Best Buy Helps You Capture Memories #Sponsored

Best Buy wants to help YOU capture the photo worthy memories this spring.  From Mother's Day to Prom and Graduations, spring is filled with moments you'll want to remember.  If you're not ready for these frameable moments, head to Best Buy for help choosing what you need from their wide assortment of the latest cameras, including DSLR cameras, action camcorders, and compact cameras with long zoom, low light and wi-fi.  And with Best Buy’s low price guarantee, you’ll get the latest technology at the best price.  You can also trade in your old camera at Best Buy or get FREE shipping at BestBuy.com.  To learn more about cameras from Best Buy check them out online here.

So now you've got the camera, you've captured the memories beautifully...now what?  If you find that you've got more frame worthy photos than you have wall space, consider a digital picture frame.  Digital frames are a great way to show off your memories easily and inexpensively.   They also make fabulous Mother's Day gifts, just be sure to get mom started with some great photos in her frame to start her off.

Save an additional 25% off select Digital Photo Frames

Quantities Limited  Offer only available online at www.bestbuy.com valid 5/5/2013 through 6/22/13

I have been compensated for this post, however all opinions expressed are my own.
 


 

Let the Sharp Plasmacluster Air Purifier Help You With Your Spring Cleaning #Sponsored

 Product provided by Best Buy as part of the Blogging Board program.

Whether it feels like it or not where you are (it's still in the 20s here) it IS spring.  For many of us, that means feeling the need to spring clean.

For me there are a list of items I rarely make the time to do that really help the house feel spring clean.  But with a house full of dirty active boys and now two cats, there are some smells that I just feel like people who love will just have to learn to accept.  For the most part I didn't feel like the air in our house was that dirty. We are good about changing our furnace filters and we don't have anyone smoking in the house.  So I never even thought about getting an air purifier.  I really didn't think it could make much difference.

But Best Buy sent us the Sharp - Plasmacluster Air Purifier with 1 Gal. Humidifier to try out.  When the box came it was HUGE.  With a tiny house full of beings, I wasn't sure where we would even find room for it.  After reading the directions its recommended to be 6 1/2" from TVs or radios but that is simply not an option in our house.  So we aren't sure where it will go long term but for now it's set up in our living room where the only open space is, right next to our TV. 

It was super easy to set up.  I really didn't think it was smelly in our house before it was turned out but within minutes it just smelled fresher.  It didn't take long for the dust indicator to go all green for us.  (I told you our air wasn't dirty.) Because its still cold here, the added humidity made it feel chillier so we turned that down low.  Over all I'm impressed. I can't wait to see if it makes a difference as the seasonal allergens start flying.  None of us have super bad allergies but we can all tell when certain things are really flying.

I was also worried about this 'library quiet' machine being even more noise in my hectic household.  With the fan turned all the way up, it is very obvious that something is running but its not any louder than a standard fan or humidifier.  But on a lower setting (and at least in our case on auto) it wasn't even noticable.

 I think the price of this unit might be a little surprising to some but I know we have paid over $100 for a decent humidifier alone.  To get air purification as well, especially if you have a need could easily be well worth it.

Sharp - Plasmacluster Air Purifier with 1 Gal. Humidifier
Keep the air in your home fresh and clean with this air purifier and humidifier that features a 3-stage filter system with a HEPA filter that removes 99.97% of pollen, mold, pet dander and dust from the air. Plasmacluster technology freshens the air.

Product Features

• 254 sq. ft. room capacity: For clean, fresh air with optimum humidity levels.
• Removes impurities from the air and adds humidity, For more comfortable air quality. 
• Plasmacluster technology: Splits water molecules into positively and negatively charged ions that spread throughout the room to refresh the air. 
• Manual operation:Lets you choose from 3 fan speeds and a Quick Clean mode. 
• Automatic operation: Uses sensors to automatically adjust fan speed for the degree of cleaning and/or humidification required. 
• True HEPA filter: Captures 99.97% of particles, including pollen, mold, pet dander and dust. Micron mesh prefilter and washable deodorizing filter help remove irritants and odors from the air. 
• Clean sign indicator: Shows the level of impurities in the air passing through the filter so you can monitor the progress as cleaner air is returned to the room. 
• Library Quiet operation: Ideal for bedrooms and living rooms. Silent mode is as quiet as 22dB. 
• Front Display: Shows Plasmacluster operation, dust monitor and humidity level. 

