Genesis Moments - A Writer's Journey

Product Review: Powermat Wireless Charger

When I first saw the Powermat Wireless Charger on one of the news stations promoting gifts for men, the technology looked too good to be true (and in some ways it is but I'll get to that) but I could see its advantages so I agreed to review this hot new gadget.

For the review, I received the Powermat Home and Office Mat, the Powermat Portable Mat, the enabling cases for the DSi and for an ITouch.

Both the Home and Office Mat and the Portable Mat charge up to 3 Powermat-enabled devices simultaneously (plus one USB power port). And, they work with all Powermat receivers. Included in the box for each is a universal Powercube with 8 tips that enable you to charge different devices. A magnetized case for holding the tips is also included.

Both mats retail for $99.99. The ITouch case retails for $39.99 and the DSi case retails for $29.99.

After opening the mat and testing it on my phone and several of my children's devices, I took it to my Intro to Digital Media class. One student charged her ITouch and another charged his phone while they took their final.

I found out a couple of things and I will break them down into advantages and disadvantages for you:

Advantages:

• By keeping all the devices charging together, we only use one outlet in the wall which fulfills the claim of this gadget cleaning up the electronic clutter on your countertop.
• We also know where to go to find our devices rather than searching the walls for wires leading to DSs my children randomly plug in everywhere.
• In a hotel room (of let's say, four mom bloggers on conference), having one place to plug in the portable mat could be quite convenient especially since you might not have a car for all your usual car chargers if you are travelling.
• The USB port is nice for the Apple devices if you use your smart phone to communicate and not a laptop when travelling. (One particular student of mine likes the portable option the best. I do think this one gets my vote for usefulness especially for those who travel or students who max out their dorm room outlets & space!)

Disadvantages:

• I found out quickly that I had received DSi cases but we have two DSs which take a different enabler. (Fortunately, I actually won a DSi and will be giving it to my daughter for Christmas. Then, we can use the case!)
• ***I also realized that without an enabling case, you are back to the old plug-in system which is okay but then you only have one powering cube.
• The enabling cases that allow you to quickly drop your device onto a mat without plugging in (thus the word "wireless" in the description) would have to replace any current casing you use which may not sit too well with device owners that love their variety of colors.
• I also found that while the ITouch case worked perfectly for my student who had a more recently released ITouch, it did not slide easily onto my first generation one. Amazing what a hair breadth of difference makes.
• And, this system is a bit pricey for a way to get more organized.

Recommendations:

I would use this device over common charging stations that I see on the market, like the ones with little pockets or shelves that could look cluttered with wires hanging out the back. This product is cleaner and more compact.

I would probably buy 2 more power cubes to maximize the space on the mat. The power cubes allow me to plug in devices without searching for cases to the things I really want to charge which may or may not be available. 

This mat is most useful if you have a lot of devices to charge and limited space. I like the portable mat the best for regular travellers and college students.

Nativity Blog Hop

Here's my entry for Janmary's Nativity Blog Hop! There another nativity in the post below about our Christmas decorations but this is our main one. Great idea, Janmary!

 

Taking the Bloganthropy Pledge

Bloganthropy is challenging individuals to take a pledge to use social media for a good cause. 

Here are the basic pledge rules from the Bloganthropy website:

Will you join us in our three steps to a better world pledge? Promise to:

1. Choose one charitable project, organization, or cause.
2. Spread the word on at least two social media platforms (your blog, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Whrrl, Flickr, forums, etc.) about the charitable effort of your choice.
3. Volunteer at least three hours of your time to the charitable effort of your choice.

When you pledge, you will not only be making a commitment to your community and yourself, you will also be using your social media influence to make your message viral.

And we’ll help you spread the word, too–just end us your links on Facebook or Twitter (@bloganthropy use the hashtag #bloganthropy). We will also hold a carnival of philanthropy on the last Friday of every month, starting in January 2010.

Lend a hand and inspire others and together, we can build a better world.

Again, click here to take part in this celebration of helping others!

