Confessions 
of a surf-aholic

Some great sites that you might find useful — and that could save you tons of time

Mind

• The Browser

(www.thebrowser.com)

“Give us 15 minutes of your time, and we will give you everything that matters in the world,” they say. This website is a collection of journalism from all over the Internet which is judged likely to be of lasting value. Experts also recommend the best reading within their field.

• Games for The Brain

(www.gamesforthebrain.com)

Ditch Facebook — along with serious bouts of envy caused by those Maldives holiday snaps your friend posted — in favour of this. Instead of having you smarting, Games for the Brain will make you smarter. Test your knowledge of everything from art history to geography — and even logic. Play familiar games like

Sudoku and Chess, or less familiar fun ones like Crime Scene and 
Mahjongg Solitaire.

• Merriam Webster

(www.merriam-webster.com)

This online dictionary does the definitions — and so much more. Search for a word and a nifty sound file will give the correct pronunciation. You can also subscribe to the ‘Word of the Day’, play a word game or even brush up on the 
latest slang on the street.

Livestrong

(www.livestrong.com)

After overcoming testicular cancer, Lance Armstrong went on to win the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times. If he can’t inspire you to better health, who can? Through this practical daily health, fitness and lifestyle site, he and a host of experts and community members provide useful health-related information, interactive tools, videos, Q&As and message boards to help you to experience all-around physical health too.

• Traineo

(www.traineo.com)

This social network connects people who are trying to lose weight. Set your target weight, enter your weight daily and a scientific tool will determine your calorie requirements to keep you on track. Interact with the online community

— ‘motivators’ facing a similar challenge — who will encourage you to stay on course. The site also includes a workout tracker, a daily diet score and a daily calorie log.

Your Parenting

(www.yourparenting.

co.za)

Baby on the way? This wonderfully interactive website covers mom and baby’s growth and development and also assists dad-to-be by supplying him with practical advice. There are informative articles, baby shower ideas, naming tips, tools like a due-date calendar and fertility calculator, as well as real-life stories to provide some support and comfort during this sometimes emotionally overwhelming time.

FOOD

Just Easy Recipes

(www.justeasyrecipes.co.za)

If you’re looking for simple but delicious recipes that use ingredients easily found at supermarkets, this is it. If you’re a beginner, find basic advice in the ‘How To’ section. There are loads of tips and ideas and you can post reviews of recipes you’ve tried.

• What’s For Dinner

(www.whatsfordinner.co.za)

If you have to cook for picky eaters or gourmands who need something different every day to tempt their taste buds, you could tell them to sort their own suppers. Or you could turn to this site. It helps you plan your meals and specifies every ingredient you’ll need.

JUST FOR FUN

• Future Me

(www.futureme.org)

Do you ever wish you could tell your past self that your life has turned out okay? As a registered user on FutureMe, you can write yourself, or someone else, a letter about anything that will be delivered to your email address at a later date. A fun option allows you to make your letter public (you can remain anonymous) and everyone on the site can read your ranting or musing to the future-you.

• Daily Blog Tips

(www.dailyblogtips.com)

Writing and maintaining an 
interesting blog that will have people coming back over and over again is 
a lot of hard work. This site gives advice on how to attract advertisers, generate traffic — and perhaps most importantly — how to write fun, 
informative posts.

What Should I Read Next?

(www.whatshouldireadnext.com)

So many books, so little time. Before 
you commit yourself, be guided by other readers. There are over 75,000 books 
reviewed here.

How to shop safely online

• Use websites that have secure payment solutions (a padlock at the bottom of the screen when filling in payment details).
• Use retailers and services you know about or that have been personally recommended to you.
• Shop around — products you’re looking for may be 
cheaper elsewhere — and be wary of prices that appear to good to be true.
• Make sure you know the full address of the online store, especially if it’s based internationally,
• Weigh up the shipping, postage and packing costs against what you’d pay in travelling costs when buying from a shopping centre.
• Use a credit card when paying for an order — it’s the safest way to pay online.

Source: Dial Direct Insurance

— Gallo Images