6 Accessories for the Instant Pot Fan

Hey, faithful readers, new friends, and fellow Instant Pot addicts!

There will be affiliate links throughout this post to facilitate your shopping experience. This means I'll earn a few pennies if you use them to shop - mostly likely to aid in my next cookbook purchase - because this cookbook list has a few must-have titles on it!

If you don't already know - I got myself an Instant Pot over Thanksgiving weekend.

And, as is the case with many new and exciting kitchen appliances, I'm eyeing all of these interesting accessories and deciding which ones I want and which ones I need and which ones I - well - I'm going to buy myself eventually.

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The Lifesaver II by Mio ~ product review

I have had the opportunity to use the Lifesaver II by Mio over the last few months and have to tell you, I don't know what I have been doing living without it for so long.

The Lifesaver II is a portable power pack for your cell phone or tablet. I've primarily been using it for my phone and it really has been an amazing little accessory.

I got a new phone around the holidays and I haven't been dealing with as many battery issues as I had in the past, but that doesn't mean I don't overuse my phone sometimes and totally need a way of getting some juice.

Ideally the best way for a blogger like me to test one of these portable chargers would be to attend a conference. And I was able to do that recently, twice.

The first huge test was when I attended a social work conference earlier this month and was there for the entire day. I relied on my Lifesaver to keep me charged for any online reading I needed to do, but what I didn't expect was that I'd end up helping my neighbor at the conference, as well. The gentleman sitting next to me was having issues with his phone and I totally plugged him in and charged him up so he could turn his phone on and see what was happening. I think I just sold him a Lifesaver II! He even wrote it down. Admittedly, he was an older gentleman, and I don't think he even knew that portable phone chargers existed.

I also had a full weekend worth of opportunity when I attended the Shot@Life Champions Summit in DC a few weeks ago. It was the first time I was away from home for several days straight and using my smartphone pretty excessively. As anyone can tell you, when you attend a conference as a blogger, you're likely to need your phone or your tablet to keep active on social media during the trainings and sessions. And this event was no different. I also found myself away from the hotel and out on the hill (yes, the hill in DC! More to come on this soon!) and I needed to know that my phone would be working no matter what.

This charger did not disappoint. I'm thrilled to have it and thrilled at how quickly it charges my phone. I pretty much keep it in my bag all the time now with the small cable attached. The only disappointment I had was that there was no attachment to charge my iPad. Although I've read that it does work with them, so maybe mine was missing? Either way - no matter - it's still a great charger.

I know today's society it's awful how reliant we are on our phones, but sometimes, when it comes to blogging, our jobs, our roles as parents or employees, we're counting on them - I know you feel me. And so the Lifesaver II by Mio has absolutely helped me to be more available and helped me avoid the anxiety of that dreaded flashing low battery warning!

I'd definitely recommend this product for those in the market for a portable charger. It's really sleek and can fit into a pocket in my bag WITH my cell phone. It's not clumsy, clunky or any other type of negative adjective you can think of.

So check it out! And if you do let me know what you think. I'm curious to hear your opinions.

* I was provided with a Lifesaver II charger by Mio to review. I was not compensated for this review in any way. All expressed opinions are strictly my own. *

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How to approach the conference #typeacon

Okay, so you already know I'm going.

And I've already told you what to bring.

Now I'm going to tell you how to approach the conference. How I recommend you do - not how you must - because I don't play that way. But you know that about me already!

I have to tell you this because I know that last year I spent each morning going over the schedule, freaking out and thinking - why can't I go to BOTH of those? And what else do I want to hear, learn, etc?

And you know what? You can. You CAN go to both of those.

A simple Type-A Conference tip from me to you. It's okay to attend a 2hr session for half of the time and walk out to get to your next session if it happens to start during the first one.

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Last year I was in a 2hr session and while I enjoyed it, I kind of felt like if I stayed the whole time I'd be missing the session that would probably mean more to me. And though I felt like I was sneaking out of class a little bit, it was okay. I repeat: It was totally OKAY.

You can do it. You can stay for an hour and move on. If you're loving it and learning every single thing you ever wanted to learn? Stay! If you're feeling like you need a snack or might lose track if you blink for a second? Go. Move on to the next thing. It's probably a better fit for you. And nobody will care if you do it.

YOU paid to attend. You're the reason you're there, right?

While we go to conferences to meet other people - other bloggers - our online friends, we're also there for US. We're most important here. We're allowed to skip a block of time during the day to miss sessions, go for a walk, go get a coffee, work out, chat with friends, it's totally okay to walk away for an hour and read. It's what you make of it. The whole long weekend. You make it work for you.

I know there are many cool sessions on the agenda for the coming days, and I'm excited about a lot of them. And I know there will be a small part of me circling things and jotting them down, maybe even scheduling reminders in my phone so I know where I'm going and at what time. But I also know that if I happen to miss something? It'll be okay.

Except try not to miss the opening and closing keynotes and the panel. That's awesome stuff. You should attend that. But honestly, if you don't that's on you. You're allowed to make those choices for yourself! Be Type-A if you must, but cut yourself some slack. It's not an assignment. It's a conference. Be sure to have some fun while you're there!

