Chevy Malibu Bluetooth Hands Free Calling for the Ultimate Multitasker!

Girlfriend Getaway

Today has been one week since I started to drive the  new 2011Chevy Malibu as part of the CT Girlfriend Getaway Program.  It’s amazing how every year the new car models seem to add and improve features.

The Connecticut Legislature recently enacted laws against drivers using cell phones to emphasize the dangers of texting while driving.  Although I have a headset, I never have felt comfortable using it.  If you’re caught talking or driving on your phone, a violation of the law is punishable by a whopping fine of up to $100, but could be suspended if you present proof of having acquired a hands-free accessory for the phone before any such fine is imposed.

If you’re a mom or grandmom like me, we all know the feeling we get in our  tummys when our cell phone rings when you’re not expecting it. And aren’t all moms and grandmoms always “on call”? You’ll be out and about town doing your errands, singing out along with whatever favorite tunes are playing on the CD or radio, and whammo – you need to make a decision.

• Do you risk breaking the law and answer the phone because it just might be a call where your family needs to get in touch with you LIKE RIGHT NOW?

• Do you pull over to the side of the road and take the call?  By the time you find a safe spot to pull over, you’ve probably missed the call.

Well now my dilemma has been solved.

The new 2011 Chevy Malibu LTZ is equipped with the Bluetooth technology hands-free calling feature!

As a Baby Boomer grandmom, I like to consider myself with-it, and try to keep up with technology and try to be one-step ahead of the curve with my 20-something year old daughters and charming son-in-law.

I do realize though that many Baby Boomers and senior citizens don’t grasp the concept of what exactly bluetooth and hands-free calling is.

What is Bluetooth Technology?

Bluetooth technology is a voice-activated, hands-free, in-car method of communication.  When Bluetooth is enabled for cell phones, it allows mobile users to connect to their hands free headset without using wires.  Bluetooth technology also allows mobile phone users to connect with their hands free kit as well.

As a solution to wireless, Bluetooth eliminates the need for messy cords, keeping everything nice and neat. It’s perfect for those who like to talk on cell phones, as you no longer need to hold the phone next to your ear – which is great for those who travel often.

On the Chevy Malibu, I don’t even need to wear a headset!  Whenever I have an incoming cell phone call, the radio will mute, and I’ll hear a ring tone announcing I have a call.  All I simply have to do is push the button on the steering wheel, and take the call! 

This feature works out really well for me because as a blogger and mompreneur, I have to try to fit as much work into my day during daylight hours as I can!

There’s no need for me to be distracted nor take my hands off the wheel while driving!  Easy Peasy!

At the end of my conversation, I push the disconnect button!

Here’s a video example below.

If you haven’t yet experienced Bluetooth technology, here’s your chance!

Test Drive Promotion August 30-October 3, 2010:

Right now, consumers who visit any of the NEW CT Chevy Network Chevy Dealers and test drive a new Chevy Malibu will receive a $40 SPA Finder gift card – think manicure, pedicure, or facial!

Here’s your chance to check out the New Chevy Malibu for yourself, but Getaway for some Me-Time too!  Bring your girlfriends, daughters, moms, aunts, and anyone who has a driver’s license along too!

Thanks for visiting! Comments are always appreciated!

I’m the “Chevy Girl On the Go” CT Girlfriend Getaway – 2011 Chevy Malibu

Connecticut Attractions

CT Chevy Girlfriend Getaway Program

Now that I’ve returned from my final camping trip of the season I’m excited to let you know I’ve been selected to take part in the CT Chevy Girlfriend Getaway Program! Who can resist a “Road Trip?” This Baby Boomer is old enough to remember “See the USA…” so I’ll be taking you on special Road Trips highlighting Connecticut attractions  from behind the wheel of a brand new 2011 Chevy Malibu.

My husband and I have owned Chevys since at least as far back as the early 1970s, and I currently own and drive a 2008 Chevy. When our daughters graduated college, we bought the girls brand new Chevys. So our family knows Chevy!

For the last few weeks I’ve been tweeting on Twitter (@Moomettes) with the hashtag #ctchevygirls announcing that I’ll be part of this exciting campaign.

