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What the Best Buy Geek Squad and Ghostbusters Have in Common

If there’s somethin’ strange in your neighborhood – Who ya gonna call? If it’s somethin’ weird and it won’t look good – Who ya gonna call?… Nope, I’m not talkin’ Ghostbusters here ladies. I’m talking Geek Squad!! Just like the Ghostbusters are a quick phone call away when you need help – your friendly Geek Squad team will come to your rescue any time your gadgets start acting suspiciously. Get help the instant you need it – in store, online or on the phone.

How to get started with Geek Squad at Best Buy

How Geek Squad Tech Support from Best Buy Works

You would think that I was pretty tech-savvy, right? I’m a social media junkie, I completed my entire college degree online, and now I make a living online – which means for the past 4+ years I’ve pretty much LIVED online. But still, when it comes to trouble shooting when my computer crashes, I am totally clueless. And since working online is my job, I can’t afford for things to go down. Usually, when I would run into a problem, I would just fall back on my usual plan – Panic, smack the keyboard a few times, turn it off, turn it back on, then cry when the problem was still there. Not super effective. But just like when you see something weird in the neighborhood and the Ghostbusters show up and quickly clean things up – Geek Squad is just as fast at saving you from equally scary viruses and crashes. After purchasing your Geek Squad Tech Support Plan {Get Geek Squad plans and rates here.} – you simply log-in on the main screen, and wait a minute while you get connnected.

Using Geek Squad

How the Geek Squad Magic Happens

Now, Geek Squad reps don’t use ghost-blasting plasma guns, but they are just as effective at making your life stress-free again. After logging in, you’ll be connected with an agent. They’re super friendly, and lucky for me – totally not intimidating. It seems like most of the time you deal with any type of tech support stuff, you get either people who totally talk in that secret-geek-computer code that I don’t understand, or they talk to me like I’m a child, and overly dumb it down for me. Either way makes me feel totally stupid, you know? But with Geek Squad, these peeps are totally awesome – they explain things in a way that’s easy to understand – enough info that you get what they’re doing, without overwhelming you. If you can read the pic – you’ll see that after introducing himself, my rep tells me he’ll need me to do just a few simple steps. I had to digitally sign a form giving them permission to get to work, make sure my laptop was plugged into the wall so it stayed powered up, and put my password into a little box, so he could restart when needed. After that – I was free to grab a glass {or three} of wine while he remotely worked on my computer. Easy peasy – and totally NOT stressful like I’d worried it might be!

Did Geek Squad work

Things got spooky – but still no need for the Ghostbusters

Now, this is where the magic happens. It might LOOK like a ghost has taken over your computer – you’ll see the curser moving around the screen, opening and closing programs, running scans, and more stuff that I was clueless about. But you still don’t need to call those Ghostbusters – it’s just the Geek Squad support rep working on your system from their office in some magical land of tech-savviness. I would peek in once in a while, and after about an hour and a half, I saw that he was done, and had left me a friendly message letting me know that there was an email in my inbox waiting for me, letting me know what he’d found during my laptop clean up and repair. Awesome. That email detailed any little changes or repairs made, let me know he’d added a really great antivirus program for me, and included this form to give feedback on how I felt about my experience. I love that they really stand behind their work like that!

 Get Geek Squad Tech Support Today

This is a perfect last minute gift for ANYONE that you know this year. You can purchase it online – Geek Squad – Tech Support Membership (1 Year), and it’s super simple to set up. A couple cool other reasons why this rocks –

  • You can register and use the service to fix up to three devices: Including tablets, iPad, PCs or Mac, even if you bought them somewhere else. So in my house I can call to fix any problems on either of the desktops, or my laptop – which is awesome.
  • Virus removal – If your device catches a bug, we’ll eradicate it.
  • System tune-ups Keep your computer running smooth and resolve any computer slowness issues.
  • On-demand access to thousands of how-to videos online – Including step-by-step Windows 8 guides, tutorials on using Photoshop and creating Flash videos, and much more. {This is one of my favorite features!}

This makes it perfect for so many people – Can you imagine how much Grandma and Grandpa would love having someone that can help them remotely, so you don’t have to try – over and over – to walk them through things over the phone. {Geek Squad can even help them reset passwords, and help with things like hooking up their printer.} You could get this for a kid away at college, to make sure they can always study when needed. Any family would love it – and you definitely need it for your own house too!

