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Forget about forgetting important information ever again!

Digital Storage for All of Life’s Information

Look around your house. Are you seeing stacks of papers that you keep meaning to go through? Boxes and files bulging with stuff you put there for safe-keeping, but couldn’t find what you need if your life depended on it. Don’t worry, we won’t judge, it’s the exact overload we were facing that made us think there has to be a better way.
Wouldn’t be amazing if you could store information you needed to remember in one place and more importantly, find it instantly, anytime, from anywhere. Good news! It exists, and it is a total game-changer.

Evernote is a website, a free app, and an extension that builds functionality into tons of programs you already use. If you can email it, scan it, type it, snap it, record it, or find it on the internet you can keep track of it all with Evernote.

You won’t believe how simple it is to use- watch the video then forget about forgetting important information ever again!

What do you think?

I think I’m in love!! I’ve told you about the new service that I’ve been using, AboutOne, and how it is SO incredibly helpful– It allows me to scan all my important papers, and put them in one big online filing cabinet, so I can always have access to what I need, since you can use it right from your Smart Phone. I’ve added all of the kids immunizations, report cards, and more.

But what I’m really loving about Evernote {I don’t know how I’d never heard of them before!} is that it has the little “clipping” tool, which reminds me of Pinterest. I love that I can use that to save articles that I’d like to reference, recipes I’d like to try, or great resources that I know I’ll want to use again. So helpful!

In the past I’ve relied on my cellphone to be my other “brain”. Seriously. I’m so bombarded with info every day, and since having the baby I have a hard time remembering everything. I would use the Memo, List, and Calendar in my phone for EVERYTHING. And like Carley, I often take pics of things to remember them! Problem is, if something happens to my phone {and you know it always does} then I’ve lost all of my stuff. And that my friends, is major-meltdown time.

How great is it to be able to store everything using my phone, but it’s all online, so I can still access it?? Love it! Thank you Evernote, from all of the over-worked, over-tired, over-frazzled momma’s out here, for making life a little bit simpler. And a BIG thank you to Digitwirl for sharing this great find!

What do you guys think? Do you use Evernote already? Do you think you’ll start? Are you using AboutOne too, like me? I think I’ll keep that one too, for my big documents, and use Evernote for my more miscellaneous stuff. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Digitwirl is the weekly web show that offers simple solutions to modern day problems. In 3 minutes, Digitwirl brings busy women the very best time, money, and sanity-saving technology, and then teaches them how to use it, step-by-step.

Digitwirl was created by technology lifestyle expert Carley Knobloch, who uses lots of technology to manage her busy life as mom of two and entrepreneur.

Become a subscriber to get weekly show alerts and exclusive deals at Digitwirl.com, or follow Digitwirl on Twitter at @digitwirl.

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An app that whips your butt into shape.

Nike training app for weight loss

Perfect Weight Loss App for Busy Moms

Ah yes, remember that New Year’s resolution you made to get to the gym at least three times a week? How’s that goin’ for ya? Well, enough with the excuses, we found an amazing—and free—app that will whip your body into shape and is really fun to use. Of all the fitness apps out there we fell in love with Nike Training Club app. It’s like having a personal trainer in the palm of your hand. Not only is it super slick, and really easy to navigate, but it also integrates your favorite music to get pumped up to straight from your iTunes playlists. Eye of the Tiger, baby!

Why Nike Training Club app Rocks

It has a bunch of workouts to choose from, videos on how to do them correctly, and even rewards you can unlock the more you work out. It’s only available for the iPhone, but we also really liked FitSync for Android as an alternative.

So no more excuses, Ladies. Your skinny jeans await!

So, what do you think?

I’ll tell you what I think… I think this is the raddest app I’ve seen in awhile! I’m really excited about the weight that I’m losing on the Nutrisystem diet, but definitely need to get this booty in gear so that I can fit back into my pre-baby jeans again. Since I rely on my iPhone to manage everything else in my life – this is the perfect fit to keep me motivated, even when I’m traveling and on the go!

