Randi Zuckerberg's Blog, page 50

How To Take A Screen Shot

Taking a screen shot is one of the easiest ways to quickly save and share information. I take screen shots of recipes I find online, funny tweets, driving directions, or sweet texts that I may want to read later. Read on to learn how to take a screen shot on various devices:

On an iphone:

Hold down the ‘Home’ button and ‘Lock’ button simultaneously. Shots will automatically be added to your Photo library.

On an Android:

If you’re running 4.0 and above (Ice Cream Sandwich), you can press the Volume ‘Down’ button and power button at the same time to capture a screen shot.

On a macbook:

Quickly pressing Command+Shift+4 on a Mac will capture a partial screen shot. You can adjust the size to capture only what you want. Pictures are saved to the desktop. For the whole screen, try Command+Shift+3.

On Windows:

Hitting the ‘PrtScn SysRq’ key, found in the upper right quadrant of your keyboard, will capture the whole screen. Press ‘Alt’ + ‘PrtScn SysRq’ to capture only the currently active window.

Posted on 3/3/2014

Written by Liz Wassmann

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4 Websites That Will Make Your Life Easier Starting Today

I recently hosted a Mompreneur Meetup at Kidville and we had a great turnout of mompreneurs from a variety of industries including photography, real estate, retail, and web design.  During our meetup attendees shared several excellent recommendations on apps, websites, and tools that they find useful in running their business.  I’ve included a recap of some of my favorite recommendations below:

Netted By The Webbys – a daily email that covers interesting things online that will make your life better. Each day in your inbox you will receive a new app, website or online tool recommendation.  I’m sure this will lead to some of my future Tips&Tools posts!

Genius Scan – this FREE app allows you to take pictures on your phone and scan them as jpeg or pdf documents.  You no longer need a fax machine or scanner.  This is great for documents but also great for taking pics of expense receipts so you don’t have to continue to collect.

Fast Customer- Use this app to never sit on hold again.  You enter in the company you would like to speak to and you receive a call when an agent from that company is ready to speak with you.  Sounds too good to be true, but one mompreneur from our meeting has used it several times and says she has received a call back every time! Will definitely be trying this out the next time I have to call Verizon!

Pic Monkey – FREE online photo editor that allows you to touch up pictures, add text, build collages. Great resource for creating images and/or pictures for social media and marketing collateral.

This post was originally published on The Modern Mompreneur and is reprinted here with permission. 

Posted on 2/28/2014

Written by Anjali Varma

Anjali Varma is “The Modern Mompreneur.” Her website and You Tube channel provide parenting, lifestyle, and entrepreneurial tips for the modern mom trying to juggle it all. She is also the owner of a

Kidville franchise in Bethesda, MD that offers classes, retail, haircuts, and birthday parties for young children. Anjali lives in Bethesda, Maryland with her husband and 3 & 5 year old sons.  She holds an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a BBA from the University of Michigan.  You can find Anjali at her blog, her YouTube channel, and on Twitter @anjvarma.

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Why I Finally Stopped Being Stubborn And Embraced E-Books

Anybody who knows me knows that I love books. I felt nostalgic when I looked at a gigantic pile of paperbacks and hard covers, new and used, scattered on the floor. Every book did not just contain valuable information within its pages, but also carried with it a baggage of experiences—my experiences.

I held in my hands a book of E.T.A. Hoffman’s tales, given to me by my soulmate, and recalled that he had given it to me during an enchanting Christmas Eve spent with wonderful friends. I recalled that I read the book just when the New Year’s Eve was approaching and that I loved how some of the stories actually took place during the Christmas/New Year’s holiday season. I also recalled what I great winter break vacation it was and how we spent that New Year’s Eve. When the book was no longer in my possession, the physical reminder of all my experiences and memories would disappear, I thought. But it was too late. A used-book dealer was in the room, counting out the money for my entire collection. There was no turning back now. My husband and I were about to move into our tiny home, smaller than our apartment, and the decision had been made not to take the books along.

