Wednesday, November 30, 2022

I HEARD THE BELLS (coming to theaters Dec 1) with $10 Amazon Gift Code Giveaway

Many thanks to Sight & Sound Films for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

Behind every song is a story, sometimes true, sometimes fiction, but nevertheless a story. Coming to theaters in December, "I Heard the Bells" allows viewers to learn about the true story behind the famous Christmas carol of the same name.

Baby Magic Calming Products Giveaway

Disclosure: I received sample products to help test and keep. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


If you are looking for the perfect gift to put into stockings for the babies in the family, nothing beats the Baby Magic® calming products for both being able to do their jobs effectively and smell amazing too! I have 4 granddaughters, and 3 of them are still at the age where these soothing products are doing the trick to make bed and bathtime more enjoyable.

The Garden Cartoon Series

 

We're super excited to see all of these new family-friendly shows coming out. This new one looks really cute to me.

“The Garden” is a Christ-centered children’s cartoon series aimed at teaching your kids the Gospel in a way they can understand. It features LENNY THE LION and LUCY THE LAMB—two best friends who work inside a magical garden where ANYTHING can grow! Each story revolves around them having to accomplish their goals by learning a Bible story or an original song. “The Garden” will take your kids right along on these adventures, too!

You can watch it on Pure Flix or Yippee! #TheGardenMIN

Monday, November 28, 2022

Abide Bible Giveaway

Disclosure: Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Bibles for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Seems like I gift someone a Bible every year during the holiday season, and sometimes I gift one to more than one person. This year, I will be doing that as well, but I will also be gifting this video series to my sister-in-law called 21 Days in John

The 21 videos in this study last between 10-15 minutes and draw from the free pdf of the Gospel of John, included with the Abide Bible. It is a free video devotion that you can sign up for HERE.

Plot the Travel Adventure You’ve Always Wanted Right Now

This is a collaborative post. Please welcome today's contributor.

Travel is a great way of exploring other nations and cultures, but it is also a wonderful way of being able to relax, unwind, and enjoy yourself. As such, it is important to make sure that you have the perfect travel adventure, and this means making plans to help you achieve that. It is vital to make sure you come up with some of the best possible ideas that are going to allow you to make the most of this process, and this is something you need to consider as much as possible.

One of the best things you need to consider when trying to improve your travel experience is to look at ways of being able to enhance your adventure, and enjoy the vacation you’ve always wanted. This is going to have a major impact on your life, as well as shaping the experience of future trips you might like to take. Here are some of the best ways of being able to ensure you have the perfect travel adventure you’ve always wanted, starting today.

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Sunday, November 27, 2022

Holiday Gift Ideas for Everyone Plus $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Disclosure: I received products for testing. All opinions stated are genuine and my own. 



We are headed into the full-swing shopping season now that our Thanksgiving celebrations are complete and I'm thinking it'd be a good time for a giveaway. Take a look at these most excellent gift idea suggestions and then enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card, so you can pick up one or more of thse for yourself or your loved ones! Each of these items are true blue items I love, that have been in my house, by choice, on one or more occasions.

Friday, November 25, 2022

One Night in Theaters Only! It's Christmas Again (Nov 29)

Many thanks to Mapelle Films for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

 

"It's Christmas Again" will play in theaters for one night only, November 29th, but you can buy your tickets now (see end of post). Note: This post also has a $10 Amazon Gift Card at the end, a courtesy from the sponsor, thanking you for your visit.

Thursday, November 24, 2022

Plus Plus Puzzle by Number Butterfly: Great Gift for Kids!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product or a discount code to use towards the purchase of one. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

My oldest granddaughter is a builder. I've posted photos and stories of her building so many different types of things. She's super talented and creative and I'm not just saying that because I'm her grandma. I've already started my holiday shopping, and this Puzzle by Number® from Plus Plus is going to wrapped up and gifted to her. It's unusual because it's like a paint by number set, but it's puzzle pieces you're placing (which means there's no mess).

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Thanksgiving!

 


May your turkey be tender, your mashed potatoes just right
and may your pumpkin pie, be an utter delight.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!



Christmas Surprise from Snailax: Neck Massager Giveaway

I just wrote a post about their most excellent Shiatsu Massage Cushion and foot massager.

Now I have more good news: Snailax is hosting a giveaway for a neck massager (5 winners!) 

and they just announced their Black Friday Savings. 35% off massagers! 


There will be a total of 5 Winners
in this Giveaway, who will bring the Snailax Shiatsu Neck & Shoulder Massager - 632RN home!
They will pick the winner on the Tuesday of the week of Christmas!
How to enter? GO TO THEIR FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM accounts (tagged below).
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫?
1 - Follow our accounts on FB (Snailax) & IG
FOLLOW DIRECTIONS ON THE SNAILAX FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM PAGES.

