Reading Kingdom Customized Reading Software for Kids {Review}

Heading into Big Sister E's first semester conference this past fall, I was pretty sure I already knew the basics of what her teacher would tell me. Who knows their child better than their mom, right?

Sure enough, I was proud that my girl pays attention in class, is helpful whenever possible, and shows caring towards her classmates. When it came to hearing about specifics, Big Sister E was also right on track for knowing the Kindergarten necessities, such as letters, numbers, basic math, and more.

Of course I left happy knowing that that my daughter is perfectly on track (or even slightly ahead) of where she should be, but that didn't stop me from wanting to continue to help her in one area in particular: reading.

Starting before she was even a year old, Big Sister E has had a love for books that has outlasted every possible toy or game. Hours upon hours have been spent flipping the pages, making up stories to go along with the pictures and more... so I just know that as soon as she can fully read that it's going to unlock a world of imagination and entertainment that is going to last a lifetime.

Which is why I was excited to have the opportunity to try out a program designed by people who believe that reading is the single most important skill children need to succeed in school and in life and that every child has the right to learn to read. Of course I wanted to give Reading Kingdom a try!

A site for children to learn to read and for adults looking to make sure the children in their lives have the best opportunities in life, Reading Kingdom is fun, easy-to-use and, best of all, kids can do most of the program on their own with minimal adult supervision.

This online reading program is based on a patented system developed by a world-renowned expert on reading that has helped children learn to read for over forty years and is the only system that customizes itself to each child. What more could I ask for?

As I began to look over the Reading Kingdom website, right away I appreciated their mindset in recognizing that every child is different. But, unless you homeschool your child or have a private tutor, our education system is centered on group-based instruction, therefore making it difficult to accommodate individual differences and needs.

Instead, Reading Kingdom has been created so that, as the child progresses from the initial skills surveys throughout the reading/writing levels, the program will be customized to their particular reading needs based on their previous interactions. Whether your child is proficient at typing or has never touched a keyboard, they will be able to move at their own pace and continue to have the instruction move along with them.

Beginning with the Skills Survey, Big Sister E was more than happy to sit down and allow Reading Kingdom to assess what she already knew and didn't know.

From typing particular letters to left-to-right sequencing and visual memory skills, I was glad to see that Big Sister E was already interested in the colors and graphics of the program. As a big bonus, while Reading Kingdom isn't a typing program, it was easy to see that the repetitive use of the keyboard was helping improve the amount of time it took her to find each letter (a skill that definitely needed work).

By the time she completed the full Skills Survey, Big Sister E was more than ready to dive into the Reading and Writing Levels (there are five levels in all) and the six books that each one includes.

Each level introduces the child to new words by starting with the base word (e.g. kid) and then extending it to further formats (e.g. kids) to make sure that it is completely mastered...

...before moving on to the actual book. As the child has already learned all of the words (there are a total of 99 in Level 1, made up of 36 words + 63 variants), the six books for this level can then be completely successfully!

One of the areas that I really think that Reading Kingdom especially excels is in keeping the child engaged and interested. Whenever Big Sister E is just showing a hint of being bored, the program pops up with a new way to reinforce the letters, words or skills for that section.

For instance, while she thought she already had "walk" down and would start to sigh at having to type in the missing letter yet again, suddenly she had to select which of the four choices could be made into "walk." Maybe this isn't so easy after all!

Overall, I'm really happy with the customization of Reading Kingdom and the way that it truly does personalize the activities to a child's unique abilities.

Instead of being bored by things being too easy or getting frustrated or discouraged by material that is too advanced, Big Sister E jumps at the chance to get to do her "online books" as often as possible!

At the same time, I appreciate that I can quickly and easily check to see my daughter's progress in the individual levels, as well as in the program as a whole...

...and that Reading Kingdom keeps me up to date with emails as she moves to the next levels and a handy chart to see her progress and performance.

Reading Kingdom states that, based on the child's abilities, completing the full program might take as little as 3-6 months or as much as 12-15 months... at which time they will be reading at approximately a third grade level.

