With a husband, 5 kids and an insanely busy life, I truly do not know how I would do all I do without technology. Our family is seriously “connected”. I love what technology has done for us, the doors it has opened, the lives we can touch and the lives that can touch us because of it. I can earn a living without leaving my home, no commute to some cubicle in corporate America. I have the ability to build my own dream and put my ideas in motion. The possibilities are truly endless. Technology not only opened those doors but it helps us all stay connected and on track. Smartphones are a given but with them we need a great data plan. What good is having a Smartphone if you are getting charged out the you-know-what whenever you use or go over you data plan.
I was at Walmart the other day and saw the newly lunched Walmart Family Mobile Plus Plan. This is a great new service plan that features Unlimited Talk, Text & Data; 10GB 4G LTE. Oh and to further sweeten the deal this new plan includes one free VUDU move per month per line. All of that for only $49.88 a month! With a family like mine that can mean 5 free VUDU movies every month! Disclaimer: All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to this INFORMATION or your local Walmart for current pricing.
Our son Ethan has been bugging us for a phone and frankly it is something we have been considering as he is getting more involved with extracurricular activities and playing on sports teams. As he gets older, there will be more sports and activities. It will make Mom and Dad feel better knowing we have a way to let him know if we are running late or a way he can call or text us with anything. When I was at Walmart and saw the great price they had on the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime, I picked it up. It was an amazing deal!
The phone is great, touch screen is very responsive, call sound is clear and crisp, phone is large enough to view recipes or photos in a good resolution. Music sounds great, could not be happier with it.
With all that data, I can do more and save more! When I am out shopping one of my favorite apps is Price Match. That app lets me scan the UPC code of any product and in seconds tells me who has the cheapest price. Since most stores match prices, that app alone has saved me hundreds of dollars. It really helps to have a plan like this because I use my phone so much.
I am always texting my husband a list of things to pick up at the store, texting my older kids, checking the weather when traveling, looking up phone numbers, finding restaurants or stores when traveling and on vacation and so much more! There are so many uses for data and so a plan like this is so awesome! The free VUDU movies, they are the icing on the data cake! A time to unwind and sit down for a family movie night is always a good plan. Oh and one rule-phones off!
We love the time to disconnect from our phones and spend that time connecting with each other and sharing a special movie together. We make a night of it with popcorn and movie theater candy. Hey I have even been checking out some great movie night treats on this Samsung Galaxy Grand via a Food App.
Let me know if you are going to check out this great plan. If you do, feel free to let me know about any great movies you watched. With 5 free movies a month I can use those recommendations!
I recently tested out the white and black +LIFEGUARD Car Charger 2.1 A and I was very impressed. It has two USB ports so it can charge 2 devices at once, the front glows a nice blue color to show you the charger is working and believe me, it really is bad when you can’t tell and find out the hard way. This way I know my charger has power and my connected devices are recharging.
#PlusLifeGuard
They device is compact and easy to take when traveling. I am very impressed with it and you can purchase them right on Amazon. Let me know if you have them and what your think. Also let me know if you have any other questions about them. I will be happy to answer them.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Type: Dual USB Car Charger
Input: DC 12-24V
Output: 5V – 2.1A (Max)
Compatible Devices:
USB Output 1 (+IQ): All devices like iPad, iPhone, iPod, Tablets, Samsung Galaxy, HTC, Google Phone, Motorola, Sony, cameras, power banks etc.
USB Output 2 (1.0A): Cell phones and other small usb devices.
I was provided with 2 chargers by the company to facilitate my review. As always all of my words and opinions are 100% my own.
Out of the package it’s super easy to just connect the 2 pieces and tighten with the lock nut. Next remove the protective film from the bottom, place on a clean, flat surface and push down on the lever lock to secure. You will not be able to budge the holder. When you are ready to release you push up on the lever and pull the little strip on the back and the holder will release, leaving no damage to your surface.
We tested this mount on the counter at home and in the car and were very impressed with the secure seal and all the viewing angles. You can see our video review to see it in action. Please let us know what you think.
