Ok so I know I’ve been MIA.. sorry about that.  I have no real excuse.  I’ve just been a little lazy with things lately.  But I’m back now ;-) 

I’ve got my new iPhone 4 in my hand! Like everyone else in the world, I had A LOT of trouble pre ordering it online so I was forced to get it shipped and it was backordered so I got it yesterday.  But hey, better late than never, right? 

I’ve been reading about all of the problems associated with this phone so I was a little worried.  Stupid me.. this phone is awesome!  Really awesome! And my experience so far has been great.. no problems talking on the phone, no problems with the antenna.   

Since I had to wait so long for the phone, I did the iOS4 update on my outdated iPhone 3GS when it came out in late June so I knew about some of the changes that would come with the phone.  I’m not one for change so it took some getting used to.  I hate that I have to close out all of the applications so they don’t continuously run.  It’s a step that I forget often.  But I’ll deal.  I find myself changing the background of my phone a few times a week.  I really like that you can do that now.  It’s makes the phone a lot more personal.  Sorting applications is another feature that I like but I haven’t really utilized it yet.  I’ll get on it tho. 

Let’s talk about the actual phone.  I was skeptical about the shape.  It looked really boxy.  Well, it is really boxy.  But trust me, it’s not that bad.  Apple did manage to make the phone slimmer but it’s a tiny bit longer.  Overall all, it’s a good looking phone. 

My favorite feature… the Retina Display.  They weren’t kidding when they said it was be the sharpest, most vibrant picture.  I can’t keep my eyes off of it.  I compared to my old phone and it’s incredible. You’ll have to see it to believe it but it’s amazing.  That screen alone will make it hard for me to ever go back to “regular” text. 

I really love Face Time.  How cool is it that you can video chat with someone on your phone?  Unfortunately, I won’t be able to use it much since it only works with the iPhone 4 and WIFI.  I’ve been annoyed the two people I know with it.  My next challenge- to convince my fiancé to get the phone with me so we can see each other when he goes away! 

The camera is definitely a step up.  The camera on the front of the phone is a great touch.  I’m sure a lot of people are grateful because now they can cut out a lot of time taking pictures of themselves since they can set up the shot better.  The flash is a bit blinding but it’s a great feature that was def needed.  I find the zoom makes the picture really blurry.  But compared to the older models, it’s a great camera. 

I’m only two days in but so far, I’m in love with my phone.  My fiancé really has to fight for my attention now because this phone is going to take up a lot of my time! 

We finally got the news we’ve been waiting months for- iPhone 4 releasing June 24th! (Pre-order begins June 15th) 

Okay let me start with the look… I’m personally not a huge fan of the box look but with all of the awesome features added, I can definitely overlook this.  In practically all of the pictures that I’ve seen, the phone looks big and bulky.  Well pictures are definitely misleading with this one.  It’s just 9.3mm thick, 24% thinner than the 3GS, officially making it the thinnest smartphone on the planet!  It will be available in both black and white just like the 3GS.  Both the front and back are made of aluminosilicate glass, which I’ve learned from the Apple website is the same type of glass that is used in the windshields of helicopters and trains.  Pretty cool.  And definitely will reduce the scratches and cracks on the phone.  The band around the phone is stainless steel.   

One of the biggest features they are promoting is the Retina display.  During the announcement today, Steve Jobs said “There has never been a display like this on a phone… People haven’t even dreamt of a display like this. It turns out there’s a limit around 300px per inch that the human eye can’t differentiate between the pixels — text looks like you’ve seen it in a fine printed book, unlike you’ve ever seen on an electronic display before.”  Sounds pretty cool to me.  Text and graphics are supposed to be incredible on this. 

I can’t stand the camera and video on my 3GS.  I won’t feel the same about the iPhone 4.  It comes with a 5 megapixel camera and HD video.  The phone will actually have two cameras, one in front and one in back.  The cameras allows for “Face Time.”  Video calling will soon take over.  Assuming that the person on the other end has the iPhone4 plus WIFI available, you will be able to not only speak to but also see the other person on the phone.  Face Time will give you the option of using either camera during a video call so you can show someone what you are doing or what is going on around you. And don’t forget about the built-in LED flash, which acts as a flash for the camera and lights up your scene for the video.  The video will allow recording and editing.   For just $4.99, you will be able to purchase the iMovie app.  I have to admit, it’s one of my favorite applications on my MacBook.  It allows you to edit a video, add themes, music plus so much more.  It’s pretty cool and you can create some awesome videos on it. 

