Beautiful Personalized Holiday Cards With Snapfish & $50 Gift Code Giveaway #SnapfishBlogger

I look forward to the holidays for many reasons and having children just makes everything more exciting. Many of our family members live far away and this is why it is so important for us to make holiday cards each year and send them out. I used to buy cheap cards in the store before I had kids, but they are so impersonal! Snapfish is a service we have used for many years to purchase prints and I've always been very pleased with their fast shipping and quality items. This is why I was so excited to try out their holiday cards this year.

I'm the type of person who takes many, many photos each year. If we go somewhere special or have a special event, I am going to snap hundreds of photos. I love showing off my boys and how much they've gown each year. Personalized photo cards are the perfect way to show what we've done over the year and share our progress with family members and friends we don't see often. Snapfish has a huge variety of holiday cards from which to choose. The great thing is you can also choose the style and how many photos you want included.

This year has been very busy, so I just wanted a nice looking card with one family photo. My favorite was the Christmas Swirly 2014.

I just selected that as my option, uploaded our photo and was finished in no time. Not to mention, 20 cards is less than $20! I love the prices and all the different cards. Plus, if you are in a big time crunch, you can actually have Snapfish send out your cards for an additional cost. I'm all about making the holidays simple and this is the perfect way to do so.

Here is our family holiday cards for 2014:

Have you made your holiday cards yet? If not, don't despair. You still have a bit of time if you hurry. We want to help you with those holiday costs and, thanks to Social Chorus, two lucky from Children Teaching Mama and from This Mama's Life will win a $50 gift code to Snapfish! Just use the form below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post was created in partnership with Snapfish and Social Chorus. All opinions are my own.

Baby Mantra Natural Products Are Perfect For Sensitive Skin #MC #Sponsored #BabyMantra

I participated in Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Baby Mantra. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

When my first son was born, my husband and I made the decision to become more eco-conscious and to also try more natural products. Cloth diapering, essential oils and homemade detergents became a part of our lives and we felt great about reducing our carbon footprint. Two years later, my second son Liam was born and this began a time of even bigger change for our family. Liam was a preemie, born 5 weeks early, and while in the NICU we began to see just how sensitive he was (and still is) to his entire environment. The diaper creams, soaps, vitamin supplements added to breast milk, and disposable diapers all caused reactions both inside and outside of his body. From the moment we brought him home, experiments began with baby products to find the ones that were perfect for his sensitive skin.

Liam has very dry skin, which cannot be moisturized with just any baby lotion. The wrong ingredients not only dry out the skin even more, but cause him to break out, become uncomfortable, fussy, and itchy. He also has eczema, another easily irritated skin condition that still flares up often and caused him to itch even more. We realized immediately that our safest bet was natural baby products, so I was very excited to learn more about Baby Mantra!

Baby Mantra is a wonderful certified natural, cruelty-free, gluten-free baby skincare line created by two sisters. Their mission is to provide baby products with safe, environmentally conscious ingredients and packaging! All products are made here in the U.S. and are inspired by all-natural remedies with essential oils.

We received a package of Baby Mantra products to try, including these:

Detangling Conditioner, Calming Lotion, 3-in-1 Bubble Bath, Shampoo +Wash, and Newborn Shampoo + Body Wash. 

All of the products contain soothing and moisturizing natural ingredients along with essential oils, so they not only smell amazing, but also keep the skin baby soft! The boys were so excited to see bubble bath and made sure we tried it that night. As soon as I opened up the bottle, I could smell the lavender, one of my favorite scents that is also known for its calming properties and perfect for babies/children before bedtime. Just putting a bit in the water produced plenty of bath time fun for the kiddos and they also loved the scent.

I love that the 3-in-1 bubble bath, shampoo + wash has multiple purposes! I can wash my babies from head to toe, get them squeaky clean, and smelling yummy. Both of my boys also have dry scalp issues and Josiah's red hair is prone to tangles, so I was happy to see the detangling conditioner. It contains coconut and lavender oil, instantly making Josiah's hair feel silky smooth while not drying the scalp as other products can and have.

After bath time is when the calming lotion comes in and is the perfect touch for keeping skin soft. The shea butter moisturizes along with the lavender oil, which also calms baby for bedtime. This also makes for a great massage lotion, further soothing baby fast asleep.

My silly boys love bubbles!

We have thoroughly enjoyed trying Baby Mantra products and they have been perfect for Liam's sensitive skin. We will definitely continue using them, especially when baby #3 comes along! Are you ready to try Baby Mantra? Their products are available at select Walgreens/Duane Reade stores, Walgreens.com, BabiesRUs.com, and Amazon.com.

