Simple Ways To Make Online Shopping Safer For Your Family

Online shopping is part of everyday life now, and why not? It’s fast, convenient, and often cheaper than heading to the shops. But with that convenience comes a few risks - especially when you’re shopping as a family. From account safety to secure checkouts, it’s worth taking a few simple precautions to make sure your purchases stay safe. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more. 

Keep Software Up To Date

It might seem minor, but running updates on your devices is one of the easiest ways to boost security, so don’t ignore it when you’re asked to do it (and you’ll be asked fairly regularly). These updates are handy because they often include bug fixes or ways to correct vulnerabilities that would otherwise be a good way for hackers to get into your system and get hold of your personal information, including banking details. If you can keep everything from your phone’s operating system to your web browser up to date, it’s going to help create a safer space for online transactions in general.

Be Careful Where You Shop

It’s best to stick to trusted retailers whenever possible, and if you’re shopping at a smaller or unfamiliar site, take a moment to check reviews and make sure there’s proper contact information, for example. A well-designed site with clear policies is usually a good sign, and if something feels off, that’s probably because it is. 

It also helps to avoid clicking on promotional links from emails or social media without verifying the source first - it’s actually always safer to visit the website directly through your browser to be on the safe side, and if the offer is legitimate, you’ll still be able to find it. 

Use Secure Checkouts

A secure checkout process is one of the most important things to look for when you’re shopping online, and a reliable payment gateway for eCommerce ensures that your card details are handled properly, often encrypting information and reducing the risk of fraud, which is exactly the right thing to do. 

To help, look for a padlock symbol in the address bar, and an ‘https’ URL because both of these things are signs of a secure connection and you can trust that the site is safe. 

Talk About Online Safety At Home 

If your kids or teenagers use shared devices or have access to online accounts, it’s a good idea to talk to them about safe browsing habits, and you can help them understand why not every link is safe and how to tell the difference between a real offer and a scam. And of course, they should always check with you before they buy anything, especially if they’re using your money to do it! 

Final Thoughts

Online shopping has made life a lot more convenient, but it does come with responsibilities, and no matter what you happen to be buying, putting some easy processes in place is something that will become a habit over time, and will save you from potentially giving away your financial and personal details by accident. 

How to Pick a Phone That Actually Fits Your Life

Buying a new phone might sound simple, but with so many choices out there, it can feel like a big decision. Some people care most about the camera, while others just want something that’s fast, reliable, and easy to use. No matter what matters most to you, the key is finding a phone that fits the way you live, not just one that looks cool or sounds fancy.

So before you rush into buying the latest model, take a little time to think about how you really use your phone and what features matter the most.

Think about your daily routine

Start by thinking about how often you use your phone and what you use it for. Do you watch videos, scroll through social media, play games, or take lots of pictures? If you're just using it for texting, calls, and checking email, then you probably don't need the newest or most expensive model out there.

But if you're someone who snaps tons of photos or edits videos on the go, a better camera and stronger

performance might be worth it. Picking the right phone is all about matching it with what you actually do every day.

Screen size and battery life matter more than you think Some people like big screens for watching shows or reading, while others want something that fits in their pocket. A bigger screen might be fun, but it could also be harder to use with one hand or carry around. Also, think about how long you want the battery to last. If you're out all day, a phone with better battery life can really help. You don’t want to be stuck looking for a charger halfway through your day.

Know what you’re really paying for

When you’re shopping for phones, it’s easy to get distracted by shiny ads and brand names. But the truth is, expensive doesn’t always mean better for your needs. Look at what you’re getting for the price and think about how long you plan to use it.

If you’ve ever thought “how much could I get for selling my phone” then you probably already know that some phones keep their value better than others. This matters if you want to trade it in or sell it later to help pay for your next one.

Choosing between Apple or Android phones

One of the biggest choices is choosing between Apple or Android, and both have their pros and cons. Apple phones are known for being easy to use and working smoothly with other Apple devices, but they can be pricey. Android phones come in lots of styles and prices, and some offer more ways to customise how they look and work.

Think about what kind of apps you use and how much you care about being able to change settings and layouts. Also consider which type your friends or family use if you like sharing apps or features.

Storage matters more than it seems

If you take a lot of pictures or videos or like downloading movies and music, you’ll need more storage space. While some phones let you add more storage later with a memory card, others don’t.

It’s better to get more storage than you think you’ll need because running out of space can get frustrating. Having room for your photos, apps, and messages helps your phone run smoother and keeps things from slowing down.

Inspired by a True Story: Valiant One + $150 Amazon eGift Card Giveaway

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Briarcliff Entertainment.