Regularly $399.99, on sale right now online for $324.99 or get 20% off in-store only with coupon below.

Get 20% off Air Purification products in store only through 4/15/13 with this coupon!

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Sponsored: Focusing On What Matters #BBYSpringForward

©Michelle Pendergrassof Visual Prayer

In honor of Women's History Month, Best Buy is asking what steps are you taking to make advances/leaps forward in your life (professional and/or personal)?

At the beginning of the year I decided not to make resolutions, but to make some goals for the year.  I am please with the progress I've made on some of these goals, no doubt. However, I'm not very impressed with how I am doing in one area.  Sadly, this was my #1 goal...to be a better mom.  The truth is, after almost three months, not much at all has changed.  Mornings are chaos, bedtimes is frustrating and I simply haven't focused enough on enjoying the the in between times.
I'm thinking that part of my problem is that I haven't given myself any clearly defined ways to reach my goal.  My goal is vague and immeasurable.  For goals like improving your health, you know you have to figure out the steps you want to take.  You need to eat better, you need to move more, maybe you need to make changes in your house like our recent addition of a Sharp Air Purifier (courtesy of Best Buy).

So, I need to define some steps that I think will help me reach my goal of being a better, more patient mother.  

• The first, which I know sounds sort of counter productive but I really believe it is important, is to be more willing to ask for and accept help.  A huge part of my problem is my own stress level.  When I feel like I've done nothing but run all week, and they seem unappreciative, I lose my cool.  But it would help if I didn't always insist on doing it all myself.  I have amazing friends who are more than willing to help, if I just let them.
• Second, I want to take time with each of the boys every week. Even if its only an hour a week and even if we don't leave the house, but just to do something where I only focus on them for awhile.
• I also need to continue to improve our organization and routines. I HAVE made some good strides on getting better places for things but with limited space and too much stuff it's an ongoing battle.  Our routines are fairly consistent but we still struggle, so I know there is some improvement to be made there.
• I need to continue to learn about ADHD, and ways to help us all cope with what ADHD means to our family.  For me the constant noise and movement that comes from having multiple boys with ADHD is a HUGE stressor for me. I grew up in a very quiet house so the chaos is often overwhelming to me.  I need to find ways for the boys to move and make noise that doesn't feel like such a sensory assault.
• And lastly, to help me regularly focus on the amazing joy and blessing that being the mother of MY boys is, I want to reflect on that more often. One way I plan to do that is by joining a group of fellow bloggers who are already writing "Letters to Our Sons" once a month.

I know there are MANY other things I could work on but this is where I will start. But I'd love to hear what you do to make yourself a better parent!

Join the conversation and share what steps YOU are taking to make advances/leaps forward in your life (professional and/or personal) on Twitter using hashtag #BBYSpringForward!

Get 20% off Air Purification products in store only through 4/15/13 with this coupon!

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I have been compensated for this post, however all opinions expressed are my own.
 


 

Million Step Challenge with @BestBuyWOLF #MillionSteps

This month I recommitted to my journey to get healthier.  I lost 50 pounds in 2012 and felt great.  Then I fell of the wagon so to speak.  It's really hard to explain how or why I let it happen.  With knowing that it's really not that hard and  feel great when I eat well and move more you'd think I wouldn't let it get so out of control.  But I do, I did.  I gained over 15 pounds back in the same time it took me to lose 50.  I guess the upside is I'm still ahead of the game!  

So I know, it's cliche to vow to get healthy in January.  But that's exactly what I've done and thanks to Best Buy and their challenge to the Best Buy Blogging Board I've had the chance to try a few new tools.

