12 reasons Netflix makes the best holiday gift

12 reasons Netflix makes the best holiday gift for everyone on your list. 

12 Reasons To Spread the Netflix Love This Holiday Season

12. You can watch anywhere! We have traveled all over the United States and brought Netflix with us!

11. Find out who is the next McDreamy, McSteamy on Greys Anatomy... 

10. Let your kids race to the edge with Hiccup and Toothless. 

9. Enjoy the new iZombie series!! 

Luvs Momoji Keyboard Review & Giveaway

When it comes to parenting, sometimes words just aren’t enough. 
 If only the walls of your child's room could talk!

 “This review and giveaway was made possible by iConnect Influencer Management and Luvs. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine."

  The Luvs Momoji Keyboard is the first custom emoji keyboard created specifically for moms and dads! It was inspired by experienced parents, their affinity for emoji use, coupled with all the emotions that come with real-life parenting.Boy, could I tell you a few emoji stories!

LeapTV: LeapFrog ahead #LeapFrogMom

 

Holiday Gift Idea: LeapTV: LeapFrog ahead #LeapFrogMom

Samples were provided to facilitate my review as a LeapFrog Mom. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated.
I can really say this year we have been blessed with amazing toys, games and educational devices for my five year old. If you have, children between the ages of 3-8 LeapFrog has a gaming system just for them called LeapTV. We planned a little party & invited a few playmates over to try it out!  It’s entertaining, colorful, interactive, personalized and FUN! There are lots of games along many different themes, including some with popular characters like those from Frozen, Sofia the First,  Jake & the Neverl and Pirates and more.

Richard Leeds Seasonal Pajamas + Giveaway

We house a tradition of new PJ sets to wear on Christmas Eve.

“This is a sponsored post for Richard Leeds International organized by Southern Mom Loves.”

I love to join in and purchase fun character PJs to wear along side my kiddo! I found some great sets by Richard Leeds International.They are licensed character long-sleeved plush pajama sets with matching socks.  

The Good Dinosaur Movie Review

We are so excited today "The Good Dinosaur" movie! We were lucky to attend the premiere showing on Monday and boy was it good! It is family friendly, with amazing graphics and a story that will have you laughing and crying!This film is so extremely life like you have to blink to make sure it is in fact a movie and not real life.

#GlutenFreeHoliday Review & Giveaway

I participated in this event on behalf of Wendy's Bloggers for Gratify Gluten Free Foods. I received Gratify products to facilitate my review.

We love the GratifyGluten Free Snacks! Once you taste them you’ll be surprised to know they are gluten-free. They look feel and taste like pretzels with gluten! I was so excited to host these at a baby shower I threw for a friend of mine!All the guests LOVED them.

Holiday Gift Idea: Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World

 Holiday Gift Idea: Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World

 Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World brings these castles and characters brilliantly to life, capturing the magical worlds that have enthralled audiences for decades. This is one book you will be simply amazed at it's quality and details.

Holiday Gift Idea: NIKKO R/C WWE John Cena Rolling Ring

Holiday Gift Idea: WWE Rolling Ring

 So excited to give the new NIKKO R/C WWE John Cena Rolling Ring to my nephew. It is a Full-function truck that can bring "the match" anywhere! You can enjoy three different fun action packed styles: The Rock, John Cena or Sheamus.

Holiday Gift Idea: PLAYMOBIL NHL Hockey Arena

 What do you get your child for Christmas? I have been going back and forth with that question in my mind. I wanted something that the whole family could participate in. We decided the PLAYMOBIL NHL Hockey Arena would be a perfect gift!

Skate into action with your own hockey match at the NHL Hockey Arena. Each of the four NHL players feature a movable arm and hockey stick for even more realistic game play. Simply pull back the lever to swing the stick and fire the puck down the rink towards the opposing goal. Use the goalie to defend against offensive plays by clipping the player to the goal and then using the joystick to maneuver the goalie from side to side for some game-saving blocks! Thanks to the included team decals, kids can customize each player to represent their favorite NHL team. 

Travel- El Gave, San Diego

Traveling to San Diego from New York was a long trip. After settling in and meeting Tiffany, we decided to grab some dinner. We headed to El Agave, which happens to be the largest tequila museum in the United States - boasting 2,500 tequila bottles on display. The restaurant is nestled within the museum located in Old Town, San Diego.

Glo Wubble Ball Review #GloWubble

The Glo Wubble Ball arrived at our house in time for the first snow fall. It looks like a bubble, but plays like a ball. Inflating up to a huge 3 feet, kids and adults will love bouncing it around, especially after dark when the glowing ball takes on a magical blue hue.

Recipe: Belvoir Lime & Lemongrass Mojito

I was sent 5 different flavors of Belvoir Fruit Farms single serving Lemonades!

