Lassig’s Wildlife Trolley Suitcase

January 4, 2016 by Samantha 7 Comments

If getting ready for a trip, you know the best way to keep your little ones happy and content is by keeping them busy and giving something to be responsible for. The new Lassig Wildlife Trolley is perfect for this. It is available in six bright Wildlife designs: Elephant, Turtle, Birdie, Tiger, Giraffe, and Rhino for those animal lovers in your life. The bag itself sports telescoping pull handle, deep main pocket with additional mesh pockets, and zipper divider within, as well as a carrying handle and front zipper pocket. These make the bag not only stylish and fun for kids, but also useful to pack for a weekend out at a relatives house or a big trip with the family- it’s a cute suitcase for any occasion and fits easily in the overhead bin.

The bags are free from PVC, AZO, Phthalates, Nickel, and Cadmium. Your kids will be fine carrying around all their favorite night time plush and other “essentials”. The icing on the cake for this line of suitcases is that for every product purchased from the Wildlife Collection, Lassig will donate a portion to support the Momella Foundation and two of their conservation projects: the Big Cat Guardians and the Sparkling Elephant Project, which aim to enhance creativity while educating and creating awareness for endangered wildlife species throughout Tanzania. The suitcase also makes a great gifts as well, either as a decorative and useful container for another gift (vs just a plain old cardboard box or bag) or a fun way to let the family know a vacation is on the way- the possibilities are only limited by imagination.

Giving your child their own little suitcase will include them in the planning, “helping”, and chaotic pre-travel preparations without them being a hindrance. My own boy is actually a better listener at the airport when he has his own bag to “take car of”- just don’t expect them to put it through security on their own. Lassig’s Wildlife Trolley Suitcase retails for $49.99 and is aimed at children aged 3+. Available from www.Habausa.com.

Disclosure- I received an item to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest.

Filed Under: kids, review, traveling Tagged With: famlily travel, kids, travel

Tips for Travel with Children

January 4, 2016 by Samantha 1 Comment

new switzerland train

I frequently travel, and since becoming a mother, it hasn’t stopped me. Travel with children can be a little difficult. It can be a little stressful. It doesn’t have to be though! They may be, slightly out of their normal routine, but it doesn’t have to mean a bad experience for you. Here are some tips to make travel with children a little easier.

Time

Take your time. Whether that is getting to the airport, making a connection or getting to a hotel. There is no rush. Just plan ahead and make sure you allow a lot of time. I have found that kids love the airport. They get to have a walk, see the airplanes and eat snacks. So allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy it as much as you can. I think if you are feeling stressed, your kids notice.

Plan

This might sound like an obvious one, but it is so important. From the method of travel to the hotel, it all needs to be planned. You don’t want to turn up to the hotel to find that is isn’t family friendly or doesn’t have any travel cribs. Read the fine print when booking a hotel, and opt for family friendly hotels like Hotwire hotels. Then you won’t be faced with any unexpected surprises.

The other important things to plan are what you will do at your destination and how you will travel. If it is just adults you can just hire a car and it isn’t a problem. With children, there is the extra foreplanning for things like car seats. Will you take your own? Does your airline allow you to take them without a charge? How much are they to rent? These are all important questions to think about.

Every destination will have something for the family to do. Do your research ahead of time to find out what the best spots are. Some attractions may need to be booked in advance. You don’t want to find that you have to wait in a long line with tired children!

Pack Light

Well, with kids, as light as you possibly can. They don’t need to bring all their favourite toys. One or two would be plenty. This is when technology comes in handy too. If you have a smartphone or tablet, can you use that to entertain them on the plane or car journeys? You will most likely be taking it anyway, and it will keep them occupied for a length of time for sure.

The other thing to do with the things you are taking is check the climate of the destination. If it is a varied climate, it is trickier. If you know it will be cold, pack accordingly. Likewise for warmth. When you book your hotel or villa, it is worth checking if there is a laundry service or a washing machine available. This will mean you won’t have to pack something for each day. Do a little laundry and you will be able to pack rather light.
Good luck on your travels! It doesn’t need to be a daunting prospect. Relax, deep breaths and enjoy!

Filed Under: lifestyle, traveling Tagged With: check in

Saybrook Point, CT

December 31, 2015 by Samantha 12 Comments

A vacation with a great place to stay, a spa to enjoy and of course greats eats sound like the perfect plan. Saybrook Point Inn & Spa has all of this and more. The small town feel of your stay is going to leave you wishing that you could stay forever. The friendly faces, marinas and of course the history is going to make make your visit a unique one. The Saybrook has been in business for over 130 years, so they know how to give you the perfect balance between extravagance and charm of amazing hospitality.

You will want to experience it all from a day at the spa, to a one-of-a kind dining experience at Salt and your accommodations will be the perfect end to your day after you explore and find the shores and the marina. The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa is all about southern New England charm. You will feel it as soon as you arrive. This waterfront destination will make you happy that you chose this part of Connecticut to get away. Many hidden gems are just waiting to be discovered during your stay.

