That Tech Chick

Finding The Perfect Movie, With Your iPhone

Jessica Benton — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:27:44 +0000

Many people take to the movie theatre every weekend to see the newest movie out. I remember when my grandparents would tell us they were going to the show. I am not a huge movie buff but occasionally like to spend quality time with my kids while taking in the newest picture that has been released.

Technology has made it easier and easier to find the perfect movie to share precious time with your family watching. This past weekend I was able to find show times, trailers, and even purchase my movie tickets using an app on my iPhone. I simply downloaded the app for my local movie theater called Cinemark Theaters. With the app I could see what movies were playing, show times, watch a preview and purchase my tickets. There are several other apps in the iTunes app store that allow you to do similar actions to find the movie of your choice. Those include Fandango, IMDb, Movies by Flixter, and Showtimes.

Leann, Tevin and I all went to watch the movie Chronicle. We had a great time together even though we all agreed that the movie could have been a lot better.

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Pinterest: Fad or Forever?

Jessica Benton — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:26:33 +0000

The girls at work are always talking about Pinterest. When I come home and get online I see lots of chatter about Pinterest. Is this new social network, where you pin interesting pictures just a fad? Pinned pictures can be things you just like, are interested in, get ideas from, or even a message. When you pin the picture the image with the original link is shared with all the people who follow you on Pinterest.

Since I work at a tile design center, I made the suggestion that all the girls (I work with all girls), start a Pinterest account. Each girl should pin their own tile designs and also pin other designs. By pinning others designs they can get inspiring ideas. By pinning their own designs they not only give others inspiration they also market themselves as a tile designer along with their beautiful work.

The sky is the limit on how you utilize Pinterest. Another girl at work uses Pinterest to store wedding ideas. I use Pinterest to collect DIY ideas, interior designs, show off shoes I like, and share creative technology. I know other bloggers who use Pinterest to primarily promote their blog. This is does by pinning their posts in Pinterest with the goal of having their followers either click the link or repin so their followers will click the link.

There is an old saying that pictures are worth a thousand words. Pinterest is holding that saying up. Just by viewing a users pin boards you can easily see their likes and interests. If you haven’t yet started your Pinterest account, you should, it gets quite addictive.

Do you thing Pinterest is a fad or that it will stick around for quite a while?

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Join Me: Protest to Stop SOPA & PIPA

Jessica Benton — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:56:38 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like the government censoring my life. Let your representatives know that you against internet censorship. The SOPA act in the Senate and PIPA act in the House are proposed.

Many sites went black today to join the protest against SOPA and PIPA including internet giants like Google and Wikipedia and many smaller sites like mine. I did not choose to black out my entire site, just a few words on your first view of my site. This is what the internet would be like if it were censored. You may see some things but not everything. Corporate giants could take down smaller sites easily just by coming at the smaller entrepreneurs with well paid lawyers and threats of copywrite infringement violations.

Sign the petition to let your voice be heard HERE!

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Ford Unveils The 2013 Ford Fusion at NAIAS

Jessica Benton — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:59:11 +0000

Yesterday Ford unveiled the new 2013 Ford Fusion to the media at NAIAS. Ford said that consumer’s interest in mid-sized vehicles will increase and redesigned the focus to accommodate. I love the new look of the Ford Fusion especially the front grill. Check it out for yourself.

The new 2013 Ford Fusion comes in standard, 2 Eco-Boost options, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The plug-in hybrid is boasting up to 100 mpg but won’t become available until the fall.

Ford executives mentioned emotional buying from consumers many times. Their research has obviously told them that consumers are looking for fashionable cars that make life easier. There are still those car enthusiast that look for what is under the hood, but many consumers simply want a stunning car with amenities to drive.

To meet the amenities need of consumers, Ford has integrated their best technology in the 2013 Ford Fusion. Ford has focused most of their technology of SYNC with MyFord Touch on keeping the drivers eyes on the road. After connecting your mobile phone to the system via Bluetooth, your contacts, your music and much more is synced to your car. Access your information with SYNC Voice Activated technology. Ford has also added a lane keeping system that vibrates the wheel when your steering seems to be veering out of its lane.

