Personalized Matching Watercolor Santa Wine Label and Wooden Gift Box

I always love looking for a unique personalized Christmas idea for my friends and family and really love this personalized matching Watercolor Santa Wine Label and Wooden Gift Box at Zazzle.  The best thing about Zazzle is you can find so many unique gift ideas and there is a guarantee or your money back. Plus with Christmas, there are some great coupon codes so don't forget to sign up when you go if you haven't already.

#ad

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story World Premiere Live on 12/10

The red-carpet world premiere of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” will be live streamed from Hollywood’s historic Pantages Theater on Saturday, Dec. 10. Tune in to the live stream, presented by Verizon, starting at 8pm EST/5pm PST on Fios and go90.com to experience exclusive interviews with the stars and creators of #RogueOne! #ad

We are a Star Wars family and have been looking forward to the Rogue One ever since the announcement occurred that there would be all new Star Wars movies. It's our main motivator in returning to Disney every year to see what new Star Wars events they have planned as we've loved every one to date.

This new movie is sure to be just as great as the last movie and we cannot wait!

Join in the red-carpet event on Saturday, December 10th!

Amtrak & The Secret Life of Pets Kicks Off Nationwide 'Pets Ride Free' Promotion with Watson the Jack Russell Terrier, First Pet to Ride Free!

*Photo Credit: Chuck Gomez, Amtrak Photographer

Watson the Jack Russell Terrrier was the first pet to board an Amtrak train for free at Union Station in Washington, D.C., and was escorted by Jason Molfetas, Amtrak Executive Vice President, Chief Sales and Marketing, on December 6, 2016 in celebration of The Secret Life of Pets on Blu-ray and DVD out now. 

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and Amtrak recently announced the 'Pets Ride Free' promotion in celebration of The Secret Life of Pets on Blu-ray and DVD, and to kick off the launch of the promotion, Watson boarded Amtrak as the very first pet to ride free. The offer will be available to customers to book now through December 11, 2016 or while supplies last, and allows pets to travel at no additional cost on participating Amtrak routes from December 9, 2016 through March 31, 2017.

The Secret Life of Pets, starring Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Lake Bell, Jenny Slate, Louis C.K. and Ellie Kemper, is now available on Digital HD, 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray ™ 3D, Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand.  

I did purchase The Secret Life of Pets and I think my grandchildren loved it the most. They have watched it a few times already.

For pet owners, the Amtrak special looks like a hit!

To travel with a small dog or cat, tickets must be purchased at least three days prior to travel and are valid for up to March 31, 2017. Only one cat or one small dog are allowed in an enclosed carrier on trips up to seven hours in length. Both pet and carrier must be a combined weight of 20 pounds. To learn more about the Amtrak pet program visit Amtrak.com/pets. To make a pet inclusive reservation, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit a staffed station.

Enter to Win $20 Amazon eGift Card

As a year end thank you to my readers, here is an opportunity to win a $20 Amazon egift card.  Enter with each option as you choose.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Please note that all entries will be verified!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls are Perfect for Busy People

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyWayToVeg #CollectiveBias

The new year is forthcoming and there is also a renewed interest in a healthier lifestyle in my family. After visiting my 80 year old father, I realized it's time to make some healthier choices so I can enjoy living to 80 or beyond. I've been searching for alternatives to eating healthier without sacrificing taste nor taking a hit on my budget. The grocery stores are full of many choices but this time, I tried MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls as I've never tried a MorningStar product. There is a misconception that MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls are only for vegetarians rather they are for really for everyone. Much to my surprise, I also found that my children liked it too along with my husband. Working and trying to juggle homeschooling children can be tricky and trying to find time to cook can be a struggle. Having these MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls are the perfect choice given how busy we are and our desire to be healthier. Our path to move forward has been well thought out not only for my husband and younger children but also for my older daughter who has ovarian cancer and a son-in-law preparing for basic training. We decided to take a step by step process in getting healthier.

Step One:

Since these veggie cuisines are ideal for me given the convenience in helping me maintain the balance between family, work and life goals in a health-conscious way, this is the way we will go. After a trip to Florida and determining post my wedding pictures this past week, it's more than time to start taking steps in promoting healthier choices. My first step in this process was recognizing the need for changes. With MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls, I can easily substitute veggie for meat in a meal and because the bowls are complete as my "as-is" meal solution, I don't require adding sides which also equates to less time! There are many choices as well and they are easily found in my local Jewel grocery store.