And look for me. Say hey, give me a hug, ask for some gum - whatever - I promise I'm approachable!

I may or may not have glasses on, but I still look like this:

Charlotte here I come!

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Heading to #typeacon? My tips!

So this year I'm going back to Type-A Parent Conference. 

And I'm really excited!

But I'm also kind of laid back about it. I'm not stressing over the schedule. I just know I'll be slightly OCD when I get there, and when I have the schedule in my hands I'll be reading, re-reading and living off of that thing for the entire weekend+. I can't let myself stress about it now, or I'll turn into loopy mode and won't be able to function on the other stuff that's important before I head off to Charlotte for this trip.

So - I know you've read loads of tips by now, but I'm going to give you mine anyway. Last year Type-A Conference in Asheville was my first conference ever. This year in Charlotte is my second. See a pattern here? I totally do!

Anyway, some of the things I brought with me last year that I found essential may seem the norm for many conference-goers, but I'm going to list them out for you anyway.

* Your camera
Yes, your cell phone will rock. But your standard digital camera, if you have one, or your fancy-schmancy point-n-shoot, whichever works for you? That's needed. The better pictures I got were on my digital camera. I may not use it all the time, but I'm bringing it anyway.

* Your phone
I know - Duh. But last year the hotel's wireless was wonky. It was so frustrating and the ONLY way I was able to get online was through my phone. Seriously. I had a slightly crappy phone, and it came through for me in a big way. Yay, phone!

* Chargers
Of ALL nature. Your phone. Your iPad. Your tablet. Your laptop. Your camera. Whatever else you might need to charge up - bring it. For reals. And while you're at it ...

* A power strip
I kid you not, you'll find a lot of people who want to be your best friend if you bring one of these with you. I need to be sure I have a working one this year. I didn't bring one last time - but I absolutely borrowed some juice off of someone else's!

* Pen and paper
Sure, in today's electronic world we rely on note-taking methods that run the gamut. But a pen and paper are a no-fail back-up. What if you run out of battery? What if you can't type fast enough? What if - what if? What if you're like me and sometimes just love writing stuff down? Bring it.

* A sweater/long-sleeved cover-up of some sort
Because yes, it's pretty hot in NC in June. But it's also pretty air-conditioned in those conference rooms. Without a doubt.

* An easy to carry water bottle
Reusable is the way to go for me, so I recommend it. It's the best way to ensure you're not dried out while sitting in the aforementioned AC-d rooms. And it's easy and always free to fill 'em up! Plus? Environmentally friendly. Go for it.

* Snacks
If you're like me and can't make it through an all-day class without at least 2 snacks? Bring a few of your own. Plus it's really nice to make friends w. your roomies or whomever else you're hanging with if  you share your extras.

* Gum
Say you have something spicy/salady/soupy for the meal you had prior to the session/party/etc. you're attending? 'Nuff said. Bring enough to share and you'll make new friends for sure.

* Business cards
They're often a given, but if you don't have your own please be sure to collect them from others. Take notes on them, if you can (remember that pen) and remind yourself where you met people, what stands out about them, etc. And if you DO have your own? HAND THEM OUT. Seriously. Don't feel weird. Even though it DOES feel weird. Do it anyway. You didn't buy them for nothing, right? Just do it. I promise nobody will look at you funny.

* Cash
It's always good to have some extra cash on hand. Just cause.

* Socks, or closed shoes
If you're like me and your feet tend to freeze those conference rooms might not be kind to your toes. Bring socks or closed-toe shoes to keep your tootsies warm during the day and save the open-toed shoes for night. Or outdoors. Plus socks are great if your feet get cold when you're going to bed. And then you can avoid packing slippers if you're one of those people who don't like to walk on hotel carpets without some sort of buffer.

And speaking of your room and the other aspect of the conference ... the following options could be a plus for you and your roomies:

* bathroom spray (I don't need to explain this - right?)
* water/wine/beverages of your choice
* a treat or two for your new friends (baked goods are ALWAYS a hit)
* snacks (see previous entry) (and the one before it!)
* whatever else you bring with you that gives you the comforts of home? And doesn't include a pillow and/or towel? Bring enough to share! Your roommates will thank you for it.

I'm sure I have more to add here, (I'm not even going to touch anything to do with clothing, aside from my thoughts on shoes!) but for the time being I'm going to wrap up this post before it becomes even more novel-like.

So, what do you think? Was this helpful? Did I forget anything? If so - what? Please tell me! I still have time to pack. Oh! And DON'T forget a small bag of some sort for the swag. Because yes, Type-A does have swag, and you may get your own reusable grocery bag to carry it home in, but if you're flying that then becomes your carry-on, and you all know you only get one of those, so ... think ahead!

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Ten guilty pleasures.

Just ten?

I'm linking up with Monday Listicles today ... and yes, I know it's a Tuesday. But I did Muffin Tin Monday yesterday - ya know?

Anyway, for more info on this meme, click the button below:



10. Glee
* I'm addicted to the show. To the music. Oh, to the music. And I'm not ashamed of it. I could probably fill this entire list with television shows. In fact, I might just ...

