No news yet...and we've gone to the dogs!

Ok...Does Daisy not look like she is smiling??

No news yet on our app, Bedtime Bunny Tales but we decided to forget about it. Not really...but there is nothing we can do. I called Apple again yesterday...the company has one number you can call and they have no other numbers to any other department. Interesting...

So, we thought we could take out the remote reader and then re-submit the app but then we would be losing a really important part of the whole experience or we could sit tight. At this point it makes no sense to re-submit...at least not now. We are going to a big conference next week called BlogHer. It's a gathering of thousands of female bloggers who want to learn more about the business of blogging, writing and networking. We planned to have BTBT ready for the conference so we could promote it and that might still happen...I'm not ruling it out, but re-submitting now means we definitely would NOT have it, so we'll pray instead.

Like I mentioned before...I've been cleaning the rental while we wait on approval. It's been good-keeps me from being obsessive about being on the computer checking for a message from the powers that be. Oh...and I haven't forgotten about the advice I mentioned about caulking...I'll get back with you on that...it makes everything new again!! Ha!

As you may have gathered from reading my posts...we are animal lovers...and our little ladies are two of our favorite doggies in the world. We caught Daisy dozing last night and couldn't help but to take this pic...she's sleep flying.

Life's ups and downs...in a minute your life can change.

Ok...I'm being a little philosophical but my life changed, or at least my mood changed in the click of a mouse.

So, I'm sure you are now all aware that we are waiting for Apple to re-approve our app for kids, Bedtime Bunny Tales and the waiting game is killing me. I have to admit, I've been kinda in a daze...confused, bewildered, downright mad and a little down in the dumps. All of this work and Apple says it doesn't fit their guidelines!! Ughhh. I finally received an email yesterday saying they would call us within 24 hrs. No call yet! Anyway...back to the mood changing event...

I go to our Apple Account and change a few things...updating our profile, etc. Then I go to manage our sales. Remember when we first released our game Hop 2 It and I was so excited...checking the downloads...where they were from and how many? I couldn't wait to wake up and go see what was going on but after a couple months sales really slow down...and I slacked on visiting the site. Well, today, I stumbled upon the numbers and wow! Someone is talking about us! We had almost 500 downloads yesterday and almost 200 the day before. This was quite significant and now I need to find out who's talking about us...because, it certainly hasn't been me. Like I said, I haven't been super excited...kinda bummed but thank God!

Now, back to you. Sometimes we all need to encourage one another. Here lately Sam's been my encourager and I soooo appreciate it. We often use the example of American Idol when we talk about how your life can change in an instant. Could you imagine going from working at a video store to being on the cover of Rolling Stone? Yeah, that's quite the scenario, but all it takes is one right move. Today...I needed a little push, something to get me going again...hopefully, you too will know,that your situation can change in a blink of an eye. Here's a little inspiration from Oprah...

The waiting game...and how to clean a stove!!

If you know me...patience isn't one of my virtues. I wish it was...and I can say I do have more patience than I used to...but, is that saying much?

So, we still haven't gotten a call from Apple about our app for kids, Bedtime Bunny Tales. We found another app using the exact same technology in the exact same way we are using it...so we have a legitimate argument. I have so many things to do, but with this in limbo it makes me feel like doing nothing!!

I do have something to keep my mind off waiting around. We are preparing the other side of our duplex here in CA, to be rented. The former tenants moved on Saturday, so it gives us plenty of time to clean, paint, fix and generally "doll up" the place. I love it when it's empty...I don't know why.


I love to clean...if I'm in the mood. I love the immediate gratification of cleaning woodwork...in one second it is grimy, n an instant-it's shiny! I must say...I don't have as much to clean as I usually do. These tenants were great...but I always clean the stove top thoroughly...because I have a secret. A secret grease cutting formula that will literally change your life. First of all...I have to tell you, I doubt if it's a good thing to use. It's probably toxic, but boy does it work.

2 years ago I was left with a stove top that was caked in some kind of grease. I don't know what she used to cook, but it must of been bad. Anyway...there was nothing I could do to get it clean...then I called my 70 something...year old aunt...her name is Lee.
She told me to put everything off the stove in a trash bag then pour ammonia in the bag and seal. A couple hours later...the grease was gone. I'm not talking a little gone...it had evaporated! Oh My Goodness...what happened to it? Anyway, I used my gloves to remove the very clean items from the bag then I sprayed them off with a garden hose, placed them in their correct positions and voila...instant shine!
Boy oh boy...was I happy! So...just yesterday I did the same.

