U.S. Cellular Better Moments

As a U.S. Cellular Blogger Brigade member, I have some exciting things to share with you from U.S. Cellular this month.

U.S. Cellular is holding Device Workshops at stores nationwide.  The link will lead you to local workshops focusing on helping families with decisions to be made when their children are ready to get their first cellphone.  U.S. Cellular can also make suggestions on how mobile phones can help you stay connected and strengthen the family relationship. 

Here is Southeastern Wisconsin, my local store event is scheduled for Saturday, August 3rd at 8am cst.  Check out http://goo.gl/4487x or call your local store for details.

Where to find help deciding when a child should get their first cellphone and how to ensure the kids will use it responsibly, safely and courteously?  U.S. Cellular held a Better Moments online survey which showed 50% of U.S. Cellular customers' children have mobile phones. 91% of the parents polled set guidelines on phone usage for their child, while 63% indicated it would be helpful to have an agreement in place to manage the children's mobile device usage.

U.S. Cellular has developed a Parent/Child Agreement that can provide such a guideline for parents, and it is truly customizable for your specific needs.  The agreement contains suggestions on safety and phone etiquette, so the agreement can work for each individual family.  Some examples are watching videos together on YouTube or sending a message to each other if one is away from home.  This agreement can guide conversations you need to have with your child when they receive their first cellphone.  When my son received his first cellphone, we had a conversation on usage, stressing safety and responsibility.  Visit www.childphoneagreement.com to download a copy of your customizable Parent/Child Agreement.

In the comments section below, please let me know if you have or would ever use this tool for your children.  I will pass your comments on to U.S. Cellular.


Disclosure:  I was provided this information from U.S. Cellular.  All opinions expressed are my own.  I receive compensation from U.S. Cellular for my post.

Suddenly Salad

I want to share what a quick and delicious summer salad I hope you enjoy this summer as much as I did. Have you ever tried Betty Crocker's Suddenly Salad? It's been awhile since I had, and with great deals at our local grocery store, I picked up 2 boxes. I made Red, White and Blueberry Pasta salad with my own tweak on the recipe.  Classic pasta mix and instead of feta cheese, I used onions.  mmmmm good.  It was so easy and fast, I had to stop myself my eating it right away (ok, a couple spoonfuls) so I could chill it in the refrigerator for later.

Suddenly salad comes in 7 delicious flavors.  Visit Suddenly salad and see what is awaiting you for your next pasta salad dish. 

“Disclosure: The information has been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”

U.S. Cellular Protector Series

Well, it is officially summer and school is out. How to keep track and manage your family's long summer days (and nights)?  U.S. Cellular has developed the Protector Series for your smartphone.  You can scan downloaded apps like the Family Protector App to set phone limits on your kids cellphones.  Has anyone in your family ever lost their phone?  You can locate that phone that they left at their friends house.  From Device Protection to Mobile Data Security, Privacy Protector and Overage Protection, the U.S. Cellular Protector Series has you covered.

The Family Protector app lets you monitor your children's location and phone usage.  You can check call history, texts and photos, as well as alerts so you know they are safe with their mobile device.   You can block or restrict certain websites or phone numbers.  It can give you peace of mind that they are where they say they are.

Enjoying Better Moments through the use of technology is what U.S. Cellular helps us do.  Families are over the country are using smartphones and other devices like tablets to make their lives more efficient, meaningful and easier, while at home or on-the-go.  I really enjoy my Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Tablet which has made my life easier. I like to check my favorite websites and email while waiting for my daughter's van that brings her home from a day program for special needs individuals.

My 13 year old son uses his phone to make plans with friends to hang out at the local pool, and to keep in touch with me.  I didn't have a cell phone until I was in my late 20's with the 1st of my 2 kids.  So, my son knows it's a privilege to use a cell phone and I trust him with it.  Please let me know in the comments section below what rules/agreements and limits you have in place for your kids cell phone usage.  I'd like to hear them.


Disclosure:  As a member of the U.S. Cellular Blogger Brigade, I have been compensated for my post.  All opinions expressed are my own.  I received product information from U.S. Cellular.

U.S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade

I am excited to announce that I am a member of the U.S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade.   Over the next several months, I will be sharing with you how U.S. Cellular devices, programs and services enhance my life.

U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Service Champion in 2012 for the second year in a row.  In 2013, the company also received their 15th consecutive J.D. Power and Associates' award for the "Highest Network Quality Performance Among Wireless Cell Phone Users In The North Central Region."

U.S. Cellular has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by its high-speed network that has the highest call quality of any national carrier.  I can't wait to learn more about all the new technology available as a U.S. Cellular customer.

U.S. Cellular treats their customers like neighbors, not numbers.  I found this out at my local store, being greeted warmly upon walking in.

So, why switch to U.S. Cellular?  Let me tell you why I switched to U.S. Cellular.  In 2011, my husband had been with U.S. Cellular for about a decade, while I was with another carrier.  My basic plan was ok until we had crises including death, emergency surgery and stroke occur in the family and with so many calls to make,  charges for over plan minutes were astronomical.  My husband suggested we go to our local U.S. Cellular store to see if they could help me out.  And that they did.  The staff set us up with a family plan with minutes we could share, and 2 new phones.  We were also introduced to U.S. Cellular's rewards program which I will share more about in a future post. 

As I learn more about all U.S. Cellular has to offer, I invite you to join me and let me know if there is any U.S. Cellular program you would like to learn more about and I will do my best to find out for you.

Disclosure:  I am being compensated by U.S. Cellular for my posts.  Opinions are my own.

Rod Stewart - TIME

A great opportunity was provided to me.  I received a copy of Rod Stewart's amazing new CD, Time, to review. 

Time, released on May 7th, 2013, marks Stewart's long-awaited return to his songwriting roots and features 12 tracks, 11 of which he wrote and produced.

Time Track Listing:
1. She Makes Me Happy
2. Can’t Stop Me Now
3. It’s Over
4. Brighton Beach
5. Beautiful Morning
6. Live The Life
7. Finest Woman
8. Time
9. Picture In A Frame
10. Sexual Religion
11. Make Love To Me Tonight
12. Pure Love



Time can be purchased through iTunes or Amazon.

My favorite song track has to be Beautiful Morning.  I listened to the CD on one of the first days since the rain stopped.  The sun was out and I was on the way to visit my mom.  What a great song to listen (sing to) in the car!!

Along with the release of Time, Stewart is set to embark on the European leg of his Live the Life tour on June 1st, while American dates with Steve Winwood will kick off October 17th

Disclosure:  I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD for my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.