In the new home, no bookshelves adorn the pastel-colored walls and no brightly-colored book covers tempt me to open them up with excitement to see what’s inside. And it’s not because I suddenly lost interest in something I had treasured for many years, it’s not because of a relative lack of space in our home, and it’s certainly not because of apathy. The electronic versions of books, published on the iPad, Kindle, Nook, etc, are to blame.

The minute I opened my first ebook on my iPad, I fell in love with it and the experience of reading. When I used to read the printed books, the process was painstakingly slow. Being partially sighted, I did not see the print unless it was enlarged. I had to use a magnifying glass or a special, bulky, non-portable, microfilm-like device that would magnify the text. It was sitting on my desk and in order to read I had no choice but to read at my desk. On the iPad, I could magnify the text to my hearts content, just by gently touching the screen. Like scores of avid readers around the world, I finally understood what it meant to curl up with a book on the sofa and lose oneself in it. I was overjoyed and enchanted with this new experience of reading.

I also found it irresistible to download ebook samples the minute I heard about them. I’d listen to an interview with a fascinating author, type their name into a search box, and the ebook would pop up in the ebook store. Not only that, but I could actually download a sample and read it in order to determine whether the author was indeed as fascinating as he/she had sounded on the radio.

The easy access to books changed my attitude to instant gratification. While in the past I had been known to mock the consumers’ obsession for their desire to gratify their senses instantly, I too was now enslaved by it. I was hocked—while I could resist the temptation of buying clothes the minute I saw them, I’d download numerous book samples to my iPad the minute I heard about them.

My love for ebooks grew even stronger when I was packing for a month-long trip to India and Singapore. In the past, I had spent hours trying to decide how many books to take along on the journey and not have to pay the fee for my suitcases overloaded with books. Once I had decided how many books I could possibly fit in, I went through the painstaking task of choosing the books that would be going with me on the trip. “And what if I run out of books to read?” I wondered in despair. “And what if I feel like reading a book I had decided to leave behind?” With the ebook library as light as my iPad and as voluminous as I wished it to be, all these dilemmas simply vanished. I could take all the books I wanted, plus I could buy more books while traveling, so long as there was the internet connection.

As my collection of ebooks continues to grow, so does my love for it. As time goes by, my new collection of experiences accompanying the reading of each book expands as well. And as I touch the IPAD to enlarge the text before me, I am reminded of the first time I read the magnified text of the book. Any nostalgia I might have felt at losing my old books is replaced with awe for the present, for the ease of reading and the availability of books, and for the wonderful things to come.

Posted on 2/28/2014

Written by Karo Caran

I am a poet and a fiction/nonfiction writer. I published a novel and am currently working on a poetry-based memoir. I have a PhD in Education. You can follow me on my Facebook page or like my page at https://www.facebook.com/KaroBreakingTheSilence. Visit my blog at http://www.lifeinjoy.net.

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20 Things I Realize Now That I’m About To Turn 40

A major milestone birthday is right around the corner for me. I often hear others ask, “How did I get here?” I know exactly how I got here. I made decisions! Some great (like moving to NYC on a whim); Some downright awful (will protect the innocent and not mention these – it’s a LONG list!). But: the good, bad and ugly were all worth it. They led me to the now that I live in. So, as this birthday looms, I may not be sitting around thinking, “How did I get here,” but instead about what I know now that I didn’t know, or completely understand, in my 20s and 30s. Lessons that, for me at least, it does take turning 40 to learn.