Ford isn’t saying yet which trip package will get which amenities but will be tiered in S, SE, and Titanium trims.

What do you think about the 2013 Ford Focus?

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Best Weight Loss iPad Apps

Jessica Benton — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:59:29 +0000

A common New Years resolution is living a healthier life, getting into shape and losing weight. With iPhone as your mobile device, you can keep track of your goals, what you eat, and your achievements with the help of an iPhone app or to that are best when your goal is weight loss.

Lose It!- FREE

Succeed at weight loss with Lose It! Set goals and establish a daily calorie budget that enables you to meet them. Stay on track each day by recording your food and exercise and staying within your budget. The average active Lose It! user has lost more than 12lbs and more than 85% of our active users have lost weight. Lose It! is completely free- get started losing weight with Lose It! today!

intelli-Diet $3.99

intelli-Diet™ takes the foods you have, and then magically creates a well-balanced diet. And… your diet’s customized by your gender, weight, height, and more! It’s like having a Dietician in your pocket!

Weight Watchers- FREE

It’s more convenient than ever to connect to Weight Watchers from wherever you are, on an iPhone or iPad. Always on the run? Get it to go: the latest recipes, health news, exercise info, and more. Our App is fully compatible with our PointsPlus program, and it’s now universal — it works for both the iPhone or the iPad.

Weight Watchers Kitchen Companion- FREE

Explore healthy cooking like never before! The Weight Watchers Kitchen Companion gives you ideas for what to cook and how to cook it. We’ll take you through the cooking process, from planning the menu, to shopping for ingredients, to making the dish. It’s the ultimate interactive healthy cooking tool.

Dining out By Jenny Craig- FREE

The Jenny Craig Dining Out Guide iPhone application is based on the “Dining Out Success Guide” available exclusively to Jenny Craig clients. Think of it as a nutrition guide to your favorite restaurants, designed to help YOU make healthier meal choices when you’re away from home.

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searsStyle Fashion Steal

Jessica Benton — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:39:00 +0000

Creating a fabulous look is a snap at searsStyle. Especially when you are creating an outfit on a budget. It is easy to mix budget friendly products with a snazzy focal item. I took a trip over to Sears to help my daughter create a great look. From the Kim Kardishian collection we picked up semi sheer Cheetah Tights that can go under anything from skirts to shorts. She has hers paired with a cute layered skirt, simple tank and black blazer. We also picked up budget friendly boxed set jewelry that included a necklace and earrings. This outfit was a total steal. The box sets were on sale for 60% so on top of a great price, we had an awesome discount.

I received samples from the searsStyle Kardashian Kollection to review as part of the Glam Trendsetter Program. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Sears.

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Spend, Send, Settle Up With AMEX Serve

Jessica Benton — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 03:23:53 +0000

This post is sponsored by Serve from American Express. Sign up for Serve and receive $10 credit towards your first use. Comment below within the next 7 days for your chance to win an extra $100 credit to your account!

American Express’ new service, Serve, has a new way to help you settle up with your friends when you split that next dinner check. Serve is a new way to transfer money or even just to have a way to make online purchases securely. Serve is a form of a prepaid debit card that you can connect your actual bank account to pay for purchases online and off.

Not only has American Express set up this great service, they have also created a great app available for the Android and iPhone. With the app you can check balances or transfer money instantly to other Serve account holders. For instance, if you are out with your friends you can easily transfer your part of the dinner check to the person covering it.

Setting up a Serve account is simple and just for signing up you get a $10 bonus to spend on whatever you please. I set up a Serve account and within a few days received my card int he mail that I immediately activated. I was able to use the card as business and transfer money to others seamlessly for meals.

My favorite feature is the super simple Serve app that helps you send and receive money. You can split a bill, calculate and pay your part of a pizza party, view transactions and even request money from others.

