Top 12 of 2012

I have noticed recently that other bloggers were writing these types of posts and I am nothing if not a big ol' copycat, so without further ado, here are my top 12 product reviews, recipes and posts of the last year. 

As voted on by absolutely no one and in no particular order...

 

*Favorite Recipes*

 

Homemade Coconut Chicken Nuggets

These were amazing! I found a great deal on some ground chicken and this is one of the recipes I made with it. Micah devoured them and even asked for seconds. 

 

Chicken and Dressing Casserole 

This one needs no explanation. It's chicken and dressing all snuggled up together into a nice yummy casserole.  Read it!

 

Loaded BBQ Baked Potatoes 

This is a staple in our house. It is a cheap and easy way to make the fam think you spent all kinds of time in the kitchen. Even the kids will love this one!

 

Homemade Sweet Creamed Corn 

I'd never had homemade creamed corn before trying this recipe, I didn't even know creamed corn existed outside of the canned crap you find in the stores. This is sooo much better than what you're used to, you will never go back to the other stuff and if you were smart enough to freeze some corn from this past summer, you can try this recipe now(or you can use canned whole kernal, I won't tell).

 

 

*Favorite Posts*

 

Parlez Vous Francais?!

Upon leaving the house, to run errands one day, Micah accidentally changed the default language in my car to French. This is what happens when grown ups refuse to refer to the owner's manual. 

 

Lions and Tigers and Bears... 

This is a story about neither lions, nor tigers, not even bears. It is a story about mice and spiders and how I killed one one day... like a boss... If that boss were totally creeped the crap out by spiders and a bit mentally challenged and trying to cop a squat on the potty.

 

A Little Something My Mom Shared With Me... 

This is a poem my Mom shared with me when I was in the throws of another failed teenage love affair. I didn't understand what it meant back then, but I do now and I can't thank her enough for sharing this with me. If you have a daughter, are a daughter, know someone who is a daughter, you should share this with them.

 

Another Year Older

This post is about birthdays and drinking. There's even a recipe for a cotton candy cocktail, which alone is worth the price of admission (which is free, so keep that in mind).

 

 

*Favorite Products I Reviewed*

 

D'lish Soap Factory Handmade Soaps 

They're handmade soaps that look like cakes and cupcakes! (drops mic)  

 

Squeakers

These are the cutest shoes EVER! Not only are they really cute shoes, but they also squeak when the child takes a step. Yes, after a while it can get kind of annoying, but the amount of joy Micah has when he wears the shoes is worth it! Besides, you can use it as a chance to practice your deep breathing techniques and meditation... Glass half full.  

Family Stickers

This is one of the product reviews I cherish most. Not because the product is expensive or extravagant, but because of what it means. It's a portrait of our entire family, in one place at the same time and since they're stick people, I don't have to worry about those (mumbles) pounds I've put on over the holidays. Yes, I am THAT Mom that has the stick people family on the back of her car, but I also have a few kickass tattoos too, so it balances out.

 

Build a Bear, Build a Friend, Build a Memory 

This is a gift guide post I wrote for Build a Bear. This one stands out because of how much Micah has enjoyed his Grinch he received. I (Santa) gave it to him for Christmas and he has not slept one night without it, besides the two nights we slept on a palette on the living room floor, due to the stomach flu.   

 

  

 

 

 

 

Confetti Krispie Treats.. Perfect For a New Year's Party

Using just three simple ingredients, you can make this yummy variation of the classic Rice Krispies Treats.

I call them Confetti Krispies Treats, because they look like regular Rice Krispies Treats with confetti in 'em and it just sounds more festive... I'm a creative genius, I know. It is my burden and I must bear it alone, along with being painfully beautiful, unamusingly rich and effortlessly socially eloquent. 

 

 

I digress. (a lot, ask my husband)  

 

What You Need:

1/4 Cup Butter

5 1/2 Cups of Mini Marshmallows

5 1/2 Cups of Fruity Pebbles(ish) Cereal

  

Directions:

Melt butter in a large pan, over low heat. (Don't get hasty and turn the heat up, it will scorch when you add the marshmallows and ruin the whole batch, just keep your panties on and let it melt slowly)

When the butter is melted, add the marshmallows to the pan and stir 'til they are completely melted. 

