Scan this

You may have seen these barcode-esque boxes around lately. Or maybe you haven’t. If you dont’ know what they are or what their use may be for you, I’m here to explain them in simple Pangie terms.

QR codes give you information about a product or a person directly by taking a photo of the code with your phone. OK, so it’s not really a “photo” but you use your camera to scan the code, so for all intents and purposes, it’s a photo.

In order to scan the QR code, you need an app that will translate the code into what the code maker wants you to see. Every smart phone has available apps, and nearly every QR code scanning app will work with nearly every QR code. (There are some companies who think they’re fancy and create QR codes that only work with certain scanning apps, but personally, those companies are douchey.) On my iPhone, I have QRReader by TapMedia. It’s free (with ads) and it saves all of the QR codes and information you’ve scanned.

Click for larger image

But Pangie, why do I need to scan or care about scanning QR codes?

Coupons, discounts, information, being social, fun, learning.

All of those things and more are found by scanning a QR code. People (me included) are adding QR codes to their business cards to make adding their information to your phone immediate. It’s a time-saver, people! I’ve seen QR codes added to t-shirts (see: I have one) to wear to conferences (see: BlogHer ’11) for people to scan to get to your website, get your email into their phone, or send you to a website.

Who are using the QR codes? Tech people, marketers, regular everyday Jane’s like us. I found this infographic >>> that gives more information than I can explain. They’re growing in popularity by the day, and you’ll see more and more of them with in magazine published and on nearly every advertisement you see.

Have you tried scanning a QR code? What do you think of them?

It may seem like technology overload, but by scanning the codes, you’ll get fun stuff, coupons, and easily add information you can use to your phone instantly. Plus, if you’re going to BlogHer ’11, you’ll want to have a QR code-scanning app already on your phone so you can scan my chest. (wha? yes.)

And if you’re crazy-nutty, you can tattoo a QR code onto your body. At least it does something really cool.

QR Code Infographic via Mashable

© Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] for A Whole Lot of Nothing • Your Favorite Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 11 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: QR codes

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

I’m not really what you’d call a high class woman, but I would describe myself as pretty effing Awesome. Being the Awesome person I am can be time-consuming and cost money, but because I’m pretty effing Awesome, I spend time looking for deals to make it LOOK like I spent money.

That’s where places like Tiny Prints come into my life. Pretty effing Awesome stuff for not a lot of monies.

Tiny Prints is one of those online stationery stores your friends send you to with a link saying, “Check out THIS cute baby photo announcement!” and “I totally want this for my Xmas card this year!” and “Mama must have this personalized gift tag or I will die 1000 deaths.” I know it’s not just me sending these messages to my friends because Tiny Prints has been on my radar for at least the last year as a must-shop for stationery and photo cards. When I was approached to do multiple reviews for Tiny Prints, well, HELLO? Am I going to turn away the opportunity to send out that “Oh Em Gee, this design is PERFECT for us this year” message to my bloggy friends? Heck no. Bring ‘em on.

The first two items I ordered are the personalized gift tag stickers for our Christmas gifts and matching personalized thank you cards. Being the silly, snarky mo’fo I am, I picked out the cheeziest design I could find and personalized them with my own punny snarkasm.

Having the personalized gift tags ready to go for any gifts we give out really applies to my “Aiming Low” philosophy of living: no need to think; just stick & give. I must say, I was surprised at the quality of the stickers considering they’re only $7 for an entire personalized set of 24. You can’t even find an embroidered Christmas sweater for $7, much less find anything personalized for $7. Bonus: you’ll look pretty effing Awesome to your gift recipient with a personalized gift tag. They’ll think you paid much more that you did for the scented candle you found on sale at the $1 store that’s inside the box you’re giving them. WIN/WIN

The first thing my husband said to me when I told him our thank you cards arrived: “Are you actually going to send them this year?” Pshaw. Of course I’ll be sending the personalized thank you cards this year. They say “Awesome” right on the card. How can I NOT send them out? Plus, they make me look pretty effing Awesome because they’re printed on such high-quality card stock. (Like, the nice stuff.) Just like the gift tag stickers, the personalized thank you cards are priced well to help you look like you’re the pretty effing Awesome person you are.

I urge you to send a gift to Messy Semi Clean House this year. You’ll get a pretty effing Awesome thank you card in return. Even if it is just to spite my husband for doubting me.

Also, we like presents, and we have no shame.

