This post was made in partnership with Amazon.

Ring Video Doorbell

I’ve had the Ring App on my phone for almost two years, and besides Shazam, it continues to be my favorite app. I can be anywhere in the world (during a normal year..) and connect with someone at my front door in mere seconds from my Ring Video Doorbell. I’ve even talked with a delivery driver all the way on the slopes in Switzerland The benefits of two-way talk for contactless delivery AND staying in touch with loved ones who come to visit are limitless in the age of COVID. Plus, the added security at my front door helps keep an extra eye on packages – huge during such a busy season such as right now.

Echo Show

As much as I love my Ring Video Doorbell, I equally adore my Echo Show (so much so that I bought my mom one for Christmas – I hope she doesn’t read this!). From kitchen timers and recipes to Amazon Music to watching news clips to playing Jeopardy, this device is our BFF. We also have Philips Hue Smart Bulbs throughout our foyer, and thanks to our Echo Show, we haven’t had to flip a light switch in a while. It’s way easier to say, “Alexa, turn on the hallway light” than to fumble for a switch in the dark. From a security standpoint, we set up our smart lights to mimic regular routines when we’re away from the house for long periods of time so it looks like we’re actually home.

Echo Dot/Alexa Guard

I’ve been playing around with my all-new Echo Dot and Alexa Guard when we leave the house. Since I already have Alexa Guard enabled, all I say is, “Alexa, I’m leaving” and it switches to Away Mode. I will then get a notification if the sound of broken glass, CO detectors or smoke alarms are detected.

Amazon Smart Plugs

This device is everything, especially around Christmas time when I can’t get to the outlet due to the sheer size of the tree in my living room! All I have to do is plug my tree lights into an Amazon Smart Plug, create an Alexa Routine inside the Amazon Alexa App and say, “Alexa, turn on the Christmas tree.” No crawling under the tree required! Plus, Amazon Smart Plug allows for lights, fans, and appliances to turn on and off automatically via voice command, or control them remotely when I’m away.

Ring Floodlight Cam

This Ring Floodlight Cam connects with Alexa and enables announcements to be alerted when motion is detected. I like the built-in ultra-bright floodlights + siren and feel really safe that it monitors my home in 1080HD video with infrared night vision and Live View!