The Domestic Diva » Mobile Blogging

Sims 3: My New Gaming Obsession

The Domestic Diva — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:43:11 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I was sent an unrequested package from my friends at EA. I think they must have been reading my mind or something because in the package was the PC game the Sims 3 and the new Sims 3 Pets Expansion Pack. I’ve heard a lot about the Sims 3 over the last several years and wanted to try it out. I even at one point downloaded the Sims 3 on my iPhone but couldn’t figure out what I was doing because I had never played “the original” game before.

As soon as the package arrived, I ran to my computer to install the Sims 3. I couldn’t wait to see it in action. Getting everything set up (installing; creating accounts; creating a character; picking a city, a house, a job; and going through the tutorial) was a bit time consuming but I realize these are all musts in order to play the game properly. After getting everything set up, I was ready to play on my own. For those of you that do not know what the Sims are, basically it is a life simulation game where you create people and towns. It really is a lot of fun.

After getting the hang of the Sims 3, I then installed the Pets expansion pack. Expansion packs add to the original Sims 3 game giving you more features. Expansion packs include: World Adventures, Ambitions, Late Night, Generations, and the latest Pets.

I currently have two games going, one I created with just one character that I’ve turned into a blogger (I wonder why that is) and another game where I have our family (husband, kids, and even our two dogs). The two games are completely different. Whether I want to play as a single character or control a whole family, I am finding the Sims 3 to be a lot of fun.

The Sims 3 is available for PC, Mac, PS3, XBOX 360, Wii, DS, and 3DS. There are also lighter versions of the game available for mobile like the Sims 3, the Sims Medieval, the Sims Ambitions, and the Sims World Adventures.

The fun of the Sims is also available in the Sims Social which is a Facebook app.

In sum, the Sims 3 is a bit addicting and the hours literally fly by when playing. A feature I would love to see added to the Sims would be the ability to play online with friends (currently you can only post updates about your game online to Facebook). When installing the hard copy or disc (CD) version of the game, the disc is required to run when playing even after installed. This is a bit sadening only because I would like to be able to play this game on a smaller laptop that doesn’t have a CD drive but because the game requires to have the CD in the CD-drive while playing I am currently unable to do this.

Have you played the Sims 3?

If so, what expansion packs are your favorite?

What is your favorite part about the Sims 3?

Disclosure: My friends at EA surprised me with a package that contained the Sims 3 and the Sims 3 Pets expansion pack as well as an iTunes giftcard in order to try out their mobile games. Although product was received, opinions are still my own.

Mom Cave on a Budget: My Damask Office Space

The Domestic Diva — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:22:22 +0000

We are constantly moving furniture in our house. Constantly changing up rooms to give them a new purpose. Our latest decorating adventure involved creating a Mom Cave in the former man cave/couples office space. Hubby wanted to take advantage of a room upstairs that we weren’t really using and turn it into his office which means he left the space downstairs free and clear to do with what I wanted. My first thought was MOM CAVE! A place I can call my own. A place to decorate in all the damask and hot pink girly things that I love (which isn’t allowed anywhere else in the house).

As one may recall the adjacent room to this space is the homeschool room, which the kidlets and I spend quite a bit of time in.

What I love about rearranging furniture and giving rooms new purposes is that it doesn’t cost anything to do so. You can transform the look and feel of a space just by rearranging the furniture! The Mom Cave doesn’t feel like the former “Man” Cave anymore, it feels like my space. And I like it! :)

Do you have a special place in your home that is just for you?

1000 Pins!

The Domestic Diva — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 05:04:09 +0000

I didn’t realize how utterly obsessed with Pinterest I’ve actually become until I checked my profile to see that I’ve pinned exactly 1000 pins! Wow! Is all that I can say.

In honor of my 1000th pin, here are the last 5 pins that caught my eye:

Source: annies-eats.com via the Domestic on Pinterest

Source: amygregson.blogspot.com via the Domestic on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via the Domestic on Pinterest

Source: abeautifulmess.typepad.com via the Domestic on Pinterest

Source: livingrichlyonabudget.com via the Domestic on Pinterest

Are you on Pinterest?

If you are you can follow my pins @thedomesticdiva.

