Support Verizon HopeLine This Holiday #VZWSM

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This holiday season you can support Verizon’s fight against domestic violence.  Nearly one in four women, one in seven men, and over 3 million children have been affected by domestic violence. Wireless phones and technology can serve as a vital link to emergency or support services in a time of crisis or as a reliable, safe connection to employers, family and friends as survivors rebuild their lives.

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Intuition by LG Review with @VerizonWireless Service #VZWSM

The Intuition by LG is probably not a phone for everyone.  If you talk on the phone while holding the phone on a regular basis...the size of the Intuition might be inconvenient for you.  But for smart phone users like myself who use a smart phone for almost everything except a phone the Intuition is great.  I do talk on the phone a little each day but almost exclusively while in the car (its usually the only time there is enough quite to hear someone other than my kids screaming) and since you can use handheld phones in our area, I rarely hold a cell phone while I talk.   But the big screen is FABULOUS for reading on the Kindle app or watching Netflix!

It took me awhile to get the Quick Memo feature but once I did it really is handy.  Below is an example of my scribbling on a screen shot.  It can obviously be more useful but I couldn't think of a good example that didn't share personal information.  It can also be used to write a note on plain paper.  I have been using Evernote for lists for several months now and while I do still need the ability to use it on my phone or any computer, the Quick Memo feature is much quicker than opening an app starting a new note, etc.  It's a single button touch and you're reading to write.  You can use your finger or an included stylus to write.  The only issue I had is that while the stylus is larger than most which I think makes it more comfortable to use, there is no way to attach it to the Intuition.

Overall if you wish your tablet could just make phone calls...this is the all in one option for you.  While its 5" size isn't as big as a full sized tablet it is large enough to do many tasks easier then on your standard smartphone.  And I have been so thrilled with using it on the Verizon network.   The combination is super dependable.  I haven't experienced any major service interruptions or errors.

Experience the Intuition™ Simulator



Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Holiday Inspiration from Sandra Lee

Are YOU ready for Christmas?  I know I'm done shopping but there is still so much to be done so I thought I'd share some great ideas that were gathered from Sandra Lee during a recent TweetUp.

Q.     What are some good ideas for Christmas breakfast that can be prepared ahead of time?

A.     Waking up to the smell of fresh cinnamon buns is divine. You can prep the dough the night before and have the rolls ready in the pan. The next morning, take the rolls out of the refrigerator and let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature. Bake the rolls for 15 minutes and pipe with icing right before you serve.

Q.     What is your favorite holiday cocktail?

A.      White Chocolate Eggnog. Combine 2 quarts eggnog, 1 cup white rum, Myers’s® Platinum, and 1 cup Godiva® White Chocolate liqueur.  Serve topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Makes 16 drinks.

Q.     Do you have any ideas for fun non-alcoholic drinks to serve at a holiday party?

A.      Hot Cider, Peppermint Hot Chocolate and non-alcoholic Eggnog are always popular and festive for a holiday party.

Q.     Can you offer suggestions for a fun and easy gift a young child can make for relatives?

A.      Large prefinished wooden letters are available at many crafts stores. Use them to spell out a special holiday message and let your child decorate and wrap the letters in yarn or trim of their choice. The kids will love giving these gifts to family members.

Q.     Can you share any tips for involving small children in holiday preparations?

A.      I purchase whimsical decorations all year round.  Colorful balls of yarn, embellished paper and trimmings are a beacon for kids.   Set up a table just for the kids and let them craft their own cool, kids-only projects. Not only will their holiday art help you decorate, it will also spread the holiday cheer :)

 Q.     What is your favorite time-saving holiday tip?

A.      Host a tree trimming celebration.  Invite friends and family over to help decorate the Christmas tree. Not only will this save you time with decorating it will also allow you to spend time and create new memories with the ones you love.  

If YOU haven't finished your Christmas shopping check out Verizon for lots of great gift ideas. 

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Tablet A Day Sweepstakes at Verizon.com Thru Dec 1 #VZWSM

Enter HERE Daily thru December 1st!

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Tech Toys and Gotta-Have Gadgets from Verizon #VZWSM

Check out the plethora of fun "Tech Toys and Gotta-Have Gadgets" Verizon has compiled, that is sure to help you - and your readers - find a gift for even the toughest-to-buy-for people on your list. 

