Disney World: Magic Bands

Note: This is the beginning of a couple weeks worth of Disney posts!  I spent 8 days on the Walt Disney World property, and it was a wonderful trip.

I am a child at heart sometimes.  So when a work conference being held at a DisneyWorld resort landed on my calendar, suddenly I managed to expand my trip into an 8-day extravaganza!  Dan had never been to Disney, so I was overly eager to plan a long weekend there with him before my conference.  Since we'd be staying at the Grand Floridian Resort on the property, it qualified us for the new(ish) Magic Bands program.  Disney is taking "arm parties" to a whole new level!

Disney Magic Bands are such a neat idea.  Using radio frequency technology, they store a bunch of data on you and allow you to use a wristband to do a number of things.  Before our trip, I had our airport shuttle, room reservation (the band opens your door!), dinner reservation (at Be Our Guest!), and park passes all pre-loaded.  I even chose the colors for our bands.  Sure, it may be a little creepy that a wristband can have all that info, and theoretically Disney can track your every movement like a Family Circle cartoon, but the NSA already has all the information anyways so who cares.  I'm kind of in the boat that if the information they collect allows me to have a more hassle-free and customized experience with little-to-no work on my part, it's a step in the right direction.

Up to 60 days in advance, you can also load FastPass+ reservations to the bands, allowing you to skip the Standby lines.  You can only choose three attractions at a single park at a time, so you have to plan ahead, but it's a great idea.  I added some to our plans, without a true commitment to keep them but hoping to try.  I also heard that you could load your official park photographs to the bands to look up later.  It just seems like such an environmentally-friendly and tech-savvy way to do things, right?  If you don't pre-order/set up your Magic Band ahead of time, you'll get a generic grey one at check-in.

In practice?  I have to admit I like these bands.  They're even waterproof.  They don't give you an option not to use the band if you stay at the resort, so you just embrace it.  We had to get Dan's reset at the beginning because of a reservation SNAFU, but we found it very easy to use them.  I know they must be collecting tons of data and signals from us, but I don't feel uncomfortable about it.

Spot the yellow Magic Band?

We used the bands as a room key, payment method, FastPass+ holder, and PhotoPass collector!  I'm a fan of them, minus the risk of tan lines.  You just hold hold it up to the scanners and wait for a green light.  All too easy.  And you don't have to carry much with you!  I think it's awesome, and I really like the My Disney Experience app too.

Thanks to Meghan at Hayes Days for always answering my e-mails with Disney questions promptly and kindly!  She's my Disney Guru!!!  She did a post on Magic Bands in January.

I love blogs... and Feedly!

Feedly

One of my favorite things to do is curl up with my iPad and read the many blogs I subscribe to.  But up until recently, I used a clunky RSS feed app that crashed on me regularly.  It was also very basic, and not that pretty to look at.

Then I discovered, via Google, search, Feedly.

I can't believe I was using such an outdated app!  Feedly brings the best of an app like Flipbook and combines with Google Reader (where I organize the blogs I read) to make reading entries even more dynamic fun.

I even took a few screen shots.  Gorgeous, huh?  How do you read your blog roll?

Evernote Food

The other day, my coworker took her phone out during a meal to take a photo of our wine bottle's label.

Evernote Food

"Whenever I find a good wine at a restaurant," she says, "I always forget the name when I'm at the store!  This way I have it saved."

Fascinating.  And now that I think about it, useful.  After all, I've often clicked away with a camera or smartphone to capture a label, a beautifully plated meal, a recipe, a menu... only to have it languish in some random album in my iPhoto.

Then I found Evernote Food, and app for your smartphone.  I'm already in love with Evernote as an app in general (it keeps my shopping lists, to-do lists, quick reference stuff, etc.) and now I'm loving this extension of their line.

Not only can you capture an image of your food item/adventure, you can add notes to that entry, tag the location, and have it sorted by date!  You can use the app to look up your past experiences, whether you're looking to cook or eat out.  Or, you can simply use it as a food diary!

If you're a foodie like me, this app might actually be one you use pretty often.  I'm already using it to remember what I liked at restaurants and documenting new recipes.

Are there any other food apps you're a fan of?  I also use OpenTable and UrbanSpoon quite a bit!

***December 21st UPDATE:  The latest update to this app is amazing!  You can use it to find restaurants nearby, save recipes to try, and more!  It's even better than I described!***

Roku ... A new way to watch TV!