One of the places that you are going to want to visit will be the Katharine Cultural Arts Center. People around town will affectionately call it The Kate. The building was built in 1905 and has seen multiple changes since then. In 2003 the building was restored in honor of Katharine Hepburn to honor her life and of course the legacy that she left. You will also want to book a charter and explore the beaches and open water as only a boat can allow. Adventure is good for the soul.

Now, with adventure underway you will also want to be pampered and revitalized, so visit the spa. There you will be able to indulge in facials, massages, and a feeling of overall wellness. If you would like to see all that the Spa offers, check out the printable spa brochure.

Ready for something good to eat? Fresh Salt is more than just a great restaurant. There are views from the restaurant that are sure to leave you speechless. Their chef uses only the freshest and most seasonal ingredients to make your dish something to never forget. It will truly be Connecticut authentic. The restaurants’ commitment to only using local food makes it so that the quality is outstanding. You can check out the menu and dine here daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Fresh Salt also offers a lighter affair of food to eat and cocktails made to enjoy an intimate evening together if you are enjoying time as a couple.

A relaxing and adventure filled time awaits you once you book a stay at the Saybrook Point Inn & Spa. There are adventures to entice your wild side and relaxing atmospheres and good food to take your mind off of life’s hectic pace.

The time is right for a getaway- book your stay now at http://www.saybrook.com/ .

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, new england, road trip, travel

Fantastic Winter Books For Kids

December 31, 2015 by Samantha 4 Comments

Looking for a few great books to tide your little ones over for the winter season? Check out these adorable picks, including some fun craft ideas and fun fluffy friends.

Wax on Crafts Holiday Projects

reate bright and cheerful designs for the holidays, using a box of crayons and a few simple tools! With step-by-step instructions and over 400 images, you can turn inexpensive and everyday items into family treasures. Start with the basics using simple shapes, free-hand designs, leaves, and flowers. Decorate tile magnets, ornaments, and other mediums. Find out how to use wax with paper, wood, glass, metals, boxes, eggs, and felt. Discover twice-melted wax and add color to your designs. Learn the methods to use color washes, base coating, and floating color to create a stunning, eye-catching project. From colorful Christmas ornaments, jewelry, and snowflakes to Easter eggs, necklaces, and pumpkins, Miriam Joy will show you how to add a little color to a basket sitting in the corner, make a wonderful Christmas heirloom out of an antique sled, and turn that old saw into a harvest piece to set above the fireplace. By Miriam Joy, available at http://www.schifferbooks.com/

Santa Claws: The Christmas Crab

Travel beneath the Chesapeake Bay, where Spud, a feisty young blue crab, hates to nap. Waking his underwater friends, Spud launches a rollicking Christmas Eve party that is interrupted by an unexpected traveler in need of Spud’s help. Can Spud help bring Christmas to the Bay. Preschool to grade 2. By Priscilla Cummings, available at http://www.schifferbooks.com/

The Visit: The Origin of “The Night Before Christmas”

By Mark Kimball Moulton , Illustrated by Susan Winget. In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore created the classic Christmas poem, “The Night Before Christmas,” for his daughter. Here, in verse and accompanied by over 50 richly detailed illustrations, is the story of the writing of this classic. It is based on the history of the poem as passed down through the generations of the Moore family and told to the author by Dinghy Sharp, the great-great-granddaughter of Clement Moore. Not only does the story of the beautiful and enduring poem’s creation unfold in this tale, but many of the terms and actions of the characters in “The Night Before Christmas” are explained, including why stockings were hung, why windows were shuttered, what coursers were, and what exactly sugarplums that danced through children’s heads really were. Perhaps most moving, is Moore’s motivation and inspiration for the creation of the poem. This lovely edition is a natural companion to “The Night Before Christmas,” which is included in Moore’s own handwriting at the tale’s conclusion. This story is sure to become an equally valued part of the holiday tradition. Available at http://www.schifferbooks.com/

Abe™

Abe is the cutest abominable snowman you will ever meet. The main character from Have an Abominably Good Day, Abe is the perfect sidekick for a snowy Christmas Eve adventure. Like his new friend Hannah, Abe can help you discover the importance of friendship, decisions, and the love of family and friends. Ages 3 and up. Available at http://www.schifferbooks.com/

The Lollipop Monster’s Christmas

Larry’s favorite time of the year has arrived. He races around his home trying to make everything perfect before his friends arrive for Christmas morning. During the celebration, he discovers a lonely monster named Walter, who is very sad. Larry asks him why he is sad and Walter explains that Christmas is a difficult time of the year because he is always alone and has no family. Larry invites him to spend the holiday with him and his friends. Walter shyly accepts the invitation and follows Larry back to his home. Walter is welcomed by Larry’s friends and ends up having the most merry Christmas ever! By Eric T. Krackow, Available at http://www.schifferbooks.com/

Filed Under: book review, Holiday Gift Guide, holidays, review Tagged With: holiday, kids books

Heroic Red and Valiant White Wines Give Back To Soldiers

December 31, 2015 by Samantha 1 Comment

Heroic Red and Valiant White wines are distributed by Leer Vineyards in Byron, CA. The wines are pretty much like Tom shoes but for wine. $1.50 for each bottle of wine sold goes to purchase a mortgage and tax free home to a wounded warrior. They’ve already presented four houses to soldiers this year.

