Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Wallables

One of the things I really appreciated about moving into our home last year was the opportunity to decorate my son’s room.  I really enjoyed having our little boy close to us (and most nights he still ends up in our bed at some point during the night) but it was nice to finally move him to his own room.  And because it was something new for him, we needed to build up the excitement so he didn’t view it as something negative (which it isn’t).  We (ahem…my husband) painted it this vibrant shade of blue and put up train decals and a chalkboard and did some other fun things to make the room come alive.

We were recently introduced to a fun, creative, and interactive way to decorate a child’s room.  Wallables are “a Soy-Based Foam Collection of 3-Dimensional Children’s Wall Décor.”   They come in both letters and animals and add some color, music, and depth to a child’s room.  They’re derived from soy beans (which means they’re eco-friendly) and easily attach (and are just as easily removed) to walls, doors, ceilings, etc. (anywhere really!).  The product actually uses a Velcro patch (which my son quickly figured out how to remove from the walls) but I haven’t had any difficulty with it taking paint off the walls.  We (my son and I both) really like how soft and squishy they are.

We received Aero the Airplane which includes a cute little cloud!  The face glows at night and it plays music when pushed.  Children will bask in their bright colors, and the fact that they glow in the dark and play music. Parents will appreciate the multi-sensory stimulation offered by the products.  Wallables “encourage babies and children to explore and grow accustomed to different surfaces and textures.”

The company recently partnered with the Dow Chemical Company to produce a safe and eco-friendly product for families while reducing their carbon footprint.  You can purchase Wallables online and prices range from $7.95 (letters) to $21.45.  Soon they’ll be launching their Disney line (which I’m very excited about!).

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

Halloween Blog Or Treat

A few days ago, we received a fun little surprise in the mail from Donna over at Mississippi Mama! This was part of The Mommy-Files’ Halloween Blog Or Treat.  It was super easy to participate…we just signed up and Shannon assigned us partners.  I had fun shopping for Rita from One 2 Try.  Honestly, I would have never met these 2 gals had I not signed up for this blog event (so thank you Shannon for hosting).  And take a look at what Donna sent us (including a little bag for my son).  Thank you Donna!!

Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Hooray by Cynthia Rowley Holiday Collection

I just love dressing my son up (and I can’t wait to dress our little girl up!).  And now that the holidays are coming, it’s the perfect time to find the most fashion-forward baby and toddler clothes for pictures, parties, and family gatherings.  I will admit that while I have purchased several high-end outfits for special occasions, it’s not something I make a habit of.

In September, Babies R Us launched an exclusive new line of designer baby clothes by Cynthia Rowley.  Hooray by Cynthia Rowley offers parents chic and trendy clothing at affordable prices.  Some of the items offered include bodysuits, coveralls, dresses, playwear, bibs, baby blankets, and diaper bags. And perfectly timed for the season is her holiday line.  Here is a little more information from the site:

The Hooray collection, inspired by Cynthia’s love of unique details and color combinations that can be mixed and matched, marks her debut in the baby products market. And, with layette and playwear ranging from $7.99 to $29.99, and bibs, blankets and diaper bags ranging from $5.99 to $39.99, the line will surely appeal to style- and value-conscious shoppers alike.

We received an adorable holiday outfit which included a gray and black plaid vest (Grandpa Vest), a pair of velvet pants (Dress Up Pants), and a matching velvet cap (Velvet Newsboy Cap).  The entire outfit retails for under $40.  From the look and feel of the outfit, I would expect to pay much more.  The fabric is high quality and the intricacies of an elastic waistband on the pants and a sweater back on the vest make the clothing comfortable for children.  The nicest, most expensive outfit is going to sit in a closet gathering dust if it’s itchy, stiff, or uncomfortable for a child to wear (particularly a toddler who now knows how to take his clothes off).

Some of the highlights of the line include “signature prints, plaids, and striped and dotted patterns.”  Only high quality fabrics are used including soft-corduroy and sweater knits.  I like the fact that the line expands all the way to 48 months and that the pieces are so affordable.  I only wish more of the items were offered online as I now do a majority of my shopping online (venturing out with a toddler to a mall at 7 1/2 months pregnant is NOT FUN!).

Babies R Us will continue to expand it’s Hooray by Cynthia Rowley line in 2010.  Look for specialty items such as bedding, soft bath, room decor, and more.  And I highly recommend going into a physical store for the most diverse choices!

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Wilton Gingerbread House Kit *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Helen S!

I grew up as an only child so I spent a lot of time doing things with my parents (specifically my mom).  We read stories and played games and dressed dolls and did crafts.  Every year around the holidays, we would go out together and buy a gingerbread house kit.  I have so many fond memories of our holidays together and this is just one of them.

