Mama Speaks

Listen To Your Buds and Audeo

Turn Down The Volume!

It used to just be the sulky teenagers moping around engrossed in whatever it was that was plugged into their ears (yes, I was one too, somewhere about the time the discman overtook the walkman) but the kids I see plugged in on a daily basis are getting younger and younger. The visiting tween on my couch, listening to her iPod, doing homework. The grade schooler in the pediatricians office playing his handheld, wearing ear buds yet listening loud enough for us to hear every crash and grunt across the room. The toddler watching some sort of podcast in the checkout line on Mama's iPhone (no, this one wasn't mine!)

The problem is that all of this loud listening is doing some serious damage to our kids hearing. A 2006 study by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), revealed that over half of high school students have at least one sign of hearing loss due to exposure. A scary thought but it's not too late too prevent that from happing to that younger crowd just starting to listen.

My little guy and I were recently invited to partake in the Listen To Your Buds Concert put on by the Parents Choice Foundation and ASHA at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. Acclaimed Artist Justin Roberts rocked with the little one's while stressing the importance of safe listening habits. The Listen To Your Buds site has a wealth of information for parents and fun games for kids. The core of it all though, is to be sure to teach good listening habits to your kids before they get into that tuned-out teenager stage. By setting guidelines for headphone usage, monitoring noise levels, and watch for warning signs of hearing loss you can help protect your little one's hearing for life.

So, what sort of headphones should your kids big or small be listening to? While the emphasis on the Listen To Your Buds and similar campaigns is on volume, not style of headphones, the right pair can make a difference. The Audéo Perfect Fit Earphones (PFE) from Phonak are that difference. Phonak is the the largest hearing device and hearing aid company in the world and if anyone knows the ear, it's them. By isolating sound they're able to provide exceptional comfort and top-notch sound quality without sacrificing the health of your ears.

Epson Artisan 800

No Cables, No Worries

Printers are a necessity of life these days, and all too often we sit at home unsatisfied with the big hunk of junk sitting on our desk, begging it to just work already.  When it does work, it is clunky, slow, and so without features, that we wonder why we brought it into our house in the first place.

So when I got the chance to try out the new Epson Artisan 800, I was immediately optimistic upon hearing about it's features.  Touch screen and wifi?  Yes please.  I need a little hootspa in my gadgets, and being able to completely disconnect and wander around my house and still be able to print?  Serious awesome.

Once the printer started showing off it's prowess, I noticed right away it's speediness.  I would ask my hubs if the machine was printing yet, and the answer would always be "it's already done"--before I finally got the point and stopped asking.  The quality is amazing, and once we started printing photos the real awe of this printer kicked in.  These photos are lab quality, and I can't wait to get started on our Christmas card list (well I can wait, but I'm thrilled that I don't have to pay someone else to make sub par cards this year!).

The best part--which I haven't even mentioned yet--is the fact that this baby is an all-in-one.  You can do so much more than just print, you can also copy, fax and scan.  Lately I've been needing to scan almost daily--no receipt, kid's project or document is safe from my efficiency craze.  Having more projects that I need to sign an agreement for, scan, and send back, means that my Epson is getting more face time than ever.  There are more features (you don't even need a computer to print some major photo awesomeness, and you can crop, red eye correct, and more) that will blow you away, so be sure to go read all about them here.

This lovely printer, cable-less and all, comes at an uber-affordable price [$299], making it a nice addition to your house, or even as a gift for that friend/sister/mama in need.  Let us know how you like it!   

-Arianne

Last Minute Back to School Guide

A New Way To Get Schooled

We know that by now some of you may have already done your school shopping, or may even be back in school as we speak.  But we also know that there are those late shoppers (like moi) who are trying to make their summer last by swimming and lounging instead of schlepping to the big box store to check off the to-do's.  How about some alternatives to the same old same old?  Your kids will love these fresh ideas, and you'll love the fact that these online stores will have stock (unlike that empty back to school aisle you are likely to see at the store).  Check this out:

Basic Needs

Get the basics covered in one shot, and all while saving the planet, with this Green Apple Earth Friendly School Pack [$28] from Red Apple School Supply.  Getting things taken care of quickly and eco-minded-ly is my bag baby.  This set includes:

1 Green Apple 2" three-ring binder made of recycled paper w/re-usable hardware
1 recycled 3-subject notebook, college rule

1 package recycled binder filler paper, 100 sheets, college rule
1 Oxford 100% recycled paper 2 pocket portfolio
1 pack of Green Apple #2 pencils, 10 count
1 Green Apple retractable ballpoint pen, medium black, made from recycled components

1 Green Apple biodegradable jumbo highlighter pencil
1 Green Apple ruler made from recycled yellow pages and plastic

 

 

 

Stuck On You

Pick up a non-toxic gel glue instead of that usual yuckiness we're all so familiar with, by snagging an O'Glue by Itoya.  You can even use it when the kids aren't looking, as it's archival safe and acid free.

