This blog post is kindly sponsored by Portal from Facebook. All thoughts and opinions expressed as well as images are my own.

I remember when I was a little girl, one of my favorite cartoons were the Jetson’s (totally dated myself there). Part of the fascination had to do with the fact that they used all kinds of fun gadgets. I always wished our future would be EXACTLY like theirs. Even though there aren’t any flying cars (yet), it feels like we’ve arrived! Am I right? I mean, video chatting has to be one of THE coolest modes of communication. Especially when you live far away from loved ones. Being able to have a conversation and see their expression is everything. We received the newPortal+ From Facebook to review (thanks facebook!). You guys, I’m really excited about this one! It is seriously one of the coolest, smart, hands-free video calling devices. Right down to the packaging, you know you’re getting something special!

What I love most about the family of Portal from Facebookwhich includes Portal TV is that it’s there to help you connect more regularly with the most important people in your life! From my experience, these devices take video calling to the next level. It’s designed to make it feel like you’re in the same room with friends and family, even if they’re far away. Which is EXACTLY why we were excited to have this in our home!

I was actually surprised at the size of my Portal +. For us it was a massive step up from using our phones to video chat, ha! It honestly makes you feel like you’re in the same room with that person. ALSO, did you know the camera automatically keeps up with the action?? Oh my gosh, I didn’t know this was a feature until I tried it out. The smart camera keeps everyone in view! So it doesn’t matter if you’re walking around the room, it keeps up with you! At the same time, the smart audio enhances the voice of whoever is talking. Basically it minimizes those unwanted background noises.

Recap of features for Portal from Facebook products:

• Smart Camera: keeps you in frame as you move around, widens to include people when they enter the room and stays with the action, so you never miss a moment.

• Smart video calling, hands-free video calling

• See and do more with Alexa Built-in. Control your smart home, check who’s at the front door, listen to your favorite music, watch the news and more, hands-free.

So, if you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering if each party needs to use Portal from Facebook in order to video call? The answer to that is NO! You can connect with friends a few different ways; via Messenger or WhatsApp on smartphones and tablets. Just between you and me, Portal is THE only way to video chat! I’ve been spoiled by the amazing features, what can I say. Also, it does so much more than just video call. You can ask Portal to play your favorite music. It’s so great you guys!

This has really changed the quality of communication with my loved ones. My parents live in Florida and to be able to chat with them in this way, really helps me stay connected to them. It’s SO important for me that my kids have a close relationship with them even though they’re hundreds of miles away. It’s so worth it! Our family clearly can’t get enough of this fun device!

Since Christmas is right around the corner, I have to tell you (from someone that truly loves Portal from Facebook), this is THE gift to give this year. It’s so much more than a fun device. It is the ability to stay connected more regularly to our loved ones. Choose between Portal, Portal Mini,Portal TV and Portal+. Here are some ways in which our family likes to use it.

Make sure to check it out!

XOXO, terri

This post is in collaboration with @PortalfromFacebook. #PortalPartner #PortalFromFacebook #FeelThere #Portal

All images were created by yours truly.