For the first time (I know it’s early), we decided that my son was old enough to actually participate and enjoy making a gingerbread house.  Of course he needed a lot of help.  But he was talking about making the gingerbread house all evening (he even told my mom about it on the phone this evening).  I definitely want to continue this with our children in the years to come.

Thanks to Wilton, we had an opportunity to pick out a Gingerbread House Kit from their collection.  Knowing that a 2 year old wouldn’t persist through the assembly and drying process, we chose the Pre-Baked and Pre-Assembled Gingerbread House Kit (which was really smart).  I highly recommend this kit for those of you with young children who may not have the dexterity and attention span necessary to assemble a gingerbread house.  At this point, decorating is what really excites them (at least that’s the case for my 2 1/2 year old).

I had no idea that Wilton has been around for 80 years!  They make it so easy for people like you and I to make incredible looking (and tasting) cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats!  I’m sure you’re familiar with the company but here is a little overview from the site:

For 80 years, Wilton has been the industry leader in cake decorating, quality bakeware and food crafting. We are the number one resource for nationally-located decorating classes, proven supplier of professional Wilton decorating bakeware and provide step-by-step information online and thru our publications to help you make your celebration special with Wilton cakes, cookies, cupcakes and candy.

You don’t have to be a Martha Stewart to create professional looking cakes for any occasion.  Their website is incredibly informative and a great resource for everything from recipes to cake decorating to wedding planning!

But back to their gingerbread houses…which by the way, are so easy to assemble and decorate and a lot of fun!  All three of us got in on the fun…check out our video here:

While I’d like to bake and cook everything from scratch, it just isn’t feasible for me.  That’s why this pre-baked, pre-assembled kit is perfect!  The kit comes with everything you’ll need to decorate the gingerbread house, however, you can also purchase additional items such as their Gingerbread House Holiday Candies Assortment, Gingerbread House Handmade Icing Decorations, Gingerbread House Stand Kit, and Gingerbread House Frosty White Icing Mix (which were all used in the decorating of our gingerbread house).  To be honest, the kit came with enough icing to decorate the entire house and we STILL had plenty left for my husband to taste!  If you need gingerbread decorating ideas, just check out their site! Each house also offers it’s own ideas on decorating.  Just check the insert that comes with the house or online.

Since we did this so early in the season, I’m not sure how long it will last.  But no worries…we’ll be buying another before the holiday season is over!  This particular kit retails for $16.49 but Wilton offers several in prices that range from $12.99 to $49.99.

Win It! One of you will win a prize pack that will include the following: Pre-Baked and Pre-Assembled Gingerbread House Kit, Gingerbread House Holiday Candies Assortment, Gingerbread House Handmade Icing Decorations, Gingerbread House Stand Kit, and Gingerbread House Frosty White Icing Mix.  Simply leave me a comment with something fun and interesting you found on the site (other than gingerbread). Comments will close on December 1, 2009 at 10 pm PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Add the “Holiday Gift Guide” button to your sidebar and leave me a comment (be sure it’s up for the duration of the gift guide!)

Check out my Holiday Gift Guide and leave a comment on that site about a product you like! (Maximum of 1 Comment for this).

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest. Be sure to use the hashtag #holidaysurvivalguide

Enter Shannon’s giveaways (Maximum of 1 Comment for this).

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Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

How About a Night Out At the Movies? *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is  CMC.  Congrats!

I have a vague recollection of the last movie my husband and I saw (except I can’t remember what it was!).  Pretty soon it’s about to get even more difficult since we’re about to have a baby!  However, for those of you who aren’t about to have a baby, and would like a night out at the movies, you may want to consider a new promotion that General Mills is offering.

Going to the movies is expensive.  Right?  I remember when it was $5.00 to see a movie (and I’m not even that old!).  It’s not uncommon to find tickets upwards of $10-12.  Yikes!  No wonder we don’t go to the movies as often.  Between the 2 of us and dinner, that’s one very expensive night (and we don’t even have to pay for a babysitter!).

Starting in November, you can receive a free movie ticket when you buy 2 specially marked packages of General Mills’ Cereals.  Once you’ve made your purchase, visit http://new.emoviecash.com/gmills/ and enter the code found inside each box of cereal.  Then print your free movie certificate (good for admission to any movie at participating theaters).

The brands participating in this promotion include select sizes of Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Trix, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Puffs.  If your family eats any of these, it really isn’t much effort to get your free movie ticket.  You simply do what you normally do.  I for one LOVE Honey Nut Cheerios!  Easy right?