Pinterest iPhone app

The Domestic Diva — Tue, 10 May 2011 18:15:20 +0000

Yesterday I was so excited to hear the news that Pinterest finally has an iPhone app out and available in the Apple iTunes store. For those that have not heard or seen what Pinterest is, I urge you to check it out. Basically, Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that one can share with others. A great place to store ideas and things you like all in one spot.

Yes, the iPhone app is new. Yes, it has only been out since yesterday. And yes, it does have some bugs that I’ve already found using my iPhone 3g. Others may not have problems, but as with everything new there will be an adjustment period and I’m sure Pinterest is probably already working on bug fixes. It is a lot of fun to pin on my mobile now, I will say that.

Last night when Pinterest went down for maintenance, I could really tell how much I enjoy using the site. One doesn’t realize how much they like something until it is no longer available. But no worries, I had my pinterest fix early this morning :)

DIY Project: Bling Laptop Skin! Making my laptop stand out in the crowd

The Domestic Diva — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 19:08:45 +0000

With various trips and bloggy events coming up I was looking for a way to make my laptop stand out in the sea of other laptops. I was looking around online to find something different and unique and stumbled upon a laptop skin that had rhinestones on it. The problem was the price! It was eary expensive and definitely not in my budget so I set out to recreate a blinged out skin for my laptop but a little more budget friendly. Below are the steps I took to create my fabulous, blinged out laptop skin:

Step 1: Gather your Tools

Needle Nose Pliers
E-6000 glue
Clear Contact Paper
X-Acto Knife
Toothpicks
Loose Rhinestones (from the Craft Store)
Tweezers
Extra Charms or Jewels if you would like

Step 2: Apply Contact Paper to Device

I was a little worried and scared that applying rhinestones directly to the surface of my device would damage it. So I opted to apply a layer of contact paper first to act as a barrier. One could even use an old vinyl laptop skin they might already have.

To get the right fit of contact paper onto my device. I first measured and cut out the contact paper slightly larger than my device. Applied it, smoothing out any bubbles. Then with an X-Acto Knife I used it to go around the edge of the device….very carefully! We don’t want to scratch the surface or ourselves for that matter. I opted just to do a simple rectangle because I found the the contact paper didn’t like to stick to rounded corners too well.

Step 3: Apply the Rhinestones

This is where the fun part comes in and also the part that will take the most amount of time and patience. With a toothpick, spread a small square of E-6000 glue onto the contact paper that is applied to the device. Spread the glue around evenly with the toothpick. With a pair of tweezers, place each individual rhinestone into place. Keep doing this in sections until the entire device is how one would like it. Do not apply glue in a large area because by the time you get to the end of the large section the glue will have already dried and one can’t stick rhinestones to dried glue :P

I worked on this on and off for about a week until it was completely done. I also allowed it to dry for about a day before I began using it again.

Show off your Finished Product and ENJOY IT!

I think I may perhaps love my lappy now more than ever before not only because its functional for work and stuff but because it is completely unique and original to me. I know that my laptop is definitely going to stand out in the crowd now :)

For those of you that are wondering how I created my blog logo to glue on top of the rhinestones. I followed this tutorial on how to make a logo using Shrinky Dink Printer Paper that I found via Tip Junkie.

Disclosure: please perform all crafts at your own risk. I can not verify that applying glue, contact paper, or any other thing to any electronic device will not mess it up, decrease it’s value, or ruin it for good. I am not an expert. I just wanted to share this fun craft project that I recently did in my own life. This worked for me, but it may not produce the same results for someone else.

Stay in touch this Valentines Day with Logitech

The Domestic Diva — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 21:11:00 +0000

Being away from loved one’s is hard especially on the holidays. With Valentine’s just around the corner Logitech presented me with the idea of staying in touch with loved one’s through webcams like the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910.

Skype is a wonderful tool. Its a great way to keep in touch and recommended by Patti Stanger of Millionaire Matchmaker for one of the ways to keep in touch with a significant other during a long distance relationship. Text chats may be nice but there is something different when you add video to the mix. Not having a good quality webcam can be kind of a bummer and believe me I’ve been through my fair share of bad webcams. When I moved away from my family and friends my webcam + skype were my connections back at home. When I or my Husband is out of town, our webcams are our connection to each other.