I participated in Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Baby Mantra. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

BabyShowersByMail.com 6 Months Diaper & Wipe Delivery Giveaway

How many new time parents think about all the diapers they need? I know I didn't have a CLUE how many we would use. With two boys, I couldn't tell you how many thousands of diapers we have used over the years. Even parents that have had more than one child remember the hundreds and hundreds of diapers they need while your little one is growing up. Do you have diapers on your list grocery list constantly or perhaps you are planning on a new edition to your family soon? Just imagine NOT having to pick up diapers every single time you visit the store. Thanks to BabyShowersByMail.com, this is now possible!

Home of the "Year Supply of Diapers", BabyShowersByMail.com offers an amazing service that actually delivers diapers and wipes to your house! You have the options to get the diapers for 3, 6, 9, and 12 months! BabyShowersByMail also has lists and lists of different baby gift ideas for any family! This company has thought of EVERYTHING!

Are you one of those people who have a hard time thinking about what gift you want. Or are do you hate going to the store to do your shopping? Well head on over to BabyShowersByMail! They have everything for little girls and little boys! Ordering is pain free, shipping is quick. Life made simple! BabyShowersByMail offers products that will keep Mother and baby happy forever. They have an amazingly simple diaper and wipe monthly delivery service that has every brand and size a mother could want. Mom's time is precious give her the gift of time and have those diapers delivered!

One winner will receive a 6 month diaper and wipe delivery package.

Giveaway ends September 12th at 11:59pm, open to US, ages 18+. Only one entrant per household, per address. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Enter using the giveaway form below. Good luck!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this sweepstakes. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com if you have any additional questions or comments.

Getting Cheesy With The Pirate's Booty Mac & Cheesy Video Contest & $50 Giveaway Prize Package

Who doesn't like a good pirate joke? My kids love pirates and, since we are at the beach, we are even going on a pirate adventure boat trip this week! Anytime pirates are mentioned, their little eyes pop open and a smile spreads over their faces. In fact, we received a pirate's chest full of Pirate's Booty... literally!

Boy did it bring some smiles upon those faces! Our prize pack had a fun variety of Pirate's Booty Mac & Cheese, popcorn, and some other fun items for the kids, including eye patches and removable tattoos, but their favorites? The foam pirate swords! Arrgh, matey!

My son and niece are quite cheesy when together! They, of course, had to have a sword fight as soon as they thought I wasn't looking...

There is constant laughter at our condo this week and Pirate's Booty wants to bring the laughter to your house, too. Right now you can enter the Pirate's Booty Cheesiest Joke Contest to win a wide variety of prizes! Check out the Pirate's Booty Cheesy Joke Website to read some of the cheesiest jokes on the planet.

After you've had a good laugh, be sure to submit some of your own cheesy jokes! How? Go to the Pirate's Booty Facebook page for all the info on how to submit jokes using @PiratesBooty along with the hashtag #MacAndCheesyJoke. However, if you want to win the prizes, you need to submit a video! Take a short video of your cheesiest joke and then submit it via their Facebook page. Ours was taken on YouTube, so I included @PiratesBooty & #MacAndCheesyJoke. Then, I went to the Pirate's Booty Facebook page to submit the link to the video. It's super easy even for those of us who aren't so good with technology! Here's Katie's super-cheesy video entry:

So, what are you waiting for, go submit your video entry today! 

What can you win? 

There will be daily prize packages give out!

AND 

The Grand Prize is a trip for Four To Wisconsin Dells, which includes round-trip airfare, ground transport, hotel (4 days, 3 nights), and four amusement park tickets! 

Before we get to our giveaway, I wanted to share what we made for a delicious snack this evening! We decided to cook up the Pirate's Booty Shells & Cheese Aged White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese.

Let me just say, this was the easiest mac and cheese I've ever made and as soon as I was finished, the kids were swarming the kitchen like little bees. I was seriously lucky to have taken the photo above before it was swiped away by my nephew, Michael, who promptly devoured it all.

The rest was portioned between the kiddos and it was unanimous.... Pirate's Booty Mac & Cheese is cheesetacular!

So, are you ready for our giveaway? 

One Lucky Children Teaching Mama Reader Will Receive Pirate's Booty Prize Package with $59 worth of Pirate's Booty Coupons!!!

To enter, use the Giveaway Tools form below! This giveaway is open to U.S. Readers, 18+ years of age and ends on Saturday, July 12th at 11:59pm. One winner per household, email address or home address. If you have won this prize on another blog you are ineligible to win again. Good Luck!

