This is a Fashionista Event and a promotional item was provided to me. Hosts for this event are Still Blonde after all these Years and ModlyChic.

Before moving back to Chicago, almost two years ago, I lived in four different states over a period of 10 years. While most of my family stayed local to IL, I was the one that always seemed to be far away from them especially during important family events. Since that was the case, finding ways to stay connected and a part of their lives was crucial to me and to my family.

Now, even though I’m back in Chicago and see them much more frequently, we are all living our own lives. Staying connected, even in the same state, is still so important to us. Part of that connectivity is all of us having our service through Verizon, so that we can be sure our connection is strong and our service is excellent.

Over the years, we’ve come up with a variety of ways to stay in touch. Daily, I use a number of apps on my Verizon iPhone to stay connected with family and friends.

6 Apps to Stay Connected:

Messages - I suppose this one is a given. But the group text message game in my family is strong. Not a day goes by without at least a handful of texts being exchanged between all of us. Some days, when there is news to share or a birthday, the text messages fly back and forth. Leave your phone alone for too long and you could return to 50+ messages from the family group.

Snapchat - This is the way I keep up with my nephews and niece. My brother-in-law and sister are so good at sending short videos of what the kiddies are up to on a regular basis. Two weeks ago I got a Snapchat video of my nephew’s first loose tooth and weeks before that his first go-around without training wheels. (No, the two events are not related.) Plus I get to send pics of amazing sunrises and the latest beer I’ve tried. (Again, not at the same time.)

MapMyRun - The family is in the midst of training for a half marathon to celebrate Dad’s 60th birthday this August. As part of that we like to track the workouts we do and urge each other on to running more and running faster. The girls in my family are all connected on MapMyRun, and can see each workout that is done. When the push notification shows up saying one of them has run 3 miles, it kicks me into gear to get to training too.

Facebook - Sure, I can check out the actual website, but I have it set up on my phone that when a family member or close friend posts something new I get a push notification. That way I’m up on the exact moment someone posts a picture or new status update. I can check it easily, without needing to scroll through dozens of posts to see what they have to say.

Swarm - Admittedly, I use this more to connect with friends in various parts of the country than with my family (only because the fam thinks I am crazy when I check in some place). But I love using this to find out where people are, and what they are up to. Whether that’s a trip to the zoo or a Cubs game.

Instagram - Certainly one of my all-time favorite apps. I love keeping up with distant family and friends through this app. I can follow how a friend is doing on a weight-loss journey or see stunning pics of another friend’s visit to the Grand Canyon. Plus, the comments give me a chance to make it more personal than simply hearting a pic.

Want to stay connected to family and friends, avoid dropped calls, and get better data coverage? You’re in luck, because if you don’t have Verizon, you can save with the current deal that waives the activation fees for phones and tablets through June 11, AND offers $100 off select smartphones. Just use the code VZWDEAL through June 30 to snag these savings. (FYI: available online only and cannot be applied to upgrades. $100 off select smartphones does not include the Samsung Galaxy S7 & Galaxy S7 Edge, HTC 10, or the iPhone SE.)

Don’t believe all the hype about Verizon and the company’s superior coverage? Personally, I can say I’ve never had a dropped call and rarely am ever in a place that doesn’t get excellent coverage for both calls and data. But don’t take my word for it. Check out Verizon’s performance results page to see the proof for yourself.

Need a little more incentive? How about a $100 Verizon Gift Card? FIVE lucky winners will each walk away with a $100 giftcard. Just use the rafflecopter below to enter now through June 30th.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Did I miss any apps to stay connected? What do you use?