GourmetGiftBaskets Nutcracker Drum Gift Basket Giveaway 12/7 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....

Jenna said...

Im an RSS GoggleReader subscriber

papajm25 {AT} gmail {DOT} com

December 4, 2010 7:27 PM 

An e-mail has been sent to Jenna and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

Lucky, Jenna! I wished I could have entered and won ;)

There is still time to find that perfect gift idea and nothing hits the spot than a little gourmet food and snacks wrapped up in a delightful gift basket.  I love giving gifts in gift baskets given how beautifully wrapped they are coupled with the quality of great products like English Toffee Caramels, praline pecans, peanut brittle and so much more.  GourmetGiftBaskets.com has a huge selection for Christmas and much more if you want to surprise your loved one with gourmet food tucked into a nice basket or container.


I wrote a prior post and giveaway from GourmetGiftBaskets.com a few months ago and loved the product they sent for our new baby.  They have a wonderful selection of gift items for every occasion to include a just because or "I love you" type reason.  The delivery is fast and again, the quality is excellent.


The beauty of GourmetGiftBaskets.com is the selection and search functionality.  You can shop by most popular, price, themes, same day gifts and much more.  They also offer flowers and if you are like me, the luxury of same day gifts is paramount for when we forget the special day due to life's every day chaos!


The Giveaway:


The Nutcracker Drum Christmas Gift Basket:


Another exclusive addition to our collection of Christmas baskets, this stunning red and gold Nutcracker drum will delight for years to come. Overflowing with decadent festive treats, your recipient will rejoice in holiday cheer when they receive this stunning holiday gift basket. We’ve selected classic nutcracker cookies in both red and green, chocolate peppermint cookie brittle, peanut brittle, butter wafers, white chocolate amaretto wafers, English toffee caramels, peanut roll, and  praline pecans to star in this jolly gift. While the multifunctional keepsake drum will last a long time, the snacks will not! When you send one of our holiday gift baskets, you can be confident that you will receive rave reviews.


To Enter:


Follow my blog and "Like" GourmetGiftBaskets.com on Facebook and just leave a comment that you liked them.


Bonus Entries:

• Leave a comment on GourmetGiftBaskets.com Facebook wall on another product you like and return here to leave a comment that you left a comment on their wall.
• Follow GourmetGiftBaskets.com on Twitter.
• Subscribe to my blog.
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily)
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries -one time)
• Like me on Facebook.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Enter any of my other giveaways.

Giveaway ends 12/7 at midnight - open to US and Canada

Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop 12/1 - 12/5 - 2 GC Giveaway for 2 Winners (US & Canada) $110: WINNERS CLOSED

CONGRATUALATIONS TO ...

WINNER 1 - Starbucks & Jasmere:

Anonymous said...

follow (greerbethany at rocketmail dot com)

WINNER 2: Visa, Zazzle & Panda Express

barbara.montyj said...

I follow you on Twitter @JalapenoMama
barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com

Giving things away especially at in time for Christmas is a highlight of being a blogger.  I love to be able to help someone with their shopping especially in light of the economy.  My participation in the Holiday Gift Giveaway was met with great eagerness for this reason.

Enter today to win all these great gift cards:

• $25 Jasmere Gift Code - Lesser known retailers are spotlighted on Jasmere and great savings are passed on to you.

• $25 Starbucks Gift Certificate

• $20 Gift Certificate

• $10 Gift Card

 

 

• $25 Zazzle Gift Certificate

The Giveaway

First Winner will Receive:  $25 Jasmere & $25 Starbucks

Second Winner will Receive:  $10 Visa, $25 Zazzle & $20 Panda Express

$110 in Gift Cards/Certificates in total up for grabs.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and leave a comment.

Bonus Entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway
2. Tweet about this giveaway
3. Subscribe to my blog
4. Follow me on Twitter
5. Enter any of my ongoing giveaways

The first winner chosen via random.org will be given the choice of which gift certificate package they want.  The winner has 24 hours to respond before the second winner has their choice.  

Both winners have 48 hours to respond before new winner(s) are chosen.

Open to US and Canada.

Winner chosen after giveaway ends on 12/5/10 at 11:59 pm (EST).