Considering that it is designed for ages 4-10, I love knowing that Big Sister E, at age 6, is not only getting extra help with the most important skill that she will ever learn, but that it is fun, entertaining, educational and fully customized just for her. Reading Kingdom even does periodic Progress Checks to make sure that the user's learning is completely solid and secure.

As a result, I can rest easy knowing that along with what she is learning in Kindergarten and what we have been teaching her here at home, Big Sister has another effective method boosting her abilities to read.

While I can't say for certain that Reading Kingdom is the one and only reason that she has shown marked improvement in these past few months, I do know that it has been a big help with not only reading but her keyboard skills as well.

The Reading Kingdom has been scientifically designed to teach children all the skills required to ensure that they become a strong and successful readers. But, if you're still not convinced, you can get a free, 30 day trial of Reading Kingdom simply by signing up on their website and trying it out with your child. If you decide that it is indeed beneficial, the cost is then $19.99 per month or $199.99 for the full year. 

Find out much more by visiting ReadingKingdom.com, reading their FAQs, checking out their informative blog, and connecting with this innovative and amazing company on Facebook and Twitter.

Other than the Reading Kingdom membership that I was provided in conjunction with Mom Bloggers Club, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion about this wonderful website.

FixMeStick Virus Removal Gadget {Review & Giveaway}

Considering the amount of time I spend on the computer, I take the "health" of my PC pretty seriously. While I've generally made smart decisions and had good luck, there was an instance a few years ago that I still clearly remember.

It began when the current computer security software that we had downloaded on my laptop expired. My husband kept saying he would get around to renewing it or finding a better one... but, like with everything else in our lives, we procrastinated for a while. Even with the daily pop-ups reminding me that we needed to take action, I just kept on closing them and saying we would do it tomorrow.

One day I took closer notice of one of the pop-ups and, as it was telling me about the security that we needed, I clicked on it. Pause here to take that in: I clicked on it. Argh, what was I thinking? I'm smarter than that, aren't I? (Don't answer that.) It just looked so real that I didn't even take the time to consider that it might not be.

To make a long story short, after quite a bit of hyperventilating and calls to my computer-savvy brother asking if I could bring my laptop to him that very second to get rid of the virus that was quickly taking over, I managed to remove it. I couldn't open most of my programs but managed to get online in my computer's safe mode, search for the name of the virus and find and run the removal program. It took a whole lot of time and energy and sent my blood pressure through the roof, but fortunately it all ended well.

I resolved two things from that stressful morning. One, if I ever found the address of the jerk who created that virus, I would personally show up on his doorstep and punch him in the face. And two, I was going to be better prepared in the unfortunate case that I needed virus removal again in the future.

While I have yet to make a home visit to my virus creator (I'm just hoping that karma is taking care of things for me), I have found a way to rest a little easier knowing that if malware or a virus makes its way to my computer again I will be ready thanks to FixMeStick.

As technology becomes more and more advanced, we are continually contending with viruses trying to make their way onto our computing devices. More internet commerce means more internet thieves, while, at the same time, today's viruses are being designed to beat anti-virus products. Argh!

When you realize that your computer is infected, there are only so many options to choose from. You can take your computer in to an expensive Geek Squad type service (my wallet cringes just thinking about it), you can harass a friend for help (or, in my case, my brother), or... what else is left? Crying?

But now there is the FixMeStick. This small virus removal gadget is a foolproof, affordable, easy to use method that was developed in a partnership with three of the world's leading anti-virus companies, Kaspersky Lab, Sophos, and GFI.

The first ever consumer-ready, self-updating, self-contained USB device that removes malware from infected PCs, the FixMeStick has no software to install and is simply plugged right in and ready to go.

While the terminology used and complex instructions that come along with most tech devices make my head spin, the FixMeStick is easy enough for even the most novice computer user. The entire directions really only consist of three steps!

