Feb 2 2013

DIY Valentine Projects

For the creative and talented readers, who are struggling to find that unique, one-of-a-kind gift that will really show your love try these great DIY gifts! With just under two weeks till Valentine’s Day, it’s time to get crafting!!

One of my personal favorite DIY projects is key magnets! They are both relatively simple to create and offer a wide variety of personalization options. Try spelling out names, nicknames, love notes or even something unique for your BFF! For added fun present the magnets in a decorative drawstring bag or box and have the recipient unscramble the message!

Keyboard Magnets

Gift Bag Idea

Another fairly simple DIY project is a RAM (random access memory) Frame to preserve and display your favorite “memory”. All it takes is a basic plastic or wood frame, RAM and a dash of creativity! Similar to the magnets, this project allows a wonderful opportunity for personalization; any techy; whether family, friend or love, would proudly display this on their desk or shelf.

Bonus: you can use anything from the computer keys above, to sequins to add that special touch!

Jan 22 2013

Valentine Gift Guide Preview!

To all my amazing readers out there, be on the lookout for my upcoming valentine gift guides! Leading up to Valentine’s Day, I will be sharing some fun ideas on how to personalize some of my favorite tech toys to turn them into extra special gifts for your sweetheart. I will also be providing some great DIY projects for the adventurous ones!

Check out a sneak peak below!!

Jan 1 2013

Sophisticated Emerald Named PANTONE Color of the Year 2013!

It is that time again! Time for Pantone to name its color of the year! Earlier this year I wrote about the 2012 energy boosting, eye catching Tangerine Tango. Well this year they have selected the stunning gem tone emerald! Reminiscent of the glimmering emerald city of Oz, This splendid rich hue is perfectly appropriate not only for the holiday season but every season! Add a touch of sparkle and class to your technology and your life in 2013!

The history:

Pantone LLC has been the authority on color for nearly 50 years. They have inspired numerous design professionals to experiment with unique color expression and spur their drive for creativity.

The annual color selection not only impacts the artistic realm, but many other main stream industries have looked to them for inspiration, including every facet of the fashion industry and home décor.

Some of my favorite emerald inspired accessories include:

For the Techy:

Pantone Paint Chip USB

Pantone Emerald Phone Case

Emerald Houndstooth Nook Cover

iPad Smart Case

For the “fashionista” side, I have asked one of my fave beauty consultants Andrea Aguirre at http://www.annmariebeautology.com/ for her take on Pantone’s selection for 2013.

“Emerald is truly a royally luxe color that can add a gorgeous classic glamour to any outfit. What is truly remarkable about emerald is its transcending power, easily giving a stunning finish to all the seasons fashion. Pantone has done fashion a favor by re-introducing us to a color that looks absolutely flawless on every skin tone out there! It truly is a must-have in every woman’s closet!”

Gemstone Earrings

Emerald Totebag

Be prepared to see this shining gem cropping up even more this spring, complete with Sephora Pantone Universe release around March 2013!

Sephora Pantone Universe

Nov 26 2012

From Ads To Apps

First off I would like to wish everyone a happy belated Thanksgiving!

While my family has many Thanksgiving traditions, one of my personal favorites has always been extending thanksgiving to include Black Friday. As a “seasoned” Black Friday shopper, over the past couple years I have seen a continuing increase in the use of technology to find the best deals around. For my family, planning for Black Friday has always consisted of everyone bringing their newspapers containing all the upcoming sales and ads to circle and organize a “plan of attack”. While this is year definitely included ads spread across the living room floor, it also included the consulting of several mobile device apps and of course the referencing of social media and store websites.

Below are some of the highest user rated deals apps out there for virtually every operating system as well as some available via website. Bonus, for all those that may have avoided Black Friday like the plague or may not have been able to catch your cyber Monday deal while at work, these apps are great for YEAR AROUND deals!

RetailMeNot

Available for Apple iOS, Google Play

Shopkick

Available for Apple iOS, Google Play

TheCouponsApp

Available for Apple iOS, Google Play, Amazon App-store for Android

Geoqpons

Available for Apple iOS, Google Play, Blackberry, Nokia Ovi,

What are the best deals that you found this holiday season?

Oct 8 2012

Halloween Tech Tricks and Treats

Growing up I could not wait for fall holidays to come around! One of my favorites being Halloween! I mean what kid can resist dressing up and gathering mounds of candy! This year, even if you dress up anymore or want or just want incorporate a little more spooky fun to your daily routine, here are some great accessories to trick out and treat your favorite gadgets!

Skeleton Drive Thumb Drive

Kitty Cat Case Fluffy Bunny Case

Scary Woods Laptop Skin

After dressing up your favorite gadgets, have a little fun with this awesome little tech trick! Loaned mine to a friend who hid it in his brother’s room, had him searching under his bed with a flashlight for a good 15 minutes because he thought he kept hearing a mouse!

EvilTron

What tech tricks and treats will you use to celebrate?

Sep 25 2012

DIY Camera Accessories for under $5

Finally, the blog you have been waiting for!

