A Holiday Update with Comcast

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Comcast; all opinions expressed are my own.

{Image via Comcast}

As the year ends my family and I have been putting Comcast to the test with our remote learning and working from home! We have so many devices running at any given time and as longtime Comcast customers it’s been really great to see all they’ve been up to with improvements to service and beyond. 

I’m excited to share a few updates with you so check them out…

Zoo To You with MEFA’s U.Fund College Investing Plan

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by MEFA's U.Fund College Investing Plan; all opinions expressed are my own.

One of my family’s challenges this season has been staying engaged with many of our favorite sites including our local zoo. Thankfully, ZooToYou, brought to you by MEFA’s U.Fund College Investing Plan, brings the zoo experience right to you via Facebook Live!

Back-to-School with Comcast Internet Essentials

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Comcast New England. #ad

Image via Comcast

After a local staycation, my family like many around the country are now turning our attention towards the start of the school year under the continuation of distance learning. This means that technological inequities brought up in the spring remain to be of concern for many families. Thankfully Comcast's new Internet Essentials program is bringing high speed Internet access to families in need including 60 days of free service for new Internet Essentials customers through the end of 2020.

Learn more about Internet Essentials and how to apply...

New Summer Discoveries with Comcast New England

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Comcast New England #ad

In the wake of current events, staying connected online has been important now so more than ever so when my friends at Comcast New England invited me and a few other local influencers to learn about the latest offerings from Xfinity I was excited to learn more. It was a mini-reunion of sorts!

We discussed how Xfinity is showcasing diversity, exciting programming on Peacock (including some throwback shows!), and as parents, we learned how it's helping us with our kids with virtual summer school offerings. 

So much more ahead...

Comcast #InternetEssentials in Action

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Comcast; all opinions expressed are my own.

With the back-to-school season underway, it’s easy to take for granted how widespread internet access appears to be, but with the recent expansion of Comcast’s Internet Essentials initiative I’ve learned that the digital divide is very real. Comcast is doubling the number of eligible households to now include Federal benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP and SSI for Internet Essentials in its national footprint to help close the gap of 25% of U.S. households currently without home internet service. And, in case you haven’t heard of it before, Internet Essentials provides free digital literacy training, Internet service for $9.95 per month and the opportunity to buy a laptop for less than $150.

My Favorite Paperless Post 5th Birthday Party Invitations

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Paperless Post; all opinions expressed are my own. 

Grayson may have turned 5 years old while we were away, but it didn't stop me from wanting to at least host a play date with his little buddies when we get back. 

Paperless Post has the best designs and awesome customization for electronic invitations! Here are a few of my faves for a 5th birthday celebration...

Kicking Off Summer at XFinity's Day of Awesome

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Comcast. All opinions expressed are my own.

Today officially marks one week down of summer and last weekend I kicked off the season at XFinity's Day of Awesome. We've been an XFinity household for years, and I'm always amazed at their latest updates that help my family manage technology and stay safe. At their new store at Legacy Place, associate Laura took me through a 45 minute overview and of course had plenty of coffee and snacks.

Here's what I was most excited to learn about at Day of Awesome...

How to Decrease Screen Time with a Reading Nook

The month of January flew by and one of the things we've been committed to as a family now more than ever is reading more books. With the recent data about kids and screen time plus as someone who works in a world of screens, it's important for me to have time that we all pull away from our devices. 

My kids have a strict screen time rule: we are screen free on school nights. Their schools have some screen time, which is fine, but otherwise from TVs to tablets, the children don't use them during the week. It's been a struggle at times and my 7 year old being older is good at reinforcing it with her 3 year old brother, but this holiday when we took down our Christmas tree and were left with a gaping space I decided it would be perfect for a cozy reading nook as an alternative to screen time.

My Top Five Tech Car Features for Parents

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Cars.com. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sadly, this was not my high school car

During my recent visit to the New England Auto Show I was reminded of my very first car: a used Ford Festiva. I named her Frieda and although she was tiny, she was mine. 

