Marketplace Africa – Eco Friendly Gifts That Give Back to the Community #GiftGuide

November 28, 2018 by 1 Comment

If you want to shop sustainably this year, support small business, or like to avoid big box stores, I’ve got a shop for you. If you just like unique and high quality products at a reasonable price- this is a shop you will love. Marketplace Africa has clothing, bath and body products (and I’m in love with some of these already), purses, bags,- really, gifts for everyone on your list. GREAT hostess gifting as well. Thoughtful gifts anyone would love to receive.

This online platform lets Africans can sell their one-of-a-kind handmade goods to the US, UK and entire global market.  Now customers seeking to purchase a unique gift this holiday season can feel good as they are buying directly from the source in Africa which in turn helps boost the economy. The site offers fabulous products in fashion, jewelry, handbags, body care, and select home décor items.

shop small

MarketPlaceAFRICA.com is an E-commerce platform created for African designers and entrepreneurs to tell their stories and sell their products directly to consumers everywhere, with no start-up costs. Business owners can stay focused on what they love to do most while expanding to international markets. They have a partnership with DHL, the leading global logistics experts in Africa,that lets these small businesses navigate international shipping regulations and meet the delivery time expectations of global customers. As you shop from African small businesses, you can select from familiar, safe payment methods, and have the products shipped to your home with confidence and security. It’s totally a win-win.

For more information on Marketplace Africa visit www.marketplaceafrica.com

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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

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Really Tall Man? Try TallOrder.com (And Enter to WIN! )

January 24, 2018 by 74 Comments

 

Got a really tall guy on your shopping list? TallOrder.com isan online fashion brand that caters to the big and tall market, provides socks for men with big feet, shoe sizes 12-20. It’s a category that has been severely underserviced – until now. Family, friends and significant others with tall men in their lives can gift them with an accessory that helps them express their personal style.

 These socks are soft and comfortable to wear, as well. Long enough to cover as much as you would want to, and fun themes and patterns to choose from. A portion of your purchases will also go to “Tuesday’s Children”, a nonprofit organization that helps children after traumatic events.

A little bit about the founders;

“Standing at 6’11” and 6’9”, twin entrepreneurs from Long Island, Mike and Dan Friedman, have been reaching new heights all their lives. Growing up, the brothers stood out for their size and were commonly referred to as the “Twin Towers.” Sadly, this nickname would take on a much different meaning when they were 11 years old and lost their father, Andrew Friedman, in the World Trade Center attacks.

The Friedmans were overwhelmed by the unwavering support and kindness they received from their community and several amazing charities, including “Tuesday’s Children,” an organization that played a vital role in their lives after 9/11 and supports youth, families, and communities impacted by terrorism and traumatic loss. While caring for the families of nearly 3,000 victims of 9/11 was truly a “Tall Order,” people went out of their way to show The Friedmans their love and generosity.

In this spirit and by recognizing a niche in the men’s market, Mike and Dan created TallOrder.com to offer their fellow “Tall-Stars” stylish socks for large-sized feet, while also giving back to “Tuesday’s Children,” an organization that has deeply impacted their lives. Ten percent of TallOrder.com’s profits will be donated to “Tuesday’s Children.”

You can view the entire collection here.

Customers who purchase Tall Order socks are also giving back – proceeds from TallOrder.com are donated to Tuesday’s Children, a nonprofit that offered support to co-founders Mike and Dan Friedman after losing their father on 9/11.

You can also enter to win here- feel free to enter using the RC form below.  Ends Feb. 8, 2018. Good luck.

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Holiday GIft Guide- Hot Toys For kids

December 20, 2017 by Leave a Comment

With only about a week to go, you will be on the lookout for the hottest toys for the little ones in your life. These are a few we think will make those kiddos shriek with delight as they tear off the wrapping paper.

Last year’s hit toy, Hatchimals, are back with an ever bigger surprise inside. The all new Hatchimals Surprise have let you hatch two sweet and cuddly Hatchimals out of the same egg- that’s right, you get twins. As you play with and hold your colorful egg, the Hatchimals inside make all sorts of sounds to let you know they are trying to hatch. When they are about ready, you will see their rainbow eyes and they will begin to “push” their way out of the egg. Even though they are twins, they are unique in personalities. As you interact with them, they learn new tricks and habits, like how to talk, dance, sing, tell jokes, play games, repeat what you say, and more. They also interact with each other, both being sweet and occasionally arguing, like any siblings will. Get yours for around $60 in stores and online.

Did you ever want your own droid? I know I have. Now you can, which is very cool and interactive- Droid BB-8 . It is pretty lifelike in scale, at 16 inches tall (19 inches with antenna) so it will feel like you are a true Jedi or padawan. BB-8 glides about just like his movie counterpart and can have pretty realistic interactions, as well as lights and sounds. Put on the “Follow Me” mode and have him roll next to you. You can use voice recognition (which is pretty sticky sometimes) and it has remote control capabilities as well. Hero Droid BB-8 is a great gift for any Star Wars fan, young or old, new to the films or long time aficionado.  Grab yours quickly (these run out at times) for about $150 in stores or online.

 

Family Game Night a big deal in your house? Have you ever tried Headbandz? This fun game is great for all ages- though for non readers, you will have to whisper their “who” in their ear for them. At the start, every player gets three chips and a card with a personality on it to stick in a headband. When it is your turn, turn the timer and ask “Yes” or “No” questions to guess who you are. If you are right, hand in a chip and go again. If you are wrong, you lose your turn. The winner is the first person to hand in all their chips. It is a fun, not too challenging game that will have everyone laughing and trying to figure out who is who. Get yours in stores or online for about $12.

Another fun Family Game Night option is Escape Room The Game from Spin Master. This fun game brings all the fun of the physical “escape the room” craze into your living room, and you and your family can play together and as often as you would like.  You all work together to solve each puzzle and to find hidden clues before your time runs out. The “Chrono Decoder” counts down from 60 minutes as you play your choice of four different adventures.  Pick yours up in stores or online for about $35.

 

If you want to play your kid one on one, or teach them some fun strategy, check out Othello. It is a two-player game that has you outsmart your opponent to win. Your goal is to trap and capture your opponent’s pieces in a game that is decided so play by play, the winner often isn’t decided until some of the last pieces are left on the board. This is available in stores or online for about $15.

If you and your children like hands on projects, building, or robotics, this toy will be your fast favorite. The latest Meccano robot, M.A.X., has both Artificial Intelligence and customizable programming so that you get to build a pretty one-of-a-kind robot.  Little hands build upon or start their knowledge of programming and robotics as they give their robots flair and personality. M.A.X can be controlled using voice commands, buttons in his MeccaBrain, or via free included app.

M.A.X., a S.T.E.M. robot, has expressive facial graphics that are designed to engage kids. He is both a learning tool and tons of fun. Some of the other items M.A. X. comes with are a gaming platform, he can tell jokes, has built-in infrared sensors thatcan avoid obstacles , and so much more. If your child loves to learn, and has hands that like to be kept busy, she will love M.A. X. You can grab yours for about $99 in stores or online.

 

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Win Holiday Books for the Family

December 18, 2017 by 56 Comments

With the holiday right around the corner, you will be looking for fun gifts for the family and for friends. If you are looking for great books for little ones, check out these fun titles- these classics will be read and re-read for years to come.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Crochet (Thunder Bay Press; $24.99; Ages 3 and up): From bouncing Bumbles to Yukon gold, you’ll love these adorable amigurumi figures from the classic television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! This cheerful kit contains all the materials you’ll need to create Rudolph and Santa. Colorful photos and step-by-step directions in the 76-page instruction book will also guide you through crafting the Bumble, Charlie-in-the-Box, Dolly, Spotted Elephant, Hermey, Moonracer, Mrs. Claus, Clarice, Sam the Snowman, and Yukon Cornelius. Warm up your crochet hook for this group of charming holiday characters!
T.E.A.M. Rudolph and the Reindeer Games (Silver Dolphin Books; $17.99; Ages 3-7): We all recall the most famous reindeer of all. But how much do you know about the story of the Reindeer Games and the other eight reindeer? Well, now you can know the whole story, meet the rest of Santa’s trusted reindeer, and learn what it means to be on T.E.A.M. Rudolph!
 
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Pop-Up Book (Silver Dolphin Books; $19.95; Ages 3-5): Start a new holiday family reading tradition with this delightful pop-up retelling of the beloved Christmas story. Just in time for its 50th anniversary, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is now a stunning pop-up book, a treasure for generations to come. All of the classic characters join Rudolph for his North Pole adventure: Hermey the elf/aspiring dentist, Yukon Cornelius, and the doe-eyed Clarice. The impressive large-scale pop-ups re-create classic scenes using actual movie stills. Fly along with Rudolph, join in the reindeer games, flee from the Abominable Snow Monster, visit the Island of Misfit Toys, and save Christmas one foggy night. Most importantly, be touched by the timeless story of acceptance and the true meaning of the holiday spirit.

One of you can win copies of these great books- just enter using the RC form below.
Good luck, ends Dec. 26, 2017.
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Holiday Gift Guide- For the Home

December 13, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Getting ready for the family and/or friends to head over for some holiday celebrations? If you are like us, you are. Here are some items we are loving right about now as we deck the halls and cook too much.

The Ninja® Intelli-Sense™ System with Auto-Spiralizer is perfect for meal prep, and has a “smart” base with a touchscreen that lets you choose between four high-performance appliances. Intelli-Sense Technology lets you use a Smart Menu of choices for each appliance on it’s base, and it’s both easy to clean and durable enough for regular use and wear as well, so you don’t need to worry that because it’s high tech, it’s super delicate- it’s not.  It also comes with a recipe book with creations by chefs you can make at home using your new machine(s). Choose from items like home made pastas, margaritas, pizza dough, fresh salsa, and much more. You can pick yours up at retailers nationwide for about $269.99.

The Ninja® Cooking System with Auto-iQ™  is another fantastic four appliances built into one machine- you get the ever-useful slow cooker, a stove top, a steamer, and an oven you can use for baking. One of the cooler aspects of the Auto-iQ is that it lets you choose from more than 80 pre-programmed recipes (as well as whatever other recipe you choose). All you have to do is add the ingredients, select a recipe from the included cookbook, and the Auto-iQ will cook it.  Really. If making meals in one pot weren’t easy enough, doing it at the push of a single button makes it almost too easy- almost. Pick yours up wherever kitchen gear is sold for about $149.

Gatherings mean extra cleanup- and you will love The Shark® IONFlex™ 2X DuoClean™ Cordless Ultra-Light Vacuum. Yes, the name is a mouthful, but it also describes what it does. It’s  cord-free vacuum with DuoClean™ technology, that comes with two rechargeable ION batteries so that you can be charging one while using the other- never any downtime. It also has MultiFLEX Technology which gives it a flexible reach for under furniture but also easy for storage. The DuoClean Technology means that it has a bristle brush for a deeper clean in carpets as well as a soft brushroll to pull in bigger floor gunk- it covers all it’s bases. It also has a handheld vacuum so you can clean hard to reach spots, the couch, ceiling, take it out to the car, or wherever it’s needed.   It also comes with lots of extras, like an Anti-allergen dust brush, MultiFLEX under app wand, cradle, and more.

UPDATE- after about 2 months of use, this vacuum was totally useless. It stops working constantly, overheating, clogging, dirt etc won’t go to the correct space to empty, shuts itself off,  etc. I have sent it back for replacement, which was incredibly difficult and time consuming. Customer service ran me in circles. After I got the replacement, guess what started happening? If you guessed the exact same problems, you’d be right. Don’t waste your time and money on this one.

laser tag

You will want to keep the kids busy while you are getting the house ready- and you can even get them outside if the weather is cooperating at all- with the new Laser X laser tag game. The new Laser X has an updated, technologically-advanced laser blaster system that features sophisticated electronics and optics which gives players up to 200 feet accuracy. The game only needs two players, but can have many more then that. The system knows when the players are being hit, shooting, hiding, running, or more- though from what we can tell, if you “hide” too long, it tells you to “run!” and gives your spot away- not a good hide and seek buddy, haha.  It is available in sets that equip two players for $49.99 or that equip one player for $24.99.  The Long Range Blaster ($39.99) and Gaming Tower ($39.99) are also available.  Gets yours at GetLaserX.com.

laser tag toys

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Great Holiday Toys For Kids (And Kids at Heart)

December 5, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Getting ready for the holidays can involve a fair amount of shopping for the kiddos. Here are a few items we know are sure to be on a lot of lists this year.

 

If your children love cars, or shows like Pokemon or Battlebots, they will enjoy the Power Rippers™ 2-IN-1 Competition Set. This set is very complete, and makes a great gift that comes with everything you’d want or need. It includes a Track Set and Battle Arena, dual loops that you can reconfigure for side-by-side racingas one long track, a crash zone and “epic jump” when your toys reach the end of their track. They can use the Battle Arena to- you guessed it, battle each other (or mom and dad).   The set comes in its own case, which makes for easy storage, clean up, and take along as well. Grab yours anywhere that sells toys for about $29.99.

Justice League BIG-FIGS™ take action figures and super size them for giant fun and BIG play. These are great for both the kids and collectors in your life- ok, and the “big kids”, too. ( I can think of more then one adult who would love them.)  Choose from Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, and my son’s favorite, Cyborg.  They are detailed, though not fully articulated, and include items like soft capes and removable accessories.  These BIG-FIGS™ are priced right at $19.99, so they are a “big” value as well, considering the regular sized figures usually start at about $11.99.

Have a Nintendo fan? Have they played Splatoon? (If not, you guys are missing out, as we have mentioned previously, it is a lot of fun!) This toy is based on the hit videogame by Nintendo, the Splatoon™ Splattershot Blaster brings into real life all the fun, mess (not really!), and strategy the game is all about.  You and your kids can play all day with these blasters that fire water-based compound up to 30 feet.  Each Splattershot Blaster comes with a pair of Inkling Goggles and two compound canisters that are good for up to 50 shots each.  You can get yours on stores like Amazon for about $29.99. I’d pick up at least 2, so you can play together.

Based on the hit Disney movie, the Glow ‘N Style Rapunzel doll showcases her blonde hair- on this doll, down to her toes. Your child will spend hours of styling and playing with it.  When they push a button, Rapunzel’s signature magical hair will glow as she sings the award-winning song from the show, “I See the Light.”  She wears her well known dress and coordinating shoes, and comes with six hair clips that your child can also wear. One is even in the shape of her chameleon pet, Pascal, which is adorable.   The suggested price of this doll is $34.99, but I’m seeing it for prices all over the chart, so shop wisely.

Smooshy Mushy are an adorable and new collectible craze that your kids as well as any adults who like to fidget will love- honestly, these serve a dual purpose.  Fun and useful! Inside each Smooshy Mushy package you will find one of eight random Pets. Unwrap it’s container to find out which scented Smooshy Mushy you will find- even the packaging is cute, really- milkshake or ice creams, for example.

Every pet comes with a “Bestie” they like to tag along with, so make sure you keep them together.  Each of the currently available 24 food themed sets also comes with a “what’s your smooshy name?” game, a nametag, mini container, stickers  a poster.  There are also rare and ultra-rare Pets. $9.99

You can collect more Besties by picking up a  Smooshy Mushy Snack Pax.  These are 39 random blind bags which include a Bestie, a poster, and a game. $2.99

Have you started your Advent Calenders yet? It’s not too late if you haven’t- and PLAYMOBIL has a fun variety to choose from. You can choose from sets like Santa’s Workshop or an NHL Hockey theme, or even a more non traditional set like the “Jewel Thief Police Operation” which is fun and silly -every day, your child opens another door and finds a new surprise waiting behind it. There is also a cardboard backdrop to place figures and toys/props on, to help create the intended theme should you so desire.  Don’t forget the non-holiday sets as well- PLAYMOBIL recently released super fun playsets from Ghostbusters (with highly accurate details, lights and sounds, great accessories, and more) and How to Train Your Dragon. Prices vary, but we love PLAYMOBIL for their long term play use, creativity, bonding time, as well as how well made and sturdy they are. These are definitely on our holiday lists this year.

 

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Decorating Your Outdoors for the Holidays

December 4, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Getting ready for the holidays? These decorations are super fast and easy to put up- as someone who isn’t the tallest person in the world, I can appreciate non-strand-light holiday lights, LOL.

Say goodbye to tangled Christmas lights and giant inflatables that deflate into a messy heap on your front lawn. These two Christmas décor/lighting products for the home that are a snap to install and low-maintenance.

Star Shower Window Wonderland is a projector that transforms your windows into animated holiday displays. Place the projector near any window, hang the included screen, and choose from six included holiday movies to play with the touch of a button. Turn dreary windows on dark wintery nights into colorful, entertaining exhibits in minutes. This product is also great for apartment-dwellers. (Video: https://tinyurl.com/ybvsqe2n.)

Next, use Star Shower Slideshow to transform the entire front of your home into a merry canvas of dazzling color. Setup is easy—choose the slide you want to use, insert it into the unit, and watch it play. Star Shower slideshow is safe for use in wet winter weather and covers up to 3200 square feet with colorful, LED light images of snowflakes, bows, trees and more—and can be adapted for indoor use as well. (Video: https://tinyurl.com/y9doevqz.)

These very easy to use, easy to set up decorations are great for the winter holiday season- and for other holidays, as well. And they aren’t expensive at all, so you will definitely get your money back on use.  Depending on where you buy them, I have seen them online and in stores as low as $20, so you really can’t go wrong. Check it out for yourself!

Happy holidays, Seasons Greetings- and enjoy your decorations.

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