Stonyfield YoBaby, YoToddler, & YoKids Organic Yogurt Pouches Are A Hit & Yogurt Pouch Giveaway

I participated in a Blogger Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Stonyfield. I received coupons to facilitate my shopping trip and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

 



When Josiah was only a baby, he was quite a picky little eater, so we searched endlessly for baby foods he would eat. Our family mostly eats organic and natural foods, so this really limited what was available for Josiah and we were stumped. We eventually looked to his pediatrician for some ideas and he recommended Stonyfield Organic YoBaby Yogurt. He absolutely loved it. He would eat all of them, but he especially loved the sweet potato yogurt and would gobble it down every single time and then want more. Then Liam came along and, believe it or not, he is even pickier about foods than Josiah. At least we knew about YoBaby already, so we went straight for it as soon as he was old enough. His current favorite is the YoKids Strawberry Smoothies. Those are so delicious, I've even found myself drinking them because we always have them stocked in the fridge. That's why we were so excited to try out the new Stonyfield Organic Yogurt Pouches!

Stonyfield just happens to be our all-around favorite yogurt for many reasons, including their history of organic farming. Even before they started making yogurt, the co-founders of Stonyfield ran a non-profit organic farming school with a mission to protect the environment, produce healthy foods and to keep local farms going strong. This immediately tells you their dedication to healthy, eco-conscious living and I love that about them. The new Stonyfield YoBaby, YoToddler, & YoKid Organic Yogurt Pouches are a product of this dedication, containing pure organic ingredients. They are the very first refrigerated organic  yogurt pouches available! Their products are made without the usage of toxic pesticides, artificial hormones, antibiotics or GMOs and they are a planet-friendly business, making their own yogurt cups from plants instead of petroleum, among other practices! In addition, they never use high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavorings, so you know what you eat is, indeed healthy, not to mention delicious!

Our Thoughts
While shopping at Target, we happened upon the Stonyfield YoBaby, YoToddler, & YoKid Organic Yogurt Pouches and the boys were immediately asking if we could get some. They can be purchased separately or in 4-packs, so we opted for the 4-pack of YoKid pouches. My boys are especially fond of blueberry yogurt, so that's what we got. My first thought was the size of the pouches because they are bigger than the YoBaby pouches, which is great! Since my kiddos are now 4 and 6, they definitely eat more and, when it is snack time, I want to fill those tummies enough to last them until our next meal.

When I was little, there were no baby food or yogurt pouches, but they sure do make life easier in more ways than one. First, they are great for moms on the go like myself. You can throw them in a lunchbox, diaper bag, purse or picnic basket with ease or worry that they will squish all over the place and make a big mess like yogurt cups can sometimes do. Speaking of messes, no spoon is even needed because babies, toddlers, and kids can just suck up the yogurt straight from the pouch. It's such a timesaver for parents!

So, I've listed all of the reasons I love Stonyfield Yogurt Pouches, but the real test all comes down to the opinions of my children. What did they think? Just as expected, they thought the blueberry yogurt was delicious and tastes just as good as the cup yogurt. Josiah told me he especially enjoyed the true blueberry taste because it really tasted like fresh blueberries and not just sugar like some other yogurts do. Liam kept it simple and said, "It was just so yummy!"

As you can tell, we are huge fans of Stonyfield and the new YoKid Yogurt Pouches were quite a hit with this mama and her two little ones. I'm always excited to find great organic snacks and foods for our family and only want the best for my children. Knowing what I know about Stonyfield and their commitment to organics and the planet, I feel that this is the perfect choice for our family. I can feel good about buying these items because they are not only delicious, but nutritious.

Ready to give them a try? Be sure to use the store locator to find YoBaby, YoToddler, and YoKid Organic Yogurt Pouches at stores near you. Also, don't forget to connect with Stonyfield via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to keep up with the latest news. You can also find some great recipes on their website!

Thanks to Mom Central and Stonyfield, I have an awesome giveaway to share with our readers!

Giveaway Time

One Lucky Reader Will Win 9 Stonyfield Yogurt Pouch Coupons (3 YoBaby, 3 YoToddler, & 3 YoKids)!

To enter, use the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway is open to US readers, 18+ years of age and ends on Sunday, June 1st at 11:59pm. Good Luck!

Entry-Form

I participated in a Blogger Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Stonyfield. I received coupons to facilitate my shopping trip and a promotional item to thank me for participating. 

