Tuesday, December 31, 2019

FullOSun Multi Dinosaur 3D Light Giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


FullOSun 3D Lamps are the coolest nightlights I have ever seen. There are many themes to choose from, but this one is really nice because it has mulitple lights that you can interchange. This Dinosaur Set is also the one that a lucky winner will get to call their own.

Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach South Carolina


I opted to go on vacation for Thanksgiving this year, a first for me, but the decision was made and I intended to enjoy it, so off to Myrtle Beach I went. I wasn't sure how the weather would be in South Carolina (having only been there once in the summer) in late November, but it was actually very pleasant. Sweatshirt/light jacket weather, in fact. That meant I was free to get out and roam a bit. My hotel, The Caravelle, was right on the beach, so of course I spent some time walking the sand. I also ventured off to explore a few times, and one place I ended up was Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.

Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach SC

This is not a sponsored post. Just writing about something we enjoyed on our most recent trip.


Sometimes when you wander around a place where you are visiting, you run into the greatest of things! On our most recent trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, we came across Broadway at the Beach and we loved every minute of it. In fact, we enjoyed it so much, that we went back again the next day.

Kitty Cardboard Gives All New Meaning to the Cardboard Box!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


So for every single thing that has a box this holiday season, and SO many things have a a box...the cat has decided to inspect them, and sometimes sleep in them too. Every.single.one. It's cute. So cute, that we have a hard time getting those boxes out of here and to the recycle bin!!! Honestly, we just want to keep them for her, but who wants ugly cardboard boxes hanging around in their living room? Not I. My tolerance level for them never lasted longer than when she would jump out to mosey around (or nosy around, I should say) another part of the house for awhile. She never seemed to notice that I took 'her' boxes away. She's pretty chill like that... and rolls with it. We really did hit the jackpot for finding a cool cat.

Saturday, December 28, 2019

Wow that's Wild! T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station in Myrtle Beach

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



There is a place to visit in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, that you might not think of off the top of your head, but it is so worth the time to do: T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station. We did the photo opportunity, which is one of the several options available to the public at Doc Antile's Myrtle Beach Safari. Two of the other big ones, which were not in season when we were there, are the once-in-a-lifetime day and night safari tours (children must be at least 6 to go on safari). Those tours are not inexpensive, but they were absolutely RAVED about by everyone who took them and shared online in reviews. The common consensus by those writing the reviews was that it is something they never thought they would be able to do in the U.S., and it was worth every penny.

Friday, December 20, 2019

3 Unusual and Creative Gift Ideas for Kids!



Sometimes we come across the coolest of ideas for gifts and want to share them with you. These are unusual and awesome, and something I'd love to play with myself. Who can resist the idea of writing messages to their children on their nightlights, so they have a sweet message to see while they are falling asleep (and yes, I am that mom that wrote chalkboard "I Love You"s on my son's lunchbox lid for years, lol!). It's soothing to children to have a piece of mom or dad when their parents are not directly in sight. Of course, these are adorable too, and as the kids get older, they'll want to write messages of their own!

If images of donuts, cupcakes and ice cream swirl around in your child’s head each morning, it’s not their imagination – it’s their night light! Just in time for holiday giving, Continuum Games introduces four yummy Emoji-Notes Color & Shine craft kits ($19.99). These kits allow you to color your nightlight and write your own messages.  When you’re ready for a change, wipe it clean and color it again.  This is a light up message board, night light and craft kit all in one.  The kits join distributor Continuum Games’ line of Lumenico SleepyLights ($29.99) that offer soft lighting for a goodnight and sleep-tight bedroom atmosphere.


Sunday, December 15, 2019

Brick Loot Makes THE Quintessential Gift Idea for Kids!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



It doesn't seem like much, but when this box is delivered to our door, my son always wears a HUGE smile. In fact, it's still the one delivery we get that has him chomping at the bit to get open and explore. He likes to see what building kit he's going to get to put together, and then of course he sits right down and gets to work (if you can call it 'work'). This kind of gift subscription is a wonderful idea for a child who likes to put together things, craft, or play with building bricks/Legos.

My 2 Favorite Boxed DVD Gift Sets for Kids

Disclosure: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-Ray sets I reviewed in this Blog Post. The opinions I share are my own).