Norah Jones - "...Featuring" - Available Now & Review

Norah Jones - "...Featuring" - Available Now


If you haven't had a chance to listen to the new Norah Jones CD, you are missing out on a great collection of Norah with many other great musicians.  I have never listened to a Norah Jones CD before but I really liked this and am a new fan.  Her voice is amazing and soothing.  I loved how she blended her style in with the other songs and musicians.  It's a fantastic collaboration of many genres.


Here are the 18 songs and a link to listen to a sample:

• Love Me - The Little Willies Listen
• Virginia Moon - Foo Fighters featuring Norah Jones Listen
• Turn Them - Sean Bones featuring Norah Jones Listen
• Baby It's Cold Outside - Willie Nelson featuring Norah Jones Listen
• Bull Rider - Norah Jones and Sasha Dobson Listen
• Ruler Of My Heart - Dirty Dozen Brass Band featuring Norah Jones Listen
• The Best Part - El Madmo Listen
• Take Off Your Cool - Outkast featuring Norah Jones Listen
• Life Is Better - Q-Tip featuring Norah Jones Listen
• Soon The New Day - Talib Kweli featuring Norah Jones Listen
• Little Lou, Prophet Jack, Ugly John - Belle & Sebastian featuring Norah Jones Listen
• Here We Go Again - Ray Charles featuring Norah Jones Listen
• Loretta - Norah Jones featuring Gillian Welch and David Rawlings Listen
• Dear John - Ryan Adams featuring Norah Jones Listen
• Creepin' In - Norah Jones featuring Dolly Parton Listen
• Court & Spark - Herbie Hancock featuring Norah Jones Listen
• More Than This - Charlie Hunter featuring Norah Jones Listen
• Blue Bayou - Norah Jones featuring M. Ward Listen

Overall, I enjoyed the CD and love her voice.  I would definitely purchase her past and future CDs just for her sound.


I am participating in a One2One Network project.

Pink Digital Photo Keychain Review

The Pink Digital Photo Keychain is a cute little product that displays approximately 72 digital photos on a 1.5" LCD display.  It has many features such as manual or auto slide show, manual switch between photo and time, utilizes many file formats such as jpg, bmp, png and gif, picture size is automatically cut by software, a built in rechargeable battery and many more features.  It's a little powerhouse that's easy to use.

It weighs only 85g so it's very lightweight and won't cause interior damage to your vehicle with scratches.  It also comes with a USB cable for your computer which is a nice feature since many products no longer provide that.  Priced at only $9.99, it's a good deal.



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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Who do you gift boxed chocolates to?

Boxed chocolate is perfect for any occasion but with the holidays fast approaching, it's even a better reason to give the gift of delicious, tempting goodness!  My daughter is always a sure win for receiving chocolate as she's a chocolate fiend.  For just about any person that you aren't sure what to buy for, chocolate is always a good idea.  All my girls love chocolate and they especially love the smooth, wonderful taste of Hershey's.

One place I stopped to look for gift ideas was Celebrate with Hersheys.  There are wonderful recipes, crafts, product information and much more.  The recipes will make your mouth water!

These Peanut Butter Temptations look amazing:

Ingredients:

• About 40 (13-oz. pkg.) REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures or 12 (0.8 oz. each) REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups, quartered
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup REESE'S Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from candies. Line small muffin cups (1-3/4 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups.

2. Beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, egg and vanilla until light and fluffy in large bowl. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture, beating until well blended. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place one in each prepared muffin cup. Do not flatten.

3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until puffed and lightly browned; remove from oven. Immediately press peanut butter cup or piece onto each cookie. Cool completely in muffin pan. About 3-1/2 dozen cookies.


I can't wait to try some of them out for my family and friends.

I entering a contest for a Hershey’s Pot of Gold prize pack as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club.

Heart of Haiti is helping to rebuild Haiti through "Trade, Not Aid"

Heart of Haiti is using commerce and culture to create social change and you can be a part of this great project by Macy's.

- Instead of providing one-time funding through charity, Heart of Haiti is creating opportunities for Haitian artisans to earn income with dignity by creating jobs and income for the people of Haiti.

