I'm Moving...

I'm not sure yet how all this is going to work out when I make the move from Blogger to Wordpress, since I'm attempting it myself (gulp).  So bear with me if my site looks or acts strange for the next few days or so.

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Please be patient and if I disappear for a couple days don't forget about me... I'll be back (said in my best Terminator voice).  Thanks in advance for understanding.

And if you are technically savvy and do Blogger to Wordpress moves, leave a comment or email me... I may need professional help if I can't figure this all out on my own!

Do you Accessorize Your Cell Phone?

I think on an almost daily basis I lose my cell phone, or rather it gets ‘misplaced’ (courtesy of my toddler and preschooler), and I have to go hunting around the house for it.  And probably about once a week it gets dropped, either by myself or by one of my unruly discipline-challenged children.

My poor phone has been dropped on carpet, tile, a wood floor, and concrete… and somehow always survived.  But how much longer can it possibly take that kind of abuse before it shatters and is no longer usable? (I hope I didn’t just jinx myself, *knock on wood*)

My husband has told me several times before to get a cell phone case for it to help protect it from falls.  He has one over his cell phone so it doesn’t get damaged at work.  Well my ‘work’ can be dangerous too, ie. my kids are crazy!  And I hate to say it, but… he’s probably right. (*gasp* Did I dare just admit my husband was right about something?)

But really, with all the super cute colors and designs that are available for a cell phone cover, why wouldn’t I get one?  It actually does double duty- 1) as a great looking accessory and 2) adding protection from falls.

I think I'm starting to really love some of these designs too.  It would definitely add some spice to my boring basic black cell phone.  And they aren’t that expensive either- you could buy a couple of them so you have different ones to choose from depending on your mood or outfit.  Hmm, maybe there are actually perks to agreeing with my husband… I’m all for something new!

Do you accessorize your cell phone?

Disclosure:  This was a sponsored post written by me.  Any thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Who do you use for website hosting?

I'm coming up on my one year 'Blogoversary' in a couple weeks.... where, oh where, does the time go?  I can't believe it's been that long since my first post and sometimes can't believe I've lasted this long.  But that also means it's time for me to renew my domain name and decide who to go with for my site hosting.

I've been pretty happy so far, but I hope to really grow my blog a lot more this year and am also thinking of doing a complete redesign of my site.  I always comparison shop and do a lot of research before buying.  And there's definitely a lot to choose from when it comes to finding everything you need- domain name, hosting, website builder, technical support, etc.

Site2You is an option that I hadn't heard of before.  It's an easy to use website builder that gives you a variety of quality design templates to choose from, and also includes unlimited hosting and a free domain name.  It's a simple way to get a professional looking website up and running quickly, even if you happen to be technologically challenged.

They also offer a certain number of hours of certified webmasters work, depending on the plan you choose, that can give you peace of mind.  If you aren't sure how to do something, you can tap into your unused hours and have them do the editing and customizing to your website for you.  I'm all for learning new things and trying to do it myself, but knowing someone has your back "just in case" is a good feeling to have.

You can actually sign up for a Free 7 Day trial at Site2You, so you can try it yourself and see if you like it.  I always love the option to try before you buy- I think it gives us as consumers more control and allows us to really figure out whether a product is right for us or not.  I'm not sure if Site2You is necessary for the average blogger, but for a small up and coming business it may be just the thing to get them started on the right foot.

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post written by me.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and yours may differ.

How do you carry your laptop?

So I recently blogged about my laptop and how I wanted to smash it to bits... but then I didn't.  What, haven't you ever felt that way?  We've since patched things up and are trying to work on the relationship.

But seriously, I do like having my laptop- I can take it anywhere and stay connected... it's my lifeline.  On nights when I would go to my Grandma's house, I would often take it with me. Only problem was I didn't have the proper bag to carry it in.

I was trying to shove it into a bag that wasn't quite the right size for it.  If only I'd had a  laptop messenger bag I wouldn't have been worrying about it falling out and smashing on the ground.  Oh wait- wasn't that what I wanted to do to it anyway...

Ok, bear with me this post is going somewhere.  I am lucky enough to be doing another review for CSN Stores (yay)!  And maybe, just maybe I'll be reviewing a nifty new laptop messenger bag... on the other hand, we do need a new light fixture in the playroom... hmm, decisions, decisions.  Of course with over 200 stores to choose from it could be something else all together.  But I'm pretty sure I've decided, and I'm thinking there will be before and after pics.  Stay tuned...

Wanted: New @HP_PC Computer from @Crissy

So after I had posted my Color Splash Sunday post yesterday morning, my laptop (the only computer we have) decided it wanted some extra special attention.  It went on a kirk-out session, making it so I had to spend ALL DAY trying to get it to work right.  Deleting programs, adding files, rebooting, getting error message after error message... AAHHH!!

