Direct Something Wonderful with the Kodak Playfull Video Camera

I've never had a video camera before, but now with a burgeoning online presence, I felt a real need to be able to capture some things on video as opposed to just writing about it or taking a myriad of photos. And with all the cool things I get to do - interview celebrities, hang out with chefs and taste their wicked food - I wanted to capture these things in real time.

I sussed out a lot of affordable handhelds and I choose the Kodak Playfull Video Camera because it has incredible features that are insanely easy to use, all in one cute, compact little package. 

I love that this Full 1080p HD video camera comes with a "share' button. You can email your video to your friends or your Kodak Pulse Digital Frame or upload directly to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and other sites in just seconds (a built-in USB arm makes it lightning fast). That's not only a fun feature, it comes in handy for work events too!

There are some  neat editing dimensions too, like on-camera editing lets you trim and extract still pictures from video and 4 effects that you can add to give your video a whole new look like B&W, sepia, high saturation and a 70's vibe that will no doubt get your video noticed.

Thanks to built-in digital image stabilization, your videos will look less blurry, no matter how green you are at this. Are you going to be shooting in the sun? Not a problem with the LCD glare shield. Need more room?   The expandable SD/SDHC card slot holds up to 32 GB, so go ahead and record your cover of "Party Rock Anthem" for YouTube.

The only difficult decision you have to make is what colour do you want - Silver, Blue-Silver, Purple-Silver or Blue-Black?

The incredibly cool Kodak Playfull Video Camera is available at major retailers and Kodak.ca.

Find Your Way Back Every Time with the Bushnell BackTrack D-TOUR

How many times have you been out to dinner or a movie with a friend and when you get back to the parking lot, neither of you can remember where the car's parked?

And last time you went camping, were you sure you knew the route, but ended up taking a few detours that left you more than a little grumpy and tired?

That's why you need Bushnell's BackTrack D-TOUR. This GPS personal location finder allows you to always be able to find your way back/home. All you do is push a button and just follow the arrow. 

It has up to five storable locations, so if you travel to the same place every year or you have a favourite mall that has 6 different levels of parking that you never find your way out off, this feature will come in handy.

What's amazing is that you can upload up to 48 hours of data to your computer (it works with both Macs and PCs and comes with a USB cable - sweet!) to see your journey again, thanks to the self-calibrating digital compass. You can overlay your route on Google Maps automatically. It will show you not only the course you took, how long it was, the speed, elevation and temperature of your adventure!

This sweet little safety net is smaller than my phone and incredibly light at just 6 oz., so it won't weigh you down. It's also weather resistant so even if it's hailing out, you'll be able to get to cover. And I love that whether you're a millennial or boomer, military personnel or civilian, you can set the time (12-hour or 24-hour clock), temperature (Fahrenheit or Celsius) and distance (yards/miles or meters/kilometers) to what makes sense to you.

You just have to decided whether you want it in red or green. What a fabulous year-round gift!

 

Get your Bushnell BackTrack D-TOUR now.

Wake Up Ever So Gently with The Philips Wake-Up Light

 

My fella and I are full-time writers, so our days can be pretty wonky depending on our deadlines. And while I am a fierce early morning person, if I've been up writing until 2, it can be almost impossible to get myself outta bed for 6 or 7.

But the PhilipsWake-Up Light has saved me. It's the most fascinating, gentle wake-up system I've ever come across.

Whether I need to get up early to get something off to press for the west coast or if I'm heading out to review a new breakfast restaurant, I am the lucky girl who gets to awake to a soothing light and the sound of chirping birds.

See, the Wake-up Light simulates sunrise by gradually filling a room with bright light. For example, if I want to get up for  6:30 a.m., I set it to start at 6 a.m. The 250 lux light increases its brightness (there are 20 brightness settings to choose from) over a 30 minute period, allowing your body - and mind - to prepare to wake up even while you're still asleep! What happens is that instead of your body being startled into waking, it slowly works it way into getting up. 

You wouldn't believe the difference it makes.

If you like to get up to FM radio, by all means set the Philips Wake-Up Light to your favourite station (it remembers 3 of 'em so awake to NPR during the week and new hip-hop on the weekends). Me, I'm getting up with the birds. Literally.

I set it so that I get up to the sound of birds, one of the sounds you can choose from. It is amazing to have that be the first thing you hear. We have real ones right outside our bedroom window, but the Philips birds are the only ones to get me up.  It's hard to tell they're not real though. As soon as I turn them off, the real ones are chirping away and really, there is little difference except that the sound now comes from inside the window.

And because you set the brightness settings on your light, you can set it to work as a bedside lamp too. The halogen lamp is replaceable, so you'll never have to go back to the old way of jarring yourself out of bed again.

