Jolica Adjustable Leather Briefcase & $50 Gift Card Giveaway

Last year we had the opportunity to work with Jolica, so I was excited to be contacted again during our Holiday Gift Guide Event. They have such beautiful quality jewelry and goods that I always love checking out the website.

About Jolica

Jolica's artisans are based all over the world and have traditions that are passed on through families. All products are handcrafted and Jolica prides itself upon supporting fair trade. This way of business ensures artisans benefit from their work and skill by making a living wage from their beautiful artwork. In addition, the Jolica Foundation has been giving back to communities and countries for many years by partnering with other organizations, including a project called Gift of Sight, providing cataract surgery for adults to prevent blindness and Vitamin A supplements to children.

Our Thoughts
Just reading about Jolica made me excited to work with such a wonderful company and tell my readers about them. I really cannot say enough about them and am grateful for a business that does so much to give back to others.

The last time, we received a beautiful recycled glass necklace to review. This time we opted for a lovely stone colored leather briefcase. The briefcase is handmade in India with an adjustable strap, making it a great gift for both men and women. I originally bought this as a Christmas present for my husband, but once I saw the briefcase, I couldn't bring myself to part with it, so I decided we should share!

True to its color name, "stone", I am reminded of the color of stones at the bottom of a creek bed. The leather is incredibly soft and supple. With the adjustable band, I am able to wear it as a shoulder bag, across my body, which is how I prefer to wear it.

My husband also likes wearing the briefcase and, since he is a lawyer, it has become very helpful when carrying important papers to and from the courthouse!

The inside of the briefcase has enough room for several books, notebooks and/or folders. I also have enough room for my iPad and there is a side pouch for my cell phone. In addition, there are side pockets to store other smaller items like pens and pencils.

As you can see, we love our leather briefcase from Jolica and have been fighting over who gets to use it next! The briefcase retails for $99.50 on the Jolica website and is absolutely worth every penny. Take a look at all the beautiful items they have for sale and remember that the artisans make money from purchases, too, so you are helping provide for other families across the globe. It's a win-win situation!

Ready for a Giveaway?

One Lucky Reader Will Receive A $50 Gift Card For Jolica.com! 

The Edge Tie-Dye Kangaroo Hoodie Shirt Review & Giveaway

Part of me thinks I should have been born in the 60s. I would have definitely been a hippie traveling around in my VW van, flowers in my hair and enjoying every minute of it. Even though I was born in the 80s, there are many things still around and popular today, including Tie-Dye. I love tie-dye shirts and so do my kids. We actually started an art project one day, trying to make our own tie-dye shirts, but ended up with a huge mess and had no idea what we were doing. I think I will leave it up to the professionals, which is why I was so excited to find The Edge Tie Dye Handcrafted Boutique.

About The Edge
We are a completely handcrafted tie dye boutique established in 1990 and we do all of the dying by hand, one piece at a time.  No vats or bulk dying.  Sometimes the cats help.  Our goal is to create affordable and unique wearable art using the highest quality, brand name, cotton & rayon clothing and to make your purchase of massive quantities a pleasant experience.

We use fiber reactive dyes that we custom mix (with magic) to create our unique color patterns.  All of our items are completely colorfast and safe.  We promise no one will turn blue.  All cotton clothing is machine washable with your other darks, in warm or cold water and you can tumble dry. No running, shrinking or fading... guaranteed!

My Thoughts
I was so excited to look through The Edge Tie Dye's awesome selection of tie-dye items and have to admit it was very hard to decide which one I liked the best, especially since there were options for both adults and children. My son, Liam, really wanted one for his own, so the owner was nice enough to send an item for both of us! I received the Kangaroo Hoodie Shirt and he got the long-sleeved t-shirt for kids.

This is Liam wearing his tie dye shirt! We were actually at the hospital for one of his chemo treatments and I chose this shirt because it is so soft and comfortable. Plus, he loves the colors and design! It has been perfect for the cooler winter months we've experienced here in Georgia.

