Technology Archives - mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents

10 Must-Have Nintendo Switch Games to Escape Quarantine {Animal Crossing Giveaway}

April 19, 2020 By Autumn Rose Reo 22 Comments

Ready to get away? While you can’t open the door, you can get away virtually! Here are 10 Must-Have Nintendo Switch Games to Escape Quarantine.

Thank you to Nintendo for this amazing reminder and giveaway to make this getaway possible.

Oh, the irony – we’re all ready to get away more than ever, but we’re all lawfully committed to staying indoors and close to home. I know I have had more than one dream about white sandy beaches with my feet in the sand sipping a margarita lately. While the only surfing we can do is on the couch for a bit, Nintendo has made it a little bit easier to travel via its SWITCH console.

Need proof it works? Then check out the sales of its newest release, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. People are using it for weddings, dates, as well as just creating their own tropical paradise. But that’s not the only game that will relieve the tension. Best of all, you can download these at home and be ready to go in no time, completely contactless and without delivery woes.

Now before you say, hey aren’t you normally all about limiting device time? Well these are extraordinary times and maybe it’s not the kids that needs the getaway, right? And besides, some of these are really fun (I know from experience.) And the ones I haven’t played – I trust my 11 year old that they rock (because he says so.)

Ok – we aren’t saying this is a replacement for a trip, but if you need to get away, there is a way!

10 Must-Have Nintendo Switch Games to Escape Quarantine

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Escape to an island and make it your paradise! Or explore a city and enjoy the moment. Not only can you go somewhere, but with Animal Crossing: New Horizons you can do some things a few weeks ago that you might do happily now and in a non-rushed state like drink coffee in your favorite coffee shop (after you create it, of course.) Best of all you can invite people to do it with you in your own virtual world.

(See below to see how you can enter to win your own Animal Crossing: new Horizons.)

2. Overcooked 2

Ready to throw down Chopped-style without all the mess? It’s time to get Overcooked 2! Travel the land cooking up a range of new recipes that are sure to cater to any tastes, including sushi, cakes, burgers and pizzas as you remote play with others! Food and travel, sign me up! (Plus this one is on sale right now!)

3. Luigi’s Mansion

Luigi has long been exploring worlds with his other half, but this time he takes off on his own adventure and you’re in for the fun with Luigi’s Mansion! Head to a beautiful mansion and things don’t exactly go as expected with ghosts, ghouls and more surprises. Hey it may be a haunted mansion, but check out that pool! Go with Party mode and you and the whole family can explore safely from your sofas.

4. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Is it obvious that we’re huge Super Mario Bros. fans over here? No doubt it may stem from my retro-love from my own childhood. Whatever it is, this is one thing we’ve handed down. But that’s not all who’ll you’ll see in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Pacman, Sonic the Hedgehog, Megaman and so many more, you can kick it old-school alone, with family or with friends online challenging each other or storymode.

5. Just Dance 2020

This game has also taken the place of P.E. for my kids and family entertainment. Just Dance 2020 is a workout while you dance party – and now with the free subscription for April, you can dance for hours to favorite songs not just to 2020, but also all the volumes before it. Challenge me anytime for Backstreet Boys – I’ll kick you into 2021.

6. Untitled Goose Game

Cue the “it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood…” and then a crazy goose (you) comes to town. That’s the premise of this game that is actually called “Untitled Goose Game.“ For those of us that are just missing things like just going to town and shopping, this might seem like your game, except you’re the prankster. Need to get out some pent-up anger and frustration to vent, this is really your game.

7. ABZÛ

If you need to really escape from the world, it’s time to go below into the sea and find nature’s wonders without leaving your home. The animation in ABZÛ is beautiful with vibrant, colorful ocean world bursting with color underwater adventure that evokes the dream of diving. Swim in the water, interact with specifies under the water including fish.

8. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

You may be trekking for treasure as a toad(stool), but this is one fun fungi in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. Based on new kingdoms in the Super Mario Odyssey game, you can transport through islands, desserts and my personal favorite, what looks like NYC. Right now a walk through Times Square does sound like an adventure I’m down for – even if I’m a mushroom.

9. Stardew Valley

Own a small plot of land and expand it to huge proportions are the goal of Stardew Valley. Are you the type that has been wanting to start tilling your own farm or orchard? Stardew Valley gives you the ability to raise animals, craft useful machines, fish and more. Plus you’re helping to make a community and can reap the fruits of your virtual labor.) And yes, you can play this one together with the multiplayer update.

