Christmas Wishes - PicturesOnGold.com Review & Giveaway!!

Christmas will be here in flash. I have been shopping like a madwoman for weeks, and I have gotten a bunch of great stuff for my kids and my husband, and most everyone else on my list. However there was one name I just could not cross off. I could not find anything to get my Mother-in-law.

Unlike a lot of people, I actually adore my mother-in-law, and she really likes me. We are not super close though, since she lives in New Jersey and has only visit Florida a few times. I mean, we are close in how we care for one another, but I do not know her well enough to knew her taste in gifts very well.

I wanted to get her something classy and elegant since his family has much more money than we do or I ever had. She already has nice things, I certainly don't want to get her something cheap, or that presents as a cheap gift. I don't want something impersonal and thoughtless like a gift card. I did not want to get her something she would hate because it would seem as if I don't care enough to know what to get.

It is actually quite stressful, and I was so worried I would have to settle for a fragrance or something of that nature, when I thought of the perfect thing. I got her a photo canvas for Mother's Day, and she loved it. I figured photo gifts are personal and tasteful, and it would be nice to do another.

I did not want to get another canvas though, and photo books require way too many photos, photo mugs and shirts and such are nice, but they just didn't feel special enough to me. So what is left? Well, I happened to discover PictureOnGold.com.

PictureOnGold.com is an online retailer that offers custom made jewelry, namely lockets and such. A locket on it's own is a lovely gift, and an engraved locket seemed incredibly special. A piece of jewelry created just for her, that seemed like a slam dunk.

Specifically, I chose the Build Your Own Sterling Silver 2-Picture Heart Locket. That locket is available in three sizes, and I chose the largest, which is 1 1/4" x 1 1/4". As the name states, it is made of stunning sterling silver.

It is so easy to add a personal message to the locket. You can choose a monogram, clipart or text. I decided to make this as if it was from our kids, her grand kids, because she loves them to pieces, and they adore her. I had it engraved it with "We love you grandma". You can even choose between block letters or script, I chose the script because I think it looks more sophisticated.

The personalization does not end there, however. Not even close. The next step is to choose the inside. You can leave it empty so the recipient can add their own photos or add a paper photo by uploading, emailing or mailing a photo. PicturesOnGold.com will print the photo to size and place it in the locket for you.

That alone would be pretty great, but you also have the option to engrave the inside, or to have your photo(s) laser etched into the metal. They can even still be done in color, which was astounding to me. Laser etched photos cannot fall out, fade or be effected by water, plus they are incredibly clear and crisp.

I added a photo of our son and one of our daughter, and I could tell the locket would be stunning as soon as I previewed it on the website. It was so stunning that I wanted one for myself as well.

I left the back blank because I did not want it to be too ornate and end up looking tacky, but you can have the back engraved as well if you wish.

As beautiful as this necklace looks online, I never imagined that it would be even more impressive in person. I literally gasped when I opened the box, because it was so breathtaking.

I know that she will love that gift, which is what matters most to me. I love it too though. I love that it is unique - one of a kind, in fact. I love that it is incredibly high quality. I love that the color laser photos are waterproof AND scratch-proof. I love the way it shines. I love the chain, I love everything about this locket.

If you are looking for a gift that is truly special, something that will not only be liked, but cherished, then the Build Your Own Sterling Silver 2-Picture Heart Locket is perfect!! I actually plan to get one for my daughter with pictures of her grandma and grandpa(hubby's side) in it. Of course I cannot exclude my son from such a special family keepsake. Thankfully, PicturesOnGold.com has Dog Tag Lockets too, so I will make him one with the same photos.

Of course they are both too young to treat them properly at present time, but I still plan to get them soon for the to see and know they own. My grandmother did that for me with a necklace when I was young. She told me I would get it when I was old enough, and they day she finally gave it to me, it was more special than it ever would have been had she given it to be that first time I saw it.

