Portable North Pole Toys for the Holiday Season #GiftGuide

December 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Portable North Pole (PNP) brings the magic of Christmas to life with personalized video messages and calls directly from Santa to children young and old. Children (and parents) have sent more than 210 million videos globally since they started 10 years ago.

New for 2018 – the10th Anniversary of Portable North Pole- a line of adorable products, toys and plush dolls that lets kids live the magic of the season while encouraging good behavior:

  • NEW! Letters to Santa Kit: Take your personalized video to the next level using the Letters to Santa Kit, as the included video message reply will include your child’s hand-written letter. Each kit comes with stationary, envelopes, festive Christmas stickers and an officialNorth Pole post office stamp and ink pad. MSRP $12.99.
  • NEW! Twenty-Four Sleeps Until Santa Christmas Storybook:Kids count down the days of December with Santa! Every page offers the “Search and Find” game where kids hunt for Santa’s missing keys and a merry advent verse to read each day. Plus, the book can be personalized with a child’s photo and details. MSRP $12.99.
  • Do-Good Elf:Inspires learning about the true spirit of the holidays by encouraging kids to teach their elf the difference between naughty and nice.

The Do-Good Elf catches you doing GOOD vs. other elves that “spy” on you and report bad behavior back to Santa…

Comes with four (4) personalized videos where Santa checks in on the child teaching progress and more. MSRP $24.99.

  • Karamelli Santa’s Sweetest Baby Reindeer Plush and Okida Santa Playful Husky Puppy Plush: Children teach their cuddly baby pet about the spirit of Christmas. MSRP $12.99.

All toys will be available across North America at most Walmart locations and at Walmart.com this fall.

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, holidays Tagged With: , , , , ,

Gifts For the Gamer in Your Life #GiftGuide

December 1, 2018 by 9 Comments

If you have a gamer on your holiday shopping list this year, there are some fantastic games that have recently come out that we think they will really like.

LEGO fan? Who isn’t? No matter what age, in this house, everyone likes LEGO. Combine it with video games, then mix in the DC Universe, and you have the recipe for a win right there.

“LEGO DC Super-Villains” has just been released, and let’s gamers play as villains for the first time ever. In collaboration with DC Comics and joined up with DC Super-Villains including The Joker, Harley Quinn, Lex Luthor, Deathstroke, Killer Frost, Sinestro, and more from the Legion of Doom, players set out to create chaos and strike out against good.

Following the trio of “LEGO Batman” , it is a similar style action-adventure game featuring a features a two-player cooperative multiplayer mode. It is available for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

LEGO video games

For another LEGO game, check out “LEGO The Incredibles”.  Coming out in time to join the new Incredibles movie, this fun-filled game features all your favorite characters getting themselves into and out of trouble. Take control of your favorite Incredible and act out sections from the movie, recreate favorite scenes and home and family life. Make sure you battle and defeat all the bad guys and team up with other members of the family while you save the world, LEGO style.  Available for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

lego game

Can’t get enough LEGO?  We were really looking forward to the “LEGO Harry Potter: Collection” game, and cannot get enough of it. The LEGO Harry Potter games were the first ones that created a huge hub to interact between missions or chapters. There are many secrets to discover in Hogwarts and it’s grounds. You can play as many different characters once you unlock them, and you will need to do so in order to progress to different areas. This compilation brings LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 to the Nintendo Switch and Xbox One with both top-selling videogames remastered into one.  This game will cast it’s spell on everyone, young and young at heart alike.  Available now Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One.

best video games

“Scribblenauts Mega Pack” is a  new two-game collection which features entire versions of both “Scribblenauts Unlimited” and “Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure”. You also get special bonus content for both games. “Scribblenauts Unlimited” follows the storyline of trying to save your sister, who is trapped. You have to solve puzzles to save her. Each gamer can create and summon anything they can imagine, from characters like Mario to a puppy to a rainbow to whatever else. Your creations then run about in your world. You can share creations with other players, as well, by putting them in a “hub” or shop. This is a 1 player game.

Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure lets your imagination run wild(er) by combining the Scribblenauts world with thousands of DC characters and objects. Available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One.

yo kai video game

My child is obsessed with Yo-Kai, and I’m guessing he’s not alone. The latest Yo-Kai games, “YO–KAI WATCH BLASTERS: Red Cat Corps” and “YO–KAI WATCH BLASTERS: White Dog Squad“, let players team up with up to three other friends either at home or online (parents, be on your toes as to whom your child “friends” online) to fight the “Big Bosses”. Develop and use skills and special “Soultimate Moves” and befriend more then 400 Yo-Kai on your journey. These games are different from previous Yo-Kai games in that instead of playing turn-based battles, the “Yo-Kai Watch Blasters” games have gamers play in fast paced, real time battles and missions with action-RPG throughout. During these battles, you directly control your Yo–kai as you strategize with different skills and equipment to defeat bosses.

YO–KAI WATCH BLASTERS: Red Cat Corps and YO–KAI WATCH BLASTERS: White Dog Squad are available for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems for $39.99 each.

harry potter video game

Can’t think of any game that the recipient may not have? Give them a game-related item instead. Find the perfect present for the gamer in your life among these unique graphic tees designed by in-house and independent artists. You can choose from many game-related prints, pop culture-inspired designs, and Japanese animation graphics, among many others.

Filed Under: entertainment, gaming, Holiday Gift Guide, technology Tagged With: , , , , ,

Sudara Clothing – ethically made and helps women #GiftGuide

November 30, 2018 by 4 Comments

If you are anything like me, you like to shop as ethically as possible. Most companies and stores don’t give a fig about you, me, the environment, or anything other then profit. So, when you know brands that give a darn, they are ones you tend to do your shopping with.

give back

I’ve recently discovered Sudara. This brand came about because of a desire to help women escape sex trafficking in India.  12 years ago, Sudara partnered with a sewing center in India and taught six women how to sew a pattern for pants. The previous year,  founder, Shannon Keith, had returned from a trip to India and heard story after story of women who were sold into sex slavery. She also heard stories of women who were at a high risk of being forced into the sex trade by their families or picked up off the streets by local pimps. The reasons they were at a high risk? Because they lacked an education or the resources or the skills to, truly, have a choice.

She returned home from that trip and formed a small team of family and friends. They have since made 10 sewing centers and hundreds of women have found both freedom and living wage employment.

The pants are awesome. Comfortable, easy to wash and wear, pretty, and unique. The are no sacrifice to wear, and it’s great knowing that my purchase is helping other women and supporting a company that does good in the world.

They also are ethically and sustainability made for the good of the environment as well. They are a Certified B Corps, which means they meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability, and aspire to use the power of markets to solve social and environmental problems. So- you know. A good company to buy from. The good guys.

ethically made clothing

Sudara Brand Description:

  • Sudara is a lifestyle brand that creates jobs for women in India who are at the highest risk or survivors of human trafficking. They pay living wages and provide access to counseling, medical care and resources that empower women to create their own self-sustaining future.

  • Every pair of these Sudara Punjammies are made through living-wage employment by women in India who are at the highest risk or survivors of sex trafficking. Every purchase is an investment in Sudara’s freedom-filled work and empowers women who are working to forge a new life for themselves and their children.

  • Sudara offers beautiful and comfortable clothing with a freedom-filled purpose. Their women’s pajama pants, loungewear and robes are ethically-made in India through living-wage employment programs. Every purchase is helping empower women in India with the resources and skills they need to create a better life for themselves and their family.

Keep up with Sudara on social media as well- sudara.org  facebook  twitter  instagram

Filed Under: clothes and shoes, environment, Holiday Gift Guide, review Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Flex Brush – Perfect Stocking Stuffer for Anyone with Hair #GiftGuide

November 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment

If you have tangles in your hair, if you think your hair is impossible, hard to manage, or just makes you crazy, you will want to know about the Flex Brush. It sounds too good to be true, but it really works. I used it on my partner’s wild and curly hair, and it not only sailed right on through his tangles and knots, but didn’t hurt him in the process.