Any one of my readers who opens up a Serve account and leaves a comment saying they have opened an account will be entered to win a $100 credit to their account. AMEX/Serve will select one of my commenters as the winner.You will have at least 7 days to enter the sweeps, which will close EOD on 12/27.

Remember to sign up for Serve and receive $10 credit towards your first use. Comment below within the next 7 days for your chance to win an extra $100 credit to your account! Official sweepstakes rules and regulations may be found by clicking here. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

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My Support For Adopt A Mom Non-Profit Organization

Jessica Benton — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:44:23 +0000

I was watching the local news this afternoon and an interview caught my eye. The interview was with a local business that supports domestic violence victims. Since I am a past domestic violence victim, I sat up and paid attention.

The Adopt A Mom organization is an organization based out of Beaumont TX and strives to recognize moms of domestic violence with a gift basket on Mother’s Day. The organization was set up in 2010 and within a short period of time was able to raise enough money to send gift baskets to 100 mothers. In 2011 400 baskets were sent out to mothers through small donations made to the Adopt A Mom organization. Each year they grow more and more.

I know Mother’s Day is a few months away, but donating money is a year round activity. The Adopt A Mom organization submitted their idea to Pepsi Refresh project. The project donates money to non profit organizations doing good in their community. The organization has to come up with a plan and a budget for their idea. Then viewers vote on the ideas they want to win the donation.

Adopt A Mom is trying to recieve $5000 do send baskets on Mother’s Day to many more domestic violence victims in 2012. Currently they are in the top 30 but need many more votes. If you would like to vote for them just follow this link and submit your vote. You can vote daily.

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Backing Up Your Files Online

Jessica Benton — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:45:46 +0000

Since my laptop was stolen I have been focusing on how to protect yourself, your laptops and gadgets, and your files on your laptop computer from thieves. I wrote about programs that can help you locate and recover your laptop and mobile devices. This time I want to focus on the files that you have on your computer. When I walked into my house and saw the mess from the burglars and noticed my laptop gone, I began to worry about all the images and documents I had stored on my computer. In my mind they were all history.

There are many services that allow you to back up your files in the cloud in case of an emergency. An emergency can include a lost or stolen laptop or even a natural disaster. Cloud storage simply means to make a copy of your files to a remote server provided by a company. With cloud storage, these files are generally available from any computer because all you need to do is log into the account.

I have found some of the best cloud backup storage providers. Since I am frugal, I look for the most storage at the best price. I was not using an online cloud storage service when my laptop was stolen, even though I knew they were available. I will now be choosing one of the following.

SugarSync- This online backup service has many features. You can sync multiple devices. Once you send your files to the cloud, you can access them from any device. There are mobile apps available for iPad, iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, and Symbian. There is no need to remember to sync your files because SugarSync backs up your files automatically, securely and continuously. There are plans for everyone. The 5GB plan is free and there are plans for 60GB for $4.99 per month, 60GB for $9.99 per month, 100GB for $14.99 per month and 250GB for $24.99 per month.

Mozy- This is another cloud storage service that offers multiple features to help store your files. Mozy offers automatic or scheduled backups so you never forget to add the newest or changed files. Users can also restore data via the Mozy software through the web or by ordering a DVD restore. Windows users can also restore data via right-click or through the Mozy Virtual Drive. Files can be accessed on iOS and Android devices. There are two Mozy plans to choose from. 50GB/ 1 computer for $5.99 per month and 125GB/ 3 computers for $9.99 per month

Carbonite- Carbonite is often offered with hosting providers. After the initial backup of your files, Carbonite updates new or modified files to the Carbonite data center. With this service, if you need to restore files, it is easy because Carbointe walks you through an easy-to-follow process. Files that are backed up can be accessed from any computer or your iPhone, Android, or Blackberry smartphones. With Carbonite, there are 3 simple plans to choose from all with unlimited access. The 1 year plan is $59.00 per computer, the 2 year plan is $109.00 per computer and the 3 year plan is $139.00 per computer.