I can think of no more special gift than giving someone a piece of your heart, shaped like a hear to wear near their heart. I am so glad that I was able to find this incredible gift from PicturesOnGold.com, and I am more excited than my kids are for Christmas now, because the stress of finding the perfect gift is gone, and the anticipation of seeing her open this beautiful locket is building every day.

I hope you were able to find such a special gift for everyone on your list, but if you are still looking, you cannot go wrong with a locket(or other gift) from PicturesOnGold.com. As a gift to all of you, PicturesOnGold.com has generously offered to give away a Build Your Own Sterling Silver 2-Picture Heart Locket to one very lucky winner. Enter below for your chance to win this fabulous prize.

Be sure to enter all the other Christmas Wishes giveaways HERE.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The fine print: All entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Please read each giveaway 's directions carefully as entry methods differ, and giveaways may be open to different world areas. Please make sure you leave a way (valid email address in form or comment) with your entries to be contacted if you win. Please note that Momma Told Me, Blog POP! or the Blog POP! bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner we will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly and prizes will likely not arrive in time for the holidays due to event and giveaway timing. We will make every effort to help.

Christmas Wishes - Zipz Shoes Review & GIVEAWAY!!

Everyone likes to put their best foot forward, especially during the holidays where seems to be so much more going on. Luckily, there is one company that makes it insanely easy to always do just that. Zipz are a one of a kind line of footwear that takes fashion to the next step(pun intended).

It's always said that shoes are a girl's best friend, and of course that is usually true, but I know so many men that saying would apply to as well. In fact, my husband is a shoe connoisseur. He owns easily double the amount of shoes that I do, and I have quite a few.

Having a large selection of shoes is wonderful. It ensures that we will always have the perfect pair for any look and any occasion. It allows us to express ourselves with our favorite colors, styles and patterns. It just makes us happy. There is a downside though.

First, buying a new pair of shoes all the time can get expensive. Second, shoes need a place to be stored, and in our home, there is practically nowhere to keep them without it looking tacky. Our TV stand in our bedroom is actually housing shoes instead of the movies we previously kept there.

Amazing, Zipz solves both of those problems. If the name did not already give it away, Zipz shoes are just that zip-able. Still don't understand? The tops of the shoes zip off from the soles, so that you can use another top to create the look of a whole new pair.

I really love that I can change up the whole look in a quick Zip. I really love that since the soles stay the same and the tops are the same size/fit that I can actually wear 2 different tops at the same time if I want to. I have a bit of a crazy sense of style at times. I have always wanted to wear two different shoes at once, but since shoes are different heaths and such I was not able to wothout it effecting how I would walk.

Also, instead of paying for a whole new pair of shoes, you just have to buy the tops. That saves a lot of money. It makes a lot of sense too, because I find that the top of my shoes begins to look distressed and the soles are perfectly good. Now I don't have to throw out the whole pair just because the tops look rough.

The tops are much more compact that a full pair of shoes, so you can easily store 5 pairs of tops(or more) in the same amount of space as 1 pair of shoes. Space is a huge issue for us, so that really makes me happy, especially since I love to indulge my husband's shoe obsession, and always want to get him new pairs, like these amazing Zipz.

He loves his Zipz. Not only does he like the space saving and style changing features. He really loves the look of all of Zipz styles in general as more stylish than average shoes. He especially likes how the zipper looks like and embellishment to give the shoes more personality.

When either of us wear our Zipz, we always get tons of compliments and people asking us what kind of shoes we are and where we got them. Not that we base our fashion choices on the opinions of others, but it is really nice when people compliment you on something that you already love.

That's one of the best thing about Zipz, yeah they are practical, but they are also fun and incredibly unique, but like those that wear them, which is why they make such a wonderful gift. Zipz are all about all things fun and exciting, which is why there are hosting this fabulous giveaway.

