The Online Mom Blog - We are all critics now

One of the best things about the Internet is our ability to read other people’s opinions on a product or a service that we are interested in buying. And I’m not just talking about professional critics. Sure, there are web sites like Consumer Reports and CNET that employ reviewers and testing labs to provide expert opinion on everything from automobiles to smartphones, but I am more interested in what my peers – my fellow users – have to say about something.

And in an age in which we are asked to Like, Tweet, +1, or e-mail everything we come across on the Internet, there is certainly no shortage of opinions. Look for virtually any popular consumer product on Amazon.com and you fill find lengthy reviews offering all the pros and cons of ownership. Want to know more about a particular restaurant or bar? Then head to Yelp, StumbleUpon or Patch. The latest movie? Rotten Tomatoes will tell you all your need to know.

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How to ‘unfriend‘ someone on Facebook

You have spent hours on your Facebook page, built up a healthy collection of friends, and have started to post regular updates, family photos, and even the occasional video.

But something has been bugging you: the more time you spend on Facebook, the less happy you are about some of your so-called friends. In the rush to get to that 50+ popularity threshold, perhaps you weren’t quite as discerning as you should have been.

Maybe it’s that girl from college who you never really liked and whose political posts you find so annoying. Or maybe it’s that creepy-looking guy from your old workplace who you friended late one night in a moment of weakness.

Whatever the reason, it’s time to trim the fat and turn your friend list into what it should be – a group of people who you can happily share thoughts and photos with without worrying about where they might end up.

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Creating Family Memories

By Jean Parks

When was the last time you were able to sit down with loved ones to look over an album of old family pictures? Families are increasingly on the go and those nearest and dearest to us are often flung far around the globe. Fortunately, we can turn our PC's into family memory centers, creating our very own virtual photo albums and movie theaters.

Let's take a look at 5 great free programs that will make creating family memories easier:

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Traveling overseas with your smartphone

While I love my smartphone and can’t bear to go anywhere without it, I always hesitate a little when I’m planning an overseas trip. I’ve had too many vacations where I congratulated myself for staying within budget only to find that my cell phone bill was hundreds of dollars more than I expected. With international calling rates, costly data charges, and unexpected roaming fees, it’s easy to think that taking a phone abroad is far more trouble than it’s worth.

Thankfully, times are changing. Phone manufacturers and wireless carriers recognize the difficulties associated with cell phone use overseas and have made enormous strides in trying to simplify the process and help control the costs. By talking to a sales representative or visiting your carrier’s web site, you can now get good advice on exactly what kind of device and service plan you will need for the countries you will be visiting.

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How to monitor your child on Facebook

If you have recently given in and said yes to your child having a Facebook account, then you can take some comfort from the fact that you're not alone. Millions of teens and even younger kids have managed to convince their parents that they are smart enough to safely navigate their way around the popular social network.

But whatever your child's level of maturity, there is always an element of concern when it comes to Facebook. Maybe it’s an older friend that you’re not quite sure about; maybe it’s those embarrassing poll questions that have suddenly become so popular; or maybe the photos are starting to get a little riskier. Whatever the reason, it’s time for you to keep a close eye on things and make sure your child doesn’t do something that everyone will regret.

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