So...while we wait to hear our fate from Apple...I'll continue to clean...maybe keep my mind off it. Tomorrow I'll tell you all about one of my favorite tools. The caulking gun...it too will change your life (ok...I've been using that phrase loosely but caulking does make things look pretty)!



It's a good feeling when you accomplish something...even if it's a little grimy.

Bad News for our Good Technology!

Well...I am hoping...as I type that the folks at Apple will give us another look. Yesterday we received the really bad news that our app for kids...our eBook, Bedtime Bunny Tales was rejected. That sounds terrible...and it is, but we can re-submit. The problem...they want us to take out the technology that allows for remote reading. I've talked about this before, but that's the thing that allows you to read and interact with your child even when you are thousands of miles away.

The reviewers said it doesn't meet the game center technology requirements. I sent them an email...pretty much begging them to call us so we could explain how it works and how we should be able to keep it. This technology not only makes it so you can connect from long distances...it also allows parents who have kids with autism, experience reading along with their child.

Please send up a prayer...and if you know someone at Apple, that wouldn't hurt either.

It's Hot...everywhere but here.

What do people talk about when they have nothing else on their mind but how terribly hot it is...ice cream. Nah...they talk about the heat. I'm from Ohio...so I hear about the weather from my mom and dad, sister and see posts on Facebook. I hate to say it...but it isn't hot here in Los Angeles. We live about 20 minutes from the beach...so it never gets super hot. I take that back...once every blue moon, we have a heat wave, but they don't last long. This morning I decided I was going to the beach...Venice beach to be exact and if you've never been there it's quite the experience.


If you've never lived here...or visited, you may have some misconceptions. The song..."It never rains in southern California", well, that's not completely true. It rains in the winter...not a lot, but we do get a little. Oh, and there's this thing called June Gloom. I hate it. We have a lot of grey mornings...and sometimes the gloom sticks around all day...and I hate grey, rainy days-just not my thing. But today, it was beautiful and I took a dip in the water.



If you prefer the heat...just take a trip over the "hill". The "hill" as we like to call it, is the Santa Monica Mountains and it separates the west side, downtown, the beach, etc...from the valley-Aka-Burbank, Studio City,Glendale, etc. Remember "like...gag me with a spoon"? If you don't remember...I'm showing my age, but if you do...the girls referred to as "the valley girls", live over the mountains...in the area I just described. Anyway...back to the heat. My friend traveled from Studio City last night to Beverly Hills and it dropped 29 degrees!!! That isn't typical...it's usually about a 15 degree difference...but whoa!! That's a lot!

I'm late with my post today. We got some bad news...but I'll expound on that tomorrow. Hope you're chillin'...

From an idea to an App-transformations of all kinds

As I mentioned yesterday...we finished our app-Bedtime Bunny Tales!! It is being reviewed as we speak...but I just can't believe our first eBook is finished...whew! I feel like I need to reflect a bit...so here goes!

It has been such a long process. Three years ago Sam started his business and was taking on clients, building 3-D images and developing art work for many different companies, both large and small. In his spare time, he was working on BTBT's and we would have fun dreaming of what shape it would take. One day Sam saw a three year old at Best Buy playing on an iPad, swiping away! That day is when he said...we're going to make this thing into an app! I had no idea what he was talking about...but I went with it! Here's our latest and greatest...I think, Icon...

We started off with Hop 2 it...our counting game, as more of a trial than anything. A couple days after it was released I got a couple calls and emails from friends and strangers who said their cousin, nephew, friend, etc...who had autism, loved the app. Autism? I had no idea. Come to find out apps are great for those with developmental challenges. I guess it makes since-it engages you like nothing I've ever experienced. It's like you're watching a movie...but you're also a character in that movie and you can make things happen with just a tap or swipe.

One of the things I am so excited about is the remote reader. I know I've mentioned this before but...oooohhhhh, it is cool. You can literally interact with whomever is on the other end. You're on business and the little one needs to be tucked in...no problem. You can read to them as well as interact...kinda Jetson like. I just can't wait for you to experience it!

Oh...and I mentioned Android...wanted all of you to know,we're working on it! Everything we develop for the iPad...we're working on for all the other tablets. We'll let you know when!

So...in the spirit of transformation...from an idea...to an app, from an iPad app to an Android app, I'm going to give you something very tangible. When we were searching for some images to review we came across pictures of the house we bought here in Los Angeles, seven years ago. Talk about a change. I couldn't believe it myself. We were working and renovating at the same time...but I wouldn't change a thing. We did it all by ourselves...and a couple handy guys and it makes all the blood, sweat and tears worth it. Now...Here's to your awesome transformation...whether it's still in the "dream" stage or you're already pursuing it...keep at it! We're here for ya!

