevices, the iGrill is a wireless cooking thermometer that you plug into your meat and it alerts you on your device when the meat gets to the right temperature. Almost seems like cheating, right?

Whether you’re grilling, smoking or indoor cooking, the iGrill wants to be your new cooking assistant. Using two included probes, the iGrill device measures the temperature and using the free app on your IPhone, alerts you when you should come and check out your meat. Bottom line: You can stay inside, watch TV and then come out and take the meat out when it’s done. The app even provides you links to recipes from Jennie-O as well as a guide to making the perfect steak and even deboning a fish.

While I would say this baby is perfect for a man gift this Christmas, I can only imagine how my first turkey would have actually turned out if my IPhone would had woke me up from my accidental slumber rather than to wake up two hours later with a huge, burned bird. I think the iGrill might be the way to save many meals in the future…it’s wireless cooking at your fingertips.

iGrill

Starting at $79

Available at iGrill.com, Brookstone, and Apple

DISCLAIMER:

I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

What to Toast with the Turkey: Wine Picks for Thanksgiving

Tech Tuesdays:

It's not just Tech Tuesday - it's also two days before Thanksgiving! 

Whether you are cooking, visiting or even dining out, you are probably going to be met with the challenge of wine at Thanksgiving. Well never fear, I not only have a recommendation for your Thanksgiving needs as well as a resource that keeps on giving no matter the holiday or occasion for all your wine suggestions.  I’m so excited to share this info – especially since I was able to talk one-on-one with the creator.  (Heads up: Get out your smartphone so you can get ready to download this!)

Loved this photo from blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com.

Recommendations for Thanksgiving Wines 

From WinePoynt’s sommelier and president, Chris Taylor:   

“My advice is to offer two wines with your Thanksgiving dinner, a medium-bodied white wine with acidity and a touch of sweetness, and a smooth red wine with good fruit character that compliments the flavors on your plate without bossing them around too much.  With a white and a red to choose from that both complement the spread, plus the fact that one’s sweet and the other’s not, you should have all the bases covered.”

White

$ Rieslings from Washington

If your table will be heavy on the marshmallows and other sweets, you may want to go for a slightly sweeter white wine, like a Riesling.  Sweetness varies across different Rieslings, but most of the ones from Washington are versatile enough to go with dinner & dessert.

$$ Chenin Blanc wines from Loire Valley of France (e.g. Vouvray)

The balance of sweetness & acidity complements the tang of cranberries, the richness of sweet potatoes, AND the turkey!

Red

$-$$ Pinot Noir from California

Styles vary of course, but these smooth reds are easy to drink, bursting with fruit and spices, are generally crowd pleasers, and won’t trip over anything on the table.

$$ 2012 Beaujolais Nouveau

The first wines available from the French harvest each year go on sale the Third Thursday of each November, just in time for Thanksgiving.  These light, fruity offerings from the gamay grape are intended to help us give thanks and celebrate the bounty of the harvest.  Perfect!

DRINK. RATE. REPEAT.: A little about Chris and WinePoynt

What happens when you are an accomplished sommelier with volumes of wine knowledge and you want to be able to make recommendations for people no matter where they are and no matter their wine price point? You create an app called WinePoynt.

All the knowledge from WinePoynt’s sommelier and president, Chris Taylor, was repurposed, organized and optimized to create the newest must-download app on your smart device, WinePoynt.  Made for anyone from customers, restaurant owners, party planners and local spirit sellers, you can slice and dice wine info from what to buy, what to pair, what to drink, and more - all with a few clicks.

Using info from the user and their location, WinePoynt learns what individual users like as they rate wines, the more the better. Unlike any app on the market, WinePoynt offers the unique service of providing personalized wine recommendations for the users location, allowing them to create and publish custom wine lists, view wine details, rate wines, add notes, share wines, scan wines by UPC code and more, all with a single app. Additionally, app users can attach notes or pictures to wines and share them via social networks along with their ratings.  WinePoynt has a free and a premium version available to mobile users, the premium app costs $.99 a month or $4.99 per year. 

Cheers to the Holidays!