One very lucky winner will receive a pair of Zipz of their very own. What better way to show their unique style? If you want to win this fantastic prize, enter below. Be sure to enter all the other Christmas Wishes giveaways HERE for other amazing prizes. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway THE FINE PRINT: All entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Please read each giveaway 's directions carefully as entry methods differ, and giveaways may be open to different world areas. Please make sure you leave a way (valid email address in form or comment) with your entries to be contacted if you win. Please note that Momma Told Me, Blog POP! or the Blog POP! bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner we will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly and prizes will likely not arrive in time for the holidays due to event and giveaway timing. We will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize should concerns arise after winner's notification. If there is an issue with a sponsor please notify the blog owner no sooner than 14 days from prize notification and no more than 6 weeks, for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

Christmas Wishes - Casio CGP-700 Compact Grand Piano Giveaway!

I get to share a lot of great products with you all during the Christmas Wishes event, but this very well may be the best yet. This is an item that the whole family will love. It is fun, practical, stylish and, in a way, educational.

Introducing the Casio CGP-700 Compact Grand Piano. The name says it all, this is truly a Grand Piano, but Casio's amazing CGP-700 is compact and digital, so you save money, save space and get so much more than just a premium quality piano.

The CGP-700 boasts a 9-foot concert grand piano sound.  A meticulous recording session, with over two dozen microphones, ensured a dynamic and expressive concert grand piano that can be used in stereo or mono, and even includes damper resonance simulation.

Just like a grand piano, the keys have a heavier feel in the lower register, and a lighter feel up top, thanks to Casio's famous Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard. Even the surface of the keys feels natural, with the reproduced textures of both ebony and ivory.

The CGP-700 goes far beyond piano, with 550 different instrument tones. You'll find a variety of guitars, strings, basses, drums, synths, and more. There is also a powerful effects system with reverbs, delays, and other essentials.

The centerpiece of the CGP-700 is a beautiful 5.3" Color Touch Interface. This hi-res display is bright and clear. Everything is at your fingertips so you stay in control. You can simply swipe and tap your way to the perfect tone or rhythm. There is even a Grand Piano button that puts it back into Grand Piano mode in one press of a button.

Whether you are playing as a Grand Piano or a veritable orchestra of other instruments or even listening to your MP3 player(phone) via the stereo aux input, the unique 3-way speaker system will easily fill the entire room with rich, true sound.

With the CGP-700 you get all the amazing sound of a Grand Piano. Unlike a traditional Grand Piano, you also get the bonus of other rhythms and instruments. You also get the portability that a traditional Grand Piano could never provide. The CGP-700 can easily be removed from the stand. It weighs only 26 pounds, so you can have premium sound anywhere.

The CGP-700 also connects to your computer, mac, iPad or other device with no drivers needed. Its 1/4" outputs mean you can easily connect to a mixer, amplifier, or PA system. It uses both MIDI and USB audio recorders, so it is so easy to transfer your music to a computer to save it and share it with the world.

The CGP-700 is also perfect for a student and teacher to play/learn together.  There is a Duet Mode, which splits the keyboard into two equal ranges, so teachers and students can play side by side. It offers dual headphone jacks as well.

The Duet Mode is a huge asset for me. Our entire family loves music, but none of us are talented or even taught musicians. I would love my children to learn to play for real, and I wish I could teach them, but that will never happen. I can however get them a piano teacher, and I love that they can play side by side with my kids. My son especially(who has autism) is a visual and hands on learner. Spoken lessons would not be effective for him at all.

Also, Duet Mode will make it much easier for my children to share this piano. They can split the keyboard and each wear their own headphones, they can create their own music without having to fight or wait their turn. That feature alone is a selling point for me. Anything to keep the peace. Every single thing about Casio's CGP-700 Compact Grand Piano is completely incredible.

If you are a skilled pianist or a beginner or even someone who has never played, the Casio CGP-700 would be the perfect piano. Its amazing sound quality, style, space saving design and host of other sounds make it a true do-it-all instrument that anyone can enjoy.

