FREE Licensed Software Programs!!!

What could be better than free?
Trust me, this is not a fluke or a virus-filled site!  I've used it a few times and it's fabulous.
Each day, they offer a different program for free!  The goal is to get the word out about the program. 
Giveawayoftheday has a link that says "Proceed to download page" right below the description of the day's product.  Once you click on that, you get all the REAL information.  Then you can decide if it's for you!  Listed are really, really helpful reviews, key features, system requirements, etc.  It will also tell you the regular retail price and the file size.
One thing that I would caution, however, that I was not originally aware... The terms of use in the read me files require that it is downloaded, installed and registered before the deal expires!
Personally, I have downloaded a really fabulous photography add-on and an organizing program.  I don't like to download too many things that are going to bog-down my computer, so I am picky.  I can truly say that these are fabulous!! And... How can they not be worth the price?  Can you say... ZERO!!!
What a great way to go shopping without spending money...  Enjoy this link!

Reading a magazine may never be the same!

I love magazines!  They are such a bevy of eye candy and interesting articles, in little tidbits, just waiting for my consumption!  I told you a little about my thoughts on the Apple I-pad a while back.  I won't be buying any of the e-readers or tablets available in black and white, and here's why...

Sports Illustrated - Tablet Demo 1.5 from The Wonderfactory on Vimeo.

You just have to look at this video on Sports Illustrated's new multi-media magazine!  The possibilities are endless....

I can't wait to see some of the craft magazines that might follow this concept; can you imagine video tutorials embedded within the articles, and extra photos of projects...  It's mighty exciting, I would say!

And... can you imagine how organized your house would be if all your magazines and books were in digital format.  It's not quite the same to snuggle up in jammies with hot cocoa and a tablet computer though (although it's getting closer all the time).

Opening in another window

I've been doing research on getting my links to open in a new window/tab.  I will soon be able to make my links do that.  In the time being, if you would like to remain on my blog and open a link ...
follow these directions...

1. Hover your mouse over the link and right click.
2. Scroll down to (hover over) either open in new tab (usually the 2nd option) or open in new window (usually the 3rd option).
3. Left Click

You will now be able to close out of that link when you are done with it and remain here, on my blog!

Hope this helps!

Daily Deals are FUN!

Even if I never buy anything, Daily Deals are Fun!!  Have you seen these websites?

You can check these websites each day to see what the new bargain is...

Just like you never know what you will find on this blog from day to day, you never know what you will find at a steal of a deal each day on these websites!

So…  Here are some links for some common ones, some not so common, and some specialty ones, and just for added measure, I’ve thrown in some that are weekly deals.

General and Special Daily Deals:
Target’s Daily Deal
Razor Dog Deal’s Deal of the Day (on the right-hand side of the screen)
Daily Deal’s Deal of the Day
Amazon Daily Deals

Ebay’s Daily Deal
Daily Memories Deal

LTD Commodities Deal of the Week (Weekly Deal – Scroll down to the bottom of the page)
REI’s Deal of the Week (Weekly Deal for the Sports Minded)


A Couple Sites that have a “Popularity” list of Daily Deals:
Zero Day Deals (You can click on the top bar to choose daily deals or weekly deals)
Deal Sucker

For my boys (this proves I’m cool!):
The Xbox Live Deal of the Week

For all of my Artsy Friends, who have been waiting ever-so-patiently for me to do something-anything (I promise there is lots more coming!) crafty:

Peachy Cheap’s Today’s Deal

Scrapbook Steal’s Daily Steal

Crafty Steal’s Hot New Steal

All My Memories Steal of the Week (Weekly Deal)


**I do believe this is the most extensive crafting daily deals list I’ve seen anywhere!! ENJOY!!**

iPad, Kindle, or Mini-Netbook? My comparison:

Apple made a big announcement. Everyone is listening.
Do we love the new iPad?
I found reviews and comparisons. I think … It depends. It depends what you are looking for.

Now, I don’t claim to know more about the technical stuff than these reviewers, but they are not all entirely accurate. Example: Kindle does have an SD slot, Kindle can handle photos/diagrams (just not in color)… If you have a particular feature that is important to you make sure to … go to the source for more info…

Sources: Kindle (Basic)specs, Kindle DX specs,
Apple iPad specs, HP mini netbooks specs,
Toshiba tablet pc specs, Dell mini netbooks and
Barnes & Nobles Nook specs

Here are some reviews that I found interesting, although not entirely accurate:
http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/01/27/the-ipad-vs-the-kindle-spec-for-spec/
http://www.electronista.com/articles/10/01/27/apple.banking.on.color.and.apps/
http://seattlebubble.com/blog/amazon-kindle-vs-apple-ipad/
http://socialmode.com/2010/01/27/ipadibooks-vs-kindle-vs-nook/

My obsession with books has meant that I want to own as many as possible, I just don’t want the clutter! Kindle to the rescue! Ever since it came out, I thought it was a fabulous idea. I haven’t purchased one though. I just know that technology is moving quickly… when will the next best thing be here? Is it the iPad? Here is my take…

For books, the Kindle is still better. You can’t beat the non-glare e-ink for reading. One negative, for crafts, how-to, and magazines – color would be nice! With the Kindle you can “sync” your books on your computer, Amazon library, iphone, and blackberry – you will never run out of storage space because Amazon will store your entire library! You have tons more books available through Amazon than through Apple’s iBook store. Amazon’s last count was 400,000 books in addition to magazines, newspapers, and blogs. And it is not stopping: Quote from Amazon, “Our vision for Kindle is to have every book ever printed, in any language, all available in under 60 seconds.” And huge: No monthly fee!! Free 3G connectivity. No internet or mobile service fees. This adds up every month, people!! Why aren’t the other reviewers making a big deal about this feature?

My final choice...  I'm still waiting.

Fabulous Website Find & What to do with all those USER MANUALS...

I needed a user manual.  We have a complicated phone system at the office and no one knows how to use it.  We pay with our first born children (and dogs and cats) every time we need to call for assistance.  I decided to see what I could find to download online.  I didn't know how much it would cost, but it would be worth it, I was sure!  Lo and behold, I found a site to download user manuals for free!! 

Now, talk about eliminating clutter and keeping organized at home!  You know longer have to keep the physical paper user manuals if you can download a copy or go to the website if you need to reference something.  I used to keep a file of user manuals and warranties but often forgot about it or didn't like the bulkiness of it.  Right now, I am keeping my manuals with the item or within close proximity, which works nicely.  I have the tv and vcr/dvd manuals under the dvd player.  I have coffee pot, blender, etc manuals with the cookbooks.  Mentally, for some reason, files represent "things to do" for me.  One good rule of organization is to keep things where you use them.

There are probably more websites like this one out there, but here is the one I found:  http://safemanuals.com/   Go forth and enjoy paperless manuals!!