I, on the other hand, am always cold in the winter and am pretty much always wearing a sweatshirt, so I was very excited when I spotted the Kangaroo Hoodie, which is a soft cotton sweatshirt with a hood. It has quickly become my favorite shirt and I wear it weekly. It follows me around the house so I can put it on when I get cold and take if off when I get hot chasing after the boys. It's the most comfortable shirt I own and I love it!

There were many colors from which to choose and also many different designs. I love the swirls, but you can choose from a rainbow, heart, flame or many other designs, too. I really cannot say enough about my shirt and the quality of it. Since I've worn it so often, it has been washed several times and guess what? Just like the guarantee says, the colors have not faded one bit. It's as beautiful and colorful as it was when I received it.

Ready for a giveaway?

 One Lucky Reader Will Win Their Choice of Kangaroo Hoodie Sweatshirt from The Edge Tie-Dye. Winner can choose whether they want one for an adult or child as well as the colors and design!

Holiday Gift Guide: Boppy Pillow- A Mama Must-Have! Giveaway

When I was pregnant with my first son, Josiah, one of the items I received at my baby shower was a Boppy pillow. I had no idea what it was at the time or how much I would end up using it. This pillow ended up being a lifesaver (or sanity saver) for us and something we put to great use every week!

That Boppy is now 5 years old and has been used for both of my children. With Josiah, he loved sitting up to play and, since he had reflux, the Boppy was a great way to sit him and keep him happy as a clam! With Liam, we breastfed and, after a few days, my arms were so sore from holding him. Who knew something so little would eat so much! The Boppy Pillow was the perfect solution and helped me hold him safely, keep him comfortable and save my poor arms from falling off.

We aren't the only parents who love their Boppy Feeding and Infant Support Pillow! It is America's #1 Baby Product and, for the 10th year, it has won the American Baby magazine's Bests Awards 2012 as the #1 nursing pillow!

That's reason to celebrate, right? 

That's why Boppy wants to give away one of their  must-haves for Mamas! 

One Lucky Reader Will Win Their Choice of Boppy Feeding and Infant Support Pillow! Just use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. This giveaway is open to US Residents 18+ years of age and will end on Sunday, January 13th at 11:59pm. Good Luck!



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Holiday Gift Guide: Kusmi Tea Russian Blends Mini Tins Review

The fascinating story of Kusmi Tea goes all the way back to 1867. From the very beginning, Kusmi tea houses were known for high quality, delicious teas; their prestige was such that even the great czars of Russia partook. The tea's popularity spread far beyond Russia to great cities like London and Paris. And now tea lovers in America are discovering for themselves just why Kusmi continues to be an international sensation.

We received this assortment of Russian black tea blends in lovely decorative mini-tins to try out. They include Prince Vladimir, Anastasia, Troika, St. Petersburg and Bouquet of Flowers. Don't you love the names?

These loose leaf blends can be quickly and easily brewed with an infuser, and in just about the same amount of time that a tea bag does.

I am a self-proclaimed tea connoisseur. Brewing my morning and afternoon cup is a beloved daily ritual. For the past few weeks, I've thoroughly enjoyed tasting (and smelling!) all the Russian tea blends. In a word, the Kusmi teas literally "transported" me with their unique and exotic flavors; I've never found anything like this on my local store shelves.

 In each one, bergamot plays a starring role. Bergamot is a flowering tree which produces a small citrus fruit whose distinctive aroma you will quickly recognize if you've ever enjoyed a cup of Earl Gray tea.

Of the 5 Russian blends I tried, my definite favorite was Anastasia. All five were completely delightful, fragrant and flavorful, but Anastasia stood out to me because of the delicate lemon, lime and orange notes that shine through without overpowering the senses. A close second for me was their famous St. Petersburg blend, which surprises the palette with a sweet finish, thanks to red berry and caramel flavors. The combination of flavors in St. Petersburg also makes it ideal for cold winter days and holiday gatherings. This special blend was actually created many years ago to celebrate the tercentenary of the city of St. Petersburg. I love thinking about the rich history behind these incredible teas while I'm sipping them!

