Great Holiday Gifts for Kids

Looking for the perfect gift for the little ones in your life?  Check out some of these hot new toys, and grab them before they are snapped up.

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Have you ever heard of Wubble?  The nifty ball/bubble/balloons that are part bubble, part ball, part wiggly fun.  Wubble is now not only in the form of the regular Wubble which can inflate up to 3 feet, but now includes the WubbleX and Glo Wubble.

he Wubble X is very similar to the original Wubble but inflates to a portion of its size with the included helium can.  The addition of helium instead of air or CO2 makes a big difference.  Now your Wubble floats around the room, sticking to ceilings and overturned hands as if by magic.  The Glo Wubble brings the familiar Wubble to night time play – the big, bouncy bubble now glows as it floats around.  These are great fun at night or in a play room with the lights out.  Wubble balls retail for $19.99 each and the original and Glo Wubble include a pump while the Wubble X retails for $7.99 and the helium can retails for $7.99.

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If you are looking to help your youngster get ahead in school, take a look at the Kurio Smart™ tablet, the first Windows kids’ tablet available.  Is is a child-appropriate 2-in-1 tablet/computer that comes with a “detachable keyboard, one-year of Microsoft Office and anti-virus protection, plus $200 worth of additional content” (as per packaging), has parental tools to keep kids safe, and retails for $199.99.  The attractive price as well as the functionality of the Kurio Smart makes it a great first computer. It can be used as a tablet if removed from the keyboard, so it’s still good for entertainment purposes as well. Grab yours at http://www.kurioworld.com/ , there are a few other options available as well- see what’s right for your child.

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Peanuts Happy Dance Snoopy is not only adorable, but timely.  With the new movie out about a month ago, kids are falling in love with this happy hound all over again (and so are adults of all ages).  Just Play has just released an adorable plush Happy Dance Snoopy, who dances to the “Peanuts” theme song (aka “Linus and Lucy”) when you squeeze his paw.  He kisses, too- just smooch him, and he will give one back (or a laugh, howl- even a burp).  He’s a dog, after all.  Snoopy is a lot of fun- I like him as much as my son does, if we are being honest. He retails for $29.99 at stores like Target and Amazon.

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Moose Toys has created Qixels, a fun craft aimed at boys who were left out of the bead and water trend until recently.  The Qixels Turbo Dryer is a fun new activity set where kids can use their imagination or follow directions to make predetermined patterns with cubes that fuse together water. When they “set”, they make an 8-bit looking creation that games like Minecraft have made popular once again. Make monsters, ninjas, zombies- whatever your heart desires.  Qixels alone can air dry, but with the The Turbo Dryer, they dry in half the time (because we all know kids don’t love waiting). You can pick yours up for $19.99 in stores like Toys R Us.  I’d give this to elementary age or up, and with supervision for younger kids due to small pieces.

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Kids are loving the tech pets craze right now, and one of the cutest is Little Live Pets CleverKeet. This sweetie pie just flew into the Little Live Pets™ pet shop and would love to be adopted by your family this holiday season.  Name your pretty bird, and he or she will remember it.   You will receive an included adoption certificate to make your new pet officially yours.  He likes to dance in front of the mirror, just like a real bird.  He knows all sorts of words and will answer your questions (in often silly ways), and he sings as well, of course.  CleverKeet comes with one CleverKeet bird, one playground (he loves to swing!), one cart, one instruction booklet and adoption certificate, for $59.99.

Gift giving with CARE

The holiday season is upon us and as such it is time to get gifts for those near and dear to your heart.  Some people are easy to shop for.  The Star Wars fan, gets Star Wars fun the reader gets a new e reader.  But one of the most difficult people to shop for are often those who put all their effort into helping others.  The donators, the volunteers, we all have at least on in your families. hopefully.

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I do have a few tips on what to get these special people in our lives.  One option is the Gifts of Lasting Change from CARE.  With the ability to find a gift ranging from a goat for a family in need that provides milk to a tap of clean water to a school.  The donations vary in price and type.  Each Gift of Lasting Change represents a small piece of CARE’s enormous body of work, which last year helped 72 million in 90 countries with poverty-fighting programs focused on empowering girls and women.  With each purchase you have the option to either send the recipient a personalized e-card to or to download and print a paper card to mail. And because CARE is a non-profit, all gift purchases are 100% tax-deductible.  In his recent column on holiday gift-giving in the New York Times, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and filmmaker Nicholas Kristof recommended supporting CARE’s work promoting girls’ education.