Step Two:

I plan my meals on a weekly basis and given the Veggie Bowls are made with Chik’n Strips, Steak Strips and Veggie Sausage Crumbles™, I have variety for each day of the week if I choose to make MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls my nightly meals or even if I want to choose one or more each night to ease into our healthier lifestyle goal. I like the variations MorningStar Farms® offers given the amount of protein and the low caloric count:

• The lightly seasoned 100% vegan Chik’n Strips have 23g of protein and only 150 calories.
• The lightly seasoned 100% vegan Steak Strips also have 23g of protein and only 150 calories.

I chose the Italian Sausage Bake and loved the abundance of flavors. It was a perfect medley of tastes and seasonings and especially loved the sauce. It was very filling and the perfect size meal for one. 

With many choices to choose from, I also can have my family decide which Veggie Bowl they want:

• Chik’n Pot Pie
• Chik’n Tikka Masala
• Italian Sausage Bake
• Japanese Soba Noodles
• Moroccan Medley

Step Three:

Now that I know what I want our meal plan to include, I will consider easing my family into exercising since it has been something missing in our lives. With the ease of the Veggie Bowls, it will free up some time to at least incorporate 30 minutes of exercise whether it's night time walks or even playing interactive video games to get us moving while encouraging fun family time.

Incorporating MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls has already helped me plan a weekly menu that makes me feel better about my choices while giving me the convenience to spend more time with my family as well as time to exercise. It's important to teach my children good eating habits by example. I love cooking but to be able to have a healthier alternative that meets my goals is paramount to my happiness which ends up being for everyone's happiness as the old saying goes, "if mama ain't happy, ain't no one happy."

Don't forget to visit MorningStar's Facebook page, @MorningStrFarms on Twitter, @morningstarfarms on Instagram or Pinterest!

What is your biggest struggle for night time family menu planning?

The Shepherd’s Treasure: An Alternative to Elf on the Shelf and Giveaway/Win $500 Details

Win $500!  Contest starts December 1st!  The Shepherd's Treasure is a Christian alternative to Elf on the Shelf and they are giving away $500 to the most creative photo shared.  $250 for you and $250 for your church!  The four top photos will be chosen and then fans will vote on their favorite to win!  This contest is lots of fun, but the best part about it is we are bringing back the true meaning of Christmas and teaching our kids that it's not all about receiving gifts and behaving well just to receive material things. Join us in the fun!  Here's how:

Step 1: Order The Shepherd's Treasure book with doll set (and advent cards if you choose) by NOVEMBER 20th to ensure delivery by December 1st. Link to buy in comments.
Step 2 (optional): Get your church involved -  The more people from your church who participate in the contest, the bigger the chance to win! Just send people to The Shepherd's Treasure Facebook page for details.

Step 3: Make sure to LIKE @BLOGGERSPAGE and @The Shepherd's Treasure Facebook page to receive contest next steps on December 1st!

#spottheshepherd #theshepherdstreasure

Click the link in the comments to get your copy before all are sold out!  This is going to be so fun!

ORDER HERE by November 20th to get in time for December 1st. Two options below - one with the advent cards and one without:

Option 1:  Book + Doll Set + Advent Cards:  https://www.sleepingbaby.com/ collections/shepherds- treasure/products/the- shepherds-treasure-book-doll- set-and-advent-cards

OR

Option 2: Book + Doll set: https://www.sleepingbaby.com/ collections/shepherds- treasure/products/the- shepherds-treasure-book-doll- set

SEE QUEST IDEAS HERE: https://www.theshepherdstreasure.com/pages/ideas-for-your-quest

My Review

Every Christmas is special to me and I want to ensure that I teach my children not only that it's a special time but to fully understand why it's special. Finding activities that reinforces the meaning is important to me as it's not about receiving presents. I was very pleased to participate in this sharing on my review of the The Shepherd’s Treasure. We started December 1st, by placing "allowing" our Shepherd to travel by night throughout the month in search of Jesus and each morning, my children are put to the task of finding him. Also included are the Shepherd’s Treasure Advent Cards which correspond with fun activities the Shepherd can do throughout the month. Each card features a Bible verse and message from the Shepherd! Little ones will follow behind their Shepherd along his journey until on Christmas morning, they will find him kneeling before the greatest Treasure of all time: Jesus!