If you’re extra lucky, you’ll get a $1 store scented candle with a pretty effing Awesome gift tag sticker on the outside. You’re welcome.

______________________________

This post is sponsored by Tiny Prints. I received the products shown in return for this review.

© Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] for A Whole Lot of Nothing • Your Favorite Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 12 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: holiday, Sponsored, stationery

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

I was recently hired as a hotel blog writer (thanks to Britt!) for UpTake. It’s kind of kismet cause I likes me some hotels. You could have guessed that if you knew that I have a Bachelors in Hospitality Management and have worked at Disney’s Yacht Club, but I bet you didn’t. It’s OK. I’ll give you a pass on this one. But, did you know that I have a Masters degree? Why, yes I do. (shocking, i know)

Quiz: In what subject did I earn my Masters?

Anyhooters, I wrote my first post for UpTake complete with pictures of my kids and 4 others in a bathtub. I’m awesome like that.

Please visit, Stumble, Digg, Technorati, Delicious, email, Twitter, and generally pimp out my post. Pretty please? Show them I’m a mediocre deal on the internet. I’ll hump your leg hard for more than 15 seconds if you do.

© Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] for A Whole Lot of Nothing • Your Favorite Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags:

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Need to relax? Drink tea.
Feeling under the weather? Drink tea.
British? Drink tea.
Are you my mother? Drink tea.

I’ve noticed that there seems to be a recent popularity surge of tea drinkers and tea shops. One reason? Heath benefits. Another reason? It’s darn good.

My mom and my husband have both been long-time tea drinkers and appreciate good, quality tea. Inexpensive, quality teas are not hard to find – they’re on the shelves of your local grocery store. If you haven’t already noticed Celestial Seaonsings teas, stop next time and check out their HUGE selection of specialty bag teas.

I’ve learned a bit about teas the past few years because of some health issues I’ve had, particularly having to do with my digestion. Rooibus teas are MADE for people with bad guts. Caffeine-free, loaded with natural antioxidants, and easy on the tummy, this tea-you’ve-never-heard-of needs to be in your cabinet. (Even lions drink it when you’re not looking.)

In celebration of Earth Day, now through the end of April (yeah, only 2 more days, but hey – it’s still do-able), visit the TREES section of the Celestial Seasonings website and plant a virtual tree. (In the words of Bob Ross, “It’s a pretty little tree.”) For each virtual tree planted, Celestial Seasonings will sponsor the planting of one real tree in a developing country by Trees for the Future.

Celestial Seasonings teas were “green” before “green” was cool. “Celestial Seasonings is an eco-conscious company so it’s a tie that makes sense. Because we’ve have worked with many of the same farmers for more than 30 years, we’ve been able to establish sustainable harvests and support ethical trade practices. Additionally, Celestial Seasonings’ use of minimal packaging, including a unique tea bag that requires no strings, tags, staples or individual wrappers, saves more than 3.5 million pounds of waste from entering landfills annually.”

Full disclosure – Sponsored post: I received a nice assortment of these great teas (which, by the way, I was already a customer before I agreed to review) in return for publishing this editoral/review. Have questions/comments/issues with Celestial Teas? Contact them.

© Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] for A Whole Lot of Nothing • Your Favorite Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: review, Sponsored, tea

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

In honor of Maddie Spohr and supporting the March of Dimes, blogs around the internet are turning purple.

Grab a badge —> and put it up on your blog if you’ve gone purple.
Here is the full code for the donation badge you see in my sidebar.

If your blog has “turned purple for Maddie” leave your link in the Linky here:

Turn your Twitter page or avatar purple and leave your link here below. If you need your avatar “turned purple” for you, feel free to email me your picture, and I’ll do it for you.

Don’t have a blog or can’t change the colors? Wear purple and leave your name and link here:

For more information about Maddie and ways you can donate, please visit A Mom Two Boys.

And if you’d like to get something for giving, visit the Good for the Kids blog.

© Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] for A Whole Lot of Nothing • Your Favorite Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 73 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: "march of dimes", maddie, purple

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

If you love me, you’ll vote for me.

Thanks to the hotness that is Secret Agent Mama for nominating me after I begged her to do it for 2 weeks!

Vote, or I’ll add you to the spam email lists that say “[Spam] Take this p!ll and make your lassie feel the difference!” or “[Spam] Your little soldier will grow up to a big love general!” I can’t make that crap up, so you better vote for me now.

