Monday, December 22, 2014

U. S. Cellular - Better Moments Blogger Brigade - 6 Tips for Winterizing Your Phone


Winter is here!!  I have only had to deal with the freezing temperatures.  Thankfully, no snow or ice yet.  I wouldn't complain if we had a white Christmas.

Most people winterize their camper, garden, home lawn and sprinklers before the snow flies and temperatures falls.  No wonder ever thinks to winterize their phones or tablets or at least I never have until now.   There are wireless winter steps you can take in an effort to keep your smartphone or tablet from freezing up during cold temperatures.   I have winterize my Samsung Galaxy and am now prepared.



Accessorize: A LifeProof case is rugged and waterproof and can protect your device through inclement weather such as frigid temperatures, ice and snow.
App-etizing:  AccuWeather, MyRadar Weather Radar, The Weather Channel and WeatherBug are among the leading free apps available on iTunes and the Google Play store to help keep people ahead of winter storms.
Battery Blues: When cellphone batteries are exposed to cold temperatures, their performance dips like the winter mercury. Cellphone batteries that would provide 100 percent capacity at 80 degrees will typically only deliver 50 percent when it’s 0 degrees outside. 
Cover Up: Prolonged exposure to the cold may affect a cellphone’s display screen. The display cover can become brittle when exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period of time, which causes the liquid crystals within the display to start freezing.
Don’t Fret When Wet: If a cellphone gets wet from condensation or an encounter with snow, power it down right away and remove the battery. You should grab a towel or napkins to get as much excess water off the phone as possible. You should leave a wet cellphone powered down for a day or two to give the internal circuitry a chance to completely dry out. 
Phone for Cold and Snow: The Kyocera DuraForce is an ultra-rugged smartphone that is certified to operate all the way down to negative 22 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also certified IP68 waterproof, so it can be fully submerged up to 6 feet deep for up to 30 minutes, and with its “Wet & Glove Touchscreen Operation,” you can use the phone while wearing your winter gloves and the touchscreen will continue to operate when the phone gets snow or rain on it.

Additional Information: Did you buy your child a phone for Christmas?  If so, U.S. Cellular has developed a Parent-Child Agreement that can guide the conversations parents and children have about cell phone usage.  The agreement is customizable so that families can make it work for their specific needs.  You can find the agreement here.

Disclosure: I am a compensated member of the U.S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade. All opinions are my own.

Friday, November 14, 2014

U. S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade - Tips to Shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday like a Pro


Can you believe it?  It's time to start our Christmas shopping if you haven't already.  Fortunately, I have purchased a few presents but I normally have more done by now.  As always, I am looking for the best deal possible on every item on my list.  By using my phone while shopping, I have already saved money on a couple of toys for my children.  Spending less money makes the holiday so much more enjoyable for me.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday is coming up in just a few days.  You can usually find the best deals of the year.  Whether you like to shop from your couch or visit the stores, smartphones can assist in ensuring you are efficient in your purchases, leaving more time to enjoy the rest of the season's offerings.

Below is a few great apps that can assist in your shopping:

- In order to find the best deals around, the Slickdeals is one app bargain hunters will want to have at their fingertips this Black Friday. Millions of users submit, vote and comment on deals across the nation so the best deals rise to the front page. Of the millions of sales and promotions across the web on any given day, the 30 best deals across the nation make it to the Slickdeals Frontpage every day. This app will help you find the best deals on Black Friday, as chosen by fellow deal seeking shoppers.  Using this app can be used on Androids or Apple phones and saves time by helping users determine where to get the lowest price.
-  For those who prefer to skip the crowds altogether and shop online on Cyber Monday, the Amazon Mobile app presents users with amazing deals and can help them to get the best price for the item they are shopping for, all in one place. With Amazon Mobile, users are able to zip through their shopping from home on their smartphones and tablets, with [Wave 1, 2, 3: the 4G LTE network, with speeds of up to 10 times faster than 3G] U.S. Cellular’s high-speed network so they can finish shopping and spend more time with family and friends.

