Random Ramblings.

I haven't been writing all week because - well - my mom has been visiting!!

Yay, Momma!!!

Too exciting.

Unfortunately she's heading home tonight, and I'm #sadfaced.

My kiddo is likely going to be even more sadfaced than I am. Sniffle.

Saying bye to family when they leave is awful. It's not fair.

I'm still waiting on those automatic transporter things for people so we can get together whenever we want, ya know?

You know you know. I'm sure of it.

I kind of need to get in the shower and feel more awake. In the meantime I'm sipping cold coffee and doing some internet engagement stuff.

Where do you find the posts you read and share online?

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Navigate the Blogosphere: Customize Your Shareaholic Tweets

If you use Shareaholic you're either going to shake your head and say yesssss while reading this or you're going to think to yourself, what on earth is she talking about?

If you're the latter? I'm talking to you.

Shareaholic is a wonderful tool.

When I got my blog revamped and finally figured out how to safely manipulate the code and whatnot I decided Shareaholic was the way to go. It's so easy and benefits my blog so much I couldn't NOT do it.

In case you're still not sure what I'm talking about I'll clarify a bit more before diving into the dirty details.

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Style Inspiration: Polyvore

Oh, my creative and fashionable friends - have you found yourself over at Polyvore yet? 

If you haven't, you need to head on over. But read my post first, okay?

The great news is that you don't have to actually BUY the clothes you find on Polyvore. You can create boards of things you covet. Like the bracelet below in my Casual Style board. That's over $1K. Dream on, I know, but it's so pretty.

Anyway, I used to be addicted to the Polyvore creations that my friend Elisa over at Globetrotting in Heels pulled together. I still am, I'm just a missing in action bloggy friend. But head on over there, she's got an outfit of the week up right now you're going to love. 

And so do I. In fact, I have a few of them. 

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The Lifesaver II by Mio ~ product review

I have had the opportunity to use the Lifesaver II by Mio over the last few months and have to tell you, I don't know what I have been doing living without it for so long.

The Lifesaver II is a portable power pack for your cell phone or tablet. I've primarily been using it for my phone and it really has been an amazing little accessory.

I got a new phone around the holidays and I haven't been dealing with as many battery issues as I had in the past, but that doesn't mean I don't overuse my phone sometimes and totally need a way of getting some juice.

Ideally the best way for a blogger like me to test one of these portable chargers would be to attend a conference. And I was able to do that recently, twice.

The first huge test was when I attended a social work conference earlier this month and was there for the entire day. I relied on my Lifesaver to keep me charged for any online reading I needed to do, but what I didn't expect was that I'd end up helping my neighbor at the conference, as well. The gentleman sitting next to me was having issues with his phone and I totally plugged him in and charged him up so he could turn his phone on and see what was happening. I think I just sold him a Lifesaver II! He even wrote it down. Admittedly, he was an older gentleman, and I don't think he even knew that portable phone chargers existed.

I also had a full weekend worth of opportunity when I attended the Shot@Life Champions Summit in DC a few weeks ago. It was the first time I was away from home for several days straight and using my smartphone pretty excessively. As anyone can tell you, when you attend a conference as a blogger, you're likely to need your phone or your tablet to keep active on social media during the trainings and sessions. And this event was no different. I also found myself away from the hotel and out on the hill (yes, the hill in DC! More to come on this soon!) and I needed to know that my phone would be working no matter what.

This charger did not disappoint. I'm thrilled to have it and thrilled at how quickly it charges my phone. I pretty much keep it in my bag all the time now with the small cable attached. The only disappointment I had was that there was no attachment to charge my iPad. Although I've read that it does work with them, so maybe mine was missing? Either way - no matter - it's still a great charger.

I know today's society it's awful how reliant we are on our phones, but sometimes, when it comes to blogging, our jobs, our roles as parents or employees, we're counting on them - I know you feel me. And so the Lifesaver II by Mio has absolutely helped me to be more available and helped me avoid the anxiety of that dreaded flashing low battery warning!

I'd definitely recommend this product for those in the market for a portable charger. It's really sleek and can fit into a pocket in my bag WITH my cell phone. It's not clumsy, clunky or any other type of negative adjective you can think of.

