U. S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade - Sync up your New Year's resolution to stay on track

2015 is here!  I can't believe how fast 2014 flew by.  With a new year, people tend to set new goals or resolutions.  Along with many others, I plan to continue my goal of finding ways to simplify my life and finding new ways to save money throughout the new year.

Another popular goal or resolution that almost everyone tends to set each year is to improve their health by losing weight, eating healthier and exercising more.  Families are already relying on technology in their daily lives.  U. S. Cellular is happy to help people leverage the available technology to enhance and simplify their lives so they can enjoy better moments with family and friends over the New Year and all year long.   A recent survey found that more than one in four U. S. smarphone or tablet owners plan to use their smart mobile device to help them keep on track with their resolutions.  Now is a great time to review your smartphone.  Are you able to use your phone to help achieve your goal.  If not, maybe a new phone would be helpful.  U. S. Cellular has the latest phones available to help - Apple iPhone 6 or a Samsung Galaxy S5.  Their 4g LTE network, with speeds of up to 10 times faster than 3G would be helpful in downloading helpful apps.  


Below are some great apps that help you reach your  goal and resolutions in 2015:

- The Runtastic Six Pack app is great for those looking to lose weight or get in shape. This free app allows users to work out from home by creating custom work outs with a virtual personal trainer which will show users the proper way to do new exercises. 
 
- The Runtastic Six Pack and its 50 workout videos can also be paired with the UP by Jawbone - a fitness wristband. It can track what you eat, any activities throughout the day and your sleeping habits, then suggest small changes that will help you reach your goals. 

- Getting organized is another popular resolution, and we all know how hard it can be. The Any.Do app is an award winner that’s perfect for enhancing any to-do list. The app allows you to create lists of tasks that need to be completed and organize them by category and importance. You can set alarms and also easily sync your tasks from your mobile to your desktop to help stay on top of any to-do list, no matter where you are.
 
- Many people resolve to see more of their family members throughout the year. The GroupMe app allows everyone in the family to stay in touch and make plans, no matter where in the country they are located. This app allows users to create several groups in which each member can share events, photos, videos and texts. 
 
- Saving money is a recurring resolution for many. According to a 2014 U.S. Cellular survey, 43 percent of smartphone users made the resolution to save money in 2014. In 2015, smartphone owners can accomplish this task with the Check app. The free app allows users to link bills, bank accounts and credit cards. The app then notifies users of when a payment is coming up and even lets users set up automatic payments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

U. S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade - Fall TV is Back, Time to Cut the Cable Cord?

I look forward to this time of the year.  I can't wait to see my favorite shows that I have missed all summer.   Many Americans have decided to cut their landlines and instead use mobile devices at home. In addition to cutting phone landlines, many Americans have also decided to cut their subscriptions to cable or satellite TV, as they have found alternate ways to stream movies and TV at home via smartphones and tablets.  With the reliability of U. S. Cellular's 4G LTE network I am able to watch individual TV shows on my Galaxy smartphone. 


Americans who no longer subscribe to cable or satellite TV have increased 44 percent in the past four years to 7.6 million households, according to an Experian Marketing Services report.   A recent U.S. Cellular survey revealed that 79 percent of respondents use a smartphone daily. Of those, 84 percent have cable or satellite TV, but 34 percent have considered dropping it for alternate services. Furthermore, 15 percent are likely to discontinue cable or satellite TV in the next year. Smartphones and tablets, such as the 4G LTE Samsung Galaxy S 5 and Apple iPad Air, are popular devices to watch downloaded or streaming video.  Using a mobile device with 4G LTE speeds is a great way to help you keep up with your favorite shows wherever you are.  Smartphones and tablets have reduced the need to fully depend on a remote control to find your favorite TV show, sporting event or a movie.  

With the fall TV season set to debut soon, here are tips and questions to help viewers decide if it’s time to tune out cable or satellite TV:    

Determine what TV shows you watch. If your list is small, Google Play and iTunes sell individual TV episodes for $1.99 to $2.99. Season passes are available at a discount rate.      

Hulu Plus and Netflix offer monthly subscriptions that begin at $7.99, and you can watch HD shows on all of your devices including your computer, tablet or smartphone.        