- For those a little less prepared for Black Friday 2014, the Shopkick app can help you out the moment you enter the store. Shopkick helps discover all the best products at stores closest to you. Various stores like Target, Macy's, Best Buy, Old Navy, American Eagle, JCPenney, Sports Authority and Crate & Barrel have partnered with the app to give you instant deals the moment you walk into their retail store. Plus, the more you visit the stores, you receive more rewards you with kicks (points) just for walking in the door. Get even more kicks when you scan items and make purchases. Points can then be redeemed for gift cards at your favorite stores. The more you use the Shopkick app on your  Androids or Apple phones during Black Friday and throughout the holiday season, the more rewards you gain, helping you get even more deals for all your gift shopping.
 Hopefully, these apps will work great for you in finding some great deals.


Additional Information: U.S. Cellular has developed a Parent-Child Agreement that can guide the conversations parents and children have about cell phone usage.  The agreement is customizable so that families can make it work for their specific needs.  You can find the agreement here.

Disclosure: I am a compensated member of the U.S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade. All opinions are my own.

Monday, October 6, 2014

U. S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade - "Shark Tank Meets Main Street" Sweepstakes


Last year, U.S. Cellular launched the “Spotlight on America’s Backbone” contest which invited small businesses in the company’s footprint to enter to win free advertising, cash and a year of wireless service to help grow their business. To further show their commitment to business owners, U.S. Cellular expanded on that this year and gave consumers more access to tools and support to help grow their business or make their entrepreneurial dreams come true by working with ABC’s “Shark Tank”.



- The first phase of the partnership included Casting Calls, which took place over the over the past few months, where U.S. Cellular provided access to the primetime show via a casting tour exclusively in their footprint, giving small businesses the opportunity to pitch their business, product or idea for a chance to appear before the Sharks on Shark Tank, airing on national TV. 
 
- The second phase is the sweepstakes, open for entry now. This sweepstakes will provide customers in the U.S. Cellular footprint the opportunity to gain unprecedented access to the casting call process, hear tips and advice from other small business owners. One lucky winner will win an exclusive behind-the-scenes Shark Tank experience, which includes a VIP seat during the entire pitch process in LA, lunch with the casting team and opportunities to engage the Sharks throughout the day to ask any burning questions, including how he/she can further their business if the winner is a business owner.
 
- Along with the Sweepstakes, consumers can visit  Americasbackbone.com/sharktank  to view custom content that will cover both a behind-the-scenes look at the Shark Tank casting process (what Casting Calls are like, what it takes to make a great pitch), what happens after you get funded, along with stories and advice from real entrepreneurs we met at our Casting Calls (about their businesses, the obstacles they’re facing, what they’re looking for from the Sharks, etc.).
 
- U.S. Cellular is committed to the people and businesses in their markets in a way that their competitors are not. Providing access to Shark Tank is a demonstration of the brand’s commitment to the communities U.S. Cellular services.
 
- U.S. Cellular champions small business owners and wanted to offer them access to tools to help them be successful. By working with ABC’s “Shark Tank,” U.S. Cellular provided an unprecedented opportunity for people in local communities to pitch their ideas to experts and have the chance to grow their business. 
 
- Winners will be selected between 11/1-11/14 and the announcement will be between 11/17-11/21
 
- To sign up, visit ShadowSharktank.com


Additional Information: U.S. Cellular has developed a Parent-Child Agreement that can guide the conversations parents and children have about cell phone usage.  The agreement is customizable so that families can make it work for their specific needs.  You can find the agreement here.


Disclosure: I am a compensated member of the U.S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade. All opinions are my own.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Available NOW - FREE McCafe Coffee - Septemeber 16th - September 29th

September 16th - September 29th McDonald's will be giving away a FREE small  McCafe coffee during breakfast hours at participating McDonald's restaurants across the country. 

Enjoy!! 

FREE Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Meta Health Bar

Click here to request your FREE sample of a Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Meta Health Bar.