 

 

Write For Life

Looking for those special triangular pencils to help with the fine motor and writing skills?  Look no further than the Stubby Pencil Studio, whose eco-minded products make this mama swoon.  Their 12-pack of ergonomic triangle shaped pencils [$4] are made in Spain from reforested wood, and they even throw in a natural rubber eraser made in France.  Loved by students of every age.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keepin Track Of It All

Don't forget to grab something for the younger set to keep track of all their new writing bits and bobbles.  This Rocket Pencil Case made in Germany by Haba (found at Oompa Toys $17) meets all the needs of my young adventurers.  There are multiple tiny zippered pouches perfect for paper clips, erasers or that special tiny find from inside the couch cushions.  The see through top means you'll always know what's hiding inside.

 

 

Express Yourself

Once everyone comes home from all that reading and writing, help them let off some steam with some creative expression.  The quickest (and cleanest) way to do this is by simple coloring, but you can punch up the color extravaganza by using something fun and funky like these Recycled Rainbow Crayons [$5].  Depending on where you put crayon to paper, you get a plethora of color options to give you that splash of expression you and your kids long for.

 

 

Perfect Saver

Students and parents alike need a place to store all those homework assignments, scanned in projects and pictures from special days at school.  This Cruzer 2G flash drive by SanDisk [$15] is the perfect solution for stylish peeps looking to keep their stored items close at hand. 

 

 

Now Presenting: Lunch

We have kids with special diets, so I'm always looking for ways to make their lunches more fun and appetizing.  I'm a long time fan of bento presentation of food, and this adorable Merry Mouton 2 Tier Bento Box by I Love Bento [$20] is the perfect way to send each individual food in style.  There is a divider between the two tiers, and the latch keeps things all together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keepin Your Cool 

We'll need something to put that Bento Box in to keep it chilled, so this Fleurville Kid's Lunch Pack [$32] does just the trick.  Environmentally conscious, Mod look, fabulous features, all things that mom loves and kids dig into.  My chances of having my son come home with most of his lunch eaten just went up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pack It Up, Pack It In

Get everything wrapped up and ready to go with the latest from Land's End.  Their Cordura StudyHaul Backpack [$35] has been tested at our house all summer, so we can tell you that not only did it outlast the rugged travels across country, on airplanes and at the beach, but it's numerous pockets and wide open top made it the most desired bag in our house.  Everyone was scrambling for it, even mom and dad.  It's comfortable and even has a MP3 pouch and cord port so you'll never been tune-less.

Win it!
We're giving away a Land's End Study Haul Backpack loaded with school supplies. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with School as your subject. Giveaway ends 08.25.08

-Arianne

Jawbone

I am that mom that gives thanks to email for keeping me in touch. Since expanding my family my ability to take care of anything by way of the telephone has become a feat rarely accomplished successfully. Business? No way, let alone a friendly conversation. For whatever reason the sight and sounds of the telephone seem an open invitation for my little one to move from bliss to meltdown, contentment to needing me, snacks, a chat, a new leg, anything! So, what if I told you I have a way for you to hold a conversation, on your phone, in the middle of a meltdown all without your caller hearing a thing? It's true...

The new Jawbone [$130] is more than just a bluetooth headset it is a serious a work of art, earwear if you will. Made of medical grade plastic and leather it's light and pretty and comfortable. And beyond the beauty is function you will find nowhere else. The NoiseAssassin feature uses military-grade noise elimination technology to eliminate up to 10x more noise than the closest competitor. When switched on you can hold a conversation and you caller will hear you, and only you. Even wind is no match for this baby, let alone your, well, baby.

Of course, there is simple practicality. We all know we probably shouldn't be talking on our cellphones while driving down the highway but time and time again I find that this is the only real time I have to make and return calls. So, if you're anything like me, at least do it hands free (and if you've received a ticket for talking with your hands in a hands free zone you can be sure it never happens again by redeeming your lawlessness for a discount!).

