A Tale of Two Toasters ...

 

A toaster ... I'd imagine most kitchens have one. I remember we had an old white one when we first moved into this house. When we switched out the appliances to stainless steel, I replaced the toaster to match (you can catch a glimpse of the replacement in the Pantry post).  It finally went out on us, so I ordered a new toaster off Amazon. 

I received some teasing about this bare bones tiny toaster ... "How much did this cost? $10?" It was actually $15.99, but yes, it was one of the more inexpensive (but still decently reviewed) ones there. But ... it's a TOASTER, what bells and whistles do you need?

There is actually one feature the family uses a lot. The "lift" ... bringing up the bread a bit higher, easing getting it out (we do have the little wooden tongs for when we still need additional help). The ends of the sourdough, or banana bread ... they are pretty small and that little boost is needed. This also had no "beep" when the toast is done (pros and cons to this, the old one was a little annoying with its beep). 

After some teasing, I told the others (Coop, Colton, Gray) that I was more than happy to let them pick out a different toaster. Cooper took me up on that. He saw a toaster on TikTok and it's all modern and digital with lots of options (although you do still have to push down the lever manually ... unless there's an app for that?) It does have the little lift ... so I'm happy with it.

Seedeem Toaster 

LCD Display & Touch Control: The wide slots toaster has a colorful LCD, so you can see the bread type, shade setting and the remaining time easily. You need to touch 6 buttons to select the mode you want. Memory function will keep the bread type and shade settings from the last toasting.

50% Faster Speed: Superior to the conventional toaster, the 1350W toaster has made a revolutionary breakthrough in toasting speed. It is 50% faster than leading toasters, which can get even toast and save you half the time of baking bread in the morning.

Special Mid-range: 7 Bread Shade Setting provides bread from light yellow to deep dark. The specially developed medium setting--4 gear, can bake delicious bread that is not too dry but full of burnt flavor.

Multiple Functions: Not only Cancel, Defrost, Reheat functions, we also specially added Bread Type and More Time functions. There are 6 types of bread to choose from, including bagel, white, waffle, eng.muffin, gluten free, grain. If you are not satisfied with the browning color, you can touch More Time to add time for 45 seconds.

Easy Operation & Cleaning: 1.5 inch wide slots can accommodate different thicknesses of bread. Flexible lift lever for smooth dropping and auto ejecting of bread. Removable crumb tray helps you collect and dump falling crumbs to avoid staining your desktop.

Who knew? A seven-bread-shade setting! And it's 50% faster (I actually DID notice that it seems super fast, and it's nice to have a countdown so you know exactly how much time is left). That "lift lever" though, that's the feature I'll look for on any future toaster purchases.

Colton moved into his college apartment in Oregon, and his roommates had the kitchen furnished pretty well ... but no toaster. Colton likes his cinnamon toast, and he asked me to order him one (as I now have all this experience with shopping for toasters). I had this one delivered to him ... I made sure it had the "Toast Boost" lift, and I even threw in a shaker of cinnamon sugar (not sure that the bachelor boy's apartment would have sugar, or cinnamon, or a shaker). Alas, he's too far away for my fresh sourdough!

Mommy Stalker

Just thought I'd share a favorite app ... the Find My Friends app. The boys call it the "Mommy Stalker" and I fully admit that name isn't far from the truth. Using the GPS on their phone, I can look and see where they are (or at least where their phone is). The boys don't LOVE the app ... but I mean, they ARE telling me the truth about where they are anyway, right? So no big deal. 

As I'm prepping dinner, sometimes I can see where Gray is to try and time the meal so it is hot and ready when he arrives (on the freeway, so about 30 minutes away, or still at the office, hold off for a bit). Callahan is Mr. Social and is NEVER home, just wandering from one friend's home to the next.  In reality, this app (and the ability to text and call him whenever) is the only reason Callahan HAS an iphone (and he knows it). Too many times before, I'd have no idea where he was or how to contact him. How did mommy's survive before cell phones? Landon too ... he actually got his iphone before I discovered this app, but ... that phone died after an experiment in a "waterproof" case. I couldn't stand not being able to contact the kid or knowing where he was and if he was ok  ... so he has a new phone. Spoiled rotten kids, right? They just have to put up with the Mommy Stalker ...

