I am not your stereotypical techie geek (I use this term in only the most endearing way…). I tend to catch up with technology only after it has left me in the dust. Admittingly (this nonword is always flagged by spellcheck), I still don’t know how to upload pictures from my camera…yes, I am this far behind the 21st century. However, I have found a new love affair with this declared novel of modern communication…I am an iPad Momma! My hubby brought one home, and I inconspicuously rolled my eyes at his apparent toilet flushing of our hard earned cash….However, a few stolen moments with this slim invention, and I was hooked! I can throw it in my purse and have access to my world while I wait for my daughter at dance or when I’m lost and my nav system has decided it can’t get satellite reception.
My husband and I have two iPad covers. His is clear and mine is a flashy pink. We know who is in command of our new baby based on which cover it donns. Lately, however, my kids have taken to their new sibling. I will find them intently engaged in some app that we have uploaded for them. What I love about some of these kid friendly apps is that they are both educational and fun. For instance, my 6-year-old is less than interested in practicing his spelling words using the traditional paper and pencil method. However, my 8-year-old made him a mock spelling test using Spellboard, which he is completely motivated to use to practice his words several times over. This chick thought it might be fun to share some of the iPad apps that are popular in my household. (These have only been personally trialed by youngsters ages 6 to 8.)
Spellboard- Color & Draw
- Blokus
- TicTacToe
- WritePad
- Mad Math
- Roadtrip Bingo
- Math Magic
- Sight Words
- Mad Libs
Zippy Recap
iPad Momma:
- iPad makes many kid friendly apps that your brood will love and learn from.
- We would love to hear which iPad apps your kids are into.
- Let us know of any chick apps that you use or have heard about.
Stay Light & Breezy Girls…
Love,
The Zippy Chix
by admin on December 5, 2010
tagged
app,
Blokus,
Color & Draw,
iPad,
kids,
Mad Libs,
Roadtrip Bingo,
Spellboard,
technology,
TicTacToe,
WritePad
So I came home a few months ago with the great idea that I was going to make some extra cash by unloading some of my excess baggage on ebay. For a practice run, I grabbed a box of old DVD’s and enlisted the help of my teenage daughter in finding the going rate for the DVD’s. The majority of the DVD’s were not worth too much, but I forged ahead with the plan anyhow. After deciding on two titles to sell, I spent about an hour setting up the first item and was able to list the second item in considerably less time. I chose to run an auction and to take the free route, which means that you are required to start the auction at 99 cents. Remember Zippy Chix I am just practicing as it is the first item that I have ever sold on this venue. I have to admit that I am not a newcomer to e-bay in the purchasing arena as acquiring loot on line is definitely on my strength list.
I did happen to note that there were about 200 videos with the same title listed that week, but did not let that info deter the cause. Fast forward one week and an e-mail arrives in my inbox noting that neither one of my items had sold. I thought at that moment that my ebay career was ending its short life. Enter my barely teenage son…..he noted that I should definitely re-list the item; apparently he follows musical items on ebay and he assured me that he has seen the same items listed week after week until they sell. So I logged on and was pleasantly surprised to see the relist button. One push of the button and it was relisted for the week. Much to my surprise, an email arrived a few days later noting that the item had sold…for 99 cents. Success!!!
Ok, so now the hard part, I had to package the item within the 3 dollar postage that I had charged and get to the post office to mail it in a timely fashion, yes there is a deadline on ebay and I did not want to ruin my ebay reputation. So after purchasing the packing material and mailing the item I do believe that I made about 25 cents on this transaction.
I hear stories of people clearing all of their clutter out using this method. It just seemed like a lot of work for a quarter and if I had not been choosy on packing materials, I may have ended up in the red. How many of you have ebay experience? I hear that American Girl Dolls sell well, and as my daughter has an entire collection to sell, I may just have to try again……..Should I??? PLEASE share your ebay tips…
ZippyChix Recap:
- Ebay selling appears to be very time consuming
- Making money on ebay is a little harder than I thought
- Teenagers seem to know a lot about ebay selling even if they have never participated
- Organization appears to be key when selling on ebay
Stay light and breezy girls…
Love,
The Zippy Chix
by admin on September 14, 2010
tagged
American Girl Dolls,
auctions,
buy it now,
costs,
dvds,
ebay,
experienced,
income,
reselling,
shipping,
teenagers,
timely,
used items
This chick has had it! My hands are swollen, cut up, and bleeding…no I haven’t been weeding in the flower garden, crafting, or constructing an amazing project…NO, I have been tackling this #$@* toy package that my son got for his birthday. It is just a toy batman cave with a few super hero figurines, but you would think it was a million dollars the way it has been assembled for protection!