Jack Black, his kids and a festival.

This was a busy weekend. First and most importantly...we finished our app for kids...Bedtime Bunny Tales. The eBook is now in the hands of Apple. Let's hope for a speedy review!

Saturday we went to a food festival across the street from our house at the Helms Bakery. I'm sure all of you heard about the ridiculous closing of one of our highways that led to sheer panic...they deemed it Carmagaedon. News flash-it wasn't the end of the world...but it was convenient that our Saturday afternoon entertainment did not involve getting into the car! And if you aren't familiar with California...there are lots of farms, gardens and such...not just celebrities and fancy boutiques...this little party kinda reminded me of a county fair.









Now...fast forward to Sunday. We went from a down on the farm kind of day to an amazingly beautiful, upscale kind of lounging ocean side day! Last year...before coming to work with my husband at Home Grown Apps I was the personal assistant to a lady living in Montecito, CA. Montecito is the Beverly Hills of Santa Barbara. It's about 2 hrs. north of L.A. and it's one of the most beautiful places on earth. Yesterday we met her and her fiance at the Casion Royale...the private club at the Biltmore. No...we aren't members, but it's kinda fun to hang out with someone who is! Anyway...we had a great lunch and talked through the day as we watched the waves crash upon the shore. In between laughs and lots of chats, Sam recognized one of my very favorite comedians...Jack Black. There he was in all his glory...shirtless, holding one of his kids. He looked like a pretty engaged dad-and even took the baby out of the restaurant when he/she started to cry. Sam gave him our card. He said he grumbled something but he took it and I watched him look at it ( I thought that was better than throwing it in the trash!). You would think I would have taken some really beautiful pics...but the only one we managed to get is driving up the PCH...sorry, bad...bad photographer!! Ha! I guess you'll just have to come visit us and see for yourself!

Blogs that I love...and hope you love too!

First of all, let me thank you for your support! Yesterday we ran our promo whttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifith freebies 4 mom and it was a huge success. If you downloaded our latest game...http://tinyurl.com/3jf4btx and you liked it...please give us a review on iTunes! Thanks in advance!!

Now onto the bloggers I follow and why. Well, when starting Home Grown Apps I had no idea of how much research I'd be doing. I've read so many blogs I couldn't begin to tell you everything about all of them! Now I know that bloggers are a vital part of marketing...but they can also keep you distracted all day from your work!!! Here are some of my faves;


http://www.younghouselove.com/

If you'll notice...in the right hand corner it says "Before". This site is authored by a young couple who bought an old house, then another...and they take you through the process of how they renovated both. They call themselves DIY Dorks. I like them.

Next up is

http://sweetteadarlin.blogspot.com/p/about-author.htmlhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif This blog is written by a sassy young thing from my little ol' hometown of Washington Court House, Ohio. She chronicles her journey from her home...to KY to Alabama, with charm wit and a little sweetness! She's a gem, check it out.


My newest addiction is http://www.houzz.com
If you are noticing a pattern...you are correct-I like real estate...and I love lots of pictures. This site will give you more ideas than you can handle and is chock full of lots and lots of gorgeous pics!

modern spaces design by new york architect Robert Young Architects

I could go on and on...but I'm going to stop there for today but before I leave you I want to make a confession. I started writing about the murder of the little boy in Brooklyn, but I couldn't do it. It's a terrible story and I can't bare to think of it anymore...please keep his family in your prayers.

Only fun-free stuff today!

Ok...we've partnered again with Freebies 4 Mom and we're giving away our Hop 2 It-ABC's game! It's very similar to our first, it has the same cute bunny but Sam really jazzed up the scenery! Also...you can pick how fast the letters come at you! Go here for your freebie

http://freebies4mom.com/2011/07/13/free-itunes-app-hop-2-it-abcs-wednesday-only/



Download the free Hop 2 It ABCs on iTunes *Wednesday Only* (or Hop 2 It ABCs HD for iPads) for your kids to practice the alphabet. It’s available for free Wednesday only! Your child helps Twinkles, a cute bunny, hop over letters as they say the alphabet from A to Z in a magical forest. You can also adjust the speed. It’s a great educational game for letter recognition and eye/hand coordination. Be sure to download it now for $0.00 before it returns to the normal price of $0.99 after Wednesday, July 13.