Heroic Red shows aromas of boysenberry with hints of leather, cedar and cigar tobacco. Flavors are of raspberry jam, chocolate and black pepper, with a faint echo of blake tea on the long finish. This blend contains 58% Syrah, 29% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Valiant White shows aromas of peach and orange blossoms, the circus flavors are intense, peaches and tropical fruits dominate. It’s a soft and luscious mouthful with a hint of effervescence for a beautiful liveliness and a balance to the sweetness. While crisp and sweet this Moscato is a perfect pairing with spicy seafood or chicken and is amazing while paired with bleu cheese and desserts that include pears or peaches.

Cofféy is the official spokesperson for Heroic Red/Valiant White and his song Mr. Red White and Blue has garnered over 4 million views on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ds3MvMUdNk

Leer Vineyards is nestled in East Contra Costa County in the town of Byron complete with stunning views of Mount Diablo that features a tasting room and will host summer concerts as well as weddings, private parties and corporate events. The property is a unique 44-acre parcel that boasts a softball diamond, Bocce Ball court, snack bar, and 36 acres of lush vineyards.
Leer Vineyards is a quiet, relaxing piece of property that encourages picnics, lounging, and simply hanging out with a glass of wine.
The Leers moved to Byron in September of 2013 and hand picked over 3 tons of grapes themselves. The grapes were then transported to Estate Crush, a custom crush facility in Lodi, California. Currently the Leers are working with winemakers in the Lodi area to crush, barrel and bottle current varietals. The Leers have produced several varietals of wine and have already sold out of many

Get your wines here, and know that every purchase gives back.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: companies that care, gifts that give back, wine

Happy New Years!

December 30, 2015 by Samantha 4 Comments

From me and mine to you and yours, we wish you a happy and prosperous 2016. Here’s hoping it’s the best year yet.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Win Minion-inspired PEEPS® and PEEPS & COMPANY® Treats #PEEPSONALITY

December 30, 2015 by Samantha 71 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own and honest.

With the colder months here, everyone is in the mood to be bundled up for a much-needed night in. Grab your family, friends, and a comfy couch for the DVD release of the season: “Minions!” One of you can win this fantastic prize package full of PEEPS goodness, and just in time for all the time to be spent indoors this winter.

peeps

· PEEPS® Large Banana Crème Flavored Minion: PEEPS® introduces a new banana crème flavored marshmallow in honor of the beloved Minions characters. Three varieties of the individually packed large Minions include the likeness of Kevin, Stuart and Bob – stars of the Minions movie available on DVD this holiday season.

· PEEPS® Marshmallow Minions: To honor the PEEPS® Minions taste testers, for the first time ever PEEPS® has created a Minion-shaped marshmallow reflecting their fun PEEPSONALITY®. Fans can also enjoy limited edition comics on the back of the packaging made exclusively for PEEPS® by Universal Studios filmmakers.

· MIKE AND IKE® Minions Mix: In honor of the success of the Despicable Me movie franchise and holiday DVD release, MIKE AND IKE® has debuted a limited time only offering of MIKE AND IKE® MINION MIX. This fun variety comes with three different designs on pack – making them a collectable item for every Minion lover. Made with real fruit juice, fans will enjoy the sweet and tasty goodness of Blue Raspberry and Banana flavors.

· PEEPS® Pillow: Add a dash of incredibly comfy color to your movie night with this PEEPS® Chick pillow, featuring vivid blocks designed with your favorite Marshmallow Chick as the star of the show.

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You can also use this discount code, valid for 20% off your next purchase, no minimum required, from now through Thursday, December 31. Discount code: SWEETINGS15

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Feel free to enter to win this great prize package by using the RC form below. Ends Jan 2, 2016. Good luck!

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Filed Under: giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, review

Children’s Book – Mr. Dog’s Christmas at the Hollow Tree Inn

December 24, 2015 by Samantha 2 Comments

Award-winning illustrator Adam McCauley, whose work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, has contributed vintage-inspired illustrations to a new release of an out-of-print Christmas tale that dates back to 1898. “Mr. Dog’s Christmas at the Hollow Tree Inn” (That’s So Enterprises) will be a great addition to your child’s book collection, and it’s so sweet for this time of year.

Written by American author Albert Bigelow Paine, best known as the contemporary and biographer of Mark Twain, the classic children’s tale has been out of print for decades.
Now, over a century later, award-winning illustrator Adam McCauley (“The Monsterologist: A Memoir In Rhyme”) and publisher Betsy Cordes have collaborated to republish an elegant edition that features over 30 richly detailed illustrations and is bound in brilliant red cotton hardcover embossed with golden calligraphy.
The 36-page book tells the tale of clever Mr. Dog’s antics, as he introduces the animal residents of the Hollow Tree Inn to the human traditions of Christmas with wit and whimsy.

“Mr. Dog’s Christmas” makes a perfect Christmas gift for children, and a great item for adults who want to pass the holiday spirit of their childhood to the next generation. You can pick up your copy here! It’s really cute, and your children will love having you read it to them.