If you are as impressed by the CGP-700 as I am and want to own one yourself, it is your lucky day. Casio has been generous enough to offer a CGP-700 Compact Grand Piano to one very lucky giveaway winner. Enter below for your chance to win this incredible prize.

Be sure to also enter the other giveaways in this Christmas Wishes event. There are thousands of dollars in prizes to be won. You can find the other giveaways via the School Rules tab on my site, or by clicking HERE.

*I received this product at no cost to facilitate my honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.* a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hoiday Gift Guide: Mikarose Review & GIVEAWAY!!

With the holidays coming up, there is lots of talk about the best gifts, and while that is very important, it is also essential to have certain things before the holidays so that you are ready to celebrate.

I recently found a company that will fit both of these needs, and I am very excited.

Mikarose is a company that specializes in modest, elegant and fashionable dresses, skirts and tops.

Nowadays, it is so difficult to find a modest dress. If you are able to find one, they are the kind that are styled for 90 year olds. Just because you want to be demure, does not mean you should have to look frumpy.

Mikarose has such gorgeous, classic, retro styles that are classy and flattering. They remind me of simpler times. Back when looking beautiful and sexy did not mean dressing like a stripper.

As a mother, I need to look modest and respectful. Prior to finding Mikarose, I found that very challenging. Usually I just wear jeans and T shirts. I may not look elegant, but at least I am not on display.

Usually on Mother's Day though, hubby takes me (and the kids) to dinner. It is always so sweet and I love being able to go out, but I hate not being able to dress properly. No matter how wonderful it is, in the back of my mind, the way I am dressed(under-dressed in jeans or over exposed in a different dress) bothers me and makes the evening less enjoyable.

One's clothing should never have to be the reason that that a person has a bad time.

Thankfully this year, I am so covered for our dinner. I got the most gorgeous dress from Mikarose and I am so in love.

MaryAnn, Striped Top Dress:

I love this dress. It is so gorgeous. It is timelessly beautiful and is flattering without being revealing. It is the perfect length to slow a little leg, and the neckline is low enough to look modern without showing cleavage.

The high belted waist gives it shape without being too curve hugging(aside from modestly, I also have body image issues so I don't want my lumps hugged).

This is probably my favorite dress ever. It is just so me. They style, fit, comfort, quality-everything. It's just exactly what I have been wishing for.

Although, Mikarose has so many other stunning dresses, so I am sure I will soon have a tie for my favorite. I can't wait to get my next dress from them.

Mikarose would be the best choice(in my opinion) to help you step out in style this holiday season. If you are looking for the perfect outfit, you will find it at Mikarose.

If you are shopping for a perfect holiday gift, Makarose to the rescue again. Any of these lovely dresses would make a fabulous gift. Or if you are not the kind to chose someones clothing, you can get them a gift certificate. Either way, you will be giving the gift of style and class, and the recipient will LOVE it.

In fact, I am so certain, Mikarose and I are giving away a $50 Mikarose Gift Certificate. One lucky winner will get to get(or give) the gift of elegant style thanks to Mikarose. Enter below. Good luck.

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

Holiday Gift Guide: eShakti Review

Have you ever been clothes shopping and found something you truly LOVE only to discover they don't have your size? That is super annoying.

Have you ever found "your size" and have it still not fit you correctly? Just because you wear a Small or a Large or size 8 or whatever does not mean that those sizes will fit your body the way it should since everyone has a unique shape.

That is why I instantly fell in love when I discovered eShakti.

eShakti is a revolutionary online clothing shop for women. Not only do they always have any standard size, but they also allow you to input your own measurements and get the item custom made to fit your exact shape.

And as if that was not enough, so can also alter the design of the dress, including length, neckline and sleeves and even removing pockets.

This is such a practical yet unique idea. Having things custom altered by a tailor costs a fortune, but eShakti's dresses are insanely affordable, and since they are custom made instead of altered later, they come out looking more perfect anyway.