Now, I understand that plastic packaging companies need to earn their keep, but my delicate hands just can’t take it! I don’t mean to put anybody out of business, however, is it necessary to encapsulate every figurine, small accessory, and toy set in plastic with extra plastic ties and elastic bands? Even more absurd is the toy that is screwed into cardboard inserts, so you have to go searching for a screwdriver while your 3 year old screams and tantrums for the toy to be opened! It is not only an environmental disaster, but now my nerves are shot, adrenaline is pumping, and I am about to have my own mumsie tantrum!
Okay, so I have resumed my sense of composure, and have come up with a great gift idea for any mumsie out there who feels the same way I do….it’s called the Open It! It is a plastic package opener (looks like wire cutters), but it comes equipped with a concealed double-sided screwdriver and even has a bottle opener for a cold beverage of choice (depends on how batty you feel…beer or wine cooler anyone?)…What a great invention for the crazed plastic openers out there! Keep smiling girls; there is always a solution if you keep searching…
Zippy Recap:
- Toy packaging will send anyone over the edge…it’s more than ridiculous and environmentally damaging…it causes mayhem in most families!
- My delicate hands can’t open another plastic toy package again!
- Open It! Plastic Package Opener may be the answer…other than mandating laws that protect us from this outlandish packaging practice!
Stay Light and Breezy Girls…
Love,
The Zippy Chix
by admin on July 27, 2010
It’s always exciting to buy a first-time expectant mom a shower gift for her new babe. I love going through a registry reminiscing about the birth of my first little angel. The expansion of a family is an incredibly special time, and each new bundle of joy is as precious as the first. However, once a family has had their first, it becomes increasingly difficult to buy items that the family doesn’t already possess. With each new addition the challenge amplifies! Now, in my mid-thirties, I have encountered this scenario multiple times and only recently have come across a few great gift ideas!
In my endeavor to feel like an accomplished Martha Stewart-ite, I searched the World Wide Web and found a great site offering directions for making a diaper cake decorated with burp cloths, bibs, pacifiers, and other little gadgets for the new tot. Check it out here.- Spa treatment for the recovering sleep deprived mommy. A gift card for a facial or massage will be much appreciated and most definitely used!
- Babysitting Coupons…especially for the older child or children. We all know the horror and torture of sleep deprivation. It’s even worse when you have to run around with older siblings and keep kiddos entertained! Offering a tired mumsie a few hours to spend sleeping or bonding with the new baby is priceless and will help her get over the hump of the initial few months!
- Each guest can sign up to make a meal for the expectant household for the first weeks after the baby is born.
- Of course, formula and/or breast feeding creams/pads, are always a plus!
- Memory Box for the baby to hold first time treasures!
Keep it fun and imaginative!
Zippy Chix Recap:
Second-time, third-time, fourth-time parents (you get the point) have most everything they need, but it’s still fun to find little contributions to give to the family.- This chick has had fun staying creative and finding easy directions on the internet for hand-made gifts.
- If all else fails, think of something that will help the mom of multiple kiddos survive the early stages as the family adapts to having another little person in the house!
Stay Light and Breezy Girls…
Love,
The Zippy Chix
by admin on July 18, 2010
My gal pal recently returned from a trip to Moab, Utah. She and her hubby hiked and visited the mesmerizing sites of this wondrous place. They invited my fam over for dinner to share their photos and a few tales they acquired on their journey. In the midst of the slideshow, she reveals this girl gadget that she claims made her outdoor adventure a breeze as far as her bladder was concerned. She shows me this funnel looking device that she used in the great outdoors and at public restrooms when nature came knocking on her door. 
The GoGirl is a portable urination device that lets you wiz while you’re standing up. You girls have got to check out this website!…My girlfriend insists that using the device is easy. It takes a few tries to get used to standing up while going, but she raves about how easy and mess-free it is. No more squatting behind rocks, hoping the wind doesn’t pick up causing that dreaded spray onto the backs of our shoes (we know this happens!). Eliminate the intense repulsion of having to use a 
porta john when you’re at the next concert. Many of us have skillfully mastered the hovering position over the toilet seat. However, when your balance becomes compromised causing you to grab onto something in a sordid lavatory, germaphobes like me can be sent over the edge. Perhaps, this is the solution we have been looking for? It’s true that men and women were not created equal when it comes to relieving ourselves, but this may be the best way to bridge the gender gap. I would love to hear your thoughts on this one!!!
Zippy Chix Recap:
Wee-Wee Like the Boys
- The GoGirl makes outdoor recreational activities easier to manage
- This product is easy to use and hygienic
- The GoGirl may help us get more out of our travel adventures (I sort of sound like a tampon commercial…my apologies!).
Stay Light and Breezy Girls….
Love,
The Zippy Chix
tagged
Bathroom,
Convenient,
Device,
Excrete,
GoGirl,
Hygiene,
Outdoors,
Pee,
pee standing up,
porta john,
porta potty,
Recreation,
Restroom,
Toilet,
Urination,
women
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