You're gearing up for those New Years resolutions right? Probably the most common one is to lose weight, I know I've made that one a few times. Well with the Pact app, there's an incentive to stay on track...it pays you to meet your fitness goals! Pact App Screen (Photo: iTunes) The concept is pretty simple, you set weekly goals or pacts, that can be exercising or healthy eating, set what you pay out if you don't keep it. Sounds fair right? I think all of us could hit the gym a little harder if we knew there was money coming. There are 3 different types of pacts you can make, a gym pact, a food logging pact, or a veggie pact. Gym Pact This one is exactly what it sounds like, you commit to completing your exercises. 30 minutes of working out or 10,000 steps fulfills your pact for that day. Gym Pact Screen (Photo: PactApp.com) Food Logging Pact You log what you eat, it's that simple and if you're already a user of My Fitness Pal you'll be happy to know that the Pact App can connect to it! So this makes tracking and logging your food so much easier. Food Logging Screen (Photo: PactApp.com) Veggie Pact You commit to eating a certain amount of veggies each week. You have to take a picture and upload it to the app to have it verified by the community. Veggie Pact Screen (Photo: PactApp.com) The Pact App also connects to Map My Run, FitBit, Run Keeper and few other apps to help you track and log your fitness goals. Now it's not a ton of money but the idea is to not lose money by keeping your commitment, and then you earn money. You can also schedule breaks so you don't have to worry about being ruled by an app. The Pact App is available on both iOS and Android. Good luck with those resolutions! ~ChicDivaGeek

Stock Photo: Pexels There are so many people that are making careers or hobbies out of creating digital content such as vlogging, YouTube tutorials, and alot of time they are using other people's music as their soundtrack. Unless you're an artist this is the case, or your video may have no soundtrack at all. But what if there was a way for you to have unique royalty-free music for your video projects and you don't have to have sound engineering experience? Jukedeck is the answer to that! The website uses Artificial Intelligence to create each chord and note of your unique song. It literally only takes a few minutes! You tell it the style/genre of music you want, your choices are between Folk, Rock, Electronic, and Ambient. Next you can even customize the instruments based on which genre you chose, even play with the BPM (beats per minutes) and the tempo if you wish. Then hit create and tada! You've got your own music! Take a listen to the one I created here: ChicDivaGeek's Jukedeck song They named it Lyrical Regret (I chose rock and uplifting and this is what I got). Jukedeck Screen There was even an option to make it Christmassy..I mean it is the holiday season. For an individual or a small business (you have fewer than 10 employees), you can open a free account which gets you 5 free downloads a month. If you go over it's $6.99/download. Not quite a Fortune 500 company, then the Large Business option for $21.99 which allows for the royalty free license but covers your company as you have more than 10 employees. So go give it a try, I think I may make a few more songs lol, I could even have my own soundtrack! ~ChicDivaGeek

Photo: MOOS Kickstarter page How many times have you rolled over to charge your phone but you have to fumble around half-sleep to get the cable to plug it up? What if you could just lay it on the nightstand and that's that? Well what if I told you that by simply decorating the back of your phone with a sticker? If MOOS has it's way then that will be the norm.... MOOS is touted as the world's thinnest wireless charging sticker. You simply apply the sticker to the back of your phone and you've got wireless charging! And they come in so many different designs so they are both cutting edge technology and they look great! (I was going to go with cute, but guys may want this too and cute doesn't scream masculine). Currently this project is gaining backing on KickStarter, the stickers are going to be available for the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, as well as iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. gif from Kickstarter Since this works with QI wireless technology, it works with almost any wireless charging dock, including the IKEA furniture with the built in wireless charging capabilities. If you decide to back MOOS on Kickstarter for $39 you can get the charging set, which includes a MOOS sticker and a cardboard charger. Not bad, considering what you're getting, I know a lot of projects on Kickstarter that cost a lot more. I think I might even get behind this one, progressive technology that isn't going to hurt my wallet! sticker designs Photo: MOOS Kickstarter page ~ChicDivaGeek