BLACK FRIDAY SAVINGS ALERT!!
🔥🔥🔥 In case you don't know🔥🔥🔥

Snailax is having a big discount of 35% off right now. All massagers on https://www.snailax.com are eligible for this discount code at checkout. Visit their online store to pick out some fantastic gifts for your loved ones!

Kids Create Their Own Christmas Ornaments: How TREEmendous!

Disclosure: I was provided a sample product. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

Okay, so sometimes there are items that I get every single holiday, or take out to use every single year, and being a blogger, I always think, well, I should write about that since I really love it so much. This year, I have decided to go ahead and do that, by posting a blast-from-the-past but tweaking it to add a new product to the post, that is extremely similar. I never recycle posts. Why would I do that? To show you how much I love it!! How durable it is (we're still using our old one from 3 years ago). And to introduce (or reintroduce) you to it, so you can pick one up for your kids this holiday season too!


The new item is above and it is extremely similar to the original item I have, which I talk about below. The two biggest differences are 1). now you can get the kit that has 3 different-shaped ornaments including a fun triple-tier design and 2). There is a storage kit underneath the maker for your markers (I love this update! very handy). 

So what is it... It is the Gift Box Ornament Decorator.

It is an ornament decorator kit that is SO MUCH FUN and it's easy to use too. Kids will enjoy watching it spin and seeing the designs come to life with the colors they are choosing to use. Keep reading if you're looking for something very reasonably priced to purchase that will delight children of all ages.

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Rest and Relaxation Gift Ideas from Snailax

Disclosure: sample products were received. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

The first gift under our tree.
I'm wrapping it today and gifting it to my daughter.
This is going to be one of her favorite gifts.
Something she can use all year-round!

I don't know about you, but my job makes me tired. I love it (most days) but it can be very challenging. A prime example, one of my students fell into my arms yesterday, crying and so upset. I teach teens and they do love to come and get a hug (which was initially surprising but now it is endearing), but this was different. She was snotting and crying and so unhappy. When I finally got it out of her that she felt so sick but was unable to reach her mother on the phone (walking to my class), I sent her to the clinic. "But I can't reach my mom!" 

"It's okay," I told her. The clinic will reach your mom. Convinced I was telling her the truth, she went off to the clinic.

I'd felt fine up until that point, but on the way home, had to pull over on the interstate (it wouldn't hold) because I was sick. Could I have caught it and gotten sick so quickly, or was it a coincidence? I don't know, but here I am home sick today, super tired and definitely in need of a quality massage. Enter the Snailax Shiatsu Massage Cushion. 

Join the #GuacKeepers Twitter Party TONIGHT

With Avocados From Mexico and Takis 

Are all the soccer fans ready for the biggest soccer event of the year? Avocados From Mexico and Takis are making this celebration a little louder as they teamed up to bring the good times and good guac to life. Visit GoodnessStadium.com and become a Guackeeper.

Join us TONIGHT (Tuesday, November 22, 2022, from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. E.T) as we chat about the best recipes to enjoy the world’s biggest soccer event with Avocados From Mexico and TakisⓇ Snacks. Search for/use hashtags #gno #Guackeepers #AlwaysGood #Takis #Soccer #Sweepstakes 

Click here for more details and click here to enter for a chance to win a $100 Gift Card!

This is just an FYI post. Comments are turned off. Hope to see you at the party!

New Movie: 5000 Blankets

Inspired by a remarkable true story, 5000 BLANKETS is filled with hope and highlights the power of family and faith. When her husband has a mental breakdown and goes missing, a woman and her young son set out to find him on the streets, sparking a movement of compassion towards those in need and inspiring a city.

I have a huge heart for the homeless. Huge. I don't often know how to help. We have volunteered to help cook meals once a month and serve meals to the homeless in our community, but a safety issue arose that was specific to that one place but enough to make us cautious enough not to return. We also give food to those who are homeless when we pass them by. It's not enough, and we want to be safe, but still find a way to help. 

This movie inspires me.

There are so many ways to help. So many things that can be done.

Homelessness, no matter the reason, is unsettling. A tragedy.

I am very much looking forward to seeing this movie.

#5000BlanketsMIN

Friday, November 18, 2022

Naturepedic Organic Mattress Giveaway

 This giveaway is sponsored by Naturepedic Organic Mattress. All opinions are my own. 

I know so many people in my friends and family circle who would agree that this would be a most excellent gift to receive. It's the kind of gift you're not expecting at all, but would appreciate every single night, for years to come.