Multitasking.  You can now switch through your applications without closing one first.  It saves the battery, which is a plus.  And it also does not slow down the performance of the applications you have open.  Oh and about the battery, you get 300 standby hours and up to 7 hours of talk time on 4G.  That’s quite an improvement. 

There will also be the ability to make folders so you can organize your apps a little better.  If you look at my phone right now, it has six pages of apps.  So obviously looking for the one that I want is a little time consuming.  This feature will help because now I can have folders labeled with applications in them.  So if I have a folders names “games,” I know that’s where I can find those types of apps.   

You also have iBooks, improvements with your Mail box, you can change the wallpaper on your home screen (Finally some personality to your phone!), and so much more!  I can go on and on.  It’s a bigger and better package that you’re getting.  Apple did not disappoint with the iPhone 4G! 

The 16GB will be sold for $199 and the 32GB for $299 with contracts of course.  It will be sooo much more without one.  Oh and if your eligible for an upgrade before the end of 2010, you’ll be able to get the phone for these prices with a new two year contract.  Unfortunately, I am not.  But with these awesome new features, it’s not even a question for me of whether or not I’m getting it!  Maybe I can just convince my fiancé to get me an early birthday gift! 

Okay so I wanted to give you guys an update on how things are going with my lifestyle change. 

A few weeks ago, I started changing my diet.  I took out meats completely, which wasn’t an easy task for me.  I have to admit, while in FL, I may have slipped a little but overall, I was proud of myself.  About a week ago, I said goodbye to fish and diary.  I’m doing pretty well.  I’m preparing my own breakfast and lunches which makes it easier and my mom is making dinner each night.  My first true test came a couple of nights ago when we went out to eat.  It was a beautiful Friday night so why not go out with family by the water for dinner and drinks.  I failed that test.  I ended up ordering tuna.  But I promise, besides that, I’m completely on track.  I haven’t even touched cheese! 

This isn’t going to be easy for me at all.  I crave chocolate a lot.  And with BBQ season in full force, I can’t get away from the incredible smell of burgers and hotdogs.  But I have to focus on my goal, which is to figure out if a complete change in my diet will allow me to live a healthier, fuller life. 

So, isn’t it said that changing your diet will give you more energy in life?  So far, it’s a bunch of crap to me.  I’m tired a lot more (if that’s possible) and I’m having constant headaches. Yes, I read the information telling me that there’s an adjustment period and it won’t be pretty.  But come on, I’m already giving up so much.  I need a break here. 

And the resources out there for Vegans are so scarce.  I did another search on iTunes to see if maybe I missed something or something great came out.  Enough with the applications that tell you which wines and beer to drink!  There are plenty of those.  Oh and whoever wants to spend $17.99, “Vegan soups and hearty stew for all seasons” by Iceberg Reader gives you soups and stew recipes listed by seasons.  I wasn’t spending that much on the app so I’m not sure how good it is.  But the book is selling for 12 dollars on Amazon.com if anyone is interested.  

I’m still trying to figure out acceptable foods so I’m only eating what I know for sure I can eat.  I’m hungry all the time.  And if you can’t tell by this post, I’ve been a little crankier then usually.  But I’m hopefully and I’m not going to give up just yet.   

So I’m going through my usual celebrity websites and I get to perezhilton (my favorite!) and I come across this crazy post: 

Carry Your iPad In Your Suit Pocket!?

Now this is just absurd to me. I understand that the iPad is the hottest thing out right now but are we really making suits as accessories to them now?  Well, Mohan Custom Tailors is!  The inner pocket of the suit coat is made to fit the iPad perfectly.  First off, I have to agree that the iPad is a lot smaller and sleeker looking than anything else out there right now.  But that doesn’t mean it’s small enough to fit in any pocket that you might have on your clothes.  I can just see it dragging the coat down.  Tacky.  I have to agree with Perez though and say that the suits definitely look good.  