Win it!
We're giving away a new Jawbone headset in Silver to one chatty reader! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Jawbone as your subject. Let us know which government agency developed the NoiseAssassin algorithms and your mailing address in case you win. Giveaway ends 08.21.08

HP for Father's Day

Picture Perfection in an Hour Flat

If you're like me, you're down to the wire and still scrambling for the perfect Father's Day treasures. Before you start to worry or get a crazy idea like heading out to the mall with the kids in tow, keep in mind that thanks to the lifesaver that is overnight shipping almost all of the gifts in our Father's Day Gift Guide will arrive on time.

If you're looking for something personalized to honor your favorite Daddy-o head on over to one of HP's Photo Centers located at Mejier, CVS and Long's Drug Stores. All you'll need is a CD or USB full of your favorite family photos and the easy to use kiosk will help you create a photo book, calendar or poster of your prints. Best of all, your creation will be ready in about an hour.

My wee one and I created our very own bound book [starting at $20] for the Papa in our lives and it was so gorgeous we couldn't wait until Father's Day to share it (hence my last minute scramble for the second perfect gift). Our book was a hit and an awesome for way this Mama to finally get some of my favorite photos off of my computer and into print.

Want it?
Buy one 16x20 poster and get one free with this coupon.
 

Flip Video

When I Flip, You Flip, We Flip

I can't think of a time when I've been out and about, and actually had my video camera on hand to capture all those silly and unexpected moments my kids provide.  Too big, not quick to start up, the typical video camera is best for at home or any jaunt that doesn't involve quick in and out.  With the Flip Video, the times they are a changing. I carry my little pink Flip in my purse at all times, and I love being able to whip it out--in 2 seconds I'm recording my baby saying his first words.  Or capturing a celebrity walking by at the farmer's market.  Or just video taping the leaves moving in the wind and envisioning my own little movie and music as I watch the winds blow.  Yes, I am a full grown cheese ball.

The Flip [$150] holds up to 60 minutes, and has  built in software to allow you to view, edit and email your photos.  The built in non-scratch screen makes my endless daytime park video shoots a breeze, and the signature flip out USB allows you to effortlessly get plugged in and back in action.

-Arianne

Pleo

A Real (Almost) Baby Dino

Oh, our lives have not been the same since Ugobe's Pleo came to live with us. A house without pets but with children that would love some, this baby dinosaur is the perfect fit. Just about the size of a small puppy and about the same price at $349 (but no vet fees, allergies, or food bills- bonus!), Pleo will warm the hearts of the whole family. His coos and sweet voice had even me snuggling him and rocking him to sleep- which he actually does, complete with a precious little snore.

With amazing technology, this little dino is made up of real sensors, cameras, & microphones to imitate real life emotions and feelings. Aside from the obvious motorized sounds and having to recharge batteries, Pleo might convince you for a moment (and for sure will leave young ones in amazement) that he's actually a real living thing.

Not recommended for children ages 8 & up is a bit harsh- as my 2 year old was in heaven with having his own baby dino and my older boys just weren't as impressed. Proper supervision at all times is a must (at his age, my youngest thinks everything should go in the bath- a big no-no for Pleo!), but I also found this a great way to teach responsibility and respect to "animals" without using a real-life animal as the guinea pig!

-Steph

Take Two

My dino-crazed 2 year old was also delighted by the sudden appearance of a REAL baby dinosaur in our house! He is generally absolutely terrified of moving robotic toys, but Pleo was accepted (quite literally) with open arms. His realness in response and action is so spot on it was creepy at times and the fact that my techie husband and rough and tough toddler were equally enthralled was amazing to say the least.

In house already featuring a couple of dogs it was easy to jump right in and let him become one of the pack, and I think we often forgot he was just a toy until he zonked out in the middle of a rambunctious play session and we realized his batteries needed charging. In fact, I now find myself wishing all I had to do with the other four legged family members.

Pleo arrives as a baby and matures to do more the longer you play with him. His stay with us was short, but long enough we were able to see him become the dino equivalent of a rambunctious tot. I'm just waiting for another holiday to roll around so I can find an excuse to adopt one of Pleo's brothers and put an end to the daily of chorus of "MAMA! Where'd Pleo go'd?" Baby Dino, you are missed.

-Ashlee

GelaSkins

Here’s the Skinny

In a sea of iPods, where everyone from little Tommy to Grandma Jean is toting around their own music, it’s hard to stand out. At a holiday get-together with my family, we have a good 5-6 iPods sitting on the counter, not to mention the various MacBooks scattered on the dining room table. It usually takes a while for me to find the gadget that belongs to me, and it involves turning it on (or opening it up), which cuts into my precious time set aside for obsessing over Google Earth. 