I learned to accept and forgive myself for mistakes and misjudgments I made when I was younger, because had I not made them I would never have learned from them and wouldn’t be where I am now.
I learned it isn’t about where all the time went in my 20s and 30s; it is where I want to go from here that matters.
I learned it isn’t personal. When someone is yelling, being rude, or being mean it isn’t about me as a person, it’s them and to not take it personally.
I learned that my time is valuable and I need to protect it.
I learned that if I really want a hot fudge sundae then darn it, I am going to have one. Splurging on a dessert here or there isn’t going to ruin me. And let’s be honest– a cup of vanilla and chocolate from 16 Handles with hut fudge, peanut butter sauce and marshmallow topping with sprinkles and Reese’s Pieces is beyond amazing!
To that notion I learned that “diet” is a 4-letter curse word and that it isn’t about a quick fix, but an overall lifestyle change. Sadly what my metabolism could handle at 20 just isn’t possible now. And that’s OK!
I learned to be smart about money, investing, and retirement and to think long term. (Although the “too quick to pull out the credit card” girl in me still exists, I’ve learned to keep her in check.)
I learned to appreciate my family, including ALL their quirks.
I learned to not walk on eggshells and that it is OK to speak up and push back.
I learned that as friends have kids relationships change and to accept those changes as we all find our own path in life.
I learned that it is OK to adjust my life dreams. Something I may have wanted for myself at 20 doesn’t necessarily mean that it is what I want or need for myself as I turn 40. (Like going the Auntie Mame route rather than the Mom one.)
I learned to laugh at myself and not take everything so seriously – even when my pants split down the back in the middle of a crowded bar. (That one would have put me in tears not too many years ago.)
I learned to trust my decisions and not rely so heavily on the viewpoints and desires of others.
I learned to take chances and that failing isn’t failure, it’s an opportunity to get out of one’s comfort zone and learn something new.
I learned to listen more and talk less. It’s amazing what you can learn when you truly listen to others and ask them questions!
I learned that Oprah was right! Listen to your gut – your instincts matter. That voice in your head is there for a reason. I’ve learned to listen to mine.
I learned that having meaningful relationships it a lot like tending orchids. They need to be fed, nurtured, and cared for because they are delicate.
I learned to appreciate the little kid in me and to not squash all her fun. Sometimes even a woman on the cusp of turning 40 wants to take a toboggan down a hill!
I learned that just because the fashion mags say it is stylish and that it is made in my size doesn’t mean it is meant for me! (So many photos in my 20s will prove that I didn’t know this lesson then!)
Above all else I learned that I need to live life and not let life live me because it is true – you only get one shot at this and I intend to make it the best!

Posted on 2/27/2014

Written by Cynthia Irons

With 17 years of experience in internal and external marketing/communications at firms such as Accenture, Gap Inc., KPMG, and Ogilvy PR, Cynthia Irons creates innovative communications, media concepts, and out-of-the-box ideas that both foster brands and drive communication strategies. She is also a dedicated volunteer who contributes her skills and time to the New York Junior League where she currently leads the organization’s Internal Communications. She lives in New York City with her husband and enjoys reading, running, and traveling.

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I Wish My Phone Couldn’t Do So Much Cool Stuff

Last week during a cleaning blitz of my apartment, I discovered something that totally took my breath away. It was a heritage cell phone – a Nokia 6230.

Usually, when I see people using prehistoric, brick-heavy, smartphone predecessors, they make me feel physically sick – especially flip phones –ew. But this was different. The discovery of this old-school Nokia was special.

For some reason, as I held it in my hand, life momentarily slowed right down. Mesmerized by the non LCD-screen and the chunky silver plastic keypad, I was immediately taken back to a time when life seemed much simpler; when cell phones weren’t our video cameras, photo albums, diaries, navigation systems, alarm clocks, and Google portals.

The Nokia 6230 came out in 2004, the same year that Facebook was created in a Harvard University dorm room. During this Nokia era, I used my cell phone for three things and three things only: making phones calls, sending SMS and playing Snake, which was arguably the greatest game ever created.

Am I right? Finding this phone reminded me of all of my old Nokias; including a 5110 and a 3310. During this Nokia dreamtime, batteries lasted five hours (a-hem, iPhone 5), we had no apps to get addicted to and we didn’t overshare every detail of our lives. Internet browsers didn’t crash our phones, duckface selfies didn’t exist, and we didn’t document everything online in the hope of getting likes, share and retweets; we actually lived in the moment. Best of all, these phones were smash-proof. Even if you dropped a Nokia 6230, and the impact caused the back case to fly off, and the battery to slide across the floor, you could clip it all back together in a matter of minutes.

So I knew immediately I wasn’t throwing this out, and I wasn’t selling it. It was going straight onto my mantelpiece next to a family photo. This was an antique, a treasure. And most importantly, it was proof that once upon a time we lived happy lives without smartphones.