I first heard of Bloganthropy when Debbie from Mamanista invited me to go with her tomorrow to deliver a car load of toys to Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania down in Philadelphia. I told her I would be happy to go and tweeted it to her too. I saw she was using the hashtag #bloganthropy and I had to go check it out. What a great idea! If I had thought of it first, I would have loved to start a blog committed to philanthropy. I am an avid believer in volunteering and helping our community with our time.

Which is why I am hoping to make my volunteer commitment to the Phoenixville Area Time Bank. I just wrote an article about it on my other blog DIYFrugal. Check it out HERE.

There are Time Banks nationwide but there is a really active chapter near me. While I plan to earn some hours to bank and receive services back, I can also volunteer hours to donate to the PA Helping Fund that gives help to others who can't give back right away.

Now, go take your own pledge!

Home for the Holidays

My girls did most of the decorating this year as I finished grading finals and submitting grades. This post is in their honor for their ingenuity and innovation. (BUT, I will say I added the Santa hat to the Grandma doll). I really see the years I worked at Ten Thousand Villages coming across in my decorations. There are also a number of cleverly painted items from my aunt Pat.

I missed all the home tour carnivals (like at The Nester who had 1085 entries!! Go check out all the creativity and holiday spirit.) But, what can you do? Maybe next year (when I actually get my Christmas wreaths on the windows and front doors again.)

 

   
 
  

 

New Years Ruminations. . . a little early . . .

I sit down in a post-Cabernet Sauvignon funk to think about why I blog, why I put my thoughts out for the world to see, why I would rather be writing than watching TV right now, what my goals for 2010 might be and then, the front door opens as if by magic -- my children know when I actually sit down to take a break -- interrupting the few moments of solitude.

"Can you come here for a sec?"

"No. Why?"

"I think I dislocated my hip."

"Okay, then come in and take off everything [namely, snow clothes]."

"No way. I'm going back out."

"Fine." (though this last part isn't even heard by the assumed hip dislocated daughter who in one second declares she is in pain and the other is running back outside which would be physically impossible if she really hurt herself.)

I just got home from trudging through the snow to catch up with a neighbor who is going through a tough month. We talked about life, God, God's ultimate plan and the tests we have to go through whether we like it or not. She relates to the analogy from her recent classes towards her Masters and I can relate b/c I have to give those tests as a professor. I tell her that I tell my students that the tests are going to be hard but I give the material to succeed. What they do with that material is up to them.  Some excel. Some fail.

I think about life that way. God knows what tests are ahead and He gives us the material to handle them. What we do with that material is up to us. I could stop the tests my students take but how would they learn? How would they process the material and learn from it? God knows what we need to know to handle the trials in life. He also gave us His word (the Bible) and then the Holy Spirit in our hearts to be prepared for what life brings on.

I am feeling totally convicted right now that I need to read my Bible more. I need to stick to my budget more. I need to stick to my diet more. I think I am having a pre-New Year's Resolutions moment. January 1st is coming fast and I already have my list started. There are so many things to think through for 2010. So many things to do, to praise God for, to achieve, to accomplish, to enjoy, to cry about, to cry with, to experience. Where do I begin?

First of all, what am I truly trying to achieve through blogging?

What am I truly trying to achieve out of life?

What glorifies the Lord?

What honors Him?

How do I fulfill my obligations fully?

How do I do one thing well? Or, am I created to do multiple things and nothing to perfection?

Should I write my book this year? Should I write more posts . . articles  . . . books? Should I focus on my classes and community obligations more?

Oh, so many questions. Nothing like a little red wine to make the mind introspective. Forgive me. I am signing off now.

A Few Thanksgiving Pictures - better late than never

I know, I am sooo late but Thanksgiving is such a special time with my family in North Carolina that I decided to post a few pictures! A feast was created by all & had by all!!! I especially love the coconut cake but all the goodies are amazing and it is impossible not to feel like a stuffed turkey when the day is over.

 
 

 

 
 
 (I'm the short one in our Southern family gatherings! Here I am with my cousins Leslie and Debbie.)

