TruConnect MiFi Mobile Internet Review & Giveaway ($160 Value)

For Easter my parents decided to do something different and rent a condo at the beach for our entire family. I was so excited to get a nice trip away from home and the boys love the beach. When we were searching for condos, my only request was wireless internet, so she found a beautiful place right on the beach for us. Once settled, I sat down in the living room to check my mail and no internet connection could be found. I scratched my head, huffed and finally admitted there really was NO INTERNET. Luckily I had packed my new TruConnect MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot!

About the TruConnect MiFi

Connect up to 5 computers, tablets and other WiFi devices to the internet with the TruConnect MiFi. And because it supports multiple users, you can share your high-speed connection with friends, family members and coworkers.

• High-speed mobile internet - up to 3.1 Mbps
• Connect up to 5 WiFi-enabled wireless devices simultaneously
• Connects laptops, tablets, music players, gaming devices and more
• Secure personal WiFi network
• Easy installation and setup
• Portable and convenient – Smaller than a deck of cards
• Rechargeable lithium battery
• Up to 4 hours of wireless use and 40 hours of Standby
• Micro USB port for charging and tethered use
• One year limited warranty

My Thoughts

We travel a great deal during the summer months and take many weekend trips throughout the year. I've never really thought about it until recently, but those internet fees at hotels are quite costly and really add up. Just a few weeks ago we stayed at a hotel and the internet fee was $16! That is very pricey, especially if all I wanted to do was check my mail! This is what makes the TruConnect MiFi so awesome! This tiny device easily fits into your pocket. Yes, it really is that small, so you can take it anywhere.

See how small it really is!

How does the MiFi work? First, you need to make sure the service is available in the areas you would use the TruConnect MiFi. I checked my area as well as frequently visited locations and all of them had service, so it is available in many places, especially in the south. Once you purchase the MiFi at $99, you only pay a monthly access fee of $4.99 to connect and, once connected, you only pay 3.9 cents per megabyte! That is really a great deal, especially if using when traveling! You can save some money easily.

The reason I was so excited to receive the MiFi was not only so I could save some money, but because I never want to be in the situation again where I am without an internet connection. You never know when you will need the MiFi and, since it is so compact, there is no reason you can't bring it along. It fits easily in my purse side pocket and, if ever needed, I just need to take it out and turn it on!

So, now that you have heard what an amazing device the MiFi is, would you like a chance to win one for yourself?

Thanks to TruConnect, one Lucky Children Teaching Mama Reader will Win a MiFi along with an entire year without access fees! The total value of this package is $160!!!

Love Your Mama & Enjoy Your Visit

This week we took the big trip up to visit my parents. It's always stressful and exciting for both myself and the kids. Being in the car for 8 hours is never fun, but once we are there, the kids have a great time with their cousins. I love my parents and am always excited to see them, too, but our visits don't always go smoothly. Believe me, I love my Mama, but our opinions sometimes clash and I'm pretty sure she'd try to send me to my room if she could.

I know many of my readers have similar types of relationships with their parents and this is pretty par for the course. The funny thing is that, from afar, we miss each other and talk about the next time we can get together. I call her every day and she calls me. When I am here, there always comes a point where I'm just ready to leave.

Why does this happen? I did a little research to see what other experts had to say on the subject and here's what I found.

1. You idea of "home" changes. - When we are younger and living in the house with our parents, we consider this place our home. We get homesick and want to sleep in our own room, etc. However, as we grow up, move out and have our own family, our new dwelling becomes this "home"! It's completely normal to get homesick even when visiting your old home. Your kids will probably feel the same way.

2. Personality Clashes - A huge percentage of daughters say they get along with their fathers much better. Why is this? Okay, take a deep breath before reading this one... Well, many of us hate to admit it, but the reason is because we are so much like our own mothers.

3. Past Conflict - Mothers and daughters often have complex relationships built over the years with each other. Some are good, others are bad, but all shape our personalities and often effect how we interact with each other. Things may be good between you now, but those past experiences and conflicts are still there and can sometimes bring up other issues.

How many have experienced these 3 things during a visit? I have definitely been through all three. I think the most important thing for everyone is just to enjoy the time together, take a deep breath when conflict arises and just move along. Easier said than done? Know your limits. Set a time limit for the visit so you can focus on the time there. Don't overstay your welcome and don't stretch the visit too long. We stay for about a week, which is just long enough for us to have a great time with Grandma, but also miss home.

Josiah is ready to go home today and so am I! We miss Papa and our little kittens, that's for sure. Plus, I can't wait to sleep in my own bed. I may get upset during a visit, but don't you ever say or think I don't love my Mama! Those are fightin' words! I know my daughter will probably feel this way someday, too, but I better just enjoy these years while they still love every minute of being with Mama. :)

My First Jet Charter Service Experience

Have you ever been on an airplane? Riding coach can be miserable, especially when traveling for hours at a time. I once found myself squished between two very intoxicated people for 8 hours on a plane ride to Germany. It was awful! On my very first plane ride, I flew from Atlanta to Washington D.C. is a small plane that kept falling through the air and made me so airsick that I never wanted to fly again. I am sure many of you have had similar experiences, canceled flights and maybe even lost luggage! This is why I was so excited to use a jet charter service a few years ago for a flight to Texas for SXSW.

