Canadians have been waiting for this for a while- the very popular Roku Streaming Player from Netgear will be available for sale April 30, 2012.
You wil be able to buy Roku 2 XS – Canadian Version and Roku 2 XD . The main doifferecne between the two is the Roku 2 XS has an ethernet and usb port and an “enhanced” remote.

The device is very similar to WDTV Live. You can access services like Netflix with built in wireless adapter as well as watch live sports, NHL, MLS, UFC, MLB with paid subscription. Roku Streaming Player does stream in 1080p HD.

You can watch US Netflix with Canadian netflix account using US proxy .
Visit How to Set Up US Netflix account in Canada- How to Watch US Netflix in Canada for detailed setup instructions- which are actually quite easy.
The same trick to watch both US and Canadian netflix can also be done if you buy Roku 2 XS
which has an ethernet port.

When you have your wireless router set up with US proxy connect ethernet cable to MODEM and you will get Canadian netflix. To watch US Netflix connet cable to ROUTER with cable or use wirelessly. This same trick also works with PS3.

Tip for Setting Up Your File Sharing with WDTV
Here is a tip before you set up- Bring your WDTV live and hook it up near the computer you want to stream from. This saves time running back and forth.
I had to run up and down stairs to reboot and check if latest changed worked- thinking this would be fixed quickly. I ended up saving lots of time by bringing downstairs and setting up first before putting in its permanent spot.

I had been hemming an hawing about getting a Western Digital WD TV Live Plus for a while. I had been wavering between that and Roku 2 XD Streaming Player 1080p. The Roku not available in Canada and with my luck would be broken and then I would have deal with returning, etc. Costco has been carrying the WDTV Live Plus ( Plus just means built in wireless) for a while and they have fantastic return policy so I pretty much buy electronics there exclusively.

I ALMOST took plunge and bought Apple TV this week after release of Apple TV 3 and the Apple TV 2 ( refurbished) versions reduced to 79.00. Then I gave my head a shake when I realized I would have yet another device that had me interact with iTunes. No Thanks.

Video Tutorial Setting Up File Sharing for Windows 7 and WDTV Live

We have been watching Netflix ( read my article,How to Set Up US Netflix account in Canada- How to Watch US Netflix in Canada ) on PS3 and Wii. The Wii didn’t really suit my needs. Yet another remote- and Wii wont work with my Harmony remotes. The picture quality on Wii with composite cables was not horrible but not fantastic. No HD on the Wii.

I can tell you the Netflix quality through the WDTV Live was stellar. This is also using crappy 4MB DSL AND wirelessly AND router in basement and WDTV Live unit in my bedroom 3 floors up. So pretty impressed.

I am also tired of copy files to a dvd disc or thumb drive and thought of accessing all my media files, music, movies, etc from my main computer VERY appealing. I haven’t pursued it yet because I have such terrible bandwidth. All this changes at the end of the week- I am finally able to upgrade to 16MB DSL. But that’s another post.

I was mildly intimated about setting up network sharing for my files. Really I should have been HUGELY intimated. It was a nightmare. The issue was not the WDTV live but Windows 7. So beyond counter intuitive and un-user friendly I cannot believe it. As I mentioned before I work in IT so thought this would be fairly easy… all I would have to do is follow instructions. HA.

I do apologize for the whining- still ticked that I had a “lost” weekend ” setting up. I did get it working and had I had this info laid out for in in first place set up would have been a few minutes and not the hours I spent.

The video covers it all. Basically in my how to video Set Up WDTV Live and Live Plus File Sharing with Windows 7 I show you how to set up your network in Windows 7, set up security of your shared files and the setting for sharing files.
Biggest mistakes I made and from my reading what others also do… :
1) You need to set up on home network
2) Turn OFF media sharing in your network
3) Incorrect security and share settings on the folders you want to share.

Check out the video- its fairly short and covers everything.

Also- I had a moment where I wanted to give up. I just used the PS3 media sever and worked properly in MINUTES.
I couldn’t stand not being able to solve the puzzle of getting file sharing to work with WDTV and Windows 7. Sooooo I persevered and got Windows 7 to work with the WDTV finally- but if you are really frustrated and just want it to work- give the PS3 server a try.