Why would you want to get up any other way?

The Wake-up Light (3470) is available at a number of places including Amazon.ca and BestBuy.com and The Wake-up Light Plus (3485) is available at Personal Edge and Amazon.ca. 

p.s. Watch how it works for an Arctic town that's often in the dark.

New Iphone 5 Leaked

I dont know if this real Iphone 5.. but i think still not coming out.. its so tiring like again iphone 6 iphone 7 iphone 8 lol.. :D

MEZZI's Royal Collection Molded Silver Laptop Case Makes a Memorable Gift

Are you still carrying around a messenger bag to haul your computer to work?

It's not 1996, you know.

Sigh. I know - it's hard to find a sleek case that looks good, but won't cost you a whole paycheck.

Well, I think I've got just the thing - MEZZI specializes in all kinds of cases that will take you from looking like you're applying for your first job to looking like the president of the company.

While there are hundreds and hundreds to choose from, I'm particularly taken with the Royal Collection Molded Silver 17.5" Laptop Case.

It oozes James Bond/fashion mogul, without being pretentious or brazen.

This stylin' aluminum case, complete with chromed handles, is a charmer from the get go. The exterior says that you're a professional, but style is important to you. The interior says "Wow!" Oh, and that  you are organized and on top of things too.

See, the soft magenta velvet lining with black leatherette trim is so stunning, that you'll want to keep everything neat and tidy so that you can enjoy the inside as much as the outside.

I love that there are so many dividers (3 with adjustable button straps) and pen slots (3). You can get everything you need when you need it. And to close all of your business deals and meetings, there's a business card pocket too. An accessory pouch keeps your phone, iPod or whatever else you like to carry with you and keep close at hand.

And if you have a big laptop like I do (with a screen up to 17.4"), you'll finally have a case it fits into (good luck trying to get it to fit in other cases, believe me). It comes with customizable foam, so you can pad your computer and other precious items to protect them from dust and bumps. And speaking of protection, there are dual-key latch locks, so you can keep everything safe and sound.

There is a cushiony, detachable shoulder strap as well as a strap inside, so you have a host of different options for carrying the case - which is fantastic for those times you're running for your bus/train/plane.

And little protective feet keep your case off the ground, so when you set it down, you don't have to constantly worry about the bottom getting scratched or dirty.

This is one wickedly handsome case. And it does so much. Can you say the same about that nylon thingy you've been carrying around for the last decade?

What an awesome gift this makes - for yourself, for a friend or colleague or for Dad. Father's Day is coming up...

Shop MEZZI's Royal Collection Molded Silver 17.5" Laptop Case now.

Want a Truly Fun & Original Case for Your iPhone 4? Get the Arkhippo from ARKWHAT

Many iPhone 4 cases look the same.

Don't you want something that stands out, that says "I am not just a follower?" Don't you want something that rocks as hard as you do? I've got to say, that's extremely hard to find.

But then I found Arkwhat's ArtHippo I and it was like when you meet someone that likes the same band out of Utrecht or read your favourite book more times than you ever did.

It was love at first sight.

There is something so freakin' amazing about this design. Arkwhat's ballsy, inventive move to make something this big, with  this much impact... it's like no other case in the world.

Using a material called EVA, it is firm, yet a little squishy, making is super comfortable to talk on the phone. And because it's got such a wide back (think of old televisions), you can use it as a stand - either vertically or horizontally - so watching videos or your favourite shows is now a helluva lot more fun.

And while this is one of the most incredibly unique cases I've ever seen, it's still got all the protective power you want and need for your phone. There's a speaker and mic opening at the bottom and to adjust the volume? You push on the case. Now that's fun.

 

There are 7 colours to choose from. I got the hot pink, which isn't girly in the least. In fact, it looks more Andy Warhol than Legally Blonde.

 

This is going in my pick of best gifts and designs of 2011.

If you want to get an amazingly original gift for someone, I recommend the Arkwhat ArkHippo I. They'll think of you every time they use it.

Shop the ArkHippo I Collection now.

Old School Meets New School with the Fun RetroFit TV

Sometimes I miss the old way we did things.

Like slipping a fresh piece of paper into a typewriter and clacking your way through a letter or rotary dial phones, where calling someone long-distance required a fare amount of finger strength.

I still dress up for dinner's out, prefer diner coffee to Starbucks, and send letters and cards by mail, so I remain a little old-fashioned, despite loving HTML, SEO and all of my technological gadgets that keep me tuned in and locked down.

RetroFit TV is the perfect marriage of past and present. Suitable for iPhones and the iPod Touch, you simply pop your device into the old school looking TV tray, slide the tray into the sleeve, prop up the stand and sit back and enjoy watching TV the way you used to.