There really is no comparison between a chartered jet and riding coach! If I could, I would always use Private jet charter services. We had the room to stretch out and move around, which meant we could be comfortable at all times. No sitting squished in-between strangers and counting down the minutes until the ride is over. Instead, I honestly didn't want the flight to end! In addition, we had a choice of different movies to watch on the projector, which was awesome. I honestly felt like a princess, my drink in hand, watching a movie and relaxing. That is definitely how flying should be experienced!

This is a sponsored post for Clear Jet, however, all the points and views are my own.

Traveling to Turkey For Your Next Vacation

I love traveling each summer to beautiful and exotic places with our family. Before we had children, we used to go on cruises and vacation more often, but now we have to plan everything out and make sure there are plenty of fun things to do for everyone! This year my husband and I are, once again, planning a nice trip just for ourselves. I'm so excited!

I just recently read about turkey holidays and think this would be such a fun vacation idea. I've always wanted to visit Turkey and with the great prices, it is now possible. There are so many things to do and see that I had to do my research and narrow them down to my top 5 places to visit in Turkey, so here they are:

1. Pamukkale Thermal Pools - You can relax in the warm, healing thermal pools while taking in the absolutely beautiful scenery! This looks so amazing!

2. Whirling Dervishes - Take in the whirling sema, a Sufi religious ceremony, that will captivate and amaze you. I've heard about this for many years and would be so excited to actually see this ceremony in person!

3. Hagia Sophia Museum - I love traveling to beautiful cathedrals around the world and have seen many. However, Hagia Sophia was the largest cathedral in the world for over a thousands years!

4. Turkish Riviera - I want to take a cruise, The Blue Cruise, across the riviera, which is absolutely gorgeous. We will take in the sights of the bluest bays and coves as well as ancient cities and busy ports.

5. Ruins of Ephesus - Seeing one of the seven Wonders of the World is definitely on my to-do list! When traveling here you'll see the Theater and the Temple of Artemis, both grand and beautiful even in ruins.

There are so many other places to visit in Turkey, but these are the top places on my list. If we have time, we'll add more, but I don't want to plan too much. We'll just play it by ear and, if we have time, we'll also see Mamure Kalesi and Topkapi Place. Where will you go on vacation this year?

Traveling Tips For Your All Inclusive Holiday

Summer is here and for many of us, summer is the season for holidays and traveling! Our family takes full advantage of the beautiful weather and days off of school. However, traveling with kids can be very stressful and I know in the past we've come home even more exhausted than when we left. That defeats the purpose of even going, so here are some great tips for traveling as a family this summer!

1. Plan Ahead of Time - Where are some of the places you would love to go during your holiday? Make a list, discuss as a family and do your research. Find the place that looks the best for families.

2. Find great deals on vacations - Search for great deals on traveling during the time you wish to vacation. Finding cheap all inclusive holidays is the best way to travel and save money. When you are on a budget, this is definitely the way to go and with all-inclusive resorts, most everything is included in the price (hotel stay, food, etc.)!

3. Pack Essentials Only - It's so easy to over-pack as a family, but this means hauling too many bags through the airport. Make a list of the essentials (baby bottles, diapers, etc.) before packing. This way you don't forget anything and can stop yourself from packing things that aren't as important. Don't forget sunscreen and swimsuits!

4. Don't Plan Too Many Activities During Vacation - I know you want to make the most out of your holiday, but don't plan too much. This is how you get stressed out and exhausted. Plan a few things, but still take time to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Plus, at all inclusive resorts, there is always time to plan more things at a later time.

5. Have A Date Night - All inclusive resorts often have children's activities, camps and even babysitters. Take advantage of these services and take a night as a couple. Your children will have a great time with the other kids and you can have some fun, quiet time with your love.

The most important part of taking a vacation is to have fun! Relax, don't get overwhelmed and enjoy every second. If you get stressed, take some time to yourself, breathe and remember to take it easy. We are leaving for vacation in July and I'm already planning ahead. It's the vacation we look forward to all year, so we want to be prepared and ready to go.

Where you are going this summer? Leave a comment telling me how you plan for vacations each year!

Planning A Family Vacation: A Trip To New York & A Cruise

Summer is once again nearing and we all know what that means: time for a vacation! Many of us (my husband included) looks forward to our vacation all year. We take a week each July for a family trip and I've already begun working on the details. Sometimes we go to the beach and other times we visit historical sites. This year I really want to take the kids up to New York!

I've been to several countries and many states, but have yet to visit New York, though I've always wanted to go. Now that I have children, I want to show them the world and what better place to start than the states nearby? We can see the Statue of Liberty, visit Times Square, and, of course the Central Park Zoo.