The Grand Launch of the CT Chevy Girlfriend Getaway Program took place on Wednesday, August 25th and is sponsored by the NEW CT Chevy Network Chevy Dealers.  I got to meet some awesome fellow Connecticut bloggy friends and participants, Cheryl @TheBudgeBunch from The Budge Bunch and Mary, @TheMommyologist author of The Mommyologist.

Check out our orientation day on Whrrl:

More check-ins at max fish restaurant

Powered by Whrrl

Here I am getting the 411 about the features of this magnificent, and I mean magnificent 2011 Chevy Malibu that I’ll be driving and toodeling around in for one month!  It’s fully loaded, heated seats (great for my tush on cool autumn crisp mornings in New England) as well as complete with sun roof for when the days warm up (no my face doesn’t flubber while the sun roof is open)!  That’s fall in New England for you, heat in the morning and sun roof in the after noon! This ride totally RAWKS!  Now I feel like the “Little Old Lady from Pasadena” – Go Granny Go!

I was getting the update on the hands-free Bluetooth calling feature!

Those of you who are regular readers know that I love to showcase New England and Connecticut through my scenic photography shots.

Here’s a few photos of  the 2011 Chevy Malibu in some scenic photos of historic homes in Connecticut and attractions in Connecticut:

In upcoming posts I’ll be vlogging some of the Girlfriend Missions I’ll be taking you on. Grandmom doesn’t want you to think she’s just another “pretty face,” so I’ll be focusing on the special options and features that the 2011 Chevy Malibu can offer your family!

Some exciting upcoming promotions that you’ll want to be certain to subscribe to Moomette’s Magnificents so you can participate in:

Test Drive Promotion August 30-October 3, 2010:

Beginning August 30th, consumers who visit any of the NEW CT Chevy Network Chevy Dealers and test drive a new Chevy Malibu will receive a $40 SPA Finder gift card – think manicure, pedicure, or facial!

Here’s your chance to check out the New Chevy Malibu for yourself, but Getaway for some Me-Time too!  Bring your girlfriends, daughters, moms, aunts, and anyone who has a driver’s license along too!

Girlfriend Getaway Sweepstakes Trip to Ireland:

Beginning August 30th, consumers can register to win a Girlfriend Getaway for two.  The package includes round trip air to Dublin or Shannon on Aer Lingus Airlines for eight days and seven night stay at the winner’s choice of 200 hotels or bed and breakfasts and manual rental car.

For More Information Visit: girlfriendgetawayctchevy.com

Follow Along on Twitter: @Moomettes #ctchevygirls

On Facebook: GirlfriendGetawayCTChevy

New England Campground: Pawtuckaway State Park – New Hampshire – Wordless Wednesday

Some of Our Favorite Family Activities

Summer Celebrations

Our family just got back from a magnificent long weekend at a New England camping place at Pawtuckaway State Park in New Hampshire.

It was somewhat of a culture shock to me (a city mouse) as I’m used to traditional camping locations, and the NH campground and lake was almost 3 miles into the woods, off the main road!

While there, we held a family reunion with charming son-in-law’s family from Vermont.

There weren’t any lions, tigers or bears, (Oh My!) but I did see a water moccasin snake, and a huge mother-spider on my car!

I really can’t wait to go back again next year!

For more information visit: Pawtuckaway State Park and Campground, New Hampshire

Be sure to check out my Hershey’s Summer Celebrations Series Brand Ambassador post on How to Plan a Family Reunion Camping Trip and Campfire Cooking Recipes

Follow Along on Twitter for more Ideas on how to use Hershey’s: #summercelebrations

Does your family go camping?  In a tent?  In an RV?  Tell me about your favorite places to camp!

Don’t forget to sign the Linky!

Free Easy Tips To Set Up A Specialized Content Daily Twitter Newspaper

A Little Birdie Told Me About Social Media

Twitter Social Media Retweet Group

Visit this group

Free Marketing Online

If you’re an online business work-at-home mompreneur, your primary priority after formulating your crafts or service is to discover the folks that will establish that your business is a winner. Promoting your business is an immense undertaking and Twitter can facilitate in that respect.