Whether you're at home, on a plane or train or having a party, RetroFit TV is the best way to watch videos, movies and TV reruns.

I suggest having a TV dinner while you watch to complete the experience.

Simplfy Your Life With Powermat Wireless Charging

Has your life become overrun with cables and wires?

Technology is wonderful, but the tangle of wires around my house drives me nuts, so I decided to declutter and simplify.

Powermat Wireless Charging Products allow you to keep your phones, cameras, mp3 players and whatever other gadgets you've got going on, charged and ready to go, but they are also:

- wireless so you have less cords to deal with  - thank you

- versatile so you can charge more than one item - because who has only one device these days?

- quick and easy to use, because you simply put your device down to begin charging - no plugging and unplugging

- darn smart as they emit a sound and light up to let you know it's charging, won't overcharge your device - hallelujah

- saves energy  as the auto shut off occurs when your device reaches full power - how many times have you left your device charging all night?

- small enough that they don't take up much room at all - goodbye cluttter!

First, select a Powermat Mat that suits you and your family's needs. I got the Powermat 2X Mat, which allows you to charge 2 devices with just one plug. The thin black mat is about the size of a postcard, so you can really put it anywhere. Just plug it in, drop your devices down and pick 'em up charged and ready to go - it's so easy!

Then select your Receiver. If you have a Blackberry Bold 9700 Series, this Receiver Door will allow you to wireless charge it with the mat of your choice. All you do, is replace your existing battery door with this receiver, and you can drop and charge at a moment's notice. Isn't that how charging should be?

If you have an iPhone, you can make it even easier! These Bundled Solutions are a complete wireless charging system - protective case with charging mat. Plug in the mat, put on the case and you never have to do anything but drop your phone down to charge.

Why are you still charging your devices the old-fashioned way when Powermat offers such an amazing solution to cord frenzy?

And because you don't always remember to charge your device when you need to (no one's perfect!), you're going to want to get yourself Portable Power. The power! Dual 1850 Rechargeable Backup Battery charges on your Powermat Mat and then allows you to keep your devices charged while on the go. And you can charge 2 devices at once, thanks to the convenient Apple connector and micro-usb.

Powermat's made it so easy to charge your devices, so you'll find yourself with charged gadgets more often and way more space at home, in the office and your luggage.

Shop the entire Powermat collection now.

Enjoy Your iPad In Every Possible Way with TabGrip

There are so many iPad products that I could dedicate an entire blog to just reviewing iPad stuff.

But not all products are created equally and as you know, I have very high standards to what I feature here.

When I found TabGrip, I was amazed at its versatility and stability. The ingenious design makes it more than simply a protective cover and case.

First of all, this is the tightest case, both slangwise and casewise. Get this secure rubber case on and never worry about it coming off. It's here to stay. Which is what you want when you're jammed body to body on the subway or as you're racing for a cab, as your bag slaps against you. Your iPad is totally protected with TabGrip.

You get a stand that allows you to watch TV or view slides from your summer vacation. Or type or bank online. Or all the things that you do throughout the day. The legs slide out easily so you're all set up in just 2 seconds. Use it horizontally and vertically, whatever way suits you and your space. The legs also serve as comfortable grips that make it easy to carry, share or use while on the go.

The TabGrip allows you to get the most out of your iPad, which you won't get from that case from Future Shop.

'Nuff said.

Shop now.

Special Technology Report: Freedom Pro Accessories Are Can't-Live-Without Items

I have been a proponent of smartphones since the very beginning. I know you know this now, but they really allow you to do so much.

In fact, I wrote about half of my book on my lovely HTC years ago and after I basically wore the keys right down to their wires, I switched to a Blackberry.

Like most smartphone users, my whole life is on here - I email, text and tweet while on the go, have my calendar and contacts with me and I work on this thing as much as I do on my laptop at home.

But as much as I love it, it still isn't as nimble as being on a regular keyboard and it's more tiring on the hands. I am limited to how much I can get done on my phone vs. working on my laptop.

So why I discovered Freedom Pro, it was love at first sight!

Their Freedom Pro Keyboard is a bluetooth keyboard that works with PDA's, smartphones, pocket PCs and UMPC's (in plain language, all that means is that it'll  work with your Blackberry, Window Mobile phone, Android, iPhone and iPad and even netbooks, Playstation3's, your PC or Mac - see the complete list). Basically, you're turning your phone into a laptop.

You initially set up your keyboard to connect via bluetooth (it takes just a minute with just a few steps) and then from then on, all you have to do to connect is press a key on your phone and turn your keyboard on. Instant gratification!

