Winner Announcement

Congratulations to Sandee whose name was randomly selected by Rafflecopter as the winner of the Child Safety Kit.

The LifeJacket Mini Jolt Speaker is Worth the Price

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

When I ask my grown kids what they want for Christmas, I don't get a list like I did when they were little. In fact, sometimes they say something along the lines of, 'don't worry about me, just buy for the kids.' 🙄 Well, even though they are grown, they are my kids, so they still qualify as it being a given that they're going to get a gift. I'd just like some suggestions on what it is they might really like to have under the tree, instead of me having to guess. Last year, my second oldest did say he's like a LifeJacket Bluetooth speaker and he got it. He used and loved it all year long and so this year, not knowing what he wanted (outside of a good trip, since he started traveling right after the big day), I instinctively knew he'd appreciate another LifeJacket speaker, so... I got him the next size up (from the one he got last year) and he was surprised and delighted. He instantly used it to get the Christmas tunes rolling, and that set the tone for the rest of the day.

Singsation Karaoke All-in-One SOLO Giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

Thank goodness for Bloglovin' where I recaptured this post. I'm not sure why it deleted (if you tried to access it from the holiday gift guide, I apologize, and thank you for the e-mails to alert me, I have no idea what happened), it even had giveaway entrants... so weird!! In any case, reposting it now. Please feel free to enter the giveaway.

Record Your Child's Heartbeat while you are Expecting!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

What makes the stuffed animal in this elegant holiday box so special? It is a My Baby's Heartbeat, which makes it a once-in-a-lifetime kind of stuffed animal because it allows you to permanently record your baby's heartbeat, while you are still expecting! Not much beats the excitement of hearing your little one's heartbeat while you're on the table with the sonogram machine hooked up to you. It always sounds so fast, and to me it always sounded like horses galloping in a movie scene, lol. I remember that excited and very appreciative feeling of hearing my children's heartbeat though, every.single.time.

Finally Made it to Toy Story Land! Another Disney World Favorite!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

There are two things we have been wanting to see in the Disney World theme parks. One is the Avatar Flight of Passage ride (we've been in line for it, but left because the line is soooo long) at Animal Kingdom. The other is Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios. We recently went to Orlando and went to 2 parks: Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, so we got to see the latter, woohoo! As we walked into Hollywood Studios, we were met with scenes from Fantasia in the topiary display at the entrance. Disney always does such a great job with their displays, but this one was an instant favorite. I love that movie, and can't wait for it to come back out of the vault (I had it on VHS, never on DVD).

Stay Hydrated and Choose Healthy Drinks: Multi-Flask Solution for People on the Go!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

You know the kids are getting older when one of the gifts you get, that you know will thrill them is a Precido Multi-flask 7-in-1 drink container. The truth is though, that I know this is going to be a very welcome gift for my 2nd oldest who likes to have a drink with him at work all of the time, but has trouble with his bottles.  Glass keeps water cold and tasting the best, but on their own, they are too fragile. His plastic ones don't hold up either. And stainless steel was next on his list, but I told him, it alters the flavor of the water, or at least it does for me. This child, my youngest, is helping me wrap gifts today and he isn't overly excited about my giving his brother a 'drinking glass' but trust me, that's because he's young and doesn't need to know the value of such things yet. ;) His brother on the other hand, is going to appreciate that I've found the perfect solution for his dilemma.

Best Buy has the Stylish LG-Watch W7 Smartwatch on Sale!

Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy gift card and/or received the product.

LG has really combined fashionable design and function with their LG-Watch W7 Smartwatch 44.5mm Stainless Steel, on sale right now at Best Buy. With a classic stainless and black color scheme that goes well with casual or dress, and a look that mimics a traditional analog watch (but is really a smartwatch) this selection is the perfect gift for anyone into fitness, technology, or just plain style.

Fin Fun Mermaid Items: got the Lip Gloss for my Daughter!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

After the kids fall asleep (even the grown ones, since this year we are all staying over at my oldest son's house to bring in the morning together, in large part to watch my grandbabe open all of her gifts), Santa likes to sneak in and put items in the stockings (that inquiring minds won't know is there until Christmas morning, because Santa was patient and waited). This year one of the items that was headed to my daughter's stocking is Mermaid Lip Gloss. This is just the kind of thing I like to give her so she can have a little bit of pampering throughout her day. This is especially true now that she's going to have her first child. If I could pamper her all day long, I would. Of course I cannot because a). She is grown now b). We live in different cities But that's okay! Every time she puts on a bit of shimmer and shine with these lovely flavors like blueberry, vanilla, and grape, she'll remember her mama loves to spoil her just a bit. :)

Introducing Fin Fun’s first-ever lip gloss set designed just for beauty fanatics. The Mermaid Lip Gloss comes in a 3-pack set featuring vanilla, blueberry, and grape flavors with a hint of shimmer—just for the mermaids who love to look pretty out of water!

