T-Mobile Holiday Technology Shopping Tips


T-Mobile Holiday Shopping Tips



Recently we had the ever so popular and successful T-Mobile Holiday Party in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina.  We had a fabulous time celebrating the Season and learning a whole lot about the T-Mobile Smartphones myTouch and myTouchQ.  As the Hostess, it was my delight to be able to draw 5 Smartphone Winners that night. 



T-Mobile Gave MeTips for Buying and Giving a Mobile Device This Holiday Season, Here We Go: 


A smartphone or tablet is a gift with a personal touch that can help people stay connected long after the holiday season. Shopping for one doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. Selecting the right device is simply a matter of knowing how to decipher the person’s mobile style, asking the right questions and talking to the experts makes it easy! 

Some key questions to arm yourself with before your purchase and make sure to review with any sales associate:
  • What does my rate plan cover?
  • What kind of speeds/data am I getting?
  • How much will my monthly payments be and/or other charges?
  • What’s the exchange/return policy?
  • Is my/my recipient’s home and workplace covered by your network?
  • What are roaming charges?
  • What are your warranty/insurance policies?


T-Mobile has a wide array of 4G smartphones and tablets this holiday season – so there’s something for every type of user. 

Helpful Tips:

Below are some tips to keep in mind whether you are purchasing a device as a gift or for yourself:
  • Switching to a new phone doesn’t mean you will lose the information on your old phone. T-Mobile retail associates can use a phone-synching device to seamlessly and effortlessly move your contacts, pictures, calendar appointments, etc. over to the new phone so it is set up and ready to go!
  • If you make calls to people outside the country, consider getting a prepaid plan to control your costs. T-Mobile offers a variety of international prepaid plans that offer great deals for people in the U.S. who want to stay in touch with people abroad
  • Do you want to know which data plan is best for your communication needs? T-Mobile offers a data calculator to help you figure out the plan you need based on your daily usage, check it out at http://www.t-mobile.com/Tools/MBCalculator.aspx
  • Giving a child their first cell phone, especially a smartphone, can be a big decision for a parent. T-Mobile offers safety and control applications that empower families to keep each other safe and responsible by encouraging individual behaviors that benefit the whole family, and the flexibility to let parents maintain control on their terms, such as:
  • DriveSmart™ Plus – Distracted driving is dangerous, especially with new drivers. DriveSmart manages distractions by silencing incoming notifications, sending callers to voicemail and auto responding to incoming text messages. With DriveSmart Plus, you get automatic driving detection, parental controls and notification of cell phone activity while driving, providing additional peace of mind
  • FamilyWhere™ – If you’ve ever wondered where your kids are, this feature is for you. It allows parents to track the location of any phone on their family plan. You can even schedule alerts as a reminder to check where your kids are during the day and view up to 7 days of location history
  • Not having strong coverage at places where you spend a lot of time can be very frustrating. Wireless carriers can help you avoid that situation by running a personal coverage check to see the strength of the network at your home, workplace, school, etc.
  • Smartphones have become so advanced they can often serve multiple purposes. Several of T-Mobile’s smartphones have premium digital camera features offering consumers a viable alternative to their digital point-and-shoot cameras. They can also work as mobile hotspots, mobile music players and GPS navigators. Think about what devices you use most and consider a smartphone that can eliminate the need to carry multiple electronics
Don’t Try To Go It Alone – Talk To The Experts
T-Mobile associates are experts at finding the right devices to best fit the needs of every type of customer. All you need to do is go into a retail store, explain the type of person you are looking to buy a gift for and how they would use their device and you’ll be able to walk out with the perfect gift that will help the recipient stay connected.


