Sitting in the Lap(top) of Luxury

This is a sponsored review of the Acer Chromebook from Staples; as a matter of fact, I'm typing on it right now, partly because I'm excited to tell you about the sleek laptop that has my husband all drooly with jealousy, but also because I'm on a train (I know, I didn't know they still did trains either) with no internet connection and no other entertainment besides the adorable little girl across the aisle who keeps informing her mom that WE'RE NOT ON THE TRACKS! She's also out of Cheetos, in case you were wondering, and I can't help but laugh because the mom keeps getting blamed for eating them all (if she's like me, she probably did).

My apologies to the person behind me,
who seemed puzzled about why I kept getting in odd positions
to take this photo. Although really, you should probably
consider just minding your own business, Train Person.

Anyway, I'm super grateful for the Chromebook's entertainment value, and that Staples' lightning quick shipping got it to me before I left in this trip, and that I'm not trying to type with my thumbs on my phone, and that I get to use this crisp 11.6" screen, and that it's nice and lightweight. However, as pleasant as this is, I can't help but notice that no one is bringing me (or the poor mom across the aisle, who's probably thirsty after eating all those Cheetos) a beer from the concessions car - though that can hardly be blamed on the Chromebook.

I am, as I write this, on my way to BlogHer'13, where I intend to learn a lot about writing and drink my weight in cocktails (NOT REALLY). But I will be taking notes and yukking it up on social media and staying in touch with those suckers - ahem, I mean my family - back home using this nifty new gadget, and I'll tell you all about it on the Chromebook because yes, you can blog on this sucker, too. It's all going to happen in Real Time, though you'll just have to trust me on that since you'll be reading it all at once later.

Thursday, 12:02 PM - Writing interrupted by arrival in Chicago - popping the Chromebook into my bag, and I'm off!

Thursday, 5:45 PM - Stopped by the room to get beautiful (read: brush my teeth) before dinner. Thankfully this laptop wakes up the very split second you open it, giving me time to check email and type this!

Friday, 10:28 AM - Waiting for my first session to start at the conference, still feeling shy. Glad that I brought the Chromebook so I can hide behind it while pretending to be Super Busy and Important.

Friday, 2:00 PM - Second session of the day and just made a new friend (which is news to her, as she watches me type this as a demonstration of how cool the Chromebook keyboard is). Sorry, new BBF, you're stuck with me sitting next to you - no turning back now!

Friday, 5:23 PM - Just being productive again before my book signing (shameless plug). Note: "being productive" is secret code for "goofing off on Facebook."

Saturday, 9:00 AM - Early to an appointment at the expo hall. Thanks to this little gizmo, I can use these few minutes to write instead of hiding in the bathroom (not that I would do that) (yes I would).

Saturday, 3:46 PM - Last session is wrapping up, and I can actually read my notes because they're typed and my hand didn't get all cramped up from scribbling as fast as I could all weekend!

Saturday, 8:23 PM - Got to say hi to the family on the Chromebook with the HD webcam via Google Hangouts! Downside - it's hard to convince husband we're going to crash in the hotel room early when he can clearly see I'm dressed to go out and party.

Sunday, 1:12 PM - It's over already?!? Oh well, I learned a lot, and now I can be productive on my new laptop while my husband drives me home (please note definition of "being productive" above).

So there you have it, proof that the Acer Chromebook from Staples is handy dandy, in real life. Be sure to pick up a case for it like I did, too - not that the Chromebook isn't sturdy, but because OH MY GOSH, SO CUTE! Plus, if you're clumsy like me, you can't be too careful.

This post was sponsored by Staples - all opinions, social awkwardness, and sudden cravings for Cheetos are my own.

Loveagram App

Sometimes, as a blogger, I get to do really cool stuff. It isn't all typing-induced carpal tunnel syndrome and Googling euphemisms for body parts, ya know.

Last night I got to test out the new app, Loveagram, from WhatDelay Industries. They're finding new ways to help people express their emotions, and we all know I could use some help in that department. Here's what they have to say:

Loveagram is a new iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch application that allows you to share love and affection with those you care about, via short video clips that you create with graphics and sound. The process is simple. You take a picture of someone you care about, choose a graphic; heart, kisses, flowers, or a combination of all three, record the video, and watch the graphic appear one by one with the sound of your voice. After you're done recording your video, you can share it on Facebook or Twitter for others to see.

"Ha," I thought. "These people have no idea how tech-dumb I am. It can't be that easy." I downloaded the app anyway, because I like making an idiot of myself, but you know what? It was  super easy. Madeline helped me make this Loveagram, in which I finally  got a recording of her saying her own nickname (she normally stops talking as soon as she realizes someone's trying to record her, but those hearts popping up kept her distracted) - then Gerry came along to see if he could make a giant heart appear just with the power of his own dorkiness.


Cute, right? And it's not just for Valentine's Day - yes, you can make a Loveagram with a picture of your sweetie and whisper sweet nothings to them, but you could also send a picture of your kids to Grandma with a recording of them singing Happy Birthday to her! How many brownie points would THAT get you? What about sending a little "thank you" message to your Mom on Mother's Day, or a love note to your hubs on your anniversary? They're quick and easy to make, personal, and you can share them on Twitter, Facebook,  or YouTube, or maybe just email it, depending on how public you want your affection to be. Hey, no judgement here.
As a bonus, through Valentine's Day the app is only $0.99! Quite a bargain, for all that fun and adorable love sharing, amiright? So get the app, check out Loveagram on Facebook and Twitter, and tell them I sent you! Or better yet, just get right down to sharing the love.
This post was a sponsored review. As always, my opinions are my own. For example - Love: good. Loveagram: also good.