Today marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness month, an important date in any woman’s calendar. In the lead up to and on Monday October 27, the official Breast Cancer Awareness day, we are reminded of the value and fragility of relationships with women in our lives.

It is also the second month of spring, a season when we are all focusing on renewal, refreshment and transition.

This makes it a great opportunity to look at letting go some of our old technology products and replacing them with the latest models. To enable you to move on the front foot when you go into your favourite consumer electronics store, here is ConnectedWomen’s list top 10 leading edge technologies and how they will improve your life right now.

Dial Up
Still hanging onto that simple, no-nonsense Nokia you got with the cheap plan more than two years ago? Worried that if you trade it in on the latest mobile, the phone will turn out to be more clever that you?

ConnectedWomen recommends: Hewlett-Packard iPAQ Business Messenger

Hewlett-Packard's iPAQ 912 Business Messenger allows you to run your office anywhere on the planet.

Muscling in on the territory captured by the BlackBerry and the iPhone, is Hewlett-Packard’s iPAQ 912 Series Business Messenger, a 3G smartphone designed for maximum mobile productivity that businesswomen need.
 
Along with behaving like your average communications device, the iPAQ goes much further with a range of features that will enable you to run your office from anywhere on the planet. For instance, Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional and tri-band wireless technology which gives you anywhere access to the internet. Also, built-in GPS navigation pinpoints your exact location at the time of a call.

The alphanumeric QWERTY thumb keyboard lets you type really fast and you can scroll even faster with a jog-dial. What ConnectedWomen likes most about this phone is the built-in Cyberon Voice Commander and HP Voice Reply features so you can reply to emails and make other commands simply by using your voice.

On top of all that it includes a intuitive touch-screen display and 3 megapixel camera. RRP: $799

Picture This
Camcorders and digital cameras are now some of the most popular purchases by women, particularly online. There’s no better way to capture lasting memories of a loved one than through the latest video and digital camera technology.

ConnectedWomen recommends: Sony HD Handycam camcorder (CX12)

The Sony HD Handycam makes it easy for you to capture natural smiles.

Sony's latest HD Handycam camcorder is the world's first camcorder to include both Smile Shutter and Face Detection technology.
 
This means that the camcorder detects smiles during video recording and automatically takes a still image of the scene. With Face Detection, the camcorder can identify up to eight faces in its LCD frame for both video and still photos.
 
To make your movies even more professional, you can record straight to Memory Stick, while One Touch Burn allows for videos and photos to be replicated on AVCHD discs and DVDs at the press of a button. RRP: $1,699

ConnectedWomen recommends: Nikon D90

Nikon D90's Image Sensor Cleaning function auto-clears dust from the sensor's optical low-pass filter.

The D90 is Nikon's up-to-the-minute DX-format digital SLR, and more than just a digicam. It was inspired by Nikon's flagship D300 and the D90's image sensor and 12.3 effective megapixels provides razor-sharp picture quality.
 
The camera includes Nikon's patented Expeed image processing, which enables the delivery of images with fine detail, smooth tones, rich colors and low noise spanning a wide ISO sensitivity range.

It also features an energy-saving design which allows around 850 images to be shot on a single charge while its Scene Recognition System is integrated with Face Detection System. RRP: from $1549
 
ConnectedWomen recommends: Samsung i8 digital camera

The Samsung i8 features the Samsung world tour guide, a built-in travel guide.

Samsung's i8 is the ultimate travelling companion packed with a range of innovative features to help you on your journey. While you are roaming through the Eiffel Tower and the canals of Venice your Samsung companion also acts like a true multimedia device, including: world tour guide, portable media player and digital image stabilisation.

The world tour guide has information on 2600 famous attractions in over 30 countries, portable media player, digital image stabilization, virtual 3D surround system and face recognition. RRP: $299

Home Entertainment
The startling array of flat screen TVs lining the walls of consumer electronics stores can be overwhelming, especially if you are not yet up-to-date on the difference between plasma and LCD. Often it’s a good idea to start with the simplest technology and work your way up.

ConnectedWomen recommends: TEAC 32'' LCDV3253HD

TEAC's LCDV3253HD allows you to link up with PlayStation and other equipment options as well.

TEAC’s 32'' LCDV3253HD is the largest television on the Australian market to combine both a DVD player with a HD tuner. The DVD module includes a USB connection so you can play downloaded movies and view photographs from a digital camera.
 