Roku.com

I've nearly cut the cord on cable.  I went from satellite TV with a DVR to the most basic cable (included with my internet), plus my Roku boxes.

What's Roku?  It's a device that connects to your wireless network and streams video via apps... anything from news to subscription-based services like Hulu Plus, Netflix, HBO Go, and Amazon Prime Instant Video.  You pay for the box, and then it's just whatever you want to subscribe to or watch.

I've found that I don't even watch the cable TV, since I don't have a DVR.  I catch up on my network shows on Hulu Plus, watch the latest DVDs via a 1-disc Netflix subscription, and watch BBC costume dramas free with my Amazon Prime membership.  I watch significantly less TV (goodbye, Bravo and the Housewives!) and find I read a lot more.  It's been a healthy switch for me, and it's significantly cheaper... Hulu and Netflix combined are costing me $15/month, and my basic cable service is $10/month.  Compared to satellite, it's a steal...  plus I'm much less addicted to the boob tube.

Have you ever thought about cutting the cord on your TV?

Paperless Post (@paperlesspost)

Do you know what I miss about snail mail?  E-mail lacks that 'paper' feel.  It doesn't feel like you're opening a beautiful card.   It doesn't feel special.  But then I heard about Paperless Post from my friend Jean, and a few days later received a Paperless Post invitation for my cousin's graduation.

What is Paperless Post?  It's this awesome website that sends e-cards, but not the cheesy animated e-cards you're used to.  These are gorgeously designed, customizable, and 'feel' like the real thing.  There are plenty of free options, and you can send them to people and stay both wallet- and environmentally-friendly!

Since I'm moving, I'm using paperless post to send a Change of Address announcement.  I love the selection, and think I will use this website frequently in the future for any kind of event or even just little notes.  It's classy, though I will always maintain a little collection of stationery for snail mail occasions.

Just the Fax (FaxZero)

Who remembers fax machines?  I remember that annoying sound on the phone when my parents were receiving fax at our house... that old machine would print indecipherable text onto that funky waxy paper, and we'd have a message.  But that was before e-mail.  Why fax when you can send a multi-paged PDF instantly, to multiple people?

As I prepare to move, I'm trying to end various contracts at my house (satellite TV, security system, etc.) and finding that I signed on for longer contracts than I anticipated.  I'm hoping to avoid paying the penalties/balances and plead my case with the companies, hoping they're understanding of my need to move with military orders.  That said, I was told I need to FAX information to them, with no e-mail option.

Well, that's not very convenient, is it?  Not wanting to have to schlep all over town to find a fax, I looked up online fax services.  I found FaxZero, recommended by PC World, Kiplinger, and more.  You can send a FREE fax (in .doc or .pdf format) to phone numbers, through your e-mail.  I attached my documents, received confirmation of successful delivery, and was done within minutes.

Presto!  Where there's the Internet, there's a way, right?  So don't get stuck searching for a fax machine; you can handle it at your fingertips.

Money Matters @Mint... I'm obsessed!

UPDATE (3.4.15):  I noticed this post getting a lot of traffic, and I wanted to leave a quick note.  The funny thing about this post is that while it reads like "sponsored" content, it was actually just me completely fangirling over Mint on my own accord... and now, almost three years later, I am STILL using Mint to manage my finances.  I can see my 401K and investment growth, my MBA student loans, my new car loan, all of my accounts, and more.  When I get married, I will add my husband's account info here to manage the combined family budgets and bills.  I'm still obsessed... and I've converted others.  You need to try it!

I am officially obsessed with Mint.  If you are a money-conscious diva (or dude), this website/app will put you over the moon!  Seriously, it's amazing.

Before Mint, I tracked my budget on an Excel spreadsheet (i.e. only on my personal laptop) and looked at my mortgage, credit card, and investments on different websites.  I also used web/phone apps to keep tabs on my checking account.  That's a lot of different sources, right?

Over 7 MILLION people use Mint to keep tabs on their finances.  It allows you to add ALL of those accounts to one central location, completely protected (Verisign, McAfee, and Truste certified!) and honored with praise from the NY Times, Money, and more.  They guarantee bank-level security.

I'm in love.  I have everything at my password-protected fingertips, so I don't have to remember a ton of different account numbers when I'm on the go.  I can figure out strategies to invest, manage/track my budget, and even set up alerts to text message me when my balance is low or a large purchase is made.

