A Google search a day keeps the doctor away

Google is a wonderful invention. It allows everyone access to all sorts of information. However, according to a report in the Daily Mail, too much information can be very unhealthy.

The report says that one in ten woman who do so have endured nasty side effects as a result of misdiagnosis. The dangers occurred when those woman bought their own medication from a pharmacy without consulting a professional.

I've been so guilty of searching for a diagnosis when I've been ill - the most worrying recent diagnosis was ovarian cancer, which I'm glad to say I haven't got, but I do know when to stop. I'd never prescribe myself something, even if it was something as innocuous as thrush or flu. Who knows, you may under diagnose and actually have something serious?

The first port of call when you're sick should always be your GP, but I do love the way that technology has given us access to lots of information - previously only doled out by medical professionals. I always love using the NHS Direct Symptom Checker, especially when it's involving my little boy. It's a great website, which allows you check your symptoms via topics, alphabet or body part.

It has been a saviour at times, especially when struck down with a nasty tummy bug on a Saturday and no doctors available, but I pretty much always back up my diagosis with a trip to my GP, who can also offer that much needed sympathy. It seems technology can't do everything, especially when that everything is the personal touch.

Turn your coffee into free downloads

Like many a city girl, I can often be found in Starbucks picking up a latte to go or hoovering up one of their muffins. But did you know that as well as being able to pick up a Mocha at your local Starbucks, you can also get your mitts on some exciting downloads? What's more, they're all free! Yes, you read that - Starbucks are giving something away for nothing!

Every week Starbucks offers a fabulous free download from iTunes. It couldn't be easier to grab yourself a download on the go either. Just pop into your local store and pick up a free app card featuring their download of the week. Then, just enter the redemption code into iTunes and voila, you're the proud owner of a new app.

I love it as it's a great way to try out new music, games or even books without spending a penny. My favourites so far are a great little game called Lost Winds (which I would never have downloaded), plus the latest tunes from Professor Green (my guilty pleasure crush!) and Emelie Sandé.

A new download is available each Monday - enjoy!

Dress up your Kindle

I have previously posted how I just can't be persuaded to buy a Kindle, however, these super cute covers might persuade me. Did I say I was a tad fickle?

I love book covers. I know they say never judge a book by its cover, but I do... often. That's another reason I don't like Kindles - they're dull, grey, and look like they belong in an office. These covers, available in classic titles such as Frankenstein, Alice in Wonderland and Dracula, are great solution to the cover-less Kindle and will inject some character to your bit of grey plastic.

What's more, at only £15, they're an affordable way to change your Kindle look to suit your mood. Grab one now at The Literary Gift Company.

The app that will make you look gorgeous!

I like make-up. Actually, that's an understatement, I adore make-up. Not for me, a small cosmetic bag to keep my goodies in. No, I have a professional make-up box. Prior to that, I had a toolbox so I have downsized a little over the years.

I've always liked experimenting with my looks and am often first in the queue for the latest must-buy colour or brand, however, like most women I'm also guilty of getting stuck in a rut - mine is a smokey-eye-nude-lip-rut. Therefore, I was really pleased to discover the new The Colour Genius app from L'Oreal.

The idea behind this app is that you take a snap of what you're wearing and then L'Oreal will suggest some make-up colours to either match, blend or clash with your total look.

L'Oreal's suggestions for my outfit

As with all free apps, I wasn't sure how good it was going to be, but I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Firstly, I never really think about matching my outfit colours to my shades of make-up, but secondly, it really did give me some new ideas on how to use my my rather large cosmetics collection.

I love the idea that you can clash or blend - it would be a great app to use on a girl's night out when you're getting ready with your mates. Admittedly, it may run out of colourways but hopefully L'Oreal will add their new season shades when they're released.

Verdict: A fun way of getting more out of your make-up. The only downside is the colours, which are all  L'Oreal specific, but if you've got an extensive make-up collection like me, you'll be able to find something similar. A danger though for the purse...

Have you got Kindle fever?

You see, I haven't. And for a geek (albeit, a glam one) that's quite disturbing. I jump on the gadget train as soon as a new must-have is released. I get great joy out of discovering new and exciting websites and products. Yet, the Kindle just leaves me cold.

I feel however, like I must be the only one. The latest Kindle Fire has been released in the States to huge acclaim. They've sold out across the land and keen Kindlers (is that the correct term?) over here in Blighty are desperate to find out the release date - but I really couldn't be bothered. I have downloaded a few books onto my iPad but I've not got round to reading them, because when it comes to a fight between a good old fashioned book and reading one on a tablet, the paper version wins every time for me.

I know all the plus points about a Kindle - the books take up less space, you can change the font size - but all I hear is yack, yack, yack.