It is also equipped with a built-in analogue tuner so is ideal in regions where digital television is still unavailable. The unit has exceptional sound and picture quality and sleek black aesthetics. RRP: $1,299

ConnectedWomen recommends: Pioneer’s Kuro PDP-LX508A

Pioneer's PDP-LX508A also gives you an unmatched 24 frames per second source input at 72Hz.

Driven by Pioneer's Kuro Technology, the PDP-LX508A boasts the blackest plasma screen, which provides the richest, most three-dimensional color display. Pioneer flat panel displays come in 50" and 60" screen sizes and are engineered with a HD digital tuner, as well as Full-HD screen resolution.
 
For those who love the technology detail, this TV features high contrast ratio in dark areas of 20,000:1, improved panels with Deep Waffle Rib Structure while its ASIC technology mitigates judder and broadcast errors.

Its Optimum Video mode also adjusts to room lighting generating ideal video images in real time. RRP: $5,699

In The Kitchen
As gym memberships start to rise this month so does our awareness of our health and well-being. The humble kitchen scale is now a technology whizz, while the latest deep fryer lets you eat your chips without the fat and a glamorous home espresso lifts the spirits.
 
ConnectedWomen recommends: Breville’s ikon BSK500

The Breville ikon BSK500 has a large, easy to read digital display.

The ikon (BSK500) stainless steel kitchen scale from Breville does more than just measure. A high accuracy, large capacity scale that measures in small increments up to 5kgs, it also features a removable thermometer gauging up to 150ºC, internal thermometer that measures the ambient room temperature, a large, easy-to-read digital display, kitchen timer and imperial/metric conversion system. RRP: $99.95

ConnectedWomen recommends: Tefal's ActiFry FZ7000

Tefal's ActiFry FZ7000 allows users to fry 1kg of fries with a mere spoonful of oil.

Tefal's ActiFry FZ7000 is a true cooking companion and a healthy and safer alternative to deep frying because there is no hot oil to manage.

The ActiFry cooks a kilogram of food thoroughly and effortlessly including fries, seafood, vegetables and chicken drumsticks and can be used with any kind of oil. 

The transparent lid provides more control over the cooking (you can just set and forget) and there is no preheating required. The premium fryer, which is made in France, is dishwasher safe. RRP: $349.95

ConnectedWomen recommends: Artista Espresso Machine EM5900

The Sunbeam Artista features an easy to use push button control panel.

The elegant Sunbeam Artista Espresso Machine EM5900 delivers extra glamour to your kitchen. The unit is completely stainless steel with a die-cast alloy housing and also features a stainless steel thermoblock heating system.
 
It is designed to be an easy to operate system with a simple push button control panel. The Italian manufactured 15 BAR pump boasts a specifically designed unique crema system. 

The Artista also features an energy saving Eco Mode option and accessories include a 600ml stainless steel milk jug and coffee spoon. RRP: $449.00

Make me Beautiful
Every woman loves looking great, but often we don't have the time- or the know how- to achieve that "just stepped out of the salon" look and still get to work on time! And who wants to spend hours everyday straightening, curling or de-fuzzing?!

ConnectedWomen recommends: VS Sassoon You Curl

Curl like a pro with VS Sassoon's You Curl.

The VS Sassoon You Curl is designed with simplicity in mind and as the name suggests- it curls your hair- but is not a traditional curling iron. The plates are flat and you can create tousled curls in one movement- making curling as easy as straightening. The movement is as simple as pulling scissors through a ribbon.

It also looks great with a stylish gold and purple finish with a vegetal design that draws inspiration from Islamic art. It's not available in stores just yet, but will be by the end of October. RRP: $59.95.

Fiona Lewis is a successful mumpreneur; she runs several online businesses from the comfort of her own home and has shown it is possible to avoid choosing between a career and raising children. This week Lewis gave www.connectedwomen.net.au some important tips for women interested in becoming a mumpreneur.  ... Read More

Apple has stepped into the realm of digital books, launching iBooks Author, an application that poses a major threat to traditional book publishers and already causing quite a stir.  ... Read More

Among the array of quirky gadgets launched at CES last week there was a haven for tech savvy mums wanting to get the most out of technology.Thousands of exhibitors, journalists, marketers and electronics aficionados visited Las Vegas for technology show, and this year mothers weren’t overlooked with a dedicated space for “Mummy Tech” appearing at CES.  ... Read More