1. Insert the FixMeStick into your computer's USB slot
2. In Windows, open File Explorer and click on the "FixMeStick" drive
3. Double-click the file "Run FixMeStick" and that's it! The FixMeStick will take care of the rest!

When the FixMeStick has completed its magic (i.e. cleaning off the malware), just remove it from the USB port, reboot your computer, and voila! It will have returned to your regular Windows operating system and your crisis will have been averted. This cute video really sums it all up perfectly:


While I (fortunately) haven't had an infected computer to really put my FixMeStick to the test, it is definitely going to be the first thing that I reach for if the situation occurs again. As well as how easy this is to use, I love knowing that any removal operations are 100% reversible with the click of a button and that I can use a single stick an unlimited number of times on up to three different PCs.

Each FixMeStick retails for $59.99 and is valid for one year from the date of first use (there is also a FixMeStick PRO that retails for $299.99 and works an unlimited number of times on an unlimited number of PCs for one year). After the year is up, just return to FixMeStick.com and re-charge your stick for the same price.

While a FixMeStick is not a replacement for antivirus programs, which protect PCs from infections, this convenient, portable device just might be a lifesaver for removing any infections that get past the antivirus. It can be run by anyone (especially non-techies!), it is faster and cheaper than bringing your computer to the experts, and it can help you gain your sanity back in the event of a computer virus disaster.

And, thanks to the generosity of FixMeStick, one person will be prepared to fight off the virtual sickies floating around, because...

One lucky person will win a FixMeStick virus removal gadget (ARV $60)!

(Enter with the Rafflecopter form below. If you have any questions or problems entering, there is a video tutorial found here that can help.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A big thank you to FixMeStick for providing a FixMeStick for me as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.  

Proactive Identity Theft Protection with LifeLock {One-Year Membership Giveaway}

When it comes to identity theft, we're all familiar with it on some level.

Whether or not we've had an unfortunate personal experience or just know family, friends or coworkers who have, it's a real threat in this digital age. It just seems to be an all too common occurrence for hackers to obtain your credit card information online, and suddenly you find out that you're purchasing electronics, clothing and more in states that you've never visited.

While there are steps that we can follow to decrease the likelihood of being a victim (never giving out your social security number, shredding documents that include personal information, keeping your computer's security up to date, etc), it is also possible to take things one step further and truly protect yourself with identity theft prevention services from LifeLock.

Even if you take great care to protect your personal information, it is still out there (at work, school, when shopping, etc), so it isn't that big of a surprise to hear that identity theft is the number one consumer complaint. Fortunately, once you enroll in LifeLock identity theft protection, their proactive suite of member services immediately begins monitoring for threats against your identity.

By adding an additional layer of protection against identity theft and credit fraud, LifeLock does more than simply alerting you whenever they detect your personal information being used. In fact, if you become a victim of identity theft while you are a LifeLock member, they will spend up to $1 million to hire experts, lawyers, investigators, consultants and whoever else it takes to help your recovery.

I don't know about you, but it's a load off of my mind to know that there are knowledgeable folks out there not only doing work to keep my identity safe, but they will also go through the headache and hassle to fix any problems that might occur!

LifeLock offers three levels of protection — LifeLock, LifeLock Ultimate and LifeLock Credit Score Manager — and makes it easy to compare and choose which plan is right for you.

For me, the LifeLock plan includes all of the features necessary so that I can rest assured that it is safeguarding my personal information from the risk of misuse:

• Alerts of potential threats–both credit and noncredit related
• Online access to a personalized dashboard showing current threats
• Relentless monitoring for exposure of your personal information
• Member services with local phone support—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
• Stolen or lost wallet remediation services to help cancel and replace credit and debit cards
• Comprehensive recovery services if you become a victim of identity theft on our watch.

Simple as that! Registration is a quick and easy process and knowing that everything from your credit cards to your drivers' license to your bank details are protected is a great feeling.

Being able to contact support at any time of day is convenient for my busy schedule and staying up to date with email notifications and access to my personalized dashboard is exactly the support that works for me.

