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Belfry’s Christmas Gift – Children’s Book

November 26, 2014 by Samantha 2 Comments

If you are looking for a sweet book to add to your Christmas collection this year, Let me suggest “Belfry‘s Christmas Gift“, the second book in the ‘Tales of Little Overhill’ series. Written by Mike Joens, this adorable tale revolves around Belfry, a cute woodland animal who is trying to think of the perfect gift to give to Theo for Christmas. Along the way, he comes across the village curmudgeon, who he tries to befriend.

According to my son (7 years old), he says that in the book, “it shows just because you look mean on the outside, doesn’t mean that you are really a bad guy. And God loves you how you are, no matter what.”

Belfry’s Christmas Gift is a really great book for kids of all ages, to tell the true meaning of Christmas. The book is also fun for them to hear, and the animals are always a good touch for children (what child doesn’t love animals?). The book is beautifully illustrated by Len Simon, with the images and expressions just right for kids. The animals are cute and cuddly (well, most of them!) and the scenery is pretty- we all know that we are visual creatures, and that the illustrations for kids especially are nearly as important as the story to keep them interested. They will love both the pictures and the story here, and it’s available now in time for the holidays for just under $15.
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Filed Under: book review, Holiday Gift Guide, holidays, kids, review Tagged With: books, Christmas, kids books

Tiggly Shapes are Great Educational Toys

November 23, 2014 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Disclosure: The Tiggly Shapes mentioned below were 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

My daugthers are at that age where they love to learn new things and explore the world around them. they were huge fans of the Tiggly Counts that we had used before that I was so excited to let them try out the Shapes as well.

About Tiggly Shapes:

These wonderful toys interact with 3 Free iPad apps – to enhance shape recognition and creativity!

Your child can now use the geometric shapes with the apps to help make their imaginations come alive.

These great educational toys help work on Shape Recognition, Creative Development, and Storytelling.

In addition to all of that, they help to Develop fine motor skills, spur creativity, and enhance spatial reasoning.

Healthy Holiday Gardein Meatless Hors D’oeuvres

November 20, 2014 by Samantha 2 Comments

The holidays are here, and so are all those wonderful foods we all love. From turkey on Thanksgiving, to Latkes on Chanukah, or Ham on Christmas, there are literally tons of great food to eat and eat way too much of. I suggest this year, you try to make a meatless hors d’oeuvres for your guests. This can be not only healthy, but delicious as well. Going meatless is also one of the trendiest ways to be healthy this year, both online, and off.

Going Vegan is one of the hottest fads right now, with #meatlessmondays as one of the biggest hashtags. Even celebrities are following the act, with Jennifer Lopez’s 22-day vegan challenge, which also had Beyoncé and Jay-Z involved as well. Going Vegan is getting easier then ever. There are even restaurants popping up around the country too so you can keep to your cuisine while still going out to dinner.

The health benefits of going vegan are numerous- not only do meatless proteins have less fat and no cholesterol. Plant proteins are rich in vitamins too. These all greatly reduce risks of cancer, obesity, and diabetes.
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Filed Under: food, review Tagged With: food

Van Gogh Vodkas – The Perfect Holiday Drink

November 18, 2014 by Samantha 4 Comments

When you think of the word Van Gogh, the average person thinks of a work of art. Some know a few paintings, some may not, but all know he was an artist and a master at that. When you hear of Van Gogh vodka similar thoughts occur- artistic and special vodkas for those special occasions when only the best will do.

Van Gogh are constantly updating their flavor,s and two of these perfect flavors are Double Espresso Vodka and Rich Dark Chocolate both of which are perfect for dessert drinks. Also these are perfect for when you want something a bit more than a coffee or a glass of milk but want a splash of something extra. The Double Expresso makes form mouthwatering adult milk shakes while the rich dark chocolate complements a rich coffee quite well. Another easy way to prepare a simple drink with these vodkas is on the rocks or with a touch of club soda. Both of which let the drinker appreciate the complexity of the flavor of the vodka without the alcohol punch. Below are a few more ideas for Van Gogh vodka recipes. Enjoy.
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Filed Under: food, Holiday Gift Guide, holidays, review Tagged With: drinks

Pillow Pets New Mystical Styles

November 18, 2014 by Samantha 2 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest. Please see “Disclose” tab for more info.