Find The Perfect Swimsuit With Hapari Swimwear & $100 Gift Card Giveaway

The weather here in Georgia is slowing warming up and we've had some high temperatures the past few weekends. After all of the snow we've had this year, I'm so happy to see the sunshine and to spend more time outdoors. We enjoy spending time at our pool, going to the lake and going to the beach! We'll be at the beach in only a few weeks, so I've been excited to begin my yearly search for a new swimsuit. I have to admit, as I get older, finding the perfect swimsuit has become much more difficult. In fact, just this morning I was listening to the radio and heard other women complaining about the exact same thing! It seems like they either cover too little or too much these days, so when I started looking at Hapari Swimwear, I was blown away by their beautiful swimwear.

Hapari was founded in 2005 by moms who had the same issues with traditional swimsuits that I currently have! They believe women shouldn't have to choose between the perfect style and the perfect fit, so they created swimwear for real women that is not only fashionable, but flattering. I worked with Hapari about two years ago and, as soon as I recently revisited the website, I immediately noticed how much the line of swimwear has not only changed, but expanded. I was blown away by the beautiful choices and had the most difficult decision of choosing one swimsuit. With traditional swimsuits, I have trouble finding any that I love, but I found several that I wanted on the Hapari website.

After a week of debating, I finally decided on the Denim Tile Twist Bikini Top. Two years ago, I chose a Tankini style swimsuit, but I'm finally back to my pre-pregnancy weight and ready for a bikini. Hapari has several different swimsuit types, including one-piece, push-up bikini tops, bandeau and more. In addition, there are many different designs and patterns. You can choose from a variety of solid colors or designs that fit your tastes. My favorite color is blue, so when I saw the Denim Tile Twist Bikini Top, I knew that was the one for me. There were 3 different matching bottoms from which to choose, too! The Denim Tile Cali Bikini Bottom is what I chose because it is such a unique design and I love the how the yellow meshes so well with the blue. Usually, that would conclude my swimsuit shopping, but nope, not with Hapari because they also have matching cover-up shorts, skirts and wraps! I just had to splurge for the Denim Tile Straight Swim Skirt.

After placing my order, I was excited to receive it only a few days later! As you can see in the photo, the swimwear is true to size and fits perfectly! The top has plenty of room and covers everything very well, so I don't have to worry about playing on the beach with my kids or riding the waves! I feel completely comfortable with my body and the swimsuit, which is a definite plus and what Hapari is all about. The skirt is much more comfy than shorts and matches perfectly with the top, so I can wear it down to the beach or to the pool. In fact, I can just leave it on if I want because it is made of the same material as the swimsuit. Another thing I love about Hapari is that there are several other Denim Tile style swimsuits, such as the tankini and string bikini, so I can easily add pieces to my collection. There are other colors and styles that match well with the colors, too, so mixing and matching are possible, too.

As I mentioned, I had a tough time deciding on a swimsuit because they have so many great styles, but this one is, by far, my most favorite swimsuit in years! Not only are there many different styles, but they now have underwire options, push-up tops and Tummy Tuk bottoms! Plus, all of the swimwear is affordable and we don't have to spend an arm and a leg for a beautiful new swimsuit. I cannot say enough about Hapari and that's why I am so excited to offer this great giveaway for our readers!

Ready For A Giveaway?

One Lucky Reader Will Receive A $100 Gift Code For Hapari.com!

Educational Fun At School With Scrabble Clubs Review & Scrabble Board Game #Giveaway

When I was in the 8th grade, our English teacher allowed us to have "board game Fridays" a few times a month and there was one game I always brought.... SCRABBLE! It has been, for years, one of my favorite games besides Monopoly. I have played since I was about six years-old and would get completely schooled by my parents. While kids were partying in high school, I'd have SCRABBLE parties with my friends. By college, I'd gotten pretty good at the game and learned a few tricks and now my husband gets so mad when we play because I'm the one doing the schooling!

When I was in middle school, my friends and I started an unofficial SCRABBLE club. We'd meet every other week and play some great Scrabble games that got pretty competitive. There are so many benefits to playing SCRABBLE regularly, especially as a student because it is very educational. It greatly helps develop vocabulary and spelling skills. I'm still learning new words as I play and try to find new ways to earn points. Using a Q or Z are ways to really rack up points, so I've learned so many new words by studying a dictionary. SCRABBLE is also a fun way to engage with friends and also work on math skills when adding points. Getting a double or triple word score just adds the challenge and is always exciting as a player when you get massive points.

