Tips for a good night's sleep

1. Do: follow a consistent bedtime routine..

2. Don't: have foods or drinks that contain caffeine, as well as any medicine that has a stimulant, prior to bedtime.

3. Do: establish a relaxing setting at bedtime.

4. Don't: go to bed hungry, but don't eat a big meal before bedtime either.

5. Do: make your bedroom quiet, dark and a little bit cool.

6. Don't: do any rigorous exercise within six hours of your bedtime.

7. Do: get up at the same time every morning.

How to cure a hangover

You had a big night out with the boys and now you feel like you’ve been run over by a steamroller. Your head’s pounding, your mouth is dry, your legs are wobbly and you’re cursing your tequila-wielding mates. There’s no miracle solution to make you feel great, but these tips will help you feel human again.

Hydrate
Why is it that that water seems like a vile substance when you’re hung over? We know it’s hard to stomach, but force down as much as you can.

It’s no secret that alcohol dehydrates you, so even if you don’t feel thirsty, that woozy feeling is in large part due to the fact that you’re parched as, bro.

Another option is a sports drink, which might be easier to stomach than water and is packed with super-hydrating electrolytes.

Eat
You’re probably tempted to have a massive greasy breakfast, which will help settle your stomach, but it can also make you feel more tired and sluggish.

A better solution is to eat some honey – it contains a lot of fructose, which helps break down the alcohol in your stomach faster. Tomato juice is another great source of fructose.

If you still feel like you might not make it through the day, read on...

Take vitamins
B vitamins help metabolise alcohol and can boost your energy levels. A good choice is Berocca, which contains a vitamin B complex and vitamin C.

Avoid caffeine
Coffee and other caffeinated drinks will only make the problem worse because they’ll dehydrate you more. Avoid them if you can or keep them to a minimum if you really need a pick-me-up.

Take painkillers
Although we don’t recommend mixing alcohol and painkillers on a regular basis as it can cause kidney and liver damage, taking two Panadol or Nurofen to make it through a mad hangover once in a while won’t kill you.

Sleep
Sometimes chucking a sickie is a better idea than dragging your sorry ass into work. If you’re lucky enough to have a hangover on a Saturday, what the hell are you doing reading this? Go back to bed!

Why your health is more than skin deep

A shocking new survey has revealed that most women don’t exercise and eat healthily to stay fit or live longer, they do it because they want to look good.

Eat a healthy diet, exercise five times a week, stay out of the sun, don’t drink too much alcohol, avoid cigarettes… we all know the basic rules of looking after our health, but why do we follow them?

Why do we force ourselves to go to the gym when we really, really don’t want to?

Why do we knock back a vegetable juice when what we actually want is large glass of Pinot Grigio?

The answer to all these questions should of course be, to live a long and happy life, free of disease and other consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle.

But, as recent research shows, the truth is a lot more self-centred: we do it because we want to look good.

A study of UK women found that for the majority, the real motivation behind a healthy lifestyle is to look younger or more attractive.

A massive 87% admitted to making positive lifestyle changes so they can appear younger for as long as possible – while just 40% said they wanted to stay free from ill-health.

Insurance company Aviva commissioned the research, which also found that over half of respondents would choose a slim and toned figure over low cholesterol or stable blood pressure – which could potentially prevent heart disease or strokes.

Shocking figures

The figures relating to smoking were perhaps the most shocking. The motivation to kick a smoking habit should surely be to protect our lungs and avoid cancer, but for most women (74%) it was stained teeth and wrinkles that were the real reason for stubbing out.

Just 49% said they were more concerned with the impact smoking has on their health.

When it comes to booze, 53% claimed that the effect drinking has on their weight or looks is the primary motive for cutting back on alcohol, compared with just 32% who were worried about the impact on their long-term health.

Perhaps less surprisingly, six in ten respondents said that they exercised to lose weight rather than to improve their health and fitness.

Meanwhile, a huge 86% of women said they knew their weight, while just 42% were aware of their blood pressure.

The issue of where to get trustworthy health and fitness advice also came up in the study.

Almost eight in 10 women said they consult celebrity magazines for health and lifestyle advice, compared to 31% who said they seek advice from a medical professional.

Are men more responsible?

So where do men fit into all this? It should come as no surprise that they are less vain than us – 69% of the nation’s men are motivated to eat well and exercise for no other reason than to stay healthy.

Perhaps this explains why, in another recent survey, experts found that women are becoming more beautiful than men.

Dr Doug Wright, from Aviva, warns women that their health is more than skin deep:

“Just because you like what you see in the mirror today, does not mean that an unhealthy lifestyle isn’t actually taking its toll on your long-term health.

“Although you may think that you look healthy on the outside, it’s what’s inside that really counts. Potentially serious conditions such as heart disease and diabetes can often go undetected until it’s too late.

“Regular health checks are the best indicator of wellbeing – and should be more motivating than images in celebrity magazines.

“Leading a healthy lifestyle needn’t be costly or onerous. It’s not just about going to the gym or the latest fad.

"Simply going for a brisk walk, gardening or even shopping all help contribute to improving your fitness.

"Coupling this with a healthy, well-balanced diet can make a real difference to both your looks and long-term health.”

Beat morning dress stress

Create a 'look book'

When stylists help create "wardrobes" for their clients they'll often spend a day with them putting complete outfits together and taking Polaroids for reference. You don't need a stylist to create a work-look book though. At the beginning of the season, get a friend to help take the photos and spend a day creating top-to-toe outfits — remember to include shoes and accessories, too. Try to create at least 10 looks so you'll have two full weeks of outfits to rotate. That might seem a lot but remember you can mix and match items of clothing (that new shirt, or your favourite tunic dress), as much as you like. Once you have all your outfit photos, stick them to the back of your wardrobe, or compile them in an album for easy morning dressing.

Tidy your wardrobe

If you can see and reach all the clothes in your wardrobe easily, dressing in the morning will be a lot less stressful. Investing in good quality hangers (think wood or sturdy plastic and clip-hangers for pants and skirts) saves on ironing time in the morning because clothes aren't as likely to crease in your cupboard. Men, keep ties stored on tie racks so they don't emerge from the wardrobe a crushed mess.

Be season-specific

A jumble of warm and cold-weather clothes crammed into your wardrobe makes selecting a work outfit a challenge. Try dividing your work wardrobe into winter and summer (some of your staples will work all year round). Taking out those lightweight dresses when winter hits and storing those heavier jumpers during summer will create closet space and make finding the right thing to wear easier. Store items you don't need in another cupboard if you have one, or fold them into airtight plastic tubs or vacuum-seeled bags and pop them under your bed until you need them again.

Be brand loyal

We're not suggesting becoming a slave to one particular brand but it does make good dressing sense to buy a few items from the one store, as brands tend to sell clothes that work together. Ask the store assistants to advise you on what items they recommend pairing, and then consider buying an entire outfit (for example a skirt, jacket and coordinating shirt, or tie and shirt for men). Brands also tend to sell clothes that go with their previous seasons so you'll find matching last year's work clothes with this year's easier if you stick to a few favourite stores.

Keep shoes neat

Shoeboxes may protect your shoes from getting damaged, but they make it hard to find what you're looking for each morning. Try visiting a storage shop for some clever shoe-storage ideas, such as shoe racks or clear shoeboxes for easy selecting. Or try taking a photo of each pair of shoes and tape it to the front of the shoebox. Knowing what you've got means you'll wear all your shoes more often rather than just grab the pair you wore yesterday because you're short on time.

Tips for a better work/life balance

Work, kids, social and family commitments … are they all getting on top of you? Then it's time to take a step back and put some balance into your life.

Read our top tips for getting your work and home life stress-free and back on the right track.

Look after your health
Your health should always be your number one priority. If you're not in top shape both mentally and physically, it will affect all areas of your life. Stress is one of the biggest causes of poor health. To combat this, get enough sleep, eat regularly and choose healthy options, take time out for relaxation, and exercise at least three times a week.

Take time out for yourself
As much as your work and family takes priority in your life, it's important that you schedule "me time". Taking just one hour, once a week to do something for yourself can do wonders for your wellbeing — and your relationships and career will benefit too.