This is just one of many fun mermaid items you will find on the Fun Fin website (and yes they sell the popular tails!). Head on over and see what you can get for the (child or adult) mermaid in your life too!

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Awesome New Tula Baby Carrier plus Enter to win a $75 Visa Gift Card

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

Photo Source: Baby Tula

My daughter is earnestly looking for products that she wants to have to welcome her little bundle of joy that will arrive in March. She is being selective, and very thorough with her research. After going through descriptions, reviews and personal preference she noted there was no other baby carrier she wanted than Tula. "Baby Tula" she calls it, with a sing-song voice that indicates her endearment. She makes me laugh, but I am impressed she's going all out to ensure she's not just collecting items, but is truly creating an inventory for baby that she will appreciate, use and enjoy.

Learning Resources: Tock the Learning Clock with Giveaway!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

One thing we are going to be working on over the holiday break, is teaching my granddaughter how to tell time! She is in kindergarten now, and she is a very smart little girl, so I know this isn't going to be overly difficult for her, yet I do still want it to be fun. What better way to do both (teach and have it be fun) than with a great learning toy, which is the specialty over at Learning Resources where you can find so many items that are helpful and enjoyable to the kids, such as Tock, the Learning Clock (which comes in pink and blue).

Bring in the New Year with Hammacher Schlemmer plus $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

 

Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without Hammacher Schlemmer, a company that is celebrating their milestone 170th year in business. Some of you can relate to going through the big Christmas catalogs that used to come in the mail this time of year from department stores. Oh how I would pour over those...hoping Santa would bring me the things I just had to have (that I'd never seen or heard of until I opened those glossy, beautiful pages). I'd even circle things I wanted, for good measure. Now as an adult, I am the same way but in a more practical and applied sense, and I do it online instead, with Hammacher Schlemmer. This is a company that has so many gorgeous, unique and fun items. They make it easy to shop for anyone that is on my holiday shopping list, both now and at any time of the year. At the moment, I'm looking to them for holiday selections, and for items to bring us into the new year. Let me note too, that I am also offering one lucky reader the chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, so they too can apply it towards something they find and love on their website as well. They offer so many items that are special. I think you will be very content to browse until you find the items you'd like to buy.

Disney The Nutcracker and the Four Realms: A Center Stage Pop-Up Book

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

I really wanted to get to the movies to see The Nutcracker when it came out, but I have a boy in the house, and while I sometimes take him to movies he might not otherwise select on his own (and he usually ends up liking), we didn't get around to the theater before this one had come and gone. Still a little bummed about that one. Perhaps if my granddaughter had been here visiting while it was on, I would have had a chance to get in there and see it. I did, however, get to help celebrate the release of the movie, by picking up this fabulous pop-up book from Disney: Disney The Nutcracker and the Four Realms: A Center Stage Pop-Up Book

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa: Huge Suites for Very Reasonable Prices

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

Photo: Courtesy of Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

A lot of friends, family and co-workers here are planning trips to Orlando over the holiday break, and why not? It's the ultimate place to go, with so many theme parks and different shows/activities to visit, and it's the perfect time to go, with the kids out of school, and the weather being absolutely perfect for exploring places that may be outside (like the Disney World theme parks, which is where we went on this particular trip!). When we go to Orlando, we always check availability with Sky Hotel & Resorts. Though we have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of their sites we have stayed at, The Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa is 100% our absolute favorite. I suppose because it is where a very special event took place for our family (we stayed in a family suite when my 2nd oldest proposed to his girl on Valentine's Day a couple of years ago), but also because you can get a VERY spacious 2-bedroom suite, for a price comparable to that of what you would pay for a standard room elsewhere. Plus, the location there is everything!!

$25 Gift Card of Choice: Giveaway from Nutrition

HueTrition is concerned with good health, and that makes me like them right from the get-go. With all the food temptations that are around during the month of December, January is a great time to create a plan to get healthy! Huetrition is going to make this a lot easier for you with lots of resources to make your journey to health easier.