Package Contents:
• 1 detachable magnetic disk, gives you a choice to keep the magnet at the back of your device or leave the magnet on the ball mount
• 2 extra metallic phone attachments and 2 extra 3M tapes
• 1 steel ANTI-RUST ball mount for 360-degree rotation
• alcohol cleaning pads
Please note, the magnet will not harm your phone but keep it away from credit cards, people with pacemakers and other magnet sensitive devices. I was provided with this product to facilitate my review. As always my words and views are 100% my own.
This lanyard design turns your smartphone from being a concern and a hassle to being an accessory and easily accessible. Wear your phone several different ways and keep it safe from being dropped but at the same time right there in your hand when you need it.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Imagine me singing that, on second thought, maybe you shouldn’t. However, I’m sure many were singing a similar tune when they received their tax refund check this year. If you are like me with a family, home and busy life, that money is very welcome. I am a very big saver and I like to get the most bang for my buck on what I do spend. I guess you could say, I like to see just how much I can save when buying the things we need. I really scored big in that department this year, I want to share my story with you and hopefully help you #MaxYourTax return this year.
Cell phone plans can be so expensive, especially when your kids get to the age that they all need a phone and plan. It can easily get way out of hand for most families. We have a family of 7 and 5 of us all have smartphones so it can be hard to find something affordable. I can hardly believe my 4th child is going to be joining the phone carrying crew and so I started to scout out options. I mean I want something affordable and a phone that is not going to cost $600!
While at Walmart picking up some essentials, I happened to notice the Walmart Family Mobile service has the lowest priced unlimited plans, just $29.88 a month for the first line. That is for unlimited talk, text/data service which includes up to 500MB of 4G LTE data What a deal! This is perfect for him and it definitely lets me maximize my tax refund!
I was able to pick up the Samsung Galaxy Avant and starter kit for just $149 for the phone and $25 for the starter kit.
While picking that out I noticed ZTE Zinger was marked down in price to $19.84 from the original price of $39.88, that is a great way to really get value for your tax dollars.
You know since I was able to save so much on the phone and service, I have some extra tax return money to put toward something else. Maybe toward creating an even bigger butterfly garden. Can you tell I am sick of snow and looking forward to spring? I would love for you to share with me how you plan to #MaxYourTax this year. Please share your best ways to do that in the comments. I love to read your great ideas.
Most of the country has been hit with record-breaking low temperatures in an Arctic blast that is hitting far too soon, since it is still officially autumn. If you are in one of those areas your hands are going to need protection when you go out. If you have a smart phone, you do not want to have to remove your gloves to use your phone, but sometimes you have to because your phone is not responsive. Well, no need for frosty fingers, you can have your gloves and your smart phone too.
Glider Gloves are touch screen friendly and are made with special conductive micro-fibers woven into the liner, they are able to bridge the conductive gap your gloves create between you and your device. The result? Amazing touch response along your entire hand and fingers and allows for precise control and unparalleled touch response of your touchscreen device – no matter which part of the glove you use.
Available in Urban or the thicker, warmer Winter the gloves make a great gift this holiday season. You will find Glider Gloves on our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.
I tried out a pair of the Winter and they are toasty warm and I am still able to expertly navigate my iPhone 6. The gloves are comfortable and stretch nicely giving you a great range of motion with your hands.
Glider Gloves is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win a pair of Touch Screen Friendly Glider Gloves! Thank you to Glider Gloves for the review gloves and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.
Touch Screen Friendly Glider Gloves Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!
We all know moms are busy, but they still need some down time. Did you know there are a lot of moms who enjoy playing mobile games on their smart phones and tablets? Maybe you’re one of those moms. Some might wonder how any mom would have time for that and I think you may be surprised at some of the answers.