Ideal for people looking to safeguard their personal information from the risk of misuse, LifeLock identity theft protection is a proactive defense system that monitors your identity and alerts you of potential dangers. If you're ready to take the important step in keeping your identity safe and secure, these are the experts (and they really are relentless!) that will do just that.

Find out much more about LifeLock, their plans, and what they can do for you by visiting them at LifeLock.com and connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter. And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be able to sleep soundly at night knowing that their identity is theirs and theirs alone, because...

One lucky person will win a One Year Membership
in the LifeLock Plan (ARV $110)!

(Enter with the Rafflecopter form below. If you have any questions or problems entering, there is a video tutorial found here that can help.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A big thank you to LifeLock for providing a LifeLock plan one-year membership for me as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Give Back with Win & Give, Betty Crocker and an XO Laptop {Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Phoenix!}

From a very young age, children are taught to share: share toys, share crayons, share swings... life is all about sharing.

Along with concepts such as washing their hands or looking both ways before crossing the street, we hope that the idea of sharing will sink in. After all, we do what we can to help our kids grow into kind, caring, giving human beings. What more could a mom really ask for?

So, when given the opportunity to demonstrate and encourage our children to see the joy in charitable acts, there's no reason to pass it up. Now through May that is made even easier due to the partnership between Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks and parenting expert Dr. Michele Borba to make giving back easy though the Win & Give campaign.

Through a partnership with One Laptop Per Child, Dr. Michele Borba and Betty Crocker are helping this great organization in their mission to provide all children in developing countries with XO Laptop Computers.

"Research shows that providing children with opportunities and experiences to feel the joy and impact of giving to others helps them grow into kind, empathetic and respectful adults," said Dr. Borba.

"As part of my work with Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks, I recently traveled to Rwanda and saw the incredible impact laptops have on kids in Africa. The smiles and excitement I saw on the children's faces was amazing. They are so appreciative for the gifts that kids in the U.S. have given them. The 'Win & Give' campaign truly makes a difference and it's so easy for kids in the U.S. to get involved."

Of course all moms want their children to have a giving heart, but between work, school and after-school activities, it can be hard for families to find the time to give back. Dr. Borba recommends five ways families can incorporate giving into their everyday lives:

• Tap into kids' passions. For instance, an animal lover may get excited about helping at a local animal shelter. Encourage children to become involved in causes they care about. Let them lead the charge and follow up with support.

• When watching the news, take the time to explain hot button issues and how people have been affected by local disasters, like hurricanes or tornadoes. Kids are compassionate and may proactively want to help by donating clothes or writing letters to those affected (especially when they know they can make a difference). Take that moment to mobilize compassion - "What can we do?" is a great question that empowers children to lead the way.

• Be on the lookout for local opportunities to help. There are often ways families can help through local food or clothes drives. Parents and kids should do the activity together so they can experience and witness the impact of giving as a family. Kids will see the joy their parents get from giving back and it will help them catch the spirit of giving.

• Leverage holidays to talk to kids about giving back. For example, talk about giving around the winter holidays or discuss the troops around 4th of July and Memorial Day. Don’t forget to put the talk into action. Become a home that encourages giving, the more active kids are in experiencing giving, the more likely they are to develop empathy.

• Find easy ways to help others around the world through opportunities such as helping to give laptops to kids in Africa through the Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks 'Win & Give' campaign.

As an easy way for moms and kids to give to others (and show that it can be fun), these rugged laptops are not only unique and child-friendly, but they are designed for tough conditions in remote areas.

Built with sturdy plastic exteriors, 1 GB of memory and 4 GB of Flash storage, the XO was collaboratively designed by experts to combine technology with learning. By taking into account extreme environmental conditions, the need for easy repair, and local language support, the end result is durable, functional, energy-efficient, responsive, and fun.

