iPad Accessories and Cases for Moms

The iPad Apple Tablet is being released April 3rd, and if the 91,000 iPads that pre-sold on the first day it was made available tells us anything, it’s going to be one hot gadget! Along with the iPad comes a whole slew of iPad accessories, cases, covers, bags, and sleeves. However, let’s face it, most of these accessories are made by manboys for manboys. Those of us without a Y chromosome aren’t entirely left out though- there are some designers who are making iPad accessories and cases for Women.

For example, the ModulR iPad accessory system that was just announced is one of those must have accessories for any family on the go! It’s more than just a high quality iPad case, the accessories that come with it let you take your iPad almost everywhere you go. For example the ModulR wall mount lets you attach your iPad to a wall or cabinet in order to make for easy recipe reading in the kitchen and movie watching while waiting for your delicacies to cook. The ModulR car mount lets you keep the kids entertained and quiet by attaching the iPad to the back of your headrest to make for a quick, cheap, and easy entertainment system. The ModulR iPad stand turns your iPad into a beautiful picture frame or dinner party centerpiece to show off your latest adventures and keep the conversation flowing. No pricing information is available yet, but this is one iPad case to keep your eye on! This company really sees the true potential of this device and is banking that it will wheedle it’s way into our every day lives.

If you are looking for something with a little more feminine touch, and perhaps a splash of personality, then the Etsy marketplace is where you want to visit asap! There’s a ton of iPad bags, purses, and cases that are hand crafted and beautiful. One of our favorites is the iSockit iPad Case that is made from entirely vintage fabrics and buttons, making each and every case one of a kind! Another company called BelviDesign has a super cute pink iPad purse that is very adorable and high quality.

Although there’s a plethora of male-centric iPad accessories out there, if you look hard enough you can find some amazing cases that are as unique and beautiful as you are!

This article was sent in by our friends at Apple iPad Accessories- the premier source for iPad accessory information on the web. You can find lots more information and reviews on the latest iPad covers and accessories on their site.

The Full Plate Diet (& giveaway!)

When The Full Plate Diet book was offered as a review item for MomGadget, I had to think twice. I had been on Atkins for so long that I had started to regain some of the weight I’d lost due to flat out boredom. Now this diet gave me the freedom to enjoy brown rice and vegetables again? Inconceivable. It’s hard to wrap your head around the notion that a whole wheat sandwich with peanut butter and bananas won’t drive you straight into the grave after such a protein-rich diet. Now, I love Atkins but after trying to jumpstart back on Induction again after two years wasn’t panning out and I decided to make the switch to the Full Plate Diet to see what happened.

The book itself is awesome. Short and to the point with tons of great photos and diagrams, they stress a simple approach to losing weight. And simple it is. Fiber is the main ingredient in this lifestyle change; we’ve been hearing more and more about it on television and research is backing up the theory that increasing the fiber content in your food helps you feel fuller longer as well as having other health benefits.  The book’s layout is fun, low-key and quotes Yoda, “Try? There is no try. There is only do or not do” and Miss Piggy, “Never eat more than you can lift.” How can you not love it?

The authors of this book promote three key steps to health:

1. Eat more fiber foods

2. Drink more water

3. Stop eating when you’re no longer hungry

It can’t be that easy.

So I tried it. I packed away the expensive Atkins bars and shakes. Laughed at the eggs ready to once again darken my morning (I hate eggs) and looked forward to delicious oatmeal with berries for breakfast the next day. Then a banana for a snack — I was feeling almost decadent — a salad for lunch and brown rice with vegetables with a small piece of chicken for dinner.  I upped my water intake; I’ve always been a big fluid drinker though it was coffee in the morning and tea the rest of the day but now water was my main beverage and my skin glowed after a few days.  My innards felt, um, better, and I was ready to keep going another week.

So what happened? I lost three pounds in two weeks. Not the ten I’d lost within two weeks on Atkins induction phase but I knew I’d be happier in my diet since these were my natural food choices.  I can do this. You can do this.

Visit the The Full Plate Diet website for recipes, a community board and blog articles.

Giveaway! For your chance to win this great book, please visit my blog and say howdy.  Winner will be announced March 15, 2010, after 12p EST. Good luck!