The holidays wouldn't be the holidays without something from Warner Bros. under the tree. This year, there are two collectible DVD sets from them that kids (and grown ups alike) are going to love!!

The first set is the new collectible Blu-ray gift set from the Peanuts gang. There's a feeling of warmth and nostalgia for me when I see Charlie Brown pick out his pitiful little tree to take back and prove the joy of Christmas is about so much more than the glitz and glamour it sometimes seems to have become. Everything from the music, to the storyline to the characters themselves encases the Christmas spirit for me, as this has been a part of my holiday celebrations for as long as I can possibly remember. The only difference now is you don't have to wait for the one night a year it plays on the little TV, you can now pop the DVD in whenever you would like to see it, and for us, that will certainly be more than one time this year. There are also the popular Halloween and Thanksgiving DVDs in this set.

I couldn't be more pleased with the layout. A hardshell doghouse, a Snoopy figurine and the DVDs make this THE perfect gift idea for kids, adults (ahem) and collectors everywhere. This is a numbered, limited-edition set.

Peanuts Holiday Collection 70th Anniversary Limited Edition – Available Now in a Collectible Blu-ray™ Giftset and on Digital

Good grief! The legendary Peanuts comic strip turns 70 and to celebrate the occasion, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will release a gorgeous, collectible Blu-ray™ giftset comprised of three iconic animated holiday specials packaged in a limited edition Snoopy doghouse giftset! Titled Peanuts 70th Anniversary Holiday Collection Limited Edition, this collection includes It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Charlie Brown Christmas, as well as six additional Peanuts specials that are re-mastered/restored, plus brand-new special features. All nine specials are released on Blu-ray™ with a digital copy. This must-own box set comes with two additional, keepsake collectibles, including an exclusive Snoopy figurine and a Charlie Brown holiday book. This is a numbered, limited edition set with only 25,000 total sets available. It’s the perfect idea for seasonal gift-giving! Peanuts 70th Anniversary Holiday Collection Limited Edition retails for $99.99 SRP ($141.00 in Canada).  The six additional specials include: It’s Magic, Charlie Brown, Charlie Brown’s All-Stars, The Mayflower Voyagers, Play it Again, Charlie Brown, It’s Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown and It’s Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown.
Just as the Peanuts Gang is nostalgic for me, Scooby-Doo is the same for my youngest son. He watched these shows when he was little and he loved them all. We were recently talking about them because he saw that Scooby Doo in now on Netflix (not sure if they were before, but we just noticed them) and he got so excited. I intentionally neglected to tell him that there was a limited-edition, boxed set under the Christmas Tree this year, just waiting for him to open it. I knew he would be excited, but now that he was just coincidentally talking about how much he loved these shows, it's taken the surprise to the next higher level. What a great gift idea for the holiday season.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! The Complete Series Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Mystery Mansion – Available Now on Blu-ray™

Jinkies! Warner Bros. Home Entertainment salutes that lovable Great Dane, Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang with the release of Scooby-Doo, Where are You!: The Complete Series Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Mystery Mansion. This release is packaged in an eye-catching, limited edition collectible mystery mansion giftset that includes all 41 episodes of the original series, Scooby-Doo! Where are You!, released on Blu-ray™ for the first time, as well as a Digital Copy of the series. This must-own box set has some fun extras. The set contains all-new HD content and Scooby-Doo collectibles including an exclusive Scooby-Doo Funko keychain, and a mini Scooby-Doo Encyclopedia. Scooby-Doo, Where are You!: The Complete Series Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Mystery Mansion retails for $89.99 SRP.

You can get either of these sets online or in retail stores everywhere.

Saturday, December 14, 2019

My Favorite Ooly Stocking Stuffers

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Stuffing stockings is always fun for me. I like to pick out little things the kids will enjoy and fortunately for my granddaughter, I can fill hers just by shopping at Ooly! They have so many cute items that I know she will use over and over again.