My Favorite Drug Store Deals This Week - 9/14-9/20

Here is a list of my favorite deals at CVS this week:





7UP, A&W or Canada Dry - .99
Use .30 coupon from the CVS coupon machine
Final Price - .69




Here is a list of my favorite deals at Walgreens:









Palmolive - .99
Use .50 coupon 9/14 SS
Final Price - .49 each

Accu Chek Glucose Monitor - $17.99
Receive 3000 Balance Points
Use $14.99 MIR
Final Price - FREE after Rebate and Register Rewards 




Here is a list of my favorite deals at Rite Aid this week:







Tresemme Shampoo or Conditioner or Stylers - 2/$8
Buy 2 and Receive $3 UPR
Use (2) $2 coupons 8/24 RP
Final Price - .50 each after coupons and UPR

Menu Planning Monday



Monday - Taco Roll

Tuesday - Old Bay Tilapia and Shrimp


Wednesday - Spaghetti, French Bread

Thursday - ChickenTenders, Salad, Oven Potatoes

Friday - Grilled Chicken, Rice, Grilled Vegetables

Saturday - Birthday Dinner out for my mom

Sunday - I try to leave Sunday open. DH likes to cook! 


You can find other great weekly menus at Menu Planning Monday at Organized Junkie!

Great Coupons Available



Great coupons are available.  Print them while you can.

$1.00 off 2 Kellogg's Nutri-Grain/Special K Bars
$0.75 off ONE BOX Old El Paso Bold Nacho Cheese
$1.00 off any 5 Yoplait Greek yogurt
$1.00 off two Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough
$0.75 off 3 Totino's™ Rolls Snacks or Bold Rolls
$0.50 off any two Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad

Thought of the Day

"I a m thankful for all those difficult people in my life, they have shown me exactly who I do not want to be."

Kushand Wisdom


Friday, September 12, 2014

Ways I Saved/Earned Money This Week

- I read all of my MyPoints emails daily for my account and my husband's to add points to receive FREE gift cards.

- Cleaned out my coupon binder and filed away new coupons.

- Used my dishwasher only once this week.

- Printed a couple coupons to be used in the future.

- Requested a few FREE samples.


- Stuck to my menu plan. No eating out. 

- Continued to cut my dryer sheets in half to save.

-  Planned my grocery shopping using sales and coupons. 

- Entered Coke Reward Points, Pampers Rewards and Huggies Rewards points to each account for FREE gift cards, coupons and gifts.

- Read a couple of FREE magazines = FREE entertainment.

- Paid a few bills online.  Money saved without having to purchase stamps.

- Received several samples in the mail that have been put to good use.

- Used a few FREE samples this week - pads, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.

- Read a couple of free ebooks on my Kindle app.

- Purchased 8 winter outfits for Payton and Bryson.  Between sales and coupons.  I purchased all 16 pieces for under $80.

- Continued preparing my items for a consignment sale.  Selling my kids outgrown clothes and toys they no longer play with.



What did you do to save/earn money this week?

My Favorite Deals at Lowes Foods This Week - 9/10-9/16


Here is a list of my favorite deals at Lowes Foods this week.  Remember, Lowes Foods doubles coupons up to .99. You can use 20 coupons per transaction. They will accept 4 "like" coupons and 2 "like" internet coupons.

Also, you can earn .05 per gallon fuel rewards with every $100 spent.

Blue Bonnet Spread - $1

Lowes Foods Bacon Center Cut - $2.99


Progresso Classics Soup - $1
Use .50 coupon 9/7 SS
Final Price - FREE

Tetley Tea Bags - $.99
Use .75 coupon 8/3 SS
Final Price - FREE

Dean's Dips - $1.50
Use .55 printable coupon
Final Price - $.40 each

Hungry Jack Hasbrowns - $1.25
Use $.50 printable coupon
Final Price - .25 each

Ray O Vac Alkaline Batteries - $1
Use $1 coupon 8/3 RP
Final Price - FREE 



You can find this weeks sales ad here!

New A. C. Moore Coupon



Click here to print this awesome coupon.

- 55% off any one regular priced item Today or Tomorrow

Coupons are valid 9/12-9/13.

Still Available - FREE Sample of Garnier Clean +

Click here to request your FREE sample of Garnier Clean+.  You have a choice between oily, combination, and dry skin.