10. Minecraft

Like Animal Crossing, Minecraft has long been the leader in being able to create basically anything you want to create. My son has been a fan of this one and recent stories have shared there are students working together online to recreate their schools. Kids miss school almost as much as we parents do. Considering the number of classes I’ve seen on this one,

READY FOR A GETAWAY?

Enter to win a copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch!

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Best Apps for Working from Home

March 16, 2020 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

So you’re working from home? Welcome to the world of home officing! It’s not science, but here are the Best Apps for Working from Home to make you look like a pro.

Whether you’ve been working from home for a few years or all of a sudden have had it forced upon you with #coronacation, never fear, there are many apps out there to make you look awesome teleworking, remote working, working from home, or whatever it is now we do to get it done.

I’ve been working from home for more than 10 years in some way. Sometimes it was a project, sometime it was a kid (ok, most the time it’s been a kid), and then there were the times I just couldn’t make it to the office. And along the way, I’ve learned a lot – especially from other people that work from home. Ironically, I have an office, but most the time I prefer to work from home because I’ve been doing it for so long. And I’ve learned some tricks to keep me from going crazy (well, semi crazy at least.)

Make note: some of these are free, some have free versions along with paid services, and some have a monthly cost, so make sure to choose the right ones for you.

Best Apps for Working from Home

1. Slack
“It’s where work gets done…” Slack is for team communication – keeping direct messaging, group texting, notes, etc. all in one place. However, for me, I still love email to keep all my info nice and tidy. I don’t delete anything, ever so email acts as a que for keeping up with info and requests.

2. Skype / UberConference / Zoom
Everyone has their own way, but when you need to have a meeting, this is the way. Skype has been around the longest, is integrated with Microsoft and also includes chat, but I like UberConference. You can record the call for those that come in later or can’t attend. Also you can do screenshare, plus it’s free (and you’ll dig the wait music.) I don’t do Zoom as much, but when you’re having a big group call this seems to be the most used service. And of course, there’s always Facetime in a pickle.

3. Facebook Workplace
Just like Facebook – but for work. Think news, chats, polls, and groups – all for your work. I have one client that uses this and it’s more of a communication channel than a productivity tool.

4. Toggl
If you work by the hour or charge by the hour to clients, you have to keep up with your time to get paid. Toggl does just that – it allows you to track your time in real time. However, if you’re looking for a freebie with tons of bells and whistles, Homebase may be a better option (and my personal favorite.)

5. Google Drive
It’s an oldie but a goodie and I live by it. All documents can be created, shared, and stored here – no matter if it’s document, spreadsheet, or slideshow. For me, next to GMail and all the Workplace Apps, this is my go-to, hands down.

6. Dropbox
Need to store mass amounts of photos, files, etc.? Dropbox is where you do it. You can easily share large amounts of files and storage you need to easily access.

7. Chrome Desktop
It’s your desktop anywhere. With Chrome Desktop, you can securely access your computer from your phone, tablet, or another computer. It’s fast, simple, and free to get to your desktop even when you can’t.

8. Doodl
Doodl is easy website for helping to quickly poll / schedule meetings with clients, colleagues, or friends. You just send it over, everyone makes their selection and you go with the best of the rest.

9. Evernote
You need to take notes, but what happens when you need to save them, organize them and share them? Plus you can screenshot, search and handwriting also still applies too. That’s Evernote.

10. Expensify
If you have expenses that you need to track, Expensify makes it easy to take photos of your receipts, track your mileage and make a report all from your smartphone or on Desktop.

Best of luck with your telecommuting adventures!

What are your favorite tools and apps for working from home?

Ibi: Smart Photo Storage for Who You Want to Share It With

March 23, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

Have photos in the cloud, sky, on your computer and everywhere else? Get it together in one spot and share your photos too with ibi smart photo storage.

This post was sponsored by the makers of ibi, who also sent me the product for review.

I am an admitted pack rat.

I have boxes in my office dedicated to putting the kids’ school crafts, remnants of cute notes they’ve drawn, greeting cards they’ve received, ticket stubs and of course, all their class photos.

That’s the kids’ boxes – you should see the ones I have for myself and for work.

So it’s no secret that my phone’s photo album acts like a digital version of all the photos and events of our lives. Then add on an event I’m covering or an impromptu blog post or social media opportunity and photos stack up quick.