To find a participating theater, just log onto http://emoviecash.com/dis_locator/

Win It! One of you will win a “Movie Moment” prize pack that will include 4 e-movie cash certificates ($12 each) and one (1) free coupon for a General Mills cereal (ARV $54).  Simply leave me a comment with your favorite movie moment.  Comments will close on November 12, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

Profuse thanks to MyBlogSpark for this opportunity!

It’s a Stocking Swap! Come Join The Fun!

Whew!  The next 2 months are going to be so much fun. And did I tell you I’m about to have a BABY?

I just LOVE the holidays…Christmas is my FAVORITE holiday.  And for the first time ever, I’ve teamed up with the fabulous Amanda to host a Stocking Swap!  What is a stocking swap?  It’s a fun way to get to know other bloggers who you otherwise may have never gotten to know.   And it’s super easy.  You sign up…we pair you up…you get to know each other…you shop for each other…See?  Easy!  And Fun!

Here is what you need to do if you want to participate (I promise it’s so painless!).  Just remember to sign up by December 1st so we can pair you up. We’ll email you your partner’s info and you have 2 weeks (until Dec. 15) to shop and mail your partner’s “stocking” out.

• Sign Mr. Linky, letting us know you want to join the swap!
• Please then head to elfster and sign up for The Stocking Swap.
• Add the Stocking Swap Button to your blog so others know you are participating and give them an opportunity to join too!

Amanda and I have decided to use elfster because it makes it easy for us to draw names anonymously (fair is fair right?). Plus you can ask your partner questions in secret, create a wish list of items you like, and your partner can get to know you without letting you know who they are! It keeps it completely anonymous until we all start receiving our gifts.

So what are you waiting for?  Ok…I’ll be the first to sign up!  : )

We Got Makeovers! Thanks e.l.f!

Several weeks ago I received this email in my inbox that made me want to jump up and down (except that I’m seven months pregnant and certain that’s not a good idea).  It said…”You’ve been selected to host an e.l.f. Makeup at Home Party.”  Me?  Host a party?  With makeup?  That I already wear?  It took me all of a few seconds to hit the reply button.

I joined SheSpeaks about a year ago. It’s a community of women, created by women to give them a place to express their opinions and connect with other women. My involvement has included testing products and expressing my opinion about those products on their site.  I just moved up to a whole other level (giggle).

The brand is relatively new and now in Target stores across the country.  The makeup is SO affordable…as in $1 and $3 items.  It looks great and it’s super easy to use!

e.l.f. and SheSpeaks made it super easy to host the party.  They provided my guests and I with 283 pieces of makeup from each of their three lines (e.l.f., Studio, and Mineral).  There was so much makeup, my guests’ bags were overflowing and I STILL have so much makeup left over.  They also provided us with an instructional DVD with tips on one of e.l.f.‘s makeup artists, and a set of studio brush kits for each of my 10 guests.  We also received look sheets and tips which made it super easy to completely make ourselves over.

 

Once we had a chance to mingle and eat (more on food in a bit), we started making ourselves over.  I don’t ever remember a time where I had makeup in all shades and colors at my disposal to try without any obligation to buy.  Not only were we allowed to try things like foundation, blush, and eyeshadow, we were able to try things I (and many of my guests) don’t normally use, like bronzer and facial whip.  e.l.f. truly stands behind their products, which is why they are hosting these parties across the country.

 

My absolute favorite line from the company is their mineral makeup (which is usually pricey in most stores).  Being the eco mama that I am, I like the fact that there are no chemical additives, dyes, or parabens.  The make looks incredible when applied (did you see my pictures?) and it’s so affordable ($3 eyeshadow and $5 blushes).

If you want to look like the model you are, check out their Studio Line.  Their brushes, in particular, are amazing for achieving looks you wouldn’t otherwise achieve with your fingers.

Right now they have an amazing offer where you can receive a free mini makeup collection with any $20 minimum order.  Simply enter the code LOYAL upon checkout!  For free shipping on orders over $25, enter code MUAH.  And for up-to-the minute deals, follow them on Twitter!

 

 

 

My Apologies…

Dear Family, Friends, Neighbors, Church Small Group, Women’s Bible Study, etc.

As you may or may not know, I’m almost 30 weeks pregnant with a baby girl. And I have a 2 year old who I’m trying hard to run after, entertain, and otherwise keep out of mischief.  And a husband who likes a clean house (I guess I failed in that category).  And did I mention I’m off of work because of contractions?

My time is precious and limited.  And so are our resources.  This is just a season in my life.  Please don’t take it personally if I can’t make it to your get-together, barbeque, play date, picnic, housewarming party, birthday party, wedding, etc.  It’s not that I want to miss out on these important events (I really don’t and I’d much rather be out than cooped up inside).  And if I RSVP’d and had to cancel, it wasn’t because something better came up.  It’s because I had every intention of coming to your important function, but for some reason could not make it (most likely due to the fact that it’s getting harder and harder to move, let alone run after a toddler in situations like these).