Starting Over: Why the Last Decade Was so Damn Rotten and Why the Next One Will Surely Be Better

Can I see a show of hands of how many agree the last decade was rotten? I know, I know,  I can’t really see y our hands, but we all know the hands are there? With my hand raised, I was pleased to review Starting Over: Why the Last Decade Was so Damn Rotton and Why the Next One Will Surely Be Better.

Next question - When exactly does the decade begin? Was it 1999 through 2009? Or was it 2000 through 2010? Apparently that is for each indivual to answer. Critics down to Average Joe are entitled to their opinion.  Andy makes some very valid points in this book - Of course that may go without saying given the title, huh?

This author, Andy Serwer, is the managing editor of Fortune Magazine. Andy has taken his vast knowledge and collections of information and touches on the major headlines of the decade. He further makes observations as they pertain to  some of the mistakes in thinking that likely lead to some of the decades darkest moments.

Starting Over is designed to enlighten readers, remind them of things they had likely forgotten and perhaps encourage provoking thoughts of change.

This book is an easy read at 96 pages and can easily be read in one evening. The effect however, will last days, months and perhaps an entire decade.  If you’re preparing your Spring Break or Summer reading list, this is a must read.

Ocean Bag from Ecogear

Ocean Bag from Ecogear

Ever wonder where all those plastic water bottles go once they are picked up from your curbside recycling bin? Pick up an Ocean bag from Ecogear’s Earth Series and you will be holding in your hands a perfect example of what can be achieved through recycling. Discarded plastic bottles are transformed into water resistant fabric and then the fabric is used to construct a functional and stylish bag.

My daughter Savannah lives and works in the heart of Charlottesville, Virginia, an eco-friendly city known for being a pedestrian’s haven. With its historic downtown walking mall, conveniently located coffee houses, restaurants and gyms, and famous Friday’s After Five, we thought this would be the perfect place to try out the Ocean bag from Ecogear’s Earth Series.

For Savannah, style is one of her first considerations when on the lookout for a new purse, bag or accessory. The Ocean bag from the Earth Series is as stylish as it is functional. Available in two trendy shades of charcoal and pink, Ocean is a streamlined design that is both modern and chic. Says Savannah, “I love the way it looks and feels, it compliments my workout gear, and the fact that it is made out recycled plastic makes me feel like I’m giving something back.”

“I also like that I don’t have to sacrifice functionality for style. A convenient clip on the interior of the front pocket holds my keys so no more sifting through the bottom of my bag to find them when I need them. An organizer pocket has handy slots for all my loose items like my gym pass, a pen, and loose change. One of the pockets is even lined with a soft fabric to protect my iPod screen. The large interior pocket has three compartments roomy enough to hold my workout shoes, yoga pants, and a t-shirt. A zippered mesh pocket holds toiletries or valuables. There are even two zippered side pockets with interior mesh perfect for stashing a water bottle.”

Measuring just 14” x 12” x 7.5”, Savannah likes that the Ocean is small enough to fit inside the tiny lockers at the gym but large enough to hold everything she needs for yoga class. The mesh pocket on the shoulder strap is a convenient place to hold her cell phone or iPod when walking from the gym to the downtown mall for a quick cup of coffee or an outdoor concert. As an added benefit, the Ocean is a comfy fit with ergonomic mesh padded back and shoulders for support and comfort.

On sale now at Ecogear for just $39.99, Ocean is a bargain for a functional and stylish product and smart buy for the environment.

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This reviewer is not compensated for purchases made from links in this review.
Sample product(s) were provided for testing and reviewing purposes.
Please see my FTC Disclaimer for more details regarding this review.

The View Brand Ambassador Here!

I’m so excited to be able to announce to my friends, family and MomGadget readers that I’ve received word that I’ve been selected as a Brand Ambassador for the daytime television show The View. Yay! This is going to be FUN!

Every morning, while having our umteenth cup of coffee, Anthony and I watch The View. We always engage in conversation and debates over the daily “hot topics.” Sometimes we agree – but most of the time we carry out our disagreement clear through to the end of the show.

While this is very exciting to me – and perhaps thought-provoking for readers who may wish to engage in discussions on the show, after posting my announcement on Facebook, I have to stress to you – this does not mean I’m going to be on the show at all. Basically I get to participate for one month. I get inside information on shows, guests and get to participate in discussions, a variety of promotions and I may get some cool stuff along the way.