If you have a child who HATES hair brushing time, this will save both of you. Your sanity, their tears, and a whole lot of time. The detangling spray is also fantastic. For that extra added “easy glide”, it really makes things that much easier.  For one of the first times, I was able to run my fingers through his hair.

detangling brush

World-renowned celebrity hair stylist Angelo David Pisacreta, owner of the elite Angelo David Salon in New York City, and hair-tool veteran Jacob Guttman, founder and CEO of Creative Pro Hair Tools, introduce The Flex Brush™—an all-purpose tool that safely detangles hair, massages the scalp and promotes health and hair growth. The brush’s versatility, combined with its flex technology, make it the most forgiving hair brush on the market.

 flex brush

The Flex Brush™, designed for both wet and dry hair, bends to follow the contours of your head, massaging your scalp and stimulating the production of natural oils. The brush has vents that allow heat to pass through it, so blow drying won’t damage the brush. For ultimate detangling, pair it with FlexDetangle Spray, a revolutionary leave-in conditioner that increases flexibility to minimize damage during styling and detangling. Here is what sets The FlexBrush™ apart from other brushes on the market:

 

  • It is the most versatile brush on the market, so whether your hair is curly, fine, delicate or thick—or if you have extensions or a sensitive scalp—The Flex Brush™ is your go-to hair tool.
  • The Flex Brush™ is made from all-natural rubber, and the coating has a soft-touch finish that’s comfortable and easy to grip.
  • The Flex Brush™ is vented and super lightweight, so it can be used while blow drying. Air can pass freely through the integrated vents, resulting in much faster drying times.
  • Thanks to its flexibility, The Flex Brush™ gives your scalp a soothing massage that increases the blood supply to your hair’s follicles. Increased circulation helps increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients that are essential for growing strong, healthy hair.
  • The Flex Brush™ is especially great for detangling children’s hair. Unlike traditional brushes, it flexes to avoid snagging on tough knots, so there’s no pain. Plus, you get damage-free detangling on all hair types, whether hair is wet or dry.

 best brush for kids

About The Flex Brush™

The Flex Brush™ is the creation of two of the most innovative minds in beauty: Angelo David, owner and creative director of the elite Angelo David Salon in New York City, and Jacob Guttman, founder and CEO of Creative Pro Hair Tools. While on the beach in Aruba, Angelo was disturbed watching people destroy their hair, as they yanked rigidbrushes through knots, tearing ends and destroying roots. He contacted Jacob and together they designed The Flex Brush™—an all-purpose tool that detangles safely, massages the scalp and promotes hair health and growth. It is designed for both wet and dry hair.

 

The Flex Brush™ comes in three variations:

The Flex Brush™ Petite Mixed Bristle for SRP $19.95

The Flex Brush™ XL Nylon Bristle for SRP $19.95

The Flex Brush™ XL Mixed Bristle for SRP $25.95

The Flex Detangle Spray is available in two sizes:

the 2 oz bottle for SRP $6.95

the 8 oz bottle for SRP $17.95

Filed Under: beauty, gifts, Holiday Gift Guide Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Stocking Stuffers for Teen and Tween Boys #GiftGuide

November 28, 2018 by 1 Comment

 Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for pre-teen and teenage boys? Since (lets just be real here) boys are pretty gross in general, a personal care kit won’t go astray.  There are several kits to choose from by Prep U that help that “smelly boy” syndrome.

boys deodorant

It’s a fact of life that boys eventually start to smell. No matter how cute or precious they are, they begin to mature, their hormones change and odor caused by sweat and dirt naturally begins to appear with varying degrees of intensity. The idea for Prep U came from a frustrated mom of two active, smelly sons who couldn’t find a suitable solution for her boys. The only products currently on the market were designed for babies or left her kids smelling like a couple of frat boys. She created Prep U, a line of personal care products that are the perfect antidote to smells of boyhood, offering parents natural, quality products they can trust and kids a line of products that celebrates their growing independence.

I like that these are all natural products. There are plenty of options out there, but not many natural products that actually work well.

