Win Minion-inspired PEEPS® and PEEPS & COMPANY® Treats #PEEPSONALITY

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this post.  All opinions are my own and honest.

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With the colder months here, everyone is in the mood to be bundled up for a much-needed night in. Grab your family, friends, and a comfy couch for the DVD release of the season: “Minions!” One of you can win this fantastic prize package full of PEEPS goodness, and just in time for all the time to be spent indoors this winter.

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·         PEEPS® Large Banana Crème Flavored Minion: PEEPS® introduces a new banana crème flavored marshmallow in honor of the beloved Minions characters. Three varieties of the individually packed large Minions include the likeness of Kevin, Stuart and Bob – stars of the Minions movie available on DVD this holiday season.

·         PEEPS® Marshmallow Minions: To honor the PEEPS® Minions taste testers, for the first time ever PEEPS® has created a Minion-shaped marshmallow reflecting their fun PEEPSONALITY®. Fans can also enjoy limited edition comics on the back of the packaging made exclusively for PEEPS® by Universal Studios filmmakers.

·         MIKE AND IKE® Minions Mix: In honor of the success of the Despicable Me movie franchise and holiday DVD release, MIKE AND IKE® has debuted a limited time only offering of MIKE AND IKE® MINION MIX.  This fun variety comes with three different designs on pack – making them a collectable item for every Minion lover. Made with real fruit juice, fans will enjoy the sweet and tasty goodness of Blue Raspberry and Banana flavors.

·         PEEPS® Pillow: Add a dash of incredibly comfy color to your movie night with this PEEPS® Chick pillow, featuring vivid blocks designed with your favorite Marshmallow Chick as the star of the show.

·         PEEPS® Blanket: You’ll love cuddling up with your family with this super-soft Peeps® Bunny Fleece Throw Blanket.

·         PEEPS® Tumbler: Bring a PEEPS® clear, single wall, spring tumbler that suits your PEEPSONALITY® and can hold a drink to wash down all that popcorn.

You can also use this discount code, valid for 20% off your next purchase, no minimum required, from now through Thursday, December 31. Discount code: SWEETINGS15

PEEPS are social!  Check them out on social media-

         Peeps & Company Website: http://bit.ly/1aNsv6W

·         Peeps & Company Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1N7YaaR

·         Peeps & Company Instagram: http://bit.ly/1EwkYy8

·         Peeps & Company Pinterest:  http://bit.ly/1IFl9SN

·         Peeps & Company Twitter: http://bit.ly/1KpqLYD

Feel free to enter to win this great prize package by using the RC form below.  Ends Jan 2, 2016.  Good luck!

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

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.

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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.

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“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.

Share Some Goodness this Holiday! Gifts that Give Back

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.

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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. 
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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! 

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Mandukaleader 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!

Luca + Danni Jewelry (And Win One!)

For those of us who have not finished out holiday purchases as of yet, its time to get that special someone in your life something they will really like.  But lets say your budget is tight this year, or you just need that little something to really hit it out of the park this year.  I suggest Luca And Danni jewelry.

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When purchasing jewelry, it is important to know what this little work of art means.  The background behind Luca and Danni is an interesting one, as per Fred Magnanimi the creator of the jewelry line, “An investment banker by background, I left a career on Wall Street to reconnect with my roots at my family’s Rhode Island-based jewelry manufacturing business. In April 2013 my younger brother Danny lost a difficult battle with Leukemia – he was 33 years old. Danny’s dream was to create a unique line of handcrafted, American-made jewelry that inspired others through the journey of life. Fueled by my brother’s passion and a burning desire to carry forth his vision, Luca + Danni was born.  Named after my two young children, Luca + Danni reminds us that through love, inspiration, and passion, we should all boldly embrace the journey of life.”

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Each piece is unique and special.  We were able to take a look at the Light Turquoise Bauble Bangle.  This bangle is the perfect gift for that unique woman in your life.  It features natural brass, oxidized or silver plated wire, a wrapped bangle bracelet with hook and catch closure. It has a Swarovski pear-shaped bauble crystal.  The piece will quickly become a favorite this holiday season and beyond.  The wonderful part of this is it retails for $38.00 and is available now.

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So be sure to finish up that shopping list with a some pretty jewelry from Luca and Danni.  The Holiday Collection is now available, and nothing on the site is more then $40.  Check it out and see what strikes you.

One of you can win an item of your choice- feel free to use the RC form below to enter. Ends Jan. 16, 2016. Good luck!
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Carved Creations: Holiday Gift Ideas

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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

12 Days of Christmas with Teacher Peach @TeacherPeach123

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this post.  All opinions are my own and honest.  For more information, please see “I Disclose”.

If you are looking for a great gift for teachers, look no further then Teacher Peach.  Visit the website http://www.teacherpeach.com/ and check out all the options they have for the teachers in your life- they have pre-made gift sets, bags, and ideas galore that are not only cute but also useful. Because, honestly, your teacher doesn’t need or want another mug, I promise.

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You can look at this link to all featured Holiday gifts and see what you like best for your teacher (or teachers).  There are also chances to win giveaways as well, so make sure you enter while you are browsing.  You never know!

