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Why I’m Leaving My Cell Phone at Home

By Holly 115 Comments

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Why I'm Leaving my Cell Phone at Home
I have a really bad habit. I frequently go outside to play with my kids and while I’m there I snap away many photos of them. Immediately, a click or two later, I’m cropping, filtering, hashtagging and uploading to social media. This is during that time I should be interacting with them, engaging in the play. 

The cell phone changes the dynamic of us playing outdoors. I didn’t notice it at first, but as soon as I whipped out that cell phone, my kids would immediately become disengaged in the activity that they were playing in. They would come see what I had up on the screen or  if they could have a turn to take a few photos too.

The reason we are outside has absolutely nothing to do with the phone. In fact, it’s probably the exact opposite. I go outside to escape the reality of my incredibly connected world. I am seeking nature – and the peace that lives there. I want to teach my kids that it’s okay to disconnect. 

In every walk with nature,one receives more thanhe seeks. [ john muir ]

This year,  I’m taking back my outdoor time. I am leaving my cell phone at home. Although I won’t be able to upload my photos on the spot I feel like the trade-off is well worth it.

So, I have a new plan instead of taking my cell phone, I’m now taking my new Fujifilm XP80 camera. This camera allows you to sync wirelessly over Wi-Fi as soon as you walk right back in the door so even though I won’t be able to optimize on-the-fly, I’ll still be able to share my photos quickly. Not to mention, that’s it’s built rough & tough so any adventure I throw at it – snow, water, dirty or cold – you know it’s going to rock it out.

Taken with a Fujifilm XP80  Taken with Fujifilm XP80

This camera is is also light (even fits on the selfie stick & in pocket), versatile enough to take the cold Alberta winter, and waterproof enough to survive all of our ventures on land.  That’s a whole lot of camera in a little bit of a package. My kids love it too, it is easy enough for a little hands to figure out, but durable enough to take the inevitable falls to the floor.

Other Amazing Features:
-28mm Wide Angle, 5x Optical Zoom and 10x Intelligent Digital Zoom
-High-Resolution, 16MP BSI-CMOS Sensor and Optical Image Stabilization
-Full HD Movie (1080p / 60 fps)
-“Burst Mode Button” for Responsive, Hassle-Free Shooting
Read all of them here.

The learning curve is I’m still figuring out all the various modes and white balance that goes along with it to what is best to each shooting condition. The battery is a chargeable and it seems to have good life, although you have to open the waterproof flap to charge  – it’s best to do this out of reach of small hands. I worry about damaging the ports. So far, they’ve proved to be as versatile as the camera itself.

Enter To Win Your Own Fujifilm XP80!

Want to get off the grid on your adventures too? Enter to win your very own Fujifilm XP80 below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Holly
Holly

a passionate recreation coordinator by day, crazy farm mama of two by night. i live outdoors: growing my own food, camping and hiking with my border collie with two active kids in tow. when I’m not writing, I’m experimenting with recipes, and crafts – or anything else that might keep the monkeys entertained.

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Comments

  1. Sadi says

    January 18, 2016 at 12:02 am

    Would use it while camping with my 2 year old.

    Reply
  2. Amie E says

    January 18, 2016 at 1:40 am

    I would take it to the beach with the kids 😀

    Reply
  3. missbobloblaw says

    January 18, 2016 at 2:18 am

    Knowing us we would be using it in the living room taking pictures of the cat! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Tanya says

    January 18, 2016 at 12:04 pm

    I’d use it for x-country ski trips where I hate bringing my large SLR camera.
    Like you, I also need to get better at not taking a thousand photos on my phone and spending an outing distracted rather than present with my family or friends.

    Reply
  5. Rachel says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:35 pm

    This sounds awesome! Having it link via wi-fi. So easy! I would take pictures of my children. ?

    Reply
  6. RA says

    January 19, 2016 at 4:08 pm

    I would use it to increase the number of pictures of my cute grandchildren, indoors and out.