Online shopping is often viewed as quick and easy, and this year many shoppers have turned to the internet to buy Christmas gifts for friends and family. But those who shopped at Big W and Target’s online stores have been left present-less, with many still waiting for the retailer to deliver gifts that were ordered months ago  ... Read More

Toys embedded with technology are everywhere this holiday season. It seems every toy can light up, talk, walk and sing, occasionally in your choice of languages.  ... Read More

Australia's competition watchdog and online dating industry will crack down on fraudsters exploiting lonely hearts next year, after more than 1600 Australians reported losing $17 million in the online search for romance this year, up from $15 million last year.  ... Read More

Japanese women are leaving the workforce in droves as they struggle to find a path to success. The founder of cosmetic comapny Shishedo has stepped up to drive change towards gender equality.  ... Read More

The countdown to Christmas is on and thinking of gift ideas can be a daunting task, as well as one that can end up leaving your wallet empty.  ... Read More

When Woolworths launched its Woolworths Mobile month-by-month mobile service in August, it said it also planned to maintain its Everyday Mobile prepaid option. Consumers are now being left in the lurch as the company terminates the service.  ... Read More

The telecommunications watchdog says Australia’s high smartphone use has driven another big jump in the number of complaints against telcos.  ... Read More

Preventing hackers from gaining access to websites and sensitive information is an important business and service in the computer industry but the number of women joining the ranks is small compared to the number of males in this field.  ... Read More

Personal finance is something that we are not taught in schools or even university, yet we make so many financial decisions throughout our lives. Money is daunting; it’s by no means something that we can ignore. ... Read More

The popularity of using e-learning to improve skills and qualifications will be affected by consumer technology.Online learning provides a sense of job performance improvement and this idea could become even more popular thanks to increasingly in-demand products such as iPads and Kindles, as well as smartphone applications.  ... Read More

Everyone wants to be a part of the lucrative smartphone industry. Apple is the clear frontrunner when it comes to delivering innovative products and providing a service that seems to tick all the boxes, but hot on its trail is Samsung, LG and other companies all wanting a slice of the pie. ... Read More

Apple purists and tech heads worldwide listened in to arguably this year’s most anticipated product announcement – the iPhone 5 - only to be greeted by the iPhone 4S. ... Read More

Reports from News Limited last week revealed retailers are considering charging customers a fee for trying on clothes or testing out electrical items, an effort to stop sales being taken online. The idea reflects retailers’ frustration with online shopping, but is this the right approach? www.connectedwomen.net.au put the question to an online network of women and opened up a can of worms.  ... Read More

Technology has played a large role in empowering women around the world. The internet has shaped the way we converse, learn, shop and do business. A new global research report from Nielsen reveals women not only use technology differently to men, but as a result their roles are changing for the better. ... Read More

Many women are afraid to admit the struggles they face with technology, whether it’s working out how to use a new phone or setting up a Facebook page for the first time. Entrepreneur Sophie Andrews is no ‘tech head’ but has managed to overcome the initial challenges involved in setting up three online-based businesses.  ... Read More

IFA in Berlin, the global trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances is about to wrap up for another year, the show presented the latest innovations from some of the world’s best known brands.  ... Read More

When the time comes to invest in a new gadget or appliance, customer service plays a vital role in the process for most women. Savvy shopper and founder of Customer Consultants, Rachel Power told www.connectedwomen.net.au despite being a mystery shopper she is still regularly overlooked by sales staff.  ... Read More

The runaway success of Apple’s iPad has caused computer manufacturers across the globe to release their own tablet as they hope to capture a share of the lucrative market. Consumers interested in purchasing a tablet are now faced with overwhelming choice, so this week www.connectedwomen.net.au has compiled a checklist to help make the decision process a little easier.  ... Read More

The number of businesses jumping on the cloud computing bandwagon is on the rise, and this week Google has said cloud-based solutions will be driving the future of computers. ... Read More

Where would we be today without websites and mobile phones? 30 years ago this month, the first Australian mobile phone call was made using a 14kg car phone system. Fast-forward ten years, and British scientist Tim Berners-Lee made public the first World Wide Web server, opening the doors to the online world. ... Read More

The days of skimming through the employment pages of a newspaper may soon be on the way out as social media makes it easier to be proactive in the search for a new job. Social media expert Wendy Moore spoke to www.connectedwomen.net.au about how women can use sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook to land that dream job.  ... Read More

