Saturday, November 30, 2013

Build Holiday Memories and a Whole Lot More with Build-A-Bear. Plus Enter to WIN a Gift Card!!

Back in July, for my son's birthday, we took a visit to Build-A-Bear Workshop for his party. It was one of the most magical experiences we have eve had together. Everyone had a fantastic time, and we all made the most loveable stuffed friends that are still most beloved to this day.

While my kids are fans of stuffed toys in general, it is clear that all others take a back seat to their Build-A-Bear friends. Although the party was for my son, my daughter may just have had more fun than anyone, and she is convinced that all the Build-A-Bear friends belong to her. Daddy even made a Marine Corp bear(as he is a veteran of the Marines) and she even tried to claim that one.

With the holidays approaching, I am trying to think of all the very best gifts to bring delight to my kids on Christmas morning, and of course I could not overlook their love of Build-A-Bear friends.

As wonderful as our trip to Build-A-Bear was, I cannot place that under the tree, and a gift card for a trip is not a good idea, as they would demand to go immediately(with one being only 2 and the other Autistic, it is hard to explain patience). Thankfully, Build-A-Bear also has a huge selection of pre-made animals on their website, so I got them each one to tuck away for Christmas.

With so many incredible choices, including adorable holiday characters, it was so difficult to choose only one each, but their was one pair that I could not pass up. I chose Rudolph and Clarice, and they are so precious.
You can get these cute little reindeer undressed, or dressed up like I got. You can choose whichever clothing you like on your own(like I did for Rudolph), or choose one that comes dressed already like the Merry & Bright Clarice.

Rodolph looks so handsome in his Christmas Sweater, scarf and hat, and how cute are those little Rudolph slippers?
As if he could not get any cuter, let us not forget, this is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. It's his job to lead Santa's Sleigh, so his nose needs to shine extra bright, so of course, it does!
Thanks to a little button on his ear, Rudolph is ready to light the sky with his signature red nose. How awesome is that? My son is going to LOVE his new friend Rudolph.

My daughter is certainly not one to be left out, and she will not accept a lesser version of anything. It's a good thing that Clarice is just as specktakular as Rudolph.

With her adorable red bow and gorgeous Red and Green Polka Dot Dress, she is quite the vision of loveliness.
Factor in her Red Bow Glitter Flats(or Ruby Slippers as they resemble to me), and she puts other reindeer to shame.
She is so sweet and loveable that she is sure to make your heart glow, just as hers does.
My little girl is going to flip for this beautiful reindeer friend. I just hope she does not try to claim both of the. I can see why she would, they make quite to stunning couple.
Out of all the gifts I am getting them, these are probably the most special, and the ones that I would most love for myself. I am not ashamed to admit how much I would love my own darling reindeer friend. I cannot wait to see my children's faces on Christmas morning as they light up brighter than their new glowing friends with the joy of such a special gift.

These will surely be beloved companions all year long, and I look forward to growing our holiday Build-A-Bear collection each and every year. I have decided that a Build-A-Bear each will be our holiday tradition.

If you are looking to start a new tradition or just to make a child's Christmas a whole lot more special, then enter below for your chance to win a $25 Build-A-Bear Gift Card. Use it to buy a special friend(in store or online), stuff it in a stocking, or take your child on an unforgettable trip to make their own at a Build-A-Bear Workshop location.

No matter how you use it, the gift of Build-A-Bear is always the perfect choice. Build traditions, memories, friendships, happiness and so much more, with Build-A-Bear Workshop.

*Although I received these at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*
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Friday, November 29, 2013

AlleyOOP 14ft VariableBounce Trampoline Review

The holidays are nearly here. Since yesterday was Thanksgiving, today is Black Friday, the day that strikes fear into my very soul. My husband and I, along with your two kids, made the very foolish decision to venture out last night to take part in the shopping madness.

I had never attempted Black Friday(or Thursday) shopping before. I have always thought it was crazy to fight so many other shoppers and stand in lines for hours. It turns out, I was right. It is crazy and we will never be doing that again.

I much prefer to shop online. Not only can you stay warm and comfortable, but you never have to deal with cranky children, long lines, low inventory, non-existent parking(we had to park in the grass), and pushy shoppers. Plus, online, you can get the same fabulous deals, something I had to learn the hard way.

I have done all my shopping online for as long as I can remember, and I always make out like a bandit. We got a couple good deals last night, but it was not worth the hours of anarchy, not by a long shot. I have seen so many fabulous deals this year already, and with it being Black Friday, almost every company is running online sales to go along with their in-store ones.

What I really love to find though are deals on items that are not available(or not common) in stores, and bigger items that I would prefer be shipped anyway. It's great to get extra savings on things you would have bought online anyway.

