But it’s a scary world out there in the social media bubble. I, for one, am happy to have several more years before my kids get online. But if you have pre-teen kids in your family, they will likely be asking for their own Facebook, if they haven’t already. The issue then becomes protecting their interests while giving them some freedom. This is where FaceChipz comes in.

FaceChipz is an invitation-only social network that allows kids to communicate only with others they’ve personally invited. There are no strangers. No one can arbitrarily contact them. No one can search for them. This is awesome.

On FaceChipz.com, kids interact with their peers, only their peers. Kids connect by either emailing an invitation to a known friend, or printing up a coded invitation and physically handing it to a friend.

Features of the site include:

• Customizable profile pages
• Message boards
• Photo uploading
• Status updates
• Games

From the site:

FaceChipz was created by parents who were concerned about how, when and where their kids were spending time on the Internet. Our ‘tweenagers’ outgrew the traditional websites for children but weren’t yet ready for the full-fledged, open social networking experience. We created FaceChipz to address those needs. Our kids were the ‘Chief Creative Officers’ and ‘Alpha’ testers of this site. They told us what they liked, what they didn’t like, what worked and what didn’t work. We listened, and then we programmed.

I think this is pretty cool … definitely something I’ll explore further once my kids are ready to go online. What about you? How will you introduce your kids to social networking?

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All of my kids are close in age (3, 2 and the baby), so the infant stage was still pretty fresh in my mind. But, it still took us some time to get used to the tracking and transfer of knowledge that comes with having more than one person taking care of him.

For example, I have to make notes so I can keep my husband in the loop about when the baby ate, slept, and had his diaper changed. Plus, because of some special needs, we need to closely track other things like when he took his meds, how often he spits up, contact with allergens (he’s allergic to latex) and any unusual behaviors.

I did pen and paper, and tried emailing the notes from my BlackBerry, but it’s just annoying and time consuming to keep track like this. Not to mention on the days we’ve had the grandparents help out…I swear, I had to write pages of notes to make sure they knew everything they needed to know.

So I found this site — Baby-connect.com — which seems to have solved my problems. It’s a free site that lets you track and share vital information about your baby. Here are some features of the site from their website:

• Easily track feedings, diapers, sleep, activities, mood, temperature
• Easy to use! Log entries with just a click
• Easily view entries from current and prior days
• Email reports to spouses, doctors and nannies/sitters
• Upload photos
• Enter free-form notes
• Indicate and modify the time of an entry
• Upload child photo, indicate birthday, blood type and allergies
• Bottle size Unit: oz or ml, Time Format: am/pm or 24
• Track as many babies as you like
• Setup as many parents and caregivers as you like
• Send entries to twitter
• 60 built-in activities descriptions
• Display real time log of activities during the day

And here’s a screenshot:

I signed up and have been playing around…I’m really impressed with the functionality. I’m especially intrigued with the iPhone app since I may be making the move from BlackBerry to iPhone soon. But more on that in my next post.

Anyway, pass this site on to new parents or even those who have multiple caregivers for their older children. It’s a time and sanity saver!

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So, if you’re like millions of people around the world you resolved as the new year came in to get healthier.  And, if you’re trying to get moving and watch what you eat what better way to help you with that then some apps for your BlackBerry to help you along.

Most weight loss experts will tell you (and most people who have successfully taken off weight will agree) that keeping a food journal is a great help in watching your food intake.  Being the geek that I am I have a few requirements for my food journal:  1.  It needs to be “techy cool” 2.  It needs to have a web and blackberry sync 3.  It needs to be easy to use.  I’ve tried some computer based applications, I’ve tried BlackBerry only applications but I want something with both options.  Well, I found one and it’s FREE:  Calorie Counter by FatSecret.  FatSecret has an iGoogle add-on or you can use the website.  It also has apps for the iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, and iPod Touch.  I love this app (and website) for helping me track my food.  Calorie Counter is available for free at the BlackBerry App World.

FatSecret also keeps track of your exercise and calories burned but to help me track my walking, cycling, and running I use Bones in Motion.  It has a website to track your cumulative mileage, etc.  But, the BlackBerry app (also free) uses the GPS capabilities to track your average speed, distance, time spent walking, and the amount of calories it estimates you’ve burned.  It can also give you audible warnings at certain mile markers if you desire.  One cool feature (if you like to go on long excursions) is a tracker online that you can give your family.  It’s password protected so it’s not like anyone can see where you are but if you have the app running your family can track where you are on your walk/run/ride (I will admit that I haven’t used this because I haven’t had a need to have someone know where I am — but it is a cool feature — I wouldn’t mind if my friends who do the Ironman triathlon had this so we could figure out where they are).   Bones in Motion is free and available at BlackBerry App World as BiM Active.