Add the cereal to the pan and stir 'til all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Pour mixture into a well greased 9x13 pan and smooth out with the back of a spoon. I find it works best if you spray the spoon with some non stick spray.

Let them set for a couple of hours before trying to cut 'em. 

Store in an air tight container or Ziploc baggie for maximum freshness.

 

These are so easy to make (and eat) and are always a hit whenever I make 'em for the kids.

If you're really crafty and adventurous (I am neither), you can use cookie cutters and cut the treats into fun shapes, but the kids probably won't appreciate it or even notice, so why bother?! 

Mazel Tov!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

 

 

 

Happiness is...

A stolen Venti Toffee Nut Frap.

 

 

New Febreze Holiday Scents

Have you seen the new Febreze commercials?

The ones where they take a bunch of unsuspecting people, blindfold them and put them into a cut-away shipping crate/ trash dumpster filled with some of the most putrid items ever (and of course some febreze products)... 

Old rotten food, dirty clothes, dirty diapers and God knows what else and then they make them sniff, then report what they smell, and it's always words like "fresh" "clean" "like a spring meadow" "beach-y" or some stuff like that.

I love the looks on their faces when they take off their blindfolds and see all the filth around them. 

I have been a fan of Febreze products since I came across them way back in the day when I had my very first apartment. 

I would keep a bottle of Febreze fabric refresher beside the couch, so in case someone came to visit, I could give the couch or curtains a quick spray and it wouldn't smell like two twenty something girls lived there.

What does an apartment with a couple of twenty something girls smell like, you ask?!

Cigarettes, wine coolers and regret.

 

Just in time for Christmas, Febreze has released new additions to their yearly Holiday collection and I was lucky enough to get to check some out.

The Holiday collection has several great offerings, including...

  

Apple Spice & Delight: The warming scent of fresh-baked apples coated with sweet cinnamon (available only online) 

Cozy Vanilla Sugar: Sweet as notes of vanilla that comfort you like a cocoon of blankets 

Cranberries and Frost: Rich as ripe cranberries and frost on a white winter’s day 

Glistening Alpine: As soothing as a tree-lined mountainside glistening with the scent of pine 

Winter Magic & Glow: Crisp as sunshine-lit icicles in fresh, frosty air 

Holiday Bloom & Cheer: As cheerful as a chorus of holiday aromas blended with winter blossoms.   

 

I received the Cozy Vanilla Sugar collection to try out. 

I received a candle, a room spray and a Febreze Noticeables plug in oil warmer. 

 

This is a great holiday as well as year round scent, it is a warm addition to a living room or bedroom, even the kitchen, which is where I currently have my plug-in stationed.

With all the cooking and food prepping related to the holidays, sometimes our trash cans have all kinds of "yummy" stuff in it, I haven't noticed one foul odor yet, only the warm inviting scent of vanilla.  

The candle smells amazing and it is in a beautiful glass holder that would make a beautiful hostess gift for any holiday parties you might be going to.

Gift giving idea:

Get a nice gold charger plate (the dollar tree has them), arrange two or three of the Febreze holiday candles (mix and match coordinating scents and colors for a dramatic effect) on the plate, cover the bottom of the plate with some clear or red flat marbles (also available at the Dollar Tree), wrap the entire arrangement in clear cellophane and tie it up with a nice red bow, and you're set. (You could also use this as a centerpiece for your own holiday table)

You can get tons more decorating ideas and to order your own Febreze Holiday Collection,  HERE.     

Disclosure: "The Febreze product, information, and additional gift pack have all been provided by Febreze.".

NOTE: Febreze® does not represent or warrant the accuracy of any statements or product claims made here, nor does it endorse any opinions expressed within this blogsite.

  

 

 

 

 

Wordless Wednesday

 Happiness Is... A Sticky Sucker Firmly in Hand.

After a fun filled afternoon at a friend's Birthday party, Micah passed out on the way home, all the while never losing grip of his new green sucker. 

See, suckers are a "sometimes food" in our house, not because I am some crazy sugar nazi, but because it is a pain in the ass trying to clean melted sucker off a two year old.

 I'd rather make sweet sweet love to a porcupine, than clean up a sucker ridden toddler.   