When this opportunity came up, I jumped. To show what a fan I am, this last Christmas, I got my mom and step-dad each a The View mug of their very own.

Seriously, I’m a true fan and my day just isn’t complete without the ladies of The View!

Over the next 4 weeks we’ll have assignments to let you all know what cool things will be happening with The View.

To get this party started, did you know Mom Central is running a contest to send one lucky fan to New York City to watch a taping of The View? If you are a fan and want to sign up You can enter HERE.

Do you watch The View? Who’s your favorite host? What is it about that host you like best?

 

“I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review.”

Recipe Book for the Elm Creek Quilts Series

For anyone following Jennifer Chiaverini’s Elm Creek Quilts series, or for cooks in general, I hope they find as much pleasure as I did in reading The Quilter’s Kitchen. 

This is Jennifer’s  first recipe book, yet it ties in the Elm Creek story, past and present, as the new cook and Sylvia Compson, main character of the series, clean out the old kitchen  in preparation for remodeling. Each piece of memorabilia they discover has its own story along with Sylvia’s recollections of recipes. Then everything is tied together, recipes and memorabilia, at the end in a delightful way.

Quilters and non-quilters have been following this series since Jennifer’s first book.  All the books tie in with Elm Creek Farm and family in some fashion, whether past or present.

Step Out in Sculptz: Tights, Sheers and Leggings Oh My!

Looking for some sexy tights, sheers, or leggings to dress up your Valentine’s Day outfit? Try stepping out in Sculptz. The slimming and smoothing features of Sculptz Shaper Tops and Control Tops will help you look your absolute best.

Sculptz Animal Pattern Opaque Tights with Shaper Top

For my review of Sculptz Animal Pattern Opaque Tights with Shaper Top, I could not resist quoting the Sculptz site: “Wild thing, you make my heart sing and legs swing!” This is the most fun I’ve had in a pair of tights! The animal pattern is flirty, sexy and makes you feel like you really did step on over to the wild side. Again, I can’t say enough about the shaping qualities of the Sculptz Shaper Top. It offers smooth shaping to eliminate bulges and panty lines, gives you lift in your rear, and slims your hips and thighs. It makes me feel so good it even gives me a spring in my step.

For more information or purchases visit the product page at Sculptz.

Sculptz 1 Carat Diamond with Shaper Top

Easily my favorite, 1 Carat Diamond Sheers by Sculptz again brought back a flood of memories from high school. This time it was the dance teams days. As soon as I slipped into the sexy diamond pattern I pictured myself wearing a top hat and tails and fishnet stockings dancing to some tune from All That Jazz or A Chorus Line. Now that I’m all grown up, I really don’t have a place for fishnet stockings in my wardrobe but 1 Carat Diamond Sheers by Sculptz offer the sexy appeal of fishnets in a sheer full coverage stocking. Suitable for day or evening wear, these sheers offer all the Sculptz trademark shaping, lifting and slimming features with its unique shaping control panel. It even has a run guard at the upper thigh!

For more information or purchases visit the product page at Sculptz.

Sculptz Opaque Legging with Control Top

In 2009 I discovered the comfort and versatility of leggings. They have become a staple of my wardrobe. I wear them under skirts, dresses, and long sweaters. Until having the opportunity to review a pair of leggings from Sculptz, I had never thought to venture far from colors like black and brown. Then along came Apple of My Eye Red just in time for the Sweetheart’s Season! Sculptz leggings come in other fun colors like All Spiced Up Copper, Shaken Not Stirred Emerald, Purple Passion, and Plum Pickings! Caution: If you are looking for the “WOW” factor then I would recommend staying with the Shaper Tops. However, if you are looking for a comfortable legging that offers gentle slimming of the tummy while still hiding those panty lines then the control top in Sculptz Opaque Legging will do the job.

For more information or purchases visit the product page at Sculptz.

For more information please visit Sculptz online.

To read more Sculptz reviews check out Sculptz Spacer Technology Body Briefer and Sculptz Shapely Perfection Shorts.

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Disclaimer - Sample product(s) were provided for testing and reviewing purposes.
Please see my FTC Disclaimer for more details regarding this review.

V-MODA’s Faze Headphone with Microphone

The iPod has come a long way since its inception in 2001.  Apple has given us photo storage, internet access and convenient apps. We have seen the iPod grow in storage size and shrink in physical size. The one thing that has not changed much is the earphones. While I love my new iPod Touch, I find the earphones uncomfortable and ill fitting.

