Does Your Child Have a VTech Toy on Their Christmas Wishlist? #HolidayGiftGuide

Christmas is just weeks away and I'm sure many of you are almost done with your holiday shopping. If you're like me, you have a young child to shop for who loves toys.  Since Scarlett is just about two years old, her interests are changing and growing all the time.  As a mom, it's important to me that my child have toys that disguise teaching through play.  VTech is a brand that I can rely on as a parent and feel good about.

VTech Toys is the world leader in age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children.  The brand focuses on toys that help children learn through play.  The brand line-up includes VTech learning toys, Go! Go! Smart Friends, Go! Go! Smart Animals, Go! Go! Smart Wheels, Baby Amaze, VTech Baby, Flipsies, and more.  All of VTech's toys are engaging and will hold your child's attention for hours.  You can guarantee that any small child has a certain VTech toy on their wish list this Christmas.

Scarlett's been very interested lately in castles, princesses, and dollhouses. They've been able to keep her busy and occupied for a long time and I'm happy that she's enjoying them.  The Go! Go! Smart Friends Enchanted Princess Castle is right up her alley and something I knew she'd enjoy.  Your little one can enjoy the castle from age 18 months all the way up to 5 years old.  They will love exploring each magical room with Princess Darla for tons of fun everyday.  Scarlett has many VTech toys in her toy box and plays with them on a regular basis. 

The beautiful palace expands to four feet long and has a variety of luxurious rooms including a ballroom, music room, kitchen, bedroom, and observation tower.  There's five MagicPoint locations that let kids experience Princess Darla's friendly personality, lights and more.  Children will love the light up buttons that introduce words, colors, letters and numbers, as well as magical melodies and sing-along songs.

This castle is not only adorable but very colorful too.  Children will be instantly attracted to the bright colors and will want to play with it right away.  It comes with a Princess Darla figurine, but you can buy separate figurines for it.  Scarlett was instantly interested in the castle and took to it right away. There is some assembly required.  Each room does something else and I was impressed at how much the toy offered her.  I even found myself playing with it alongside her! Scarlett loved the songs and smiled when she heard them.  I'm always interested in toys that teach colors, letters, and numbers such as this one because that's what she is currently learning.

The figurines are chunky and easy for her small hands to hold.  Scarlett has been playing with the toy a lot and it seems to be her current favorite.  I wish I had a toy like this when I was her age, I know I would have loved it.  What girl doesn't love a glamorous castle to play with?

There's no denying Scarlett's love of animals.  Dogs seem to be high on her list of animals and she gets excited whenever she sees them when we're out. She also loves our dog Lynnie and enjoys helping to feed her, walk her, and give her dog treats! Since she's wanting to have more responsibility,  the VTech Care for Me Learning Carrier would be an ideal pick for her.

This learning carrier is an interactive pet carrier that lets little ones take their adorable plush pet anywhere.  You can put the puppy inside the bright pink carrier or take her out to hear playful phrases when opening and closing the door.  The activity panel on the side is packed with learning fun that teachers colors, shapes, pet care and more.  Each button offers a new surprise that your child will love.  The carrier also includes four pet care accessories so toddlers can groom, feed, and play with the cuddly puppy.

If you have a small child in your home and own a dog, this really would be a perfect toy to help teach your child pet responsibility while having fun.  The plush, soft puppy has a sweet face and Scarlett enjoys hugging and smiling at her.  Scarlett has no trouble opening and closing the carrier and likes to put the puppy and the dog comb inside.  The large and colorful buttons are easy to push and she likes to hear the different sounds and songs that the toy broadcasts.

I like how the dog and all of the pieces store inside the carrier for easy storage.  We're always losing or misplacing pieces to Scarlett's toys so it's nice to have them all contained in one space.

The toy is really cute and Scarlett has been having fun playing with it.  Since the carrier is small, it can easily fit in a toy box or on a shelf when not being played with.

Scarlett is enthusiastic about both toys and I know will have fun playing with them for some time to come.

If you're looking for VTech toys for your child for Christmas, these two would be great options and would make them smile on Christmas morning.

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to VTech for providing me with product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Carter's Gives Back This November In a Big Way #CartersSweetDreams

Now that the holidays are here, most of the world is focused on themselves and their families.  Whether we're holiday shopping, planning our Thanksgiving menu, or decorating for Christmas, we have to remember that there are people in need too.  The holidays are a time of giving as well as receiving.  

On Tuesday November 29th, parents and holiday gift-givers can feel especially warm and fuzzy about their purchase of cozy Carter's pajamas this year, thanks to the manufacturer's donation program.  

For every Carter's pajama purchased online or at one of the retail stores on November 29th, Carter's will donate one of America's favorite jammies to children in need for up to 100,000 pairs.  With close to 900 styles, including 1-piece, 2-piece, 4-piece and gown options in cotton, flannel, and fleece in sizes newborn to 12 years, parents and gift-givers are sure to find the perfect cozy pajamas this holiday season.

