Save $140 on the Kindle Fire HDX! #ad

The links in the post are affiliate links, which help us pay the bills but you don't pay extra!  

Looks like the Kindle deals are starting today! Save $140 on the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9", HDX Display today. I know the box says $399.00 but if you click it, the price changes to $259! This kindle also has a camera. 

Limited offer!!!! Kindle DX for only $169

Click the link below for all the details but as of right now, the Kindle DX is $169 which is $70 off it's usual list price!

Kindle Fire HD 7", HD Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB - FREE $15 Gift Card

Today only, buy Kindle Fire HD and get a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card free. Click below for more details!

Holiday Toy list for 2013

Holiday lists are so hard and this year I've been to 3 different events showcasing the holidays hottest items...the bottom line, there are a ton of great toys this year!  One toy executive though, had great advice....she said to follow your child's passion & it will lead you to the perfect present.  For example, my kids love karate & so we're looking at getting them a Wavemaster aka a kickboxing bag to share this Christmas.  The Wavemaster will likely only make an appearance on my list but it's perfect for my kids!  So without further ado---my 2013 toy list!

1. Doc McStuffinsthis girl is hot & the 3-6 year old set love everything about her!
2. The Kindle Fire less expensive than Ipad, but still fun, be sure to add Kindle Freetime to the device to control how much time is spent playing games & watching movies...then you're not the bad guy!  For the younger crowd, you might want to look into the Leappad Ultra which is made for the younger crowd.
3. Sport Stacking with Speed Stacks Cups no batteries, no computer, just you against the clock & it's tons of fun! 
4. Thames & Kosmos Crystal Growing but if crystals aren't your kids speed, they have a variety  of other educational but very cool, learning toys & games. 
5. Furby Boom & this one is hot, so if you want it for the holidays, you should get one now.  This toy can interact with other Furbies and connects to your Ipad so you can feed, bath, etc your new pet!
6. Playskool Sesame Street Big Hugs Elmo, he is fuzzy & cute, just like you'd expect from Elmo!
7. FurReal Friends Pets this toy is expensive but super cute, snuggley & interactive
8. Rainbow Loom-I think (the official Rainbow Loom) only sold at Hallmark stores...seriously, kids 6+ love it and again, no batteries necessary, though mine do like to watch the videos to make more difficult bracelets. 
9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles all of them & everything.  
10. Laser Pegs they can be matched up with Legos but these blocks make your buildings & cars glow!

Honorable Mention goes to: 

• Zing Air Z-Curve Bow  with multiple colors, these cool bow & arrows are great for both the boys & girls in your life!  
• Style Me Up a great "Do-it-Yourself" brand for budding fashionistas.  There are kits to make scarves, bracelets, design your nails, etc.  
• Experience Gifts: So not exactly a toy, but still a great option!  Children will stop playing with toys, but the memories of going to a special place with a friend or family member, can last a lifetime.  My childrens' list don't include many toys this year but a few places they'd like to go instead.  I love these kinds of gifts because my kids get to spend time with someone they love AND they don't need another toy!  

What do you think...am I missing anything?  What are the hot items on your list this year?

This post contains affiliate links...it doesn't cost you extra to buy but helps us pay our bills!  

Kindle Fire for only $129~with code!!!

Today only, Kindle Fire is available for only $129($30 off). Enter promotional code FIREDEAL at checkout.  Click the image below to be taken to the Kindle Fire & don't forget the code!  

Free Apps & Books for the Kindle

A number of us purchased the Kindle Fire last week when it was on sale and the just arrived in the mail...so now what?  We load up on great apps & books!  Many people don't realize that Amazon has a number of kindle apps & books for both adults & children, free!  They may not be the same tomorrow, but here are a few places to look!

Angry birds is one of the free
available apps right now!

• Free Kids Book: HERE
• Free Kids Apps: HERE
• Free Kindle Books: HERE
• Free Apps: HERE

While you're looking at books & downloads, don't forget to get a cover...one drop and the screen shatters!  Go HERE for a variety of styles and prices to protect the Kindle Fire!  

How to Borrow E-books From the Library for Various Devices

Borrowing and Reading Library Books on your Kindle, Nook, etc.

Yes, you can get free books on your device from the amazon site by searching "free books" in the store on your device, but did you know you can download books on your device for free from the library too?

I love to read and I never thought I would want to read books on an electronic device. I love the way a book feels in my hands; I love the smell of a new book. Reading an actual book is an experience for me, but then I decided to research all the e-readers to see what they can do.

I finally decided to get a Kindle Fire because of everything you can do with it and because I am a big fan of amazon.com. One of the things I was most excited about was the fact that I could (very easily once you know how to) borrow books from the library... any time, any where, very conveniently-- I don't even have to leave the house!!