Consider Service Options
  • If you would like to purchase a smartphone and service for the recipient on your existing T-Mobile account, it’s as simple as adding a line or upgrading a line
"T-Mobile offers a Value family plan with unlimited talk, unlimited text and unlimited data with 2 GB of high-speed data for only $49.99 per line for two lines"

TIP: If you’d like to give a smartphone as a gift to someone on your family plan as an upgrade, activate service after the phone has been unwrapped to maintain the surprise
  • If you would like to purchase a smartphone for someone who will pay for service on their own account, you can purchase the device at the no-annual contract price and pair it with a Monthly4G prepaid service so the recipient can start using the phone right away and decide whether or not they want to sign up for a contract term later
  • T-Mobile offers a variety of Monthy4G no annual contract and Pay by the Day plans
Finding The Right Device
A sales associate can help you match the recipient’s personality with the phone that will best meet their needs. Below are some suggested devices for various communication preferences.

Smartphones
  • For the aspiring techie: Samsung Exhibit™ II 4G — Rich entertainment at an affordable price
  • For the text-hungry teen: LG DoublePlay™ — A dual-display multitasking and messaging powerhouse by LG
  • For the minimalist or first-time smartphone adopter: T-Mobile® myTouch® & myTouch Q — Two easy-to-use smartphones
  • For the tech-savvy gadget-lover: Samsung Galaxy S™ II – One of T-Mobile’s Fastest Smartphones Ever: Speed meets stylish entertainment
  • For the shutterbug: HTC Amaze™ 4G — Most Advanced Camera of any Smartphone, and it’s svelte and sporty
  • For the practical professional: BlackBerry® Bold™ 9900 — T-Mobile’s first 4G-capable BlackBerry smartphone
  • For the stylish socialite: BlackBerry Torch™ 9810 — The first slide-out keyboard BlackBerry smartphone on America’s Largest 4G Network®
  • For the overachiever: HTC Radar™ 4G — A new Windows® Phone with 4G speeds
Mobile Broadband
  • For the frequent traveler: T-Mobile Sonic™ 4G Mobile HotSpot — Fast 4G speeds on-the-go
  • For the technology buff: Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 10.1 — A 4G tablet delivering the ultimate mobile entertainment experience
  • For the deal-seeking family: T-Mobile SpringBoard™ with Google™ — The affordable way to discover how fun and useful a 4G tablet can be
Don’t forget to accessorize!
  • Accessories: T-Mobile’s exclusive line of accessories, D3O®, delivers more impact protection than other popular brands of gel skins and shell covers. They are the ultimate impact protection accessories to help safeguard your investment
  • Portable Chargers: Power up your gift by helping your friends and family charge their devices whenever and wherever they need with one of T-Mobile’s portable chargers
  • Bluetooth® headsets: As more states enact hands-free driving laws, this is a critical add-on; if you need to be untethered, consider an upgrade to a Bluetooth headset
  • MicroSD storage cards: A great way to enhance your smartphone gift with more room for music, files, photos and more!
  • Insurance: Too many lost phones in taxicabs or toilet drops? Now that more people are using higher-end phones, insurance plans are advised more than ever; T-Mobile offers a variety of Premium Handset Protection® (PHP) plans and sales reps at any retail store can provide counsel on which plans will best fit the customer’s needs.
Hopefully, this was helpful to you!  Are you buying a Smartphone for someone you love or for yourself this Christmas?  Do you have other questions?  I am sure we can get answers from our friends at T-Mobile. 

*Understand return policies
Upon activation of a new account, T-Mobile contract/upgrade customers have a 14-day trial period (30 days in California) during which they can cancel service without paying an early termination fee. For phones purchased from T-Mobile at full price without a contract or service, customers may return the device within 30 days. In both contract and non-contract scenarios, the following restocking fees apply: $25 for phone-first devices and laptop sticks, $50 for smartphones and $75 for tablets and netbooks.

Warmly,  Carolina Mama


*This T-Mobile and Mom It Forward sponsored post is part of my participation in the National T-Mobile Campaign. 

Celebrity Bloggers Pitch In for Lowes Food Drive "Friends Feeding Friends!"