Plus, eShakti has countless stylish designs to choose from. They have a huge selection of dresses(even bridesmaid dresses), tops and skirts.

I am not really a dress kind if girl usually, but seriously, these dresses are so fabulous. I would wear almost every one and it would look great. They are that fashionable.

In fact, the dress I got is so cute, that it is no longer available. People must have snatched them up faster than they could make them. I can totally see why. I am so in love with this dress.

I actually ordered a standard size instead of doing custom measurements because the size chart seemed like it would fit pretty well and I am terrible at measuring. I am so glad I did, because it fits PERFECT.

I still customized this to make it what I needed though. I input my height so they would know where it would need to fall to get the length right, and I switched it from Tunic Length to Above the knee. SO I did not make it much linger, but just enough so I could still be demure and covered since I have to chase kiddos all day.

I ADORE this length. It's not too grandma-esque and yet to too revealing. It is just right for me.

It is so comfortable too. Not only the piece of mind from knowing I am not exposed, but also the real comfort from it fitting just right and being free flowing in the skirt part so I can move unrestricted.

The top fits like a glove too. I can just slip it over me head(although there is a hidden side zipper) and I am ready to go. It is like a hug. It just fits exactly right. Not to loose and yet not tight in any way. It even has a stretchy section so it moves with you.

I love that I can wear my bra with this too. Many dresses have the wrong back, neckline or straps to wear a bra without seeing it, but this one I can. It even has a partially open back which I love and could not usually wear without my bra showing.

And I hate wearing strapless bras, so it is usually not wearing the dress or wearing no bra and either way it is a lose. As much as I love everything about this dress, I think that is my most favorite aspect.

I know that this is only my first of many wonderful items from eShakti. This is a must try item for any woman. How great would it be to give as a holiday gift? The gift of a stunning dress with the PERFECT custom fit. Buy a gift card so they can pick any style/options/size they want. I guarantee it will be one of the best gifts ever.

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

Single Cup Club for the Holidays

I am a coffee addict. I love to try new flavors and am always searching for a more perfect cup. It is sometimes hard to hunt for new varieties, especially when other obligations are more pressing, like holiday shopping, entertaining and more. That is why I love Single Cup Club.

In the pursuit of amazing coffee, Single Cup Club is like having your own "guy" in the coffee world. Each month, a box of artisan coffees is shipped right to your door for just $19. You'll experience three small batch roasted coffees with each month's box in the convenience of Kuerig compatible single serve cups. Get 25% off your Single Cup Club membership (Gift & Ongoing Membership). It's the perfect box for the coffee lover in your life, especially if that coffee lover is you!

Right now, Andrea's World readers can save 25% off of a Single Cup Club Membership signup - Use code: HOLIDAY25

Happy holidays!

2015 Mom Buzz Media Holiday Gift Guide GIVEAWAY ­ 100 Blog Hop

This event is hosted by Mom Buzz Media and their network of super spectacular bloggers!

I am so excited to be partnering with MBM for this awesome Gift Guide Event. Check out all the amazing gift ideas we came up with.

Welcome to our very first Annual Holiday Gift Guide :100

Blog Hop Event! Our hard­working bloggers have searched high and they have
searched low to find you the BEST and the most UNIQUE gift ideas for 2015.

ATTENTION GIFT GUIDE ADDICTS

CLICK HERE to be taken to the list of blogs. Start with any blog you

choose and simply click the picture. It will take you to that blog where you can view their gift guide. When you are done, simply click the next one.

Thank you to our Co­Hosts:

Simply Sherryl
Rude Mommy
and
Michelle Unwrapped

We were lucky to snag a few absolutely amazing sponsors along
the way! Please take a moment and read about each of them below!

Then scroll to the bottom of this post for the giveaway where you
could be one of several lucky winners!

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FAMILOOP

The Familoop team helps parents to protect kids online effectively and focus on actual parenting rather than daily battles over phone time and limits. Parental Control Software by Familoop (Familoop Safeguard) is the best partner for parents to raise thoughtful, digital citizens.

