Visit HGTV’s Santa HQ at Freehold Raceway Mall #SantaHQ

November 22, 2017 by Samantha Leave a Comment

It is that magical time of year again, where malls across the country are packed with shoppers, including kids and parents of all ages. One of the main draws of shopping at the mall, beyond the shopping, is to see the big man himself Santa. This year HG TV brings you a very special Santa’s HQ, where visitors travel to the North Pole and explore the big man’s abode. The visit starts interestingly enough, with an app download. There really is an app for everything. The app is called Elf-Ray vision, and should be downloaded before you get to the mall.

This app gives the user a special insight into the working of the elves. Point your phone at the walls, and see what the elves have been up to. Once activated, the gears show elves working hard behind the scenes or getting ready for the big day. These scenes are dispersed at various places all along your trek, so keep an eye out. The first step is the “Elfie Selfie” in Santa‘s workshop where, after snapping your pic as an elf, you star in your own holiday video (that also features some HGTV favorite stars) that you can share with with your loved one as well- just email it to yourself on the tablet.

Next up is the Naughty or Nice O’Meter. Users input their name, then they are measured on whether they have been naughty or nice. My son was just barely nice, according to the meter, but he made the cut…..so far. Then off to the observatory where your Elf Ray vision really kicks in, and you can see an incredible display with twinkling snow and presents. The end of your visit culminates in a family photo, and then a meeting with the big guy himself, Santa. Make sure your kids bring him a list- then you can avoid those post office lines 😉

Guests of the mall are invited start to making reservations by visiting www.santa-hq.com.

Enjoy your visit!

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, holidays Tagged With: Christmas, holidays, santa

Dragon Quest Builders for the Playstation 4

December 16, 2016 by Samantha 5 Comments

What is an interesting way to get your whole family into the role playing game genre while still keeping the little ones excited about open world sand box style gaming, in the same vein as Minecraft? The answer is the new Dragon Quest Builders game where you play a hero who must rebuild a destroyed kingdom, block by block castle by castle, city by city. This may sound like a daunting task, but for those of us with a creative mind and a builder’s spirit, it is within reach.

The story is that there was a great battle generations ago, and after such, a hero was tricked into joining forces with a great evil. The evil Dragon lord took away mankind’s ability to build and imagine, scattering the remains of humanity across the planet. Your job to rekindle this builder’s spirit and imagination with the help of the Goddess at your side, as well as your own imagination. The game itself is huge and wide open, able to be explored and built or broken down at will. There are familiar characters from the Dragon Quest series including Slimes and Dragons, and a familiar art style similar to previous iterations of the Dragon Quest series, with an anime feel instead of the block-y computer graphics of Minecraft.

What is most fun about this game in my opinion is its ability to bring video game players of various genres together into one game. Those who enjoy a more story and plot driven games will enjoy the ability to rebuild the world to its former glory, completing quests for other characters and defeating enemies. While those who love open world sand box games will enjoy the building of places itself. From humble beginnings of one bedroom homes, to kitchens and blacksmiths, to full size castles, the world is literally yours to play in. The interface itself is easy and the controls are simple to master. You have a set inventory of materials which can be used to build new places and materials. Dragon Quest Builders is available now and retails for $59.99.

Filed Under: gaming, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2016, technology Tagged With: games, video games

North Pole Kids Club

November 15, 2016 by Danielle 3 Comments

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own. For more information, see “I Disclose”.

The magic of Christmas time is very fun for the majority of people. It gets even more exciting when you have children. The North Pole Kids’ Club does nothing but get your family even more excited for the magic of the Christmas Season.

About North Pole Kids Club:

Since Santa is especially busy during the holiday season, the North Pole Kids’ Club is brought to you by Cooper’s Corner, a magic workshop just outside of Denver, Colorado. They create fun and festive products that promote family togetherness and the spirit of Christmas.

Colleen Nutter, Chief Operating Elf, of the North Pole Kids’ Club has direct orders from Santa Claus to certify as many Junior Elves as possible. For kids that want to stay off the naughty list, enlisting in the North Pole Kids’ Club secures a spot on Santa’s nice list. That’s because youngesters 4-years-old and up become Junior Elves by being polite, helpful and merry. It all starts with the Official Elf Kit.

About the Official Elf Kit:

The Official Elf Kit (Single Pack), from the North Pole Kids’ Club is a Christmas activity kit containing everything a kid needs to help out Santa, become a certified junior elf, and make a merrier Christmas!