CELEBRITY BLOGGERS PITCH IN FOR FOOD DRIVE
Mom & food bloggers join effort as celebrity cashiers




"Lowes Foods’ annual food drive, Friends Feeding Friends, which runs through December 31, 2011. Lowes Foods will be collecting food donations in all of their stores across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. These donations will be delivered to local food banks in the areas in which they are collected."



WINSTON-SALEM, NC (December 9, 2011)— Tweets and posts are powerful communication
tools in today's world. That's why Lowes Foods has enlisted the help of North and South
Carolina bloggers to make its 17th annual Friends Feeding Friends food drive an even bigger success.

From December 12 through December 15, locally based, nationally recognized Mom and Food
bloggers will be ringing up purchases at Lowes Food stores in Boone, Cary, Myrtle Beach,
Raleigh, Walkertown, Wilmington and Winston-Salem.

"Social media is an important news and information channel for grocery stores and consumers
alike," said Lisa Selip, director of marketing for Lowes Foods. "These bloggers already share so
much information on food, nutrition and savings, it seemed like a natural fit to involve them."

Complete appearance schedule:

Monday, December 12
Celebrity blogger: Kristen Daukas, from Twin City Sam
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: 3372 Robinhood Road, Winston Salem

Tuesday, December 13
Celebrity blogger: Heather Solos from Home Ec 101
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: 970 Cipriana Drive, Myrtle Beach

Celebrity blogger: Malise Terrell from Carolina Mama
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: 1961 High House Road, Cary

Wednesday, December 14
Celebrity blogger: Jen Houk from One Mom's World
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: 267 New Market Centre, Boone

Celebrity blogger: Jessie Alonzo from Moola Saving Mom
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: 5180 Reidsville Road, Walkertown

Celebrity blogger: Liz Biro from Port City Foodies
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: 805 Pine Grove Drive, Wilmington

Thursday, December 15
Celebrity blogger: Jessica Lieb from The B Keeps Us Honest
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: 7281 NC Hwy 42 West, Raleigh

This is the seventeenth year that Lowes Foods has partnered with local food banks to help feed
families in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. This year's goal is to collect more than
600,000 pounds of food to provide around 504,000 meals to those in need. Currently, stores
have received nearly 40,000 pounds.

About Lowes Foods
Lowes Food Stores, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alex Lee, Inc. Founded in 1954, Lowes
Foods employs 9000 people and operates 107 stores in North Carolina, South Carolina and
Virginia. The company is committed to offering fabulous fresh foods and delivering personal
attention to each of its customers. Locally owned and operated, Lowes Foods is also committed
to buying local products and supporting local suppliers. They offer programs such as Lowes
Foods To Go personal shopping service and an online meal planner that focus on saving people
time and money. Information about these programs and other services offered by the company
may be found at www.lowesfoods.com or by following Lowes Foods on Facebook or Twitter.


Come and visit and participate in Friends Feeding Friends this year!  I am honored to participate and help out this year.  Thank you for being a part of our community here at Carolina Mama and maybe I'll see you tomorrow! Thank you and God Bless.


Warmly,  Carolina Mama

Billy Graham Library Christmas 2011




Merry Christmas from ... 


The Billy Graham Library Charlotte, North Carolina is fabulous and peaceful and all decked out for Christmas!








From Billy Graham's childhood home. 




We had the most lovely and blessed time there. It is already on our "must do again" list!


I was struck again with thankfulness for a Christian heritage. My precious Aunt worked for Billy Graham years ago. And I grew up with a family crazy for his preaching - his Jesus. Our Jesus.

As a child, I even made my own decision praying with my mother sitting in my Daddy's red chair after a Billy Graham Crusade on television. Thankful.

You remember the spiritual high I have been on every time I have been blessed to visit The Cove Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Today we visited with great christian friends. Our children adore each other and Jesus. It was restful to escape the today to this place and remember The Reason for the Season.