It's the perfect tool, and it's FREE.  I love that I can see my cash, investments, and bills all in one place, with awesome graphs and even advice.  Check it out!  You may be seeing WAY more green in your future, because you're more conscious of where your money is at all times.

Instagram & Friends

Instagram

I don't maintain a point-and-shoot camera anymore.  I have my iPhone on me at all times, and I have a DSLR for when I want to get super fancy.  And now, with the amazing apps out there, you can create incredible photo creations to share via social media!

Ever wonder which apps to use for the coolest filters, adding text, making collages, or editing?  Here are the ones I'm using...

Instagram:  Instagram is a photo app and social media destination in one.  They have some of the coolest filters out there, and it's 100% free!   I'm showed up late to Instagram, at the urging of my cousin S, and now I understand why Facebook shelled out the big bucks to purchase it.  You can follow friends with the app to keep up with their photos, and share yours simultaneously to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Phonto

Phonto:  Another free app, Phonto allows you to add text (in varying sizes, fonts, and shapes) to your photos!  I love this for adding a little more flair to your photo.  It can also import directly into Instagram or Twitter.

Diptic:  I credit my friend Nicole for this one!  I have been trying to figure out how to create little photo collages to share on Instagram, without resorting to Photoshop on my laptop.  While it does cost $0.99, that's nothing when you think of all the possibilities!

Diptic

Photoshop Express:  An honorable mention, I still sometimes use this free Adobe app for quick editing, though less and less since iPhone updated its camera app to allow cropping and other functions.

In fact, I'm super happy with the iOS updates for the camera, allowing quick access without having to unlock the phone itself.  Love it!  It's no wonder I use my iPhone camera all the time now... it has better resolution than my first digital camera, and it's super convenient.  Go Apple!

Now to accumulate enough photos to create some amazing Instagram products, like what's offered at Printstagram.

Apps for Productivity

iCal

I know what you're thinking... we spend so much time goofing off on our smartphones and tablets, apps function more often as a distraction than something productive!  (I'm an admitted Words with Friends addict.)  But ever since my iPhone (and now, iPad) became essential to my everyday life, I've actually really incorporated them into my work AND home life in more productive ways.  Here are a few that I can't go a day without!

Evernote

iCal.  This comes free with Apple devices.  With the advent of the iCloud, I LOVE that my iCal and Contacts stay updated on my phone, iPad, and computer.  I use these constantly and really couldn't do without them.

Dropbox

Evernote.  (Free) I use this EVERYWHERE.  I have it on my iPhone, iPad, MacBook Pro, and use it on my web browser at work.  It's the ultimate notebook for you, because it syncs and updates no matter which device you're using.  You can even use images.  You can organize it however you want, and it's organized/sorted well.  Love the easy use and access, almost like carrying a box of index cards with me wherever I go.

AwesomeNote

Dropbox.  (Free up to 2GB)  Dropbox is online storage, a web-based file hosting service.  It allows you to load documents online and store them, so you can pull them via web browser, iPhone, iPad, etc. whenever you need them.  "Never email yourself a file again!"  So long as you have internet access, you don't need to carry unsecure thumb drives anymore, either.  Over 50 million folks already use it, so it's being integrated into more and more apps... And if your computer crashes, whatever you stored on Dropbox is backed up.

AwesomeNote. (Free 'lite' version, or $3.99)  I used this on my iPhone, though there is an iPad version... but unlike some other apps, the two versions have to be purchased separately! (Boo...)  That said, AwesomeNote replaced both Reminders and GroceryIQ on my phone.  I love that I can have a sortable to-do list, a grocery list (I create tags for the different aisles), and give everything deadlines and alerts.  I've got mine divided into To-Do, Work, Study, and Shopping!  I highly recommend upgrading to the full version; I rarely pay for apps, but this one is worth it to me.  I don't even use my paper planner anymore, between this and iCal!  There's even a diary function, where you can include photos.  Definitely a lot of uses for this app.  I love customizing the folder colors too!

GoodReader

GoodReader.  ($4.99)  This is the PDF reader/annotater I use on my iPad.  It links up with Dropbox, so your files can be loaded into GoodReader from your storage.  I like to convert Powerpoint presentations from work into PDFs, so I can mark all over them during meetings with my notes. I don't use the separate version on my iPhone, because PDFs are viewed better on a tablet.  There are a lot of PDF reader apps out there, but I love the ability to take notes on this one.