    Reply
  7. Erin says

    January 19, 2016 at 7:26 pm

    I would take it on our family vacation to Jamaica

    Reply
  8. Melanie says

    January 19, 2016 at 11:39 pm

    I would use it at Riverdale farm, the closest thing we get to Farms and wide open spaces here in the city.

    Reply
  9. Lushka Smith says

    January 21, 2016 at 11:41 am

    I would use it to take some pics of my neighbourhood landscapes

    Reply
  10. Dot says

    January 21, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    I love this idea, and have the same problem!!!

    Reply
  11. Sarah @ Sarah on Purpose says

    January 21, 2016 at 12:21 pm

    I would probably use this camera while out walking on the frozen lake near out house.

    Reply
  12. Amethyst says

    January 21, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    This would be super for my girls and I on our geocaching outings!

    Reply
  13. gillian says

    January 21, 2016 at 12:53 pm

    I would use the camera to take pictures of my boyfriend and his daughter playing outdoors! They love being outside in the snow!

    Reply
  14. Maureen says

    January 21, 2016 at 12:54 pm

    Sounds like a great camera! Even if I don’t win I just might have to look this up. But winning would be more fun 🙂

    Reply
  15. Sarah says

    January 21, 2016 at 1:17 pm

    We would use it everywhere. The park, the beach, at home, everywhere in between.

    Reply
  16. michelle matta says

    January 21, 2016 at 1:29 pm

    Id probably take it to Toronto since I’m there alot right now and get some shots of the CN tower at sunset or my exercise program.

    Reply
  17. Greg says

    January 21, 2016 at 6:01 pm

    take shots when its raining outside

    Reply
  18. Naiddia p says

    January 21, 2016 at 8:56 pm

    I would use it to take pictures on our next road trip.

    Reply
  19. tanyab79 says

    January 22, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    Would take it with me during the March Break to take plenty of family pictures while on vacation.

    Reply
  20. Melanie Barclay says

    January 22, 2016 at 2:16 pm

    I would use it when we go on vacation this spring to Cuba and again in the fall when we go away for our 10 year anniversary. I would also use it for all our outdoor adventures like sledding with the kids, ice skating, swimming. Thank you so much for the chance

    Reply
  21. Christine Holliday says

    January 22, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    I would use it to take photos at my mother’s 98th birthday,

    Reply
  22. Angela Mitchell says

    January 22, 2016 at 2:40 pm

    I’m going on a quick vacation to Las Vegas this spring so I’d take some pics of my friends and I on our adventures.

    Reply
  23. ivy pluchinsky says

    January 22, 2016 at 2:40 pm

    I would take pictures at the park, or outside landsacapes, and of my niece

    Reply
  24. margo b says

    January 22, 2016 at 3:02 pm

    I would love to use it at the park with my little one. thanks for the chance to win

    Reply
  25. heart2song says

    January 22, 2016 at 3:43 pm

    I would love to use this on my next road trip!

    Reply
  26. Bailey Dexter says

    January 22, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    My daughter is expecting her little one in March! That would be the perfect time for all the newborn pic’s!

    Reply
  27. Miranda says

    January 22, 2016 at 4:35 pm

    Would love to take the camera out on my travels.

    Reply
  28. LILLIAN BROWN says

    January 22, 2016 at 4:47 pm

    I would take pictures of my granddaughter Mia snowboarding

    Reply
  29. Elizabeth R says

    January 22, 2016 at 5:02 pm

    I have an upcoming vacation, this would be great to take with me.

    Reply
  30. FREDERIC BROWN says

    January 22, 2016 at 5:51 pm

    I would take pictures of my little dog playing in the snow

    Reply
  31. InezbyDesign says

    January 22, 2016 at 6:07 pm

    I would probably use this first when I am taking pictures of my paintings.