This is wonderful in encouraging my children to continue their path to finding Jesus daily. My youngest already proclaims she will grow up to spread the word of God as she does already. It's such a cute and fun tradition that I can begin with all my children and grandchildren and to see the smile on their faces each morning is priceless. You can see the video firsthand by clicking on The Shepherd's Treasure video link.

Enter to Win!

There's even an opportunity to win your very own Shepherd's Treasure on their Facebook page by liking the page and leaving a comment in the raffle section on why you are excited about this Christmas.

GEMMglam Christmas Sale: Sunglasses and Patent-Pending Unique Gems

GEMMglam Christmas Sale

* Buy 2 sunglasses - get a 3rd pair FREE
* Buy 2 Paris cuffs $45 each - 3rd Paris cuff & 3 Fleur de lis gems FREE (limited cuffs left)
* Buy 1 pair gems at $34 - get any 2nd pair for $15

PM me or send an e-mail to gemmorders@gmail.com

*Host an online Facebook party and earn your choice choice among these 100% UV Protection sunglasses and wonderful gems to match your personality.

**Pictures does not represent all the various sunglasses and gems to choose from.

*Host gifts are dependent on total sales with potential for bonuses.

Chicago Toy & Game Fair - November 18 & 19 Family Pass Giveaway - Ends 11/18 #chitag

It's almost time for Christmas so what better time than now to have some fun with the coolest trendiest toys around by coming to the Chicago Toy & Game Week this weekend.  There are going to be so many fun things to do and there will be a special Star Wars event!  My family loves Star Wars and this is right up there with Disney's Star Wars events. 

If that isn't enough to trigger your desire to attend, look what else they have in store for participants:

• Walk inside the World's Largest PomPomWow!
• Super Power Sensory Hour 9:00 am – 10:00 am hosted by The National Lekotek Center providing early access to families of children with special needs 
• Inventor Meet and Greet throughout both days!! Want to meet the inventor of BopIt? Operation? Jenga? Nerf? Twister? You can say “hello” and get inside knowledge from all – they’ll at the Fair. Also meet upcoming inventors and try their products out. You’ll be able to say you knew them before they were hot!
• Yo-Yo Championship - Contestants from Coast to Coast
• Attend the Star Wars Lunch
• Enter the Young Inventor Challenge & Young Tech Challenge (free!) Amazing Prizes & Meet Toy and Game Executives and Inventors
• Test drive vehicles from Razor, Peg Perego and RadioFlyer Mini Tesla!! 
• Mommy & Gracie Show Unboxing! Did you catch last year’s unboxing?? https://youtu.be/wslvGlPjDQs 
• IllumiCraft STEM-based Craft Party with Gift
• Upon A Craft Line Holiday Project
• Be entertained by Ben’s Giant Bubble Show
• Test out New Products Before They Hit Retail Shelves
• Shop for the Hottest New and Classic Toys for the Holidays 
• Interactive Exhibits
• Giveaways, Stage Events, Magic Shows, Contests, Laser Tag, Crafts, Characters, GameTruck, Knockerball and much more!

In case you don't win, check out this $3 coupon off ChiTAG Fair Admission. Follow the link, register online and use the promo code CHITAG3:  CLICK HERE CHICAGO TOY & GAME WEEK DISCOUNT

Now is your chance to win the FAMILY WEEKEND PASS GIVEAWAY (value $92). To enter, complete the entries below.  One winner will be selected and notified ASAP on Friday evening.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Three Key Benefits of an Unlocked Phone & Best Buy Specials Now Through 11/5/2016 #ad

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

Purchasing cell phones have become complicated over time and it's almost comparable to buying a tube of toothpaste with all the variations, brands, features and more. I had never broken or lost a phone in the entire time I have owned cell phones until this year. I not only broke one phone but I broke TWO. Now that I am on the path of replacing yet another phone as my renewal isn't up until May of next year, I'm going to seek out an unlocked phone thanks to this post as I really didn't know too much about unlocked phones and had an image of someone shady selling one they stole. It's not that way att all however.

