Many of you are not a fan of the phone unless it’s to talk to someone who you couldn’t otherwise. Even though it’s less personal, I agree that something about talking on the phone can seem a bit intimidating and awkward. Unfortunately, you really can’t escape it, especially since other people may not feel the same way you do.

Let's face it:
Staying in touch is hard, especially if you have a big family, lots of friends, or entire time zones separating you from the people you love. But the phone is an essential tool when it comes to nurturing long-distance friendships; the problem is finding time to talk.
If you've got friends spread out over the country or the globe, there are a few simple things you can do to make quality talk time.

In this day and age, where most of us carry a
BlackBerry, a cell phone, an
iPhone, or maybe even all three, it's easier than ever to get ahold of people. My mom, for instance, always has her phone with her, no matter the day or the time. Then there's my
BFF, who is notorious for never answering her phone and lagging on her email responses.
I'm lucky enough to have my closest friends and family
living just five minutes away, yet I still manage to log some serious phone time whenever I have a free moment. Now I know some people aren't that great on the phone, but even if you're more of a face-to-face kind of gal, there's always an exception to the rule so ladies, tell me: Who do you talk to most?
Source

As dependent as I am on my cell phone (ahem, that is, both my cell phones), I still really like having a landline. It's nice to have a back-up, service is pretty cheap, and it just feels normal to me. Of course, I'm still pretty picky about the design of a house phone I'll buy — in that it needs to be a cute part of my decor.

After hanging up from a marathon phone session with my sister a few days ago, I realized that I had somehow polished off two slices of leftover pizza, some bread and hummus and several handfuls of gummy bears — all right before dinner. Ever since then, I have decided that I should no longer talk on the phone in the kitchen.
Talking on the phone in the kitchen can lead to overeating because not only are we distracted but we're also surrounded by food, a lethal combination for someone who watches what she eats.

That nagging
Jersey Mom is back and this time, she's equipped with a phone. There are rumors to hear and gossip to spread, but she won't let that get in the way of her household duties. So she's gonna have her some chitchat and do everything but install new plumbing while she's at it.

I've always been shocked by the shortage of fun Super Mario and Mario Kart items out there considering people seem to know
everything there is to know about the Bros. and they seem to be at the top of everyone's
favorite video game list. The
Mario Kart Phone and
Alarm Clock may not be the most sophisticated video game gear ever, but they are cute and would be fun for all the
little geeks in our lives. The phone is $60 and the clock is $40.

Dear Sugar--
I have been in a great relationship of 5 years. We live together and love each other dearly. Recently my boyfriend has been receiving some text messages from his best friend's ex-girlfriend.

For those of you lucky enough to have scored an iPhone last week, you can now enjoy Heidi Swanson's
gorgeous recipes on the go! - 101 Cookbooks
Oh and if you don't have a web-enabled phone, you can always try to
win an iPhone over at geeksugar!