Because teachers and community leaders also see the educational benefits of using SCRABBLE in the classroom, they have teamed up with Hasbro to create School SCRABBLE Clubs! The clubs are designed for 4th through 8th grade kiddos and can be established in a classroom, after-school or through other community organizations, such as the library! When I was in elementary school, we had a library club and often played SCRABBLE there, too. Playing the game is a fun, social way to learn and we fully support School SCRABBLE Clubs!

Would you be interested in starting or supporting a School SCRABBLE Club? Establishing a club is very easy and you can easily find more information on the Hasbro website about starting a club and how to do so. There are also some informative videos!

Need another reason to support School SCRABBLE Clubs? All the clubs from across the U.S. are invited to compete against other schools and complete for the title of National School SCRABBLE champions! Can you imagine how much fun that would be for students? This years' competition will be held at the new Hasbro facility in Providence, Rhode Island on April 25-27! The date is coming up soon and we want to celebrate!

We received SCRABBLE board game for review and it had an extra awesome surprise! The "new" version can be played as always OR you can mix it up with Power Tiles, which several new ways to play the game and stump other players. I was excited to get this board since you could say I collect SCRABBLE games. I have my original vintage board from the 70s, an ultimate board that swivels, a travel SCRABBLE game and SLAM, so this is a great addition to my collection and we couldn't wait to play it, so that's exactly what we did.

Josiah is almost 7 years old and, SCRABBLE is recommended for ages 8+, so he understands the concept enough to form some words with the help of my husband. In 1st grade, he already has weekly spelling tests, so this is a great way to brush up on his vocabulary skills and he enjoys playing, just like his mama! I have a feeling this will become a fast family game night favorite as the boys get older.

Josiah ended up with 121 points, but Papa won with 191! It was a great game and Josiah has already been asking when we can play again. You bet it will be soon!

To celebrate the National School SCRABBLE Competition, Hasbro has a great surprise for our readers....

Ready For A Giveaway?

One Lucky Reader Will Win Their Own Scrabble Board Game From Hasbro!

Winnie The Pooh: Springtime With Roo Blu-Ray Giveaway 4 WINNERS

Just a few months ago we visited Disney and we were able to meet some of our favorite Disney characters, including Winnie the Pooh and Rabbit! The boys had to give hugs to both of them and it was so sweet.

We also had a chance to visit the tree house and write a letter to Winnie the Pooh, too!

If you can't tell, we are huge Winnie The Pooh fans. I grew up reading Winnie The Pooh stories. In fact, Josiah's baby room was decorated with Classic Pooh. I was so excited to hear that Winnie The Pooh:Springtime With Roo just came out for the first time on Blu-ray and Digital Hi-Def!

About the movie:
Each year, Rabbit plays Easter Bunny, but this year, he's decided it's "Spring Cleaning Day" and he orders everyone to hop to it: scrubbing, dusting, and mopping. All his pals are very disappointed, especially little Roo, until Rabbit learns that putting others first and showing friends how much you care turns every day into a precious gift! Sparkling with unforgettable songs and a never-before-seen bonus treat, this delightful egg-stravaganza" shows why love, hope and friendship are always in full bloom in the Hundred Acre Wood!

This is a perfect gift just in time for spring and would be great as an Easter present, too! That's why we are so excited to run this great giveaway just for our readers.

Ready For A Giveaway?

 

FOUR Lucky Readers Will Win Their Very Own Copy of Winnie The Pooh: Springtime With Roo on Blu-Ray & Digital Hi-Def!

4 Tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Built To Amaze In Atlanta, Georgia #Giveaway #RinglingATL

We just wrote a post about the new Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus coming to the Atlanta area earlier this week and our boys are so excited about their first visit to the greatest show on earth. Now our readers have a chance to win tickets to one of the shows as well!

Ready For A Giveaway?

One Children Teaching Mama Reader Will Receive a 4 pack of tickets to their choice of:

Ringling Bros. Built to Amaze! at The Arena at Gwinnett Center on Wednesday, February 5th at 7pm!

OR

Ringling Bros. Built to Amaze! at Philips Arena on Wednesday, February 12th at 7pm!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® presents Built to Amaze Coming To The Atlanta Area This February #RinglingATL

When I was a little girl my mom got tickets to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus when it came to Atlanta. I cannot express how excited I was to see such a huge production for the very first time and I remember it all to this very day. I had such a wonderful time at the show and was so excited to find out they are coming to town this February!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Built to Amaze! at The Arena at Gwinnett Center February 5-9th and at Philips Arena on February 12-17th. This will be the 143rd edition of the Greatest Show on Earth!!!
We will be attending the show at the Philips Arena and my boys cannot stop talking about it. They have never been before and have no idea what to expect. They are going to be delighted to see all of the animal performances, including the comedic routine of Alex and Irena. There will also be clowns, of course, unicyclists, The Tower Tumblers who will soar through the air, launch from trampolines, repel and pass through a three-story translucent tower. It sounds amazing! There will be much more, including a fiery round of basketball with The King Charles Troupe.