Unlocked phones are becoming a popular choice here in the U.S. Why? Because nothing beats the freedom of an unlocked phone when it comes to choice of models, carriers or plans. It makes no sense to get locked into a certain brand just because your carrier only sells a select number. You can click on Best Buy Unlocked Education Sheet to learn more.

If you are like me, you are probably wanting to know what is an unlocked smartphone? An unlocked smartphone is a phone that isn't tied to a specific carrier or contract. Therefore, you have the freedom to shop for the latest phones and plans as often — or as infrequently — as you like. And when it comes to international travel, unlocked phones can't be beat.

If this sounds interesting to you or you have a Christmas gift you need to purchase, Best Buy has an Unlocked Smartphone savings event going on right now with sales on Samsung, Huawei, Moto, Sony, BLU, Alcatel and ZTE smartphones.

Three Key Benefits of Unlocked Phones:

• They offer freedom and flexibility from carriers and contracts
• Save money
• Great for International Travel

To learn more, click on each brand link to get more details:

Moto:

• Offer: Save $50 on Select Moto Mods with purchase of Moto Z Play
• Valid Dates: 10/30/16-11/5/16

Huawei:

• Offer: Save $50 on the Honor 8 by Huawei plus get a free case 
• Valid Dates: 10/30/16-11/12/16

Samsung:

• Offer: Save $100 on the Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
• Valid Dates: 10/30/16-11/12/16

BLU:

• Offer: Save $40 on the BLU Life XL
• Valid Dates: 11/6/16-11/12/16

Sony:

• Offer: Save $100 on the Sony XPERIA X Compact
• Valid Dates: 10/30/16-11/12/16

Disclaimer for all offers listed: Offer valid 10/30/16-11/12/16. Phones, service and coverage not available in all markets. Available in New Jersey. No dealers. See a Blue Shirt for details. 4G/4G LTE not available in all markets. Products must be purchased on same receipt to receive bundle/package savings.​​​​ 

@BestBuy

#bbyunlocked  #ad

10 Photos on Why to Visit Beautiful Monterey Bay

“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Traveling to not going anywhere but just to go would be a dream existence to many. I am one of those that loves to travel not for the purpose of being able to proclaim I've been there rather to experience the site, the culture, the beauty and all there is to learn about.  I've been to many states throughout my adult life and have resided in over five.  I am grateful for the experience to be able to determine what I want or need from life.  I found my true desire in life is to travel and explore.  I have many favorite places and many of them revolve around beaches, warm climates and Disney.  I am a person who thrives in the sun, the hot temperatures and water.  As part of my journey in exploring different areas, I went to Monterrey Bay and Pacific Grove and I immediately fell in love with the area.

One of my first stops was at Cannery Row which is famous thanks to the author John Steinbeck.  Cannery Row (1945) was made into a movie and it's been one of the most read fictional pieces around. It's a cozy area with a moderate level of tourism and plenty of things to do whether it's just casual strolls around the neighborhoods or store fronts or to shop, eat or visit the attractions. It truly is a picturesque charming area that will captivate just about any age.  Aside from the numerous dining places, which none disappointed, there was great views to be had.  A favorite was getting a hot chocolate from a local coffee shop and sitting on the dock watching the sail boats pass as the water rushed over and beat at the shores just underneath the restaurants.

Whether you want to go beachside, enjoy the nightlife, sip some wine or take in some live music, it has everything. 

Another fun place I visited was the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  I'm not a huge aquarium fan but I have to say this place changed my mindset.  It had amazing exhibits, views and great educational messages to deliver.  My favorite was the visit with the person inside the tank and the interaction with the volunteer guide.  It was fun, entertaining and educational and seemed to be quite a hit with the visitors.  One thing to note is all the workers are volunteers from what one worker told me.  It's definitely worth the trip to see as they did a magnificent job with this aquarium.  You can even dine there!

My last favorite spot was the drive to Pacific Grove and the spots along the way.  It was absolutely gorgeous and Pacific Grove would be the ideal retirement spot.  The downtown was lined with nice boutiques and eateries that provided choices that I had not experienced.  Being so close to the ocean was what drew me as well.  It's an old town that includes many activities such as a monarch butterfly habitat sanctuary, beaches, the oldest continuously-operating lighthouse and nationally recognized 18-hole golf course.

It's a beautiful area to see and I hope when I go back to California in November, I'll get to add to my list of great places to visit.