This year marks Carter's first program, inspired by #GivingTuesday, a pro-social movement that encourages manufactures and other participants to support charitable giving on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Scarlett has worn nothing but Carter's pajamas since she was born almost two years ago.  When she was a newborn, I depended on Carter's for their sleep and play outfits with the cute prints.  We love their cotton two-piece pajamas in the summer and the fleece one piece zip-up's in the winter.  

The pajamas come in so many different styles, colors, and patterns that you'll always find a new print to adore.  Carter's produces quality pajamas that are affordable, wash well, and last.  Scarlett has been wearing the fleece pajamas this fall and they keep her cozy and warm, especially when the temperatures get pretty chilly at night.  All children should go to bed in the utmost comfort.

It's terrible to think that a child may not have pajamas that are warm enough this holiday season.  No child should have to be cold or hungry.  You'll be making your own children or grandchildren happy this Christmas with warm Carter's pajamas, and many other children in need too. 

Let World Kitchen Make Your Table Extra Festive This Holiday Season #HolidayGiftGuide

When people envision the holiday season many different things may come to mind.  Whether you think of decorating the Christmas tree, entertaining family and friends, or even holiday shopping, you can't deny that this time of year doesn't involve food.  The holidays are all about mouth-watering food that brings loved ones together.  A beautifully set table filled with fabulous treats will warmly welcome guests into your home.

World Kitchen is the headquarters for all of your kitchen needs this holiday season and beyond.  The website offers products from trusted brands like Pyrex, Corelle, Corningware, Baker's Secret and more.  You can choose from dinnerware sets, bakeware, kitchen accessories, plate sets for starters. Whether you're looking to buy some new glass container sets from Pyrex or set your holiday table with plate sets from Corelle, you'll surely find everything you're looking for from World Kitchen.  The prices are affordable and there are so many different styles, colors, and themes to choose from.  Keep World Kitchen in mind all year round for any of your cooking needs.

I'm always in the kitchen whipping up new recipes.  One thing that everybody needs in their kitchen no matter what is mixing bowls.  A quality mixing bowl set is so versatile and can be used for so many things.  Whether you're making cookies, banana bread, or even mashed potatoes, the bowls come in handy for anything you want to make.  Stack your bowls together to conveniently store together when not in use.

Now that Thanksgiving is here, it's essential to set your table with beautiful bowls, platters, and serving trays.  Since mixing bowls can be used to serve anything, why not use Vintage Charm's Inspired by Pyrex mixing bowl set? The gorgeous orange dot motif would be ideal for serving nuts or fruit in it as appetizers to your guests.  They also make wonderful hostess gifts too.

I'm actually a big fan of the old-school Pyrex patterns from the 1960's and 1970's.  I own many pieces such as the casserole and divided dishes.  It's fun to use them and the items are definite conversation starters.  The best part is that you can't buy them in stores anymore and they aren't everyday pieces that anyone could have.  I was excited to see that Vintage Charm has a Pyrex inspired line.  Who wouldn't want to bring some old-fashioned kitchen fun into their home?

The 3 ceramic bowls comes in a 3, 6, and 10 cup variety that would add a beautiful touch to any kitchen.  I actually used the bowls to make brownies for a Thanksgiving sweet treat.  The 10 cup bowl came in handy and was ideal for holding all of that beautiful brownie batter.  The bowls each have a different orange dot pattern on them that is adorable.  The pattern fits in perfectly with my old school Pyrex bowls and actually looks like it's vintage, even though it's not! 

The colors on the bowls are bright and vivid and really catch your eye. When not in use, they stack inside each other and can be stored away in a closet or cabinet.  I didn't find the bowls heavy at all to hold.  The smaller bowls would be ideal for mixing batter for pancakes, waffles, or even ingredients for omelets!

I'm very satisfied with the mixing bowls and can't wait to use them in the future for any of my mixing needs.  They will definitely come in handy throughout the holiday season!

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to World Kitchen for providing a product sample in order to facilitate this review.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Gifts From Baxbo Would Be Perfect Under The Tree this Christmas

Holiday shopping for many people has begun, or will begin on Black Friday.  I've been doing mine for a few months now as I like to get a head start on it.  While many people are shopping for presents to put under the tree for their loved ones, stocking stuffers are equally as important.  Everyone loves to see what's in their stocking on Christmas morning, whether it be candy, DVD's, or other small treasures they enjoy.

Baxbo offers a variety of unique and fun stocking stuffer ideas for the adults on your Christmas shopping list this year.  If you're looking for something untraditional to give a friend or put in a family member's stocking, they have a flask tie and a flask infinity scarf which comes in a variety of colors and styles.  Whether you like chevron or a solid color, there's definitely an option for everyone's tastes.  The tie and scarf allows the user to be fashionable while drinking up to 8 oz of their favorite alcoholic beverage.  With a cleverly hidden bite valve, nobody will notice.  If you have a family member who is partial to a certain liquor, this would be a useful gift for them.  

Everyone loves to have game nights from time to time.  Who doesn't enjoy inviting friends over to play a fun board game while surrounded by delicious food and beverages? I know I do! Baxbo offers jacks, backgammon, checkers, chess, and dominoes to gauge anyone's game interest.  You could even feature dominoes or jacks in a stocking stuffer along with a flask tie or flask scarf too! The unique thing about Baxbo's games is the design along with the roll-up game board that is waterproof and tear proof.  All of their game boxes are produced from a thick durable cardboard and are very high quality.  

The great thing about games is how versatile they are.  Board games truly work for any age and any recipient would be happy to receive any game from Baxbo.  Plenty of my friends have game nights where we spend hours talking and playing various games, it's always a great time! All children love lining up dominoes and pushing them down to see the cause and effect, it provides hours of fun and is mesmerizing.  If you have a child on your Christmas shopping list, they'd certainly enjoy dominoes or even jacks as a Christmas present or stocking stuffer. 

Everyone has that certain someone on their Christmas shopping list who either has everything or who is extremely hard to buy for.  If you're having trouble coming up with the perfect present for them, let Baxbo help.  The recipient will be absolutely thrilled!

Keep Baxbo in mind for any of your present or future holiday gift-giving needs, they'll be happy to hear from you.

Use coupon code FREESHIP to receive free shipping on any Baxbo order. 

Have a Great Workout with Valleau Apparel

I've been working out solidly for over a year now and have never felt better.  If joining a gym is going to be your New Year's Resolution, it's a great one to have.  When you work out not only do you look and feel better, but it's the best possible thing you can do for yourself. Make sure you buy some cute workout gear to wear to the gym too!

Valleau Apparel makes sure that every woman wearing their brand looks and feels fabulous. The brand offers women quality American-made fitness attire that is both functional and fashionable.  With sports bras, leggings, outwear, tank tops, and shorts, you'll feel great and ready for a successful workout.  Each piece emphasizes fashion forward patterns and vibrant colors that make it a multifunctional line for the everyday active women.  The clothing is perfect for the gym, yoga at the beach or park, or even just doing errands around town.  If you're looking to spice up your exercise clothes, Valleau Apparel is the brand for doing so.

When it comes to workout clothes, I prefer to have pieces that are bold, fun, and memorable. Of course I have solid-colored prints too, but the patterns make working out more enjoyable. I'm always on the lookout for more vibrant patterns that stand out to me.  When I came across the Galaxy Leggings from Valleau Apparel, I knew they were meant for me.

If you have a wild side, you'll surely enjoy the Galaxy Leggings.  The breathable material is perfect for working out and the crop legging is flattering to every body type.  Feel free to wear the hot pink convertible color block waist band up and down depending on your personal preference.  

The leggings fit me absolutely wonderfully and I couldn't be more happy with the fit.  I don't like overly tight workout clothes where you feel like you can't even move.  These pants are beyond comfortable and really allow you to freely move and get a good workout in.  The galaxy print is creative and I love all of the vivid colors featured with it.  You can certainly say these leggings aren't going to be worn by anyone else at yoga class!

Since the pants feature so many colors, that means they'll be easy to match a top with. Choose from a solid black shirt, pink, purple or even green for a great fitness look.  You can go for a long-sleeved, short-sleeved or even sports bra too.  Since I live in New England, it's cold right now and I'll be wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the leggings.  In the summer, I'll pair them with a short-sleeved shirt.

I'm very satisfied with the leggings and look forward to wearing them to exercise on a regular basis.  Keep Valleau Apparel in mind for any of your fitness needs.  

Healthy Meals You Can Whizz Up This Winter

Are you preparing for the holidays? Are you busy at work or rushed off your feet with the kids? If so, you probably haven’t got much time to devote to cooking. At this time of year, life can get hectic. But that doesn’t mean you need to have to take out restaurants on speed dial. Here are some healthy meals you can whizz up in no time.

Before you start

Before you start creating magic in the kitchen, you’ll need a blender. As the holidays approach, this is one of the best times to buy new appliances. Stores are competing for your custom, and there are discounts everywhere. Look out for promo codes or a Blendtec sale, for example. Once you’ve got your blender, read the instructions, and then follow these simple recipes.

Fruit and vegetable smoothies

One of the best ways to start your day is with a smoothie packed with goodness. When you buy smoothies from shops and cafes, they often contain a lot of sugar. They can also be pricey. Making your own is a healthier, cheaper option. Choose fruit and vegetables that you like, and combine them to create a nutritious breakfast shake. Strawberries, banana, and mango work well together, and kiwi, lime, and apples are a great combination. Kale and spinach are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Blend them with apples and bananas, and add a splash of lemon juice. When you’ve got a blender at home, you can experiment with different flavors, and find your favorites.