Currently my phone reads at 20,000+ photos and 2,000+ videos.
2500 are just from the beginning of this year.

And before you ask, yes, I also back up.

There’s iCloud, Dropbox, and Box. Hey I even have some CDs burned with old photos like from our trip to Italy, our wedding in Puerto Vallarta, and Jackson’s once-in-a-lifetime Wish Trip to Disney World. And I pay for all the subscriptions and their expanded storage.

And none of them are complete collections.

And that’s before you count the backup boxes we also have of the actual photos. Then to share, I normally upload to Facebook to share with my network or send via text five at a time to my parents. And after all that, I’m spent and I don’t share much of anything else because it’s just a lot of work.

Another issue is that I don’t always want to share photos with everyone. I want to make sure that I documented the moment for me and my family, but it doesn’t mean I want to share it with my network of friends on social (work, church friends, or acquaintances.) Considering not every shot is award-winning and ready to be put on social, doesn’t mean that I don’t want to keep it and in some instances, share it.

Besides one day my kids will be on social and I know there are some shots they’d rather mom not share to the Interweb:)

Needless to say, it takes a lot to keep and share memories at your fingertips.

That’s why ibi might be your next best friend.

Don’t know ibi?

Well think of your own personal hub for all photos for all your devices that automatically makes sure your best moments are always saved, all in one place. But even better, ibi makes it easy to connect with your inner circle of family and friends (whomever you’d want) to receive photos, but not to everyone on your social media list. I mean there are times you want people on social to see that first day of school pic or maybe that travel shot you took when you get home from vacation, but with ibi, you can make sure it’s just your mom and dad or your sisters. And if you don’t want anyone but your hubs to see your shots, then don’t worry, you set up your circle to make sure it’s only who you want who can receive what photos you have on ibi.

Set up is a cinch…you just plug ibi in, download the app, and get ready to directly upload those photos. Done.

Hey, with all the other mamachallenges you have happening, if you snap that perfect shot, don’t you want to make sure you don’t lose it and most of all, don’t necessarily share it with the world?

That’s what ibi smart photo can do for you so you can keep taking the photos and enjoying them!

The Newest Diet: Digital Fast (Seen on Good Morning America)

May 18, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

As seen on Good Morning America: How much screentime IS too much? This is one of the hot button question with families today. Maybe what you need is to do The Newest Diet, a Digital Fast.

Affiliate links may be included.

I remember the first time my husband and I successfully had a dinner out of the house with our 3-year-old son in peace and quiet.

Once he had finished his last chicken nugget, we slid him a smartphone, clicked on his favorite cartoon, and then enjoyed dinner, at our own pace, and without wondering if our young son was bugging everyone else around us.

My smartphone was now even smarter than before; it was now my ticket to getting things done like doctor’s appointments, long hauls in the car, and runs to the grocery store, with a toddler in tow.

Fast forward several years, now with two kids and managing my own PR / social media business, there wasn’t just a few smartphones in the shuffle, but a couple of handheld gaming devices, an at home game console, a few tablets and that’s not counting the number of laptops.

Considering both my line of work and my husband’s, we were big consumers of technology and it only seemed right that so were our kids. Besides, their schools were using them daily. And if we were constantly checking our phones or laying around with our laptops, why shouldn’t our kids.

But then one day I realized that my kids weren’t going outside to play. There were no playdates. They weren’t in their playroom playing with any of the many toys on the shelves. And forget board games; they were literally still sealed in cellophane because they had never been opened.

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All my 8-year-old and 5-year-old kids wanted to do was play on a device. Anytime, anywhere.

So began my quest to understand the effects of screentime (especially beyond the TV) on kids. Considering the age of technology at your fingertips is fairly new, the research is fairly new as well, but the findings weren’t positive either: Too much screentime isn’t healthy, for them or for me. Research showed that kids lack of social skills, concentration, and even ADHD issues were being traced to too much screentime.

And coincidentally those problems were some of the problems our kids were having at school.

I started sharing my frustration and concern with my friends and asking how much time “screentime” their kids were getting.

Each and everytime I brought it up, I was met with the same response, “yes, mine are always on something, but what do we do?” Our parents didn’t have this conundrum, but my age of parenting did. As adults we are now tethered to our own smartphone to do our jobs, order dinner, and sneak a peek in on friends on social media 24/7, why would we want to say no to the one thing that seemed to make life so much easier for all of us.

