(Win it!) The Unshakable Moxie: Growing a Resilient Faith - A 6-Session Women's Bible Study with Video Access #UnshakableMoxieMIN #UnshakableMoxie #ourdailybread #godhearsher #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Our Daily Bread Ministries for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced my monetary compensation.

In today's post, we encourage you to dive into a transformative journey that will strengthen your faith and empower your spirit! Look no further than Unshakable Moxie, a groundbreaking episodic video series brought to you by Our Daily Bread Ministries. This captivating series invites you to explore what it truly means to live a life of unwavering faith, even in the face of life's toughest challenges.

Hosted by the inspiring duo Toni Collier and Moriah Smallbone, Unshakable Moxie features a lineup of remarkable women including Lina AbuJamra, Ruth Chou Simons, and Joni Eareckson Tada, who share their personal stories of faith, resilience, and redemption. Each episode is a testament to the power of God's grace in transforming lives and shaping destinies.

Check out the trailer here:

For those looking to delve deeper, the Unshakable Moxie: Growing a Resilient Faith Bible Study is the perfect companion. This 6-session study, complete with video access, offers profound insights and practical wisdom to help you cultivate your own unshakable faith. Whether you're navigating seasons of forgiveness, disillusionment, or hardship, this study pack equips you with the tools to anchor your faith firmly in God's promises.

As someone who deeply appreciates the impactful work of Our Daily Bread Ministries, particularly through their devotionals and resources, I can attest to the life-changing impact of their ministry. Their commitment to spreading the gospel and nurturing spiritual growth is unparalleled, making Unshakable Moxie a must-experience for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God.

We aren't the only one who is excited about Unshakable Moxie. Here are some glowing reviews:

• This episode was life-changing for me and spoke so loud for me! Thank you for putting into words how I have been feeling. Love this whole series but adore this one! — Unshakable Moxie viewer

• I am loving this series!!! I have to say what I am learning so far is teaching me so many lessons in life from so many different perspectives. — Unshakable Moxie viewer

• This series was such a blessing to me! I'm inspired, motivated, and desiring to be a woman of unshakable moxie. I love this. Today I started memorizing God's promises in scripture and claiming them over my and my family's life! Thanks for that tip, Joni. Thank you to Our Daily Bread Ministries for producing this…will be sharing and re-watching for sure! — Unshakable Moxie Viewer

• I’m SO sorry this journey is over. It has seriously been a blessing. I believe my biggest takeaway is (or biggest two takeaways are) (1) God is with us (me) in the messy and He’s not afraid or upset or running away from it! He meets me in the messy. He’s not afraid of my questions. He wants to hear about my turmoil; He invites it; He loves me. (2) Having questions doesn’t make me a weak Christian; it’s precursory to me having a strong faith. I have to be willing to dive in it with Him, knowing He won’t forsake me as I go. In my weakness, He excels in strength. Thank you for this — Unshakable Moxie Viewer

You'll find the full series here and order your copy here! Join the movement of resilient faithfulness and unshakable confidence today. Discover what it means to be a "woman of moxie"—one who faces life's challenges with unwavering faith and trust in God. Let Unshakable Moxie inspire and empower you to write your own story of faith and resilience.

Ready to embark on this journey? Dive in and let your faith shine bright!

Win it!

One winner will receive a Unshakable Moxie Study Pack & $20 Amazon Gift Card. The Study Pack includes: (1) Unshakable Moxie Bible Study w/QR code access to the video series, (1) Unshakable Moxie Prayer Journal, and (1) Unshakable Moxie Scripture & Encouragement Cards Pack. This prize is limited to US winners only. Enter using the Rafflecopter below.
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You'll find the full Unshakeable Moxie series here and order your copy here!
Follow Our Daily Bread Ministries on Instagram and Facebook.

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7 Tips for Visiting the Whimsical World of Meow Wolf in Grapevine! 🌈

As promised, we are continuing to feature the best summer attractions that help you to have fun while escaping the Texas heat! Today's post is like no other! Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey into a realm where imagination knows no bounds. Meow Wolf in Grapevine Mills awaits, and it's time to unleash your inner explorer with your family and friends! 