After we attend the show, we will definitely write a post and include all of our photos. You know I take a million photos every time we go somewhere, so I hope to get some great shots of all the performances and of the kids having a blast! Now, how do I contain our excitement until the show? Eek!

Would you like to attend this amazing show with your family? 

Visit the Ringling Bros. website for all the information and to purchase tickets. You can save 20% by using the code GASSOUTH

More About The Show
Circus performers from across the globe create the perfect blend of athleticism and bravery, where power meets fearlessness and amazement has no bounds.  Magnificent elephants, ferocious tigers, astonishing acrobats and awe-inspiring aerialists are engineered into one spectacular performance.
Celebrate the tradition TODAY and experience it’s modern flare of twists and turns where excitement and suspense are so intense you’ll be tempted to cover your eyes. 

From the blueprints to the band, the crates to the clowns, the hammer to the high wire, witness the spectacle as we measure out the perfect mix of marvel and majesty in an imagination equation where the impossible comes to life. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®Presents Built To Amaze!

You can also follow via Facebook and follow via Twitter to keep up with all the latest information.

A Sandestin, Florida Getaway With The Family At Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

This summer was very mild here in Georgia, so I knew that meant much colder weather in the fall and winter. Sure enough, November arrived and so did the cold weather, wind and rain. It just so happened that Josiah's fall break for Thanksgiving provided the perfect time for us to go on a trip as a family! During the summer we always go to the beach, but the area is always crowded, you have to wait in lines everywhere you go and sometimes the weather is just too hot. The fall proved to be a wonderful time for a vacation because there were less people and we could sit back, relax and recharge for the rest of the year.

Unfortunately, Papa ended up having to work, so the boys and I jumped in the car and headed for Sandestin, leaving the 40 degree weather in the dust. As soon as we arrived at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, I had to get out short sleeves for the boys because it was over 70 degrees, sunny and absolutely beautiful. The boys couldn't wait to hit the beach, so that is exactly what we did after checking in and bringing up our luggage to the condo.

Tailgate Blogger Bash - Over $300 Worth of Prizes To Be Won

Are You Ready For Some FOOTBALL?!

If you’re like us, you love watching football and rooting for your favorite team! Also, if you’re like us, you like to root in style!

Along with a great group of bloggers, Coping With Frugality, Joy Of Momma Joyner and Woven By Words are bringing you this Tailgate Bash giveaway to celebrate! Here’s what ONE WINNER will receive:

With all these great prizes, people are sure to know what team you're rooting for! have a blast at any Tailgate Bash!

This prize package is worth $337 and is open to all legal residents of the United State who are 18-years-old or older.

Holiday Gift Guide: Joseph Nogucci IRIS Bead & Charm Bracelet Review

Every holiday season, I easily purchase gifts for the entire family, but there is one person I always save for last. Finding a great gift for my mom is always difficult and I struggle with it every single year. This year, however, I found the perfect gift for her. Joseph Nogucci IRIS glass bead and charm bracelets are so beautiful and can be customized to your own liking. Plus, they are absolutely beautiful!

Rebecca Glass Bead

My mom and I both love jewelry, so when I read about the Joseph Nogucci bracelets, I couldn't wait to receive one. On the website, customers have the option to buy complete bracelets, which come with either 5 charms or 5 beads, or they can create their own! The IRIS Lampwork Glass Beads on the bracelet are beautifully handcrafted blown glass, giving each of them a shiny and unique look that is surely eye-catching. The charms come in both silver and rhodium and the band comes in your choice of a silver European clasp or a genuine leather double-wrap.

As soon as my package came in the mail, I tore it open to reveal a gorgeous bracelet complete with glass beads and charms. I was able to pick my favorite colors, blue, purple and green, which fit perfectly together along-side the silver charms. When picking out your charms and beads on the website, you can tell how pretty they are, but seeing the finished product is even more beautiful and breathtaking! My favorite of the beads is the Rebecca, a blue and white Murano inspired glass lampwork bead that just shines and shines when light hits it. My favorite charm is the Annette Rhodium charm, a triangular shaped charm that resembles a Celtic design.

Another thing I love about this bracelet is the clasp. It's different from all the other jewelry I own and is so much easier to put on myself without help. Instead of having to hold the clasp open with one hand, one side of the bracelet easily fits into the clasp and shuts around it.