One of my favorite online retailers is having a Black Friday sale. JumpSport, the world's safest trampolines, is offering some really amazing deals. Now through December 1st, you can get $100 off the JumpSport Elite Growing Families Bundle and $200 off the PowerBounce Bundle.

 
Save $150 on the Growing Families Bundle
or save $200 on the
Growing Families POWER Bundle
At checkout use the coupon code:
BLKSALE150ELITE13
(PowerBounce Bundle Use)
BLKSALE200ELITE13

These are top of the line backyard trampolines. It's not something you would pick up at a discount store. These are ultra safe and premium performance. That is the only thing I would ever trust for y own family. I recently got a AlleyOOP(by JumpSport) 14ft VariableBounce Trampoline, and it is incredible.
The safety enclosure features a "no forget" entry way. Once the kids go in, it goes right back to it's original position.

That way, there is no chance that a kid could fall out. I am always out there with them anyway, but with my daughter being 2 and my son being 6 and autistic, this is still a vital feature in my opinion. That was one of the biggest reasons I chose this model. This is the STRONGEST Safety net available. You can't put a price on piece of mind like that.

The way this net sits is awesome because it goes around the outside of the padding. Some enclosures sit on the inside blocking the bouncing surface from the padding, but this way, there are rest areas on the padding inside. The rest areas allow my daughter to sit down and not get bounced all over by everyone else jumping. I really love that. She is so small that she often looks like popcorn out there.

Another thing that I really love about this is that you can get a basketball set(sold separately) that attaches right to the safety enclosure.
I have been wanting to get the kids a basketball hoop anyway, and did not have much place for it since they cannot dribble a ball on grass. This is a fun and unique way for them to play. My son can already make the occasional basket on this without even jumping. I can't wait to teach him a jumping slam dunk.

The rim is padded, so there is no danger when he can bounce up and dunk. The net is easily removable too, it just fastens on with Velcro. It is really easy to make baskets. Even if it is out of the box, if you hit the backboard, chances are it will go in the hoop. I love basketball, so this was fantastic to me.

It was pretty easy to install, and I did it after I already had the enclosure put up. It didn't take much time at all and I did it myself except for a little help holing it from the inside by hubby.

There is also a ladder that you can purchase separately(that is included in the elite packages in the Black Friday Sale). It makes it even easier for younger kids to get up, although you can get up without it too.

Of course the greatest feature is just how much fun the kids having playing on it.
(I apologize for the sound on the videos, it was VERY windy.)

Even hubby(who is a kid at heart) loves it. The kids especially love when he or I(or both of us) are on there with them.
They like to wrestle and even "fight" for the title belt. Of course, the kids always win.
Watching them have so much fun is the best gift of all. And I know that in their mind, this is the best gift they have ever gotten. They both ask to play on it every single day, multiple times. They will play for like 2 hours(which is really exhausting for mommy), come inside for a drink and a snack, ad ask to go right back out. They'd probably sleep on it if I'd let them. As a matter of fact, you can even get a tent that is made to go along with this. I plan to do that in the Spring/Summer.

What I really love about the VariableBounce is the way the springs are configured. They are designed to reduce risk of injury and increase safety. When two people land at once, there is less of a jolt than on other trampolines. I have had many experiences on other trampolines where I laded at the same time as someone and actually popped my knee or ankle to the point of severe and lingering pain. I definitely do not want that possibility for my children.

I really love that this is an item that encourages physical activity. As you can see, both of my children are well fed, and I was getting concerned out their weight(especially since the doctors always tell me they are heavy for their age). I love that they can get exercise simply from playing. I can get some right along with them, which is just another wonderful perk.

This is a gift that is fun for the whole family. I think I love it just as much as the kids. I know I could really have a blast if I jumped by myself. When we play together, I am always worried about sending them flying. Hubby has the same problem. I think we need a grow-up play date on it.

With the superior safety, performance, durability, and creativity of this trampoline, I cannot imagine any better gift for my children(or any child). If a big backyard trampoline is out of your price range or yard space, JumpSport still has you covered. Their Black Friday Sale also features 3 of their fabulous personal trampolines.

Save 10% off ANY
200 Series Fitness Trampoline!
At checkout use the coupon code:
BLKSALE10JFT20013
Save 20% off ANY
300 Series Fitness Trampoline!
At checkout use the coupon code:
BLKSALE20JFT30013
Save 15% off ANY
500 Series Fitness Trampoline!
At checkout use the coupon code:
BLKSALE15JFT50013

Their Fitness Trampolines are fantastic too. I reviewed one earlier this year. It is the best mini trampoline I have ever seen, and I love that it does not have squeaky, dangerous springs, but instead thick, bungee type straps.
 

The kids love it. That is what made me want to get them a backyard one. They hate sharing the mini one and I still worried about them falling(or pushing one another) off.
 


And for those with even younger kiddos to shop for, JumpSport is also discounting the iBounce kid's trampoline during their Black Friday event.

"Best Gift for Young Kids (2-5 years)"
iBounce Kids Trampoline Special
Take $20 off any iBounce!
Choose your Kids Trampoline
At checkout use the coupon code:
BLKSALE20KIDS2013
 
No matter who you are shopping for or what your budget is, JumpSport has you covered. Don't fight the crowds to possibly save a little bit on predictable gifts. Sit back, relax and let JumpSport ship the perfect gift right to your door.

Then all you have to deal with is assembly(which you still have to with many other gifts). The assembly is not very difficult. I did it myself with some minor help(holding) from hubby. The directions are very detailed and easy to follow. 
The hardest part of the assembly is actually the safety enclosure, and that is still fairly simple. I did have a very small amount of trouble with it, but that is because I did it with no help at like 4am(after doing the trampoline since like 11pm). I had to do it while the kids were sleeping. With 2 people, in the daylight, this can be done in a flash.

Getting to the point, I HIGHLY recommend JumpSport to anyone looking for a trampoline. You will not find better quality anywhere. Seriously, if this was not the best, I would not put my faith in it, not for my kids. 

Make someones holiday unforgettable with an incredible gift from JumpSport.

*Although I received this at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Wantable Box Review

I am always in search of the best beauty products. From hot new launches to undiscovered classics, anything that helps me look and feel better is a must have. I am very picky about my products though, and I don't have time to search high and low to just to find products that may or may not be as good as I hope.

I also hate spending a fortune for products just to find that I do not like them. I always need to save money. I hate to pay full price for anything, especially things like cosmetics that I don't actually need.

So when I found a way to try all the most fabulous cosmetics that have all been tried and loved by experts, and get them all shipped right to my door and a huge savings, It was like fate. Wantable Box is incredible.
While you get surprises, you can set your likes and dislikes. You get to set every cosmetic type to dislike, neutral or love, and your items are chosen for you accordingly. That is so cool. Anything you set to dislike you are garunteed not to receive, so I never have to worry I will get something I don't want.

The box contains a great selection of premium quality items.

Lise Watier Ombre Souffle Supreme Sample:

Besame Cosmetics Black Licorice Lip Glaze:

Japonesque Angled Foundation Brush:

Cailin Cosmetics Brown Liquid Eyeliner:

Brazen Cosmetics Loose Blush in Amorous:

Everything is so beautiful. I especially love the eyeliner and the blush. That angled brush is fabulous too, it gives remarkable coverage. It's probably the best brush that I own. I love this box!

If you love cosmetics and want to try the best products around in a simple and affordable way, then I highly suggest Wantable Box.

*I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers*

Spread Holiday Cheer With Shutterfly

With under a month until Christmas, time is running out to accomplish everything. The window for completing Christmas cards is especially closing in. Thankfully, there is a place that has you covered.

Instead of searching for a good design of card in a bulk box or trying to find an individual card for each and every person on your list, or trying to write your desired messaging into each and every card you send, why don't you find the perfect card quickly and easily online, write your own message to be displayed on all the cards and even add photos to make it completely unique?

That is what I am doing this year. I am using Shutterfly to create gorgeous holiday cards that reflect our family's personality. There are so many beautiful cards. My favorites are:

Wonderful Life Flurries:
 

Glistening Greeting:
 

Beyond Measure(folded card):
 
Magic Wonder:
   

Happiest Memories:
 

There are hundreds of designs to choose from, and they are all wonderful. There is something for everyone, Christmas, Chanukah, general holiday, religious and more.

I love being able to add photos, whether it's one or more, and being able to add any text I want and even change fonts and text color. It is so simple too. I can make cards for everyone on my list in just minutes and have them printed up to my exact specifications and shipped to my house in just a few days. They even send envelopes.

If I wanted too, I could even create personalized card for each person and have them shipped directly to the recipient.

Shutterfly has so much more than cards. They also have a huge variety of photos gifts too. I love their fleece blankets, I own a few and they are stunning. I love giving photo gifts. I just found a product on Shutterfly that I have to make this year. They have photo storybooks, and they are so adorable. My kids are going to love them.
 
I will be getting both of these, the Spongebob for my son and Dora for my daughter. Both love books as it is, and they love these characters. Being able to have a story that is actually about them will make them feel so special.

If you are looking for a simple way to create premium quality, heartfelt gifts and cards for everyone on your list, then you have to check out Shutterfly. And to get the gifting started, Shutterfly and I are giving $50 off + Free Shipping to one lucky winner. Enter below for your chance to win. Good luck.