It doesn't need to be a visit to a day spa (although that's a great idea!) — take a novel to the park and enjoy the outdoors, play a round of golf, visit the gym or go for a long, relaxing walk ... just make sure you get away from it all and give your mind a chance to wander.

Manage your time
Learn how to use your time more effectively — both at work and home. Poor time management can result in a loss of hours and contribute greatly to your stress levels. Enrol in a time management course or implement some simple time management techniques:

• create to-do lists and prioritise tasks,
• avoid time wasters like surfing the Web and e-mail,
• share the load (both at work and home wherever you can),
• set yourself time limits and boundaries.

Learn to say "no"
Taking on too many tasks can be to your detriment. Learn to say no to things when there's too much on your plate. This applies to both work and personal events/tasks. Rather than feeling guilty, you'll learn that saying "no" can be really empowering.

Separate work and family life
Australia may be a laid-back nation but as workers, we are working longer and longer hours. And many of us are "addicted to work" and failing to separate our working life from our family life. Is this you?

Learn to turn off the laptop after hours and resist checking your e-mails at all hours of the day and night. Ideally the minute you leave the office, you should leave your working life behind. For many this isn't possible, but be sure to give yourself plenty of "unplugged" time during your weekends and nights — that means no laptop, no e-mail and no mobile phone.

Find a flexible employer
Searching for a new position? More and more employers these days are catering for a more flexible workplace. Look for options like flexible hours, working from home, job sharing, onsite childcare facilities and family-friendly offices.

Use up your annual leave
Most of us are allowed four weeks or more annual leave a year, but rarely take it. Remember, it's there for a reason — to provide you with some much needed R&R.

Take a career break
If work's getting too much and your health's really suffering, taking time out to think about your career and what really matters in your life could be the perfect solution. Use up any outstanding annual leave or enquire about leave without pay. Take a short sabbatical and use the time wisely to evaluate your goals and life plan.

Potato stacks with smoked salmon

Preparation 10 minutes + 20 minutes salting
Cooking 10 minutes
Serves 4

2 large (500g) potatoes
1 tsp salt
1 Bunch chives, chopped
60g Melted butter
3 tbsp Plain flour
Pepper
Vegetable oil, to shallow fry
4 Eggs
40g Baby spinach leaves
4 Slices smoked salmon

1 Peel and grate the potatoes, then transfer to a colander. Sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt and leave for 20 minutes.
2 Squeeze out as much water as possible and place the potato into a bowl with the chives, butter, flour and a pinch of pepper.
3 Mix thoroughly, then shape into four 8cm-diameter patties.
4 Heat some vegetable oil in a frypan over medium heat, add the potato cakes and cook for four to five minutes each side or until golden brown.
5 Poach the eggs in gently simmering water for three minutes.
6 To serve, top the potato cakes with evenly distributed spinach leaves, a slice of salmon and a soft-poached egg. 

Spicy prawn, tomato and fetta stew

Serving size: Serves 4
Cuisine type: Modern Australian
Cooking time: Less than 30 minutes
Special options: Low Carb, Low fat
Course: Lunch, Main
Favourite flavours: Seafood, Spicy

Try this delicious meal of Spicy prawn, tomato and fetta stew

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, sliced
1 birdseye chilli, finely chopped
400g can diced tomatoes
20 green prawns, peeled, deveined, tails intact
100g fetta, cubed
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped coriander
crusty bread, to serve

METHOD

1. Heat oil in a large frying pan on medium. Cook onion for 3 minutes, stirring, until soft. Add garlic and chilli and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add tomato and 1 cup water and bring to boil. Season well, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

2. Add prawns and simmer for 5 minutes, covered, until prawns are opaque. Remove from heat and stir through fetta and herbs. Stand covered for 5 minutes.

3. Serve in bowls with crusty bread.

You can serve this stew with mashed potato, rice or pasta.

Chocolate bread and butter pudding

Serving size: Serves 6

Cuisine type: Modern Australian
Cooking time: Less than 60 minutes
Course: Dessert
Favourite flavours: Cakes/baking, Chocolate

Chocolate bread and butter pudding

INGREDIENTS

1½ cups (375ml) milk
2 cups (500ml) cream
1/3 cup (75g) caster sugar
1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon
vanilla bean paste
4 eggs
2 small (200g) brioche, sliced thickly
100g dark eating chocolate,
chopped coarsely
1/3 cup (40g) coarsely chopped
toasted pecans

METHOD

Preheat the oven to moderate (180°C/160°C fan-forced).

Combine milk, cream and sugar in a small saucepan. Split vanilla bean in half lengthways; scrape seeds into pan, then place pod in pan, or if using, add vanilla bean paste. Stir over heat until hot; strain into a large heatproof jug (not necessary to strain if using the paste). Discard pod.

Whisk eggs in large bowl; whisking constantly, pour hot milk mixture into eggs.

Grease a shallow 2-litre (8-cup) ovenproof dish; layer brioche, chocolate and nuts, overlapping brioche slightly, in the dish. Pour hot milk mixture over brioche.

Place the dish in a large baking dish; add enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the ovenproof dish. Bake, uncovered, in a moderate oven for about 45 minutes or until pudding sets.

Remove the pudding from the baking dish; stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Not suitable to freeze or microwave.

Baking bread

Cooking time: Less than 60 minutes

Course: Side dish, Snacks
Favourite flavours: Condiment

Instead of buying bread at the supermarket or the bakery, try making your own bread at home. It's easy, cheap and lots of fun.

INGREDIENTS

Basic bread
Makes 1 loaf
Prep time 20 minutes
Resting time 90 minutes
Cooking time 40 minutes

3 cups (450g) plain flour (white, or a mixture of 2 cups white and 1 cup wholemeal)

2 teaspoons bread improver (optional)
1½ teaspoons salt
1 sachet instant yeast
1½-1 2/3 cups (375-420ml) warm water

METHOD

1. Sift flour, bread improver and salt into a large warmed bowl, then stir in yeast. Make a well in centre and add warm water. Mix flour and water with a wooden spoon, then beat with a hand, adding a little more water or flour if necessary to make a soft dough.

2. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead by folding far edge towards you, then pushing it firmly away with heel of hand. Turn dough a little and repeat. Continue kneading for about 5 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic and springs back when you make a dent with a finger.

3. Place dough in a clean, warm, oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap and a tea towel. Leave to rise in a warm, draught-free place for 1-1½ hours (or in a cool place for longer). Test by pushing a finger into dough. If indentation remains, it is ready. Knock back dough by punching with your fist several times, squeezing out any large bubbles. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead three or four times.

4. Preheat oven to 240ºC or 220ºC fan. Lightly oil a 12 x 23cm loaf pan. Pat dough into a round and fold sides under to form a neat oblong. Place in prepared pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and a cloth and leave in a warm place until risen to top of pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then turn pan around, reduce heat to 220ºC or 200ºC fan and bake another 20-25 minutes, until golden brown all over and bread sounds hollow when underside is tapped with knuckles.

Tips:

• Make a Walnut Bread for serving with cheese at a special dinner or picnic.

• Add 1 cup roughly chopped walnuts to basic bread dough when you start the first kneading. Top bread with another ½ cup roughly chopped walnuts before baking.

• For a crisp crust all over, take bread out of pan and bake directly on oven bars for last 10 minutes. Bread is cooked if it sounds hollow when underside is knocked with the knuckles. If not, return to oven for more baking. Turn bread out of pan as soon as it comes from oven, and cool on a wire rack.

• More water is needed when wholemeal flour is used.

• You can add up to half wholemeal to half plain flour if you like a denser loaf of bread. Bread flour (from good health-food stores) is best because of its high gluten content, but you will still get good results with ordinary plain flour.

• It is best not to double the quantities to make two loaves because it can be too unwieldy to knead. However, it’s a great idea to make two lots while you’re in the mood and pop one loaf in the freezer for another day.

What to do in a style emergency at work

If your workplace calls for you to look polished and preened all day long, a style emergency isn't what you want to suddenly have on your hands. But don't fear  whatever the situation, it can be easily solved in a matter of minutes.

Style emergency: You have a run in your stockings.

Solution: If the run is in an inconspicuous spot, stop it in its tracks by putting clear nail polish around the hole. If the run is in a noticeable area, lose the stockings altogether nothing can save them, and bare legs will look better than pantyhose with gaps.