Recently I spent an entire day playing with the Cusinart: Compact Juice Extractor.  I think I bought more fruit and vegetables than I ever have in a single shopping trip.  I think I also  cleaned and peeled and sliced more than I ever have before too.

I'm not sure we're going to be juicing on a regular basis because it really is a lot of work.  But the Cusinart Compact Juice Extractor was beyond easy to use.  It made zero mess (outside the machine) and I really thought cleaning the machine was easy. 

Because we've never done anything like this and we are all fairly picky eaters I thought many of the 'recipes' sounded risky.  So we experimented by juicing each item individually. We tasted each one and then each of us mixed up our own creations.

My personal favorite was just the straight orange juice.  We got about 32 ounces from a full bag of oranges but it was the best (pulpfree) OJ I've ever had.  Thirty two ounces was simply not enough to go around.

And for dessert (because we didn't want anything to go to waste, right?) we made smoothies.  Or something sort of like smoothies because I don't ever actually have ice in the house.

Stawberry banana....yum!

Like I said I'm not sure we'll be juicing regularly anytime soon, but it was a great reminder of how delicious simple, clean eating can be!!  

And don't forget to follow @BestBuyWolf or #MillionSteps on Twitter to see how the Blogging Board is doing on the Million Step Challenge!!

If getting healthier is on your list of things to do this year, check out these great Best Buy coupons for savings on tools to help YOU reach your goal!

I have been compensated for this post, however all opinions expressed are my own.
 


 

Skylanders Giants Review

We have Skylanders for Wii and have really enjoyed it.  The boys have collected a few of the Skylander figures so I was thrilled to learn that Skylanders Giants works with the old figures too and they are all interchangeable between platforms as well.  I was honestly a little surprised how excited they were to get Skylanders Giants from Best Buy.  But we have literally played it everyday that we've spent any amount of time at home since we opened.  It is a lot of fun.  It's a great game to play together! I sort of wish it was a 4 person game but with 2 players it just means we have to take turns, aka I have to share! (Technically this fact has saved me money since we only have two controllers and if this was a 4 person game I'd probably feel the need to buy two more controllers.)

The boys also got several more Skylanders for Christmas.  We found that you really kind of need a Giant to effectively play and the boys really like switching out the guys regularly so we needed another giant or two.  If you're buying Skylanders online you may want to be sure to reference the Skylanders Giants website to find out which are Giants and which element they are (if that matters to you).  If you aren't familiar with the game, some areas are best played with a Skylander of a certain 'element.'  I love watching the boys jump up and look for someone from the right element when the game announces that a certain element is strongest in an area.

 But I think my favorite part of Skylanders Giants is that when its time to stop playing video games the fun doesn't have to stop.  My boys LOVE playing with the Skylanders figures all by themselves.  We just keep an extra close eye on them because should we misplace all the Skylanders, the game is then unplayable.

Synopsis

Thousands of years ago, the Skylanders Giants fought epic battles in Skylands, but have long since been banished to Earth. Now, Kaos is back and with a new threat rising, it's time to bring the Giants back to join forces with the Skylanders. It's up to you to put them on the Portal of Power and unleash their strength. Are you ready for the ultimate battle to save Skylands?

Travel to Skylands with this Skylanders: Giants Starter Pack. Join forces with the Giants with this Starter Pack that takes you to Skylands to engage in the ultimate battle. The Starter Pack includes the Skylanders Giants video game and plenty of other cool items, like a Portal of Power, three Skylanders figures, a character collector poster, three sticker sheets with secret codes and three trading cards. Are you ready to face Kaos?

