Gifts That Give Twice With World Vision For The Holidays

Looking to give a beautiful, unique gift this year? Maybe you want to do something even better then that- maybe you want to give a gift that gives back. World Vision lets you do both- you can not only give beautiful gifts that the gift-ee will love, but when you buy, your money goes to those who need it most. World Vision is Fair Trade, and helps artisans make a living wage that they can raise their families on.

This year more than 50 percent of holiday shoppers plan to purchase holiday gifts online. Look into new gift ideas that give back with just a few clicks of the mouse from the World Vision Gift Catalog.
More than 250 items, ranging in price from $10 to $39,000, are available online and in the print catalog to help improve quality of life for women, children and families in the U.S. and around the world. Give help where it is needed most and receive handcrafted gifts that are beautiful accessories:

African Soapstone Box – New to the 2014 World Vision Gift Catalog, the hand-carved African Soapstone Box is a safe place to store necklaces and rings. Coated in light blue with an image of a giraffe, this ornate box features pretty details that will complement nearly any decor. Donations go toward the Kenyan artisans who crafted the box to help provide medical care for their families. $85

 

Royal Silk Scarf – A recent addition to the Catalog, this gorgeous silk scarf adds color to the holidays and supports the needs of children and families worldwide, including those in the community where it was crafted; the luxurious silk was woven by Vietnam’s Ma Chau villagers, who receive fair wages & sustainable income through their craft. $95
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When It Cools Down, These Will Warm You Up

Now that the weather outside has gotten a bit frightful, we will need to bundle up a little more.  But that doesn’t necessarily mean adding bulk or ugly, clodding boots- check out these lovely layers from some of our favorite brands (that last longer then a season, too!)

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When it’s cold enough to need a little more then just a shirt, check out the Craghoppers ‘Swainby’ half zip fleece for the man and teenager boys in your life.  Classic, comfortable, and nearly impossible to stain in my own personal experience (really, my guy has not been successful yet, and I could swear he’s trying), it also washes well without all the ugly pilling that some fleece get. Besides it’s good looks and great function, it’s really very warm and comfortable.  My son loves it because it’s soft (and it retains it’s softness after repeated washings), has a large pocket, and easy to pair with anything. It is made with a cotton fleece blend, and has insulating technology built in. With it’s high collar that can be folded down or left up for additional warmth, and elasticated cuffs and hem, it’s wearer keeps extra body heat in. Too warm?  No worries- just undo the half front zip for some air.  Get yours for $60 at http://www.us.craghoppers.com

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When you need a little more then a sweatshirt, put on the Skipton Jacket by Craghoppers.  Water resistant, so good for those days that are snowy or a bit rainy, it’s also soft, super insulated, and nowhere near as thick as you would think it needs to be.  It’s thin- as thin as your spring jacket- but it’s been doing the husband good in 3o degree weather with no complaints to be had.  Not only is it lightweight, but it’s also made of soft wool and has a satiny-smooth lining that feels great next to your skin.  It’s very smart-looking, great for work or going out, a compliment to any outfit.  It has both a zipper and buttons, and you can use either one or both together for added wind protection. To top it off (quite literally) is an attached hood.  There are two functioning side pockets, big enough for your hands, a pair of gloves, your keys, or a cell phone- yes, they really do function.  Get yours for about $180 at sites like http://www.backcountry.com/

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When it’s time to head into the snow, no one wants wet, cold feet.  The Icebug Diana BUGrip boots are amazing in cold, wet, icy weather- not only are they nice to look at, but they really do help keep a grip on the ground. Besides keeping your feet warm and dry (and stylish!), the half-calf high boot is good for tromping about on snowy days and keeping your pants dry, too. Insulated with soft fleece, they feel good on as well as looking good. Easy to put on, they zip up with no issues as well as have a front lace for adjustment.  No wasted time or aggravation fiddling and fussing. The BUGrip outsole helps give traction in winter weather conditions- and it really works.  You can even hear it softly sticking as you walk, which is both amusing and reassuring. Get yours at http://icebug.com/us/ or at stores like Amazon for about $200.

