Mom Gadgets: Tom

Dear Tom:

I appreciate the fact that you are always there when I need you and that you can always lend direction to a friend in need. I remember when there was an emergency and you were quick to find the closest hospital. One of my favorite weekends with you was when we went to Savannah, Georgia and you quickly pointed out all the local shopping and restaurants. But my favorite quality is that you can always lead me home. Thanks Tom!

xoxo, C

Please note that Tom refers to my Tomtom, a GPS navigation device.

Here are some great reviews on other GPS systems

image via Tomtom.

Mom Gadgets: The Curve

This week I thought it would be fun to highlight the gadgets in my life that make my day to day easier. Back to school came like a whirlwind and on the top of my list of modern lifesavers is my new Blackberry Curve. I am no tech expert, but I do not that this phone has changed my life for the better (I have heard the same raves about the iPhone, but I did not love the touch screen). The calendar, email, and internet functions are so easy to use on the Curve. PC Magazine declared that this phone was a great combination of a full keyboard and fun applications, I like the fact that the curve comes in pink.

xoxo, C

image via flickr

Hullabaloo Performance

Hullabaloo, "the farm-fresh, free-range, organic kid-folk in a genre filled with musical Twinkies & Ding-Dongs" musical group is putting on a FREE concert (brought to you by the kind folk at Stroller Strides), Saturday September 13th at Calle Altea Park in Talega. Be sure to check out some the band's videos HERE.

What: FREE Hullabaloo performance
When: Saturday, September 13th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Where: Calle Altea Park, Talega

xoxo, K
image via Hullabaloo.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

They might not look like much, but to my family & I, these cookies symbolize the arrival of Fall. I usually make them on the first chilly day in September... this morning definitely fit the bill.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
1 spice cake mix
1 small (15 oz.) can of canned pumpkin
1 cup chocolate chips (or white chocolate chips are good too)

Mix ingredients together & drop by the spoonful onto a greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 16-18 minutes.

How easy is that? No eggs, no oil, no measuring cups! Plus they taste good! Since all the ingredients can be stored in the cupboard, you can always have it on hand, you know... in case company just happens to "drop by". Or, even better... share them with your friends & nieghbors. Wrap the ingredients up in a cute brown bag, tie the recipe on with a raffia bow & viola! Instant gift! How simple is that?!

xoxo, K

image via flickr.

SoCal Independent Film Festival

Right now, in Huntington Beach, the SoCal Independent Film Festival is going on. Recently named as one of "MovieMaker Magazine's 20 Festival worth the entry fee, the SoCal has six days of official selections & award winning movies & screenplays; industry speakers; professional workshops; Q&As with directors & actors; special guest; a professional panel of jury members & screeners; volunteer opportunites; and scores of film watching attendees..."

To view the movie schedule go HERE.
To view the event schedule go HERE.
To buy tickets go HERE.

What: SoCal Independent Film Festival
When: September 9-14, 2008
Where: The Huntington Beach Central Library Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave.

xoxo, K
image via SoCal Independent Film Festival.