    Reply
  32. Jonnie says

    January 22, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    I would use it during our upcoming trip to Mexico

    Reply
  33. lynn clayton says

    January 22, 2016 at 6:27 pm

    id be taking it outside to take pics of my son

    Reply
  34. Cheryl says

    January 22, 2016 at 6:32 pm

    I would use this to take pictures of my kids

    Reply
  35. Gillian Morgan says

    January 22, 2016 at 6:59 pm

    I would use it to take pictures of Sophie and JJ playing.

    Reply
  36. Heather says

    January 22, 2016 at 7:34 pm

    I would use it to take photos if my garden.

    Reply
  37. Catherine R. says

    January 22, 2016 at 8:00 pm

    I would use it to take pictures of my boy and my furbabies.

    Reply
  38. Julia says

    January 22, 2016 at 8:07 pm

    I’d take this to the amusement park. Or maybe even the grocery store to capture the craziness my kids get into there!

    Reply
  39. ginette4 says

    January 22, 2016 at 8:20 pm

    I will use the camera at our next family get together

    Reply
  40. Shannon says

    January 22, 2016 at 8:48 pm

    I would use it at home right away. The husband, kids, dog, and cat are all fair game!

    Reply
  41. Clare McCyr says

    January 22, 2016 at 8:50 pm

    I soooo need a new camera and you have an excellent point – I often am using my cell to try to capture the moment and end up taking 50 or so pictures. 😛

    Reply
  42. Silvia D says

    January 22, 2016 at 11:13 pm

    i would use it in our home first..love photography!

    Reply
  43. louise says

    January 22, 2016 at 11:51 pm

    I would probably use it first outside taking photos of the wild life in my back yard

    Reply
  44. Jenn says

    January 23, 2016 at 12:00 am

    I would use it on our daily walk!

    Reply
  45. angela m says

    January 23, 2016 at 7:57 am

    We would use it on our day trips and picnics.

    Reply
  46. Courtney says

    January 23, 2016 at 8:06 am

    I’d take this on a winter hike! It’s our favourite weekend activity

    Reply
  47. Amy Heffernan says

    January 23, 2016 at 8:41 am

    I would use it at my sons upcoming 7th birthday party first!

    Reply
  48. Mark V says

    January 23, 2016 at 9:22 am

    Id use it during march break on our trip to the Dominican

    Reply
  49. Debbie F says

    January 23, 2016 at 11:07 am

    to the beach

    Reply
  50. Jenness M says

    January 23, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    On our family vacation to the bahamas in february.

    Reply
  51. jessica s says

    January 23, 2016 at 12:12 pm

    I’d use it for my son’s 3rd birthday party!

    Reply
  52. Julie F says

    January 23, 2016 at 4:18 pm

    I would use it first when we go for our weekly walk along the lake!

    Reply
  53. Brandee H says

    January 23, 2016 at 10:56 pm

    I would take it first to my sons playroom and start snapping pics of him. Then I would drag him outside (he does not like winter) and get some more at the park.

    Reply
  54. SUMMER PLEWES says

    January 24, 2016 at 10:24 am

    I would take it on a vacation to Jamaica!

    Reply
  55. Florence C says

    January 24, 2016 at 1:04 pm

    i would use it everywhere I go. Walking in the park and adventures with the grandkids.

    Reply
  56. Suzanne G says

    January 24, 2016 at 5:44 pm

    I would use it outdoors when the grandchildren are sledding.

    Reply
  57. Tina L. says

    January 25, 2016 at 1:19 am

    I would use it at the beach.

    Reply
  58. John Regan says

    January 25, 2016 at 5:21 am

    my son has a bodybuilding competition coming up, id like to get lots of pictures, especially with the trophy!

    Reply
  59. Lisa Neutel says

    January 25, 2016 at 6:20 am

    this camera would be awesome for our many camping adventures

    Reply
  60. Yvonne Tabaracci says

    January 25, 2016 at 7:55 am

    I would use it for everything.

    Reply
  61. Dale Penney says

    January 25, 2016 at 8:15 am

    Would love a new camera

    Reply
  62. stephen gordon says

    January 25, 2016 at 8:58 am

    I would use on vacation this summer with my wife.