Photo: Amazon.com Amazon is the place you can shop for just about anything...now allows you to dole out allowance as well. This feature which has been active for about 5 months, allows Amazon customers send one time transfers or recurring monthly, biweekly, weekly, or daily amounts to someone else. The funds are only allowed to be used on Amazon so it's like a re-loadable gift card. But you can literally buy almost anything on Amazon. Things to know about Amazon Allowance: Recipients who receive it must be age 13 and above. All you need is the recipient's email to send You can give Amazon Allowance to someone who doesn't have an Amazon account, they will be prompted to created one to claim the allowance. Pretty simple right? So you can let your kid go Christmas shopping online without the fear of them having credit card information and they can actually surprise you! ~ChicDivaGeek

Photo: Project Spark Blog Project Spark, Microsoft's software program that allows users to create and play their own games, is going full on free as of October 5th! Initially the software was just free to play, but now it will transition to a free and open creation platform. No extra content to pay for or purchases. Those that have purchased the retail version, in game content from the marketplace or in-game tokens on or after July 25, 2015, will receive Windows Store credit. The system will shift to it's new model on October 5th. It is available for XBOX One and Windows 8.1 later systems. Check out this cool program below, might even be a nice game to download for your technically inclined kid ;) They are designing their own games and playing them! (sorry Mac users, this one isn't for you) Check it out! http://welcome.projectspark.com/ ~ChicDivaGeek

Outside the Apple Event at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium This week has been insanely busy but I had to make sure my readers had all the latest information from Apple's huge September event this past Wednesday! Not gonna dance around too much there is plenty to get into! First up, Apple lead with the announcement of Watch OS 2 for Apple Watch. Notable features include the added Time Travel function which with a simple turn of the dial on the side you can view your day ahead (I know I know you thought you were going to be able to skip Mondays didn't you?) The Transit function that will be added to Maps, so you can better navigate when you travel down to the subway system in New York. Traveling internationally then you will love the iTranslate feature to help well what else translate. Did you know there are over 10,000 apps for the Apple Watch?? The feature that I found really awesome about the Apple Watch was the way it has been used to innovate the way doctors provide health care to their patients. Through the Airstrip application the doctor can have an expectant mother perform a test to check her heart rate and the baby while in the womb through sensors connected through the watch. How cool is that? NST Monitor on Apple Watch Photo: Apple Event screen Apple also announced that they will be partnering up with Hermes so now you've got the top tech and fashion on your wrist. Apple Watch Hermes will be available in select stores in October (this may be on your favorite celebrities and I'm sure it's going to show up on some fashionista's Christmas list. Apple Watch Hermes iPad Pro The expression bigger is better seems to be getting taken literally with Apple, they announced the new iPad Pro. It comes in at a whopping 12.9". That's a whole lot of screen and pixels, 5.6 million to be exact. Now even though it is bigger it's still quite light; it's only 6.9mm thick and weighs 1.57lbs. The size of the iPad Pro also allows for a full size virtual keyboard making it easier and more natural to type on. This device is out to replace your laptop and this geek is intrigued I love my iPad 2 (oldie but goodie hasn't failed me yet). iPad Pro Photo: Apple Event Apple Pencil You read that correctly there is a reason to get excited about pencils! No I am not talking about No. 2 pencils for school but the new Apple Pencil that was also announced. Designed to work with the iPad Pro I don't think I ever heard a room get quite as excited about a pencil. It's designed to enhance your experience with your iPad Pro so designers rejoice! The video and the way it works with Adobe components. Did I mention Adobe and Microsoft were at this event as well??? Shocking right? But makes all the sense in the world when you think about it. Each of these companies does something really well that the other can't. But back to the Apple Pencil retails for $99. Both the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil will be available in November (right in time for Christmas) Apple Pencil Photo: Apple Event Stream The announcement we all knew was coming....a new iPhone! For months there had been rumblings that a new iPhone was coming and Apple delivered, announcing the iPhone 6s/6s Plus! The latest addition to the iPhone family has improvements to both cameras, the back camera (iSight camera) can take 4k video and no more grainy selfies with the now 5 megapixel HD FaceTime camera! Now if I could just master the selfie itself lol. Also new is the ability to take Live Photos, meaning your pictures are like little gifs. The moments before and after a picture is taken and you can tap the photo enable live photos, now you've got sound and movement. These photos can also serve as your lock screen (bye bye flowers!) iPhone 6s has 3D touch allowing for gestures based on how hard or soft you touch your screen. Of course it will run iOS 9 (which is available on Wednesday September 16th to download look for that update icon in your settings). The new iPhone will also come in Rose Gold (put me down for one of those such a pretty color), Silver Space Grey and Gold. It is available for pre-order now and will be available September 25th. iPhone 6s/6s Plus iPhone family and pricing Not able to renew yet? Or can't justify the price Apple has an answer for that too. They also announced the iPhone Upgrade Program. You commit to 24 installment payments, you choose your carrier, but get this after 12 installments you can change phones, so no need to wait to upgrade. (I see what you did Apple) They want these in every hand!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cumpsut sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Nulla onsequat mas quis enim lore. Donec pede justo, fringilla vel, aliquet nec, vulputate eget. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit pernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores. I think careful cooking is love, don't you? The loveliest thing you can cook for someone who's close to you is about as nice a valentine as you can give. Rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer cidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus. Lorem ipsum. vitae dicta sunt. Instruction Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Beat brown sugar, white sugar, and butter together Stir flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder together Drop cookie dough by teaspoonful onto baking sheets. Bake in preheated oven until browned, 8 to 9 minutes. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit. Lorem ipsum dolor praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti. Rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer cidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cumpsut sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Nulla onsequat mas quis enim lore. Donec pede justo, fringilla vel, aliquet nec, vulputate eget. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit pernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores. I think careful cooking is love, don't you? The loveliest thing you can cook for someone who's close to you is about as nice a valentine as you can give. Rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer cidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus. Lorem ipsum. vitae dicta sunt. Instruction Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Beat brown sugar, white sugar, and butter together Stir flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder together Drop cookie dough by teaspoonful onto baking sheets. Bake in preheated oven until browned, 8 to 9 minutes. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit. Lorem ipsum dolor praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti. Rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer cidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus.

