Swati is a Information security consultant for one of the major financial firms in the country .She holds a engineering degree in Information Technology and has her information security credentials from Stanford and ISC2 . She enjoys reading , cooking, blogging and is hopes one day she can turn into a genie to do it all.

In the last few days this holiday season, our national dailies are filled with articles about gun laws and the horrific shooting incidents in the past. We are appalled at such reckless and insecurity, what we forget is that there are digital creeps lurking near us everywhere who can harm us. Did you know that your Smartphone could potentially give all your financial and personal information to the guy sitting next to you at the coffee shop or the driver in the car behind you at the gas station?

It is a great device to take pictures and connect with friends and family but it is also the backdoor you leave open for digital creeps to enter your life and potentially harm your loved ones.

Here are 5 steps you could do in less than 5 minutes that will make you feel more secure.

#5: Screen Lock Your Phone

If you leave your Smartphone unattended for a while — or worse, if it’s lost or stolen (more on that later) — you don’t want to make it easy for a passerby to rifle through its contents. Setting your Smartphone to require a PIN code or password for access after an inactive period is a relatively easy way to thwart this kind of opportunistic unauthorized access.

Trivia:

AVG’s survey indicates that fewer than half of Smartphone owners use this kind of lock on their phones.

How:

• Android:

Go to Settings > Location & security > Set up screen lock. The timeout delay is configured separately, under Settings > Display. Android also offers a connect-the-dots swipe pattern you can use in lieu of a PIN or password, but it might leave telltale smudges on your screen.

• BlackBerry:

Go to Options > Security Options > General Settings >Password

• iPhone:

Go to Settings > General > Passcode lock

#4: Don’t be a sitting duck

You might have your Bluetooth discovery mode turned on at all times (sometimes it’s on by default). Disable discovery when you’re not trying to pair a device. Failure to do so will continuously advertise your phone’s existence to other Bluetooth-equipped devices nearby ( 30 feet), which can result in unauthorized connection to the phone.

Trivia:

AVG’s survey indicates , a paltry 10 percent of Smartphone owners turn off their mobile device’s Bluetooth discovery feature when it’s not in use.

How:

• Android:

Go to Settings > Wireless and networks > Bluetooth settings > Discoverable, and make sure it’s not checked.

• BlackBerry:

Go to Options > Bluetooth, then click the BlackBerry logo (Menu) button. Choose Options, set Discoverable to No, press the BlackBerry logo button again, and then choose Save.

• iPhone:

You can’t explicitly turn off the Bluetooth discovery, but the iPhone is only discoverable when you’re on the Bluetooth settings page – Settings >General > Bluetooth.

#3: Hiding in the alley: Social network Hog

Don’t use social networks, i.e. Facebook or Twitter, to broadcast that you are going on vacation or that you are home alone. Turn that locations setting off in facebook not everybody has to know where you went and when you are out of the house.

Trivia:

In 2007 when four US Army helicopters were destroyed in Iraq after geotagged photos were posted on the Internet.

How:

• Android:

Go to Settings > Location and Security >GPS> make sure it’s not checked.

• BlackBerry:

Go to Options > Advanced options >GPS> press Menu key, Select Disable GPS and select Yes to confirm. This will disable all GPS capabilities on the phone.

• iPhone

Settings >General > Location services>Disable it.

# 2:If lost:

Smartphones are easy to misplace and Make a record of your Electronic Serial Number (ESN) and/or your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. If your phone is lost or stolen, report it to your local police station and your network operator immediately.

Trivia:

It is estimated that approximately 37 million cell phones (including Smartphones) are lost in the U.S. alone each year.

How:

You can find out your IMEI number by pressing *#06# on your mobile phone’s keypad, it will display a 15 digit number – that is your IMEI number.

#1: Apply System Updates

From time-to-time, your Smartphone OS vendor, hardware manufacturer or mobile carrier will make system updates available for your device.

Trivia:

These updates are usually promoted as providing new feature x or y that you may or may not be interested in, they typically carry security-related improvements as well.

