Tip of the Week – get connected with ooVoo

This week I had the pleasure of sitting down and meeting a bunch of new friends from across North America and chatting face-to-face without spending a dime. All I needed was my computer, a web cam and mic.

Within seconds we were all connected and having interesting conversations. In fact, I could meet with five other people at the same time. No long-distance fees either. I used ooVoo – a cool new video conferencing desktop software application I downloaded for free!

I’ve already started thinking about tons of interesting ways to use ooVoo professionally and personally. Like connecting with my family, friends and readers anywhere in the world – without any long-distance fees! We can even share photos and other files during our video or text chats.

So what’s the downside?
I can only think of 2 cons:
• The technology is a bit buggy. I’m chalking it up to growing pains; and,
• I need to put on my make-up and brush my hair before using ooVoo. ;)

How did I learn about ooVoo in the first place?
Susan Reynolds gave me a heads-up about a fabulous awareness campaign brining high-profile bloggers together with members of their communities called My ooVoo Day. In return for their participation, ooVoo contributed $1,500 to the Frozen Pea Fund (or another charity of the blogger’s choice).

Interested in attending My ooVoo Day?
There are still some sesssions, check the schedule.

My connections
“Every Dot Connects/Case Notes from the Artsy Asylum: From Connections to Community: How Online Relationships Enrich Our Lives,” hosted by Connie Reece and Susan Reynolds, was my first session. Connie founded the Frozen Pea Fund in Susan’s honour. I also had the pleasure of meeting Adele McAlear and Jon Swanson. It was wonderful wishing Susan a happy birthday - LIVE!
Josesph Jaffe (from the crayon – the company spearheading the My ooVoo Day event on behalf of their client) added two new sessions. I was fortunate to snag a spot and persuaded Connie Crosby to join me. Topic: “Besides getting to know you all, anything to do with Jaffe Juice, Life After the 30-Second Spot or Join the Conversation”. Other participants were Mitch Canter (you can catch the full recording here), Sherman Hu and Allen Mostow. It was incredible and the session lasted a whopping 35 minutes and I’m sure we’ll all connect here again.

So why am I telling you all this? I want to connect with you on ooVoo too. If you’re interested let me know and we can set something up after PodCamp Toronto.

Wrapping up week 1 on NutriSystem

Weigh-in:
• Tamsin - no change
• Eden - about 2 pounds

This week Tamsin shares her experiences from week 1 of the NutriSystem Challenge...

Well, the NutriSystem Challenge has certainly turned my regular menu planning upside down. It’s been pretty handy having the portable entrees, but a bit of a challenge to plan interesting choices for the the salad, protein, and fat servings ahead of time. I have a pretty busy schedule, so it is taking me some practise and a little imagination.

The first week has been all about tracking meals and trying to remember to fill my water bottle at every opportunity. How did I do in week 1? Well, I must come clean with some diversions: a premenstrual plate of homemade nachos on Friday and celebratory Indian dinner buffet at Siddhartha on Gerrard (I tried to choose dishes responsibly and had only 1 plate). The NutriSystem booklet gives you tips on what to order or avoid at different types of restaurants, so I knew to back away slowly from the butter chicken. ;)

I have been eating a dinner entrée for lunch and a lunch entrée for dinner, mostly because it keeps the hunger pangs at bay and works better for my schedule. While I haven’t tried everything yet, I have enjoyed the lasagna dinner (for 2 lunches this week), so I recommend them as pretty filling. The breakfast and lunch bars are very good, though the flavours are limited. I wonder how yummy they’ll be in a month...

For handy protein, I purchased a box of vegetarian (non-chicken) chicken breasts from the Presidents Choice Blue Menu line -- 24g protein for each 1/2 “breast”. They taste OK when baked, though there is a slight, mild seasoning on them. All in all, a good alternative to cottage cheese (my main protein choice) and probably not bad shredded in a salad.

I am enjoying logging my meals, though it’s more effort on the weekend. It keeps me conscious of everything – my water intake, the times when I eat, etc. For example, I thought I ate more veggies than I do; now I know that I need to amp up the veggie-factor!

Physical exercise is, of course, critical to losing weight. My exercise mostly comes from my part-time job: Teaching pole dancing at Aradia Fitness Uptown. Since last Thursday, I have taught 6 classes – not too bad.

I weighed myself this morning, and there’s no change. I’m not surprised, but I’m not discouraged either. I feel more aware of the logistics of applying the “system” to my everyday life. I feel more prepared for the coming weeks.

Weekly Wish – Flipping out over Flip Video

Yes, I’m getting pretty excited about the Flip Video camera. It’s a compact digital video recorder that fits in the palm of your hand. Just plug it into your computer – there’s a built-in USB arm – download the video and upload it to your favorite video sharing site or send it to friends and family. Check out the specs.

So, what’s the big deal? Yes, I already have a digicam and it shoots video. Yes, that’s true but it doesn’t shoot 30- 60 minutes at a time. The Flip does. You can even connect it to your TV! Now that’s sweet and starting at $120, it’s a pretty good deal.

I don’t know about you but this is my new must-have accessory. So this week, you guessed it, I’m wishing for a Flip Video from the Ultra Series. The basic model doesn’t come in pink. ;)

Mitch Joel and David Usher used the Flip Video camera to produce this awesome Apple Macbook Air Sony Vaio Parody on YouTube. Watch it and let me know what you think:

Secrets From Your Sister on Dead Bra Day Sale

What?
Dead Bra Day Sale
Bring in one or more washed, used bras to Secret From Your Sister and receive a professional fitting and a 20% discount off one regularly-priced bra.

Your old bra(s) will be donated to the Womens Own Detox Center Fund at the Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation.

Learn more about Dead Bra Day and Sue Richards, the Canadian woman who started it all.

When?
Wednesday, Feb. 13: 9 a.m.-9 p.m
(To ensure proper fittings for everyone, doors close at 8 p.m. sharp!)

Where?
Secrets From Your Sister
560 Bloor St. W. (map)
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 1X8
Phone: 416 538-1234