... and it's reciprocal of course, they can track ME as well!

Apple Updates

Yes Apple ... I am aware there is an update for my phone. It's been all over the Internet. Landon had late start the morning it was released and was anxiously refreshing to computer to see if the update was live yet. So anxious! Now me ... I don't really like change. So as Grayson and the boys installed the update, I did not.  But then, my apps got stuck in this limbo stage, they started updating, and couldn't finish (I assume as they were updated for the new ios, and I didn't have the new ios) but I couldn't use them as they were updating. So I felt like I HAD to make the switch. 

Personally, I don't have strong feelings either way.
At least all my apps updated okay.

Along with the ios update, Apple also introduced updated product. A new iphone. If you know anything about Grayson, you won't be surprised to hear he brought home the new one almost immediately. He surprised me a little by asking if I wanted to upgrade. I THOUGHT he was offering the newest model to me ... silly me to think that. He was just asking if I wanted to switch from my iphone 4s to his old iphone 5 as HE upgraded to the newest model. Even when I thought he was offering me the newest model, I told him I was perfectly happy with my phone as is. So Callahan got the "old" iphone (no service plan, although he sure wants it activated) and Colton got Callahan's old ipod touch (which was the latest model).

How do you feel about updates? 

More Gadgets for Gray

If you know Grayson, you know he LOVES gadgets. This was his most recent purchase ... switches that can be controlled via an app on his (and my) iphone. You know, for those times when you are laying in the perfect comfy bed and just want to roll over and go to sleep ... but the light is still on. That's no problem now. Same with the fan ... too hot, turn it on, too cold? Turn it off ... all from right where you are, no need to move. 

The front porch lights can be an issue at times ... I seem to be the ONLY person in the house who knows how to turn them on. When I'm not home, I'll always come home to a dark house. The other night ... as the sun went down, I turned the porch lights on, even though I wasn't home. I have been frustrated in the mornings when I forget to turn them off and I don't realize it until I'm already in the car backing out. Now I can turn them off quick and easy without having to run back into the house.

Gray loves gadgets ... I actually like this one too!

More Gadgets Galore

Grayson is a gadget guy ... when we needed a new thermostat, I shouldn't have been surprised when Gray brought home a fancy one. The Nest. It supposed to "learn" your habits and make auto adjustments and hopefully save some energy and money (that's NOT why Grayson got it though, he just thought it was super cool). One really nice feature it that it can link with our iPhones, and we can check or change the temperature from remote locations. So if we were gone on vacation, we could kick on the air conditioning a few hours before returning home. Sometimes, if I'm a little chilly at night, I like being able to turn up the heat without having to get out of bed (ok, that statement could be interpreted a couple different ways *Ü*).

Another techno item we got and now can't live without is our Roku. I know there are many options to stream Netflix (and we tried a few) but this one is our favorite! We purchased one a couple years ago, then upgraded as Roku added subtitle options (we love subtitles on our shows) and we wanted an HDMI attachment. In addition to Netflix, Roku works with other streaming options like Amazon, Vudu and PlayOn, all of which we are starting to experiment more with.   Just a shout out to their customer service too. We lost our remote ... you know, it happens (it still hasn't resurfaced). And while there is actually an app for the ipods that works, I did want a replacement. They were being sold on site for $9, regularly $15. I wanted to buy one, but they were out of stock. I asked if they would be getting more in stock before the sale price went back up and the lady I was in contact with said "you know, I have one sitting right here on my desk, I'll send it to you" ... and she did! Nice!