Let me start by sharing that my goal is to give you an idea of what to expect without ruining surprises.  The photos in this post are sparse because part of this immersive experience is walking into the unexpected and being surprised!  At times, I felt like I was Alice in Wonderland or in a dream.

Meow Wolf is an immersive and interactive art experience unlike anything you've ever encountered. It is a playground for the imagination, a portal to surreal dimensions, and a labyrinth of mind-bending wonders. Combining elements of art, technology, and storytelling, Meow Wolf creates fantastical worlds that invite you to step beyond the boundaries of reality. As you explore its intricate and vibrant spaces, you'll find yourself immersed in a rich narrative, discovering hidden clues, and unraveling mysteries along the way. Meow Wolf is a place where art comes alive, where you can touch, play, and engage with the extraordinary. It's an awe-inspiring journey that will ignite your sense of wonder, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Here are several tips to ensure you make the most out of your visit to Meow Wolf:

1. Free Parking Galore!
Forget about the hassle of parking fees because at Meow Wolf, parking is absolutely free! Be sure to park near the Rainforest Cafe for convenient access to this mind-bending wonderland. So, leave your worries behind and get ready for a day of whimsical exploration without breaking the bank on parking.


2.️ Dress Comfortably!
With so much to explore and discover, it's important to dress comfortably. Wear shoes that can handle a day of walking, and opt for clothing that allows you to move freely. You'll want to be at ease as you crawl through tunnels, climb through portals, and navigate the immersive spaces of Meow Wolf.


3. Allow Ample Time for Exploration!
Meow Wolf's exhibitions are vast and filled with intricate details. To truly soak up the magic, allocate enough time for your visit. Plan for at least a few hours, if not an entire day, to ensure you have ample opportunity to fully immerse yourself in this fantastical world. Trust us, time flies when you're lost in the wonders of Meow Wolf!



4. Embrace the Unexpected!
Meow Wolf is not your average art exhibition—it's a multidimensional experience that blurs the boundaries between art, technology, and storytelling. Prepare to be amazed as you step into a fantastical universe where anything is possible. Surreal landscapes, interactive installations, and secret passageways await at every turn. Keep an open mind and let your curiosity lead the way!



5. Engage with the Narrative!
Meow Wolf weaves an intricate web of stories and mysteries throughout its immersive space. Keep your eyes peeled for clues, hidden messages, and cryptic puzzles that are scattered throughout the exhibition. Immerse yourself in the narrative, and who knows? You might just uncover a secret or two along the way. Let your imagination run wild as you become a part of the story itself!



6. Go with your family and/or friends!
Meow Wolf is an experience that is best enjoyed with friends, family, or even fellow explorers you meet on your journey. Engage in lively conversations, exchange theories, and marvel together at the enchanting sights. Don't forget to capture the magical moments with photos and share them on social media using #MeowWolfGrapevine. Spread the joy and inspire others to embark on their own extraordinary adventure!

7. Enjoy their cafe on the way out.
Exploring an otherworldly exhibition can be quite an adventure, and you'll need fuel to keep your energy up. Meow Wolf offers a cafe area on the way out where you can grab a quick bite to eat or satisfy your cravings with tasty treats that are sourced from local companies. Refuel, recharge, and get back to the adventure!


We are so lucky to have a Meow Wolf location here in Grapevine, TX! I love that they have it in Grapevine Mills with free and easy parking. If you are local, you won't want to miss it! So, are you ready to enter a realm where reality bends, and imagination takes flight? Meow Wolf in Grapevine Mills eagerly awaits your arrival. Gather your loved ones, bring an open mind, and prepare for an otherworldly adventure you'll cherish for a lifetime. Let the magic begin!

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From Laser Mazes to Spicy Chicken: Our Action-Packed Day in Plano, TX at Activate Games and Dave's Hot Chicken

In today's post, I'm excited to tell you about our day of family fun in Plano, TX. We started the day at the new Activate Games where we spent an energetic morning playing a variety of high-tech games. After burning serious calories, we headed to Dave's Hot Chicken, just a few minutes away, for a delicious lunch.We highly recommend this itinerary for anyone looking for a fun and fulfilling day out with their family!



