No time for a manicure?

No Chipping and Strong Nails!
If you do not have time for a manicure, try the 14 day nail shield by Sally Hansen.  It was easy to apply and comes off with nail polish remover.  I paid about seven dollars for my kit and it had a few extra nail shields included so that you can practice without running out. 

sallyhansen 14-day-nail-shield

Pinterest

If you have not checked out Pinterest you should! Pinterest is a free virtual image board.  Start slow and just view boards that other have developed by selecting a topic that you like clicking on a board.The DIY pages are amazing!  Once you have  seen what it is all about, create your own boards.  This is a great way to share ideas with friends and create bookmarks of web pages that you might want to revisit.  If you spend hours- like I do- surfing the web, you will find this site a terrific way to feel like you have actually accomplished something!  My current boards include Eat Dessert First, Bridal Shower Ideas, Dinner Please, Virtual Field Trips for Teachers.  Be careful- this web application is very addictive.

Google+. What's the fuss?

I have started using google+. In case you are unfamiliar with what that is, it is basically the new site developed by Google which is somewhat similar to Facebook. You put your friends in "circles" which makes it very easy to organize your friends. It allows you to add photos
Like Facebook and it works well with other Google programs like Picaso for photos. There is a stream which would be the equivalent of your Facebook "home".
In my opinion, I can see it used more for work or professional purposes than personal, although that could be partly because only nerdy people have signed up so far...lol. Also, the security settings need to be improved. Overall, Google+ has a lot of potential and might someday be more popular than Facebook because you have to love Google!!

Summer Arts and Crafts

I made this after I took a trip to Hobby Lobby and checked out various sites on the web and YouTube on how to make bracelets.  I used 4mm beads to make the outer bracelets and a thin silver chain and thin leather to make the center bracelet.  Here is one website that is helpful:   http://www.rings-things.com/blog/2011/03/08/how-to-make-wrapped-leather-bracelets/

Word Art- A Must Have For The Dorm!

My new favorite website is tagxedo.com  for word art.  I have been a big fan of Wordle but now I have found something even better!  Tagxedo allows you to build your word art into a cute shape:

I spent hours trying to do this with Adobe- with no success.  This site was so simple and looks perfect for that sorority dorm room wall art!  I finally created something that my daughter liked and actually wants to use in her room and I did not even have to spend a lot of money...and my kids thought I had no hidden talents...web surfing IS my gift. :) Note to Moms: after you create the art be sure to let your child look at it before you print it to allow him or her to veto any unwanted words.

Tips for Using the Website:

Begin at the create tab at the top of the page

Repeat any words that you want to be larger than the others

Load your words or add an url or paste words into the box

Be sure to pay attention to the black arrows on the left column to change the color, orientation,font or shape.

Check out the options on the Word/Layout Options (I allowed for words to be repeated)

Then you can save, print, or share your word art.  I save mine at 16mp jpg because I was going to print a poster.



Changes

Since my last blog entry in March (sorry), my technology position was cut due to the school system budget.  I am returning to my roots: speech therapy.  I will be working with our older students which will be new for me because I spent 23 years working with the "little ones." 
So due to the changes in my employment, instead of helping teachers learn how to use technology, I am returning to teaching myself...and the occasional family member all about new and exciting technology.  My latest venture is Google+ which looks really exciting and is user friendly.  I am also hoping to spend more time with my blog which will not focus on just one topic, as I am pretty sure I am developing adult ADD. :)

iPad 2

I really am enjoying the new iPad 2.  A huge plus is being able to take photos with the iPad.  The new iPad is thinner and the cases for the first generation do not fit it well.  The only other drawback I have found it that without a cover it comes on automatically and therefore I have to charge it more often than I did my previous iPad.  Transferring my information from one iPad to another was easy but I am very familiar with iTunes which helps.  I did have to add my wireless key codes and add my email password in order for  those operations to work again.   I would like a iPad compatible printer next...just in case Santa is reading my blog....