The Virtual Toolbox

Consumer Advice

I've found that the consumer advice that Clark Howard offers is excellent. There are a variety of ways to access his information -- through his popular radio show, HLN, and his web site. The web site is great for browsing -- one of my favorite area's to browse is the "RIp-off Alerts" section. The web site is easy to use and information is sorted by category. There is also a search function that works (I've visited a lot of sites where doing a search is not at all helpful).

Can't find the information you need. The Consumer Action Center allows you to Ask Team Clark your questions. This is a free service offered by Clark, his staff, and volunteers.

Cosmic Cow Pie

Learn how to navigate through life's  Cosmic Cow Pie with Carra Riley.

Although this book was a very quick and easy read, it contained a lot of useful, practical information. Follow Riley's 14 principles and be prepared for change. After reading this book, I found it much easier to "connect the Dots" in my life.

My two favorites take-a-ways from the book are "SWSWSWN" (Some Will, Some Won't, So What, Next) and "It's not my monkey." Cosmic Cow Pie reminded me of some basic concepts for dealing with life that I'd forgotten about.

From the Book:

"Cosmic Cow Pie...Connecting the Dots

Concepts you now framed in easy to follow principles to help balance your life."

CaringBridge.org

CaringBridge.org is a great way to stay in touch with family and friends during a serious health challenge. I discovered it was a great way to keep my loved ones up-to-date on what was happening with my health without having to make dozens of phone calls a day. On CaringBridge.org you create a personalized web site. Then you invite friends and family to visit your page which you update periodically. (Of you can do this for a family member who is unable to.)

It's really easy and quick to set up your site. You don't need any special knowledge; everything is web based and the program walks you through the steps. There are a variety of privacy settings -- including making people sign in to see the posts. You can also upload photos and there's a guest book where visitors can reply and send encouraging messages.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention the price -- it's free. Yep, you read it right. CaringBridge.org is a non-profit organization that operates by donation. I started my pages about a year ago and have not once received any promotional material asking me to donate. (On the side bar of my web site there is a button where people can contribute to CaringBridge.org if they wish to.)

CaringBridge.org made keeping everyone "in the loop" easy and stress free. I highly recommend this service.

Fun and Interesting Sites

PostSecret  is an ongoing project where individuals put their secrets on a postcard and  anonymously mail them. The postcards are scanned and added to a public blog. Read the entire Post Secret Story

StumbleUpon is an interesting way to discover great websites.
Their site says it better than I can..."Using search engines to locate relevant content typically means hunting through pages of results. Rather than searching for quality web sites, StumbleUpon members are taken directly to web sites matching their personal interests and preferences."

So mail your postcard and then go "stumbling."

Important note: these sites can be addicting and time passes very fast when you're cruising around them.