There is a pull out, folding stand that you set your phone on and because the whole set up is wireless, you don't necessarily have the phone right in front of the keyboard. Put it where it's most comfortable for you, or where space allows.

And unlike most accessory keyboards that are too small or hard to use, the Freedom Pro Keyboard is full size and has the most amazing soft keys - you'll want to type on just this from now on!  There are 6 dedicated keys that allow you to work off your phone as if it were in your hand (answer call, end/reject call, open messages/email, open address book, open tasks and open calendar), so that you don't have to give up any functionality while remaining uber productive.

You'll love being able to navigate all around your phone through just the keyboard. Switching back and forth between applications is so fast (faster than on your phone even!) and I have been able to get days of work done in just a few hours because I can be working and talking at the same time.

Sometimes I bring work to bed with me. Either I'm on a short deadline or I just can't sit at my desk anymore, but it's not always conducive to bring my big, bulky laptop to bed either because it's low on battery or it's just too uncomfortable. Now I bring my Freedom Pro Keyboard and work off of my phone and it's so easy! Just imagine how this will change everything for you - working on a plane or train, in a doctor's waiting room, etc. There's not always an outlet available for your laptop and sometimes you don't want to wait through it starting up or it's too awkward to work in such a small place, but this incredible keyboard changes all of that. 

It folds up into a beautiful leather-like case, so you can bring it anywhere with you. It uses just 2 AAA batteries (that are included!) and thanks to LED indicators, you can always tell when you're connected and how much power you've got.

The Freedom Pro Keyboard is one of the best accessories I've ever come across and it has made my life so much easier/better, I can't imagine life without it now.

And to help keep me productive, I keep the Freedom Walk & Talk in my purse at all times.  See, it gives me up to 1 hour of emergency talk time when I really need it.

And I know you've experienced this, when you go to use your phone and it's dead and it's not convenient or even possible to try and fine another phone or computer nearby.  Sigh. It is an awful place to be. But that is a thing of the past when you carry the Freedom Walk & Talk with you!

This small little black box is strong, yet light and will charge your devices with a Micro USB charging port using the foldaway Micro USB power cable. And it had an internal charging circuit that:

• Makes sure it will fully recharge, every time, even when "top up" charging (no need to fully discharge it first) up to 500 times.
• Protects both your phone and the battery from overcharging.
• Allows you to charge both the phone and the battery at the same time; prevents overcharging and ensures optimum charging every time

See? I told you it was great!

Freedom Pro Accessories are absolute essentials if you want/have to work or stay connected while on the go. And really, in this day and age, who doesn't?

Give SWISSGEAR by Wenger For the Traveler or Tech Lover on Your List

This holiday give something you'll know they'll love and use.

SWISSGEAR by Wenger are the same folks that make the Genuine Swiss Army Knife, but you may not know about their wonderful line of luggage and travel gear.

Whether you're traveling near or far, SWISSGEAR has got you covered.

I like their Laptop Sleeves. Made from Neoprene, they are extremely durable and protective. Thickly padded, these were made for travel, but how nice is it that it's not at all bulky? There's nothing worse than trying to weave your way through the airport while lugging your gear with you and feeling like you're carrying an extra 300 lbs with you!

Handles are reinforced with extra padding and material so that you actually carry it comfortably.  and while the slim profile is sleek and fashionable, it can actually fit most 15.6" laptops.

It comes with a limited ten year warranty, so it'll probably outlast your laptop. When's the last time your gear lasted longer than your tech?!

Distributed by Holiday Group, SwissGear by Wenger is the way to go this holiday.

Shop now.

Give the Mobile & Music Lovers on Your List Kicker Stereo Headsets This Holiday!

I was shocked to learn that almost all the people I polled do not listen to music on their cell/smartphone.

It turns out that hey just never got around to figuring out how to load music on, and they haven't been able to find comfortable headphones that look good and give good sound.

So I told them all about KICKER. They specialize in sound for you and your home, car, boat and power sports, so they know sound.

I think the KICKER eb91m MicroFir In-ear Stereo Headset with Microphone are exactly what you want to be able to bring big sound and great music to your life, while being able to communicate with ease whether you're in the comfort of your own car or crammed into a subway car during rush hour.

See, KICKER has made it possible for you to enjoy your music collection and get work done at the same time. Let me explain:

- Firstly, you can use this with your iPhone or Blackberry, which we both know you live and breathe by.

- Secondly, there is an In-Line Microphone that allows you to make and take calls easily without having to suffer through phone elbow or cramming the phone against your ear until it feels it will fall off trying to hear your boss's detailed instructions about the project while you're in the middle of a busy mall. The design is genius - it hangs at jaw level so you don't have to be one of those annoying people holding it up in front of your face - and you can hear everything clearly. There is also a detachable clip that allows you to secure it while on the move.