Most Popular Nintendo DS and DSi Games for Girls ( 8,9,10,11,12 years old)

I do find that the video games that girls are drawn to are much different then ones for boys. Girls tend to like “creating” and nurturing rather than destroying and smashing.. this is generalizing and you child may not fit this stereotype at all- so hopefully I am not offending anyone!
I have found that both boys AND girls like to do problem solving and puzzle games.
I started this list about 6 years ago and have been constantly updating ever since. I have 2 kids and belong to several homeschooling groups- and I am always keeping an eye and ear out for the best Nintendo DS and DSi video games for girls and boys. In this list I have concentrated on best ds games for girls in the 8,9,20,11, 12 year old range. I can help you decide on what best game to buy.

What are the Best Nintendo DS and DSi Video Games for Girls ( 8-12 years old) ?

There are a whole slew of taking care of animals and creature games- some of them done well and some not. I have tried to list the best Nintendo DS games for girls that I have found to have good play value for the money and not just a gimmick. In particular I often mention the Professor Layton series of Nintendo DS games- these are top notch and for me represent the best of the best when it comes to DS games for kids.

Newest Professor Layton,
Yay! Finally another Professor Layton DS game! Professor Layton and the Last Specter is just out. I cant recommend this series high enough. No violence, requires some reading and LOTS of problem solving and riddles. This is a great DS game for boys and girls and lots of play value. Would not hesitate to buy.

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box Second part of the Professor Layton trilogy . This series is to me what videos are what parents think they should be . Both this and the first one ( below) are perfect for long car rides, school bus rides in the morning, orthodontist waiting rooms and and just plain puzzle fun.

My daughter (12) LOVES these. We got this- Professor Layton and the Curious Villagethe first in the Professor Layton series first one in the series on a long drive back from Florida and my daughter, then 10 was riveted by it. I think, she played it for about 7 hours straight. We both had a lot of fun together trying to figure out the brain teaser like puzzles and it was a real bonding experience.
This became our standard birthday gift and I can’t recommend strongly enough. The second on is Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box, third is Professor Layton and the Unwound Future and most recent Professor Layton and the Last Specter. I highly recommend all of them.

Super Scribblenauts TONS of fun. Lots of puzzles and action in the clever game.
New Super Mario Bros.. This was also HUGE hit, and alot of play value. Excellent game for boys and girls.

Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals is just out. Part of the the HUGELY popular Zoo Hospital series. This time you are take care of and save endangered series. This is a video game that appeals to both younger and older girls but does requite reading skills.

Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling AdventureThis is my new FAVORITE game. I was a huge fan of Professor Layton and the Curious Village and Henry Hatsworth ranks right up there for me- and my kids. I think that this especially appeals to boys because their is more “action” along with puzzles. I bit more action in this then the Professor Layton series if you think you want to kick things up a notch. Don’t hesitate to buy if you are looking for a good Nintendo DS game to buy for a girl.

Animal Planet: Emergency Vets what more do you want for e little girl? Sick animals and you get to fix them . The craze for girls and animal pet vet type games never seems to end or get old. Anything with sick and or baby animals will be a hit. This is release from Animal Planet series and you start off as a “beginning” vet. This Pet Vet game is bit better then the average “Petz” type video game and better story and play value than most of the deluge of pet related Nintendo DS games.

A Nintendo DS game for older girls is Spore Creatures a spinoff of the Spore PC game. It was designed by the makers of Sims 2 PC and hugely popular. Spore is extremely well done. This is a surefire hit for both girls and boys and lots of play value. This is a little bit older release from 2008 but don’t let that stop you from buying- it is top notch and a superior game, Lots of critical thinking involved and a game that will be played an played. Buy this instead of the usual Cooking/Figure Skating/Baby Sitting type game.

The Imagine Seriesof video games is specifically aimed at girls and range from downlright dumb to pretty good. I’ve listed the ones below that I thought were worth a look.

Imagine Teacher made by the same video game designers who brought us “Fashion Designer” and “Figure Skater” this is kind of cute. My daughter finds it quite fun. Also just released is Imagine Wedding Designer Good harmless fun. Okay, I made fun of these type of games earlier in post but a girl has to have SOME fun. These games get made for a reason- girls love them and may as well have one or two in their stash. They cant all be learning educational good for you games- some can just be fun to play video games

Mario Party DS is a great, safe choice than girls will like. Probably one of the best games of the year for NDS. It has lots of different little “mini-games” to play and challenging enough that kids will never get bored. I like this one because you can play over wi-fi with your friends. An excellent Nintendo Ds game that hold its own and great play value.

Nintendogs Labrador Retriever & Friends You CANNOT go wrong with any of this series of Nintendo games , These games are HUGELY popular and are a great game for girls who are getting their first DS. You name then “train” your dog to respond to your voice and commands. You will listen to your daughter tell you DS to “sit” over again for hours and hours and one night I was shocked to see her “blow” into it repeated. This apparently made it DO something. Most boys will have little interest in this game and girls will be GAGA over it.