You’ve prepared a business plan that may include article marketing, social network marketing and viral advertising. In the social network marketing section, don’t rule out Twitter.

Twitter is more than just an internet site for keeping abreast with the miniscule particulars of day-to-day living. Sure, you’ve discovered that celebrities and other people twitter relentlessly what they had for lunch, upcoming vacations and pop culture but those same hoi polloi can be learning from you about your business or blog.

Twitter is considered a micro-blogging platform. You can chit chat to anybody who cares to lend an ear. It’s a real-time method to interest the masses  in product reviews, contests, prize giveaways, frugal shopping tips, recipes and more. Twitter is free to use so you can post a hyperlink to your Twitter account on your blog or business website.

That being said, I’d like to let you know that I’m working harder to try
to build a better widget here, and help my readers to cast a wider net.

I came across an interesting site and aggregation tool that allows you to create and publish specialized content “Daily Newspapers” from Twitter Lists. Basically what it entails is:

1.  You can create a Daily Newspaper from Twitter Lists, your Twitter followers or from Twitter Hashtags thus enabling everyone to read specific topics of interest in a one page ezine format posting.

Here’s a screenshot of the page from the newspaper i recently set up:

Twitter Social Media Daily Newsletter

Now here comes the good part.

Twitter Networking Social Media Retweet Group

Awhile back I established a Google Group for the purpose of creating a “tribe” of members who Retweet each-other’s tweets.

It’s actually very simple and convenient and similar to retweet groups that are on some ning forum sites.  Only this is easier, because my members post their most important tweets to the group, and the requests are automatically emailed to the members in digest-format daily by email.

Genius, don’t you think?

Of course, like any grandmom “Who’s Been Around the Block,”  I’ve established some criteria and house rules, and membership in the group is either by invitation, or application.

Now here’s the Bonus Part!

As a participant of the Twitter Social Media Retweet Group, the members are listed on my public Twitter List @Moomettes.

The Paper.li site then takes the member’s Twitter Ids and pulls content from their blog posts to publish the newspaper.  I have no control over it.  I have it set to auto publish, and it also auto-publishes “Featured” members of the group – I have no control over.

So some members who are prolific writers might find their content listed
more frequently than others.

What I will do once the Twitter press daily news  is published,  is to once again Retweet that posting myself – Featuring some of the members who aren’t auto-featured.  Grandmom believes in playing nice.

I think it’s a neat idea! I then request that the members visit the site link, and use the Promote to Facebook button, and also the Retweet Button and do this on a daily basis.

There’s also a widget that can be embed in your blog if you choose (I
Did) and you can view it at the bottom of my right-hand sidebar.   You can adjust the size and color of the widget to compliment your blog.  It rotates member posts, and if a reader clicks, it will click through to that member’s blog post, or also will bring them to the ezine, where the reader can then click through to the member’s blog.

I’ve also created a newspaper for my own personal Twitter followers,
so if you’re following me @Moomettes, you’ll get exposure on my second newsletter:  Moomette’s Daily News.  I repeat the tweeting process to Feature members in my tweet stream.

It’s cool, you can create newspapers for your twitter followers, hashtags, and lists.  For example, let’s say Eve wants to promote all of her posts from now on with #DWE as a hashtag.

Eve can create a list, and can aggregate her posts & publish to Twitter!

If you’d like to join the Twitter Social Media Retweet Group, look on my right sidebar and it’ll take you to the sign-up information.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Comments?  Suggestions?

Rethink The Quickie: Bare Escentuals Mineral Makeup Tour of America and Giveaway

Swirl. Tap. Buff.

Bare Escentuals Mineral Makeup Quickie Van Tour of America 2010

Are you in the mood for a Quickie? I was!  The Bare Escentuals Tour of America 2010 Quickie Make-Under van stopped at WestFarms Mall, Farmington, Connecticut and I was there to get the royal treatment and lessons in applying their bare Minerals products!

I drove all around the outside perimeter of the Mall, looking for the Van.  Was I ever surprised when I found out the pink electric vehicle was inside the Mall in the Center Court!

Usually the van is parked outside when it’s on tour!