Along with a Giveaway, I have a a thrilling movie to share. 

 Valiant One in Theaters January 31st

In the heart-pounding military thriller VALIANT ONE, a routine mission spirals into a fight for survival when a US Army helicopter crashes deep within North Korean territory. With their communications equipment destroyed, Captain Edward Brockman (Chase Stokes) and Specialist Selby (Lana Condor) must lead the team through hostile terrain, cut off from US military support as they attempt a daring escape across the treacherous Demilitarized Zone. Starring Chase Stokes (Netflix's Outer Banks) and Lana Condor (Netflix's To All The Boys I've Ever Loved). Rated R - https://www.valiantonemovie.com/

$150 Amazon eGift Card Giveaway

One winner will have the chance to win a $150 Amazon eGift Card! Open to residents of the United States and Canada. You must be 18 years old to enter to win. This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 1.31.25. If you have any problems entering the giveaway, please email pr@thereviewwire. See below for terms and conditions.

All entries will be verified—only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. Any person who has won a prize (or whose household has won a prize) in any promotion sponsored by the Sponsor in the past thirty (30) days before the start date of this contest is not eligible to win a prize. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Entrants who have created social accounts to enter Competitions or Sweepstakes will not be eligible to win. All social accounts used must be public.

The winner will be chosen randomly and contacted via email. A reply to the winning email is required within 48 hours before a new winner is chosen. Void where prohibited by law. One person entering per household, please. The Review Wire and other participating bloggers are not responsible for the prize shipment.

5 Essential Tips to Get a New Dog & Care For Them

Millions of people around the world have dogs as pets, and they’re likely the most popular pet to have. You could’ve had one before, and you might want to get a new dog. It’s easy to see why, even if you haven’t had one before. It’s a lot of responsibility, though.

You’ll need to look after them properly and give them a lot of love. Before you get a dog, it’s worth making sure you’re as prepared as possible for them.

If you’re not, it could end up feeling a little overwhelming, and you might end up making a few mistakes at the start. This is all easily avoidable by putting a bit of work into it ahead of time. Once you know what you’re doing, you’re in a much better position to get a new dog and actually look after them.

Some tricks and tips help with this a lot more than you’d think.

Why Get a New Dog?

Before diving in, it’s worth looking at why you should get a new dog in the first place. With the amount of responsibility that comes with it, you could be tempted not to go for it. As it turns out, there are plenty of reasons why you should go for it.

Some of the more appealing of these are:

• Helping You Deal With Stress - Dogs help people deal with anxiety and stress more than you’d think. Multiple studies even back this up, so they can be a great companion if you deal with a lot of stress.

• Making You More Active - You’ll need to walk your dog regularly, which helps you get more active. If you want to get out and about more, then this could be a great way to do it.

• Increasing Your Happiness Levels - Dogs can make you feel happier, especially when you’re playing with them. This can be one of the best reasons to get one, and there’s no reason not to.

These can all be more than enough to convince you to get a new dog. If you do, however, it’s worth being prepared for it. Using a few tips helps more than you’d think, with five of them standing out. 

Get a New Dog: 5 Essential Tips

1. Do Your Research

Before you get a new dog, it’s worth spending some time doing research. There are countless areas you might need to find out more about, like how you can properly care for your pet. It’s worth making sure you know as much as you can about it.

Then there’s how much time and attention your dog will need, which varies from breed to breed. By spending a bit of time researching them, you’re in a better position to figure out if it’s the right decision for you and your family.

2. Actually Think It Over

Once you’ve done your research, it’s worth taking the time to actually think things over. While there are plenty of reasons to get a dog, it also comes with a lot of responsibility. You’ll have to make sure you and your family are actually prepared for them. You’ll have to make sure it’s the right decision for you.

Ask yourself whether you have the time for them. The financial side of everything could also play a decent role in this. You’ll have to pay for quite a bit as a dog owner, after all.

3. Find a Vet

Once you get a new dog, it’s worth taking some time to find a vet, too. Getting this out of the way early makes sure you know what you’re doing when you actually need them. Spend some time looking into your options so you can find the right one for your needs.

Bringing your new dog to the vet when you first get them also helps you get a clean bit of help on them. If there are any potential issues, then you’ll find out about these early, as well as find out how to manage and treat them.

4. Start Pet-Proofing Early

You’ll already know you’ll need to pet-proof your home. What most people overlook is just how much work is involved in this. While it shouldn’t take too much time for a small apartment, it takes a decent bit more for something larger, like a home. The bigger your house, the longer it’ll take.