So, here’s to a healthier, happier, and thinner 2010!

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But there is a way to merge the two facets of your life — family and work — to create a harmonious solution. Depending on their age, your children may have some understanding about what you do, at least from an observer’s perspective. By opening the door to them and giving them an opportunity to get involved in your work, you are sharing an important part of your life and letting them see a whole new side of you.

Here are some of the biggest reasons to let your kids have a hand in your work:

• It lets them see how you work.
• It teaches them responsibility.
• It lets them experience the pride that comes with completing a project.
• It gives them an opportunity to learn about business.
• It helps them appreciate what you do every day.
• It allows them to spend some quality time with you.

A toddler can…

• Put paper in the recycling container
• Carry files to your desk
• Help you open and close file cabinet drawers
• Stack books in piles

A school-age child can…

• Fill your pencil holder with new pens and pencils
• Alphabetize your files
• Collate and staple reports
• Stamp letters and seal envelopes
• Count pages and inserts

A teenager can…

• Shred documents
• Type letters and memos
• Mail packages
• Enter data in a spreadsheet
• Purchase supplies
• Complete online research
• Scan photos and documents

• Paying them for their time
• Letting them pick what they would like to do in the office
• Creating “work hours” especially for them, once or twice a week
• Telling them what a great job they are doing

You can even set up an area in your office where they can do their own homework while you work. And don’t forget to turn off the business mentality and remember it’s not about getting as much done as possible; it’s about learning more about your kids and sharing a special time…just between you and them.

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Resources:
Flip Video Camera: http://www.theflip.com
Jamie’s Blog: http://www.blogjamieblog.com
Zoobuh Kids Email: http://www.zoobuh.com

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So, last month I talked about one RexWireless app that I love and I promised to tell you about another.  Well, as promised, here’s my other favorite app from them…RexConnect.

Here are a few examples of how I’ve used RexConnect (and why I can’t live without it)

1. Say your mom calls you and says she wants to send a card to your cousin but she doesn’t have her address.  You tell her no problem.  Pull up your cousin’s contact information, click “RexConnect”, choose the e-mail (or text) option and send the contact info off.
2. Say you get an e-mail about the location, time and date of a meeting (or party) you’re attending and you don’t want to lose the address (or other important information).  Easy, in the e-mail click “RexConnect”, choose calendar and insert the e-mail in that day/time on your calendar.  It will show as an appointment with the e-mail body in the notes section.
3. Say you need to keep track of the day and time a call was made.  You go to your call log, click “RexConnect”, choose ToDoMatrix, and enter it in the necessary folder.

The send contact information feature alone makes this app a must-have for me (seriously).  The others are just added bonuses in my book.  In essence, you can be in pretty much any app and send that information to another app.  It’s awesome.  I love being able to add things to my calendar, ToDoMatrix, send e-mails/texts easily with a quick click of a button.

Next month I’m going to discuss some super important apps that will help make your BlackBerry experience more enjoyable.  And, if you have an app that you absolutely love be sure to contact me through my website and share.  I test all apps out personally before I’ll rave about them but I love trying new apps so it’s never a problem.

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Years ago I read Getting Things Done by David Allen (excellent book by the way) which transformed a lot of how I organize my thoughts, life, and “to do” items.  When I got my Bberry I had to come up with a way to integrate what I’d learned in the book with how my smartphone could make my life easier.  I did some research and found the perfect app for me.  TodoMatrix by RexWireless.

This application is, in essence, a to do list.  But, really, it’s so much more.   They’ve taken the GTD file cabinet idea and made it into an application.  It’s like having a four drawer (or six drawer if you’re like me) file cabinet in your phone.  Within each “drawer” I have folders for that section.

For example:  In my “Personal” drawer I have folders for music, cash, food, movies, etc.  So, if I’m out somewhere and hear a song I want to download I type it in my music folder.  In my movie folder are movies that I’ve watched previews for or that people have recommended.  In my cash folder I log my cash spending to enter in my budgeting software.  Food — well, that would be items I need to pick up at the grocery store (you know, so I don’t forget that one thing I went to get and come home with five other things).