So when the opportunity to work on a project with ABC on screentime effects and the new age of Digital Addiction, I was all in. Introducing us to Dr. Victoria L. Dunckley and her book, The proposal was clear: the kids would go on a four-week digital fast and get rid of all screentime except for a few hours of TV with programming modifications. (If you want to learn about the effects of screens on our brains and our health, you should read this book.)

Starting the Digital Fast

Dr. Dunckley with the kids playing board games and explaining the digital fast.

Of course, that wasn’t near as easy as it seemed. There would be some planning to give the kids other things to do and also give me other options to give them: board games, books, craft time, playing outside, whatever it took. Our time as parents on screens would also be greatly modified considering we couldn’t just bust out our smartphones at a restaurant. We had to show by example that during this fast, we were going to spend time doing other things.

And of course, there was telling the kids that they we were taking away their devices for a month and then lock them up (and in our case away from the house.) I think that was the part I dreaded most. Were they going to hate me? Was I going to hate me that I didn’t have these tools at my disposal?

What Happened During the Digital Fast

But you know what? It wasn’t that hard – at least not from the kids point of view. The kids didn’t throw the fits that I had anticipated. After we laid out the rules, they understood and they began asking to go play outside.

They rode their bikes. We took walks. We played board games. We talked. We ate dinner around the table (both at home and at restaurants) and visited about our day. And at doctor’s appointments, I busted out the colors and the books. To fill up our time after homework and on the weekends, we enrolled in jiu-jistu to give them a new activity (and a new attitude too!)

AND since I wasn’t on a device when I was with them, I started to enjoy things more too. Our time together wasn’t spent me on the phone or on my computer, but doing family things. I was enjoying being in the moment instead of trying to multitask and do more all the time. I wasn’t on social media all the time trying to keep up with the “Jones.” We were just being together and it felt good.

I admit it wasn’t near as hard on them as it was on us at first. The change was something I learned I needed maybe more than they did. And I began to feel the effects. I was happier, they were happier.

I realized that the devices had no longer been the tool I thought they were, but a crutch for me as a parent to not be present. And wasn’t that the whole point of being one?

As for the kids, because they were playing and having more family time, they seemed to be happier. And their behavior, while not perfect, seemed to be a little more manageable, especially because me knowing what was happening or bothering them, instead of being on my smartphone allowed me to handle it before it got out of hand.

And even asked by the ABC crew if they were happier, they said yes.

This is me checking in with Dr. Dunckley about the Digital Fast.

After the Digital Fast

So did anything change? Yes. Things got better for all of us. And they continue to as well. While we have officially finished the fast, the screens haven’t been reintroduced. We haven’t needed to add them back into our routine so I haven’t put them out to remind them. They’re still tucked away, out of sight, out of mind. I know as a parent I can’t keep them away from them forever and I don’t plan to either, but I just don’t think it needs to replace the most important part of being a family and having me be a parent. And believe me, I love my smartphone, but I know we all could use a lesson on living in a world of technology. Even though I work in social media it doesn’t mean that it’s the always the best way to communicate. You can’t replace communicating and engaging with people as people, face to face, especially the ones you love most, with a device.

Do yourself a favor and do a little digital fast of your own.

Have you had an issue with screentime with your kids? Do you think your family needs a digital fast?

Getting it All Done: Multitasking 2.0

October 15, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Too busy to get it all done? Need an assistant or maybe three? Actually all you need is a computer or a smartphone. We call it multitasking 2.0 and it’s the new way to getting it all done.

Some links included in this post contain affiliate links.

Only have an hour to go grocery shopping, get ready for your big work event, and feed the kids before the sitter get here? Then remember you need a birthday gift for your kiddo’s friend at school and you still haven’t gotten anyone to feed the dog before you go out of town for the long weekend?

All in a day’s work for a parent and that was before 10 am…

Thankfully technology to the rescue with several new web-based services that make it easy to get whatever you need done with just a few clicks.

Getting it All Done: Multitasking 2.0

FOOD FAST AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Door Dash // Have food delivered from your favorite place delivered where you want.

I’ve used this one no less than 15 times in the last month. It’s an app/computer accessible site that allows you to order food from great places around you and delivery it to your door. It’s all paid via your account so no issues with tipping or paying, the app shows you exactly what time when to expect the delivery, how much it costs and from your favorite places (not just a few major chains!) I can get ChickFilA at my door, no sitting in line, for just $7.50 (yes, the costs are more than reasonable and totally up front.

Special Offer: Get $7 off your first order when you sign up through http://drd.sh/ldfoHQ/.