And I had to post this...it is too funny! This was probably me when I was a toddler. My sister always makes fun of me because I can be talking to you...and all of the sudden...I've dosed off. I know...I know, that isn't right-I have a tiny bit of sleep apnea but I can't wear that pesky ol' mask! Anyway...happy freebie day!!

The Bachelorette, single moms...and iPads.

I always have to throw in the iPad thing...huh? Well...since we are developing apps for kids I figure I need to at least mention it!

Seriously...technology isn't reserved for just one topic or one segment of our population-who doesn't go online for almost everything? From television to games to education, religion and "what not to wear", the tablet or p.c. is the first choice for most of us.

So...when it comes to dating...does technology play a part in your quest for love? Would you go on a dating show with or without kids and how would having a child effect your dating decisions? Would you sign up for a dating account online...like eHarmony?

I hate to admit it...but I'm a sucker for just about any dating show. Anyone a Bachelorette fan? Did you watch last night? If you didn't...I'll elaborate just a bit. The Bachelorette voted off a really nice guy...and I almost cried. He was a little annoying...but seemed genuine and was open about how he wanted to get married. He's the second guy in the video...


I thought Ryan was endearing...and that same sentiment was one of the reasons I think I fell in love with my husband (But remember...I don't know if this guys is the real deal-just my perception). I remember meeting Sam and he said he had been praying for a wife for years. Wow! Really? I couldn't believe he was so open and I loved his sincerity. Almost 12 years later...we are still together and I love him more now than I did when I first met him! But I digress...back to important things like television dating!

The second half of the show was dedicated to interviewing the last contestant on the Bachelor. She was a favorite...but alas, she and the guy who chose her are no longer together. She is a single mom and was going to uproot her daughter and move to be near him. She says she loves him still...but personally, I think she was really concerned more about her daughter and just couldn't wrap her mind around moving for a man that she wasn't sure about marrying. I applaud her for that...

A good buddy of mine...Christian Anderson is tackling those same topics. He is a former Home Shopping Network Host and has appeared in many different sitcoms, sports shows, etc...but his latest endeavor is a show about dating. Before you say anything...I know Christian and he's sincere. He's been doing a lot of research and I think he's on to something.

Now you too can get the scoop from a genuinely nice guy who wants to help all of you single ladies...with or without kids find the man of your dreams...or just someone who will pick up his socks from the floor (if that's what you are looking for...). Take a look at the video-maybe you'll recognize him then check out his website http://www.letstalkdatingonline.com/

William and Kate in my hood!

The British are coming...the British are coming! For some reason...anything and everything English keeps popping up all around me....and this last weekend was no exception.

So...I was driving to Marina Del Rey yesterday afternoon to meet my very good friend, Shawnee...a sorority sister from college and I was stopped by a small traffic jam. Traffic isn't any big surprise, but I wasn't on the freeway, I was just in my little neighborhood. Low and behold it was Kate and William leaving Sony Studios (exactly one mile from our house)! They attended a veterans hiring expo on the Sony Lot. I appreciate their interest in our vets!!

This morning I go online and Victoria Beckham is all over the place with pictures of her new dog and her sunbathing while preggers! Darling photos...but more Brits! And it doesn't stop there...

I seem to be surrounded by the English...and everything pointing to England.

First of all we attend an Anglican Church (Episcopal), the lady for whom I worked last year is from England. The man we hired to voice Grandpa Bunny in our eBook is English along with the narrator and we are visiting London (for the first time) next month!!

Oh...and I can't forget the 4th of July...the day we remember our independence from England!!

Anyway...what does all this mean? I have no idea!!

This week is a busy one for us. We are suppose to get the final version of Bedtime Bunny Tales back from the programmers tomorrow...then we'll send it to Apple for approval. We are thinking of shooting a commercial-maybe 15 seconds showing how the remote reader option works. We'll see if we have the time and resources...

Hope you have an amazing week...here's to Monday and the Brits!

Jaycee Dugard Interview: Diane Sawyer Speaks Candidly With Survivor

I just watched a heart wrenching piece on Jaycee Dugard, the now 30 year old that was abducted from her own school bus stop when she was 11.

I don't know if you remember the story, but Diane Sawyer interviewed her recently about how she was raped and imprisoned for eighteen years by a known sex offender. Dugard was finally rescued in 2009 and is telling her story. Here's a clip about how she gave birth alone.