SpiderOak- SpiderOak seems to offer a bit more on backed up files. The cloud storage service not only automatically syncs changed and new files, but also keeps copies of the previous versions and deleted files. With your account you can sync data from multiple machines and you can share the stored files. You can create a password protected ShareRooms. With SpiderOak you can access your files through their web interface or with apps for iOS and Android. A free account with SpiderOak gives you 2GB and full features. This included unlimited computers. Or you can upgrade your account for 100GB for $10 and an additional $10 per month for each 100GB.

My Other Drive- With My Other Drive gives you automatic or manual backups, collaboration that can be password protected, security, drag and drop uploads, and even import from other online storage services. The most unique feature I have seen is the ability to mail in USB drives to My Other Drive and they will add the files to your online account. However access is limited to a PC, Mac or online. No mobile devices are supported.

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Which Is Better Android or iPhone… according to Siri

Jessica Benton — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:00:26 +0000

Why doesn’t Siri know which is better, Android or iPhone? I know which is better. I am an iPhone nerd!

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NTSB Wants To Ban Cell Phone Use While Driving

Jessica Benton — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:29:07 +0000

The NTSB recommended to all states to ban ALL cell phone use while driving this week. Their recommendation comes from the multitude of traffic accidents resulting in deaths from users using their cell phones. Mainly pointing out the accident that happened in Missouri a few years ago when a teenager caused an accident that killed 15 students after sending and receiving 11 text messages in 11 minutes.

Do you think states will stand behind the NTSB recommendation? I am one that don’t believe so. I have many reasons to believe that states will not ban ALL electronic devices including hands free devices. However, I do feel like banning text messaging while driving is a more likely option.

Photo credit: 123RF.com

In the state I live in, Texas, there is limited laws banning text messaging while driving. Which I feel is crazy. Text messaging is only banned for new drivers under 17 years old or school bus drivers while having passengers under the age of 17 years old. All cell phone usage is also banned for all drivers in all school zones.

First I feel that text messaging should be banned completely for all drivers. I am not going to lie, I have sent a text while driving. It is not safe, my attention is taken off of the road. I have stopped texting in a moving vehicle however continue to text at red lights or while stopped in traffic. My opinion is that if I am stopped I do not have to pay attention to the road.

I don’t think talking and driving should be banned. My short opinion on this is that if people are not talking they will be doing something just as distracting like eating, managing kids, or trying to find directions.

My long opinion is, mobile devices are used for a multitude of tasks including GPS navigation, reminders, and music. Newer cars connect to our mobile devices in many ways. The most popular way is through bluetooth hands free calling. Companies have invested in these technologies to be included in vehicles and consumers have spend money to have them in their cars. Not only car manufactures have invested and marketed bluetooth connected cars, but many companies provide bluetooth devices for sale and consumers that don’t have it installed in their cars, purchase these devices to use with their cell phones. I think that banning these devices as the NTSB has recommended will not only not provide any more safety while driving, but it will also hurt the already crappy economy.

My suggestion would be to ban all text messaging and allow only hands free calling. I also don’t feel that using mobile devices in other ways like GPS and music should be banned. Nor do I think it is likely that all states will ban these activities.

Where do you stand on the issue? Do you think ALL cell phone usage should be banned?

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I Am Done With Firefox

Jessica Benton — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 17:54:28 +0000

For weeks now I have fought with my Firefox browser. Somewhere around the version 4 Firefox update, my browser began to freeze when I loaded anything including Google. The only way I was able to get it going again was by opening the task manager and trying to end the task. Instead of ending, Firefox would somehow unfreeze and actually load the page. Many times I can’t load anything and when writing blog posts I lose my content that I had worked long and hard to create.

I am not saying I am a big baby or have anger management issues or anything, but when I am on my computer and things are not working right, for no apparent reason, I just want to shatter my laptop. Then I come back to reality and understand that it is not my laptops issue, it is all Firefox.

Each update that Firefox sends out doesn’t make the situation any better, however it does not make things any worse.