Here's one of the fun things I loved from their list! 

Crayola® ColorStudio™ HD

There are dozens of coloring and painting apps for iPad. But there's only one that's amazing enough to be called "Crayola".

Using the the ColorStudio HD app with iMarker creates the the most amazing coloring book ever, with all your favorite Crayola crayons, paints, pencils, markers and more in a convenient no-ink, no-mess, kid-safe package.

• Crayola's multi-activity drawing application for iPad, with iMarker, a custom-built intelligent digital stylus.
• iMarker looks and feels like a Crayola marker, but is safe to use with the Multi-Touch display of your iPad.
• iMarker works with the ColorStudio HD app as marker, pen, crayon and paintbrush, in one.
• Color and interact with animated coloring book pages combining custom-produced sound, touch interaction, and special effects.
• Design unlimited coloring pages using ColorStudio HD's library of backgrounds, music, sound effects and other elements, then print them out to color on paper with your own Crayola crayons and markers.
• Free content updates with new picture sets and animations.
Parents can share their children's work by printing (requires iOS 4.2), email, or Facebook.

 

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Excited to Check Out the Intuition by LG on @VerizonWireless 4G LTE

I found out that I will be get the Intuition by LG to test out thanks to my involvement with Verizon's Midwest Savvy Moms program.  

I've heard good things about it so I'm excited to check it out myself.  If you haven't heard of the Intuition yet here is a little info... 

 

Key Features

• 5-inch display
• Ideal viewing experience on the tablet-like screen
• QuickMemo
• Document management
• 8-megapixel rear-facing camera
• Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich

Experience the Intuition™ Simulator

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Verizon 4G LTE Makes Mom Happy

For the last few months I've been using the Samsung Galaxy S III powered by Verizon 4G LTE. I have to say I don't actually TALK much on the phone.  But I do a ton of texting and data usage.  But when I have used the voice portion it has been average to above average service.  Of course as with most services, it will vary but location.  I actually found that the coverage was fairly spotty when I visited New York in August.  But here at home, it beats my previous carrier.  And in one spot in particular.  We live super close to a small airport and other services have been notorious for dropping calls anywhere around the perimeter of the airport.  However, Verizon keeps me covered even at my sons football practice which is literally JUST outside of the airport and very near the tower.  This was HUGE for me given the amount of time I have spent at the practice field these last few months.

But the data...oh the data.  If it were truly possible to love an object, I'd be in love with my smart phone. Part of this is the actual phone but a big part is based on the service and Verizon 4G LTE data flies compared to everyone else I've checked.  I spent a ton of time on Facebook and checking my email on my phone and Verizon's service makes that a much faster task.  My boys love it too because we watch a lot of Netflix and with Verizon there are lot less incidents of buffering.  This of course makes ME happy because it means less "Moooom, it stopped AGAIN" so I can read or whatever in peace!

If you are a heavy data user on another carrier, compare your speeds.  You might be amazed.  Honestly it's one of those things that you can be happy with until you know how much better it can be!!

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Want to Go to The Super Bowl? #VZWSM

The best teams in the NFL are going head to head for the chance to reach the ultimate game of this season – Super Bowl XVII in New Orleans. The best part is that YOU could be there!

Four Grand Prize winners will score a trip for two to Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, LA, which includes:

• Round-trip coach air transportation for two to New Orleans
• Five-day, four night hotel accommodations (January 31 - February 4, 2013)
• Two Super Bowl XLVII tickets to the game to be played on February 3, 2013 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA
• $1,000 spending money
• Two gift bags complete with NFL Experience tickets and an NFL Shop Gift Card

To enter, visit a Verizon Wireless store near you and complete an entry form. Or, enter for free and check out the rules here. Good luck!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes ends 11/09/12 at 11:59 PM EDT. Must be 18 yrs. or older. For Official Rules and free entry, visit vzwrules.com/superbowlXLVII. The NFL Entities have not offered or sponsored this sweepstakes in any way. Msg and data rates may apply. © 2012 Verizon Wireless.

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Posh or Protected?