Image from https://pixabay.com/en/green-smoothie-healthy-frisch-juice-1383437/

Oatmeal muffins

If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to breakfast staples, why not try oatmeal muffins? Blend together oats, bananas, eggs, Greek yogurt, and honey. Add vanilla extract, baking powder, and baking soda. When you’ve got our mixture, spoon into a cake tray, and bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees.

Homemade soups

Soup is a simple, cheap, hearty meal for the winter. You can eat soup for lunch or dinner, and there are so many variations to try. If it’s throwing it down outside, why not warm the cockles with a bowl of leek and potato soup? All you need to do is chop your leeks and potatoes. Gently fry the leeks, and then add your potato, vegetable stock, and seasoning. Add the mixture to your blender. Add a sprinkle of salt and serve with fresh wholemeal bread.

Image via https://www.flickr.com/photos/stone-soup/7870877582

Asparagus pesto pasta

Many of us enjoy an indulgent bowl of pasta in the winter months. This quick and easy recipe will provide you with a tasty supper in minutes. Before you get your blender out, grill your asparagus spears for around 5 minutes. Chop them up and then add them to the blender with almonds, garlic, salt and lemon juice. Sprinkle some nutmeg, place the lid on, and you’re good to go. In the meanwhile, boil a pan of water and add fresh pasta. Cook for 2-4 minutes, and then drain. Add your pesto to the pan, and mix together.

If you don’t have time to labor over a hot stove, don’t worry. With the help of a blender, you can whizz up these tasty treats in minutes.

When purchasing a number of ingredients it's worth looking for voucher codes to help save you money.  

Milk Chocolate Peppermint Bark Is a Perfect Treat for the Holiday Season

One of my absolute favorite treats of the holiday season is peppermint bark.  I can't remember exactly when I first discovered it, but I've been enjoying it for years and years.  There's just something about that smooth and rich chocolate combined with zippy peppermint.  It's a dessert that will surely make your belly smile.

Peppermint bark is a great gift to give friends and family for Christmas, and it's so easy to make too.  You can give it in a nice seasonal tin for a gift that'll rank high on their list.

You'll need two 12 ounce packages of milk chocolate chips, as well as the same amount of white chocolate chips.  Two teaspoons of peppermint extract and 8 crushed candy canes are also essential.

Line a 12x18 inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil.  Melt the milk chocolate in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each melting, for 1 to 5 minutes (depending on your microwave.) Do not overheat or chocolate will scorch.  Stir in the peppermint extract.  Spread the chocolate evenly in the prepared pan, chill until set, about 30 minutes.  

Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe glass bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after eau melting, for 1 to 5 minutes.  Stir in 1/4 cup of the crushed candy canes, and then spread the white chocolate mixture evenly over the milk chocolate.  Sprinkle the remaining candy cane pieces evenly over the white chocolate layer.  Chill until set, about 1 hour.  Break into small pieces to serve.  

Keep Cold and Germs Away This Flu Season with FluiDesign

Cold and flu season is in full swing! This dreaded time of year is hard to avid and most people catch a bug or two throughout it.  It's essential to ward off those germs and bacteria as much as you can by being diligent about washing your hands.  Take extra time to soap up those hands throughout the day to ensure you won't be feeling sick and miserable, it'll be worth it!

FluiDesign offers a liquid soap pump dispenser for kitchen and bathroom countertops.  This stylish rust-proof brushed stainless steel provides a precision balance for one-handed use. Whether you choose to use the soap dispenser in your kitchen or bathroom, the sleek and modern stainless steel finish will look gray with practically any decor.  Fill it with your favorite hand soap whether it's cucumber melon or coconut, and you'll be ready to wash your hands whenever the need calls for it.  The screw-off nozzle allows for easy refills that will never leave a pool of soapy residue like some soap bottles do.  You'll want this soap dispenser in every bathroom!

I recently realized that my downstairs half-bathroom did not have a soap dispenser.  My kitchen and other bathrooms had a soap dispenser and I liked the sophisticated look it gave.  For whatever reason, I've always just put a bottle of hand-soap in the bathroom and called it a day.  I'm not exactly sure why I never had a dispenser for the half-bathroom before, but it was now time to change that!

My half-bathroom features a ceramic sink with a stainless steel faucet as well as a mirror that has silver elements to it.  I knew that the soap dispenser would look fabulous in that room and compliment it well.

Since the bathroom sink is small, it's actually really convenient that this soap dispenser is small and doesn't take up much room.  The product is not heavy to hold at all and the stainless-steel finish is very attractive and sleek.  I had no issues having the soap dispense with each pump, and it came out freely.  I have a wonderful fruity smelling soap in the dispenser and my hands smell great each and every time I wash them.

The soap dispenser looks fabulous in my bathroom and it seems like it's been there all along! I definitely won't miss having to clean a pool of liquid soapy residue from underneath the soap bottle frequently. This makes life so much easier and cleaner too!

If you're looking to give you bathroom or kitchen a boost of personality and style, why not give it a makeover from FluiDesign? 

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to FluiDesign for providing a product sample in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

No Goody Bag is Complete Without Items from OhMyPartyFavors!

Think back to when you were a kid and you were invited to a birthday party.  What did you consider the best part? Beyond the cake and ice cream, all children love the goody bags that you receive for coming at the end of the party.  I remember not being able to contain my excitement as I tore into that bag of treasures.  You had no idea what was inside and the suspense killed you!

OhMyPartyFavors is an Etsy shop ran by owner Audra out of Hawaii.  Audra creates party favors guaranteed to make your next child's birthday a true success! The unique favors are personalized to your child and each one contains mini coloring pages and crayons.  Choose from a theme like Sesame Street, Paw Patrol, Mickey or Minnie Mouse, or you can even create your own design that reflects your child.  All of the birthday party guests will absolutely love them! The favors go great on their own or included with additional items in the goody bag.  It'll certainly be a favor you cannot purchase at your local party supply store.  

Since I now have a child of my own, goody bags are something I have to plan and put together for Scarlett's future parties.  I had a Halloween party for her friends last month and handed out goody bags for it.  It was actually really fun to buy and plan out everything that went into the bags for the first time ever!  Of course I loved seeing the smiles on all of the children's faces when I handed them their bag on the way out.  It definitely makes you feel like a parent!

Since Scarlett's birthday party next month is Sesame Street themed, I wanted to have a really nontraditional item in her goody bag to hand out.  I did purchase some themed items online, but they are the requisite Sesame Street figurines, erasers, etc that are common.  Nothing is out of the ordinary, but when I came across Audra's Sesame Street personalized favors, I knew they'd be the perfect item to put in the goody bag.

If you're a parent of a toddler, you're probably familiar with the "Elmo's World" segment on Sesame Street.  Scarlett absolutely loves it, so how cool would it be for her to have her own "Scarlett's World" personalized favor? It includes Elmo coloring pages as well as four Crayola crayons.  The top section of the favor says "Scarlett's World", while the back says brought to you by the letter "S" and the number "2." Audra staples and puts everything together herself, leaving you nothing to do! This is a very creative handout and something that parents will definitely notice.  Also, what toddler doesn't love to color? I can't think of a better favor, honestly!

Audra did a fantastic job of creating all 10 favors and they each came out so nicely.  I'm even excited about them! The colors of "Scarlett's World" are vibrant and bold and look just like the colors and font of Elmo's World.  Dorothy, Elmo's goldfish is even included too! The coloring pages are perfect for little hands and include a mix of the main characters.  I love that the crayons provided are perfect for both boys or girls, as the colors aren't overly feminine.

If you're looking for a really fun and uncommon way to celebrate your child's next birthday party, how about putting some party favors from OhMyPartyFavors in the goody bags?

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to OhMyPartyFavors for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Celebrate Your Next Birthday With MaddyHandMade

Scarlett's second birthday party is in less than one month! Can you believe she's going to be two years old? The time just flies by.  Since her party is going to be Sesame Street themed, I knew she needed a personalized banner to represent that.  I have no creativity personally, but I really admire those who can create beautiful handmade birthday banners and signs.  Thankfully, any personalized decor you could possibly need is available at your disposable online.

MaddyHandMade is an Etsy shop run by owner Maddy.  The shop was born three years ago when Maddy was looking for invitations online but couldn't find anything she really liked. She decided to create her own invitations and the rest was history.  Maddy has been asked to make birthday, thank you, and graduation invitations.  There are so many beautiful designs at MaddyHandMade that I know you'll instantly love.  If by chance you don't see exactly what you're looking for, she'll work with you to create an invitation or a banner of your dreams.  Keep her in mind for your next invitation needed occasion! 

The birthday banner that I had in mind for Scarlett's party could not be bought in a store, it had to be custom made.  I was envisioning a sign with lots of beautiful colors, scalloped details, and of course Elmo! Maddy did have a Sesame Street banner for sale in her shop, but it was not exactly what I was looking for.  When I pitched my design idea to Maddy, she ended up creating the most gorgeous banner, and I couldn't have asked for anything better!

This is the photo I was sent of the banner from the shop owner.  I did not want to hang up the banner for my own picture before her December 10th party and have anything happen to it or become damaged.  It wasn't worth the risk to me, so I hope you'll understand why I used this image.

