Do you ever get tired of hearing your kids favorite show or movie over and over? I do! A few months ago we got a little tired of the same shows again and again since she only likes to watch a few of the same shows. We have an Amazon Fire TV with the game controller – which conveniently has a headphones jack! So I began my search for something for my kids to use to watch their shows with headphones when we wanted a little more quiet time.

My Review:

• Easy & safe adjustable (no pinching of fingers!)
• Volume limiting (93dB)
• Non-Pinching fold up for storage
• Snag-free cushioning
• Safe release cord jack for when those little cords get pulled!
• LilGadgets SharePort (R) Technology

 

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We live in a day and age where technology is king. It seems like everywhere you turn we are constantly surrounded by it.  Via phones, tablets, even apps for your TV. With new advancements everyday technology isn’t going anywhere so as a parent I have chosen to embrace it as part of my child’s learning environment.  My preschooler is surrounded by things to help him grow and explore the world around him.  He loves expressing himself and learning with crayons, dress up clothes, blocks, and robots/figurines/cars for creative play, that I simply see technology as one more media outlet to express his creativity and embark on learning adventures.

For Christmas K received the Little Scholar Educational Tablet from School Zone.  There are many tablets on the market that target his age group, but after seeing all that this tablet offered coupled with the fact that we already use several School Zone workbooks in our home, I knew this would be the perfect tablet for him to call his own.

The Little Scholar Educational Tablet is android based and full of great features.

Out Favorite Features

• The Little Scholar Educational Tablet comes with 150+ premium preloaded apps, eBooks, songs, and videos – it’s ready to use right out of the box.  (Of course after he played with it a bit, we took it and set it up to our likings.)  Plus it has a very easy to use main menu.  My 4.5 year old had it figured out before I did!
• The A+ app allows me to see regular progress reports. I can see what he’s playing most, and where he is excelling and where he may need extra help.

• With the Complete Start-to-Read eBook series my son is really loving the ability to “read” on his own.  He loves all the books and is always asking for more!

• The tablet actually cheers him on! As he works through the games and educational apps the tablet praises him from his efforts.  His face just lights up when this happens!
• I discovered I have a budding photographer! He loves the front-rear facing camera and taking his own pictures.  Then he can go in and play with special effects!
• Perfect for road trips!  We are getting ready to head out on a long drive and a two week stay away from home.  We plan on using the sing-along songs to break up the car ride, and then my older son will have something that he can play with while my younger son is having his testing done in the hospital.  There are so many apps that I don’t see K getting bored, but if he does I can actually download other fun android games like Angry Birds, and Where’s My Water.
• I love that the same great educational qualities I found in the school zone workbooks are also in this tablet.  So while my son thinks he’s just playing, he’s actually learning things like basic math, reading, counting, and so much more!

My Final Thoughts

I think we made the perfect choice in tablets for our son.  He really enjoys having a tablet of his very own, and I love that he is learning so much while playing.  In my opinion the books alone are worth the purchase, and the fact that it is preloaded with so many fun apps is great! So many tablets out there cost a similar amount but then require you to pay for more apps.  With the Little Scholar Educational Tablet you get so much for your money, and then if you still wanted more you have the option to add on more apps (many of which are free!)

The Little Scholar Educational Tablet costs $199 and in our opinion is worth every penny!

Connect with Little Scholar on Facebook and Twitter!

I am part of the Windows Champions Program.  As a Windows Champion I received loan of equipment from Microsoft to assist me in evaluating Microsoft products and services for my blogging activity.

Pretty exciting news from Windows!!  You may remember SkyDrive?  Well they have made some MAJOR improvements and now it is OneDrive!

If you are already an active SkyDrive user than you are already good to go and may have already been using it!  All your files are there, all you have to do is sign in to OneDrive.  For those who aren’t already using SkyDrive here are some pretty awesome reasons why you should:

• You get 7GB of storage for free just by signing up!  Plus more when your friends sign up!
• You can use OneDrive on Windows, Mac, iOS, Windows Phone, Android, and Xbox!!!  (THAT’S HUGE!!)
• You can view and edit your Office documents in your web browser
• If you are collaborating with others you can BOTH edit Office documents at the same time
• Speaking of collaboration you can do it whether they are PC, Mac, or web
• You can create and share folders
• You can set all your devices to automatically back up your photos to OneDrive.  This includes Windows 8.1, Android, iOS, and Windows Phone!!
• Make, edit, and share online slide shows
• Add captions and geotags to your pictures
• Post photos directly to your Facebook page
• Get organized!