When it comes to my phone, I MAY have a slightly unhealthy love for an inanimate object.  I used to say I felt completely naked when I forgot it at home, but I can't even tell you the last time I actually let that happen.

So knowing its something that is ALWAYS on me, I'd love to have it be representative of my personality.  I crave a super cute case for my phone.  But when I got the Samsung Galaxy S III it was still very new and I couldn't find any cute case options (I totally googled this while still in the meeting learning about the phone with Verizon). So I opted for a white cover available from the Verizon store that promised serious protection for my new baby.

The case adds some noticeable weight to the otherwise sleek phone, but she's nice and safe in there.  And I hadn't really given much thought to changing her wardrobe until I saw this Pinterest board of cute cases now available.  I really love this pink striped case...especially since it's October and I'm wearing pink every day this month.  But when I look at the case, which seems thinner than mine, there is no protection for the front of the phone at all.  So I'm conflicted, can I really put my treasured phone at risk just to look stylish??

available here

How do YOU pick your phone case? Fashion or Function?

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Keeping in Touch

Being a single parent is hard.  It can be physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting.  But honestly anytime of parenting can be that way.  But one of the hardest parts of doing life five days a week alone is knowing that the kids are missing out.  I'm not a perfect parent.  (If you don't believe me check out my post about how unperfect I am here.)  But even on my best day as a mom, I'm still JUST the mom.

Now don't get me wrong, moms are amazing.  We are so many things to our kids that no one else will ever be...healer...comforter...cheerleader...maid...  But there is one thing we will NEVER be able to be and that's a Dad.  As a completely devoted sports mom, sometimes its hard to digest that my young athletes tend to value the input of their father over mine in this arena dispite the fact that I am the one who gets them to practice day after day, makes sure their uniform is clean and that they have the equipment that they need.  But the reality is, no matter how many games I am at, I can tell instantly when my son is scanning the crowd to see if DAD is there and watching.

So last night after Timmy's first ever chance getting to play quarter back in a scrimmage game was slightly less than successful, I knew that my pep talk simply wasn't going to cut it.  So when I got a text from his dad indicating he was probably taking a dinner break, I asked him to call.  I answered and explained how Timmy had asked if I'd sent a text to let him know "how horrible" he'd done at QB.  And he asked to talk to him.  I switch my phone (my Samsung Galaxy S III) to speaker and handed it to Timmy.  Although he wandered into his room to talk to his dad, I was still able to listen to their whole conversation while I made a late dinner.  I loved listening to them talk about how the sack wasn't his fault because the offensive line hadn't given him any coverage.  And talking through what happened with an interception.  I do wish he could have really HEARD the same message when I'd had almost the same conversation with him in the car on the way home.  But, I get it, it's a dad thing!  And I'm just glad that even though they can't see him during the week, that there are other ways for them to get what they need from him.

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Do You Cheat?

I swear I made it through all my years of school without ever doing any REAL cheating (oh shut up, a little 'help' with that homework you totally forgot about doesn't count).  But these days well...I admit it. I'm a total cheater.

I swear I started out totally against it.

I played Words With Friends and when someone told me how people were coming up with these insane words I'd never heard of by using a site you just plug your available letters into, I sort of gave up on the game.

When my opponents in Draw Something started just writing the word instead of actually Drawing SOMETHING, I sort of fizzled out.

But then I started playing 100 Floors.  Have you played it?  It starts off easy enough.  Pulling you, making you feel all smart.  And then suddenly I was all deer in the headlights....huh? I don't know what to do.  Poking and prodding.  Pushing...tilting.  Nothing worked.  I spent DAYS stuck on a level.  THIS level to be exact...

I could tell that the thing above the door was a code and I swear I tried every which way to poke the numbers and...nothing.  So finally after almost a week, I almost deleted the app. Then I did the unthinkable. I cheated.  Yup, I did a screen capture*, and uploaded to facebook with a request for some help.  And it totally worked. Within seconds my friends had my cheating back.  And I moved on to the next level.

Since I don't play games too often I only made a it a few more levels before stopping for awhile.  Then I was quickly stuck again the next time I picked it up.  Even my kids looked at it and had no clue.  So once again I went to my facebook friends. 

