Dallas Mom Blog and Fort Worth Mom Blogger: Trendy Mom Reviews
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Thursday, May 9, 2024

(Review) The Husqvarna Automower is a Game Changer in the Texas Heat!



This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Husqvarna. All opinions are 100% mine.

This post is sponsored by Husqvarna. They recently sent us an Automower product to review.

My husband and I used to mow our own lawn. It's one of our least favorite chores, especially with the Texas heat and humidity.  Our first house together was almost an acre. We quickly learned that we did not like maintaining a large yard. When we had the opportunity to relocate for new jobs, we purchased a home on a smaller lot with .25 acres. We later realized that we would prefer an even smaller yard and we moved yet again to a villa where front yard maintenance is included in our HOA fee and we only have to maintain our small backyard that is hidden by fences. The space is approximately 1,000 square feet. We've mowed it for several years, but we finally decided that we have had enough and began researching alternatives such as artificial grass, hiring someone to help, or a robotic lawnmower. 


Many of our neighbors feel the same way about yard work. As I mentioned, we live in a villa where the HOA maintains our front yards and then we are responsible for our small backyards. The majority of our neighbors hire landscapers.  This is nice, but it's expensive and we don't like the idea of giving landscapers a key to our yard.  The typical cost of weekly mowing for our small backyard is $75 to $100/week.  We mow our lawn for approximately 7.5 months per year, so it's not trivial to spend over $3,000/year to hire landscapers to mow our backyard. As a Mom and an Engineer, I can't help but calculate the cost for multiple years and notice how quickly the expense accumulates. After five years, the cost adds up to around $15,000.

Several of our neighbors have artificial lawns. Some of them got together in small groups to negotiate a bulk discount, but it was still very expensive. An example of a neighbor's yard is shown below. It looks nice, but it was outside of the budget that we wanted to put toward our yard. Plus, with young children, we didn't want to worry about the cost of replacement down the road.



Only recently did we come across the Husqvarna Automower as an option to help mow our lawn. I wish that we would have known about it sooner. We looked into it and ran the numbers to figure out whether it could make sense for us.  Specifically, we looked into the Husqvarna 115H Automower that is priced at $1,599.99 with installation.  At this price, we felt like it was a cost effective solution to mowing our lawn that is cheaper than hiring landscapers to mow.  I searched for reviews and people seemed happy, so I reached out to the company to ask if it would be possible to collaborate and to send us review a unit.  They agreed! This was a highlight of my blogging year, especially if you consider the temperatures in Texas right now and how much we dread yard work. Of course, we were excited because the perks of this robotic lawn mower are amazing, but I also felt like it was a special opportunity to gain and share an experience that people are curious to know more about.

The process for ordering the Husqvarna Automower was nice because they ship the Automower in a package that arrives on your doorstep. They then connect you with an installation expert who sets everything up for you.  For instance, check out the photo below that shows my package on our front porch.  I took the photo from a distance so that you could notice that it's a large package, but still a reasonable size for me to carry on my own.



Here is a closer view of the package.



We were so excited about our new best friend that we couldn't help but to peek into the package to see it before the installation company arrived.  The package was comprehensive and included everything that I needed to get started.



The day before the installation company arrived, we mowed our lawn to the desired height.  This is something that you will want to do before your installation as part of the customization process.

Lambert's Landscape Company installed the boundary wire and charging station. In the Dallas area, we are very lucky because the pros at Lambert's know the ins and outs of the Husqvarna Automower. The Director of Fleet Services and Facilities installed our Automower. He manages a fleet of them and even runs two Automowers in his own yard. He is knowledgable about landscaping and Automowers. He was really nice about answering our questions and giving advice. The installation for our yard went by quickly. He installed the boundary wire with a machine that buries it rather seamlessly. I was relieved to know that the boundary wires would be buried so nicely, especially since I have energetic children who aren't even able to see the buried wires.  Here is a photo of him installing the boundary wire.



I also made a video and encourage you to watch it because you'll get a better idea of how quick and seamless it was for him to install the boundary wire.



After he installed the boundary wires, he finished setting up the charging station and updated the software. This is the home for our new best friend, the AutomowerHe also helped us to get the app which helps us to monitor the status of our Husqvarna Automower. For instance, here is a photo from when we set it up.