Thanks to Gelaskins, my problem finding which electronic baby is mine, has disappeared. GelaSkins Inc. has created cool skins for laptops, iPods, and more, that will not only make them stand out in a crowd, but also protect them without being bulky or ugly.  The skins are made with premium grade 3M vinyl, and contain patented micro-channels within the adhesive so you don’t get that annoying bubbling so often found with other brands. Gelaskins has real artists working on these, so perusing their extensive collection is like peeking inside uber-creative minds. If you’re feeling deep and poetic, you can go with this one, or if you prefer funky with a little anime vibe, pick this one.  Of course, if the classics are more your taste, this Monet does not disappoint. I’ll be asking Santa to get some for the whole family, so we’ll finally be able to tell all our Apple’s apart.

Win it!
We have some GelaSkins for the fellow iPod junkies among us! To enter, send an email to giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight Dec. 06, with Gel as your subject and let us know if you'll be decking out an iPhone, iPod Touch or Classic.

Enter mamaspeaks at checkout for 10% off through 12.31.07

-Arianne

BUY

My Robot

Oh, Roomba, where have you been all my life? I must say that my carpet had never been so clean before Roomba came to my house. How many times have you thought I need to vacuum, and by the end of the day it still didn’t get done? The whole idea and design behind iRobot’s Roomba [$100-$400] is to make clean floors happen even in our busy lives- with just a touch of a button!

I could be washing dishes or just lounging on the couch while my little robot was vacuuming away. And it does a good job, probably maybe even better than me. Your friends and family will be amazed- as the Roomba will definitely draw a crowd. It goes under coffee tables and chairs with ease and the carpet really does look cleaner after the Roomba’s made its rounds, as it concentrates harder on the dirtier areas that you can’t even see.

It is not only a powerful vacuum, but it even will roll up its sleeves and dig into hard-to-reach places including accumulated debris along kickboards, cabinet edges and corners with its innovative spinning side brush. I love how the Roomba moves about from carpet to the kitchen floor without any need for special floor settings.

If only it had hands that sprouted out to pick up all the toys on our floors, or could scrub the toilets, then I’d be in heaven!

-Steph

On the flip side, I (Ashlee) just couldn't resist letting the Roomba take a spin on my floors as well. We have hardwood and this thing called a dog. A dog that sheds like crazy. Oh, and a toddler who gets enormous satisfaction out of the offense I call the "crumb and run". It was heaven, crumbs and doggie hair vanished without a trace and I didn't have to do a thing. Unfortunately, in my carpet free, bare-walled abode our little robot friend was crazy loud and succeeded not only at impressing me, but at terrifying said kid and canine.

Thankfully it's intelligent enough to find it's own way home an added bonus since our robot has been banished to doing floor duty while we take our daily stroll. But did you catch that? We head out for some sunshine and fresh air and come home to a clean floor. Believe me, you really need one.

-Ashlee

Suck It Up

Don't you think that things should work properly? We do too, and thankfully so do the folks from Dyson. When you're endlessly chasing dust bunnies, cereal spills and who knows what else, it helps when your equipment is up to par. I used to think that any old vacuum would do. You push, they suck, they're all the same, right? Think again.

Dyson's vacuums are super powerful and they never loose suction. The Slim (DC 18) [$470] packs all sorts of goodies into a svelte little package. Our favorite features are are hygienic emptying bin (just pull a trigger and the bottom drops out depositing all those bunnies in the trash), quick draw telescope reach (you can clean the stairs and cob-webby corners with ease!) and brush control (you can easily go from carpet to hard floors with the push of a button).

This sucker will leave you breathing easy to boot.     Dyson is the first vacuum to be certified asthma friendly according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Thanks to the lifetime HEPA filter, air expelled from a Dyson has up to 150 times less mold and bacteria than the air you're used to breathing.

We'll admit that the "effortless" steering took a bit of getting used to on hard floors, but it is able to twist and turn into the tightest of spaces. And despite our attempts to trip it up, the Dyson easily cleaned up everything in it's path and then some. I was amazed (and yet slightly horrified) to see all that it picked up from a carpet I'd just vacuumed.  Yes, it probably is a bit more expensive than your current model, but this one will be around for the rest of your days, which really makes it a bargain.

Win it!
Oh, are you going to love this- in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dyson is giving away a DC 07 Pink  [$400] to a Mama Speaks Reader!  We're going to challenge you a bit on this one, but we promise it'll be fun.  We want you to send us a picture of you and the kiddies going passionately pink (wearing pink) with your current vacuum. As an added bonus, we'll donate $5 for every entry received to Susan G. Koman for a Cure. Email entries to mamaspeaks@gmail[dot]com by midnight, October 25.