This idea is a little on the high end of the spectrum for the average person. RedEnvelope.com has this great leather wine carrying case for $89.95 but it has received 30 reviews and is rated top stars. You can even personalize the carrier and gift wrap it. If you have never purchased from Red Envelope, their gift wrapping service is about as wonderful as the gift itself. It comes in a nice, high-quality red gift box.
To top of the elegance, you can either order your own labels and bottles since there are many businesses that provide that service, buy your own labels (see below) or make your own label. This is an inexpensive way to add that special, one of a kind look as well as an ability to express yourself.
Top it off with some customized chocolate from Chocomize and you are set with only finding the perfect card. There is a giveaway ending 1/25 for Chocomize customized chocolate bars here.
Thanks to Etsy, you can find some really unique cards that have that extra homemade touch to them.
Card Example 1:
This one is from SweetHarvey's shop and is a 10 pack of letterpress mini cards. Granted you don't need 10 cards specifically but think of the creative ways you can express your love with 10 cards! Be creative and get romantic with an array of ideas such as using the cards to place strategically for hints at what the night holds. There are many possibilities.
Card Example 2:
Michellenstamps has cute handmade choices if you prefer a cute way to show your love. Each one of the textured circles on the card background has been hand applied. The framed words say "love, be mine, hugs and kisses," with a fun assortment of ribbon highlighting them.
Card size is 4 1/4" square. Because the post office will charge you extra to mail a square envelope, I am sending you a 4 1/2 x 5 3/4" envelope. That way if you mail it, you won't need to attach extra postage. The inside of the card is blank, for you to write your own message.
The Glow Serum is in a sophisticated bottle with an allure of Hawaii right on the side. Glow revitalizes the skin with vitamin C and E and age-defying ingredients that have been shown to promote collagen synthesis and lighten hyperpigmentation. Even the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry and Sienna Miller are just a few of the fans of Pure and True products. Give me, give me if I could look like those women! If only ... but it's not a genie in a bottle but it is a great moisturizer and leaves your skin radiant and glowing.
Since this is an organic product, Pure and True utilizes nature's best to promote the healing properties that will leave your skin feeling moisturized, well replenished and rejuvenated. The rosehip works with the vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to help the signs of aging.
The beauty of Glow is it's a one step age defying treatment and a moisturizer. It can also be used all over the face as well as the eyes, chest or other areas that you want to treat or slow down the signs of aging. It's for all skin types but specially recommended for dry, pigmented, mature and sensitive skin.
I applied it twice a day after cleansing my face per the instructions. It was smooth and had a pleasant smell. The light yellow serum went on very smooth and didn't leave a greasy feel or any other residue. I definitely felt my feel feeling more moisturized and radiant. There were subtle changes to my crows feet. Overall, I definitely recommend Glow as a moisturizer as it worked wonders of my sensitive, fair skin. I think I have to use it longer to see the impact longterm on wrinkles or as a preventive treatment. Unfortunately, there is no clear way to knowing how much of a difference it made on the aging areas.
About Pure and True Organic Beauty:
HIGH-PERFORMANCE, AGE-DEFYING, ORGANIC BEAUTY
Infuse you skin with the finest ingredients found in nature, combined with proven cosmeceutical ingredients. Free from parabens, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, sulphates, phthalates, and petroleum-derived ingredients. A pure and true experience that restores and rejuvenates the skin.
The Language of Love and Respect: Cracking the Communication Code with Your Mate by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is another great book for anyone to read that is in a relationship.
Product Details:
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Reprint edition (October 13, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 084994807X
ISBN-13: 978-0849948077
All relationships suffer from communication issues but marriages, in particular, appear to suffer greatly from this. Dr. Eggerich's book, Love and Respect, was the first book I read from him. For me, it was a real eye opener on explaining the different communication styles between men and women. What women say and men hear and vice versa was true to form but being able to read about the oppositve sex really allowed me a different perspective on my own marriage.
The basic rules still apply that husband's view their wive's actions as being disrespectful while women react to not getting the love they want. It's a vicious cycle that has to be broken in order to enjoy the fruits of marriage. Real life excerpts also helps to show how practicing to avoid the "crazy cycle" also adds credibility to the ideas touted in this book. Where the books makes complete logical sense, it also shows how hard it is to break that cycle which is why I think the book is good because it's not one of those, 'read me, follow it and all is perfect.'