ALMOST EVERYTHING WITH AMAZON

Amazon Prime // Basically Amazon Prime was almost what started it all…immediate gratification of whatever you want, when you want (or at least with 2-day shipping. And now with Amazon Prime Now (and just this week with the debut of Amazon Fresh with fresh produce and local food), we can go on to the app on your phone and get things delivery in just an hour. It’s an amazing service with a flat rate so if you order often it’s worth its weight in gold.

Sign up: It’s free for the first month, so use and abuse your Amazon Prime and see why it’s that amazing (30 days free with this link)

Amazon Family // Also through Amazon, parents with babies can sign up with Amazon Moms to have basic necessities like diapers, wipes, formula, etc. sent on regular schedule and at special discounted cost. No more trips to the grocery store to pick up all the stuff in one cart with the baby in the other. And it grows with you so when the baby is 4 months the program will remind you it’s time to go to the next size before they send it to you.

Sign up: If you have young kiddos or are expecting and want to save 20% off diapers and more, sign up now for Amazon Prime.

Amazon Dash // Toilet paper, laundry soap, and paper towels at the touch of a button – a real button!

Sign up: Sign up, get your first Amazon Dash button for $5, and it goes towards your first purchase!

GROCERIES

Many of the grocers have the ability to get exactly what you want, bagged, and ready to bring to the back of your car on your desired day through their online service (that’s also just a few bucks but free to start.) You don’t have to even get out of the car!

Walmart Grocery // Special Offer for $10 off your first order with this link.

Kroger ClickList // Sign up!

And then there’s the one that brings it to your door with Shipt. It’s really been my lifesaver!

Shipt // SHIPT does all the work for you – you buy it, someone picks it up, and brings it to you!

Special Offer: Get $10 off when you sign up on your first shop with the code GOODDAY or using this link.

BEAUTY

These apps make it easy to look your best whereever, whenever! Just click your app or the online application to book your nails, hair or makeup done at home or whereever you need to be! At reasonable prices, everyone can afford to look like a million bucks with just a click!

Blown Away Dallas // Make up and Hair whereever you are, whenever you want it.

Currently, Blown Away is upgrading so try one of the other great services like BeGlammed and The Glam App (they do nails too!)

FOR THE DOG

Rover.com // Friends for Fido when you’re away.

Take care of your dog when you can’t! This online service allows pet lovers to schedule walks, feeding, a bath, just love time, whatever you need when you’re away. You are matched with a sitter that you choose and they come to your home as requested when you aren’t home to take care of Fido! I actually went on vacation this summer and knew Birddie was happy and at home – see for yourself!

Special Offer: $20 off first time you book with the link: http://bit.ly/RoverFox

DOCS ON THE GO

Family Health onCall (sm) // Family Health onCall from Children’s Health is making affordable housecalls for the whole family possible. Simply download our app, request a visit and rest. Our team of highly experienced, board-certified physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners will be there shortly. They’ll diagnose and treat you right in the comfort of your home, office or just about anywhere.

Sign up: Download the app and get signed up now.

PediaQ // On demand pediatric care.

Have a sick kiddo that needs to see the doc later at night? It’s that easy with PediaQ – now with This now, nationally recognized company based in DFW is making it possible with demand pediatric urgent care housecalls. Learn more about see for yourself!

RAMP UP YOUR MULTITASKING GAME

PICKUP // Instant Delivery service featuring Good Guy drivers with pickup trucks.

This Addison-based company has taken the world by storm. No need to rent or borrow a truck or move items on someone else’s schedule. PICKUP helps you move almost anything (big or small), when and where you want to move it. Think Uber for moving and operates off an app.

Sign Up: Get a quote

VRoom // Car shopping from home delivered to you!

Car shopping made easy because you can do it all from your couch…bed…or whereever. All the work is done for you – including bringing your car to the door. Here’s how it works and a special code here when you use Vroom!

Special Offer >>> $250 back when you use the code

Go Vroom: Car Shopping and Delivery to You

August 27, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 22 Comments

Purchasing a used car but freaked out by the shopping experience? Make it easy with a click with car shopping and delivery to you with Vroom.

Thanks to Vroom for this collaboration so we can make used car shopping easy!

Shouldn’t getting a new car be a fun experience? Whether you’re in the $10K budget or the $40k, it’s still a lot of money to drop on one single item that you spend a lot of your time in making your life happen. School, work, grocery stores, whatever, it’s should be something to look forward to if you’re gonna have to be married to it for while.

