The Angel Forever

Don’t Forget Protection

Posted on August 4, 2016 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

#VZWBuzz Disclosure

No really, don’t forget protection for your smartphone. Protecting my phone has always been a priority. My smartphone is an extension of me. It keeps me connected for emergencies, allows me to get work done while mobile, and gives me a way to record memories. As soon as I get a new phone, I immediately purchase a good case to put it in.

When I received my Samsung Galaxy Note 5, I went to check out my options. This time I went into my local Verizon Wireless store knowing that I wanted a less bulky case. The gentleman at the store suggested pairing the new case up with a tempered glass screen for added protection. More specifically, he told me to get the Invisible Shield Glass by ZAGG.

Confession: I whined a lot about the cost of this screen protector. In the end, I bought it and felt guilty about the money.

Fast forward many months.

My phone dropped off a counter. I was relieved to see that it seemed fine. Several hours later, my heart skipped a beat. My precious Note 5 had a small visible crack. After I stopped and calmed down, I noticed something on the phone. I could actually see what I thought was a shadow under the tempered glass. Perhaps my phone was fine underneath it. I didn’t check at home and took my phone back to Verizon. The plan was to get a new glass screen cover for my phone. The gentleman at the store took my cover off the phone and the Note 5 looked brand new underneath. Of course, pulling it off made the crack that you see in the photo above even more pronounced.

What happened next made me beyond happy. I did not have to purchase a new ZAGG Invisible Shield Glass. Why? The one I bought is warrantied. If it cracks, ZAGG will send you a new one for the cost of shipping. All I had to do was go onto their website and register my glass to have a new one sent.

There were a few glitches on the ZAGG website, so I called them. Their customer service was truly amazing. I quickly had everything set so a new Invisible Shield Glass would be shipped. I simply have to send the old one back. The best part is that IF this happens again while I own the Note 5, it is covered since I have it registered.

The moral of my story, protect your phone properly and you will not be sorry. I am SO glad that I listened while shopping months ago and purchased the ZAGG product. Had I ignored that, my Note 5 may have had a very different fate on the day of the fall. Now I can breathe and use my phone to capture more memories like the ones below.

It's Me
Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I receive cool goodies like the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 to test out and share ways that I use them in my life. I am a long time Verizon customer, and all opinions are my own.

Categories:
shopping Technology

Birthday Wishes for TechyDad

Posted on August 3, 2016 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Dear TechyDad,

No words will ever be able to express how I feel about you. I am so thankful that you came into my life back in 1999. Who would have imagined that all these years later we would be married and have an almost teenager? Thank you for being you and always being there for the kids and me. I now know that you will climb a tree to get us the best cherries…

and you will hold me close as I cry over stresses from the educational world and beyond. You always support my crazy shenanigans and cheer me on no matter what.

Thank you for being the geek of my dreams. I look forward to growing older with you by my side and making more memories as a family and duo.

Love,

Your Angel Forever

Categories:
birthday TechyDad

Lovely LuLaRoe

Posted on July 17, 2016 1:29 pm by TheAngelForever

A little over a year ago, I was looking for clothing to take on our cruise. I wanted things that would pack easy and dress up or down depending on my needs. Most important of all, they had to be comfortable. Another direct sales friend of mine mentioned LuLaRoe maxi skirts. As a vertically challenged individual, long skirts are more difficult for me to find. I took a chance and tried a skirt. I fell in love with the soft skirt and quickly bought a second one for our travels since I noticed they really didn’t wrinkle.

LuLaRoe offers a variety of styles in skirts, shirts, dresses, and the ever popular leggings for women. In addition to this, they are constantly adding new options for children and men. Looking for just the right piece to purchase next is like a sport. There are so many cute patterns and fantastic solids available that you can mix and match for any occasion. Of course, the beauty of LuLaRoe is that there is a limited amount of each design used. That means that LuLa Lovelies are constantly looking for their unicorn.

Shortly before we left for our trip, I found a local LuLaRoe consultant. Rivkah is an amazing woman and met with me to try on several skirts to determine what size would work best for me. I need to meet with her again to tackle more shirt styles, along with the gorgeous dress options. When we returned from our trip, I kept debating what to do about the famous Buttery leggings. My bottom half is a lot smaller than my top so I knew they would fit, but would I actually like and wear them. The answer is YES! I bought my first pair, fell in love, and quickly bought another pair with a matching Irma top to go with it. Guess what? They are cute, comfy, and I am getting enough courage to wear them out and about. I warn you, you will adore them and want more!