Here’s what the Quickie Make-Under by Bare Escentuals is all about:

Indulge in a few minutes of pure happiness with Bare Escentuals —our Quickie is guaranteed to leave you satisfied.
Bare Escentuals created the foundation that started the mineral makeup revolution— millions of women love bare Minerals and our approach to bare-skin beauty. Now we’re all revved-up and ready to bring our award-winning bare Minerals makeup to a city near you.
The fastest tour in America is slowly making its way across the USA: Three Bare Escentuals Quickie Vans will roam the nation from August 1 through October 31. These one-of-a-kind Quickie Vans miraculously transform into pop-up boutiques delivering fast and flawless make-unders on the fly.
Our Quickie Vans will beautify 92 cities across the country—swirl, tap and buffing the West Coast, Midwest and East Coast. The Bare Escentuals team of roadies includes tour managers and beauty ambassadors, performing complimentary make-unders on streets and sidewalks.
Every Quickie includes bare Minerals award-winning ORIGINAL and MATTE SPF 15 Foundation shade matching. With 20 shades and 2 finishes, you’re guaranteed to find your perfect match. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a natural-looking, flawless complexion. The beauty of it? It lasts all day.

Read About My Quickie Make-Under on Whrrl:

I was greeted by the Bare Escentuals Public Relations Manager from San Francisco, and introduced to Zarra, who would be my Beauty Ambassador.  In Six Degrees of Separation, I found out that she’s originally from Westport, CT as well as The Hamptons, and knows one of the gals that my oldest daughter went to college with!  This is Zarra’s second tour around the USA with the company.

I explained that while I do use bare makeup products, I wasn’t familiar with the proper application procedure and really just fly on one wing when I apply them.  I also have never had a professional skin shade match.

Swirling, tapping and buffing, Zarra literally transformed me in about ½ hour. First she determined that my skin tone color was medium with olive undertones, and chose the following BareEscentual products for me:

• Prep & Prime: Purely Nourishing Moisturizer and Prime-Time (Primer)

• Bare Minerals Foundation: Golden-Medium

• Finishing Powder: Mineral Veil

• All-Over Face Color/Blush: Warmth/Pure-radiance/Vintage Peach

• Lips: Rose

• Eyes: Pure-Radiance

I was amazed how using  the Prime-Time Primer made the foundation glide on!   My Bare Escentuals Beauty Ambassador mentioned that I had good pores and good skin and I explained it was probably due to good genetics and the fact that my grandmom lived to be 101!

Zarra recommended and used the following Brushes, critical to applying mineral makeup properly, also available from Bare Escentuals:

• Handy-Buki: Bare Minerals Foundation

• Max-Coverage: Concealer-Spot Treatment

• Angled Brush: Radiance/Warmth/Blush

• Soft-Focus Face: Mineral Veil

When applying the bare minerals foundation with the Handy-Buki, Zarra literally “buffed” my face with this tight brush, and it felt as if I was getting an all-over facial massage.  Using swirling motions, the foundation covered all kinds of sins (redness, etc.) on my face.

A few of the tips I learned on how to apply mineral makeup -

• Only sprinkle a little bit of the mineral makeup into the top of the jar, about as much as “cinnamon on top of expresso”

• Insert a clean mascara wand into lip gloss and then use the lipstick brush to remove as much as you need before applying (cool trick!)

Because everybody loves a good freebie, anyone who gives their Quickie a try gets to take  home a free deluxe sample.  (With all the picture-taking and video we did, I think they forgot to give me mine!) but I did receive a cute bumper sticker  with a coupon attached for 20% Off an entire Bare Escentuals purchase valid through October 31, 2010. Zarra recommends the Starter Kit for anyone who hasn’t tried Bare Escentuals. It’s got all kinds of goodies in it and normally retails for over $150 but is now value-priced at only $60. With the 20% off, and the holidays coming up before we know it, it’s a magnificent opportunity!

Bare Escentuals was also kind enough to offer a surprise for my readers!

Swing by for a Quickie. It’s fast, free love and it’s guaranteed to knock your socks off. Just look for that little pink van “with the big satisfied glow.”