  

Aunt Michele (my sister) and Maggie (my niece)

 
The men gather away from the baby shower for my soon-to-be nephew in the other room. (First two on left are my dad and twin brother John.)

  

Siler helps open gifts for the baby-on-the-way.

GIVEAWAY (4 sets): 6 Moshi Monster MoPods

This Contest in NOW CLOSED. Thanks for stopping by.

I will notify winners by e-mail.

My kids totally love the new online site Moshi Monsters where you adopt your own monster and learn valuable educational skills through games and puzzles. It is a "free-to-play virtual world where players can create and care for their very own pet monster."

BUT, wait, there's more. Here's the latest:

"Just in time for the holidays, Moshi Monsters is offering the perfect stocking stuffer, Moshi MoPods. MoPods are adorable cell phone charms modeled after in-game Moshi characters that light up and spin upon receiving a call, text, email or voice message. MoPods can also be attached to purses, belt loops or key chains - so you'll never miss a call, even when your phone is set to 'silent'. As a bonus, every MoPod contains a unique secret code that grants access to a free virtual accessory for your Moshi Monster."

  

Moshi is letting me GIVE AWAY 4 full sets of 6 Moshi Monster characters each to 4 readers. Here's the rules:

• Go to www.moshimonsters.com/adopt to pick your favorite character and leave it in the comments below for one entry!
• Tweet, blog, stumble, digg, facebook or whatever you like for more entries. Come back and let me know so your additional entry will be added to the total in my random number generator!
• Contest will end on Saturday, December 19.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Going Chesco for the Holidays

Toys, prizes, friends, good food.... Chester County Moms put on quite a night Thursday. Sarah and Shannon did an amazing job bringing together women and businesses from around the Chester County area to enjoy a night of raffles and prizes from companies both local and national. Jo-Lynne, Kim and I headed out from our corner of the county to join the fun on a very cold night. We debated the wisdom of leaving our cozy warm homes but the trip was worth the trek.

Recruiting the help of my early birthday gift (a Garmin GPS), our conversation went something like this . .

"Make your next turn. . ."

"yeah, no.. . "

"Make your next turn. . "

"no, I don't think so. . . "

"Turn left.. . "

"We're turning this way . . . so get OVER it {you little black box who can't even get Paoli right - why should we listen to you?}."

Well, Garmins are fairly reliable but they don't know momma shortcuts and they don't know mommas who need a night out - BADLY!

Arriving safely at Milestone Events, we each deposited new toys for Toys for Tots, which earned us extra entry tickets to the toys being given away. The ever lovely Melissa from Girlymama met us at the registration table.

After enjoying delish appetizers, we heard about the latest in toys from Chris Byrne, the Toy Guy and watched the Marines walk the toys down the aisle in a fun toy fashion show. See below for a picture with Mindi, Chris, Shannon and myself. 

 

Afterward, we started stuffing the boxes of our favorite toys and gifts in hopes of winning the prize of our choice. AND I WON!! Okay, back to earth. First, I won a lovely tree skirt and Christmas stockings from Sterling Pear, and then I sat back and waited. Each toy was called and I thought I just WANT THAT DSi while others went crazy over dinosaurs, dolls and night vision googles (right, Mindi?).

Yes, I will admit, I totally flipped when they called my number. Now, I had a major decision - which kid gets it? Both my daughters LOVE their DS. So, I struck a bargain with one of my daughters. She gets the FLIP video camera I got from a recent event while the other gets the DSi. AND, the Flip is a TOTALLY awesome gift that she will enjoy for YEARS to come and is definitely equal in value. Kids just don't think the same way. I might as well have told her I was buying her clothes or something -- happy but still calling me "you little booger."

So, the fun ended and we gathered our coats and swag bag chockful of goodies  (in an awesome as always reusable bag from Sun & Earth). Then, the night was not over just yet as Whitney and Julie treated us to their winnings at Doc Magrogan's Oyster House before we made our way home.

"Make the next turn. .."

"Okay, we get it already."

"Make your next turn. . ."

"Should we just turn this off now?"

"Yeah, we know where we are."

