Give it a TRI: US Cellular Healthy Holiday Gift Guide

This post is part of my partnership with the US Cellular Blogger Brigade Ambassador Program.

 

US Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade

 

Between the weather, holiday hustle and the plethora of goodies in my kitchen, staying on track with my fitness goals has been a challenge. Of course I know the keys to staying on track are monitoring my calorie intake and physical activity, but sometimes that’s easier said than done.

 

Fitness wearables are the perfect way to track all my progress. They even sync with my smartphone to better track all my fitness efforts, making it convenient and easy.

 

Whatever fitness goals you are currently looking to achieve, the US Cellular Healthy Holiday Gift Guide has you covered.

 

Healthy Gift Guide

 

 

UP by Jawbone

US Cellular Healthy Holiday Gift Guide

Perfect for low-key fitness monitoring the device syncs with both Android and Apple products. It tracks distance walked, calories burned, active time and movement intensity. It even vibrates to remind you to move when you’ve been inactive for too long. Jawbone also syncs with an app on your smartphone, so you can input information about what you eat and drink each day to better manage the calories you consume. In addition, Jawbone reads sleep patterns to wake you at the optimal time. The system learns your habits; informs you how your days, nights and food interact to affect your overall wellness; and makes recommendations to improve your lifestyle.

 

Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 or SYNC BURN Activity and Calorie Burn Tracker for Apple 

 

US Cellular Holiday Gift Guide 2         US Cellular Healthy Holiday Gift Guide

 

 

For fitness gurus who like personal attention and also want the sophistication of a high-tech watch. The device acts as a fitness partner that’s with you wherever you go. Compatible with Samsung devices, the Galaxy Gear 2 offers a personalized fitness manager with real-time information on the progress and results of your workout. Then, based on the results, it offers a personalized and adaptive recommendation for your next workout. For iOS users, the SYNC BURN utilizes heart rate sensors to more accurately track the number of calories you burn, and includes a MapMyFitness app to view, track and share fitness progress. The device features digital time and date display, a stopwatch and a one-year battery.

 

Your Smartphone

US Cellular Healthy Holiday Gift Guide           US Cellular Healthy Holiday Gift Guide  3

The easiest fitness device might already be in your pocket. Many smartphones can double as health trackers. If you use an Apple iPhone 6, the built-in barometer and accelerometer can measure the elevation you climbed and distance you traveled throughout your exercise. For Samsung Galaxy S5 owners, the rounded back of your phone can be used as a heart rate sensor that works with the S Health app. The app allows you to track statistics, such as blood pressure, blood glucose levels and weight, and it also can function as a pedometer and track your steps from your pocket.

 

With gadgets likes these why wait till the New Year to start your fitness journey.

 

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Disclosure: Through the rest of the year I’ll be sharing some more of My BETTER MOMENTS as a US Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade Ambassador. All opinions are my own and an honest view of my story as a US Cellular customer. 

Celebrating 5 Years of Minted with a $100 Giveaway

I’m starting early.

 

Ok early for me. By like a few days…maybe.

 

Fine. I’m on time then.

 

I’m planning, and coordinating our holiday hustle, and of course it starts with the Christmas cards.

 

My mom posed the FB question “Does anyone send out Christmas cards anymore?”

 

I of course gave her a hard time responding with a fhement, “Heck Yeah!”

 

Holiday cards are my thing, sure I may not get them out as punctually as I want, but they do arrive at their destination by Christmas {or close to it}. They are my way of catching up with old friends, or even passing on some happy mail to friends I see every day.

 

Nothing beats the anticipation of opening the mailbox and seeing a hand written envelope with the return address of someone you care about.  All we receive the other 11 months of the year are bills, so it’s nice to get something special even if it’s only for a couple of weeks.

 

I’ve sent holiday cards for as long as I can remember, and this year will be my fifth year using Minted for my holiday cards.

 

Minted is different because their designs are created by a community of creatives who submit their art for approval making every piece totally unique.

 

With the help of Minted’s easy order system, purchasing my holiday cards becomes the simplest part of my holiday check list.

 

This year, we are getting new family photos taken and I can’t wait to share them on our holiday cards.

 

Here are a few of my favorites.

 

The simplicity of the Shine card makes a classic statement.

 

Minted 1

 

Anyone who knows us knows we are huge comic book nerds, and this card is so “us”.

 

Minted 2

 

Is it a holiday card or ornament? It’s both and it’s unique just like us.

 

Minted 3

 

This card has the elegance of the foil with a laid back feel.

 

Minted 4

 

There are so many designs to choose from it’s hard to pick just one.

 

Whichever card I choose I know I’ll have to add some coordinating skinny wrap labels too.

 

Minted 6

 

And to save me valuable family I’m going to have Minted address my envelopes this year. For a limited time recipient addressing is FREE and they even offer a variety of fonts and designs.

 

Minted 5

 

After seeing all these beautiful designs and the ease of ordering and designing with Minted I’d say the Holiday card tradition will still live on.

 

I’ll post my choice in the upcoming weeks. Until then Minted would like to share the Holiday card tradition with my readers by offering one of you a $100 credit to Minted.com. Enter the Rafflecopter below by December 3 at 9 pm for your chance to win. 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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The Nitty Gritty: I was compensated for this post. However, all opinions and love of Minted Holiday Cards are my own.