Before we both know it, this season in my life will be over, and I’ll be up and about running after 2 little ones (instead of just one).  And by then we’ll both have forgotten about this very short time in my life where my activity was limited (hopefully anyways).  We’ll have play dates and park days and picnics and family gatherings.  I’ll have you over and we’d love to do the same.

In the meantime, I’d love to speak to you on the phone or via email.  Skype?  Why not…I just have to learn how to use it!  Text?  Certainly.  Letters?  I’d be honored.

If I’ve disappointed you in any way, please know that was not my intention.  It just so happens that this is the season of life I am in.

My apologies

Caryn

Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Clarisonic Skin Care System *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Lina.  Congrats!

This post was previously written and republished.

Up until Christmas Eve, my beauty regimen consisted of washing my face with soap and water. (period) But that wasn’t always my routine.  When I was single I spent a lot of time buying and using the proper skin care products so that I would age “gracefully.”  I enjoyed facials and made sure I found time for masks and exfoliation.  Somewhere between “I do” and “It’s a boy” I found it difficult to get in a shower, let alone a 45 minute skin care regimen.  I can’t believe I’m saying this but I often go to bed without removing my makeup.  And that sometimes results in breakouts even a teenager would shudder at.

What if I told you that you could achieve healthier, smoother skin in just sixty seconds a day?  I recently had the opportunity to test out the Clarisonic Skin Care System.  I cannot imagine NOT having this system now that I’ve been using it every day for two weeks now.

What is it?  Clarisonic is an innovative new product that is revolutionizing the definition of clean, healthy skin.  Developed by the creators of Sonicare, Clarisonic Skin Care System is the first oscillating face brush that deep cleanses, stimulates, and clarifies skin.  The brush creates over 300 movements per second (wow!) to elicit a gentle sonic micro-massage action which help to loosen sebum and dirt. It works with the skin’s natural elasticity to unclog pores for deeper cleansing without stripping the skin.  Clarisonic cleans your skin so thoroughly that it actually helps prepare your skin to absorb other skin care products like moisturizers.

How does it work?  Before you begin using the system, it must be charged 24 hours.  But…you only have to recharge it after 30 uses (or 30 minutes), which is excellent.  It is super easy to use and can even be used in the shower.  Just wet your face (or whatever part of the body you’d like to use the system on), rub on the cleanser of your choice (it comes with three sample sizes of varying cleanser types), turn on the power button, and move the brush gently using small, circular motions.  You can customize the settings on your system to achieve the best results for your skin type. The company also offers three different brush heads for varying skin types.  It is recommended that you replace the brush head every 3-4 months.

Does it REALLY work?  Studies have shown that Clarisonic cleanses twice as effectively and removes makeup six times more effectively than your daily soap and washcloth routine.  Some of the other benefits include healthier skin, fewer blemishes, fewer dry patches, decreased pore size, and softer skin.  In just eight weeks you’ll notice an improvement (and a reduction) in the appearnace of fine lines and wrinkles.

My Thoughts:  I have to admit that I was a tad bit nervous to use Clarisonic.  Would it hurt?  Would my skin be too sensitive?  Not only is Clarisonic safe to use on all skin types, it’s so gentle that it can be used on a daily basis (twice a day if necessary).  Even those who suffer from skin conditions such as acne, seborheic dermatitis, and rosacea can use Clarisonic.  I have been using this every day and one of the very first things I noticed is that when I dry my face after using it, there is no makeup residue on the towel.  My face feels a lot smoother and the pores on the bridge of my nose have gotten smaller (some have even disappeared).  I also haven’t had as many breakouts.  Every time I use it I feel like I’m getting a mini-facial.

The Clarisonic Skin Care System retails for $195 and can be purchased from the site or through retailers nationwide.  If you purchase the system directly through the site, you’ll receive a free gift which includes a 0.5 ounce Daily Renewal Serum, travel bag, and headband AND you will receive free personalization (either a name or short message)

Win It! One of you will win a Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System (ARV $149).  Simply leave me a comment with one main difference between the MIA and the other Clarisonic units. Comments will close on December 1, 2009 at 10 pm PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Add the “Holiday Gift Guide” button to your sidebar and leave me a comment (be sure it’s up for the duration of the gift guide!)

Check out my Holiday Gift Guide and leave a comment on that site about a product you like! (Maximum of 1 Comment for this).

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest. Be sure to use the hashtag #holidaysurvivalguide

Enter Shannon’s giveaways (Maximum of 1 Comment for this).

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

WW: All Made Up!

Oh…and yes…I’m pregnant!  7 months!

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