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My son has several teachers we need to get gifts for, so this is a great site for us. It can be hard to figure out just what to get, because you don’t want to give something useless.  Like many classes, we contribute to a gift card for the main teacher, but we’d like to give her a little something as well, she is a real….well, I’d say doll, but in this case, let’s say she’s a peach, ha.  Not to mention the classroom aide, and his tutor.

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This would also be a good place to shop for any parent who is a home-schoooler.  Functional, useful, and to let them know they are appreciated for all the hard work they do as well.

From bags, to notebooks, to cute kits, even teddy bears and pet outfits (how fun is that?), there is something for every educator.  Check out http://www.teacherpeach.com/ and see what they have.  You can get all your teacher-related shopping done in one place, and even enter to win a fun contest.

Happy holidays from me and mine to you and yours!

Christmas with Teleflora and Peanuts #SendCheer

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

Every holiday season there are some things we expect, like the neighbor with too many lights on their house and the Christmas specials on TV. Some of them classics that we will watch year after year like A Charlie Brown Christmas”, others not so much. A Charlie Brown Christmas special was first aired in 1965 and this December marks the fifth anniversary of the special which has aired on ABC every year since. The general story we all know and love. Charlie Brown has the feeling that Christmas has lost its meaning and has the blues, Lucy suggests a Christmas play of which Chuck must find the all important Christmas tree. Instead of a big full tree he comes back with a scraggly stick of a tree with an ornament on it. The tree thrives on a little bit of love and with the help of Linus share the true meaning of he season.

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To celebrate the fun of Peanuts, Teleflora is releasing two special floral arrangements, each with a special gift included.

One features the famous Snoopy laying down on his doghouse decorated for the holidays. This piece also doubles as a cookie jar and is filled with a beautiful festival floral arrangement, perfect as a center piece or just a conversation piece during your holiday get togethers.

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The second piece features the ice skating Peanuts gang decorating a festive holiday mug. The mug also has Snoopy features Snoopy on its handle. This arrangement is also holiday themed and comes with bright reds and whites as well as lush greens and red ribbons.

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The Snoopy Cookie Jar arrangement by Telflora is available now on teleflora.com for $59.95 and the Peanuts Christmas Mug is also available on teleflora.com for $49.95.

This is the cutest gift to send to friends and relatives near or far, and a great hostess gift.  Not only is it a lovely floral arrangement, but also an adorable Christmas keepsake for years to come.  Check out the website and choose the arrangement that speaks to you!

Win $100 Kohl’s gift card with Elf On The Shelf !

My son loves his elf.  He looks forward to coming down in the morning and seeing where his elf is, and what he has been up to.  I like that he elf watches what he is up to, and reports back to Santa.  Nothing better then a straight line to the big man himself.

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So much to choose from!

My son named his new elf Tom, and since we like to travel, Tom does as well. Tom has proven to be a hardy fellow, handling suitcases, backpacks, car rides, and even plane travel with relative ease.   I suppose when you are used to flying around to and from the North Pole, Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico aren’t that big of a deal.

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Tinsel, Tom, and Amy take a trip with us to Great Wolf Lodge. Bob the Reindeer stayed home to guard the house.

Once Tom came to our house, it was time to get him ready for Christmas.  Thankfully, we have a Kohl’s nearby, and they have everything an elf could want for the holiday season. Have you seen the new Claus Couture Collection?  Perhaps your elf wants to doll up on occasion, not just wear his or her same old red elf outfit day in and day out.  There are quite a few outfits to choose from. Perhaps your elf wants a friend, a reindeer to fly back to the North Pole at night with.  (The new pet reindeer come with their own charm and cute story book as well.)  Maybe your child and elf want a friend in common- an elf friend that can snuggle up at night, that doesn’t need to fly back to the North Pole at all, but stays at home with you.  So many options to choose from!

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Tinsel and Tom, dressed in holiday finery, waiting in the tree in our hotel room after flying back to Santa one night.

Then there are pajamas for your child (perfect for Christmas and the whole winter season), and flatware, take along cups, games, and more.  There is so much to choose from, and all to help you get your “Elf on the Shelf” on.

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Some of the “extras” my son chose- a pet reindeer, an outfit for him, and a snuggly Elf on the Shelf he named Amy.

My son has really enjoyed the new items and his new elf.  He had a great time choosing new items, new friends, and reading all about them.  His favorite thing, however, has been all the adventures they have taken together.

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It’s Elf on the Shelf time! Getting his new elf and reindeer out of the boxes and asking mommy to read the books.

As Christmas Eve approaches, he knows his new buddies will soon be going home until next year. (Well, except Amy- she gets to stay and help make “Welcome Back!” cookies when they arrive.)  While he will be sad to see them go, he can send them letters and get updates from them throughout the year, and we can’t wait to see them again when they return.

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Bob the Reindeer and his book that explains all about him and his travels.

If you haven’t gotten your Elf On The Shelf yet, there is still time!  If you have your elf, you can grab these fun “extras” as well, just head to Kohl’s – let your child help choose, it really thrills them.

Happy Holidays from me and mine to you and yours.

One of you can win a $100 Kohl’s Gift Card.  Feel free to enter by using the RC form below.  Good luck!  Ends Dec. 31, 2015.
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