And then... finally, by the end of the night I had it running somewhat smoothly and didn't actually have to smash it to bits on the floor take it to a computer repair shop.  So I was checking my emails and tweets from the day, when what to my wondering eyes should appear?  That Dear Crissy is giving away an HP TouchSmart 310!!!  Say what?  I want to win this sooo badly!!  *fingers crossed... and toes... and where's my lucky rabbit's foot... and four leaf clover... and maybe I'll see a shooting star tonight so I can make a wish*  (ok I'm done now)

Digital cameras... what do you shoot with?

This is NOT a sponsored post... I need some help fellow picture takers!  We are shopping for a new camera.  We had a Canon Rebel XT and loved it, but it started to become too bulky to take everywhere.  So we thought if we bought one of the new point and shoot cameras we could have the best of both worlds- great picture quality and compact design... Wrong!

We've already tried the Sony Cybershot and Canon Powershot SX210 and haven't been impressed with either.  Even at 14MP the picture quality is nothing like it was on our 8MP Canon Rebel.  So now we're looking at possible other DSLR's- like the Canon EOS Rebel T1i or T2i or the Nikon D3100.  I just don't think we can be happy with a compact digital camera coming from a DSLR.

So what do you have, do you like it, love it?   I know most of you moms (and dads) take lots of pictures of your little ones.  Some of you even do it professionally so I'd love some opinions and input.  If you could recommend one camera, or a specific brand, which would it be?

Need a new cell phone... and better cell phone company

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boost Mobile. All opinions are 100% mine.

So, I'm in the market for a new cell phone and checking out all my options.  My contract is up with my current company next month and I planned on switching to someone else, just not sure who.  And the fact that my phone also fell in the toilet last week is making finding another phone that much more imperative.  It still works... just not quite the same.

Boost Mobile offers some pretty convenient features:

• Re-Boost method to quickly & easily add funds to your account
• flexible payment options- on-line, in-person, or pay by phone
• You can use your debit/credit card to make a payment or sign-up for worry-free automatic payments
• activation takes just a couple of minutes
• you can sign up for xtras that let you hear about special events, promotions, and more

Boost Mobile phones keep you in the social network too; updating Facebook and Twitter are simple. As a blogger, and I know for others too, that's definitely important to be able to connect to social media from your phone.  It's good to keep up-to-date on what's happening on the web and let others know what you're up to.

Boost Mobile devices offer unlimited connectivity to Facebook for one price per month.  I love to be able to check my Facebook to keep in touch with family and friends, but I'm not always at a computer, so having the option to do it from my phone would be great.

Two of the most popular phones and their plans that Boost Mobile offers are:
• Blackberry- you can check out the plan details here
• Motorola i1- you can check ou the plan details here

So it's good to explore all my options when considering a new cell phone and carrier.  I have another month to do my homework and compare the companies and features to find the one that's best for me.  What about you- which carrier do you use, are you happy with the phone and service?

ERROR: Does not compute!!

So our laptop decided to go on the fritz, making it impossible for me to do anything on it.  I spent the better part of a day cleaning up files, deleting over 125,000 temporary internet files (say what?!), and trying to get Norton Antivirus to do it's job.... thankfully everything is back in working order (for now anyway).  But I missed my PINT post and Wordless Wednesday (*sniffle).  At least I'm back online now... time to catch up on emails & posts from my favorite blogs.

On a more positive note, it did give me time today (while Norton was doing all it's scanning and updating) to focus on my family.  I actually noticed my oldest two (5 & 2 yr. old) playing nicely together... I could hear giggles and laughter coming from upstairs.  They were playing with their Backyardigans and stuffed animals.  So frequently all I notice is the yelling, screaming, and crying that this was a nice change of pace to see them getting along.  Did it last- well of course not, but it was amazing to see for that short period of time and knowing that they can actually get along... when they want to.

Twitter & Facebook

Just wanted to announce that Susie B. Homemaker is now on Twitter and Facebook!  I know, I know- I've been in the dark ages!  I'm doing my best to keep up with technology... I'm just not that cool yet!!

Chance to win an iPad... I'm so there!!

I’m participating in a contest at Best Kids Apps, a blog about iPhone apps for kids, for a chance to win an iPad.  And wow, who wouldn't want one of these bad boys... they're awesome (well other than the price).  But if it could be won instead of bought.... uh yeah, I'm all over it!!  This would be an amazing Mother's Day gift for myself.  We only have one computer and it's tough trying to share with everyone in the family.  My hubby and I both use it frequently throughout the day and our 4 yr. old likes to play games at Nickjr.com.

My hubby does have an Iphone that the whole family pretty much shares also.  We love all the different apps for it.  It's great to be able to check my email while we're out and about or look up directions to somewhere.  Our 4 yr. old loves playing Pac-Man & iBowl and both of the oldest girls love using the Doodle Kids App.  I didn't realize how many different apps there were for kids though, until I took a look around Best Kids Apps.  For each different app they write a detailed review with a letter Grade, Age Rating, & the price.  You can quickly find apps for any age group (up to age 12) and even a separate list of all the ones that are FREE!  This is a great site and an awesome giveaway!!