To learn more about what other real moms think about the awesome services and products at Best Buy – Check out my Best Buy WOLF Ambassador board on Pinterest!


{Disclaimer: As a Best Buy Blogging Ambassador, I received a complimentary Geek Squad Membership to try out in my house for a year. But, as always, I share only my honest opinions and experience with you guys, to help you figure out which products and services are right for you. But I LOVE this, and totally know you will too!}

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How Windows 8 Simplifies Life for Busy Moms

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” – Arthur C. Clarke… Ok ladies, get ready for me to totally rock your socks off. Ready? Ok – Recently, my awesome family over at Best Buy sent each of us Blogging Ambassadors a new laptop to test out for awhile, and each one was loaded with the new Windows 8. I’m usually a little hesitant to try anything new – I’m so crazy-busy that I just don’t have time to get used to a new system, I like using what I know. But at the same time, I’m always searching for new technology that can help simplify my life, and organize the chaos in my life. Windows 8 has kind of changed my life, no lie. Check it out….

Windows 8 Works On All of Your Favorite Devices

Windows 8 is available on a ton of different devices – {watch a super sweet video here that shows off new Windows 8 gadgets like tablets, smartphones, and computers} – which is super cool. I switched from the iPhone to a Windows phone right about the same time that I got the HP – ENVY Touch-Screen Ultrabook Laptop from Best Buy, and was seriously impressed with the awesomeness of using the operating system across both devices. I love, love, LOVED my iPhone, and didn’t think I’d be happy  switching to something new… But within the first DAY I was in love. For real. Like, I will never switch back.

Windows 8 for moms

Why it’s perfect for ME. And you. And you over there in the corner. And…

Ok, now that you’ve seen the basics – the devices that Windows 8 is available on, and a bit about the amazingly crazy-cool features, let me tell you why it will help you in your own busy life. First off, you customize your Start screen to be exactly what you want to see when you log in. You can change the location and size of all of the tiles, and the “Live Tiles” flip through updates, so you can see a TON of info at a glance. So every time you log in, you get a screen totally and perfectly customized to show you a quick snapshot of EVERYTHING important that you need to know that day – from calendars, to-do lists, appointments, urgent emails, or Facebook events and birthdays. Totally helps plan my day. It’s amazing how that big overview of things really helps get your started each morning – and it’s so cool how EVERY Windows 8 device is going to be totally different – you make it what YOU want it to be, and make it work for YOU.

Windows 8 is so perfect for moms

In the video – did you notice how you can have two apps side-by-side? Which means you can watch YouTube videos while also checking your email, party it up in a Twitter party while checking Facebook, and so much more. Awesomesauce for busy ladies like us, right? A few other cool things – I love the ability to sync my phone and my laptop together. Incredibly helpful for helping me stay organized and productive. I love the way I can use the screen of my laptop the same way that I can use my smartphone – by quickly scrolling, flipping, and tapping with one finger. You can also add a TON of apps to your Windows 8 laptop – and on your App screen, you can organize them by category. You could make categories like Family, Blogging, Work, Kids, Homemaking, etc. This makes it super easy to be in the right “mode” and grab what you need quickly.  And – I love the way it’s so family friendly too!

Kids love Windows 8 and Xbox

Windows 8 for Kids

The boys loooooved Windows 8! One, the touchscreen feels to much more intuitive for them, having pretty much grown up with that kind of thing. And even Abby {at only 2 1/2} can figure out how to use the touchscreen, and get to what she wants! But by far their favorite thing was the way that this works with the XBox, and the fact that so many awesome games are available to download into your apps. Playing games on the computer with the touchscreen is like, seriously cool. Even for old people like me… Lol.