    Reply
  63. Deanna Barkley says

    January 25, 2016 at 9:04 am

    My grandson would claim it and take pictures of our cats and his kitten.

    Reply
  64. Kevin says

    January 25, 2016 at 9:38 am

    I would use it to take a picture of the whole family as they grow up so quick and memories are so nice.

    Reply
  65. Doreen Lamoureux says

    January 25, 2016 at 9:42 am

    taking pictures while bush trail walking or snow shoeing

    Reply
  66. Jana L. says

    January 25, 2016 at 9:53 am

    I would use it on one of my hikes to see the waterfalls

    Reply
  67. David P says

    January 25, 2016 at 9:58 am

    It’s small enough to take anywhere

    Reply
  68. jeannine glen says

    January 25, 2016 at 10:22 am

    i would give it to my nephew. he’s 12. never to young to start taking pictures.

    Reply
  69. nicolthepickle says

    January 25, 2016 at 12:01 pm

    I would use it at the park.

    Reply
  70. Linda Tupper says

    January 25, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    I would use it to take pictures of the beautiful ourdoors. I so love flowers.

    Reply
  71. Cheryl says

    January 25, 2016 at 12:33 pm

    I would use it to take pics of our kids 🙂

    Reply
  72. Manuel Vizcaya says

    January 25, 2016 at 1:24 pm

    I want to try the Fujifilm XP80 in the pool for underwater photos.

    Reply
  73. Catherine Brown says

    January 25, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    Take pictures of my new grandchild.

    Reply
  74. S. Jackson says

    January 25, 2016 at 2:05 pm

    I would use this camera first by taking pictures of my new born great-niece!

    Reply
  75. Randy Bercier says

    January 25, 2016 at 2:46 pm

    Sounds like I could use it almost anywhere, but the truth is , my daughter would probably use it more than me! She loves taking pictures.

    Reply
  76. Cathy Oppedisano says

    January 25, 2016 at 4:31 pm

    Outdoors to capture nature.

    Reply
  77. Jackie Mercer says

    January 25, 2016 at 6:44 pm

    I would use it to take pictures of my kids. They grow so fast!

    Reply
  78. Carol Oddy says

    January 25, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    I would use it outside to take some nature pictures.

    Reply
  79. Josie says

    January 25, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    my daughter has a gymnastics competition coming up. I’d use it to capture her awesome skills

    Reply
  80. Lisa bolduc says

    January 25, 2016 at 9:52 pm

    I would prob bring it to the park and take pics of my son

    Reply
  81. Jen L says

    January 25, 2016 at 10:14 pm

    I would use it for my trip North next week, get some snowy vistas!

    Reply
  82. Kelley Moore says

    January 25, 2016 at 10:19 pm

    take pictures of my new 3 week old great niece

    Reply
  83. ryan little says

    January 25, 2016 at 10:21 pm

    I love FujiFilm!!!

    Reply
  84. Crystal Porter says

    January 25, 2016 at 11:46 pm

    I would use it everywhere!

    Reply
  85. Rebby says

    January 26, 2016 at 12:23 am

    I’d use this camera at my job! My job requires me to take pictures of pets so their owners can see how they are doing while I pet sit them!

    Reply
  86. heather wesley says

    January 26, 2016 at 10:19 am

    No doubt at home taking pics of the kids while they make funny faces. This would be great for taking photos of their active moments!

    Reply
  87. Suzie M says

    January 26, 2016 at 11:39 am

    I would use it when I take my grandchidren places

    Reply
  88. Robyn Bellefleur says

    January 26, 2016 at 6:11 pm

    At the dog park.

    Reply
  89. Marcus says

    January 26, 2016 at 7:25 pm

    At a local rose garden. Thank you!