This holiday season...the perfect gift may be a new mattress! Getting the best night's sleep is so important. So, you deserve a bed that helps you sleep well every night!  Naturepedic is an organic mattress company that makes very comfortable beds! So when it's time to get a new mattress - make sure you check out what Naturepedic has to offer!   

They have mattresses and more for your whole family!

 

 

Naturpedic is giving away a mattress this holiday season! Enter To Win A Chorus Organic Mattress – 

Up to $2,799 value

What To Do With The Humble Potato

This is a collaborative post. Please welcome today's contributor.


There are so many things you can do with the potato, and it’s really quite amazing what you might want to try out for yourself here at home. Some of these things are well-known and others less so, but they all share the quality of bringing out everything that is amazing about potatoes. All in all, it’s a really good idea to try these dishes, so let’s take a look right now at some of the best ways to cook and prepare potatoes in your own home. You’ll love these recipes for sure, and they’re all worth trying.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Holiday Gift Guide: Movies

Disclosure: sample products were received. All opinions stated are genuine and my own. 

I have 3 great movie suggestions for holiday gift giving. For each of these, I can think of multiple folks who would enjoy receiving them as a gift...and yes, I did just say 'folks'. I know no one says it anymore, lol.

1. Elvis. 

I got this DVD for a good friend of mine. We were supposed to go see it in theaters, and she got Covid so I took my teen. Tom Hanks plays Elvis' manager and he's always such a phenomenal actor. And then of course, we got to relive a period in time that changed the history of music. Elvis Presley has quite the legacy. My mom just loved him, and that spilled over to me. I still enjoy some of his songs and there is no denying his voice was uniquely beautiful and his dance moves were magic. I can see why all of the women fell for him.

I know Austin Butler got a lot of accolades for his role in this movie, and they were well deserved. He did make a fine Elvis Presley.

A thoroughly cinematic drama, Elvis’ (Austin Butler) story is seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). As told by Parker, the film delves into the complex dynamic between the two spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the significant and influential people in Elvis’ life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Wordless Wednesday: I Don't Know Who it Belongs to, but I Think it's Awesome!

I don't know whose Christmas Tree this is, but I think it's awesome.
Someone sent me this last night in a text message. So unique. I like it!
I know the inside is for gifts, but I bet my grandchildren 
and our 🐈would have a different plan for that space. 💚

Monday, November 14, 2022

Desserts To Keep Your Kids Happy

 This is a collaborative post. Please welcome today's contributor.

As a parent, it is definitely useful to have a number of desserts in mind that you can create whenever you might need to. After all, kids love sweet things, and from time to time it’s nice to be able to provide them with something that they will love to eat. Of course, there are many approaches to this and a lot of desserts that you might want to learn to make. In this post, we’ll take a look at just a few genuine crowd-pleasers that you might want to learn how to make. These are definitely worth knowing about at least.

Pic Source - CCO License

Sunday, November 13, 2022

Top 5 Cry Babies Gift Ideas for Christmas. #4 is My Favorite.

Disclosure: I received complimentary products or a discount code to use for a purchase.

The holidays are magical for me, and always have been. When I was a kid, it was in large part because of the pretty decorations and the presents under the tree. Now that I'm older, the holidays hold a deeper meaning for me, but I still love to make thinks festive and nice, and part of that is selecting the perfect gifts to give, none more important than those that go to the littles!

I have 4 children (3 boys and a girl). The grown children have blessed me with 4 grandchildren (all girls!). I just know my sweet baby grands are going to love these items from Cry Babies! I mean, these are just the kinds of gifts the little ones are dreaming will be in those boxes under the tree, and who am I to disappoint? 💕

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Got a Bougee Dog or One Who Just Deserves to be Spoiled? I have the perfect treat for them.

Disclosure: I received a sample product. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


This is my grandpuppy. He has fallen in love with my daughter like there is no tomorrow. She loves him right back. He is one big ball of energy, and the grandkids really enjoy him. He is impossible not to laugh at because he has so much personality and I think he's a little cutie too. In this picture my daughter sent, he looks rather regal though, don't you think? Could it be because he's waiting for his special dog macaron treats from Bonne et Fillou? Nope, because those are going in his Christmas stocking. Say what, now?!

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Xbox Series X MINI Fridge with Giveaway!

Disclosure: I received a free or discounted product. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

This XBox Series X Mini Fridge is the thing dreams are made of; it's sleek, stylish and it's a replica of one of the world's most beloved gaming consoles. Imagine sitting in the area where you are gaming. You're getting a little thirsty or hungry, but you don't want to get up. You're right in the middle of an important part of the game. Hey, it happens.

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Orlando Magic is Hosting the Golden State Warriors

Okay, so this was a game to see. We like to watch any NBA game, but they are especially fun to watch when they have a close score. The last quarter of this game was a real nail-biter. Each team was back and forth with every play and there was no telling who was going to win.

