Sarah's Faves

Ready to let your geek flag fly on May 25? It’s a day to celebrate all that is geeky and nerdy in the world. It’s like your birthday, an Apple launch announcement, free bacon for lunch and a Star Wars marathon all rolled into one.

 What is Geek Pride Day?

An initiative to promote geek culture, celebrated on 25 May. The date was chosen as to commemorate the release of the first Star Wars film, A New Hope on 25 May 1977 (see Star Wars Day). In 1998 a guy named Tim McEachern started “The Geek Pride Festival” in Albany, New York. Next, the initiative was celebrated in Spain in 2006 as “Orgullo Friki” and spread around the world via the internet.

How can you celebrate? Look for Geek Pride Day activities on Plancast, order something from Think Geek to get a Geek Pride Day pin, or read a book in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) category.

*****BACON*****BACON*****BACON*****

Here on FAVES, we’re about to celebrate in true geek fashion. I’m giving away one, six-month membership to The Pig Next Door’s The Pig’s Heirloom Bacon Club*. This is bacon made from heritage breeds raised using sustainable methods (from farmers who care about flavor, not profit). As if you needed added incentive, right? Bacon delivered to your door each month. Boom!  

*Unfortunately, TPND only ships within the United States.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enjoy the day!

What are you FAVES? Share them with me for future posts, right here.

photo credit: miss_rogue via photo pin cc

Steve Jobs hated the stylus, but he obviously wasn’t playing Draw Something! The MicroStylus Jack is a teeny, tiny stylus for touch screens that fits in your 3.5mm audio jack.

My beautiful artwork

I bought the MicroStylus after a TechCrunch review because, honestly, I couldn’t believe it worked well. Although my husband may not agree, I don’t mind being wrong. The “world’s smallest stylus” doesn’t only work well, it’s super convenient as it has a nice little home in your phone (or tablet) audio jack. The stylus tip is super soft allowing for easy motion and doesn’t scratch the screen. Even though the entire thing is only about .8 inches long, it wasn’t difficult for me to use (I have super small hands).

By the way, when in the audio jack you can still play music from your device’s built-in speakers.

For those who actively play drawing games like Draw Something, I give this little guy four out of four geek goggles (that’s my completely nonexistent grading scale).

If you’re in the market, the stylus is $9.99 for one or $15.99 for two (plus free shipping) and comes in black or silver.

What are you FAVES? Share them with me for future posts, right here.

Calling all Apple fanboys and girls! It’s pretty likely that the new MacBook Pro 2012 will be announced this June at WWDC. Want to be among the first to get one? There’s a giveaway for that.

I’m teaming up with the charming marketing wiz, Jason Sadler of @iwearyourshirt to give away the new MacBook Pro 2012 and spread the word about an online tool that will help to organize your life. It’s not too good to be true. It is true.

Jason and I are crazy inundated with emails, information, tasks and our personal lives — just like you. We teamed up to challenge one another to stop the insanity and get on track. Enter Tracky.

Tracky is a social collaboration platform and their online and mobile platform is, well, a game changer.

(I’m not the only one who thinks so. They just won first place for “best web app” at Future Insights Live, judged by super smart peeps like Jason Calacanis — @jason).

I’m constantly looking for better systems to get things done (GTD for the productivity enthusiasts out there). When CEO of Tracky, David Gosse (@davidgosse), demoed it for me, I was smitten. My reaction? This is project management for people who hate project management (or productivity apps, or simple to do lists, or whatever). Why? Because it’s not ONLY about a faster, simpler and mobile way of getting things done, it’s also about social collaboration – that is, finding people who are the best at what they do and being able to connect and collaborate with them. I need this to schedule my life, curate ideas and share information with my social circles and find other people I want to work with.

(We even used Tracky to plan this giveaway — down to the last, tiny detail.)

And now, that “little” giveaway I mentioned…

This giveaway will award a random participant with the nerdtasticness that is going to be the MacBook Pro 2012 AND it’s going to help Tracky get users, followers and spread the message of a better way to collaborate. Just enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below. The more actions you take, the more entries you get, increasing your chances of winning the MacBook Pro 2012.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway closes on May 23, 2012.

Not sure what to get your geeky mom for Mother’s Day? Pssst. It’s Sunday, May 13. Check out my personal recommendations and make sure you remain your mom’s FAVE child.

