I am a big fan of Zappos. The service has always been great — free and quick shipping, free returns and nice selection. I love the new feature — Explore Zappos. It allows you to see quickly a wide variety of shoes similar to the ones you have selected to view.
Heres is a quick video to show you how it works (found at www.getelastic.com):
Zappos Explore Demo from Elastic Path on Vimeo.
Let me know what you think!
Posted under Tech
This post was written by Lena on March 2, 2009
As part of our version of the Happiness Project, we are trying to continue to “learn” – anything we can.
This year, I did not make a resolution to exercise more or become more fit, even though I need to do both. The only reason I did not make the resolution is because I knew making it would mean I would break it. So, instead, I decided to just do it. (Sure.)
My problem has always been figuring out what to do for exercise. I do not like to run; I do not like group exercise classes and I get really bored with exercise. But, I was determined to find something this year. I think the Wii Fit might be it. I love it!
It is a great system for me because (1) it has a variety of exercises to keep me from being bored, (2) it tracks my progress by keeping charts and graphs of the activities I have done and a chart of my BMI and weight ( I love charts); (3) it balances fun games and exercises such as hula hoops, skiing and hitting soccer balls with your head, with activities like yoga and strength exercises; (4) I am able to tell whether I am doing the exercise right and continue to try to do better each time (it tracks each exercise); and (5) it has a wonderful instructor that doesn’t talk unnecessarily or judge.
This morning, I was behind schedule and almost didn’t do the exercises, but I actually thought that I would miss it if I didn’t. That has never happened to me before with exercise.
I love the fact that I am learning something new and that I am keeping a goal I had for myself (not a resolution!)
This post was written by Lena on January 23, 2009
As part of our version of the Happiness Project, we are trying to continue to “learn” — anything. This week , Jen learns she just might be “hip.” Stay tuned for future technology adventures.
“You had me at scrolling.” ~Steve Jobs on the iPhone
I’m in love with my iPhone. I am not a gadget person. I’m not a hipster. I am a mom of two and seriously afraid of being a shlumpadinka, both in appearance and in mindset. I am also an underbuyer. So is my husband. And somehow we waited in line for 5 hours to get iPhones. I thought we’d enjoy the gadget-y-ness for a few days and then be mad we spent so much money for a phone (a key element of being an underbuyer). Not so. It has changed my life. If feel more connected, organized, productive and sane because of it. Because all of that, and because its cool, I even feel a little less shlump!
This is not an ad for Apple products, but the iPhone is perfect for a mom. I can stay connected through email without having to sit down! I can stay informed and read the NY Times any time I have a spare 5 minutes (waiting in line, waiting to pick up my daughter, NOT waiting for a light to turn green), and I don’t have to buy a paper or sit down! I can map my route after I’m in the car and realize I forgot to map it! I can Facebook, craigslist, eBay and track my fitness when I get a spare second! And best of all, I can take pictures of the kids and email them, in the moment, to Daddy. He loves this when he travels. He feels connected to our routine and our daily joys even when he isn’t in person.
It isn’t a replacement for actual time with people we love, but this thing helps make things less hectic and fills the gaps that are there when being in person isn’t possible. I’ve also realized how fantastic it is to have access to a little package of “me” in my pocket at all times. My email, my hobbies, my favorite newspaper. A little dose of world news in the midst of a kid-centered routine is probably what moms of the 50s were looking for when they took a swig in the middle of the day. I can get a quick fix and get right back to sweeping the floor, refereeing the fight or cuddling with my kids and a book with a clearer head.
Posted under Connecting, Happiness Project, Learning, Tech, Uncategorized
This post was written by Jen on December 12, 2008
If you are moving, or just traveling, you might want to check out Walk Score to see how “walkable” the neighborhood is. Just type in the address and see how it ranks for “walkability” and also receive a list of the stores, coffee shops, pharmacies and other spots within walking distance.
When we travel, we love to find hotels that have lots of restaurants and coffee shops in walking distance. This is a great resource for that. For instance, click here to see the “walkability” of the Crowne Plaza in St Louis (considered “very walkable”).
And with the cost of gas, why not factor in walkability when picking your next home?
Posted under Tech
This post was written by Lena on October 29, 2008
Just a quick reminder. . . before you buy anything online, always check to see if you can find a coupon code that will give you a discount for the site. I recently bought something from two different sites and was able to find a discount online for both. Just google the name of the site and “coupon code” and you never know what you will find!
You can check out CouponCode.com and RetailMeNot.com for examples, but I would do a search as there are many such sites with codes.
Posted under Random Thoughts, Tech, Uncategorized
This post was written by Lena on October 23, 2008
I told you he was a Hero!
Posted under Storytelling, Tech
This post was written by Lena on September 18, 2008
This is a great little web-based tool to speed up your typing, challenge yourself and have a little fun - http://www.keybr.com/. I am not a great typist, so it’s definitely a challenge.
Posted under Tech
This post was written by Lena on September 18, 2008
Today, I wanted to share with you something that’s just plain fun (you can show your kids too if you like). I have seen a lot of things recently about making art projects with your kids that are along the lines of a Jackson Pollock painting — you know, splatter painting, right? So, I was getting ready to take on such a project and was waiting for a perfect day outside to splatter ( I just could not agree to splatter inside) when I received an email about this site: JacksonPollock.org ! B
It’s great! You can create a masterpiece at your computer — no mess but still lots of fun! A great tension-breaker as well when you need a quick break.
We may still do the “real paint” thing one day, but for now this works great! My son has created 3 masterpieces that he has chosen to keep in his “office” (a table and chair). He even calls them “jackson pollocks”. I love it!
This post was written by admin on September 17, 2008