CARE celebrated the 70th anniversary of its founding on November 27. CARE was founded in the aftermath of World War II to send relief to Europeans left starving and homeless by the deadliest-ever human conflict. Actor Matt Dillon recently narrated an inspiring short video about CARE’s history that explains how CARE was founded with the creation of the CARE Package, and how the concept of the CARE Package has evolved through the decades. Today the box symbolizes lasting change.

CARE has endured not simply because there are people in need still, but because there will always be people willing to give of themselves to make a difference in people’s lives. To Give a Gift of Lasting Change to a loved one is to tell someone that they inspire you to do good for others.

Be sure to check it out and finish up those last minute gifts.

 

 

Parents Survival Guide – they move, now what

Raising little ones can be difficult at times.  We all know this and looking back at past mistakes or hurdles can often help other parents.   Today we will be looking at an interesting period of time for little ones.  When your cute little baby starts to become mobile. Going from that cute little bundle of joy and a crawling dashing little cutey.

First of all don’t panic, Your little wonder is growing.  Their little muscles are becoming stronger and its time to start emulating everyone else and get around a bit.   In this time period is im portatn to realize moving around in teh wrong type of diaper can lead to some disasterous situations.  We have all seen or heard about diaper explosions and leaks of such massive mess the question of, “Do I really want this anymore?”will come up.

The best way to keep these situations to a minimum is with the proper fitting diaper as well as good quality diapers.  One such diaper is the Huggies Little Movers.  Which have some awesome features like:

• Shaped for fit and flexibility
• Available in sizes 3, 4, 5 and 6
• DryTouch® liner absorbs on contact
• Double Grip Strips for a comfy fit that lasts
• Leak Lock Protection for up to 12 hours of protection
• SnugFit waistband
• Features New Huggies® Brand Moving Baby System

Huggies gives great support, super absorbancy and a name you can trust to keep your little one happy and moving without a puddle following behind them.  The trick with diapers and other items like them that do not expire, buy in bulk at  stores like Sam’s Club for extra savings.  While you are at it be sure to check out the other items available at Sam’s as well.  From choice cut steaks to fresh vegetables Sam’s has some stellar deals for your bulk shopping needs.

WHITE CHOCOLATE GINGER COOKIES

(chewy cookies with a ginger kick)
makes 2 dozen big/over indulged cookies
makes 4 dozen smaller/less decadent cookies

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INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste, can substitute vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger (we suggest using a microplane)
  • 11 ounces white chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350º F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, salt and baking soda.
  2. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer cream together the butter and sugars. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully combined. Add in the vanilla paste and ginger, mixing until just combined. Gradually add in the flour mixture 1 cup at a time. Add the white chocolate chips.
  3. Drop by the heaping tablespoon full onto the prepared baking sheet and bake until lightly golden (12-15 minutes), cookies will appear still slightly soft in the middle, but will set up firmly as they cool.  (Note: For smaller less decadent cookies use a teaspoon measure and bake for 8-10 minutes). Using a spatula, remove cookies from the parchment to cool. Repeat with the remaining cookie dough.

You can find these and other recipes at www.terraskitchen.com

popchips® Announces Limited Edition Star Wars: The Force Awakens™ Products

Just in time for the new Star Wars movie, popchips®, the innovative popped snack company, announced that it will offer unique, Star Wars: The Force Awakens themed product at retailers nationwide for a limited time.

The company will debut the special Star Wars designed packaging on three of its most popular flavors including BBQ, Crazy Hot and Sea Salt. The product packaging will feature characters from the highly anticipated Star Wars: The Force Awakens filmgiving fans and moviegoers an exciting snack option prior to the film’s debut.

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“Snacking and entertainment go hand-in-hand and we know popchips fans will enjoy our Star Wars: The Force Awakens variety during this epic cultural event, ” says Marc Seguin, chief marketing officer at popchips. “Star Wars launched an entire generation of fans, which continues to grow, and we feel this is a perfect collaboration with our innovative brand. With the film’s new characters featured on our products, consumers will have more excitement to reach for in snack aisles from coast to coast.”

This newest offering follows popchips successful back-to-school snacking multi-pack introduction, which included classic Star Wars™ characters on the packaging.

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popchips are now sold at over 30,000 retailers across north america and the uk, including whole foods market, safeway, kroger, target, walgreens, wegmans, loblaws, select costco locations, and online at store.popchips.com. for more information about the company and its products, pop over to www.popchips.com, become a fan on facebook, Instagram, or follow us on twitter.

Armitron Watches- Be on Time for All Your Holiday Happenings

With everyone carrying cell phones now, not everyone wears watches the way they used to.  When you ask what time it is, people grab for their pockets instead of looking at their wrists. Not only are watches functional and useful, they are a fashion statement as well.  Nice to look at, classic and classy- and ready to make a comeback.

