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Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

technology

So What is First Phone Etiquette? Find Out.

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According to a recent survey by Microsoft Devices, almost all Canadians (98%) think it’s important for parents to set guidelines for their children’s smartphone use, with most of that group (88%) saying it’s actually “very important”.

Sounds reasonable, yes?

Well, it’s no surprise that parents grabble with “the first phone dilemma” around the holidays more than any other time. When is the right time to get your child a smartphone, and what should parents know before doing so, and after the gift is opened?

At 6-years old, Ryder is still a little young to start the discussion, but – gasp – I’ve seen a few of his classmates with smartphones. (I know, kind of crazy, right?) Hence, it’s pretty obvious that the time is coming, and I want to ensure – as tech savvy as I think I am – that I have a clear understanding of how to introduce a smartphone to my child and what expectations and guidelines we can set as a family for its use.

Just in time for the holidays (and beyond for parents like me!) we’re throwing a party to discuss, learn and share all things #FirstPhoneEtiquette with Microsoft Devices! Join us on Tuesday, December 9th at 12:00pm EST for a fun-filled and informative chat.
FirstPhoneEtiquette GraphicNow I just *have* to tell you about the prizes, because honestly, they’re pretty terrific. We’ll give away 6 prizes of a Microsoft Devices Lumia 830, valued at $500 each – and a grand prize, valued at more than $700, which includes:

Microsoft Devices Lumia 830 Smartphone
Wireless, Bluetooth connected speakers
Wireless charging stand
Portable USB car charger
Treasure Tag

With a total of 7 Microsoft Lumia 830 Devices being given away, I anticipate a lot of happy squeals on Christmas morning! I’m really looking forward to learning more about #FirstPhoneEtiquette – RSVP below for a chance to win, and we’ll see you on Tuesday! …

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Merry Stressless! It’s Better at Best Buy.

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Last week, I had an amazing shopping experience in which I learned three very valuable lessons. Think this shopaholic knows everything about buying gifts? Nope, not even close. There’s always room for learning, and recently, I was schooled in Holiday Shopping 101: Best Buy Canada.

Hence, with just about a week left to complete your Christmas shopping, I figured now is as good time as any to share my wealth of knowledge! If you still have family to shop for (and I know you do, come on, there’s always that one person who has everything), I’m here to help you complete your shopping in the most Merry Stressless way.

Lesson #1: Find a store that has something for everyone under one roof.

I mean, it’s pretty hard not to find an amazing gift at Best Buy. They’ve got the most in-demand products this holiday season; from televisions to tablets, and computers to cameras, it is a tech lover’s mecca. And if you have to shop for someone who isn’t into gadgets, that isn’t a problem. With music, DVDs, toys and even personal grooming products available, you can pop in-store or online and find exactly what you’re looking for.

I was fortunate to have a Best Buy Blue Shirt personal shopping experience with Tommy Spizarsky, Multi-Channel Sales Supervisor at the Winston Park store in Oakville. And as he took me through the impressive store – complete with expert departments for Apple, Microsoft and Samsung – I realized pretty quickly that I could get most of my holiday shopping done that very same evening….

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Here, There and Everywhere: Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook

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Longtime readers of my blog will attest that sometimes, I love a product so much that I just can’t stop talking about it – even if it’s the less popular choice.

Such is the case with the Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook. I’ve talked about it here – and there – and trust me, I take it everywhere! And in a world of bloggers who are addicted to their MacBooks and iPads, I find myself passionately pleading the case of the XPS 13.

A refresher course in why it’s awesome:

1. Lightweight: The XPS 13 is razor-thin – a slim 6mm at its thinnest point (WOW!) and only 18mm at its thickest point – with a weight of just 2.99 lbs.

2. Exceptionally Fast: The XPS 13 boots up in UNDER 8 seconds (on average for me, 4-5 seconds each time). With a solid-state drive and Intel Rapid Start Technology, you can actually come out of sleep mode in just ONE (1) second!

3. Full keyboard: With a full backlit keyboard, enjoy a comfort-designed, soft-touch palmrest and integrated button touchpad with gesture support.

4. Large display: The innovative design of XPS 13 enables an expansive 13.3” edge-to-edge display in a compact body similar to an 11″ laptop.

5. Long battery life: The Ultrabook actually has an extraordinary battery life – on a full charge, up to 8 hours and 52 minutes, to be exact!

6. Powerful: With 2nd Generation Intel Core processors, this Ultrabook delivers enviable speed and performance. The optional 2nd gen Intel Core i7 processors and Intel HD 3000 graphics can help you stay on top of your world.

Now I’ve touched on the ergonomics of this awesome machine, and you know that I tote it with me all over the place – press trips, vacation, during long commutes and more – I want to introduce you to its youngest fans: my two boys!…

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Here, There and Everywhere: Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook

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For a stay-at-home mom, I get around A LOT.

Press events and trips. Weekend getaways. Appointments, business meetings and coffee dates. Picnics. Even the backyard, avoiding splashes from the kiddie pool.

And through it all, I simply must stay connected.

Think I tote my smartphone everywhere? I suppose I do; you’d be hard-pressed to find a social media enthusiast without a trusty handheld device. But I absolutely loathe trying to organize my life, business and fun with just two thumbs. There is only so much one can accomplish!

So, I tried the tablet route. And while everything is bigger, I feel like I’ve swapped my thumbs for index fingers. Yes, some people will swear that a tablet is the way to go, but from a gal who uses a keyboard 99% of the time, I feel like I’m enabling carpal tunnel syndrome as I type away at a touchscreen. #notmycupoftea

However, not willing to change my lifestyle, I began compiling a wishlist for a device that would keep up with me and my social demands – both at home and on the road. It would have to be:

1. Lightweight
2. Exceptionally fast
3. With a full keyboard
4. And a large display
5. Long battery life
6. Powerful!!!

Could such a dream machine exist? How wonderfully it would complement my life! But how to start – where to look?

Thankfully, I didn’t have to search long – the tech gods at Dell answered my prayers by sending the XPS 13 Ultrabook for review. Ladies and gents, meet my VERY FAVOURITE way to stay connected.

…

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Put a Bow on It: Holiday Tips for Non-Techies

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While this post isn’t *technically* sponsored by Dell, they did send me a ridiculously awesome Inspiron One 2320 All-in-One for review, so I’m feeling pretty warm and fuzzy towards the brand. Not to mention, the Inspiron One is the best thing to happen to my boys since “In The Night Garden”. More on the system to come.

In the meantime, you may be thinking of gifting technology this Christmas, but are unsure of the best route to go. It’s no secret that tablets are the glamorous choice – followed by those 2nd generation, incredibly sleek laptops (have you seen the Dell XPS laptops? drool) – but, are they the right choice for you and your family… especially for parents with young children?…

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