HP - ENVY Ultrabook 14" Laptop

HP TouchSmart Ultrabook Rocks

So – if you’re thinking about upgrading to Windows 8, I cannot recommend enough that you also make the switch to a new tablet, phone, laptop or desk top that has a touchscreen. Windows 8 is awesome on it’s own, but it really needs that touchscreen to shine. Trust me – just go into your local Best Buy, and try one out. Once you do – You’ll be hooked, and wonder how you’ll live without it! This bad boy above is the HP – ENVY Touch-Screen Ultrabook 14″ Laptop that I’ve been using to try out Windows 8 for the past few weeks. {Handsome, isn’t he? I hate to have to give him back soon…} When I bought my current laptop {my FIRST laptop, only a few months ago, can you believe it?} I had thought that bigger meant better. But the slightly slimmer, smaller, and lighter frame of this one from HP is SO much better. And the colors are the screen are crazy-vibrant, it’s fast as can be, and just pretty much complaint-free on my end. And did you know that when you buy a new laptop at Best Buy, the amazingly smart folks at Geek Squad will walk you through how to use your new laptop? You don’t even have to have the {totally worth it, I swear!} Geek Squad service, they offer this to everyone.

You’re not going to get THAT kind of experience, expertise, or customer service on Amazon, at Walmart, or anywhere else.

Yep, I’m serious ladies. This momma is a total Windows 8 convert – which is a HUGE surprise to me! I can’t recommend it, or the super sweet laptop I’ve been using – with its awesome touch screen, enough. So – visit your local Best Buy, check ’em out, try ’em out – and fall in love.

Wolf at Best Buy

As a Best Buy Blogging Board Member and Brand Ambassador, I get to try out super cool new products from Best Buy.  But that doesn’t mean I lose my ability to “tell it like it is.” Lol. Everything I share with you ladies is my honest opinion – and I hope you love this stuff as much as I do!

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If Your Android Phone & Nikon Camera Had a Baby…

“A good snapshot stops a moment from running away.” – Eudora Welty I’ve always been a photography junkie. I took 2 years of courses in high school – you know, back in the days where we had darkrooms, developed our own film, and printed our own photos. {Do kids these days even know what a dark room is? Am I old when I talk like this?} Then I spent my last two years of high school taking independent study photo courses, or helping as a teacher’s assistant in the beginner classes. I’m definitely not a professional – But one thing that I do know is that a good quality camera makes anyone’s pictures look better. Seriously better.

Nikon Coolpix Camera with Wifi [Read more…]

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Best Gadget Gifts for Chicks: Foodie, Photographer, or Girly-Girl

“Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down Santa Claus lane…” – Wait a minute, that’s not Santa! It’s ME – here to help you finish up your holiday shopping, since you can’t rely on Santa to bring it all. And because I’m all about helping you simplify life, especially during this crazy-busy holiday season, I’m going to give you four posts over the next week, sharing some of the coolest gift ideas you can find, and all available at Best Buy – so you can do one stop shopping. Awesomesauce, right? Today I’ve rounded up some of the hottest gifts this year for women. I’ll also be finding and sharing the best gift ideas for guys, for kids, and those tough to shop for teens too. So stay tuned! But first, for the ladies….