We were more courteous, we had longer attention spans and we used to doodle on napkins while waiting for friends in restaurants. We smiled at each other on the street, we understood the concept of waiting, and when we said ‘Let’s catch up’ we meant in the real world, not using emoji via Facebook chat.

Don’t get me wrong – we weren’t perfect. People were still rude, they complained, they started fights and they argued. But at least they did it all with a lot more eye contact.

I’m an iPhone and social media addict. Truth be told, I love social media so much that I’ve made it my full-time job. But with all of the amazing tech innovations and creations, come intense demands; to respond, to react, to answer, to engage, to listen and to reply. And to do it all right now.

Holding this phone in my hand I wished, for the first time in a long time, that we could turn back the clock to an era when Miley Cyrus wasn’t twerking, when we didn’t experience FOMO, when unfriending and blocking people wasn’t a common occurrence, when adults didn’t use the expression ‘nom nom’ to describe a delicious meal, and when we didn’t feel obliged to say happy birthday to someone we haven’t seen since Grade 3 just because we got a Facebook notification.

I imagined, for a moment, what life would be like if I resisted the online culture of immediacy, and the expectations that came along with it, and replaced my iPhone 5s with a Nokia 6230. It’s a romantic (romantech, actually) idea to be less tech-dependent and less reliant but sadly, it’s unrealistic. With everyone else in the world using smartphones to send emails, iMessage, LinkedIn invitations, WhatsApps, tweets, Facebook messages and Snaps, I need one too, just to keep up. It’s essential. I mean, the first thing I did when I found this Nokia 6230 was Instagram, Facebook and Tweet it using a Sierra filter. And lucky I did, because it’s getting heaps of likes, shares, and retweets.

Posted on 2/27/2014

Written by Jordana Borensztajn

Jordana Borensztajn is an iPhone and social media addict, and a comedian and corporate speaker. Right now, she’s cruising eBay, looking for old Nokias to add to her collection. If you have any, please tweet her at @JordanaOZ or hit her up onFacebook. Please note: Jordana is not interested in receiving any information about flip phones.

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My First Dishcrawl Experience: Exploring San Mateo

Last year, San Mateo, CA was named the “Best Small Town for Food” by the Rand McNally Best of the Road contest. When Dishcrawl offered me a ticket to a progressive dinner exploring San Mateo’s award-winning cuisines, I jumped at the chance.

Dishcrawl hosts unique culinary experiences in over 250 cities across the US, Canada, and the UK. On the site, you can sign up for progressive tastings that guide you through 3-4 restaurants that are walking distance apart and offer meet-and-greets with the chefs. Or, you can customize a private group event.

As a self-proclaimed foodie who loves spontaneity, I was thrilled that the Dishcrawl team kept the restaurants we would visit a secret. We were notified of the meeting location via email, only 48 hours prior to the event.

Curious and hungry, I arrived at Tasty Thai in downtown San Mateo and joined a table with eight other young professionals. The entire restaurant was closed to accommodate our group of 38 or so Dishcrawlers. The owner of the restaurant, a sweet and spunky Thai woman, explained that she had come from Thailand in pursuit of her dream to open this restaurant to provide better opportunities for her children in America.

The menu was fixed, and we were served almost immediately. I was surprised to see the large portions (a full meal!) of delicious Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, and a papaya salad.

Next up – Bill’s Hofbrau, a half-block’s walk away. After the exotic flavors of Thailand, we were greeted with a hearty plate of German comfort food.

And I mean hearty! The Dishcrawl leaders told us there were two more stops to go, so don’t get too full – but how could we resist? The gravy-topped mashed potatoes and roasted chicken were scrumptious. At this point, my tablemates and I kept pressing the our leaders for hints on the next stop (and more importantly, the last dessert stop), but they just smiled mischievously at our guesses.

I had a hunch the next stop would be Italian. Bella Mangiata served us Penne al Arrabiata, a popular rigatoni and penne dish, and a secret dish not listed on the menu – a flat pasta lasagna twirled with four cheeses and prosciutto. Despite my full stomach, I finished the whole thing.

