Maximize Multiple Screen Experience - HDTV Laptop Tablet Smartphone #CatchitAll at Best Buy

Technology

This is a sponsored post

A Baby Boomer Perspective on Multiple Screens

As a Baby Boomer, in the days before cable TV and videos, my generation sat as a family on the couch watching one TV show that aired at a specific time. Boy, have times changed!

Me & Mommy at my 5th birthday party, MommyBlogExpert.com

In my wildest dreams as a kid I'd have never even imagined all the ways technology in the future would change -- particularly with multiple screens -- the way families and kids experience entertainment at home in 2014. For example, back in the day, who would have believed that you'd ever be able to click on an actor's outfit in one of your favorite shows opening a new window right on the TV screen with all the details as well as where to buy it?

Getting the most out of all the ever expanding multiple screen functionality now accessible to consumers couldn't be a more timely topic right now. This is particularly true because at the moment we are midway through the tournament regionals of NCAA March Madness.

Image from Best Buy

Having the ability to open multiple screens to watch two games live at the same time on a tablet while away from home or viewing a replay on one screen while the current game continues in the background so you don't miss any of the action. These luxuries are the stuff that sports fans used to only dream about. Now all those pleasureable viewing experiences, and lots more, are a reality.

My school's men's basketball team, I'm proud to say, is ranked #4 in the AP 25 and is still in the March Madness running as this post goes live. So I'd like to interject a little go Arizona Wildcats cheer here for my alma mater...

Bear Down Arizona,

Bear Down Red & Blue!

University of Arizona Basketball Team, 1975 Vintage Photo

Anyway, while we wait to see who makes it into the National Semifinals and who ultimately plays and wins the Championship game of the season, let me get back on subject because this post isn't just for sports lovers maximizing multi screen technology. 

Even those of you who don't watch any pro or collegiate sports -- both parents and kids -- are now able to tap the magic of multiple screens when you watch television, movies and more at home.

iPad and iPad Mini, MommyBlogExpert.com

Best Buy helps keep you connected to the excitement with the devices and connectivity that make it possible. With all the latest HDTV, laptop, tablet and smartphone consumer electronics to choose from at large retailers like Best Buy, interacting with multiple screens on a single device and interconnecting more than one device wirelessly for a joint experience is becoming second nature. 

Simply stated: Across the generations multiple screens are enhancing and improving the ways we all consume and enjoy sports, entertainment and even the news. These advances in technology are exciting for everyone -- young and old -- whether at home or on the run. I can't wait to see what the consumer tech industry will think of next.

What ways do you use multiple screens and what's your favorite device: an HDTV, laptop, tablet or smartphone?

Learn more about the brand at BestBuy.com. You can also stay up on all the latest consumer news by following on Facebook and Twitter.

More good Best Buy reads...
Best Buy AudioFest - Deals Through April 4th
Best Buy Free Tech Recycling Program
Air Purification for Spring at Best Buy

FTC Disclosure: 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. Opinions in this post are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

New HTC One M8 Smartphone BOGO Verizon Deal Buy One Get One Free Exclusive In-store

Technology

Disclosure: I am a Verizon Wireless Lifestyle Blogger

Images in this post provided by Verizon Wireless

Wow. There's never a dull moment around here in my role as a Verizon Wireless Lifestyle Blogger. Not long ago I wrote about the fiery Droid DNA by HTC. Then, just yesterday, no sooner did I finish my post about the best apps for each family member -- from kids and adults to pets -- that come pre-installed on the LG G2 Smartphone, when some more exciting Verizon news breaks. 

There's a new cool kid on the block, the HTC One (M8) Smartphone, available online and from from Verizon Wireless exclusively in-store through April 9, 2014 for just $199 with a 2-year contract. That's right. Verizon stores are offering consumers this phone weeks before the competition will be selling it in-store. Even sweeter, for a limited time, Verizon is celebrating with an unprecedented deal right now: an exclusive Buy One - Get One Free BOGO offer on this brand new device.

I haven't tested this myself. From what I know so far, though, the HTC One (M8) smartphone is like nothing ever seen before. For starters, the all metal body (choice of Black or Silver) of this hot new product sports dual front facing speakers with BoomSound™.

Then there's the dreamy Duo Camera with advanced sensor for letting in more light and capturing more image depth. This is a great asset for those of us who want amazing, professional quality pictures and use our phones as much for photography as for any other task. 

Perhaps, most important of all, this smartphone is secure enough to use as a digital wallet. It is ISIS ready and comes with an NFC SIM card built-in so you can shop with this smartphone without having to carry any credit cards or cash.

Remember, for those of you shopping in-store rather than online, you can't get the HTC One (M8) at any other walk-in retailer other than Verizon Wireless, which has a 16-day exclusive on this newly introduced smartphone. Also keep in mind Verizon's HTC One (M8) buy one - get one deal instore and online will only be available for a limited time.

