Kohl’s Elf on the Shelf #ScoutElfReturnWeek

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

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For the uninitiated, Elf on the Shelf is the new tradition where a little stuffed elf hides around the house at night to help report to Santa on which list your little one should be on, the naughty or the nice.  For more details on the exact lore of the Elf and his various adventures, there is a book and also a new movie which you can purchase with said elf at your local Kohl’s.

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In addition to various varieties of the Elves themselves, there are also boy and girl elves.  There is also a reindeer available and a whole plethora of different clothes for the entire crew.  The clothes range from pajamas, to boots and leather jackets, and even a warm blanket for the reindeer.  My son loves having sets of things, so friends for his Elf on the Shelf are great fun for him (especially an animal friend who wears clothes).  Of course, the reindeer also comes with a book, so you can read all about them.

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Also available are various Elf on the Shelf themed clothing for both boys and girls.  Pajamas, socks, shirts, bath robes, and even ornaments for your tree.  The other favorite in our house is the huggable plush elf, who is able to hang out all year long and does not have to fly back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.  Elf on the Shelf makes the anticipation for Christmas a bit easier for children to deal with while still giving them that added incentive to behave.  Well….. at least throughout the month of December.

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Elf On the Shelf is available now at Kohl’s stores nation wide and retail anywhere from $29.99 and includes a book explaining the mythos while most clothing sets are available for $9.99.  I’ll be posting shortly with some of our “Elf-capades” as well as a fun giveaway- keep your eyes out!

Finding Neverland on Broadway @NeverlandBway

After spending most of our life hearing about the magic of Neverland, have you ever wondered what inspired Peter Pan and Neverland? That is what the play Finding Neverland brings to light. Based on the Academy Award®-winning film, that has the same name, the show tells the story of a play-wright, J.M. Barrie and he was inspired to write the stories of Neverland.

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Barrie has been lacking on his creativity and inspiration when he meets the beautiful widow Sylvia and her 4 sons, Jack, George, Michael and Peter.  (Incidentally, currently playing Barrie is Matthew Morrison, of Glee and about a million other things.  Not only were we delighted to see Matthew Morrison live, but also got to see So You Think You Can Dance season 10 winner Amy Yakima, who is as of now playing Peter Pan as well as dancing in the show.)

After hearing the young boys tell stories of magical escapades in the world of Neverland, Barrie write a play that most of the high-society theatergoers in London have ever seen. Despite taking a giant risk, Barrie wrote the play and discovered, just like in his play, When you believe, you can fly.

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Finding Neverland, directed by Tony® winner Diane Paulus, also known for Pippin, Hair, features an original score by composer Gary Barlow and Grammy® winner Eliot Kennedy, with a book by celebrated playwright James Graham and choreography by three-time Emmy® winner Mia Michaels.

This is a great play to see with your family. Packed with beautiful visuals, lots of laughs and songs that will stick with you, this timeless story will remind you that you never really grow up.  The staging was really fun and quite something to see- the ending was really sad but amazing and beautiful, but I don’t want to ruin it for you .

Many people (including yours truly) have enjoyed Finding Neverland, including Mary Poppins herself, Julie Andrews, who absolutely loved it. Ms. Andrews came with her daughter and grandchildren. And, after the show, they all took pictures with the cast and gushed over how much they enjoyed it.

The cast was ecstatic. Check out this photo taken backstage of Julie Andrews and Finding Neverland star Laura Michelle Kelly (who, coincidentally, originated the role of Mary Poppins in the stage version both in London and on Broadway).

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Below are links to Instagram photos of the cast members and Julie Andrews if you’d like to see some more.

https://instagram.com/p/7l92ItI4E3/
https://instagram.com/p/7lmUghAo48/

https://instagram.com/p/7l80wbv_K4/

https://instagram.com/p/7l7XzEgtt9/

Finding Neverland plays at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater (205 West 46th Street). The schedule is as follows: Tuesday at 7:30pm, Wednesday at 2pm & 7:30pm, Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, Sunday at 3pm. Tickets can be arranged online at www.FindingNeverlandTheMusical.com, by calling Ticketmaster at (877) 250-2929 or in person at the Lunt-Fontanne box office, located at 205 West 46th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenues.  For more information, please visit www.FindingNeverlandTheMusical.com.