Are you already a subscriber to at least one of the above mentioned monthly subscription sites? Then you may be interested in purchasing a streaming media player such as a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire, which allows you access to thousands of channels, subscriptions services, convenient ways to rent or buy movies, watch on demand shows and play games.  

Are you always on-the-go and can’t watch your shows when they initially air? Being able to stream them wherever you are from a tablet or smartphone with an inexpensive subscription may be a more efficient way to see your favorite storylines.

Do you watch a variety of comedies, dramas and sporting events on a wide range of channels? While alternatives are available, it may be better to keep your cable or satellite service to ensure you can continue to watch everything you want.
 





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.

U. S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade - BACK TO SCHOOL 101: Stay in the Know, on the Go

It's that time of year again that some parents look forward to.  I myself dread it.  It seems to be an overwhelming time for me.  There are so many things to plan for plus its also a sign of summer coming to end which I dislike. I find this time of the year depressing.

Schedules seem to be a big task for me this year.  I am still trying to make sure I get everyone in the right place at the right time.  Between school schedules, pick up schedules, cheerleading, dance, gymnastic class I am still working on maintaining a weekly schedule.  I am using my calendar on my Apple iPhone 5S to help remind daily my family's schedule.  You could also use a Galaxy S5 to help with back to school schedules. 

Whether students forget to check for homework assignments or miss class due to illness, students don’t want to fall behind. Access to information and connecting with teachers and other students is just a click away with the help of smartphones and tablets.
 
According to a recent survey by U.S. Cellular, 74 percent of households with children under the age of 18 have at least one tablet. Tablets and smartphones are becoming a simple tool to ensure students keep making the grade.
 
According to a recent Student Mobile Device Survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 87 percent of students would like to use digital textbooks so they don’t have to carry so much in their backpacks. And half of those students surveyed use their pocket-friendly smartphones instead of tablets.
 
Tablets are also being used in the classroom; learning apps, eBooks, online educational videos and internet access can all enhance the learning experience.
 
With reliable mobile access to the internet on a robust network such as a 4G LTE network/high-speed network through U.S. Cellular, teachers and students can effectively harness the full capability of this technology.
 
Students, teachers and parents can optimize their connected learning experience with the help of the following apps recommended by U.S. Cellular:
 
Skype (Android) / Facetime (iOS): These free Internet video calling services allow teachers and students to collaborate wherever they are. Teachers can bring guest speakers into class to discuss their expertise, thereby demonstrating how school subjects are relevant to real life. Students can take virtual field trips anywhere in the world. No permission slip required.
 
Teacher’s Assistant Pro: Featured in USA Today as one of the best teacher apps, Teacher’s Assistant Pro ($3.99 download) allows teachers to keep track of student actions, behaviors and achievements in the classroom. Using an iPhone or iPad, teachers can record student infractions and accolades, create a detailed written description of the event, and communicate with parents, reducing time consuming paperwork.

Notability: This powerful note-taker app is free and allows iOS and Android users to complete worksheets, sketch ideas, keep a journal, integrate photos and record a lecture, and keep it all in one place. Use the search feature to quickly locate notes by title or content. Share with others using iCloud or Google Drive.

DropBox: This cloud-based file sharing and storage free app lets users circulate files from different locations over different networks. Turn in and return assignments, provide up-to-date syllabi from different locations quickly, and post grades securely and easily. 


If you are thinking about purchasing a phone for your child, a Parent Child Agreement may be something that could come in handy.


U.S. Cellular is donating $1 million to fund teacher classroom projects through its Calling All Teachers program. Last year, the company contributed $500,000 towards educational materials for improved classroom experiences. U.S. Cellular is working with DonorsChoose.org for a fourth time and encourages teachers to post their projects on the site for potential funding. DonorsChoose.org is a charity website that helps teachers identify funds from corporate and individual donations for classroom projects.
 