I don’t know what it is with men and not wanting to carry anything!  I’m sure people thought this was a great idea because what man wants to carry a man purse!  Heck, I’m sure there are men out there right now on the phone ordering one.  My advice guys, put the iPad in a bag… it’s probably safer there anyway!

I was doing my usually research on Apple when I came across this article explaining that Steve Jobs has a website where he posts all of the emails he receives regarding Apple.  (He's the founder of Apple just in case you live on Jupiter)

Check it out... sentbystevejobs.com 

Sent by Steve - what a cool idea!  Sure, the website could use a little spice. Maybe more color or a different background.  But how awesome is it that Steve personally responds to customer’s emails!  Yet another reason why Steve is so great! 

Check it out and if you’re curious about something send him an email - it just might end up on the website!

I’ve recently decided to try Veganism.  I don’t have some long back-story about how I watched Food, Inc. and it was a real eye-opener for me.  To be honest, I haven’t even seen Food, Inc. I have and will continue to avoid watching it because I would rather just not know.  I’m doing it for health reasons.  Not completely sure that I believe this is the answer to my healing but people around me keep telling me what’s the harm in trying it out and I happen to agree.   

So tomorrow is the day that I begin this lifestyle change.  I’ve decided to do it gradually since I not only LOVE meat but because I LOVE, I MEAN I REALLY LOVE cheese! This is definitely an adjustment for me.  My plan is to slowly take foods out of my diet and put new ones in.  I’m nervous. 

At first I didn’t want to tell anyone about this.  This is going to be hard enough without people critiquing everything I eat and I have a feeling I’m going to cheat a few times in the beginning.  I just didn’t want to feel like I failed at it.  But I knew I had to at least tell the people that I see most often.  My eating habits are horrible and they would probably think I’m going through a life crisis if they saw me eating tofu and veggies all day.  I’m actually glad I did because I’ve not only gotten a new support system but I got good advice, great books and even greater “chicken” dishes to try out. Plus my mom, who is an awesome cook, is on my side on this one so I’m hoping to utilize her cooking skills! 

Okay so how does Apple fit into all of this?  Well it’s pretty simple.  I am not going to do anything, especially something so drastic, without learning all I need to know.  The bulk of my research has happened on my MacBook of course.  Over half of my top sites are now devoted to vegan info.  I have to be honest though, if you looked at my search history on the Internet, you will notice a lot of my research has been devoted to how to pronounce some of the foods that Vegans eat.  Come on, I can’t sound like a complete idiot when I’m asking for this stuff in the store. 

I downloaded a handful of applications on my iPhone related to Veganism.  There are a couple that I want to discuss.  First off, there is the Vegan Yum Yum Mobile app.  It’s full of recipes from VeganYumYum.com (a blog that I’ve been on numerous times since I started looking into this).  I actually bought the Vegan Yum Yum cookbook for a coworker of mine a few months ago for his birthday and he loved it!  This application is awesome.  It simply lists several dishes, you click on one and you get step-by-step instructions on how to make it.  I know seems so simple but it’s a lot of information organized well.  You also get to see pictures of the dishes (which is my favorite part).  Makes even the weirdest sounding dish look appealing!  I did read, however, that it’s not updated often so it’s lacking sooo many more awesome recipes from the blog!  Overall, pretty cool for a free application! 

Two more apps that I wanted to mention- Is your wine Vegan? And Vegan Xpress.   Is your wine Vegan? is another simple application.  By the way, what makes a wine Vegan anyway?  The application lists different types of wine.  It’s color coded to easily pick which one is Vegan and which isn’t.  I liked the app and it’s free which is another bonus.  Only problem, there are a lot of wines missing on this list.  Vegan Xpress was an app I wasn’t too impressed with.  It lists several chain restaurants and tells you what you could order from the menu.  However, after doing a little research, I noticed that most of their food choices aren’t even foods that Vegans could eat!  I paid $1.99 for an application that doesn’t even give me accurate information… I should have passed on it so I’m telling you guys too! 

