Archives.com & WhitePages' Run and Hug Contest & $25 Amazon Giveaway 12/22

Getting family together is important for yourself and your family.  It's nice to see loved ones and it's good for your children to see how important family, even extended, is to the well being of a family unit.  Sometimes it's just not that easy to get everyone together and with the holidays coming, memories return that give us that longing feeling to be reunited.  Archives.com and WhitePages are running a "Run and Hug" contest where you could win an all-expenses paid trip for two!

What a great way to reach out to those we haven't seen in awhile.  From now until December 21st, all you have to do is share your story or memory and the person with the most votes will win the all-expense paid trip for two and $1000!  Cash prizes of $500 and $200 will be awarded to the runner up and the second runner up so you have nothing to lose by entering and if nothing else, you are sharing a fond memory of your loved one(s).  I love the idea especially at Christmas as can you imagine if you shared a heartfelt story and sent the link to that particular family member how they would react?  It's like a gift before the special day.  

Both Archives and WhitePages are great resources for catching up with family, looking up long lost loved ones and looking into your family history.  Archives has over 1.5 billion documents to build your very own family tree and WhitePages helps to fill in the gaps by finding people, businesses and neighbors.  I have used both in the past and love the capabilities.  By the way, a family tree makes a great Christmas gift too!

The Giveaway:

One winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card!


Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!

Mamavation Monday

Shew ...Thanksgiving is over!  That was a hard one to overcome with a turkey that turned out perfect and all the sweets my oldest and I made.  I had to choose from pumpkin streusel pie to cute turkey cake pops to mini apple pies to a four layered chocolate pie and I forgot, tons of cookies.  At the end of the day, I did pretty well.  I kept my indulgences down to one piece of pumpkin pie, one piece of chocolate pie, a turkey pop and a cookie over two days.  I also only had one helping from the turkey dinner and it was back to eating better.  To date, I have lost 11 pounds since October 24th and I have kept it off.

I was watching The Biggest Loser's Thanksgiving special and they noted that just because it was the holidays, it didn't mean it was time to indulge.  That is a hard habit to overcome especially if you spent your entire life living like that.  I have found after reading about that third grader weighing 200 pounds and being taken away from his mom that I am thankful that I have expressed an importance on healthy eating with my children.  My eight year old was getting chunky for a bit last year and it was mostly because I was doing something that I thought was good at least from her perspective which was stopping at McDonalds after school nearly ever day.  As an epileptic, she requires regular food and by the end of the day, she was famished and feeling it so that was a quick fix.  I don't know why I didn't realize at that time what a BAD decision that was but luckily, it didn't take too long.

I had joined Mamavation around that same time and I think that also opened my eyes to hear from the other moms and get the encouragement to turn healthier. I don't focus about being fat or overweight in my house rather I stick to being healthy and making healthy choices.  I don't want my girls to focus on how big they perceive themselves or how thin rather if they are making healthy choices, they won't have to worry.  My eight year old now chooses apple slices and milk on those rare stops at McDonald's now.  She turns down most sweets when offered.  I'm still working on my four year old but given how she looks up to her sisters, she will be there in no time.

All in all, it was a great Thanksgiving and even more so after weighing myself and seeing I gained nothing.  The rest of my family that are partaking in my get healthy campaign are doing well too.

Have a great week!

Master Lock's Holiday Safety Checklist for Keeping Families and Their Homes Safe & Two Masterlock Product Giveaway (Over $48 Value) 12/15

Every holiday season, you hear of some bad story of a "grinch" breaking in to someone's house and stealing their presents or worse yet, someone getting mugged or robbed while shopping.  It's too bad that we can't relish in the moment of the holiday charm, beauty and magic without worrying about bad things that people might do.  I've been a stickler for as long as I can remember about safety and definitely ensuring doors are locked at night.  I've usually had a storage shed at some offsite location as well.  I hear about those breaking in and just pray it doesn't happen to me.  This holiday season, Master Lock is sharing tips to help secure our families and our belongings.


The safety tips encompass many areas that we can take simple precautions to help us have a great Christmas and years to come.  Simple things from travel to home to shopping to decorating are all it takes to not have to wonder later "if only." 


Stay tuned for a review I have on the Master Lock Breast Cancer Awareness lock and the Master Lock Security Bar for your doors.