I’m going to be honest.  Even as a Windows Champion Ambassador I wasn’t really using SkyDrive because I couldn’t import my iPhone pictures automatically.  I use my phone a lot to take pictures so it is a HUGE deal to me that now OneDrive is compatible with so many devices.  Big enough deal that I have switched my settings over to use it full time!

Plus if you sign up today you will automatically get 7GB of free storage and other opportunities to earn more! For instance I have been sharing my referral link through out this post because I love to take pictures of my adorable boys so I need all the storage I can get.

Do you use OneDrive?  What is your favorite feature?

ABCMouse.com has become a very helpful addition to our 4-yearold’s learning at home.  And the best part is; my bug absolutely loves it!  If you ask him what his favorite part of ABC Mouse is, he responds with: “All of it!”

I, as a mom, rarely expect to find something to catch his attention that is educational, and not just recreational.  ABC Mouse is the perfect blend of both.   With a great mix of creative learning techniques, and plenty of fun, it keeps us both looking forward to our “ABC Mouse Time” as a regular part of our routine!

ABC Mouse is a subscription service ($7.95 a month for up to 3 kids) that offers different educational activities for children from 2-6 years old.

The experience starts out with a fun tutorial on how to use the mouse (the one attached to the computer, not the one in Red shorts), then, it’s on to the classroom!  In the classroom you can either choose an activity, or start along a learning path.  The path takes you through different environments and activities including shapes, numbers and letter recognition.

My little guy loves the learning path because, every time he completes a task, he earns tickets that he can spend on things for his ABC Mouse Virtual Room.  He is exited to win each and every time.  He really enjoys all of the positive reinforcement while he “plays”.   (I put the word in quotes because, learning, is what he’s really doing!)

One of things I love most is the app for the iPad!  I am able to bring ABC Mouse with me wherever we go.  There is also content available for use while you are offline.  Bug loves to play the music videos, especially the letter I!

Most of us, at some point, have seen a commercial for ABC Mouse and wondered; “Is it worth it?  Does it really work?  Will my child really benefit from it?”

As far as our family is concerned, hands down, the answers are: YES!

Connect with ABCMouse.com on Facebook!

I was provided with a month of free service in exchange for an honest review.

My son and I both love playing games.  We have spent many a snuggle playing or painting or solving preschool problems on our devices.  Now that I have the new Acer touchscreen we have had fun exploring apps in the windows 8 app store.  There are a few we like, but we both love Fresh Paint.

About Fresh Paint

Meet Fresh Paint – a delightfully fun and realistic painting application for you and your family.

Fresh Paint is an easy to use, free app that includes oil paint and all the tools you need to paint. Whether you are an aspiring artist, parent, or kid (or kid at heart), Fresh Paint will help you unleash your inner creativity. We believe that brilliant, creative ideas can come from anyone, anytime. It’s time to set your creativity free.

Welcome to Fresh Paint – the canvas for your big ideas.

Fresh Paint Features

– Experience highly realistic oil paint. It works just like real oil on a canvas, just a little easier.

– Paint without the mess, clean-up, and costly supplies.

– Help your kids be creative and explore their imagination.

– Blend and mix paints to get just the color you want.

– Turn your photos into paintings with Fresh Paint. Import a photo, and then just brush and blend the colors to transform your picture into a beautiful oil painting.

– Purchase painting templates to help you improve your skill, or purchase coloring pages to help your kids explore their imagination.

– Choose from different brushes and change your brush size.

– Erase paint with the eraser, and correct any mistakes with the undo button.

– Click the fan button to dry instantly all the paint on your canvas.

– Paint in the way most natural for you. Get hands-on and finger paint, use a stylus or even a mouse, or purchase a capacitive paint brush and paint.

– Easily share your paintings with people you care about. Just swipe from the right edge of the screen and tap “Share.”

– More than just a digital painting program; Fresh Paint helps you bring your imagination to life.

– Now available – Disney•Pixar Finding Nemo Pack!