How :

• Android:

Go to Settings > About phone > System updates. If one is available, you’ll have the opportunity to download it OTA (over-the-air).

• BlackBerry:

Connect your device to your computer , then visit the BlackBerry Update page and click on the Check for Updates button.

• iPhone:

Connect to your computer and run iTunes, which will notify you whether an update is available.

You will not invincible but definitely more secure. Protect yourself from those hackers or petty pranksters .

Happy Holidays!!

Cheers,

Swati

@swatihanda

www.swatihanda.com

Resources:

http://www.staysafeonline.org/ncec/resources/

http://icanstalku.com/

From Meghan: I’m a 30-year-old wife, mother, writer and public relations professional. I’m originally from Cleveland, Ohio and moved to Phoenix for a 10-week internship right after I graduated from college. I was offered a job at the end of that 10 weeks, so I stayed. I met my husband, fell in love, got married, and had a kid. It’s all pretty typical, but also pretty awesome.

Before I became pregnant with my son, Ryan, I had partnered with friends on a couple of smaller blog projects (first a hiking blog and then a baking blog). Once I found out I was pregnant, I began a pregnancy blog with the goal of printing it as a keepsake book for my son once he was older. But I was thoroughly hooked, so once he was born, I started up the blog I write now, Phase Three of Life.

I’m going to go with The Daily Daycare Report post because I think it embodies my particular writing style and my effort to not sugarcoat this whole parenting gig.

I read a lot of parenting blogs, but some of my favorite blogs are those that are not “one note” blogs, but instead take on a variety of topics. Amanda at It’s Blogworthy writes about her son a lot, but she also writes a killer Celebrity News Roundup on Fridays. Snap, Crackle, Pop is another favorite of mine. She’s not a mom, so her blog is totally baby-free and is full of pop culture, literature, engagement talk (cuz she is) and vintage jewelry (cuz she upcycles it).

Hands down, the community. I’ve met so many amazing people through blogging that I wouldn’t have “met” otherwise. I read and comment on their blogs and they read and comment on mine. I think we know each other better than I know some of my own family members.

When you get stuck and have writer’s block and can’t come up with a topic, don’t write a post about how you can’t come up with a topic. We’ve all been there. Instead, try writing in a stream of consciousness; whatever you’re thinking or feeling, just start typing. At some point either a topic will work its way out on its own (and you can go back and edit and refocus on that one topic), or you’ll have a cool bullet-pointed “this is what I’m thinking about” post. If nothing else, maybe you’ll sweep the cobwebs away and the next time you sit down to write, it’ll come more easily to you.

“Worrying doesn’t rid tomorrow of its struggles; it only rids today of its strength.” I don’t remember where I read that, but it’s so, so true. It doesn’t stop me from worrying all the time, but it does put things into perspective when I need it.

Eight years and nine summers. (Not that I’m counting or anything.)

I don’t know if it’s really a secret, but I love that I can get in my car and drive just a couple of hours and see a totally different landscape, feel a different climate and soak up a different lifestyle. One of my favorite things about Arizona is its road-trip potential. My personal in-state favorites are Prescott, Flag and Bisbee; out-of-state favorites are San Diego and Bryce Canyon/Zion in Utah.

Blog: phasethreeoflife.com

Facebook: facebook.com/PhaseThreeOfLife

Twitter: @Phase3ofLife

Business: magnawriting.com

From Mary Ellen Coffey of Fitness For You Personal Training: I’m a Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA, ACE, AFAA), 4th degree black belt (Tae Kwon Do), HKC & IKFF Kettlebell certified, FMS certified and Pilates mat 1 & 2 trained instructor. I design balanced, effective training programs based on my clients goals and current fitness level.

5 Important Exercises You Can Do!

I know it’s hard to find time to squeeze in your exercise especially if you’re working full time and have a family!

But…..that’s when it’s most imperative to take time for “yourself” and take “care” of yourself. You deserve “you” time.

You may think it sounds selfish I know (take time for me? but I have so much to do!), but you’re not being selfish. You need to grab the time… you become a better you by taking care of yourself!

