GeekSugar

Best Online Alarm and Reminder Services

GeekSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:00:16 PDT

You really don't have a valid excuse for missing appointments or meetings if you sit in front of a computer all day or have a cell phone. There are just too many websites, alert programs and cell phone functions specifically examined to keep you on track and organized. If you've already taken steps to get organized online it's time you organize your schedule. The geeky way, of course!

Top 10 BlackBerry Tips and Tricks

GeekSugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:05:58 PDT

While it seems everyone and their mother have transferred their smartphone affections to the iPhone, there are many of us still rocking the BlackBerry. I don't claim to be a BlackBerry expert, but I have come across a few tips and tricks that will make any user's life easier and more entertaining. Here's to geeking out!

Simple Cell Tips That Can't Be Missed

GeekSugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:00:47 PST

We may have to wait until 2008 to test out Google's newly announced Android - an open platform for cell phones that includes an operating system, user-interface and applications that promise to make cell phone usage easier - but we can make use of our cell phones' many features in the mean time.

The easiest way to get the best out of your cell is to take care of it and play around with all of its functions. It's not just a texting, call making device, it's an attention worthy gadget. Follow these tips to a more connected life:

9 Ways to Earn Extra Cash When Money Is Tight

Wise Bread — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:51:58 PDT

I'm sure everyone can do with a little more cash in their wallets. Here are some great suggestions by Wise Bread for you to make extra money.

Even though I'm self-employed full-time, I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to make more money.

Earlier this year, I wrote a Wise Bread post on websites that can help you earn extra cash. More recently, I came across a blog post on Zaarly titled, "10 Ways to Make Money Without a Job." After reviewing the latter post, I thought it was time to revisit the topic and let you in on a few more ways to get paid.

The ideas that Zaarly presents are perfect for the unemployed or those who just want to pad their pockets a little more. In addition, there are moonlighting jobs that I do that I thought you should know about. Thus, if you're without a steady paycheck or you just want to build up a rainy-day stash, here are some of your options.

1. Offer Experiences to Strangers

I recently learned about a new site called Vayable, which allows people with specialized knowledge and talents, local info, and time on their hands to create experiences that others can purchase. It's basically a touring and activity company without the company. Anyone can join the site and set up an experience. For instance, the Kan Brothers offer motorcycle tours of San Francisco - which include helmet rental, a drink at a local hot spot, and a city map - for two to four people at $75 per person. In New York City, Kim G. is offering a personalized painting lesson for groups of two to six for a flat rate of $300; the experience includes acrylic paints; canvas board and supplies; studio space; wine, cheese, and crackers; and Kim’s undivided attention. Consider this tip if you're interested in joining Vayable: Browse the site to see what other people in your area are offering. By creating a unique experience that no one else has established, you have a better chance of getting booked.

Read on for more.

Why Everyone (Even 20-Somethings) Should Make a Will

Business Insider — Tue, 22 May 2012 00:15:44 PDT

Getting a will is not just for those who are on the cusp of retiring. People of all ages should consider writing one, says Business Insider. Here's why.

Despite the well-known fact that everyone alive today will kick the bucket at one point or another, nearly 60 percent of Americans admitted in a 2011 poll conducted by online legal service Rocket Lawyer that they didn't have a will.

In fact, one-third said they'd rather do their taxes, get a root canal, or give up sex for a month than lay out their dying wishes in black and white.

All right, let's not get out of hand now.

Making a will these days is easier than ever, and if you've been putting it off simply because it seems daunting, then you could be making a big mistake.

"You do it for your family's [future]," says Rocket Lawyer founder Charley Moore. "[A will] enables you to start thinking about issues like whether you have the right insurance coverage, life insurance, and ways of replacing your lost income."

Whether you're 22 years old and just ran your umpteenth marathon or you're ready to retire, laying out an estate plan should definitely be near the top of your to-do list.

It's one of the three most important documents every adult should have.

Here are the other two, according to Moore:

A living will: Also called an advanced healthcare directive, a living will is where you lay out all the nuts and bolts of your end-of-life care. If you wind up in a coma or unresponsive in the hospital, then a living will can help your family decide how to handle your medical treatment.

Durable power of attorney: Choose an attorney you trust to administer your estate after your death, says Moore. He or she will be objective (unlike family members), and their entire job is to follow your wishes.

Read on for more.

The Hottest Spots in the World For Design Inspiration: Morocco, Britain, Cuba, and Two Other Amazing Destinations

Guest Writer — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:56:53 PDT

We're thrilled to present a post from Ashley Read at SFA Design. Ashley recently attended the Los Angeles design event, Legends, and reported back to us on the latest trends and inspirations from the event.

Named "LA's premier destination for home design" by House Beautiful, the La Cienega Design Quarter is chock-full of the hottest interior design studios, showrooms, and galleries. Until recently, this chic neighborhood has been a trade secret among design professionals, but with the 4th Annual Legends of La Cienega event coming to a close, it seems that the LCDQ is a secret no more!

For those not yet in the know, the Legends event is a who's who gathering of the top designers, design publications, and vendors, similar to the West Week events, but in a more relaxed, neighborly setting. Each year comes with a relevant theme: last year celebrated art, and for 2012, Legends designers shared their international inspirations via "Windows to the World," complete with panel discussions and window displays depicting an exciting array of location-based inspirations from Abu Dhabi to Antarctica, Kenya to Côte d'Azur.