So check it out! And if you do let me know what you think. I'm curious to hear your opinions.

* I was provided with a Lifesaver II charger by Mio to review. I was not compensated for this review in any way. All expressed opinions are strictly my own. *

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Bling it up wherever you can! ~ #spon #VZWA #VZWVoices

**Disclosure: I am a Verizon Wireless Ambassador and I have been given a phone and service to use for three months in exchange for honest posts about my experience. At this time I am using the Blackberry Z10. **

Accessories make the woman, I often think. At least for me.

Sometimes buying clothes is not the easiest thing. But bags? Absolutely!

Bangles and earrings? Always.

Rings? Scarves? Hats? Flip flops Yes. Yes. And yes.

Today I'm going to talk a little bit about some of the accessories Verizon Wireless has available on their website.

The first accessory I have to sing praises for is the Fitbit Zip.

I'm lucky to have received one from Verizon Wireless in my role as an ambassador. It helps motivate me when I need a kick in the you-know-where!

I have the black/grey one, but the other colors are really fun.

You can purchase one for yourself by heading over to the Verizon Wireless website. Check out the green fitbit zip because it's bright and funky feeling!

Fitbit Zip

But wait - don't purchase one yet! I have a way for you to get a coupon code if you stay with me. Or skip to the end. I know how it is. So much to do and so little time.

Verizon also sells scales now.

I know. I know. WHAT? Scales? Can I not escape them EVER?

I feel you. My relationship with my scale is a tumultuous one.

But this one looks kind of cool. Very sleek. AND it can connect with your smartphone fitness apps. Pretty fancy, right? I want one, in that I'm also a little afraid of it kind of way.

Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale

 And friends. This is crazy. You thought the scale was kind of cool? Check it ...

A BABY MONITOR. Not just a regular ole audio one (though they have one of those, too). But a VIDEO baby monitor. Woot! I'd buy one for everyone I knew if I could. It just looks THAT cool.

Withings Smart Baby Monitor

And just because accessories can come in more than black and white - and we all need a little flair sometimes - how cute is this? 

Juicy Couture - Rosette Universal Tablet Sleeve

And just so you guys don't feel left out, how awesome is this? 

Batman Hard Cover

I kind of want one. Or might prefer Wonder Woman ... hint hint to the accessory makers out there!

Okay, so here's the best part of the deal. If you're looking to purchase one of these incredible items, OR any other accessory on the site that catches your eye, I've got a coupon code for you. 

All you need to do is text goodgirlgonered to 22699 to receive your 25% off any one accessory at Verizon Wireless. How cool is that? No strings attached! Tell all your friends. They'll thank you - for sure. 

**Disclosure: I am a Verizon Wireless Ambassador and I have been given a phone and service to use for three months in exchange for honest posts about my experience. At this time I am using the Blackberry Z10. **

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From Windows to Blackberry. #VZWA

Y'all know I'm a Verizon Wireless Ambassador, right?

Oh, you forgot? All my #VZWA hashtagging up the wazoo didn't work for you? Harumph.

Well, I'll fill you in. Because I'm moving on from my Windows 8x phone, and I am headed to Blackberry land. Yikes. Another step into unchartered territory for me.

See? Here's my new baby:

And I figured I'd take a photo shoot so you could see it next to the Windows 8x and the Samsung Galaxy SIII. (Don't mind the fingerprints!)

To sum up my experience with the Windows 8x, I wound up liking the phone more than I expected. I stuck with it when I went for a run or a walk, and focused on finding fitness with my phone, I also was really excited to learn I could load my iTunes music onto my Windows 8x phone! That was especially helpful when running towards a fitter me.

I admittedly had a few concerns when I started testing out my Windows 8x phone.  The buttons still bother me and I've had friends tell me the same thing. They found it hard to take pictures, and while I love the protection offered by the Otterbox case, it didn't make using the buttons any easier.

I still miss apps like Instagram and Angry Birds. And I can't utilize the options to connect between my Windows-using friends because I don't have that many Windows-using friends right now. Perhaps it will catch on and turn into the new "go-to" operating system for everyone, but it's just not there yet.