Each kit includes:

Cozy elf hat with North Pole Kids’ Club insignia in green or pink
Magical key that helps Santa visit
Letter from Santa
64-page Official Handbook, with an illustrated story explaining how the North Pole Kids’ Club began
16-page elf activity book to write and color in
Official elf certificate
North Pole Kids’ Club membership card

Ages 4+

My Thoughts:

How wonderful and exciting. My girls were so very excited to become official elves. They loved getting their own neat little package with all the goodies that it entailed. They have had a great deal of fun looking through and reading the Official Handbook. They also greatly enjoyed the activity book. I think that this is a great company and product to take your holiday season to the next level. It is a great way to get your children even more involved in this special time of the year.

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing a single or double Kit, head on over to the website and get one headed your way right away.

Don’t forget to use this awesome discount code “BLOG20”, which gives 20% off your order at checkout on the company’s website and expiresDecember 5, 2016.

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2016, kids, review Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas For Kids, elves for kids, holiday gift guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2016, Kids christmas, North Pole Kids Club

Piper Was Afraid – Kids Book and Plush Toy

November 14, 2016 by Samantha 1 Comment

What’s better then a cute kid’s book? One that comes complete with a stuffed animal of it’s hero, of course. Piper, an Irish Wolfhound, was afraid. Of other dogs, of storms- of pretty much everything. Big a dog as Piper was, he was just a scaredy cat. What will Piper do?

“Piper Was Afraid! Piper is the main character of the children’s book Piper was Afraid. He is a cute and cuddly companion that helps children be brave… especially at bed time. Piper comes with an adoption certificate as well as instructions on what to do if Piper gets scared! “Piper was Afraid” is based on a real Irish Wolfhound named “Inspirations Bagpiper of Blackwatch” or Piper for short. He is a rescue dog and was adopted by the owners of The Inn at Willow Grove in Orange, Va.”

Check out the Inn at www.innatwillowgrove.com and don’t forget to tag your photos of Piper with @piperwasafraid to get featured on his instagram page- and who doesn’t want that? Interaction with the real Piper. Well….his people, anyway.

My son got a kick out of Piper, and my guess is your children will as well. Even the very youngest kids will not have a problem following along this simple book with an easy, and relateable theme. Most kids get scared now and again- if a big dog like Piper can get scared (and learn to be brave), then they can feel better about it, themselves. Maybe they will feel like trying something new as well, and having a “brave” moment, just like Piper. Plush Piper can go along on adventures with your child as well, or just snuggle in for a story and bedtime.

Adorable Handcrafted Plush Dog is available with it’s hardcover book. The Piper stuffed toy comes with an adoption certificate, the kids get a kick out of that.
Piper’s soft, shaggy fur feels like a real Irish Wolfhound.
Get your set today in time for the holidays! Order at http://rebekahphillips.com/features/

Filed Under: book review, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2016, review Tagged With: book, holiday gift guide, kids book

Fantastic Winter Books For Kids

December 31, 2015 by Samantha 4 Comments

Looking for a few great books to tide your little ones over for the winter season? Check out these adorable picks, including some fun craft ideas and fun fluffy friends.

Wax on Crafts Holiday Projects

reate bright and cheerful designs for the holidays, using a box of crayons and a few simple tools! With step-by-step instructions and over 400 images, you can turn inexpensive and everyday items into family treasures. Start with the basics using simple shapes, free-hand designs, leaves, and flowers. Decorate tile magnets, ornaments, and other mediums. Find out how to use wax with paper, wood, glass, metals, boxes, eggs, and felt. Discover twice-melted wax and add color to your designs. Learn the methods to use color washes, base coating, and floating color to create a stunning, eye-catching project. From colorful Christmas ornaments, jewelry, and snowflakes to Easter eggs, necklaces, and pumpkins, Miriam Joy will show you how to add a little color to a basket sitting in the corner, make a wonderful Christmas heirloom out of an antique sled, and turn that old saw into a harvest piece to set above the fireplace. By Miriam Joy, available at http://www.schifferbooks.com/

Santa Claws: The Christmas Crab

Travel beneath the Chesapeake Bay, where Spud, a feisty young blue crab, hates to nap. Waking his underwater friends, Spud launches a rollicking Christmas Eve party that is interrupted by an unexpected traveler in need of Spud’s help. Can Spud help bring Christmas to the Bay. Preschool to grade 2. By Priscilla Cummings, available at http://www.schifferbooks.com/