 

 

How To Make Reindeer Food

Reindeer food is a simple, fun project that is perfect for a lazy winter afternoon.

The kids will really enjoy making it and you can also use this as an opportunity to open a dialogue with your kids about the recent tragedy in CT.

 

The ingredients for making reindeer food are things you probably already have around the house...

 

 Cellophane bags (found 'em at the dollar tree) Cheerios, Oats, Glitter, and for extra sparkle, I added some holiday themed table scatter I found at Michael's.

 

 

One of my favorite things about this fun craft is that kids of all ages can pitch in and help, since there are no scissors, heat, or other potentially dangerous items involved.

 There are no specific ratios as far as ingredients go, just add as much of each as you have on hand. You really can't mess this up.

 Add a scoop of the reindeer food to the cellophane baggie, tie it up with some ribbon & attach a cute little notecard like this one.

 

The end result....

 

Start a new family tradition this year, make some reindeer food with your little ones.

Happy Holidays!

 To You and Yours

From, 

Me and Mine!  

Starlooks December Starbox

If you are a Starbox subscriber, the moment you've waited for all year long is finally here... 

The December Starbox!!!

Isn't it amazing?!

This month's box was a bit different than most months.

This is the 15 color palette that we have all been waiting patiently for all year long. (retail value $95)

The colors are bold and bright with a few more muted tones.

They go on smoothly and seem to wear pretty well.

I am officially in Love with this month's Starbox!!!

For those of you who have no idea what I'm referring to, let me fill you in...

Starlooks is a monthly subscription service that allows you to check out some of the newest and best cosmetic products on the market.  

Each month, a new Starbox will arrive at your door, full of fun products to help you look and feel your best.

 

What's in a Starbox you ask?

Your Starbox comes filled with 3-4 full sized products which vary from month to month.

One month it could be lipstick and eyeshadow, the next month might be mascara and facial products.

You never really know what is in the Starbox until you get it, to me, that's part of the fun!

 

How much is the Starbox?

The monthly subscription fee is $15.00+ a small s&h fee.

The price will never change and the items you get in the box are worth considerably more than the nominal $15.00 fee.

When can I expect my Starbox?

Starbox usually ships the 3rd week of the month, give or take a day or two.

What if I love a certain product in my Starbox, can I order more?

Absolutely!

 Starlooks carries inventory of every item they send out in their Starbox.

 

How can I get my very own Starbox shipped to my house every month?

Check out their website HERE and enter your info and sit back and wait 'til the 3rd week of the month.

It's that easy!

 
Disclaimer: I received the above mentioned products to facilitate my review. I was not monetarily compensated for this review nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review. My opinions are my own and yours may differ. 

Awesome Holiday Coffee Drinks

 

Don't you just love Starbucks' drinks this time of year?!

All their yummy holiday flavors, especially their caramel brulee latte, or the gingerbread latte, or the peppermint mocha and my number one all time fave, the toffee nut frap... Oh my goodness, I could go on and on about my love of a good holiday coffee drink, but I will spare you the dramatics.

The only think I don't love about Starbucks' drinks... The price.

Sometimes (by sometimes, I really mean almost all times, money is usually too tight to rationalize spending five bucks on a drink that is sure to last all of five minutes) 

Instead of giving up my favorite guilty pleasure altogether, I decided to figure out how to make my own iced coffee drinks at home.

Common sense might say, just brew a pot of coffee, let it cool off and add ice... that's not really the best way to go.

With that method, the ice melts quickly and waters down the rich flavor of the coffee.

After some research and a little bit of trial and error, I think I've found the best method of making iced coffee drinks at home.

 What you need:

1 cup ground coffee (flavored or plain)

2 qts water

 Empty half gallon milk or juice container with lid

Add coffee to container and fill with water.

 Shake a few times to get the coffee completely saturated.

 Leave out on the counter, overnight.

In the morning, strain out the grounds with a wire strainer, lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter.

That's it!

You can use your favorite flavored coffee creamer or syrup to add some flavor. 

Using this cold brew method, you can make tons of wonderful iced coffee drinks.

Try mixing different creamer and coffee flavor combinations and see which ones you like best.