Workouts for Busy Moms

Since I’m so darn crazy busy, {but come one, what momma isn’t crazy busy, right?} it would be almost impossible to get out of the house for a workout. What I do, and works great, is to use my housework hour each day as a workout too {meaning lunges while I vacuum, squats while folding laundry, you get the picture} and then trying to add in a short workout when I can. I would love to have this app to help me increase the amount of exercise I’m able to fit into my days – and teach me some new moves!

From eating cinnamon buns to buns of steel!

This Nike Training Club app would give me such a boost, since I could easily pick an effective workout, anytime and anywhere, and follow it right from my phone! No searching for a workout DVD, cleaning up the toys in the living room so I can have some space, then searching for the remote… Nope, a couple of buttons on my smarty-pants phone, and Nike’s great app can have me shakin’ it in no time!

And, I love, love, LOVE that it lets you link up your OWN music! That is one of my biggest complaints with other workout video’s, is not liking the tunes. This, literally, rocks!

For more great weight loss tips, ideas, and motivation – check out my Weight Loss Inspiration board on Pinterest. And if you have a great weight loss tip too, or favorite app that helps keep you on track, share it with me in the comments!

Digitwirl.com Carley Bio Pic

Digitwirl is the weekly web show that offers simple solutions to modern day problems. In 3 minutes, Digitwirl brings busy women the very best time, money, and sanity-saving technology, and then teaches them how to use it, step-by-step. Digitwirl was created by technology lifestyle expert Carley Knobloch, who uses lots of technology to manage her busy life as mom of two and entrepreneur.

Become a subscriber to get weekly show alerts and exclusive deals at Digitwirl.com, or follow Digitwirl on Twitter at @digitwirl.

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Your music, heard round the house, wirelessly.

Remember when top quality speakers were the size of a wing chair and about as portable? Not to mention they required an explosion of wires to connect with your stereo? Well, since most of us play or stream our music digitally nowadays, those systems seem downright Flintstone-ian.

Sonos

The perfect solution?

The Sonos S5 (a.k.a. the Play:5), part of Sonos’ wireless music system. This all-in-one player (speakers and receiver in one cute box) pumps out unbelievably high quality sound and can be controlled by your iPhone, Android or computer. To take your tunes wherever you want, just add The Bridge, which plugs directly into your router so your S5 is free to roam anywhere in range (including out in the backyard). And, if you buy additional units, you can listen to your music in one place while your kids listen to theirs in another— a key feature as far as we’re concerned considering what passes for music nowadays.

Check out this week’s twirl and join the party! Plus we have a suggestion on how to repurpose all those CD’s you have stacked somewhere.

The best of everything..

I’ll tell you what I think… I think I’m going to have to put this on my “save for” list!! The Sonos Play:5 is a little spendy, and I’m not usually one to fork out that type of money for technology stuff. But I LOVE music. I have some type of music playing all day… I use Pandora at the computer, the radio in the kitchen, and a Party Cube out on the patio by the pool.

I LOVE Pandora, because I love the not having commercials, and that it’s my favorite music picks. I love the radio, only because it plays on a really great sound system. And the Party Cube is awesome: it charges when it’s plugged in, so then you can unplug it to set it outside, and easily hook up an iPhone or iPod to listen to your music.

BUT… This Sonos gadget kind of combines all of my favorite elements from the others into ONE simply uh-MAY-zing little box! How cool that it can be controlled with your phone, and works wirelessly to pull music from all of the places where you’ve got it! Super cool, right? It’s a bit on the pricey side, but with the great speakers, portablility, and amazing access to your whole music collection, this bad boy is SO worth it!

What do YOU think?

Do any of you ladies have one of these super cool music masters?? Do you looove it? I’d love to hear from you!