You can click here to see them all or just keep reading the tips I copied and pasted below:

1. Travel Safely. Whether you're planning a road trip or flight, be sure to take all the proper safety precautions. If driving to your destination, check tire pressure beforehand for optimal handling and traction and consider having your car winterized by your mechanic for added safety. Stock your car with a safety kit in case you were to get stuck. Check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out for safe driving conditions.

If you're flying to your destination, remember to secure your luggage with TSA-accepted locks, such as the Master Lock 4689T Luggage Lock, so your bags stay safe while in transit -- whether they're checked or carried on. If you're flying with holiday gifts, keep them unwrapped to avoid security checkpoint delays.

2. Secure Your Home. During the holiday season, you're likely to have guests coming and going from your home for a number of get-togethers. Be sure all entry points, including doors, windows and sliding glass doors, are locked before and after guests depart to help keep your family, home and valuables safe.

If you're traveling out of town, enlist a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home while you're away. Store a spare key in a key safe, such as the Master Lock 5400D, for easy access by authorized visitors. Stop your mail and newspaper delivery, and consider setting some interior and exterior lights on timers.

3. Shop Smart. To stay safe while enjoying a fun holiday shopping trip to the local mall or shopping center, be aware of your surroundings. Park in well-lit areas, avoiding spaces next to large vehicles that can block the line of sight to your car if possible, make sure you aren't followed when exiting the mall and lock your doors immediately upon re-entering your vehicle. Keep purchased gifts out of sight -- in the trunk of your car or under a blanket -- to prevent theft.

When ordering gifts online, create more secure user names and passwords for all of your on-line accounts using varying combinations of letters and numbers for each to avoid a security breach. Store all your confidential data for convenient access via web browser, smart phone, or tablet app in the Master Lock Vault^™. Have your online orders shipped to your office so the delivery driver won't have to leave them out in the open on your front porch.

When storing gifts at home, be sure to think strategically about your hiding spot to keep curious family members from getting a sneak peek at their presents and spoiling their surprises.

4. Decorate Strategically. When decorating the home to reflect your festive mood, check lights for frayed wires and loose or broken plugs. Check manufacturers' instructions for the maximum number of light strands that can be safety strung together, and don't exceed that maximum to minimize risk of a short circuit or electrical fire. Keep any trees or indoor plants away from fireplaces and candles. If you have pets, take time to strategically place any decorations out of their reach, preventing them from trying to eat them or causing damage to the house.

5. Don't Play with Fire. While it's easy to get distracted when you're hosting friends and family, never leave your stove unattended while you have food cooking. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. If you plan to light a fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers and decorations from your fireplace and make sure that the damper is open. Never burn wrapping paper in a fireplace. It ignites suddenly and burns intensely and can cause a flash fire.

For more information about these on-the-go and other security solutions, please visit the Master Lock website at www.masterlock.com or the Master Lock Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/masterlock. Visit www.masterlockvault.com to utilize the free, secure online data storage application and download a smart phone app for easy access on the go -- an ideal place to keep important passwords and other information.

The Giveaway:

 

Key Safes - 5400D - portable key safe, holds up to five keys, portable over the door knob mount for convenience, set your own four digit code and many other features.  An $38.11 value.


Luggage Locks - 4689T - allows TSA to inspect and relock bags without ruining locks, same key opens both locks, bright colors to allow for easy identification, each package contains two locks.  A $10 value.




Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!

*Disclaimer:  I was provided two sample products for a review.  This post was written to share information for the holiday season and was provided by Master Lock.

2011 Christmas Gift Guide & Sponsors Wanted

Need Christmas ideas?


Check out our Gift Guide below for some wonderful ideas from some of our sponsors who want to ensure you have a merry Christmas.

Open publication - Free publishing - More christmas

Xia-Xia Pets: Fun!

You probably have heard of Xia-Xia Pets by now especially with the commercials and Christmas coming up.  They are the cute little interchangeable hermit crabs that kids love or at least my kids do.  They have their own habitats so you can expand and have more fun and with their shells, your children can change out the looks.

The irony of Xia-Xia Pets are that my youngest was just telling me how she wanted them for Christmas and then I received my package to host our own Xia-Xia Pets party as part of my participation with BSM Media.  It's one of the best things about being a blogger by having the generous support of sponsors who allow us to share in great new toys with our family and friends.