Ravensburger Puzzles are Always My Favorite

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Have I mentioned yet this holiday that I love Ravensburger Puzzles? They always have the best designs and are well-made too (if you have had a puzzle that isn't, you understand the importance of the last part of that statement). They come in designs to appeal to every age group as well. These giant floor puzzles are always such a big hit, and what better theme for one than Toy Story 4?!? The movie was adorable and definitely a favorite of the year, and the characters are timeless and well-loved. They even have a theme-park area dedicated to them at Hollywood Studios (we visited the one in Orlando last year!).

BRIO My First Farm Wooden Train Set for Toddlers

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


My First Farm by Brio is a well-built wooden train set recommended for children ages 18 months-plus. It is an adorable toy too, that comes with a set of animals that actually make different noises when you place them in the little meadow.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Grandma Sure has a Surprise with her New Big Cat

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



Big Cat by Erma Lazell is a super cute story in a big hardback book that kids will laugh at while reading, and cherish for years to come. This is the kind of book that easily becomes a family favorite. Make sure you've got your glasses ready to read this book! How can I find glasses that fit my look? Well, the options online are extensive and affordable too. 

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Rockin Jump Trampoline Park in Myrtle Beach, SC

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


On our recent vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina we did some things that I knew my youngest would love. After all, this was supposed to be his birthday celebration, but a hurricane headed our way derailed those plans, so I wanted to make sure the things we did would be special and memorable on this alternate and slightly delayed vacation. A trip to Rockin' Jump surely put a smile on his face.

Christmas Activity Workbooks from Ideals Books

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


You know you really like something if you are still talking about it 6 years later, and that is the case with these workbooks. Here is my post from 6 years ago, and it is still relevant today (although my son is a bit bigger), and the new workbook is at the end (of the post). I highly recommend these for the littles this year. They are fun, keep them engaged and busy (while you wrap?) and are fun to do together too.



Available on Amazon
Sometimes the fun things are the simple things, like The Story of Christmas activity book you can get on Amazon. We have one, and took it with us to a restaurant recently, and worked on it while we were waiting for our dinner to arrive.

Friday, November 29, 2019

Tony Evans Study Bible Giveaway

This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



The holiday season is about more than just shopping, baked goodies, delicious meals and time with family and friends. Although all of those things are lovely, wonderful and nice, the reason for the season in our house, is that we are celebrating and grateful that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, was born to save us from our sins. What a tremendous gift He gave, that no amount of commercialization can take away. As such, when gifting to family and friends who are believers, I try to find something that will help them on their spiritual journey; something I know they will appreciate and enjoy. This luxurious Tony Evans Study Bible, Christian Standard Version, is an absolutely wonderful gift idea!

The Perfect Gift for Any Orlando Magic Fan

Magic Announce Holiday Ticket Plans
-Choose from four ticket packages this holiday season-


My child has been huge on basketball for a few years now.  Some days it seems like all we do is live and breathe basketball, which is fine by me. I enjoy watching him and appreciate that he has such a passion for the game. One thing he hasn't done though, is see an NBA game. Sounds like a perfect gift idea in the making to me, yes? :)

Perfectly Pretty Stocking Stuffers: 7th Heaven Peel-Off Masks including Fancy Peels

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.




Stuffing the Christmas Stockings used to be so easy. I grabbed a few toys, maybe a DVD or two, the requisite candy tubes and the chocolate oranges (there is a price to pay if I forget the chocolate oranges) and called it a day. Now that the kids are grown, they still appreciate a stocking (especially that chocolate orange) but they are also looking for more high quality items than dollar toys picked up on a whim. My daughter likes to find beef jerky (but that's another story) and beauty items. Enter 7th-Heaven Peel Masks.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Airfree Air Purifiers Offering Black Friday and Cyber Monday Special Deals

Sharing because my mom loves these air purifiers and this is a great deal!


Well, we are fast approaching Black Friday, and people are making their lists of items they'd like to look out or try to get for big savings. Air Purifiers are always on that list for me. Though they are worth their weight in gold, high quality ones are pricey, so finding ways to save is a big deal. Airfree always comes through with phenomenal Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. They have done so again this year. They last a good long time too, making them a value for the amount of money that you're going to spend. I have had one for a few years, and I use it almost daily.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Spending Thanksgiving at the Caravelle Premier Family and Golf Resort in Myrtle Beach

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


We are staying at the Caravelle Resort during the holiday break, and in addition to being thrilled to be located directly on the beach (what a view we have from the 12th-floor!), we are also delighted to be in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for the first time ever. So far, I love everything about this place. The people are friendly, the city is bustling with things to do, yet there is also quite a bit of rural land with wild animals to see out and about, cotton (among other things) growing in the fields, and of course the beach life, that is a culture in and of itself. 