Logitech recently sent me a C910 to try out for myself. It was a great upgrade from my previously loved Logitech Pro 9000 that I used from time to time for my vlogging. I’ve always thought highly of Logitech’s webcams as I’ve used several in the past. The quality of an HD webcam like the C910 is out of this world! It is so clear. With all of the technologies on the internet going more and more towards HD formats its a good idea to invest in an HD webcam as well especially if you are into vlogging like I am or you just like to connect with family and friends through video chat or sharing videos on facebook.

Do you think HD webcams make a difference?

How do you keep in touch with family and friends that live far away?

Disclosure: I was given a Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 to help facilitate my review. I have not been paid for this post. As always, all opinions are my own.

Cowboy Quesadillas by Velveeta

The Domestic Diva — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:08:55 +0000

As you may already know, I’m your Eat-in Friday Velveeta Kitchenista and it’s football time! This past Sunday my husband and I’s favorite teams were playing against each other. It definitely was an eventful game but before I tell you who won that game, let’s head into the kitchen to make Cowboy Quesadillas by Velveeta.

Cowboy Quesadillas

Cheesy quesadillas enhanced with shredded chicken and spicy tomatoes
Hands On: 10 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Makes: 6 servings (1 quesadilla each)

Ingredients

1 pkg (16 oz each) Velveeta® Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cut into cubes
1 can (10 oz each) Ro*Tel® Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained, liquid reserved
4 cups shredded cooked chicken (4 cups = 1 lb)
1/2 cup sliced green onions
PAM® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
6 flour tortillas (10 inch)

Directions

1. Combine cheese and drained tomatoes in 1-1/2-quart microwavable bowl; cover. Microwave on MEDIUM (50%) 5 to 6 minutes, or until cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring every 3 minutes. Add reserved tomato liquid, the chicken and onions; mix well. Set aside.
2. Spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Place 1 tortilla in skillet. Spoon about 3/4 cup chicken mixture onto bottom half of tortilla; fold tortilla over to cover chicken mixture. Cook 1 minute on each side, or until golden brown on both sides. Repeat with remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.
3. Cut into wedges to serve.

So I guess you are wondering who won that game last week? Who do you think? My husband’s team or mine?

I think the photo above pretty much sums it up best.

Disclosure: I have partnered with VELVEETA to serve as one of five VELVEETA it! Kitchenistas. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program, which includes vlogging about my cooking experiences with VELVEETA and developing one original VELVEETA-based recipe. I have also been compensated for the food purchased for my VELVEETA vlogs. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.
Heather is your Friday Velveeta it! Kitchenista. Visit http://velveetakitchenistas.com or http://facebook.com/velveeta for more information about the Velveeta it! Kitchenistas.

3 Things Im Currently Loving in Tech

The Domestic Diva — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 04:55:49 +0000

I haven’t written a Technically Thursday post in a while. I’ve been collecting tidbits in tech that I’ve been enjoying lately and thought I would combine them all into one post. My husband calls me a geek because I get excited when I find something new in technology. Here is a list of things I’ve been enjoying lately in my geek filled life:

1. Intense Debate: even though it has only been a few days since I made the “announcement” that I switched over my comment system to Intense Debate, I must say that I’m really loving it. I personally haven’t had any problems with it (I hope it stays that way *knocks on wood*) and it seems to make keeping up with comments a little bit easier for me not only on my own personal blog but on other blogs that also use Intense Debate as well. I would love to know your own thoughts on this comment system, good or bad.

2. I rediscovered my love for Tumblr. I set up a Tumblr account what seems like ages ago and then sort of neglected it. Tumblr to me makes organizing things a bit easier, like keeping links to articles online all in one place or taming my social media obsession all down to one single feed. Tumblr also integrates nicely into my blog & has an iPhone app for easy updating on the go. Some new things I’ve done with Tumblr is create a page for Brd 2.0 (this is a link to his tumblr page) as well as a place to make an online recipebox for all of my recipes (well they will be there once I get them all linked and stuff). Playing around with Tumblr again is kind of like rekindling an old flame. I forgot how much I love this stuff.