I SWEAR I tried to do just what was needed several times but once I KNEW that was the right thing it still took a couple attempts.  But guess what...apparently I don't even need to bug my friends when I'm stuck...the solutions are all on youtube!  You'd have thought.  So yeah, I checked and I've made it through a ton of levels now! I'm totally addicted to cheating!

So tell me, do YOU cheat at games?  

What app/game is your current addiction?

*Screen capture on the Samsung Galasy SIII is so easy! I love it!

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Verizon How Sweet the Sound™ tour Giveaway #VZWSM

Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound™ Gospel Celebration unites communities and cities across America in celebration and song.  The tour pays tribute to gospel music and provides local choirs a platform to showcase their talent with a broader community. Choirs rejoice in song and praise; sing in front of gospel greats and fans; and compete for a chance to win up to $50,000 in cash and prizes.

This year, regional events will take place in the following cities:

·         Dallas – Sept. 6 at Verizon Theater at Grand Prairie

·         Atlanta – Sept. 10 at Philips Arena

·         Washington, DC – Sept. 12 at Verizon Center

·         Newark – Sept. 13 at Prudential Center

·         Detroit – Sept. 15 at Joe Louis Arena

·         Chicago – Sept. 17 at United Center

·         Los Angeles – Sept. 21 at Staples Center

·         Finale - New York – Nov. 4 at Barclays Center

GRAMMY® award-winning, songwriter, producer, arranger and music director Donald Lawrence will return as host and be joined by GRAMMY® award-winning entertainer, producer, author and syndicated radio host Yolanda Adams. In addition, Erica Campbell of Mary Mary, Fred Hammond, Bishop Hezekiah Walker and CeCe Winans will serve as resident judges for this year’s competition, which will feature each region’s top six choirs 

Tickets to the 2012 Verizon How Sweet the Sound™ tour are on sale now.  For more details about Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound™ including video content, judging criteria, ticket sales information, and official rules, please visit www.HowSweettheSound.com. 

Want to attend the Chicago event? I have TWO tickets to check out these fabulous performers:

• Dexter Walker and Zion Movement
• Voices of St. James
• The Wheaton College Gospel Choir
• Andre Crittenden & the L.A.W. (Living Anointed Warriors)
• Anthony McGahee and Praise Motivated
• Gregg and F.R.I.E.N.D.S Choir

 Enter to win two tickets to Verizon How Sweet the Sound September 17th at United Center, Chicago!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Taking Photos with Samsung Galxay S III from Verizon #VZWSM

On my recent trip to Chicago we had the most amazing night view of downtown. It was bright and beautiful. But my first attempt at capturing it on my phone was...less than impressive.This is taken through our hotel window, no flash.  It doesn't come close to capturing the breath taking view. 

Seriously wanting to capture the view and not having brought my DSLR (because I'm a lazy photog who can't handle carrying a DSLR 12 miles around town while chasing after kids) I decided to see if there might be some setting to help me.  AH, night setting...and beauty captured!  If you blow it up big enough you can see its a little blurry but that's my hand shake. If I used something to stabilize it, it would be even better.  

Totally loving my Galaxy S III.  

Do you have a phone that takes great photos?  How about a photo editing app that you love? I use Instagram sometimes but I'd love to find a fun app that lets you keep a full frame photo (not making it square).





Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Attend a Verizon Wireless Workshop! #VZWSM

 

Attend a free Wireless Workshop online or in a store to learn everything you need to know about your device.

Classes are taught by Verizon experts. Discover powerful new features. Access email on the go. Experience useful apps. Learn all of this and a whole lot more.

Even after using a smart phone for several years and getting a great hands on lesson the day we got out Samsung Galaxy S 3, I am still finding questions and learning each day with my phone.  I'm sure I'm not the only one so if you could use a little help with your Verizon device check out their workshops online OR in stores.  For more info visit Verizon.com here. 


 

I'm a Midwest Savvy Moms Blogger #VZWSM

This weekend I had the most amazing time downtown Chicago thanks to the Verizon Midwest Savvy Moms program.  We met some fabulous people from Verizon, were treated to some fabulous food, and stayed at the super cool Hard Rock Hotel.

Oh and did I mention I got a brand new Verizon device??  I'm totally in love and can't wait to share all about it!

Stay tuned this week for lots of photos and details about my trip. 

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”