Unfortunately that’s not normally the case for any car shopping experience, especially used car shopping. You either have to go to a dealership, drive by, online…basically a lot of time researching a car, especially if you’re looking for a specific make. And that’s just finding the car…there’s still the whole getting it in your driveway. NOW that’s a process.

This part of the process…the haggling, the negotiating, paperwork, and waiting – it’s enough to make you want to pull your eyes out. And if you have to take the kids, well we know several hours in a quiet room with strangers will be the death of all you – especially your patience!

So why do it? Why can’t it be as easy as hitting up the computer, clicking what you want, and then have it at your door – without the hassle?

Don’t worry, Vroom is on the way!

With Vroom, you can now buy or sell a car from the comfort of your couch.
Find what you want – from every kind of make, model and year!
Finance the purchase on the website. (They handle financing too!)
Get your new used car delivered to your front door—free of charge (in a cool glass truck.)
Then spend your weekend somewhere other than a used car dealership.

It is as easy as ordering a pizza. There is no haggling. The price you see is the price you pay. And free 7-day returns. Try your car out for a week (or 250 miles). If you aren’t totally satisfied, they’ll pick up the car for free and refund 100% of your money, no questions asked.

They take care of everything – and most the cars on their site are late model vehicles less than three years old.

Everything you need happens at the website. Even that haggling part. So why would you do it any other way?

If you need to sell your car, Vroom has you covered too! The selling process is just as easy, so you can get a great offer quick, just by providing your VIN number and a photo of the car.

SAVE $250!

You can get $250 cash back when you use CODE “VIPAUS21.”

Start saving money and making car buying easier with Vroom!

Find your next car online at Vroom.com.

Free Virtual Reality for Dad with Samsung VR

June 7, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

The Father’s Day countdown is on…but still no gift? Give the gift surpasses any boundaries: Virtual Reality for Dad with Samsung VR at Best Buy. The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Move over Keanu Reeves, virtual reality isn’t just something to watch in the movies, it’s actually a way to become a part of them with Samsung Gear VR and Oculus. Whether it’s gaming, becoming part of your favorite moving, or connecting with friends in a whole new, there’s so much that’s possible with VR. And you can’t beat virtual reality when it’s FREE and includes free VR content!

Escaping to a virtual world is as easy as snapping a Galaxy smartphone into Samsung Gear VR. Developed in partnership with Oculus, Gear VR is completely portable, comfortable to wear and simple to set up!

Just in time for Father’s Day, Best Buy is offering a special offer for FREE plus $50 of Virtual Reality content with purchase, or lease, and activation of select Samsung Smartphones (when you buy or lease and activate a Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 edge, S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+ or Note5.) Save up to $150 on select Samsung Galaxy smartphones with 2-year contract, or get a $100 Best Buy gift card with lease or monthly installment plan.

From taking part in epic battles to interacting with live dinosaurs, you’ll go where you’ve never been able to venture before with the Samsung Gear VR.

With the Oculus Video app, create trailers, clips and even your own movie files and even customize your virtual environment — choose from a home theater, big-screen cinema or even the surface of the moon. Plus you can buy hundreds of full-length Hollywood movies and TV shows.

Live stream games, short films and video clips in a virtual-theater setting. With full access to more than 1 million Vimeo videos and Twitch, a leading video platform and community for gamers, there’s always something new to experience.

Whether dad’s a gamer, a movie buff, a total gamer, or just is looking to get away (even if it’s only in the other room), then this is the perfect Father’s Day gift for him (or for you!) and this deal is only available (online or in store) at Best Buy.

Special Father’s Day Offer

Free Samsung Gear VR, plus $50 of Virtual Reality content with purchase, or lease, and activation of select Samsung Smartphones. Good now until 6/18 online or in Best Buy stores.

Unique Umbrellas That Do More

January 31, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 37 Comments

Umbrellas may be made to keep your dry, but in this day of technology and style, the umbrella can go the extra mile. We’ve found the most unique umbrellas that do more and give you a real reason to sing in the rain.

As seen on Good Morning Texas

Bluetooth Umbrella // DAVEK

Hidden in the handle of this sleek umbrella is a tiny Bluetooth-based “proximity chip.”
This chip broadcasts a silent signal, read by your smartphone.
When the distance between the chip and your phone exceeds a certain distance—30 ft or so—the umbrella sends a reminder to your phone.
Battery life is between 1-3 years.
Get it: It’s only available online here, but this fall is set to be sold at high-end retailers.