9. Chick lit
* Not every single kind of chick lit book - but there are some I truly do enjoy enough to get caught up in. For reals.

8. Peanut butter. 
* OK, I don't really feel that guilty. But I could live off of it. But what really gives me guilty pleasure is ...

7. Nutella. 
* 'Nuff said.

6. Starbucks Iced Chai Lattes
* Talk about living off of something.

5. Sweet tea
* I've drastically reduced my intake in the recent months, but I could drown myself in this Southern chill.

4. Ice cream and sprinkles
* At home there is no greater topping for ice cream than a splash (or more) of rainbow colored sprinkles.

3. Crime dramas.
* You know the ones. NCIS. The Mentalist. Bones. The Finder. I used to watch a lot more (like Criminal Minds - for instance) but I can't seem to sit through some of them (like Criminal Minds, for instance) without my husband in the room because they royally screw with my head. I'd try it to enjoy Shemar Moore, but - alas - my anxiety gets to me and I don't get to. Le sigh.

2. Blogging. Twitter.
* I love to take my own time. Write what comes to mind without being instructed to do so. I love choosing prompts that mean something to me. Books that I want to read and review. Friends I love to read and highlight, and so much more. It's a guilty pleasure because it trickles over to Twitter ~ my motto is *I tweet because I blog,* or it was until I realized Twitter is helping me to maintain connections I'd never be able to without it. I simply can't read every blog out there. I just don't have the time or the focus. And as much as I would love to, I can't even pretend I'll ever be able to carve out the time to do so. So, in comes Twitter. The Twitter is my friend. It helps me connect with my bloggy friends. And I love it. It could possibly come in as #1 here, but I've been saving that spot for something else. hee hee.

And what you've all been waiting for (and should come as no surprise if you actually do follow me on Twitter and read what I say to myself frequently ...)!

1. General Hospital
* I told you I have loads of TV shows to share here. But this one tops the list. I've been watching since before I was born. My child knew the theme song (before they drastically and horribly shortened it) the minute she popped out of my belly. From Sonny and Carly to Jason and Sam, I couldn't live without them. I may go a few weeks and skip watching my DVR, but I have to catch up and I have to find out what I've missed. Which reminds me - I need to see if the DVR has cooperated and recorded without skipping any episodes. There's some heavy stuff going on with Robin's possibly-not-quite-really-dead-death. Stupid time suck - I know. Sigh. But I grew up with Robin. This is important to me.

You think I'm kidding, right?

I'm so totally not.

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I find myself here.

The room is dark.

The only light on is the small bulb that brightens the hallway between the bedroom and the bath.

It's enough - though - for me to see whatever it is I am focused on at the moment.

A book? Sure. Sometimes the lack of overhead hurts my eyes. But I can see well enough to dive in and become a part of the storyline that absorbs me through to my soul.

My iPad? Sure. My connection to the outside world. With a small escape from that which surrounds me. A peek on Twitter. A conversation 140 characters. What more do I really need? Perhaps for some that is not quiet enough, but for me, it gives me a way of finding out what's happening with the people I know and have learned to love. An extended family of some. Friends. News stories. Entertainment. Humor. Much needed humor.

The TV? Yeah - maybe. It can be on, maybe an episode from The Food Network that I can just watch and enjoy. (Thanks, Aarti and Ree!)

Or maybe I'm just there, in the dark. Thinking.

Though it's probably the reason I stay awake so late at night. That my *quiet place* is where I do all this other stuff. And then when it is actually time to close my eyes, I can't.

I've read that the bedroom and the bed should be saved for sleep and only sleep (and, ehem, okay, other things). So why is it that I find myself most easily when I am curled up, or laying flat out, crunched up on some pillows, losing or finding focus in my king-sized bed?

This post was a response to the Write on Edge RemembeRED post today about our Quiet Place. Where's yours?

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Is it only Tuesday?

I was seriously about to post a Wordless Wednesday picture and be done with it! Sigh. How is it that sometimes the weeks fly by, and other times they are at the slowest of crawls?

Might be because we're still sickies, but seriously, it's so dreary out I'd rather be in bed anyway. Another day of Dora and the Nick Jr. crew in this house.

But if I have to watch Olivia train her cat, dance ballet or not eat various foods from different cultures one more time I just might scream.

Right now Benny needs tissues and Dora has some in her backpack. I really need a backpack like that, don't you? I mean, even if you aren't a parent, how happy would you be to have a backpack that always has whatever it is that you need on-hand at ALL times? I don't know what I'd want her to be carrying for me [oh yes, I learned the other day that backpack is most certainly a "her!"] but I would be so relieved to not have to worry about anything ever again.

Need a new diaper? Wipes? Snack? Juice box? Backpack! Backpack!

Tissues? Eye drops? Allergy medication? Backpack! Backpack!

A book to read while waiting at the doctor's office? A trashy magazine? A notebook or coloring book with crayons for waiting for your waiter/waitress at a restaurant? Backpack! Backpack!

And so much more. I seriously could go on and on, but my laptop battery is seriously going the way of most old and somewhat chargeable products, duh duh duh duhhh!

So, what would YOU keep in your precious backpack if you had one?

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