Showing posts with label apps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label apps. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Let the @40Find App Put a Little More Fun in Your Cinco De Mayo (and BEYOND)! #40Find

#AD: This is a Sponsored Post, Brought to you by:

40Find App Logo


Would you like to save 40% off your Food, Drinks and Happy Hour WITHOUT using a coupon or coupon code?

If you are based in New York City or New Jersey (or just find yourself in one of those cities for business or pleasure), pick up your phone (IOS or Android) and download this super user friendly and FREE app right NOW! The 40Find App is on my phone and it has made finding deals wherever I find myself much easier. (40 Find = Find 40 percent off, get it?)

Happy Hour, Hyatt Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
Photo Credit: Hyatt Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco (I love San Fran!)


I know with Cinco de Mayo there is always a little 'happy hour' fun to be had and if you want to find out where the best deals are, this App is all you'll need!

I get contacted by App Makers all the time. I don't immediately write them back, in some cases I try out the app without ever telling them so, if I love it, then I will want to share all about it! (based on how few Apps I have actually covered since 2009 you can tell I don't just rave about an App if I don't really like it!)

Sushi, 15pictures.com
Photo Credit15pictures.com


Any app that helps me find Sushi at a great discount is all aces in my book! I'm a bit of a Sushi Fanatic, but super picky about where I'll eat it, when the app showed me deals at places that I actually already frequent I knew it was a keeper. I'm also a rawbar girl and there are enough Oyster deals on this app to keep me busy for a very long time!

Oysters, Rawbar, Saucy Thyme Blog
Photo Credit: Saucy Thyme Blog


Get Social:

Try out this app, once you do you are going to want to connect with them and tell them just how much you are loving these amazing deals!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Visit 40Find on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Keep up with their Tweets via Twitter too, @40Find is the main twitter handle for the app, then you can add your city to connect with them too to share your local deal. For example, fellow New Yorkers yours would be @40FindNYC (by the way, the same holds true with the hashtags when you tweet out a picture of the great deal you just scored, use #40Find or #40Find and then your city, so for NYC it would be #40FindNYC)

MY Take:

I keep my phone incredibly app 'lite', every app on my phone is an app I am actually using and find useful. Every few months I look at my Apps again and if I am not really using one I will delete it. This App is one of my 'keeper apps', and as a foodie and Lifestyle blogger based in New York City, there is a tremendous amount of options at my disposal, but as a Fab Frugalista who tries hard to stick to her budget (I have big goals and future plans, I need to stick to my budget!), this app is going to make going to my favorite places that much sweeter with the discount, but also when I am in another city - like New Jersey where I like to visit as I love Atlantic City, or San Francisco (where I dream of re-locating someday!) this App will help me find the best deals in other cities too. I have to admit the App is also making me want to try out a few spots that are new to me in my own city. SCORE!

What kind of deal would you most use the 40Find App to nab? Would it be food, cocktails or Happy Hour? (and if it's all of the above we can definitely hang out together when you find yourself in New York City! LOL) Butterflies please try out the 40Find App and then come back and tell us what you think!

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, and all opinions are 100% my own! I present brands, products, events and services to my readers that I actually use, test and personally enjoy! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

May is National Moving Month - Tips for a Hassle Free Move + Score a Sweet Discount on your next move here!

Ad: This is a Sponsored Post on behalf of unpakt, all opinions are 100% my own


Sadly dear butterflies, Mr. Rogers isn't always right; It's not always a beautiful day in the neighborhood. My neighborhood especially. Loud Music Blaring All Day AND All Night. Tons of nefarious goings on that the both the landlord and super turn a blind eye to, what's a butterfly to do?

With May being National Moving Month, and me being ready for change on so many levels, a Move sounds like a great idea to me! There is very little in my neighborhood that I'll miss quite frankly. If you share my sentiments about being ready for a change of scenery this year and a move is on your agenda, I've got you covered with ideas to get you ready for moving day!

Moving Tips:

TIMING - Spring or late Fall are the best times to move. If possible, avoid the first, last and middle of the month when planning your move.

BOOKING: Moving in the summer? Book at least a month in advance! If you are moving in Spring, Fall or Winter you can book two weeks in advance. Don't forget to consider the weather for your area!

ORGANIZING YOUR MOVE - You need a system, try color coordinating with a designated colored sticker for each box that is based on the room the box should end up in, this way the movers will know where to put everything when you arrive, and you can spend less time directing traffic. Or if that sounds like too much work, you can still try out the color system by assigning each family member a color to keep their belongings organized during the move.