Onlive Desktop.  (Free up to 2GB)  This is a new iPad app that lets you run Microsoft Office (complete versions!) on your iPad as a virtual machine... for FREE.  I really don't know how it's allowed, how it works, nothing.  But you can do all the things you need in Microsoft Office using this!  Just sign up for an account, download the app, and you're good to go!  Get it while it's available.  :)

Onlive Desktop

Another thing I did?  I went to Verizon and added a Personal Hotspot to my iPhone.  It's totally been worth the money!  I have Wifi for my iPad (I don't have the 3G version) or laptop whenever I travel; never have to pay fees at a hotel again, or drive to a coffeeshop/McDonald's with free wireless.   You can even use it on long car rides!

So while you've got plenty of apps that distract you and are awesome mobile applications (Netflix, games, etc.), at least you know there are some things out there to help you get some work done too.

What productivity apps do YOU use?

Black Friday: Hey, big spender!

iPad 2 from apple.com

It's official, y'all... I went hog-wild on Black Friday without ever leaving the comfort of my sweatpants.  Isn't the Internet a marvelous thing?  I got the same deals they had in-store.

Canon EOS Rebel T3i

I managed two big purchases today... and I'm super duper pumped about them!  First off, I ordered an iPad 2 from Apple (YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!) which my parents are giving me for Christmas.  (It's even being shipped to their house, so I can't have it until then!)  Apple is known for never giving discounts, so the little $41 off we scored today was minimal... but I'll take it!

The second big purchase today was the Canon EOS Rebel T3i DSLR!  I've been wanting a DSLR since college, but never was able to make the commitment to purchase.  Then, after months of research, I began to build my dream camera kit.  I've acquired two lenses at a steep discount (via Craigslist), purchased a gorgeous camera bag, flash diffuser, and memory cards.  And while there are still a few more add-ons (lenses, tripod, flash, etc.) on my wishlist, I knew it was time to take the plunge to buy my camera body!  I snagged it for just $610 from 42nd Street Photo, which was at least $40 less than anywhere else I saw it.  And, since I got the kit lens for dirt cheap, I saved a bundle overall!  I can't wait to use my new camera in Hawaii next week!

Anyone else snag some goodies on Black Friday?

Kindle Touch

Amazon.com

I have had a Kindle since its 2nd Generation model in 2009.  Its original model was one of Oprah's favorite things, and even in this world of smartphones and tablets, it is still one of MY favorite things.

I've had my eye on a new Kindle for a while, because I could see the improvements in it...  clearer e-ink, larger screen, smaller/thinner body, faster page turns, better interface.  But my Kindle 2 was still kicking and I couldn't justify the purchase.

A lot of people have been talking about the Kindle Fire, Amazon's new tablet.  But I just don't consider it to be a true 'Kindle' e-book reader.  It's a tablet, it's backlit, and you can watch movies on it.  I love my quiet Kindle, how it rarely needs charging, how it lets me read books without bells and whistles.  I don't get eye strain because it's not a glaring screen; it mimics a page.  I don't read books on my laptop or iPhone.  I love my Kindle.

Back in 2009, I paid almost $300 for my first e-reader, but it paid for itself in savings on the books I bought through Amazon.  It made me a convert, even as a former library employee and lover of old, smelly books.  But now you can get a Kindle for under $100.  Brilliant.

So I bought the Kindle Touch for $99, and I love it.  Its size is awesome, and I can toss it into a purse easily.  It took me a little while to pick up how to navigate the touchscreen, but it is sensitive enough to work well, and I notice the improved speed.  I have already read three books on it in 48 hours; it inspires me to read more, like my first Kindle did!  It's be latest gadget and beloved toy.  Even if I get an iPad, I'll still read on my Kindle.  It's light, soft, and not flashy.  And I like it that way.

My old Kindle is still on my account, so I gave it to my Mom so she could read all of my books.  I'm passing on the love for Kindle to another.  It will continue to be loved!


P.S.  My ONE gripe about the new Kindle Touch?  It only comes with a USB charger, without the additional clip-on charger for an outlet.  BOO.  You'd have to pay an additional $10 for the power adaptor.  Come on, Amazon.

Are cookbooks obsolete?

Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

I love my cookbooks.  I have Julia Child's Art of French Cooking, The Joy of Cooking, Martha Stewart, Betty Crocker, Better Homes and Gardens...  but even though these lovely books are sitting pretty on the shelf, I continue to turn to the internet for recipe ideas and inspiration.