And yes, my son had me purchase the Disney Pixar Finding Nemo Pack!  The app is free and so are all the tools, but you can purchase packs of fun things for kids of all ages to paint!

Seriously, the things people can do with Fresh Paint is beyond impressive!  I thought I’d give my hand at it and create something wall worthy.  After snapping this picture of my baby’s hands I knew I had the picture I wanted to import and play with.

I simply imported this photo to a new canvas and played around.  If I was more talented I may have been able to actually paint his hands, but I’m not.  I do however like what adding paint to my picture did!

I then took my saved Fresh Paint painting and uploaded it to a picture to canvas site.  The final product now hangs on my wall.

Now if I could just get my older son to stay still long enough to do something similar with his beautiful hands, but in the mean time I will settle for his beautiful works of art he loves to create on my computer!  Bonus, I can actually print them out and share them with the whole family on our refrigerator because whether created with crayons or technology all art deserves to be displayed!

What will you create?

I am part of the Windows Champions Program.  As a Windows Champion I received loan of a laptop and may receive other equipment from Microsoft to assist me in evaluating Microsoft products and services for my blogging activity.

I am about to make a very embarrassing confession…

My inbox has at this very moment 11,000 unread emails. 

Did you draw in your breath in shock?  Because every time I open up my email I get a little sick to my stomach! Between getting added to email lists I never wanted to be on, a million daily deal emails, blog subscriptions, random press pitches, and so much more it has become seriously overwhelming.  I am what Soleil Moon Frye would call a digital hoarder.  Don’t even get me started on my pictures files…

Soleil calls digital clutter the silent enemy and has pointed out that in a new survey from Microsoft, 1 in 5 Americans identify themselves as digital hoarders. Just like a real mess, digital clutter can add a lot of stress to your life.

Soleil believes that you need the right tools to clear out the clutter.  Take email, for instance – 1 in 4 Americans have more than 1,000 emails in their inboxes.

Soleil suggests checking out the new Outlook.com which lets you automatically schedule a cleanup to move or delete newsletters, daily deals, and other commercial mail.  I am currently working on this move myself, and hope that one day I won’t be so scared of my inbox.  11,000 unread emails – sheesh!

In addition, Soleil points to apps for keeping organized.

There’s a great app for Windows 8 users called AboutOne Family Organizer.

At $1.49 this is a great way to begin spring cleaning on your computer! The app helps you keep track of everything you need to remember, saving you time by turning your notes and to-do’s, photos, videos, artwork, documents and other details into useful reports and reminders. I am planning on checking this out  It would be nice to have everything in one place!

To stay on top of all my pictures I have started to use SkyDrive.

SkyDrive allows me to access and update it from virtually any computer or mobile device. Since I work on multiple computers this is great!  And I can stop adding to my email clutter by emailing pictures to myself so I have them on both computers.  Now I just need to check out my SkyDrive.  Plus, SkyDrive even allows me to share photos albums with my family so they can see instant updates on the Grand-babies!

Click here to see Soleil’s post on the Windows blog and check out this great video!

So, it’s your turn to confess…

Are you a Digital Hoarder too?

I am part of the Windows Champions Program.  As a Windows Champion I received loan of a laptop and may receive other equipment from Microsoft to assist me in evaluating Microsoft products and services for my blogging activity. I’m excited to share all I’m learning with you!

You might be asking why I needed to learn how to use it, but truly it has taken me some time to learn and fall in love with it.  The answer to that is in addition to having the new Windows 8 (which I am digging by the way…) it also has a touchscreen!  I have enjoyed exploring it, and basically have come to the conclusion that this ultrabook’s timely entry into my life as a new mom to two boys couldn’t have been better timed if I myself had planned it.  This beautiful (and seriously, this computer is beautiful) ultrabook has really served up some features that even I didn’t know I needed!

Acer Aspire S7-391 Tech Specs:

• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
• Weight: 2.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 12.7” x 8.8” x .47”
• Screen Size: 13.3”, 1929 x 1080
• Touchscreen: Yes
• Hard Drive Size: 128/256 GB RAID0 SSD
• RAM: 4 GB DDR3
• Processor: 3rd Generation Intel Core i5/i7
• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics

So why do I love this sleek little glowing ultrabook so much?