For me, reading a book is just so much more than the words - it's the smell of that new (or vintage) book when you open it; the feel of the paper - it's a total experience that a tablet just can't give me. I like turning down a corner or slipping in a bookmark. I like seeing how many more pages I've got to go. I like people knowing what I'm reading - I've had interesting chats with total strangers about books I've been reading on trains, planes and in cafes.

This may be the one big paradox in my life - a geekette who likes reading old fashioned books - but sometimes a girl just knows what she wants. I just hope books don't vanish completely - I really want my son to know the pleasure in turning those pages and immersing himself in a good story.

Maybe the only way to settle this is with a Harry Hill style 'Fight!' - I'm reckoning the oversized book  would beat the oversized plastic tablet ever so slightly. What do you think? Are you on Team Book? Or Team Kindle? Let me know!

Ah, so people are using Linked In!

Whenever I tell people what I do for a living, someone always offers an opinion about a website or more often, a social media site. Most people love Facebook (yes, still) and Twitter, but I always get mixed responses about Linked In.

This has always puzzled me as I love it. It's always done the job for me - i.e. helped me network effectively with peers within in my field. I've been headhunted via it. I've found great companies I want to work with as partners. I've discovered new freelance work via it. I've also rediscovered long lost friends! And it seems I'm not the only one - the company announced only last week that they now have 175 members.

They have had some oops moments along the way - hacked passwords anyone? - but it looks like people are slowly recognising the value of this site.

However, if you're struggling to find a use for it,why not follow these top five tips:

1. Make sure your profile is fully updated. Whether you're using it to find a job or make new connections, if you're profile doesn't have all your details, you may miss out on connecting with some key people.

2. Update your status. This used to be linked to Twitter, but Linked In decided they didn't like Twitter that much so now you have to udpate your status automatically. I've found this great when I've been job hunting or recruiting for new positions.

3. Join groups. Yes, there are some rubbish groups on Linked In, but I've also found some really good ones that offer invaluable opions, share great links and are generally worth joining.

4. Check your connections. We're always making new connections through work - so when you meet someone in person, make sure you connect online. In the past, you used to do this via business cards, but I find Linked In is so much more hassle-free - and you don't have to take wads of cards when you move job!

5. She who's been stalking you. It's a bit hidden in the right-hand menu, but I love seeing who's been accessing my profile. Yes, generally it's friends or people I've worked with, but I have had more unknown peeps have a little eyeball, which prompted me to contact them, and voila a job/exciting new collaboration is born.

The Twit Pack: Fake celebs

Twitter has become a beast of a social media medium and it can be difficult to know who to follow, so in this occasional series of posts, I'll be picking my faves Tweeters across various categories. First up, is the fake celeb...

Yes, Twitter has been a revolution because so many real celebrities love to tweet, but aside from the odd hiccup (such as Pink tweeting from her hospital bed or Demi Moore documenting the breakdown of her relationship with Ashton Kutcher), the real stars tend to play it quite safe when tweeting. This is why the fake celebrity is a must-follow. 

There are lots of fake celeb accounts on Twitter, and the best are hilarious - a real parody of that star with tweets that are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. The following are my top five to follow, but if you have any others you follow, don't forget to share below!

1. @Queen_UK If you're a royalist, this one probably isn't for you, but it has me in stitches. Publishers obviously agree, as she is now a published author with her first book release!
2. @CherylKerl I'm not a big fan of the real Cheryl Cole but I do like this Twit-poster. I can almost imagine the real Cheryl saying some of the dumb things posted...
3. @darthvader He's from the dark side and tweeting his views. OK, so he's not strictly a celebrity, but he is amusing, especially for someone so sinister.
4. @DianaInHeaven This isn't for everyone, especially if they liked Princess Diana, but it does appeal to my very sick sense of humour...
5. @michael_bay__ In real life, movie director Michael Bay doesn't mince his words, so you can imagine how full on the fake Twitter account is. I'd love to know what he thinks!

New online boutique alert!

I love online shopping. It's stress-free, you don't have to use smelly changing rooms with bad lighting and you can find stuff online that isn't always in the shops.

I'm very excited therefore to find about a brand new online boutique opening very soon. Atterley Road is a gorgeous new website that promises to help you find the perfect capsule wardrobe.

Featuring stylish brands such as Hobbs, People Tree and MiH Jeans, the people behind Atterley Road want to recreate the experience of your favourite high street - all without moving from your sofa.

If that's not enough to get your shopping mojo going, they've also got a great opening offer. Just sign up to the site and they will give you a £25 gift card to use on your first order. You can then start earning reward points by referring friends. It's just so exciting - I just hope my credit card can take the bashing...