Now as mom, there are certain things I've found are so important in selecting a vehicle having now driven two crossovers with two children. My recent car is a 2016 Mazda CX-9 and having driven a 2009 model prior to this, it really has improved its features. My current CX-9 is my first new car, and I was stunned at how far technology has come since my Festiva.

2018 New England Auto Show with Honda Clarity

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with A Girls Guide to Cars and Honda Boston; all opinions expressed are my own.

I remember the exact moment that I was introduced to the Internet. I was in 8th grade working on a writing assignment in the computer lab with a classmate when I looked over on her screen and saw something I had never seen before. I asked her what it was and she replied, "This is the Internet!" My mind was blown as she gave me a quick run through. Apparently, a few in my class were given trials before it rolled out to the rest of us. Once we got to use the Internet and I logged into Netscape, I knew right where to go: searching for cars. 

Let the Holidays Begin with #XfinityMoms!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Comcast; all opinions expressed are my own. 

What I love about being back in Boston is seeing how certain things have changed and that includes Comcast. I've shared before how I was a Comcast customer in my single-hood days of living in Boston post-college, and once I moved to NYC it was so hard to get used to a different provider. Now back in Boston with Comcast I'm loving all the new updates especially now that I have a family. 

Put the Phone Down, Mom! Managing Devices at Dinnertime with Comcast XFINITY xFi

Disclosure: All opinions expressed are my own. I have worked in the past with Comcast on a sponsorship basis.

Now that our school situation is settled and it's a new month, it feels like we're in a bit of reset in our home. Grayson and Nia are no longer at the same school (hopefully just for this year!), and Grayson is also transitioning to his own room this week. Now more than ever the key times that we *are* able to connect are most important and that includes dinnertime. While the kids are screen-free during the school week, I admit I sometimes sneak to check my notifications while we're eating. Thankfully, Comcast has got my back when it comes to reigning in device access. 

Managing Summer Screen Time with Comcast Xfinity

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Comcast. All opinions expressed are my own.

A lot has changed in Boston since I lived here almost 10 years ago and as I approach the 1 year anniversary of my return it was fitting to be down on the Boston Waterfront last week as a guest of Comcast. I was there to learn about their latest Xfinity developments for helping customers manage screen time and online security, something I'm concerned about now that both of my children have devices and the transforming waterfront was the perfect metaphor for all the changes coming to Xfinity. 

Here's what's on deck...

We're Back From Our First Disney Cruise! (Recap Video)

I'm writing this from Florida still in a blissful daze since disembarking the Disney Wonder yesterday. This was the first time I made frequent use of Instagram Stories too - did you catch any of them? I like how they evaporate and capture quick cute moments, but I have to remember to save the best ones!

My Top 5 Moments at the 2017 New England Auto Show

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with SheBuysCars and Toyota Boston; all opinions expressed are my own.

2016 was a year of firsts for me and one of my favorites was getting a new car. For my 36th birthday Mr. Lovebird surprised me with a new Mazda CX9 and while I had an inkling we'd be in the market for a new car when I went to the New England Auto Show for the first time last year, I didn't realize how soon it would happen!

An Easy Father's Day Fix From Urban Armor Gear

Disclosure: I received samples from Urban Arbor Gear to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own. 

Mr. Lovebird often laments my bad luck with technology especially my penchant for running through devices. Case in point: I'm currently on my 4th Galaxy S6 Edge in just over a year. This Father's Day when Urban Armor Gear reached out to me to review their cases I decided it would be a good idea to upgrade Mr. Lovebird's case. I've been using Urban Armor Gear cases for my Galaxy phones for years and no other case has ever protected my phone so well. The phone issues I've had lately are due to a faulty USB port, but when it comes to protecting my phone's screen from drops Urban Armor Gear wins hands down. 

Giada De Laurentiis' Italian Feast at NYCWFF #SamsungCooks

Disclosure: Samsung Home Appliances provided my sister with complimentary admission to Giada De Laurentiis' Italian Feast presented by Ronzoni at NYCWFF; all opinions expressed are my own.