Here are all the ways you can connect with Kusmi Tea:

Kusmi Tea on Facebook
Kusmi Tea on Twitter
Kusmi Tea on Google Plus
Sign up to receive the Kusmi Tea newsletter

Besides making your taste buds incredibly happy, I think Kusmi Tea would make a distinctive and unforgettable gift for any tea lover in your life. You can shop online for the Russian blends I reviewed and also for their very popular wellness teas, traditional teas, gift assortments and decaffeinated blends.

Holiday Gift Guide: 31 Bits Jewelry Whistler Bracelet Review & Giveaway

Sweet Tart Necklace

A few weeks ago I was looking around the internet and entering giveaways when I came across one for a beautiful necklace from 31 Bits. I have to admit I'd never heard of the company, but was enamored with the piece of jewelry, so I did some research and found out the amazing story of 31 Bits. The owner actually traveled to Uganda while in college and was so taken with the beautiful paper jewelry the women created. After completing her degree, she and some friends went back and now buy jewelry from Uganda on a monthly basis! The result is that the women of Uganda have great paying jobs to help counteract poverty and help them overcome obstacles. Plus, 31 Bits shares amazing jewelry with us!

Their program "equips women by providing literacy education, financial and vocational training, holistic care, and strong support systems, empowering individuals to further their careers and attain social equity". That alone is reason enough for me to support 31 Bits, but the fact that the jewelry  is so beautiful just adds to the appeal and uniqueness of the idea.

We received the 31 Bits Whistler Bracelet in Seafoam Teal for review and it is gorgeous. It looks pretty on the website, but in person it just sparkles. I love the color and think it matches perfectly with the copper beads. This bracelet has six strands and comes in Orange, Blue, Seafoam or Purple.

I've said it before and will say it again... I am very picky about the type of jewelry I wear. I'm probably the only woman who will say this, but I don't care for diamonds and gold. I'd rather wear unique handmade items that tell a story. The Whistler fits into this category perfectly. It's perfect to wear with a dress to church or out to eat, but it would also look great with jeans and a t-shirt. I love that it is versatile and can be worn so often.

The bracelet came in this beautiful pouch!

Retailing at only $32, this makes for a perfect holiday gift! Besides me, I know my sister-in-law would love this bracelet. She's a teacher and could wear this with many of her everyday outfits.

I love the beads!

Take a look at the 31 Bits website! I am sure you will find so many great gift ideas for others (and yourself) just like I did.

Are you ready for a giveaway?

One Lucky Winner Will Receive a Teal 31 Bits Whistler Bracelet Just Like The One We Received!

Holiday Gift Guide: Bounce Bounce Tigger Toy Review

I grew up reading Winnie the Pooh stories and have always loved that little pudgy bear and all of his friends in the Hundred-Acre-Woods. We even decorated Josiah's nursery with everything Pooh! One of Josiah's favorite stuffed animals was his little Pooh bear when he was a baby and now Liam carries him around, too. I knew they would have a fit over the new Bounce Bounce Tigger toy from Just Play Toys and they most certainly did!

About Bounce Bounce Tigger

Kids will love dancing along with the Just Play Winnie the Pooh Bounce Bounce Tigger Plush Doll! Made of soft, cuddly plush, this lovable Disney’s Winnie the Pooh character shows off his awesome dance moves in sync with a classic hip-hop hit version of his signature theme song. Just squeeze his foot to start the fun and watch as he "wiggety, wiggety wiggles" on his springy, coiled tail!

• Bounces to the left, to the right and back and forth
• Made of soft, cuddly plush
• Dances in sync to a classic hip-hop version of his theme song
• Bounces on his springy, coiled tail

My Thoughts
In all honestly, we are giving this as a gift for my nephew who loves Tigger, so we have played with it through the box and have seen it in action at retailer. The kids were so excited to get this for their cousin, Ethan, who is always dancing to music. Little do the kids know, the tune Tigger is singing comes from when I was only a little older than they are now, so I find it amusing every time this toy starts singing and bouncing around.