1. The Gorilla Glass cover.  This bad boy is strong!  With a three year old hell bent on destroying everything in his path (most of the time by accident) I need a computer that is strong.  The cover is scratch resistant, easy to clean, and can take a bump or two.

2. The light up keyboard.  Most often I find myself meeting deadlines between 10pm-12am when my whole family is asleep.  The light up keyboard makes it easy for me to blog at night and write to my hearts content.

3. It’s a space saver.  As a mother of two and a blogger I am already lugging around more crap than most travelers do with my camera, diapers, toys, and snacks for the kid, so the last thing I need is to have a thick laptop to jam into my bag.  I have never seen a thinner computer.  The size of my ultrabook closed rivals the size of my tablet, and if I had my choice I’d rather have my laptop with me!

4. It’s ONLY 2.86 lbs people! At less than 3 lbs I barely notice my ultrabook in my bag.  Trust me when you are carrying around a 16 lb infant, chasing a 43 lb toddler, and lugging a diaper bag topping 10 lbs, adding this extra 3 lbs into the mix is a breeze!  It’s so light that I have actually gotten upset at myself thinking I’d left it at home from time to time!  (Not sure though if that’s the lightness of the computer or the mommy brain…)

5. Mommy has a TOUCHSCREEN.  Oh I am having so much fun with my touch screen.  Late night Pinterest sessions while nursing the baby, games like Bubble Pop and Wordament, and even browsing the news are so much easier when I only have to use one hand – which these days is all I have!

6. The Flat Feature.  Did you know that the Acer Aspire s7 can lay completely flat?  I LOVE this feature.  Again for late night nursing sessions, but also for when I let my 3 year old play games or is painting in Fresh Paint.  When I first let him play Fresh Paint, he was frustrated because it didn’t lay flat like he is used to painting.  Lucky for him, my computer actually does lay completely flat.  Now he loves hovering over the picture and painting and doesn’t get frustrated.

7. The Battery Life.  I don’t know that I have been able to get 12 hours of battery life from this computer, but it easily rivals my old laptop.  I love knowing I can take this with me and work while my son’s in preschool and not worry about whether my computer will die.  There is nothing worse than finding the time to get a post done only to have my computer die on me.  Plus, the last thing my diaper bag needs is ANYTHING ELSE!

8. The Graphics. Watching a movie on this computer is ALMOST better then watching it on our big TV because I can bring it into bed with me, curl up to Netflix and enjoy a relaxing hour of TV.  Or I can watch a movie while traveling with my children which as any parent knows is a great sanity saver.

9. Windows 8.  I am LOVING, in-spite of hating change, Windows 8.  I love that I can really personalize my computer and make it my own place.  From fun apps, to colorful backgrounds, I’ve really been able to make this ultrabook my own.  Which for me is a big deal, it’s the only place I look that isn’t covered in kids toys, movies, or food. (Save for a few apps I have downloaded for my 3 year…) I guess nothing is ever truly just mine, but at least with Windows 8 I can make it seem that way.  Plus with Skydrive I can bounce back and forth between my ultrabook and my old computer pretty seamlessly!

10. It’s Sexy Looking.  I admit, I’m a total girl when it comes to picking out new things.  I like clean lines, and shiny things.  I like my things to be cute! This ultrabook certainly has clean lines and is very shiny.  I love knowing that my ultrabook stands our from a sea of computers.  Every time I see it on my desktop I can’t help but think how cute it is.  So thin, shiny, and white!  I just love it!

I am part of the Windows Champions Program.  As a Windows Champion I received loan of a laptop and may receive other equipment from Microsoft to assist me in evaluating Microsoft products and services for my blogging activity.

I don’t know about you, but this is a movie I really want to see in the theaters.  I may not be able to get to it this weekend, but now I can go behind-the-scenes of the movie with this exclusive interactive book “Lincoln: Discover the Story.”

See how a crucial time in America’s history was recreated and brought to the screen with beautiful photos, art, interviews, music and more!  This interactive book is available for now for FREE download for the iPad!

Click the link below to download!

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LINCOLN opens nationwide this Friday, November 16^th

Big news from Windows today!  Have you heard?

WINDOWS 8 IS FINALLY HERE!

Starting today, Windows 8 will be available for purchase in more than 140 markets and 37 languages in two primary versions—Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro, as well as Windows 8 Enterprise for large organizations.

