Wide leather cuff from The Vintage Pearl – $35 (They also have non-personalized items in stock, for last minute gift ideas)

Boo Box from hatchcraft – $19-$29 + (Two sizes: 4″ prints and 7″ prints. Excellent for photos taken or edited with the instagram or hipstamatic apps, among others.)

R-102 Digital Rucksack from Kata – $100 + Excellent storage for the DSLR shutterbug daddies.

Fuel™ X2P High Performance and Forceflex™ Safety Eyewear from 3M (with TEKK Protection) for the outdoorsy/handyman daddies.

Barefoot Trail Glove from Merrell – $110  for the outdoorsy/runner daddies.

Is your man an iFreak?  GorillaMobile products from Joby are a must-must-must-have.  Totally affordable, totally cool.

GorillaMobile for 3G/3GS / GorillaMobile for iPhone 4 / GorillaMobile for iPod touch

GorillaMobile Ori for iPad 2 & GorillaMobile Yogi for iPad 2

The Zhip is a hands-free retractable zip cord and stand for your iPhone/iTouch, Android or other smartphone.  We have one, it’s awesome. It comes in very handy for watching mobile-sized videos…anywhere.  Extremely affordable, get a couple of them.

Crosley iSolo Universal iPod® Dock available at Target.  Beautiful!  I want it for myself.  It’s affordable as well, with an MSRP of $89.99

We are loving this handy little holder called the Zhip.  It’s a smart phone holder with a retractable zip cord, that allows you to virtually hang it anywhere.  Our most favorite use: the backseat for the kids.  The Zhip holds my iPhone, so the kids can watch programs, which keep them entertained on long car rides.  It also keeps my iPhone out of my hands while I’m driving.  Without that temptation there, we’re all a bit safer.

*Just to clarify: The white cord you see in the picture above is not part of the Zhip.  It is our auxiliary cord, which we use to amplify the sound of the video through the car stereo.  The Zhip’s retractable cord is thin and black.

I have also used some of the suggestions from Zhip’s website like, suspending my phone from the cabinet in the kitchen while viewing recipes and keeping the kids entertained during meal preparations.

Clip it to the stroller when you go for walks/jogs, take it on flights and hang the Zhip from the tray table hook.  It helps keeps messy little fingers off of your smart phone/iPod Touch.  Another way that I like to use it is propped up on the bookshelf with a digital clock in view, so my phone is easy to locate.

Anyway, you get the gist.  I’m sure you can think of many other great uses for the Zhip.  We love it and recommend it.

Before leaving for our trip, I signed into my account on the SecuraTrac website and created “fences” for the areas my family and I would be visiting while in Florida.  SecuraFences are safety zones that you configure within your account.  You can create an unlimited number of fences; for instance, I created a separate fence for each of the Disney World parks we visited.  When you activate a fence, your SecuraPal will send you text and/or email alerts when the person carrying it goes outside of the area you created.

The SecuraPal (GPS tracking device) is small and comes with a case.  It was easy to attach the device to my preschooler either by stringing her belt through it, hanging it from a belt loop with a hook or sticking it in one of her pockets.  There were many occasions where I lost sight of her in the parks.  Have you been to Disney World?  It’s quite easy to lose sight of people.  She wanted to be right next to her cousin the entire time, not her parents.

(From your account dashboard, you can see the SecuraPal’s exact location in 5, 15, 30 or 60 minute increments)

Honestly, it eased my mind a little knowing that if something should happen to separate us, she could press a button to alert us (triggering an alert via text message and/or email to one or multiple assigned contacts).  We would also be alerted if she was “outside of the fence” we previously created and activated online.  We could check our SecuraTrac account from the iPhone and pinpoint her location.  Knowing that we were being proactive in finding her, helped me to not worry so much.  We were fortunate that no one in our group got lost, though, the peace of mind that this little device gave me was priceless.