How beautiful is this banner? Elmo is Scarlett's absolute favorite Sesame Street character so I know she'll be over the moon to see him hanging on her banner.  Maddy did a wonderful job of hand making each individual letter and square, and I truly love the scalloped detail. The peach, red, light pink and white colors are all so feminine and compliment each other well.   I'm beyond happy with how the banner turned out.  Scarlett is a girly girl and this banner represents her style so well.  I wish I had even a quarter of the talent that Maddy possesses!

I can't wait to hang it up on the day of Scarlett's birthday and see how she reacts to it.  I know she'll love it and point to Elmo and smile.  The tiered style of it is unique and will make it easy to hang and take up less room on the wall.

Please keep MaddyHandMade in mind for any of your next party or occasion needs.  She'll be happy to help you come up with a design of your dreams.  I'm sure I'll be using her in the future too.

*Use Coupon Code SBOL10 to take $10 off a $20 purchase at her shop.*

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to MaddyHandMade for providing a product sample in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own 

Treat Your Feet to a Pair of Skuze Shoes Today

My husband is simple when it comes to fashion.  He's not the type to want to go shopping frequently and he's happy with his wardrobe.  I'm always trying to get him to expand his style horizons and try new patterns or colors.  To say he's open to the idea would be a lie! He likes what he likes.  One thing that I feel that he doesn't have enough of is shoes.  It's important for everyone to have a variety of shoes for certain occasions in their closet.  When's the last time you treated yourself to a new pair of shoes?

Skuze Shoes is a new brand of premium lifestyle footwear for men and women.  The emerging casual brand distinguishes itself with its signature "ultimate lightweight comfort" shoe.  Skuze features several key proponents that work together to provide a comfort fit, support, and durability.  You can choose from black, blue, pink, brown, or red depending on your preference.  With the ultralight construction of the shoe weighing only 5.5 or 6.3 ounces, it'll feel like you're walking on a cloud.  

The shoe features skuzeprene material which is snug yet breathable, conforming to the contours of the foot to provide natural fitting comfort.  Any pair of Skuze shoes is perfect for going to the gym, or just hanging around town.  They'll be your new favorite go-to comfort shoes that you'll always want to wear.

Jay is not the type to buy new shoes often.  He runs a lot and occasionally has to buy a new pair of running shoes when his old pair wears down.  Other than the running shoes, he never buys new shoes.  I can't understand how he's not interested to have more than a handful of shoes, it boggles my mind! I'm always in the mood to buy new shoes.  

When I came across Skuze shoes, they looked like shoes I could envision in his closet.  You know how you can just picture someone wearing a certain shirt or specific necklace? That's how I felt about these shoes.  They just screamed Jay! 

The Miami Blue was the pair I could see him walking around town in.  If you're looking for a stylish shoe, these are the option for you.  It combines looks, form, and function for taking on the day.  What more could you want out of a shoe?

Jay absolutely loved the shoes and he was interested in trying them on right away.  Who could blame him though? They were great looking shoes.  They fit him comfortably and he had no trouble getting them on.  The bright white bottom pairs with a modern and sleek black and blue upper dot pattern.  I love the combination of the black and blue together, it's very pleasing to the eye.

The unique thing about the shoe is that it features no laces, but has a bungee lacing system. This makes life so much easier since you don't have to untie and tie your shoes every time you go out.  Jay is really enthusiastic about how much he loves the shoes and can't wait to wear them out more.  

Since the shoe has neutral colors it would look great with gym clothes at the gym, or with a nice pair of jeans and a black zip-up to keep warm this Fall.  The styling possibilities are endless, use your imagination to pair an outfit around Skuze shoes.

Go ahead and treat yourself or a loved one to a new pair of Skuze shoes today, they'll absolutely love them!

*DISCLOSURE* I received a product sample in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own.  

SnuggieTails Will Keep Your Child Stylishly Warm This Christmas #HolidayGiftGuide

Now that the temperatures are dropping, Scarlett and I are staying inside more and more. We either play in our playroom or go to her friend's houses to keep her occupied.  As it gets colder, there's nothing more comforting than wrapping yourself up in a blanket on the couch.  Scarlett and I like to watch some of her favorite shows together during the day underneath a large blanket.  Of course there's always snacks involved!

SnuggieTails has launched a durably stitched fleece wrap for children and teens featuring their favorite underwater characters.  The adorable and unique product is created from the inventors of the Snuggie, the infamous blanket with sleeves.  SnuggieTails are completely machine washable and come in child sized styles such as a clown fish, killer whale, pink mermaid, dragon, rainbow fish, shark, dolphin and penguin.  The Blue Mermaid is available in a teen size to keep them warm all year round.  Each wrap encloses heat and is made of quality fleece.

Your child will love lounging around in the cozy wrap and essentially being a fish, shark, or dolphin anytime they want! The product fits most children of all sizes comfortably.  All children will enjoy how soft and warm the wrap is and will want to use it to watch TV or lounge around in.  Keep SnuggieTails in mind for a fun Christmas gift for that special little one on your list.

Lately, Scarlett has been enjoying watching TV in our bed which I call "the big bed." She likes to lay under the covers and watch Sesame Street or another one of her top shows.  I know she likes all the space that my bed offers as well as being like mom and dad.  I thought it would be fun for her to have her own special blanket for her to lay around in, plus who doesn't want to be a mermaid whenever they have the chance?

Forget a standard throw blanket, it's all about SnuggieTails now.  Although Scarlett is only about two, that doesn't mean she's too little to enjoy being an adorable underwater creature! The mermaid wrap features bold pink and yellow hues that immediately draw you to them.  She fits well inside the wrap and thought it was hilarious to see the bottom half of her body be transformed into a mermaid! 

I had to envy her coziness from afar as SnuggieTails do not make blankets for adults. Scarlett seemed very comfortable and was excited about her new adventure as a Mermaid. Since she's so little, there's ample room for her to grow into the blanket and be able to use it for years to come.  She was very happy to wear it while playing with her puzzles and toys today.  Who can blame her? I'd like to be wrapped in warmth and comfort whenever I can too.  The good news is that since I'm so short, the blanket fits me as well!

It's easy to see that this will instantly become her new favorite blanket.  Since it's machine-washable, I can throw it in the wash and have it be ready for use again in no time.

If you're looking to gift your children with a blanket that is out of the ordinary and fun, this is definitely the pick for you.  

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to SnuggieTails for providing me with a product sample in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own.  

Make a Thanksgiving Breakfast This Year That The Whole Family Will Love

If you're looking for something delicious to have for breakfast on Thanksgiving morning, I have the perfect recipe for you.  It combines salty and sweet and is utterly fantastic.

These Cinnamon Roll Turkeys from Pillsbury will delight your entire family and they'll be asking for seconds! Don't forget to wash them down with a nice cup of joe, or icy cold milk. They are easy to make and an adorable way to celebrate the holiday. 

Hello tasty cutie

Ingredients:

1 can (17.5 oz) Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls with icing

10 slices of bacon

5 candy corns

5 red mini candy coated chocolate candies

10 candy eyeballs

15 mini pretzel sticks, cut in half

Steps:

-Heat oven to 350F.  Line cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper 

-Set icing aside.  Separate dough into 5 rolls; place about 3 inches apart on cookie sheet.  Unroll each one about an inch, and tuck dough into roll to create neck of turkey.

-Bake 20 minutes or until light golden brown.  Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack and cool 5 minutes.  

-Meanwhile, cook bacon until crisp; drain on paper towel-lined plate.  Cut bacon slices in half.  Tuck 4 halves of bacon into the back of each cinnamon roll so they stick up and look like tail feathers.  

-Drizzle top of rolls with icing.  Decorate turkeys with candy eyeballs, candy corn, and candy-coated chocolates.  Before serving, place halved pretzel sticks underneath each turkey to resemble feet.

Enjoy! Let this become a family tradition to have for breakfast each Thanksgiving morning.  

Scarlett's Sesame Street Themed Second Birthday Party

Scarlett turns 2 on December 9th, but her party is going to be the next day.  Last year her birthday was at a restaurant and it'll be so different to compare this year versus last year! Since she loves Sesame Street, it's going to a themed party! I want this birthday party to be all about her and everything she loves.  At her first birthday she was so young and didn't have as many interests as she does now.  Plus she wasn't even walking!

I've been planning the party for a few weeks now and I'm so excited for it.  I honestly can't wait, it's going to be so much fun! We're having a little under 25 people and I'm pulling out all the Sesame Street stops possible.  My guests will be having pizza, snacks, and cake.  I'll be making chocolate covered Oreo's with edible Elmo decorations on them, as well as cutting out S's and 2's with a cookie cutter on cheese slices.  

I've ordered so many decorations already that I don't even know if I'll have room to display everything! Thanks to Etsy, I'll have Sesame Street character themed cookies as well as number 2 cookies.  Of course the cake will be themed too.  

I hired a balloon twister and face painter to come to the party too.  The kids will absolutely love this! I'm sure Scarlett will want Elmo drawn on her face. 

There will be themed signs next to all of the food such as Mr. Hooper's veggie platter, Bert's fruit, Elmo's goldfish, Big Bird's pizza, Oscar's stinky cheese, etc.  I'm taking Etsy for granted for all of my decor needs since I do not possess any creativity! 

There's a couple other big surprises that I'm not going to give away at this point, you'll have to stay tuned to her party pictures to see! 

Order Your Holiday Photo Cards This Year From The Stationery Studio

Now that it's November, it means the holidays are approaching.  This time of year is my absolute favorite! Between the baked treats and the holiday cheer to the lights and the memories, it's magical! You can't think about the holidays without holiday cards of course.  I love to receive them from my friends and family just as much as I love to send them out.  It's not too early to start thinking about what you want your card to look like this year!