PACK A BOX OF 'MUST HAVES' - This is by far my favorite idea: Pack a box of 'must-haves' that includes items such as a change of clothes, toothbrushes, toiletries, so you won't have to search through all the boxes for these things after a long day of moving. Invariably you won't un-pack everything that first day, but this box will have all the major items you need so you don't have to worry if you decide to stop early and just get some rest!

THINK 'LIKE' - If you keep like items together, it will alleviate time when un-packing.

KEEP 'MUST SECURES' HANDY - Just like you pack a box of must have essentials, you should also consider packing important paperwork and jewelry in a box that stays with YOU at all times!



Save Money on your Move:

DECLUTTER - Before you move, as you are packing, be firm about not bringing anything along you don't really need. (By the way a great rule of thumb is this, if the item you are about to pack up and bring with you hasn't been used in 3 months, chances are you can toss it and not pack it!).

DO YOUR HOMEWORK - An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure my friends! Read Reviews because bad movers will end up costing you more in the long run.

INSURANCE - Take out insurance to protect valuables you cannot afford to replace.

BUDGET - Prepare a budget in advance so you can keep expenses low.

TAX BREAKS - Remember if your move is job-related, you may be able to deduct your moving expenses depending upon how you itemize deductions, check with your accountant/tax professional when filing.

LUGGAGE - In addition to using recycled boxes or renting plastic bins, you can also use existing luggage, use the luggage to move items that you want to remember to have handy so you don't have to search through the boxes or bins.

Tips for Moving With Children:

ONE BOX - Try to pack up child's favorite belongings in one box, and if they have lugguage use their luggage for this purpose, this way you don't spend tons of time sorting through different boxes to find a favorite stuffed animal or pillow.

STICKERS - Let kids decorate their own boxes using fun stickers (if you use something like animal stickers and assign each child a specific animal it will make it easier to sort through when you arrive)

PLAY DATE - If at all possible set up a play date so the kids are away from the moving site, this way you can focus on the move, and the kids won't be under foot of you or the movers. And it also avoids the risk of them getting hurt while furniture and heavy objects are being moved.

UNPACK THEM FIRST - It's easier to un-pack your child's room first and then work on common rooms, this way the move doesn't throw off bed schedules.



About Unpakt:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - First web app/digital marketplace/price comparison site for moving services!


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Helps you find reputable moving companies, compare exact prices, read user reviews and book online instantly!


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Streamlines the entire 'booking a mover' process to UNDER an hour!


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Named one of The Next Web's Top 10 Apps for Home & Work!


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Featured in The NY Times, Forbes, TechCrunch, The Huffington Post, Real Simple and more!


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Available Coast to Coast!



How it Works:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Enter Move Basics (where/when/what you are moving)


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Compare Moving Companies with exact prices, read user reviews and more. You can also save your move plan for later and make changes at any time. Perfect if you want to do preliminary research and then check in with your spouse at a different time.


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Book mover at a guaranteed price. Price will not change unless you change inventory or conditions such as distance, stairs, etc.

NAB A DEAL ON YOUR NEXT MOVE:

Not only was Unpakt nice enough to share these great tips, they are also offering a sweet deal to Ascending Butterfly readers! Receive 5% instant cash back on your next move! Enter promo code: BUTTERFLY on Unpakt.com when booking and save. Must book by 07/31/13.

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Like' Unpakt on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Unpakt on twitter and tweet them using Hashtags #moving, #movingday, #startup

**Always remember when getting social to tell them you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly**

So Butterfly, When is YOUR next move?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post on behalf of Unpakt.com, however all opinions shared are 100% my own. By the way, my neighborhood truly does suck!

Sunday, July 22, 2012

What do we want? Low Prices! When do we want them? NOW!



I'm probably the most weird woman on the planet, I HATE to shop. There I said it. Nothing bores me more. I hate the endless walking up and down aisles. I hate trying on clothes. If I could do all my shopping online I would.

This always drove my sisters crazy. Unlike me, if they could shop all day everyday they would. And the concept of window shopping, drives me crazy and my sisters, well they live for it.  I wasn't the teen trying to hang out at the mall. Fitting rooms plain make my hairs stand up on end.

Now when my sisters shop, I hang with my brother-in-laws. We check out electronics stores, sit on massage chairs and watch the room size televisions or play video games while we wait for everyone else to finish up their shopping so we can go eat!

Unfortunately I can't avoid shopping all together, and me being the tech nerd that I am, I figured there had to be a way to make shopping, faster, shorter, just plain easier, and thankfully there is! I personally enjoy marking decades by their commercial catch phrases (remember 'Where's The Beef?). This decade will be probably be best known for 'There's an App for that!', because usually there is! I actually found an app that takes the chore out of shopping, and I figured you'd want to know all about it too!