I like Kroger's store brand Toffee flavored coffee with International Delights Caramel Macchiato flavored creamer, it is very reminiscent of Starbucks' Toffee Nut Frappachino.... Amazing!!! 

One of my new favorite things to use in my iced coffee is Torani's new holiday syrups. 

Torani is a premium flavored syrup that offers tons of amazing syrups that can be used in a variety of drink and other yummy recipes.

They offer both regular and sugar free syrups. 

I recently had the opportunity to try the Sugar Free Salted Caramel syrup as well as the Gingerbread flavored creamers and honestly, the sugar free syrup was better than the regular one.

Don't get me wrong, both were amazing, but the flavor of the salted caramel was so nice and rich and spot on, it even taste great in a plain glass of ice cold milk.

Micah always wants to try my coffee drinks, but I'm not too fond of him bouncing off the walls, so I make him his very own "Gingerbread Man Coffee Milk".

Coffee Milk is nothing more than a glass of 2% milk and a teaspoon of Gingerbread flavored Torani syrup. 

He loves it, but has no idea it has zero actual coffee in it.

Torani has soooo many awesome flavors, it's is hard to choose just one.

Whether it's the Pumpkin Pie, or the Almond or the Orange, you're sure to find a flavor that suits you!

 You can also use the Torani syrups if you have a soda stream, I don't have one ( I haven't given up yet though, if you're reading this SodaStream PR people. [wink wink]), but I am pretty sure it would work, as it already has a sweetener in it.

My dream, is to get a SodaStream and a plethora of Torani syrup flavors, lock myself in a room and make flavors like a mad scientist, then go sell my "World's Best Soda" sodas from a reconditioned lemonade stand.

I like to dream big, but in the meantime, I'll stick with just making iced  and regular coffee with them.

Disclaimer: I received the above mentioned products from SheSpeaks and Torani to facilitate my review. I was not monetarily compensated for this review nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review. My opinions are my own and yours may differ.

  

FREE Blogger Opp (Keurig Brewer)

Seeing Double! Keurig Vue 700 Event

Hosted by Mom To Bed by 8 and Donna's Deals and More

Prizes: Keurig Vue V700 Brewing System + K-Cups

Event dates: 1/7 - 1/20 and 1/21 - 2/3

Free Blog Event! Sign-up here, BLOGGERS WANTED

This event will definitely be a great way to quickly increase your "likes", Check it out!

Seeing Double! Keurig Vue 700 Event

Hosted by Mom To Bed by 8 and Donna's Deals and More

Prizes: Keurig Vue V700 Brewing System + K-Cups

Event dates: 1/7 - 1/20 and 1/21 - ⅔

Free Blog Event! Sign-up here, BLOGGERS WANTED

Let them know "Adventures of a Midlife Mommy" sent you, Thanks!

 

Homemade Coconut Chicken Nuggets Recipe

With the hustle and bustle of the Holidays (and everyday life in general for that matter), we (by "we" I mean "me", but I feel better if I place others into this group too)  often opt to feed the kids convenience foods... Cereal bars for breakfast or preservative laden dinosaur shaped microwave chicken nuggets for lunch. 

Moms are always looking for ways to feed our kids good quality food without spending all day in the kitchen and this recipe accomplishes just that!

I have come up with the perfect recipe that both kids and adults will love and the best part... you can actually pronounce all the ingredients!

What is this amazing new recipe I'm talking about, you ask?!

 

Coconut Chicken Nuggets!

Yes!

Coconut Chicken Nuggets!

 

 

This recipe calls for simple ingredients that you probably have on hand, but if not, no worries as it is very versatile.

 

What you need:

1 Lb Ground Chicken (or turkey)

Mrs. Dash (you could also use jerk seasoning for a nice kick)

Onion Powder

Garlic Powder

Celery Salt or Powder

1/2 to 1 Cup of Coconut. (You can omit this if you want)

Panko Breadcrumbs

Coconut Oil (For pan frying)

Directions:

 Mix all ingredients (Minus oil and breadcrumbs) well in a large bowl, adjust the spices to your personal taste.

 

 Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls and flatten out slightly between your hands into a nugget shape. 