Style emergency: You've got make-up on your collar.

Solution: Use baby wipes to blot the area until it's clean. Baby wipes (or make-up wipes) are also great for freshening up your skin on hot days, or even to wipe over shoes that have become dirty on rainy days.

Style emergency: You got oil/butter on your shirt just as you're about to rush out the door.

Solution: Don't, and we repeat don't put water anywhere near the stain. Instead, remove the garment, cover with talcum powder and then kitchen paper, and sit something heavy (such as a thick book) on top. Leave for a few minutes before tapping off the powder to reveal grease-free clothing.

Style emergency: Your hem has come down.

Solution: Three words: double-sided tape. Use it to temporarily mend stitching that's come undone, stop a blouse from gaping or keep tops with thin straps from slipping off your shoulders. Strips of Hollywood tape should be in your handbag at all times!

Style emergency: Your hair's gone flat and lifeless.

Solution: Whether you've got this hair problem, or any other one, there is a solution. All that's needed to make hair look full and voluminous is to hang your head upside down under the hand drier for 30 seconds, and to use a fine-toothed comb to tease the area around the crown. Voila hair with volume and bounce.

Style emergency: Your teeth are yellow from lunch, and you have a presentation in five minutes.

Solution: Keep mini teeth whiteners in your handbag. They're great at quickly cleaning your teeth (no toothbrush required) and giving you minty breath at the same time.

Style emergency: You have to go to an after-work event, and there's no time to go home and change.

Solution: Always be prepared by keeping a few style must-haves in your desk drawer: a bright lipstick and black eyeliner to take your look from day to night; a fancy brooch that can add instant glam to a work shirt; sparkly earrings to dress up your look and a comb, clip or ribbon to add interest to your hair. 

Beat bad hair days !

In a poll by  Your Beauty Spot 15 percent of people admitted to having had a sick day at least once because of bad-hair (news that's sure to make any boss unhappy). Ensure that never happens again, with these tips

Problem: It's raining

Rain is the fastest way to put your hair in bad spirits. A few drops and your immaculate blow-dry isn't so immaculate. If it looks like rain, be prepared and skip wearing your hair out, go for a bun or ponytail instead. No can do? Well, steal this tip from beauty editors: carry a hand-bag sized umbrella everywhere you go.

Problem: It's humid

For a lot of women, the mere thought of humidity is enough to make your hair frizz, turning your sleek, polished look into one that resembles a frazzled housewife. If this sounds like you, make an anti-humidity spray your new best friend.

Problem: You've got bed head

Thanks to Kate Moss, bed head isn't the problem it used to be. Hair that's a little dishevelled can look quite sexy, but in a corporate office environment you might want a look that's a little more structured. Solution: a head band will sweep hair off your face, making you look 'done', as will a tousled low-swept bun.

Problem: You're running late

Who hasn't encountered this dilemma at some point? The good news is that with a quality ceramic straightening iron your hair can look fab in under five. But if hitting snooze is a habit of yours, you might want to try planning ahead by plaiting your hair before bed or twisting it into a low bun so you can say, "Hello, soft waves" in the morning.

Problem: Your hair's greasy

If you haven't heard of dry shampoo before, it's time to take notice. Use it if you're scarce on time in the morning, or use it after returning from the gym in your lunch break. It's simply a matter of shaking, spraying and going. Tip: dry shampoo works best on light to medium hair, so if your hair's darker (or you don't have any handy) we suggest a quiff style instead. If your roots are pulled back sleek they'll be less noticeable.

Problem: Your roots look ghastly

With the long hours that work can sometimes bring, finding time to visit the hairdresser to get your colour re-done can be next to impossible. Buy time between salon visits by opting for zig-zag only parts, as they'll draw less attention to your dire need of colour. Another insider tip: sunnies left perched on your head make a great cover-up when it comes to bad hair.

Problem: Your hair's gone flat

A long day filled with dashing from meeting to meeting can leave your hair looking flat and limp. Fix this with one of two tricks. One: head to the ladies and flip your head upside down under the hand dryer (AKA the sneaky girl's hairdryer); or two: use a comb and tease small sections of hair around your crown and voila, you've got hair with life.

Dressing for success

First impressions can make or break your career. Learn how to scrub up for your next job interview.

Do your homework
Before you have a chance to convince a potential employer what an asset you'd be to their company, they'll judge you on your appearance. Be prepared by researching industry standards. Generally, corporate roles require well-cut suits and closed-in shoes, while it may be more appropriate to wear a dress to a creative industry interview. Also, consider the interview location. A panel interview or recruitment agency meet calls for smart, conservative attire, while it's generally okay to lose the tie for a cafe meet.

Wardrobe

Her:

• Choose a dress or skirt that falls below the knee and which you can sit down comfortably in. Tailored pants have the potential to be assertive (which may or may not work in your favour). Never wear jeans.
• Choose block colours over loud patterns (which may distract the interviewer). Hint: colour experts say warm colours (red, orange, yellow) say "hire me now!" while cool colours (blue, green, purple) convey dedication and commitment. Black always looks clean and sharp but may come across as boring to a creative role interviewer.
  Chose the statement you want to make and colour code your outfit.
• Conceal cleavage, bra straps and panty lines.
• Wear heels you can walk in.

Him:

• Wear a suit to a corporate interview and a crisp shirt, pants and a jacket — not a jumper — to an interview for a trade-like role.
• Opt for basic black shoes. Never wear sneakers (especially white ones) or thongs.
• Avoid jeans in favour of tailored pants that sit above your underwear line.

Accessories

Her:

• Avoid cheap jewellery, and pieces that jangle nosily.
• Match subtle accessories (like a chain bracelet and diamante earrings) or wear a single statement-necklace or cuff. Dangly earrings scream nightclub rather than nine-to-five.

Him:

• Lose novelty ties and cufflinks. If you need a tie, opt for a subtle block colour that complements your suit and shirt, and wear simple chic cufflinks.
• Don't bring a briefcase unless you need it. Interviewers will see straight through props.

Grooming

Her:

• Wear minimal, natural-looking make-up (no bold shadows or lippy).
• Style hair so it doesn't fall over your eyes. A slick ponytail says "I'm confident and efficient" while edgy haircuts and colouring scream "I'm unpredictable".
• Clean fingernails and pedicured feet assert your attention to detail. Chipped polish conveys the opposite.
• Wear anti-perspirant deodorant and spritz perfume at least 15 minutes to half an hour before the interview, so it's not overpowering.

Him:

• Shave, moisturise and use hair product, if necessary.
• Wear anti-perspirant deodorant and go easy on the cologne.

You got the job …
Even if your office has the same dress code as a Balinese beach bar, don't take advantage of it. Keep shoes on, hair brushed and clothes pressed at all times. You never know when the "big boss" will show up unannounced. Same goes for office functions — you may be out of the office but you (and your outfit) are still in a work environment. Tip: pass on the second margarita! 

Worst Parenting Advice Ever Heard

Moms and moms-to-be on TheBump.com share some of the wackiest parenting advice they've ever had the displeasure of hearing.

If you feel like you got hit with tons of parenting advice the second you started sporting a bump, you're not alone. Moms-to-be often discover that everyone from future grandparents to the guy at the corner deli have plenty of unsolicited words of wisdom to share. Sure, some of the advice you get from well-meaning friends (or strangers) may turn out to

 be helpful, but sometimes it can also be downright crazy. Moms and moms-to-be on TheBump.com share some of the wackiest parenting advice they've ever had the displeasure of hearing:

Smack baby's gums?
"I was told to smack my daughter's gums with a spoon so I could tell if she's teething. I guess you'd hear a click if there are teeth under the gums?" --soon2beMrs.H

Our take:Ouch! We're pretty sure all this will get you is a screaming baby. Trust us, a spoon won't be necessary to tell you whether or not baby's teething -- you'll know. Some telltale signs include raw gums, constant crankiness, and over-the-top drooling. Most babies hit the teething stage between 4 and 7 months, so if this sounds like your tot, drop what you're doing now and stock up on teething toys, frozen washcloths, and baby pain reliever. You can run your finger along baby's gums to see if there are any teeth breaking through.