And, if you wanna nominate me for any other awards, that’d be great, too. You know, like “Best Design” or “Best Business” blog. Whatever you like. Just don’t shame me by nominating me for “Hottest Mommy Blogger” b/c if I won, I’d have to turn it down.

© Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] for A Whole Lot of Nothing • Your Favorite Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags:

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Dawn at Mom2My6Pack has started a new product review blog! Who doesn’t love a new blog? And, coming from Dawn, you know it’s good because I’m featured.

Bonus – she chose MY online store as her first feature. ME! Your favorite blogger.

Check it out – you could win a fabulous partying gift just for commenting! And, I have a special coupon code for Dawn Fan bloggers.

Because I Said So Review

**************************************************

© Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] for A Whole Lot of Nothing • Your Favorite Blog, 2007. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags:

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

What? You didn’t know I sell of these incredible products? Well, I do, and MANY more!

And for you, as my loyal reader, I’m offering a 15% off coupon code for your order. You’re welcome. Use code 15blog920 for 15% off your order until the ‘rents leave on Monday, September 23rd. Again, you’re welcome.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Toys

Lindie & Friends Handmade Multi-Ethnic Dolls

Baby Light & Clip Lighted Fingernail Clippers

Nuby Cups and Nuby Replacements

Argh – I realized I spelled my title wrong, so I changed it. I’m soooo tired.

© Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] for A Whole Lot of Nothing • Your Favorite Blog, 2007. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags:

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

The last few weeks have been a real education for me in getting to know my fellow peeps, Mommy Bloggers. I’ve been in the Internets world hot and heavy for the last year with my business site, Good for the Kids, an online retail store (*Self-Promotion Alert!*). But I’ve really stepped in it jumped into Blog World with both feet, arms, and head the last few weeks.

I’ve been blog surfing the Mommy Blogs for hours a day while my children were pouring milk on the dog and coloring walls reading quietly educating myself on what makes a good blog, what makes me pee and others laugh, and possibly making a bit of moolah from my blog. I’ve added tons of blogs to my reader that I check 20-30 2-3 times a day and have added most to my ‘roll. (If you don’t see yourself there, lemme know & I’ll add ya!) I am really upset that some other moms do to like being called a “Mommy Blogger.” Do they feel they are different in any way? Just a question.

So in my quest for the perfect blog (other than my own – expect a new design soon!), I’ve found some real gems. Here are some of my faves:

1. Blog Name: Nap Warden – Because I need her at my house to ward over my non-nappers.

2. She-Makes-Me-Cool-’Cause-We’ve-Been-Emailing-for-3-Weeks: BECAUSE I SAID SO – Everyone knows Dawn blog and her story. Don’t be jealous b/c she’s been my email buddy for 3 weeks. I pay her to be my friend. Well, at least pay to advertise on her blog.

3. I Can’t Wait to Comment (tie): BECAUSE I SAID SO – duh (see above), The Whole Family – I like her outlook and I might have a blog crush on her, and Busy Mom – I have a blog crush on her, too, and she gets me lotsalinks.

4. Pics – dooce – Purty pics of her family, stuff, and especially her dog.

5. Tagline – Mom-101 – “I dont’ know what I’m doing either.” Says it all.

6. Award Cherry Popper – VDog and Little Man – My new Cre8Buzz friend gave me an award just because I cried and whined for it. Thanks!

7. Product Reviews – Cool Mom Pics, Chic Mommy Finds (thanks for reviewing my stuff!), googababy, and Mighty Goods. I’m always up for shopping and having my own stuff reviewed, so if you wanna review my products, lemme know! (*Self-Promotion Alert!*)

So, to all you fellow women bloggers who think you’re too good to be called a “Mommy Blogger,” if you’re a Mom and you blog, you’re a Mommy Blogger, sucka.

I am PROUD to be called a Mama Blogger! (I’m called Mama, not Mommy, so I figured I couldn’t change my name for you people.)

Maybe I should make a t-shirt, “I’m a Mommy Blogger, Sucka!” Cause I have time for that while the milk in the sippy cups in the sink curdles.

© Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] for A Whole Lot of Nothing • Your Favorite Blog, 2007. | Permalink | 11 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags:

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

MoveOn.org: Democracy in Action

Read

© Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] for A Whole Lot of Nothing • Your Favorite Blog, 2007. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags:

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh