Share Some Goodness this Holiday! Gifts that Give Back

December 22, 2015 by 8 Comments

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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Manduka, leader 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!

Filed Under: food, gifts, health, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, natural, review Tagged With: , , , ,

12 Days of Christmas with Teacher Peach @TeacherPeach123

December 18, 2015 by 8 Comments

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!

Filed Under: education, gifts, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, review Tagged With: ,

Christmas with Teleflora and Peanuts #SendCheer

December 18, 2015 by 7 Comments

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

Every holiday season there are some things we expect, like the neighbor with too many lights on their house and the Christmas specials on TV. Some of them classics that we will watch year after year like A Charlie Brown Christmas”, others not so much. A Charlie Brown Christmas special was first aired in 1965 and this December marks the fifth anniversary of the special which has aired on ABC every year since. The general story we all know and love. Charlie Brown has the feeling that Christmas has lost its meaning and has the blues, Lucy suggests a Christmas play of which Chuck must find the all important Christmas tree. Instead of a big full tree he comes back with a scraggly stick of a tree with an ornament on it. The tree thrives on a little bit of love and with the help of Linus share the true meaning of he season.

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To celebrate the fun of Peanuts, Teleflora is releasing two special floral arrangements, each with a special gift included.

One features the famous Snoopy laying down on his doghouse decorated for the holidays. This piece also doubles as a cookie jar and is filled with a beautiful festival floral arrangement, perfect as a center piece or just a conversation piece during your holiday get togethers.

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The second piece features the ice skating Peanuts gang decorating a festive holiday mug. The mug also has Snoopy features Snoopy on its handle. This arrangement is also holiday themed and comes with bright reds and whites as well as lush greens and red ribbons.

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The Snoopy Cookie Jar arrangement by Telflora is available now on teleflora.com for $59.95 and the Peanuts Christmas Mug is also available on teleflora.com for $49.95.

This is the cutest gift to send to friends and relatives near or far, and a great hostess gift.  Not only is it a lovely floral arrangement, but also an adorable Christmas keepsake for years to come.  Check out the website and choose the arrangement that speaks to you!

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide 2015, holidays, home, review Tagged With:

Win $100 Kohl’s gift card with Elf On The Shelf !

December 15, 2015 by 129 Comments

My son loves his elf.  He looks forward to coming down in the morning and seeing where his elf is, and what he has been up to.  I like that he elf watches what he is up to, and reports back to Santa.  Nothing better then a straight line to the big man himself.

Elf on the Shelf

So much to choose from!

My son named his new elf Tom, and since we like to travel, Tom does as well. Tom has proven to be a hardy fellow, handling suitcases, backpacks, car rides, and even plane travel with relative ease.   I suppose when you are used to flying around to and from the North Pole, Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico aren’t that big of a deal.

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Tinsel, Tom, and Amy take a trip with us to Great Wolf Lodge. Bob the Reindeer stayed home to guard the house.

Once Tom came to our house, it was time to get him ready for Christmas.  Thankfully, we have a Kohl’s nearby, and they have everything an elf could want for the holiday season. Have you seen the new Claus Couture Collection?  Perhaps your elf wants to doll up on occasion, not just wear his or her same old red elf outfit day in and day out.  There are quite a few outfits to choose from. Perhaps your elf wants a friend, a reindeer to fly back to the North Pole at night with.  (The new pet reindeer come with their own charm and cute story book as well.)  Maybe your child and elf want a friend in common- an elf friend that can snuggle up at night, that doesn’t need to fly back to the North Pole at all, but stays at home with you.  So many options to choose from!

Elf on the Shelf

Tinsel and Tom, dressed in holiday finery, waiting in the tree in our hotel room after flying back to Santa one night.

Then there are pajamas for your child (perfect for Christmas and the whole winter season), and flatware, take along cups, games, and more.  There is so much to choose from, and all to help you get your “Elf on the Shelf” on.

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Some of the “extras” my son chose- a pet reindeer, an outfit for him, and a snuggly Elf on the Shelf he named Amy.

My son has really enjoyed the new items and his new elf.  He had a great time choosing new items, new friends, and reading all about them.  His favorite thing, however, has been all the adventures they have taken together.

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It’s Elf on the Shelf time! Getting his new elf and reindeer out of the boxes and asking mommy to read the books.

As Christmas Eve approaches, he knows his new buddies will soon be going home until next year. (Well, except Amy- she gets to stay and help make “Welcome Back!” cookies when they arrive.)  While he will be sad to see them go, he can send them letters and get updates from them throughout the year, and we can’t wait to see them again when they return.

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Bob the Reindeer and his book that explains all about him and his travels.

If you haven’t gotten your Elf On The Shelf yet, there is still time!  If you have your elf, you can grab these fun “extras” as well, just head to Kohl’s – let your child help choose, it really thrills them.

Happy Holidays from me and mine to you and yours.

One of you can win a $100 Kohl’s Gift Card.  Feel free to enter by using the RC form below.  Good luck!  Ends Dec. 31, 2015.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide 2015, holidays, kids, review Tagged With: , , , ,

Armitron Watches- Be on Time for All Your Holiday Happenings

December 9, 2015 by 3 Comments

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/

Filed Under: fashion, gifts, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, review Tagged With: , ,

Got a Peanuts Fan? You Will Love the Vermont Country Store

December 7, 2015 by 7 Comments

Have you seen the new Peanuts movie yet?  It’s hard to believe there is a new one out- but even if you haven’t, surely you and your family love watching the Christmas Special every year.  It’s definitely one of our favorites, and is for our parents as well.

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The Vermont Country Store (with physical locations as well as online store) has an exclusive Peanuts Collection of apparel, holiday cheer, and home décor – just in time for the holidays. Here are some of my favorites:

Peanuts Portable Record Player: Vintage-looking, lightweight, great sound, compatible with digital devices and made by Crosley – plus to go with it, a holiday record from the Peanuts gang too!

Super Soft Pajamas:  Available for men, boys, women, and girls and decorated with exclusive prints

Peanuts Christmas Clock: Sings holiday carols on the hour – but also has a light sensor so that the Peanuts gang keeps quiet when the lights are out!

Winter Flannel Sheets Set: Check out the gang skiing and having fun on soft Portuguese flannel sheets

Campfire Night Light: Snoopy and Linus, an adorable night light – the campfire flickers and adds a glow to the room

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There are so many more options to choose from.  We got my son a pair of the super-soft pajamas, and he just loves them.  Let me tell you, the name doesn’t lie- they are as soft as they claim to be. He is so snugly in them, he gets extra cuddles from mommy-  and he doesn’t mind yet, I think I still have a year or two before he whines at me for that, LOL.

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They also came beautifully packaged- you can send them as a gift easily, and the recipient will be thrilled.  Even if you buy them for yourself or your children, it really does feel like opening a gift- it felt “special” when you opened it.  These would be such a fun “family” holiday greeting card photo or Christmas eve matching set, and it feels so nice against your skin.

Vermont Country Store

He was so excited, I couldn’t get him to stay still for photos, LOL

We loved these PJ’s- so much so, that we are likely going to be placing another order shortly.  We are thinking sheets and one of those super fluffy blankets for the bed- ours are in need of a winter upgrade, methinks.  The store is really fun to browse in, and even more fun to shop at.  This is the perfect time of year to place an order- anyone from Vermont knows a think or two about making winter a little warmer.

More About Vermont Country Store

Vermont Country Store is  a new England staple when it comes to quality home, outdoor, and food products. Their brand is kind of a throwback to a simpler time, and has a unique New England practicality. It’s also important to note that most of their products are exclusives or are hard to find elsewhere.

Filed Under: clothes and shoes, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, holidays, review Tagged With:

Visit Santa AND Shrek at the Cherry Crest Mall

December 7, 2015 by 6 Comments

Have your kids visited Santa this year?  How about a recent Shrek and Donkey visit?  No?  If you are in the general area, why not shake things up a bit and take not only a Santa photo, but a journey as well?  Complete with your favorite Dreamworks characters Shrek, Donkey, and friends.

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You get a whole experience, not just a quickie Santa’s lap visit and photo. Wait, no, the best part is that you don’t’ have to wait on a zillion hour line. You RSVP online for a time slot, show up, and go in. The line can be very short up to about a half hour.  Maybe the best part is that the kids were REALLY excited about all the stuff they got to do while on the journey, or that the price for the tour and photos are not any higher then they were for a typical Santa photo (The cost for a single photo with Santa at Radio City Music Hall is $25. At our local mall, it’s $20. Here, you get a a package of photos of your choice, in a variety of sizes, for $35.) There are a lot of “Best Parts”….It’s hard to choose the best-best part.
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Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide 2015, holidays, review Tagged With: , ,

Stackins Stackable Friends for the Holidays @funrise_toys #Stackins

December 5, 2015 by 3 Comments

Have you heard of Stackins Stackable Friends™ ?  They are really adorable, and would make the cutest stocking stuffers this Christmas, or gift for any child who loves cute stuffed toys.

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Stackins Stackable Friends™ is a collectible line of stackable plush animals with adorable facial features, available in two sizes, small and medium. These plush pets are perfect for stacking in play rooms, trading, sharing with friends or snuggling!

Claire’s newest furry friends include Dottie the Ladybug, Shiner the Mouse, Ivy the Blue Owl and Bouquet the Skunk   (pictured top to bottom).

Funrise is supporting the launch via an interactive Stackins microsite with videos, games and product information. Stackins animated webisodes will follow the fun antics of these furry friends and can be viewed on the brand’s YouTube Channel.

Stackins Stackable Friends™ are also available at Walmart stores nationwide.

Stackins Stackable Friends is Funrise Toys’ latest toy line featuring a collectible line of adorable animal-themed plush toys. Stackins Stackable Friends are currently available at Wal-Mart and Toys ‘R’ Us retail stores nationwide.

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Just in time for Christmas and the holidays are these newest, tiny Stackins!

Stackins Pictured: (Left to Right) Shiner The Mouse, Sparkles The Unicorn, Fawna The Deer, Rosie The Robin

I know a little boy that will love getting these adorable holiday themed Stackins in his stocking- time to get them while the getting is good and there are still some left.

Happy holiday shopping to you and yours- let me know how you like these cuties!

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, toys Tagged With: , ,