Activate Games is a new attraction for the Dallas/Fort Worth metro that uses technology in novel ways to keep you moving! Our family recently visited Activate Games and had an absolute blast. We loved the high-tech games that tested our physical and mental agility across a wide variety of real-life challenges. The combination of games were a fantastic workout as games involved climbing, squatting, jumping, running, throwing balls, and more! Each game lasts a few minutes (unless you choose to spend more time on higher levels) which meant that just when my arms couldn't throw balls any longer, we could switch to a game that used different muscles. The designers really thought things out so that we were challenged but could keep moving as we switched things up as transitioned from one game to another!

Let's start from the beginning! When you arrive, there is a waiting area in case you are waiting for friends and family to meet you there. There are also lockers in case you need them.

Next, you'll check in to pay for your visit. You'll receive wristbands to use while you are there. You'll register and link your wristband to your account so that you are able to enter the games. The wristband is also important because you need it for the system to record points as you play.

When you enter, you'll find the come-and-go rooms that contain high-tech games. Each game is a couple of minutes long unless you choose to spend more time leveling up!  

Before you enter each room, each member of your party will hold their wristband up to the pentagon so that you are registered for the room/game. It will change colors and add your name to the list of players in the room.  You'll also choose the level (1 to 10) and game option.

Once you are in the room, the fun begins! I won't spoil too many surprises, but I'll share a couple of photos of our favorite game, The Floor is Lava, to give you the general idea. The red squares are lava here. Sometimes the lava flows, meaning that it moves around during the game! The goal is to tap all of the blue squares on the floor and blue buttons on the wall without touching lava.

When we lost, it was dramatic fun! Lava overtook the room! 

The games were perfect for all ages, including our kindergartener, teen, and mom and dad. We played each game together as a family for fun family bonding. The different rooms of games helped us to stay active together as a family, and we easily burned 700 to 800 calories during our visit! It was so much better than going to see a movie or other relatively sedentary activity. We liked that different games helped us to exercise different areas. For instance, throwing basketballs in one game or throwing balls at targets in another worked our arms. Other games involved a lot of cardio and coordination. There was an interactive wall climbing game! It was fun to switch between activities and to keep moving. Each game was unique, involved physical exercise, and kept us motivated! We were also able to check our scores throughout our visit.

The staff was friendly and helpful.  We could ask for help at any time and they were always happy to give us tips!  In addition, after our first visit, we have some tips to share too. We suggest wearing clothes that you feel comfortable running, jumping, crawling, and climbing in. Clean and dry flat-footed shoes are required (running shoes recommended). It's also a good idea to book your visit in advance. They accept walk-ins, but having a guaranteed reservation is better. All in all, our family had an amazing time at Activate Games. We highly recommend this fun and energetic experience for anyone looking for a unique way to spend time with family or friends. The cost is $24.99+tax per player for a 75-minute playtime. 

After an energetic and fun-filled morning at Activate Games, you and your family are sure to be famished! Luckily, just a few minutes away is Dave's Hot Chicken where you can indulge in some mouth-watering sliders, fries, and mac and cheese.  The clean, spacious, and colorful restaurant offers a family friendly environment where no one will mind that you just worked out hard at Activate Games!

Dave's Hot Chicken is the perfect place to satisfy your cravings for some spicy and delicious food. They specialize in Nashville-style hot chicken, which is crispy and flavorful, with your choice when it comes to the amount of heat. Whether you're a fan of mild or extra hot, there's something for everyone. My youngest son prefers mild while my teen loves spicy food! 

One of the most popular items on the menu are the sliders, which come with your choice heat level. The buns are soft and fresh, and the chicken is juicy and tender, with just the right amount of crunch. 



Their fries are perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, making them the perfect complement to your sliders.



They also offer indulgent mac and cheese. It's the perfect comfort food!