By providing laptops for as many children as possible, they will be able to use them at school or take them home and use the wireless broadband capabilities to access the internet for continued learning. About the size of a textbook and lighter than a lunchbox, the XO laptop can be configured in multiple ways (e.g. standard laptop, e-book, reading, and gaming), is extremely easy to use, highly durable, and doesn't even have a hard drive to crash.

What an amazing thing to provide to children across the world to help them succeed - I love this program!

As well as this great cause, Betty Crocker is making things even better by giving kids in the U.S. an opportunity to instantly win an XO laptop from specially-marked packages of Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks as well. Each of those packages contains a code that consumers can enter at WinOneGiveOne.com to see if they’ve won an XO laptop. For every child that wins in the U.S., another will be donated to a child in Africa!

To find out more about the Win & Give program and how these laptops positively impact the lives of the children, visit Win One, Give One today. The website also allows parents and kids to see the powerful impact laptops have on kids in Rwanda with videos from the students who received the laptops and their teachers.

Additionally, Dr. Borba shares her experience participating in the laptop donation, as well as her tips to help parents instill giving in their kids. This campaign truly shows the entire family that even the smallest of acts can make a big difference and that giving to others can be fun.

Do you give back? Thanks to the generosity of Betty Crocker, one person who does will be able to bring the experience of this program home to their children, because...

One lucky winner will win an XO Laptop (ARV $199) and Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks!

To enter to win: Leave a comment on this post telling me how you give back and/or encourage it in your children.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Give back! WIN an XO Laptop (ARV $200) and support Win One, Give One - a great cause! http://bit.ly/HAiroq @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

1 Extra Entry (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
2 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on April 30th at 11:59pm CST. By entering this sweepstakes, you are agreeing to these official rules. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited by law. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and must be 18 years of age or older.

A big thank you to Betty Crocker for providing an XO laptop for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

ABC Kids Expo + a Broken Laptop = I Need a Nap

This past weekend was the annual ABC Kids Expo, a massively large trade show for retailers big and small to show off their current and new baby and kids products to the world.

I was introduced to the show last year when HABA brought me to Las Vegas with them to help share my love of their amazing products and had a great time talking to groups of buyers from large corporations and individual newcomers just opening their own shops.

When my time at the HABA booth was done, I was able to walk the nearly-1 million square feet of floor space to visit the other exhibitors and see everything from futuristic, high-tech products to simple, handmade items that moms and kids would be sure to love. In short, the whole thing was an eye-opening experience that I thoroughly enjoyed... and was ready to repeat again this year.

As the show moved to Louisville, I was excited about shorter flights and, even better, this trip had the added bonus of the fact that the airport security personnel I encountered seemed to not think I was someone who smuggles things onto airplanes in their pants as they did in 2010. Hey, I'm moving up in the world!

Thanks to Angela from MommyPR for letting me swipe her picture since of course I didn't do a good job of taking my own

This year the show was just as large (if not larger) and just as exciting. I found more new products that I wouldn't have thought of (although I wished that I had) and got to visit with companies to see what they had in store for 2012 that will surely knock consumers' socks off.

Even better than all of that? I had the opportunity to hang out with the hilarious and super-sweet Leanne from Rave and Review as well as meet the awesome Angela and Andrea from MommyPR, and give a quick hug to the always-adorable Kate from The Shopping Mama.

There was a lot of laughter, a nice dinner, a party at the Hard Rock, and what visit to Louisville would be complete without The Colonel himself?

L to R: @Mommyof2Andrea, me, Colonel Sanders, @MommyPR, @RaveandReview

So, what could be stressful about all that?

Nothing, really. The weekend itself was a lot of fun. What turned out not-so-fun is that I've been in a position similar to this one since I arrived home:

Remember the excitement I shared when my husband so thoughtfully gave me a new laptop for our anniversary? Remember how that was only two months ago?

Sigh.

Even though it went in my carry-on, my laptop somehow ended up broken internally... meaning that the screen itself isn't cracked, but the image is. At first it seemed to show up halfway, but then there was nothing but a white blur.

