Holy Pikachu! CASETIFY is launching Pokémon cases.
The countdown to the upcoming Pokémon Detective Pikachu movie has started, so no surprise that we're about to see an uptick in Pokémon merch. Case in point, or should we say CASETIFY? Ha, well, they've got a new Pokémon collection launching next week and we know a few...
What’s the best first laptop for kids that’s affordable too? We’ve got an idea.
With my 12-year old son heading to middle school next year, I've got the the typical parental worries, which these days includes trying to figure out the best first laptop to purchase for him. Yes, my baby is all grown up and needs his own computer. That's where our...
Thinking about a Disney+ subscription? Look at this launch show line-up!
If you haven't heard, Disney is launching a paid streaming service in November that everyone is talking about and well, based on the Disney+ launch show line-up we're seeing, we're not surprised about the hype. We just got a peek at everything that will be offered...
In defense of teens with headphones
This morning my teen daughter lost her earbuds. "Did you shove them in your front backpack pocket?" I asked her. "No!" she snapped, then barked "Just pick me up before study hall!" as she stormed off into the open doors of the bus. I could hear her voice crumble in...
We found an animated storybook app that’s a great YouTube alternative
I'm always on the hunt for YouTube alternatives for my son, and I've just discovered a good one in Vooks, the app that streams animated children's books. If you're wanting your kids to be entertained by something other than toy cars being pulled out of Jell-O, you'll...
Free Kindle books for World Book Day! Don’t mind if we do.
If you're looking to add some new books to your summer reading list, you'll want to head over to Amazon right now and download the 9 free Kindle books they're offering today in honor of World Book Day. But hurry, you've got about 30 hours (and counting to do it). The...
New study says increased screen time linked to ADHD in preschoolers
If you tend to stick to hard and fast time-limited screen time rules with your preschooler, it might actually be a good thing. According to a recent study at the University of Alberta, kids by the age of 5 who spent two hours or more looking at a screen each day were...
Obé gives you studio fitness classes, right on your phone
I recently fell off the Orange Theory Fitness wagon, and have been looking for something to get me moving again. So, after watching our friend Lauren Jimeson's Obé workouts daily on her Instagram stories (Hi Lauren!), I figured it was worth a try. And well, let's just...
A cool new Do Not Disturb feature on iPhone that’s perfect for parents
We're big fans of the Do Not Disturb feature on iPhone, which, if you're not familiar, allows you to temporarily block notifications (including texts and calls) with lots of customization too. As you can probably guess, it's perfect for meetings, dinners, or pretty...
These secret Netflix codes can help you find lots of hidden shows and movies
If you're like me, you spend a fair amount of time watching Netflix and generally see the same shows and movies every single time you scroll. Sorry, Netflix, I'm not in the mood to watch The Perfect Date, for the 15th time. Well, our friends over at Good Housekeeping...
How do you change the font on your Instagram bio?
Every so often, you probably see an Instagram name that pops up in wedding script, some gothic type, or even upside down, and if you've wondered how you change the font on your Instagram bio, it's so simple! There are apps you can download or keyboards you can...
The outrageous, high-tech marriage proposal that required Google Earth, GPS, and 4500 miles of travel over 6 months
We have shared a ton of clever pregnancy announcement ideas and sex reveal (FKA gender reveal, inaccurately) ideas over the years, and surely you've seen Pinterest boards packed full of creative marriage proposal ideas. But having just watched this video about a...
Tech Tips & Tricks to Make Life (Way) Easier
Why I’m switching from Chrome to Firefox (and how to do it)
I've been a longtime Chrome user, but after having some functionality on a few different websites, I've decided it might be time to seek other options. And then I did a deep dive into their privacy issues, let's just say it's a very good time to switch. Yes, it's...
iPhone trick: How to search your photos quickly using multi-keyword search
I currently have just under 12,000 photos on my iPhone. I know, I know, but when you work in social media and have four adorable children, it happens. As you might guess, even with the handy location feature, as well as moments, favorites, and face recognition, it's...
How to take great photos of your kids? Use this trick my teenager taught me.
A few weeks ago, my teenager asked me to take a few photos of her while we were visiting my son at camp in Washington D.C., but she kept moving through her poses too quickly that all I kept getting were photos of her in motion. Not so great for the 'gram, Mom!...
Even More Coolness. Enjoy!
The future is here and it’s an alarm clock that brews coffee
Forget the hoverboards and watches that talk. The future is here and it is the Barisieur Coffee Brewing Alarm Clock. Yes, it makes pour over coffee (or loose leaf tea) when your alarm goes off. And it even has a refrigerated compartment for your milk. Seriously. If...
A new iOS 12.2 Screen Time app feature parents will want to know about.
If you haven't updated to the new iOS 12.2, it's worth it just to get the new Screen Time app feature that allows you to customize your child's downtime by the day. It's pretty easy to do once you have your phone running on the new iOS. Related: How to set limits for...
5 podcasts I’ve listened to this month
Last month, I shared 8 podcasts I listened to, some of which I loved and a couple that I sort of hate-listened. Ha. Well, this month I added 5 podcasts to my list, most of which I've been really enjoying. If you love podcasts as much as I do, I hope these reviews help...
6 ride sharing safety tips that parents should know
As someone who uses ride sharing apps like Uber and Lyft pretty frequently (and is often distracted by what's happening on my phone), I know how easy it can be to just hop in a car that pulls up in front of me without checking everything out. But as many of us have...
How to set limits for specific apps using the Screen Time app on iPhone
You've probably already figured out how to use the Screen Time app on iPhone to help manage your child's screen time. Screen Time makes it easy to block and set limits on categories of apps, specific apps during Downtime, or just screen time overall, but if you want...
Here’s how to get a free year of Nintendo Switch Online
If you're an Amazon Prime member like me who also happens to have a Nintendo Switch, you'll definitely want to check out this awesome offer from Twitch Prime (which, if you didn't know, is owned by Amazon). All you need to do is connect your accounts. Related: 7 of...
How to save your Google+ content before it shutters on March 31, 2019
If you're like us, it's been awhile since you've spent any time over at Google+, which is why you might want to take a peek at your content before it shutters on March 31, 2019. Keep in mind, Google+ will be deleting all posts, as well as your uploaded photos or...
quip for kids: A grown-up toothbrush that’s made for tiny mouths.
I have been a hard core fan of the quip electric toothbrush, long before you probably heard their ads on podcasts (though not on Spawned just yet!) or could find them at your local Target. I have even bought them for my kids, though that was before they decided to...
Tokimeki Unfollow helps you Konmari your Twitter feed
We know lots of folks have been cleaning up their social media feeds, which is why we had to share Tokimeki Unfollow, a twitter plug-in that allows you to Konmari your Twitter feed. Related: Spring cleaning your tech - the best tips and tricks Once you sync your...
Here’s the quick and dirty on the new iPad Air and iPad Mini
In advance of their big video streaming announcement which is supposed to hit next week, Apple shared a bit of good news, especially if you're an iPad fan. They've got two new iPads, with some exciting features, that are available for order now (and ship next week)....
4 new Amazon Prime benefits, in case you’ve been holding out on a membership.
I've been an Amazon Prime member for many moons now, reaping the benefits of everything from free 2-day shipping to awesome bingeworthy shows, and lots in between. If you've been holding out on an Amazon Prime membership, they've added 4 new benefits that might make...
What is 5G? 5 ways this new wireless technology will make life easier for kids and families
Thank you to Verizon Wireless for sponsoring this post. If there's anything all parents can agree on, it's that we could use a few more minutes (or hours!) in the day, and we do our best to try to find that extra time where we can. It's something tech can certainly...