Ever wonder how photographers achieve certain lighting effects? Want to be able to accomplish the same desired result without spending a fortune? Well here are some inexpensive DIY tips that can help!

Materials Used:
Canon Rebel T3i
Canon 430EX Flash
Coffee filters
Cupcake liners
Transparent colored plates
A Business Card
Rubber Bands

Studio flashes evenly light the subject up, (see example below) but require a lot of money to purchase and a lot of time to set up properly. The built in flash on most cameras tries hard to light a subject, and it usually shows… in only one portion of the picture, resulting in an area washed out in white (also called a hot-spot) Detachable flashes are usually a good interim between studio and built-in flashes, but can get pricey as well.

Studio Flash

Built-In Flash

Coffee filter light dampener
This particular DIY add on is great for portraits. It helps soften the entire shot, giving the subject an even, smooth look. This is especially useful in softening the harshness of incandescent/ indoor lighting.

Bonus, while experimenting with the coffee filters, I decided to try out white cupcake liners. These proved to work just about as well, which is great for non coffee drinkers or those like me who use a Keurig coffee maker.

Leave about 1 inch or so between the flash and filter. Use a rubber band to hold in place

Business card reflector
As the fall holidays quickly approach, If your family is anything like mine, that means countless family photos are abound. This DIY light reflector is a quick solution to minimize the hot spots and harsh shadows that direct flashes cause.

In addition to the example from the link, I personally used an external flash and rubber banded a business card to achieve the same look.

Cellophane color filter
Finally add a vibrant colorful touch to any photo with these DIY color filters! Perhaps try a soft fall hue like orange or yellow or maybe even adding some Christmas cheer by throwing in some red and green!

Finally, while I love the idea of using colored cellophane, there was none to be found in any local supermarket. I accomplished my color effects by using transparent plastic appetizer plates.

After creating your favorite DIY piece, you can also try shedding a little bit of light on your wardrobe with this delightful Shutter Speed necklace! This adorable accessory will go great with any camera strap and can be effortlessly thrown on, perfect for the photographer on the go!

Sep 13 2012

DIY Camera Accessories for under $5

Are you not always happy with the way your pictures are turning out? Ever wonder how the pros achieve certain lighting effects?

Check back soon for some awesome do it yourself tips and tricks that you can make with items you can usually find lying around the house! I am so excited to share how to get your photos looking professional without spending a fortune in camera accessories!

Aug 21 2012

Bring on Fall

The vibrant colors of the changing leaves. the smell of pumpkin spice, the cool breeze in the air, the cozy fall clothing…my favorite season is fast approaching! Being from Texas, it takes a little longer for the beauty of fall to come. So whether you are like me who has a while to wait or are already in the midst of the autumn season, here are some great tech accessories and apps to help get you in the spirit!

What says fall more than warm toned colors and rich materials! Here are some great accessories to outfit your technology for the season!

Fall Flora iPhone Case

Leather Camera Case

Giraffe Printed Tech Case

While inspired fall accessories are a great reminder of the beauty of the season on a daily basis, going out and experiencing nature first hand is infinitely better! so when you choose to answer the call of fall, here are some amazing apps that will help plan your excursions.

Alton Autumn Road Trips App
Vermont Fall Fun app

After outfitting your tech gadgets, and taking in the spectacular colors of the season, I suggest these delightful brassy keepsakes as a constant reminder of your experiences.

Bronze Secret Garden Ring

Acorn Necklace

How are you going to celebrate the season?

Aug 14 2012

READ: Before Your Next i-ccessory Purchase!

While normally I am all for the purchasing of technology accessories or gadgets, I hate to see money wasted. That being said, I want to take the time inform all my readers that if you are in the market for the new iphone looking to make an appearance this fall, to hold off on the purchasing of any i-ccessories, including docks, cases, chargers etc. The reason being, is that the new iPhone is RUMOURED to have some significant modifications that may make current accessories incompatible and virtually obsolete.

The most dramatic change that people are buzzing about, would be its dock connector. There is talk about downsizing from a 30pin connector to a 19 pin. That being the case, you may see a ton of current docks and cables going on sale.

In addition to docks and cables, you may also want to hold off on case purchases. Not only would they not work with the new rumored connectors, but like the slight differences between its predecessors, the new iPhone will most likely have some sort of body style change.

Bottom line, while these sales and accessorypurchases will be great for those that are looking to hold tight to their 3G’s or 4’s or are locked into service contracts, for all those looking into purchasing the latest iPhone be wary before blowing your hard earned money on something that you may not be able to use.

On a related note, those who like to be on the cutting edge of technology, while the current iPhone 4 may be a tempting purchase and many dealers may have these and older models discounted to sell, hold out for the newest edition to the iPhone family coming right around the corner!

Aug 6 2012

DIY Camera Accessories

After our creative photography blog, I could not help but look into some creative accessories to personalize your camera and make it your own! While the “little black strap” is a classic, why not try one of these colorful alternatives! All of these DIY looks can be made with items you probably already have around the house, and for those of you who don’t, any second hand or craft store will have you covered.

Silk Scarf Camera Strap