So….here are 5 exercises I know you can do to help yourself stay/get healthy and fit. Do them in your bedroom, in your bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, back yard, baby room….anywhere!

It’s worth it….you can do this.

Do each exercise for 30 seconds than rest 10 seconds and move on to the next exercise!

1.  Squats (butt back as you squat down, thighs parallel to floor, keep chest forward, push thru heels to stand up & squeeze butt cheeks together tight at the top, yes it matters!)
2. Push Ups (on your knees or with hands on the counter, anyway you want, it’s all good!)
3. Reverse Fly Squeeze (stand tall arms out in front of body shoulder height, palms up, keep arms straight, thumbs pointing back, bring arms back and squeeze your shoulder blades together)
4. Plank Knee Touch (Plank position on forearms, body is straight than touch knees carefully to floor and back up to straight plank position)
5. Supermom (4 point position: knees and hands on floor, back flat, extend right arm forward and extend left leg back, hips stay pointed towards floor, reach and stretch, alternate right side and left side)

There you have it, five dynamite exercises! Circuit through one to three times, which ever your schedule may allow for that day! Try this 3 or 4 times per week to help build not only important body awareness but also important base strength (along with burning unhealthy calories and building healthy lean muscle). You can get it done!

Please, any questions and feedback are encouraged!

From Lauren of Oatmeal with a Fork:  Hi, I’m Lauren Goslin! I’m an at home mom with a husband, two daughters, an accounting degree, and a penchant for all things culinary! I hope to contribute to the healthy living community with my own recipes or those that I’ve tweaked. I’m very interested in interacting with other bloggers, so please let me know what you think of my blog and direct me to yours!

Ok, so what if I told you that this cupcake is healthy?

Vitamin C, protein, antioxidants….not to mention low sugar and low-fat!

You’d have to eat it, right? It’s good for you! You could even rationalize that you need it! I support you. Now go make it!

HEALTHY CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

Ingredients:

• 1 c. whole wheat pastry flour
• 3 T. sugar
• 1/4 c. cocoa powder
• 1 t. baking soda
• 1/2 t. baking powder
• scant (a little less than) 1/4 t. salt
• 1/2 c. milk (I use almond)
• 2 T. neutral oil (I use grapeseed)
• 1 1/2 T. greek yogurt (I like 2% Fage brand)
• 1/2 – 1 t. vanilla
• 1/2 c. fresh orange juice (not from concentrate)
• 5 drops liquid stevia

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt). Mix milk, vanilla, oil, yogurt, orange juice, and stevia in a separate bowl. Make a well in the center of the dry mix and pour in the liquid ingredients. Slowly incorporate all; it can retain a few lumps. Pour into oiled muffin tin or use cupcake liners. This amount should fill about 8 molds, 2/3 of the way full. Bake for 15 minutes. If toothpick comes out clean, they’re done! Some ovens may need a minute or two more.

Top with fresh whipped cream, (or coconut cream for vegans), and shaved chocolate.

Short and sweet! (Literally, on both accounts )

Let me know if you try them! I’m very interested in feedback!

Interested in being our next featured blogger? E-mail us at azbloggersnetwork@gmail.com

We’ve asked Ali a few questions – here’s what she had to say:

AZBN:  What inspired you to start blogging?  

I traveled abroad in 2009 and blogged about my travels and after I was back in the states, I let that blog go and then last year, I read a ton of healthy living blogs and they inspired me to start my blog in an attempt to keep myself accountable with food and workouts.  By reading other people’s blogs, I have gotten tons of new ideas both for workouts and recipes.

AZBN:  What is your favorite post up and running on your blog and why?  

I think my favorite post is “A Year in Review: 2011″ because I had a big year last year with getting married, my sister getting married, traveling a lot, school, and adopting a puppy.  That post puts the year into perspective.

AZBN:  What are your favorite blogs to read?  

I read lots of blogs!  I first started reading PB Fingers so I still read that frequently.  I also love Carrots N’ Cake, Daily Garnish, Iowa Girl Eats and Run Eat Repeat.  There are tons more, but I think those are the top ones.