Here is another photo of the app which shows statistics about the number of hours that it has spent on our lawn.



The Husqvarna Automower is smart and able to adapt to many variables such as different yard sizes, slopes, grass types, and more. Personally, our yard is around 1,000 sq. ft. and relatively flat with only slight sloping around our French drains.  We have Bermuda grass which is a southern grass that grows in warm climates. It has a narrow leaf blade which I think is aesthetically pleasing. It grows quickly and is also quite resilient. You'll find it at many golf courses and athletic fields since it's relatively good for high traffic areas.  Our yard is a breeze for the Husqvarna Automower that quietly works its magic on our lawn.  



The Husqvarna Automower spent the first couple of days exploring our yard.  My family enjoyed watching our curious little friend move around to learn the lay of the land! 



After the initial exploration, the Automower used its advanced technology to mow our lawn on a more scheduled basis.  The technology is actually more interesting than we initially expected. Not only does this little robot mow our lawn, but it also improves the health of our lawn. That was an unexpected bonus for us!   We just wanted a break from yard work, so it was even cooler to realize that the Automower could further improve the health of our lawn too. The way that it works is different than our old process. We used to go through with a loud electric lawn mower.  The Husqvarna Automower is more advanced. It uses several blades to finely mulch the grass.  Instead of rushing through like we used to do with a lawn mower, the Automower takes slower and more frequent passes which provides a noticeable difference to the health of our lawn.



Another big difference between our old mower and the Automower is the noise level. Our old mower was loud.  Our Automower is pretty quiet. I tease my husband that it has such good manners with how quiet it is. It even runs past my bedroom at night while I am sleeping without me noticing.  I also appreciate that it has safety features to stop if it bumps into something unexpected. For instance, my youngest son dropped his teddy bear outside. The Automower skillfully avoided it which is an important feature that we appreciate since our children play in the yard and don't always clean up after themselves.

The Automower may be scheduled to run at any time. We prefer an evening schedule so that our children aren't outside. I would actually be okay with my boys around it since it has safety features, but my children sometimes play soccer or have water balloon battles, so I figured that evening runs were better. Plus, as I mentioned earlier the Automower is quiet enough that I don't even notice it when it goes by my bedroom windows in the evening.


Security is an important feature to me. There is one loud thing about the Automower. That's the alarm. If someone doesn't know the pin number and then picks it up and tries to run off with it, the Automower has a very loud alarm.  You need to enter your pin number to turn it off. Depending on the model, you may also have GPS tracking. 



We've used our Automower for a few months now. Let me share a quick list of questions that people have asked us with our personal answers.
  1. Is it as loud as a traditional lawn mower?  Answer: It is MUCH quieter than our old traditional lawn mower. In fact, we run it in the evening and it mows outside of my bedroom window without waking me. 
  2. Does it break if it rains?  Answer: We have left our Automower out during several rainstorms without any issues. I just wipe it down with a cloth after the rain. (For reference, I also wipe down our patio furniture and grill after rain.) We moved the Automower to our patio for one storm because there were severe weather warnings. During that particular storm, you wouldn't have even wanted to leave your car outside.
  3. What if children leave toys in the yard? Answer: My children have stress tested this feature. They have a bad habit of leaving toys in the yard.  Fortunately, the Automower is quite advanced and has avoided every toy left in our yard over the past few months.  One of them was my youngest son's teddy bear, so I was grateful for the Automower's technology to avoid their toys.
  4. Could someone pick it up and walk off with it? Answer: Yes, but there is an alarm system.  It makes an obnoxiously loud noise that would make it hard for someone to casually pick it up in our yard and walk off with it. We are able to hear the alarm noise in our house. We have a pin number to turn the alarm off. Some models also have a GPS security feature.
  5. Do you like it? Answer: We absolutely love it!  If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to stop wasting time on mowing the lawn and to let an Automower take over the chore.  Seriously, the combination of Texas heat and humidity is the worst. The Automower is a total game changer that allows us to spend less time on chores and more time enjoying life.



Now that we have used the Husqvarna Automower for a while, we are very happy and wish that we would have adopted it sooner.  The time savings has been amazing. We no longer have to mow. We only have to do the edging. My husband has approximately 5 extra hours to spend with us every month. If you multiple this by 7.5 months, he has saved approximately 37.5 hours/year. That's almost an entire workweek out of the year for him! We have a small backyard that is under 1,000 square feet. I imagine that the time savings increases for Texans with bigger yards.


During the Coronavirus shutdown, the Automower was also a life saver because it mulches the grass into fine pieces and we do not have to bag and dispose debris. Our garbage collection company temporarily stopped the collection of lawn clippings.  Prior to the arrival of our Automower, we had garbage bags full of lawn clippings for weeks until they finally announced a special day when collection of lawn debris resumed.  I'm glad that we don't have to dispose of lawn debris after the Automower.  The mulching process is eco-friendly and convenient!



In summary, the Husqvarna Automower is an amazing application of technology that has improved the quality of our lives.  The experience has given us a healthier lawn, but more importantly, the gift of time. As busy parents, the ability to cross mowing the lawn off of our chore list was amazing! I know that we could have hired landscapers to mow weekly or invested in artificial grass, but those solutions were very expensive. The Husqvarna Automower is more cost effective for our situation. The Husqvarna design team deserves credit for the meticulous attention to detail that they put into the Automower!

Learn more on Amazon
We are part of the Amazon Affiliate program for bloggers.  If you order this product through one of our links, we receive a small referral fee that helps to keep our blog in business. It doesn't change the price of the item or cost you anything extra to use our link if you were going to order the Automower. We appreciate the support!





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Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Learn about a fun app + Enter for a chance to win a $50 Chick-fil-A Gift Card!

  


Thanks to LoudTalker for sponsoring the giveaway in this post. Chick-fil-A is not affiliated with this post. LoudTalker will provide the prize to one lucky winner.

Do you ever find yourself in the situation where you have to ask your children to lower their voices? As a mom of two boys, I have to admit that I have two little Loud Talkers. They get excited and their voices get louder.  They also have moments when they both try to talk at the same time and their voices continue to rise.  The team at LoudTalker are genius because they created a FREE Android app that helps kids to monitor the level of their voice. It's easy to use - download the app and set the noise threshold, i.e., a level in which you consider your child's voice to be too loud. You then let the app run and it draws a graph of how loud voices are in the room.  My son was quick to experiment and it felt like an educational game. I really liked that it was a less emotional way to help him to keep his voice down. Instead of me telling him to bring his voice down and hurting his feelings, he let the app provide quantifiable data and notify him.  I feel like this app is a game changer that has made our lives much more peaceful!  Get LoudTalker here.

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One lucky winner will receive a $50 Chick-fil-A Gift Card.  Enter using the Rafflecopter below. The winner will be emailed their prize. Good luck!
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Tuesday, May 7, 2024

(Win it!) Anne Wilson's REBEL is now out! Enter for a chance to win a Signed CD! #REBELAnneWilson #AnneWilson #REBEL

 

Thanks to Momentum Influencers for sponsoring this post. All opinions are honest and our own.

In today's post, I'm excited to tell you about Anne Wilson's new release and host a giveaway for one lucky winner to receive an autographed Anne Wilson REBEL CD!

Anne Wilson's latest album, REBEL, has taken the music world by storm, igniting a fire of enthusiasm and inspiration among fans. With its powerful lyrics, captivating melodies, and a lineup of impressive collaborations, REBEL is more than just an album—it's a testament to courage, faith, and the relentless pursuit of authenticity.

From its debut, REBEL soared to the top of multiple charts, securing No. 1 positions on Christian, Country, and all-genre charts, a testament to its broad appeal and profound impact. With tracks like "Songs About Whiskey," which has already captured hearts with its raw honesty, and "Strong," which clinched the #1 spot on Christian radio, Anne Wilson proves her ability to resonate with audiences across genres and demographics.

One of the most remarkable aspects of REBEL is its collaborative spirit, featuring powerhouse names from both Christian and Country music scenes. With contributions from luminaries like CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson, GRAMMY-Award winner Chris Tomlin, and Country superstar Jordan Davis, each track becomes a dynamic showcase of talent and passion. Whether it's the soul-stirring "Praying Woman" or the anthemic "Country Gold," these collaborations elevate the album to new heights.