G5 Entertainment, is a leading developer and publisher of high-quality casual and free-to-play mobile games for women. The spirited, adventure-seeking women who devour their games include multitasking moms looking for inspiration, stimulation and excitement. The Secret Society – Hidden Mystery is a captivating mix of I-spy scenes, gem match puzzles, brain teasers and memory games. In the game, you become a member of the Order of Seekers and start exploring enchanting worlds by entering photographs. The goal is to collect clues that will expand even further the world you’re traveling in and help you unravel mysteries related to your missing uncle. This wildly popular hidden object adventure also features social elements: you can help your game mates, make friends and send and receive in-game gifts.
G5 has always been dedicated to making the most enjoyable, casual games possible. They are very aware that the people who play these games are primarily women. What they didn’t know was what kind of women play their games and why. So they asked. What they found out was not only interesting but also extremely heartwarming. The moms were asked when and how they find the time to play the free-to-play hidden object adventure, The Secret Society-Hidden Mystery. The stories are shared on G5’s Facebook page but you can read a sampling of some of the most striking responses below.
Christy: “As a full-time nurse and full-time mom, this game is my escape. It is my reward to myself after a long day. I love the fact that it keeps my brain stimulated especially since Alzheimer’s runs in my family. Games like The Secret Society help fight it! Thanks again for an awesome game for moms!”
Devan: “After a long day of work and not seeing my babies, this is a game I get to enjoy. I play it while my newborn is sleeping on my lap and I can’t move anywhere for fear of waking her up. Also, my four-year-old stepson likes to ‘help’ find items (he taps the screen repeatedly and loses some of the allotted time). It’s a nice way to relax and share some fun.”
Dolores: “I have stage IV lung cancer, and I love playing this game. It helps take my mind off other issues in my life. I am a mom, but my son is grown and married. We have two grandsons who are the joys of our lives.”
Joanne: “I’m a 63-year-old grandmother who is disabled and bedridden. I play The Secret Society to enjoy and have some interaction with other people. They don’t know how old I am or my physical condition, which is a plus. I got my grandson to play, and we have that extra contact, which makes it special. I don’t know how other people feel but my friends [in the game] are considered my friends. I think this game is great and I go through the whole nine yards from happy to frustrated but enjoy playing.”
Wren: “My mom showed this game to me when I told her I was looking for a simple game to play on my phone while I spent hours rocking my son to sleep. I instantly became addicted! Honestly, this game really helped get me through long nights. Now that my son is older I play while he naps and again after he goes to bed for the night. I usually sneak in a few scenes when he is playing well on his own too. It is a fantastic game!”
Michelle: “I play at night when everyone else is asleep. I’m a busy mom of four, with three of those being boys! So I like it when it’s quiet with a low chance of interruption. I love the soft clicking sound of the gem match game. I put headphones on so I can hear the clicks as the gems fall into place. I find it very soothing.”
Dianne: “This game has become a lifeline to me as I suffer from CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome). I spend a great deal of time with nerve pain, and this game serves as a distraction for me in coping with what I have.”
Nanette: “I love playing this game. I am a stay-at-home mom of two – three if you count my dog. I also take care of my Dad and his house. This game is perfect to play while waiting for laundry or while cooking. The power level I have at this time allows me to play during the lulls in my housework without forgetting to get back to work. As soon as the power runs out, I go back to cooking, cleaning or what have you.”
Christine: “I play whenever I can. In short bursts while cooking dinner or after the kids have gone to school or to bed. It is definitely a great way to unwind even if I just have a few minutes. My eight-year-old has even started to help me find items when I’m stuck. She likes to look over my shoulder when I play.”
Melinda: “I play mainly when the baby is napping and when everyone goes to sleep at night. I have gotten my mother, sister-in-law, husband, best friend, son, daughter, niece and nephew all addicted to this game. Now, none of them can say that I have a problem! LOL.”
Heather: “As the mum of two active kids I spend a lot of time waiting in the car for them to come out of clubs. This is a great time to play as I get peace and don’t feel guilty about not doing housework.”