There are many reasons this is a HOT holiday gift item! It's silly, fun and interactive. Kids can jump around and dance along with Tigger. Plus, he is still soft and plush, so hugs are also an option! Ethan is big on hugs, so I know this will be a toy he tots around for many months to come. I have a feeling that Liam, my son, will not be very happy to part with this item when it comes time. He's grown quite attached to the Bounce Bounce Tigger, so Santa may have already placed an order for his very own.

You can find Bounce Bounce Tigger at many retailers, including Walmart and Target. In addition, you can purchase on Amazon for $35.99.

Like Just Play Toys on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JustPlay

Follow them on Twitter:  @JustPlayToys

Stork Stack Monthly Baby Gift Box Review & Giveaway

With all of the products available these days, it's hard to know just what to purchase for my little ones! I love trying out new baby items and buying them for friends who have babies. However, something that looks useful or cool often turns out to be just the opposite and we sometimes end up disappointed. Wouldn't it be great if there was a service that sent some great mom-approved baby items every month, all boxed up and ready to try? Well, worry no more about finding the perfect gift for a new or expecting mother, be it for yourself, a friend or family member! Stork Stack is here to help!

My Thoughts
I wasn't sure what to expect when receiving a "Stack" from Stork Stack and, when the box arrived, I couldn't wait to see what we received! I picked out a box for a 1.5-2 year old since they can be customized to fit the baby's age.

The package was nicely wrapped up, just like a gift should be, and Liam wasted no time seeing what goodies he could find for himself.

The Stork Stack included several great items, including:

• 2 Peter Rabbit Organic Fruit Puree pouches (One of Liam's favorites!)
• Lunch board book by Denise Fleming
• Spuds All-Natural Forks & Spoons Set
•  Itzy Ritzy Bento Monkey Lunchbox
• Pure Matters for skin, nails & hair Biotin Supplements

Liam loves reading books, so he immediately went for the board book and started looking at the pictures. Board books are so great for younger kids and last much longer, so this was perfect! He also took out his Peter Rabbit Organics fruit purees and claimed them for himself.

My favorite is definitely the Itzy Ritzy Bento Lunchbox. It is so cute and will be perfect when Liam goes to daycare and preschool, which will be here before long! It's cute, useful and unique. I also love that there was something included just for Mamas. As someone who takes vitamins and supplements, I was excited to receive the Biotin supplements. 

I can honestly say, this is an awesome gift for moms and moms-to-be! They will absolutely love getting a Stork Stack filled with great gifts. This is something I will purchase for friends in the future. It's such a great idea and it saves me from making the mistake of picking out duds at the store. Plus, you will save money, too. Pricing starts at $28 and you will receive items totaling a value of $50+! Need another reason to choose Stork Stack? For every 3 month membership purchased, they donate 1 Stork Stack to a family in need. A 6 month membership ensures 3 Stork Stacks will be given and a 12 month membership includes 6 Stork Stacks to be donated! So, by gifting a membership for yourself, a friend or a family member, your purchase also includes a donation to a worthy cause!

Be sure to follow Stork Stack on Facebook & Twitter to keep up with all the latest news, promotions and more!

Now that you've heard about Stork Stack, would you like a chance to win one?

One Reader Will Receive A Stork Stack Full Of Wonderful Baby & Mama Gifts!

Voots Veggie-Fruit Tarts Review & Giveaway

Pharmavite has recently added a fun new supplement called Voots Veggie-Fruit Tarts to their line-up. They are a children's supplement made from 11 real fruits and vegetables, which are dehydrated, crushed, blended with Vitamin C and other beneficial ingredients, and made into chewable berry-flavored tablets. You'll find no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives in Voots. So just what are the fruits and veggies that go into each Voots tablet? I was very impressed to discover that apples, cranberries, oranges, prunes, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchinis and green beans are packed into those tiny tarts - wow!

Our family received this really fun pack of goodies from Voots. It included a t-shirt, lunch bag, pencil sharpener, magnet picture frame, temporary tattoos, and the star of the show - a 45-day supply of Voots Veggie Fruit Tarts supplements.

