LilSugar

LeapFrog Text and Learn: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

LilSugar — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0800

Like momma, like child? Mamas already told us how much they rely on their mobile phones and BlackBerrys when at home and on the playground, but leave it to the folks at LeapFrog to create a tot-friendly version of the technology for your lil-one. The Text & Learn, which is set to hit stores this Summer, allows mini-mes to exchange text messages with the device’s mascot, Scout, check his planner and play with a pretend browser. The toy also features spelling and basic computer skills games on the life-like toy.

Will the Text & Learn make its way into your wee one's hands?

7 Cell Phone Tips For Parents

LilSugar — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 06:00:39 -0800

When you become a parent you discover the true importance of keeping your cell phone on hand at all times. While it's no fun adding another item to the diaper bag, cell phones offer millions of features that will make mommy's mobile life easier. Here are some of my all time favorites.

View Slideshow ›

Lil Tip: Capture Appointment Cards on Your Cell Phone!

LilSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:00:20 -0800

I am always searching my purse and pockets for the appointment cards that we get on the way out of my kids' pediatrician appointments. When shots are involved my only goal is to get out the door. So it isn't until days, weeks or even months later that I remember the small paper reminder the receptionist handed to me as my wee one wailed or flailed in my arms.

To keep tabs of my children's appointments as well as my own, I use the camera on my BlackBerry to take a snap shot of the card and its important information. Then when I have time later, I type the details into my calendar so it sends me a reminder. This trick also comes in handy for dry cleaning tickets.
Source

Mommy's Lil Helper: BlackBerry

LilSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:00:06 -0700

When you don't have a pen and paper, introduce your preschooler to technology. I normally carry a notebook and pencil in my purse so my daughter can doodle if we get stuck in a long line or dressing room, but the other day an impromptu trip to the mall turned into an hour of waiting while my husband got fitted for suits. Though my purse was loaded with items to entertain an almost-2-year-old, my son slept and my daughter wasn't all that interested in toying around his Hot Wheels.

She is, however, learning to write the alphabet, so I handed her my BlackBerry, opened the memo setting, and asked her to write her name and age. Then, we killed time and sharpened her letter recognition skills by identifying different letters and numbers from the keyboard. And, of course, I taught her how to make a happy face!

Mom-Me Time: BlackBerrys for Mommies?

babysugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:01:34 -0700

All of us at Sugar are attached to our BlackBerrys - they keep us on top of the news, and your comments, day and night. But, as lilsugar mentioned the other day, unplugging from the office is important.

That is why I was struck when a friend, who did not return to work after the birth of her baby, told me that more than half of the women in her mommy group have BlackBerrys. When I asked if they worked part-time and needed to check into the office, she told me that none of them worked, but that they wanted to stay on-top of their emails and Facebook friends. They use the devices to arrange play dates, check-in with dad and text their friends. In short, they have become the must-have accessory on the playground.

While I am sure this was not the intention of the people at RIM, they may have a new clientèle to market their wares to! Do you keep your handheld handy while on mommy watch?

Source

Does Your Tot Gravitate to Electronics?

LilSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:00:26 -0700

Lisa Bonet went for a walk with her daughters in New York City. While Zoe, 19, may be older, it was 18-month-old Lola who toted a more mature toy. The lil girl happily occupied herself with a BlackBerry Curve protected by a blue gel cover while she rode in the stroller.

I've noticed many children are attracted to the bells and whistles electronics offer. Is your tot a techie?

Pacific Coast News Online

Oh Baby! Would You Buy a Portable Ultrasound Gadget?

babysugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:30:29 -0700

How many of you thought Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise were crazy for reportedly having their very own ultrasound machine in their home? Well get ready to call the rest of the population nuts because the world's about to get x-ray happy with General Electric's newest gadget. Expectant ladies who want to swoon over their unborn baby will soon be able do so in the luxury of their own home.

Thirty years ago, women were only given ultrasounds in high-risk pregnancies or rare circumstances. In modern day, most pregnant mamas have the chance to view their growing babe at least three times and often much more than that. Antsy pant parents who fret about the fetus may go gaga for the new portable ultrasound device introduced by GE. Reportedly the size of a BlackBerry and inexpensive, the monitor can scan the body as well as if she were sitting in her doctor's office. Now that's not saying the mother-to-be will have a clue what she's looking at, but it may bring comfort and peace of mind to know she sees some black and white flutter action in her abdomen. Do tell, if the price were right, would you buy such a gadget for your expectant days?

Photo courtesy of CNET

Check the BlackBerry at the Door

babysugar — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Step away from the BlackBerry! Many hardworking mamas and papas find it tough to tear themselves away from their work since modern technology has made it so accessible. A blessing and a curse, it allows folks to work remotely, but also keeps them chained to their jobs. Mommy may walk in the door at 5 p.m., but she may not officially unplug from her duties until the computer is blank and her head hits the pillow.

In an effort to make "family time" live up to its name, many families ban texting, phoning or emailing during certain activities. Phones are turned off during dinner and iPhones are checked at the park so that mum and dad can focus on their number one task - tending to their offspring. What's the technology rule in your household?

Tending to Baby: Big-City Mishap Leaves Child Alone on Bus

babysugar — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:30:07 -0700

City living certainly has its advantages - a bevy of nice restaurants, concerts, theater, diversity, museums, and culture. But today I witnessed one of my biggest fears come true. As I sat on my bus into work, two teachers boarded with 30 sixth grade students in tow. One of the teachers and I chatted about their excursion - a trip to the film festival! What 12-year-old wouldn't die to skip a day of classes for an animated movie? All excited and ready for their adventure, the entire class exited at the last nonexpress stop, which means the bus was headed downtown without any more stops for at least another two miles or fifteen minutes. As we pulled away, I watched the teacher lining the students up hoping to count off quickly. After a few minutes of zoning out on my Blackberry, I looked up and noticed a young girl with her nose buried in her book. I quickly asked her, "Weren't you supposed to get off at that last stop? She looked around and then with a frightened face mumbled, "I think so." My heart dropped. To see what happened, read more.

I yelled to the bus driver and requested he make an atypical stop. Everyone else around us immediately clued in on the mishap. One woman said, "I'll take her back. I've got her." I told her which theater they were headed to and off they went. Thanks to a kind woman and an understanding bus driver, this child was not left behind. Or at least not for long.

In the meantime, I keep thinking to myself, "What if that happened to my kid?!" Certainly worse things can happen, but now it's just another fear planted in my heart. Part of living in a metropolis is dealing with crowds, public transportation, and busy streets. However, it gives me comfort to know that in a big city, there are small villages that pitch in to help raise and care for the children.

Source

Do You Eat Alcoholic Foods While Pregnant?

LilSugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Penne a la vodka, cozze, beer-battered shrimp and Jack Daniels marinated steaks - all foods that women don't think twice about ordering, unless perhaps, they are pregnant. Most recipes that involve wine, beer or liquor burn off the alcohol in the cooking process, but sometimes expectant mamas are still wary. A recent trip to the grocery store landed me in the ice cream aisle where I came across Ciao Bella's Blackberry Cabernet Sorbetto. Wine and sorbet sounded like the suitable solution for a mama-to-be who isn't comfortable downing a glass of vino, but not all ladies would be willing to give it a try. Do you have concerns about eating foods made with alcohol while pregnant?