Oh! I almost forgot to let you know. Pandora is now available on Windows phones. Have you not heard about Pandora? Come on out of the dark ages, my friends. Free music. And it's ad-free for Windows users for the time being. This rocks. Completely.

I look forward to testing out the Blackberry Z10, and if you know me, and I think you do, I've already tested out the camera and found myself excited that all you have to do is TOUCH THE SCREEN ANYWHERE! ANYWHERE! No buttons to push, tap, shove, etc. Just tap that screen and the shot is yours. That's pretty awesome, if you ask me.

Stay tuned for more details as I become familiar with my new friend. Hope you'll let me know if you have any questions for me, too, as I would be happy to give you whatever insight I might have.

I'm a Blackberry virgin no more!

*I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Ambassador Program. Verizon Wireless has provided me with a wireless device and three months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product. 

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iTunes on my Windows 8x phone. #VZWA

I learned a while ago that I could load up my iTunes music to my Windows 8x phone, I just got lazy, worried I'd screw it up and - well - lazy, and so I never checked it out.

But man, it is SO easy to do.

And now I can run my Couch to 5K workouts to Britney Spears whenever I like!

So, let me show you how easy it was to do this.

I'll share the direct link for you via Windows here: Copy iTunes music to your Windows 8x phone

But hopefully my wording will be just as clear.

Basically it's this simple. Download yourself a Windows Phone app on your Mac.

Follow the step-by-step instructions once you've hooked up your phone to the Mac and you're golden. Seriously. It was crazy simple, I promise. And that link shows you nothing more.

So now, if you're like me, you're all about your music. Whether that includes Taylor Swift and/or Carly Rae Jepsen, or ranges all the way to Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton, you're going to want to get it onto this phone.

Oh, and you're totally entitled to opt for the teeny bopper pop stuff. Even if you've learned that you're older than Justin Bieber's MOTHER!

So, this Windows 8x Phone has Beats Audio. Have you heard of it? Yeah, I hadn't either. But it's pretty cool. It's clear, even on a windy day when I'm running (or trying to).

From the HTC website:

Exclusive built in amplifier for Beats Audio™.

Enjoy high-def, uncompromised sound for all you do. 
Boost sound with less distortion than other phones for the ultimate entertainment experience.

Beats Audio gives you an incredible music experience. The sound is clear, the music isn't painfully pulling on your brain or making you flinch, and you will enjoy a complete rhythmic experience. Rich sound and pure tone are just what you want. To the point that you won't need to use an iPod for your music anymore, and can keep everything on one device you carry with you all the time.

This article re: the best smartphone for music lovers over at Verizon is an excellent read when you're wanting to learn more about Beats Audio.

So, if you're looking to combine your MP3 Player of choice with your cell phone, this might be the way to go for you. Check it out.

For more info on my observations with this device, feel free to click on over to my initial post where I am testing out the new Windows 8x phone! And let me know if you have any questions. I'd love to help you answer them as I'm figuring the phone out for myself.

*I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Ambassador Program. Verizon Wireless has provided me with a wireless device and three months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product. 

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Finding Fitness. #VZWA

There has been a lot of chatter (much of it negative) about the lack of apps in the Windows store as compared to the options for Android phone users, so I'd like to put something positive out there and share one aspect of my experience with the Windows 8x phone so far.

I have uncovered a decent handful of apps that are helping me find my way back to fitness in the new year.  And I expect as I keep digging I'll unearth a lot more.

As you may already know, I really like to either try an app before I purchase it, or I strictly opt for free apps, especially since I am testing this phone as a Verizon Wireless Ambassador and don't know whether or not it will ultimately be mine when all is said and done.

So the following apps have been easy to use and access, and FREE:

12 Days of Fitness
* At first glance it looked like it was going to be 12 different exercise recommendations to give me new ideas. When I finished the 1+ mile today and checked it off, I looked ahead. Day two has something new, but it also INCLUDES the mile! These people might be crazy ... or they just don't know me at all.

Edomondo
* I've used this before on my bike. Haven't tested it out on the Windows 8x yet, but it's a pretty decent app in my opinion.

