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:

Mary Katrantzou For Topshop Releases This Friday - See the Complete Lookbook

Chi Diem Chau — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:19:21 PST

If you're loving all of the vibrant floral prints seen so far on the Fall '12 runways, check out Mary Katrantzou's capsule collection for Topshop. The line, ranging from $80 to $700, debuts in stores and online this Friday and is sure to sell out fast. Peruse the entire lookbook now, featuring printed trousers, modern structural dresses, and tunics made in Katrantzou's signature artsy prints, and start making your shopping list for this Friday. See our favorite pieces below (plus styling tips), then get ready, set, shop.

We'd wear this silk printed dress over leather leggings and loafers for a fresh take on casual dressing.
These cropped floral trousers would look amazing with a chunky black turtleneck and booties for now, and later with a plain white tee and sandals.
Tuck in this silk collared top with cropped trousers and lace-up boots for a crisp office look.

Handy Everyday Gmail Tips and Tricks

GeekSugar — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:01:03 PST

If you've moved to Gmail recently (congratulations!), it's possible that you could get overwhelmed with all of the options, settings, and possibilities at your fingertips. We've got a ton of tips to share, but let's start with a few basic and handy tips that you could use every day. Check them out below!

Make voice calls - You can easily make voice calls in Gmail on the cheap. In the "Chat" section, just click the "Call Phone" button and enter the digits. You'll then be able to make free calls to landlines the US and Canada, and for super cheap you can call cell phones and landlines worldwide.
Search with options - If you haven't discovered the "Show Search Options" link to the right of the Gmail search bar, you're in for a treat. Clicking it reveals a host of helpful options, including the ability to search by sender, date, attachment, subject, and more. It's extremely helpful if you are less than diligent about labeling and filing emails in your inbox.
Use rich text signatures - Tired of those boring text-only signatures or canned responses coming from your Gmail account? Take note: Gmail supports rich text signatures! Add links, colors, images, or formatting to your Gmail account signature, or any other account you've set up to send from Gmail. It's super easy to set up - just head to your settings page, scroll down to the Signature section, and design away!
Use keyboard shortcuts - First, enable keyboard shortcuts in your Settings menu. Then, use these fast and easy keyboard shortcuts to navigate!

See the rest of the list after the break.

Shutterbug: How to Photograph Your Family at Home

Rebecca M Gruber — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:48:14 PST

Grab your camera and get ready to shoot! After baby's born, many mamas fashion themselves into the family photographer, but how much do you really know about capturing the perfect shot? With DSLR cameras on the top of many moms' wish lists, I turned to an expert to get a crash course in recording a family's daily activities - and doing it well! Fort Collins, CO-based Jennifer Little started Sugar Photography (no relation) with the goal of capturing the connection between people and their moments. Keep reading to see her tips for doing the same on your own, as well as beautiful examples of her work!

All photos courtesy of: Jennifer Little | Sugar Photography

How To: Get Your iPad Ready For Resale

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:48:28 PST

If the rumors are true, the iPad 3 should be announced in March. If you're ready to upgrade from your first-gen iPad or iPad 2, now's the time to start thinking about selling. But before you post a listing on Craigslist or eBay, get all your ducks in a row first. Here's a few tips on how to prep your gadget for resale, and get top dollar for your efforts.

Back up your data and do a clean sweep - First thing's first - make sure you connect your iPad to iTunes and back up all of your data. You'll be able to sync it with your new iPad after you bring it home. And just like a computer, before you sell your old tablet, you'll want to wipe it clean of any sensitive information, apps, and contact lists. Erasing all of your content and settings (go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings) is great, but go ahead and perform a full restore in iTunes as well.
Polish the exterior - Cleaning your old iPad is kind of like cleaning your LCD monitor - you don't want to use any harsh chemicals or, even more damaging, water. Using a tried-and-tested cleaner like iKlear ($30) will ensure you won't damage your iPad's sensitive bits. Use the included microfiber cloth (or one of your own) and shine that baby up.

To see the rest of my list, including tips on how to get your gadget sold quickly online, just keep reading.

Gas Prices Are Up! What You Can Do to Save

Emily Co — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:20:33 PST

Unrest in the Middle East and the closing of American refineries have gas prices going up, up, and away for US consumers. Analysts are predicting that the prices may continue to rise.

But don't worry, there are a number of methods to save on refueling your car. Here are some tips:

Spend to Save: Look for deals around you that will help you save on your gas. For example, you can choose to frequent wholesale stores like Costco, which will give you a little bit of cash back on Costco gas. If you're a real gas guzzler, check out this full list of gas rebate cards on CreditCards.com.
Don't Top It Off: Topping off your gas may result in a higher gas bill, because you might be paying for gas that goes back into the station's tanks after your gas tank is full, says the Environmental Protection Agency. You can also ruin your car's vapor recovery system if there is no room for the gas to expand in your tank.
Smooth Trip: Starting and stopping excessively can shorten the life of your engine, transmission, brakes, and tires. Go easy on your braking and accelerating. Remember to also turn off your engine if you know you'll be waiting for a long while. Staying put without moving means you're getting 0 miles per gallon.

For more gas-saving tips, read on.

Flawless Valentine's Day Makeup Looks in 5, 20, or 45 Minutes

Jaime Richards — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:00:00 PST

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to experiment with bolder, brighter makeup looks. But the problem is not always a matter of what kinds of palettes and color combinations to try: it's a matter of how much time there is to actually get it all on. According to celebrity makeup artist Emily Kate Warren (who has worked with stars such as Jennifer Jason Leigh and Abigail Breslin), a quick, flattering makeup look shouldn't take longer than five minutes. So whether you have hot date-night plans or you're heading out on the town with your friends this Valentine's Day, start those stopwatches. Here are Warren's suggestions for getting an easy-peasy five-minute look, along with tips on creating 20- and 45-minute palettes.

To get a speedy, five-minute look . . .
Warren recommends applying a black mascara, a red lip stain (or a matte lipstick tapped on with the fingertips), and a bright, pink-toned blush.

And if you have 20 minutes . . .
Warren suggests applying full foundation, all of the products listed above in the five-minute palette, and highlighter on the cheekbones. You can also try adding a haze of bronze around the lash lines for a warm and glowy finishing touch.

And if you have 45 minutes . . .
Apply all of the above, plus half-lash strips, along with a black liner on top to conceal the lash bands. And for that extra pop of color? "A full-on red lip could work, as well."

7 Money Tips For Couples Starting a Family

Business Insider — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:15:00 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart Business Insider story here on Savvy!

Middle-income parents will spend nearly $227,000 in 17 years for children born in 2010, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

But don't let that scare you - saving for a family can actually be fun if you know what you're doing.

"The most important thing to understand is that your priorities are going to change and your spending habits need to change to reflect those changes," says Stuart Ritter, a financial planner at T. Rowe Price.

With Ritter and other financial experts' help, we'll help you prepare.

Invest in a 529 savings plan

Saving for your child's education is crucial to his or her success, and 529 plans are tax-advantaged college savings accounts that are available in all 50 states.

Most are free to set up, while some states require a minimum of $25 to open an account, says Adam Koos, a certified financial planner with Libertas Wealth Management. Anyone can contribute and take advantage of the tax benefits.

Open the plan before your child is born, says Ritter, and name yourself the beneficiary. You can change the name on the account once your child is born.

Read on for more.