It could be worth starting off with this early. You might need to spend a few hours on this, and spreading that across  a few days makes it easier. That way, you don’t need to get too stressed out about it, and you’ll make sure everything’s done before you bring your dog home.

5. Buy the Essentials

Before you bring your dog home, it’s worth making sure you’ve picked up the essentials. That doesn’t just mean everything you need to start pet-proofing. Think of everything your dog will need every day. A doggie bed and food will be two of the more obvious essentials you’ll need to pick up.

There’ll also be toys and similar options to pick up. Get at least a few of these to start off with. After that, you can pick up more, depending on what your dog’s preferences are. It’ll make bringing them home and looking after them a lot easier.

Get a New Dog: Wrapping Up

Dogs can always be great companions, and they even become part of the family. It’s easy to see why you’ll want to get a new dog. That doesn’t mean just taking the plunge and getting one, though. It’s a lot of responsibility, and you’ll need to be prepared for it.

With how much work can be involved, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed with it. You don’t need to struggle with it.

By using a few tips and tricks, it’ll be a lot easier than you might’ve thought. It’s just a matter of actually knowing what you’re doing and being prepared to put the work in. You shouldn’t have any issues once you do.

Lost On A Mountain In Maine In Theaters November 1st!

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Blue Fox Entertainment.

Lost on a Mountain in Maine tells the inspiring true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler, who becomes separated from his family by a fast-moving storm atop a treacherous mountain. For nine days, Donn fights to stay alive as he attempts to survive the unforgiving wilderness of northern Maine without food, proper clothing, or the knowledge of how bad his situation really is. His disappearance sparks a massive search effort that captures national headlines and attracts hundreds of volunteers, including his father, who fears he may never see his son again. Rated PG


Directed by: Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger
Produced by: Sylvester Stallone, Braden Aftergood, Dick Boyce and Ryan Cook
Written by: Luke Paradise (screenplay) - based on the book by Donn Fendler
Cast: Luke David Blumm, Paul Sparks, Caitlin FitzGerald, Ethan Slater, Griffin Wallace Henkel

Take a Look at the trailer:

Stay Connected

Follow along with the latest news about Lost on a Mountain in Maine. Visit their official website:

https://www.lostonamountaininmainemovie.com/ Or find them in Instagram and Facebook.

The Top Five Ways You Can Better Yourself In Your Chosen Industry

Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or have a business of your own, just being good at what you do isn’t enough anymore. The world moves fast these days, and if you are not actively working to be better and improve in your trade, you are going to get left behind. But don’t stress! There are many ways to level up in your industry, whatever that happens to be.

Develop A Learning Mindset: Embrace Lifelong Learning

Thing is, learning actually never stops. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, you have really got to adopt a mindset that’s always hungry for more knowledge. Think of it this way: the most successful people out there aren’t just sitting back on what they already know. They’re constantly expanding their horizons.

Now, don’t get me wrong—this doesn’t mean you need to sign up for another four-year degree. Not at all. Today, you can find tons of bite-sized, practical learning options that fit into your life. Maybe you’re in tech or management, and something like an IT infrastructure and operations diploma could really set you apart. It shows not just that you’re skilled, but that you are willing to evolve as your industry does.

Develop A Strong Personal Brand

Okay, so... Your personal brand is an important one. No, it’s not just a trendy term or something for influencers on social media. Your personal brand is essentially your professional reputation—it is what people think about you when you’re not in the room. And yes, it matters—a LOT. If you’re thinking that building a brand is just about making your LinkedIn look polished or posting the occasional tweet, think again. It’s a whole lot bigger than that. It’s the story you tell about who you are and why you do what you do.

 
When it comes to standing out, you need three things: consistency, visibility, and authenticity. Being consistent means that no matter where people find you—online or in person—you’re presenting the exact same message. Visibility? That’s about putting yourself out there, maybe it’s speaking at industry events or writing articles. And then there’s authenticity, which might be the most important of all. No one wants to connect with a facade; people appreciate the real, unpolished you. So be honest about your journey—the highs and the lows—because that is what makes your brand relatable and memorable.

Network With Purpose And Precision

Networking—it can feel like a chore, right? But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be about shaking hands at stuffy events or collecting business cards you’ll probably never look at again. Networking, when done with purpose, can completely change the trajectory of your career. And no, it’s not about knowing everyone; it’s about building relationships with the RIGHT people. What does that look like? For starters, seek out mentors—people who have been where you’re trying to go and can offer real insights. Then, think outside your immediate bubble. Some of the most valuable connections come from outside your industry. That cross-pollination of ideas can spark some seriously innovative thinking. 