FREE Sample of Purina Fancy Feast Broth

Click here to request your FREE sample of Purina Fancy Feast Broth.

Still Available - FREE Sample of Schiff Move Free

Click here to request your FREE sample of Schiff Move Free.

FREE Sample of Escada Joyful Perfume

Click here to request your FREE sample of Escada Joyful Perfume.

FREE Sample of Origins of all-new Plantscription™ Anti-Aging Power Serum

Click here to request your FREE sample of Origins all-new Plantscription™ Anti-Aging Power Serum.

FREE Quest Protein Bar Sample

Click here to request your FREE Quest Protein Bar.  You can choose between:

- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and White Chocolate Raspberry
- Double Chocolate Chunk and Apple Pie
- Chocolate Brownie and Cinnamon Roll
- Chocolate Peanut Butter and Coconut Cashew

Sunday Coupon Preview


There will be 2 coupon inserts in this Sundays paper - 1 - Smartsource inserts and 1 - RedPlum inserts.

Here is a list of a few of my favorites:

Arm & Hammer $2/2 liquid, powder or single dose laundry detergent
Aussie $1/1 styler or hairspray
Benadryl $1/1 oral product 24ct+
Dreamfields $1/2 pasta packages
Eggland’s Best $.50/1 eggs
Angel Soft $.45/1 bath tissue
Angel Soft $1/1 with fresh lavender scent 12 rolls
Gillette $3/1 men’s razor or disposable razor
Herbal Essences $1/1 body wash

You can find a complete list here.

You can also find lots of great printable coupons available from Coupons.com, RedPlum, and Smartsource.


Mega Swagbucks Day


If you haven't signed up with Swagbucks, you definitely need to. It is a great search engine where you can earn swagbucks every time you search. I average 20-30 swagbucks a day. You can also download the Swagbucks Toolbar and Swagbucks will give you FREE swagcodes occasionally.
You can redeem your swagbucks for great prizes. My favorite prize is Amazon gift cards. With 450 swagbucks you can earn a $5 Amazon gift card. I apply my gift cards to my Amazon account and save them to use at Christmas.

You can sign up for Swagbucks here and earn 30 swagbucks just by signing up!

Would You Like to Earn FREE Gift Cards???




Mypoints is a rewards program that lets you earn Points when you shop, take surveys, read emails, book travel, use coupons and more. Those Points can be redeemed for gift cards at a wide variety of well-known stores.

I never shop through Mypoints, I only take surveys and read emails. I have earned several gift cards.  I like to use my gift cards for Christmas shopping or to take my family out to dinner.

Sign up for a free MyPoints account and earn points for searching the web, reading emails and visiting websites.

Great Coupons Available



Great coupons are available.  Print them while you can.

$0.50 off ONE Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
$0.55 off ONE Cascade Product
$0.25 off ONE Bounty Paper Towels
B2G1 Single Renuzit Adjustable Air Freshener Cones
$0.50 off ONE Downy Product

Thought of the Day

"Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars.  You have to let go at some point in order to move forward."

C. S. Lewis

Thursday, September 11, 2014

3 of My Favorite Thrifty Pins This Week

3 of My Favorite Thrifty Pins This Week:


Spaghetti Salad - This looks amazing.



Homemade Bookmarks - This is a great thrifty gift for my daughter to make for her classmates for Christmas.



Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles - These sound wonderful.

FREE McCafe Coffee - September 16th - September 29th

September 16th - September 29th McDonald's will be giving away a FREE small  McCafe coffee during breakfast hours at participating McDonald's restaurants across the country. 
Enjoy!!

FREE Sample of Breathe Right

Click here to request your FREE sample of Breathe Right strip sample.

Great Coupons Available



Great coupons are available.  Print them while you can.
$1.00 off Minute Maid Drops Water Enhancer
$0.50 off All You Magazine
$0.50 off TWO BOXES Betty Crocker Fruit Shapes
$0.75 off ONE BOX Old El Paso Bold Nacho Cheese
$0.50 off ONE Bisquick Baking Mix or Pancake Mix