- And thanks to the Multi-Function Button , you can be listening to music and fast forward a track or switch over to answer or end a call without having to fiddle with your phone - it's right there on your headset, conveniently positioned at chest level for easy access.  Ahhh!

- Let's talk about sound, because for me, I like a lot of base and full sound. KICKER has premium full-range sound, "legendary KICKER bass response," and impedance-aligned, 8-millimeter micro drivers, which in laymen terms means you get a sonic experience like no other. Just imagine walking around with your own personal concerts happening between your ears. 

 

- Then there is the issue of most earbuds. Most just plop right out of my ears, no matter how many sizes they offer. With KICKER's eb91m, the MicroFit aluminum housing is "33% smaller than standard in-ear monitors," so they are light and comfy and each pack includes a range of soft silicone, noise-canceling tip sizes (medium, small, extra-small and micro) that actually seal in your ear canal so that you get a proper fit and sound.

- The cable isn't something you may thought of that's important but the Kevlar-reinforced, black braided cloth cable is made tough living. Kevlar is what police vests and other military-grade gear is made of, so you can imagine how it will stand up against all that you put against it.

- And because I care about what my accessories look like, you can choose from awesome looks - gun metal or pink.

So change the way someone on your list - or even perhaps yourself - lives and works. 

No doubt you've got a soundtrack to your life. Why not listen to it?

Shop KICKER now.

Become An Instant Expert with the Windows® Phone 7 Plain & Simple Book

I love technology, so when I get a new phone or gadget, I can't wait to get right in there and play around.

Not everyone enjoys it as much as I do, however. And really, it can be completely intimidating and confusing if you haven't worked with that type of technology before. 

So if you've got yourself a new Windows phone, I recommend getting a copy of Michael Stroh's Windows® Phone 7 Plain & Simple.

This incredibly fun and easy guide is colourful with tons of screenshots and photos so that you can follow everything step-by-step without fear of getting lost along the way. And thanks to everything being explained without the use of technobabble or computerspeak, you won't feel intimidated or left behind with this guide in your hands.

This book can help you do everything from learning what each key does to setting up your phone and personalizing it. Want to learn how to manage your call history, sort and search through your email, post something to Facebook or get real-time traffic conditions? You can learn all of that here and so much more (texting, working with the calendar, browsing the web, playing music and video, taking pictures and videos, apps, games, Office mobile and how to sync with your PC).

I love that you don't have to read the book cover to cover, if you don't want to. Just pick out the areas you need help with. Of course, if this is your first phone of this kind, a good read from beginning to end might just quicken the process for you.

The print is comfortable enough to read without squinting and really, the annotated, full-colour photos go a long way in getting you the info you need quickly. It's like having a Microsoft IT person right there alongside you.

But on your time, when you want the information.

Is there any better way?

Buy Windows® Phone 7 Plain & Simple and get the most out of your phone.

Share the Memories This Season with the Kodak EasyShare PULSE Digital Frame

Three of our very good friends are moving away this month.

Not far, but certainly not just a few doors away, like they've been for years.

While we are overjoyed at their new homes and opportunities, it feels a little quiet and sad without them.

A wonderful way to keep them in our daily lives has been the amazing Kodak EasyShare PULSE Digital Frame.

Thanks to built in Wi-Fi and 512 MB of internal memory, you can easily upload photos from your computer and phone via email! I've got a "Friends" folder that I've been putting digital photos in for years. Up until now, they've been on my computer in a file that I rarely look at. Now, these photos are available right in my living room. Oh, look at Ben's long hair at Scott's birthday party years ago! And Darren's of course making faces at the camera. Allana always looks so at peace, even when she's laughing at something someone said.  And our friends Jeffrey and Jonah who moved away a couple of years ago make appearances too. It's so nice to everyone together again!

I can send up to 4000 photos to this beauty of a frame. Which is good, because once I get to the Cosmo folder, it might just fill the whole thing up!

I am also using the feature that allows me to automatically receive new pictured from Facebook and Kodak Gallery albums. I am really enjoying seeing the albums I created on Facebook, because I never revisit them online and I didn't have to spend time uploading the pictures again!

Kodak also smartly allows you to create your own e-mail address for the frame to upload pictures easily from a computer or mobile phone. Then you can share the e-mail address to receive photos from your friends and family.  Sweet.

You're going to love the touch screen with LED backlit high quality display. And it takes up so little room (we have ours on our breakfast bar facing the living room) and yet offers you the chance to revisit friends, places and memories that you've likely long forgotten.

Sigh.