So...this story is horrifying but how Jaycee is coping with it is remarkable. Sawyer says she is matter a fact about all of the things that happened to her and refuses to let her abductor get the best of her. It is a life lesson for all of us. I feel like I would just sit and cry...but I hope I would react the way she is, tough-assertive and ready to live her life.

I think if we ponder her story a bit it can give us all the courage to step out and do something we may either be afraid of doing...or what we've always thought we wanted to do. When I think of all she endured...starting a business seems trivial. I mean, I write and ramble about things in Los Angeles or us having problems with a programmer or whatever...and she was just trying to stay alive. I think it's about perspective and it's always good to get a little perspective. So if you're having a bad day....or things just aren't going your way-try and look at it from a global vantage point.

I'm not saying how you're feeling isn't valid. Your emotions are valid, regardless of circumstances. My husband taught me that...and I love him for it. If you're confused by that, let me explain. Just because the cares you have aren't steeped in tragedy doesn't mean the way you feel about them isn't important. We can't help the way we feel, so own your feelings, deal with your problems and don't be too hard on yourself!

Right now we're really trying to finish up our eBook, Bedtime Bunny Tales in time to have it ready for the BlogHer Conference. Like I said, it isn't a tragedy but it would really help us to spread the word if it was actually finished. We got it back from the programmers last night and it looks amazing. There were a lot of grammatical errors but the functionality was spot on. I wish you could see it!

So...whether it be a life or death issue...or just a computer glitch, whatever you are struggling through today...keep your chin up-we're all in this together.

Until next time.

Casey Anthony...Not Guilty of Murder

A murder case is a far cry from building apps for kids...but I couldn't resist writing about the verdict.

As I logged onto Facebook everyone was talking about Casey Anthony...I couldn't recall the name, so I google'd (of course) and there she was...the accused killer of her own two year old daughter, Caylee.

It's a gruesome tale...I can hardly type it...let alone think about it, but it is something that must be addressed. First of all...she was found not guilty...a hard pill for anyone to swallow, including me.

The body of the toddler was found in a wooded area near the Anthony home...six months after she was reportedly missing. Anthony claims her daughter, Caylee, accidentally drowned, she was afraid, so she disposed of her body. The strange thing about it...the girl was found with duct tape over her mouth?

I've read a lot of opinions on whether she is guilty or innocent...but what in the world was this 20-something thinking? Regardless of whether she killed her own daughter is one thing...but the entire story wreaks of something sinister. How was Casey Anthony raised? Did she not have any morals, values or even a conscience? How do we begin to unravel her thought process...whether it be murder, the cover-up or the lack of sincere grief she so evidently does not possess?

Instilling values in our children is of the utmost importance...especially today with such immediate access to anything and everything online. Choose wisely, pay attention to what your children are doing and watching- and give them lots of love...hopefully that will inspire them to live a life worth living and passing down to the next generation.

All my Children...Susan Lucci and my friend.

In an era of iPads, smart phones, smart this...smart that-the age old daytime soap just can't keep up with technology or just can't keep up with the new-average American television watcher.

Today ABC announced the final episode of the Daytime Emmy Award-winning drama series, “All My Children,” will air on Friday, September 23. The iconic series will end in a manner that respects the show’s legacy and honors its history. Many former cast members including Josh Duhamel will make an appearance.

I've gotta mention Susan Lucci...for a couple reasons. First of all, my good friend, Roshelle Pattison Baier, here in Hollywood has been working as her double for the past several months. She said Susan is sweet, beautiful and in very good shape. She said it has been such a great experience working with Susan and that she's now ready for her own soap(ok, we said that but...she is ready for her own show!). My hubby and I have pegged her as the next Jennifer Aniston...I digress.

Susan...is an institution. She's been on that show for years...and we're guessing she's going to land another huge show-she's got to. How many of our mom's have been watching All My Children for the past 20 years? I have to admit-we watched the CBS soaps...As the World Turns, Guiding Light...etc. but Susan...she can't quit now-her loyal followers would revolt.

Now, back to technology, apps, etc. Sounds like a boring topic after jabbering about stars...and soon to be stars...but it's the future man...

We're building an app for kids...but how long will it take before someone builds an app for adults that's like a soap? What about an interactive-desperate housewives meets Housewives of Atlanta? Oh MY Goodness!!

Ok...hope all of you have a wonderful fourth of July...oh, almost forgot! We just sent our second app for toddlers to Apple for approval. If you've downloaded Hop 2 It already...you're familiar with Twinkles. Well...this time, Twinkles is learning her ABC's. Awesome.