More info available and see whether the Quickie Van is coming to a town near you, visit: Bare Escentuals Quickie

On Twitter: @BareEssentuals

Hashtag: #quickievan

On Facebook: Bare Escentuals Cosmetics

Moomette’s Magnificents is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) lucky winner of a Bare Escentuals Urban Vibe Eye Kit.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Bare Escentuals and leave a comment about which of their products you would like to try and why.

~ One Extra Entry: Become a Moomette’s Magnificents Facebook Fan and leave a comment on our wall with your thoughts on this giveaway.

~ One Extra Entry: Click the “Like” button on this post (top or bottom) and leave and leave your name in a separate comment

~ One Extra Entry: Follow and Rank Moomette’s Magnificents on Networked Blogs (right sidebar) and leave your name in a separate comment.

~ One Extra Entry: Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect (sidebar)

~ One Extra Entry: Visit my 101 Random Things About Me page (under About) and leave a comment – something About Me

~ One Extra Entry: Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post, and come back here and let me know which post you have the comment on

~One Extra Entry: Tweet this giveaway and post the link in your comment- (may do this daily) 1 extra/day (50 Followers minimum to qualify for extra entry)

copy and paste to tweet

I just entered to #Win Bare Escentuals Eye Kit #Giveaway from @Moomettes http://clicky.me/15z2

This contest will run until September 8, 2010 at 11:00 pm.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.Urban V

Tips To Set Up Your Facebook Account: Part 2 – Adding and Organizing Friends

Setting Up a Facebook Account Series

In Part 1 I discussed how in order to stay ahead of the curve in today’s competitive society, one should have a pretty strong social networkingcircle. Part 1 covered the topic, How to Set Up Your Facebook Profile Page.  Once you have your personal tidbits established, it’s time to start adding Facebook top friends for business purposes, or personal contacts.  Using tutorial Part 2, you can add all of your business contacts or find your old high school and college buddies, as well as people you’ve lost touch with!  You’ll want to add your family, so make sure you send this post on to Mom or Aunt Tillie so she can get with the times and share her favorite recipes or recent photos of Precious with you!

Adding and Organizing Friends on Facebook

Things to consider:

• Your purpose for using Facebook

• Who you want to connect with

• What ‘type’ of friends you’ll have (business, family, friend, etc)

• What parts of your profile you want each list of friends to see

I have two types of Facebook pages – a personal page where I shoot-the-breeze with friends, and also Fan pages for my blogs.

My personal page actually consists of my online-friends as my family prefers not to have their personal posts show on my wall.  I have yet to make a page strictly for my family, but when Ido (in my spare time – ha), it most likely will be under my maiden name.  At least then, my friends from high school will know how to find me!

Notes: These steps can be completed in any order you choose. For privacy purposes, some step may not be illustrated or images may be missing details.

Step 1: Create Custom Friends Lists

a) Click the “Friends” link in your sidebar

b) Click the “Create a List” button at the top of your screen & name your list

A pop-up will open with all of your existing friends shown

c) Select the person you want to add and press enter. You can add multiple people at once by pressing the Ctrl button on your keyboard while you select people.

Important! Don’t forget to go back and set the options for ‘privacy permissions’ for this list

Step 2: Add Friends Using “Friend Finder”

The “Find Friends” option allows Facebook to scan your email address book to see if anyone in it has a Facebook account. Your request will be sent to your friend’s email for their approval.

a) On your home page, click the “Try Friend Finder” button

b) A box will pop up asking you to sign into your email account

Once signed in, you may be asked to allow Facebook to view data from your email account. If you don’t allow it, you cannot use the Friend Finder feature.

Facebook will automatically scan your address book and generate a list of people who have a Facebook account.

c) Select which friends you want to add to your friends list by selecting the box next to each person’s photo or identity. You can also switch email accounts to find more friends.
d) After you add your friends or click “skip” you can invite those without a Facebook account to join and become your friend. Simply check the box next to each person you want to send an invite to and click “Invite to Join”.

Once done or if you ‘skip’ this step, you will be redirected back to your Facebook account.

