Tag Archives: social networking

Children And The Internet

Managing Your Child’s Online Reputation

Before allowing your child to use the Internet, it is important that you educate them about the potential dangers associated with using the Internet.
- Explain to them why they shouldn’t visit certain websites and how they can compromise your child’s safety.
  - Teach them about the dangers of chat rooms and social networking sites.
  - Tell them about online strangers and predators. Explain that they should not communicate with any strangers on-line just like they are not supposed to in the real world. Make your child aware that although an online profile might show that the person is the same age as your child, the person may be an adult posing as a child.
  - Explain the importance of keeping personal information private. Their profile should not show things like the school they go to, the town they live in, their email addresses and more.
  - Stress that your child should never post future plans or their whereabouts.
  - Your home computer should be in a room that is commonly used by your family.
Use parental controls available to you.
Familiarize yourself with checking the history of internet usage on your computer.
Communicate regularly about your child’s online usage.
Approve all websites before your children access them.
Be sure to check the content and make sure it is safe before letting your child create any profile on it.
Be aware of all websites your children access. If they are social networking sites, parents should have the passwords so they can watch their child’s usage.
Your computer should always have some sort of antivirus and Internet security software on it. Make sure it is always updated.
Check that all of your child’s social networking profiles are private.
Encourage your child to use your email address for their profile so you can monitor friend requests and messages.
Make sure you discuss friend requests with your child to make sure that strangers do not have access to your child’s profile information.
Remember, to protect your child online, parents must educate themselves about the risks associated with the Internet. If parents are not aware of the potential dangers, it will be harder to ensure your child’s safety.

Posted in Apps, Children, Education, Family, Kids, Media, Mom, Motherhood, Tech | Tagged cell, cellphone, cyberbully, cyberbullying, facebook, i-stuff, internet, iPad, iPhone, iPod, online, parents, predator, safety, school, sexting, social media, social networking, tech, twitter | Leave a comment

Instagram Everything – Instagram Apps

The Wonderful World Of Instagram, Apps For Instagram And A New Level Of Social Networking And Social Media!

Posting pictures on Instagram could be my latest obsession! Until yesterday, I didn’t realize I had a number of Instagram followers. Personally, I have no idea why anyone would have followed me on Instagram since I only had 4 pictures posted… Well, to be honest, I forgot I had an account.

Yesterday, 5pm: My friend was showing me pictures on her phone and said… “Don’t you just love Instagram?”… Having forgotten about Instagram, and having little knowledge what all the fuss was over, I just nodded. I admit though, her pictures looked great!

Yesterday, 9pm: Intention – Writing. I sat in front of my computer contemplating… to write, or to Instagram…

I started with the search engine… no luck… Oops! I forgot, it was an app!

On to the app store…

Instagram now has apps for a Mac computer!

Ok, so you still cannot upload images from a Mac to Instagram, but who cares? The app was created for an iPhone… Not a computer. The purpose of the app: Make the pictures you take from your cell phone look fantastic!

Next, my iPhone…

Visiting the app store, I realized that I already had the app. I even had an account. A simple upgrade was necessary. Once complete, the fun began! Picture after picture, I created one masterpiece after another (lie… the app created one masterpiece after another). I posted each to Facebook, Twitter and more. A little overkill? Yes, absolutely! The next thing I knew, it was 1:30Am and it was time to call it a night… Bye bye Instagram… Until next time…

The world of apps associated with Instagram is so vast, I thought I would include just a few (honestly), of the apps I found!

Instalook - Find Instagram Photos around you

InstaHelp - The Unofficial Guide for Instagram

PhotoVote - Instagram Challenges

MyPad+ for Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Calendagram - Wall calendars from your Instagram photos!

Clockstagram

Dashr - Instagram & RSS news reader

Frames for Instagram

Insta – Text!

InstaClip - Instagram Photo Cropper

InstaCollage Pro – Pic Frame & Pic Caption for Instagram FREE

InstaCommentor for Instagram

InstaFramer – Coolest photo frames ever.