There are many ways you can put this kind of technology to use.  Chris Holbert, SecuraTrac’s founder, suggested giving it to your teenager before he or she leaves the house.  Who’s the cool kid that doesn’t have to check in with mom and dad?  Attach it to your dog’s collar before he goes out to “do business”.  Does he bolt, like our family dog?  You can find him easy enough now.

Stick it in the stroller when Grandma or the nanny takes the kids for a walk to the park.  I know right where they are and when they’re coming back.  Have a tween that likes to go to the movies with friends?  Stick it in her purse before she leaves the house.

If it’s not already obvious, I think this is an awesome product and service and completely endorse it.

So, as if someone could hear my thoughts, I was introduced to a company that can help ease my worries and potentially stop a parent’s worst nightmare from happening.  I’m thrilled to tell you all about SecuraTrac.

It’s almost summer and if you have children, chances are you’re planning on being outside. You probably have vacations booked, outings to amusement parks, camping trips and BBQ’s to attend.  If you long for peace of mind, like I do, then listen up.  SecuraTrac is a company that has an interest in bringing families closer together.  Their product, the SecuraPal, is a GPS tracking device that goes with your child, pet or any loved one (even your luggage), so you can track their location via text messages and a secure website.

Have a listen to my conversation with Chris Holbert, SecuraTrac’s founder, so you can learn first-hand about this innovative product:

Discussion about SecuraTrac with Chris Holbert

We’re going to put the SecuraTrac system to use on a very special upcoming trip.  I can’t wait to give you the play by play!

Right now, SecuraTrac is running a Mother’s Day special (offer good until May 10, 2010).  You can purchase the SecuraPal unit for $99 with 12 mos. of service ($24.99/mo).  You can set up unlimited “fences” and contacts (who would receive the SOS and location alerts).  You can’t really beat the price for this kind of peace of mind.  Hopefully you listened to our conversation, so you have an idea of all of the different ways you can put this product to valuable use.

Look forward to more posts about SecuraTrac because at this point, I think it’s the bees knees and I’m out to prove it.

Our winner has been notified via email

I fully admit, I am caught up in the prettiness and sleekness of the expensive Apple and Microsoft mp3 players but hey, it is really just about the music, right?  You really don’t have to spend a ton of money on an mp3 player to be able to listen to your favorite tunes.

For instance, the Omnitech mp3 player (pictured above) retails for $39.99.  It’s small, so it’s easy to use while you’re exercising.  If you’re anything like me, occasionally dropping or banging electronic gadgets, you’d be more likely to use something small and lightweight while on the treadmill.  This Omnitech mp3 player fits the bill.  Here are the features:

* MP3 power at a fantastic value
* Available in 2GB (Blue)
* Provides up to eight hours of playback time
* Includes FM radio tuner/recorder along with voice recorder and 1.0” screen for easy viewing and navigating
* Available in Staples retail locations beginning Holiday 2008

Lucky for you or the person you would gift it to, we’re giving one of these Omnitech mp3 players away.

To enter: leave a comment on this giveaway post (comment section is located below the post, under “Category” and “Tags”.  In your entry comment, let us know if you win this mp3 player, if it’s for you or if you will give it as a gift.

A winner will be chosen at random and emailed the day after the giveaway closes.  Last day to enter is Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at midnight PST. Be sure to check your SPAM folder so you don’t miss the email notification.  This post will also be updated with the winner’s name and blog/website (if provided).

Psst: Eric is giving ANOTHER one of these mp3 players away over at CanYouSeeTheSunset.com
Grab some fun Christmas tunes while you’re there to put on your player if you end up winning!

*While you’re waiting to hear if you’ve won, check out Staples “Gift it for Free” sweepstakes going on now until December 24th.  10,000 winners!

–
*Take me back to the Holiday Giveaway Guide so I can enter more giveaways!
*Hosting a giveaway or posting a gift guide at your site?  Make sure you link to it on Mr. Linky HERE
*Do you “Twitter“?  We’d just adore you if you would “Tweet” about this giveaway!

