1. February
    22

    Learning how to take a picture on my Smartphone the hard way

    I may be the only person on earth that never knew this, and if so,  I have a ton of people to yell at!  Like most people, I love the self-portrait. You know the one, where you are doing a big ol’ cheese for no one but yourself and take a photo and retake it until you are satisfied with it, then post it to Facebook, Twitter or in an mms to someone.

    Well, I have always struggled with taking self-portraits using my Smartphone. I would think I know where the button is and then end up only capturing my chin, then go the opposite direction and only capture my forehead. (Maybe it should have been a clue to just stop taking pictures of myself, but that would be way too easy!) So I learned something new today and can’t imagine I’m the only one that did not know this piece of valuable information. When you go to take a self-portrait, press and hold, the key word is hold, the button down that captures the picture. It actually doesn’t take the picture until you release your hold! Uh -huh! Go ahead…try it now! 

    So, you can look at your device, get your finger in the right spot by placing it on the capture button and holding it down, turn your device and release when you are ready Bam! The picture has been captured.  Genius, I tell ya! And I thought I knew a ton about the Smartphone. 

    Friday night, just to name one time, I carried two devices because I can’t leave home without my Smartphone, but also needed my Blackberry to capture self-portraits of me and my girlfriends. My life just got simpler as I continue to stay calm, cool and connected (or so I think on the cool part). Happy photo-taking!

    Message and data rates may apply.

    brandy.perez  brandy.perez


  2. January
    15

    (Red) Laser Focused Shopping

    I have to tell you about this app!  It’s called RedLaser and check out our experience!  So we were shopping for my brother for Christmas who wanted a specific vacuum that would help pick up dog hair.  Of course, he’s my brother so he doesn’t tell me until last minute.  Anyway, we were in a store and found the one we thought he might like for $149.  While looking around the rest of the store, we decided to look at some other stores and see what price they listed for the vacuum.  I wasn’t too keen on this idea because as I mentioned it was last minute and as you can imagine traffic was busy in the stores.  Well, on our way out of the door my husband remembered hearing about the RedLaser app.  So, I’m not sure if we were just curious about this app, but we downloaded it for $1.99  We usually don’t spend money on apps because there are so many great apps for free. We joked saying this better be worth it.

    So, we download the app which takes less than a minute, quickly read what it’s about and we are off…back to locate the vacuum we think is the Christmas winner.  The app was SO easy.  You simply locate the bar code on the item, and put your smartphone up to it as if you are scanning the code. A second or two later, it vibrates indicating it picked it up and spits back results of where you can buy the item cheaper.  Well sure enough, it says it’s cheaper and it’s right down the street!  So what started as a $149 gift, RedLaser now was telling us we could get the same exact item for $99 down the streetat another store.  As you can imagine, we were in shock and not entirely sure it was accurate, but being the other store was so close, we said let’s go check it out.  Sure enough,there it was, the vacuum that picks up pet hair for $99!  We were pleasantly surprised.  The halo to all of this, when we got to the register, it was actually $79!  So thank you RedLaser!!!  It’s worth the $1.99 we spent!

    brandy.perez  brandy.perez


  3. September
    23

    Webkinz, anyone?

    Last week, when on my way home from Phoenix, I met a nice lady at the airport. As we sat and chatted, we realized we were waiting for the same flight. She was coming from a toy convention which, as a parent, sparked my interest. She explained how technology has changed the toy industry, which, I guess, I’d never really thought about.

    There are so many electronics, but it donned on me that our devices have become “toys.” How many times have you handed your child your device to keep them busy while you were sitting in the doctor/dentist office, in traffic, getting your nails/toes done, returning an item at the store, grocery shopping, or one of the million other things we do every month? I know I have plenty of times. Whether it’s for them to play a game, listen to music, or watch a video, it keeps them from being bored.

    She introduced me to Webkinz, which I was not at all familiar with. I am researching it now to see if it’s something I want to introduce to Johnny, and if there’s any value in it for him. As much as we spoke about technology and kids, we found ourselves relying on Facebook at the end of it all to exchange information because we didn’t have business cards on us. Clearly technology has enhanced our world as well as our children’s.

    Do your children have Webkinz?

    brandy.perez  brandy.perez


  4. September
    9

    Win an LG VU!

    Remember last week when I talked about using Mobile TV to keep myself and Johnny entertained during our move? Well here it is on video so you can see for yourself what this feature actually looks like.

    Get the Flash Player to see this content.

    Now do you want it? I thought so. Well I have good news! We have one LG VU (which has Mobile TV capabilities) to give away to one lucky reader.

    Here’s how to enter:

    1) Leave a comment here and tell us how Mobile TV would help keep you calm, cool and connected. Your e-mail address and phone number must be accurate in your comment so we’re able to contact you. Make sure you double check. (Don’t worry. These won’t be published.)

    2) You can also enter by writing a post on your blog answering the same question. Just be sure to leave a comment here linking to your post so we know where to find it.

    No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. This sweepstakes runs from today, September 9 to Wednesday, September 16, 2009. It is only open to individuals who, at the time of entry deadline, are legal residents of the United States and are 18 years or older; one entry per person. AT&T employees and members of their household are not eligible to win. The winner will be notified via phone on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009.