Carley's Byline Pic

Digitwirl is the weekly web show that offers simple solutions to modern day problems. In 3 minutes, Digitwirl brings busy women the very best time, money, and sanity-saving technology, and then teaches them how to use it, step-by-step. Digitwirl was created by technology lifestyle expert Carley Knobloch, who uses lots of technology to manage her busy life as mom of two and entrepreneur. Become a subscriber to get weekly show alerts and exclusive deals at Digitwirl.com, or follow Digitwirl on Twitter at @digitwirl.

{Disclaimer: I am in no way associated with the Sonos S5. I’m a Digitwirl Syndicate Partner, and share my own personal opinions on their weekly twirl!}

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Tech For the Mistress of the Grill

First, let’s put an end to that myth that grills are the men’s domain. We do most of the cooking indoors so why should that be any different when we move outdoors? This week we did a round up of some of the best tech out there to make you a barbecue rock star.

women and grilling
Cookin’ up some summer fun…

First up the Char-Broil Infrared Electric Grill that heats up super hot to sear and lowers quickly enough to seal in flavor, and, ok, it happens to be really cute. Then, onto The Omaha Steak’s Steak Time App which solves the age-old question, how long does this (fill in the blank) need to cook?  Lastly we are off to every chef’s nirvana for recipes that… well, let’s just say they’re a very good thing. So check out this week’s episode where Carley gets all up in your grill.

Who’s Ready to Get Grillin’?

I admit it… I’ve always been intimidated by the grill. I do pretty much all of the cooking around our house… But it’s my brother that does all of the grilling for dinners, BBQ’s, and parties. I totally love the idea behind the Char-Broil Patio Bistro Infrared Electric Grill, and how simple it would be to use. I had NO IDEA that you could get a grill that you simply plug-in and go. Easy peasy! Totally the type of grill that even I could handle, since I’ll have to learn to do it myself when my brother moves out. Plus, we host so many get-together’s all summer, from kids birthday bashes to the best pool parties, we totally rock outdoor living.

Yep, there’s an app for that

The Omaha Steak’s Steak Time App sounds awesome! I’ll definitely have to go check it out, and I know we’ll use it a ton. I love that it even reminds you when to flip! And the best part? It’s free. That’s my favorite price. Martha Stewart has some of the most amazing recipes on her site, and you’re sure to find tons of great new grilling ideas and inspiration. Some of her meals are a bit too complicated for me and my lazy cooking, {lol} but I’ve found plenty of simple options too. Both of these tech solutions will help you a ton this summer. {Want more fun party food ideas? Check out my Luau Party Ideas, and other Party Foods inspiration on Pinterest. So much fun stuff…}

Become a Mistress of the Grill this Summer

So, time to get over that fear of the grill, use the Steak Time app to look like a total pro while you’re cooking, {no one needs to know you’re cheating!} and try out some of those great Martha Stewart recipes at YOUR next outdoor party!

Digitwirl.com – Making Tech Work for You!

Digitwirl, Carely, Bio picDigitwirl is the weekly web show that offers simple solutions to modern day problems. In 3 minutes, Digitwirl brings busy women the very best time, money, and sanity-saving technology, and then teaches them how to use it, step-by-step. Digitwirl was created by technology lifestyle expert Carley Knobloch, who uses lots of technology to manage her busy life as mom of two and entrepreneur. Become a subscriber to get weekly show alerts and exclusive deals at Digitwirl.com, or follow Digitwirl on Twitter at @digitwirl.

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Airline Ticket Price Dropped? How to Get a Refund!

cheap airline tickets

Yapta gets you refunds from the airlines

The irony of airline travel is that the prices are highway robbery. Maybe it should be called airway robbery? No matter what tips and tricks you may have heard about finding the cheapest airfare – you can’t always get the lowest possible price. So – we found a way to avoid buyers remorse even after you’ve purchased your tickets. How cool is that, right? I love bringing you new Busy Mom Solutions!

Yapta is your Personal Airline Spy!