My children were so excited about their package, and with the help of 9-year-old Joseph, everyone had a Voots tattoo applied within minutes! The next order of business was to sample the supplements. Catherine (8) and Samuel (2) and I (yes, mama was curious!) loved the sweet but slightly tangy taste of the tablets. Joseph (9) and Benjamin (2) were less enthusiastic. Their mutual verdict seemed to be that although the supplements were "pretty good" they weren't as tasty as candy. When I asked "would you take them every day?" they both answered "yes!"

As a dietary supplement for children, I would give the Voots Veggie-Fruit Tarts my highest rating. They were readily accepted by all of my children, ranging in ages from 2 to 9. They contain the same amount of Vitamin C power that you'd get in 3 servings of fruits and veggies. The adorable fruit and veggie characters were a big hit with everyone. And the way they come in single serve packages makes it's easy and fun to hand them out.

Voots Veggie-Fruit Tarts vary slightly in price, depending on where you buy. On Amazon, they retail for $8.56 for a 14-day supply (ages 4 and up). You can also find Voots at Target and Sam's Club. There's also a handy store locator at the Voots website.

Thanks to Voots Veggie-Fruit Tarts, One Lucky Children Teaching Mama Reader Will Receive The Same Awesome Back-To-School Prize Package We Received (A Value of $30!), Which Includes:

-An adorable t-shirt featuring the Voots brand fruit and veggie characters

-A reusable lunch bag to help pack up those healthy meals for your kids as they head back to class

-A pencil sharpener to keep writing utensils in tip-top shape

-A magnet and picture frame that can be posted around your favorite photo on the fridge

-Temporary tattoos that your children can wear in pride.

-And… a 45-day supply of Voots Veggie-Fruit Tarts!

 Just use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. This giveaway ends on Sunday, December 16th at 11:59pm and is open to US Residents 18+ years of age. Good Luck!

Holiday Gift Guide: Kristian Regale Sparkling Juice Review & Giveaway

Are you looking for something new and refreshing to brighten up your holiday tables? Tired of offering the same old soda, water and tea to your guests? Wishing you had something extra special to toast the new baby or celebrate a big family milestone? Consider Kristian Regale this year! Their sparkling juices are made from original Swedish family recipes and come in eight beautifully-packaged flavors.

Kristian Regale sent us this beautiful assortment of six bottles to try in our home: peach, black current, apple, pomegranate-apple, pear and lingonberry-apple.

The weekend our package arrived, we had lots of company over and I was eager to break open the bottles, which I had chilled in the fridge, and see what everyone thought. Even the children got to sample the light and fruity beverages in their own special "wine" glasses. Out of the six flavors we tried, all were great, but Pear and Pomegranate-Apple seemed to be the standout choices. Pear is crisp and light, with just the right amount of sweetness. Pomegranate-Apple is bolder with a tangy but very pleasant kind of sweetness. The deep coral color is quite attractive when served in a clear glass.

Besides the tasty flavors, we also liked that the Kristian Regale juices are not heavily carbonated or sweetened like soft drinks. The bubbles are "fine" and very light - just enough to give the beverage a lift, but not enough to overwhelm or create a lot of heavy fizz.

The Kristian Regale juices truly do add sparkle to your table!

I am looking forward to serving Kristian Regale at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and love that everyone in the family will get to enjoy them.

Kristian Regale sparkling juices are 100% all-natural, gluten free and caffeine-free, and contain 100 calories or less per 8 oz. serving. No need to worry about high fructose corn syrup or preservatives, either.

You can find Kristian Regale at select retailers in your state, or online at Amazon.com. I encourage you to "like" Kristian Regale on Facebook and become a Twitter follower as well!

Are you ready for a Giveaway?

One Lucky Reader Will Receive the Same 6 Flavors of Delicious Kristian Regale Sparkling Juice to Review (peach, black current, apple, pomegranate-apple, pear and lingonberry-apple)!