Putting my research and the apps aside, there was another way the Macworld has helped me in my research.  It’s kind of random but I walked into an Apple store yesterday to purchase an accessory for my iPhone and left feeling like even the crappiest eater (ME!) could become Vegan.  This nice woman that was working there came up to me to ask if I needed help and quickly noticed the book that I had in my bag and asked about it.  Becoming Vegan is the book that my coworker gave me to read and it has been by my side for the last couple of days.  She started her conversation asking me how the book was.  (Side note: anyone who knows me, knows small talk is so NOT my thing! So this was tough for me at first).  We ended up having a pretty long conversation about her decision to become Vegan four years ago and the struggle that she had in the beginning.  She wished me luck, reminded me that most of it is mental and we went our separate ways.  I left feeling optimistic.   

Now my journey into the world of Veganism begins.  With the help of my family, friends, random Macheads and my trusty Macbook and iPhone, I’m feeling pretty prepared. So mom let’s break out that awesome new cookbook I got :) and start making some good food!

I read one article and it says that Verizon is set to get a contract with Apple as early as late 2010.  I go ahead a read another and it’s sure that AT&T will be the sole U.S. carrier for the iPhone until at least 2012 when the contract is set to end.  Who am I supposed to believe here? 

Apple’s products and business partners are actually one of the best-kept secrets for me.  Leave it to Apple to keep everyone guessing on every move they make.  And to be honest, most of the time I enjoy the suspense of waiting to see what will happen or what they will come out with.  But not so much on this… 

Why do I even care?  Well up until I made the switch a year ago to the iPhone, I was a loyal customer with Verizon for many years.  It was a big adjustment going from a $55/month bill to a $100+/month bill.  It actually still surprises me that the iPhone continues to be the most popular smart phone with such high plan rates.  They really should do something about the $30 Data Plan fee… that’s just crazy to me!  People should definitely have the option of choosing a data plan they like (something Verizon offers!). But who knows what the plan rates would be if Verizon gets the iPhone anyway.  I can’t just assume they are going to be lower. So I won’t make that a huge reason why I care.   

The real reason is the service or better yet LACK of service that I experience with AT&T.  Can I get a few more bars please?  It’s super annoying.  And I always feel like just when I need my phone the most, I’m in an area where I don’t get good reception.  Verizon definitely has AT&T beat on coverage.   

So what do we know for sure about Apple contracting out to Verizon?  To be honest, NOTHING!  Everything is hear say right now. According to CrunchGear, a company called Landor & Associates is “working on an advertising campaign” for Verizon for the upcoming iPhone release.  This combined with the rumor that Verizon may launch the iPhone at the end of the summer gives us another reason to question reports that AT&T will still be the only iPhone carrier. 

Are you guys just as confused as I am?  I guess we just have to continue playing the guessing game when it comes to Apple and what they are doing!

Do you want to test if your partner is going through your phone?  Maybe they want to read your text messages and emails or even try to look through your photos.  Then iTrust should be the application for you. 

Sounds like a great concept.  Leave your phone behind, walk away for a while and come back to see if your phone has been messed with.  I was instantly curious when I found this.  Could this really show me if I have to worry about someone snooping through my phone?  So, like the sucker I am, I purchased it.  It’s a 99-cent application so why not test it out. 

It’s fairly easy to set up.  You start off by taking a picture of your home screen (for those of you not familiar with how to do it, you simply go to the home screen and press the home button and sleep button simultaneously), go into the application and select the image, and then press the start button.  The image of the home screen will appear as though you are not in an application.  Then just leave your phone and see what happens.  If someone comes looking, the application will record where the person is touching.  When you get back, you just click on the application again and press log.  You will then see your original picture and finger prints will show up on the screen showing you where the person touched. 

The application works fine.  However, there is a major problem that any iPhone user will catch on to fairly quickly.  When someone tries to press buttons to start snooping, none of them work.  This is how the application was made because obviously you’re not going to want anyone to ACTUALLY go through your phone!  However, if someone presses the home button, they not knowingly get out of the application and can begin to search through your phone. 

It’s definitely missing some sort of locking feature so that you cannot get out of the application so quickly.  And if that’s the case, why not just use the original passcode feature from the phone.  It’s a sure fire way to keep people out of your phone and your business! 

So my conclusion is this: Don’t even waste your time purchasing this application.  Because yeah, you’ll have a decent argument because why is your girlfriend/boyfriend even going through your phone but in the end, they’ll win the fight because why did you even have a need for this application in the beginning!