You'll also love the fact that it is super easy to set up - no software to install, no cables to hook up to your computer! Just turn it on and start enjoying your many, many photos (oh yes, I cut my hair short and dyed it red one summer, there's my photo of Anthony Bourdain and I, my Mom sitting in a huge lounge chair laughing....).

The Kodak EasyShare PULSE Digital Frame is available in 7” and 10” for $129.95 CDN and $199.95 CDN respectively at Best Buy, Future Shop, London Drugs, Staples, Black's, The Source, Henry's, Dell, Amazon, Sears and Kodak.ca.

Your holiday shopping just got a whole lot more exciting!

Your Home and Office Just Isn't Complete Without Socket Sense Surge Protector!

We live in an older building, so we have very few sockets to work with.

It wasn't an issue when we moved in, but over the years, we've added to our technology tenfold, so now the sockets are all used up.

We bought some extension cords to try and remedy the problem, but have you seen the plugs that come with computers nowadays?  Everything has got a power adapter.

So our extension cords barely made a difference because we'd have to skip a socket in order to make our power adapters fit onto the strip.

Thank goodness for the ingenious Socket Sense Surge Protector!

It has many features to love:

First of all, you can expand or contract the movable sockets (6 outlets) to suit your needs. So, no matter how tight a fit you've got in behind that bookshelf or below your desk, you can manage you technology for once with ease - and only using one strip, instead of the usual 2 or 3!

The 6-foot cord  (or 3 or 12 foot) gives you the leeway you need to get in, around and under your furniture and you can organize your cables easily between each movable socket.  Which I appreciate as we've got old pieces mixed in with new, so it's tight back there! Keyhole slots allow you to mount it on the wall if you like (we're not that fancy, but kudos if you are!).

The surge protection offers you 2100 Joules of protection (a lot), which is great, considering both Scott and I had our computers going as well as all the other stuff (printer, Xbox, stereo, phones) and our power has gone off 3 times in the last month.

Which is why you'll be pleased to have the Status LEDs. Red and green indicators allow you to see the status immediately of the surge and ground.

Socket Sense is guaranteed to fit any power adapter on the market, or your money back.

I think every household should have at least one of these. 

And if you're house is like ours, you'll want at least a couple.

Buy yours now!

Special Technology Report: I Am FLYING Now That I've Got the NEW GTD® And Blackberry® Setup Guide!

Last year, I wrote about how grateful I was to have finally implemented David Allen's Getting Things Done into my life.

I am now showing my immense my gratitude for the NEW GTD® & BLACKBERRY® SETUP GUIDE.

I know you're probably addicted to your phone, but I  use mine to manage my life as well as write to deadline.

Isn't that awesome?!

I had a different phone up until recently that was set up so that I could really manage the hell outta my life (Being a full-time freelancer, I am the CEO, admin assistant and gopher).  I also wrote half of my book on it (I wrote about it too)!

When it finally died, I got a Blackberry® and tried to set up GTD® by myself on it, but I never felt that I got it right.

I noticed the difference right away: I wasn't being as productive as I knew I could be, things were slipping through the cracks and my mind was overloaded with trying to remember all that I had to do.

All things that, once you've read Getting Things Done® by David Allen and start applying it to your life, doesn't happen.

So when I got a notice that there was a NEW GTD® And Blackberry® Setup Guide, I knew that my life was just about to change.

Again.

Oh, and what a relief it is.

Not only am I back on track, but I feel AHEAD of things!

How often can you say you that?!

This easy-to-read, easy-to-follow 45-page guide (once purchased, it's emailed as a PDF file, which you can save and/or print) is just what I needed.  And it took just minutes to set everything up.

Phew! Because you don't want to spend all Sunday working your way through a guide, of all things...

It goes through the Essentials - the basics of GTD®, syncing and browser tips, etc. The most fascinating part of the essentials was that these little changes have made A HUGE DIFFERENCE!  I set up side convenience keys (p. 3), moved my icons (p. 5) and increased my font size (p. 9) and just with those 3 little things, I upped my productivity in seconds!

There is a section on Email, which is something that I continue to struggle with (I spent the last couple of days getting my inbox from over 4,000 emails down to 250). I have got these pages in front of me and will work getting my inbox to zero this week. In the meantime, the guide had me tweak things so that this will be easier from now on (thank goodness!).

Working with Tasks was my favourite section.  This is what I've needed all this time to Get More Done on this phone!  It took just a few minutes to follow all of the instructions - change the settings,  set up the categories - and in a few minutes, I'd entered the major things I need to work on. I just love how all of the things I have to do are now categorized and easy-to-follow. It gets rid of a lot of the stress I've been carrying around about them.