Recently, I came across an article in the NY Times, entitled, "Are Apps Making Cookbooks Obsolete?"  With all of the cooking apps available, the portability of tablets, and the vast collections of free recipes online, it's no wonder people are buying fewer and fewer cookbooks.  I find recipes in magazines, use Pinterest to save the recipes from the magazine websites, and then browse my pins to plan meals.  Even the Culinary Institute of America has an app now!

There's something to be said for these online resources.  You can have color photos and step-by-step guides, which aren't available in many text cookbooks due to space limitations.  You can search for recipes based on the ingredients you have in your refrigerator, instead of scanning difficult indexes at the back of thick books.  You can even watch video demonstrations; I recently used this to figure out how to cut a spaghetti squash in two.

I do love sentimental things like notes in margins of hard-bound cookbooks, hand-written recipe cards from my Grandma, and things like that.  But I admit I drag my laptop into the kitchen frequently, much more so than those books.  Like my transition to reading on a Kindle, I definitely have nostalgia for the old books, but I embrace the practicality and enhancements the technology brings to my life!

More FREE iPhone apps I'm playing with...

I haven't written about the fun I'm having with my iPhone since I got in in March, but the truth is I can't put it down.  I've recently upgrade to the new iOS, and I really love it.  I figured since I've been using it so much, and I'm a total cheapskate, I'll share some of the FREE apps available in the app store that I use the most!

Social Networking.  I use Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, and Pinterest (you can pin from Safari!) on my phone, in that order.  These are all free, and something that you should have on your iPhone if you use the sites on your laptop!  Another great one is Bloglovin, which allows me to read all of the latest from my favorite blogs in one centralized location.

Camera.  I love camera apps!  The iPhone is now my de facto point-and-shoot; once I get my DSLR next month, I am giving my old camera to my sister.  I love that the new iOS allows for some cropping and minor editing now, but before I used Adobe's Photoshop Express.  For fun filters and effects, I like Instagram and Paper Camera (great comic book-like effects), and recently tried out CamWow for funky photos.  (CamWow leaves a watermark on its free version.)

Technology in schools... where to draw the line?

Are we going to end up like the folks in WALL-E?

I am a technology addict.  I can honestly say I am more technologically proficient than many of the people who work in my office building.

That said, I wasn't a tech-heavy kid growing up.  I remember using Apple computers in school to learn typing, play educational games (Math Blaster, Oregon Trail, Reader Rabbit) and eventually, once I entered middle school, for typing reports and researching for projects.  I remember using the internet consistently starting in 6th grade.  I watched a limited amount of TV, but we didn't have cable until I was in junior high and all video games were absolutely banned by my parents.  Even in high school, we spent VERY limited time on computers; any typing we had to do was usually homework.

Everywhere I go these days, kids are plugged in...  playing on their parents phones (or even their OWN smartphones), iPads, Nintendo handhelds, etc.  They're even more sucked in than I am.  (And they are increasingly fatter.  Coincidence?)  Some say that the technology is educational, but I tend to disagree.  There is no evidence that things like Baby Mozart help your infant's brain, and I think that books have more value than an electronic 'Leapster' learning toy.  Libraries are an incredible resource!  I hate to see kids have their lives taken over my TV and other 'screens', because they should enjoy their youth while they can; leave the iPhone to the grownups.

The research backs this up.  Medical studies have shown that kids under age 2 shouldn't even be exposed to TV... even in the background.  It just doesn't help them develop; in fact, it may hinder them.  Interactive play is better for them.  When I have kids, I hope to enforce this rule, though it will actually mean sacrifice on my part to watch less television.  I don't agree with TVs in ANY bedrooms, let alone a kids' room.  But I do worry today's youngsters just aren't developing well in this digital bubble.

We'll miss you, Steve Jobs.

I am a Mac.  I've had some iteration of the iPod since my freshman year of college.  I am typing on my MacBook Pro.  My iPhone is sitting next to me.  I adore Pixar movies, and I have yet to see one I don't like.

Steve Jobs was responsible for this.  He was responsible for the technological revolution that is Apple.  He showed us that we NEVER have to sacrifice design for function.  He was a genius living here on earth, making it a smooth, beautiful, zen place through his vision and work.