Thanks to Rivkah, I am hosting a LuLaRoe online party. It will be a lot of fun and many goodies available. The best part is you don’t have to be local and can shop at home in your pajamas. There may even be some surprises if you stop by. Let me know if you need an invite, but you can head to Rivkah’s Facebook page here. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. LuLaRoe is available in XXS to 3X and looks great on all shapes and sizes.

What do you want to check out? Will you fall head over heels in love with the butter leggings, a skirt (Maxi, Azure, Madison, Cassie…), dress (Nicole, Amelia, Julia…), a top (Irma, Perfect…), or something else?

Disclosure – The photo at the top is my LuLaRoe purchases from the past. From left to right, I have an Irma top on with an Azure skirt, Tall & Curvy Leggings, and a Maxi skirt. I am hosting this online party for LuLaRoe to share my love of the product, help a friend, and earn some goodies!

Categories:
me moments shopping

Memories With Big Red

Posted on June 22, 2016 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Thirteen years ago, I was very pregnant with my oldest son. TechyDad and I decided that it was time for a family vehicle. We traded in my Chrysler Neon that had been with me through college. My little red adventure mobile had traveled all over with me, including to meet TechyDad. We had to trade the car in because we needed something that was larger for baby cargo and our growing family.

About a month before NHL was born, Big Red came home with us. Yes, my red Town & Country minivan would be there for so many milestones in our life. We brought NHL home from the hospital in her. We went to visit family near and far with her. Big Red also allowed us to travel with extended family thanks to more seating. Big Red helped us to move from an apartment into our home. She also helped us to experience our first road trip and family vacation to friends near Sesame Place.

Big Red also saved our lives in the summer of 2006. We were t-boned by another car making an illegal turn. Big Red was pushed across at least six lanes. While up on two wheels, Big Red did not tip over and we stopped 180 degrees on the far side of the giant roadway. NHL and Nana were with us that day. Big Red was fixed and looked good as new after some time away.

The following year, JSL came into our world and completed our family. Big Red would often transport a sleeping baby to and from school to pick up big brother. We continued to travel with the van and our two young boys. As the kids got bigger, and gas got more expensive, we used the more fuel efficient car. Big Red stayed home a little more, but we still loved her. She let us haul extra kids to after school activities and more.

Three years ago, we did a major repair on Big Red. We knew that would be the last time. After this, it would not make sense to put money into her. Aside from brakes, wipers, and several tires she kept up on her end of the bargain taking the kids to and from school.

Last week, Big Red went in for her inspection. The news was not good for my big red adventure mobile. A major repair would mean the end of the road for us.

It may seen silly, but over time you get attached to your vehicles and the special moments in them. Call me sentimental, but after thirteen years together Big Red’s a constant that has always been there for our family. I recall picking her out and being so happy for another red car. I also remember dashing to the hospital in Big Red when my water broke for each of the kids. TechyDad and I laughed hysterically as I tried not to make a mess in the car . Drives to first days of school for the boys, going to work in my own classroom, and more were all with Big Red.

Handing over the keys is going to be hard, but I know it’s the right thing. Now I need to come up with a name for my soon to be new car. We will certainly have many memories to add together.

Categories:
looking back me moments

Tuesday Tales: Playaway All-In-One Audiobooks

Posted on June 21, 2016 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Are you a fan of audiobooks? I am a big fan and have written about them many times in the past. Personally, I adore audiobooks because they allow me to multitask while reading a book. In addition to this, I know they are beneficial for many kids that struggle with reading or are reluctant readers. The parent and certified reading teacher in me encourages my own children to explore the world of literature with audiobooks.

While we were at the library recently, something caught NHL’s eye. Near the audiobook CD collection, there was a Playaway section. Intrigued, we went over to the librarian to ask about using and taking them out.

What is Playaway? It is a pre-loaded, all-in-one, compact device with an audiobook.There is no need to use up precious battery life on your smartphone or tablet. Now you can select the book on Playaway that you want to listen to and plug in your own headphones in the universal headphone jack. The pint sized device uses one AAA battery to run. Once your headphones are plugged in, turn on the power button and press play. The device gives you five narration speeds, volume control, and reverse/forward within or by chapter on a backlit LCD screen.

NHL is really enjoying this reading experience. We do not have to download an app, search online for an audiobook that is currently available, or haul a big tablet around. I adore that he’s reading different books and expanding his interests. I was jealous of this convenient portable book. I figured it would be great while walking, crocheting, or even to listen in the car. Not only can I read new kiddie literature options, there are plenty of books available for all ages. Many local libraries are now carrying Playaway circulation packs like the one above. Educators will love that you can purchase Playaway book packs that pair the device with a print copy of the book.

Has anyone in your home tried a Playaway all-in-one audiobook? I would love to know about your experience. As always, Tuesday Tales is about sharing our love of books. Please let me know what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else.