THE RATES ARE SO AFFORDABLE!

One thing that I think might really surprise you, especially this time of year, is how affordable it is to stay at the Caravelle Resort. Check out their website, put in your dates and be amazed at how reasonably priced this vacation would be for you as well. Myrtle Beach is the perfect place to take the family, or even to go solo, or on a romantic getaway. With prices like these, it's definitely worth considering. Booking right now might be a great idea, because in addition to the already great prices, there will be big, not-to-be-missed savings between Black Friday and Cyber Monday (and wouldn't a surprise getaway be a great gift idea for the holidays?!).

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Teleflora Holiday Bouquets

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Teleflora delivers hand-made beautiful holiday bouquets right to your door, or anyone else's door, that you might want to send one to as well. These are a perfect way to decorate any vanity, counter or table. They are also perfect for dressers, which is where I sometimes like to put mine, only because the bedroom seems to be the only room we don't decorate for the holiday season. Having a big, beautiful piece of bright in the room that is festive, makes me very happy.

Playmobil Advent Calendar and Christmas Bakery Building Set

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



I get so excited this time of year when I see the advent calendars from Playmobil in the stores. Not only are they created with the sturdy, high quality pieces known to the brand, but they also have seasonal themes, which makes them a great way to add to the magic that is already intertwined with so much of what we do, this time of the year. Imagine your child's joy as he or she gets to select one item each day, counting down to the big day (December 25th).  We purchase an advent calendar for the kids every single holiday, and this year, my youngest will receive Christmas in the Forest (seen above), which is one of five themes Playmobil has available this year.

Friday, November 15, 2019

$100 Holly Lane Jewelry Gift Card Giveaway

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



Holly Lane is a wonderful gift idea for the holidays. They offer many carefully crafted  jewelry items, with a card of scriptural encouragement and they package it so that it is bound to make the gift recipient feel appreciated.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Almost a Year Later and we STILL Love our SnoofyBee Unique Changing Station

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Some things are too good to keep to yourself. This little package is going to be one of those things. It's something you may not have known you needed, but if you have a little one in diapers, once you've tried it, you'll know that you certainly do! I wrote about one last year for the Holiday Gift Guide, and wanted to do it again this year because it's proven invaluable in our house.  Well, my daughter's house, but shes's till mine, so you know, by association, and all that good stuff. 😊

I am talking about the SnoofyBee, which is a simply, but intelligently-made, fail-proof way to change baby's diaper at home or in public, with zero mess! One try and you'll be sold! We are, and as you'll see at the end of the post, my newest baby granddaughter is sold too!

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Robert Morris says Take the Day Off!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



Not too long ago, Robert Morris was at a church a couple of cities away from us and we went there instead of to our normal church because we wanted to hear him. I've seen him on TV, and always enjoy hearing him speak. I hadn't seen him on a stage though, live, nor had I until now read one of his books. "Take the Day Off: Receiving God's Gift of Rest" is his newest book and it lived up to the hype I had set for up. It was good!

Universal Home Entertainment has Holiday Blu-Ray and DVD Favorites

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



It's closing in on Thanksgiving, and then all of the hustle and bustle of Christmas will start (in many places it's started already). One thing we love to do this time of year is watch holiday movies. We have our classic favorites like the Grinch and we always love Veggie Tales. Something fairly new to us, though it's not really new to many, is the Holiday Stories Collection

Disney Stories in Beautiful Keepsake Books

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Do you ever outgrow Disney stories? I think not. When I was thumbing through these books I will admit it was exciting to see Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin, Peter Pan, etc. dancing inside the Disney Stories for 3-year-olds. What was really surprising though, was that the Disney Stories for 2-year-olds was full of stories I've never even heard of before, and I've been reading Disney books for decades.