I am seriously saddened to hear that we have lost such an amazing person.  He was not old enough to go... think of everything he could have done if he'd had more time.  We would literally hang on his every word.  It's not that I drank the Apple-flavored Kool-aid and felt the call to purchase every new product line they rolled out with.  I pick and choose what I want, and the design has ALWAYS spoken to me.  I love the interface, the look, the FEEL.  And Steve Jobs did that.  He turned inanimate objects into something more to us.

I read some great quotes from a speech he gave at Stanford University... they really make me think about life and the future.  Will I ever make the impact on the world that he did?  Probably not.  But he will always inspire me, and be someone I look up to.

"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future...  You have to trust in something: your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do...  If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on."

-Steve Jobs, 1955-2011-

Facebook and Friendship

credit

I'm an early Facebook adopter (circa 2004?) and an admitted addict.  I Facebook, blog (obvi!), Tweet, and I'm on Klout checking out my social network influence.  That said, lately I've been thinking a lot about social media and how it affects our relationships, specifically Facebook.

Since going through the divorce earlier this year, I've realized that friendship is not a word to be tossed around lightly.  I need people in my life who contribute/complement it in some way.  I don't need 'lurkers' or people who don't reciprocate friendship, because it's a two-way street.  So I went through my Facebook friends list and slowly trimmed it from a grossly large 1000 to under 600.  There were some hurt feelings, apparently, as people requested to be my friend, sometimes multiple times.  But I can honestly say it doesn't hurt my feelings to have someone delete me from their Facebook, and it shouldn't hurt yours.

Aristotle said there are three types of friendship, based on utility, pleasure, or virtue.  When I think about who is on my 'Friends' list on Facebook, that's exactly how I decide who to keep and who to delete.  (SN: The word 'Unfriend' is particularly cruel-sounding, isn't it?)  But if I'm not getting any useful networking/assistance/advice from you, I don't enjoy hearing from you/you don't contribute to my happiness, or if you aren't one of my "true" friends, someone I can call or count on throughout the years... why should I keep you and divulge so much of my life story to you?  Are you really my friend?

If we attended the same high school but we were never friends in real life?  If the last interaction I can find online between us was you wishing me a 'Happy Birthday' in 2008?  If I don't trust you enough to give you my cell phone number?  THEN WHY SHOULD WE BE FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK?  If I look at your name and I think, "Who?" I will probably delete you.  Often when it's your birthday, because it pops up on my sidebar and comes to my attention.

I also get annoyed when people are upset with you for not responding to something they wrote on Facebook.  I try to be vigilant and look out for when my friends are sick, lose a loved one, etc. and post my sympathies.  I always read direct messages and posts to my wall.  But Newsfeed is constant (and these days even more confusing) and I may have missed something.  That doesn't mean I don't care... it just means I wasn't glued to my Facebook at the time.   Call me!  E-mail me!  Send me a direct message!  But don't assume that because you stick something in your Newsfeed that a response is merited from me.  Please.  Sometimes I 'hide' people from my Newsfeed that I love because their posts are obnoxious.  I don't do Farmville.  So don't get mad at me over something so silly as Facebook 'friendship'.

I love Facebook.  It's been an amazing way to keep up with friends and family over long distances, life changes, and more.  It's my window into the lives of people I know.  It's a way to share my thoughts and express myself in a way that wasn't possible before the era of social networking.  But it's not real friendship, and it doesn't replace phone calls and lunch dates and hugs.  It's not worth fighting over, it's not worth the drama people derive from it.  Definitely doesn't replace hugs.

I know, serious post.  But I couldn't end it that way... check out this brilliant Toyota Venza commercial that will really make you think about what I've said.  :)

Here's an old but good WSJ article on this...  How Facebook Can Ruin Your Friendships

Why Pinterest?

I've written about Pinterest before, but today it helped me de-clutter my coffee table, so I thought I'd share just how it helps!

Pinterest is a virtual pinboard.  Basically you can install a little 'button' on your browser so that anytime you're on a photo, recipe, article, etc., it picks up the photos and you can 'pin' them to your boards.  It also lets you include a description, and stores the link from the photo.

If you love cooking, I think Pinterest is for you.  Not only can I see photos of the recipes I've bookmarked (instead of a bland list of forgotten recipes in my Bookmarks folder), but I can edit the descriptions to type in comments based on the recipes I liked.  I can store recipes in Pinterest without printing them, then print the ones I want to keep.  It's awesome!

Even better, I had a huge folder filled with recipes torn from my magazines: Fitness, Oprah, Rachael Ray, Everyday Food, Taste of Home.... and while tearing the pages out helped me eliminate clutter by ditching the full magazines, I kept forgetting about the folder when it came time to choose recipes for grocery lists and meals.