The Secret Society – Hidden Mystery is a captivating mix of I-spy scenes, gem match puzzles, brain teasers and memory games. In the game, you become a member of the Order of Seekers and start exploring enchanting worlds by entering photographs. The goal is to collect clues that will expand even further the world you’re traveling in and help you unravel mysteries related to your missing uncle. This wildly popular hidden object adventure also features social elements: you can help your game mates, make friends and send and receive in-game gifts.
If you would like to try the game yourself you can click on the link below that is compatible with your smart phone or tablet.
The Secret Society is available for iOS: https://83564.api-05.com/serve?action=click&publisher_id=83564&site_id=37820&offer_id=263000&sub_campaign=mommyramblings,
Google Play – https://83564.api-05.com/serve?action=click&publisher_id=83564&site_id=36252&offer_id=267996&sub_campaign=mommyramblings and
Kindle Fire – https://83564.api-05.com/serve?action=click&publisher_id=83564&site_id=42764&offer_id=267712&sub_campaign=mommyramblings
If you do try the game or already play, leave us a comment letting us know what you think or when you play. Follow G5 on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates and news!
I am one of those moms who has kids ranging from young adults to preschoolers. When your older kids start driving, believe me, you’re going to want to know you can reach them and that they have the capability to call if anything happens.
However, it can be very costly for everyone to have a smart phone not to mention an unlimited family mobile plan. That’s why I am so excited about Walmart Family Mobile, it’s the lowest price unlimited talk, text & data/web plan!
You can purchase a variety of smart phones for under $100 with some under $50 right now! I went to Walmart today to purchase a gift from my son for Valentine’s Day! I bought him the Evolve Smart Phone and it was just $79.00! Walmart’s lowest priced unlimited plans for talk, text and web are just $39.99 a month! There’s no contract and you just pay monthly.
The low price gets lower when you add a line because you save $5 when you add other family members to the unlimited plan. That’s a great value and much less than we are paying with our contract service.
With phones and unlimited plans this affordable, staying in touch with everyone is easy and the peace of mind it gives me is priceless. Since many families are now receiving their tax return, this may just be something you want to consider using it toward. Unlimited plans are so great because you don’t need to worry about anyone going over their minutes or data/web allotment and then being slapped with huge fees you didn’t plan on.
It couldn’t have been easier to buy the phone and the start-up for the Family Mobile Plan. As I made my way to the electronics department, I immediately saw the display with the phones and signage about Walmart’ s Lowest Priced Unlimited Plan.
A very nice young man immediately approached me and was very knowledgable about the phones and plan. I told him I wanted to buy the OneTouch Evolve and he picked the phone for me, then I asked him how it works with setting up the unlimited plan and he told me I needed the start-up pack, picked the right one and told me I could activate it online or on the phone.
That was it, I paid and was on my way. Of course I picked up a Valentine’s gift bag for the gift that keeps on giving. When I got home I wrapped it up and put it in the gift bag and now to wait and see his reaction. I know he will just love it! I will update with his reaction.
SlingGRIP is a universal handle for phones, iPods, e-readers and other handheld electronics. Its smart design keeps a device comfortably at the users fingertips, safe from being dropped, damaged or stolen. The flexible, natural rubber elastic allows a user to hold a phone with one, two or three fingers, for a secure and comfortable grip.
The SlingGRIP was super easy to attach to the back of my iPhone case and once on it was super secure. Sometimes when you are juggling a lot of stuff you can easily drop your phone and so this strap makes it easy to just even carry it with one finger. It also acts as a safety net if you are holding your phone the normal way but just up one or two fingers through the loop, now it will not just slip from your hands. It works with other electronics too.
Mommy Ramblings things the SlingGRIP makes a great stocking stuffer so we are adding it to our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide!
SlingGRIP is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Five luck blog readers will win their own SlingGRIP universal handle for smart phones, iPads, Kindles and more! Thank you SlingGRIP for the review handle and for sponsoring this gripping giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.
SlingGRIP Universal Handle For Smart Phone, iPad, Kindle & More Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!