Who can go wrong with a pair of Tom’s, especially when you know someone else benefits, too? These Classic Mother’s Day Canvas shoes will remind Mom of your adoration for the next 365 days (and beyond).

Pretty sure your mom will geek out over this simple, classic “geek ring.” And, for $10 it won’t break the bank. Look at you being all thrifty and thoughtful at the same time.

For the mustachio-loving mama, here’s a fun pajama set from Top Shop. If you participate in Movember, you may want to purchase this for next year’s festivities.

Really want to go all out? Buy mom my FAVE music system from Sonos. If it’s her first Sonos don’t forget to buy a bridge (or it won’t work). This is the music system we use in the Evans household. Granted the nice folks at Sonos gifted us the speakers, we were fans long before.

What was once butt dialing (i.e. cell phone in your back pocket) has now become baby dialing. The Fisher Price iPhone case lets you hand over your phone without fear. Although I can’t personally attest to it, the makers say the case protects from dribbles, drips, drools and teething.  There’s also free learning apps to go along with the case. It’s a can’t lose gift idea.

Love that geek chic look but don’t want to break the bank? Warby Parker has you covered. Every pair is $95 — including prescription lenses. For every pair of glasses purchased, the philanthropic folks at Warby Parker donates a pair to someone in need. That makes me feel good.

Computer key letter “M” + necklace = happy momma! Love this. This very green gift is a recycled keyboard letter mounted on a piece of shiny glass. Points to you for being so creative.

Who doesn’t want an auto folding stroller? As long as there’s no chance it folds up with Baby K in it, I wouldn’t balk at this gift. It’s luxury meets convenience in all the right ways. You can buy the Origami Auto Power Folding Stroller from Think Geek.

Don’t forget a special card! We moms love that stuff. If you’re not one for the homemade kind, this one will do (and then some). The word “Mothers” is spelled out using periodic table tiles. Awe!

We’re back with ANOTHER awesome giveaway. This time my friends at Tracky and I are giving three (yes, three) pairs of geek chic Warby Parker glasses to three lucky people. Your choices include regular glasses, sunglasses and the oh so chic monocle.

The countdown is on. Tracky is about to launch its social collaboration software on March 27^th in Las Vegas. I’ll be there as an Advisory Board member, cheering them on. To celebrate with all my virtual friends we’re doing some geeky giveaways to promote the launch.

We still have the NEW iPad up for grabs and now we’re giving away my new FAVE glasses from Warby Parker.

Why do I care so much? Because I know that Tracky is going to be a game changer. Really. I wouldn’t put my name to it if I didn’t think so.

Tracky helps people and companies organize all of their to do’s, work projects and social connections in a single, easy-to-use dashboard – from planning a wedding to launching an international brand. They’ve put together the most popular types of productivity and collaboration tools into one (amazing) platform, including:

• To-do lists
• Shared calendars
• Live chat
• Task management
• Social accountability
• Cloud-based file sharing
• Community building

Where else can you work on a project with someone real-time, tweet a comment from the dialogue, check off a task list and add something to Outlook? The answer is NOWHERE, except for Tracky.

Thanks for letting me share my excitement with you. Now, how to win those goggles:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will award three random participants with three pairs of any combination of Warby Parker glasses. Plus it’s going to help Tracky get users, followers and spread the message of a better way to collaborate. The more actions you take, the more entries you get, increasing your chances of winning.

You can spend the rest of the day thinking about the three pairs you’ll select if you win!

Welcome to Tracky from Tracky on Vimeo.

Connect. Collaborate. Done. Welcome to Tracky.

Love that geek chic look but don’t want to break the bank? Warby Parker has you covered. Every pair is $95 — including prescription lenses. Seeing really IS believing.

The Tently is the pair I'm sporting these days.

Warby Parker was founded with a rebellious spirit and a lofty objective: to create boutique-quality, classically crafted eyewear at a revolutionary price point.

At $95 a pop you can’t find a close competitor with the same quality anywhere. Believe me. I’ve looked. Pun intended.

From Johnny Depp to Kanye West, the geek chic look continues to dominate the mainstream. As someone who has had to wear glasses since the second grade, I’m glad I can finally celebrate my near sightedness. The geek movement is on the rise and many are jumping on the bandwagon, even if they have perfect vision. Why? One of the reasons might be because wearing glasses can actually make us appear smarter. I need all the help I can get!