It’s called Yapta and it’s a site that not only will help you find flights and track prices, but once you decide you’re ready to go ahead and press the buy button Yapta will keep tracking the price for you to see if it drops. If it does then Yapta will alert you and help you get a refund for the cost difference per ticket. Important!! You must go to Yapta which will redirect you to the airline’s website when you’re ready to buy your tickets so you can qualify for the refund. And fear not, we were able to find the lowest airfare prices like all those other travel websites.

Find out in this week’s Twirl the ins and outs of beating their airlines at their own game.

Super Simple Tool for Savings

I have to admit, this isn’t a problem that I’ve ever had. I’ve never really traveled much – a trip with my class back in high school, I flew to Nevada once with my mom, and went on my very first “real” flight, on my own, cross-country to visit a friend in Florida, just a few years ago. I haven’t flown since. I kept thinking we’d go on a trip again “later.” You know, when the baby is bigger, when income is more steady, when I look good enough in a swimsuit to take a vacation on a tropical beach….

Back to Reality

Where was I? Oh yes, Yapta! The next time I DO need to buy airline tickets, I can tell you 100%, without a doubt, I’ll be booking MY flight through Yapta.com. And, since I’ll be traveling to a few conferences this year, I am SO super glad that I found this sweet savings tool. I’m one of those people who just cannot pay full price for anything. I’m a deal junkie, which is pretty obvious if you follow my blog :) And airline tickets are one of those big purchases that are so hard to make, because you always worry if you’re really getting the best deal. Knowing that Yapta’s got my back, and give me a heads up if my ticket price drops so that I can get a refund, makes the thought of buying airline tickets MUCH less stressful! Check them out on Facebook to read some real life savings stories!

How about you?

Do you travel much? Have you ever used Yapta? Have you ever bought tickets only to find that they dropped a ton after you purchased?? Share you stories with me! I love hearing from you guys…

Carley's Byline Pic

Digitwirl.com – Great Busy Mom {tech!} Solutions!

Digitwirl is the weekly web show that offers simple solutions to modern day problems. In 3 minutes, Digitwirl brings busy women the very best time, money, and sanity-saving technology, and then teaches them how to use it, step-by-step. Digitwirl was created by technology lifestyle expert Carley Knobloch, who uses lots of technology to manage her busy life as mom of two and entrepreneur. Become a subscriber to get weekly show alerts and exclusive deals at Digitwirl.com, or follow Digitwirl on Twitter at @digitwirl.

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The best way to shop, for all us procrastinators

shopping, procrastination

Check out this weeks Twirl…

Gah! Who hasn’t been there? The baby shower that snuck up on you. The birthday party present you forgot to buy for the party that’s this afternoon? Or even the special crafts paints that you need to bring in for school tomorrow. So much to buy, so little time. What you need is Milo.com. A dog (well technically a website) that is part Bloodhound when it comes to sniffing out exactly what you need and part Pointer, as in it will point you to a local store that definitely has that specific item in stock. And we’re talking retailers like Target, Best Buy, Nordstrom, Toys ‘R Us, and Crate & Barrel… not too shabby, huh?

Then all you have to do is fetch!

While online shopping is the domain of bargain hunters and planners, Milo is the perfect solution for us folks who are willing to trade all that for convenience and instant gratification. Watch this week’s Twirl to find out how Carley avoids a near Baby Shower debacle in light of the fact that she also has about a bazillion other things to do.

Sound familiar?

I’m definitely a HUGE fan of online shopping. I love that it’s easy, I love being able to search for the best price, and I love that shopping online earns me great rewards, {you know, by using sites like Ebates, Inbox Dollars, or MyPoints to earn rebates. You ARE using them right??} But, there are times that I’m just like Carley in this video, and totally need something NOW.

Milo is a total Busy Mom Solution!