Our winners have been notified via email

Where should I begin?  I LOVE this tiny digital camcorder!  I am completely addicted to my Flip Ultra Digital camcorder.  It’s the perfect size that I can tote around with me wherever I go.  I’m always recording something or other (that’s me – total randomness).

I have recorded concert footage and actually received feedback about how excellent the sound and video quality is.  You can record up to an hour of footage on The Flip.  It is so easy to plug in and transfer videos with a few clicks of a button to sites like YouTube, AOL video, Myspace and other websites.  I have been uploading some of my videos straight to NewBaby.com.  Works like a charm every time.

There are three Flip models on the market: The Flip Ultra (pictured above), the Flip Mino and Mino HD (just a tad smaller than the Ultra) The newest model is the Mino HD.  It records in, you guessed it, High Definition.  Ultimately, the features on each model are very similar in comparison (price point varies).

We’re so thrilled to host a giveaway with Flip for TWO Flip Ultra Digital Camcorders (colors vary).

To enter: Fill out the giveaway entry form on this giveaway post and click “SUBMIT”.  If you successfully entered, you should get an auto email response (Check your spam folder).

A winner will be chosen at random and emailed the day after the giveaway closes.  Last day to enter is Friday, December 12, 2008 at midnight PST.  Be sure to check your SPAM folder so you don’t miss the email notification.  This post will also be updated with the winner’s name and blog/website (if provided).

–
*Take me back to the Holiday Giveaway Guide so I can enter more giveaways!
*Hosting a giveaway or posting a gift guide at your site?  Make sure you list it HERE
*Do you “Twitter“?  We’d just adore you if you would “Tweet” about this giveaway!

I’ve been using my Zivio Boom Bluetooth for several months now and I love this fabulous little headset!  It’s sleek and pretty, to boot.  The sound quality is exceptional and I have had no complaints from my callers.  I think that can be attributed to the Zivio’s boom.  It’s a law here in Chicago that you’re “hands-free” while driving.  So, I’m doing it in style!

We’re giving one of these beauties away.  Fill out the entry form below for your chance to win.  This giveaway ends on Wednesday, November 12th.  A winner will be selected randomly and notified via email (check your spam) on the morning of the 13th.  We’ll also announce the winner on this post.

*Hint: To enter, we’re asking you a question below.  Click HERE and see the “specs” section and then “Why the Boom?” to pick an answer!

I’ve been using a 2nd generation Zune (launched November of 2007).  Little miss pink (pictured above) traveled with me to Disney last month. When it comes to mp3 players, I like both Zune and iPod. They are only slightly different and I have my pros and cons about each player/software but if you’re contemplating purchasing an mp3 player and it comes down to either of the aforementioned, you’re going to get great quality either way you decide to go.

Zune comes in different colors and is available with a 4 gig, 8 gig or 80 gig storage option. I say the more storage, the better! Because if you’re anything like me, you don’t carry a “brag book” with you. Just sync your digital photos to the Zune and there ya have it, a portable photo album of the fam. The player also has an FM tuner, which is cool for local stuff. I really like the video display and quality, much better than the iPod (I’m not talking iPhone or iTouch here). Just recently, Zune updated its Marketplace and added an extensive video section where you can get download-to-own content from favorite tv shows like The Office and 30 Rock, to content partners like NBC, MTV, Comedy Central and so on.

The more I browse around the Zune Marketplace and and software, the more it’s growing on me. As an iPod owner, I’m so used to iTunes, so of course, this takes some getting used to. One nice option that Zune offers is their “Zune Pass“, where you get unlimited music for $14.99/mo. Can’t really beat that. There are also 5,000 podcasts available for download as well. I’ve even gotten “Social” on their website.

Overall, I think the Zune is a great product for the money and I would recommend checking one out.