Since buying my Kindle Fire and finding out how to borrow digital books from the library, I have been enjoying library book after library book on my Kindle Fire. I, of course, still read actual books (I go to the used book sale section at the The Helen Kate Furness Library to get new-to-me reads all the time). I definitely enjoy reading books both ways. Although I am more and more convinced of the benefits of using e-readers,  (Think about packing books for example and I especially like that with the backlight on the Kindle Fire I can read in bed without a light on, so it doesn't disturb my husband when he is trying to sleep.) I wouldn't want digital books to completely replace actual books though!


In case you aren't sure how to borrow digital books, here are step by step instructions to borrow books from the library for your electronic devices:

First, you need a Library Card* -- you have to enter your library card number (found on the back of your library card under the bar code) on the digital download site.
*If you live in Delaware County and you don't have a library card, you should get one! It is free and you can use any and all of the # of libraries in Delaware County. Just go to any Delco library and ask to get a library card. You fill out a short form with your name, address, email, etc. and show them a valid id (showing you live in Delaware County). There is no fee and anyone can get one! Libraries in Delaware County are amazing; they have so many programs, events, etc... most of which FREE!

You also need an electronic device -- see list of supported devices: HERE)

Go to www.delcolibraries.org

Click on the "Download e books + audio books" tab - it looks like this:
it takes you TO THIS SITE (digital downloads)

On the digital download site you can browse or search for books.

Once you find a book you are interested in, click on it.

 It tells you how many copies they have, how many are available, and how many people are on the wait list already.

Choose to:

Either be Added to the Wait List (Make sure you are clicking on the appropriate format for your device). For many of the newer, more popular books you have to be added to the wait list, but they will send you an email when it is available for you to check out.

Or to check it out (Add to Cart). (Choose your books, add them to your cart, when you are ready to check them out click on Proceed to Check Out)

Review & Confirm your selections and formats. (Maximum digital checkouts allowed at one time on a library card is 7).

Some books transfer via Wi-Fi, but others can only be downloaded via USB. (It will tell you if it has to be downloaded by USB. (I know my Kindle Fire did not come with a USB cord, so I had to purchase it separately. I got a cord compatible with Kindle Fire at Target).

The next screen lists your books available for download. Click on: "Get for Kindle" (or whatever format you need. *Note: not all books are available in all formats).

It then takes you to "Your Current Downloads" page. This page shows you the day you checked it out and when it will expire on your device (this means you will no longer have access to it after that date -- which also means to late fees, no forgetting to return the books, etc.) Don't worry, you will get a courtesy notice  by email telling you your download is about to expire in a few days, so you can finish the book before it is no longer accessible on the device.


When you click "Get for Kindle" for example, it will take you your amazon site where you can choose which device it is delivered to (YOUR NAME HERE's Kindle).


Click "Get Library Book".
(If it downloads wirelessly, the digital book will be delivered to the device, and the next time it connects to Wi-Fi & it will upload automatically.

If you need to transfer via USB, click "Download Now" after connecting the USB to the Kindle and the computer.

(You can also read it in the Kindle Cloud Reader or on other devices using the free Kindle Reading Apps).
 

Under "My Account" on the digital download website, you can click different links to manage your account such as:

		"My Cart" : which shows you items that are in your cart awaiting checkout "Lending Periods" : Where you can set a personalized default lending period for titles available, format- by-format
		"My Current Downloads" : Displays download links for current titles checked out.
		"My Waiting List" - shows you the titles for which you are currently on a wait list for.
		"Wish List" : Displays titles you have placed on your wish list
		"Rated Titles" : Shows titles you have rated, and you can make changes if you choose.

If you have a Kindle, you can manage your digital titles by going to "Manage Your Kindle" on your amazon account-- under digital content/manage digital content:
Click on the "Actions" tab and you can select to: Read Now, Deliver to device, Purchase the book on amazon, Download and transfer the book, Return a borrowed book--you may choose to return it early, so you can check out other books.

Side note: Did you know you could even loan people your Kindle books? Under this same "Actions" tab for managing your Kindle on your amazon account site, you can choose to loan books you have purchased for your device, so you can loan your Kindle books to your friends-- not ones you are borrowing from the library though.

Your books will upload to your device and you have access to read them. You don't have to return them unless you want to return them early. They have due dates, but they are called expiration dates: you don't have to do anything to return them on their "due date"-- after that date the books will just not be accessible to you anymore (unless you check it out again).

There you have it. Remember there are help options on the library's digital download site if you have trouble or have any questions. Feel free to comment or ask me questions, and I'll do my best to help you too.

I hope you take my advice and use the Delaware County Libraries and the Delco Libraries' Digital Loan Site! Happy Reading!

-Crystal