InstaFrManager for Instagram

There are even more… I just got tired of cutting and pasting… Enjoy Insta-whatevering away! Next on my list… Adding it to my website! xo

Posted in Apps, Family, Media, Mom, Parenting, Photography, Uncategorized, Women | Tagged app, applications, camera, facebook, games, i-stuff, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Media, photo, photographer, photography, pictures, pinterest, snapshot, social, social networking, tech, twitter | Leave a comment

Pinterest For Therapy?

Pinterest is great for so many reasons but I never thought I would resort to using it in a therapeutic way. Recently, I suffered from a full day of anxiety and irritation, due to an inane set of events which were completely out of my control. Even my ride home was awful. My mother always told me never to drive behind someone wearing a hat. For the 100th time, she was right. While the man, with hat of course, drove in front of me, I had a strong urge to accelerate and push him off the road… yes, I realize I am sounding like a crazy person but we have all been there.

Finally home, I put my little ones to bed. Instead of cleaning up like I usually do, I chose to turn the tv off, plant myself on my couch, put my feet up and just breathe… that lasted about a minute. Bored, thinking of brainless activities to keep myself occupied, it came to me! Out of the corner of my eye, I could see my iPad. I jumped up, poured myself a glass of wine and grabbed my infamous iPad. Starting with a few games, not doing well, and getting frustrated once again, I could only wish for a masseuse to relieve my stress. I stopped playing games and stared at the screen. There it was, right in front of me… The Pinterest icon. The pretty red and white icon in all it’s simplicity was calling my name.

It had been some time since I had used Pinterest. Although not much has changed, the site never quite bores. Starting with a few of my friends walls, I found some nice things to pin. Moving on, I decided to search using the term “white”. Somehow, my white wall always gives me pleasant feeling. It has a calming factor. Quickly, I noticed pins with quotes, a word here and there, even poems. Most were positive and helped get me to a ”feel good” state of mind. I noticed the tension in my back slowly dissipated and my mood swinging back to positive. I was feeling better and it cost me absolutely nothing… amazing what something so simple can do… I created a Pinterest Wall dedicated to that evening called “Pinteresting Words.” See my wall below!

Posted in Apps, Blogology 101, Funnies, Pinteresting | Tagged Apps, design, fun, i-stuff, iPad, iPhone, iPod, marketing, photo, photography, pinterest, social media, social networking, tech, therapy, web, website | Leave a comment

Blog Beauty – Great Writers – Human Touch

Creating my first website Trending Mom, opened my eyes to the wonderful world of blogging and the beauty of every blog. When I informed people I had a website, the first question typically asked was “Oh, so you started a blog?” Well, yes… I suppose. It’s no secret that I love to write, but that is not why I began my website. Blog or no blog, I am a passionate writer. Somehow though, being a blogger amongst those that do not blog, or don’t quite understand what a blog is, rarely yield positive responses. Fortunately, after diving into this wonderful internet society, I have been lucky enough to experience how amazing it is and what it can do for each of us.

In true TM style, I would like to explain to those who do not understand blogs what a blog is. A blog, in layman’s terms, is every single website on the internet. Yes, even search engines could be considered blogs to some degree (again, this is according to TM). If I wanted to create my first blog like a department stores website, I could. If I wanted it to be like your favorite newspapers website, I could. Simply stated, a blog is a blog… which is a blog… which just happens to be a website. It really is that simple.

Moving on… What can a blog do for you? Although a long list, I will try to keep it short using bullets and just giving the basics:

Writing Therapy
Make Money
Promote Yourself, Your Company And Even Products You Make Or Sell
Promote Other People Or Another Company
Act As A Resume
A Great Platform For You To Share Your Life With The World
A Great Platform To Share Your Life Or Family Life With Family Living Far Away
A Way To Socially Connect With Others
A Way To Express Your Anger Without Lashing Out In A Physical Manner
A Journal About Your Life Or Your Experiences
A Travel Journal…

Enough said, clearly a blog is much more than “just a blog.”