 

Coat the nuggets in the breadcrumbs and panfry in the coconut oil for 2 minutes on each side (give or take a few seconds, use your own judgement)

 

You can also bake the nuggets in the oven on 350 for about 30 mins or 'til they're cooked all the way through. Just follow the directions above and put the breaded nuggets on a rimmed baking sheet and spray the nuggets with a bit of nonstick spray. 

 

To brown them, turn the broiler on for the last minute or two of cooking and turn them as needed, but watch them carefully so they don't burn. Serve 'em up with your favorite dipping sauce & ENJOY!

 I personally think honey mustard goes great with this particular flavor profile. 

Yield: Approx.  25 nuggets (depending on how large/small you make them)

There you have it! 

Coconut chicken nuggets that the whole family will devour.

These nuggets will freeze well so you can make a batch over the weekend,  pop 'em in the freezer and then serve 'em to the little ones all week long without feeling like you're just feeding them junk.   

 

CoverGirl Blast FlipStick Review

I was recently given the opportunity to try CoverGirl's new 2 in 1 BlastFlipStick , through Bzzagent. 

Bzzagent is a word of mouth advertising site that allows you to try new products for FREE, in exchange for your honest opinion.

Who can join Bzzagent?

Anyone.

If you like to try new stuff, you can get more info on Bzzagent and sign up HERE.

Now back to the CoverGirl BlastFlipStick

 

The new CoverGirl Blast Flipstick is really pretty cool. I wasn't really expecting anything out of the ordinary, I mean, it's just lipstick, but I was pleasantly  surprised.

 The complementing colors in each tube really do look great together or alone. One of the colors sent to me for review was a tad bit dark for my skin tone, but other than that, I was impressed.

 The lipstick goes on smooth, it doesn't bleed or clump up and it made my lips feel soft and smooth, but not overly greasy. 

The only negative I found is the price tag, at 7 to 8 bucks a pop it's kinda hard for some women to rationalize spending that much for lipstick, but that would be my only negative.

I usually only wear gloss or a lightly tinted lipstick, but I tried the medium shade and my husband actually complimented me on the color. 

You can find these lipsticks in most any store that carries other Cover Girl products.

Disclaimer: I was given one or more of the above mentioned products in order to facilitate my review. I was not under any obligation to publish a positive review. My opinions are my own and yours may differ.

Tuesday's Tea Party Week #5

Welcome to Tuesday's Tea Party

I'm so glad you're here!!!

We all know blog hops are a great way to gain more followers, meet other bloggers and help each other out.

The Blogger: But I don't want to go among mad people.
Alice: Oh, you can't help that. We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad.
The Blogger: How do you know I'm mad?
Alice: You must be. Or you wouldn't have come here.

Meet the daydreaming host:
Adventure Into Domesticland

and this weeks simply mad co-hosts:
Adventures of a Midlife Mommy
 Da Freebies

How to do this nonsense:
1. Follow the host and co-hosts (the first 3-4 links below).
2. Link up! - Your blog, Facebook, Twitter and/or Pinterest.
3. Grab the badge, place it on your sidebar or link party page.
4. Keep coming back to link up each week!

<a href="http://www.adventureintodomesticland.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg583/adventureintodomesticland/badgecopy1.jpg" border="0" alt="Adventure Into Domesticland" /></a>

Don't forget to return the favor to those who follow/visit you. The party starts on Tuesday's and runs until the next Monday evening. If you would like to co-host this hop, please fill out the sign-up form. Co-host's receive a free Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest link on the rafflecopter as a way to say thank you and yes, they may enter!!
Please be sure to link up under the right category!

SPECIAL OFFER!
As a special thanks for following the blog hop, I'm giving away advertising on blog every week!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FREE Santa Video for Kids

With Micah being old enough to understand who and what Santa is, I was very excited when I got the chance to check out the Portable North Pole.

PNP is a holiday favorite of parents everywhere which offers customized videos, letters and phone calls from Santa.

PNP offers lots of fun Santa stuff for kids.

From videos, phone calls, stickers, coloring books and even an *interactive letter.

Here's some more info about all the products available from the PNP.

 

Portable North Pole’s standard Santa’s Video (Suggested Retail: Free)

A FREE personalized video message from Santa Claus, filled with magic and exciting discoveries for your loved ones. Includes a brand new story and a sneak peek at never-before-seen North Pole locations!