Features

• Includes Skylanders Giants video game, Portal of Power, three Skylanders figures, a character collector poster, three sticker sheets with secret codes and three trading cards
• Bring the Skylanders Giants back from banishment to join the Skylanders once again in this Starter Pack
• Unleash the power of the Skylanders Giants with the Portal of Power
• Battle Kaos in an epic battle to save Skylands
  
  Warning. Choking hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

 
I have been compensated for this post, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Getting Healthier in 2013 Can Be Easier with Best Buy

This January Best Buy is excited to have the nine members of our Blogging Board participating in a Million Steps Challenge.  I'm afraid I have to admit that so far I haven't done too well in contributing.  Between fighting a sinus infection and the boys being sick, I haven't moved much at ALL!   Some of the other ladies are doing great though and seeing their first week reports is motivating me to stop making excuses!  
In addition to tracking our steps with our FitBit Ultra's, we're also tracking either with the FitBit Aria.  I'm sad to say I've gained back entirely too much of the weight I lost in the first part of 2012.  It isn't really fair how much thought it takes to lose it and how mindlessly you can put it back on.
We're also trying Juicing this month so look for posts on update on ALL of these healthy help products you can find at Best Buy this month!



I have been compensated for this post, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Best Buy Holiday Gift Ideas for Him

 Do you have a hard to buy for guy on your Holiday Gift list?

What about picking a theme for their gifts?  I thought it'd be fun to put together an ultimate TV gift set.

A new HD TV

This LG 47LS4500 HDTV features a Triple XD Engine and 8 picture modes for clear, detailed images. The TruMotion 120Hz technology reduces blurring during fast-action scenes, so you can enjoy your favorite sporting events, video games and TV shows.

a great universal remote

The Logitech Harmony 650 makes entertainment simple again for you and everyone in your home. It replaces up to 5 other remotes, supports 5000+ brands, including devices you own today and add tomorrow. It is simple to setup online using your PC, with live customer support available. Bright color screen shows your favorite-channel icons plus commands for easy navigation. One-click activity buttons like "Watch a DVD" automatically switch the right devices to the right settings.

a blu ray player

Enjoy stunning visuals with this Philips BDP2900/F7 smart Wi-Fi ready Blu-ray player that delivers arresting images with 1080p resolution. DVD upscaling lets you enjoy standard DVDs in near high-definition.

and something totally ungirly to watch

You can also check out some deals going on now at Best Buy:

Buy any 3 tablet accessories and save (up to $75, save $10; up to $100 save $15; up to $150, save $30). No coupon is necessary for this offer.

10% off of  Headphones, Speakers and Health & Fitness Products through 12/29 with the coupon below.

You have even fewer excuses to shop early with BestBuy.com: 

• Best Buy is offering Free Shipping on all products on BestBuy.com through 12/27. Now through 1/2/13
• Shipping deadline for holiday arrivals in time for Christmas is 12/19.
•  Best Buy can accommodate orders purchased on BestBuy.com through store pick-up until 3PM on Christmas Eve- perfect for last-minute shoppers!
• Best Buy will price match products of both our in-store and online competitors throughout the season. The standard price match policy is valid on any gift purchased between 11/4-12/24 and runs through 1/24.  Online Price Match must be done at time of purchase. Check out bestbuy.com for more information.

 
I have been compensated for this post, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Windows 8 Touch Screen Laptop from HP

Ok, be honest, I know I'm not the only one who's spent entirely too much time on my tablet or smartphone and then sat down at the computer and touched the screen and stared at it wondering why nothing was happening.

Last weekend I was sitting and talking with someone and they mentioned how great it would be to have a touch screen laptop. I told them that they DID exist.  I think I made her holiday, she was thrilled.


I had the opportunity to use a HP ENVY TouchSmart Ultrabook from Best Buy recently and I love the touch screen features.   I have to admit, I was fairly nervous about Windows 8. If you haven't seen it yet, it looks VERY different from any other Windows format you've ever seen.  (It looks like the Windows phones.)  I have been using Windows for a long time.  I've gone through a lot of updates but mostly, they don't really change where I go to find anything.  I LIKE that.  I honestly get a little annoyed when they mess with Office so I can't easily find things and its never been even as close to as different as Windows 8.  But when I picked up my laptop the Geek Squad agent was super helpful.  He walked me through everything to set up the laptop and showed me around Windows 8 until I felt comfortable that I could actually USE the laptop.  I might have felt special about this VIP treatment but then I learned that EVERY ONE who buys a laptop at Best Buy gets this service so they walk out of the store with a fully functioning, set up laptop.  I LOVE this, even if it did make me feel a little less special.  The biggest thing that relieved my worries about Windows 8 is that it's actually super easy to use the it in the old style layout.  For me I couldn't get used to using a browser in Win 8 but I like the one click features of things like Kindle and Netflix, this makes it easy for the kiddos to use things they are familiar with from my phone or tablet.