Prep U has 7 NATURAL products to choose from, with a different assortment of kits to suit the needs of different boys. There are also 3 kits to choose from;

boys bath and body

Travel Kit ($29) – Travel-size Body Spray, Active Dry Powder, Soap, and Natural Deodorant, all packaged in a compact Dopp kit bag offered in two colors

Starter Kit ($34) – A few of our most popular items including the Body Wash, Natural Deodorant, and Body Spray

Sport Kit ($32.50) – Ideal for the super active boy: Sport Soak, Natural Deodorant, and Active Dry Powder

We’ve tried several of these products, and my sons like them. My youngest, 11, tried the deodorant and body wash. My oldest, 19, tried the body spray and body wash. I prefer the smell of that body spray so much more then most others he has used- I really hate most body spray smells, truth be told. We all like the scents, and they both like the results. Check them out yourself and see what your boys think.

Happy Holidays!

Filed Under: beauty, Holiday Gift Guide, natural, review Tagged With: , , , , ,

Gifts for the Active Men in Your Life #GiftGuide

November 28, 2018 by 18 Comments

If you are anything like us, you want to be active and outside as much as possible. Colder weather complicates things, but not to worry. You can get outdoors and enjoy your vitamin D year round, just bundle up a bit. Check out these functional and eco friendly cool-weather options we are loving right now- they would be perfect for the active men in your life this holiday season.

eco friendly clothing

Stopping off at Trader Joe’s on the way home- active wear that is great as any wear

The perfect slip on shoe for indoors or out, the Original Stegmann is not only comfortable, but also functional. They are great for camping, running errands, and everything in between. They have fantastic arch and toe support, so if you have aching feet, issues like Plantar Fasciitis, or a bad back, these might be worth considering. They have free shipping and exchanges, so nothing to lose. Made with a Tyrolian & Merino wool blend into a single piece, it is then paired with an anatomically contoured cork sole that is balanced for both arch and metatarsal support. These shoes have a gentle slope which helps reduce ankle and back pain as well. These shoes as a whole are designed for comfort, so if that’s your thing- and honestly, whose isn’t- check them out at https://www.stegmannusa.com . Prices vary.

A brand we have really fallen in love with over here is Mountain Khakis. Not only are the products soft and durable, but the environmentally friendly fabrics and practices have completely won us over.  Take for example the Rainmaker Jacket. It’s all sorts of wet-proof (rain, snow, mud, etc), and it’s strechy as well. It’s also warmer then some raincoats, without being swelteringly-sticky-hot like so many can be. A nice medium-to lightweight, and easily layered. It has a removable hood, with welded seams and snap-closed patch pockets.  It has a relaxed fit and hits about the hip area. Best part? The eco-friendliness of this jacket. Polyurethane is a greener alternative to the traditional raincoat’s vinyl. It’s also more durable and is better for the environment in long term care and use. Polyurethane does not require the chemicals used to soften vinyl in the manufacturing process, and is eventually biodegradable, where as PVC (vinyl) never breaks down, and is usually incinerated.  This leaches toxins into landfills and emits carcinogenic dioxin into the air. Any reason to choose PVC over PU? Not in my book. Check out https://www.mountainkhakis.com for your jacket, available in several colors, for $139.

Your new go-to sweatshirt will be the Poker Flats Pullover, which is soft and cuddly, perfect for chilly nights.  Named for the inspiring Teton National Park, this namesake sweatshirt is also inspiring. With it’s certified recycled fleece (which is made using sustainable REPREVE® technology) fabric, each garment reuses about 25 plastic bottles in it’s creation. Half zip, relaxed fit  with a high collar that can be folded down, it also has a snap chest pocket and thumb thumb loops. It comes in two shades- one is several shades of blues and greens, the other is a deep red with shades of grey. Get yours at https://www.mountainkhakis.com for $85

