Travel | She Scribes

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

PowerMat – A “Must Have” for Busy Families (Giveaway)

In this day and age its all about the technology. Most people own several “hi-tech” gadgets that are essential to their busy lives. For example, I think my husband would be lost without his Blackberry. My kids would go bonkers if they couldn’t text, listen to their iPods or play with their Nintendos.

I’m all for technology. I think its great. It helps us to stay on top of things, lets us keep in touch with family and friends and keeps us entertained. The only downside are all the batteries and chargers needed to these products going.

We live in a small condo. We have very few outlets and its hard to find any available places to plug things in. On any given day I’ll have a cell phone plugged into the outlet in the dining room, a Nintendo resting on top of my coffee maker and even a camera charging in the bathroom.

Plugs are even a problem for us too. Plugs get misplaced or worst yet, eaten by our cats (two of them love to chew on cords).

Wouldn’t it be ideal if you had one localized area of your home where you could quickly and easily recharge all your beloved products and at the same time? You can with PowerMat.

PowerMat is special “power station” that allows you to charge up to four devices at the same time without having to hunt down all those different power cords or search for a free outlet. That means I can charge our iPad, an iPod, my husband’s Blackberry and a Nintendo DS all at the SAME TIME with just ONE plug (the PowerMat plug). I cannot even begin to tell you how convenient this has been.

If I have the PowerMat set out to charge my phone and the iPad (for example) and my husband comes home and realizes that his Blackberry needs some extra “juice” (power) all he needs to do is place it on the PowerMat until its fully charged. His Blackberry has a special PowerMat receiver on the back of his Blackberry. He no longer needs to worry about the plug. Talk about convenient!

Here is our power mat with the iPad and an iPod charging. My husband could easily place is Blackberry in that middle section, or my son could add his Nintendo, and all the products will charge at the same time. There is even a USB port in the back of the PowerMat where you could plug in a 4th item if you like.

I LOVE the PowerCube that comes with 8 different “tips” that fit into most electronic products. The PowerCube rests on the PowerMat and you can add the “tip” that fits your product to the end of the cord. In the photo my iPad is charging using the PowerCube. When its done charging and I feel like I need to charge my LG Rumor phone I just have to swap out the tip for the tip that fits into my phone and charge my phone without having to search high and low for the plug.

The PowerCube is self contained and closes up for easy storage. It also has a magnet so that the plug and the case “stick” together. The tips make it compatible with literally hundreds of devices. Each one is also labeled so you can easily find the proper tip for your device.

We have the portable PowerMat and folds up neatly inside its own carrying case. Even the plug folds up and fits in the case. The case has a strong magnetic closure too.

The portable PowerMat is great for families on the go. You can take it with you when you travel that way you can enjoy all your favorite “gadgets” and not have to worry about the power cords. When its folded up in it’s case it takes up no more room then a typical cosmetic case or small purse.

Also available is an office version of the PowerMat. It doesn’t fold up so its not handy for those who travel a lot. However you could keep it on your desk or counter top and have it available all the time for your entire family to keep their favorite products fully charged.

I prefer the portable PowerMat because our counter space is limited. I’ll let my family know I’m taking it out and if they need anything charged they need to bring it to me. Then when everyone is done charging their “must have” gadgets I fold it up and put it away until the next time its needed.

The PowerMatis one of those “Why didn’t anyone think of this sooner?” kind of products. The initial cost might be a bit pricey for some people but the long term investment is so worthwhile especially considering the convenience. I think it would also make a great gift, especially for the person in your life who seems to have everything or who is hard to buy for. Everyone could benefit from a PowerMat.

To learn more about PowerMat visit www.PowerMat.com. You can also save 20% off your purcase of PowerMat and/or PowerMat supplies using the discount code BTS2010.

One lucky reader can win their choice of either the Home & Office PowerMat OR the Portable PowerMat plus ONE accessory (retail value up to $140+).

To enter please leave a comment with your BEST travel tip OR your BEST tip for getting ready for Back-to-School.

For extra entries you can do any or all of the following. Please be sure to leave a separate comment for each that you had done. Extra entries are optional.