European Clasp

All of the beads fit together and make a truly unique bracelet that my mom will be able to wear and enjoy for many years to come. I wish buying her presents were this easy every year! Be sure to check out the Joseph Nogucci website for great selection of jewelry. Complete IRIS bead and charm bracelets retail for $109 or you can make your own by purchasing a starter band for $40 and individual charms/beads at $13 each.

Disclosure: This post was written for Joseph Nogucci and a product was received for review purposes. No other compensation was provided. All opinions expressed are my own.

Indie Author Holiday Gift Guide Kindle Paperwhite Package Giveaway Event

The Best in Indie Book Gifts

Horns of the Devil by Marc Rainer

The second book in the Jeff Trask crime/legal thriller series, a series hailed for its realism by those in the law enforcement career field, Horns of the Devil is the story of the havoc wreaked upon the nation's capital city by a drug gang turf war. As one career prosecutor wrote, "As a long-time prosecutor, I continue to be astounded by Rainer's perfect pitch for police/prosecutor dialogue. Outstanding Read! Rainer is way ahead of his contemporaries in this genre."

Price: $2.99 (Kindle) $9.45 (Paperback) via Amazon

For: Thriller Fans

Palmetto Review Take:  Nonstop legal and procedural crime novel that’s rich with detail and suspense.

Blogger Take: Horns of the Devil sounds like the perfect book for me. As the wife of a former prosecutor, the field of law enforcement has always fascinated me and so do legal thrillers. I have a feeling this one would keep me intrigued from beginning to end.

More: Embed clip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV5P2awy__g) Fan Marc Rainer

Too Quiet In Brooklyn: A Fina Fitzgibbons Mystery by Susan Russo Anderson

Twenty-two-year-old Fina Fitzgibbons stumbles upon a throttled woman in the heart of Brooklyn Heights and discovers that the dead woman’s four-year-old grandson is also missing. She begins a wild hunt for the strangler-kidnapper, Ralph. During the chase, she resists falling in love with her boyfriend, Denny, an NYPD patrol officer, steps on the toes of Detective First Grade Jane Templeton, and uncovers secrets about her own past. In the end, Ralph has a deadly surprise for Fina.

Price: $.99 (Pre-order) $3.99 (After 12/20/2013) via Smashwords

For: New Adult

Palmetto Review Take: Crime, passion, and New York City - count us in!

Blogger Take: I really enjoy reading books that keep me guessing about what is going on and what will happen. Plus, I love New York City!

More: Follow @susanrussoander Fan Susan Visit her via her Website and on Amazon

Tug of War by Ross Collier

An action packed, tension filled espionage thriller set in Melbourne, Australia during WW2, based on actual events between the US forces and the Australians.

Price: $2.99 (Kindle) $16.95 (Paperback) via Amazon, B&N, and iTunes

For: Fans of Thrillers and Espionage

Palmetto Review Take: A fresh plot line to enjoy as you follow the political intrigue down under in this historical look at the relations between two seemingly cozy nations as friction emerges.

Blogger Take: When taking world history in college, I was very interested in WW2 and even continued to major in German Language and culture. As this story is based on actual events, this really seems like a great page-turner and something that would keep me up at night until I finish.

More: Follow @CollierRoss Visit Collier’s Website

Night Chill by Jeff Gunhus

For fans of Stephen King and Dean Koontz -- Enjoy a creepy supernatural thriller with over 100 Five Star Amazon Reviews.

Price: $2.99 (Kindle) $12.78 (Paperback) via Amazon and Audible (12/20/2013)

For: Adult Supernatural Thriller and Horror Fans

Palmetto Review Take: One of the most highly rated books we’ve reviewed, read at your own risk of being frightened half to death.

Blogger Take: I am constantly reading horror books and watching scary movies, most of which are supernatural thrillers. I love being on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what will possibly happen next. King and Koontz are two of my favorites, so I am positive Night Chill will be just up my alley.

More: Follow @jtmonsterhunter Fan Jack Templar Visit The Author’s Website

The Jack Templar Monster Hunter Series - Books 1-3 by Jeff Gunhus

A new series for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.

Price: $.99 (Kindle) $9.79 (Paperback) via Amazon, B&N, and Audible (12/20/2013)

For: Middle Grade and YA

Palmetto Review Take: Ignite your imagination with this trio of supernatural books focused on monsters, mystery, and mythical adventure.

Blogger Take: My son is just old enough to get into Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. I have to admit I have read all of the books, too. Once reading those, you have to wonder what to read next? What can possibly compete with those? My son and I enjoy mythical adventure books.