Step 3: Locate & Add Friends Manually

a) Enter a name in the “Search” box at the top of your screen & hit enter

b) Review the results page, refining your search by using filters, clicking to read more about the person if necessary. You can also narrow your results by pages, people, groups and more using the list on the left side of the screen.
c) Once you find your friend, on the search results page, click the “Add as Friends” link next to their name. Your request will be sent to your friend’s email for their approval.

In Part 3 of the Facebook guide, I’ll cover Using Your Wall. If you’d like to follow along, Sign Up for my Free Newsletter so you Won’t Miss a Thing!

Send this post to your Mom, Aunt or Grandmom and ask them to follow along with my Series and learn to set up Facebook accounts together!

Follow me on Facebook!

Become a Fan of Moomette’s Magnificents on Facebook!

Photo Credit: Benstein on ‘Flickr

Tips To Set Up Your Facebook Account: Part 1 – Setting Up Your Profile Page

Have You Set Up A Facebook Account Yet? You Should!

Part 1 – Setting Up Your Facebook Profile Page

After reading this line, you must be thinking – Is she crazy?  Everyone does!

Well, that’s not exactly true.  Whether you’re in your 20′s, 30′s or 40′s, some people prefer to be on MySpace, Twitter, or FriendFeed.

My peers (baby boomers and grandparents)  are just starting to set up Facebook accounts out of necessity and finding that because of the transient nature of our society, it’s a great way to keep in touch with kids who’ve moved to take jobs out of state.  My charming son-in-law’s mom just recently set up an account (or I should say, her daughter set one up for her.)  My best IRL friend in New Hampshire recently set up a Facebook account, and keeps in touch with her daughter who’s in Georgia.

I mentioned to her that as a mompreneur,  setting up a Facebook account for her used bookstore is a magnificent way for her to promote her business.

Back in 2008, I wrote this post explaining why I believe it’s important for WAHMs to have a Facebook Account.

Awhile back when I first started I opened a Facebook account for public relation purposes to promote my eBay store, blogs, virtual assistant business as well as Shoppes.  I’d heard that it was advantageous to use for PR and social networking purposes.

Now more than ever before, internet marketing is about building a community.  Whether you offer a forum on your website or you participate in social networking sites, social networking is a valuable traffic generating tactic.  Sites like Facebook and Twitter can be powerful tools for generating links and traffic to your site – create a profile and then post comments, links to your site and ideas which generate conversation.

At the time, I learned through trial and error how to establish and set up my Profile, and I’ve been continually adding and tweaking it, as well as setting up Fan Pages (now called “Like” Pages) for my various blogs.

In this series, I’m going to take you through the process of setting up your Facebook account covering the following topics:  How To Set Up Your Profile;  Adding and Organizing Friends; Profiles and Privacy; Using Your Wall and also offer some Facebook Tips.

Let’s get started!

To set up your Facebook account you will need:

*To have previously created an account at facebook.com
*Information and a photo for your profile

Step 1: Navigate to the Profile Area

Two things to keep in mind when setting up your profile…
1. Your profile is a representation of you – your interests, hobbies, school & work details, etc. This is where people learn more about you so make a good first impression.
2. Even with privacy settings set, there is always a chance that someone may see your posts. Be careful what you choose to publish.
To edit your profile go to your home page. Click “Edit My Profile” in the top left corner. You’ll be taken to the Basic information page where you can tell more about yourself.

When finished, click “Save Changes.”

Step 2: Add Profile Picture

Perhaps, one of the most important things to include in your online website is your picture. While a personal picture is optional, it is ideal. Many internet users enjoy taking to someone that they can see in their minds, without a picture this is difficult.

Be mindful that your profile picture represents you and is viewed by others, so use caution when choosing your photo. Don’t post something you wouldn’t want your Gram, Grampa, the kids or boss to see.

Below the Basic Information bar, on the left, you click “Profile Picture” upload or change your profile photo. Click “Browse” & select the photo on your computer that you want to show in your profile. It will add your photo immediately. You can change your photo any time.

Step 3: Edit Privacy Settings

In the top blue bar, click the account button to show the drop-down choices and click on privacy settings. This allows you to choose who can see the various sections of your Facebook account.