Younger and younger children are getting devices nowadays. The real world can be a scary place full of monsters and evil. If you know a parent with children that already have or are getting devices this year, set them up with a Familoop subscription for the holidays and give them the gift of peace of mind!

Familoop will officially launch November 27, 2015, but you can opt­in early and get a 60% discount to use when Familoop Safeguard is launched! What an incredible deal on a product parents can use for their kids at any stage in their online lives.

Visit the FAMILOOP Safeguard website to learn more!

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GLAMULET

Glamulet jewelry provides every woman a new range of trendy and elegant, high quality charms and bracelets made with 100% sterling silver. Glamulet is compatible with Pandora Jewelry at affordable price. Each woman can mix and match the charms to create her own unique bracelet.

Right now you can build a beautiful, personalized gift and save 15% off of your purchase from Glamulet by using our Mom Buzz Media exclusive coupon code. HGG15

Visit the GLAMULET website and create the perfect gift for that special
someone!

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CLICKBLOCK

The ClickBlock was created by Bong­Seok Yoon who has 29 years of experience in magnetic toy research, design and manufacturing. ClickBlock are fun and educational, premium magnetic toys. They believe toys should not only entertain, but also help children develop a love for scientific and mathematical thinking with safe quality product.

Visit the CLICKBLOCK website and learn how to Develop Creativity,

Imagination, Mathematical, and Scientific Thinking in children with their toys!

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THE DARK KNOT

The Dark Knot provides the market with luxurious, hand made silk ties across 120 designs covering both woven and printed silk. Each of their ties come in an elegant black gift box along with recommendations for matching suits and shirts. Shortly they will be introducing lines of Pocket Squares and Lapel Flowers to further build out their men's accessories offering.

Get some shopping done early and take advantage of this exclusive offer!

Save 25% off your order with code MOMBUZZ25 at THE DARK KNOT

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INSPIRED SILVER

Inspired Silver features a full catalog of jewelry and fashion accessories perfect for everyone in your life. They have themed jewelry for family members and statement jewelry for nights out.

Get all of your holiday shopping done in one stop at InspiredSilver.com!

Plus, head to INSPIRED SILVER and if you buy now you can save 15% by using code

HOLIDAY15 at checkout!

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I DO 3D

Draw in 3d! I DO 3D is a fun and unique children's item that helps bring out your child's creative side. It requires patience and planning and comes with a 3D guide map to help with designs. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

See more amazing 3d creations and get your own set

on the I DO 3D website.

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Star Kids Snack N Play

Snack N Play is a woman owned small business and they understand that traveling with children, even a day trip, can require a travel trailer full of items. They create products to make life easier so you can focus on having more fun when going on these adventures!

Head to Star Kids Website to learn

more about the travel tray and grab one for a mommy on your list! She will thank you!

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The time has finally come....

Mom Buzz Media and our magnificent bloggers are hosting this giveaway in celebration with our

100 Blog Hop Gift Guide Event!

There will be 7 lucky winners!

Prizes Include:

$50 Inspired Silver gift card
X­Bar School House Set Premium Magnetic Building Toy from Click Block $47.99

MSRV
Six Essential Ties Starter Kit from The Dark Knot $390 RV
Complete bracelet from Glamulet $150 RV
Snack N Play | Travel Tray $30.99 RV
Snack N Play | Play N Go $32.99 RV
I DO 3D Art Kit
(2) Familoop Premium 10 Annual Memberships $69 value each)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
You do not have to complete all entries to win, but the more you do complete, the better your chances are of being chosen. US Residents 18 years old + only please. Mom Buzz Media nor blogger promoting this giveaway are responsible for prize fulfillment. Prizes will be shipped out by the sponsors themselves. This event is not associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, or any other social media.

Need help promoting your product/service OR someone to

host your giveaway?
Contact angela@mombuzzmedia.com