3. A Technical Thursday post is never complete without some squeals over a new iPhone app. I recenlty stumbled upon Camera+ in the App Store recently which has rekindled my love of taking photos with my iPhone. Taking photos with my phone used to bug me because they wouldn’t come out too great but adding the “flare” of Camera+ & its easy sharing capabilities has made me fall in love all over again. Camera+ has made it easier on the 365 challenge because I can quickly snap a photo with my iPhone or open one from my library, edit it in the app, and upload it to flickr all in like 5 mins. It’s the easiest thing and great for those days I don’t feel like dealing with my bulky DSLR and all the uploading and editing process that goes along with it. Check out my camera tag on my flickr page for photos I’ve taken with this app.
I was NOT paid to write this, I just like the app. That is all.

I don’t want to bore you with all of my technical geek speak so I’ll keep today’s list down to 3 things I’m currently loving in tech.

Got anything in tech that your currently digging? Let us know in the comments.

Clutter-Free Inbox (Day 91)

The Domestic Diva — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 04:07:06 +0000

Remember last week when I proclaimed my love for Google and their many different applications to make my online life easier? Well at the end of that post one might recall my snarky comment about a constantly cluttered inbox. Ah, yes my inbox and I like to have a daily fight. Well not any more. Since that post I’ve been diligently working on cleaning the clutter and am proud to say that my inbox is sparkling clean. It took a while to weed through all the emails, respond to who needed to be responded to, file what needed to be saved and delete what wasn’t relevant but my inbox is finally clean and I AM breathing a lot easier.

It is so much easier to hop on and look up what I want to find, email who I need to email, and be up to date for once in a very long while. It feels good, I tell ya, it feels darn good.

No, I’m sorry but I do not have any miracle cure for a clean inbox. I just finally had it up to here *imagine a thin line that I’m pointing to* with the clutter. I sat myself down and just made myself do it. I knew that once I was done I could finally stop thinking about it and cross it off the to-do list. So nope, I have no words of wisdom on how to get it done, how to do it faster or more efficiently. Sorry. I just know that I feel so much better when my inbox is clean. The problem is trying to keep it this clean.

Outdoor Vlogging (Day 84)

The Domestic Diva — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:18:47 +0000

Today I attempted to make a vlog outside. That is until my batteries died and I had to go inside to charge them. By the time they were charged, I stepped back outside to try and do another take but the weather had other plans for me because it started to rain. So the vlogging outdoors idea didn’t really hold up to well.

Vlogging outdoors has proven to be a bit of a challenge not only because of the weather aspect but also because I didn’t really realize how much noise is outdoors until I tried to film a video. Birds singing, children playing, cars whizzing up the street (especially if you live in the city) all of these outside noises are things that can’t be controlled and all of these things get picked up easily when trying to make a video. I’m not sure I’ll be doing much outdoor vlogging right now. Not until I learn how to “control” (and I say that very loosely because how can one really control the great outdoors) my outside environment.

Have you ever tried to vlog outside? Do you have any tips to share on shooting in different environments?

If you are curious as to what video I was attempting to shoot, check out my Spring into Brunch with Velveeta post.

One thing that has been making my vlogging and photo editing life a little bit more fun is the use of the Corel Photo & Video Pro Bundle software that the people at Corel sent to me to try out. Although I’m still trying and learning this new software, I can definitely say that this software is a step up from what I was using before. I’m sure the more I get familiar with the software, the more I will learn to use it to my advantage. I will say that one of my favorite features of the Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 is the voice over button. This magical little buttons allows one to record a voice over right in the editing software. Oh this button has just been heaven. No more going to different programs to make the audio, convert the audio, trim the audio….I just plain like that button!

As far as the Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3 goes it’s going pretty good on that end as well. I look forward to sitting down and editing a batch of photos. I like how Corel automatically imports the photos into folders and displays them in a “organizer” for easy viewing. With a double click I’m able to open the “full editor”. I like to play with the layers the most. Brightness/Contrasting layers, Curves, and Levels are the 3 main types of layers that I play around with as well as the different types of raster layers such as hue (legacy), color, and luminance just to name a few. Each photo is different and each photo gets edited differently but what I like is the creative control I have in PaintShop Photo Pro X3 and the same goes for the VideoStudio Pro X3 as well.

I look forward to learning these programs more through hands on experience.

Please visit Corel’s website for more information on this and other video & photo editing software for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

What video/photo editing software do you prefer to use?

Disclosure: Corel sent a copy of the Corel Photo & Video Pro Bundle for me to use and write about my personal experience in a blog post. While product was given to help aide in writing this post, all opinions are 100% my own.