Photo: Simona Bonafini If you have any type of social media, you probably have used your phone to take a *gasp* selfie. Even people that don't use or take them know what they are. iOS 9 went as far as to integrate a folder just for your selfies into the Photos application. But let your imagination run away just for a bit and think what if your favorite Disney characters took selfies? Clearly they won't be using selfie sticks since Disney banned them from the parks. But Italian Artist, Simona Bonafini has a line of illutrations called SelfieFables that capture just that, your favorite Disney Characters taking the iconic selfie! Photo: Simona Bonafini Photo: Simona Bonafini Photo: Simona Bonafini Photo: Simona Bonafini Photo: Simona Bonafini Photo: Simona Bonafini Photo: Simona Bonafini Check out just a few of these that I LOVE!! Keep them coming Simona! Also she does commissioned pieces as well! Check out Simona's Tumblr page! Hope these brighten up your Friday! ~ChicDivaGeek

Me loving the moonroof on the Mazda 6 I am constantly on the go and last week was no different, well except I got to make all of my weekly routines in the 2016 Mazda 6!! When I first laid eyes on it I was like, "That's a Mazda??" I've seen the old Mazda 6's, 626's and I remember loving the Millenia (never ended up with one though). Mazda has really revamped their vehicles not only on the outside but the inside as well. I got to drive a Sonic Silver Metallic 2016 I Grand Touring edition of the Mazda 6, well you can obviously see it's silver but I wonder who names the shades for the car makers....but anyway let's get into the features! First off, can we talk about how gorgeous this car is? The body styling is great, it had full leather interior, now everyone doesn't like leather especially with the cold weather months, but it has seat warmers! Those definitely came in handy. The ride is extremely smooth and the speed acceleration with it's 4-cylinder Skyactiv engine is really good. The gas mileage was great too even with the speed! Now of course I was fascinated by all the technology packed inside, or as my son put it, "Mom look at all these buttons!!" As soon as you turn on the car, (did I mention that it's push-button start?) there touch screen panel in middle light's up and gives you access to navigation, Sirius XM, and other important settings in the car. Then right in your line of sight behind the steering wheel is a small screen that displays your speed (you really can't say you didn't know how fast you were going). In the middle console between the driver and passenger seats are controls so you don't have to fumble and reach for the touch screen while driving. Convenient and safe. In that same place is parking break...no that's not a typo, there is a small button to activate your parking brake! Touch screen panel Center Console Some of the safety features include the blind spot monitoring system, which will beep and also flash an indicator on your side mirrors when other vehicles are detected beside you. Also notable is the Lane departure warning system, it let's you know when you are drifting into another lane, it sounds like when you hit the rumble strips on the shoulder on the highway. It even has rain sensing windshield wipers. How cool is that, even though driving in the rain without them is silly. And although this may sound silly, my absolute favorite feature on this vehicle (besides the XM radio and push-button start) was the power moonroof! I loved being able to enjoy the air without it being in my face and drowning my music. Honestly, if I didn't already have a vehicle I would look at Mazda 6, I'm a Nissan Gal. But for the model I drove the MSRP is just a little over $33,000 which isn't that bad. Mazda has really stepped their game up! They are also promoting the Mazda Drive 4 Good campaign and gave me a $25 gift card to use to donate to the charitable organization of my choice! I chose Safe Shores DC's Children's Advocacy Center. *Disclosure: Product or service was provided for free or at reduced cost in exchange for my review, opinions are my own* ~ChicDivaGeek