Portable North Pole’s Downloadable Santa’s Premium Video (Suggested Retail: $6.99)

Santa has your children on his good list and he has taken the time to send a message of holiday greetings! Little ones will delight in their direct, personalized premium video messages from Santa Claus, featuring their own photos and personal details. Premium downloadable videos include more than five minutes of Christmas magic, a clip of Santa's riding on his sleigh and even a personalized Christmas carol!

Portable North Pole’s Santa’s Phone Call: (Suggested Retail: $3.99 for one call or $6.99 for three calls)

Santa has a very important message for your loved one! He will pick up the phone and call directly to deliver his personalized message. Santa’s call will last approximately two minutes and you can choose between 14 message options.

Portable North Pole’s Santa’s Interactive Letter (Suggested Retail: $19.99)

Santa will write a one-of-a-kind personalized interactive letter sprinkled with a pinch of Christmas magic! Available in Red or Green, each letter is printed in color on soft double-sided, first grade quality paper and includes up to 10 personalized items about your child or loved one.

*Exclusive web access (webcam required) will allow the child to experience:

·        An virtual reality feature confirming that the letter was sent from Santa’s village post office

·        A facial recognition feature that scans Santa’s records to confirm the child made is on the nice list

·        A personalized premium video viewable online

Portable North Pole’s Santa’s Nice List Certificate (Suggested Retail: $8.99)

Santa will go over all the personal information provided to make an official PNP customized certificate for your loved one to hang on their wall. The one-page certificate features Santa's official foil stamp and is personalized with the name, age, hometown and photo of the child.

Portable North Pole’s Personalized Christmas Stickers (Suggested Retail: $5.99)
Santa's will create a colorful set of Christmas stickers for your loved one to keep as a fun souvenir, customized with the child’s name. The set includes 12 different stickers, each customized with one name.
Portable North Pole’s Personalized Door Hangers (Suggested Retail: $6.99)
Santa’s elves will craft a festive door hanger for your loved one to hang on their bedroom door. Two messages available are available: (“Santa’s #1 Fan” and “On the Nice List”) and are printed double-sided.

Portable North Pole’s Official Christmas Book (Suggested Retail: $24.99)

Santa's elves will create a one-of-a-kind Christmas book based on the personal information provided about your loved one. The book features 25 color pages and a soft cover. The story will be personalized with the child’s photos and up to 50 personalized items integrated into the story.

Portable North Pole’s Official Christmas Puzzle (Suggested Retail: $12.99)

Santa's elves will prepare a fun and festive puzzle using a photo and the name of your loved one! Available in two themes: “Merry Christmas” and “Keepsake.” The puzzle, which features 20 rigid cardboard pieces, is recommended for ages 3 and older.

Portable North Pole’s Personalized Letter (Suggested Retail: $14.99)

Santa will write a one-of-a-kind letter for your loved one based on the personal information provided. Available in red or green, and printed in color on soft, double-sided, first-grade quality paper, each letter is personalized with name, age, gender, hometown and photo; up to 10 personalized items can be included in the letter.

Portable North Pole’s Christmas Coloring Book (Suggested Retail: $7.99)
Santa and his elves will craft a fun and festive coloring book especially for your loved one, customized with the personal information provided. The coloring book is approximately 20 pages, features a soft cover and is personalized with the name and photo of the child.

Portable North Pole’s Placemats (Suggested Retail $10.99)
Santa’s helpers will create a personalized Christmas placemat, ensuring your loved one will think of you every time he or she sits down to the table! The soft plastic placemat is printed single-sided with the child’s name and photo and features rounded edges. Four messages available: “I Love Santa,” “On Santa’s Nice list,” “Santa’s #1 Fan!” and “Santa Believes In Me!”

Portable North Pole’s Personalized Christmas Carols (Suggested Retail $2.99) COMING SOON!
Santa and his elves have a great ear for music! They're in the studio now recording a personalized Christmas Carol just for your loved one. Downloadable Christmas Carol is available as a MP3, 160 kbps, stereo and runs approximately two minutes.