Prior to the party, here are the girls opening the big box of FUN:

 

As you can see, they had a lot of fun exploring the fun that was contained in the box. They marveled at every part of the habitat and of course with each Xia-Xia.  They loved the different colors and how they could change the crab shells along with the cute little Kuppy that comes with each shell.

This is them setting it up to get ready for our party we are going to have next week.  They haven't put them down yet and love each one of them.  They had fun putting them down and watching them bump into the wall or each other and then take off again.  They have little areas they can sit at during rest or just to be part of the imaginary playtime.  I like them because they don't leave a mess other than the pieces to be put away.  The expandable habitat allows for great fun and although it's not a really hard plastic, it's durable and takes the rough play handed out by kids.  

 

If you want a Xia-Xia Pet for your children, check them out as they would make a great Christmas gift and your kids can even make their own wish list for you here.

Shop at Xia-Xia Pets store.

Become a fan at Facebook and sign up for the latest news and deals from Xia-Xia Pets.


*Disclaimer:  I received complimentary party host pack from the sponsor.  The opinions are of my own.

How Was Your Thanksgiving?

We had a nice Thanksgiving this year as we seem to do almost every year.  The girls had fun helping to make all of our desert table with my oldest heading up the baking crew.  We had a four layer tiered chocolate pie, mini apple pies, cookies and turkey cake pops.  I again used the recipe from Alton Brown for brine and my turkey turned out fantastic.  It was moist and tender.  The girls are crafty so we made our turkey apple menu cards.  That was a lot of fun for them as they took foam feathers that I glued to toothpicks and stuck them into the apple along with the head and making the face was also fun for them.

The highlight was listening to the girls tell me why they are thankful.  Growing up, we typically had at least one fight a holiday so now that I'm grown up, it's nice to see we can get through holidays without those ceremonious fights.  It was a great Thanksgiving in spite of the biggest part missing was my family.

Cheerios & USO Military Family Appreciation and Giveaway 12/12

Now through the end of November, Cheerios and the USO are spreading cheer to military families with a postcard campaign.  At your local grocer, you may see boxes of Cheerios with Cheer postcards on the front of the box.  All you have to do is cut out the postcard from the Cheerios logo, add a stamp and mail the pre-addressed card to the USO.  The USO will deliver the Cheer card to a military family across the country.  For every card received, Cheerios will donate $1 to the USO to support military families.  Cheerios has already donated $150,000 to the USO and will donate up to an additional $100,000 based on the number of postcards they receive now through November 30, 2012.


Being a military family, I am thankful for any business that helps to support military families.  The constant deployments of one or both parents is very hard on the family and especially the children.  I admire and applaud Cheerios for this campaign and I hope you can purchase at least one box of Cheerios and send the Cheer card to the USO to help further support the initiatives of the USO.  

As part of this campaign to get the word out, I was able to participate and review this great prize pack from Cheerios.  It include this big Cheerios bowl, Cheerios spoon, a box of Cheerios and a nice cereal dispenser.  Of course, my girls were very excited about the chance to use the dispenser as who doesn't want to use something cool?  I will admit that they do love Cheerios but they were insistent on putting another cereal in the dispenser in in spite of my objections.  


I could take a picture to show the numerous boxes of Cheerios varieties in my pantry but it's a mess and I'm not!  It's a great prize pack for a great campaign to help our military families.  Military families struggle to make ends meet especially during times of deployments.  The USO has been around for a long time serving both the members of the military and their families so any money they can receive to help keep the programs going, is crucial to the survival.  




The Giveaway:



One winner will receive the same prize pack:

• 1 Cheerios Cereal Bowl
• 1 Cheerios Cereal Spoon
• 1 Cereal Dispenser
• 1 "Cheer" Box of Cheerios

Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!


To Enter:


Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter (below).


*Disclosure: Cheerios cereal, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Ficklets' Show Us Your Twinkle Eyes Gift Giveaway + $50 Amazon Card 12/13

Isn't that a cute prize pack?  If your little one wears glasses, this is a must have!  If you have not heard of Ficklets, they are inexpensive eyewear charm huggers that go on your glasses with ease and look great.  There are a variety to choose from and there are even ones for us adults...shh...just don't tell anyone!