Follow the magic on Twitter and Instagram: @NeverlandBway

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”.

Dareway Revolution for Kids

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A segway can be seen as the transportation of the future.  But to really make a splash, there has to be something that differentiates it from the pack.  The new Dareway Revolution is just that device.  It is made for kids and meant to be enjoyed.  It can bolt around and spin.  The controls are responsive, and it even includes a sound system for your digital device and a place to put it, so there are no accidental breaks to your phone or mp3 player.

The Dareway sports some very nifty features like:

    • Dual-motor ride-on spins a full 360°
    • Stable base for one rider
    • Foot accelerator
    • Electric brake
    • Built-in LED battery charge indicator displays green, yellow and red lights
    • iPhone/MP3 holder
    • Audio jack connection
    • Speakers play your music as you ride
    • Handlebar adjusts into three different height positions


What I like best is how easy to charge it is- it is heavy but not incredibly so.  Included is an AC adapter that charges the internal batteries to allow for long play time.  There is a separate battery for the sound system, but this is to be expected from a set of speakers so be sure to pick some up as well.

Some kids will take naturally to the Dareway, but it does have a learning curve for others.  When spinning, it is definitely a fun  ride and is meant to be played with in a large flat surface.

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The Dareway retails for $249.99 and is available now on Toys R Us.

The age range for use is 4-10 years old, but the ideal age for review is 9-10 years to use all of the features as intended.

Disclosure- I received this product in order to review it.  All opinions are my own and honest.

WIN Prize Pack- Advil® at Work™ “The Sickest Day Ever” Sweepstakes

The Advil® Sinus Congestion & Pain product, information and gift have been provided by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.

If you were to call out sick, but not actually BE sick- where would you go?  This is the question Advil® is asking with their new contest called “The Sickest Day Ever”.  The idea behind the contest is where would you spend your “sickest” day ever if you could pick?

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Advil® introduces Advil® Sinus Congestion & Pain, which provides fast, powerful relief for a number of severe cold, flu, and sinus symptoms.  Advil® Sinus Congestion & Pain provides fast, effective relief of your severe cold symptoms, so you can enjoy your sickest day.  It is the only over-the-counter cold and sinus medicine that combines the speed and strength of Advil® with a proven nasal decongestant for fast, effective relief of severe cold symptoms including, sinus pressure and headache. It contains Phenylephrine, a nasal decongestant which reduces swelling and allows the nasal and sinus airways to expand to their natural state for easier breathing.  Advil® products contain ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has been repeatedly proven to reduce pain safely and effectively when taken as directed.  Advil® Sinus Congestion & Pain is intended for use in adults and children from ages 12 and older.

All you have to do is record yourself in a video format and upload it to Advil’s contest site reciting their tongue twister, “Six of my sickest sinus symptoms solved with the speed and strength of Advil® in Advil® Sinus Congestion & Pain for a chance to win the Sickest Day.  After that just fill out a short form and cross your fingers and hopefully you’ll be the winner.

Even if you don’t win the Grand Prize, you still have a chance to jump in on the “The Sickest Day Ever;” after entering our Grand Prize Sweepstakes, click the link to the Weekly Prizes page, and confirm your email to be entered into the drawing.

One of you can win a $25 gift card as well as the prize pack above. Just use the RC form below to enter to win.  Good luck! Ends Nov. 30, 2015.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Groupon Coupons this holiday season

As we all know, there is a great shopping expedition mounting in many homes this week.  Yes, Thanksgiving is coming, and it is a great time to spend with family and friends and be thankful for all we have. We share our bounty with others- but the day after Thanksgiving is also right around the corner too, Black Friday.  One of the busiest shopping days of the year.  A time of year when friends and family get together and hit the stores at the crack of dawn to get all the best deals around.

But this year, I say do some extra research online.  With some incredible deals available now with only a few clicks, you can shy away from those packed stores and the crowds and enjoy spending time with your friends and family at home in the comfort of your living room.

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One such place to check out is Groupon Coupons. Which is a site run by the famous Groupon company where they share promo codes to various online shops to help you save that hard earned money even more.  With stores like Toys R Us, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and QVC.  There is definitely something for everyone on your list at a great price within a few clicks.