You know that I’m all about finding smart solutions to solve busy-mom challenges – and I can see how using Milo.com could be SUCH a time and sanity saver. I can definitely relate to the video example, but there have also been times that I have found the PERFECT thing online, and would LOVE to know if it was available somewhere near-by so I could have that instant gratification, you know? Like, when I see the ab-so-lutely perfect dress online, and realize that I MUST have it for a party coming up in a couple of days. Now that I’ve seen it, nothing else will do. It MUST be that dress. Using Milo.com, I could find it locally and go pick it up, easy peasy! Love that.

So, check it out the next time you find yourself in a sticky spot and need something right now, today, this minute! Milo is such a good dog…. :)

Carley's Byline Pic

Digitwirl is the weekly web show that offers simple solutions to modern day problems. In 3-minutes, Digitwirl brings busy women the very best time, money, and sanity-saving technology, and then teaches them how to use it, step-by-step. Digitwirl was created by technology lifestyle expert Carley Knobloch, who uses lots of technology to manage her busy life as mom of two and entrepreneur. Become a subscriber to get weekly show alerts and exclusive deals at Digitwirl.com, or follow Digitwirl on Twitter at @digitwirl.


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Plantsmart: The Garden Gadget That Gives Anyone A Green Thumb

Smart Garden Helper

Plants. They’ve been around since the Paleozoic period, so why is it so hard to keep them alive for one stinkin’ summer? Weeds grow without an ounce of effort, but when it comes to having flowers and plants that will make the neighbors green with envy you may need a little help from our newest find–The PlantSmart Digital Plant Care Sensor from Black & Decker. It takes the guess work out of gardening by giving you tons of invaluable gardening tips.

The Plantsmart – From Black & Decker – Saves the Day!

Stick the sensor into your soil for 24 hours and this cute little device will evaluate your soil, sunlight and temperature. Then just plug it into your computer for a detailed analysis of what’s at the root of it all your gardening woes. Even better, it will give you access to a database of thousands of recommendations for exactly which flowers and plants will thrive in your backyard. It also gives you great ideas for container gardening and wisdom when it comes to window boxes.

Watch this week’s Twirl as our resident gardening expert goes head to head with this remarkable garden gadget. You might be as surprised as she was at the results.

What do you think?

I do not have a green thumb. I have more like, the black thumb of impending disaster or something. My mother is a Master Gardener, so I was a hopeless disappointment to her. I love plants, I used to try so hard to grow my own garden, and keep my pretty flowering houseplants alive… Yet I never really succeed.

My secret weapon!

But now – I have a totally amazing vegetable garden. My mother helped me get it started, and helps me keep it up. The carrots and peppers breath a sigh of relief when they see her accompany me, since they know now that they are in good hands. A big reason I had such trouble getting started is that I really had no knowledge about things like soil types, how much sunlight was needed, when to water, etc. You know, the basic things you do to keep your plants alive. So this little gadget was like having my own little gardening wizard – helping figure out exactly what I needed to do! I could finally impress my mother by picking the right plants for the right place, AND keeping them alive. But shhhh…. Don’t tell her my secret!

More gardening help from technology!

  • Pocket Garden: This fun app will help you plan, organize, and track your veggie garden! With suggestions for proper plants, you’ll save a ton of money by finding the perfect plantings for any plot!
  • Get Growing: Another great app – This one helps you really see the value of growing your own food. You will be amazed by how just a few fruits and veggies can take a real bite out of your grocery bill! {Yep, pun totally intended!}

Carley's Byline Pic

Digitwirl.com Rocks my Socks!

Digitwirl is the weekly web show that offers simple solutions to modern day problems. In 3-minutes, Digitwirl brings busy women the very best time, money, and sanity-saving technology, and then teaches them how to use it, step-by-step. Digitwirl was created by technology lifestyle expert Carley Knobloch, who uses lots of technology to manage her busy life as mom of two and entrepreneur. Become a subscriber to get weekly show alerts and exclusive deals at Digitwirl.com, or follow Digitwirl on Twitter at @digitwirl.

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