Mom Styles Files Informant: Photographer Beth Fletcher

Family Photo

 

I’m rounding out this month’s Mom Style Files Family Photo Mission with our Style Files Informant Photographer Beth Fletcher. My friend and former Mom Style Files agent Melissa over a Peanut Butter in My Hair had Beth take photos of her family and I just feel in love with them.

I knew she’d have the perfect answers to my Family Photo Fashion questions.

 

 

 

Beth Fletcher Photography

Beth Fletcher

Age: 37

Hometown: Valparaiso, Indiana

What You Do: Natural light photographer

Blog or website  www.bethfletcherphotography.comwww.ishouldbefoldinglaundry.com

Your style in one word: Simple

 

 

What is your favorite outfit to wear for photos?

I am all about layers, skinny jeans, knee high boots, sweaters, scarves.

 

What is the most difficult piece of clothing to photograph?

I think the biggest issue I ever have with any single article of clothing are puffy vests. I love how they look but the collars tend to cover faces. So I am constantly pulling the vest down, opening it up, folding them over, etc.

Also, I hate white socks.

 

Can you give my readers some advice on how to choose outfits for family photos.

I always recommend that Mom picks out her outfit first. We are the hardest on ourselves, so I firmly believe outfit choices should be stemmed from Mom’s outfit choice. I recommend colors, some patterns, lots of layers, accessories like hats, scarves, etc. I like for clients to steer away from white, but I love off-white.

 

Are there any places you direct clients for style inspiration?

I have a What to Wear board on Pinterest that I think is a huge help.

 

Where do you find your style inspiration?

I usually go to websites or catalogs that I love, Anthropologie, Free People, West Elm, H&M, Ruum, Design Sponge.  I do not limit my inspiration to other photographers and what they are doing. I think too often photographers are so busy checking out what other photographers are doing, that they are never creating anything on their own. Pinterest is a dangerous crutch for some people. Photography is art and to make art is to create. We aren’t creating if we are constantly doing what everyone else is doing. If I am in a style/creative rut, I will go to Pinterest but I’ll do searches on clothing, food, hair, furniture, home decor, seasons, etc. I never do searches for actually sessions that have already taken place. Also, instragram is a great place for inspiration on-the-go.

 

Where do you shop?

Gap, H+M, Old Navy, Anthropologie, Target

 

What are some things to consider when planning your family photo shoot?

Obviously finding the best photographer is key. Hiring a photographer based on price is really never the best way to go. You want someone you can trust completely so that way all you have to worry about is showing up, looking fabulous and making sure everyone has food in their tummies. Photographers are paid to take the best technical photos possible, they should be expected to play the largest role creatively, properly pose each family, captivate children, capture families as people who love each other more than anyone else on earth, properly edit each image and deliver the highest quality, best looking images to a client. Something that will last forever. The role of a photographer in some families, is just as important as a family member sometimes. Think about it…as a photographer, it is our job to give something to someone that they will love FOREVER. That’s an important role. It’s a role that should never be compromised based on price. You know that saying “you get what you pay for?” Nothing is truer in this field.

 

Two things to think about when feeling like you’ve been punched in the gut after looking at your favorite photographer’s prices…

 

  1. Most photographers do not require payment in full up front. Usually a retainer of a few hundred dollars (or less) is required. The remaining amount is typically due around the time of the session. If you book your session far enough in advance, saving $40 a month until the time of the session is pretty easy. (think about what we spend $40 a month on!) Some photographers may even be open to you paying in a few installments. I know I’m okay with it.

 

  1. Having the most amazing photo of you and your family up on your walls is one of the most beautiful, sacred things you could ever give yourself. It’s important, it does affect you daily and it will be in your family for years and years to come. You absolutely can not put a price tag on that. How do you get that beautiful photo on your wall? By finding a GOOD, experienced photographer.

 

What fashion piece do you wear everyday?

So, it’s not so much fashionable as it is sad but I wear a bun in my hair everyday. Hey, I have four kids.

 

Your personal style idol is…

most of them come from Instagram: @ellivenstudio, @joyprouty, @whippycake and @munchkinsandmohawks (I believe you were looking for one and I listed four, but you should know that I narrowed it down from 12!)

 

What trends are seeing in family photography?

I love that people are really beginning to embrace the less posed photos, the genuine shots. Also, less props, which is a very good thing.

 

How does your individual fashion style influence your photography?

The description I gave my own personal style was “simple.” and that very much comes into play with my photography. I try not to focus on props – just photographing the love within a family in a simple, yet beautiful location.

 

Do you follow any fashion photographers?

Fashion photographers? I don’t think so. Do I follow people who are fashionable who take beautiful photos? Yes.

 

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers when taking photos of clothing and fashion? or families?

Take time to learn how to use your camera. Good photographers are not lucky, they have worked hard to get to where they are and once you learn…shoot everyday…don’t ever stop. Just focus on quality images and good lighting.

 

I hope this helps all of you during your family photo shoots. The first thing I’m doing is heading over to Beth’s What to Wear Pinterest page and finding some inspiration.

 

Well, that’s it for this Month’s Mom Style Files. Up for next month – Cute and Cozy, how to beat the cold and still look good.

 

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If you are a mom and a fashion blogger you could be the next Mom Style Files Informant. Just click the little envelope in the header or email me at RedheadReverie {at} gmail {dot} com.