Color Changing Umbrella // Walker

Color-changing umbrella is black with white raindrop design
When the umbrella has contact with water comes to life with lots of color
Returns to white when dry
Well-made umbrella design
Get it: The Write Selection in Dallas or online here

LED Light “Light Saber” Umbrella // ZHOL

Perfect for your “Star Wars” fan, this umbrella lights up at the push of button.
Press the button for several LED color choices.
Light is Turn the light on in the dark street so that the car drivers aware you. Effective to prevent accidents
Get it: Found this one online for less than $20!

Wine Bottle Umbrella // Vinrella

The best part of an umbrella? It keeps your dry? The worst part? When you fold it up indoors and it gets you all wet.
This unique “Wine Bottle” umbrella stores in the bottle when closed and includes a strap so it can be carried on the wrist, bag, etc.
Great for a wine lover, but a water bottle option gives a fitness buff a fun choice as well.
Get it: At gift shops like ‘Lil Shop on the Vine in Grapevine and online here.

Umbrellas aren’t the only rain gear; goulashes/rain boots aren’t just for keeping you dry, they are very fashionable as well. A look on Pinterest will show you how to plan a whole outfit around the look – even when it’s not raining!

{Hunter Tall Boots}

{Sperry Top-Sider Women’s Cormorant Core Rain Boot}

{Sperry Top-Sider Women’s Saltwater Rain Boot}

{Sperry Top-Side Women’s White Water Rain Boot}

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Why You Need the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan

October 29, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 25 Comments

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Blogging and social media has been part of my everyday for more than seven years now.

During that time I’ve learned volumes; however, mostly I’ve learned that I have so much more to learn about blogging, SEO and photography.

While I may have a degree in Journalism, “the other stuff” is what takes you to the next level and for more than just your family circle to visit your blog.

You need beautiful photography to accompany your storytelling. Let’s be honest, it’s not the 3-5 hours I spent working on that story that gets you to read it, it’s JUST THE picture that makes you stop to read it, pin it to your board, or share it with your friends that makes the difference.

Before

So it’s time for me to up my game so you want to keep reading and to create the pictures that say 1,000 words (and maybe make you a $1,000 or more.)

When it comes to photography, it’s an art and I’m definitely continuing to learn what it takes to click a beautiful shot. But for most of us, the time and work it takes to get the “right” shot isn’t always possible. That’s where food styling and some good editing software make your picture go from whatever to wow.

After Adobe Creative Cloud

This is where the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan is a game changer. Photoshop and Lightroom have been the standard for photographers, but unfortunately, the investment for these tools weren’t always available for everyone – until now.

Now take your best shot and then you can make it even better with the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan. Unlike traditional software, with your 1-year subscription for $119.99, you aren’t just installing your programs on one computer, but since it’s in the cloud you can access it on any device, any time, anywhere.

Before

From everyday edits like cropping a shot to total transformations, the Creative Cloud plan lets you retouch and manipulate images in any way imaginable. You also continue to edit, organize and share your shots on your iPad, iPhone or Android device. Need to make a change? Once you do, your edit is updated everywhere with Adobe CreativeSync technology.

After Adobe Creative Cloud

One of my favorite parts about the Creative Cloud plan is your ability to use the Adobe Slate mobile app to create visual stories, animated videos and the Adobe Voice mobile app to add your own voice to tell your story. And there’s some much more you can get with Adobe Cloud.

At the rate of $119 you can step up your blogging game and make your photos worth so much more. Get your prepaid membership to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan at Best Buy.

The Not-Com Shift: Why companies are moving from .com to not-com

September 13, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 22 Comments

For the last 30 years that people have been using email (yes, it’s already been that long), we’ve already programmed ourselves to say “our email provider.COM” as the way to reach us online. When you get a web address to check out, your brain already adds the .com before it’s even uttered. But have you ever stopped to think what’s the point of using a dot.com? We’ve partnered with Name.Kitchen to take a look at why companies are moving from .com to not-com.

So first of all, why does a dot.com hold more distinction than a .org, .net, or even a .coffee? Well, honestly, it doesn’t. Especially in a world that now thinks how to share it’s message in no more than 140 characters. It’s just extra time, money and space that you could be using to describe your business, to be more distinctive, and for many companies, including international organizations, it’s part of the big shift from .com to the new not-com.