Attending all of the amazing panel discussions was a real eye-opener and definitely caused me to add a few new spots to my "travel bucket list!" Check out a few international inspiration tips we picked up from the A-list Legends panelists, and instead of Paris or Tuscany, try looking to Fes, Morocco, or Vietnam as your next design muse . . .

Rachel Zoe Dishes on Designing For the Met Gala and Creating More Red-Carpet Gowns

Allison McNamara — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:50:35 PDT

In between styling her A-list clients and designing her ready to wear collection, Rachel Zoe has been one busy lady - but somehow, she managed to find time to deliver one of the most gorgeous gowns at this year's Met Gala, worn by supermodel Karolina Kurkova. Creating a gown for fashion's biggest night is no easy feat - Rachel spent countless nights envisioning her Met Gala red-carpet design debut, and needless to say, she definitely rose to the occasion. Rachel also told us that Karolina's matching turban was a last-minute addition to the long-sleeved, rose-gold stunner. Watch today's Fab Flash to hear more from Rachel at her event at Elyse Walker, plus a few styling tips and trends to invest in this Summer. On Allison McNamara: Topshop jacket, Madewell top.

10 Items That Will Make Your Clothes Last Longer

LearnVest — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:15:55 PDT

We spend time trying to save money on shopping for clothing, but what will really help us save is learning how to lengthen the life of the clothes we already have. LearnVest gives tips on how to make our clothing last longer.

After spending time thinking about how to maximize our wardrobes and analyzing what our clothes say about us, we've got our eyes on making our closets as cute and long-lasting as possible.

Because there are little tricks to make your clothes fit better, look better, and last longer. And not taking the best care of the items you already own means you're not getting the most bang for your clothing buck.

We put together our list of the top 10 most valuable items worth spending a little money on. From the $9 do-it-all tool that takes care of fallen hems, gaping holes, and visible bra straps to the successful way to bypass dry cleaning bills, these little fashion fixers won't disappoint.

Plus they're all under $30 . . . So you can still afford that sundress you've been eyeing on Pinterest.

6 Handy Tips For Packing Work Lunches

Emily Co — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:28:28 PDT

Bringing lunch to work every day sure does save more than a few bucks and keeps you healthy at the same time. It's such an easy everyday saving trick, and it's a great option for those trying to cut costs on their daily expenses. Here are a few tips that get me through the week.

Mental Meal Plan: What do you want to eat for the rest of the week? Give it some thought before you make a trip to the grocery store to buy some ingredients. For inspiration, flip through Yum's list of delicious work lunches. While you're grocery shopping, read our savvy tricks for saving money at the supermarket.
Prep on Sunday: Buy all the ingredients you need on Sunday so that you won't have to desperately scramble around the night before. If you're planning on making one dish that you'll be eating all week (such as soup), you can either keep it refrigerated or, depending on what type of dish it is, you can also choose to freeze it in five ziploc packets that you can ration out throughout the week.
Keep It Separate: If you want to keep your lunch fresh, try to keep the pieces separate and assemble it right before you're having lunch. This works best for meals such as salads and sandwiches - soggy bread and vegetables are not appetizing!

Read on for more tips.

A Simple Guide to Writing Your Own Wedding Vows

Laura Marie Given — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:14 PDT

Choosing to write your own wedding vows can make for a special, personalized ceremony - but it can also mean late nights spent agonizing over each and every line. Your wedding vows are some of the most meaningful words you'll ever say, so it's important to take your time and consider all the possibilities. To make things a bit easier for you, we've come up with a few simple, helpful ideas that will streamline the process.

Set Guidelines:

Decide early on whether you'd prefer to write your vows together or individually. Another option? You can write an opening or closing line together, then personalize the rest of the vows separately.
If you plan to write them individually, agree on a proper length. Depending on the length of your ceremony, you should aim to speak for around 30 seconds to one minute each.
Consider the reading options. Are you good at memorization? Are you worried that your nerves will get the best of you? Ask yourselves if you'd like to memorize your vows or repeat them after your officiant.

Plan Ahead:

To stay sane, don't wait until the last minute. Several months before the big day, start a brainstorm list on your phone or in a notebook so that you can jot down ideas as they come to you.
Be on the lookout for phrases, quotes, or special moments you may want to include. Check out sample vows online to get an idea of which style and content appeals most to you. A poem? A list? A few simple sentences?

Gather Inspiration:

Step back and consider your relationship: its past, the present, and what you hope for the future. Jot down some special memories and funny anecdotes, then list the qualities you love most in your fiancé.
To get in the writing zone, reread your favorite quotes, poems, or even novels. Don't be afraid to deviate from the norm, either. Personal vows can be as traditional or as unconventional as you'd like, so get creative and let yourself think outside the box.

Edit, Edit, Edit:

Remember that you're writing wedding vows - a promise, not a flowery speech - so you should get to the heart of what you want to say. Be thoughtful and concise, and do your best to make every word count.
Worried about the length? Look to traditional vows as a guideline, then read your own vows aloud to see where you may be able to cut.

Did you write your own wedding vows? Share any tips in the comments below!

Photo by Orchard Cove Photography via Style Me Pretty