FTC Disclosure: I disclose I am a Verizon Wireless Lifestyle Blogger brand ambassador and am often compensated for participating. However, I did not receive any payment or product to facilitate this particular post and opinions are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

LG G2 Smartphone Verizon Review - Preloaded With Family Apps for Mom, Dad, Kids, Pets

Technology

This is a sponsored post

2nd in a Series of 3 Posts on the LG G2

I hope you enjoy reading my continuing Verizon Wireless Lifestyle Blogger series on the LG G2 Smartphone. In the first post in this group of stories I told you all about the one button access on the back so you can use this phone one-handed while also doing all those mom tasks. That unique detail is still my favorite hardware feature of this ultra modern sleek Android Jelly Bean device. Now, it's time to switch gears and share other discoveries about the cool LG G2 that runs on Verizon's 4G LTE nework.

Product Critic Dexter gives paws up to the LG G2, MommyBlogExpert.com

Here are my picks out of the 20 pre-installed apps on Verizon's LG G2. There's a different one for each member of the family to use and enjoy, including the family dog.

For Mom - Fitbit App
For busy moms like me caring for my family is indeed a never-ending top priority. Yet, staying fit, monitoring my sleep and calories burned, and tracking my progress is also a must to maximize my chances of optimal mental and physical health so I am able to nurture my kids and husband day-to-day. This easy-to-use app, rated a 4 out of 5 by Google Play users, works with the LG G2 and a full range of Fitbit activity trackers and scales including the newly introduced Fitbit Flex in Fuchsia wristband activity tracker that I will am testing now for a forthcoming review soon.

Me with my personal trainer Laurel at the gym, MommyBlogExpert.com

For Dad - NFL Mobile App
At the other end of the sport spectrum are all those manly consumer electronic activities for daddies and their buddies, like staying up on the latest football games in progress on the fly even while traveling on a business trip or while taking the family on vacation. Newly redesigned and reengineered, this app not only will keep the hubby sports fanatic on top of scores and if his team is winning or losing. It does other helpful and fun stuff like giving him the ability to manage his NFL .com fantasy team from the LG G2 without even getting off the couch.

For Son - Uber App
This handy app included with the LG G2 is great for a college man, like my son who is now living away from home for the first time without a car and will be traveling abroad this summer. It's almost like having your own private valet service because the app makes it unbelievably easy to request and prepay for rides whenever needed, down to arranging the exact pickup location. Assuming you have a strong signal to your device, this gem is supposed to work in all 50 states and 20 countries and even generates a comparison of vehicles and fare quotes prior to ordering transportation. Come to think of it, I wish I'd known about Uber before our family of six tried to find a taxi in Mexico City big enough for all of us to get to the airport in time for our flight.

Notice LG G2 screen has no buttons in front, MommyBlogExpert.com

For Daughter - Google Play Music App
For one of my high school daughters who sings and loves music, this app is just the thing to complete her digital lifestyle. Not only can a like-minded girl enjoy the songs of all her favorite artists wherever she may be, with unlimited abandon for free. If she upgrades to the app's All Access + Standards, she'll also be able to share what she loves and hates with Google+ gal pals. Afterall, a girl's got a right to change her mind as often as she wants to, right? With this app, I can't think of a reason why she would not want to hold on to the LG G2 tightly wherever she goes with friends to hangout.

For the Family Dog - Tagg the Pet Tracker App
Technically our miniature pinscher Dexter (that little fellow popping up on this blog in reviews whenever he sees fit) doesn't actually use this himself as household pets generally don't have or even operate smartphones. But guess who's in charged of the dog at our house (and probably yours too, if you own one)? That's right the Mom, unless your kids are highly unusual and actually take responsibility for the pet they begged you to get for them. Like the Fitbit, this app requires hardware you need to buy separately to use. I like this for several reasons: it tracks your dog's activity which could be useful to the vet at some point if it becomes necessary to monitor his health 24/7. It might be able to help you locate your pooch if he/she runs away or gets lost.

LG G2 Box, MommyBlogExpert.com

With all these apps it's good to know with the LG G2 you can switch faster and more seamlessly between different ones you're tapping into. Using this device's Slide Aside function you can multi-task like a pro, jumping between up to three different apps quickly. That's something I think both parents and kids in today's fast-paced digital world will equally appreciate. This smartphone has everything my family needs. 

This is missing just one thing that hasn't been invented yet that moms everywhere would definitely take advantage of: an app to feed, walk and bath the dog. Hey, a mom can dream, too, can't she?