The Visit: The Origin of “The Night Before Christmas”

By Mark Kimball Moulton , Illustrated by Susan Winget. In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore created the classic Christmas poem, “The Night Before Christmas,” for his daughter. Here, in verse and accompanied by over 50 richly detailed illustrations, is the story of the writing of this classic. It is based on the history of the poem as passed down through the generations of the Moore family and told to the author by Dinghy Sharp, the great-great-granddaughter of Clement Moore. Not only does the story of the beautiful and enduring poem’s creation unfold in this tale, but many of the terms and actions of the characters in “The Night Before Christmas” are explained, including why stockings were hung, why windows were shuttered, what coursers were, and what exactly sugarplums that danced through children’s heads really were. Perhaps most moving, is Moore’s motivation and inspiration for the creation of the poem. This lovely edition is a natural companion to “The Night Before Christmas,” which is included in Moore’s own handwriting at the tale’s conclusion. This story is sure to become an equally valued part of the holiday tradition. Available at http://www.schifferbooks.com/

Abe™

Abe is the cutest abominable snowman you will ever meet. The main character from Have an Abominably Good Day, Abe is the perfect sidekick for a snowy Christmas Eve adventure. Like his new friend Hannah, Abe can help you discover the importance of friendship, decisions, and the love of family and friends. Ages 3 and up. Available at http://www.schifferbooks.com/

The Lollipop Monster’s Christmas

Larry’s favorite time of the year has arrived. He races around his home trying to make everything perfect before his friends arrive for Christmas morning. During the celebration, he discovers a lonely monster named Walter, who is very sad. Larry asks him why he is sad and Walter explains that Christmas is a difficult time of the year because he is always alone and has no family. Larry invites him to spend the holiday with him and his friends. Walter shyly accepts the invitation and follows Larry back to his home. Walter is welcomed by Larry’s friends and ends up having the most merry Christmas ever! By Eric T. Krackow, Available at http://www.schifferbooks.com/

Filed Under: book review, Holiday Gift Guide, holidays, review Tagged With: holiday, kids books

Children’s Book – Mr. Dog’s Christmas at the Hollow Tree Inn

December 24, 2015 by Samantha 2 Comments

Award-winning illustrator Adam McCauley, whose work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, has contributed vintage-inspired illustrations to a new release of an out-of-print Christmas tale that dates back to 1898. “Mr. Dog’s Christmas at the Hollow Tree Inn” (That’s So Enterprises) will be a great addition to your child’s book collection, and it’s so sweet for this time of year.

Written by American author Albert Bigelow Paine, best known as the contemporary and biographer of Mark Twain, the classic children’s tale has been out of print for decades.
Now, over a century later, award-winning illustrator Adam McCauley (“The Monsterologist: A Memoir In Rhyme”) and publisher Betsy Cordes have collaborated to republish an elegant edition that features over 30 richly detailed illustrations and is bound in brilliant red cotton hardcover embossed with golden calligraphy.
The 36-page book tells the tale of clever Mr. Dog’s antics, as he introduces the animal residents of the Hollow Tree Inn to the human traditions of Christmas with wit and whimsy.

“Mr. Dog’s Christmas” makes a perfect Christmas gift for children, and a great item for adults who want to pass the holiday spirit of their childhood to the next generation. You can pick up your copy here! It’s really cute, and your children will love having you read it to them.

Filed Under: book review, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, review Tagged With: Christmas, kids book

Share Some Goodness this Holiday! Gifts that Give Back

December 22, 2015 by Samantha 8 Comments

Looking to give gifts that not are not only great gifts, but will make the gift-ee feel better as well? Life is Good, ORGANIC INDIA and Manduka make giving feel even better- and they are fantastic, ethical companies that also give back. These are fantastic brands with really awesome items, you will love them.

Life is Good, lifestyle brand spreading the power of optimism, from t-shirts, self-help book, mugs to comfy pj’s, introduces the Holiday collection ($10-78) and has something for the kids, mom, the office, and even the grinch who could use some positivity in their life. There is a lot to choose from, and the quality is top notch- nothing that will have to be quickly tossed. The clothing line lasts, and wears well. They will have their items a long, long time. (I still have a t-shirt I got in high school!) It’s nice to be able to spread a nice message wherever you go. In addition, Life is Good donates 10% of their net proceeds to kids in need-–that’s something to smile about.