Friday, November 8, 2019

JLab Headphones: #1 True Wireless Headphones under $100

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


I have two grown sons and a daughter who always have music running in one way or another. Most of the time, it is through their wireless headphones.

The JLab #1 True Wirelss Air Family features three new models of earbuds, all that give you true wireless capability as well as sound, quality and comfort. They are perfect for travel, working out, or just enjoying your favorite music, audio books podcasts, etc.

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Ending October on a Safe and Healthy Note with Chicco Pacifiers

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



 

Since October is National Children's Health Month, let's end it the same way we started, which is by talking about little things you can do to make a big difference in safety. For the littlest ones in your family, there is a very easy way to ensure they can breathe, while making sure that they still have the comfort of a pacifier as well (critical for my granddaughter who finds comfort in hers when she is dozing off).  Chicco, a well-known and very trusted brand for infant and children's products, has created the PhysioForma pacifier that actively supports baby's breathing! "The double ventilation holes allow for air circulation that prevents the gathering of saliva while supporting physiological breathing. The extra-soft, satin-textured silicone nipple gives the baby more comfort while preventing slip."

Saturday, October 26, 2019

McCafé Frappé Flavored Coffee Beverages Available in Retail Stores

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



With the cooler weather comes an insurgence of partakers in trendy Fall beverage consumption. Think about it, this time of year has many of us running to the nearest coffee shop to stand in line forever and a day for a pumpkin latte, driving to the pumpkin patch to get hot apple cider (oh YUM, hot apple cider!), or sizing up the latest and greatest hot Autumn beverages on Pinterest (how do they make such simple everyday things look so appealing?!) and so on and so forth. It is super trendy to see a gal all decked out in a chunky sweater or scarf, and possibly an adorable hat, smiling ear-to-ear and holding her cuppa cuppa in her hand, whilst enjoying the great outdoors. But what about the cold drinks this holiday season? Surely they deserve a place on our radar as well, and McCafé Frappé fills that need.

Moosh Moosh for Halloween and So Much More!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own. 


Moosh Moosh has a great variety of super sweet, not-so-scary Halloween selections to give to the littles. Though they're made with the Fall holidays in mind, your children are sure to love them the whole year through. Everyone has a favorite. I'm loving the mummy. One of my grandchildren weighed in the last time she was here, on the vampire. Perhaps this vampire will make it's way to her Halloween bucket, because her grandma is super nice like that... ;) Pretty sure my daughter would like the kitty or pumpkin for her baby girl. She would not (though I do) like the spider. She's been scared of those since SHE was a little girl, though she has gotten better. I used to send her pics of spiders on her phone every now and then, just to be a brat, bwahahaha. This one, with his half-dozen eyes and sweet smile, doesn't really look all that menacing.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Calico Critters Stocking Stuffer Blind Bags and THE BIG GIFT from Santa!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



One tradition in our family that we love is giving everyone a stocking. The kids laugh when I bring them to our family gatherings ("You're still making us stockings?!"), but the one year I skipped the tradition, everyone noticed, and not one of them was happy about it. That was the one and only year I didn't fill a stocking for each of my grown kids. Now I have grandchildren, and I have continued to do the same for them, though I put different items inside (I've grown more health conscious over the years, and refuse to stuff my grandchildren's stockings with candy). One great idea for this year's stockings for the littles that does sit well with me, are these adorable Calico Critters Baby Shopping Series blind packs. Each one comes with a mini figure and a shopping accessory. 

Saturday, October 12, 2019

So Many Uses for the MyCharge Adventure Power Lumens Portable Powerbank

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



My family and I live in a state where hurricanes are very common. Being prepared for that, or most any potential disaster, requires having an emergency kit at the ready. An important item we have in ours is this Power Lumens camping lantern from MyCharge. It is as powerful as a much larger lantern, but conveniently, it is a lot smaller.

Transition out of Swaddling with Baby Merlin's Magic SleepSuit


Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit has been an amazing tool to help my daughter wean her baby girl of off swaddling. Though babies like to be swaddled, most outgrow it by a certain age (usually they start to transition at 3-months!). My youngest granddaughter is close to 7-months-old and she was still wanting to be wrapped up snug as a bug in a swaddle rug (figuratively speaking, of course) or else she wouldn't sleep!