On my previous Gadget's Galore post I mentioned my new pedometer, the Fitbit. Well that was almost THREE years ago. The Fitbit is an itty bitty thing and I can NOT believe that I didn't lose it (or accidentally toss it in the washer with the clothes, there were a couple of close calls). It is still working, but I was noticing some cracks and splits. I wear my Fitbit 24/7 and wouldn't want to be without it, so I ordered the new Ultra. It does improve on the design (there will be no cracking or splitting on this one) and it also has an altimeter, to track elevation changes (not that I do much of that). I also bought Fitbit's Aria scale, which transmits my weight wirelessly to the computer. While the struggle with weight seems to be a losing battle, I really like the feedback my gadgets provide. 

Each of these new items gets daily use in our house ... I love them!

We are an APPLE family

I didn't buy this shirt for Grayson for Christmas, but I should have! We have almost every Apple product there is I think! Multiples of many. Grayson needed to support Apple when they introduced their latest line, adding new touches, iPhones and of course the iPad mini (x2 ... he preordered one, then couldn't wait and bought another the day they came out. He actually didn't like it and has returned to his regular size iPad). I do love that most apps are SO much less expensive than other video games, and one purchase can be used by everyone in the family. We still have our old "Classic" ipods in use (storing purchased TV programs for the kids), and like the old nanos/shuffles for music. Yes, we have AppleTV and an iMac too. We are an Apple family.

... this isn't even everything ...

Touched

We've always been an Ipod family, with many of the original ipods, nanos, and shuffles around. Gray of course, had the Iphone. When he upgraded to the new Iphone, Landon inherited the old one ... without service, so basically an Ipod Touch. That's when it all started. With the touch screen, Landon could use apps the other ipods couldn't. I remember fighting it, when the boys wanted a "Touch" rather than their nanos. But eventually, I gave in. They had birthdays or spent their own money, and became the proud owners of an Ipod Touch. Keaton had an older first generation, Callahan had a second generation ... the two little boys did NOT have one and it caused a bit of a problem as all the boys wanted to play "Angry Birds" and other apps. The boys were taking advantage of the free texting service from the TextFree app. For Christmas ... Grayson got ME an Ipod Touch (of course he got me the latest model!) I actually started texting, now that I didn't have to scroll through letters on my Tracfone. I was very generous sharing my Ipod with the two little boys, much more so than their brothers. And I discovered "Words with Friends" ... all the Ipods were getting a LOT of use. Then Landon's stopped working (after it was dropped), He lived without it for a while, but then this past week he went ahead and bought himself a new one (the latest model of course). Callahan's had been giving him trouble, freezing (it's still under warranty, so we just need to get it in to the Apple store I think), but he had earned enough money and wanted the features of the latest model, so ... another trip to Best Buy. We've had to invest in extra chargers! But I love how you can buy one game and everyone can play it... yes ... we're touched!

Word Games

So ... the other day, the boys decided they wanted the "Words with Friends" game application for their Ipods. Now I don't think I could have ever gotten them to play Scrabble if I tried (and that's basically what this game is!). They are addicted. You play it across wi-fi, you can take as much time as you need, you can have multiple games going at once with different people. I've never been good at Scrabble myself, so when I play, with full disclosure to those I am playing against (which so far is just Landon and Callahan), I like to get a little "help" (there are many websites and even another application that can help). So if you have Words with Friends and want more "friends" to play with, Landon and Callahan can't seem to get enough, and I love that this game is at least a little educational ... if you want to start a game with me ... what can I say ... I NEED help, so I have to cheat ... and you'd still probably beat me! Of course, anyone playing me is welcome to any "helps" too!

Gadgets Galore

It wasn't long after Grayson purchased the Nook E-Reader, that Apple announced the Ipad ... Gray pretty much immediately felt extreme dissatisfaction with his Nook. I wondered how long Grayson would be able to withstand the pull of the Ipad ... not long! I had joked that he and the boys could get it for ME for Mother's Day, but he couldn't wait even that long. It does look pretty snazzy, not that I've played with it much. Gray is using it for work, and the boys love taking turns on it.