Not being able to get into my computer doesn't only mean a big hassle (blogging has a way of sort of depending on a computer and all), it means my entire life is inaccessible. Yes, you've heard it before, but not keeping up with backing up my files, my kids' pictures, even the plans that I've got in place for Big Sister E's birthday party... none of it is anywhere else besides on that one laptop.

Double sigh.

After dropping it (and a chunk of change) with the Geek Squad, I now have all of the important information recovered, which has made my heart stop racing quite as fast as when I first discovered the broken screen.

Even though now I have to wait and see what the company decides in terms of the fix (and whether or not it will be covered by the warranty), at least I have things back in my possession. I can put up with using my old laptop (even though using it is horribly painful due to how slow it is and how many issues it has - it has randomly shut itself down twice today already) as long as I haven't lost everything.

Back your stuff up, People. Do it now.

It makes my eyes well up thinking that someday I wouldn't have simple things like photos of my daughters' first day of school simply because I hadn't taken the time to toss them somewhere safe.

Irreplaceable.

So although my shoulders were already sore from lugging bags around the Expo, I think my entire body is now feeling the brunt of the stress of the last few days. I'm ready for a good long nap and a nice, hot shower. Preferably with a soothing massaging shower head like those that are featured on the Professor Toilet blog. That professor sure knows his stuff when it comes to a calming shower experience and soothing away the effects that tension has in our lives!

Will I go to the ABC Expo again next year?

Maybe... ask me after I'm in a tranquil and relaxed state from my shower. One thing I know for sure, however, is that the next time my laptop moves from its rightful place on the table, it's getting wrapped in bubble wrap.

Double-wrapped, actually.

I am receiving a Monoglide Hand Shower, metal shower hose and mounting bracket from American Standard, however, all of the thoughts, opinions, and stress in this post are (unfortunately) completely mine.

Auslogics BoostSpeed 5 Computer Software {Review}

Quite often, I wish that my laptop and I could just get along a little bit better.

I do my part, right? I don't spill things on it, I don't let the kids bang on the keyboard or push on the screen (at least not too much. Little Sister B does get pretty excited when she sees pictures or videos of babies), and I don't even jostle it around much. It simply sits on the table and needs to be available for me whenever I'm ready.

But what is it about computers? I'm no expert, but I don't think it's too much to ask that my screen doesn't freeze up or it doesn't take five minutes to load a single page, right? I find myself constantly cringing or angrily tapping my fingers while muttering, "Do something. Just DO something, already!" far too many times during the day.

Not thinking that there was a way to easily fix your slow computer, I assumed that the option I would turn to would be digging into my wallet to buy a new laptop. Instead, however, I was introduced to Auslogics and their innovative BoostSpeed 5 software and realized that I had the opportunity to give my laptop a second chance at life.

Supplied with over 18 power tools for complete computer maintenance and ultimate speedup, BoostSpeed is designed to remove junk files, defragment disks, repair registry errors and much more.

Considering I don't know what phrases like, "new drive map display style" and "improved disk defragmentation algorithm" actually mean, my main question was whether or not BoostSpeed truly could take a slow PC and make it run faster and more smoothly.

Downloading the program and getting it started took only a matter of minutes and in a few quick clicks it was running a system scan to find out just what sort of situation my laptop was in. Using a five-point scale with levels such as Serious, Dangerous, and Critical, it wasn't long before I had the results.

With numbers like 984 registry errors, 1962 junk files, and 14,583 fragmented disks, it appeared that my laptop had been needing BoostSpeed much more than I had realized. Giving it some time (around 20 minutes), it came to the final conclusion that "Attention: 17,530 problems are slowing down your computer." 17,530!

Clicking on the "Repair Now" button was my clear next step and it did take around two hours or so for BoostSpeed to work through all of them. But in the end?

That number might be a little small to see, but it says that 17,283 errors were successfully fixed. Now, that's what I'm talking about! The System Advisor went on to give me a long list of advice on ways to improve my computer in terms of the safety, speed, and more. Clear, easy-to-follow ideas that I can understand and implement were exactly what I needed!