Through U.S. Cellular's ongoing commitment to the community and education, the company has contributed more than $7 million through this and other philanthropic programming. Starting today K-12 public school teachers can register online at DonorsChoose.org and affiliate as a U.S. Cellular teacher. Then beginning August 11, they can post their classroom projects for funding consideration. Through DonorsChoose.org U.S. Cellular has funded more than 4,500 classroom projects to date, which included technology tools, art equipment and science experiments. All projects must be submitted by September 21 to be eligible for this year’s funding. Selected projects will be in announced in October.


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

U. S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade - Cell Phone Etiquette

July is National Cellphone Courtesy month and U. S. Cellular is celebrating by promoting positive cell phone etiquette.  Everyone is constantly on their cell phone, including me, either talking, texting, or replying to emails.  I just wish everyone used a little cell phone etiquette.  I think there is certain times when it is inappropriate to be on your cell phone. The sounds, rings, beeps from your phone can also be distracting.  I wish everyone agreed with me.


Tips for improving courtesy by busy cellphone users:

- Set the ground rules.  If you have plans to meet a relative for dinner or spend happy hour wiht a group of friends, discuss expectations for phone use.  by determining technology use before the gathering, everyone is able to enjoy the occasion. 
- Seek to understand.  Focus on similarities instead of differences and set a goal to understand those around you.  By understanding other's wireless device use,  you'll be more courteous of their expectations.
- Don't be a buzz kill.  Putting a phone on vibrate during a meeting or event can be a good idea, as vibration mode is meant to alert only you.  However, it can distract others if the phone is placed on a table in a meeting or meal.  Put the phone in a pocket, where it can alert you to a call but isn't disturbing others.  If you forget to turn off the ringer and get an unexpected call, phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 stop ringing by simply flipping over the device.
- Avoid being blinded by the light.  Adjust screen brightness prior to entering a dimly lit space, such as a restaurant, recital or school play.  this allows you to use the device to take photos or use social media without disturbing those around you.

Interesting Facts:

A Pew Research survey found that 67% of cellphone owners find themselves checking their phones for messages, alerts or calls - even when they don't notice their phone ringing or vibrating. 


According to a recent U. S. Cellular survey, 37% of users say others get upset with them for phone use, while 63% say they get upset at others for phone use. (Between Nov. 15 and Dec. 2, 2013, 500 nationally representative online interviews were conducted among smartphone users in partnership with Maritz Research.)

As may be expected, smartphone owners who are over the age of 54 have stronger etiquette beliefs than younger users - Among adults 55-64, 82% think it is rude to check your phone while talking with someone else, and 80% think its rude to check while dining.

63% of users 18-34 think it is rude to be on your phone while talking to someone else, while 57 percent think it is rude to check while dining. 

Women are more likely to prefer texting over men.  They are also more likely to have checked or used their phone to avoid conversations. 

63% of people believe that no one gets upset at them for their phone use.  This is the same proporation that sometimes gets upset with other for using phone or tablet.  


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

U.S. Cellular - Better Moments Blogger Brigade - Parent-Child Agreement

Giving a child a cell phone comes with a lot of responsibility.  They are responsible for not breaking the law when driving.  Laws vary by state and it is up to them not to break them.  They also have to take care of their phone and follow the guidelines that their parents set. 
My children are young.  It will be many years before they get a phone.    In a recent U.S. Cellular survey, respondents indicated that 13 was an appropriate age for a child to receive their first mobile phone, whereas five years ago this age was 15.  I already know there will be times that they will not be allowed to use their phone.  There are certain times when it is rude and inappropriate to be chatting or texting.  A recent U.S. Cellular survey found 39 percent of parents say they wish their children would talk to them instead of texting/emails or instant messaging them.
U.S. Cellular has developed a Parent-Child Agreement that can guide the conversations parents and children have about cell phone usage.  The Parent-Child Agreement was developed in response to data from U. S. Cellular's Better Moments online survey, which found that half of U. S. Cellular customers with children say their kids currently own mobile phones.   In addition, while 91% of parents set mobile phone usage guidelines for their children, 63% indicated they would find it helpful to have an agreement to guide their ability to supervise children's usage and behavior with mobile devices.  The agreement is customizable so that families can make it work for their specific needs.  You can find the agreement here.