- Subscribe to and/or “Friend” with Google Friend Connect with She Scribes. Both options are found on the right side bar. ♥

- “Like” PowerMat on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/PowerMat

- “Like” She Scribes on Facebook (click on the Facebook button found on the right side bar). ♥

- Follow PowerMat on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/PowerMat.

- Follow She Scribes on Twitter (@She_Scribes) and tweet about the PowerMat review and/or giveaway. Be sure to include me in the tweet so I may see it too. This is limited to three tweets per say, spaced apart (not one after the other).

- Blog about how handy PowerMat is and link back to BOTH this post and the PowerMat website. Please provide the URL of the post.

- Use any of the social networking buttons found below this post to promote this review/giveaway. Please be sure to tell me what you’ve done and if possible provide and name and/or URL.

This giveaway is open to US residents only and will end on August 28, 2010 at 11:59 PM (EST). The winner will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified by e-mail and will have three days to supply a name, mailing address (no PO Box) and their choice of either the Home & Office or Portable PowerMat and which one accessory they would like to go with it. Failure to do so will result in a new winner being chosen.

More great giveaways are found on the right side bar under “Win It”.

Kimberly

*I received a free product sample from M80 on behalf of PowerMat. There was no other compensation. Any opinions expressed are my own.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Pencils, Paper, Celebrities and Taking the Plunge

Today is going to be an interesting, fun and super scary day all rolled into one.

This morning my family and I are heading down to New York City for a few hours. I was invited to a “Back to School” event at Staples, not too far from where were were last week. This is going to be an interactive in-store event, where I’ll have the opportunity to see what’s new for the 2010 school year.

As you can imagine my kids are not-so-thrilled to be tagging along with me on a “Back to School” event. School is the LAST thing they want to think about in the middle of their summer vacation. This is going to remind me of that Staples commercial where the father is skipping along as happy as can be getting school supplies and his kids are shuffling their feet behind him with their heads hanging low all while the song “Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” (Andy Williams) is playing in the background. Ha ha ha.

I’ll be sure to be mindful of the “must haves” for school this year. I have one in middle school and the other going into Junior High this year (sigh…) so I’m sure I’ll be on the look out for a lot of supplies and things to make homework and school work easier (and more organized) for the kids. I’ll be sure to write about what I learned from the event.

After the event we figured “when in Rome” we should visit another attraction in NYC. We’re going to go to Madame Tussuad’s Wax Museum, which is conveniently located right next to the New Amsterdam Theater where we were last week. The NYC location features wax figures of Robert Pattinson (Twilight), Miley Cyrus, President Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Elvis Presley, Princess Diana, Rachel Ray, Derek Jeter (Yankees), Nelson Mandela, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and many more. There are about 200 figures plus a 4-D movie where you see things in 3-D and get hit with effects such as wind, rain and snow.

It should be very interesting. I know the kids won’t understand who half the people are, but it will still be pretty neat for them to see the celebrities they do know. My daughter jokingly said she wanted her picture taken with Robert Pattison, pretending she was choking him because she’s a fan of Taylor Lautner (Team Jacob). She says, and I quote, “Real men don’t sparkle” in reference to how Robert Pattinson’s character Edward has skin that sparkles in sunlight. Ha! Kids say the funniest things.

Lastly you will notice some “funky” things going on with my blog today. I will be moving my blog from the Blogger platform to WordPress as well as updating my template. It will be the SAME She Scribes blog as far as content but the layout will be different. I hope you all like the template I purchased. I really liked it. I think it will make it A LOT easier to find what you are looking for as well as be able to “pick and chose” which posts you want to read without having to scroll around all over the place. Of course you are more then welcome to read all my posts too. LOL!

I am hoping the move goes smoothly and that I’ll be able to figure out WordPress quickly enough. It might take me a few days to get everything the way I want it, but I’ll continue to post regardless of the “behind the scenes” stuff.

The funny thing is the day of the “big move” I won’t be around for most of the day. I’m going to be just as surprised are you are when I finally see it all go “live”.

Wish me luck!