In summary, a visit to Activate Games in Plano, TX is a must for families looking for a fun and energetic experience. The high-tech games offer a wide range of challenges that test both physical and mental agility, making it a great activity for family bonding. Just a few minutes away is Dave's Hot Chicken, which offers delicious sliders, fries, and mac and cheese that are sure to satisfy any appetite. After burning off all those calories at Activate Games, it's the perfect place to refuel and enjoy a tasty meal. We hope that you take the opportunity to visit Activate Games and Dave's Hot Chicken in Plano for family bonding!

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Make Your Teen's Birthday Party Unforgettable with These Dallas/Fort Worth Metro Area Ideas!

Are you planning a birthday party for your teen in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metro area? In today's post, I'll share tips for planning an exciting and memorable experience for your teen and their friends. Personally, when I read tips, I love examples that put tips to practice. Due to my love for examples, I will also share our personal experience at The Escape Game in Grapevine, TX where our teen and his friends had a thrilling birthday experience.   Let's get started!

8 Tips for Planning a Birthday Party for a Teen in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metro area!

1. Choose a fun and unique activity that promotes bonding with friends - If you've followed my blog for many years, you know that I put a lot of effort into understanding childhood development and activities to help my children to grow. Now that my son is a teen, this is an important time in his development to emphasize the importance and value of friendships. Personally, we remind our son to invest in friendships with not only his closest friends, but also those that he may form friendships in during individual classes at school or other events.  That's why it's important to have a party that encourages collaboration and teamwork.  Our favorite party idea The Escape Game in Grapevine, TX offers a variety of escape rooms that will challenge your teen and their friends to work together to solve puzzles and escape in time. This will make for a great bonding experience that your teen and their friends will talk about for weeks to come!

2. Book in advance - No matter the venue, be sure to book well in advance to ensure availability and to avoid disappointment.

3. Consider a theme -  Almost every venue offers the opportunity for a theme. Since I'm weaving my personal experience into this post, I'll highlight that The Escape Game in Grapevine, TX offers different themed escape rooms, which can make the experience even more exciting and engaging for your teen and their friends. My son and his friends loved The Heist!  This room was the perfect fit for a group of curious and energetic teens!

4. Plan for food and drinks - Whether you're having the party at The Escape Game or somewhere else, make sure to plan for food and drinks that your teen and their friends will enjoy. Teens are usually hungry, especially during the growth spurt years! I assume that all of the teens will easily eat double the amount that I would eat myself!

5. Consider transportation - If your teen and their friends will be coming from different areas, consider arranging transportation to make it easier for everyone to attend. Personally, we love The Escape Game in Grapevine Mills because it's convenient for parents to drop their kids off at the party and then walk around the mall to shop or eat dinner. A few parents told us that the location was perfect!

6. Invite the right number of guests - Make sure to invite the right number of guests for the activity you have planned. The Escape Game recommends 8-12 people per room.  We booked The Heist room which holds up to 8 guests.  If you have a larger group, The Playground room holds up to 12 guests.   You'll also want to include an adult chaperone in your total count. Since they are teens, my husband chaperoned.

7. Don't forget the cake - No birthday party is complete without a cake! Teens still love cake! Make sure to order or make a cake that your teen and their friends will love. If you are at Grapevine Mills, there are two cookies stores where you may order a cookie cake in advance. It's also easy to bring your own.

8. Consider add-ons - The Escape Game offers add-ons like T-shirts, party favors, and even a private party room. These can be a great way to make the party even more special and memorable. The teens will feel special wearing their shirts to school and talking about the party!

In conclusion, planning a birthday party for a teen in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metro area can be a fun and memorable experience, especially when you choose a unique activity like The Escape Game in Grapevine, TX.  Personally, we feel that teen birthday parties are helpful for their development as we encourage positive friendship and relationship skills. Parties that are collaborative and interactive are great for their development and bonding. I hope that these tips help you to organize a party where your teen and their friends have an amazing time and create memories that will last a lifetime!

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We hope that these tips help you to plan a birthday for your teen in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro!  If you want to plan the same party that we planned for my teen's birthday, visit The Escape Game in Grapevine, TX to make your reservation!

You may also share the 360 Room view and the video below as part of your invitation so that your teen and their friends know what they are up against in their escape room challenge! (They provide similar resources for the other rooms too!)