Today, I went through that stack of magazine scraps and did Google searches for the recipes, adding them to my Pinterest boards.  Now, they are all looking delicious and lovely on my board, so I can simply browse images when I'm looking to cook something!  I tossed the scraps and haven't looked back; it's all safely stored online for me.

Now that I've built up my boards, I'm proud of what I've pinned, and the resource it is for me!  Just one more use for the funny little site that is Pinterest.

My Food Boards:

Food & Drink

Food & Drink - Just Desserts

Food & Drink w/Reviews

Pinterest

A few friends kept telling me that I would love Pinterest... but I ignored them.  But then I got curious, because they were so convinced that this is something I would be into.  So I tried it.  And I'm hooked.


Pinterest is a virtual pinboard.  Huh?  Well, basically you find something you like on the internet, and it lets you organize and share them.  So instead of the dozens of random bookmarked recipes I had in my Safari browser, I was able to create a "Food & Drink" Board that has beautiful color photos and lets me browse them for whenever I need inspiration.

A peek at my Pinterests

I also started marking things I'd like to buy, things that inspire my style, things that I like for home decor...  and it just keeps going.  Pinterest is so easy to use, and it's just enjoyable to look around.  Who'd have thought that such a simple concept could be something so great!

My Pinterest boards include Things I Want, Food & Drink, Wanderlust, My Style Pinboard, For the Home, and Products I Use.  It's so fun to browse what others are sharing as well.   You can even share the things you like to Facebook and Twitter.

Check it out, and Follow me on Pinterest!

Did you know...

...Adventures in Aubreyland is now on Facebook?  You can "Like" us and get our updates right in your daily Newsfeed!  Check out the left sidebar for a link.



I'm having a little trouble staying motivated today.  I even had Toaster Strudel for breakfast, which usually helps a LOT...  but no dice.  Still, I'm trying to stay positive... be an Optimist Prime, not a Negatron!!!

This makes me giggle.



I love my iPhone!

A couple of weekends ago in Nashville, I finally joined the smartphone bandwagon... I bought an iPhone.

I. am. in. LOVE. How did I live without this thing before? I was a text-messaging fiend, but I could never get online. Now I can use my bank's app to deposit checks (amazing!), stream movies using Netflix, sync to my MacBook for iTunes, calendar, contacts, and photos... I am inseparable from my phone.

For my fellow smartphone users, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite apps!

For shopping, I can't even begin to say how awesome apps are. Amazon, Gilt, Rue La La, and HauteLook all have apps. You can also get Groupon and LivingSocial deals through your phone. If you have a Kroger card, you can use their app to load coupons to your keychain, and Food Lion's app shows what's on sale at any given time. Everything is at your fingertips! I also love getting recipe ideas from BigOven, Epicurious, Whole Foods, and AllRecipes to add to my shopping lists.

My #1 app, of course, is Facebook. I was a Facebook addict before, but now I can get my updates instantaneously. This one is self-explanatory.

GroceryIQ is an app that has replaced the Post-It note grocery lists I used to make, then curse when I would accidentally leave them at home or in the wrong purse. Now, as soon as I notice I need something for the house, I can add it to my list. You can even scan barcodes! I wish it didn't make me enter the prices myself, but since prices vary by store it is nice to have a portable list with me that I can always update, with items sorted by section.

Lose It! is an app I have had on my iPod Touch for a long time now. Over time, it actually helped me lose 17 lbs; now that I have gained some weight back, it is my go-to again to get back in shape. Lose It! takes your weight loss goal and gives you a set number of calories per day to eat. When you add exercise, you get to eat more calories, and it tracks your progress. It is very simple, and has a lot of restaurant/brand name foods already built into its database. I know that calorie-counting isn't the best way for everyone to diet, but what Lose It! does for me is hold me accountable for my snacking/eating binges. I choose to focus on my meals rather than chomping food mindlessly in front of the TV.

Ringtone Maker does exactly what it says... makes ringtones. I can use the (unprotected) music from my iTunes and let's me create ringtones for my phone. It's really great, because it's all FREE. Imagine the money you can save, instead of buying them for $2 each.

I have SO many apps on my phone, and I haven't even mentioned games. But these are a few that, aside from Facebook, you may not have heard of. I'm learning new things about my phone all the time! Are there any apps out there you think I need?