We are definitely living in an instant gratification society, and while I am not here to debate the pros and cons of it, I can tell you that when it comes to low prices, we can all agree we want it now! I want to know the lowest price on an item before I even step foot in the store, no one wants to waste gas driving around searching for the lowest price on something, especially when it comes to high end items like electronics. I for one am currently searching for a new laptop as I will be Live Blogging this year at the BlogHer 2012 Conference. (and I don't just mean as a blogger who will be there, I am live blogging at panels FOR BlogHer! I am super excited!) Here is the app I am using to help me take the choices I've narrowed it down to and find the best price for it:



About RedLaser:

RedLaser is a free app available for download for iPhone, Android and Windows phones. Downloaded over 20 million times, RedLaser is a secret weapon for the smart shopper – allowing you to scan or search for items to make sure you have all the information you need, including product details, ratings and price comparison.

Features:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Scan and search for products using the bar code scanner

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Compare prices online and at local retailers, so you’ll know you’re getting the best deal

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Find out which stores stock what you’re looking for by searching for a product locally. No need to drive around town searching for what you need!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Browse product reviews and rating

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Buy directly from your phone using PayPal mobile express checkout and you can pick up your item in a nearby store.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Create shopping lists (or wish lists!) and easily share them with friends and family via email, SMS, Twitter and Facebook.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Scan a food item to get allergen and ingredient information

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - To see RedLaser in action, check out this video, which shows how you can use RedLaser to find a last-minute gift.

I know know where the three specific laptops I've narrowed my choices down to are the cheapest. The app gave me just the info I need, the only thing I need to do now is decide which of the three I want! (of course if any laptop manufacturers are reading this and want to send me one, I'm totally open to it!).

RedLaser App in Action


My Take:

The app is free, easy to use, and tells you exactly where to go to find what you are looking for at the best possible price, it's instant gratification at its finest! For me it takes the chore out of shopping, and makes finding what I want at the best possible price, quick and painless. I for one read reviews on everything before making a purchase (minor or major) so I especially love that I can also browse product reviews!

Get Social:

You can get social with RedLaser on both Facebook and Twitter @RedLaserApp and don't forget to use the hashtag when you let them know just how much money you've saved, #RedLaser


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FTC Disclosure: I am participating in a sponsored post campaign for RedLaser in conjunction SheSpeaks, however all opinions are 100% my own.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

{Not So} Wordless Wednesday: See how Appliance Envy + Patricia Heaton = @SamsungUSA

My name is Tracy and I have appliance envy. Serious Appliance Envy.

As a long time apartment dweller, I've been relegated to a ton of sub par appliances, many of which have long needed replacement, but that's certainly a story for another day. I recently attended a product demo for Samsung where various appliances were set up and press were given a walk through of each model and it is then and there that I learned I have 'Appliance Envy', while probably not as deadly as my summer 'travel itchies' disease, it's painful none the less. In a very brief time I learned I have been working way harder than I should in the kitchen and in other rooms. I had no idea just how far Household Appliances have come. But I now know just how far behind my particular kitchen is. Whether it's a future appliance overhaul or a complete move that fix remains to be seen (both sound equally appealing to me right about now!).


SAMSUNG AND PATRICIA HEATON LAUNCH GROUNDBREAKING NEW LINE OF SMART HOME APPLIANCES TO HELP MOMS WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER

The new 32 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator has enough room to fit up to 32 bags of groceries!  

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., America’s fastest growing home appliance brand and award-winning innovator, take organization and efficiency in the home to a new level with the launch of its line of 2012 smart home appliances. Samsung is dedicated to using its technological expertise to create moments of wonder for today’s busy moms. Its line includes a Wi-Fi-enabled LCD refrigerator with apps that redefines organization in the kitchen, a smart phone-controlled washer/dryer for more freedom from the laundry room and a 5.9 cu. ft. large capacity oven that can be divided into two separate ovens for unparalleled meal preparation flexibility.

I'm not sure how they heard me when I was praying to the Twitter Gods about the ability to conduct and participate in Twitter Parties from my Refrigerator as Twitter Parties invariably make me hungry, and somehow they heard me. I wanted to stand and play at that refrigerator all day but unfortunately other people seemed to want to see it too, (How dare they? It's MINE all mine!) so I had to admire it, drool and move along!

SO WHERE DOES PATRICIA HEATON COME IN YOU ASK?

“Make Your House Work” Panel Discussion, Left: Actress/Panel Moderator Patricia Heaton

Patricia Heaton, America’s favorite high capacity mom and the star of The Middle joined Samsung for the official unveiling of the new product line. In addition, Samsung is teaming up with Patricia and a team of top experts to launch “Make Your House Work,” an online program that will provide ideas, inspiration and recommendations for Samsung home appliances to keep your house operating at peak performance.