And finally – dessert. We walked about four short blocks to Honeyberry, an Asian-inspired dessert counter where we sampled their milk tea bar and famous Roti bun, a fluffy and doughy pastry from Malaysia. A cross between a croissant and churro, it was absolutely divine.

All-in-all, I enjoyed my first Dishcrawl experience. Coming in to the evening, I was expecting a truly progressive dinner where we would sample one signature appetizer at the first restaurant, a side dish at the second, an entree at the third, and a dessert stop to conclude. Alternatively, I thought that we might taste a small signature dish at each restaurant. But dieters, don’t fear – the Dishcrawl leaders mentioned that the portions were unusually large for this event, and you might find smaller dishes on other crawls. And, you can always box up what you can’t finish. It was a fun way to try something new and meet people– I can imagine a Dishcrawl as being perfect for a first date or a group of friends looking to catch up. A private birthday party would be a blast.

The food was fantastic, but what I enjoyed most were the conversations with my tablemates– they were from all over the area and I will definitely try to keep in touch with some of them. I am looking forward to signing up for my next Dishcrawl – in the Mission in San Francisco, perhaps?

Posted on 2-26-2014

Written by Ashmi Pathela

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Randi’s February Fashion Picks

So….we might have a little bit of an obsession with polka dots (It’s called Dot Complicated…get it?). And glitter. And crazy colors. Randi’s personal style motto is “Classy with a hint of Vegas” and these picks certainly reflect that.

1. Retro Polka Dot Loafers. These lovely loafers are a steal and transition perfectly from a power meeting to a brunch with friends to a Saturday spent running errands.

2. Polka dot popover. Add a touch of whimsy to your work wardrobe with these easy, very wearable shirt. We love it under a blazer or with a bold necklace.

 

3. Candy Yum Yum lipstick. Barbie pink and Broadway fabulous, our whole team loves wearing this color for special events. Even with light eye makeup, a swipe of this lipstick brightens up the whole face.

 

 

4. 1950s style black and red polka dot swimsuit. This one piece with cinched sides and full coverage is flattering on all body tights. We love the retro nod and of course, the playful polka dots!

5. The Frankie Pump in foil dot. This comfy pump is low enough for the office by glitzy enough to wear out dancing. The perfect touch to accessorize an otherwise tame outfit.

 

Randi wore a similar pair to the New York Stock Exchange:

6. Kate Spade Glitter iphone case. Because more glitter is always a good choice. Once again, Kate Spade gets it right.

Posted on 2/26/2014

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How To Take The Perfect Selfie (And Then Edit It To Make It Even Better)

This week, Randi appeared on the KATIE show to discuss photo-editing apps and tips for taking the perfect selfie. See the clips below:

 

Posted on 2/26/2014

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If You Post And Nobody Likes It, Did It Really Happen?

The other day, I posted a picture on Facebook (…and Twitter…and Instagram). I had captured a magical moment. A miracle made up of pixels, really. My three kids and I took a quadruple selfie. And, honestly? It was kind of awesome. So obviously it was my duty to share it with the universe. (Because let’s be real, MY universe is practically as important as THE universe in the world of social media.)

As soon as I clicked the oh-so magical “share” button, I braced myself for the virtual praise. The likes rolled in, as I had hoped they would. Comments about my cute kids? Check. Our matching eyes? Check. And my all-around awesomeness as a mom for being able to get everyone to sit, smile, and look happy? Check. Each time I read one, I even believed it. For a few seconds, at least.

Truth be told, we were all really, really happy at that picture-taking moment. Perhaps because I’d lost my voice yelling at the kids that morning and I couldn’t say ridiculous jokes to try to make them smile, or make empty threats about what I’d do if they didn’t cooperate. Who knows? All that really matters is that I captured it. And shared it. Right?

As I checked in on my phone over and over to see the latest reaction to the greatest miracle performed by a mother (ok, this mother) in years, I couldn’t help but hear a song playing in my head…

“I live for the applause, applause, applause

I live for the applause-plause

Live for the applause-plause

Live for the way that you cheer and scream for me

The applause, applause, applause.”