I had a ton of fun with the Managing your Calendar portion of the Guide. I really changed up how I record things.  I really got the difference between Time-specific vs. Day-Specific actions and entered in a bunch of items that have already made a dent in my workload!

I would have never used MemoPad before reading this guide. Now thanks to Using the MemoPad section, it's on my Home Screen and I can load in information as I go - books I want to read, vacation ideas, etc.

I feel calm about everything now. Because it's all recorded in the best possible way.

I told you it was a great system!

And now I've got it with me whether I'm at home or on the go.

Which means, I can relax because I know everything that I've got to do and when.

Do you?

[Please note: GTD® and Getting Things Done® are registered trademarks of the David Allen Company. The knack is not affiliated with or endorsed by the David Allen Company.]

Your Laptop 's New BFF: Laboratory 424's Mini Riser!

Sometimes, simple is best.

Laboratory 424 is one of those companies that tackles issues that we deal with everyday with simple, yet brilliant design.

Thank goodness.

See, I have this wonderful beautiful laptop that I work to the bone, each and every day.  

So it's no wonder that it gets hot.

I have tried various fans and lifts in the past, but none as been as good - or as simple - as Laboratory 424's Mini Riser!

It is the only riser I've ever used with such ease and that's worked so incredibly well. 

It holds my laptop securely off my desk and doesn't bounce up and down at all, like my last contraption (that had me typing like I was in an offroad vehicle every day of the week). It takes up no room, is super light and damn good looking (they should clearly move into making appliances and dating services).

Simply said, the Mini Riser is a dream come true.

And it comes in 10 colours, 2 to a pack, so you can outfit the house in style (you wouldn't want it any other way) and you could use the other one for another laptop or just raise your computer's keyboard for the most comfortable typing experience of your life.

If you are looking for a solution to your computer needs, look no further than Laboratory 424.

ZAGGbuds Keep Up With Your Busy Lifestyle

I can't live without my music.

Whether I'm rockin' out at my desk or on the subway to a meeting, I've got my tunes pumped.

ZAGGbuds gives you the flexibility you need with their incredibly well-designed cord.

First of all, it's nice and long, so no matter how many bags your toting or how many layers you're wearing, you've got as much cord as you need to be comfortable while weaving your way through crowds in the downtown core, or if you're running to catch your flight down south. Turn this way and that, reach over to grab that sandwich or hail a cab - the cord will follow.

The cord has a tough polyurethane coating, which makes it virtually tangle-free, so if you're like me and you stash your earbuds at the bottom of your purse, you don't have to spend 10 minutes like a dweeb trying to untangle them.  There is also great little sliders that not only allow you to adjust the length, but keeps your buds around your neck until you're ready for 'em.

Ahh.

Which, as the busy person you are, you know the pain of having to take off and put on your ear buds throughout the day. This will save you much time and effort.

And because fashion is still of importance to you, the cord comes in 7 colour combos, so match it to your look, or be daring and get colours that contrast.

There's nothing worse than your earbuds popping out (this used to happen to me all the time). But you don't have to worry about that with ZAGGbuds because you get a bunch of earbud adapters so that you can fit them to you.

Which means the music never has to stop, unless you want it to!

Shop for ZAGGbuds now.**

**They also come with a sweet 45-day money-back guarantee and 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty and work with many gadgets and sytems including the iPhone.

Kelly Moore Bags - The Most Sumptuous, Beautiful Camera Bags EVER!

Photography has become the it-girl's hobby, even more than jewelry and cooking, I think.

And now that we're building our presences online, photography has become as important as what we're writing about, so to learn and experiment with taking pictures has become something fun to do and also a real asset to our work lives as well.

Kelly Moore is a spectacular photographer who dreamed of having a handbag/lens bag line of her own:

"As a photographer and a woman, I was always left wanting more when it came to my options for a stylish, functional bag that I could use to carry my equipment while I photographed. I sat down and made a wish list of everything that I wanted in a great bag."

Thank goodness for Kelly Moore! She was meant to be a bag designer.

These bags are some of the most sumptuous, luxurious bags YOU WILL EVER SEE.  They come with removable velcro dividers inside so that you can safely and securely pack your cameras and lenses, all in the most fashionable manner.

Take the Kelly Moore Classic Bag, for example. It's huge, but so structured that it's stylish and sleek. And though it looks and feels like leather, it's actually water-resistant, man-made polyurethane. Kelly made it nice and light (2.5 lbs.) because she knows that you don't need any extra weight when you're going to be lugging your equipment around town with you.

One of the features that I think is most brilliant is that it stands on its own - so set it down and get to work. It will be right there where you left it when you need to access your wide-angle lens or change cameras!