According to the Domain Name Industry Brief survey in 2014, there are about 284 million registered domain names. And it’s been approximated that there are almost 1 billion websites on the Internet.

When you are a business trying to stand out in a crowd, you have to do something innovative, but that makes sense…like opting for a not-com instead a dot.com.

A New Branding Tool

While picking a company name is a hard enough process within itself, with so many other websites and domains, the likelyhood your name is already in use is pretty high. So in the past, we’ve gotten creative, but adding a hyphen or spelling out the dot.com. These solutions may have worked to get your company on the web, but it didn’t do any favors to help potential customers to find you or your website. However, by using a not-com., you’ve opened your business up to a whole new set of branding rules.

Still deciding on your business name? Get tips to Picking the Right Name for Your Business.

For Icarus Photography (www.icarus.photos), business owner Katy Lengacher made the switch because she wanted to amplify her brand and carve out a niche in wedding photography.

Having a unique domain that describes what I’m thinking about, doing and breathing all day was a no-brainer,” Lengacher says. “It’s the perfect new branding identity tool. ”

Read more about why Lengacher picked her name and why a not-com.

Start a Buzz

These “not-com” options like .photos or .photography have obvious benefits, including memorability, meaning and availability. Choices like .COFFEE, .FLORIST, and .STYLE immediately conjure images to the consumer, while words like .COMPANY, .BUSINESS and .MEDIA have broader appeal. And let’s just consider the SEO opportunity for you here, as well. If you’re a coffee company, then let’s just say you’re coffee company, not a coffee company.com.

Photo Driftaway Coffee

And that’s exactly what Driftaway Coffee (www.driftaway.coffee) did when NY owners Suyog Mody and Anu Menon made the jump not just from corporate America but to a coffee subscription service that that delivers personalized fresh-roasted coffee to your door. The ‘dot-coffee (.coffee) has provided them a obvious digital storefront and been a great conversation starter.

We are an online business exclusively selling online,” says Mody. “It’s a URL that implies what we do.”

Read more about Driftaway Coffee’s choice for a not-com.

Bring Your Business to the Customer

When you’re trying to not just teach people about a topic, but also stir up sales from your business, you have double the work for marketing your business and the subject matter.

Photo Fermentista Kitchen

For authors Kirsten and Christopher Shockey, they wanted to educate people about fermentation as a culinary art and hopefully, point people to buy their book. So The Fermista’s Kitchen (www.ferminista.kitchen) was born.

People like to be in their kitchen, and we want it to bring this idea that fermentation is really easy and really accessible into your life.” says Kirsten Shockey.

Read more about why the Shockeys picked their name and why a not-com.

Choosing a great name for your business is one of the most important decisions. Name.Kitchen offers tips, advice and inspiration to help you jump-start the name brainstorm. By taking a 360-degree approach to naming, Name.Kitchen blends business, human interest and pop culture to help create your business success story. Name. Kitchen is powered by Donuts, helps entrepreneurs (“business chefs”) to create the perfect recipe.

Ready to get cooking with Name.Kitchen? Get cooking now.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Name.Kitchen.

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10 Must-Have Nintendo Switch Games to Escape Quarantine

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

2. Overcooked 2

3. Luigi’s Mansion

4. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

5. Just Dance 2020

6. Untitled Goose Game

7. ABZÛ

8. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

9. Stardew Valley

10. Minecraft

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So you’re working from home? Welcome to the world of home officing! It’s not science, but here are the Best Apps for Working from Home to make you look like a pro.

Best Apps for Working from Home

Have photos in the cloud, sky, on your computer and everywhere else? Get it together in one spot and share your photos too with ibi smart photo storage.

As seen on Good Morning America: How much screentime IS too much? This is one of the hot button question with families today. Maybe what you need is to do The Newest Diet, a Digital Fast.

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What Happened During the Digital Fast

After the Digital Fast

Too busy to get it all done? Need an assistant or maybe three? Actually all you need is a computer or a smartphone. We call it multitasking 2.0 and it’s the new way to getting it all done.

Getting it All Done: Multitasking 2.0

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Having a unique domain that describes what I’m thinking about, doing and breathing all day was a no-brainer,” Lengacher says. “It’s the perfect new branding identity tool. ”

We are an online business exclusively selling online,” says Mody. “It’s a URL that implies what we do.”

People like to be in their kitchen, and we want it to bring this idea that fermentation is really easy and really accessible into your life.” says Kirsten Shockey.

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