When you can't make it to NYC to meet Giada De Laurentiis what do you do? You send your sister instead! Five years ago I posted a round-up of a few of my favorite celebrity chefs and of course included Giada De Laurentiis on my list. I've been a fan of hers for years (someday I'll make it to her Vegas restaurant!), and when Samsung Home Appliances invited me to her Italian Feast at the New York Wine and Food Festival initially my heart sank as I had a conflict the day of the event, but an idea sprung into my head: if I couldn't meet Giada perhaps I could share the opportunity with my sister. Lo and behold it worked out and she was able to attend on my behalf - as she shared pictures of the evening with me seeing how much fun she was having made me happy! 

First, she was picked up by car service and given an official press badge (it's not like she rubbed it in my face or anything):

Upon arriving at Pier 94 Ariane ventured up to the rooftop where it had been transformed to a food bazaar. She checked out the view and started heading around to the food stations and demonstrations. As the pictures of all the amazing food started lighting up my phone there was one thought on my mind: "I hope she wore stretchy pants!"

As the evening wore on my sister's eating strategy evolved as she started out thinking she'd just try apps and mains first before desserts, but she soon abandoned that and it turned into a free for all. I totally would've done the same thing! A cannoli before pizza, why not?!

The cannoli within cannoli was like the Inception of Italian desserts! #mindblown

When my sister sent me the following picture I was confused:

"Ummmm where's Giada?" I texted her. There was the longest wait ever then this arrived in my inbox:

Yes! My dream fulfilled (albeit vicariously). The best part? Ariane said Giada was as kind, warm and down to earth as she comes across on TV. Of course! 

The evening still wasn't over!

My sister got to experience Samsung Home Appliances stunning Black Stainless Steel Collection. I've attended Samsung events in the past and they really know how to pair style and function! It's no different with their new collection: the 4-Door Flex™ Refrigerator, the Flex Duo™ Range with Dual Door, the Top Control Dishwasher with WaterWall™ Technology, and the Over the Range Microwave are making me think about our future kitchen when the time comes for us to purchase a home. 

As a mom I appreciated the fact that the appliances were designed with families in mind: they are fingerprint resistant and have magnetic surfaces (there's never enough places to hang Nia's artwork!). Additionally, with the holidays approaching Samsung introduced the Chef Collection Slide-in Dual Fuel Range which combines award-winning Flex Duo™ technology with a combination gas cooktop and electric oven - truly the best of both worlds! 

I'm always curious about partnerships and causes at events like this and was thrilled to learn about Samsung and the Culinary Institute of America's relationship to bring technology to the kitchen. I'm a foody nerd and The Making of a Chef, one of my favorite culinary books, chronicles the experience at CIA and years from now when I'm an empty nester I dream of making it there for cooking classes. Additionally, the proceeds from NYCWFF benefitted the hunger-relief organizations Food Bank For New York City and No Kid Hungry^®.

My sister makes that spoon look good!

Thank you to Samsung and Ronzoni for a delicious evening and to my sister who gave her waistline for a good cause - I'm marking NYCWFF now in my calendar for 2016! Also, be sure to visit Samsung's website and follow Facebook and Twitter for the latest product news. 

Have you ever been to a food festival? Which celebrity chef would you like to meet (or have you met!)?

 

Lovebirds' First Family Cruise: Look Who Joined Us!

Re-entry from vacation is always hard especially when leaving 80 degree weather and returning home to this. Thankfully we had a buffer day in Baltimore yesterday coupled with a late afternoon flight so it wasn't too bad getting back. The kids went to bed only an hour past bedtime so I count that a win!  As I'm tying up loose ends and work on recapping our trip, here's a quick sneak peak of a few brands which joined us on our cruise:

Coolibar - They kept me sun safe last year in Puerto Rico and this year the kids were sun safe in an adorable Coolibar rash guard for Grayson and hoodie skirt dress for Nia!  

eShakti - Known for their dresses, eShakti also carries a variety of skirts, pants and suits. They are unique in that they can be tailored to your specific measurements in a jiffy

Nomad Clip - Its kickstarter campaign has successfully bought this charging carbiner to fruition. It connects right from your phone to a power source such as a laptop keeping you from being hunched up by an outlet or in my case, came through in a pinch when my Jackery USB cord stopped working

A huge thank you to eShakti, Coolibar and Nomad Clip for helping out during our vacation and look forward to sharing more details about each coming up!
 