Very fun and lots of mileage out of it- great for both boys and girls and adults is Crossword DS is what it says it is. Crossword puzzles on your DS. This I think may be more fun for Parents than kids. Go ahead and put in their stocking and play when they aren’t looking

For older girls or those more into dragons or magic then I would get The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass or the newer The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks both are challenging and fun and one of the best Nintendo DS games to get for a girl 11, 12, 13 years old.

One of my favourite games is Eco Creatures: Save The Forest you manage a forest and take care of the animals and its resources. Good for all ages and also suitable for boys.

This is FANTASTIC game for girls- Zoo Hospital- VERY popular- especially if your daughter likes animals.

A new “Taking Care if Horses” type video game, Let’s Ride: Friends Forever

Just out is Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings and it is wildly popular for older kids into RPG type games.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates is good for older more cerebral girls.

You will NOT go wrong with one of these- they are best selling and most popular DS games for girls of all time: Nintendogs (Chihuahua) DS This is a HUGE favorite, and one she will pick up and play a lot. Probably her most played game in last year. This is older game and will be a HUGE hit if you are looking for Nintendo DS game for 8-10 year girl.

Cooking Mama. This was good – sounds more boring but tons of fun. You you use the Nintendo ds stylus to “cook” meals, chopping and dicing /measuring. I think this is a great unschooling game . . This was a bonus as my 4 year old son loves to watch her play… so they enjoyed on long road trip to Florida last year. Again- very fun- good for 8-10 year olds..

Newer version og the popular Cooking Mama series is Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic and we got as much mileage out of it as the first Cooking Mama.
For fun check out Camping Mama Outdoor Adventures which has the twist of making camping food

All of the animal Nintendo games are a hit- ones, especially Pet Vet . This has everything going for it- all kinds of animals and being a “Vet”. A hands down winner. Other very popular animal themed Nintendo ds games are Catz, Purr Pals and Dogz

Any other best NDS games for girls? Let me know!

Other Best Video Games for Kids Recommendations

Best PlayStation 3 Games for Kids: PS3 Games for Boys and Girls
Hall of Fame: Most Popular Nintendo DS Games

Best Video Games for Boys Recommendations

Best Nintendo DS and DSi Games for Boys 4-8 Years Old
Best Nintendo DS and DSi Games for Boys
Best Nintendo 3DS Games for Boys 8-12 years old
Best Playstation 3 Games for Boys – Top Picks for Best PS3 Games for Boys

Best Video Games for Girls Recommendations

Best Nintendo DS and DSi Games for Girls ( 8-12 years old)
Best Nintendo 3DS Games for Girls 8-12 years old
Best Nintendo DS and DSi Games For Younger Girls 4-8 years old
Best Wii Games For Girls
Best Playstation 3 Games for Teenage Girls

Watch US Netflix in Canada using your Canadian Netflix account

This will ONLY work if you are watching Netflix on you PlayStation 3, PC, Laptop, ipad/iphone/itouch.
If you are going to watch US Neflix on your Wii, Blu-ray player, X-box 360or media Streaming device ie. WDTV Live, Boxee you need to have a US Netflix account.
Easy Step-by Step instructions for watchin US Netflix in Canada, Watch US Netflix in Canada.

If you are going to watch on your PS3 or other devices listed above- you don’t need a US Netflix account- you do need Canadian Netflix account. If you are unsure or dubious Netflix lets you have free trial for 1 month and US proxy service allows you free 1 week trial.
You are able to watch US Netflix on these devices with you Canadian Netflix account once US proxy is set up because Netflix considers you to be traveling in US.

1) Set up your Netflix account. If you all ready have one you can use existing account.

2) Set up US proxy server, I use and recommend Unblock-Us. You can sign up with free trial and use paypal or credit card to pay monthly fee of 4.99.
Unblock-us.com are very reputable and again you get free 7 day trial if you are nervous.

Set Up US Proxy NOW

You are going to have to make changes to your DNS settings on router- they have excellent instructions on the site. It looks a bit scary but was fairly easy.

Setting up the US VPN/ proxy server took about 5- 10 minutes. I have a Trendnet router and was bit tricky finding the DNS settings but eventually figured out.
Here are detailed instruction for many router brands and how to change router DNS settings. Don’t be intimidated!
https://store.opendns.com/setup/router/ Brands like linksys,motorola, linksys, etc.
If your brand not listed- don’t worry- its not that hard and you will be able to do with not much effort.

