Enter to Win This Adorable Prize Package From Hummel Gifts!

M.I. Hummel is a company that has been making beautiful figurines for decades, yet they continue to produce new, gorgeous figurines that are perfect for anyone to collect and enjoy. My son thought it was so cool that the founder, Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, was an artist and taught children even after becoming a nun. I love the handmade quality of the Hummel figurines – each piece sculpted by a master sculptor, carefully molded, and hand painted. It’s rare to have such high-quality art pieces in our disposable society so I love that about Hummel. You can learn more about the history of M.I Hummel at https://hummelgifts.com/blog/the-mi-hummel-story/.  I also think it’s cool when their figurines incorporate a blend of traditional motifs and modern flair like my figurine, Moonbeam, an Annual Angel that features a glittering Swarovski crystal moon clutched in the charming angel’s hand. How adorable is that?

Hummel Gifts Moonbeam Annual Angel

Hummel is known for their beautiful tradition of angel figurines, which are some of my favorites. I love the Annual Angels, a Series of figurines that Hummel produces a new piece for each year. This year’s angel is called Angel of Faith and is the first of three in a mini-series featuring the Three Divine Virtues. These angels are unique Hummel figurines as they feature gold-dipped wings. The next two years will feature Hope and Love making this the perfect time to begin your own Hummel collection!

Hummel Gifts Angel of Faith Annual Angel

Of course when it comes to the holiday season, one naturally thinks of angels. I love Heavenly Angel which comes in a large 13” tall figurine as part of the Masterpiece Collection and there is a 4.25” size of the same figurine designShining Light is another gorgeous angel helping to illuminate your way this winter season.

Hummel Gifts Shining Light

In addition to the incredible figurines Hummel is known for, they also have some other products that feature angel motifs. These include candles, napkins, tin postcards, water globes, and the 2018 Hummel calendar.

Hummel Gifts Calendar

What is your favorite figurine? You can see all the lovely gifts Hummel has to offer on the Hummel Gifts website. If you have a Hummel story of your own we’d love for you to share it with us at the M.I. Hummel North America Facebook Page.

https://hummelgifts.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HummelGifts/

Enter to Win Your Own Handmade M.I.Hummel Figurines!

M.I. Hummel is offering a fabulous prize package valued at $312 consisting of a fun baking themed collection just in time for the holidays. One winner will receive figurines One Cup of Sugar and Baking Time, as well as two sets of M.I. Hummel cocktail napkins with The Baker Motif.

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Last Minute Gifts for Mom

Here are a few ideas for those that are running late or had Mother’s Day sneak up on them. A little thought and a few options that might surprise that special lady in your life.

Quick Combinations

Only have time for a fast stop before you next see mom? Grocery stores or Costco have gift cards and goodies to put together a quick gift basket.


Movie Passes
 – Mom might enjoy a trip to the cinema so scope out what theater chain is nearby and grab some passes. Amp up this gift with a bag of popcorn and a couple of boxes of candy!

Go Green

– Any local home goods store will have plants, grab one with your gift card. You can also throw in an IOU for a shopping or planting date to use the card together! No one says the gift garden needs to be in the ground today! Or if a live plant is not an option a few bags of seeds will fit in any card envelope.

Something Homemade

– You may not be crafty yourself but you can give mom a gift that opens the door to all kinds of handmade goodies at Etsy.com

Set a Date

– Groupon maybe a good match for picking out a treat for mom. Plan an afternoon together and buy two, or send mom to the spa for some pampering and alone time. Buying for the woman in your life? Grab two too and have her bring a friend!

– Living Social is another option to search out experiences for mom, as a couple, or for the whole family. Try something new together, or plan an adventure with the packages offered locally or a bit further away.

Bed & Breakfasts

– Give a getaway to Mom. Keep it relatively local and travel costs will be low. Most Bed and Breakfasts offer added goodies to the usual hotel experience and give mom an excuse to be a tourist without the impersonal feel. Many B&Bs are located near local attractions, if you have questions call and ask. This has the added benefit of supporting local businesses.

Continued Entertainment

– Movie subscription! HULU, NetFlix, or Amazon Prime allow for gift subscriptions and give mom endless options to enjoy some audio visual entertainment. Not her cup of tea? Amazon has some great options beyond a regular gift card. Audible.com is a great option or Kindle Unlimited for book readers!

– Note for HULU and NetFlix you need to buy a gift card for them to use.