Why Do I Blog? Besides my love of writing, I never thought I would get this far in my blogging journey. My goal was to create a website from scratch. Since I didn’t have any website development training, I knew my journey would be choppy. What I didn’t know was how much fun it would be and where it would take me. The very beginning was the toughest part. Finding the right platform seemed like the impossible. Looking back, I realize that many platforms were similar. It was the “green” me that was the problem. Regardless, here I am today with a new and revamped knowledge base.

Back to the “so you started a blog?” and the “why do you blog?” questions I am often asked… It’s a simple answer… “I just do.”

The Beauty Of Blogs… If you ever have a chance to browse through numerous blogs, you will find one common trend. Each blog contains a “something special” element to it. By reading, you have the opportunity to delve into the world of someone else for a moment. Blogs, like people, have their own look and feel. Each blog has style and personality. Whether through the content, or just the look and feel, you may get a new perspective on the person or people behind it.

In the past, people who felt comfortable enough to express themselves for the world to see were a rarity. Today, more and more are doing it through their blogs. Consumed in technological world where socializing has become less social, blogs are a blessing. They are one of the few things bridging the gap and allowing for the human aspect back in a world filled with texts.

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Posted in Blogology 101, Children, Education, Kids, Media, Mom, Motherhood, Uncategorized, Women | Tagged blogging, business, seo, social media, social networking, writers | Leave a comment

5 Great Networking Websites For Mom Blogs

There are an influx of amazing networking websites for bloggers. Instead of inundating my readers with too much information, I chose to feature 5 in this post. Each of these have been very effective for me as a blogger…

1. Bloggerdise
A place for businesses and bloggers to promote themselves and their brands. Bloggerdise is a fantastic tool for both bloggers and business owners. The site not only promotes interaction but their B2B platform is incredible. The website promotes interaction between bloggers and businesses, helping drive more readers to both the blog and the brand. Bloggers have the ability to search through different products, giveaways, and many other opportunities for your blog. Businesses can post what they would like to offer in order to find bloggers to promote their brand. It is definitely a fantastic website, oozing with great opportunities!

2. Cyber Connect Bloggers Network
Although I am new to this website, I already believe it is worth the mention. Through Cyber Connect Bloggers Network, you can get support for your blog, and meet other bloggers! The website connects bloggers to one another, gives you the opportunity to add your blog posts and even has groups you can join that help you gain followers as well as chat with bloggers that have similar interests!

3. BlogHer
BlogHer is one of the most extensive blogging resources in the blogosphere. The website is packed with interesting reading material no matter what your interests. Besides showcasing a wide array of great bloggers as well as great writing, BlogHer offers a book club, promotions, prizes and more. BlogHer also hosts some of the most popular and beneficial conferences for bloggers to attend. Truly a “must join” if you are new or seasoned in the blogging world.

4. Blog Catalog
With over 900 Mom Bloggers on Blog Catalog, it’s a difficult site to resist becoming a member. As stated on their website, it is “Where Bloggers Unite!” Blog Catalog offers support for fellow bloggers as well as excellent tools and resources to learn from. It also happens to be an excellent way to connect with other bloggers and read some fantastic posts. The website also gives bloggers the opportunity to participate in causes as well as start discussions where members can participate.

5. Launching Mom
A site dedicated to support savvy women in business and those beginning a new venture. It’s a great place to connect with other women with the same goals as you. The women who are part of the Launching Mom network are goal oriented and interested in helping one another take their business to the next level.

Posted in Apps, Blogology 101, Education, Family, Humanity, Media, Mom, Motherhood, Uncategorized, Women | Tagged blogging, i-stuff, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Mom, mom blog, mom bloggers, network, Parenting, public, social media, social networking, tech, website, women, write, write now | Leave a comment

Facebook, Kids Under 13 And Parental Intelligence Software

I previously wrote in an article about Keeping your kids safe from cyber bullies and other problematic situations regarding social media and other new technology. Technology has changed the way our children socialize today. It is only logical to change the way we parent as well. Facebook’s latest idea, targeting children under the age of 13, is exactly why parents need to take matters into there own hands, and protect their children.

Uknowkids.com is helping parents do just that. The Uknowkids team developed the first parental intelligence software. The system allows parents to connect with their child’s digital world without being invasive. With cyberbullying being more prevalent than ever, and child predators using the internet while targeting children, this is a must have for all parents.