Beginning Friday, Oct. 26, consumers and businesses worldwide will be able to experience all that Windows 8 has to offer, including a beautiful new user interface and a wide range of applications with the grand opening of the Windows Store. As a result of close work with hardware partners, more than 1,000 certified PCs and tablets, including Microsoft Surface, will be available for the launch of Windows 8 — making it the best lineup of PCs ever across the Windows 8 and Windows RT ecosystem.

“We have reimagined Windows and the result is a stunning lineup of new PCs,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “Windows 8 brings together the best of the PC and the tablet. It works perfect for work and play and it is alive with your world. Every one of our customers will find a PC that they will absolutely love.”

If you are among the few that just can’t wait to upgrade the good news is Microsoft is inviting everyone to join the celebration at a retail store near you today to see the latest Windows 8 devices in person!

Speaking of devices, you may have heard that Windows also just launched the new Surface today! I have to tell you this device is sleek, skinny, and stunning.

I WANT IT!  (Hello Christmas List!)

However, if you are a bit nervous about upgrading and learning a new operating system (My hubs always is…), The Microsoft retail stores are offering ongoing free drop-in Windows 8 training sessions at their stores, so customers can get the most of their new Windows 8 device.  No headaches, this is a great way to see just exactly what Windows 8 can do for you!

Just so you know, the upgrade only runs $39.99 for current Windows Vista, XP, or 7 users.  You can also find some great update options no matter what your needs are on the Windows 8 site.

Are you planning on upgrading? Why or Why Not? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I am a Windows Champion ambassador, but I have not been compensated for this post.  All opinions are 100% my own!

In this day and age of being constantly on the go, taking pictures using multiple devices, and need documents at a moments notice, the HP DeskJet 3052A e-all-in-one wireless printer makes any busy family’s lives more convenient.

USING THE HP DESKJET 3052A

The HP DeskJet 3052A wireless printer is available exclusively at Walmart for an amazing price of only $69.00 making it a great budget buy for your family!  What is so great about this printer is it’s wireless capabilities.  I can print pictures or documents from anywhere in the country right to my home computer with the touch of a button.

This makes it easy to

• print new photos to send to my family.
• print a map from my phone before leaving for a trip.
• print my tickets for traveling without having to open my computer.
• print a document from anywhere I am.
• print next week’s home schedule while I finish it waiting for my son to get out of school and have it ready when I walk in the door.

What’s even cooler, is that with this printer, I could purchase one for Squishy’s grandparents, add their printer’s email address to my phone app, and print pictures right to her home computer!  Adding an email address is really easy using the ePrint option you are able to set up your own customizable email address for your printer.  Then anyone can print to your printer as long as they have this.  All you have to do is add this address to your phone and tablet’s app set up screen, and you are able to print from anywhere.

Plus the option of giving out the email address means that my family and friends. can also send documents or pictures directly to my home printer!  A perfect use of this would be when my husband is overseas and our car insurance cards are updated.  They email him, and now instead of emailing me, and then having to remember to print them, he can email them right to the printer and have them waiting for me!

With the printer’s scan option, I can scan documents wirelessly to my phone, tablet, or computer at the touch of a button.  Then I can just email them off to where they need to go, and I am done!  This is great for me as a blogger. Often times I have contracts to sign and return.  Being able to scan them right to my computer or phone will mean one less step in getting them back to their intended!

SET UP

The HP DeskJet 3042A was simple to set up, once I figured out I needed to disable my firewall to allow the printer to connect to my wireless network, everything took less than 30 minutes from the time I opened the package.  Normally, I am not the person in my household who is good with technology or setting things up, so to be able to do this on my own gives me confidence anyone can do it.

HP XL INK

Furthermore, the HP XL ink options for this computer allow me to save up to 40% on traditional ink cartridges.  The standard HP 60 ink costs $26 and prints around 200(black ink) pages.  The HP XL 60 ink costs $34 and prints around 600(black ink) pages!  The color ink regular vs XL is about 165/440 pages.  That is a great savings which I really appreciate, plus more ink equals less trips out to the store!

Check out my video review to see how truly easy the HP 3052A e-all-in-one printer is!

Disclosure: I received the printer and XL ink as part of a promotional program with MomSelect.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% honest, and my own.  No monetary compensation was given for my review.