If you're looking at a Windows 8 laptop at Best Buy you can get all of your Win 8 help and more with Geek Squad® Tech Support 24/7 SUPPORT In Store, online, and over the Phone.  Agents can help you 24/7 with all your Windows 8 questions.   You can get unlimited access to our Agents in store, on the phone or through online chat and remote agent support where an agent can log onto your computer safely and securely while you watch your problems go away. Plus you can have an Agent come straight to your home for a special discounted price of $49.99/visit

You’ll also get exclusive, on-demand access to over 80 step-by-step Windows 8 “how-to” videos to help get you started, learn how to customize your settings, set notifications, use gestures and the charms bar, show how to use SkyDrive, connect to friends, messaging and so much more! Just go to GeekSquad.com/Training and enter your Tech Support Member ID number and you can quickly access all of the Windows 8 videos or browse our other 50,000 videos and available topics

In addition to all of your Windows 8 help, Tech Support will remove computer viruses, give wireless network support, help with hardware and software installation and more

Plus, you’ll get Internet Security Software included to protect against those unwanted computer viruses ($49.99 value)

And Tech Support will support up to 3 PCS, MACS and Tablets – no matter where you bought them, so we can help support any computing or tablet products you’ve bought at Best Buy, on Amazon.com or any other retailer

You can add Geek Squad Tech Support to a qualifying BEst Buy purchase for only $99/year.


I have been compensated for this post, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Get the Most From Your Tech Gifts this Holiday with Geek Squad Tech Support

This holiday season many families will find new PCs, Macs and Tablets under the tree.  Many will go under utilized because their new owners don't fully know how to use or maintain them.

With a Geek Squad Support subscription you get 24/7 Support Online,  In Store and On the Phone. It’s like having your own personal Geek Squad Agent available 24/7 with unlimited access to in store, over the phone, online chat and remote Agent support where an Agent can log onto your computer safely and securely while you watch your problems go away. Plus you can have an Agent come straight to your home for a special discounted price of $49.99/visit

Your subscription will cover up to 3 PCs, Macs and Tablets – no matter where you bought them, so we can help support any computing or tablet products you’ve bought at Best Buy, on Amazon.com or any other retailer.  Includes Internet Security Software to protect against Computer viruses ($49.99 value).  You'll get unlimited virus removal, computer tune-ups, hardware, software and operating system installations, password resets and troubleshooting help.  

Plus, get on-demand access to an expansive library of over 50,000 “how-to” online videos on how to use Windows 8, get tips and tricks on iPads, learn how to create your own Flash video animations and more! Just go to GeekSquad.com/Training and enter your Tech Support Member ID number and quickly browse all available topics.

You can use the service as often as you like – no question is too big or too small!


My thoughts:
I consider myself computer savvy.  I HAVE been known to get a virus or two that I couldn't save myself from but for the amount of time I spend online and the amount of stuff I download, I think I do pretty well.  I've had the same laptop (a Mac) for 6 years and I think my PC at work is about 4 years old.  So I haven't needed any real tech help since signing up for Geek Squad but I have used the virus protection.  I am not usually as good as I should be about keeping tabs on my virus protection but this is super easy to install and use.  But my personal favorite part were the 'how-to' videos. I was suprised by how many of them taught me something I didn't know, or how to do something easier.  Every time I log in, I lose myself for awhile watching more videos.  I  haven't used the phone service at all but I quickly checked in with an agent online, just to see how it worked and they were super nice.  And there was a great email follow up to make sure my questions were fully answered.  But my favorite Geek Squad experience so far was in store.  They were super polite and fun.  You can tell they love what they do and will gladly chat with you about anything and everything tech related.  They'll even answer the questions you didn't know you needed to ask.