More: Embed clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNeq99GVzVE) Follow @jtmonsterhunter Fan Jack Templar Visit The Author’s Website

Vengeance Out of the Shadows by David Peretz

In the third thriller to feature Ross Cortese, NYPD, the detective contends with both a killer targeting landlords and a Russian assassin out for retribution. Kirkus Review described it as "a seamless blending of stories and first-rate characterizations."

Price: $4.99 (Kindle) $11.25 (Paperback) via Amazon and B&N

For: Suspense, Romance, and Thriller Fans

Palmetto Review Take: Indie Must-Read Book of Summer Winner as voted on by everyday readers.  

Blogger Take: This book sounds perfectly suspenseful and perfect for the days I am off of work during the holidays. Thriller books are always a plus and this one sounds very entertaining.

More: Embed clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpYLmI7xIyk) Visit NYPD Crime Novels and Fan on Facebook

Lunch with Lucille by Annarose Ingarra-Milch

Readers can expect to be inspired and entertained as “Lunch with Lucille” whips up a delightful dish of hope and optimism, served by a fun-loving, sassy, female character who shares a message all women need to hear – you are your best asset, at any age. Voted overwhelming the Buzzworthy Book of Summer, “LwL” overflows with nourishing wisdom and humor as you are treated to simple, practical solutions to some prickly issues such as aging, confidence, self image, and achievement. This fast-paced novella is thought provoking and leaves you hungry for the next course.

Price: $4.99 (Kindle) $13.13 (Paperback) via Amazon and B&N

For: Women

Palmetto Review Take: A perfect gift for any woman in need of Inspiration.

Blogger Take: Every woman needs to feel good about themselves and, of course, sometimes you just need a good laugh. As I grow older, I constantly have to remind myself of these two things, which is why this inspirational book sounds perfect for me. I can also read it on my Kindle while traveling in the car.

More: Embed clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMDD-X1X-Xg) Visit Facebook, Author Website, iTunes Podcast, WFMZ TV, Berks County Living Story, BCTV

Tall, Dark, and Handsome and Other Devotionals by Christopher Hall

A collection of Christian devotionals based on one man’s life experiences. “This book makes you think! It is funny, uplifting and a down to earth view of Christianity. We all have those bad days at work that make you wonder if it is it all worth it. Chris Hall takes a bad day and redirects it to a lesson in Christ... I highly recommend this book to all my friends.” Karen Brooks-Rochelle

Price: $5.99 (Kindle) $11.57 (Paperback) via Amazon

For: Anyone interested in uplifting stories related to Christian Living

Palmetto Review Take: Deepen your walk in faith, or take your first step to finding it with this inspirational book rooted in the real world, and written for you to discover the next.

Blogger Take: Sometimes we all need some uplifting and, as the review above says, this is just the book for that.

More: Fan the author on Facebook

At The Gates of Walhalla By Justen Forge

Suspense, intrigue, and action. A page turner that makes you feel like you're in the scenes. This novel sets itself apart with its vivid writing and top notch storytelling. Perfectly priced so you can give this to all the readers on your Christmas shopping list.

Price: $2.99 (Kindle) via Amazon, Sony, iTunes, B&N, and $21.99 (Paperback)  McNally Robinson

For: Thriller & Mystery Fans

Palmetto Review Take: After a horrific series of events a hero emerges to set wrongs right in spellbinding detail.

Blogger Take: The description of the book immediately intrigues me to find out more about this book and so does the price. Action books like this always keep me interested, so I could definitely see myself reading this.

More: Embed video clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiDlihGXyOY) Visit the Author’s Website

Liberty's Torch (Dystopia Trilogy Book 3) by Janet McNulty

Expect excitement action, and to learn the meaning of true sacrifice. All it takes is one spark to ignite Liberty's Torch.

Price: $2.99 (Kindle) via Amazon

For: YA, Teens, Dystopian Genre Fans, Those Who Like Strong Female Characters

Palmetto Review Take: Like Hunger Games and Divergent, this dystopian drama is both entertaining and plausible.

Blogger Take: This book was compared to Hunger Games, a book that I absolutely loved and read in a day, so this really sparks my interest.

More: Embed video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-CJb-hrRV8&feature=youtu.be) Fan on Facebook, follow @JMRUL, visit the author’s Website

Ready For A Giveaway?

One Very Lucky Reader Will Win a Kindle Paperwhite prize package complete with:

• Kindle Paperwhite
• $50 Amazon Gift Card
• One copy of each book included in the holiday gift guide