Must have gifts for foodies

Gadgety Gifts for Foodies

If you have someone on your list this year who’s a total ninja of the kitchen, they will definitely appreciate some super sweet new gadgets. The total grandaddy of cool kitchen gear is of course the KitchenAid – Artisan Series Stand Mixer – Empire Red. {Ok, red is my personal favorite. But there’s also crazy-cool colors like Raspberry Ice or sleek Onyx Black too.} If you know a foodie that doesn’t have one of these yet – there is just no way you’ll go wrong with this! Another idea is the Belkin – Chef Tablet Stand and Stylus. This helps your tech-savvy kitchen guru keep their tablet handy in the kitchen for following their favorite recipes – while keeping it clean and away from messy hands with the clever stylus tool. {Hint: This is on my list too, if anyone’s shopping for me…} And, if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet – ohmyheck, you have got to try out the Capital Brands – Magic Bullet – Black. My friends laughed when I bought this – back when it was only a “Seen on TV” type thing. But they stopped laughing when they saw how rad it was – and I have bought it as a gift SO many times! It makes amazing smoothies for breakfast, and rockin’ margaritas during girls night. When I’m baking it can chop, blend, mix, and more. I use this almost daily and totally recommend it as a gift for any foodie on your list.

Best gifts for photographers

Best Tech Gifts for Photographers

If you have a photo junkie to shop for – these are my top 3 suggestions for totally awesome gifts. Every mom loves family photos – and what cooler way to display them then a digital frame? The HP – 10″ Widescreen LCD Digital Photo Frame – Espresso Brown is a seriously gorgeous choice. And what about a new camera? I’ve been using the
Nikon – Coolpix S800c 160-Megapixel Digital Camera – White
 and am in looooove. It takes seriously impressive photos for a point-and-shoot camera – and combines that with Wi-Fi and an Android operating system. That means you can snap pics, edit them, and share them faster than ever! And speaking of Wi-Fi… Have you heard of the Eye-Fi? This is a totally cool little addition to your camera that automagically sends photos directly from your camera to your computer, easy peasy. Such a time saver for peeps who take a ton of pics! {And, if you or someone you’re shopping for loves taking pics from their phone – Get the Latest Accessories for the iPhone 5, Plus Free Shipping..}

Best Best-Buy gifts for girly girls

Best tech gifts for Girly Girls

Think you can’t shop for those super girly girls on your list at Best Buy? Then think again! As a Best Buy Brand Ambassador for the past few months, I have totally been blown away by how many unexpected things they carry – things I never would have thought to shop there for. Things like the CHI Air – Expert Classic Tourmaline Ceramic 1″ Flat Iron – Pure Pink. But, I absolutely LOVE how smart and helpful the staff is at Best Buy – and the way that they stand behind their products if you ever have any problems. {Unlike most big box stores.} So it’s so worth doing all of your shopping there! {Did you know you can even curl your hair with a flat iron?} Another sweet option – how about a girly version of my all-time fave earbuds, the
Klipsch – Image S3 Earbud Headphones – Perfect Pink
? Or a super helpful set of gear for anyone with an iPad – the Hello Kitty – Portfolio Case and Bluetooth Keyboard for Apple iPad and iPad 2 – Pink. Full of awesome.

Wolf at Best Buy Blogging Board Member

As a Best Buy Brand Ambassador, and part of the Best Buy WOLF team…

I love sharing some of the super cool stuff available at Best Buy stores across the country, and sharing fun reviews of those products, to help simplify tech for other busy moms like myself. If you have a product that YOU’D love to have real moms like me share their views on, leave a comment on the Best Buy WOLF Facebook wall, or here on this post!

See more tech awesomeness on my Best Buy WOLF Pinterest Board


 

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Your Kid Doesn’t Need a Cell Phone Yet… Or Does He? – #ATTMobileSafety

“If you’ve never been hated by your child, you’ve never been a parent.” – Bette Davis... If you’ve been reading here for awhile, then you know about my slightly odd living situation – {Why bloggers have messy homes, and other thoughts on housekeeping…} Which means – my younger brother and my nephews have lived with me for the past couple of years – in addition to me, my Mister, my little girl, AND my mom. I’ve loved it, but it’s also brought challenges that I didn’t expect. Like – not to age myself, but um, the first tech I ever had was when my friends had pagers. In high school. In 1996. Yikes – I’m not good at math, but I’m almost sure that makes me old….