Runtastic
* Used this for a 1.5 mile walk and it worked really well. The only thing is it doesn't seem capable of running on the phone's front screen. So I couldn't check my status without swiping, and sometimes entering in my password, which if I were running would have been a bigger issue, but was still kind of inconvenient. I did have some issues logging into it, as well. It kept saying I had an account, but wouldn't let me post an update to facebook, which I do like to do now and then. The store does have a Pro app for $4.99 but I'll probably give it a few more test runs before I decide whether or not to purchase it.

Total C25K
* This is absolutely comparable to the C25K apps I've tried from the Google Play Store. There is a fantastic option for the music to stop when the app is giving you your alert, which can be a huge help for the switch from running to walking and back again.

Water Log
* Admittedly I haven't used this yet. I'm excited it's there, and I downloaded it when I first got the phone. Pretty much all I drink is water so I've been lazy at checking it out. Soon!

MyFitnessPal
* I've never found this to be as easy for me to use as LoseIt (which I can't get in the Windows store) but they do have info on a much larger and more specific variety of foods and restaurants, so it could be worth a try.

I just downloaded these apps for free, as well, but have not tested them yet:

Calorie Counter
* I think this might be fairly comparable to LoseIt, which I have been using on and off (and currently on again) over the past two years. And looking further into it I see that it includes nutrition information for a huge list of restaurants, and nutritional content of many supermarket brands. Huge win there!

Fast Food Calories
* At first glance this app includes information for places I do sometimes eat at, like: Wendy's, Subway and IHOP. Oh no! And Dairy Queen. EEK! McDonald's, Burger King and Arby's are in there, as well. The list goes on, but I think I'll stop there.

There are some other apps in the Windows store that might benefit others, but I'm going to skip for now. Things like the Gym PocketGuide, which looks like it might tell you where gyms are in your area but is supposed to give you basically a dictionary of exercises. It's free, so I might come back to it.

WeightWatch is an app that looks similar to the aspects I like of LoseIt, MyFitnessPal and Calorie Counter. There appear to be free heart rate tracker apps - I'm not sure how you'd use them - but hey, they're free, so go for it if you're motivated to.

I will add that as difficult as the buttons are on this phone, while running last night I somehow managed to lower the volume of my music, WITH gloves on. I can't even figure out how that happened because turning this phone, or the camera, on with the tiny buttons on the side of the phone has been difficult, to say the least.

So while I've had my share of complaints, and a minimal share of positives up til now, I'm pleased to say that this aspect of using the phone has started working for me. Maybe I'm just pushing harder at figuring it out? I don't know. I'll take it, though. I like it when things work right!

I haven't really reviewed the camera yet, and I have been having some so-so experiences with it, but this is the shot I took today on my run. No filter and I only watermarked it. Pretty, right? It's daytime but the way the sun was situated the ground looks so dark. I love it, though.

Oh! The music! I forgot about the music ... stay tuned for more on that next time.

*I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Ambassador Program. Verizon Wireless has provided me with a wireless device and three months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product. 

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Testing out the Windows 8X. #VZWA

If you haven't yet checked out my intro post on my new Verizon phone you can head over to this post where I am introducing the Windows 8x phone! to you all, or you can keep reading!

I'm testing out the new Verizon Windows 8x phone for the coming months. It's interesting for someone like me who hasn't used Windows in quite some time.

I had no idea what to expect. Have you seen the ads yet? The *home page* (is that the best term to use? I'm not always sure ...) is pretty cool. You can customize it to meet your needs, similarly to how you'd put your favorite apps front and center on your Android.

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I'm at it again ... #VZWA

That's right! I'm lucky enough to have an opportunity at a second stint as a Verizon Wireless Ambassador.

And my phone arrived on Thursday! Woo!

First, I was excited to great the FedEx delivery lady. I even offered her a cup of coffee for the road (she declined, I think I might have startled her a bit!).




And then I finally got into this baby. Whew. This box was SERIOUSLY SEALED.

Oh, wait. Hmmn.





Ah, yes, another box. Obviously at this point I was realllly close. I tweeted the above pictures as teasers. I figured I'd help avoid spoiling the phone for anyone - though I think any of us who received the "Windows" clue were expecting the 8X.