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Armitron Watches are a great gift ‘for him’ or ‘for her’, the Armitron watches are polished, practical and functional timepieces. Made with genuine diamonds, different styles and colors, options of bands, materials, and more- there is an Armitron Watch for everyone.  There are so many selections to chose from, your biggest problem will be narrowing it down.

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These are really beautiful.  Some of them look more like bracelets then like watches- which, for me, is very neat.  They look very sleek, sophisticated- accessories that would really compliment an outfit.

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If you are looking for the perfect gift this year, something special, you will want to check out the Armitron site and see what they have. You can also use the coupon code HolidayTime to get %25 off any watch on the site.

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More About Armitron

For nearly sixty years, Armitron has embodied and nurtured the spirit of individuality.  Since pioneering many of the first affordable digital wrist watches, it has been Armitron’s mission to make stylish, functional timepieces accessible to every person.

Today, Armitron looks to advance this mission by sharing the stories of real people.  We want to celebrate the broad, hard-working, diverse group of individuals that are our brand.  Each of them with their own style, thoughts, and ambitions.  That is why we showcase real people in our imagery, not professional models.  These are the people who truly represent our brand, which is what you want in reputable watch brands.

Visit them at https://www.armitron.com/

Getting Your Kids Involved in Car Care

When a kid turns 16, one of the biggest responsibilities they take on is getting a driver’s license. Not only do they need to be a skilled driver on the road but they also need to understand proper car care. As a parent, you may have practiced driving with them and prepared them for being a responsible driver, but have you prepared them for taking care of their car? This is just as important and can actually begin long before they turn 16.

Involve Them at a Young Age

 

Kids can become involved in taking care of a car from a very young age. You can start out when they are little by having them respect the interior of the car. Make them pick up their trash and not leave things in the car. If they spill or make a mess, have them help clean it up. This sets a good habit for them that they will likely carry on as they get older.

Talk about Proper Car Care

 

As your kid gets older, you can begin to talk with them more about properly caring for a car inside and out. Teach them some basics of car care. Have them help check that all the lights are working properly. Involve them in small repairs, like changing the windshield wipers. As you do these things, make sure you explain why they need done.

Get Them Involved in Cleaning

 

Kids also will enjoy being a part of cleaning the car. Make it a family experience. Have everyone work to get all the debris and road grime off the car. Again, make sure to explain why you are doing it. It isn’t just about making the car look good. It is about prolonging the life of the car and is an essential part of car care in Greenville.

Give Older Kids More Responsibility

 

As your kids get closer to driving age, you can begin to involve them even more. For example, teach them how to check the oil and talk about oil color. Teach them about why regular oil changes are important and why they need to check the oil. Go over some things that can be learned about the car by just checking the oil.

 

You may also teach them how to change a flat tire and make sure all the tools that are needed are in the car. Show them where these things are located. Make sure you talk about why tire pressure is important and why it should be monitored. Explain about tire wear and what it can tell you about the operation of your vehicle.

 

By getting your kids involved in car care from an early age, you are going to make them more responsible car owners. They won’t be likely to take their car for granted once they have one of their own. They will also be safer drivers who are aware of all the important things that need to be monitored and check on their vehicle. So, when your kid finally turns 16 and has that shiny new driver’s license, you can be confident that he or she is going to be ready for the responsibility of owning a car.

Depend Silhouette Active Fit Briefs #Underwareness #IC #ad

Disclosure- I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Depend. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

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Depend brand undergarments have been blocking leaks and accidents for years and their newest in the line of products is the Silhouette Active Briefs which not only protect from embarrassing leaks but also features a thin design cloth-like fabric that is smooth under clothes for complete comfort and trusted protection.  The briefs also come in two colors black and beige.  If you think these briefs aren’t for you consider a few facts.  Over 51 million American women experience bladder leakage. That’s 1 in 3 American women. There are many common causes of bladder leakage in women including pregnancy, childbirth and even diabetes.

What is most exciting about these new briefs is their ability to seamlessly be worn with just about any outfit.  Providing confidence in your protection and your style.  Making these ideal for business situations, or family functions.

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The Depend brand is also entering year two of Underwareness, a social movement and charitable cause to break down the bladder leakage stigma.  As part of Underwareness, the Depend brand is encouraging people to show their support for women with bladder leakage. For every photo and video shared using #Underwareness, the Depend brand will donate $1, up to $3 million, through 2016 to fund charities that advance the research and education of bladder leakage.

There are also coupons available right now for Depend Briefs so be sure to check them out.  Depend undergarments are available at supermarkets, drug stores and many other retail establishments across the country.  It is always possible to have an accident and its always better to be prepared then not at all.