When it comes to buying technology consumers want to ensure they are getting the best deal, the same rule applies when taking a car for a service. Unfortunately the automotive industry has long been ruled by ‘blokey’ stereotypes, and women often dread a trip to the mechanics. Business woman Jaclyn Bold spoke to www.connectedwomen.net.au about how she is using technology to break down the barriers when it comes to car repairs.  ... Read More

Group buying sites are reaching new heights in Australia as consumers embrace the latest shopping trend that sends discounted deals directly to inboxes every day. New research from Telsyte indicates the market grew 72% in second quarter 2011, however the bargain deals don’t always leave consumers wanting more. ... Read More

Having a family as well as a career can be a juggling act, and new research reveals having three children is a career killer for women. However, more women are now choosing to approach work in a way that suits their family life, successful ‘mumpreneur’ and Wellsites sales director, Carolyn Dean told www.connectedwomen.net.au it is possible to do both.  ... Read More

The web is a buzz this week with Google unveiling its new social networking platform known as the Google+ project on June 28, it’s currently being rolled out to Gmail users around the world. As internet users spend more time on social-networking sites, Google’s new social features aim to lure Web surfers away from Facebook to its own services. ... Read More

PMA Imaging and Entertainment Expo in Sydney showcased a massive range of the best digital cameras last week. With so much variety available, choosing the right camera can be a daunting task. To help make the decision process easier, www.connectedwomen.net.au has cut through the technical jargon to highlight the main features to look out for when making the purchase. ... Read More

PMA Australia 2011 Imaging and Entertainment Expo will showcase a range of imaging solutions in Sydney this weekend, ideal for women who want to protect their priceless photo memories while embracing creativity. The event is the largest photo show in the Southern Hemisphere and will highlight home entertainment connectivity, with leading consumer electronics experts on-hand to demonstrate and explain how to integrate photos into home living. ... Read More

The internet is a key method of communication among young Australians, making it a convenient outlet for bullying. Following the introduction of Brodie’s law last month, attorney-general Robert Clark claimed there is now adequate protection for cyber bullying victims. Kids Helpline manager of strategy and research John Dagleish told www.connectedwomen.net.au the new law is a positive step however it won’t put an end to the problem.  ... Read More

Steve Jobs unveiled Apple’s iCloud service on Monday to a 5200-strong crowd at San Francisco’s World Wide Developers Conference, generating much buzz in the tech industry in the way that only Apple can. And whilst the concept of storing your data on a cloud might seem slightly abstract, and even a bit peculiar to some, as Apple demonstrated earlier this week - “it just works.”  ... Read More

Get ready to leave your cash behind. The new contactless credit and debit cards from Visa and MasterCard are inviting more people to pay for milk, magazines and coffee with their cards. This new cashless method may be convenient, but is it safe? Last week Woolworths Limited revealed plans to introduce Visa’s contactless payment system, PayWave to Australian stores. ... Read More

As we spend more and more time in the digital world on our computers, tablets and smartphones, so too do hackers and cybercriminals looking to take advantage of any gap in security. With viruses and malware constantly evolving, how are you meant to make sure your digital activities are protected from unwanted attacks? www.connectedwomen.net.au talks to anti-virus expert Symantec.  ... Read More

Much has been said about the government’s digital set-top box scheme in the week since Wayne Swan unveiled the federal budget, with various retailers claiming they can make Australia’s pensioners digital TV ready for less than the proposed $350 per eligible household.  ... Read More

Is it absolutely essential to have internet access via your big screen TV? Probably not, but as 2011 shapes up as the ‘Year of the Smart TV,’ it’s not a bad idea to familiarise yourself with a technology that’s the talk of the TV world - because chances are your next TV will have some serious internet capabilities. ... Read More

Mother’s Day is just four days away now, which means you should have well and truly completed your wish-list or finished laying a trail of hints about which gadget or gizmo you hope the kids present you with this Sunday. If time constraints or confusion about the latest technologies means you haven’t, www.connectedwomen.net.au has scoped out the very best kitchen, personal care and electrical gift ideas from some of Australia’s leading brands. ... Read More

The debate about the level of radiation emitted by mobile phones and its effect on our health has reared its head again this week, following the release of a book by renowned epidemiologist Dr Devra Davis. In her book, ‘Disconnect,’ Davis cites recent studies that show mobile phone use is linked to an increased occurrence of cheek and brain cancer, as well as malfunctioning sperm. But the good news is, she also offers up ways to protect yourself and your family from mobile phone radiation.  ... Read More

