Non-OEM Camera Batteries

Canon LP-E8 Battery Pack

T his summer, I bought new batteries for my Black & Decker (B&D) yard tools that weren't B&D brand. They cost a lot less, they had good reviews, and so far they have worked out very well. I was thinking that I should write a post about that, but since I haven't had them very long yet, I'll wait until next summer.

OBi Google Voice Gadget

OBi200 (OBiTALK.com)

Way back in 2012, I told you about Google Voice (GV). With a little math that even I can handle, that means I've been using GV for four years now. It has helped me a lot, and for a while now, I've been considering getting rid of my landline since hardly anyone uses that number anymore. Plus, I wanted to save some money.

Don't Forget the App: White Noise Free

White Noise Free App

I haven't reviewed any apps in a while, but I recently downloaded one that I thought was worth telling you about. I prefer a quiet environment for sleeping, and I would have never thought an app could help me with that.

I'm Back, Sort Of

Wow, it's been almost three years since I wrote my last post on here. I was pursuing my photography and just didn't have the time for this blog. I'm just as busy as ever, maybe even more so, but I've been wanting to add a blog to my photography website (judygarrard.com) so I could tell you about my outings and travels. Well, I've finally made that a reality. You can find it here on Blogger at judygarrardphotography.blogspot.com or visit my photography website and click the Blog tab.

I hope you'll take a look and let me know your thoughts. If you want to receive email notifications or make comments, you'll need to do that in Blogger.

Where the year has gone

I started this blog in March of 2012 and really enjoyed writing about all of the technology items that I was using, and I even had the opportunity to review a product that was sent to me. My last post was in June and it's hard to believe how rapidly the months have gone by.

I've been spending most of my time pursuing what I have realized is my passion: photography. It's possible that I will write more reviews again, but in the meantime, I hope you will visit my photography website: www.judygarrard.com.

If you have some ideas for anything that you'd like me to review, don't hesitate to let me know.

Thanks for visiting!

What to do with multiple phone numbers

In an earlier post, I mentioned that I still have a landline. I have had that phone number for about 20 years now, and I like it—it’s easy to remember. I have actually had my cell number for about as long, but since I originally only had the cell for “emergencies,” I didn’t give that number out as often.

And since I didn’t get the best cell reception in my house, it didn’t make much sense to have that as a first option for people to call.The cell reception has improved and/or my smartphone works better, so my next step will probably be to switch my landline to VoIP—to save more money. In the meantime, however, as more people have been given my cell number, they haven't always known which number to call first.

Smartphone gadget: Stand

Wasn't that the cutest!

For my old flip-style phone, I didn’t really need anything to hold the phone at any particular angle because other than making phone calls, there wasn’t much more it could be used for. I did have a phone-sized chair—a freebie from a vendor—that was supposed to be used on a desk to keep the phone handy. I used it as a handy place to keep the phone while it was being charged, but I had to place the phone upside down since the plug was at the bottom.

When I got my smartphone, I ordered a case, screen protector, retractable USB cable, and a USB cigarette-lighter-style charger. I also added a stand to my order. Since I no longer have a Prime membership with Amazon, I was mostly trying to get my order up to $25 so that I could get free shipping. Yep, you know it, always striving for free.