- Through the sale of Heart of Haiti products, artisans are able to earn life-changing income for themselves, their families, and their communities. The initiative is enabling artisans to repair homes, pay school fees, and feed and clothe their families. The income also allows them to have access to better nutrition, improved education and healthcare.

- The Heart of Haiti collection is an array of handmade products for the home -- quilts, metalwork, ceramics, and paintings -- created by Haitian artisans. Each item is designed by a Haitian master artisan and produced by hand in Haiti from recycled materials.

- The collection is truly helping the people of Haiti rebuild their lives and communities through commerce and culture.


Here are some other key facts:


- The Heart of Haiti collection has already led to employment of 350 artists in Haiti and has provided some financial benefits for an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people in the country

- Each item is designed by a master Haitian artist and made by hand in Haiti

- Each product is made from recycled materials.

- The collection includes 40 different home decor items and accessories

- Products include vases, candleholders, serving trays, picture frames, mirrors, coasters, necklaces, clutch purses and more

- Most items fall in the $25-$60 range


Check out the collection at Macy's now by clicking here.

Five Tips for Holiday Tech Shopping

I don't think you can find a person who doesn't like gadgets anymore.  Everyone is so techie with the increase of every day devices that are not only fun but make life easier.  From iPods to charging stations to wii gaming systems to iPads, they are everywhere and age seems to be boundless.  My little ones alternate between the wii, the iPods and laptops.  I can honestly say I don't mind because they are learning some valuable skills with these devices and they can be educational from a gaming standpoint to getting them moving around with the fitness and other activities found on the wii.  My oldest daughter and husband are also techies so finding gifts for them is also fun.


This holiday season, shopping for the latest high tech product can be difficult given all the various devices and manufacturers not even including finding the best deal.  Here are my five tips for holiday high tech shopping:

1. Know the person you are purchasing the gift for.  You need to know the gadget they already have or what they want precisely.  My husband picked out a refurbished iPod for his daughter and she had a fit over it. Nothing ruins a gift if it's not what the person wants or needs.
2. Shop around for the best deal.  Cyber Monday was a good opportunity to purchase a great deal but it's not too late.  Sign up for e-mail alerts from stores such as Best Buy to avoid missing out on a great deal.  I always Google the store I'm looking at and include "discount," "free shipping" and "coupons" to maximize my savings.  Stores like Kohls have great stacking deals such as a percentage off, free shipping and Kohls bucks.  Use the internet to maximize the savings!
3. When you decide on a product, make sure you conduct the proper reviews as well.  Always check at least a couple of sites.  I like to use Amazon for reviews since customers can enter their reviews and I feel I can trust them.  I also search by Google with the product name and add "reviews" at the end to ensure it's a good value for my money.
4. Open box deals aren't always a bad deal because many stores will simply put a returned item on the shelf even if nothing is wrong which means savings for you.  Always verify the return policy on the open items since some stores also take off for a return that is open.
5. Before you shop, check the Sunday advertisements for the best deal.  If you like a particular store over another, take the ad with you and bargain down for a reduced price.  Many stores over a guarantee price match if not a reduction.  Tis the season for trying to get a lower price as it never hurts and all they can say is no.

Techie gifts are ideal for so many but you really do have to make sure the person you are buying for wants it and it can be used.  You don't want to purchase something that the person cannot use or is too complicated due to age or mobility.  Whatever you end up choosing, you can find some wonderful presents such as digital picture frames, MP3 players, phones and so much more.  I always sign up and search for the best deals before I buy.

Happy hunting and Merry Christmas!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible for a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

About Staples:
Staples, the world's largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products and services. Our broad selection of office supplies, electronics, technology and office furniture as well as business services, including computer repair and copying and printing, helps our customers run their offices efficiently. With 2009 sales of $24 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia serving businesses of all sizes and consumers. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today ranks second worldwide in e-commerce sales. The company is headquartered outside Boston. 

The holidays are right around the corner and The Fresh Air Fund needs your help!

Summer may seem far away, but NYC children are currently participating in Fresh Air programs, from weekly tutoring sessions to job shadowings to weekend retreats at Fund camps in upstate New York! Our Career Awareness Program serves more than 300 youngsters in middle and high school. We also have new leadership programs for young women to develop their “can-do” attitudes!