It's a very practical book that needs to be reread frequently to reinforce the teachings. I would recommend it to anyone in a relationship as it really does provide helpful insight in understanding the rational behind the actions of the opposite sex.
Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for my review.
The Sweet By and By is about a woman, Jade, who is still reliving events of her past. After being away from her childhood life for a decade, she's about to marry Max Benson. Her experiences past college has led to a successful career and a new life.
In spite of trying to rise above and move forward especially with her upcoming marriage, she finds it's not as easy to do when her hippie mother, Beryl, and wild-child younger sister arrives for the wedding. Throughout the story, the reader catches glimpses of the life she's trying to forget which allows a basis for the story. This Christian fictional novel touches on the need to forgive which is always a message anyone can use. Even though Jade vows to leave the past in the past with her Fiance, she struggles throughout the story with fullfilling that promise.
The chapters flowed well and were not too long. It was an easy to read book with great descriptive characters. I particularly enjoyed reading how Sara and Rachel made God a character in the book. The book is laced with possible lessons to learn and most likely, the reader will be able to relate to portions of the story with dysfunctional families. I also liked the section Reading Group Guide that allows you to explore the book's message in greater depth from certain chapter experiences.
Overall, I would recommend this heart warming book especially for women and more particularly, women who can relate to a troubled upbringing with less than stellar parents.
*Disclaimer: I was provided this complimentary book by the Thomas Nelson Publishing Group in exchange for my review.
Wouldn't a nice, brand new and FREE netbook sound good? Imagine all the things you could do with a netbook like entering giveaways, blogging, researching the latest diet tips on how to get in shape or order office supplies or print cartridges for all those pictures you want to print from Christmas.
RIGHT NOW and over the entire month of January, Staples is hosting the “Tweet and You Could Win a Netbook” contest.
If you read my blog, you might have seen that I post frequently about the Organic Pharmacy because I truly like their products. Based out of London, the Organic Pharmacy is the most respected and trusted organic personal care company in the UK. They have an almost endless supply of organic products to keep you healthy, keep you looking good and beautiful.
The latest product they are offering is green coffee, not in a cup but in a new proprietary massage treatment focused on firming, draining and breaking down fat cells to reduce the appearance of cellulite -- The Green Coffee Body Sculpting Treatment.
Here’s how it works:
Lower half of body is dry brushed to stimulate circulation and allow the oils, with their active ingredients to be absorbed.
The body is then massaged with Green Coffee and Chili Oil. In addition to green coffee, key ingredients include:
Chili, to increase the flow of blood by “heating” the skin. The extra heat enhances the effects of the stimulating green coffee for better circulation and eliminate of fats, excess fluids and toxins.
Juniper, for its decongestant, diuretic and detoxifying properties.
Grapefruit, an excellent lymph stimulant that helps eliminate waste by removing excess water from the body and the skin.
Next, the body is massaged with Body Sculpting Gel. Key ingredients include:
Mountain Ash, to improve the tone of veins and help flush out excess water around the cells.
Linseed Polyholosides, to redefine, lift, firm and plump skin from within by stimulating collagen.
Fig, with lipolytic action to reduce the size of fatty cells.
Horse Chestnut, to improve circulation and Menthol from mint leaves to constrict the blood vessels and drain. These botanicals continue to work even after they have been applied.
At the end of the treatment, the client, now relaxed and feeling lighter, is offered a drink of water with an all-natural anti-cellulite tincture (garcinia, gurana, horsechestnut, gotu kola, dandelion and bladderwrack).
Products contain no artificial preservatives, fragrances, colorants, petrochemicals or animal ingredients and are never tested on animals.
Watch a real treatment:
The treatment, recommended at least 5-6 times for the best results, is priced at $100 (per treatment) and is available at The Organic Pharmacy, 453 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA and soon to be available in New York.
I wished they had one closer to me or I lived in California.
Anyone try it yet?
Click HERE to see my review of the Organic Pharmacy's Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex.
Click HERE to see my review on the Organic Pharmacy's Carrot Butter.
Click HERE to see April's review on the Organic Pharmacy's Glam Cosmetics.
*Disclaimer: I have not reviewed the Organic Pharmacy Green Coffee Proprietary Massage Treatment nor was I compensated in any way for this post.