Master Time Management And Prioritization

We all get the same 24 hours in a day, right? But some people just seem to do more with their time. The secret isn’t working harder; it’s working smarter—obviously. Mastering time management is all about knowing what to prioritize, and this is where things can get tricky. So many tasks, so little time. But a good rule of thumb? Focus on the things that will have the most long-term impact. 

There’s a handy tool called the Eisenhower Matrix, which helps you sort your tasks by urgency and importance. You’d be surprised how many things feel urgent but aren’t really that important in the grander scheme of things. Once you’ve sorted that out, you can actually stop reacting to every little thing that pops up and start working on what actually matters. And just so by the way—you’ve got to learn to say “no” sometimes. It’s not selfish; it’s smart. You can’t do it all, so stop trying to.

Seek Feedback And Embrace Criticism

Ok, truth is... No one loves hearing criticism. But, if you want to grow, feedback is one of the best things someone can give you. And it’s not just about getting feedback; it’s about asking for it. Ask people you trust to tell you what you can do better, and listen without taking any of it personally. Easier said than done, right? But here’s the thing: when you stop seeing criticism as a strike against who you are—and begin instead to frame it as a tool in improving your work—your whole entire mindset shifts. You become more resilient, more adaptable, and ultimately, more successful. 

Also, don’t forget to look inward. Self-reflection is absolutely huge. Regularly assess what’s working, what’s not, and where you can make changes for the better. You don’t need to wait for someone else to point things out—you already know what you can do better, if you’re honest with yourself.

Conclusion

Bettering yourself in your industry isn’t a one and done effort; rather, it’s a process. It’s the small steps forward in each of the above areas that accumulate over time and build up to the point of real success. Success beyond just mere career milestones, but fulfillment within your industry. So, start small, stay consistent, and most importantly, just keep pushing yourself to be better than yesterday.

11 Marketing Tactics That Seem Helpful But Can Hurt Your Brand

While it’s definitely true that there are some genius ways to market your new brand, you really need to keep in mind that there aren’t too many shortcuts. Sure, even if you want to save a ton of money, there just aren’t any shortcutes to avoid that. Basically, the only shortcuts there are involve magically going viral, getting a free celebrity endorsement, or having unlimited funds for marketing and PR.

But the reality is, all of those are rare (and it doesn’t guarantee results either). So, when it comes to marketing a new business, it’s easy to get caught up in shortcuts or trendy tactics that promise quick results.

After all, who doesn’t want to see their brand blow up overnight? But here’s the catch—some strategies might seem like a fast track to success but can actually do more harm than good in the long run. These tactics might boost visibility for a moment (or give an illusion of success), but they can also damage credibility, hurt engagement, or even get a brand blacklisted. But what are all of these exactly? Well, let’s dive into some of these deceptive “quick fixes” and why they’re best avoided.

Buying Fake Followers for Social Media

Now, sure, it sounds like a tempting shortcut—buying a few thousand followers to give a brand’s social media accounts a boost and make them look popular right from the start. But those fake followers aren’t real people, and they’re not going to buy anything, engage with posts, or spread the word about the brand. So, in the long run, it’s all just a numbers game that offers no actual value.

What’s even worse is that social media algorithms can detect fake engagement and may penalize accounts for it, causing posts to appear less frequently in people’s feeds. A lot of people call this “shadow banning, and this could very well happen to you.

So, instead of looking like a fast way to grow, buying followers can actually limit the reach and hurt genuine engagement. Plus, if real users catch on, it can damage a brand’s credibility and make it look desperate.

Buying Fake Engagement for Social Media

This one goes with the above, but it does deserve its own little section, too. So, similar to buying fake followers, paying for likes, comments, or shares on social media might give the illusion that a brand is popular. But fake engagement is just that—fake. You need a community in order to build up a business, and an army of fakes just won’t do the trick.

So, it doesn’t build meaningful relationships with customers or foster genuine interest in what a business has to offer.

So in the long term, it can even affect how algorithms distribute content. Social media platforms aim to show people content they care about, so if the engagement isn’t coming from real people, the algorithm may assume the content is irrelevant. This can result in posts reaching fewer people over time. Not to mention, potential customers who notice spammy comments or repetitive likes from fake accounts may feel turned off.

Starting Drama for Attention

This one sounds way too ridiculous, right? Well, the thing is, it can actually happen! So, these days, it’s not unusual to see business owners stirring up drama on platforms like TikTok for a bit of buzz. Maybe it’s calling out customers, shaming competitors, or airing grievances online; it might seem like a quick way to gain views and followers. However, this kind of attention often comes with a downside.