Have you visited The Billy Graham Library or The Cove? This was our first visit to the BG Library. Loved!

Merry Christmas!

Warmly,
Carolina Mama






Concord Mills Malls, NC Holiday Shopping Fashion Arts and More


It's that time of year.... Holiday time!  We are enjoying our stay in Concord, North Carolina!  We are at the Great Wolf Lodge right across the street from the Concord Mills Malls!  And check out the Cabarrus Arts Council and more. 


During your Holiday Shopping and Fashion Finding, enjoy a little Carolina Christmas lights at the Charlotte Motor Speedway!

Look for our separate post about our entire day at NASCAR Hall of Fame!  I am truly a Boy Mom! 
Don't they owe me a full day at the Concord Mills Mall now. :) Just saying! 


The Live Nativity was amazing.... and then Hit the Concord Mills Mall! :) 





Check out shops like the awesome Pro Bass Shop, Kirklands, Old Navy, and many, many more! 

Banana Republic wows again this Season. 



There is more, Gap, The Gymboree :) Nike, and more!  Also, see all of the amazing art at the Cabarrus Arts Council which includes the Brand New Opry Christmas Show. 





"Enjoy sounds of the season and bluegrass classics at this popular concert hosted by Jeff Whittington and featuring the Brand New Bluegrass Boys: Whittington, John Culbreath, Tom Isenhour, Pete Corum and Ben Watlington."


Special Holiday Shopping Mall Hours: 

Holiday Shopping
12/11/2011 11:00am-8:00pm 

Holiday Shopping
12/16/2011 -12/17/2011 10:00am-10:00pm 

Holiday Shopping
12/18/2011 11:00am-8:00pm 

Holiday Shopping
12/19/2011 -12/23/2011 9:00am-10:00pm 

Christmas Eve
12/24/2011 9:00am-6:00pm 

If you want to make a Weekend out of it, enjoy the Great Wolf Lodge or look at these Hotel Packages: 

Hotel Packages and Calendar of Events
Discover the many ways to celebrate the holidays on www.CarolinaChristmasNC.com, including Carolina Christmas hotel packages and a comprehensive calendar of Christmas events throughout the county. The calendar features a variety of events from local parades and tree lightings to seasonal tours and theatre performances.

Remember to Have yourself a Merry Christmas!  And enjoy a true Carolina Christmas! 



Warmly, Carolina Mama


*We were invited to partner with Visit Cabarrus County and share a Carolina Christmas with you. We love it here. Opinions are all my own! 

Disney on Ice Raleigh RBC Center with Rapunzel

Disney on Ice with Rapunzel = Wordless (speechless ;) Wednesday

Enjoy!

T-Mobile Holidays TweetUp #RDU Raleigh, NC

Our event was fabulous! Great brand, bloggers, Fadra, Wayne Sutton in the house and fab sushi! Yes!

Really, it was a night of fun and friends and T-Mobile spoiled with Five FREE myTouch and myTouchQ phones!

I loved that people who needed upgrades won! People who gifted them won by spreading the cheer!

It was a blessing to me to Hostess this remarkable group and brand. Thank you all who attended and added to the mix! We all had the same sentiments, let's do this again SOON! Thanks T-Mobile.

Here are a few glimpses of our
Night with T- Mobile!

What phone do love or wish for right now?

Warmly,
CarolinaMama


LSU SEC Champions Again! Geaux Tigers 2012

LSU Tigers won the SEC Championship tonight. Beating Georgia a 42 to 10 Victory! You cannot beat LSU's undefeated 13-0 Season!

It was sweet! Now, let's see who takes it to the Sugar Bowl! LSU vs. Alabama?! Keeping it real and in the South. There is nothing like Southern football and in this case, Dixie Football!


Of course, we love Coach Richt from Georgia. We love Facing the Giants and his role as a Christian coach, father, husband, friend, etc.

Who are you cheering for this season? Geaux Tigers!

Warmly, Carolina Mama