I hope you all have a beautiful day!

Monday, July 5, 2010

Guess Where I’ll Be on Tuesday July 6, 2010.

I’m finally ready to share the most INCREDIBLE news with all of you! You’ll never guess where

I’m going on Tuesday (July 6, 2010). I left some hints a few days ago. A couple of people guessed from my hints, others were close.I’m going to the red carpet premier of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Yes! I said RED CARPET! Even just typing the words make me excited.

But wait! It gets better…Nicolas Cage is going to be there! I will be in close proximity of THE Nicolas Cage. OMG!

Also in attendance will be the cast of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice including Jay Baruchel, Monica Bellucci, Teresa Palmer, Alfred Molina and many others.

The Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg will also be there as well as actress Elizabeth Banks. Even the movie’s producer, THE Jerry Bruckheimer (The Pirates of the Caribbean movies, both National Treasure movies, all the CSI shows and more!) will also be there.

After we get to see all the celebrities on the red carpet we’ll be able to see the movie. I can’t wait! The movie looks amazing! The special effects alone look incredible.

If you are unfamiliar with the movies plot here is a brief description from the Internet Movie Data Base (www.IMDB.com).

Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina). Balthazar can’t do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness. It’ll take all the courage Dave can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Written by Walt Disney Pictures.

The movie’s official release date is July 14, 2010.

After the movie we were invited to a concert in Bryant Park featuring the bands One Republic and Alpha Rev. Alpha Rev is an up and coming band most people (including myself) are unfamiliar with. One Republic has a few hits including the song “Apologize”. Their song “Secrets” is heard on the series Pretty Little Liars (thanks to my daughter who freaked out when she heard the song).

I know they are going to start live streaming a Q&A session with the cast around 5:15 PM on Tuesday evening (EST). They are also going to stream the concert as well. Check out the movie’s official My Space page for more information,http://www.myspace.com/sorcerersapprentice

On the My Space page you’ll find a lot of great video clips from the movie too.

This special celebration called “A Night of Magic and Music in Midtown Manhattan” marks the first live streaming event on Disney.com.

To learn more about the movie you can visit the official Disney website page, http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/sorcerersapprentice/.

Of course on the most exciting day ever it’s also going to be one of the hottest days in New York. I am NOT a fan of heat. No way! Give me Fall weather any day. I melt just thinking about temperatures above 80 degrees. It’s suppose to get up to 98 degrees tomorrow, possibly hitting 100. With the humidity it’s suppose to feel more like 107. UGH! My one and only chance to attend a red carpet event and see amazing people like Nicolas Cage and Jerry Bruckheimer and I’m going to be a soaking wet sweaty mess. LOL!

OH! I forgot to mention the magic is taking place in Times Square! Time Square is a high-energy place to begin with but the moment it gets dark and all the light get turned on Times Square becomes electrifying! My husband and my kids have never seen Times Square, let alone at night. All they have seen as been from TV and movies. I was there once for New Years Eve before I met my husband. It’s a “must see” at least once in your life time.

We plan on getting down to NYC by 2:00 PM. That way we can park, check out the sights and maybe grab a hot dog for dinner before heading over to the theater. We plan on stopping by the Times Square Toys R Us. They have a 20′ tall robotic dinosaur and a full size Ferris Wheel right in the store! Not to mention I’m sure it’s air conditioned. LOL!

I really hope I can get at least one or two decent pictures. I’m not allowed to take cameras inside the theater. I’m hoping there is a check point where I can leave them, otherwise I don’t know what I’m going to do. That is another reason why we want to get down there early so that I can see if there is a place to leave the cameras. If not, UGH! I don’t know what I can do. I guess we’ll have to go back to the parking garage, have them retrieve our car and put everything back in the car.

Imagine if I could get a good photo of Nicolas Cage? That would be the cherry on top of this “sundae”, that is for sure.

You know I’ll blog about everything either Tuesday night or Wednesday. I won’t write my review of the movie just yet, I’ll wait until it’s closer to the July 14, 2010 release date. I will tell you about the red carpet experience and the concert.
Wish me luck!