No car seat?
"My father told me to not worry about a car seat. He said, 'Your mother kept you and your sister on her lap on the ride home!'" --april 145

Our take: Do baby a favor and don't pull a Britney. Sure, Dad may mean well, but times have definitely changed since you were in diapers -- for the better. Car seats aren't an option; they're a must (legally speaking), and babies should never go for a ride anywhere unless they're properly strapped in. Make sure you have yours already inspected and set up in your backseat well before your due date. This way, you'll be prepared in case baby decides to come early. Wondering where you can get your car seat inspected? Go to SeatCheck.org to find a safety inspection station near you.

Playing with ice cubes?
"My sister's ex-husband felt it was okay to let the baby 'play' with ice cubes. When I pointed out that he could choke on them, he said, 'They'll melt, won't they?'" --faithe2009

Our take: In terms of potential babysitters, this guy deserves to be blacklisted. As a general rule, baby should never be able to grab anything that's small enough to fit through the tube of a toilet paper roll. Ever. When your little guy starts to crawl and later walk, he'll turn into an instant detective, wanting to inspect everything -- and babies often explore new items by putting them in their mouths. Make sure you keep anything that's small enough to be a choking hazard far away from his grasp and don't forget to baby-proof all of your cabinets and drawers. Ice cubes are fine in a mesh feeder, but otherwise? No.

Don't swaddle?
"I was told by my grandmother that I shouldn't swaddle my newborn because it'd cause her arms to be deformed and that she needed to be able to stretch her muscles." --silvurturtle

Our take: Sorry, Grams, but this one's just plain wrong. Swaddling has been practiced for hundreds of years as a way to keep baby warm and toasty, and the fact that it reminds her of being in the womb will also calm her down and help her sleep better. If you're not sure how to swaddle, ask for a quick lesson before you leave the hospital.

No cuddling?
"I was told that if you hold a newborn or infant too much, you'll spoil them." --Beaniesmommy

Our take: Surprisingly, we hear this one a lot, even though it couldn't be further from the truth. You don't have to be Dr. Sears to know that bonding with baby is hugely important -- especially in those first few months of development. Feel free to cuddle and hold baby as much as you want! Just make sure you still allow him some independence as he grows. If baby cries when you put him down, try rubbing a sock or small cotton cloth on your body and placing it near him. Your familiar scent can help calm him even if he's not in your arms.

Best way to Brand You

Kleenex, Band-Aid, Starbucks -- the name tells you everything you need to know. Somewhere along the way, name and product became one and the same and they both scream quality and value. In brand we trust. But brand-building isn't just the miracle tool of multinationals and their in-house marketing machines. If you've got some career ambition, it's more than worth it to develop your own personal brand and be the definition of your career for other people. And guess what? It's easier than you think with these tips:

Make a mental picture. Clamp your eyes shut and picture who you are and what qualities you want people to call to mind when your name comes up (or when a job presents itself that would fit you like a glove). Those qualities should be the cornerstones of your brand.

Become a tangible product. For those branding giants -- our aforementioned Kleenex, Band-Aid, and Starbucks -- the image is reinforced with logos, trademarks, commercials, catch-phrases, and customer service. Each time a customer interacts with a given product, the corporation reinforces the brand until, when you need a tissue, you think Kleenex. You, however, are not a tissue. You are a living, breathing brand, with ample opportunities to reinforce this on a daily basis. If your personal brand involves innovation, be innovative in all things: the food you eat for lunch, the gadgets you rely on, the style that swirls around you. Keep in mind that this can work against you, too: If you always do shoddy work, your desk is a mess, or your wardrobe is atrocious, those are the qualities that people will associate with you. Yikes.

Be your brand. My brand involves two words -- communications diva -- and I strive to epitomize these words in all my interactions. From my bold eye shadow to my to-the-point

e-mails; from my leopard-print wallet to the cool head that guides me through crisis situations; from the bistros where I schedule meetings to the sassy logo on my business cards, I define what I believe a communications diva to be. And judging by the staggering number of referral calls I receive on a weekly basis, my branding efforts are working.

Commit to your message. Brand-building requires complete focus; one misstep and your brand crumbles. (It's going to take more than a couple of apologetic press releases for consumers to trust the pet-food companies embroiled in the tainted-food scandal). Ideal personal brands are realistic and super-easy to reinforce because they're second nature. If your dream brand involves fearless public speaking but you're meek as a mouse, you might want to back-burner this aspect of your brand and revisit it after a couple years of confidence-building exercises.

Unless you're Paris Hilton (who, as a celebutante -- "famous for being famous" -- is nothing but a brand) and have a publicity machine forever in tow to keep your brand on track, you don't need to obsess about personal branding with every interaction. Cliché as it sounds, you just need to stay true to you (and a few weeks in the slammer fits Paris' brand perfectly). How do you know when you've succeeded at building a brand? When someone you respect says, "This awesome job I just heard about is so you."

Vegie spring rolls

Serving size: Serves 10 or more
Cuisine type: Asian
Cooking time: Less than 30 minutes
Course: Finger food

INGREDIENTS

50g dried vermicelli noodles
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 whole fresh corn cob, kernels removed
1 carrot, grated
4 spring onions, thinly sliced
½ cup frozen peas, thawed
227g can water chestnuts, coarsely chopped
1½ cups shredded cabbage
2 tablespoons kecap manis
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons corn flour
1 tablespoon water
1x 300g packet frozen or fresh spring roll wrappers
sweet and sour sauce, to serve

METHOD

Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan forced.

Place noodles in a large heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water. Stand for 5 minutes or until soft. Drain. Using scissors, cut noodles into 3cm lengths.
Heat oil in a large wok and add the water chestnuts and all the vegetables except for the cabbage and cook for 2 minutes or until softened slightly. Stir in cabbage, sauces and cornflour dissolved in water and continue to cook for 30 seconds or until mixture thickens; cool slightly.

Place a heaped spoon of filling in one corner of each wrapper. Brush edges lightly with water. Fold corner over filling, then roll up firmly and press to seal. Place on tray and spray or brush with olive oil.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until light golden (or cook in plenty of hot peanut or vegetable oil until golden brown). Serve with sweet and sour sauce.

Chicken Arrabbiata

Serving size: Serves 4

Cuisine type: Italian, Modern Australian

Cooking time: More than 1 hour

Special options: Heart friendly, Low Carb, Low fat

Course: Main

Favourite flavours: Chicken, Saucy

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil

1 red onion, cut into 8 wedges

4 chicken marylands (thighs and legs), about 1.2kg

1 bulb garlic, cloves peeled

150ml dry red wine

2 hot red chillies, chopped

2 punnets cherry tomatoes or two cans of cherry tomatoes, well drained

2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

polenta, to serve

Soffritto base:

2 large cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped 

50g fatty pancetta, cut into cubes

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves

METHOD

To make soffritto, combine 2 chopped cloves garlic, pancetta and rosemary in a small processor and pulse until finely chopped. Alternatively, chop on a board with a sharp cook’s knife. 

Heat oil in a heavy-based saucepan over moderate heat, add soffritto and cook about 5 minutes or until pancetta fat runs, stirring frequently. Add onion, chicken and garlic cloves and cook for about 8 minutes, browning chicken on both sides.

Stir in wine and cook for 1 minute, then add chilli and tomatoes, and season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid and cook gently for 40 minutes. The chicken is cooked if the liquid runs clear when a skewer is inserted between thigh and leg. Adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with parsley and serve in deep, heated plates, with polenta. 

TIP: You could serve chicken arrabbiata with a steaming bowl of penne as an alternative to polenta.

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cheese cake

Serving size: Serves 10 or more
Cuisine type: Modern Australian
Cooking time: More than 2 hours
Special options: Vegetarian
Course: Dessert
Favourite flavours: Cakes/baking, Cheese

INGREDIENTS

200g chocolate wheaten biscuits, broken
60g butter, melted
½ cup (125ml) milk, plus 1 tablespoon extra
¾ cup (210g) crunchy peanut butter
250g cream cheese
½ cup (110g) caster sugar
30g dark chocolate, melted

METHOD

1. Line base of a 23cm loose-based flan pan with baking paper. Process broken biscuits into fine crumbs. Add melted butter and extra tablespoon of milk and process until well combined. Press mixture over base and sides of pan. Chill while making filling.