Portable North Pole’s Personalized Christmas Ringtone (Suggested Retail $2.99) COMING SOON!
Santa and his elves are so tech-savvy! They're busy recording a one-of-a-kind ringtone especially for your loved one. Downloadable Christmas Carol is available as a MP3, 64 kbps, Mono and runs approximately 20 seconds. The ringtone is compatible with all major mobile devices.

Portable North Pole’s Mobile Applications (Suggested Retail $2.99 to $3.99) COMING SOON!
For iPhone, iPad and Android systems, the newly updated app includes access to premium personalized videos, an interactive Advent calendar, a call from Santa and other surprises that will delight all season long.

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PNPSANTA

Follow us on Twitter: @PNPSanta

Best of all, as a part of the PNP's Christmas outreach program, 5% of  the sale price of every PNP product sold, will go directly to affiliated children's hospitals across the US, Canada, UK, Ireland and France.

Get your child's FREE Santa message now, by going to the Portable North Pole website. 

  Disclaimer: I was provided with one or more of the above mentioned products to facilitate this post.

 

 

Build a Bear, Build a Friend, Build a Memory

Build a Bear has been a part of our lives since Kaylee was old enough to know what a Build a Bear was.

I remember the year she got her first one.

She saved some of her money and her Grandma made up the difference.

Her Grandmother took her to the mall, Kaylee picked out her favorite one, it was white. 

She picked out her favorite outfit, several times I'm sure.

She found just the right shoes to match her little cheerleader dress.

She decked that little bear out, head to toe in the cutest little outfits.

It was so sweet to see how much she loved that thing.

I don't remember seeing her without it ever. 

 

I truly believe in the power of furry friends. 

I remember when I was a kid I had a stuffed unicorn.

 I can't remember her name, but I do remember taking her with me everywhere. 

I would brush her mane and cover her up at night so she wouldn't get cold. 

I believe that having these kinds of friends can teach little ones about compassion and how to be kind to others.

I definitely don't think it hurts to start building these characteristics in kids very early on.

Lord knows we could use more compassion in the world!

Do I think Build a Bears could end wars across the world...

I can't prove it, but it's not a bad start.

Kaylee is all grown up now, but I am so happy that I can now share Build a Bear with Micah.

 

 

I was so excited to see that there was a Grinch in this year's Holiday collection at B.A.B.

 He even has a heart that lights up three times.

Micah watched the Grinch for the first time this year and he loved it!

 

 

 

I love how Build a Bear has adapted through the years and added even more unisex or boy specific choices.

 

Another one of my personal Holiday favorites, Rudolph, is also available at the B.A.B. workshop this year, along with his friend Clarice.

 

 For the first time ever, B.A.B. is offering a treat for all you Hello Kitty fans. Gingerbread Hello Kitty is resonably priced at only $23 and you can choose from tons of great outfits to dress her up in.

These are just a few of the adorable holiday items available at your local Build a Bear Workshop. 

Can you just imagine the look on your child's face when they wake up to see that Santa has brought them their very first Build a Bear?!

Yes, he will get all the credit, but inside, you will know the truth.

Don't have a B.A.B.  near you or can't get out to shop? 

No worries! 

You can order your favorite Build a Bear online.

 

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the above mentioned products to facilitate my review. I was not monetarily compensated for this review nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review.

Thank God For Boogie Wipes!

You can definitely tell it's almost winter.

The squirrels are hiding their nuts, there are Santas and bell ringers everywhere you look, they have snow up in the mountains, I see new Christmas tree lots popping up on every corner and then there's boogers... lots and lots of boogers.

 

Starting with the oldest and ending with the youngest and everyone in between, we have all officially caught the crud.

 

The sight of the Kleenexes soiled with copious amounts of nasal secretions, mixed with the scent of a weekends worth of dirty dishes piling up in the sink would probably be enough to knock a normal person down, but not me... not because I'm just that tough, but because my nose has been stopped up for four days straight. 

 

Sure I have fleeting moments of smell/taste, but they are infrequent and short lived.

 

Luckily, I've had some help.

Between the two of us, Midlife Daddy and I have been able to keep the little one from escaping, starving, killing and/or maiming himself or anyone else, wearing the same clothes more than one day or write on the walls.

 We weren't quite as successful in keeping him from crumbling up an entire serving of Goldfish crackers onto the carpet... Sometimes You have to pick your battles when sick.

