2014 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - MY LITTLE PONY POP PINKIE PIE starter kit review

* I received the below mentioned product solely for review purposes.  The below opinions are completely honest and completely my own.

Design a pony your way with the Pinkie Pie Starter Kit! The kit has a Pinkie Pie pony body you can snap together, then it's easy to add her beautiful hair and tail and decorate her with the included stickers. She'll be a unique and sassy pony and all because of you! My Little Pony and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro.

• Build your own pony with the Pinkie Pie Starter Kit
• It's easy to design your pony - just snap, pop and style
• Includes stickers, hair and tail for pony
• Includes 1 pony body - 2 pieces, hair, tail and stickers

MY THOUGHTS

Since I have a huge My Little Pony fan who loves to be creative, the New Pop line seemed perfect for her.  The My Little Pony Pop line lets you put together your own pony together and then decorate it.  The kit is just snaps together and was easy enough for my oldest daughter to put together herself.  She had a lot of fun decorating it and wished she could decorate more.

Of course once it is decorated, she has a new pony to play with and enjoy.  There are more kits that have more than one kind of hair with them and other kits that come with like a playset as well.  So there is definitely a kit for every little girl on your list this Holiday season.

The starter kit shown here can be found on Amazon.com and at stores that sell toys nationwide.  Right now this kit is an add-on at Amazon and is only $ 3.19.  So be sure to grab some of the newest My Little Ponies for the girls on your list.

2014 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DOHVINCI FLOWER TOWER PICTURE FRAME kit review

* I received the below mentioned product solely for review purposes.  The opinions below are completely honest and completely my own.

Let your creativity pop with a unique make-and-display art experience that just might get you hooked. Brought to you by the makers of Play-Doh modeling compound, DohVinci design kits let you decorate and personalize your world in so many colorful ways. It's super easy for almost anyone to do! Just use the innovative air-dry design compound and Styler tool to create dimensional designs with bold 3D lines. And unlike most paints or markers, don't worry if you make a mistake. Just wipe off your design and try again! Once you're ready, show off your beautiful creation as it air dries!

Whether you feel wildly inspired or just want to chill out and have fun, every DohVinci experience is unique and easy! Just follow 3-simple steps to get started on your project: Choose a color, slide the Deco Pop tube containing colorful design compound into the Styler and squeeze to create colorful artwork with a fun dimensional effect!

MY OPINION

My family and I are huge fans of Play-Doh so I was really excited when I heard of the new Dohvinci line.  My two daughters love arts and crafts projects so they were super excited to help me review the Flower Tower Picture Frame.  

My first warning or tip is to go easy on the "paint".  The tubes are not refillable and if you have a really heavy hand with it, you could run out or put too much in one spot to make it heavy.  Now my daughters are well in the age range and could definitely do this by themselves.  However I did help them for fear of a heavy hand.  When the tubes of "paint" start to get low, they can get hard to squeeze so some kiddos may need help.

My daughters loved decorating the frame and had a blast.  My oldest did compare it to cake decorating which I think is a very good comparison.  I do have concerns with the Play-Doh chipping off so I have told my daughters to be careful with it.  

Along with the flower tower picture frame, there are several other kits in the Dohvinci line to choose from.  You can order the picture frame kit from Amazon.com for $ 9.74 and of course find it where toys are sold nationwide.  So be sure to grab a kit if you have a little girl who loves being creative!

I am Back!!

I know it has been awhile since I have been on here.  So much has gone on and I have been super busy.  But I have missed my blog so much and figured I could not let the year end without my annual Holiday Gift Guide.  So I have several awesome gifts that I will be posting reviews for soon and also hopefully some other ones that I am waiting to hear bout.

So I am super excited for my gift guide and to be back blogging.  And I have missed my readers!   So keep those eyes open for more posts soon.

FLINTSTONE KIDS : Rockin' in Bedrock dvd review

*I received the below mentioned product solely for review purposes.  The below mentioned opinions are completely honest and completely my own.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Before Fred and Barney married Wilma and Betty, and became stars of the enormously popular animated primetime series The Flintstones, they were fun-loving kids who hung around together in the town of Bedrock. The Flintstone Kids follows their escapades as adorable schoolchildren and introduces viewers to some new characters, including Rocky Ratrock, Dreamchip Gemstone and Miss Rockybottom, as well as family members Ed and Edna Flintstone, Robert Rubble, Doris Slaghoople and many others.