Prize Pack:

• 5 Pairs of Ficklets
• 1 Youth Eyeglass Frame
• 1 Eyeglass Plaid Purse Case with Front Pocket to Hold Your Ficklets Collection
• Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Giveaway Value:  $65 - $70

Here is just a sample of the many styles you can choose from:

  

  

  

Here are the details:

• Submit a photo of yourself or your child(ren) from November 21 through December 5 to fickletstwinkleeyes@yahoo.com.
• Tell your family and friends to come back to the Ficklets' Facebook page on December 6 to vote (like) your photo.  
• Voters have from December 6 - December 13 to vote for your photo.
• On December 14, a winner will be chosen from the most likes.
• Decorate your photo by adding a holiday or festive background.  Let your creativity shine and have fun!

To find out more, visit Ficklets' Facebook page here. 

As a special Thanksgiving and early Christmas special, in addition to the gift basket of amazing Ficklets, a $50 Amazon card will also be awarded to the winner!

12 Days of Gifts Galore 11/25 - 12/6 - Over $125 Value

Sponsored by:

Kudzoom.com who will be offering 3 grand prizes!

Welcome to 12 Days of Gifts Galore Giveaway Hop hosted by Tales From the Nursery, Formula Mom, and Mama on a Green Misson. There's over $5,000 in prizes offered to help you get the gifts you need this holiday season. After you are done entering our giveaway you'll want to check out everyone else's AND enter for a chance to win one of three GRAND prizes sponsored by Kudzoom! Each blog you stop and enter at will be another entry!

Need some help with Christmas ideas?  Check out our Christmas Guide here.




Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!

    


My Prizes:

• $25 Adorable Baby Clothing Gift Certificate
• Ficklets Eye Charm Gift Basket
• $25 Erin Condren Gift Certificate
• $50 Amazon Gift Card

Disclaimer: Please note that Tales From the Nursery, “12 Days of Gifts Galore” or the “12 Days of Gifts Galore” 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. We will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 30 days for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

The True Story of Puss'n Boots Review

The True Story of Puss'n Boots was an interesting story that was completely different from what you might expect of Puss'n Boots due to other characterizations of this fun kitty.  We received a complimentary copy of this DVD and I found it interesting given the different story line which explains more about Puss'n Boots and his interactions with the miller's son and his quest for the princess.  The princess is not your traditional looking princess either and the story has a cast of other characters that makes the story line move along without knowing what will happen.

I thought it was a cute story but I found with the variety of ages I have in my home, it was mostly liked by my four year old. She loves to sing and dance and she loves princesses.  The songs sang by the princess captured her attention and we have had to watch it a few times so she could hear the songs again.  Now she runs around singing, "I feel pretty ...so pretty."  It's cute to watch her especially because her oldest sister did not like the movie so she re-watches it to also annoy her.

I can confess that the queen's voice was annoying to me.  It was a weird sounding Roseann Barr type of voice.  I like that the characters were different than expected and that there were many unique types of additions to the story such as the ogre and the Chamberlain.

The movie's ending was predictable as most fairy tales are and the activities that get them to the end are fun, creative and to some, addictive enough to watch more than once.  It's definitely a different spin on the classic tale of Puss'n Boots.

Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! Coming to Your Town? & DVD/CD Giveaway 12/10

Do you have a house full of Yo Gabba Gabba! fans?  I do and my littlest one, my grandchild, will stop anything and everything she is doing to start shaking her booty to the music.  She's a huge fan!

If you do have a Yo Gabba Gabba! fan or more in the house, you won't want to miss the live show coming to many cities this fall.  From hip hop legend Biz Markie to Razzle Dazzle Gabba to even Leslie Hall, they will all be there!  

To show you how big Yo Gabba Gabba is, they have received two Daytime Emmy nominations, were picked up for season four on Nick and have had phenomenal ticket sales for their live show.  The shows started in September and end December 10th so you still have time if you are in the locations that are left:

If you are in California, Nevada, Texas, Louisiana or Florida, you are in luck and what a great pre-Christmas present this would make!

If you want to hear the sample songs on the Music is Awesome CD, just click here on Music Is Awesome 3.




Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!

The Giveaway:


A copy of the CD and DVD of Yo Gabba Gabba!  The DVD is not one you can buy in the store as it's only available at the show for purchase.  


To Enter:


Complete the Rafflecopter form below.