Garmins and sassy mamas don't make for a good mix.

Hosting for the Holidays!

I am over at the Genuardi's/Safeway website checking out their recipes for the holidays. They were kind enough to send me a giftcard for $25 to try out some of their great holiday deals and so I am doing a little research first.

I have agreed to host a post-Christmas dinner on Sunday and I am trying to decide what to cook. I certainly won't be able to do what we did at Thanksgiving (a massive Southern buffet contributed to by about 30 family members.) No, I am thinking a few traditional things like ham, homemade mac & cheese and green beans (no casserole since we have such picky eaters) and then maybe some fun new appetizers and desserts. Oh, the choices.

Genuardi's Recipe Page has some interesting things I might just try like:

"Absolutely the Best Nacho Dip Ever"

"Cream Cheese Ball" with pineapple

Or maybe instead of nacho, here's a delish sounding "Great Hot Crab Dip"

Oh, look at this Double Layer Pumkpkin Cheesecake. My mouth is watering already. Think I might have to save the calories from the main dish and only eat appetizers and dessert!

This Amaretto Cake looks easy and yummy too.

Oh so many choices! I usually add in a cheese and cracker plate, olives & pickles, 2 dips that could double for chips or veggies. Then we keep the main portion of the meal pretty simple. My husband likes mashed potatoes so I may add in that. With picky eaters, you can't get too fancy. Dessert will include in the least a pumpkin and apple pie and then maybe one of the items listed above.

Should come together easily with a few bowls of mints and nuts around for the pre and post dinner snackers. Oh, maybe I'll make some Chex Mix too and buy some chocolates -just for that sweet tooth in the crowd. And I wonder why I can't lose weight. Eating is just so much fun - such a rich experience.

Oh, check out Genuardi's leftover lounge too for great ideas after the main meal. I see some digital coupons there too. I can't think of a better way to be frugal than to plan ahead!!

Cooking Contest: Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting Challenge

Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting

Helps At-Home Bakers Create Extraordinary Treats in a Flash  

Consumers are encouraged to share their frosted creations for a chance to win $10,000

 

ORRVILLE, OH (November 23, 2009) — Everyone loves a sweet treat and with new Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting, creating delicious works of edible art has never been so easy!  Starting today, the makers of Pillsbury baking products announce the “Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting Challenge,” and call on all dessert lovers to unlock frosting fun, think creatively and transform their favorite homemade baked good into a chance to win $10,000 and a year’s worth of Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting.  Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting is available in a convenient aerosol can with a built-in five-star applicator tip and can transform a cake, plate of cookies, or batch of brownies into bakery-style desserts.

Consumers are asked to use Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting to decorate a homemade baked good of their choice and submit an original photo of the wholly edible creation online.  Submissions can be entered online starting November 23, 2009, through February 5, 2010, at www.pillsburybaking.com.  The winning photo will be posted in March 2010.

Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting makes decorating baked goods a piece of cake!  The new product features the same creamy, delicious frosting in a tub that families love, in a 13.5 oz aerosol can with a five-star decorating tip.  Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting is available in three delicious varieties: Decadent Chocolate Fudge, Vanilla Dream, and Velvety Cream Cheese. 

“We are always thrilled to offer new ways to add fun and convenience to baking,” said Maribeth Badertscher, Vice President, Corporate Communications, The J.M. Smucker Company. “The Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting Challenge is meant to inspire amateur bakers to share their creativity.”

To help consumers get started, Pillsbury offers a variety of delicious baking products for fun and convenience in the kitchen.  New products include Pillsbury Brownie Minis Brownie Mix, delicious bite-size treats that need only water and bake in half the time of traditional brownie mix; and premium Pillsbury Cookie Mixes in three mouth-watering, family favorite flavors: Funfetti Cookie Mix; Reduced Sugar - Sugar Cookie Mix; and Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix. 

The “Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting Challenge” is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C.,18 years of age and older.  Void in Arizona, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Vermont and where prohibited.  For Official Rules and complete entry details visit www.pillsburybaking.com.