Who doesn’t love Pillow Pets? They have so much more to their line now then the original pillow pets, like new slippers, sweatshirts, blankets, and more. Hey, ANYTHING that will make sleep seem like fun is groovy with me. Need something to keep your little ones in their own bed? Do you need a travel buddy for the car, plane, and hotel? Try Pillow Pets, they make sleep time fun and encourage little ones to get to bed.

Here is what Pillow Pets has to say;

“Since 2003, My Pillow Pets have been bringing smiles to faces of all ages. The concept for the snuggly companions was the brainchild of a San Diego-based mother of two, who had grown tired of picking up stuffed animals strewn about her children’s rooms. What began with the simple goal of transforming a traditional stuffed animal into a functional item for children has grown into an amazing jungle of popular products.
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Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, kids, review Tagged With: Holiday Gift Guide 2014, sleep, toys

Need Winter Boots? Quick, Head to Stride Rite!

November 18, 2014 by Samantha 3 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest. Please see “Disclose” tab for more info.

We all know that with winter upon us, snow will follow (and for some, it has already started). You don’t want your little ones to be without snow boots when the time comes, so if you haven’t yet, grab a pair. We just got these Merrell Snowbank Waterproof Boots from Stride Rite, and my son says they are super warm.

While we have not had the chance to test them in the snow yet (thankfully) we did try them in the rain, and his feet stayed dry. I also like the way they look- very cute.

A bit more info on the shoes-

“The kid’s Snowbank mixes function and fashion. The elastic cord and lock lacing system offer a secure fit and cool look. This boot is great for winter weather because it features M-Select DRY and M-Select WARM to keep his feet comfy, cozy and away from moisture.”
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Filed Under: clothes and shoes, Holiday Gift Guide, review Tagged With: Holiday Gift Guide 2014, kids, shoes, winter

‘Tis the Season For New Shineys

November 18, 2014 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Looking to stuff a few stockings? Deck the halls, and put some great presents under the tree? Check out these fun ideas for the upcoming holiday season.

If your kids are into anime, all things Japanese, or simply cute plush toys, you will want to hear about Rilakkuma. Rilakkuma is very popular in Japan, and is now available in the USA as well. The story of Rilakkuma is pretty simple- three friends who live in Tokyo with a hard working woman named Kaoru. They go on adventures together, and make mischief while Kaoru is working. Known as a “mysterious brand”, although I’m not sure why, honestly, Rilakkuma and friends have been “a staple in the Japanese market” for more then ten years, according to David Ringer, CEO/President of AQI. Now that they are here in the USA, you can find out what they are all about with your kids- and honestly, tweens and teens should be interested in this as well, anime and Japanese crossovers are popular with many kids in that age group.

The friends Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori (two bears and a chick) love going on adventures, and encourage your child to be imaginative and creative in thinking up new ones as often as they would like. (They are also fun to cuddle with, and Rilakkuma has a zipper in it’s back for hiding or toting small treasures).

Rilakkuma and friends are currently available at FAO Schwarz and Hot Topic from $8.99 to $199.99 in price.

For adorable stocking stuffers, head to http://www.schleich-s.com/en/US/ and find all sorts of creatures, animals, and your favorite cartoon characters in figurine form. Schleich, makers of realistic collectable figurines and toys, caries everything from Smurfs to chickens to unicorns and more. If your child (or collector friend) is into it, they likely carry it. Some of the most popular items are the riding sets, horses, and Peanuts characters. The riding sets come with a horse and rider, with details so intricate you know that they were designed by an artist. They also come with harness, saddle, and everything you could need for your duo to ride into victory. You can buy the horses and humans separately of course as well. The horses come in breeds, and are again very detailed, as are all Schliech products. These are both heavier then your average plastic toy and collector quality, nice items that you gift-ee will cherish.
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Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, review, toys Tagged With: Holiday Gift Guide 2014, toys

Rilakkuma and Friends – a unique holiday gift

November 18, 2014 by Samantha Leave a Comment

It’s about that time of year, where we are all looking for the perfect gift. Some people are easier to shop for then others. Kids can be easy- or not so much. Tweens and teens can be harder to shop for as well. I recently discovered Rilakkuma, a Japanese brand that is now here in America as well. With so many cartoons and toys made popular in Japan that have become hits here in the USA, Rilakkuma caught my eye.