 **I received a free product to facilitate my review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
They are all made with lots of real fruit juice, blended with sparkling Belvoir spring water. Today I am going to share a Lime and Lemongrass Mojito recipe.

What you will need:

Western Union “Chain of Betters”

 Giving back has always been a big part of my life.
They say: "those who give have compassion and enduring love for others".

We purchase and collect items throughout the year for our annual 500 Care package donation. We spend our own money to bless others. We believe that when money moves, better things happen! This is what lies at the heart of the new Western Union “Chain of Betters” project. It’s an idea that empowers people with the opportunity to change the lives of others. As the money moves around the world, creating a chain of good deeds, together we can start to change lives in ways we wouldn’t have imagined was possible.

Travel - Rancho Bernardo Inn

After traveling two long flights from New York to California,
I headed to a Spa nestled in San Diego. 
My room was not ready so I took off to explore the glorious grounds!

Fountains spread over the entire grounds even in the California drought.

Baby Shower & HP Social Media Snapshots

I have been just a plugging away on the *NEW* HP Social Media Snapshots App. My dear friend is having a baby soon and I threw her a pink photo infused Baby Shower! I found several pictures from her Facebook and sent them to my printer to create these 4x5 lovelies above.

HP provided the products to introduce the new sticky-backed photo paper.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

I also hung "laundry" consisting of new clothing for the sweet new baby. Just look how adorable these are. And perfect for Baby Showers because now they have a keepsake to place in he guest book or photo album.

See the IAMS Visible Difference

Meet Lily, our family addition.

“Sponsored post by Lunchbox.”

The picture above is from when we first got Lily. She had never had water, lived off scraps she found on the ground and had health issues. It is amazing how even though she had a week to live, she fought even this small in size. We needed to act fast and get her back to health! We took the IAMS visible difference guarantee (100% money back) and I am so happy we did!  

Care Bears & Cousins on Netflix #streamteam

While in New York this past July I was able to meet a few members of the *NEW* Care Bears & Cousins series on Netflix. "The whole huggable gang is back, bringing tales of caring and sharing to a new generation. And now the Care Bear Cousins are here to join the fun!" These episodes have been extremely helping getting us back in the school swing of things. My son loves to fight going to bed at a early time. Who can relate?

Christopher & Banks holiday collection

 Enjoy Christopher & Banks *New* holiday collection.

 In a few weeks the hustle of Black Friday will be in full swing. Enjoy discounts & $10 off your next purchase, by joining the mailing list HERE. Christopher & Banks holiday collection is out in stores with a wide range of festive styles! Did you know Christopher & Banks offers missy, women and petite sizes from 4P - 24W? 

Travel- San Diego Harbor Tour

 Once, I landed in San Diego and settled to jet lag I set off to explore. I had never been to California and wanted to sight see! I headed down to the harbor and found this amazing statue. There was easy to find parking and I set off to try out a cruise.

 I decided to take on the 2 hour Flagship cruise. 

Visiting both the North and South bay tours!

LeapFrog Number Lovin' Oven

 This is a great Holiday Gift idea, the LeapFrog Number Lovin' Oven!

 **I received a free product to facilitate my review as part of the LeapFrog Mom Squad ambassador program. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

 I love to cook! If you have been around my website you might have noticed the "Recipe" tab above with all of my creations through the years. Since I spend a lot of time in the kitchen I always include my son whilst cooking. Now some things he cannot do as he is still younger like operating the stove and oven. 

 LeapFrog Number Lovin Oven is the perfect solution to my cookin' kiddo! 

Nu Skin Clear Action Skin kit

Before my month of travel I started using a new skin regiment kit. "The Nu Skin Clear Action is a comprehensive system to manage the full range of effects acne can have on your skin. Which includes Clear Action Cleanser, Clear Action Toner, Clear Action Day Treatment, and Clear Action Night Treatment". I knew I was going to be taking several travel photos to publish in magazines and online websites. I wanted my skin to be at it's best. 

I have combination skin and lovely hormone inspired breakouts. I also have scaring and dark spots after a break out. After going over some of the skin treatment in this kit I was drawn to try it whilst I was traveling.  

Macy's Rwanda Path to Peace project

 "When you look at the gorgeous hand-woven baskets sold on line and in Macy’s stores as part of the Rwanda Path to Peace program, it’s easy to see them solely as objects of beauty. It’s hard to imagine the journey the baskets and the women who make them have been on. In fact, each basket represents a journey towards reconciliation. 

“This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.“

In 1994, we in America were totally unaware that a mass slaughter was taking place in Rwanda, a tiny country in the heart of Africa. In just three months, nearly a million people, 20% of the nation’s population, was massacred when tribal hatred between the Hutus and Tutsis turned into ethnic slaughter. Neighbor killed neighbor in one of the worst genocides in human history". 