Featured Episodes:

1. Barney’s Moving Experience
2. Curse of the Gemstone Diamond
3. Dusty Disappears
4. Freddy’s First Crush
5. Heroes for Hire
6. Poor Little Rich Girl
7. The Bad News Brontos
8. The Fugitives
9. The Little Visitor/Grandpa For Loan
10. The Rock Concert That Rocked Freddy

MY THOUGHTS

YABBA-DABBA-DO!!!  I love when I can share a cartoon from my past with my kiddos.  So I was super excited to share Flintstone Kids with my kiddos.  I grew a huge fan of the Flintstones and so are my kids too.  I knew they would love the kids version too and I was definitely right.

I honestly think my daughters love this version of Flintstones more.  My son even liked it too.  The episodes brought me back to my childhood and I was so excited to see my kiddos laughing and enjoying it with me.  And of course I love Captain Caveman and loved my kiddos could see the character that I have talked about since they were babies.  And of course my daughters loved the catchy theme music!!

If you have a Flintstones fan, they have to have this dvd for their collection.  I mean how could you not have the show that shows the Flintstones as kiddos.  The dvd is available now and is only $ 13.46 on Amazon right now.  So be sure to grab a copy today.  If your weather is like mine has been lately - TONS OF RAIN; this dvd will help curb the boredom that rainy days can bring!

DOC MCSTUFFINS: MOBILE CLINIC dvd review

* I received the below mentioned product solely for review purposes.  The below mentioned opinions are completely honest and completely my own.

Now, if you can't come to Doc, she can come to you! When your toys are hurt or sick, the "Doc Mobile" will get there quick with everything needed - including on-site cuddles - to fix them good as new. Ride with Doc and her trusty team as they rescue Dress-Up Daisy from a tree. Then, race to the park in time to help a wind-up mouse get back to doing fantastic flips. Get ready to get movin' with five amazing, song-filled episodes. Wherever adventure takes you, Doc's Mobile Clinic is your ticket to healthy, happy fun!

Season 1 / Episode 2
Out of the Box / Run Down Race Car
March 23, 2012

Season 1 / Episode 9
Rescue Ronda, Ready for Takeoff / All Washed Up
April 3, 2012

Season 2 / Episode 11
Rest Your Rotors, Ronda! / Keep on Truckin
April 5, 2012

Season 2 / Episode 27
Doc McStuffins Goes McMobile / Chip Off the Ol' Box
September 6, 2013

Season 2 / Episode 22
Doc to the Rescue / Don't Knock the Noggin
October 24, 2013

MY THOUGHTS


Both my daughters love Doc although my youngest really does.  I have to admit I like the show too especially Hallie!!!  So my daughters are always excited when we get  a new Doc McStuffins dvd and they always have a hard time deciding on a fav episode.  On this dvd, they loved Doc McStuffins Goes McMobile which is the one where Doc gets a mobile clinic.  

As a  mom, I love the imagination around Doc and of course I love the lessons in the shows too.  And well, the Time for Your Check-up song ( shown above ) is so darn catchy that I get it stuck in my head!  So Doc is always IN at my house!

Now this dvd also comes with a cute DR bag for that special Doc McStuffins lover in your house so they can play along with her as she "cures" her patients.  This dvd is definitely a must for any Doc fan in your life .  It is currently available for $14.96 on Amazon and has free shipping with an order over $35.  Of course prices change constantly so make sure to check the price first.  So grab a copy today!

MAKE IT MONDAY - PALLET TRAY

So I am a huge fan of crafting and do it yourself projects.  I mean there is just something about making something fabulous especially when it costs you nothing like the project below...

Recently my fiancee and I were able to score some free pallet wood ( some of it is not the best condition ), but the wheels in my head immediately started turning in my head.  I immediately had to go to my fav website - Pinterest and search pallet projects.  I found tons of project possibilities, but I decided to start small with a pallet tray.

Now the one I took inspiration from was actually pinned from Etsy, but they are tons of different designs of em.  Now I was not planning to write a tutorial for this so I am sad to say I didn't take any step by step photos but it is really an easy project.