If you would have told me a few months ago that young kids can learn on Ipods or phones, I would have doubted that. As always, kids never cease to amaze me. My two kids, two and six, love the Ipod even though much to the chagrin of my 21 year old, the two year old deletes her apps. Those apps are great things pending on your interests and as some are free, others cost. One day back in December, I watched my two year laying on the floor with her sister's Ipod Touch and she was shaking it. I asked my oldest what she was doing and she told me she was clearing the screen. I was amazed that she knew to do that and when Beiz Ltd had an offer to review their new game Lola's Flag Adventure, I thought this would be a great opportunity to try another educational game venue with them.
If you don't know who Beiz Ltd is, they are Beijing-based game design studio. Lola's Flag Adventure 1.0, is their first children's flag game for iPhone and iPod Touch. Lola's Flag Adventure features voice guidance, an easy-to-use interface and wonderfully designed panda graphics and world flags. Lola's Flag Adventure has two games for children to choose from:
A memory game for children who cannot read. This is a fun game as it has three difficulty levels of easy, medium or hard. My six year old really enjoys playing the game and is challenged by it with the three levels of difficulty. In order for her to move to the second game, I need to teach her the country's name associated with the flag. I think the two year old could play this game with some help and guidance but it would take a little effort.
The flag trivia is for older children or even adults if they want to learn the flags. The game provides fun and challenge both for preschoolers and junior school children. We haven't moved up to that game yet but I can see my six year old eventually playing it and liking it. The flags included are of the biggest countries from Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
There will be more games in the series with Lola and what kid doesn't love panda bears? This is a good educational opportunity if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch. Can you imagine how it would make waiting at the doctor's office or other places easier by having this game on your iPhone or iPod?
I would recommend this game as a good venue in teaching about world flags and countries. Lola is a cute panda that will entice the little one's and the easy to follow games are a fun way to teach while having fun. At only $1.99, you can't go wrong.
From Beiz:
"We believe in educational games that can be fun to play as well. We don't want the children to be game addicts, but provide fun and educational moments as part of the other activities in children's lives" says Head of BeiZ gaming Studio, Minna Heikinheimo.
Language Support:
US English and Chinese (simplified)
More will be added in future
Device Requirements:
iPhone or iPod Touch 2.2.1 or later
Pricing and Availability:
Lola’s Flag Adventure 1.0 is only $1.99 (USD) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category.
Beiz Ltd is a mobile game studio that concentrates on providing enjoyable edutainment solutions for children and adults. Beiz also assists its partners in publishing their games and mobile content. Beiz has headquarters in Hong Kong and operations in China and in Finland. Please visit Beiz online for more information.
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary download of Lola's Flag Adventure and no other compensation. The opinions written in this post are mine and were not influenced by the opportunity to receive the complimentary download.
I just woke up this morning and found out I won the Trimback & MomFuse blogging contest! Yeah!!!
If you haven't had a chance to check out Trimback, you really should as it's an excellent source to save money with coupons and discounts to a huge selection of stores. There is even a Shopping Forum coming soon to help share more great deals!
Want to know more about Trimback? Please read my post below.
I'm an above-novice coupon clipper and semi-expert for online sales but with the need to cut spending and realize better budgeting skills, finding a bargain or a discount has become somewhat a hobby for me. I also spend a lot of my time shopping on the internet as it's easier and you really can pick up some great deals if you use coupon codes. Before I buy anything online, I always search for coupons.
One of my favorite stores to shop online is Macy's. I will never buy anything unless I search for Macy's coupon codes to ensure I get the best deal. What I like the best about this site, it has all the stores that you can think of and all you do is enter the store you are interested in, click on search and all the offers pop up. If you don't know what you want to search for, all the stores are available in alphabetical order.
This relatively new site, TrimBack.com is a community offering great coupon codes, deals and more. They even have a blog that provides informative details on other codes, special deals and bargains. You can search over 30,000+ coupons, deals and discounts!
Remember whenever you want to buy something online, check for codes, discounts and deals with four easy steps:
Enter the store you are interested in the search box and press search
Select from all the available deals, discounts and coupons
Click the coupon code or click the click to use link next to the code and enter the code when instructed to.
Don't forget there is a handy tab for grocery store coupon clipping too!
*Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this review. I am entering a MomFuse and TrimBack.com contest for a giftcard giveaway. I did register and use the site so my review is an honest review of the site and abilities.
I posted what is below earlier in the week and wanted to update it as with my latest weight loss challenge, I'm fully committed after reading a few books, continuing my addiction to Biggest Loser and just wanting to have more energy and feel good.
Yesterday for lunch, my daughter told me about the 280 calorie turkey 6" sub. Given that I'm counting calories and wanting something with a multi-grain or whole wheat bread, this was the perfect choice for me. What's great about the 6" subs is you can cut them in half and graze on them for a few hours. Grazing is the name of the game from what I'm reading in several books.
What I found while reviewing the Subway site is that they actually do compliment their products with the advice of a dietitian and a nutrition specialist. There is a page dedicated to nutrition, advice and videos: http://www.subway.com/subwayroot/MenuNutrition/index.aspx.
I was insprired by Jared but never really jumped on the bandwagon as I'm a yo-yo Atkins girl which would leave Subway out most of the time but I am a carb craver so having the 9 grain bread is excellent for my tastes.
If you are like me, you need inspiration and motivation. I prefer getting my motivation from watching the Biggest Loser who is always touting the benefits of Subway. This diet, I'm giving Subway a chance.
My biggest TV vice is The Biggest Loser and I'm addicted! If you watch the show, you know that they team up with Subway for their meals at times. Subway has a deal right now where you can download a free Biggest Loser workout mix.
You can even join the Pound for Pound Challenge and raise money for charity by going here: http://www.pfpchallenge.com/
Last season's winner, Shay, is the big challenger with Subway to lose the rest of her weight. Shay had a sad story growing up with an addicted mother who later died prematurely. Shay turned to food and was the largest woman in Biggest Loser history. For every pound Shay loses, Subway will give her $1,000!
I know I'm older now, 41 to be exact, and I'm restarting this whole kid thing with having my oldest at 21 but I had no idea how much changed in school from 15 year's ago. Before she started, I taught her how to write her name, tie her shoes, count to 100 and many other things and she was considered advanced. I neglected (for many reasons) doing the same with my now six year old thinking it would all be taught when she got to school. I had no idea!
Due to her epilepsy that started right before she started school last year, trying to get the medication adjusted and sorting out issues with her then father as my husband adopted her in October, she ended up repeating kindergarten this year. I didn't have to make her do that but thought it was in her best interest in doing so. The teacher she has this year has her students writing journals in full sentences, reading books and so much more! I can't imagine being in kindergarten and being able to read and write by Christmas. Times have changed so much!
I've written past posts about tips I use to help her learn and I'll repeat a couple of those tips:
Post It Notes has the Sight Words available which are a blessing. I stick them up on the windows we have dividing our kitchen and sunroom and they are always there as constant reminders to study and practice.
Magnetic boards are great to track bonus calendar days. Every night she does "extra" homework or practice, she gets a smily face. At the end of the week, she can trade those in for a little surprise. It's motivational for her and fun.
LoveTwoTeach has a great blog of resources that I use to print off activities and fun projects.
KinderTeacher is another site I utilize for extra work.
She was needing help in math so I found this site that has great practice activities online which she loves: http://www.aaastudy.com/addk7ax1.htm
She's also into drawing and is very creative so I had her write her own book that was published (widget on left side of blog). She told me the story, I modified to make it run together smoothly and she drew the pictures. She took so much pride in it that she wrote several more but I haven't put them together to publish it yet.
There are so many creative ways to help your child learn and encourage creativity. I only hope the schools don't push too hard, too fast and take the fun out of being a child. I always tease my oldest that I had no idea that I had to prep her for med school.
Here's a special gift from us to you. From now until Wednesday, January 13, 2010, save 25% on your entire order. You can apply this discount to any purchase.
Act now! Be sure to enter code SUB25 during checkout to get your 25% off discount!
Book 2 features two new characters for author Amanda Lorenzo: Beatrice, a cute floppy eared bunny, arrives to Runt Farm by the help of the Runt Farm mice who rescue her. Beatrice then rescues the second newest character, a squirrel named Blossom who was trapped and shivering. They now join the family of what is called Runt Farm.
For me, Runt Farm gives me a feel of older books in that it has all illustrations done in pencil and are not in color. I feel it gives children the ability to have more creativity as they can decide the color and storyline. The books offer lessons while aiding in building their vocabulary.
