Tech Corner:

Computer Apps:

iProcrastinate - My boys are using this app to program in a colour coded course-by-course way, the assignments and test dates for school.  It is in a format that combines calendar and a to-do list. It’s available at the Mac App Store for free download.

iCal – A little trick I discovered in iCal is if you type in a description of an appointment followed by @ 10 am for example, iCal will enter a 1 hour appointment with the description you entered and slot it at 10 am saving you the trouble of editing.

Yahoo Sports – Our family is in a great fantasy hockey pool.  We scheduled a draft in which everyone participated.  We trade players and go head to head in friendly competition.  The online league tracks everything from hits to shut outs and all you have to do is manage your bench.  Not only is this fun, it created family discussion.  http://hockey.fantasysports.yahoo.com

iPhone Apps:

Bananagrams - I love word games, and this one is great fun.

MyFitnessPal - This app allows you to diarize your food intake and exercise routine.  You can scan barcodes on packaged food and look on a huge database of items to easily track your consumption.

Open Table - If you have not yet discovered this app, download it and register now.  It is a great way to make restaurant reservations home and away, last minute or in advance.

Find my Phone - Make sure you register on the new iCloud, but you may need to be on OS5 on your phone and Lion on your mac.  We found my son’s phone outside Yorkdale in the bushes and mine in New York in the hotel room I had checked out of.

Travel:

This is just a small taste and I will elaborate further shortly.  I have included a personal journey, a family favourite and a couple’s retreat.

Kilimanjaro - A trip of a lifetime and a personal growth journey.  I truly believe anyone can do it, but I would not have been successful without Alison Wiley and Angus Murray from Live Out loud adventures. www.liveoutloudadventures.com

Costa Rica - Our Family’s favourite vacation by far.  We rented a spectacular villa in the surfing town of Dominical through http://www.villasbytekoa.com. We zip-lined, road horses down to a spectacular waterfall, viewed wild life in the national park, learned to surf, did some cliff diving, white water rafting and discovered many a private beach front that disappeared at high-tide.  Overall, a tremendous vacation.

Napa Valley - Although, I could discuss favourite European trips we have loved, I thought I would mention a closer get-away.  We found a spot in Napa Valley that was a spectacular property complete with every indulgence and luxury we could possible think of.  We stayed at the Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford and I strongly recommend it. www.aubergedusoleil.com  Also, If you are so inclined, have 5 hours to spare and don’t mind the exorbitant bill you will receive, go to the French Laundry.  It is also a once in a lifetime dining experience.  Reserve 3 months in advance and dine early as you will be there for 4 or 5 hours.  I still dream about the tuna tartare and crème fresh cones offered as our amuse-bouche.