Eyeglass wearers look smarter and are more likely to find work, according to a study by the British College of Optometrists (via Daily Mail).

For those of us not genetically blessed to have a choice in the matter, finding new glasses is a time consuming activity. Year after year I visit my eye doctor where I try on countless pairs of glasses under harsh lighting and look at price tags in the hundreds. When I discovered Warby Parker online my life was changed (or at least my frames). Every pair of glasses, sunglasses (and their monocle) plus prescription lenses is $95 with free shipping and free returns (unless you have really bad vision like me and then there’s only an extra $30 to get special lenses). What do you get for that price? Some of the coolest designs I’ve seen.

The Owen should be a staple in any geek's collection

While they’re primarily sold online, there are a few retailers that sell these geeky goggles. If you’re nervous about ordering online, there are a few options for you. Upload a picture of yourself and check out their virtual try on function. Not good enough? They’ll even send you up to five pairs of glasses to try on at home for five days free. They even throw in a pre-paid return shipping label. Nice.

You know how I mentioned that a “for good” teaser in the headline? For every pair of glasses purchased, the philanthropic folks at Warby Parker donates a pair to someone in need. That makes me feel good.

Questions? Tweet them at @WarbyParker.

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Are you getting a pair? Tell us what kind in the comments.

Very soon those of us who live in colder climates will begin to crawl out of our winter enclosures and experience the thing known as spring. What better way to show off our skin than with some geeky T-shirts? I guess those of you who have regular exposure to warm weather and sunlight can play along, too. Enjoy these fashionable finds (selected by yours truly) to start the season off right.

Like a Boss T ($20)

Show off your Facebook love with the blue Like a Boss T.

Space Invaders Argyle ($24.50)

Who says dressing up needs to be difficult? This Space Invaders Argyle T works for me.

Either You Like Bacon Or You're Wrong ($19.95)

For my bacon lovers, the Either You Like Bacon or You’re Wrong T.

Cool Geek ($21)

If I had to describe you, FAVES reader, this would be it. Go Geek or go home!

#justsaying ($9.95)

If you’ve said it, you need this. Enjoy the #justsaying T.

Team Awesome ($17-20)

Don’t let the picture mislead you, it’s available in a lot of different colors and in women’s sizes, too. The truly Awesome T.

Geekling - Infant Creeper ($12.99)

You know I had to throw one in for the wee little one, right? The Geekling onesie is awesome and is very spring.

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You KNOW James Bond would have had these. Need I say more?

I guess I do if you’re still reading.

Order these Personalized QR Code Cufflinks before your special geek’s next black tie event or conference. Think “making a statement at SXSW” type of conference. You’ll be the toast of the digital town. Okay, you’re sold. Now what to put on them?

Pick a QR code that sends people to:

• A page with your contact information (or a snazzy digital business card)
• Take someone straight to a “like” button for your Facebook page
• Mobile friendly version of your website
• Landing page with “2 truths and lie” about you and your email address. Ask people to respond and start a conversation.

Geek chic

These cufflinks are custom made ($24) and Polina and Sergey can encode any text or numbers, quotes, active links and so on (up to 200 symbols). They can also create different QR code for each cufflink. Icing on the cake.

Calling all Apple fanboys and fangirls! If you’re using Google Chrome, there’s a plug in that changes the Google logo to Steve Jobs’ face. That is all.

BONUS! Here are three Steve Jobs themes for Chrome, too.

If you’re reading this post on a Saturday night (from an Apple product no less), then this is probably for you. I’m not implying those of us at our computers (or iPhones, iPads and the like) have no lives. In fact, I’m implying the opposite. Only the super hip can crush it day in and day out. However, even the hippest of the hip make mistakes. Now you can just grab your magic* command + z necklace and undo whatever it was that just happened in your life.

Thanks to Etsy shop owner, plastique this is now on my geekery wish list.

*This is not a magic necklace. Any implication to this necklace’s ability to magically undo decisions or actions in your life is meant as a joke. If you took that seriously you should probably go visit someone else’s blog. We’re all stocked up on crazy here. 

Have a FAVE you think I should feature? Email me at prsarahevans [at] gmail [dot] com.