Some information such as your name, profile picture, location, gender, networks, pages and friends lists are always available to everyone; however, there are many sections you can control. Here are two such areas.

Basic Directory Privacy

In addition to your photograph, you may want to include your name.  Now, when it comes to your name, you need to be cautious.  You’re advised against giving your full name, especially if your profile or profile page contains a personal photograph of you.  In addition to your name, you may want to put down your location.  As with your name it’s important to err on the side of caution.  Your picture, your address, and your full name can be dangerous, especially if it falls into the wrong hands.

As much as you’d like to fill your social networking profiles with personal information, you’re advised to think about your safety before anything else.

Click “View setting.” to adjust the basic information privacy.

Read about each feature listed. Click the drop-down box on the right to choose who you would like to be able to see or use each item. Select the appropriate group.

Sharing And Privacy

If you have a mixed group of business, family, and friends, customizing who can see and comment on things you share would probably be a good idea. After all, you probably don’t want everyone, including potential customers, to know your quirks. Some things are just TMI and should be on a needs-to-know basis. Being able to customize your sharing settings comes in handy.

On the main privacy settings page, click on the customize link at the bottom.

Here you’ll find a rather long list of things that you can adjust to meet your privacy needs, including things you share, things others share, and contact information. Simply use the drop-down button to make your choices. In most cases it’s best to be a little cautious than to just let everyone see everything. Think carefully about your choices.

A few settings you should consider using:
1. Friends Lists: We’ll talk more about this in another how-to but this is where you can create private groups of friends that have certain privacy settings.
2. Search Settings: Some Facebook users prefer not to be found when others do a search. For example, teachers may not want to be found by their students. If you prefer not to show in the searches, you would want to adjust these settings to remain private.
3. Contact Info: To avoid spam and giving your contact information to everyone, consider setting your contact details to private.

In Part 2 I’ll cover Adding and Organizing Friends. If you’d like to follow along, Sign Up for my Free Newsletter so you Won’t Miss a Thing!

Send this post to your Mom, Aunt or Grandmom and ask them to follow along with my Series and learn to set up Facebook accounts together!

Follow me on Facebook!

Become a Fan of Moomette’s Magnificents on Facebook!

Photo Credit: Benstein on ‘Flickr

Cape Cod Rail Trail – Wordless Wednesday

25 Miles of Natural Splendor

July, 2010

(I’m the one in Pink)

One of my favorite things to do when we go up to The Cape is to ride the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

It’s a bike path that runs approximately 25 miles and cuts through the Cape Cod National Seashore, from Wellfleet to Dennis.

There’s bikes, rollerbladers and pedestrians of all types!  The scenic vistas of the cranberry bogs, salt marshes and kettle ponds are magnificent!

On this particular trip we rode 14 miles round-trip!

What’s your favorite thing to do on vacation?

Don’t forget to sign the Linky!

For More Info: Cape Cod Rail Trail

Vacation Home Safety Tips: Leaving Your House Unattended

Secure the Fort

Vacation By Owner

It’s been stated that vacations are what we labor for.  We put in time at our workplace, whether as a WAHM or a cubicle dweller, then eagerly look forward to the time we get away so we can travel to shoot the breeze with friends, kinfolk, and occasionally  even venture to an exotic location.  And what with the preparation of the journey and attempting to get all aspects of the imminent holiday planned out, we don’t give much thought to the minor particulars required in exiting our humble abode for any length of time – like making sure you have a housesitter.

We still have a few trips left to take this summer, or at least I do.  My husband usually stays home and minds the pets.  (See 101 Random Things About Me for further explanation.)

If you have yet to take your vacation with what’s left of the summer, or perhaps you’ll be going away over Labor Day weekend or  like to go away in fall or winter,  here’s some home safety tips  on leaving your house while away on vacation – so your house will be in one piece when you get back:

• Assign somebody to be a house sitter for your home while you’re away. Ideally, this should be a neighbor, preferably someone who lives next door to you or across the street and can check your house from their window.  Their job can be to merely keep an eye on matters, but it could be more involved.  Many retirees would be happy to pick up a few house sitting jobs.  Check in with them beforehand to be sure they’ll be home during that time.  Make sure to extend an offer to return the favor when they leave on a trip.  Give them particulars as to where you’ll be, your cell phone, and discuss what they should do or who to contact in the event of an emergency.