    Reply
  90. andrea amy says

    January 27, 2016 at 1:27 am

    I would use it everywhere to take pics of my kids

    Reply
  91. Edmond says

    January 27, 2016 at 11:02 pm

    Diabolical batman, I would use to shoot my art project in the outdoor & in the water. WOW. Pick me, pick me! Your next winner!!! Show me the money!!! It would be a dream come true and means more to me than anyone else to win. Starving artist here desperately needs the camera to work and eat. Winner, winnner. Chicken dinner. A life changing experience. Top of my bucket list. Thank you for the awesomeness, the contest, and generosity.  Dear Santa: I’ve been nice. My X-Mas wish this year is to win this contest. 

    Reply
  92. Alison Braidwood says

    January 28, 2016 at 5:04 pm

    I’d probably take some cat photos first. They’re photogenic little blighters.

    Reply
  93. Ira says

    January 28, 2016 at 5:20 pm

    We are going to visit our families far away in a few months, I’d love to get a great pictures out of that trip.

    Reply
  94. Wayne Lecoy says

    January 29, 2016 at 3:12 am

    It would be great to win a Fujifilm Finepix XP80 camera.
    In response to your question of
    Where would you use this camera first?
    I would take this camera to the beach.
    Thank you for having this giveaway.

    Reply
  95. Cory Fillion says

    January 29, 2016 at 3:50 am

    It would be great to win a Fujifilm Finepix XP80 camera.
    I would take this camera on vacations.
    Thanks for having this giveaway.

    Reply
  96. Muhammad Khan says

    January 29, 2016 at 5:21 pm

    I will use this camera with my friends when going to galaxy land in Edmonton 😀

    Reply
  97. Tracy says

    January 30, 2016 at 10:43 am

    I would use it at the beach

    Reply
  98. seham merzib says

    January 30, 2016 at 12:48 pm

    at a birthday party

    Reply
  99. Stephanie LaPlante says

    January 31, 2016 at 7:11 pm

    I would first use it at home on my family and cats.

    Reply
  100. yvonne says

    January 31, 2016 at 7:16 pm

    I would use it to take pictures of downtown Toronto.

    Reply
  101. Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says

    January 31, 2016 at 9:05 pm

    I would use it on our summer vacation

    Reply
  102. Amber Y says

    February 1, 2016 at 4:04 am

    I would use this during our trips to the park and on the trails we like to hike.

    Reply
  103. Crystal Wheeler says

    February 1, 2016 at 8:54 am

    would definitely take it with me and the wife to the dominican in april 🙂

    Reply
  104. Diana Powell says

    February 1, 2016 at 12:47 pm

    I would take it with me when I walk the dogs .

    Reply
  105. Carey Hurst says

    February 1, 2016 at 3:20 pm

    Out on a road trip and scavenger hunt

    Reply
  106. Anne Dougherty says

    February 2, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    I use it to take pictures of my children.

    Reply
  107. Juliee Fitze says

    February 4, 2016 at 7:19 am

    I would use it to take pictures of my grandkids.

    Reply
  108. Brittany Gilley says

    February 4, 2016 at 12:54 pm

    I would take it to the gardens at Biltmore Estate

    Reply
  109. Ashley C says

    February 4, 2016 at 4:16 pm

    I’d probably use it outside when I’m taking pictures of sunsets, landscapes, things in my backyard…

    Reply
  110. lorelei lamoure says

    February 4, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    My daughter would love this!

    Reply
  111. Surso S. says

    February 5, 2016 at 12:17 am

    would use it on our next hike

    Reply
  112. Jay Callaghan says

    February 5, 2016 at 12:24 am

    I would take it with me to the beach or fishing with my kids. Would be great to take down south as well while snorkeling.

    Thanks for the opportunity to win.

    Reply
  113. Yvonne14 says

    February 6, 2016 at 8:34 pm

    i WOULD USE IT ON MY WALKS ALONG THE TRAILS WAITING FOR SIGNS OF SPRING

    Reply
  114. babysquirrel says

    February 6, 2016 at 11:30 pm

    Unique scenes I come across in my home city

    Reply
  115. janna says

    February 7, 2016 at 9:30 am

    At home 🙂 I don’t take enough pictures and my kids are now teens 🙁

    Reply

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