    For complete contest rules, click here.

    brandy.perez  brandy.perez


  5. July
    22

    Notes Made Easy

    Life has been crazy lately. I’ve been on the road a lot! And I mean a lot! I’ve recently found myself having to take notes to stay on top of everything. Especially since my trips home have been less than frequent and short in duration. So, guess what? I’m loving the notes tool on my smartphone.

    Last weekend, while being lazy, I decided I needed to make a list of things I needed to get done within the 48 hours I was home. However, I didn’t feel like getting up for a pen. Then it dawned on me – I had my phone on me! So, I pulled up my notes and made the list right there. The best part? I was able to also e-mail them to myself. For the parts related to work, I had them in my Inbox on Monday morning when I needed the information.

    Notes = a simple tool that doesn’t cost extra, but is making a big difference in my hectic world right now!

    brandy.perez  brandy.perez


  6. July
    15

    Welcome Our New Bloggers!

    Hello, all!

    We have exciting news to share – we’ve adding several new bloggers to our blog family! Please join me in welcoming Cory, Stephanie, Michael, and Effie! Like the original fabulous group, each will share personal stories on how they use technology to stay calm, cool and connected while juggling family, friends, and work. And did you notice that we also now have dads? Exciting, right?!

    Stay tuned for new posts (including videos and how-to tips) from each of us. In the meantime, please check out the bios for our new bloggers on the “about” page to learn more about the new members of the Calm, Cool & Connected family. Of course we want to hear from you too, so remember to leave comments and ask questions often!

    Chat soon,
    Brandy

    brandy.perez  brandy.perez


  7. July
    8

    Live TV? No Way!

    So … I’m addicted to my DVR. I never watch live TV anymore unless it’s sports. It’s crazy! I even get frustrated when I have to travel for work because there’s never anything on TV in the hotel room and I’m always wishing I was at home using my DVR.

     

    I hear there are some options available that allow you to watch your DVR-recorded shows on your computer. I haven’t looked into any of that yet as I’m not sure my experience would be the same watching it on my computer – especially after working and using a computer all day. Guess I’d have to try it and see, but I’m thinking I wouldn’t like it.

     

    Anyone out there use DVR on their computer?

     

    brandy.perez  brandy.perez


  8. June
    15

    Win A Phone for Dad!

    Hey everyone, we have a big surprise! Father’s Day is less than a week away, so in honor of all the dads out there, we’re hosting our first giveaway! All you need to do is leave a comment telling us why your husband (or dad) is “calm, cool and connected” and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a new Nokia E71X - the thinnest smartphone yet.

    It’s the perfect gift for the professional dad who wants to combine his personal and business life. It has all the “business” tools, like corporate email and document viewing, and all the cool “personal” features like a music player, 3.2 megapixel camera and video share capability. I’ve been trying one out for the last few weeks and I have to admit, my husband has been dropping some major hints that he wouldn’t mind having one for Father’s Day. (Too bad employees aren’t eligible to win. Sorry honey!)

    I even took a few minutes to give a mini-review. Check it out!
     
    Get the Flash Player to see this content.

    Standard usage rates apply, depending on your plan. See att.com/mediaterms for terms & conditions.

    Now do you want one?

    Here’s how to enter:
    1) Just leave a comment here and tell us how your dad (or husband) is “calm, cool and connected.” Please be sure that your email address is accurate in your comment so that we can contact you if you win!
    2) You can also enter by writing a post on your blog explaining how your dad is “calm, cool and connected.” Just be sure to leave a comment here linking to your post so we know where to find it.

    This sweepstakes runs from today, June 15, 2009 to Thursday, June 18, 2009 and is only open to individuals who, at the time of entry deadline, are legal residents of the United States and are 18 years or older; one entry per person. The winner will be notified on Friday, June 19.

    Click here to read the official rules.

    Good luck!

    brandy.perez  brandy.perez


  9. May
    12

    My Picks for the Best Phones for Moms

    I was recently asked by Beth at TechMamas what I think are the best phones for moms. Please visit her site for the full list with details on the features and reasons for why I chose them.

     

    For those who just want the list, here are my picks, in no particular order:

     

    iPhone 3G (my personal device)

    BlackBerry Bold (my current work-provided device)

    BlackBerry Curve (my former work-provided device)

    BlackBerry Pearl

    LG Shine

    Samsung Propel

     

    Enjoy,

    Brandy

    brandy.perez  brandy.perez


  10. May
    6

    Moms Love Apps!

    With Mother’s Day approaching, I was recently asked about mom-related applications, which inspired me to do some research. I can’t believe the amount of apps that are out there related to kids and parenting. There were apps for expecting moms as well as new moms, including Expecting, Baby Names, Baby Tracker for Nursing, and Baby Log. For parents, there were also apps such as Flashmath, Scribble (which my son Johnny really likes), Grocery IQ, Grocery Gadget Shopping List, Preschool Adventure, and Allowance Calculator.

    This whole app thing has really taken off and allows you to have a customized app that fits your life. I now have some work ahead of me because there are many apps like Grocery IQ, Grocery Gadget Shopping List and Allowance Calculator that I really want to try out. I’ll keep you posted on my experiences, but feel free to share what apps you’re using! I want to hear from you. I’ll be on the road next week, so will have some down time while in airports and hotels to play around on my device. 

    Remember, you can follow me on Twitter. Happy Mother’s Day!

    brandy.perez  brandy.perez