An added benefit is not only can you sometimes get the same exact deals as those available at brick and mortar retail locations, but there are also added items and discounts available.  To name a few, there are codes for free shipping, additional 10% off of clearance prices and early access to Black Friday prices available right now.

So be sure to make your list and check it twice, get something for everyone who has been not naughty, but nice.  Be sure to grab a few things for that special someone in your life and maybe even a little something for yourself with all the money and time you will be saving.  Happy shopping!

Amwell – a new way to see a doctor #getwellwithamwell #ad

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Amwell, otherwise known as American Well, is a new company which puts patients in contact with doctors with simply a few clicks.  Instead of leaving you home to see a doctor simply go online, or download an app and a doctor is a video chat away with a few clicks and registration.

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With all the modernizations around us, it is time to start modernizing the visit to the doctor.  Instead of driving to the office, waiting the waiting room, and seeing your doctor for moments of their time but hours of yours, try something different.  Try Amwell.  Amwell lets you video conference with one of hundreds of doctors of many different specialties who can help treat you of a variety of ailments including:

•             Bronchitis
•             Cough
•             Sinus infection
•             Sore throat
•             Urinary tract infection
•             Vomiting
•             Diarrhea
•             Fever
•             Pinkeye
•             Flu
•             Sprains and strains
•             Cold
•             Respiratory infection
•             Headache
•             Depression
•             Anxiety
•             Weight concerns
•             Smoking cessation
Doctors on Amwell can diagnose, suggest follow up, and prescribe, when appropriate.  In addition to be board certified doctors you can also see a description of each doctor before your visit and also be assured your privacy is in good hands and is secure and HIPAA compliant.
Amwell was created by actual doctors.  It is the most popular consumer telehealth app worldwide in 2014 according to App Annie.  As well as the first telehealth service awarded accreditation by The American Telemedicine Association Amwell is also the first telehealth platform to integrate with Apple’s Health App.  It also is the only service that allows you to select the doctor you want to see for an on-demand visit. You will have more time to spend with your family.
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I would suggest giving Amwell a try today.  It can help save time and money for a variety of people in a variety of situations.  I can see this being a huge help when someone is just so sick they don’t want to go to the doctor or their favorite doctor has just stopped taking their insurance and its time to find a new one.
Be sure to find out more today, you can use this coupon code for 25% off a $69 urgent care visit- Amwell25

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Springfield Doll and Clothes- Perfect Toy

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this post.  All opinions are my own and honest.  Please see “I disclose” for more information.
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Guess what? My girls have found another doll that they absolutely love. Paige, from Springfield Dolls has proven to be a great doll for them to play with.

About Springfield Collection:

A line of 18-inch dolls, clothing, accessories and furniture starts with their dedicated creative design team. The designers carefully sketch out fashion ideas, select quality and on-trend fabrics and materials and then work hard to make their vision come alive for girls everywhere. Through products and the interactive play offered online, the product line encourages girls to form a special relationship with the dolls and to create fun and magical moments together. Springfield Collection is committed to providing and unforgettable experience for each child while ensuring the brand is accessible and available to all. The mission with every Springfield Collection product is to provide girls with fashion, fun, and friendship.

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About the Dolls:

Trendy tops, pants, skirts, and even gowns reflect the fashion tastes of upcoming fashionistas. Jo-Ann Stores will start to stock perfectly packaged outfits for $14.99. For those unfamiliar with Springfield Dolls, they have been around since 1996! The “girls” have sparkling lifelike eyes that open and close and boast silky, long, rooted hair that can be brushed and styled. Each doll is soft and huggable with moveable arms and legs, making dressing and undressing easy. Springfield Dolls are a division of Fibre-Craft, LLC, the beloved company that is celebrating 60+ years of making children’s craft products.

About Paige:

Paige is a sweet doll with brown eyes and long brown hair that comes wearing a hot pink nightgown.

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My Thoughts:

As you can already tell, my girls are huge fans of their adorable Paige Doll. They love the pink pajama, but they were way more excited about the adorable, trendy outfit that they got in addition to this great doll. They love playing with their 18 inch dolls when they aren’t interested in babies. They can do more grown up things with these dolls :)….That’s what they tell me at least. I am very impressed with this great doll. I also was so pleased to see that there were adorable and affordable outfits that are available for purchase from JoAnn’s.

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing a doll or clothes for a doll, head on over to the website and pick out the perfect item for you.