V-MODA’s Faze headphone is a comfortable alternative to Apple’s supplied earphones. Unlike the large plastic iPod earbuds, the Faze comes with three sizes of silicone fittings in both clear and black.  The silicone fittings conform to the shape of your ear and stay put during physical activity so you can work out without having your earphones fall out.  They are very comfortable and actually reduce outside noise so you can enjoy your music.  A control button located on the cord allows you to pause your music with a single click. You can also track forward or track back. Want to record a voice memo on your iPod?  The Faze has a built in microphone.  Just open the Voice Memo app, press record and start speaking. The Faze is also compatible with your personal computer.  I tested the Faze on my MacBook to record a Podcast with GarageBand.  It worked great. Got a call coming in on your iPhone? A single click answers the call and a single click ends the call.

If you are thinking of giving your sweetheart the gift of music this Valentine’s Day, whether it be an iPod, iPhone, Blackberry or other MP3 player, make sure to include V-MODA’s Faze headphones.  Comfortable, convenient and compatible with a variety of devices, the Faze is sure to make your loved one smile from ear to ear.

For more information visit V-MODA.

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Disclaimer - Sample product(s) were provided for testing and reviewing purposes.
Please see my FTC Disclaimer for more details regarding this review.

Love is in the Air – Romantic Ways to Propose

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, more guys are contemplating popping the question to the special woman in their life.

The proposal is important, but presentation is everything! Make it an experience she’ll never forget.

Some of the most romantic ways to propose are:

1. Recreate the first date that you went on with them. Not only will this bring back lots of happy memories of that very special day but will also get them in the right mood when you do finally propose.
2. Buy a charm bracelet – Not just any charm bracelet though, instead of the usual little charms on it arrange to have the words “Marry Me” spelled out instead.
3. Take her on one of the most romantic cruises she could dream of. A beautiful sunset could set the perfect stage for a memorable proposal.
4. Get a single red rose and gently place the ring inside its petals. Carefully handing it to her. When she moves towards the rose to smell it, she will see the ring and be ready to say “yes” to your proposal.

Do you have a romantic proposal story to share? We’d love to hear it!

Corel Digital Studio 2010

My love for photography began in high school when my parents got me my first 35mm camera.  Since then I’ve progressed to bigger and better SLR’s, I’ve had my own darkroom and even followed the trend to digital.  The best thing about digital is not having to spend money developing and printing photos that don’t turn out well or wishing you could have done this or that differently.  But the best part is not having to find room to store all those photos.  Yes, I’ve got bins full of old photographs that I never even look at.  My digital photos are on disks that I can label and store in a nice little box.

Now comes the best part of digital photos, the sharing.  I was putting the photos I wanted to share in email and the recipient had to open each photo individually to view them but now with the help of Corel Digital Studio 2010 I can make it a more enjoyable experience by creating a slideshow.  I created my first slide show in minutes.  Corel Digital Studio 2010 also allows you to burn the slideshow to a disk for viewing on your TV.  How cool is that.

With Corel Digital Studio 2010 I can fix my photos to get them just the way I want by cropping, getting rid of that evil looking red eye, making dark photos brighter or the other say around and save them.  I can put those photos in the slideshow or create calenders collages or make my own cards.  I can upload them directly to Facebook to share with my friends and family.

This is a slideshow of my puppies is one I created in about 20 minutes.  The hardest part was deciding which photos to use.

Another great feature is the video editor.  You know how you always get things you don’t care about in those videos because you’re afraid you’ll miss something if you turn the camera off.  Now you can take those parts out and keep only the parts you want.  It’s so easy.  No more footage of the ground as you’re walking, no more embarassing moments for the world to see, ok maybe not the world but you get the idea.  You can cut those out and only have the scenes you really want to share.

What’s included with Corel Digital Studio 2010:

• Corel® PaintShop Photo™ Express 2010
• Corel® VideoStudio® Express 2010
• Corel® WinDVD® 2010
• Corel® DVD Factory™ 2010

Corel Digital Studio 2010 retails for $99.99 but Corel is selling it for $79.99 and I’ve seen in on Amazon for less.

I received Corel Digital Sutdio 2010 in exchange for an honest review. There was no other compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and NOT influenced in any way.

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