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Technology Mom

As a mom or just a super busy person, how many times have you been frustrated by your smartphone? Are you constantly losing it? Do you wish you had more practical functionality? Are you constantly worrying about your kids chucking it in the toilet?

In the age of Google glass and Apple watches I just can’t see why some problems haven’t been fixed. Why do we need different computers or devices to accomplish routine tasks? Why are we tied to choosing between smart phones, tablets and desktops? Why worry about carrying around tons of devices?

More and more these days I wish I had a single product that I could keep on me on all times, something small and wearable that accomplishes, through voice, everything I can do on a tablet or smart phone. For the visual tasks, I’d prefer a sheet of smart glass that can be linked to my device and bring stunning visual displays to anything I want to accomplish. This is probably a lot to ask, but as a working mom I’m tired of having to compromise. I want that the world literally at my fingertips whenever I need it. But I also want to be able to shut down and enjoy my family and the world around me without having to feel connected.

Needless to say I’m not a tech genius, but a girl can dream can’t she?

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Move over Cable TV…

I wrote a few weeks ago about our move to a MUCH less expensive way of watching TV using a combination of Apple TV, Hulu and Netflix. Well, for those of you in the NY Metro area there’s even more good news. Aereo.com provides access to the major networks, Syndicated programs, local interest channels, and more! You can access this site for free (with limitations) or sign up for a nominal fee. This completely solves our small worries about having access to news and sports. I can’t help but feel this is the future of television where consumers get to pick and choose what they want access to for a much reduced fee provided they pay the cost for internet service. Is it terrible that I get such a kick out of snubbing Cablevision?

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First big airplane trip!

Traveling in general is always a bit of a chore, but the rewards are usually huge! Traveling with a toddler on a trans-atlantic flight? That might be something else altogether…

Needless to say, we’re braving it. We are making a few final plans and getting ready to pack our bags to visit my relatives for the first time since Lena was born. We are THRILLED to be able to make the trip and so far, we are optimistic we’ll accomplish it with little fuss. Provided Lena cooperates and sleeps on command. Easy right?

Our bags will mostly contain the necessities, clothes, toiletries and the like. One large duffel with sweaters, coats and other somewhat light things will also contain the pack n’ play (we’re staying with relatives so having a containment field is completely necessary).

Other than that, we have the extreme advantage of priority boarding! As the proud parents of one screaming toddler, we have the benefit of stalking to the gate ahead of everyone else while loaded down with car-seat (in plane containment, totally necessary!), stroller, diaper bag and carry-on bags. We’re going to attempt to pack light as hopefully our little cherub will be completely exhausted from tearing around the airport for hours that she’ll pass out once we lift off.

In the diaper bag (mom’s magical bag o’ tricks) we’ll have diapers (duh!), wipes (lots of ‘em), a few snacks (airlines provide toddler meals, who knew?!), sippy cup/bottle, pacifiers (ear pressure relief), various meds (tylenol, motrin etc….yes, we’re currently getting molars), lovies (can’t leave home without them), books and other entertainment devices (though hopefully they won’t be needed). Oh, and don’t forget at least two changes of clothes…between airport, airplane and car rental…we’re bound to need a few. Toys seem unnecessary as she’s usually way too distracted to play with any and if we need distraction I’d prefer it be the calm, quiet sort.

I’m really trying to travel with less clutter. Every time we go away, it seems we completely move in…even if we’re only visiting for a weekend. Usually we have the benefit of our own car, so we hardly pack light since we have extra space. But since we’ll be wrestling bags, stroller, carseat and very tired toddler…I think we’ll do better using the “less is more” philosophy.

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Toddler Meals

Between teething, emerging personalities and learning new tastes and textures it’s always a struggle to find easy to prepare foods that are healthy and relatively quick and simple. Most of my attempts to disguise veggies in Lena’s favorite foods, she never fails to find me out!

Cauliflower hidden in mac n’ cheese completely failed. She literally spent 30 minutes picking out the pasta and removing every last trace of the offending veg.
Healthy quesadillas were a favorite for a while but are no longer an options (perhaps the texture with her sore teeth). Grilled chicken was a huge part of most meals but now she barely touches the stuff.

I’m sure that some of these changes can be attributed to her little brain learning to manipulate us, but I also think she’s craving more variety and new tastes.

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Tofu pups, peas, corn, veggie pouches, oatmeal, pasta (of any sort usually), almost any fruit, beans, yogurt etc. are all still on the menu but I’m quickly running out of options to spice things up. Even the always coveted cheerios are off the current list! Meal times are always a challenge because we literally arrive home from work and start throwing together leftovers or something quick and easy to cook.

What are your kids eating?

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Starting the new year with savings…

We are constantly struggling with balancing our finances, trying to save money for our next big project. (Currently, ours is eventually buying a house…eep!)

We’ve figured out that making big, sweeping changes often doesn’t work. We don’t anticipate potential complications or we give up because the change is just too difficult (aka extreme couponing or avoiding clothing purchases). So we’ve been striving to make small, manageable changes that are easily to evolve as time goes on and our requirements change.

A few things that have worked:
1. Starting an ING savings plan that automatically deducts a fixed amount of $ from our checking account each week, automatic savings! You don’t miss it when you didn’t even realize you had the cash to begin with.

2. Cutting out coffee shops and brewing at home. The savings add up amazingly fast.

3. Get rid of pricey Cable TV packages. You literally save $50 or more a month…minimum!

To expand on #3, most cable providers charge upwards of $130 for internet and TV service. Throw in a phone and you’re closer to $160 and that’s with the most basic of TV packages. If you’re not addicted to sports, live TV and news shows…there’s another option! (Sports fans can also take advantage of this, never fear).

Can your cable company and only keep the internet service. That brings your bill down to roughly $50-60 on average (and if you sign up for a contract you can probably negotiate it down a bit more). If you have an internet ready TV, just pick the apps you use and away you go. Hulu plus is only $7.99 per month and has most major network TV shows readily available only one day after they air. Netflix has several affordable options if you want to expand your selection, especially for older TV series and movies.

For those without an internet ready TV (or those who want an easier to navigate menu and a few more viewing options) purchase an Apple TV for $99 (one time fee to purchase the box). You can hook this up to your TV and stream movies, Huluplus, Netflix, sports, youTube and much, much more.  Essentially anything you can get via iTunes, you can now view on your television.

For a grand total of roughly $70 per month (in most cases, at least half of your current bill) you get a huge selection for your viewing pleasure. Not a bad deal!

At the end of the day, you also feel a bit better for sticking it to those crazy cable companies.