And, well, here she is! (She? Are phones really she-s? I have no clue. It's actually blue, so maybe this one isn't a girl ... but I really like the blue color!)

So, next I followed the included instructions on how to remove the SIM card from my Samsung Galaxy S3 (check out my previous VZWA posts to find out more on that phone if you're interested!) and put it into the Windows 8X. It was fairly easy, but I will admit I had to call my husband and ask how to get it out of the Galaxy, because it was kind of tricky. 

Once I moved it over and set the new phone up to charge, I was ready to read. 

I have a lot of learning to do, my friends. We have a session coming up this week so I can learn more - because it's been quite a while since I've messed around with any Windows environment, and digging through that in my handheld device is DEFINITELY tricky. 

But I am up for the challenge, without a doubt. And I've already figured a few things out. 

Note to anyone interested, when you're setting up your apps and the phone asks for your location, it's okay. You can ensure that each app (ie: twitter, facebook) does NOT use your location for your posts, etc. You just change it in the settings of the app. Did that make sense? I can probably explain it better but I might do well to hold off until I know the phone well enough. 

In the meantime, guess who got her hands on it already? 

*I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Ambassador Program. Verizon Wireless has provided me with a wireless device and three months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product. 

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Motherhood and technology. #VZWA

So, my friends, guess what?

I'm still addicted to my Samsung Galaxy S3!

Did you figure it would be the case? Because from the get go I kind of knew it would be that way.

In today's post I've decided to discuss how my Galaxy helps me be a mom.

And yes, as you can expect, I do talk about the camera some more. But by now you should know that about me. I'm completely stuck on this camera. It's better than any phone camera I've ever had, and it's also quite possibly better than the FujiFilm digital camera I currently use as my go-to. It's kind of taken over there.

So ... where was I?

Right! Motherhood.

We all know that despite really wanting to sit down for a family dinner out now and then, our kids are not always on the same page as we adults are. And as much as I'd love to say my child is the perfect angel, I'd be lying if I did. And even when we request to have her food come out first, we often find ourselves looking for something to pass the time.

Enter ... Angry Birds!

But everyone knows about Angry Birds. So what else can we use to pass the time? Have you heard about Bad Piggies? Yeah - me, too. I'm honestly still trying to figure out how to play it, but it's kind of got that Angry Bird feel.

And if you know anything about me you know that our family is made up of huge Phineas and Ferb fans. And though we've never tried the Where's my water app, my daughter is an absolute Where's my Perry? fan.

I'm frugal, so I usually opt for free apps ... but you can go ad-free and buy the real ones.

And besides going out for meals, we try to entertain our kiddo, especially on the weekends. That's often where the camera comes in, as capturing the moment is a huge part of who I am.

Sometimes it's hard to actually put the camera away and just be - but it's kind of nice to have the phone on-hand all the time so I can grab it for a few shots here and there and then put it away again. So I'm able to capture those moments and move forward to be a part of them.

Like boat riding, bubble-blowing, trying on costumes and/or sporting equipment and learning through fun. Our pumpkin patch visit included a train ride, picking out pumpkins, tossing them - even, and examining the insides through a microscope. Learning and creating is easy to experience and often hard to capture, but this camera is so quick I find myself moving fast enough to capture those moments and review them later on.

And although I don't use it that often, the Media Hub option on the phone is fantastic. Again, I try to find the best free entertainment I can, but having several options for movies, TV shows and more for my daughter are fantastic, and sometimes worth the price.

We don't travel very often, but the Samsung Galaxy S3 is like a portable library of great entertainment for not just 5-year-olds, but for me, as well. You can get entire seasons of your favorite television shows with just a few clicks.

And with the screen size of this phone, you're not forced to watch what you've downloaded while squinting or holding it as close to your face as possible. The Galaxy S3 also came with an excellent pair of headphones (that I recently used with my iPod Nano while participating in a 5K), providing you the option of enjoying your shows with fewer distractions.

So, as I've explained before, I'm totally loving this phone. Have you checked it out yet? What have you experienced?