But REBEL is more than just a collection of songs—it's a manifesto for authenticity and resilience in a world that often demands conformity. Each track, crafted under the banner question, "what does it mean to be a rebel in the world we live in today?" is accompanied by a corresponding tagline and Bible verse, inviting listeners to contemplate the deeper meaning behind the music.

Anne Wilson's commitment to using her platform for positive change is evident not only in her music but also in her non-profit movement, Hey Girl Nation. With a focus on empowering girls and women to embrace their identity in Christ, Wilson's mission extends far beyond the stage. As the only female artist to achieve three No. 1 singles across the Mediabase Christian AC and Christian Audience Radio charts since her debut, she serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals.

As tickets go on sale for Anne Wilson's The REBEL Tour, anticipation builds for a series of electrifying performances set to captivate audiences across the US. With 28 dates scheduled for Fall 2024, fans eagerly await the opportunity to experience the magic of REBEL live.

In a world hungry for authenticity and meaning, Anne Wilson's REBEL delivers a potent dose of both. With its poignant lyrics, dynamic collaborations, and unwavering message of hope, faith, and God's love, REBEL stands as a musical masterpiece and a testament to the power of music to uplift, inspire, and transform lives.

So, listen to Anne Wilson's album REBEL now and embark on a journey of courage, faith, and rebellion against the status quo. Even better, stream it for FREE here!

Watch the official music video for “Songs About Whiskey” here: Video watch link

REBEL Album Track List:

  1. “REBEL”
  2. “Rain In The Rearview”
  3. “Strong”
  4. “God & Country”
  5. “Praying Woman” (with Lainey Wilson)
  6. “Songs About Whiskey”
  7. “Sinner's Prayer”
  8. “The Cross” (with Chris Tomlin)
  9. “My Father's Daughter”
  10. “Red Flag”
  11. “Country Gold” (with Jordan Davis)
  12. “Southern Gospel”
  13. “Dirt Roads In Heaven”
  14. “3:16”
  15. "Milestones"
  16. "Out of the Bluegrass"

Win it!

One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of Anne Wilson's REBEL CD!  Enter using the Rafflecopter below. You must complete the two mandatory entries for a chance to win. To enter for the chance to win an Anne Wilson REBEL Signed CD, participants must create a post on socials that uses/tags any song from Anne Wilson’s album, REBEL. Post must include #REBELAnneWilson. Posts can be on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, or TikTok. Entrants will submit their post link via a Rafflecopty below. The winner must have a U.S. shipping address. The sponsor will receive the winner's address to ship the prize directly to them. Good luck!

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Follow Anne Wilson on social media!

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Friday, May 3, 2024

(Save 20% at Teleflora in May 2024) Celebrate Mother's Day with Teleflora! #LoveOutLoud


This was a sponsored post/gift from Teleflora (@teleflora).

Are you ready to shower the moms in your life with love and appreciation? In today's post, I will tell you about the amazing things happening at Teleflora! (Spoiler alert - Teleflora has beautiful bouquets, a fun contest, and we have a 20% Teleflora Coupon Code for May 2024!)


Teleflora is embracing all sides of Mom with their incredible campaign, "MotHER: A Teleflora Love Story." I couldn't be more excited about it! Did you know that according to a Pew Research Center survey, 85% of moms say being a parent is one of the most important aspects of who they are as a person? It's incredible to see Teleflora recognizing and celebrating this!


Their latest ad captures those pivotal moments that shaped Mom before she embraced motherhood - from thrilling adventures to daring escapades, and everything in between. It's a beautiful reminder that before she was a mother, she was HER - vibrant, unique, and full of life.


Enter Teleflora's Mother's Day Sweepstakes!
Let's talk about the Teleflora Mother’s Day Sweepstakes! It's such a fantastic way to pay tribute to Mom. Now through May 13, you can showcase your own mom on social media using Teleflora’s "MotHER" template for a chance to win one of 20 Teleflora bouquets. Simply create an Instagram Reel using the template, share your heartfelt message about your mom, and tag @Teleflora for your chance to win! Check out Instagram.com/Teleflora for all the exciting details.