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Get in the Halloween Spirit with Zak Designs

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Zak Designs makes the cutest items for Halloween. What better way to get friends and family in the spirit of the holiday, than pulling out these cute items and throwing a little party?!

Saturday, October 5, 2019

5 Things People Love, that I Don't...

I used to feel a bit like the odd man out, when I was younger. Today, I just accept that everyone has different tastes and I move on. Still, if I mention some of these things, people sometimes act like the world is on fire, "You don't like what?!?!?!" Enter the crazy, mouth-open, eyes-bulging face to accompany their statement.  Phft. There are so many things I could care less about that are very trendy and on the priority list of many. My list could get pretty huge, but for the sake of time, and just putting up a short, fun post, I'll shorten it to (5).


#1. Starbucks. It feels almost counter-blogger to make this claim...but I just don't like it. At all. It's not all that flavorful to me, and the flavor it does have, just isn't very pleasant.  I really cannot understand how this coffee cafe got mega-watt popular, all over the world (their massive coffee mugs with a city name on them were cool though!).

Fun Fact: I've never even been tempted to buy a tie-dye frappuccino, a unicorn, or any other limited-edition specialty drink, for that matter. *Gasp* 😉

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Wild Republic Rubber Ducks for Halloween

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own. 


Wild Republic Rubber Ducks are a great way for little and bigger kids to celebrate the holiday. While not all kids are old enough to trick-or-treat, almost all little ones are old enough to play with a holiday rubber duckie. We have a soft spot for Frankenstein over here, so that one is my favorite. The scarecrow pumpkin is awfully cute though too. 

Sunday, September 29, 2019

October is National Children's Health Month


October is National Children's Health Month, and in our family that is important because we have a lot of littles running around. Keeping them healthy and safe is always paramount, so I am glad there is a month set aside each year to remind us that awareness should always be in the forefront of our minds when it comes to protecting our children.

Newverest Trek Scratcher Maps: Display Where You've Traveled

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



I have a thing for travel, and I have a thing for maps (and globes too!) so being able to combine the two, in a fun scratch-off map seemed like a great idea to me. I knew my son would enjoy scratching the places we'd been (some of you may remember he had a fill-in map last year when we took our road trip south to north and back again). He still has it, and intends to bring it along on our next road trip, but now we also have this large, full-sized map from Newverest to hang on a wall in our home. It reminds us daily of how wonderful it is to plan and take an adventure, and we look forward to seeing it change colors as we are able to visit more and more places. I was sent two of these maps. One is for the USA; that is the one we are keeping (choose either a light or dark background). 

Saturday, September 28, 2019

TV Store Online Halloween Costume Giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



When it comes to a Halloween costume, people definitely have preferences. Some like to go all out, some like to be cute, others like to have matching outfits with their friends or partners, and others still, just want a minor tweak, like a pair of Super Hero Socks, or a character hoodie to help them celebrate the holiday. TV Store Online caters to all of the above, with costumes and costume items available that will appeal to the masses. 

Personalize Your Pillow for a Good Night's Sleep

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


So, he's super comfortable catching some zzz's here, in no small part because he is sleeping on his new contour pillow from Dollop. I think he's all balled up like that because he fell asleep on top of his covers, instead of under them and he has a fan facing him and turned on full blast (even though the a/c is running). He does that often. Sometimes I cover him up, to no avail. He likes what he likes, and so be it. One thing he doesn't like is a pillow that doesn't feel nice to him. If it's too fluffy, too flat, not flat enough, etc., he's not a happy camper. 

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Playmobil Take Along Sets and Carrying Cases are Perfect to Entertain on the Go!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Trips in the car (or even on a train, bus or plane) are far more fun for kids if they have something to occupy their time that is engaging and fun. Everyone knows when the kiddos who are traveling are happy, everyone is happy. Enter Playmobil. They make these great toy options to bring along, for when children start to complain about being bored (and if the trip is any length of time, they will say they're bored). The best thing about these items is they have handles that also lock them into place, so they are super easy to take on the go. This Take Along Western City is new to the Playmobil lineup, and I have to say it's pretty darntootin-great!