This could have been a buzzer beater for either team but Orlando Magic walked away with the win!! 

1 for Me and 1 for You! Playmobil Gifts for Kids (with giveaway)

Disclosure: I received free sample products. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


If you have been visiting the blog since my teen was little, you may remember him really loving Playmobil toys. At one point, they were definitely his jam. And he was good at putting them together too. Now my oldest granddaughter is the one who will sit mesmerized for an hour or longer with a Playmobil kit, putting it together start to finish. The kits turn out so cute too. Some of you might remember the pictures I took of her putting together the Volkswagon T1 Camping Bus (this kit is cute, right?!?!).

We have a new generation of kiddos in the family now (3 toddlers), who are about to be introduced to Playmobil this holiday season. 

How To Make Your Small Business Look More Professional

This is a collaborative post. Please welcome today's contributor.

Image Credit

The business world can be loud and noisy. For a small venture, it is easy to get buried in an ocean of multinational businesses and make little impact. In the present climate of heightened competition, small businesses have to look professional to have a chance of success. The good news is that achieving this should be simple, thanks to the many available tools, resources, and tips. Here are four simple ways to make your small business look more professional.

Best Games for Kids: Winner Chooses ONE

Disclosure: I received complimentary items in order to facilitate the review. All opinions are genuine and my own.

The holidays have always been a grand time for me. I loved them as a kid, and I love them as an adult. As the years roll by, my perspective shifts but my love for all things Christmas remains the same. One fond memory I have as a child, is sleeping in the living room when the tree went up. The lights would be turned off, the tree would be lit up and a little lamp crafted from the big old-fashioned bulb lights would change colors under a plastic cylinder sleeve. It was an ideal and dreamy childhood.  

I suppose those feelings captured in my youth have colored my perception of the holiday, and that's okay, they should have. Those were good times! 

One thing I always remember getting is a game. Without fail, there would be one or more games under the Christmas tree with my name on them. I have carried that tradition over to my kids (and now grandkids) and this year, I'd like to share one of the three I have, so you can do the same. 

At the end of the post, there will be a giveaway. Winner chooses from one of the following:

Friday, November 4, 2022

Stocking Stuffer for Kids

Disclosure: Samples received. All opinions stated are my own.


We have our constants for stockings, things we put in every year without fail. We also add new things to them every year, and this year for the kids in the family, I'll be adding Air Poppers from Hog Wild. These are so ridiculous they're cute, and just the kind of nonsensical toy that makes all of us laugh in the family.

Giga Bots are Buildable/Collapsible Action Figures

 Disclosure: I received a sample product or discount code. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.


Giga Bots are a cute idea when you want to get someone a little somethin' for the holidays. These come in a galactic-looking sphere. You can open the top and remove the pieces. There are 33 of them, and they assemble into a 13" action figure.

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Starting A Home-Based Business? Do Not Overlook These 6 Key Issues

This is a collaborative post. Please welcome today's contributor.

Image (Pixabay CC0 License)

The appeal of starting a home-based business is undoubtedly greater than ever. Before you do, though, it’s vital that you familairize yourself with the steps needed to give yourself the very best shot at success.

Here are six of the best tips that will help you make the most of running a venture from home, regardless of the industry.

Cherishing Our Memories: Why They Matter and How to Create Them

This is a collaborative post. Please welcome today's contributor.

Memories can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, they can keep us connected to our loved ones even after they're gone. On the other hand, if we hang on to every memory (especially the bad ones), we are holding onto our past rather than embracing our present and future. We want to talk about both the importance of creating and saving memories as well as the methods you can use to do so in this blog post on cherishing our memories.

Unsplash - CC0 License

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Kids

 

Let's start off the holiday gift guide with a few giveaways!! 

Holiday Gift Guide for Adults

 

This is the 11th year of running the holiday gift guide. This year, as in every year prior, there is a section for him/her, the adults on your gift giving list. The following are gifts I think so many people would enjoy receiving!

Getting Started With Meal Prep - A Modest Guide

This is a collaborative post. Please welcome today's contributor.

Pexels - CC0 License

Holiday Gift Guide for Pets

This is the 11th year of running the holiday gift guide. This year, there is a section for Fido and Felix. I only have time to get one post up today, but I will be adding more in the next couple of weeks. Happy shopping, Our pets deserve gifts too! 🐶😹🎅

1. Macarons for the dogs! These macarons from Bonne & Filou are made with ingredients you know and understand, and that you are happy to give to your pets. Plus, they are super cute to tuck away into your pet's Christmas stockings. Do you have one of those? We do!! 😍