To review my previous posts on the Samsung Galaxy S3 and my #VZWA experience, check out the following links:

An excellent apps experience.

Have you seen my pictures lately?

New apps and my Galaxy S3.


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

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An excellent apps experience. #VZWA

I can't seem to live without my apps these days.

It's amazing how addicted I've become.

And yes, I do still have my "other phone," and no, it isn't an iPhone, and yes, I do still use it ... But when it comes to apps, downloading, using, updating and so on - my Samsung Galaxy S3 wins, hands down.

You have already seen me sing the praises of the camera, and I still do. I use Instagram happily and never worry about my pictures not loading, or freezing up. (Though I do have a weird situation with the camera crashing on me when I first click into it. It isn't happening all the time, and it isn't truly impacting my picture-taking process, so I haven't complained about it - yet!)

I also love how when I take pictures, and yes, there I go back to the camera related detail! - it automatically connects and is available to load into my G+ feed, available to publish, should I so choose.

And the speed is still ridiculously crazy. I just sat here and before I finished typing that sentence the phone downloaded the update to Pandora. And if you aren't already using Pandora, you should be. And you will be if you have this phone. It is so quick, seamless, in fact, when it comes to playing the stations of your choice. A few days ago I tried to use Pandora on my laptop, and I swear it works better on this phone. I suppose that isn't saying very much about my laptop in comparison.

So, besides picture taking and my music addiction, what other apps am I finding beneficial on my Samsung Galaxy S3?

Well, I am so glad you asked!

If you are a regular reader of mine, you know I am working towards a healthier me. I am focusing on fitness, calories, food, health and so much more. And my Galaxy S3 is helping me meet my goals and find my way.

With apps like LoseIt, myfitnesspal, C25K-Pro, Endomondo and my new find, Fooducate, I am making my way to healthier living with the touch of the screen. I have downloaded all of these apps and am determining which ones work best for me.

I recently came across Fooducate in the Verizon app store and decided to download it to use at my next grocery shopping trip. I will let you know how that goes, but in the meantime I have been able to use it by either scanning bar codes or shaking the phone! It basically picks a product at random and tells you all of the nutritional information you need, along with giving you some ideas at healthier products to replace the initial one you researched. There seriously is an app for that!

For the app-addicted like me, you will find that the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the 4G LTE service provided by Verizon Wireless will truly meet your needs when it comes to speed, performance, and accessibility.


* I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Ambassador Program and have been provided with a wireless device and three months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.

For more information on my experience with this phone, see: New Apps and my Galaxy S3

And for more info on the awesome camera, see: Amazing camera on the Samsung Galaxy S3

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Have you seen my pictures lately? #VZWA

I'm totally addicted to Instagram. Have you been following me on there lately?

If you're a new friend, you may not have noticed the increase in my Instagram photography, but I can guarantee I'm even more addicted than before since I've had the Samsung Galaxy S3 to play around with.

You can look to the upper righthand side of the page here for a small sampling of my Instagram shots. Almost all of them (likely all, but just in case!) were taken with this phone. And they pretty much rock.

I mentioned in my previous post (see below for link) that I am in love with the camera on this phone. For the most part that remains true. A few quirks I'll get to later and we'll see what you think when I weigh out the exceptional pros and the occasional con.

So, let's begin!

I received my phone before heading to New York for vacation and was happy to test out my camera with some scenic shots.

A beautiful Brooklyn sky:

It's really pretty, right? Captures the blue sky, the red and orange tons of the sun as it is setting, the crispness of the contrast between the clouds and the sky. I sound all corny, but I like taking pictures, as if you couldn't guess.

And then we went to see the in-laws in Maine. They live off a pond and it was a perfect opportunity to test out the camera.

Quiet moment on the pond:

No filter has been added to either of those images, I've only watermarked them with a property of notation.

So those are still shots, which are obviously easy to capture, but the quality of the camera is pretty impressive for a cell phone, at least any cell phone I've ever used for photo-taking purposes.

 I used the phone the other night at a baseball game. I even took some shots of the fireworks display. A few of them came out well, and a few of them came out blurry. I did want to share a night shot, to show that with the flash I was able to capture the kids in the darkness, even though I could barely see where they were standing myself!