2. Place peanut butter and remaining milk in a small saucepan and heat on low for 10 minutes, stirring, until smooth. Remove from heat and cool.

3. Using an electric mixer with paddle or V-groove beaters, beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Stir in peanut butter mixture. Spoon into chocolate crust, cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill for three hours, until firm.

4. Place melted chocolate in a small plastic bag and snip off corner. Drizzle melted chocolate finely back and forth over cheesecake. Return to fridge and leave to set for 15 minutes. Cut into wedges to serve.

Electricity in the Air !!!

Wireless power technologies are moving closer to becoming viable options.

This year probably won't be the tipping point for wireless electricity. But judging from all the new techniques and applications of this awe-inspiring technology, getting power through the airwaves could soon be viable.

Fulton Innovations showcased blenders that whir wirelessly and laptops that power up without a battery at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last month. The devices are all powered by electromagnetic coils built into the charging surface, and there's not a plug in sight.

Fulton's wireless electricity technology is called eCoupled, and the company hopes it can be used across a wide rage of consumer devices. Fulton was one of half a dozen companies that wowed consumers at CES.

ECoupled uses a wireless powering technique called "close proximity coupling," which uses circuit boards and coils to communicate and transmit energy using magnetic fields. The technology is efficient but works only at close ranges. Typically, the coils must be bigger than the distance the energy needs to travel. What it lacks in distance, it makes up in intelligence.

In conjunction with the Wireless Power Consortium, Fulton, a subsidiary of Amway, has developed a standard that can send digital messages back and forth using the same magnetic field used to power devices. These messages are used to distinguish devices that can and can't be charged wirelessly, and to relay information like power requirements or how much battery power is left in a device.

Using this technique, an industrial van parked outside the Fulton booth at CES charged a set of power tools from within its carrying case. The van was tricked out by Leggett & Platt -- a diversified manufacturing company based in Carthage, Mo., and an eCoupled licensee -- and is designed to solve its customers' biggest headache: arriving at the job site with a dead set of tools. Fulton, which teamed up with Bosch to design the setup, already has test vehicles rolling around in the field and plans to sell them to utility and other industrial companies by the end of the year.

Texas Instruments announced last November that it will manufacture a chip set that will reduce the manufacturing cost of integrating eCoupled wireless power into consumer electronic devices.

In another area of the vast electronics show, cell phones, video-game controllers and a laptop charged wirelessly on a silver and black mat created by Boulder, Colo.-based WildCharge.

The mat uses a conductive powering technique, which is more efficient than inductive powering but requires direct contact between the devices and the charging pad. Though most of the mats or pads on display are intended to power only a handful of devices at a time, WildCharge says the product design is certified for up to 150 watts -- enough to power 30 laptops.

Across the room from WildCharge, PowerCast displayed Christmas ornaments and floor tiles glowing with LEDs powered by ambient radio waves. The devices harvest electromagnetic energy in ambient radio waves from a nearby low-power antenna. Because of the dangerous nature of electromagnetic waves in high doses, Pittsburgh-based PowerCast is targeting its application for small devices like ZigBee wireless chips, which require little power.

Perhaps the most promising wireless power technology was the latest iteration of WiTricity, the Watertown, Mass.-based brainchild of MIT physicist Marin Soljacic, on display in a private suite high in the Venetian hotel tower.

The technology uses a technique developed by Soljacic called "highly coupled magnetic resonance." As proof that it works, an LCD TV is powered by a coil hidden behind an oil painting located a few feet away. Across the hotel room, WiTricity Chief Executive Eric Giler walks in the direction of another coil holding an iPod Touch in the palm of his hand. Power hungry, it starts to charge when it gets within two meters.

Soljacic has already earned a $500,000 "genius grant" from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation for his work, but Giler said the technology is at least a year away. In the meantime, WiTricity has obtained an exclusive license from MIT to bring Soljacic's idea to market and hopes to have an estimated 200 patents.

But because Soljacic published his academic paper in Nature magazine, companies like Intel have been able to replicate the effect in their labs based on his principles.

Elsewhere at CES, PowerBeam showcased wireless lamps and picture frames. Located in Sunnyvale, Calif., the company uses yet another wireless-powering approach. Its technology beams optical energy into photovoltaic cells using laser diodes. Although the company says it can maintain a constant energy flow across long distances, the difficulty of targeting a laser means that it's not ideal for charging moving devices.

So, while 2009 may not be the year wireless electricity takes off, the nascent sector is certainly on its way.

Best way to buy a Cell Phone

Here's what you need to know to get the cell phone and service plan that are right for you.

Introduction

Few tools of modern technology have become as prevalent as the cell phone, which allows you to be in touch (almost) all the time, (almost) anywhere. And you can do more than just talk -- modern phones let you send and receive e-mail and text messages, and even surf the Web. Sifting through the sea of service plans and handsets can be difficult, but we'll walk you through what you need to know to get the phone and service plan that are right for you.

The big picture Find out how to decide which phone is right for you, and learn about network coverage.

The specs explained We take an in-depth look at the low-end and high-end features of wireless phones and service plans.

Cell phone shopping tips Before you start shopping, read our recommendations to get the best deal on a cell phone and service plan.

The big picture

Cell phones are more than just convenient communication tools: They allow you to check e-mail, sync with the calendar and contacts on your PC, dial a number by the sound of your voice, read breaking news on the Internet, take photos, play games, send text messages, view and edit documents, listen to music, and more. But choosing a phone -- and the service plan to go with it -- requires some legwork.

Your choice of phone may depend on your choice of wireless service provider. If you're shopping for a carrier, you first need to figure out which carrier offers the best coverage and monthly service plan in your area. Then you'll have to select a phone from the assortment that your chosen service provider offers. With the exception of a few handsets, most phones work only on one provider's system because carriers have mutually exclusive networks, and many carriers lock their phones so you can't take the same phone to another provider.

The third generation of mobile communications technology, commonly called 3G, is becoming more widely available. It's supposed to boost data-transfer performance to 2 megabits per second from the more common data-transfer rate of 19.2 kilobits per second, and is particularly handy if you use a phone to wirelessly access data such as e-mail, text messages and the Web.

The availability of 3G service remains a mixed bag. Sprint and Verizon Wireless use the Evolution Data Optimized (EvDO) network, which offers average download speeds of 400 to 700 kbps and potential maximum download speeds of 2 mbps. AT&T and T-Mobile support a 3G network called HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), which is available only on select handsets. (AT&T's HSDPA is also available for use with PC Cards.) HSDPA promises average download data rates of 400 to 700 kbps with bursts to more than 1 mbps. While more phones are offering support for HSDPA, most AT&T and T-Mobile phones still support EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution), which promises data transmission speeds of 384 kbps, and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), with an average speed of 40 kbps but the capability to go up to 115 kbps.

Key phone features

Wireless standard: World travelers are more affected by wireless standards than are users based strictly in the United States. Most of the world uses networks based on the GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) standard. U.S. carriers, however, use a variety of networks in addition to GSM. U.S. carriers work on the CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), iDEN (Integrated Digital Enhanced Network), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Service), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution), and/or EvDO (Evolution Data Optimized) standards. AT&T runs on the AMPS, EDGE, GSM, GPRS and TDMA networks. Sprint Nextel uses the iDEN network exclusively. Sprint and Verizon Wireless run on CDMA and EvDO; Verizon also uses AMPS. T-Mobile supports GSM and GPRS networks. It is important to note that while AT&T runs on both GSM and TDMA networks, the services and the phones that use them do not interoperate.

Band support: The more radio bands a phone supports, the more frequencies it picks up. Quad-band phones, as their name suggests, operate across four frequency bands. Theoretically, they provide better coverage than triple-, dual-, or single-band phones. These so-called world phones are compatible with four GSM frequencies -- 850 MHz (prevalent in the United States), 900 MHz (prevalent in Europe), 1800 MHz (prevalent in Asia) and 1900 MHz (also available in the U.S.). As a result, they function around the globe. You can also find tri-mode phones that work on two digital frequency bands in addition to an analog network, a particularly handy feature if you travel to rural areas.