Fortunately, I have been able to connect with Uknowkids and see first hand what their software is capable of. Besides the software though, their website offers useful tools and information that are a “must see” for all parents. During recent visit to their website, I found a moving snippet I had to share with my readers. Here are some statistics regarding Facebook and the social sites newest potential venture

Posted in Apps, Children, Education, Family, Girls, Kids, Mom, Motherhood, Parenting, Tech, Women | Tagged bully, Children, cyber, dad, facebook, i-stuff, iPad, iPhone, iPod, marketing, Mom, Parenting, parents, safety, social media, social networking, software, tech | Leave a comment

Pinning On Pinterest

Whether for personal or business use, social media is on almost everyone’s radar these days. Between different generations of people having an interest in technology or not, social media has somehow managed to capture the heart of many since most websites are easy to navigate and use. Social Media has been able to bridge the gap between different generations and is effective. Pinterest is one form of social media that is not only fun and addictive, it is proving to be one of the best marketing tools used for business.

Every company that is looking to succeed, should utilize Pinterest. It’s free advertising with the ability to reach the masses just seconds after pinning. With a clean appearance and basic layout, navigating through the website is seamless. For companies with online stores, pinning pictures of items for sale are a breeze. A simple description using keywords help Pinterest users from all over the world find your pins. If they choose to purchase the item you have listed for sale, simply clicking on the picture can redirect the Pinterest user to your site. Not only does this give the user a chance to purchase your “for sale” item, it also introduces them to your companies storefront and/or website. With it being the new wave of gaining business, I thought I would include some interesting reads as well… HAPPY PINNING…

Posted in Apps, Blogology 101, Photography, Pinteresting | Tagged advertising, i-stuff, iPad, iPhone, iPod, marketing, pinterest, shop, social media, social networking, store, tech | 1 Comment

Instant Film Cameras – Polaroid – A Past Trend Or Not?

INTRODUCING THE Polaroid 300 Instant Camera – Black
Remember the days when the Polaroid Instant Cameras were the best thing since sliced bread! I do! Just when you thought those were completely overshadowed by todays digital trends, Polaroid has brought an old trend to the forefront again.

Recently, my daughters and I were lunching at my girlfriends house. While there, I noticed a bunch of mini pictures on a wall. They were so cute that I had to look closer. As I approached them, I saw family members, friends and many pictures of my girlfriend’s two boys. I asked her where she had them printed. She told me it was from her new camera and then, she pulled it out of a draw… It was adorable! A new toy for this Mom I thought! Although I love my camera, this little mini made me extend my arms and wiggle my fingers like a little kid in a candy store that just couldn’t wait! I had to have it! She handed it to me and I started snapping! With each snap, a picture popped out of the camera. Even better, I got to shake it… “shake shake shake, shake it like a Polaroid picture” (I had to write that… lyrical credits to Outkast)… So much fun! I cannot wait to get my own!

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Posted in Create, Family, Mom, Motherhood, Photography, Shopping | Tagged amazon, business, buy, camera, cannon, i-stuff, photography, pictures, polaroid, shop, Shopping, social networking, tech, Technology, trend, trending, website, write, writenow | Leave a comment

Elfster, Birthday’s, Presents And More… The App

http://www.elfster.com/

Description: What was it about Elfster that got me? Two things on this little app made me smile. First, the cute little green and pink picture with the elf, and second, the description which includes the phrase “a party in your pocket”! Hopefully, you are already interested in this “FREE” app. It is your very own wishlist, or your families wishlist, that you can share with anyone. Even better, once you start creating wishlists, you have the ability to view trending gifts and add, share, like or simply view them. You can also choose anything to add to your wishlist by entering a website link and browsing. Can’t find what you really want through a website or would prefer being surprised? Enter a description using text. If you are at the mall and see numerous things you would like to put on your Christmas list or child’s birthday wish list, just scan the bar code directly from Elfster and it will be added to your list. You can now follow your families wish lists and they can follow yours! This little app kicks butt and the colors are oh so girly!
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