No matter the season, Fresh Air children remain involved, excited and forward-thinking. We need loyal friends like you to continue serving thousands of New York City children throughout the year. Thank you!

To make a donation, please click here.

Every year, The Fresh Air Fund gives thousands of inner-city children the priceless gift of fun – and opens the door to a lifetime of opportunities.

Whether it's a two-week trip to the country to visit a volunteer host family, or a fun-filled and educational stay at one of our fund camps, our programs make for unforgettable memories – and open a world of new friendships and fresh possibilities.

• Just $10 will send one child on a bus ride to his or her Friendly Town host family.
• $24 provides a child with a week of swimming lessons.
• $42 provides a day of Career Awareness classes.
• A gift of $50 can fund a camp counselor for a day.
• If you can give as much as $91, you provide a child at camp with meals for a week.

We are a not-for-profit agency and depend on tax-deductible donations from people like you to keep our vital programs flourishing.

Send a Special Holiday Greeting to Our Troops via CardsDirect

Send a Special Holiday Greeting to Our Troops!

CardsDirect knows that those serving our country deserve special recognition throughout the year but especially during the holiday season. In an effort to salute our troops they are preparing to send a Texas sized holiday card and need your help! 

CardsDirect invites you enter a special message that will be printed on an enormous card to be delivered to our troops in December. Being away from friends and family during the holidays is especially tough for our fighting men and women but we know a show of appreciation from those they are defending will do wonders to keep their spirits high. 

As a wife to a deployed soldier, I'm asking you to please join CardsDirect in saluting our holiday heroes by entering your message now!

5 Tips for Editing and Creating Beautiful Digital Photos

I'm a picture hound and love to take pictures and share with my family.  I have been an avid amateur photographer for years and have been teased for the number of photographs I take but also have been praised for the uniqueness in which I can create little masterpieces.  I was just thinking as I cropped and fixed some photos today how unfortunate it was that photos before digital were what you took is what you received with no attempts at making them the best unless money was paid for professional photographs.  I have had a digital camera for years and have used it to capture so many great memories from births to school events to family get togethers.  All make for great memories to share for generations to come.  Presenting photographs in the best possible way isn't hard to do either.  Just a few extra steps ensures a great photograph can be passed on.  Some of my favorite tips include:

1. I first always crop out unnecessary portions in the photograph and this works great for the little messy areas in the house you want to hide.  Cropping photographs also ensures you have even width and height for your subject.  Photographs generally look better when the subject is in the center.
2. Another easy trick is to eliminate the red eye.  My Canon is suppose to eliminate red eye but now with my blue eyed girls.  Taking the red eye out isn't always easy so having the right photo editing program like Adobe Photoshop Elements helps.  The natural beauty of a person is not in displaying them with red eyes.
3. Spot healing is another trick I use if I see some food left on one of my younger children's faces on those spur of the moment photographs.  I can also eliminate a stain on a shirt and it looks great.  Spot healing is also great for removing those nasty pimples that some of us still get in spite of being way, way past puberty.
4. When Christmas or other special occasions roll around, I don't stop at the normal photograph.  I like to play with features such as a sketch appearance or an edgy type highlighted feature to add a little "wow" to the look.  The beauty with photo editing software, you can add borders and frames to also increase the impact of the photograph.
5. Taking multiple photographs and creating a collage is another inexpensive gift that brings back memories.  Photographs bound in a book also can bring tears to the person you give the gift to.  Two years ago, I created a photo bound book that I used editing on to create a biography of my great father-in-law who served with the US Marines in WWII.  My father-in-law opened the book with all the pictures and text and broke down in tears.  To me, those are the best gifts.  He ended up buying many more to give to other family members.

Photographs are a unique way to give the gift of memories whether for yourself or someone else.  The added bonus of photo editing software such as Adobe, which I use, is such a great way to show off your creative side without taking too much time.  The projects you create are endless and the impact is immeasurable.  I even utilized the program for party supplies such as bottle labels, candy bar wrappers and more.  Your imagination can create something fantastic!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Adobe blogging program, making me eligible to receive a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

EcoMom's Seven Days of Giving

From Tuesday, November 23 to Monday, November 29, EcoMom will randomly choose FOUR ECOMOM ORDERS per day and make them ABSOLUTELY FREE. No matter the purchase size, you could be a winner and your whole order will be free! What's more, they'll duplicate every free order and donate it to Baby2Baby--a wonderful organization that helps support families in need. Everything in their store will be on sale, too, so even if your order isn't one of the free ones, you'll still be getting the best prices on their eco-friendly products for your family. 