I was planning our trip to be just around the state, but then I found cruises from New York and the plan changed! We all know just how tiring a vacation can be, often ended up at home even more exhausted than before, but not this time. After a few days of being tourists around New York, we are going on a cruise. I love going on cruises and this time it's so affordable that I just can't resist.

I do love traveling with my family and visiting different states, but cruises are even more fun. Have you ever been on one? The last cruise I was on went to several different places, including Jamaica and the Bahamas. I was able to plan excursions to historical places and also go on other just plan fun adventures. The last time I went swimming with dolphins, but I've also gone mountain biking and horseback riding!

When I told my husband our vacation plans for this summer, he was even more excited than usual. He's never been on a cruise before, so this will be a first for him, too! I cannot wait for them to experience all of the excitement in New York and then on a cruise. What are your plans for this summer?

Top 10 Ways To Make Your On-The-Go Life Easier & More Efficient

There is something to be said about a vacation with two children, especially when you really aren't prepared. That's why we always take time to plan out our trips before they happen. I know you can't predict everything, but at least we can be somewhat ready for anything that comes our way! We just got back from the beach and with each vacation comes an educational lesson of something we did wrong. Phew! Yes, there is always at least one thing we regretted doing or learned to avoid the next time. Without further ado, here's my list of 10 Tips For Making Life Easier & More Efficient While On The Go!

1. Wake Up! Maybe this isn't true for everyone, but I need my cup of coffee or iced latte in the morning! My new fav right now is Seattle's Best. They have an awesome canned Iced Latte that is great for on-the-go. I can keep it in the diaper bag and whip it out in the car while driving down the road! Yum!

 2. Plan It Out- Going on a trip? Take time to plan out a few things and prepare for possibilities. What will the weather be like? Keep in mind possible changes in weather like rain or snow. If you make a list of what you need, chances are you will forget much less than usual. lol!

3. Where are we going? I love having a computer. Just take some time to research where you are going, what you and the family would enjoy doing, and go from there! Even if you are just going to a store, what's the best/fastest route?

4. Make Sure You Get Some Sleep! The best thing to do before a day on the go is to get some sleep. I have to get at least 7 hours when traveling. Otherwise, I am not all there and not at my best for driving. The same goes for children. Nothing is worse than a sleepy grouchy kiddo when you have a full day ahead.

 5. Don't Shop Til You Drop! Okay, shopping with children is a chore. No longer are the days when you could shop all day. Eck! Go in the morning (the with kids) or later at night (if they aren't with you) because there will be so many less people! Make a list of what you need, organize those coupons and set out on your mission. It can save so much time!

6. What's More Important! I am a big fan of lists. In addition to the lists of things to pack and things to buy, make your master list of things you need to do for the day. Then, put them in order of importance. This way you can get the essentials out of the way first and do the other things later... or the next day!

7. Don't Forget to Eat! Take a moment to stop and breathe! Get your coffee (Iced Latte!), sandwich, or just something to replenish your system and keep you going. This way you aren't totally exhausted and feeling like you might bite someone's head off... like the poor cashier who can't find the price for your items.

8. Keep the kids entertained! You need to keep the kids happy,but how? Do you have a dvd player in the car? We don't, but if you do, DVDs are a must. We keep our Yo Gabba Gabba cds in the car and I always pack some toys for the go. They can play with them in the cart at the store and in the car.

9. Have the kids ready in time! I may get a gasp for this, but I have been known to get the kids ready the night before, especially the baby. I give them baths at night and, for Liam, I just dress him in a little one-piece. That way he is ready to go in the morning. One less thing I need to do, for sure! It's harder to do for a toddler, but at least he can get up, brush his teeth, and do some things on his own. :)

10. Get the Grandparents!! When all else fails, call the grandparents. They love their grandkids and you love to let them visit. Admit it, you love it! We all need a break and, let's face it, we get 10x as much done in a day when the kids are somewhere else... even for just a few hours!

I'm sure there are many, many tips I could add to this. They chance every time I go out or on vacation. I think it really depends on the person, the kids, and the family, for sure. Shoot, just last week we learned that it's much better for us to make an 8 hour trip all at once! No stopping halfway for us at a hotel with a strange crib and setting for the baby. None of us got any sleep at all. Never again! LOL! What about you? What are your must-do ways to prepare for a day on the go?

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seattle’s Best Coffee blogging program for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

About Seattle’s Best Coffee
As coffee blenders and roasters since 1970, we’ve seen a lot come and go. We went from a tiny shop on the Seattle waterfront to being declared Seattle’s Best Coffee in a local competition. In 2003, we joined the Starbucks family which has allowed us to place more resources into further honing our special way of crafting delicious, impossibly smooth coffee. Every step of the process, from coffee cherry to your cup, is managed to fit our exacting standards and our premium approach to coffee. Now, we’re making it easier to find your perfect coffee with our new Level System.

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