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Recipe: Easy Mini Sourdough Bread Loaves

Recipe: Mini Sourdough Bread Loaves

Ingredients

• 2 cups of sourdough starter (We have a recipe for sourdough starter.)
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 1/2 Tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 Tablespoon Kosher salt or coarse sea salt
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• 4 cups of flour
• 1 Tablespoon of chopped dried rosemary

1. Dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water for 1 to 2 minutes and then add to the mixing bowl.

2.  Add the starter and mix it into the yeast and water mixture for approximately 8 minutes with a dough hook on medium speed.

3. Add the remaining ingredients and use a dough hook on medium speed for approximately 10 minutes.

3. Remove the bowl and cover it with a warm damp cloth to allow it to rise.  It will take about 3 hours to rise.

4. Spray the bottom and sides of your mini loaf pan.

5. Remove the dough and knead to redistribute the yeast.  

6. Put the dough back in the bowl and cover it with a clean and damp warm towel.

7. Allow the dough to rise again. The amount of time is up to you, but we typically allow it to rise for 2 hours.

8. Split the dough into four pieces and roll into balls. You'll want to put each piece into a compartment of the mini bread pan. (Optionally, if you have four separate mini bread pans, this will work the same.)

9. Coat the surface of each piece of dough with the olive oil and place it into a compartment of the mini bread pan. You may also want to optionally sprinkle coarse sea salt and/or herbs on the top.  Score the top of each loaf of bread with a knife by creating hash marks.

10. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

11. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

12. Allow to cool on a baking rack for 20 minutes. 

Enjoy within a couple of days or freeze extra bread. Remember that this bread is not packed with the same preservatives that you find in many shelf stable breads at the grocery store, so you'll want to freeze extra bread from this recipe.

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Tips for How to Clean Vomit Out of Children's Carpet with a Baking Soda Step

Tips for How to Clean Vomit Out of Children's Carpet with a Baking Soda Step

1. Scoop up and dispose of large chunks of vomit. (I often use a spoon.)

2. Sprinkle baking soda on top of the remaining liquid vomit.  Don't skimp on the baking soda. You want it to absorb the liquid vomit. You'll notice below that the baking soda already started to absorb the liquid vomit before I could finish and take a photo.

3. After letting the baking soda sit for approximately 30 minutes, remove the larger chunks with a spoon and dispose. 

You will notice that there is still a stain on the carpet at this point.

4. Vacuum remaining baking soda that soaked up the vomit.

5. Apply a carpet cleaning solution to the stain. We don't have a carpet cleaning machine, so we follow the instructions on our bottle of carpet cleaner and use a brush to clean. You may use an old toothbrush, but we bought a larger brush that is meant for dishes. The larger brush is helpful for large messes.

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Recipe: Toffee Fruit Dip

Recipe: Toffee Fruit Dip
This recipe is great for after school snacks, play dates, and parties. It is a great way to entice everyone to eat their servings of fruit for the day. 

Ingredients

• 8 oz. of whipped cream cheese
• 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 1/2 cup of crushed toffee candy bars
• Optional: 2 Tablespoons of crushed toffee candy bars for garnish
• Optional: Serve with apples, grapes, and your favorite fruits

Directions 
1. Add the 8 oz. of whipped cream cheese, 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1/2 cup of crushed toffee candy bars to a medium size bowl or container and stir until thoroughly mixed.

2. Serve the Toffee Fruit Dip with your favorite fruit. 

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Recipe: Greek Lemon Potato Wedges

 

Recipe: Greek Lemon Potato Wedges

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chicken broth or water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 3 to 4 large lemons)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
• 3 pounds large Russet potatoes
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425-degrees.

2. Wash and chop the potatoes into wedges or fries.

3. Toss the potato wedges in 2 teaspoons of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Optionally, toss with a teaspoon of lemon zest.

4. Spread the potato wedges in a deep baking dish.

5. Pour the lemon juice and then olive oil over the potatoes.

6. Bake for approximately 50 minutes, flipping every 15 or 20 minutes to promote more even cooking. Be careful because there is liquid in the pan.

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(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 Automower! He 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!

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