Sure, the drama might grab people’s attention temporarily, but it can also create a negative image for the brand. Instead of being known for a great product or service, a business becomes known for being confrontational or unprofessional. That’s not exactly the kind of reputation that builds long-term trust and customer loyalty

Responding Negatively to Comments and Reviews

When negative comments or reviews come in, some businesses might feel tempted to clap back or respond in a snarky way. The thought behind this is to show that the business is “human” or “relatable.” But the reality is that it just looks unprofessional and can discourage potential customers from engaging. That's not something you’re going to want.

Plus, negative responses to criticism can give the impression that the business can’t handle feedback or isn’t open to improving. Instead of adding fuel to the fire, brands should take the high road, respond politely, and use negative feedback as a chance to show excellent customer service.

Using AI-Generated Content

While sure, the rise of AI tools has made it easier than ever to generate content, like written posts, images, or videos. Sure, AI-generated content can save time, relying too heavily on it can do more harm than good. For one, AI content often lacks the authenticity and personal touch that resonates with audiences. It can come off as robotic, generic, or even downright awkward if not carefully edited.

In the long run, brands that overuse AI-generated content risk losing their unique voice and failing to connect on a personal level with their audience. People want to feel like they’re interacting with real humans, not just a computer program. So many businesses are making this mistake, and it's really going to look bad on you!

Plagiarizing or Using Duplicate Content

Copying content or using the same material across different platforms might seem like an easy way to keep up with posting schedules, but it can have significant consequences. So, you need to keep in mind that search engines like Google can penalize websites for duplicate content, which can negatively affect search rankings.

It really doesn’t matter if this is content that you write; if you’re still using this and duplicating content, you’re still going to be penalized by search engines. So, don’t steal from others, don’t even bother rewriting your own stuff (you can still get penalized), and don’t bother with content spinning, either. It’s much better to focus on creating original content that genuinely represents the brand’s voice and adds value to the audience.

Chasing Trends Instead of Being Authentic

You might already know this, but it’s still important to just recognize it. So, trends come and go, and it’s easy to fall into the habit of hopping on every new one in hopes of going viral. But if a brand’s marketing is purely trend-based, it starts to lose its authenticity. Not every trend will align with the brand’s values or messaging, and following trends for the sake of staying relevant can come off as inauthentic or gimmicky.

So, you should really just aim to incorporate trends that genuinely fit their message or audience but always stay true to their core identity. Overall, consistency builds trust, and in the long run, being known for a unique voice will do more for a brand than constantly changing to follow the crowd.

Overusing Filters and Editing

Okay, so editing photos and videos to look polished is one thing, but excessive use of filters can make a brand come off as inauthentic. Now, this, is especially true when it comes to showcasing products or giving behind-the-scenes glimpses of the team, people want to see the real deal.

But why is this even a big deal though? Well, over-editing can make products look different from what they actually are, leading to customer disappointment when reality doesn’t match the picture. So it’s important to strike a balance between editing content to look professional and maintaining an authentic appearance. Plus, customers appreciate honesty, and showing a more realistic image can foster stronger connections.

Choosing Influencers Based Solely on Their Following

While it’s definitely true that working with influencers can be a fantastic way to promote a brand, but partnering with the wrong ones can backfire. Thats really where do many brands tend to get it all wrong! 

Now, just because an influencer has a massive following doesn’t mean their audience aligns with the brand’s target demographic. If the influencer’s content has nothing to do with the brand’s niche, the partnership may come off as inauthentic and forced.

So, in the long run, choosing influencers who genuinely connect with the brand’s message and values will lead to better engagement and a more authentic promotion. At the end of the day, it’s not about reaching the most people—it’s about reaching the right people.

Doing What Everyone Else Is Doing

It might seem safer to follow what other businesses are doing, especially if they’re getting good results. But you really need to keep in mind that simply copying competitors isn’t a recipe for long-term success. Yes, you read that right! So, what works for one brand might not work for another, and doing the same thing as everyone else can make a brand fade into the background.

You need to understand that standing out often means taking risks, being original, and doing things differently. While it’s fine to take inspiration from others, putting a unique spin on things or finding a fresh approach is what truly helps a brand shine.

Using Clickbait Tactics

If you’re someone who loves watching videos on YouTube, then you’re probably more than familiar with this. Now, it might seem clever to use sensational headlines or exaggerated claims to get people’s attention, but clickbait can backfire quickly. When customers feel tricked or deceived, they lose trust in the brand.

Now there are a lot of brands out there known for this bad behavior who are barely surviving nowadays, with Buzzfeed actually being a great example of this. People don’t want to feel like they’re being baited into content that doesn’t deliver what it promised. It’s better to set realistic expectations and offer genuine value.