Watching in awe:

Again, no filter and a still object, but nighttime and pretty dark (they were facing the fireworks so you can see there were none in the air at the time of this shot) and it still came out pretty well.

So those are some of my positives about the camera in the Galaxy S3. I'm a fan so far. Even with the negatives I've experienced. The camera does tend to crash, or simply close on me, when I'm setting myself up to take a picture. I don't know if I happen to hit a button, or I set something off or what, exactly. But it is super sensitive.

Sometimes I get really blurry shots. It's easy to find yourself chasing down your kid or your pet and wind up with part of the shot showing up clearly and the rest of it in a whir of motion. No different than my camera, which may not say much for my camera, but I am noticing that it captures more of the shot than my regular cell does. Or I should say did, as I'm rarely using that camera now that I have this one.

And as you can say for most things, there are certainly more positives and negatives to discuss, so weighing the pros and cons is what I'll continue to do as I use both, the phone and the camera. I'll be sharing all of it here with you, so stay tuned for more posts with my honest feedback.

* I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Ambassador Program and have been provided with a wireless device and three months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.

For more information on my experience with this phone, see: New Apps and my Galaxy S3

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New apps and my Galaxy S3

Have you seen my new phone yet? Probably not - I'm too busy taking pictures WITH it to take pictures OF it.

I'm a Verizon Wireless Ambassador and I've been given an opportunity to use and review the Samsung Galaxy S3. See - look - here she is.

Beautiful isn't she? And so far? Pretty flawless.

I'll admit that I'm still learning the ropes and for sure I've got a lot to learn. But when I compare this phone and the service to my current phone - well, let's just say I'm using one more than the other these days. Any guesses as to which?

I still use my regular cell for phone call purposes. It has just been easier than giving my friends and family a new number for temporary use. But I do plan on using it more when I'm traveling over the coming weeks. That should be a good test to see how the service works in various areas of the country. I'll report back on that when I'm done. But for now I'm seriously talking apps with you.

If you didn't know yet (although you must by now!) I'm headed to BlogHer in New York City this week. And all of the traveling and planning and so on have my head turning in 900 different directions.

So I've been itching for apps that will help me manage my trip and the conference.

And seriously, people, the applications I have downloaded onto this new phone? By using the new phone and the 4G LTE network? OMG, people - the speed is RIDICULOUS.

Can I just tell you that this morning I downloaded a new app called Lemon. It helps you manage your money. You can scan your receipts by taking pictures of them and it helps you keep track of your expenses, budget, etc. [sidenote thanks to Annie of Mama Dweeb for sharing this app info with me!] Anyway, I started to install the app on my Galaxy S3 and it was there in seconds. Seriously - it was almost under a minute. I could have blinked a few times and there it was.

A few minutes later I decided to try to download it on my other phone. If I had let it be I would still be waiting. This is totally unfair. I may never be able to give this phone back (see disclosure information below for more on how I have this phone for testing purposes).

In under 20 minutes I was able to download and sign into apps like Lemon, Evernote, Eventbrite and even the BlogHer12 app! It took no time at all. My old phone? She's on hiatus for this trip. I'll use her minimally when the charge on my Galaxy S3 needs some juice.

And speaking of - not that I'm trying to go negative here - but I do have to admit that that is one thing I have noticed about the Galaxy S3 that I'm still trying to pinpoint. I'm unable to leave it off the charger overnight. It drains instantly. I have charged it fully and removed it from the plug while I slept to see what happens. Woke up in the AM and the phone was spent. I haven't figured out what drains the energy from it, but that is the only thing I'm struggling with so far.

Honestly, it's not enough to turn me against it, as I almost always plug my phone in at night anyway. I just wonder how it will do for my trip, being used more and away from a charger for longer periods of time. That's what is next for me to try to review.

I suppose it's possible it's all the amazing apps I'm instantly downloading, but I hope it's something easier to address than that, because I'm already addicted to having such quick and easy access to these apps, and I don't think I'll be giving them up that easily!