For parents who have just purchased a new mobile device for their child, U.S. Cellular recommends the following tips to help ensure their children’s usage is both safe and courteous:

- Establish guidelines: According to the U.S. Cellular Better Moments survey, 72% of families have rules regarding child’s cell phone use. To help make this conversation as easy as possible for all parents, U.S. Cellular’s Parent-Child Agreement provides customizable suggestions on safety and etiquette that focus on creating better moments within families. The intention is to make this work for each individual family, and to show how technology can enhance time spent together as a family. 

- Set up their phone: Take the time to set up your child’s phone to ensure they only have access to phone features and apps that are appropriate for their age. The U.S. Cellular Family Protector App provides safety and security by allowing parents to block websites, restrict the downloading of applications, and more. 

- Monitor usage: Regularly checking in on your child’s mobile phone usage can ensure they are using their phone safely and responsibly. The Family Protector app allows parents to monitor call content including text messages, contacts and call history. It can also set schedules for usage to ensure children are not using their device at school and can also set time limits for using the internet once home.

U.S. Cellular will offer free Device Workshops in July that focus on this very topic. At the workshops, U.S. Cellular associates will offer families tips on setting phone guidelines and share suggestions to help with the decision of getting their child their first cell phone.   Choosing a phone for your child can be hard to determine.  The workshops can help you decide.  You may be interested in the iPhone 5 or Samsung Galaxy S5.  For a list of Device Workshops in your area, visit www.uscellular.com/events



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

U. S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade - Earth Day

Earth Day is coming up soon.  I try to celebrate Earth Day each year with my children.  I take this a great opportunity to educate them on ways to develop and practice "green" habits.  I have always tried to teach them to recycle and save energy.   They have learned to use our recycle bins when disposing of their trash.  We have also celebrated Earth Day by having 1 hour without using any kind of energy.  This included no lights, no TV, and no electronic games.  We used candles for lights and played a game together as a family.  We also finished the hour out by reading books.   Believe it or not, they survived with no power and we enjoyed our hour together.

In honor of Earth Day, U.S. Cellular encourages people to recycle their old electronic devices and is providing incentives to do so. Customers can get up to $250 when they trade in qualified smartphones - including Apple® iPhones - at U.S. Cellular retail locations through the company's Trade-in Program.  

Statistics on the numbers of electronics that are not being recycled are sobering; of the 141 million mobile phones that were discarded in 2009 (the most recent data available), only 12 million were recycled, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Thirty percent of people who do not recycle their used cell phones refrain from doing so because they don’t know where to recycle their devices, according to an online poll conducted by Earth911.

While recycling old devices is one way to be green, there are other ways to reduce, reuse and recycle from the palm of your hand with a 4G LTE network and a device such as the Apple iPhone® 5c or iPad Air. In honor of Earth Day, U.S. Cellular offers the following tips; apps and websites that will help people become more eco-friendly.

Have fun (and get rewarded) by going greener.
         Recyclebank.com provides actionable tips and advice to become more environmentally conscious.  Plus, users get rewarded with points (redeemable for grocery discounts, gift cards, etc.) by being green (recycling, using less water, etc.)
         The fun JouleBug app also provides valuable information about going green, and users can earn badges and compete with others to be the most eco-friendly.  JouleBug claims that users who follow their tips will save an average of $200 per year - which can make your wallet greener as well! 

Recycle more easily.
         The 1800Recycling app identifies nearby recycling locations based on ZIP code, and provides directions to the recycling centers and lists which materials they'll take.



Enjoy Earth Day and let me know how you celebrated! 

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

U. S. Cellular Blogger Brigade - Using Your Smartphone For Gardening

Last year was the first year I had a "real" garden.  I had planted a few plants each year but last year we went all out and planted a huge garden.  My family loves fresh vegetables and my children loved watching the seeds and plants that we planted grow and produce vegetables.  They also loved to gather the vegetables when they were ready to pick.   According to the National Gardening Association, an average well-maintained garden can yield up to $500 worth of produce, which can help families save money at the grocery store.   It was a wonderful experience and look forward to doing it again.

Luckily, I received my new phone, the Samsung Galaxy S4 right before summer.  I was able to document the progress of my garden, the vegetables they were grew and pictures of my kids showing their excitement when picking the vegetables.  I shared pictures with friends and family and they too enjoyed watching the progress of my garden.