For the House

– Get mom something comfortable for the kitchen with an anti-fatigue mat from GelPro. Gift cards are available and with all of their options they have to jazz up mom’s kitchen this is a perfect option!

Pajamagrams will keep mom comfy at home, or a gift card for her favorite store. Make the delivery a little fancier with a gift bag and tissue paper.

No matter what plans you have for the day enjoy yourself and this day celebrating all women. Happy Mother’s Day!

Beautiful Gifts Handmade in Peru With Novica

It can be hard to choose a gift for your loved one.  You want to give something special, something they will love.  If it’s pretty, that much the better. Novica is the perfect place to find that perfect item.  Not only are items hand crafted, which means they will each be unique and totally one of a kind, but they also support local artisans (who you get to know in a little “story card” that comes with your purchase).  You see a portrait and a biography of the artist on the page of the item when you buy it, and when your gift is opened, they will read the card and make the discovery as well.

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My son, who happens to be my favorite little Valentine, helped me choose a special gift for his Godmother, a very special person in his life.  He wanted to choose something she would really love, and he thought she would love the Andean Folk Art Cotton Applique Change Purse, ‘Butterfly Afternoon’. Quite a mouthful for a small purse, but it’s very pretty and not at all common.  My son is very picky and deliberate in choosing gifts- he really wants to make sure to choose the right gift for the right person.  We both think she will love the purse, with it’s bright colors and sunny, hand stitched scenery.

It arrived carefully wrapped in beautiful paper, with a red ribbon and a tiny doll in the center.  It was very festive (and honestly, very cool looking).  It looked expensive,  like someone had really put time into it very carefully.  He can’t wait to give his  Valentine’s Day gift!

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This beautiful, functional work of art was created by Balvina Huaytalla who lives and works in the Peru.  Her work is inspired by the Peruvian Andes, and she wishes to share it’s beauty with everyone. She is a single mother who is struggling to take care of her young son, and this and every purchase helps her make a living.

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There were a few things that caught my eye as well while we were looking around- it’s hard not to be distracted by all the beautiful products.  These Gold Accent Heart Shaped Earrings would be perfect for Valentine’s Day, or really any day out.  They are so pretty, I had to send a little “hint” over to my husband.  The only thing better then a beautiful gift is one that gives back.  Lovely, traditional art (some you can even wear) that embraces local artisans, doesn’t use bad labor practices, and helps others live sustainably- so much awesome with one purchase.

Share Some Goodness this Holiday! Gifts that Give Back

Looking to give gifts that not are not only great gifts, but will make the gift-ee feel better as well? Life is Good, ORGANIC INDIA and Manduka make giving feel even better- and they are fantastic, ethical companies that also give back.  These are fantastic brands with really awesome items, you will love them.

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Life is Good, lifestyle brand spreading the power of optimism, from t-shirts, self-help book, mugs to comfy pj’s, introduces  the Holiday collection ($10-78) and has something for the kids, mom, the office, and even the grinch who could use some positivity in their life. There is a lot to choose from, and the quality is top notch- nothing that will have to be quickly tossed. The clothing line lasts, and wears well.  They will have their items a long, long time. (I still have a t-shirt I got in high school!) It’s nice to be able to spread a nice message wherever you go. In addition, Life is Good donates 10% of their net proceeds to kids in need-that’s something to smile about. 
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ORGANIC INDIA’s, Tulsi Tea Line ($5.99) have become one of my son’s favorites. He especially loves the peppermint variety, (there are several to choose from) and I like that it’s completely organic. These USDA organic teas are infused with a sacred Indian herb that’s packed with goodness + deliciousness in over 20 flavors. A cup of Tulsi tea warms up the soul – lowers stress, bolsters immunity, enhances stamina and promotes a healthy metabolism. He has some health issues, so I am all for anything that will give him any kind of a boost.  These teas are not only good tasting and good for you, as well as environmentally friendly- but they are good for the people who farm them. ORGANIC INDIA works directly with marginalized farmers in India providing healthcare, education, gender equality and empowerment programs. Sipping fireside, never tasted so good! 

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Mandukaleader of yoga gear, offers the most sustainable yoga gear for the fitness fanatic in your life ($4-128). From eco-conscious eKO mats, fully recyclable LiveON Mats for kids and adults, one-mat-for-life PRO Mat, yogitoes towels made from recycled plastic bottles, hbands headbands, bags, to props, Manduka takes mindful gifting to another level.