Design: You can choose among flip-open, clamshell-style phones; nonflip, candy-bar-style phones; slider-style phones that -- obviously -- slide open; and swivel phones that twist open. Low-end flip phones may lack a separate caller ID screen, but many new phones sport dual screens -- a small, external LCD on the cover plus an internal display. If you buy a nonflip phone, make sure it has a keypad lock that prevents inadvertent dialing -- a helpful feature when you put the phone in a pocket or bag.

Whichever type of phone you choose, check its ergonomics. Is it comfortable against your ear, and can you hear callers without constant adjustment? Can you use the phone with one hand? Consider hands-free use: Can you comfortably hold the phone to your ear by scrunching your neck and shoulder? Also, look for the placement of the headset jack -- a jack located on top of the phone is often more convenient than one located on the side.

Size and weight: Part of what makes a phone easy to use is its portability. A typical standard cell phone weighs about 4 ounces, and most nonflip models are about the size of an energy bar -- approximately 5 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 1 inch thick. An exception is a smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard, such as a Palm Treo or BlackBerry device. Though these hybrid units continue to get smaller and slimmer, they are larger than a basic cell phone, and you should keep that in mind if you plan to use one for long phone calls.

Battery life: Most new phones allow at least four hours of talk time and two to six days on standby. Some phones can last up to 14 days or more on standby. Keep in mind that several factors affect battery life; high-speed 3G networks tend to be power-hungry, for example, and the phones that support them often have shorter battery life. The signal strength of your cellular service also has an effect, since a phone that constantly searches for signals will run itself down quickly. Depending on the phone, recharging the battery should take about an hour or longer. When you buy a phone, consider optional accessories such as a higher-capacity battery and a portable charging adapter for use in a car.

Screen: If you intend to send and receive text messages, surf the Web or use the phone's organizer, make sure the screen is up to snuff. Make sure it's big enough for you to take full advantage of the phone's features. If you're going to surf the Web or edit office documents on your phone, a screen that's less than 2 inches diagonally will feel very small.

The screen's contrast and backlight strengths are also important. The phones we've seen show marked differences in viewing quality. If your phone allows you to adjust such settings, you can make text and graphics easily viewable -- even in bright places. These days, most phones offer color screens, which are easy on the eyes.

When the first-generation iPhone launched in 2007, it touched off a touch-screen frenzy. Since then, more and more phones have come out with touch-screens. If you're looking for such a phone, keep in mind that not all touch-screens are created equal. Some -- like the iPhone's screen -- support multitouch, which means they can register more than one touch point at a time. This technology allows you to pinch and grab the screen to zoom in and out on a Web page, for example. Other phones support single touch only, and can register only one tap at a time. Some touch-screens also offer a type of feedback -- either a slight vibration or a sound -- when they register your touch, which can prevent you from tapping needlessly. Finally, consider ease of use: How simple is it to scroll through items on a particular touch-screen menu? Can you adjust the sensitivity of it to your liking?

Keypad: If you can't figure out how to use certain functions on a phone pretty quickly (with or without consulting the manual), try another; remember, though, that if you're looking at a phone that packs a lot of features, you should spend some time learning how to use them. Regardless, the keypad layout and menu system should be intuitive. The buttons should be responsive and easy to press. Check out the navigation buttons on the keypad. A joystick-style knob on some phones can make navigating menus quick. Most handsets come with up/down and left/right arrow keys. Buttons that protrude slightly are much easier to use than flat or recessed keys.

Many smart phones come with a small QWERTY keyboard. The tiny keys may not suit everyone, but they can save you a great deal of time if you plan to use your phone for sending e-mail messages and editing office documents. Even very small QWERTY keyboards can be much easier to use than a software-based keyboard on a touch-sensitive screen.

Operating system: If you're looking to do more than make calls and send text messages with your phone, you should consider the platform on which it runs. The mobile operating system you choose will greatly affect the capabilities of your phone. Smartphones that run the Windows Mobile OS, for example, usually come with mobile versions of the Microsoft Office suite, so you can view and edit documents when you're away from your PC. Windows Mobile is available on a wide range of handsets from all carriers, so you'll have plenty of choice in hardware. The Palm OS is not as widely available, but it retains a devoted following, largely because of its easy learning curve; you'll also find a good deal of productivity software available for Palm OS-based phones. The Symbian platform, which is available on most Nokia smartphones, is not as user-friendly, but it supports a range of business and productivity apps.

Newer platforms include the modified version of the Mac OS that runs on Apple's iPhones. While the iPhone doesn't ship with any true office applications, it does include easy access to Apple's App Store, where you can find an incredible range of applications -- for work and play -- available for download. The newest platform is Google's Android, which for the time being is available only on the upcoming T-Mobile G1 smartphone. Android phones will include access to their own marketplace for downloading applications, but how vast the selection will be remains to be seen.

Voice communications and organizer: Mobile phones bombard you with call-management features -- voice-activated calling, voice recording, phone books, call histories, speed dialing and so on. Enabling some of the features (such as caller ID, call waiting and three-way calling) depends on your service plan. Most phones also provide security features that can restrict incoming and outgoing calls, lock the keypad and protect or mass-delete phone book entries. Many handsets also provide a speakerphone. Some even function as two-way radios, connecting you with others on the same carrier; and in many cases, such communications don't count as airtime -- a great benefit for IT personnel and other roving staff.

If you want to talk on the phone hands-free (a must if you use the phone while driving), look for a model that comes with a headset or an earphone. If you don't want to mess with cords, consider a phone that supports Bluetooth, which allows you to pair the device with a wireless Bluetooth headset.

Wireless data: Nearly all cell phones are capable of sending and receiving e-mail and instant messages, downloading custom ring tones and simple games, or connecting to the Internet (sometimes merely by way of a minibrowser that's designed to work best with text-only versions of popular sites like Amazon, Google and Yahoo). Such features, however, are heavily dependent on your provider and your service plan.

Going online while you're waiting for the elevator is a cool idea, but most phones connect at slow speeds: only up to 115 kbps on a GPRS network and up to 384 kbps on EDGE; 3G networks, such as EvDO and HSDPA, provide faster connections at up to 2 mbps.

Key service provider features

Coverage: The biggest nationwide carriers are AT&T Mobility (formerly Cingular Wireless), Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Not all networks are created equal, however. Service can be erratic even if a carrier claims to have coverage in an area; the quality of the reception varies, too. One way to find out about a carrier's network reliability is to try the service and one of its phones. Most nationwide carriers offer a trial period of up to 30 days where you pay for only the minutes you use. You should also poll friends and colleagues about their experiences. Find out how good the phone signal is at your home, office or anywhere else you'll need to use it.

Plan type: The national phone plans that the major carriers offer will let you send and receive calls anywhere in the United States (and even in parts of Canada) at no extra charge. You may be able to sign up for a local or regional plan that limits the areas where you can originate a call and still pull from your monthly pool of minutes; this option may be worth considering if you use your phone for local calls exclusively. If you have a world phone and plan to use it in other countries, choose service with international roaming.

Data plan: You should also take into account your data usage (e-mail, photos, IM and Web access) when selecting your cell phone plan. Some carriers bundle voice and data plans, while others let you select a voice and data plan separately. You can always pay for messaging and data use a la carte, but you'll likely be charged a higher rate. So if you think you'll be sending and receiving data with your phone, you'll want to select some sort of data plan.

Minutes: When choosing a plan, it's best to overestimate the number of minutes you'll be using for every sent and received call. Because one carrier's definition of off-peak may be different from another's, ask the carrier to specify the times for its peak, off-peak and weekend hours. Other service charges include a data plan (see above), three-way calling and downloads.

Contract: Virtually all carriers offer discounted service fees if you commit to a specified period of time, usually two years, though one year is sometimes available. The longer the contract period, the lower the rate. If you break the agreement, you'll incur hefty fees.

Other services: Activating service to your phone or switching the service from your old phone to a new one almost always incurs a fee. Look into phone-replacement plans or extended warranties, both of which typically entitle you to a new phone if yours is lost, stolen or goes kaput. You should also find out whom you can contact if something goes wrong with your phone. Find out exactly what you'll need to do -- and how much you'll need to pay -- in order to fix your phone.