The Stationery Studio is the online leader in personalized stationery and gifts for all occasions.  Whether you're having a holiday or Christmas party and want invitations or decor for it, you can definitely find all of your paper needs at The Stationery Studio.  They've been featured in USA today, Good Housekeeping, and even on The Today Show! You'll love their housewarming gifts to gift someone who just bought a new house, as well as personalized home decor.  

Everything from the company is gorgeous and certainly a conversation starter.  Keep them in mind for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and any other relevant event or occasion!

This year has just gone so fast.  Can you believe that we're getting closer to 2017? It's scary how time flies when you're not thinking about it.  I'm not the kind of person who leaves everything to the last minute.  I've been holiday shopping for quite a few weeks now and am already planning my Thanksgiving menu.  Of course I was interested in designing my holiday cards well in advance when I had the opportunity to.

The Stationery Studio offers so many different themes and designs for you to choose from that it actually can be a little overwhelming! Do you want a card with 2 pictures or 4? How about a card with snowflakes or a snowman on them? You see how there are many choices for you to consider.

When I came across the Lagoon Floral Flourish Holiday Photo Card, I knew it was a great choice.  I wanted something elegant that didn't scream Christmas.  With the soft aqua and gold flower design, this was an ideal option for wishing friends and family holiday greetings.  The photo cards come with a fully printed design card back and include blank envelopes.  You have the option of selecting the shape of the card to be used.

Once I had my photo card chosen, the hardest part was choosing which pictures were card worthy to use.  I knew that I wanted to have a picture of Scarlett in the middle, and her with my husband and I in the other photo spaces.  Once I decided on the 3 pictures, it was easy to personalize the rest.  The personalization process was very straight forward and only took me a few moments to do.  You cannot change the font or where it says "Happy Holidays" on top.

I'm very happy with how the cards turned out.  The photos are high quality while the text is clear and easy to read.  The order came beautifully packaged in a blue box with tissue paper. All I have to do now is buy a book of stamps and mail them out, which will happen in the next few weeks.

I can guarantee that my friends and family will absolutely love the card, and it will bring them great holiday cheer.

Keep The Stationery Studio in mind for all of your personalized gift needs for all occasions, as well as holiday cards! 

Make Your Front Door Happy this Holiday Season with a Wreath from NorthWest Wreaths #HolidayGiftGuide

There are many things you can do to the outside of your home to give it personality.  You can plant flowers and add lawn decorations for starters.  One thing that doesn't get as much love is the front door.  Usually a front door is a basic color that sometimes has the house number displayed.  How come we always forget to give the door the love that it deserves? It's time to put a beautiful wreath on the door and make it a focal point of the house this holiday season.

Northwest Wreaths makes it their mission to bring the very essence of Christmas onto every wreath that they create.  The wreaths and centerpieces are fresh, handmade, and come in many different beautiful styles.  It'll smell like Christmas every time you step outside.  With Northwest Wreaths, you'll have the most beautiful wreath on the block each and every year. Choose from such wreaths that feature holly, pinecones, bows, and more.  They are high quality and will bring you happiness and joy for years to come.  Delight a friend or family member with a gorgeous wreath this year.

The holidays are my absolute favorite time of year.  From the delicious baked goodies and treats to the cheer and lights, what is there not to love? It's never too early to start enjoying the festivities in my opinion! Now that Halloween is past us and it's November, it's time to decorate.  

I like to decorate for each holiday as much as I can.  When you decorate your home, it becomes fun, warm, and inviting.  Plus, my daughter likes to help put out the decorations too.  There's no reason why you can't decorate the outside of your home just as much as the inside.  A gorgeous wreath on a door makes your guests feel warm and welcome when they enter your home this holiday season.

The love that I felt for the Winter Sparkle Wreath couldn't be denied when I saw it, and I knew it would look fabulous on my door. This wreath certainly brings in the holiday season with a bang.  You'll love the festive mix of glittery ornaments in crimson, gold and green. The wreath of nobel fir and red cedar is accented with gilded leaves and branches.

A command hook made hanging this wreath a cinch, and in minutes I was looking at the beautiful and vibrant wreath on my door.  The hook held it securely and I had no worries about it falling.  The scent was aromatic and it smelled like being a field of Christmas trees!

The glittery ornaments were stunning and really brought an element of magic and pizazz that I loved. There's no denying how vibrant and alive the colors are, and the wreath is certainly a conversation starter.

I'm very happy with the quality of the wreath and can't wait to have it up on my door all season long. Entertaining during the holidays is what I do, and I know my guests will love it when they come over!

Why not order a wreath for yourself or a loved one today? It'll make you smile each time you see it.

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to NorthWest Wreaths for providing a product sample in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own.