LG G2 is a smartphone for every generation, MommyBlogExpert.com

The LG G2 is available from Verizon Wireless in-store and online right now for just $49.99 with a 2-year contract. Other purchase options include $20.90/month on the Verizon Edge Plan and $449.99 for month-to-month without any contract. You can buy the phone alone or with various accessories on VerizonWireless.com

Image provided by Verizon Wireless

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I disclose that I am a Verizon Wireless Lifestyle Blogger brand ambassador and that I received the LG G2 Smartphone from Verizon to facilitate this post series. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Giveaway Boots No7 British Beauty Brand Giftbag Filled With Cosmetics & Skincare Products

Giveaway

This is a sponsored post - All images in story provided by Boots No7

Don't miss MommyBlogExpert's report about the cool Boots No7 beauty event that made a big splash in Miami Beach, Florida during the world-famous Food Network Food & Wine festival last month. Among the special guests attending this hot British skincare and cosmetics brand's private showcase were lifestyle icon Martha Stewart and actress Debi Mazar of the HBO series Entourage, as well as other media personalities and big names in the culinary world such as Food Network Chef Anne Burrell.

No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick

With such an impressive guest list attending the SOBE affair, I couldn't be more thrilled to have the opportunity to host a Boots No7 Giftbag giveaway for MBE's loyal readers filled with five of the brand's full-size beauty products. A popular beauty brand in the UK, the brand's extensive line is also available in the U.S. at us.boots.com

Products on display at lavish Boots No7 beauty event in SOBE

Boots No7

Skincare & Cosmetics
Beauty Giftbag

GIVEAWAY

Ends 4/16/14

The Boots No7 Beauty Giftbag Prize ARV $50 includes

• Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Purifying Exfoliator, $9.99 
• Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Oil Free Eye Make Up Remover, $7.99
• Boots No7 Radiant Glow Concealer, $11.99
• Boots No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick, $9.99
• Boots No7 High Shine Lip Gloss, $7.99

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Boots No7  MommyBlogExpert (MBE) Beauty Gift Bag Giveaway ends April 16, 2014 at 12 am PT. Contest open to legal residents of the U.S. only. Winner of this MBE contest will be selected at random from all entries and will be notified via email and must respond within 24 hours to claim their prize. 

No7 Beautiful Skin Purifying Exfoliator

GOOD LUCK!

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Thanks to Online-Sweepstakes.com for including this contest in their directory of current giveaways.

FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated post and the brand is providing the Boots No7 giftbag prize package and shipping for this giveaway. In addition, I disclose that I am receiving Boots No7 products to facilitate the associated review post. However no payment was received and opinions here are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Boots No7 Brit Beauty Brand Hot Spot During Food Network South Beach Food & Wine Fest

Beauty

Exclusive Boots No7 Giftbag Giveaway

This is a sponsored post - All images in story provided by Boots No7

While much of the rest of the U.S. shivered one snowstorm after another last month, it was warm and sunny in Miami Beach for the Food Network South Beach Food & Wine Festival. More than 60,000 attended the 13th annual festival focused on innovative cuisine and wine pairings. At the apex of the SOBE social scene aglow with beautiful food, drink and people was Boots No7, the #1 beauty brand in the U.K., who hosted a private South Beach event with an impressive guest list.

The British Brand Makes a Big Splash in Miami Beach

This intimate gathering spotlighting the Boots No7 collection attracted the attention not only of pure culinary luminaries in SOBE to cook and create for the festival. It also drew in well-known media personalities escaping the icy Northeast weather ranging from lifestyle icon Martha Stewart to actress Debi Mazar of HBO's Entourage show.

Martha Stewart at the beauty event in South Beach

Boots No7 is already the go-to brand for skincare and cosmetics in Britain. Lucky for U.S. residents, the beauty company offers its premium products at affordable prices here on the other side of the pond, too. There's so much to choose from in the comprehensive line that ranges from facial skincare products to concealers, foundations and cosmetics for the eyes and lips.

Actress Debi Mazar & daughter

The list of notables welcomed to the Boots No7  invitation-only South Beach affair read like a who's who in media, lifestyle and food.

Food Network's Chef Anne Burrell

In addition to media celebrities Stewart and Mazar, among the reconizable faces celebrating with the Boots No7 beauty team were women like Anne Burrell, Elizabeth Karmel, Katie Lee, Sherry Yard, Jamie Malone and Kelsey Nixon. 

A few man fans were also on hand for all the Boots No7 action, including Mo Rocca and Andrew Zimmerman.

Mo Rocca of CBS Sunday Morning

About the Brand

Award winning hypo-allergenic and dermatologically-tested products developed with advanced technology that contain only high performance ingredients, Boots No7 has something for virtually every skin type. In the USA, the British beauty brand's expanding skincare and cosmetics line is available exclusively at us.boots.com.

Win a Boots No7 Giftbag

Enter MBE's Giveaway NOW

FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated post and I disclose that I am receiving Boots No7 products to facilitate this review. In addition, the brand is providing a Boots No7 giftbag for the associated giveaway MommyBlogExpert is hosting. However no payment was received and opinions here are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.