Now I DO have me a new gadget though. It's called the Fitbit and it's basically a fancy electronic pedometer. It tracks your steps and activity level and syncs with your computer, showing all the data in handy graphs. It is a sleep tracker as well. I actually haven't given up my Omron, but am wearing both *Ü* I ordered this back in February, but they haven't been able to keep the supply up to the demand, so it was several months before I actually got it.


I can compare the accuracy of both my pedometers when I'm walking/jogging outside with Grayson's Garmin. Now this fun toy uses GPS to display your distance, speed, etc. I'm actually an "indoor exerciser" and love my elliptical and treadmill, but this makes outdoor activities more interesting.

And below ... are my lovely wireless headphones. I have two different kinds (and three different Ipod shuffles). The Arriva ( below) is great, you can hardly even tell I'm wearing it. It's very portable (you can shove it into your pocket or purse, it bends). The Monster is a little more bulky and does make me look a bit like a cyborg, but on cooler days, the headphones actually keep my ears warm. It's nice that when I stop using it for a bit, I can just loop it around my neck before popping it up on my ears again.
Grayson has always been a gadget guy ... but it's really rubbed off on me, I'm a gadget girl!

A Little Nookie

If you know Grayson at all, you know he's a gadget guy. He isn't a big reader, definitely not one to take time with novels, but he has had several non-fiction books that have caught his interest of late. Another item to catch his interest ... the new e-readers available today. Not only are they simply "cooler" than a book, but they appeal to his "I want it now" mentality. An immediate download ... no waiting for an order from Amazon, a hold at the library or a trip to the bookstore. He read the reviews of the Kindle and the Nook, and decided on the Nook (Merry Christmas Grayson!). Because of the high demand, they were back-ordered, but his Nook has come and been put to use.

He immediately downloaded "The Purpose of Boys: Helping Our Sons Find Meaning, Significance, and Direction in Their Lives" ... I had checked it out of the library, but he hadn't finished it and it was coming due. He also purchased "The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals" and a couple others by the same author. He'd already read "Omnivore" but thought he'd like a copy to keep. He did actually buy a novel too... "The Blind Side" ... and Landon has started reading it (Landon ... who is not a reader ... who has been supposably reading "The Lighting Thief" for about four months now ... but was captivated by the presentation of this "book").

I haven't played with the Nook yet ... although ironically, it came with a free download of "Pride and Prejudice" which is one of my all time favorite books. I think I'm still a hard copy paper book type of girl, and while there's only one Nook to go around the house right now, I'll probably just stick to actual, physical books, bending over the corners of the pages for my bookmark. I'm currently reading "The Hunger Games" as many have recommended it. It is quite captivating. I'm not sure if my boys would read it (the protagonist is a GIRL) and actually the premise is quite violent. I like to keep on top of what is out there for the kids, to be able to recommend books and discuss them with the boys (and help with book reports!). I read the first Percy Jackson (The Lightning Thief) ... it was ok, but I preferred Harry Potter and Fablehaven. Callahan is currently reading the first "39 Clues" (I haven't read it yet) and I just bought him all the sequels to "Hatchet" which he liked (I thought it was just ok). I find I have to buy books, as my boys aren't able to read them quickly enough (for a three week library loan). I wonder if I'll buy the future books for the Nook? I don't think we'll be sending the Nook with the boys to school though, the way we do with a regular book.

It will be interesting to track the future of e-readers ... as their availability increases and price decreases ...how long before they are the norm in the classroom, replacing huge textbooks? Right now the electronic versions really aren't much less expensive (if at all) than hard copies (especially if you buy used, as I often do). Having an entire library at your fingertips does have its appeal, although I have to say I like looking at my filled bookshelves and remembering all the good reads. I guess we'll have to wait and see.