My son likes his new mat, and so does mommy.  If it weren’t so grinchy, I’d be tempted to “borrow” it for my own class.  He also likes the color and the feel of it- he doesn’t like when his mats feel “sticky” to him, but this texture is great.  It’s also comfortable, gives enough cushion, and works well for him.  It’s easy to get into his yoga bag as well.

These are great “feel good” items for many reasons- they feel good to give, feel good to get, and are from companies who care and give back- which feels good to everyone.  This holiday season, give from the heart and support those that support others.

Happy Holidays from me and mine to you and yours!

Carved Creations: Holiday Gift Ideas

The holidays are approaching quickly and it is crunch time.  For the dads and children of wonderful mothers out there, this post is for you.

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There is a great new jewelry site out there called Carved Creations.  What separates Carved Creations from the pack of other Mother’s jewelry available is that it is well made, hand crafted, and feels substantial.  This is no aluminum heart on a cheap string of metal, these are well details works of art.

“In response to the thin, lightweight Mother’s Jewelry that began to proliferate in the last decade, we decided that it was time for someone to develop high-quality, sturdy Mother’s Jewelry that was professionally designed and professionally crafted, using the right blend of old-world craftsmanship and the latest technology. We jumped on the task and have been developing designs as the industry leader in the world of Mother’s Jewelry ever since. Our attention to detail and quality can be found in every Carved Creation…When you feel a Carved Creations design, you know you are holding the best.”

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The designs are thoughtful and special, as well as perfect for that special someone in your life.  We really like the Page Pendant Heart and the  Vesta Topazio Legacy Tassel Bracelet.  One is a necklace the other a bracelet, both are well made and pretty pieces.  The Pendant can be customized with the birthstones of your choice as well as the names of your choice.  Each PagePendant features your special names in deep detail and a brilliant GemTag birthstone for each name.  The PagePendant is delicately curved on both sides, and has a substantial sturdy touch. Carefully designed so that each name appears completely at least once, these shapes give the illusion of being lifted off of a page of continuous script text, for a stunning effect. 

The Tassel Bracelet sports an ethnic unique look which can be customized with the initials of your choice.  Vesta is the ancient Roman goddess of the home. The Carved Creations Vesta Collection is our most fashionable expression of your monogram. Now you can accessorize with what you love the most. Each Vesta tassel bracelet is made of supple stone beads on a high-strength flexible jewelry fiber. This Vesta Medallion features your initials in our popular Legacy letter design. The 1″ medallion is delicately curved on both sides, and has a substantial sturdy touch.

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The Page Pendent retails for $199.00 and the Tassel Bracelet retails for $149.00.  Both would make wonderful stocking stuffers or that perfect gift from a family to that wonderful woman in your life, be it a Mom, Grandmother or Aunt.

Carved Creations is currently offering 50% off jewelry while supplies last. You can also get an extra $5 OFF DISCOUNT CODE FOR YOUR READERS  if they want to buy items through December 31, 2015. Use the code is HSWT15 for more savings.

12 Days of Christmas with Teacher Peach @TeacherPeach123

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

If you are looking for a great gift for teachers, look no further then Teacher Peach.  Visit the website http://www.teacherpeach.com/ and check out all the options they have for the teachers in your life- they have pre-made gift sets, bags, and ideas galore that are not only cute but also useful. Because, honestly, your teacher doesn’t need or want another mug, I promise.

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You can look at this link to all featured Holiday gifts and see what you like best for your teacher (or teachers).  There are also chances to win giveaways as well, so make sure you enter while you are browsing.  You never know!

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My son has several teachers we need to get gifts for, so this is a great site for us. It can be hard to figure out just what to get, because you don’t want to give something useless.  Like many classes, we contribute to a gift card for the main teacher, but we’d like to give her a little something as well, she is a real….well, I’d say doll, but in this case, let’s say she’s a peach, ha.  Not to mention the classroom aide, and his tutor.

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This would also be a good place to shop for any parent who is a home-schoooler.  Functional, useful, and to let them know they are appreciated for all the hard work they do as well.

From bags, to notebooks, to cute kits, even teddy bears and pet outfits (how fun is that?), there is something for every educator.  Check out http://www.teacherpeach.com/ and see what they have.  You can get all your teacher-related shopping done in one place, and even enter to win a fun contest.

Happy holidays from me and mine to you and yours!

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/

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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