I have drawers for certain clients, my business, personal, travel (ideas, packing reminders, etc.), and family ideas.

The program has so many functions.  I can delegate tasks to people (and have the tasks e-mailed to them).  I can set reminders of due dates (for things I need to do — like take a medication or pick up someone).  You can set up locations (from the GTD plan) so if you are at your computer you can pull up your @computer list.

Seriously, my bberry todo list is hidden, I don’t even use it.  I HIGHLY recommend you check out RexWireless and todoMatrix.

Next month I’ll probably do a review on RexWireless’ RexConnect — another MUST HAVE app.

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Kindle 1 – I like that the WhisperNet has a physical button on the device. It’s really easy to flip it on and off. You want to keep it off unless you need to download a book so that it doesn’t drain your battery so fast. I don’t like the “Next Page” and other buttons on the side of the Kindle 1. They are really easy to hit on accident.

Kindle 2 – They got rid of the data card slot. I’m ambivalent about this for myself because I cannot imagine myself having more than 1500 books waiting to be read where I’d need a data card. I really don’t like the WhisperNet being software controlled, but it’s not a deal breaker. The big difference is in the controls. The buttons on the side are pressed inward towards the screen so it’s harder to accidentally change the page. They also moved to a small joystick (which can be fidgety at first, took me a while to get used to using it).

Kindle DX - My husband likes this one, but I don’t… It does have native PDF and you can flip the screen long ways to see better and it automatically knows and turns the screen for you. But for me, it’s too big. It doesn’t fit in my purse and it’s a little on the heavy side. The big thing for me is that there is no “next page” on the left. Their answer is you can read it upside down, but then the keyboard and controls are all on top – it’s awkward.

The bottom line is that there are different Kindles for different needs. My husband likes his DX because he doesn’t have a purse and it fits in his briefcase. It’s also good for magazine/newspaper reading as well as his technical documents. I like the 2 for the portability and the ability to use that left “next page” button.

It is a very cool device – either way

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In the Smartphone world you can get in some great discussions when you bring up Palm vs. Blackberry. I happen to be a Blackberry girl. I have a Pearl and have clients (and many friends) that I have successfully moved to Blackberry devices.

As with all Smartphones you can get your e-mail, calendar, texting, and web access on the Pearl. When I first got my Pearl I went with the regular data plan through my cell provider. It worked great, but I had to tether to do syncs with my desktop. I was able to find some applications that did many of the over-the-air syncs which helped a lot. A few months ago one of my clients upgraded to a Blackberry Exchange Server and because I needed to have access to e-mail on that account I upgraded as well. That was the BEST possible upgrade I’ve ever done. Now everything syncs over the air – my calendar, my address book, task lists, everything. There is nothing better than being out somewhere and knowing that every single phone number you’d ever want is right there in your phone.

This Blackberry is my first trip into the Smartphone world and I was leery, at first, about whether I wanted and needed the added features of the phone. Today, I can’t imagine not having my phone next to me. When I decided to get the Pearl I was concerned with the size of the other Blackberries (at the time the Curve was the only other option available from my carrier). I liked the slim, sleek feel of the Pearl so I went with that. Unfortunately, I’ve quickly outgrown the phone however.

While I rave up and down, from here to Alaska about how great the phone is, I highly recommend getting at least a Curve if you are going to be a power user. If you’re not sure about the benefits of a Smartphone and want the smaller size the Pearl is an awesome phone. I’ve never regretted my decision to get the Pearl – I’m just very ready to upgrade (and have an appointment with my rep already for the day that my big credit is available for my new-every-two phone).

In the coming months I’ll share some of my “must have” Blackberry applications. For now, let me share one aspect that is unique to the Blackberry that I’ve grown to love: Blackberry Messenger. It’s a Blackberry instant message/text message program. But, it does so much more than that. You can have multi-user conversations. You can see when the other person has received AND read the message you’ve sent (which is great when I’m sending my assistant a message). You can share files and pictures. Best of all, it’s free for Blackberry users.

My Blackberry and I are very close.  It’s never far away; it’s my alarm clock in the morning and my link to friends and family throughout the day. I’m very much a Blackberry fan and when I meet someone with a Blackberry (especially if it’s new or another version than mine) I don’t hesitate to talk about it and I’ll even ask to play.

If that makes me a geek gyrl, so be it. I’ll take that title proudly.

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