Items Needed

• Pallet(s)
• Handles
• Tape Measure
• Saw
• Hammer/ Drill
• Nails or Screws
• Sander or Sandpaper

First you need a pallet with good boards.  This seems so simple but we had a few boards that were warped and wouldn't work.  After finding the perfect pallet, break it down.  You can do this a couple of ways.  we chose to take a hammer and knock the boards loose, but we also considered just cutting them loose.  Now this step does not take long at all.

Next we decided how long I wanted it to be and I decided on 24 inches.  Now to figure out how wide I wanted it, I eyeballed it.  We ended up laying 4 boards side by side ( our boards were really not that wide ).  The tray ended up being just over 14 inches wide.  So next you have to cut... You will need 3 or 4 boards cut to your desired length ( Mine was 24 inches which I think is a great length.) and you will need to boards to be cut to the width of the other boards.

After you cut all the boards, now is the time to sand them.  Also you can primer and paint them if desired now too.  I chose not to paint cause I love the look of the wood after we sanded it.  I would recommend using a sander of some sort just simply to save time and energy.

Now after your wood is sanded and dried if needed, you need to assemble the handles.  Now I had handles on hand from an old storage cube that I got rid of so these were on hand, but you can find them at your local hardware store for pretty cheap ( I plan to make some for gifts so I plan to use different hardware to fit each person's personality).  You need to install the handles in the middle of the boards that you will be using to hold the tray together.  Now you may have to countersink your screws for your handles, but luckily for me my screws were flat so the board laid flat on the other boards.  After you install the handles, you assemble the other boards and either screw or hammer them to the boards with the handles.  Now we used nails because my screws would not work ( I plan to redo the project and use screws and different handles ).  I recommend screws even though we used nails.  Of course we drilled holes first because pallet wood can crack easily or at least it has on our past projects.

All in all I love my pallet tray and in fact have my laptop on it right now so it also makes a handle little lapdesk!  So let me know if you have made a pallet tray before or if you are plannin on  making one.

Also I am wanting to make "MAKE IT MONDAY" a weekly post so let me know if you guys like them or not please!

DRUMROLL PLEASE... AND THE WINNER IS ...

First sorry for the delay in getting the winner of the Baggage Claim giveaway announced.  Things have been crazy busy around my household, but hopefully things have calmed down now.  Now without further ado...  the WINNER...


BRENDA ELSNER

Congrats Brenda!  And of course thanks to everyone who entered and be sure to keep your eyes open for my upcoming giveways!

Brenda, be sure to check your email today for my email!

GET HEART HEALTHY with CAMPBELL'S

* This post is sponsored by Campbell's Soup Company.

My family unfortunately has a history of heart problems so as a mom of three, I try to make it a priority to take care of myself and my family.  One way I do that of course is by eating healthy.  This helps both myself and my family since I am hoping not to face the same problems other members of my family have.  Now Campbell's is wanting to help others like myself eat "Heart Healthy" with some delicious recipes.  Below are a few of my favorite ( be sure to check em out and enjoy!)

The great thing about all the recipes above are that they are Certified by the American Heart Association for being " Heart Healthy!"

Health is foremost on people’s minds, keeping your family in tip top shape can be a challenge in these busy times. Campbell’s Soup wants you to “Address Your Heart” with Heart Healthy Tips, recipes and more!

Visit AddressYourHeart.com to get heart-healthy tips, including 21 Campbell’s recipes that are certified by the AHA and product coupons, as well as Facebook.com/campbellskitchen for the latest Campbell’s recipes and offers.  Also be sure to check out Campbell's Kitchen for valuable coupons and offers as well.  So Campbell's is definitely making it really easy to become Heart Healthy!!!  So let's all get HEART HEALTHY!

BAGGAGE CLAIM feature and GIVEAWAY!!!!

* I am not being compensated for this post just wanted to host a giveaway for my readers!

Paula Patton leads a hilarious cast in this first-class comedy that’ll keep you laughing and make your heart soar! Flight attendant Montana Moore (Patton) is smart, sexy and sick of being single. She’s determined to get engaged before her younger sister’s wedding, leaving just 30 days to make her connection. Fortunately, her co-worker crew has cooked up a high-flying scheme for Montana to “accidentally” bump into all her ex-boyfriends, leading to hilarious encounters as she attempts to land the perfect guy!