Interesting Details About EcoMom's Seven Days of Giving Event: 

• The 7 Days of Giving countdown begins November 23^rd and runs through November 29^th – in conjunction with our big sale. Winners will be announced daily. 
• The donation will be made at a Los Angeles shelter in collaboration with Baby2Baby the week of November 29th. 
• 4 orders per day will be selected at random to get a free order. 28 EcoMom shoppers will win - meaning they'll be getting paid back in full by for their entire purchase.  
• EcoMom will take care of their bill AND match the grand total with a equal donation to a Los Angeles shelter in collaboration with Baby2Baby.  
• Event partners are: Ecomom, Baby2Baby.org, Plum Organics, SmartyPants and Episencial.  
• Baby2Baby supplies Los Angeles families in need with essential baby gear and clothing for their children 0-4 years old.  They distribute new and gently used items through a network of community-based organizations.

10 Tips for Weaving the Hottest Runway Trends into Your Day-to-Day Looks

  

Trying to stay hip and in fashion can be a little more difficult being a mom and a mom on a budget.  Since I am no longer working, I forgot that I can still be fashionable and trendy even if I don't go out to where I feel necessitates looking hip.  I think a lot of moms forget that they should try to look good for themselves as it really does make you feel better when you feel good about yourself.  Looking fashionable does not mean you need to put $1000 boots and skirts rather you can do many different things to save a buck and look great.  TwitterMoms and Sears is challenging bloggers to share their tips for weaving the latest runway fashions into our day-to-day looks.  This can be done without looking over the top or breaking into the kiddie's piggy banks.

1. The internet has so many fantastic sites to try to determine what's in and what's not.  Many sites also have lots of suggestions on how to wear something that is hip on any given day.  For starters, the hair is the first place to get trendy.  Whatever the fashion style is, it can be achieved easily at your local hair salon at a fraction of the costs and it can be worn on a daily basis.  A little color or a certain cut can be mixed in with any outfit.
2. One of the fashion trends this fall were socks.  Socks are so versatile and even the one's you may have bought last year or the year before can be worn with jeans, trousers or even skirts.  It's easy to stay in the know with this easy inexpensive runway fav.  
3. Belts are another runway fashion hit for fall and this holds true to our day-to-day wardrobe.  Jeans, trousers, skirts and dresses can all be dressed up or dressed down.  Don't want to spend a lot of money?  Just take a peek at your local resale shop or Goodwill for a great selection at a fraction of the cost.  A best is so versatile and can really make the outfit in the simpliest way.
4. Velvet is also a staple for this fall.  It's romantic, soft  and again, versatile.  A nice velvet shirt goes nicely with a pair of jeans or even a skirt.  The look goes from day-to-day to nighttime in a flash.  Vintage shops are a great place to find some beautiful velvet clothing.  This is another reason why sometimes hoarding your old fashions is not always bad since they resurface.
5. I love ruffles and was happy to see it's another trend for the fall.  I liked wearing ruffle shirts with my suits and found they look great with a pair of jeans or skirt that I can wear daily without having a reason.  Ruffles go with just about any look other than sweat pants or gym wear.  It's easy to pull off and not that expensive.
6. Another great trend is mixing florals, plaids and stripes.  This is an easy one to pull off in our day-to-day lives whether going to the grocery store, picking up the kids or just sitting at home.  This type of clothing is inexpensive and a great selection can be found at Sears.  
7. Turtlenecks are in again this fall and these are definitely easy to incorporate into our daily wear.  Either alone or under another shirt, it can provide a casual look or a little more dressed up appearance.  The look is also inexpensive but layered right under or over a shirt or dress paired with a skirt can provide a great runway look any day.
8. Capes and ponchos is in and you can be just as stunning running those errands or lounging around outside enjoying the weather.  Ponchos look great over jeans and skirts and can look as dressy as you want.  A quick trip to the resale shop or picking up some after Thanksgiving sales can make you look wow at a low price.
9. The rich, red look is also in for this fall and of course, incorporating this color into any set of clothing is easy to do.  Rich red hues are versatile and whether it's just a day-to-day outfit or an out on on the town, you can't go wrong.  The great thing about this is anything you already have in your closet can be repurposed to look trendy.
10. Another great runway trend are the shoes and boots.  Either can be worn day-to-day or more dressy.  The great thing about boots is you can tuck your pants in or out, wear them with slacks or jeans or a skirt and you look fantastic regardless of where you are going.  It's dressy yet casual enough to wear any day.