ORGANIC INDIA’s, Tulsi Tea Line ($5.99) have become one of my son’s favorites. He especially loves the peppermint variety, (there are several to choose from) and I like that it’s completely organic. These USDA organic teas are infused with a sacred Indian herb that’s packed with goodness + deliciousness in over 20 flavors. A cup of Tulsi tea warms up the soul – lowers stress, bolsters immunity, enhances stamina and promotes a healthy metabolism. He has some health issues, so I am all for anything that will give him any kind of a boost. These teas are not only good tasting and good for you, as well as environmentally friendly- but they are good for the people who farm them. ORGANIC INDIA works directly with marginalized farmers in India providing healthcare, education, gender equality and empowerment programs. Sipping fireside, never tasted so good!

Manduka, leader of yoga gear, offers the most sustainable yoga gear for the fitness fanatic in your life ($4-128). From eco-conscious eKO mats, fully recyclable LiveON Mats for kids and adults, one-mat-for-life PRO Mat, yogitoes towels made from recycled plastic bottles, hbands headbands, bags, to props, Manduka takes mindful gifting to another level.

My son likes his new mat, and so does mommy. If it weren’t so grinchy, I’d be tempted to “borrow” it for my own class. He also likes the color and the feel of it- he doesn’t like when his mats feel “sticky” to him, but this texture is great. It’s also comfortable, gives enough cushion, and works well for him. It’s easy to get into his yoga bag as well.

These are great “feel good” items for many reasons- they feel good to give, feel good to get, and are from companies who care and give back- which feels good to everyone. This holiday season, give from the heart and support those that support others.

Happy Holidays from me and mine to you and yours!

Filed Under: food, gifts, health, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, natural, review Tagged With: companies that care, gifts that give back, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, organic, yoga

Carved Creations: Holiday Gift Ideas

December 21, 2015 by Samantha 10 Comments

The holidays are approaching quickly and it is crunch time. For the dads and children of wonderful mothers out there, this post is for you.

There is a great new jewelry site out there called Carved Creations. What separates Carved Creations from the pack of other Mother’s jewelry available is that it is well made, hand crafted, and feels substantial. This is no aluminum heart on a cheap string of metal, these are well details works of art.

“In response to the thin, lightweight Mother’s Jewelry that began to proliferate in the last decade, we decided that it was time for someone to develop high-quality, sturdy Mother’s Jewelry that was professionally designed and professionally crafted, using the right blend of old-world craftsmanship and the latest technology. We jumped on the task and have been developing designs as the industry leader in the world of Mother’s Jewelry ever since. Our attention to detail and quality can be found in every Carved Creation…When you feel a Carved Creations design, you know you are holding the best.”

The designs are thoughtful and special, as well as perfect for that special someone in your life. We really like the Page Pendant Heart and the Vesta Topazio Legacy Tassel Bracelet. One is a necklace the other a bracelet, both are well made and pretty pieces. The Pendant can be customized with the birthstones of your choice as well as the names of your choice. Each PagePendant features your special names in deep detail and a brilliant GemTag birthstone for each name. The PagePendant is delicately curved on both sides, and has a substantial sturdy touch. Carefully designed so that each name appears completely at least once, these shapes give the illusion of being lifted off of a page of continuous script text, for a stunning effect.

The Tassel Bracelet sports an ethnic unique look which can be customized with the initials of your choice. Vesta is the ancient Roman goddess of the home. The Carved Creations Vesta Collection is our most fashionable expression of your monogram. Now you can accessorize with what you love the most. Each Vesta tassel bracelet is made of supple stone beads on a high-strength flexible jewelry fiber. This Vesta Medallion features your initials in our popular Legacy letter design. The 1″ medallion is delicately curved on both sides, and has a substantial sturdy touch.

The Page Pendent retails for $199.00 and the Tassel Bracelet retails for $149.00. Both would make wonderful stocking stuffers or that perfect gift from a family to that wonderful woman in your life, be it a Mom, Grandmother or Aunt.

Carved Creations is currently offering 50% off jewelry while supplies last. You can also get an extra $5 OFF DISCOUNT CODE FOR YOUR READERS if they want to buy items through December 31, 2015. Use the code is HSWT15 for more savings.

Filed Under: fashion, gifts, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, review Tagged With: jewelry