BoostSpeed 5 really is a one-stop maintenance and optimization tool, because cleaning up, speeding up, and repairing your computer is something that just about anyone who uses a PC or laptop would want. The long list of features that this software provides are ones that casual computer users to gamers to tech-savvy professionals can appreciate.

As well as getting rid of potentially harmful problems, I'm happy to have this on hand for any time it seems like I need an effective, user-friendly way to free up disk space, recover an accidentally deleted file or just speed up my internet connection. My laptop hasn't been transformed to being brand new, but using BoostSpeed definitely has extended the amount of time and use that I've gotten out of it.

Retailing for $29.95 for a one-year subscription (which can be extended to three computers), that is much more affordable than purchasing a brand new laptop! Much more information about the features, technology, download, and purchase of BoostSpeed 5 can be found from Auslogics.

(Other than the copy of BoostSpeed 5 that I was provided by Auslogics, I was not compensated or enticed or to do this review in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of this company and this product.)

Do You Give Back? Win & Give XO Laptop {Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Kimbuckjr!}

I think it's pretty darn safe to say that every parent out there hopes that their children will grow up to be kind, caring, giving human beings. As they get older we teach them everything, from sharing to washing their hands to looking both ways before crossing the street and hope that it all sinks in.

So where has that gotten us? According to the "Kids' Altruism Indicator," conducted by Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks in partnership with Parenting magazine, it has gotten us to the point where 83% of kids believe that they can help children in other countries in addition to people in their own communities. I, for one, am proud to hear that!

Kids dream big when it comes to charitable acts and they enjoy giving, so the next step for all of us adults out there? To encourage it, of course! And from now until the end of May, a wonderful way to do that is by joining Betty Crocker in making it easy for kids to give back through their Win & Give campaign.

Through a partnership with One Laptop Per Child, Betty Crocker is helping this great organization in their mission to provide all children in developing countries with XO Laptop Computers. These rugged laptops are not only unique and child-friendly, but they are designed for tough conditions in remote areas.

Built with rugged plastic exteriors, 1 GB of memory and 4 GB of Flash storage, the XO was collaboratively designed by experts to combine technology with learning. By taking into account extreme environmental conditions, the need for easy repair, and local language support, the end result is durable, functional, energy-efficient, responsive, and fun.

By providing laptops for as many children as possible, they will be able to use them at school or take them home and use the wireless broadband capabilities to access the internet for continued learning. About the size of a textbook and lighter than a lunchbox, the XO laptop can be configured in multiple ways (e.g. standard laptop, e-book, reading, and gaming), is extremely easy to use, highly durable, and doesn't even have a hard drive to crash.

What an amazing thing to provide to children across the world to help them succeed - I love this program!

As well as this great cause, Betty Crocker is making things even better by giving kids in the U.S. an opportunity to instantly win an XO laptop from specially-marked packages of Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks.

Not only would that be a fun surprise for your child but for each laptop won, Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks will donate a laptop to a child in Africa. It’s that simple!

To find out more about the Win & Give program and how these laptops positively impact the lives of the children, visit Win One, Give One today. And, while you're there, your kids (or you) can "be a hero" by playing a fun game launching a hero to Africa. For every 1500 heroes that land on Africa, Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks will donate an XO laptop to a child in Africa (up to 442 laptops until May 31, 2011).

Do you give back? Thanks to the generosity of Betty Crocker, one person who does will be able to bring the experience of this program home to their children, because...

One lucky winner will win an XO Laptop! ARV $199!

To enter to win: Tell me, in detail, how you give back and/or encourage it in your children.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry if you visit Win One, Give One and launch the hero to Africa - it's a lot of fun and a bit addicting! Let me know which launch method you used and if you were successful!
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Give back! WIN an XO Laptop (ARV $200) and support Win One, Give One - a great cause! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/hfwQ2m #giveaway #win

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me publicly with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook, or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on May 17th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to Betty Crocker for providing an XO laptop for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Kolobags Designer Laptop Sleeves {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Crazylicious85!}

Much to my husband's dismay, my laptop comes with me just about everywhere.