Recipe- Peanut Butter Smoothie

 Enjoy Fall with a Peanut Butter Smoothie!

 **I received a free product to facilitate my review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
What you will need:

1-2 tbs. Cinnamon 

2tbs Mighty Nut Peanut Butter powder (we used the Vanilla Flavor)

1/2 cup milk (we used Horizon's vanilla soy milk)

1 apple

1 banana

Ice

 If you are not a vanilla flavor fan try the original flavor Mighty Nut Peanut Butter powder!

Travel - Robinson Bed & Breakfast

While in Canada we decided to stay at a Bed & Breakfast for our son's birthday. I wanted him to wake up to an amazing home cooked meal! We found Robinson Bed & Breakfast off of hotels.com.

It is a older styled home with  lavish modern luxuries!

California day in the life of my Kia Soul

I have been preparing for my California trip ever since my dinner with Hewlett Packard in NYC in July! I live in New York but have never been out west, let alone the West coast, to sunny San Diego! All sorts of freaking out and excited emotions have run through my veins as I prepared for this trip. All my hard work and dreams are starting to come to life. Travel for a living!

I had to address some "must have's", how am I getting there? How will I get around? The idea of driving across country did not really seem appealing so I booked my flights and started a search for rentals. I booked a Kia Soul without any real information about it.

 It would get me from point A to point B and was gas efficient, yep works for me! After 7 hours of flying I was welcomed to San Diego by this "Alien green" beauty!! 

Never in my life did I ever think I would drive a shiny new car.

Free Educational Apps + Printable Worksheets

 

This blog has partnered with Mom Buzz Media to announce this exciting information!  

Kids Academy Releases Preschool Education Center for iOS and Android!

My son loves playing around with these games and switching between the different options available. Have your child trace shapes, letters and numbers with a touch of their fingers. They also have some great games helping your little one learn to add, subtract! 

Defy gravity with the Wubblex

 **I received a free product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

We were lucky to have the Wubblex ball in our home this past week. At first glance this doesn't look like a whole lot but it claims to have some of the best fun for kids an parents. I don't know about you but I love blowing Bubbles for small children! They smile, laugh and it is just easy entertainment with fun & fond memories. The only thing is the bubbles pop and blow away. Not to mention after blowing some bubbles you decided "ok", time for a break. I love the idea of a bubble you can inflate and let them have fun with!

It is super easy to inflate with the helium. 

Hopefully you caught are "how-to" on Periscope @westnewyorker!

Travel- Island of Adventures

The Island of Adventures is one park located within Universal Studios. It has seven individually themed islands, each with its own rides, restaurants and shops. Here are the seven located within:

Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Hogsmeade)

Marvel Super Hero Island^® 

Toon Lagoon^® 

Jurassic Park^® 

The Lost Continent^® 

Seuss Landing™

We headed right for the Jurassic Park^® since my son is such a fan! They have fun fossils, sound effects and displays to see along the path to each attractions.

Top 5 Fall Activities

Top 5 Fall Activities

Michael Todd's CHARCOAL DETOX CLEANSER

The name "Michael Todd is VERY well known in the beauty industry. If you were to search the brand on Youtube for example you would come up with hundreds of thousands of video tutorials and reviews. Michael Todd is known for their effective organic based skincare products and treatments for daily skincare routines including acne treatment and anti-aging solutions. Since we live in a very health conscious household I was excited to try the new Charcoal detox! Michael Todd is an award-winning skincare line with over 5 years in the skincare industry. Having said that my expectations were high going into tho this review!

Gotham's Bat Signal Brownies

 In honor of the Gotham Series being added on NETFLIX and Halloween we decided to create a fun recipe for you all! Enjoy Gotham's very own Bat signal brownies.

 Gotham's Bat Signal Brownies

What you will need:

1 box of brownie mix

Water, vegetable oil and egg called for on brownie mix box 

1/2 cup powdered sugar

10 Reason I love the LeapPad Platinum Tablet

Let's face it parents, it is time to incorporate technology into our children's lives. We also need to encourage them to also learn off of these devices. I was the first to be on the NO tablets until my son was older. Then Leap Frog came out with a slu of tablets that really perked my interest. I want my son to learn but also have fun doing so. Sometimes the best way to reach a child is to speak their language. 

Here are the 10 reason I choose the Leap Pad Platinum!

Recipe- Olde Westport Crockpot Chili

 Olde Westport Crockpot Chili

What you will need:

2 can of tomato sauce

1 can of kidney beans

 1 can of chili beans

1 pound of turkey meat or hamburger

1 package of Old Westport Chili spice

 Add all of the ingredients into your crock pot. Tip: use a liner for easy cleanup!