I haven’t used Internet Explorer for quite some time. Something along the lines of 5 or more years. It is just too bulky and sluggish, something Firefox seems to be becoming. I have used Google Chrome for at least a year, or since it first came out. I use it as an alternative browser. But mostly I have been using Firefox.

But not anymore. I am done with Firefox for good. I am tired of it freezing and me having to at times restart my computer. I am tired of slow loading pages, and some never loading at all.

I have a new love affair with Google Chrome. From now on I will be using Chrome for all my online activities and probably Safari as a backup.

Goodbye Firefox

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Can You Take An Electric Chevy Volt On Family Road Trips

Jessica Benton — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 02:45:18 +0000

In this house, road trips are the best vacations. I can honestly say I have never taken any other form of transportation when my entire family takes vacations. Personally, I think road trips are better because you get to see so much and experience more along the way to your destination.

The downfall is the rising gas prices. They have kept families that love road trips closer to home. What if you could save on gas so you can spend with your family? Would you go further? But are these cars particle for road trips? What if you run out of battery charge? What will you do then?

These are some of the questions that Chevy has considered when developing their electric-powered car the Chevy Volt. I can answer some of these questions because I recently took a road trip in the Volt with my daughter, thanks to Chevy.

Chevy invited a few bloggers including myself to take a road trip across Florida from Ft. Myers to Key West over 4 days. I was able to bring a companion, so I choose Leandra, my 14 year old daughter to spend mom and daughter time with.

At first glance, the Chevy Volt looks like a normal car. It is not the smallest car out there on the road and seats 4 passengers including the driver. The Volt sports a hatchback trunk that provides lots of cargo room.

Sitting in the car and looking at the dashboard I noticed quite a few differences. First, the push button, key-less start. I know this is not new technology, but I like not having to start the car with a key. I also noticed the gear shift was similar to a gas-powered car. Some hybrid cars have a funky gear shifter, but the Volt was created something that people would be familiar with. The car also came equip with navigation, satellite radio, and of course On-Star.

The information center on the Chevy Volt was quite different from anything I had seen before. First, because this is an electric car, there was a display showing how many miles were left and the level of charge. Second, there is a digital display of your speed limit and miles per gallons (yes you still use gas in this car, but I will get to that). Lastly there was this tiny green digital level that had a couple leaves in it. At first I was confused, but as I drove, I noticed that by keeping the green circle in the center of the level, I was driving the most efficient.

Lets talk about driving the Chevy Volt. The car runs very quite. With a full charge you can drive about 30 miles. If you run out of battery charge, the car automatically switches over to the fuel powered engine that has a 9 gallon tank that can take you about 375 more miles.

When I first received the Chevy Volt to drive after lunch in Ft Myers Florida, I drove it to our first overnight destination in Naples Florida. This was about a 20 minute highway drive that only used electric power. I easily drove 60MPH with no problems using strictly battery power, something hybrids cannot do. At night the car was recharged using a normal 110 outlet at the hotel.

The second day, I drove the Chevy Volt across Florida, through the Everglades and down to Key Largo where Leandra and I spent the afternoon snorkeling in the Atlantic.

This drive took us a few hours, and the Volt seamlessly switched over to being gas-powered after the battery was depleted. Our overnight stay was in Islamorada at the Cheeca Lodge & Spa.

On the third day Leandra and I spent the first half of the day swimming with the dolphins at Theater of the Sea in Islamorada and the drove to Key West where we watched the sunset. I am not going to lie, I did speed a bit. But the car handled it and drove just like your normal gasoline powered vehicle. We drove a few hundred miles over the 4 days using both battery power and gasoline. The car was roomy, drove like my car at home, and I was even stopped by people to ask what kind of car it was.

In the ever evolving vehicle technology, the Chevy Volt is standing out. You can actually use less fuel than a hybrid while staying closer to home, and get just as good fuel mileage as a hybrid when driving longer distances.

What is your opinion, would you consider purchasing a Chevy Volt for about $40,000 with a $7,000 tax rebate?

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