Mobile phones are a device most women couldn’t live without, and thanks to rapid advances in technology our mobiles now do a great deal more than simply making calls on-the-go. Smartphones provide access to services like email, banking and social networking (just to name a few) and hold more personal data than anything that’s come before them. But how many of us have thought about the dangers of carrying around a device containing so much of our personal information?  ... Read More

Whether you tweet, like, follow or comment; social media is the space every businesswoman should be part of if she wants to establish and sustain mutually beneficial relationships with industry contacts and potential clients. Just like the real world, the digital world has its own codes of behaviour and etiquette – which are too often ignored to the detriment of the user, according to Social Media Women co-founder Catriona Pollard.  ... Read More

Ever wondered where your old TV, computer, microwave or fridge ends up after you’ve dumped it? No? Well you’re not alone. Australia is notoriously behind the rest of the world when it comes to disposing e-waste correctly, with a recent report from the Total Environment Centre and Environment Victoria predicting that without an e-waste recycling programme, the amount of e-waste in Australian landfills will treble by 2020 and be close to 700 million items – which spells seriously bad news for the  ... Read More

Women who are taking on increased executive responsibilities while managing their family and personal lives are turning up at medical centres with cardiac and other health and wellness issues, once thought of as traditionally male illnesses. Meanwhile, the growth in technology, instead of making women’s lives easier by enabling women to be connected everywhere all the time, is also taking its toll as women’s stress levels climb.  ... Read More

While everyday news has been sidelined this week in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami that rocked Japan last Friday, technology is critical in not only keeping the world updated but also helping to provide speedy assistance to people and charities in dire need. ... Read More

Last week Apple unveiled its second-generation iPad, the latest product in a string of badly-kept company secrets. The iPad 2’s launch has left many feeling underwhelmed to say the very least, as a raft of expected new features failed to materialise. The launch has meant the first-generation iPad has now come down in price, leading many to question whether investing in the iPad 2’s predecessor is a better move. To assist those mulling this over, www.connectedwomen.net.au has cut through the adve ... Read More

Christchurch was hit by its most devastating earthquake in recent history just a week ago, and the human toll as a result of the disaster heartbreakingly continues to rise every day with authorities now tipping the final death toll will reach 240. One would assume technology has played an important role in keeping people in contact with their family and friends, but as one Christchurch business woman told www.connectedwomen.net.au, “what good is technology when you don’t have electricity to powe ... Read More

The Australian Industry Group has released findings that the annual bill for a typical Sydney household rose by $755 between 2009 -2010. The bad news for Australians at large is that the average household bill is set to rise further to a steep $1705. Australian women seem unperturbed by the rise though, content with paying extra to look good.  ... Read More

This week in Barcelona a technological revolution is ensuing as technology companies from around the globe joined at the Mobile World Congress to showcase their latest offerings in applications, software and platforms – the focal points in technology for 2011. ... Read More

Cardiac Arrest, insomnia, anxiety and depression were not what female liberationists had in mind when they fought for equality, but this is increasingly proving to be a product of women breaking through the glass ceiling. Technology too is playing its part in adding more stress to the modern working woman's day, where it was actually designed to help.  ... Read More

Flooding in Queensland has touched the lives of tens of thousands of Australians over the past four weeks, with many suffering the devastation of losing all their belongings only to discover insurance companies won’t compensate them. When Julia Gillard’s government proposed the introduction of a year-long tax levy to cover rebuilding last week, many were up in arms about the impact the levy would have on household budgets and the economy in general.  ... Read More

The recent floodwaters that devastated parts of Queensland have left thousands homeless, and have impacted on countless businesses, transportation systems, infrastructure and more. The event has wiped out a number of consumer electronics (CE) retailers, and left many offices flooded in a wreck of damaged IT equipment. www.connectedwomen.net.au has compiled an overall look at how the tech industry has been affected, how it has responded and what help it has offered.  ... Read More

This year’s international Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow has just concluded in Las Vegas seeing more than 2,700 tech companies unveil ground-breaking technologies, and set new records, including 30,000 international attendees.  ... Read More

Shopping via the web is certainly the new trend, with online retail sales expected to hit $28 billion this year, up 17.5% from last year, according to Forrester Research. With so many shoppers hitting virtual stores, online fraudsters would no doubt, be marking up plans to scam as many Australians as possible this Christmas. But don’t worry, there is much you can do to stop fraudsters in their tracks, and avoid being the victim of a potentially-devastating online scam.  ... Read More