It's not hard to look fashionable and trendy.  All it takes is to look up the latest fashion trends online, take a peek at stores such as Sears for more great ideas as to how to piece together clothing without breaking the bank.  Repurposing what you already have, shopping at resale shops and even having a clothing exchange with your friends and family are great ways to put a look together that you can wear any day of the week no matter what you are doing.  Fashion doesn't have to be painful nor expensive and you don't have to have a reason to be trendy.  Remember, you feel better when you look good!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Kenmore blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

What Brings Comfort and Joy to Your Life

Life is full of so many unexpected twists and turns and although some might be unpleasant, there are so many joys left to surpass the bad ones.  I can think of many things that provide comfort and joy in my life and none fail to make me smile upon thinking of them.  Some people spend their lives worrying and wondering "why me," but I like to focus on the how fortunate I am on many aspects.  TwitterMoms and Kleenex has a new blogging program introducing what brings comfort and joy to our lives.  


First on the list for me are my children.  They bring me boundless memories full of happiness and joy.  Even though they have chronic medical conditions and have frequent hospitalizations, it never overshadows the smiles they bring to my face.  I hope that I'm teaching them to find happiness first over sadness.  I know that because I bring them comfort with my live that they return that same comfort.


My immediate family also brings me much happiness.  My father taught me at a young age to be a good caring person.  He developed me into a good citizen not only for myself but for society as a whole.  To bring care and comfort to complete strangers is an inexplainable joy.  Giving to those less fortunate, passing a simple smile to a stranger or helping an elderly person reach something on a high shelf gives me immense satisfaction.


A good book, chocolate and a nice hot bath can top off a busy day.  Finding time to relax and unwind will always bring a level of comfort especially on those days that are a little more trying and hectic.  I find that a good movie provides that to me too such as Young Victoria or Becoming Jane.  I like feel good movies and watching those leaves me with a great satisfaction.  I think everyone needs to take time out to remember themselves and provide a little pampering.


My daughter started her own soon to be non-profit called Angels4Epilepsy.  She won a Pepsi Refresh Grant to help her gain non-profit status and supplies to deliver 60 Christmas bags to hospitalized children in the normal children's ward and the cancer ward at the local children's hospital.  This caring she does for other children for the name of epilepsy is very touching to me.  To watch her light up when she has an extra toy that she wants to use or to spend some of her money to add to the gifts warms my heart.  She is a very giving child and her epilepsy has not discouraged her one bit.  She is teaching other children along the way and that makes me very proud.


There are many ways to find comfort and joy.  Whether it's the little things like a hand drawn picture of a rainbow by your three year old, a cup of hot chocolate, hearing "I love you" or receiving a special gift, there are so many different ways to give and receive smiles.  It's an abundant world out there and it's up  to us to seize the moment and make it happy for ourselves and those around us.


While you are it, send a free pack of Kleenex to someone you think is special here.



About Kleenex®:

The world's first and America's best-selling facial tissue, the Kleenex® Brand is recognized by families in more than 150 countries. Invented in 1924, Kleenex® Brand facial tissues were initially marketed as a sanitary way to remove cold cream and makeup. Once advertising was shifted to emphasize the product's use as a disposable handkerchief, however, sales soared. Always the innovative leader, Kleenex® Brand facial tissue has met the unmet needs of consumers for more than 80 years with products that provide the essential and uplifting touch that makes life better.