This trailer will introduce you to the wonderful world of Runt Farm Book 2:
If you want more fun, visit http://runtfarm.com/ to see all new Runt Farm books, sign up for the Runt Farm Gazette or check out the Barn Wall. The Barn Wall has great items to include small posters, coloring pages, artwork and more. There are resources for parents and teachers as well as fun things for the children.
The Runt Farm series is a series of middle readers designated for children ages 6 to 10. The animals make up a non-traditional family members of orphans and those that get added along the way. They teach lessons by their own unique skills and thinking. It's a very clever way to show how everyone, no matter the differences, can get along. The characters are all interesting and engaging:
Kitten
The Peep
Tooth
Cletus
Beatrice
Blossom
Clovis
This is a delightful book and my six year old has thoroughly enjoyed it. She's even trying to read it on her own with difficulty but in time, she'll pick it right up. She loves animals so this book is an excellent resource for her interestes as well as the ability it has to strengthen her vocabulary through playful bantor with the characters. The illustrations by Mark Evan Walker are perfectly placed to keep her interest and many times she laughed. She really enjoyed it!
The Author (an interview from August 2009):
Q: Why did you write the Runt Farm books?
AL: For the love of telling and writing stories, mostly. But the books also happen to offer an inclusive view of family, and insight into the universal nature of family bonds. We need family, we make family wherever we go, whoever we are. And in one way or another, we’re all runts. Everyone has quirks. But when we find our true place and our true people, those people are our family. At Runt Farm we embrace the runt in everyone, in every species.
Q: Tell us about your first new books in the Runt Farm series!
AL: The Runt Farm books are snappy illustrated chapter books for children that feature an upbeat multi-species cast of animal characters, some evil villains, and assorted stories of scrapes and escapes.
Q: Who are the main characters?
AL: Oh, there’s rebellious but laid-back Kitten and his pal The Peep (a baby duck with some issues). Then there are Cletus and Tooth – two extra-smart refugee mice. Next comes a rambunctious bunny named Beatrice, and then Blossom – a squirrel guy with a flashy style—these two have a healthy dose of sibling rivalry going. And in Book 3 we meet Clovis; she’s a mouse cousin to Tooth. Clovis is a sort of nervous and distracted auntie type, a serious artist who delights in capturing the light.
Q: And the villains?
AL: You would be referring to the weasels, of course! And the evil agents of NAARF.
Q: NAARF?
AL: Oh yes -- the Nightshade Association Animal Research Facility. They will stop at nothing to capture those escapees, Cletus, Tooth and Clovis.
Q: Where do you get the ideas for the Runt Farm stories?
AL: Well some of them come from real life. In Runt Farm Book 2, Beatrice and Blossom, Beatrice cheats Blossom out of all his marbles using phony rules like “rainbows.” She also uses a steelie as a shooter, a questionable tactic if ever there was one. When I was 6 or 7 the Canaday brothers, down the block from me, got all my marbles just like that.
Q: Were you able to get your marbles back?
AL: Yes, most of them. Mrs. Canaday got it all straightened out.
Q: You’re known for wearing funny hats. What is it you enjoy most about them?
AL: You think my hat is funny? Well! Indeed! Actually this particular hat is for special occasions, but the hat I wear most often is a bowler. It was my Dad’s hat, and I wear it to remember him. Mostly I just think hats are fun. You can tell a lot about a person by their hat.
Q: Amanda Lorenzo, aren’t you also known as the Seattle Mystery Lady?
AL: Apparently I am. There seems to be a video of me on YouTube called “Seattle Mystery Lady Spotted.” And a Google map showing some of my whereabouts as well. I guess I’m being watched!
Q: How long does it take you to write a book?
AL: The writing usually goes pretty quickly, perhaps a few weeks. Getting from there to a real book in your hands takes much longer, though. More like two years!
Q: Why does it take so long?
AL: Well, after I write the story, my editor makes suggestions, we argue a little (we’re friendly about it). Then I do what she says. Next our illustrator, Mark, does a bunch of tiny little drawings called thumbnails and we all ooh and aah and give feedback about them (Mark’s a really good artist). That leads to more and bigger sketches, and then final artwork. Then the book designer takes it all and mashes it together and there’s more ooh-ing and aah-ing. Then all the pages of the book get printed out and the proofreader marks in red ink where we made mistakes. After that all the mistakes get fixed and the book printer takes it from there (They print and bind the books).