This is hardest part and you’re almost done!

Download Netflix app in PlayStation 3 store. Go to app and login in with your Canadian Netflix info.
If you are using wired setup for your PS3 then you need to make sure Ethernet cable is connected to router and not modem- or you will get Canadian Netflix.

Tastes Like Starbucks Caramel Pretzel Square Recipe

Base:
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter or margarine ( I used both and butter does taste MUCH better- also better texture)
1 tsp. REAL vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Topping
4 tablespoons milk
70-80 Kraft caramels ( or similar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup chopped nuts ( pecans or walnuts)
2 cups of crushed pretzels STICKS

Fudge
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk ( can use low fat no problem)
2 tbsp. butter
2 cups marshmallows
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 375F

Mix together is mixing bowl at medium speed the butter, sugar, salt and vanilla until thoroughly mixed.. Bleand in flour. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife.
Press the mixture into 8 inch square pan. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes.

Combine milk and caramels and cook in double boiler or use microwave ( check at 30 second intervals) . Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and remove from heat.

Remove the crust from oven. Pour the caramel mixture (reserve some caramel for top) t. Sprinkle with pecan and pretzel mixture. Bake again at 375° for 15 minutes. Let cool.

Combine sugar, evaporated milk and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring often. Boil 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate and marshmallows . Stir until combined. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Pour fudge mixture on top of cooled squares, then warm reserved caramel in microwave and add a pinches of salt and drizzle over the fudge layer. Take knife and gently run it through the salted caramel ribbon to make sure its swirled throughout.

Fast forward many years and I now drink copious amounts of tea… My first cup always taste great and then its downhill from there.
I was actually very surprised- pleasantly so- that the Keurig could make such a great tasting cup of tea. The biggest plus for me is temperature- I like my tea hot and this makes a consistently hot cup of tea.

You can use My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter
to use you own coffee or tea in their machine. Their are other 3rd party adapters for the machine that you can buy- like EZ-Cup and Solofill Cup Refillable K-Cup For Keurig Brewers. I use the My K-Cup and happy with results and methods used here fine with other adapters.

First – You need tea. I prefer decaf and when I can find it I buy it loose. It is almost impossible for me to find decaf orange pekoe or decaf English Breakfast tea so I often resort to using bagged tea. I just open the bags. I know some people just pop a tea bag in the filter but I find that the taste just isn’t there.

The hot water comes out pretty fast and I don’t think it gives enough time for tea and water to mix. What I do is grind the loose tea up a little bit. ( You can use mini food processor,Magic Bullet
or clean coffee grinder)

After I grind the tea up a little- not TOO fine.. I put in filter basket of the My K-Cup. About a 1/2 teaspoon full. You can play with this amount.My Keurig has 2 cup sizes. I cycle it through 2 times on the smallest cup size. I find giving it two small passes make for more flavourful tea.

This method works well for almost any tea- herbal teas, loose tea and bagged tea. I also drink nettle tea for iron and this makes it perfectly!

Let me know if you have some other tips or suggestion for making perfect cup f tea in your Keurig Coffee maker.

I’ve been looking at both the Tassimo and Keurig single serve coffee makers for several months.
Initially the entry level for Keurig was too expensive too consider never mind that it costs approx 75 cents for each cup vs. pennies for making a pot off coffee the old fashioned way.
Keurig’s have come way down in price- you can buy and entry level Mr. Coffee by Keurig for less than 50.00.

I am often asked which is better- Tassimo or Keurig? They both are good and your decision on which single serve coffee maker to buy should be based on your needs.
What will you be using it for?
Tassimo is great at making milk based coffee drinks- lattes cappuccinos, hot chocolates, etc. There selection of teas- including a sugar free Chai Tea Latte that I love, is excellent. If you are looking for something to make your latte or chai or hot chocolate for the kids then look hard at getting a Tassimo.

Where the Keurig wins out for most coffee purists is better coffee brands ( Starbucks now offers Starbucks K-Cups for Keurig Brewers
) and this is deal breaker for most- the ability to use your own coffee and not pay for expensive tho convenient K-cups. By using the MyCup by Keurig you can use your own coffee and not buy pre-packaged K-Cups.) and this is deal breaker for most- the ability to use your own coffee and not pay for expensive tho convenient K-cups.

You can buy Keurigs own My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter to use your own coffee as well as several 3rd party adapters.
I have used for making both coffee and loose tea and the quality is excellent.