It has an adjustable strap (complete with cushy shoulder pad) so that you can wear it across your body (messenger style) or on your shoulder, with 3 removeable velcro dividers so you can create up to 4 sections inside.  There are 2 magnetic snap pockets, 2 side and 1 back zipper pockets so you can stay organized on the shoot.

Kelly says, "I wanted to encourage the photographers out there and give them a bag where they can change a lens at a moment's notice without feeling the pressure of having the client wait. Trust me...I've been there. I want you to feel the freedom of focusing on your craft and also give you more options. I wanted to give my clients "moore". My mission is for you to walk away having more function, more style and of course more fun!"

Oh, how you've done that, Ms. Moore.  In spades.

This bag can carry all of this - 1 camera body; 1 flash; 2-4 lenses (depending on if you stack them); off camera cords; camera batteries; phone; keys; wallet; double AA’s; designed to carry an 8" lens in length and still have room for various cords and accessories.

And seriously, this bag is gorgeous.  No more lugging around ugly black nylon things (Ew).  So use it when you're not on a shoot or carrying around your equipment.  It's much too pretty to be at home on a Saturday night. Take it out, show it a good time. It works hard for you. It deserves at least that!

I got it in Black (pictured above) so it's my new fall/winter big bag. Oh yeah, it's amazing.

But wait, there's moore!

The B-Hobo Bag. It's too pretty to be a camera bag, right?

Well, normally I'd say yes, but it's Kelly Moore, so it's absolutely possible now, thanks to her!

I got it in Heather Grey (oh my!) and it really is just the most beautiful purse.  Sure I'm going to load it up with my gear, but I'm sure as hell also going to use it as my everyday bag, because it's just too lovely not to show off. 

I loooove that it has 2 straps - a purse style and one for cross-body - with that comfy shoulder pad for the ultimate in comfort. Tres chaud, n'est pas?  This also stands on its own (a hobo that stands? get out!), is only 2 lbs., and has jewelry-worthy matte silver hardware.  It's as sexy as George Clooney, I'm telling you...

And with 5 pockets, it'll keep all of my stuff organized - keys, wallet, phone, notebook, lip gloss, etc.

There are 2 removable dividers, giving you 3 compartments, and it can carry up to a 9 inch lens, camera body, flash, phone, batteries & other accessories.

Kelly Moore Bags are not just insanely beautiful and well-designed camera bags. These are bags that you can use in real life to carry your stuff and look good while doing it.

Kelly is a miracle worker and my new hero.

Get these bags before they sell out.

Because sell out they will.

As they should...

Discover Cool Back-to-School Supplies For Grown-Ups at Speck

I get excited at this time of year when kids go back to school.

I like the feeling of possibility of new things, the crisp fall air (maybe not this year, but that's how I remember it), the smell of sharpened pencils, fresh paper and binders.

I've been outta elementary school for decades now, so to bring back that starting anew feeling, I thought I'd show you some amazingly designed supplies for us grown-ups from Speck.

Speck has a really great eye for modern design and they have such a wide variety of styles and designs to choose from, that you can really cater your items and gadgets to your own tastes.

Take the Fitted Case for my Blackberry.

Like most people, after getting my phone I put it in a plastic case to protect it, thinking I would get something "nicer" soon after.

Months later, I saw the Speck Fitted Case and I knew I'd found my beauty.

This smart black-and-white plaid case is unlike any other case I've ever seen.  

First of all, the hard case snaps together, instead of being one piece - which makes it much easier to remove should I need to change or replace the battery.  Secondly, it looks sleeker and smaller (read: more contoured) than when I had that plastic thing on it.  Now it looks positively beautiful! And the material gives it such a modern and unique look as well as making it uber-comfortable to hold onto. 

So now my Blackberry is not only protected, but it looks gorgeous.  

Swoon.

And to keep the sleekness going, I think the PortPack Shoulder Bag is such a fashion-forward design. This upright messenger bag just makes you feel more organized with everything on the vertical instead of the usual landscape format!  And the pixel design is tres moderne, no?

Your 15" or smaller laptop/notebook will be secure and protected, thanks to the padded - and micro-fleeced! - compartment.  Sooo soft!

And all of your necessary items can be stored in the innovative pockets and pouches.  There is media player pocket/organizer with headphone cord pass-through, expandable water bottle pocket and detachable key leash fob as well as lots of other places to store things.  

I like the strength of everything - double-needle stitched bindings, adjustable and removable padded seatbelt-quality shoulder strap, velcro and buckle front flap closure. 

Which means that it will keep up with your life and lifestyle.

Speck keeps your stuff organized and protected but in the most stylish fashion.

So sharpen your pencils and get out your new, clean notebooks. It's time for back-to-school. Woo woo!