[Read more…]

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The Magic Way to Simplify Digital Photo Organization

“A good snapshot stops a moment from running away.” – Eudora Welty… I love photography. I’m definitely the person in my family that’s responsible for capturing those great moments we have all year – from videotaping birthdays, to snapping fun pics of the kids in the pool, to making the annual photo books for everyone at Christmas time. I have so many favorites – but I’m not always good about organizing them…

Christmas portrait - how to organize online photos

This is Abby last year at the holidays. I can’t even believe how much she has changed over the last 10 months – my oh my, where does the time go? Her hair wasn’t even long enough for pigtails last year! But I love this silly little smile and those chubby cheeks. Priceless to me. [Read more…]

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How a Busy Mom Can Use Tech to Get a Little “Me Time”

“Most children threaten at times to run away from home. This is the only thing that keeps some parents going.” – Phyllis Diller… Of course I love my little girl. And of course I love my darling little nephews who spend their before-and-after school time at my house too. But – those little lovelies also are sometimes tiny terrors, lol. And as a work at home mom who doesn’t always get a lot of time to myself {remember the good ol’ days, before kids, where you could pee alone – whenever you wanted to?} – so I have to do my best to carve a little bit of “me time” out of each day, to keep me from going crazy. Because you know if momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody gonna be happy, right?

Once Upon A Time

“It’s not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it.” – The Golden Girls

Many of you may know that I’m a wee bit tech challenged. {And by “wee” I mean that most new gadgets require me to ask for help – turning it from a ME project to a WE project…} So, when I had the chance to try out the super sweet Klipsch headphones from Best Buy, I honestly wondered what on earth I would even say. I mean – all headphones are the same, right? And what on earth would someone like me need them for? I don’t play games, don’t have an iPod, don’t do any cool stuff that even needs headphones. Which also meant that I’d never owned any either. Well, I am a changed woman. For reals. I opened up the Klipsch box to find a super small set of little earbuds – which I thought would annoy me in my ear. Then Mike made a suggestion that has rocked my world ever since – He said, “Why don’t you try watching all those shows you miss, at night while you’re trying to get Abby to sleep, while wearing the headphones so you don’t wake her up?”

The Mister had a great idea. One that benefits ME. I’m still kind of in shock…..

I never have time to watch TV, and don’t have much interest in it anyway. But, I have four shows now that I do really love – Once Upon A Time, Fringe, Homeland, and the new Revolution. So since I’m too busy to catch my shows when they air, I use Hulu to keep caught up on my faves. The speakers on my laptop aren’t that amazing, but they get the job done. But ohmyHECK ladies – Once I used the Klipsch headphones to watch tv online, I was blown away. I could hear so much detail that had been missing…. Water running in the background, the whispered dialogue was as clear as could be, it was amazing. I was seriously impressed, which I did not expect.

Pandora Radio

“Raising a kid is part joy and part guerilla warfare.” – Ed Asner

So, once I realized what an amazing difference these headphones made in the sound quality coming from my laptop, I decided to try them out on my other favorite online entertainment site – Pandora.com. I must have music playing, all day, all the time. So since most of my time is spent working online, the majority of the songs I hear are played here. And the Klipsch didn’t disappoint – they made my favorite songs sound good again! And – they are amazing at blocking out all of the background noise in a room too, which is another surprise for such a small set of headphones. But what this means, is that I’m able to throw on my headphones when I need to work for a couple of hours. Mike can hang out in the living room with Abby – she can chase the dog with a Nerf sword around the couch 17 times, screaming while he barks and howls – and I {blessedly!!} don’t hear a thing. I can also use the headphones to just zone out for a bit – listening to more Pandora on my iPhone while I do the laundry, or other chores. Or I can head out to the patio to read a book and listen to music, without hearing the commotion going on inside. I’m hooked.

Find the Klipsch on BestBuy.com, or look for them in-store. And for more Smart Mom Tech, check out my Best Buy WOLF Pinterest board.

Let’s Chat: What tech helps you unwind as a busy mom? What do you shop at Best Buy for? Leave some comment love….


 

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