Private Reserve Holiday Jazz Coffee Giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

Our holidays here revolve around good food, tradition, spending time with family, and after all is said and done, kicking back at the end of the day together to enjoy a high quality cuppa joe. Some of you may know that Community Coffee puts out these great holiday flavors and blends, and I really look forward to trying them year after year. For the 2018 season, one selection they have is the recurring (which must mean it's popular, and I can see why!) Private Reserve Holiday Jazz blend that is absolutely tasty-delicious.

More often than not, I end up crying the blues when the season is over and they are no longer selling them (oh Bread Pudding coffee from seasons past, I miss you so!) but this year, I've gotten smart and after tasting this blend, and loving it so much, have decided to stock up and have a few bags on hand that will get me long past this glorious (I do love this time of year so very much) holiday season. 

Top 5 Unique Game and Gift Ideas for Kids

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

#1). 'Tis the season to shop for games...because who doesn't like to give or receive games? In addition to traditional selections, we always make sure to add some unique games into the mix too. Games the kids don't expect, but that are a barrel of laughs, or unique in some other way. The Tic Tac Tongue game from YULU is both of those things, and first on my list of (5) gift buying suggestions. I saw it on Live with Kelly and Ryan (via YouTube) and I laughed, and knew I had to get it for my niece and nephew (brother and sister) because this kind of game is right up their alley! What a silly and cute game to give the younger kids this year!

Teleflora is Always the Perfect Gift

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

We have 2 weekends left until Christmas shopping is officially over, and we did have good intentions to get out there and start buying gifts for our friends and loved ones, but it's raining. A lot. So today, I'm staying home and ordering my gifts to be delivered. I have no worries though because the perfect gift option that you can get right from your computer, that is touching, personal, special and useful (because the vases are reusable) is Teleflora. If you haven't taken a look at them lately, please do! The flowers are amazing and gorgeous, and they arrange them to be oh so lovely, but it's those keepsake vases that rock my world!! Seriously, I just cannot get enough of them! Take a look and you'll see what I mean. The ornament vase above with the sweet little Cardinals on snow-covered trees is the perfect example.

Throw a Party in the Garage: Decorating Tips for a Memorable Time

You might have a small home without much square footage. Throwing any sort of party is a challenge, but there is an option in the garage. It may not be the most beautiful room in the house. However, you can decorate the space so that partygoers feel energized and welcomed. It takes only a few creative ideas to make the party a success.

PopCorners Exclusive Deal at Costcos!

If you have guests coming over to visit this time of year, it's probably a given that someone doesn't eat something because it's bad for them, they are allergic, or as a personal preference. I know that even as a teacher I come across that dilemma when I try to bring a snack in for the kids. Finding something that works for everyone and still tastes delicious can be a challenge. Not anymore with these PopCorners! Everyone loves chips and/or popcorn, and with these, you get the spectacular best of both worlds!

Just a heads up for you! 

PopCorners, is having a special deal exclusively at Costcos nationwide from Friday, December 13^th – Sunday, December 23^rd! A must for anyone looking for healthier snacking options over the holidays, this limited-time offer is buy one get one free on the brand’s 20oz. bags of sweet & salty Kettle Corn (SRP: $5.89/bag). 

These snacks are always popped—never fried—and have only 4-ingredients. This popular item also has no nuts, no dairy, certified gluten-free, no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, vegan, and more.

Pick some up while you're out shopping this weekend, won't you? They're the perfect treat to put out for holiday gatherings, or to munch on at home while you're resting from all the delightful hustle and bustle of the season.

Comments for this post are turned off. Its just an FYI post that will hopefully help you find great snacks while you're out and about shopping this weekend and through December 23rd. I know we're excited about this deal, and I thought you might be too!

What in the World is a Chickapig?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

I don't know what happened the day I posted this and the karaoke giveaway post, but both of them disappeared from the blog (yet I can see them on bloglovin'). In any case, here it is again, and let's hope that it was just a one day glitch (it's never happened since I began blogging in 2012)! The game is Chickapig, and I'll be honest, I wanted it just because the boy likes pigs...BUT it's got a rich story behind it that I want to share, most notably, it was invented by Brian Calhoun, a man who creates custom guitars for rock stars. The game caught on and became popular behind-the-scenes, and now it has thankfully spilled over into the mainstream. Rocker Dave Matthews has partnered with Mr. Calhoun to endorse and help promote it, and the rest we shall say, is history. :)