It never ceases to amaze me how much energy a sick toddler can have. Me, I just want to lay down and wave the white flag, but not a toddler. They seem to have super-human powers when sick, or maybe it's just that he can sense that I'm weak and wounded and he is just toying with me, like some sick, twisted, toddler version of cat & mouse.

 

Being sick SUCKS!

Especially when your husband is sick too, because it has been scientifically proven that a Man's cold is four times worse than a woman's cold.

 Something about our DNA or something. 

It was on the news, my husband told me, it came on last night when I got up to blow my nose for the twenty seven hundredth time.

On the plus side, I know I definitely have a job waiting for me if Rudolph gets drunk and flakes out on Santa again this year... (It's a well known fact he's a lush, but nobody likes to talk about it)

My nose is so sore and red from using sub-par "Kleenexes", it's not even funny!

I, being the good Mom that I am, used all the good ones on the baby, who I'm sure didn't even appreciate the selfless act I had bestowed on him. 

... I digress...

After about day two, it was getting critical. I was down to using toilet paper on the baby, and kitchen paper towels on myself. I thought to myself...

 "How cool would it be if there was a tissue that was soft and a little bit moist, kinda like a baby wipe, but not quite as wet, something to wipe the baby's nose (and mine too) that won't be so rough and dry"

Then I thought...

 

"Wouldn't it be great if there was someone here to fix me some soup"

 

Then I went back to my initial thought, and remembered there WAS something like that. 

 

I had received some Boogie Wipes products in the mail about a week or so ago, but hadn't used them yet.

I hurried to the bedroom where I keep all my blogger review goodies, I opened the box and lo and behold, with choirs of singing angels, fireworks, glitter and the whole nine yards, there were the Boogie Wipes.

There were two different scents, fresh and grape, but I thought the little one would like the grape best.

So I took one out and proceeded to corral Micah into the living room, onto the couch, so I could wipe the boogers that had escaped his nose.

He squirmed and wiggled, in typical fashion, as to not have his nose wiped again, or just 'cause he thought it was funny to see me cry, either way, he fought me.

I explained to him that it was not gonna hurt and told him it smelled like grapes, his interest was piqued, he came in closer to smell the wipe and that's when I got him.

One quick swipe across the nose and I got it!

 The boogers that had just moments before been adorning that sweet cherubic little face, were now safely trapped in the Boogie Wipe...and there was no wailing & gnashing of teeth or crying (from me or him). 

I am officially in love with the Boogie Wipe!

These wipes smell so good, especially the grape one, it smells just like grape Hubba-Bubba Bubblegum. The wipes are soft and just the right size to do the job with one wipe, so you're not wasting them. The wipes are made from all natural saline, so no worries of harsh chemicals or parabens. They even have an unscented wipe coming in 2013.

Boogie wipes "Save the Sleeve" campaign is a fun, interactive way to teach kids that it is not cool or OK to wipe your nose on your sleeve. You can learn more about this fun campaign by visiting...

...Save the Sleeve...  <---

There you can do all kinds of fun activities with your child and they can take the clean sleeve pledge and get their very own "I Saved My Sleeve" FREE badge kit. 

Boogie Wipes are available online at tons of stores nationwide, including most Target, WalMart, Babies R Us, and Kroger stores.

Be on the lookout for their new Cotton Candy scent, coming soon. (That reminder was mostly for my benefit, I am a cotton candy scented stuff junkie, I can not wait to try these)

Boogie Wipes come in several sizes and buying options. For the home daycare, or teacher, they have a nice package including... 2 Ninety count canisters (fresh & grape), 2 thirty count packs (fresh & grape),50 samples with coupons and 1 classroom poster. This is available to professionals only and can be ordered by visiting... LittleBusyBodies.com . 

 

The nice folks over at Boogie Wipes want you to be able to see how awesome their products are, so they're giving away 2 thirty count packs of Boogie Wipes to one lucky reader.

I am glad to announce that this contest is open to residents of the USA, Canada and Australia. 

Check out the easy Promosimple form below to get your entries in.

GOOD LUCK!!!

   

Disclaimer: The nice folks at Boogie Wipes provided me with product to facilitate this review. I was not required to publish a positive post. My opinions/experiences are my own and yours may differ.