Giveaway & Review: Sol Republic Tracks Air Headphones = WOW!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary pair of Sol Republic Tracks Air Headphones to facilitate this review; all opinions expressed are my own.

I had a bit of a rant today over on my personal Facebook wall about some of the challenges I've faced trying to get childcare since moving to New Hampshire. I'm juggling a lot right now and in the midst of it all there are a few things that have made the process easier including my new Sol Republic Tracks Air Headphones.

I was first impressed by how sleek the packaging was - I'm a sucker for it! I've seen what I thought were bulky headphones making a comeback on the streets of NYC, but after trying my Sol Republic Tracks Air Headphones, I'm pleased to share they're incredibly lightweight (Nia can even be seen wearing them here). 

Want to see them in action? Check out my review video: 

 

Making a $199 investment on a pair of headphones is definitely something that's not taken lightly and to make it easier, Sol Republic has a 100-day money back guarantee. That's right! You have 100 days to decide if you're happy with them and if not, simply return them for a full refund.

I'm a believer! Here's why:

• Dual connectivity: I can stay connected to my MacBook Air AND Android smartphone at all times

• 15 hours of battery life

{Image provided by Sol Republic}

• Carrying case: in my life with 2 kids, this helps reduce the chance they'll get damaged!

• Superb sound: for wireless, Bluetooth headphones I'm very impressed by the clarity; callers can hear me just fine and my music streams in loud and clear

Want a chance to score a pair of your own? I'm giving one lucky Harlem Lovebirds' reader a pair. Enter below via Rafflecopter. Giveaway ends on Thursday, January 29 with the winner announced on Friday, January 30.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
Good luck!

If you don't win you can purchase a pair here! Be sure to follow on Facebook and Twitter for the latest product news.

Duracell's Helping Us #PowerTheHolidays

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of SheSpeaks/Duracell. All opinions expressed are my own. 

My mom had us on point at Christmas!

I'm much older than my 3 younger siblings and most Christmases I remember when we were growing up there was a common theme: lack of batteries. I don't know who dropped the ball ::cough, Dad::, but there was always a scramble on Christmas day to search for batteries to power one (or many!) of the electronic toys we received and while I could handle the disappointment, being so much older and wiser, the little ones would let their feelings be made known, and it usually involved tears.

Now as an adult, I learned my lesson and my husband and I regularly stock up on batteries - specifically Duracell! Blame it on my 80s childhood memories of being ingrained with the importance of the CopperTop, it's the brand I go to when it's time to power up my kids' toys and our household items. Thankfully Duracell comes in AA, AAA, C, D and 9V so all my family's power needs are covered! Another cool feature is that they have a 10 year guarantee in storage with Duralock Power Preserve Technology.

When it comes to powering up our toys, I'm typically noise-averse, but I can always count on my father-in-law especially to get toys that come in stereo, surround-like sound and of course those are the ones Nia loves the most. My husband's best friend is good at gifting those types of toys too and God forbid they run out of batteries. Nia will let us know that we have to get more NOW! (Are your kids that way too???)

Beyond toys, now that we're in northern New England it's also important for us to stay powered up in the event of a power outage due to extreme weather. We've had a few brief outages already that have prompted me to get our flashlights organized and check them for batteries. After going through hurricane Sandy I know how dangerous it can be not to be prepared in an emergency.  We'll also be creating a car emergency kit as well since we drive more here than in NYC-metro.

To order Duracell online you can go to Walmart's site and have them delivered right to your door in time for the holidays. For the latest news from Duracell be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Do you have any battery memories from your childhood? Are you constantly running out of them and scrambling for more? (And do your kids have mercy on you when that happens?!)