The specs explained

While a cell phone can make your life easier, just getting one can be a huge hassle. When you look at handsets and service plans, the sales reps may bombard you with a ton of terms and restrictions.

The two most important questions to ask yourself before you decide on a phone and plan are, "How much will I use the phone?" and "Where will I use it?" Those two questions will help you determine how many minutes you need and whether to go with a local, regional, national or international plan.

The service meter starts running the minute you place and receive calls. The most common plans are national plans, which allow you to call from anywhere in the United States (and perhaps from some parts of Canada) without additional charges. You may also be able to sign up for a local service plan (one that allows you to make and receive calls from within your local area without so-called roaming charges being added) or for a regional plan that allows you to call from a wider area without incurring additional charges. If you travel overseas, look for an international plan that lets you use your world phone both stateside and in several other countries.

Many companies require that you buy a phone from them when you sign up. Some offer great discounts when you do so. In some cases you can buy the phone from a third party and sign up for service with the carrier of your choice.

Cell phone specs

If you're shopping for a low-end cell phone, you can expect to spend anywhere from nothing to about $149. Many low-end phones are free when you sign a contract with the service provider, or after a mail-in rebate. Also, many cell phone companies offer great discounts when you purchase phones online. A typical cell phone costs anywhere from $150 to $299, while higher-end cell phones run $300 and up.

Because you'll be carrying the phone, its weight and size are fairly important factors to consider before you buy. Most cell phones weigh from 3 to 6 ounces; generally, the more expensive a phone is, the smaller and lighter it is. (Smartphones with QWERTY keyboards, however, are an exception to this rule; they tend to be bulkier and heavier than standard cell phones.)

Battery life is another important factor, since it determines how long you can go without recharging the phone, and you don't want to be stranded with a dead battery. Talk-time battery life can range from little more than one hour to over 10 hours, depending on your handset. A phone that supports a 3G network is likely to have a shorter battery life than a non-3G phone. "Standby battery life" refers to battery life while the phone is on but not in use. Vendors will estimate both talk-time and standby battery life, but their estimates do not always reflect real-world usage; for more on battery life.

Today's phones let you do more than just talk. You can send and receive instant messages and even listen to songs or watch videos after downloading them. You need to take into account what you'd like to do with your phone before deciding on the right handset for you. Most low-end phones support sending and receiving text messages, handling basic e-mail chores and doing limited Web surfing. More low-end phones are adding features like built-in cameras and music playback, but if you want faster or more advanced Web access, video playback and recording, or GPS functionality, you'll probably have to spring for at least an average or higher-end cell phone. And if you're looking for a phone that will let you view and/or edit Office documents, consider a more advanced smartphone.

Choosing among single-, dual-, tri- and quad-band phones isn't critical for most users. The more bands a phone supports, the more frequencies it picks up. Quad-band phones, as their name suggests, operate across four frequency bands. As a result, theoretically, they provide better coverage than tri-, dual- or single-band phones.

Tip's to buy a best Laptop

Introduction

The most highly evolved species of computer, the laptop (aka notebook) computer allows you to work without being tethered to an office. Portability and good performance make laptop PCs an essential part of the daily lives of millions of people, from college students to business travelers. Even the least-expensive of today's laptops are well-equipped for everyday work.

The big picture: There are more laptop choices than ever. We'll identify and discuss the available options -- including screen size, weight, battery life and communications ports.

The specs explained: Do you need a superfast CPU? Or a huge hard drive? We'll guide you through the choices and tell you which features are most critical.

Laptop shopping tips: Looking for a powerful, versatile notebook at a reasonable price? Our advice will help you find the right laptop.

The big picture

If you've ever shopped for a laptop, you know that the factors to consider go far beyond performance and connections. Notebook buyers have to think about such additional variables as size, weight, screen dimensions, battery life and keyboard quality -- plus options such as built-in wireless.

Key features

Processor: Intel's dual-core processors have helped laptops gain ground in the power department. In PC World tests, laptops using these dual-core processors performed considerably faster than laptops using single-core processors, particularly when multitasking. In newer notebooks you may see references to Core Duo, Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme, which represent steps up in computing power for laptops.

Some notebooks use AMD's Athlon Turion 64 X2 dual-core processor, which also supports improved performance. The Turion 64 X2 and the Core 2 Duo both provide 64-bit support, which will become increasingly useful as more 64-bit applications reach the market.

Low-end laptops offer Intel's Celeron M processor, which is generally not as speedy as the Core 2 Duo processors. And down below low-end are the new mobile processors that appear in netbooks (or mini-notebooks) -- sub-$500 machines that run on low-power, low-cost 1.6-GHz Atom CPUs.

System memory: Unless you're buying on the cheap, a new laptop generally includes 2GB of system memory. Many notebooks today are available with 3GB of RAM or more. Before electing to upgrade to more RAM than that, be sure to check which version of Windows your new notebook uses. A 32-bit OS can't efficiently use more than 3GB of RAM. A 64-bit version can go higher. Outfitting your laptop with more RAM at the time you buy it is convenient and helps you extend its useful life.

Graphics memory: Portables can have either of two different types of video chip sets: dedicated video (which means a separate pre-installed graphics card) or integrated graphics. Dedicated video chip sets come from nVidia and ATI/AMD, whereas integrated graphics are typically from Intel. If you intend to use your laptop for even casual gaming, make sure that it has memory dedicated to graphics use, rather than relying on graphics that pull from main memory. Gamers need advanced 3-D graphics chips, along with 512MB of dedicated graphics memory. High-end desktop-replacement notebooks have sophisticated desktop graphics capabilities, as well; in the past, integrated graphics would work just fine for business purposes, but Windows Vista demands a more powerful graphics subsystem.

Some laptops now offer Scalable Link Interface (SLI), which provides a means to run multiple graphics chips in one machine. Hybrid SLI, a technology offered by nVidia, involves two GPUs operating within a single notebook. The most basic version of Hybrid SLI already exists on Apple's new MacBook Pro laptop and on a couple of notebooks from Sony's Vaio line. With these machines you toggle between a high-powered discrete GPU for graphics-intensive work or play and an integrated GPU on the motherboard for low-demand graphics. A second implementation of Hybrid SLI will allow an integrated GPU, like nVidia's GeForce 9400M GS, to work in tandem with a discrete GPU for greater performance when needed -- and then downshift to a lower-power mode when it isn't.

Screen: Some laptop screens continue to get bigger -- and most have gone wide, too, enabling you to view spreadsheets or movies with ease. But other screens have gotten significantly smaller to accommodate all sorts of road-ready computing. Price is no longer much of a deterrent for any of these choices. Even budget shoppers can afford the luxury of high-resolution color: Portables with 14.1-inch and 15.4-inch wide screens now cost well under $1,000. Most notebook manufacturers offer laptops with wide-screen panels, to permit better side-by-side document viewing as well as to display films at their proper aspect ratio. These days, netbooks come equipped with screens as large as 10.2 inches. Ultraportable notebooks max out at 13.3 inches. And anything between 13.3 and 17 inches qualifies as an all-purpose machine -- a laptop that still fits in your bag. The new middle ground for all-purpose screens is 16 inches because screen of this size can display a true 1080p (1920-by-1080-pixel resolution) picture.

Battery: Laptop battery life continues to improve. In PC World's tests, laptops using a Core Duo or Core 2 Duo processor average roughly 3.5 hours on one battery charge. Keep in mind that manufacturers may improve their times by taking steps such as turning off wireless receivers, which tend to consume a lot of power. Also, check to see if the manufacturer's stated battery-life numbers are for its regular or extended-life battery -- the latter kind of battery can last up to twice as long as a regular one. And remember that, in general, lighter laptops tend to have longer battery lives than big desktop-replacement notebooks do.

Keyboard and pointing device: Though you can get accustomed to almost any laptop keyboard, it's best to try before you buy. Thin-and-light notebooks usually have smaller-than-average keys spaced more closely than the keys on a desktop-replacement model, and their layouts may differ from a standard keyboard's. If you have largish hands, be aware that an ultraportable's keyboard may be difficult to use.

