Beautiful Gifts Handmade in Peru With Novica

It can be hard to choose a gift for your loved one.  You want to give something special, something they will love.  If it’s pretty, that much the better. Novica is the perfect place to find that perfect item.  Not only are items hand crafted, which means they will each be unique and totally one of a kind, but they also support local artisans (who you get to know in a little “story card” that comes with your purchase).  You see a portrait and a biography of the artist on the page of the item when you buy it, and when your gift is opened, they will read the card and make the discovery as well.

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My son, who happens to be my favorite little Valentine, helped me choose a special gift for his Godmother, a very special person in his life.  He wanted to choose something she would really love, and he thought she would love the Andean Folk Art Cotton Applique Change Purse, ‘Butterfly Afternoon’. Quite a mouthful for a small purse, but it’s very pretty and not at all common.  My son is very picky and deliberate in choosing gifts- he really wants to make sure to choose the right gift for the right person.  We both think she will love the purse, with it’s bright colors and sunny, hand stitched scenery.

It arrived carefully wrapped in beautiful paper, with a red ribbon and a tiny doll in the center.  It was very festive (and honestly, very cool looking).  It looked expensive,  like someone had really put time into it very carefully.  He can’t wait to give his  Valentine’s Day gift!

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This beautiful, functional work of art was created by Balvina Huaytalla who lives and works in the Peru.  Her work is inspired by the Peruvian Andes, and she wishes to share it’s beauty with everyone. She is a single mother who is struggling to take care of her young son, and this and every purchase helps her make a living.

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There were a few things that caught my eye as well while we were looking around- it’s hard not to be distracted by all the beautiful products.  These Gold Accent Heart Shaped Earrings would be perfect for Valentine’s Day, or really any day out.  They are so pretty, I had to send a little “hint” over to my husband.  The only thing better then a beautiful gift is one that gives back.  Lovely, traditional art (some you can even wear) that embraces local artisans, doesn’t use bad labor practices, and helps others live sustainably- so much awesome with one purchase.

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!

The Mill Fudge Factory

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Family-owned and operated Mill Fudge Factory & Ice Cream Café is now offering its delectable line of hand-crafted fudge nationally through its online shop at www.themillfudgefactory.com . The Bristol, NH-based small business, founded by the Munro family in 2006, uses the family’s secret Scottish recipe and 100% natural ingredients to create authentic fudge unlike any that can be found on this side of the Atlantic.

The Mill Fudge Factory fudge is available in an assortment of classic and inventive flavors, including Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate Walnut, Natural Peanut Butter, Scottish Whiskey, Pure New Hampshire Maple, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Pumpkin Pie and much more. The Factory also offers an assortment of decadent truffles and toffee. All confections are available in gift baskets and elegant sampler boxes.

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“We take pride in creating fudge true to the recipe of my grandfather in Scotland and we do it right here in New England,” said Mill Fudge Factory Co-Owner and General Manager Noah Munro. “People tell us they can taste the care we put into our fudge. We’re so happy that we can now share it with folks across the U.S. Our fudge makes for a unique Halloween treat, a great addition to the Thanksgiving table and a fabulous Christmas or Hanukkah gift.”

Advocates of the slow food movement, the Munro family make their fudge with all natural ingredients including Callebaut Belgian dark chocolate, Cabot butter, pure honey and cane sugar and staunchly avoid corn syrup, preservatives, artificial flavors and colors. The hand-crafted fudge is now available for shipping across the United States through the Factory’s online store at www.themillfudgefactory.com .

Gift Ideas for Kids Who Love to Travel

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There are some children that love everything about traveling. You can tell that as they grow up they’ll want to visit everything this world has to offer. They’re constantly asking when the next vacation trip is. They want to know everything about different countries. They’re the kind of kids who take a Gap Year and ending up backpacking for the foreseeable future. These children are so incredibly inquisitive and want to see as much of the world as possible. So, what do you buy for them when it comes to birthdays and Christmas? If you can’t afford to take them abroad every special occasion, here are some great gift ideas.

A Globe

Of course, your child has to have a globe in their room! It will fuel their desire to learn more about the world we live in. You can buy ones that open up and can be used as storage, for their bucket list. You can buy antique looking ones, glow in the dark ones. There are so many different types out there, find the one your kid will like the most. If you’re struggling to find the perfect one, take a look on Pinterest. You can see a whole range of styles and even learn how to make one yourself.

A Wall Map Mural

Instead of the globe, why not go one step further? Turn an entire wall in their bedroom into a map! First, create a base using corkboard or something similar. Then, you want to ask a printer if they can create the entire world on one large piece of paper. Make sure you’ve got the exact dimensions of the wall. Now, you can attach your map wallpaper to the corkboard. Finally, give your child a pot of different colored tacks. They can have one color for the places they’ve visited and one for the places they want to go. It’s the perfect gift!

Boats and Planes

Unless you’re made of money, you’re not going to be able to buy your child their very own private jet. Or, a yacht! However, you can buy them mini versions. A model aircraft is an incredible idea for any little one that likes to travel. You can also buy remote controlled boats that can be taken down to the local pond. If your child is creative, then buy them a model they can build and paint themselves.

