Haute Mom Must Have Technology

Tablets & iPhone for All Ages

It wasn’t that long ago that computer equipment, like laptops, was mainly used for business purposes. Now, thanks to the emergence to technologies like tablets, Kindles, and iPhones, everyone can utilize all the new tech toys that are available, regardless of ability level.

It’s all about the iPhone

One of the most popular products on the market today is the iPhone. They are used by both kids and businesses alike. The amount of apps available at the App Store from Apple can fit every need, regardless of a person’s tech-level. So no matter if you need to edit a spreadsheet or just want to find fun games, as the commercials say, “there’s an app for that.”

Something people love to do with their iPhones is purchase different covers and cases to fit their mood and style. There are so many different ways to customize your iPhone case, it is almost inconceivable. Many people love to do custom iPhone photo cases with their favorite pictures of family and friends. Shutterfly offers great options for iPhone cases for any level of creativity. Many iPhone users today have several cases so they can switch things up depending on their style or mood that day.

Tablets

Tablets and the iPad have also revolutionized the computing market. Just as powerful as laptops in many cases, using a tablet is a great way to take portable computing to an entirely new level. Just like the iPad has an app store, non-iOS tablets (namely the Android platform) has their own app store called Google Play. With tablets today, you can do more than just answer email messages. You can read books, watch movies, play games, and plenty more. And one of the best parts of using a tablet is that it weighs far less than a laptop, making it perfect for travel, and to entertain the kids!

So regardless of your ability level or budget, think about what you would use your tablet for and then go and try them out at your local electronics store before you make you final decision. Then once you made your purchase, you will find plenty of covers and accessories to make your tech toy your own.

Written by guest blogger Kristin Lynn Stewart

It's All About Being a Mom

Being a mom is hard. I learned that long time ago, when I had my first child.  And just when I thought I had figured it all out, I got pregnant. And now I have two little ones. Stella is just shy of three years old and our new addition, Carter is seven months.

My reward for sucking it up.

To make things a little more complicated, I just went back to work. Back to work as in my full time job and my part-time evening job. I love both jobs so it wasn’t difficult to go back except for the fact that now all the other things that have to get done have to wait until after 5 pm.

Some people say since the hubby is home (he lost his job at the beginning of 2013,) he can do those things that need to get done around the house.  For those of you who have hubbies, you can laugh with me. Ha.

Every now and then, I feel like a superhero. And it’s a good feeling.  Yesterday, I got to work at 7 a.m. I ran home at lunch to nurse Carter. I had to be at my second job by 4:00 and got back home around 6:00. I threw dinner on the stove, put the running shoes on and hit the pavement for a four mile run. I got back in time to have dinner with my family. Granted I was sweaty but beggars can’t be choosers.

There was a day when I might have thrown myself a pity party.  I would have been bummed because I had too many things to do to go out for a run.  Or I would have felt guilty for choosing to run (which keeps me sane) and then ordering take out, or not having dinner with my kids.

But this time I grabbed the bull by the horns and took charge. It felt good.  I have learned that sometimes, you just have to suck it up. Because maybe, every now and then, you can be a good mom. And that is what it's all about.

Back to Work...Again

The time has come again. My second extended child care leave is coming to an end and I am about to transition from the world of Stay At Home Moms into that of the Working Mom. Times two.

I am so gratfeul to have been able to spend seven months at home with our little guy. The same amount of time that I had with Stella. I could not enjoy my time with my little ones any more than I have been and I am so fortunate to have a job where I am able to do this.

Of course, I am mixed with excitement and anxiety as I spend one last week at home. Going back to work means having a full time job as well as a part time job, but now with two little babes instead of one. I worry about the house, cooking dinner, and being able to have enough energy to be a good mom and wife.

This time, instead of having to find a nanny, the hubby will be staying at home with little Carter as he has been out of work since January. I am comforted knowing that the kids will have one parent around even though I know that eventhough one parent is home, the laundry and the cleaning is no more likely to be done (you all know what I mean.)

We took Stella out of day care last week to take advantage of a rare, end of winter, amazingly warm day. It was declared family time at the beach and aside from being Carter's first time there, we had a blast.

This maked me so thankful for my family and the time that we do have together. Remind me that next week when my alarm goes off at 5:30 a.m.