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Still have cold feet?  Check out the St. Moritz Lite 200 I WP- a mouthful, but a cute, cute boot. These are insulated, water resistant, weatherproof, and have a cute faux fur top.  They come in black, brown, and gray, so choose your favorite color.  Each has a fleece lining that will keep your feet warm as you stomp through the snow. If you work up a sweat, not to worry- these are odor resistant as well, so you will not need to leave your boots outside the door like some people (you know who you are!) With Thinsulate insulation built in, you know you will stay warm, even when the temperature drops. The adorable St. Moritz will have everyone asking where you got them.  You can pick them up at http://us.hi-tec.com for about $100, by the way.

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When you are ready to head indoors, and need something a little less “outdoorsy” but still ready for winter festivities, the NAOT VISTOSO will be your go to boot. Zipping up the side, this ankle boot is too cute with a little bow across it (ready for the holidays!) It is padded for extra comfort, and has a memory foam footbed. As you wear it, the bottom bed and microfiber molds to your foot, making it more and more comfortable as you go along. The heel is sturdy, the sole is flexible, and you won’t feel like you are doing a balancing act all evening. These are boots you won’t feel the need to kick off quickly. Get them at http://naot.com or Amazon for about $200.

Disclosure- I received the above in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest.  For more, see “I Disclose”.

Breast Cancer Living Locket from OrigamiOwl.com

October is the month to think pink! Origami Owl, the customizable jewelry company is joining the cause and supporting strong women everywhere.  Whether you’re a survivor, want to honor a friend of family member, or are just an ally of the cause, Origami Owl has designed a Living Locket featuring themed charms to commemorate those who have given us hope and courage.

Not only is this piece beautiful, but you can either buy it “as is” or make it your own and design and customize it as you like.  It comes with it’s own little pouch, so you you can keep it safe while you are not wearing it.  This is exactly what it looks like if you purchase “as is”, without alterations.

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It is a great way to show your support, not just during the month of October, but year round. It’s also very pretty, and it does brighten up an outfit.  The eye goes right to it!  The silver color goes with just about anything, too. It’s easy to dress up or down, and unlike some articles of jewelry, does not “jingle” when you or it moves.  I don’t know about you, but when my jewelry jingles, it drives me mad.

The Breast Cancer locket features the Silver Heritage Living Locket with the pink ribbon charm, hope charm and rose Swarovski stardust crystals, with options to add additional charms and crystals to further personalize your locket. But the customizing doesn’t stop there – the locket also includes a Silver heritage plate to inscribe a special message, a date or initials for an everlasting memory.

Retailing at $90.00, the Breast Cancer Living Locket will be available for purchase through the month of October at OrigamiOwl.com, and for every necklace purchased 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Face in the Mirror, a non-profit organization that provides cancer patients with makeovers that calm the spirit and touches the inner person, giving back hope and self-esteem.

Head To Kohl’s for Everything You Need This Summer

Disclosure: The below was provided for me in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.

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Summer is fast approaching, and it lately feels like it’s here already.  Doesn’t it feel like we skipped spring?  It’s about that time that we need to refresh summer wardrobes, grab what you need for that upcoming vacation or roadtrip, and make sure your kid’s sandals fit.  What, they don’t?  Of course they don’t, they never do!

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I don’t like to spend a lot of time going from store to store to get what I need. As a busy working wife and mother, I have a lot of hats I wear on a daily basis, and any way I can trim time I spend doing those “must do” activities is a bonus for me. That’s one of the many reasons I love shopping at Kohl’s- whether you shop in stores or online, it’s a one stop shopping experience that you don’t need to spend tons of time and energy on. Bonus? The prices are great- you can catch amazing deals, get rewarded just for shopping and buying what you need to (with Kohl’s Cash, good for anything in the store) AND they constantly mail out money saving coupons in the weekly mailers, snail mail, and the best ones come via email when you sign up to receive promotions. Really, you should- there is not a reason in the world not to. They only send you deals and updates, Kohl’s is not one of those places that bombard you with useless emails 300 times a week.

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While I usually enjoy shopping, shopping for my husband and son can be a less then fun experience, and one I prefer to either do alone or online. My son is OK if he’s with me, but if daddy is also with us, he turns into a whine machine. I don’t know why that is, but the quickness and ease of shopping at Kohl’s and getting what I need to for everyone in the family with no fuss is VERY appreciated by this mommy, let me tell you. Maybe it’s a guy thing- but they just don’t make shopping fun, and it’s great to go in with a list, sizes, and be done with it. Shopping online at 2 am is another great standby. No one annoys me then, and since they are both dudes? They don’t care what I buy them as long as it fits, and for the kiddo maybe has an Angry Bird or two involved, haha.