Score 20% off Mother's Day bouquets!
Teleflora's Mother’s Day bouquet lineup is simply stunning. Each arrangement is handcrafted by local florists and comes in a keepsake container that adds a special touch to any home decor. Celebrate HER and share your #LoveOutLoud with a unique Teleflora arrangement that she'll adore. Plus, don't forget to use my exclusive promo code TELEFLORAMDAY2 to enjoy 20% off your next Teleflora purchase!
With Teleflora, you're not just sending flowers - you're sending love, happiness, and appreciation. Let Teleflora help you create a moment Mom will cherish forever this Mother's Day! Use our Teleflora 2024 Mother's Day coupon code for 20% off of your orderTELEFLORAMDAY2.


Learn More
Visit Teleflora and use the coupon code TELEFLORAMDAY2 for 20% off your May 2024 Teleflora order. Follow #LoveOutLoud to enjoy browsing beautiful Teleflora bouquets and happy moments that others are sharing for Mother's Day! Plus, don't forget to share and enter for a chance to win!








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Wednesday, May 1, 2024

(Hurry! High Value Samples Available!) Celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Salonpas!

We know that being a mom means being on the go 24/7, which can sometimes lead to those pesky aches and pains. But fear not, because Salonpas® is here to celebrate its 90th anniversary by giving moms the relief they deserve! In today's post, we'll tell you about the fun events and point you to a website where you can request free Salonpas samples!

As the world’s No.1 Brand of Over-the-Counter (OTC) topical analgesics in the patch category, Salonpas® understands the unique needs of moms everywhere. That's why they're hosting a month-long celebration filled with free samples and special events just for you!

In-Person Sampling Events: Join Salonpas for a day of pampering at the Japan Parade & Street Fair on May 11th in New York City, where you can enjoy Japanese street food and activities while snagging free samples of Salonpas® at their booth. Plus, mark your calendars for Salonpas Day on May 18th, where the Salonpas team will cheer you on at the City Challenge Race in Jersey City, NJ!

Online Sampling: Can't make it to their in-person events? Don't worry, moms! They've got your back (pun intended) with free Salonpas Lidocaine Flex Patch samples available online at www.TrySalonpas.com and www.PruebaSalonpas.com. Because every mom deserves a little self-care, including from the comfort of home!

Whether you're chasing after little ones or tackling your never-ending to-do list, Salonpas® is here to help you stay pain-free and on top of your game. Because when moms feel their best, they can conquer anything that comes their way!

So, here's to 90 years of providing moms with the relief they need to keep shining bright. Join us in celebrating Salonpas® and all the incredible moms out there who make the world a better place, one pain-free moment at a time.

Again, take advantage of the Salonpas FREE Sample offer quickly while supplies last! Let's make this anniversary celebration one that moms everywhere will remember!

Learn More

For more information, visit Salonpas® at https://us.hisamitsu/ and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.







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Tuesday, April 23, 2024

(Win it!) Unsung Hero is in theaters beginning April 26! #UnsungHeroMIN #UnsungHeroMovie #MomentumInfluencerNetwork


Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Ready to experience the ultimate family fun on the big screen? In today's post, I'll encourage you to gather your tribe and mark your calendars because Unsung Hero is hitting theaters on April 26th, and it's a movie you won't want to miss!

Let's start with the trailer:


Picture this: a tale of resilience, love, and the power of family set against the backdrop of an extraordinary true story. When David Smallbone's world comes crashing down, he embarks on a journey from Australia to the United States with his wife, Helen, and their six children. Armed with nothing but their passion for music and unwavering faith, they set out to rebuild their lives from scratch. And let me tell you, it's a ride filled with twists, turns, and heartwarming moments that will leave you cheering for this incredible family every step of the way.



Plus, if you're a fan of the chart-topping band FOR KING + COUNTRY, this is your chance to see them like never before. Joel Smallbone takes on the role of David, bringing his real-life family's inspiring story to the silver screen with authenticity and grace.


Here is a nice interview with Jean and Luke!


So, why wait? Treat yourself to a night at the movies and celebrate the unsung heroes in your own life—whether it's your partner, your children, or even yourself. Grab your tickets now for Unsung Hero and make April 26th a Family Day at the theater that you'll never forget!



Tickets are selling fast, so don't miss out on this unforgettable cinematic experience. Head here to secure your seats today.

Make memories together at the movies! Start by getting your tickets here

Win it!
One lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. Enter using the Rafflecopter below. Our sponsor will email the prize directly to the winner. Good luck!

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