Sometimes when I visit classrooms I show examples of a book in all those stages.
Q: Are your characters like anyone you know?
AL: Yes, they sure are. Cletus is a lot like me – he likes cheese and is good with tools. Beatrice and I are pretty similar, too, because I can be kind of bossy (and also brave). Tooth is similar to a famous chef whose name is Julia. Every character is partly created from different people I know and partly just made up.
Q: Where can we get the Runt Farm books?
AL: They’re available on Amazon or at your favorite bookstore. You can also buy the books at RuntFarm.com – and you really should visit – there’s lots of free fun stuff for kids on our website, and there are learning activities too that parents and teachers can do with children.
Disclaimer: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for my review. I was not financially compensated.
The Giveaway:
Runt Farm: Book 2 Beatrice and Blossom
To Enter:
Follow my blog and visit http://runtfarm.com/ and tell me something you learned.
Extra Entries - Worth Five Entires Each:
Subscribe to my blog.
Subscribe to the Runt Farm Gazette.
Provide a comment to any non-giveaway post (refer to main post on home page for extra entries).
Wouldn't it be great to find organic clothes that are gender free and are made of sustainable earth friend manufacturing practices to give you a piece of mind? Happy Green Bee Organic Kids Clothing and Organic Baby Clothing offers comfortable, organic cotton clothes in simple yet stylish designs.
If you don't like the bold, colorful stripes, there are many options of single colors to also choose from. Children love bright and bold colors and these provide a fun feeling to them. Colors include such fun varieties such as Butterscotch/Chocolate, Radish/Bean, Chocolate/Bean, Blueberry/Sky and so many more.
I received from Happy Green Bee Organic Kids Clothing a pair of soft and stretchy organic cotton tights. They have a variety of colors such as Radish/Bean, Pumpkin/Radish, Pumpkin/Butterscotch/Radish/Bean and Watermelon/Sky. I don't know about you but I think they are absolutely adorable! Granted my 21 year old stuck her in a dress WAY too small for her as she wanted to make her look like Cindy Who but it was too cute for me.
She loved them! This is a two year old who hates clothes but she had fun in these tights. She's a performer in every way so modeling her new tights was right up her alley. They wore nice, kept her legs warm and really adds fun to any an outfit. They appear to be durable and long standing as they are not thin given then are made of organic cotton. There is a great interview from The Today Show about Today's Power Women along with other great press stories about Happy Green Bee HERE.
Happy Green Bee has an online catalog to purchase tops, bottoms, sportswear, dresses, gifts and extras. If you want to save a few bucks, check out the Factory Store listings HERE.
If you are a parent like me who has concerns about what products are being put into the products marketed for our children, check out Happy Green Bee Organic Kids Clothing. Cotton clothing retains harmful toxic residues, often causing rashes and eczema on sensitive skin. Clothing made with organically grown cotton does not retain toxic residues; it is a pure, natural, and breathable fiber.
Some facts about organically grown cotton:
Organically grown cotton is not treated with pesticides.
Organically grown cotton does not use petroleum-based fertilizers.
Organically grown cotton does not use genetically engineered seed.
Not only can you dress your child in something that will not harm them but you can find great gifts whether it's a fun, cute clothing item or a gift such as an Abbee Doll, an Amber Doll, a Blanket Gift Set or a Mom's on the Go Kit:
Abbee Doll :
Introducing Abbee, fresh from the delightful world of happygreenbee. Lovingly stitched in organic cotton, this playful companion is ready for fun in her matching chemise and colorful leggings. When playtime is over, Abbee cuddles up nicely for some naptime snuggling.
Amber Doll:
Introducing Amber, fresh from the delightful world of happygreenbee. Lovingly stitched in organic cotton, this playful companion is ready for fun in her matching chemise and colorful leggings. When playtime is over, Amber cuddles up nicely for some naptime snuggling.