These lyrics, from Lady Gaga’s appropriately-titled song “Applause,” have been blasting on the radio for months. I always nodded along, maybe humming a few words here or there, without thinking about how the lyrics directly related to me.

Could it be true? Could it be that I live and write and share for the applause? Could it be that we all do? Has social media created an attention-seeking monster in all of us? I mean, let’s be real here. How many people post something on a social media platform and hope that not a single person responds? How “social” is that?

Goodness knows I didn’t become a blogger — or a mom — for the likes or the rah-rah comments from friends. But given the reality of how outrageously hard — and often thankless — the work is that comes with both, I’ll take all the virtual applause I can get. (Though I will admit, I might have trouble coming up with anything that outshines the quadruple selfie. So feel free to applaud me now. You know, just in case.)

Posted on 2/25/2014

Written by Amy Heinz

Amy Heinz is a San Francisco Bay Area mom of three and the writer behind Using Our Words — a parenting blog filled with lessons she’s learned (usually the hard way), laughs she’s enjoyed (mostly at her own expense), and tears she’s shed (this mama’s got heart). You can also find her on Instagram (where she highlights #motherhoodunfiltered), Facebook and Twitter (Where she’s constantly proving that *this* mom is far from perfect). 

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Why The Bat Kid Mania Still Matters

Four months ago I was on a plane flying home to San Francisco from LA. I just spent $6 to access internet for what was a less than an hour flight. Normally I use my flight time as an exercise in unplugging so I can catch up on the books that I don’t usually have time to read, but that day was a different day.

That was the day Batkid came to San Francisco.

Miles, a 5 year old boy who just beat leukemia last summer after battling it for many years, became a superhero. The Make-A-Wish Foundation, famous for granting large and small wishes to kids with terminal illnesses outdid itself by teaming up with the city of San Francisco to provide a real-life Batman experience for Miles. The idea was well-planned: they set up damsels in distress, Riddlers and Penguins whose plans Miles could foil, and obtained beautiful black Lamborghinis to deck out in all the coolest Batman gear. Miles was to go through the makeshift Gotham city saving the day again and again as Batkid and ultimately live his dream of being a superhero.

But thanks to the power of social media, the Make-A-Wish Foundation was able to provide an amazing experience for people beyond just Miles and his family. Once the story hit the Internet a few weeks before the big day, this project found itself inundated with requests for participation, ending up with over 14,000 (!!) people volunteering to participate.

And then the day arrived. November 15, 2013. Immediately #Batkid topped the Twitter trending list, and it stayed that way for two days.

The Earth literally mobilized. People all over the world were on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, news sites – anything they could do to access this amazing story of people coming together to make one child smile. And in accessing it, people were sharing, giving those unable to be present (like myself) a glimpse into the heartwarming story that spread itself to the far reaches of the Web.

In sharing through social media, people surpassed the original goal of making Miles’ wish come true: #Batkid created a real Gotham community for the makeshift Gotham City. Millions of strangers connected worldwide to share in a story that makes them feel good about humanity and each other, and it was a beautiful thing.

For all that social media desensitizes us, saturates us, and provides us with a nonstop assault of information about shootings, killings, and all the bad things in the world, it can be used for good, too. It’s moments like these that prove how powerful a tool social media can be at bringing people together for the good of humanity, how it can provide a portal into the stories that help us keep going. In this particular case, a story about the insurmountable spirit of a little boy who never gave up even in the face of death. As @FunnyorDie put it:

Even if the Riddler is an actor, even if that black Lamborghini will go back into someone’s garage, there will be a lasting impact. People will remember that day.

Thank you #Batkid for truly and genuinely saving the day. You are a hero.

Read the full story on Buzzfeed, where most of these photos are from (aggregated from the web).

Posted on 2/25/2014

Written by Ali Wunderman

According to her mother, “Silicon” Ali is a modern Renaissance woman, with interests ranging from cartography to terrarium architecture. She works as a Marketing Communications Manager at Autodesk, and in her spare time you can find her traveling the world, giving tours of San Francisco, or cuddling with puppies.

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