Why I Steer Clear of Sample Sites

I make a big deal out of the holidays especially for the picture aspect of the memories.  I like to make sure they are all dressed nice and in a way that the memories can be passed down to their children in the form of their outfits.  I have three girls and a grand daughter that I try to dress alike.  Of course, my oldest who is 23, is out of that mode so I have two girls and a grandchild that I try to dress alike for the pictures.  I have tried the top sample sites with no luck.  On more than one occasion, I have ordered and either weeks after I order, I receive an e-mail stating my order was cancelled due to not being able to have my order fulfilled.  On other occasions, they will send one dress and cancel the other size without offering me the chance to cancel the order.

Now, you might wonder why I allow myself to be burned repeatedly.  The answer is simple, it's a great deal or at least that is what I thought each time I order.  I also try to give the benefit of the doubt and hope they will deliver.  Repeatedly, I'm disappointed.  On my most recent order from Totsy, I receive the $75 coat for my four year old except it was not the coat I ordered.  It was an ugly black and fushia coat versus the beautiful black and white trimmed coat I had ordered.  I had to contact Totsy over five times to get resolution as I did not want this coat and four e-mails promised me a refund.  It was the fifth or sixth time where they actually returned my money.  On the time prior to that, I ordered from another sample site that is notorious of cancelling my orders and providing partial shipments with a cancelled portion.  It's very disappointing when you have expectations for an occasion or a picture.

For this, I returned to my old reliable which is an online clothing store for children.  Adorable Baby Clothing carries clothing for children and has an amazing selection of formal wear.  I will admit they are priced a bit higher but I can tell you that purchase after purchase, they far exceed the quality I have received elsewhere.  They are usually, if not all, made in the USA and they have layers of material making each dress an heirloom.  I have not received a dress to date that I have not been happy with.  I have bought many, many dresses over the years and love each one.  One of the other biggest factors that brings me back is how I can choose all the sizes I need on one page.  It's a pain looking for three sizes in the same dress but Adorable Baby Clothing makes it very easy.

The final factor that kept me going back is the customer service.  Adorable Baby Clothing is owned by a single mother who delivers top notch quality.  If something isn't right, she takes it personal and makes it right.  You don't get this from the big businesses and if I can help a woman owned business, I'm all for it.  My pictures in this post are some of the dresses I have purchased over the years.  I'm getting ready to take Christmas pictures this year in purple dresses in honor of Epilepsy Awareness Month this November.

I'm not being paid or compensated for this post rather I was thinking of all the great offers on sample sites and how disappointed I have been in the past and how I always turn to Adorable Baby Clothing because I get consistency, high quality, amazing service.

Amazon Rain Natural Skincare Review & Giveaway 11/30

Trying to do the best by your skin is hard to do at times.  There are so many products out there that all state they work and some state nothing about the quality of the product.  Quality matters when it comes to putting something on top of your skin that will be absorbed.  That same quality matters because if you are putting something toxic, you have no idea what the implications may be.  It may not be immediate but since you may never realize what it might cause, maybe switching to more natural skincare might be a choice for you.  One of my blogger team reviewers had a chance to review Amazon Rain™ which offers 100% organic nourishment.


Amazon Rain™ has products that cleanse and tones naturally, nourishes  with Amazon rainforest botanicals to help diminish fine lines and wrinkles and can help to restore your skin's natural balance while providing aromatic senses to uplift your spirits.  Not all people are concerned about the ingredients in products being natural or organic but some are.  If you are one of those that are, Amazon Rain™ is ideal for you.  Amazon Rain™ used to be called Lluvia in case you used to use Lluvia.  Amazon Rain™ uses the unique properties from plants in the Amazon to create this line of products for your skin.


Our review was with the Crystal Exfoliator.  The deep cleansing properties from the ultra-fine marine silica crystals was just right.  It wasn't too abrasive and allowed for daily usage.  It did not leave behind a redness rather it cleaned and allowed the skin to look brighter, soft and smooth.  Made with 100% all natural ingredients, it removes dead cells and stimulates circulation.


Ingredients: Algae Extract, Water, Uña de Gato, Jatoba, Stevia, Iporuru, Aloe Vera, Glycerin (vegetable), Diatomaceous Earth, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Aspen Bark Extract, Uña de Gato Powder, Xanthan Gum, Litsea Cubeba Oil, Tangerine Oil, Fir Needle Oil, Peppermint Oil


Overall, the product was very well tolerated and was liked. For a deep cleansing that can be done daily, we recommend Amazon Rain™ Crystal Exfoliator.