Traveling Journal

One of the best things about going on all these adventures is that you will remember them for years to come. Help keep those memories clearer with a traveling diary or journal. Places like Paperchase do products specifically for those who travel around a lot. Alternatively, you can buy a plain one and cover it in photos and maps. Your child will love the fact that they can keep all those memories alive. And, when they’re adults, they’ll look back at their journal with pride.
Hopefully, this has given you a bit of inspiration! Obviously, the perfect gift for any travel-loving child would be a vacation. However, if you’re strapped for cash, then these will come a close second.

Gift giving with Best Buy

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

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Best Buy is the gift giving store of choice.  I say this because as of now there are very few people who wouldn’t like at least a little something from Best Buy, especially with the easy to use Gift Center.  This lets users find the perfect gift, either by interest, price, occasion, even just hot gifts for the person who has everything.  The only hard part of gift shopping is keeping in mind you are indeed shopping for someone else, and not yourself.  Best Buy has so much cool stuff, its easy to get carried away and ‘forget’ to pick up that special gift and instead get the special tablet you’ve been looking at for a while.

I like how great the range of products is which are available, including Gifts under $25, gifts from $25-$49.99, gifts from $50-$99.99, gifts from $100-$249.99, and gifts over $250. All manner of occasions are covered, from anniversaries to birthdays to graduations- all are accounted for.  There are also gift cards available, as is shipping, so even if you can’t find the perfect gift, let your gift recipient pick it out themselves.

Also, if (lets say) you are one of those people who always hears ” I never know what to get you”, Best Buy also has a Wish List you can share with loved ones.  So no more sizes too big sweaters or another copy of a DVD you mentioned liking once 3 years ago.

No matter what the gift or the occasion is, of course it is the thought that counts, and with the help of Best Buy you will be able to give that memorable gift and also give the biggest smile to your recipients face and make their day a truly special one.

Hallmark Valentines Day Gifts

If you are like me, you love all things Hallmark. I have a “card addiction”, and like to send them for any and all reasons.  Real, paper cards- I know, I’m so old fashioned and super not hip, ay?  No. It’s fun to get mail that isn’t bills now and again- and they really do make you smile, don’t they?

Hallmark is a great place to shop for all occasions- Valentine’s Day is no exception.  Hallmark is all about showing you love and care, so it’s the perfect place to stop and shop for your loved ones.  No matter whether you are shopping for your wife or girlfriend, mother, grandmother, boyfriend or husband, or even the kids- Hallmark is a good starting point (and who knows, you might be able to do all your shopping in one place!)

Some of the cute new Valentine’s Day gifts they have to offer this year include

  • Hallmark Gold Crown exclusive.
  • She dances and sings:
    I like big hugs and I cannot lie
    Never let a hug pass me by
    You can give high fives or cuddles
    But please don’t lose those hugs
    So gentlemen? (Yeah?)
    Ladies? (Yeah?)
    You wanna drive this hippo crazy? (Oh yeah!)
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Have a Happy Valentines Day with Aurora

If you are looking for the perfect plush for Valentine’s Day, look no further then Aurora.  Makers of the stuffed toys you love year round, they really shine on Valentine’s Day.  There are so many options to choose from, but these are a few of our favorites.  They have plenty to choose from in the pink and white variety, but traditional brown bears and the like are also available.  Super soft and squeezable, these are perfect for the stuffed animal lover in your life.

pic6Lots of Love Elephant: Say “I love you” in a big way with Aurora’s beloved, best selling elephant complete with signature heart-print ears, available in new colors and styles for 2015.

stuffed animal Valentines daypic4My son just loves his new Pom Pom Penguin- he was not feeling well last week, and mommy gave him one of his Valentine’s Day stuffies early.  What can I say.  This penguin is larger then he seems (as you can see from the photo with my son) and so snuggly soft.  PomPom Penguin: Chilly Valentine: Available in nine styles and four sizes, Aurora’s popular Pom Pom Penguin is melting hearts with cuteness. The line expands to include precious, super-soft pink penguins and each holds a heart with a “cool” embroidered message including: “You melt my heart!” / “You give me chills!” / “You’re Cool!” / “XOXO”
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Fun Finds at Mom Mixer

Last weekend, we went to Philly to visit The Franklin Institute science museum, both for the fun Mom Mixer event as well as to check out the museum itself.  We had a great time checking out some fun, new items (and getting some ideas for holiday shopping), sampling some snacks from CVS, and meeting Elmo (who doesn’t love a big, furry monster hug?)

11 12 14 Halloween and product 012Some of our favorites were from Hasbro- my son loved, loved the Grimlock and Optimus Prime toys- almost all of them transform, even the huge Grimlock (this is sure to be a hot toy this year).  The Hasbro station was popular with kids of all ages, with the adorable Lets Imagine Elmo, new Play Doh fun, and more.

new optimus prime toyEpic Optimus Prime was one of my son’s favorites of the day, and it’s a huge toy. The figure stands 22 inches tall, and his chest opens to reveal a command center that fits mini-figures (sold separately) to further playtime.  Grimlock, his other favorite toy, is just as cool- and really, if your kid is a fan, grab this toy now- it’s sure to sell out.

grimlock action figureTransformers Age of Extinction Stomp and Chomp Grimlock Figure is another larger then usual toy, but it is also huge fun. Grimlock is a giant, 20-inch robot that offers a lot of movement and motion. In one step, he really transforms into a dinosaur that can stomp and chomp. His eyes also light up.
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