Basically it comes down to this- We have a Keurig and it used constantly. About half the time we use our own grounds and it makes a shockingly good cup of tea as well.
I do notice that we use a lot less coffee per cup then when using melita.
I find it hard to get a good selection of teas- especially decaf and I occasionally drool over the Tassimo chai lattes in the grocery aisle but just cant justify another machine.

My friend LOVES his Tassimo- but he drink mostly lattes and cappuccinos and loves the convenience.

]]> http://www.homegiftandgarden.org/2011/11/13/which-is-better-keurig-or-tassimo-single-cup-coffee-makers/feed/ 0 http://www.homegiftandgarden.org/2011/10/21/fix-freexing-playstation-3-perform-restore-file-system-on-ps3/ http://www.homegiftandgarden.org/2011/10/21/fix-freexing-playstation-3-perform-restore-file-system-on-ps3/#comments Sat, 22 Oct 2011 02:16:42 +0000 admin http://www.homegiftandgarden.org/2011/10/21/fix-freexing-playstation-3-perform-restore-file-system-on-ps3/
Last few days the beloved PS3 has been acting up. We have had for almost 5 years with ZERO problems and initially thought it might be dying.
Our PlayStation 3 has been freezing during games ( in this case Call of Duty).
I called Sony about an unrelated issue ( we couldn’t see or use newest PlayStation Zombie Maps- although we had paid for them they weren’t showing up after download.. ( come to think of it shoudl right a post)
Problem SEEMS to be fixed after a “restore file system”
This is what to need to do to fix the freezing problem on PS3. It is likely a file has been corrupted.
Power off PS3.
Hold down power button ( it will be red) Power button will turn green and beep. Keep holding it down until you hear 2 shorts beeps ( takes about 10 seconds or less).
When you hear the double beep release finger from power button.
After that screen will prompt you to connect a controller to the PlayStation 3 console using a USB cord. Follow onscreen directions and then screen with appear with 6 options.
The third option is “restore file system” choose that. Takes about 2 minutes.

Done.
Let me know how this works for you!

]]> http://www.homegiftandgarden.org/2011/10/21/fix-freexing-playstation-3-perform-restore-file-system-on-ps3/feed/ 0 http://www.homegiftandgarden.org/2011/09/21/getting-ps3-error-8002a548-playstation-network-down-again/ http://www.homegiftandgarden.org/2011/09/21/getting-ps3-error-8002a548-playstation-network-down-again/#comments Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:34:21 +0000 admin http://www.homegiftandgarden.org/2011/09/21/getting-ps3-error-8002a548-playstation-network-down-again/
We have not been able to log on and play on the PS3 Network since last night. When we try and login it gives the Error 8002A548.
After doing bit of research and seeing that some sites are telling you to update firmware on router and or modem- forget it. This will not do anything… It is the Playstation Network !
I just phoned Sony customer service and they have recorded message advising the PlayStation network is down,. Don’t touch your router or modem !! If you are getting the Error 8002A548 then it is more than likely Sony Playstation- not your hardware.
I will post updates and post when back up. I HOPE it is not days and days like the last big outage.

Sony PlayStation Network is Back Up! However if you do get the Error 8002A548 in future I would not touch my router or modem settings. It is more than likely the network and not you… you are asking for whole new set of problem if you start fiddling with modem and router if you don’t know what you are doing.

]]> http://www.homegiftandgarden.org/2011/09/21/getting-ps3-error-8002a548-playstation-network-down-again/feed/ 1 http://www.homegiftandgarden.org/2011/07/20/get-better-picture-quality-with-netflix/ http://www.homegiftandgarden.org/2011/07/20/get-better-picture-quality-with-netflix/#comments Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:28:23 +0000 admin http://www.homegiftandgarden.org/2011/07/20/get-better-picture-quality-with-netflix/ Better Picture Quality on Netflix

Did you Know you can change the setting for picture quality on your Netflix account?
Some of my shows look pretty crappy on my big screen TV – especially standard definition TV shows and was frustrated.
Many people don’t know that you can actually go into your Netflix account and change your picture quality settings.

How to Change Picture Quality Setting in Netflix
Log into your Netflix account. Go to ” Your Account & Help ”
scroll down to “WATCHING INSTANTLY ON YOUR TV OR COMPUTER ” section and under that heading is link “Manage Video Quality”

You can choose between Good, Better and Best quality. I would not choose BEST quality if you are using wireless streaming- it can cause some buffering issues.
Also, if you have capped bandwidth not a good idea to use highest setting in Netflix as your bandwidth load will be significantly higher.

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