Camp Blue Streak

Check Out My New Site - AskGeekGirl

campblue — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:06:27 +0000

I’ve started a new site on how to survive in the digital world, called AskGeekGirl. So far I have posts on how to fix a slow computer and Photoshop Elements vs. Picasa.

Here’s a Quick Way to Remember Those Really Important Events

campblue — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:00:50 +0000

What is it about dentist appointments? I’m always forgetting them. They sit on my calendar, but still escape my notice. Perhaps it’s my mind trying to protect me from the potential pain of having someone stick multiple, sharp metal instruments into my mouth. But forgetting the appointment causes the pain and embarrassment of that “Where were you call” from the dental receptionist. I have found a solution, after a stroll through the always entertaining Lifehacker. It’s Remindd (said “reminded,”) a web tool that sends you reminders by text and email. The site interface is clean and simple, if not a little grey. Just sign up for an account and set your reminders. The texts are sent by Zeep for free in the US and your basic carrier charges apply.

After logging in to Remindd, you simply set dates and times for reminders. After the event has passed, it goes into your archives. The service is free at this time and apparently will always have a free option. It’s very simple and easy with no frills. There are other options out there for reminders, included with other functionality, such as Google Calendar, Remember the Milk, and Jott. However, if you want just simple reminders for important events (even if you wish to forget them) try Remindd. Fulfill your dream of being the perfect dental client who shows up on time, coiffed, flossed and mouthwashed. Okay, maybe just my dream?

Here’s a Method that’s Helping Women Clean out the Clutter With Little Pain

campblue — Sun, 31 May 2009 18:13:06 +0000

Does the idea of decluttering overwhelm you? Do you not even know where to start? Does the idea seem painful? Flylady.net to the rescue. Flylady, Marla Cilley, has one of the best decluttering systems. It’s simple, inspires confidence and is even fun. I suffer from clutter, gathering too much stuff and just ignoring it around the house. Full, messy closets and cabinets. Strange wedding gifts from years past hiding in the basement that I never liked in the first place. Broken coffeemakers that should have gone to the appliance graveyard years ago. Not to mention the kid stuff gathered at carnivals long past that have lost their magic.

I found Flylady and her system works. Within a few months of decluttering with her sage advice, I had a wonderfully cleared-out home. Organization of my house was much easier with a lot less stuff. If you like to learn by reading books, start with Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley, the Flylady. If you want immediate help, visit Flylady.net.

In the face of a task that seems as daunting as performing brain surgery, Flylady uses comforting phrases such as “Baby Steps” to help you get organized. On her website, you can check out the “Beginning Babysteps” and “Flying Lessons” sections. The basic idea is that you spend 15 minutes a day decluttering. You even set a timer so you spend no more and no less time than that. You will be astounded by what you can get done in 15 minutes. You will work your way up to cleaning the “zones” of your home. Thousands of ther Flylady followers will be clearing out clutter and organizing in the same zones during the same week. It’s kind of like having the support of others in a social cleaning party without having to interact with others; the ironic magic of the internet.

Other fun things to look forward to are the “27-fling Boogie” and the “Hot Spot Fire Drill.” If you want daily reminders, sign up for Flylady’s Yahoo Groups. You will be sent a series of emails that will teach and inspire you on your decluttering journey. You might want to sign up for the digest version, because there will be many emails coming your way.

In this economy, I think all of us could deal with less stress and being more lighthearted. Getting rid of clutter and learning how to be organized helps to clear the mind. I give Flylady five stars in this Decluttering System review.

Get Rid of Small Electronics Clutter Once and For All

campblue — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:21:42 +0000

Does your cell phone need a place to spend the night and recharge? Does your iPod always get lost because it has no permanent home? Consider the Charging Station and Desk Organizer for Handheld Electronics by Brookstone. After tiring of looking at a multitude of cords and devices lying around our kitchen island and on random outlets, I searched high and low for the best charging station to organize the tiny, but important devices of our family. I finally happened upon this one by Brookstone, and I love it. It’s a pretty cherry-colored wood and is large enough for quite my iPhone and my husband’s Blackberry. We can also store business cards and pens in the front area. The powerstrip is hidden inside the backdoor. You connect your items to be charged to it and put their cords up through the small holes.

There’s enough room to hide the cords in the hidden compartment for the most part. You do have to fit them just right or the magnetic door closure won’t close properly. One small con of this charging valet, but with a little finagling, you can get the door to close well. You are left with a clutter free desk or tabletop in your office and only one cord that must be connected to an outlet.

In this day and age of many cell phones, MP3 players and personal organizers, a well-planned hub for charging and centrally organizing leads to a little less craziness in the day. I’m all for that.

Who Else Wants the Perfect Bag to Carry or to a Carnival or Through the Airport?

campblue — Mon, 25 May 2009 15:01:24 +0000

Sherpani Cres

You know those times when you’ll be walking a ton in large crowds and need some kind of bag, but not too big and heavy, and you want easy-access? Me too, so I went on a hunt. Necessary because at the airport, I find my large carry-on is too unwieldy to access when I need my money to buy snacks at the airport. I find my regular purse is too heavy when heading to the fair with the kids. I need to the perfect cross-body, sporty, stylish, small bag to carry on these occasions. It has to be big enough to fit cell phone, sunglasses, maybe a paperback, and some of the random things my kids will hand to me. In addition, I don’t want it too dressy if I’m going to be traipsing about in the crowds.

Here are the results of my search for the perfect bag for these occasions:

1. Tumi – The Tumi company which specializes in luggage and travel bags had a few that met my requirements. They are pricey, of course, but if you can catch a discontinued color, and like it, you can get more of a bargain. These bags are heavy nylon, sporty and “technical” looking. Look for the Gear Bag for $95, the Voyageur Capri Cross Body for $150, and the small Voyageur Positano Cross Body for $98. Tumi

2. Sherpani has some great, small, feminine – yet sporty bags. The Switch shoulder bag comes in great vibrant colors, a perfect size to for travel, and lays flat against the body. Also look for the Cres, small satchel shoulder bag comes in great contrasting colors, leather trim, micro suede fabric, and the Sherpani signature daisy on the outside. It also has their fun, tasteful, floral lining on the inside. Both are $34.95. Sherpani Switch

3. The North Face – a final bag to look for is the Node by North Face for $39. It has a deep, but thin profile so it can hold long items. It comes in a few different colors and styles. Black and Kiwi come in a quilted pattern and beige and cargo have subtle floral embroidery on the front. The North Face Node

I wish you well in your travels, from the smallest of adventure park to the biggest of jets. May you always be organized.

Now You Can Have Paper and Pen Always at Your Fingertips

campblue — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:09:23 +0000

Imagine having a great idea, but being away from your computer. Or imagine desperately needing to give someone your phone number but not having any paper. Now change that image and picture yourself pulling out a stylish, adorable little notepaper and pen, with a classic leather cover. Your companion thinks, “She’s so organized. She’s so stylish. Isn’t she fabulous?”

Induce envy and try Swiftnotes from Levenger. At only 3” x 4 ¾”, it’s the perfect size for your purse or car. It costs $38 and comes in red, black or saddle.