• Ask your neighbor to give the house a “lived-in” look by turning on and off lights, and opening and closing curtains or blinds. Make a point to have a spare key made for the house sitter, and double check that it works before giving it to them.  You can also set your lights up on a timer so they’ll turn on at nightfall and off at bedtime.

• The housesitter can also gather your mail several times during the week, and collect any newspapers, door flyers, or deliveries so your home doesn’t emit that “Hello Five Finger Discount, we’re on vacation” look. If you’d rather, you can arrange for your mail and newspapers to be held by the Post Office while you’re away.

• In the summertime, make arrangements to pay an enterprising neighborhood kid to mow your lawn while you’re gone. They can stand the exercise. In the wintertime, he or she can shovel your driveway and sidewalk.

• It’s also important not to let the entire universe know when you’ll be gone. Specifically, don’t blare out your information to all your Twitter, Facebook, or MySpace buddies.  Keep your plans, or at any rate your dates, close to the chest.

• Before you leave, make sure all the windows and doors are secured. Also, check that the toilets have been flushed.  Tykes occasionally draw a blank to do this and it’s not a pleasant sight or scent to come back to.  Take the kitchen trash out to the trash can, and disconnect the Plasma TVs, Keurig coffee makers, laptop computer and anything additional that draws electricity.

If you’re taking a vacation, remember these hints on leaving your house unattended.   That way you’ll have peace of mind while you’re away.  And remember to bring home the salt water taffy thank you gift as a token of your appreciation for Gladys Kravits who’s keeping an eye on the manse.

Tips For Choosing Halloween Costumes For Toddlers – JAAKS Pacific

Dress-Up Fun for Toddlers

Kids Dress-Up Costumes

Your toddlers Halloween costumes should be memorable, yet that doesn’t mean they have to bankrupt you!  CDI offers cute and inexpensive costumes for your toddler so you don’t have to go looney and drop the next month’s rent or mortgage payment for a Halloween getup for baby.

Now Toddlers can dress-up as their favorite characters such as Disney Princesses, Marvel Superheroes, Toy Story characters, Dora the Explorer and more.

I was contacted by Jakks Pacific, and would like to let my readers know the many Halloween costumes for children offered by CDI Toys.   ‘Lil Moomette who is turning 4 in October, and Slugger, who just had his 2nd birthday, are going to be dressed in the fairy Halloween costume,  Tinker Bell and the Buzz Light Year toddler boy Halloween costumes.

Tinker Bell’s Dress is inspired by Disney Fairies Tinker Bell Lost Treasure.  All coordinating accessories are available.

The Buzz Lighyear Suit is inspired by Disney Pixar Toy Story, and is always a hit with any young tot!

Whether you’re a mom or a grandmom choosing Halloween costumes for toddlers this year, here’s some  Safety Tips to keep your pride and joy safe and sound:

• Pass On Inhibiting Costume Items

Babies don’t like to wear masks and many will fight back and holler in discomfort if you stick them in costumes that curtail their movements.

• Avoid frightening Masks and Costumes

Don’t be surprised if the older children are scared by masks that other people may wear. This isn’t a time to instill fear into your child. Oftentimes grownups and older youngsters find it laughable to teach babies “the ropes” without understanding they can unknowingly frighten toddlers.

• Keep Weather Conditions in Mind

When picking out Halloween costumes for toddlers, bear in mind what your weather will most likely be that season. In the northerly part of the U.S., it isn’t strange for children to wear coats over their costumes. The more to the south you travel, you might find kids dressed up in 80 degree weather. That adorable fur bear or lion outfit might not be the comfiest outfit for kiddo if you live in an area that’s still a tad warm on Halloween. Don’t over or undress baby.

CDI has an excellent selection of Halloween costumes for toddlers that can also be used as Dress-Up for playtime once Halloween is over!

SRP: $19.99

Age: Ages 2-4

Available at: Toy ‘R Us, Walmart and Amazon

Next Page »