i often bounce off a wall for directional light.
heres an example i did over the weekend where i bounced off a wooden cabinet to warm the light.
this is virtually sooc, with exception of noise reduction and straighten.
Teddy Cuddle time on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
heres an example of bouncing off a wall/roof to fill the room.
i use a clip-on diffuser to spread the light more.
Family time - 18/52 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
you can also set the "zoom" of the flash to its widest angle and tape toilet paper over the front.. that softent the light a bit too.