More info: http://www.kleenex.com
Become a fan of Kleenex® on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kleenex




I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Kleenex blogging program, making me eligible to get a $40 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

14 Ways to Have a Fresh and Festive Holiday

I love the holidays and look forward to them almost immediately after they are over.  I spend a lot of time planning for each one in advance because I want each one to be more memorable than the last.  It's very important for me to give my family something to look forward to, to remember and to pass on to their families as they grow up.  Each holiday can be as festive as you like and it's definitely one that I try to make sparkle with old time charm and elegance.  The holidays are not only about decorating and getting ready for family but it also include gifts for others and traveling.  When TwitterMoms and Snuggle offered this latest opportunity, it was an easy one for me since I do love Christmas and I like to share different ways I make it special.  I have many ways to make my holidays fresh and festive but here are 14 of them:

1. Buying gifts is a special task and is one that I put in a lot of time ensuring that the gift reflects the personality of the person I'm buying for.  I don't stop at just purchasing a gift as I also like to include something personal such as a hand made photo tag or special wrapping that is coordinated with the gift I chose.
2. I also like to plan a meal with coordinating decorations.  We will use our Cricut this year to make napkin rings, place settings and more to go along with our theme.  Menu cards will be included so the girls will be able to participate in the fun.
3. Our table centerpiece will be made with beautiful apothecary jars and vases with some filled with pine cones that the girls picked from outside.  This allows them to be a part of making more memories along with something natural and pretty.  If they want, they also add a little glue and silver glitter to add a little more bling.
4. No holiday can be complete without the tin of home made cookies and peppermint bark.  This is a great way to send some home made holiday cheer to your loved ones especially to those that aren't nearby.  They can ship pretty safely with the right packing and they taste great.
5. Egg nog is a favorite with some of our family members so having plenty on hand during Christmas dinner is a must.
6. Poinsettias are a great way to add beautiful, vibrant color to the house while having something fresh and lovely.  They last long after the holidays if you can take care of them unlike me.
7. I actually do love Snuggle and when I'm done with the fabric sheets from the dryer, I do place them in our dresser drawers for that long lasting fragrance.  They are also good for placing into luggage to keep the wonderful smell going.  This is really good as my parents smoke and that smell can wear off on our belongings by the time we leave in spite of them smoking outside.
8. Holiday candles strategically placed through out the house also adds a nice aroma while getting you ready for the holidays.  It's a great way to lift up holiday spirits and get everyone in the mood.
9. No house is complete without the pine wreaths.  The smell is so fresh and clean and they look beautiful on the door as holiday wreaths.
10. Bowls of fresh fruit not only add color to the room but it can also emit a fragrance throughout the room.  Fresh fruit also encourages healthier eating.  When I see oranges and apples, it makes me think of the holidays as many received them in their stockings when I grew up.
11. Another great way to encourage a fresh and festive holiday are holiday hot chocolate drinks and apple cider.  This is a wonderful way to warm up, feel good and to get into the spirit.
12. For those of us that like fresh Christmas trees, nothing gives off that fresh and festive spirit than a live tree.  It's so much fun taking the family out and searching for that special tree.
13. A non-conventional way to add to your holiday is to donate food to a local food bank.  Providing food is a very non-selfish way to share the job while teaching your children about caring and sharing.
14. Holiday pictures are always the best way to have that festive holiday while keeping many memories of each one.  Whether you take pictures in front of the fresh tree, baking cookies or delivering food to the pantry, it's a great time to remember.

No matter what your traditions are or what you normally do to make the holidays fresh or festive, what you do put into them leaves lasting memories for your family and children.  The holidays are special times for family and giving to each other.  It's one of the best times to be thankful for you what you have and to make memories if not new traditions.  A festive holiday definitely leaves me happy and it's why I look forward to each one year after year as I try to make the next one even more special.

About Snuggle:
Curl up with Snuggle®, the Ultimate in Snuggly Softness®! Get a $1.00 Snuggle® coupon and enjoy the scent of Blue Sparkle® Ultra that lasts for 14 days of freshness!

About The Sun Products Corporation:

The Sun Products Corporation is a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of fabric care and household products with annual sales of more than $2 billion. Headquartered in Wilton, Connecticut, Sun Products was formed in September 2008 from the combination of Unilever’s North American fabric care business and Huish Detergents, Inc, a leading manufacturer of private label laundry and dish products.

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