AZBN:  What is your favorite part about blogging?  

I like the community aspect of blogging.  There are so many like-minded people out there that become your friends online and then in person too.  There is always someone to ask for advice about virtually anything too!

AZBN:  What is your best tip for other bloggers?

My best tip would be to write consistently.  I have made a conscious goal to try to post at least 3 times per week this year and I’ve pretty much stayed on top of that.  When you write consistently, more people read your blog.  Also commenting on other blogs gets your name out there too!

AZBN:  Do you have a personal mantra that you live by?  

I have several mantras depending on what I’m doing.  For working out, I tell myself that I’m just one workout away from a good mood.  My mom sent me this quote a couple of weeks ago and I love it!

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

AZBN:  How long have you lived in AZ?  

I moved to AZ in 2004 to start college at ASU my sophomore year.

AZBN:  In your opinion, what is AZ’s best kept secret?  

Well I don’t really think it’s so much a secret anymore, but I think Pizzeria Bianco is the best pizza I’ve ever had.  I also love La Grande Orange too!

Want to know more about Ali? Here’s where you can find her on the web:

Blog: www.alidamron.com

Twitter: @alidamron

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/alidamron/

From Ari of Ari’s Menu: I’m just a girl who developed a love of running to balance out a love of baked goods. On my journey to losing 75 lbs, I discovered a passion for creating healthy versions of my favorite meals, and figuring out how to always include dessert, while still maintaining a healthy diet and life style. I blog about my recipes, running, and life in general.

It’s that time here in Phoenix. That time when it starts getting hot, and you know the scorching temperatures are just around the corner and all you want to do is blast the AC and eat popsicles all day long. Just me? Okay….

Well, whether it’s 110, or below freezing, at the end of the day, I’d still rather have a cupcake. I mean popsicles are refreshing, but does anyone actually consider that dessert? I would like to join that club. Where I am totally satisfied with just a popsicle.

However, I will say that the light, citrusy taste of orange perfectly blended with cream is always appealing, and especially in the warmer months. It just feels summery to me.

These cupcakes brought everything I love about orange creamsicles, and combined it with everything I love about a cupcake (ummm, starchy carbs!!).  Let’s just say, I even chose them over fro yo, and that never happens!

Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

Yield 1 dozen cupcakes

 For the cupcakes:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup turbinado sugar
• 1/3 cup Splenda
• ¾ cup egg substitute
• 1 1/2 tspvanilla extract
• 1/2 tsporange extract
• zest of 1 orange
• 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• dash salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond

For the frosting:

• 8 oz reduced fat cream cheese,softened
• 1/2 tbs light whipped butter,softened
• 1/2tsp almond extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners, and spray lightly with nonstick spray
2. In a medium bowl, beat orange zest, sugar, and Splenda until combined. Add applesauce, eggs substitute, and extracts. Beat until combined.
3. In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
4. Add half of the flour mixture to wet ingredients, beating until combined. Then beat in milk, followed by remaining flour mixture.
5. Evenly divide batter between 12 lined muffin cups. Bake for 16-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.

6. Meanwhile, beat butter and cream cheese together for frosting. Beat in almond extract. Slowly add powdered sugar, scraping down the sides of the bowl when necessary.

7. Frost completely cooled cupcakes, then top with additional orange zest of desired.

To find out the location register your blog!

Already registered and confused why you don’t have your password yet?? Don’t be – expect an e-mail in the next couple of days!

Source: http://www.pattillmanfoundation.org/

Are you running, jogging or walking this year’s Pat’s Run in Tempe, AZ? If the answer is yes – or even if it is no – join us post race to celebrate, re-fuel and meet your fellow AZ Bloggers.

Our meet up location will be posted in the password protected area at least two weeks prior to the race. All registered AZ Bloggers will receive their password by e-mail at that time.

If you haven’t already: Register your blog today!

Leave a comment: Are you in?? Have you run Pat’s Run before? Meet up location ideas?