You probably won't be invited to choose between eraserhead and trackpad pointing devices; if you have a preference, look for manufacturers that use the pointing device you prefer on most of their products. A better option: Buy a USB mouse designed for laptops. It's a small investment, and your hands will thank you for it.

Optical and other drives: Most manufacturers offer laptops with rewritable DVD drives. But now that Blu-ray Disc has triumphed over HD DVD in the high-definition format wars, more notebooks are being configured with Blu-ray drives. If you need a floppy drive for some reason, you can buy a USB add-on drive for 20 bucks.

Hard drive: Even inexpensive netbooks now come with 60GB hard-disk drives (HDDs). Most all-purpose machines offer hard drives in the range of 200GB to 320GB, and ultraportables now pack solid-state drives (SDDs). Though SDDs are faster and lighter than HDDs, their capacities are considerably lower (maxing out at around 128GB) at a significantly higher cost. In today's market, an SSD adds about $1,000 to a laptop's price tag over the cost of a machine with similar specs equipped with a larger-capacity platter-based drive. So, you need to balance speed and weight against price and storage capacity. Whichever choice you make, you'll find that hard-drive space fills up quickly, so you might want to consider buying a portable external drive as well.

Weight and bay design: Laptops range from 15-pound desktop replacement monsters to ultraportable lightweights that rely on external drives to come in at under 3 pounds. One-bay notebooks balance features and weight. Some laptops continue to offer the optical drive as a modular device, so you can swap it out for a second hard drive or a second battery.

When making a purchase, however, keep in mind that you should consider the weight not only of the laptop but also of the AC adapter, the extra batteries, any external modules, and their cables. Ultraportable notebooks have lightweight adapters, but they can weigh almost as much as a full-size notebook if you have to carry an external optical drive, too.

When you return to your desk, you can snap most laptops onto an extra-cost docking station or port replicator (prices range from $100 to $500). Doing so saves you from repeatedly having to plug in and unplug an external monitor, keyboard, mouse and other desktop peripherals.

Communications: Few laptops come with a full set of legacy ports anymore. Serial ports are as rare as Bigfoot sightings at this point, as are PS/2 ports (for a mouse or keyboard). Most notebooks still have one PC Card slot, though many now offer an ExpressCard slot as well. With new GPUs, many notebooks -- and even some netbooks -- now offer HDMI outputs.

Most laptops have at least two USB 2.0 ports; many offer four, and some up to six. A majority of notebooks include a four-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394) port for connecting an external drive or a digital-video camcorder. Others now include eSATA ports for high-speed data transfers.

Built-in Ethernet now comes standard on all portables, with many models carrying gigabit Ethernet. Many laptops also have built-in Bluetooth. Notebooks using the Intel Core Duo or Core 2 Duo processors -- or AMD's Turion 64 X2 processor -- include Intel's wireless 802.11a/b/g chip set.

Some laptops come with built-in wireless broadband wide-area networking, enabling them to access, for example, Verizon Wireless's EvDO Broadband Access service.

Most also include a multiformat flash card reader, which can read Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo and xD formats.

The specs explained

Before shopping for a laptop, consider how you'll be using it. If your primary goal is to get some word processing or spreadsheet work done while staying on top of e-mail, a netbook (priced at less than $500) will meet your needs. But a netbook does entail some sacrifices: a smaller processor, about 1GB of RAM, not much in the way of hard drive space, no optical drive, and (at biggest) a 10.2-inch screen. On the surface not much separates the netbooks from sexy lightweight notebooks, but the specs under the hood (and a big screen inside it) can inflate an ultraportable's price to as much as $2,000 more than a typical netbook.

Remember that most vendors let you custom-build and -price your own laptop by picking from a mind-boggling array of features, which gives you a lot of control over the final product. You may be able to afford a faster notebook by accepting a smaller, less-expensive hard drive or DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, instead of a BD-ROM.

Unlike those on desktop PCs, only some of the components (such as memory and the hard drive) are upgradable; others (such as the graphics board) are permanent once they're installed at the factory. That's slowly changing, as some manufacturers begin to incorporate upgradable graphics. But take your time and pick only what you need. Following is a rough breakout of some configuration options.

Important consideration: Installed memory. The more installed memory your laptop has, the more applications you can run at once, and the better your machine will perform. Ease of access aside, upgrading memory in a notebook is a bit trickier than with a desktop, so buy as much memory pre-installed as you can afford. Laptops with 2GB of RAM are optimal. If you're running Windows Vista on a laptop, consider upgrading to 3GB of RAM (or more if your notebook uses a 64-bit version of the OS).

Important consideration: Processor. The CPU determines how quickly a notebook runs applications and performs on-screen tasks. Core Duo and Core 2 Duo processors are good choices for speedy processing. Atom processors appear only in budget-friendly netbooks, so plan according to your needs. 

Important consideration: Screen size. The specified size of a laptop's LCD screen represents a diagonal measurement. The larger the screen, the higher the maximum resolution and the more information you can view at once. At this point, most notebooks are wide-screen models; if you want a laptop with a standard-aspect screen you'll have to search a bit, but they are still available. The aspect ratio seen on some newer 16-inch laptop screens offers the ideal resolution for viewing high-definition movies on the go.

Important consideration: Screen coating. A laptop's LCD panel is only as good as it looks when you look into it. Can you see text and images clearly when you're viewing them in broad daylight? Many notebooks that look sharp on store shelves (thanks to their extra-glossy coatings) may be tough to work with outdoors or in a coffee shop. So keep in mind not only how you plan to use your notebook, but where you want to use it.

Somewhat important: Hard drive. The larger the hard drive, the more data you can keep on your laptop. Most cheap netbooks offer 80GB drives at this point, so why not give yourself a little room to grow? If you plan to work with databases, spreadsheets or digital photo or video files, opt for a large drive. Be sure to find out the hard drive's speed, too. Older, slower drives run at 4200 rpm, and most current drives clock in at 5400 rpm; but a 7200-rpm model will offer better speed in data-read-intensive tasks.

Somewhat important: Expansion bays. The more expansion bays your laptop has, the more options you'll have for switching in new optical drives or other storage drives. But switching drives takes time, and modular components aren't as common as they used to be. As laptops gravitate toward flush form factors and unibody designs, may find that your only practical option is to lug around external drives that plug in through USB ports.

Somewhat important: Optical drives. Most manufacturers offer laptops with rewritable DVD drives, which give you the most flexibility. Alternatively, you could purchase a notebook with a DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, to save money.

Laptop shopping tips

Are you ready to buy a notebook? Here are our recommendations for specifications that will fit the needs of the average user.

A 2.0-GHz Core 2 Duo processor. For everyday work -- word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail -- you don't need the latest, greatest (read: "most expensive") processor, but thankfully, with the Core Duo, you get strong performance and great battery life. 

2GB or more of memory. Anything less will slow your work. The only new machines that still carry less than 2GB of RAM are netbooks. Upgrade to a 64-bit OS if you want to carry more than 3GB on your laptop.

Supplemental battery. If you want more time away from an outlet, buy a higher-capacity supplementary battery when you purchase the laptop, or buy a notebook that has a modular bay capable of holding a supplementary power pack. Secondary batteries usually cost between $99 and $200.

A 13.3-inch wide screen. A screen larger than 12.1 inches permits higher resolutions. Unless you're pinching pennies -- or you crave a tiny laptop -- bigger is usually better, especially on your eyes.

A 160GB hard drive. Even some netbooks that cost under $500 are bundling a 160GB hard drive (granted, they spin slowly at 4200 rpm). So if you can get a large hard drive in your unit, do so. And as tempting as a solid-state drive may sound, it's an expensive choice for relatively little storage capacity.

A touchpad pointing device. Pointing devices are a matter of taste. Most people, however, find a touchpad easier to use than a pointing stick. For people who can't decide between a touchpad and an eraserhead pointing device, some notebooks include both. If you buy one of these, make sure that it provides two sets of mouse buttons -- one for the touchpad and the other for the eraserhead -- so you don't have to stretch to reach.

Multiple USB ports. Many laptops now come with two or more USB 2.0 ports, useful for connecting more of the latest peripherals.

All-in-one design. Unless you need a lightweight notebook, opt for one with an internal bay for the optical drive. This design enables you to swap in other devices, such as an extra hard drive or a second battery.