With the help of a smartphone or tablet and some creative apps, both novice and experienced gardeners can simplify and enhance growing their gardens and the planting the seeds for savings.  There are a host of great apps that can ensure you're choosing the right seeds and plants for your climate and conditions, and protecting your investment in your garden.

Whether the desire to see your garden blossom is driven by saving money, simply to add curb appeal to your home, or create a backyard oasis, there are a host of great apps than can ensure you're choosing the right seeds and plants for your climate and conditions, and protecting your investment in your garden.

iScape Free - Before tilling away at the landscape around your home, take a moment to snap a photo of your yard as it is, and use this creative app to add pathways, shrubs, lighting and flowers to view realistic renderings of your ideas. iScape Free, in Apple’s App Store, brings gardening ideas closer to reality before the user spends even a penny on supplies.

Garden Manager - This free Android app, available in Google Play, is perfect for the busy gardener.  The timer allows for multiple alarms to be set for watering, fertilizing, spraying pesticide or custom task.  Snap and save quick photos in the app to treasure the plants you have been growing and even share on social media.

Happy Little Farmer Lite - This free app, in Google Play and Apple’s App Store, brings the whole family together to be involved in the garden without getting dirty. The educational app allows young children to play games that teach how fruits and vegetables grow. Kids can plow, plant, water and even chase bugs away from their own virtual garden, picking up skills they can put to use when working alongside mom and dad in their real one, creating better family moments along the way.


Device Workshops are available in your area to learn more about utilizing all that their device to offer.  To find a workshop near you, click here! 



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

U. S. Cellular Blogger Brigade - Love Your Network Phone Challenge

Have you ever left home and forgot your cell phone?  I have and I admit, if I have time I turn around and go back to get it.  I can not live without my phone.  I am not sure how I survived without it.


Cell phones have become a "necessity" for almost everyone.  Mobile devices help us communicate more frequently, share experiences immediately, and generally enrich the quality of our relationships. Whether at home or on-the-go, U.S. Cellular is providing the tools needed to help consumers create, discover, enhance and share life’s Better Moments with their families.



It’s easy to take your mobile phone for granted when you are covered by U.S. Cellular.  Their customers “love their network” and easily forget what it’s like to have dropped calls or no network coverage since U.S. Cellular’s high-speed network has the highest call quality of any national carrier. U.S. Cellular delivers an unmatched customer experience.  U.S. Cellular knows that having an unreliable network, one that doesn’t cover you where you work, live and play, is almost as bad as not having your phone at all.



With nearly half of Americans pledging to communicate more often with family and friends in 2014, mobile phones will prove to be essential for those looking to create better moments with those they care about. So essential in fact, that one in five smartphone owners would rather live without food and water than their mobile devices, according to a recent U.S. Cellular survey[i]. The survey found 76 percent of smartphone users would rather live without chocolate, while 69 percent would rather live without caffeine.



U.S. Cellular is partnering with comedian and filmmaker Mark Malkoff to create the “U.S. Cellular No Phone Challenge,” a social experiment to see what happens when an avid mobile phone user goes an entire week without their device. Malkoff, who is noted for such challenges as living in a furniture store for a week or spending 48 hours handcuffed to his wife, will spend seven days, February 5 through 11, going through his daily routine without being able to use his mobile phone. U.S. Cellular also challenges Americans to spend up to one week without their mobile phone and to share how it affects their routine and personal relationships on Twitter page by using the hashtag “#nophone.”

You can follow Mark's phone challenge:
U. S. Cellular - uscellular.com/nophone
Twitter - Twitter.com/mmalkoff 
Facebook - Facebook.com/mmalkoff
You Tube - Youtube.com/user/markmarkmalkoff

If you are interested, in taking the challenge you can find the 

The "Love Your Network is a wonderful thing.  I considered takng the challenge but I can't do it.  I am constantly driving with around 2 small children and my phone is my security in case of an emergency.  I would not be comfortable being without my phone for 1 day.

¹ Between November 15 - December 2, 2013, 500 nationally representative online interviews were conducted among smartphone users in partnership with Martiz Research.

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