Blu-Ray & DVD Special Features

• Behind the scenes with the Director with optional commentary by David E. Talbert
• Promotional Featurettes: Fly Girl, Wing Men, The Story, Interview with the cast 
• Audio Commentary with David E. Talbert
• Theatrical Trailer  

Now in addition to an awesome giveaway; I also have a great feature about compliments.  So enjoy it then enter the giveaway!

Surprising Compliments That Grab His/Her Attention

Typical date talk and flirtatious comments can get old. Complimenting the obvious (a great smile, nice car or a fit body) can come off as more of the same. If you want to really catch the attention of a new acquaintance, make your compliments original. Try these eight unexpected ways to compliment and leave a lasting impression:

1. Notice a Small or Non-flashy Piece of Jewelry: One quick way to impress someone new is to pick an item in their clothing or jewelry that is not screaming for attention. A quirky pair of cuff links, a simple necklace, any antique looking pieces or a well-traveled work bag are all possible great story starters. People choose these small items often more for sentimental reasons and not flash. These items are more about who they are and less about what they have. Noticing the small things shows that you are taking the person in and really interested in getting to know them.
2. Thing That They Love: Listen closely to what the person loves. Often within the first thirty minutes of talking with someone you can pretty much gain a clear picture of what is absolutely their life fuel – their love. It may turn out that a pet, family, a hobby or even work may come up a bit in the getting to know you conversation. Acknowledge this love and let this new person know in a subtle way that you see what matters most to them and you are okay with it.
3. Least Obvious Beauty Trait: This one is easy! We all have aspects of our looks that are obvious pulls: height, a great head of hair, a curvy shape, a beautiful smile. Instead of complimenting the obvious take a few minutes and try to find something hot about your date that is not what they lead with. She has a beautiful smile? Don’t tell her that first. Maybe you compliment her on the way her eyes light up when she laughs. He is incredibly tall and fit. Don’t give him what every woman gives him. Instead, compliment him on his beautiful skin that obviously comes from him living a healthy lifestyle. The trick here is to be genuine and make sure your compliment makes sense and is linked in an unexpected way to a strength that your date already knows he/she has.
4. Little Known Fact about Company or Alma Mater: In this age of the search engine you should always know a bit about your date before you get there. You wouldn’t go on a job interview without researching the company. So, why would you go on a date without knowing a few of the basics on your date? Look up the company, hometown or school of your date and find a little known fact to add to the conversation. Knowing that his hometown is the birthplace of the Snuggie is funny and will definitely stay on his mind long after the kiss good night.
5. Unique Aspect of Date Location: Go beyond just complimenting the date planners choice. Take the time while out to find something interesting about the place and mention it. Maybe the fact that the first date took place at the aquarium isn’t incredibly memorable, but the fact that the aquarium also offers a weekend wine and dine with the dolphins and you would love too check it out one day reinforces the planners good choice and lets them know that you are open to date two.
6. Unique Point of View: In talking about controversial issues or current events compliment your date on their point of view. There are two universal things in dating we all want to know that you think we are attractive and that you believe we are smart. There is nothing like really taking in a person’s view and letting them know that their opinion makes perfect sense to you.
7. Point Out Grace, Class, Manners & Chivalry: Who doesn’t want to feel that they are extremely classy or chivalrous? As much as we talk about the sexes being equal, there is still a strong draw to those that are able to be incredibly modern and still be on their old school manner game. Point out little fine points that will make your date feel like they are the ultimate lady or gentlemen. Good manners still go a long way.
8. Eclectic Taste in Entertainment: Listen for what is different or off the beaten path in your date and point it out in positive ways. A love for eclectic/ independent music, films, artists or travel destinations are cues as to what a person wants you to know about them and how they live their lives. We all want to be special and unique and often how we reflect our uniqueness is through our choices in entertainment. By listening and complimenting these choices, you are letting your date know that their quirks are fine with you.

LaDawn Black is a relationship expert, media personality and the author of Let’s Get It On: 15 Hot Tips and Tricks to Spice Up Your Sex Life

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