What? He thinks that I can go a day without checking in to see what's new? That's just crazy talk.

So when we pack up to leave, I'm not only double-checking to make sure that I have everything I need for myself and my kids, I am checking that my computer and all its cords and accessories have been put in the bag also.

Which, considering the importance that I place on my computer, was a pretty cheap bag. More often than not, I would find that I just tossed my laptop into a suitcase or possibly a flimsy fabric sleeve that I had and hoped that it wouldn't get too crunched by my extra sweatshirts and shoes.

But now I'm not worried anymore. Now that I have been introduced to the stylish selection of laptop bags and laptop sleeves at Kolobags, I know that the safety (and fashion) of my computer will never have to be compromised again.

Known for being the one-stop shop for everyone looking for technology fashion without compromising on style, Kolobags features the best selection of computer bags, specialty bags and technology accessories. This isn't the site to visit for a basic, bulky, black laptop bag, but instead one to go to for something that is going to be innovative as well as eye-catching.

After one look at the Designer Sleeves laptop sleeves that Kolobags has to offer, I couldn't wait to see one in person. And, when the 15.6" Argyle Laptop Sleeve arrived, the vivid colors, durability and high quality were evident immediately.

Not only bright and colorful, the thick, resilient neoprene of this sleeve is just right for cushioning my laptop and providing maximum protection whenever it goes.

As I had only previously tried a traditional fabric laptop sleeve, the natural wet suit material of this one was a welcome change. Instead of simply providing a layer in between my computer and its surroundings, this functional alternative easily provides moisture, shock and scratch protection as it snugly surrounds every inch.

Available in a variety of sizes (10”, 13”, 14.1”, 15.6” and 17”), I placed my laptop into the sleeve and the phrase, "fits like a glove" came right to mind.

There is a slight stretch to the neoprene that hugs the base and corners just right and I had no problem closing the strong double zipper and being ready to carry this sleeve alone or slide it right in and out of a backpack, briefcase or luggage with ease. With exterior dimensions barely larger than the laptop itself (13" x 15.5" x 1"), there is no room wasted no matter where this goes!

I also really appreciate that Kolobags included the additional zippered pocked on one side of the Argyle Laptop Sleeve, as it has proven to be the perfect place to store my power cord, mouse, and mouse pad so that I'll be prepared for using my computer wherever I am.

Having had the chance to use this laptop sleeve both locally and during my recent vacation, I couldn't be happier with how well it has performed. The vibrant design (printed with Kolobags' patent pending process that makes it completely permanent and washable) is bright and fun, giving me a smile every time I look at it.

Plus, knowing that my laptop is safe and secure in my bag or suitcase is a big relief to not have to worry about ever again, as I have plans to use this case for quite some time. Retailing for $38.95 (for the 15.6" size) and available in a HUGE variety of designs to fit your own personal style, a laptop sleeve from Kolobags is a great gift for you or the computer-savvy mom in your life this Mother's Day.

For an even better deal, how about a discount? Enter the coupon code MAILCARRIER from now until June 30, 2011 and receive 10% off of your purchase! And, thanks to the generosity of Kolobags, one person will be able to travel with their laptop in a high quality, stylish way as well, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of three Designer Laptop Sleeves (in their choice of size): Leopard, Blue Flowers or Argyle!

To enter to win: Visit Kolobags and tell me the name of your favorite stylish product.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Kolobags on Twitter, Like them on Facebook and/or sign up for their newsletter (found halfway down on the right side of their homepage).
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN a Kolobags Designer Laptop Sleeve (ARV $41) for style, durability and quality! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/i3XZuP #giveaway #win

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me publicly with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on May 2nd at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to Continental U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to Kolobags for providing a laptop sleeve for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.