Mom's on the Go Kit :
Multi-tasking Moms on the Go will appreciate generous trial size samples of Happy Green Bee's nursery favorites! Six great products and a read aloud book all neatly packed into our handy re closable tote. Our kit contains a 4 oz. non-toxic, biodegradable eco friendly laundry detergent, a 2 oz. home-made diaper ointment formulated with organically grown comfrey, vitamin E, lavender, and a blend of botanical oils, a 2 oz. sample size of calendula oil made from organically grown calendula flowers and botanical oils, a 4 oz. herbal room spray which uses all natural essential oils, a keepsake tooth fairy tin and everything you need to plant your child’s birthday apple tree!
The Giveaway:
Your own pair of fun, great looking, stylish tights!
To Enter:
Follow my blog and go to HappyGreenBee.com and tell me something you learned about the site. Leave one comment for both actions.
Beginning in the New Year, The First Tee will offer golf instruction combined with character and life skills education to military children and to children of geographically separated National Guardsmen and Reservists. The initiative is made possible as part of a two-year agreement with the Department of Defense (DoD). The goal is to welcome at least 6,000 school-aged participants from military families to The First Tee program at no cost to families. Prior golf experience and equipment are not necessary.
Trained coaches and staff at over 200 Chapters of The First Tee offer a progression of lesson plans that create a fun and safe learning environment. The curriculum fosters curiosity about the game of golf and teaches how the positive values inherent in the game can be used at home, in school and in other areas of everyday life. New sessions start throughout the year and dates and times vary by location. Military families can sign up at The First Tee Chapter in their community or download a voucher. In addition, The First Tee will provide curriculum, equipment and training to 20 overseas bases located in Spain, Germany, Guam, Japan, South Korea, Cuba, Italy, and Puerto Rico.
For further information, Chapter locations or to download a voucher, families should visit http://www.thefirsttee.org/.
Tia Crystal has literally changed dark days to bright times with just a few strokes of a paint brush. The London-born Tia says she always had that artistic streak in her. It wasn’t a life her family really understood or supported. The mother of three only dipped into that distant but strong feeling a few times in her life working in interior design and cake decoration. Tia’s most trying struggles were with anorexia, bulimia, and battle of her own self worth. At 40 years old it all changed during a simple stroll on a street in Italy. Tia says she found a paint brush just laying there. She picked it up and excepted the moment as sign to finally pursue her long standing passion … fine art. In just a few years, Tia has completed more than 500 paintings that hang on walls across the continents; she is commissioned for private paintings, and has sold her work to a long list of the world’s elite. Her dramatic use of colors portrays Tia’s exuberance and love of life, a feeling she hopes those who collect her fine art consistently feel. She credits the pursuit of her passion, for turning the tables on her toughest times. Tia believes her life story and work support her philosophy, “art inspires the energy of the soul”.
The House of Tia Crystal
The House of Tia Crystal recently opened in Boca Raton, Florida. The gallery’s main feature is the beautiful and unique paintings of artist Tia Crystal. Also on display are sculptures, jewelry, and clothing from around the world. Tia’s goal is to make sure her gallery is about more than just the fine art. She says The House of Tia Crystal is a spiritual sanctuary and comfortable setting for all. On a daily basis, The House of Tia Crystal hosts art inspired yoga classes, meditation sessions, storytelling through the arts, women’s support groups, and art lessons for children.
If you have small children or even tweens, they love the idea of playing grocery store or having a lemonade stand. Go Graham Go! has a great giveaway for a Melissa & Doug stand.
Here is an excerpt from her giveaway:
I can see this toy also being a valuable educational tool. Use the bins to separate foods by color and label the chalkboard accordingly. You could even start practicing food groups. If you have a cash register, this could be a fun way to introduce making change and counting money. If it's a sunny day, why not open up an actual Lemonade Stand and put your child's math and social skills to work in real life?
The Grocery Store/Lemonade Stand is perfect for children ages 3 and up and does not include food. Melissa and Doug have some adorable play food you can purchase for about $19.99 to go along with this. You can purchase the Grocery Store/Lemonade Stand for about $129.99 online or at a retailer near you.
This one is from SweetHarvey's shop and is a 10 pack of letterpress mini cards. Granted you don't need 10 cards specifically but think of the creative ways you can express your love with 10 cards! Be creative and get romantic with an array of ideas such as using the cards to place strategically for hints at what the night holds. There are many possibilities.
Michellenstamps has cute handmade choices if you prefer a cute way to show your love. Each one of the textured circles on the card background has been hand applied. The framed words say "love, be mine, hugs and kisses," with a fun assortment of ribbon highlighting them.