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Lion Country Safari is Florida's Only Drive Through Reserve

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



This week, every precaution has been taken to ensure the animals at Lion Country Safari are safe. The week we went, however, there wasn't a storm cloud in sight, at least not at first. :) A 600-acre piece of land in Loxahatchee, which is located just outside of West Palm Beach, Florida, this property is unique because a large portion of it is drive-through. That's right, you drive at your own slow speed, through the property, stopping to look at whatever animals tickle your fancy. There is plenty of space for the other cars to go around, so you never feel rushed. I took my youngest son and my oldest granddaughter. We had a wonderful time!

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Back to School with Brooklyn Cloth

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



It's time for back-to-school and for us that means updating the wardrobe with items from Brooklyn Cloth. This is a company who makes comfortable clothes that are also trendy (things the boy likes!) and affordable (raising my hand high, that's something that makes me super happy). I also like that they last a long time. When you have a growing middle-schooler, finding clothes that grow a bit with him, matters a lot.

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Legoland Hurricane Relief This Weekend Only!


Following a tough week of preparing, waiting, and watching, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is offering a highly discounted 25 dollar single-day theme park ticket available this weekend only. That is a really big discount. Ten dollars of each discounted ticket sold this weekend will be donated to the American Red Cross in support of the relief and recovery efforts of those directly impacted by Hurricane Dorian.   
In addition, LEGOLAND Florida Resort will also serve as a collection point for guests wanting to donate items including nonperishable goods, water, toiletries, baby products, radios, batteries, candles and bedding to those in The Bahamas who were impacted by Hurricane Dorian.
             
WHEN: Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Learn more at www.legoland.com/relief/.

A big thank you to Legoland for finding a fast way to donate.
If everyone does something, we can surely help.

Sunday, September 1, 2019

Bible Force First Heroes Devotional Giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.




The graphic novels are so popular with kids, that I am always happy when I see one for the Bible. This one by BibleForce comes in the form of a daily devotional that is full of heroes and words of inspiration.

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Who Wants to Win a Polaroid Instant Camera?!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



I wrote the post below quite awhile ago now, but this camera is still my favorite digital and instant camera combo!! Today, I learned that the camera now has a lower price on Amazon (now $149!!). To help celebrate the new Amazon price change, and help get the word out, Polaroid is offering one of these awesome cameras to a lucky winner. This is a WONDERFUL GIFT IDEA for any time of the year! It could also be a great way to treat yourself. Get your full-sized pictures instantly to keep or share with a friend!! So many uses, so many smiles. Winner chooses color!

Instant cameras have made a huge comeback. I see them at school events, and two of my grown kids have them too. I love them, but the size of the pictures had got smaller for awhile...until now!! Back to the generous size that's similar to days of old, this brand new Polaroid Pop offers up 3.5 x 4.25" prints instantly, or you can use the digital option with the SD card to save and print later. In addition to that, it's sleek looking and I can't get enough of it. I just love to look at it! The features make it fun to play with, and the touchscreen makes it very easy to learn and maneuver. In the photo above, the print is just finishing up...completing it's roll out of the camera. You can watch the picture forming, as it moves towards the top, which is a new feature I've never seen before. Both me and cutie patootie up there liked that one.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Enter to win a Bluetooth Compatible Body Composition Scale

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



I've talked about EatSmart products before, and because I know they are dependable (I still have every EatSmart item I've ever owned, and they are all in perfect working condition), it is with great pleasure that I discuss one of their products here again. Also, I want to note that one lucky reader is going to be so glad that they stopped by because at the end of the post you will find a giveaway for their Precision SmartScale Body Composition Scale.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Back to School is Easier with this Office Supply Set Giveaway

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.



So, a lot of us are pretty good at keeping up with what we need to have in the office, but what about those supplies we would like to have, but don't really remember to get once we are in the store? Or, what about items that would be useful, but we don't even think to get for ourselves, or know they are in existence?  I have a few of those to discuss today and one lucky winner will also get the stand-alone Note Tower Pro and SlitIt (the tools on the left and far, bottom-right in the photo above). These are perfect if you work from home and the kids are returning to school so you can get busy again, are in a classroom, or even if you work in a traditional office setting all-year-long.