Productivity @ Home

Lisa Likes: LUSH Seanik Shampoo Bar

In another look at simple stuff that makes my life more enjoyable, today I want to tell you about a shampoo I'm really enjoying: the "Seanik Shampoo Bar" by LUSH.

Every time I'm in San Francisco or Cambridge, I treat myself to a visit to the LUSH store and try to pick out a new product to try. My last experiment was to pick up this gorgeous little solid shampoo. Honestly, I was initially sceptical. The price ($9.95 for a 1.9 oz bar) seemed higher than what I typically spend on my hair. Also, I tend to be a shampoo shifter - I don't typically use one particular brand. I also wondered if what looked like a solid (albeit pretty) blue lump could really lather sufficiently to cleanse my oily and very thick hair.

The nice thing about actually being able to shop IN a LUSH store is that they will test the product with you. No, I didn't actually wash my hair in the store - but the associate who helped me did instruct me on how to use the shampoo, how little it truly took to clean my hair (which helped take the cost factor out of the equation) and how nice the Seanik smells.

App Spotlight: TWiT

One of the hazards of working @ home is the tendancy to get a bit lonely.  Without office mates, you may find yourself going a bit stir crazy.  I initially downloaded the TWiT app (see links below) because I'm turning into a bigger geek every day and I really enjoy the programming provided by Leo Laporte and friends.  Whether they are discussing technology, the law, current events, science, or photography, the conversations are insightful, fresh, funny and always chock full of wonderful information.  I frequently listen at my desk while working, but have found the app wonderful for using on my mobile appliances, especially while doing mundane housework chores.

One of the unexpected benefits of the TWiT apps is the sense of community afforded by the apps.  The official app provides access to the chat features.  Enter it and you'll find fun commentary, ready answers, and a sense of humor that's unique to geeks and those who love them.

I've used both the official TWiT apps and the ones by Mediafly.  For the iPad, I'll admit to preferring the Mediafly app, since the app is not yet optimized for iPad.  The Mediafly apps do not offer access to the chat features.  Both provide not only live programming access, but also archived programming in both audio and video formats.

App Links:

• TWiT for iPhone - ShiftKeySoftware
• TWiT for iPad - ShiftKeySoftware
• TWiT Netcast Network - Mediafly
• TWiT Netcast Network - Mediafly

Send It Over, Steve

Dear Mr. Jobs,

I know you’re likely getting a lot of fan mail today, what with the release of your new iPad and all.  You likely have all kinds of folks falling over themselves to tell you how much they love the new gadget you Apple guys shared with the world today… its sleek curves, its many features, its reasonable (well, for some…) pricing…

Well you can put my letter on the top of the pile.  You probably don’t have many Catholic mom bloggers who would proclaim themselves geeky enough to actually throw their hat into the ring as reviewers.  So I’m offering my services.  Send over that new gadget of yours, and I’ll put it through its paces.  I’ll hand it to my teens and their friends and let them watch YouTube videos via 3G.  I’ll go to unknown places and test out its map features.  I’ll use it to respond to the tons of emails that are currently clogging my inbox.  And I’ll do it all with a smile on my face…

I’ll admit it - I was hoping not to like your new iPad.  I didn’t know what you’d call it until you unveiled it today.  I’d been listening to all of the speculation and reminding myself that I needn’t fall prey to coveting whatever gadget you introduced.  I have my iPhone - shouldn’t that be good enough…

But Steve, you did it again.  You have me coveting my neighbor’s iPad and trying to figure out how I can save up my pennies to splurge on a 64GB 3G version.  So you could help me out by simply sending one over for review - I promise to tell the moms and dads here at Faith & Family how cool it is!!

I’m sure your staff will be getting in touch with me any day to request my mailing address, so until then I’ll be clipping coupons and giving up Starbucks to save for apps and a cool carrying case!

Congrats on your cool new iPad!

Your favorite Catholic Mom fan

Happy Veterans Day

Thank you to all those who have ever served to keep us free and safe, and thank you to the families who stand behind them and support them.  Today, we offer a prayer for your safety and security, and a "thank you" for all of the sacrifices you have made on our behalf!