The Old Faithful Pants are just that. The most comfortable winter all-around pants we’ve found in ages, we find ourselves living in these. As in, I’ve had to peel them off my partner to wash them, he doesn’t want to part with them that long (like when you have to wrestle that dress or much loved t-shirt off your toddler, and you need to promise to put it right into the wash, they can have it right back- promise!) I jest, but not much. Known also as the “campfire pant”, these  pants are made with recycled sweaters. They are both sweatpants and pants, with a drawstring waistband as well as a zippered fly. Yes, multiple pockets. The ribbed waistband and cuffs at the ankles keep the pants where you want them, and comfortably so. (Are you seeing that the themes here are comfort and function? Because seriously so.) Thicker then most sweatpants, but not sweaty-thick- just warm. The legs are slim fit, which surprised and weirded us out for a hot second, but only about one. Got used to them in no time, and they have become, as mentioned, our very favorites. These come in “oatmeal and black”, but seem really more like light grey and dark grey to the novice eye. $90 at https://www.mountainkhakis.com

Filed Under: clothes and shoes, Holiday Gift Guide, review Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Must Have Toy – Lunar Rover from GeoSmart

January 3, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own and honest.

My daughters absolutely love hands on playing. They love to build and create things, so I knew that the Lunar Rover from Geosmart would be a great hit for my girls.

Magnetism is a force that pulls or pushes. Youngsters are naturally attracted to magnetic construction sets for the simple pleasure of problem solving. The benefits of this delightful play are unlimited: creative thinking, pattern recognition, fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, decision making and even social abilities. Playing with these great blocks uses all the elements of STEM basics – science, technology, engineering and math principles.

About Smart Toys and Games, Inc.

Smart Toys and Games products develop logical thinking and problem solving skills in all ages through fun, challenging play. Each multi-level game from the SmartGames line is designed to move players through carefully sequenced levels of game play. Fun, durable, and compact, SmartGames are perfect for travel. Their construction sets allow children to explore the world of magnetism in a safe and creative way through making strong building structures and vehicles. Check out more about GeoSmart here.

About Lunar Rover:

Explore new horizons with the Lunar Rover. This 30-piece magnetic construction set features 5 different geometric shapes and wheels. Amaze yourself and your friends in building, then watching your roger go! The enclosed wheels bring movement to each construction.

  • 9 squares
  • 1 rectangle
  • 8 triangles
  • 4 diamonds
  • 2 trapezoids
  • 4 wheels
  • 2 wheel boxes

My Thoughts:

I absolutely love this set. My daughters love to build things. My middle child I really think might be a builder one day. I am always amazed by the creations that she comes up with. There are times that her creations are completely symmetrical (she’s only 4), and amaze me. Since we opened the box of the GeoSmart Lunar Rover, not a single day has gone by that my girls have not created something. My middle child even has to take a picture of each of her creations so that she has something to look at and do again if she wants to. The mom and the teacher in me finds it incredibly important for children to use their imaginations. I hate to see all the kids that have so much screen time today. I know that growing up we didn’t have a great deal of screen time—we played with each other and I love having products that help my children continue to work on their imagination. We will definitely be adding to our GeoSmart Collection. (We have other magnetic blocks and these are by far way better than the others that we have tried).

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing any of these awesome construction sets, head on over to Amazon and get yours ordered today!

 

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Skylanders Black Friday Deals

November 21, 2016 by Leave a Comment

black friday

If your children love Skylanders, you are going to want to know about these deals.

Black Friday Deals

  • Starter packs at $39.99 at all major retailers
  • Senseis at $9.99 at all major retailers
  • Portal Owners Pack at $25 at WalMart
    • Owners of Skylanders SuperChargers, Skylanders Trap Team, Skylanders Swap Force or Skylanders Giants do not have to buy the Skylanders Imaginators starter pack and can get the Portal Owners pack instead and use the portal from the other games!
    • Included in the Portal Owners Starter Pack:
      • Skylanders Imaginators Video Game
      • 2 Skylanders Sensei Figures –  Master King Pen and Golden Queen
      • 1 Imaginite Creation Crystal – Fire Creation Crystal
      • 1 Sticker Sheet
      • Collection Poster featuring the complete set of Skylanders Imaginator Figures

 

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide 2016, saving/money Tagged With: ,