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Clarks Shoes for Fashion and Function

My son and I are not often given the chance to coordinate outfits or have something that compliments each other’s outfits. I always thought that Moms with girls were given that opportunity, but Moms of boys were out of luck.  It’s not something I would push on him, but it would be cute for occasions.  Sometimes, I just want that moment, you know, the moment of look how cute these two are!

Clasks USA gave my son and I a chance to have that moment via amazingly stylish, functional and comfortable footwear.  They match, but are not overly “matchy-matchy” in that obnoxious way, and we can both wear them normally in our wardrobe.

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I got to try out Womens Desert Boot Core in Oakwood Suede. Let me tell you a little more about this boot.

Inspired by the crepe-soled boots worn by British officers in World War II. Crafted from natural materials including oakwood suede for supreme comfort, its timeless styling has remained unchanged for over 60 years. Wear the original women’s Desert® Boot anywhere and celebrate vintage style.

This boot was instantly love at first foot in! No matter where go, these boots are comfortable, stylish and functional. No matter where I wear them, they get compliments. I like that I can dress up a pair of jeans or add a pretty texture to a skirt.

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My son got to rock a pair of Clarks USA Boys Dessert Boot Youth. These are great for active kids. He can wear them with his uniform, with his regular “play clothes”, with a nicer outfit, and this is the perfect choice in footwear for outings.  Not great for wet weather, since they are suede, and we have not treated them yet.

pic7We both liked the available colors in both the ladies and boys styles. We thought getting mother son shoes was a fun experience.  Overall I have been more than pleased with the Clark’s USA line of footwear.

Bolder Bands – Great Headbands for busy lifestyles

Disclosure: The headband from BolderBand  was provided for me in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.
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As you know I live a very busy, active lifestyle. I feel like I am always on the go…even during my relaxing days. I like to somewhat be up dressed, a little makeup at least, and hair somewhat done most days. My wonderful new Bolder Band has made my mornings more successful than I could have imagined!

About BolderBands:

Amy Crouse was the founder and creator of Bolder Band. She is a Colorado native and a cross fitting/running mom of three kids and a husband who is her business partner!  She really enjoys working out, but could never seem to find the right thing to hold her hair back. Every name-brand elastic head band would pop off her head in the middle of her workouts. She got fed up with the interruption of fixing her headband every few burpees and decided there had to be a better alternative.

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Refresh Your Child’s Wardrobe this Spring with RUUM

I don’t know about your kids, by mine grew like a weed over the winter months. He is going to be taller then me by the time he is ten, I swear.  That being said, with Spring right around the corner (and here for much of the USA), we have the perfect excuse to refresh and brighten up our kid’s wardrobes.

03 02 2015 cannon 021My son loves his new duds- he says they are soft (the thing that he cares most about) and comfortable.  He has worn the pants the most, as it is still winter weather here, and the sweater as well.  We are looking forward to T-Shirt and shorts weather- when will that be, again?  April is in a second….

03 02 2015 cannon 016With just a few clicks of your mouse, you can pick up some basic upgrades for your children this season. Head to http://www.ruum.com/ , they have some fun sales going on right now. The clothes are also fashion forward for the kid who worries about keeping up with trends and styles, and they are easy to mix and match.
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Family Easter Outfits at Kohl’s

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe, and with Easter looming, it’s a great reason to drag even the most resistant men in your life out for at least a small upgrade, true?  We recently headed to Kohl’s to see what we could find for both of the men in my life to wear for the holiday this year.  The smaller one is usually pretty compliant, it’s the bigger one that can be somewhat of a fighter, lol. They both agreed, however, on getting new pants and nice shirts.  We got them things they could wear not only on Easter, but for future events.

20150314_135829Now that I look at it, it seems they are almost matching, though not intentionally- one blue on top and beige on the bottom, the other reversed, ha. My son decided he wanted to go in shorts (can you tell we’ve had it with winter and he’s looking forward to warm weather?) and my husband decided to get new jeans, which he could use. They both picked out their outfits without the other one seeing- my son was with me, and the husband was in the men’s department all by himself- I was amused when I saw how similar their selections were when we met in the boy’s department 😉
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