Call Me, Text Me, Tweet Me - Do Your Friendships Suffer As Your Schedule Changes?

Do you remember when your schedule had that mythical entity people refer to as "free time"?

If I'm not working, I'm blogging or doing research for a blog. Or I'm cooking, cleaning, walking the dog, doing laundry, catching up on email... you can see how this list could go on. The older I get and the more I do, the more I realize how hard it is to find the time to catch up and just talk with friends. It's not that I don't want to, it's that I'm honestly - for lack there of a better word - pooped! Sometimes when things just fall into place and I get to hang out with someone, I feel bad for not trying harder to find the time to see others.

I think this is also the reason I have such a liking for technology and the advancement of social media. With smartphones and social networks, I love being able to catch up, even when I don't have the time to. I know it's not as warm and fuzzy as I'd like it to be but it's something right?

Do you feel this as well? How has your socializing changed since your schedules gotten a little busier? 

Happy #SocialGood Day!

Image courtesy of Mashable.com

My favore thing about this constant enhancement in technology and the way we communicate is that I know it's going to change the world one day. I know that with each and every baby step we take, it's a larger step for future generations. One day, social media will feed a village and cure a disease. I know they're grand dreams but I urge everyone to dream big. I think the reason we don't when it comes to world issues is because we feel that as one person, we can't do much. Well, you're not alone - what you believe in, I might believe in. He might, she might, they might.. what then?

Want to help?

• Don't be afraid to start small. Encourage local groups to get together to brainstorm and discuss your "cause" and what you can do about it.
• Network! Get on those forums, raid Twitter and spread the message. You never know who will want to help unless you ask right?

One person can't change the world... or can they? If that one person keeps spreading their messages, keeps talking to people who care and keeps the cause alive - maybe they can? There's only one way to find out.

Mashable has teamed up with (RED) - an awesome organization that fights the spread of AIDs in Africa. To help with their fight, tweet your ideas for solutions using #socialgood to @mashable or @joinred!

I'd also love to hear your #socialgood ideas so feel free to leave your suggestions as a comment below!

Candid Recommendations: Flipboard for iPad

If you've been following my Tweets, you've probably heard at least once or twice about how much I love Flipboard for iPad. You're probably thinking I'm crazy for downloading YET ANOTHER app that aggregates my social networks. I probably am but after this application, I doubt I'll ever need another. By mixing a ridiculously gorgeous GUI with a system this easy to use, Flipboard has hit the nail on the dot!

Clueless on what Flipboard does?
Flipboard pulls in content from your social networks or your favorite blogs or websites and lays it out in the most aesthetically pleasing style possible. Very similar to the magazine/editorial scene, Flipboard makes me want to read up on my social networks. What I really love is that if the article is long, I can read via the web or if there's a YouTube video, it'll play right from the application. Plus, it natively allows me to share via Facebook, Twitter and email with a simple tap!

Take a look at my current issue of Flipboad...

Image courtesy of TheCandidCommentary.comFlipboard lets me take in a little of this and a little of that without the overkill. It's a magazine that's tailored to what you want to read about. I want fashion, social, beauty, and design... and I've got it. And the true "published" layout makes it feel so light and easy - who could want more from an app?

Icing on the cake?
Flipboard is FREE ladies and gentleman! Download it now before the Flipboard Inc. people come to their senses!

Follow the Trail with Coach's Poppy and Win!

I love when brands utilize social networking sites and Coach's Project Poppy is a great example!

Image courtesy of Coach
Bloggers and fashion-lovers alike get to the follow the Poppy trail as it get's bigger - spanning across the web! Stay tuned as the poppies grow and if you spot a Coach bag, click it to win a surprise!

Spread the love by Tweeting about Coach's Project Poppy on here by hitting the Facebook Like button near the poppies and using #candidcomments!

Doing My Social Good: #EndMalaria

Personally, one of my favorite things about technology and this shift into new media is the ease of use. Whether it’s Tweeting or uploading pictures on Facebook, there’s a fantastic way things just work together to make it easier than 1+1 to share your thoughts and adventures on the World Wide Web. 

Among those various ideas, it’s refreshing to see charity become a rapid force in the real-time web. Charities that benefit over a thousand different causes have realized what a strong effect social media has on the world. We are able to connect and brainstorm with people who support the same causes… but just happen to live across the ocean. Every charitable cause demands strength from their numbers. No matter the cause, it needs a following – one that grow in a matter of weeks when filtered through the appropriate channels.  

We need to know what’s going on and with Tweets coming from all over the world, it’s not difficult to stay informed. There are so many monumental moments in history that have been immortalized on Twitter. I learned that to this day, Michael Jackson is still one of the most popular trending topics on Twitter. New media is causing a shift in the way we get news on a variety of subjects.  

During the #140conf, I had the chance to hear about the Malaria Envoy and their efforts to rid the world of a disease that takes a child EVERY 30 seconds. I have to admit, their presentation was a bit heavy on the emotion but I’m glad I got the chance to see it. Do you want to know how you can start helping the cause? 

• Follow: @Malaria_Envoy on Twitter so you can stay up to date with the latest news! 
• Represent: Grab a marker & write “End Malaria” on your hand. Snap a picture and Tweet it to @Malaria_Envoy  
• Give: $10 can save a child’s life. Skip Starbucks for 2 days and be a hero (who doesn’t want to be a hero?). Head to MalariaNoMore.com to donate!