We all have busy schedules – and if you’re like me then your days are typically packed with moments where you find yourself saying “I’ve got to remember to . . . “, or “don’t forget to call . . . “.

For me it even got to the point where I would send text messages from my cell phone to my e-mail throughout the day as reminders (I chose the text-to-e-mail route in lieu of sticking an assortment of color-coded Post-It’s to my forearm throughout the day . . . festive, but so impractical!).

Well, I was recently turned-on to a great new solution to this problem – a way to send notes to yourself and to others and it’s called Jott (Jott.com - link)!  Jott takes your voice messages/reminders and turns them into text – which can be sent anywhere you choose . . . your e-mail, as a text message, to another person’s e-mail, etc.  Cool, huh?

A couple of weeks ago a fellow photographer turned me onto Jott and I think I might be addicted.  Jott’s so simple to use and if you have a really busy schedule and need to remind yourself (or others) to do little things here and there throughout the day, then Jott is for you!

Check it out!  Jott.com!

I know, I know . . . I’ve been slacking on my blog for the last couple of days. I apologize. I do have a good excuse, though. I’ve been experiencing the wonder and joy of moving! (I’m sure you sense the enthusiasm in my “type”) Anyway, there’s still lots of work to be done so I’ll try to stay on top of my blog and post some pic’s once the place is “camera ready”. My internet should be up and running by the weekend!

Life is all about learning experiences, right? And what have I learned this week, you ask? That I never want to move my things on my own again! Not fun! From now on I’ll definitely be hiring someone to do it for me. However, I did want to share with you a couple of products that made my life so much easier over the past few days. Why can’t I invent a product like this?

The first amazing, life-saving gadget is this thing called the Forearm Forklift. You’ve got to check out the website . . . everything they say about this product is spot on! It makes moving heavy objects a breeze! I believe the claim is that two people can lift up to something like 600 lbs. with these straps – it’s crazy! I know I moved a heavy mattress and big screen TV with hardly any effort, at all! I couldn’t believe it! Granted I’m just under 6 ft., 4 in. in height and I weigh about 225 lbs., but just look at the two women below. Oh, and as a photographer I can certainly attest that there was no photoshopping done to the image and, no, the sofa isn’t made of styrofoam!
The other product that will make your move a lot easier are these things called furniture slides. With these little contraptions you are easily able to push heavy objects around the home with no effort, at all! I moved an armoir (that must weigh upwards of 150 lbs.) around my new home yesterday and got it situated in its new place – all with just one arm. For a brief moment I felt like a super hero!

Why these two products weren’t invented 50 years ago, I have no idea! And, no, I have no vested interest in these products. Although I should! I’m just trying to make your life a lot easier the next time you’re forced to move around some heavy stuff! Believe me, you’ll thank me . . .

Yesterday we covered art schools, like the one that I attended in Orlando, Florida (Crealde School of Art). Seems like the second question people often ask me is “what kind of camera should I get?”.

First, let me preface what I’m about to say by letting you know that my friends refer to me as the King of Research . . . yes, it’s true, I do put a lot of effort into researching products before I buy them. So, hopefully that will put your mind at ease somewhat as I share with you my thoughts regarding digital cameras.
There are hundreds of cameras on the market! If you want to do some research yourself, then I’d highly recommend that you check out a site called Digital Photography Review! They have more information than you’d care to know about regarding the latest cameras on the market! Oh, and they have really good reviews on the site, too!

My camera of choice is the sexy and petite Canon PowerShot SD800 IS! This little camera ROCKS! I carry it everywhere I go – in fact, many of the pictures on this blog are taken with that camera. It’s got lots of great features, like image stabilization, face recognition technology, a 2.5″ LCD screen, and a 7.1 Megapixel CCD. Keep in mind that Canon also makes digital cameras that are less expensive with less features and more expensive with more features (obviously). Technology is so good these days that you really can’t go too wrong with many of the cameras you’ll find on the market.

But, as far as bang for the buck goes you can’t go wrong with these awesome little digital cameras from Canon!

Happy shooting!

I’m officially in love . . . and my forbidden lover’s name – Relax The Back. Yes, I am in love with a store! But, this isn’t just any run-o’-the-mill store! I went for the first time today and the feeling that eventually overcame me was that of discovering a tomb of a lost pharaoh in Egypt (ok, perhaps I am easily excitable). Hey, it’s all about the little things, right? But, when you think about the fact that we spend 1/3 of our lives in bed (some of us more . . . but, I won’t mention any names) and probably an equal amount of time in our offices or in front of a computer then it makes sense that we should, whenever possible, invest in products that improve the quality of that time spent on our backs or in front of the computer screen!

First, let me tell you about these Tempur-Pedic beds . . . specifically, one called the GrandBed. Ok, here’s my dilemma . . . I do hope to have kids someday . . . and I’d like to think they will go to college . . . . . . . hmmm – GrandBed or kids’ education(s). It’s a tough call . . . I’ll have to get back to you on that one . . .

Next, because I am a photographer who works specifically with digital equipment I spend hours upon hours in front of the computer which can really wear on you over time. It is critical to have a comfortable workstation. And this new workstation I’m looking at is killer! Ok, get this – it’s electronic and the height of the desk increases or decreases just with the touch of a button. How can I possibly make you understand? Try putting your computer on your kitchen counter and then stack three or four phone books underneath it so the computer screen is at eye level . . . see what I mean? I’ll try to avoid any once you stack you never go back comments (oops!) but that’s what this desk accomplishes. Nirvana!

And, finally I sat on this really funky stool called The Swopper. Yes, it’s crazy looking but don’t knock it for its looks! It felt great on my back! Something about improving “core strength”, or something. Sounds like Pilates talk to me but I don’t care – I’m listenin’ . . . and, alas, probably buyin’, too!

Why do these stores suck me in so? I often ask myself that question. Well, it’s all an investment, right? It’s all about quality of life. And, if I have to sacrifice my future kids’ educations to maintain my quality of life now – and, really, my quality of life now will ultimately benefit them someday, right? – then, I figure it’s the least I can do . . . it’s for the kids!