Oh wait! I almost forgot about the most important part. The camera. This camera is freakin' awesome. I'm serious. I'm in love with this camera. I can't stop with the picture taking. I've written so much already that I think I have to devote an entire post to the camera. So that's all I'll say for now and I'll leave you with this adorable self-taken-pic of me and my daughter in our Verizon shades.

* I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Ambassador Program and have been provided with a wireless device and three months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product. 

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Guest Post: When the Crackberry Cracks

Hello to Andrea's readers here at Good Girl Gone Redneck! My name is That One Mom and our pal Andrea asked me to pinch hit while she's away re-New Yorkering herself.

We've all heard the jokes about people being addicted to their Blackberries. It sounds silly, doesn't it? A person being addicted to their phone? For realz?

Well, I am here to tell you, it happens. You see, I have been a Blackberry user since sometime in 2007. How I remember learning to use my first ever berry - a Blackberry Curve. I remember it being all shiny and new. The little track ball in the center was like nothing I'd ever used. And I could surf the internet! Even before my blogging days, the ability to use the web whenever I wanted was so very appealing to me. I. Was. In. Love.



My love for my berry grew as I learned more about the ins and outs of it. Then the time came. I received word from Verizon that I had been a proud berry owner for 2 years. It was time for an upgrade. So, with a heavy heart, I took myself down to the Verizon phone and selected a new berry. So, on a fine July afternoon in 2009, I became the proud owner of a Blackberry Storm. While I LOVED my Curve, the Storm had a killer touch screen, all kinds of options, and an application center!!! It. Was. So. Cool.



In the fall of 2009, I discovered blogging. I set up residence at Only Parent Chronicles and began to make my way in Blognia. I developed many bloggy friendships along the way (Andrea included!) and met a group of bloggers who loved their berries as much as I did. Thus began The Bishes. The Bishes and I chatted all day, everyday. We've been through thick and thin and have always been there to support one another. Over time, some bishes went away, some new bishes joined, but the friendships kept growing stronger.

One day, a bish lost her phone. My heart broke for her. It would be days before she could join us. I had no idea how she would endure. Then it happened to another bish, and another. It was heartbreaking. Each time, the bish would get a new phone, get linked back up to chat, and tell her tales of withdrawl. I had no idea how they survived. Then, one day, IT HAPPENED TO ME!

It was a Sunday. I had spent the day geocaching with my clan. We had seven finds in for the day and decided to go have dinner. A few weeks prior, I had downloaded a free trial of a geocaching application. It was expired and after spending the day using an application on The Man's phone, I resolved to buy the application for mine. To do this, I needed to uninstall the trial. So, I went through the uninstall process and turned of my phone to reboot. It never came back up. It died. I was lost. No bishes. No email. No internet. NO CONTACT LIST! NOTHING! And to top it all off, all of the Verizon stores were closed for the day!!!

I was frantic! Quickly, I took The Man's phone and reached out on Twitter! I had to let the bishes now I was down! What was I going to do!?!?!

Then, I remembered! Miss Lucinda had my Curve! My beloved first berry ever! I had let Miss Lucinda have it when I got my Storm! She had since gotten a Storm and was ready to return my Curve! I HAD TO GET MY CURVE! So, I had The Man drive me 35 minutes to St. Paul so I could retrieve it. I still had no bishes and no contact list, but I had a berry. I had internet. I had email.

While I am still trying to pick up all of the pieces that remain of my shattered berry life, I am happy to say The Bishes and I have reconnected. There are still many telephone numbers I haven't recovered, including my parents and siblings. Sadly, at this point, all I can do is wait for them to call and tell them my sad, sad tale.

What you hear of Blackberry addictions is true. I once scoffed at the idea, but now I know. The prospect of going even a few hours without my berry was one of the most critical I have ever endured. While the berry brings me so much joy each day, my reliance on it has brought me to an almost panicked state. I now know that having a back up berry at all times is crucial to my survival.

** A special thanks to That One Mom for writing something to share with my bloggy-peeps for this weekend. While I don't have a Berry, I can completely understand the addictive behaviors she is describing. My addiction is my backflip. I am rarely without it and the purty pink case she lives in. Scoff if you will, but get yourself a smartphone of any nature and WE will have the last laugh! **

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