*Although I have been compensated with Shutterfly credit, all opinions are 100% my own.*
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Bommerscheim Buddies Review

Every year on Christmas Eve, we have a tradition that everyone opens one gift. It is something that I have been doing since I was a kid, my mom passed it on to us from her childhood tradition. It is really important to me, and I love having a tradition to pass on to my children.
That is really the only tradition we have, so that makes it even more special. That is why I want to be sure that the gifts that are opened that night are worthy of such a monumental tradition. I really like to have the gift be items that can actually be enjoyed that night.

There is no point in opening a bike or a baseball bat. Anything that needs to be used outside would be silly, and anything that needs to be assembled or that takes too long to play is also very impractical.

One thing I like to choose is a storybook that I can read to the kids before they go to sleep, but this year I found a gift for my daughter that she can enjoy immediately and all through the night. I got her a Bommerscheim Buddie. This one is Pink Floral Flannel.
How adorable is this? It is so cute and cuddly. What could be better to inspire dreams of dancing sugar plums? This precious little bunny will keep my little girl happy and comforted all night long.

The cover is so soft, it is hard to resist snuggling it. I almost want one myself. Look how adorable the print is. So girly and whimsical.
As cute as the print on the cover is I really love the face. It is very child-like and almost looks like a doodle, which to me makes it even more fantastic.
What I really love about Bommerscheim Buddies is that after days, weeks and months of love and snuggling, this little plush friend is sure to be in less than clean condition. Of course you can wash it, but if you have ever tried to take a child's beloved toy, you know that it is not easy.

The last thing I want to do it to pry my daughters favorite toy(which I have a good feeling this will become) away form her just to clean it. Thankfully, with Bommerscheim Buddies, I never have to worry about that. They have removable covers, so you can wash just the cover. And so you never have a naked buddy, you can get extra covers.

I got the Pink Teddy Flannel cover and it is so precious.
Look at those darling teddy bears.
All of the covers are so cute that I want to get them all. I know that my little princess is going to love this cuddly Bommerscheim Buddy. I cannot wait to see her face on Christmas eve and  to watch her peacefully dreaming beside her new plush friend.

If you have a young child on your holiday shopping list, I highly recommend the gift of sweet dreams and an any-time companion. There are tons of styles to choose from for boys or girls. You can even add custom text, like names or dates.

Any child is sure to love a sweet, cuddly Bommerscheim Buddy. Whether you do a gift on Christmas eve, or wait until Christmas day, or even if you don't celebrate Christmas, this is a gift that will keep on giving love and comfort all year long and for many years to come.

Be sure to to follow Bommerscheim Buddies on social media at Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter to ensure you never miss anything exciting.

*Although I received this at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Museumtour.com Has the Perfect Present for Any Child.

With the holidays so close, we have entered crunch time for gift buying. If you are anything like me, you are still unsure of what to get the kiddos on your list. I know it's a good thing when your kids have all they need and mostly all they want, but it makes gift buying much more difficult.

In my case, it is especially hard since I have a 2 year old and a 6 year old who is autistic. Neither of them really tell me what they want. Not only do I have to try to pick items each child will like, I need to think of if they will actually get used regularly and not take up too much space.

I also want gifts that will serve a purpose. Something fun that also helps my children learn, grow or thrive in some way. That is quite a tall order. Luckily, I have found a one stop shop for everything I could want in Museumtour.com.

They have countless toys and games that are designed to help children learn. Best of all, it is so easy to find what you are looking for. If you know exactly what you want, you can use the search feature. It you have an idea, you can look by category, or if you have not clue, you can just search by age group, which is super convenient.

You end up finding things that are perfect that you would never have thought to look for on your own. I found something that both my kids are going to love. Wondermaze looks like so much fun.
While this is incredible maze will make for hours of fun, it also teaches fine motor skills(a challenge for many with autism including my son), hand-eye coordination and provides a practical introduction to physics.

My son loves anything like this. He loves anything that runs on a track or course, anything sequential, I know he is going to have so much fun with this maze. It even looks fun to me.


The Wondermaze attaches to any magnetic surface like metallic paint, filing cabinets or refrigerators. Our WonderMaze will be used on the fridge. I cannot wait to see the kids' faces light up when they try it out for the first time. And I look forward to them loving and learning from it for a long time to come.

Museumtour.com is such a wonderful site. This will be my go-to for gift shopping for any occasion. I feel like ANYTHING they offer will be a great choice. I haven't seen one thing I didn't like so far.

If you are shopping for a kiddo this year, I highly suggest MuseumTour.com, especially since you can use the code MOMSALE to receive 15% off some secret items. But hurry. this deal ends Nov 30th.

*Although I received this item at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*