Tablet PCs have certainly made explosive entrance into the tech world, capturing much consumer interest and even detracting sales from the PC market. Now with Christmas only weeks away, you may be considering purchasing one for someone special, or perhaps for yourself! But before you do, you might want to consider not only what options are available, but also what exactly it is that you want to the tablet primarily for. www.connectedwomen.net.au discuss the qualities and flaws of tablets, and th ... Read More

It’s that time of year again; the weeks of Christmas carols, family get togethers, and the incessant use of your credit card. Christmas is a fabulous, but often-stressful event, but present buying doesn’t have to be. www.connectedwomen.net.au has noted some great gift ideas and specials to make gift giving a little easier this holiday season. ... Read More

These days, flashy cars come equipped with built in technologies such as Bluetooth, navigation systems and iPod connections. But for those of us who don’t have that luxury, there are a number of great products on the market on many wish-lists this Christmas, that help make driving easier, and more enjoyable.  ... Read More

Sharyn McKissock is living proof you don’t need to be hugely tech-minded, or even technologically inclined, to build a career in the industry. McKissock is now the general manager of Digital Camera Warehouse, one of the biggest discount ‘clicks and bricks’ camera stores in the country – but she began her Australian career in a jewellery store. McKissock told www.connectedaustralia.com that her success in the imaging industry is a result of her ability to embrace new technology and see the positi ... Read More

Lousie Miller is the woman behind the Griffith Camera House, which was last week named Dealer of the Year at the Camera House AGM awards dinner. Miller is incredibly humble about her recent success, telling www.connectedwomen.net.au she had to ask what her business had done to deserve the honour – and it all came down to her willingness to adopt new technology.  ... Read More

Microsoft launched its Windows 7 smartphone operating system last month, and in doing so took the rapidly growing smartphone market to even greater heights. Now, you can choose between smartphones that run on a variety of operating systems (OS); such as Android, Apple, Symbian and now, Windows 7. But who really knows the difference between all these smartphones? www.connectedwomen.net.au goes back to basics, and explores the technology behind the device that is becoming a staple in many of our e ... Read More

Whether you like your hair dead straight or softened by a few curls, you probably either own or have used a hair straightener at some point. Some of us might even struggle to remember a time when these little lifesavers weren’t a staple in our daily routines. But how do you know whether you’re using the right straightener for your hair type or if you’ve invested in the latest technology? www.connectedwomen.net.au explores the science behind hair straighteners, and detangles the confusion around  ... Read More

When winter finally draws to a close, women either scurry to get their spring cleaning underway or dread the task at such a level it gets put off until the cold winter months approach again. Whether you fall into one category or the other, www.connectedwomen.net.au has found the latest vacuum technologies that promise to make the spring cleaning process a breeze.  ... Read More

Australia’s first commercial-scale smart grid project was handed to EnergyAustralia this week, who will be calling on some heavyweights of the energy industry to help it complete the demonstration project. The aim of the showcase is to build a network that delivers electricity from suppliers to consumers using digital technology with two-way communications to reduce costs whilst increasing reliability and transparency. But what will the three-year, $93 million project mean for the average house ... Read More

Women are now well aware of the staggering statistics linked to breast cancer in Australia; statistics that show 36 Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. No doubt, all of us have known a woman affected by this disease and if you’ve been lucky enough not to be touched by breast cancer in some way yet– you can be sure you will by the end of your lifetime. This makes it vital to support companies and products that give funds to breast cancer research, so www.connectedwomen.ne ... Read More

When it comes to technology, consumers want to ensure they purchase a high quality product that won’t break, underperform or even explode once they take it home. But how can consumers be sure they are buying a valuable product, if the company is perhaps unknown or based in a foreign country?  ... Read More

Ever noticed the energy star rating on new TV’s, fridges and washers? This little sticker can have a big impact on the buying decision, especially for the more environmentally conscious consumer. Now imagine discovering the information on the sticker has been exaggerated, and you’ve effectively been lied to about the energy efficiency of the product. This is greenwashing and though illegal, it’s happening in this country – but there are ways to protect yourself against being fooled.  ... Read More

Just when we thought the MasterChef phenomenon had reached its peak, it has once again taken Australians by storm, this time getting mum, dad and the kids running to the kitchen. Debuting last Sunday night, Junior MasterChef saw bigger ratings than the original version itself, pulling an audience of 2.2 million viewers at peak. And interestingly enough, more than 530,000 of viewers were under the age of 17 and 385,000 were younger than 12.  ...