If you're giving a loved one, especially someone who's not totally tech savvy, I would highly recommend giving them a Geek Squad Support subscription and making sure they set it up so they can easily get answers to their questions!

 
I have been compensated for this post, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gift Ideas for Teens from Best Buy

There a countless number of things about having teenagers in my house that scare the bejesus out of me.  While I'm not sure my kids could possibly have any more attitude, I know they will get bigger, they will have more friends and they will likely eat everything that isn't nailed down.  But after doing some research for gift ideas for teens at Best Buy, I have to say I'm a little excited about my potential teens (hey they actually have live long enough to get there).

There are so many fun things for teens.  I know all parents probably don't agree but I would love to be the house my kids and their friends like to hang out at.  This just gives a parent a little extra security and insight into the life of a teen.  If I had the room I'd have all three of these super fun gift ideas in my house, partly in hopes of enticing my kids and their pals to my house but partly because when they did chose to hang out somewhere else...I could play!!!  Seriously, how fun do these look!?!?!

Triumph Sports USA - 4-in-1 Rotating Game Table

This table features air-powered hockey, billiards, tennis and football for hours of fun. The rotating design allows for easy access and the leg leveler helps keep the table steady.

Harvard - Escalade Sports Single Shootout Basketball Game

Bring the excitement of arcade hoops to your home with the Escalade Sports Harvard Single Shootout Basketball Game. This durable game features everything you need for an exciting shootout: accurate scoring, a countdown clock, 3 mini basketballs, and an air pump. When you're done, fold it up and store where convenient.

Game Room Dartboard Set

Upgrade your game room with this Trademark Games 15-3402 dartboard set that includes 6 brass tournament-style darts for reliable use and a wood dart cabinet that provides a durable design. Chalk and an eraser let you easily keep score.

Ok so maybe you, like me have a basement with 5 foot ceilings (well not literally they MIGHT be 6' but still won't be hosting and basketball shootouts anytime soon) or you don't trust your teens throwing sharp pointy things at your walls. 

Maybe some tech gear would be more up your alley.  Best Buy has the full collection of cell phones, MP3 players, laptops etc that your kids will be wishing for.  Since every teen will have a different preference on these items you'll probably want to consult with them before buying.  The only thing worse in the teen world than having last years fashion, is having last year's tech gadget!  

Or if your teen is all set with their phone, video game system etc consider gift cards they can use with their devices. 

CinemaNow - $5 Movie Download Card

Microsoft - Xbox LIVE 12-Month Gold Membership

Nintendo - Nintendo Points Card for Nintendo Wii

PlayStation Network Code for PlayStation 3 and PSP

Apple® - iTunes $25 Code

And there's one gift that'd I'd want to give to my kids if they are driving...OnStar FMV and Geek Squad OnStar Installation.  I suppose this might be more for me as it'd be the gift of peace of mind.  But still something I would like my teens to have.

You can also check out some deals going on now at Best Buy:

Buy any 3 tablet accessories and save (up to $75, save $10; up to $100 save $15; up to $150, save $30). No coupon is necessary for this offer.

10% off of  Headphones, Speakers and Health & Fitness Products through 12/29 with the coupon below.

You have even fewer excuses to shop early with BestBuy.com: 

• Best Buy is offering Free Shipping on all products on BestBuy.com through 12/27. Now through 1/2/13
• Shipping deadline for holiday arrivals in time for Christmas is 12/19.
•  Best Buy can accommodate orders purchased on BestBuy.com through store pick-up until 3PM on Christmas Eve- perfect for last-minute shoppers!
• Best Buy will price match products of both our in-store and online competitors throughout the season. The standard price match policy is valid on any gift purchased between 11/4-12/24 and runs through 1/24.  Online Price Match must be done at time of purchase. Check out bestbuy.com for more information.

 
I have been compensated for this post, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.