Introducing The Kindle Fire!

The holiday shopping season is around the corner and touch tablets are the new hot thing! Since the release of the iPad, everyone has wanted to get their hands on one. They are convenient, fun and miraculous devices when one considers the endless possibilities of all it can accomplish. Technology is fast evolving and many people also have concern that by the time they decide to splurge on one thing, something better comes along. At $500 a pop to start, it's no wonder some are still hesitant to jump on the iPad bandwagon. My husband was lucky enough to win one at work last Christmas, but if not for that I don't think it would be top priority for us either. That's not to say I haven't loved having it, in fact now it's hard to imagine life without it.



Well, for those still on the fence, Kindle Fire is a new kind of touch tablet that is sure to be one of the hottest items this Christmas season. So, what's it all about? Well, its function isn't exactly the same as all the other computer-like tablets, but has many of the most important features. For instance, it has a 7" color screen that allows you to browse the web, watch movies, install apps and games, and of course read books from the Kindle library. It also focuses heavily on utilizing Amazon's Cloud storage for media management.



So, what does Kindle Fire lack compared to the iPad 2? It only comes is one storage size of 8GB, there is no built in camera, has access to fewer apps, smaller screen & less battery time. This may all seem like small potatoes when you consider what you get for the price, but that's not all. No one has been able to use or review the Kindle Fire, so it's impossible to tell what other host of problems may pop up with a first generation device. Those who are pre-ordering do so at their own risk, though it may certainly be a risk worth taking.



So after considering all the pros and cons, still not quite ready to take the plunge? Well, the Kindle Fire is sure to create some stiff competition to the touch tablet world, so expect to see the price of other similar devices continue to go down. Given enough time and though, I'm sure you'll eventually find something that satisfies...at least until the next big thing comes along.



Visit the Kindle Fire website for more info or to pre-order!

Backyard Fun!

A couple days ago I posted some classic drive-in ads [LINK]. Well, if you love drive-ins as much as me, why not create your very own outdoor theater? Of course you need to have the property and play funds to do this, but it's definitely a great way to bring the drive-in atmosphere to your own backyard. Another consideration is the climate you live in. Those in warmer regions would be able to watch movies outside year-round, which could make it more of a worthy investment.

Many people seem to be catching onto this trend. In fact, there is a website called Backyard Theater specifically for people who want to show off their set up. It also has tons of tips and links to info on projectors, screens, sound systems and more. Some are quite elaborate and here are a few of my personal favorites:

Go for a dip and play some volleyball to your favorite summer flick!


Nice way to relax on a summer evening or even on a cold winter night!


This has a beachy feel, but also great for Halloween movies in the Fall!


Park your boat and watch a film from the water with your family!


My dad's set up!

As you can see from this last picture, my own father has really got into his backyard theater, so for his birthday my siblings and I pitched in to get him this retro style kettle popcorn maker. It was a nice added touch, and he has been very pleased with it.



Of course there are many to choose from, and one of the best websites for a variety of fun food makers is Nostalgia Electrics. They have everything from various sizes of popcorn makers to hot dog rollers, cotton candy machines, snow cone machines, donut makers and more!





If you're really ambitious, you can even make your very own personalized 20th Century Fox logo (shown below) to play before the film. You can find instructions on the video info or by visiting this [LINK]



Well, there ya have it - lots of ideas and resources for turning your backyard into a theatrical wonderland. Only problem is, how to get your family, friends and neighbors to go home! If you don't feel you can splurge on such luxuries at the moment, you can always enjoy the popcorn!

P.S. Thanks Dad for the inspiration to do this post! Love ya lots! -J