“Samsung really understands the challenges and needs of moms like me,” said Patricia Heaton


The panel which included Patricia Heaton on the very left (in the photo above the solo shot), and to Patricia's right Julie Morgenstern (aka 'The Queen of Putting People's Lives in Order and author of  'Organizing from the Inside Out'), Liz Pryor (Good Morning America's parenting 'Advice Guru'), and Christina Stanley-Salerno (Blogger for Rachel Ray Magazine Online).


"They have really cool ideas and are showing day-in and day-out how smart home appliances and technologies can make a big difference in your life.”  said Patricia Heaton


Samsung’s new product line for 2012 includes more connectivity, capacity and convenience than ever before to help moms stay efficient and organized.

Patricia Heaton in Samsung Demo Kitchen at Milk Studios Gallery in New York City

A new national consumer survey of over 750 moms conducted by Samsung with Blue Suit Mom, an internationally recognized resource of work and family balance information for working mothers, highlights the challenges that moms face in organizing their lives and managing their households. For the vast majority of moms (85 percent), housework is a frustrating activity (not sure we actually needed a survey to determine that one right ladies?), and 76 percent never feel caught up on it. And although 69 percent recognize the important role that technology can play in making their lives more organized, 59 percent don’t know where to start to make housework easier.


Patricia Heaton in Samsung Demo Kitchen at Milk Studios Gallery in New York City


The Samsung survey was conducted in May, 2012 via an online survey fielded to the following networks: BlueSuitMom.com, MomsMindPool.com and MomSelect.com. An ending sample of over 750 Moms completed the online questionnaires. The demographics of the respondents varied in income level, marital status and household make-up.


Samsung Wi-Fi enabled WF457 laundry pair


Connectivity


  • The new Wi-Fi enabled WF457 laundry pair is making laundry smarter and less time-consuming by allowing consumers to start, stop and pause the machine from an app available on smart phones. It also reduces the normal cycle time by up to 15 minutes with new SpeedSpray™ technology by shooting water and dissolved detergent directly onto clothes so that cleaning begins faster.


  • The LCD Refrigerator with apps has been updated and refreshed with the Grocery Manager app, which tracks the expiration time of perishables. This new addition is a direct response to consumer feedback for more efficient ways to control the waste and cost of spoiled food.

Capacity



  • The new 32 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator is the largest in its class and has enough room to fit up to 32 bags of groceries. That means fewer trips to the market for mom.

  • The 4.5 cu. ft. king-size capacity High Efficiency Top Load Washer does 2.4 laundry baskets (or 32 bath towels) full of clothes at a time, reducing the amount of time spent in the laundry room. Mom can also rest assured that her clothes are being gently washed by foam and water jets.


Samsung's Flex Duo Oven and Gas Range

Convenience


  • The Flex Duo Oven can split from one large capacity oven into two separate 2.7 cu. ft. and 3.0 cu. ft. ovens, giving cooks the option and convenience of preparing two dishes at two different temperatures.

  • The new Induction Range with Flex Cookzone™ makes cooking easier with a flexible cooking surface which accommodates pots or griddles that would not fit on a standard-sized heating surface. It also features a boil sensor which helps eliminate boil-overs by alerting the user or automatically reducing heat to a pre-set level.

  • The company’s new canister vacuums, available in the U.S. for the first time, come in three models – Champagne, Electric Blue and Black colors – and feature reduced noise levels and innovative ergonomic design, allowing busy moms to vacuum anytime of day or night even when the room is filled with family members watching TV or snoozing on the couch.

To learn more about Samsung Home Appliances and “Make Your House Work,” visit the Samsung Home Appliance Facebook page. Beginning June 21, fans will have the opportunity to ask questions of the experts and to enter a series of fun challenges in parenting, cooking and home organization to win prizes, like weekly housecleaning for a month, professional window washing, or a new vacuum. Now that my dear butterflies, is a total win/win! (Readers you may also want to tell them on their facebook page that you saw them featured here, and would love to see an appliance giveaway!)
  
So Butterflies, What do you think of these futuristic appliances? Ready to have your home resemble the Jetsons? I for one would also love a Rosie Robot!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. I attended a product demo and walk through of the products referenced above as a member of the digital press. No monetary compensation has been received in exchange for this post. All opinions about the products, demo and panel discussion are 100% my own. However I do daydream about owning each and every single one of the products referenced above and should Samsung ever consider sending them over, I'll be happy to disclose that! :)