Photo: ShadeScout You ever see a that perfect shade of red or pink and think this would be perfect but struggle to find it in an actual cosmetic store? Well thanks to ShadeScout you can! This handy app let's you take the color inspiration you find in everyday life and helps you find the makeup to match it. You use the app to take a picture of that perfect color, then you let ShadeScout Makeup color app search through it's database of products from over 40 major cosmetic brands to find it or what most closely matches it. Another awesome feature of the app is it allows for virtual makeovers in the app! So you can apply the colors to see how they will look on you before you go all the way to the store just to realize that you love the color just not on you. It covers the range of makeup products eye-shadow, lipstick, lip gloss, blush, foundation and more. Even better, you don't have to leave the app to purchase it, there's a built-in purchase option! Scout Makeup Color Search App (photo: ShadeScout) Scout Makeup Color Search App (photo: ShadeScout) Virtually try on the makeup from your favorite brands (photo: ShadeScout) But guess what? ShadeScout also has an app to help you find the perfect nail polish color to match as well! ShadeScout Nails will help you match that subtle hint of blue or teal in your shirt to your nails! And just like the makeup app you can try out the polish virtually as well and purchase right from inside the app! ShadeScout nails app (photo: iTunes) ShadeScout nails app (photo: iTunes) ShadeScout makeup is available for Android (no word on when Nails app will be available) while both the ShadeScout Makeup and Nails are available for iPhone so what are you waiting for, go check them out! You can even post and share your virtual looks to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

Photo: Shutterstock You hear that? *cues up Christmas music* Well if you have that one station that I know every area has, that plays Christmas music all day every day starting well before Thanskgiving, then you hear it. If you been into stores lately then you see the onslaught of Christmas decorations already front and center. So now comes the part of figuring out what to get everyone on your list, kids are usually pretty good about telling you or making a list of what they want. But what do you get for the geek in your life? I've got a few suggestions...... Tablet- If they don't already have one and they are into gadgets, it's a great gift and they'll get alot of use out of it. Now I know you're thinking if they have a computer or a smartphone, why do they need a tablet? Well it's more portable and I know for me when traveling much easier to just take a tablet to read my books, play a few games on. Oh and Amazon's Kindle Fire tablet is retailing for $49.99 now so you don't have to break the bank! Kindle Fire Photo: Amazon.com Media Streaming Device - Got a Netflix, Hulu, Pandora or any other movie/music subscription? Well we all know with Smart TVs allow for you to connect these accounts to the TV so you can access your favorite media but what if you don't have a Smart TV? I don't so last year I got received a Chromecast as a gift. It's only $35 and I can stream Netflix to my TV, as well as other media right from my phone or iPad! They are always adding apps to expand the capabilities of this handy little device. There is also the Amazon Fire Stick which also allows for streaming of Amazon Video, Hulu, Netflix, HBONow and more! It retails for $39.99. There is also the Roku, which precedes the other two devices and has been through a few incarnations and also has a few incarnations such as the original Roku 1 Player (which can connect to an older TV through the AV connection or HDMI). Like the other two it also has the Roku stick that works with the HDMI port on newer TVs. The Roku products start at $49.99. Streaming devices (l-r: Chromecast, FireStick, Roku Stick, Roku 1) Gift Cards- I know this one wasn't really a secret or something hard to figure out. When in doubt a gift card will always make a great gift. But if it's for a techie, try an iTunes, Amazon, or a Visa/MasterCard so that they can use to indulge in whatever gadgets they please! Almost forgot, if you're still not sure, check out www.thinkgeek.com for gift ideas as well! Hope this short list was a little helpful for you and I'll be adding and sharing more of my gift insights soon! ~ChicDivaGeek