When you make a purchase of Amazon Rain products, you contribute to the cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.  Every sale contributes to a donation to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Center.  To receive a 42% discount, use this link.


The first 50 people purchasing an Amazon Rain product during this campaign will receive FREE gifts:

• Olivia Newton-John, who beat her own breast cancer, has announced that she’ll send a personally signed LIV Aid (www.Liv.com) for breast cancer prevention in your monthly self-examination routine. This aid alone retails for $19.95. http://www.liv.com/liv_and_learn.php http://www.livgeiger.com/products-page/
• FlaxUSA and its Founder Stephanie Stober will donate Flax Sprinkles full of Omega-3, Lignans, Protein and Fiber http://www.flaxusa.com/products.php?page=sprinkles
• Hy-Jean Corporation and its Founder Laura Stearn will donate her unique and feminine product – Pantzies! http://www.hyjean.com/shop?page=shop.browse&category_id=1
• The Coconut World and its Founder SaraJean Cameranesi will donate her amazing Coconut Sugar with Glycemic Index of 35! Eating it is like almost drinking water nowadays! http://www.coconutworld.biz/coconutsugar.html

Every single sale all year round supports two movements: 


ACEER and Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Center.  ACEER – Nonprofit The Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Resources http://www.wcupa.edu/aceer/ 


Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Center http://www.oliviaappeal.com//The-Centre.aspx




Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!

The Giveaway:


One reader will win their own Amazon Rain™ Crystal Exfoliator. 


US only please.




*Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary sample for this post and giveaway.  The opinions are of our own.

Fill in the Blankie Review & Giveaway Coming Soon!

I just had the opportunity to create this really cute blanket for my grandchild for review.  I have to admit that it was one of the easiest personalization experiences I have ever had.  I have ordered many personalized products over the years but none were so quick, concise and easy to follow as Fill in the Blankie.  If you are like me, you never heard of Fill in the Blankie so this was a new experience.  They have a variety of blankets to choose from to include colors and thread options and the sayings are up to you to add that extra touch of love.  Can't think of anything creative or enough to fill each side?  No worries as they even have leading occasions to choose from with suggestions on what to have personalized.  Nothing can be easier!


When you first land on the page, you can choose from blankets based on the good/soft, better/softer or best/softest level.  Under each of those categories are:

• Soren's Sleep Well - $39 / $67
• Sparky Go Lucky - $73
• Classics by Sonya - $49 / $92
• 400 ct Sheety Blanket - $87
• Betty's Most Graceful Waffle Weave - $67 / $93
• Natalie's on Cloud Nine - $109
• Hazel's Pride & Joy - $81 / $109
• Pharaoh's  Finest - $78/ $145

The beauty of Fill in the Blankie, it's all click, click, type and you are done!  I ended up choosing Natalie's on Cloud Nine in Ballerina Pink on Ivy Satin with a red thread to accentuate Christmas.  Since my grandchild loves to cuddle and loves a soft blanket, I thought this was the optimal choice to have a thorough reviewer as she's a picky one even at the tender age of 13 months.  The 30" x 30" will be perfect size for her too.

Once you click next, you are taken to the personalization screen and can add what you want to all four sides or less, it's all up to you.  There is a maximum of 50 characters so no writing books!  It's the perfect space to convey a loving message while creating a lifetime of memories.  After you pick what you want to have personalized on the satin part, your choice or choose from their suggested texts if you prefer, you pick the font, thread color and did I mention they have glow in the dark thread?  How cool is that?  

For an extra charge, you can also choose to have your gift of love gift wrapped, add a cute Pig-in-a-Blankie soft stuffed animal and an extra illustration added.  After you choose any extras, it's purchase time and that's it!

It can't be any easier than having a person come to your house and write everything down for you.  I was very pleased at the ease and speed I was able to get through the ordering process.  Nothing was confusing and it was smooth.

Stay tuned for my review and giveaway but don't wait too long as this really will make a great Christmas present for your loved one!

Keep up to date by "liking" Fill in the Blankie on Facebook or on Twitter.

*Disclaimer:  I will be provided a sample blanket for the purposes of this revew.