Tag Archives: Christmas gifts

Christmas, Movies, Reviews

Coming Home For Christmas

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viewerI am just going to start this review by confessing: I am a Christmas junkie.  I love it, all of it, the Christmas specials, the feelings they bring, holiday gatherings, decorating, all of it!  The thought of having a perfect Christmas drives me all year long!  This year I have had the privilege of reviewing Christmas stuff- I’m in way up to  my ears with happiness over this one!!!

Now, on to my thoughts!  The movie has a great story!  Having seen probably a hundred Christmas movies, I can honestly say that I haven’t seen this story before!  I loved the story and the message behind it!  The set designers did a great job of making it a believable little town and homes!  The actors could use some work, but then perhaps the fact that they aren’t household names is what makes this special.  The film makes you feel good and even amidst mediocre acting you want to watch, to hear the story, to see it unfold.

Overall, I can’t turn down any holiday movie, good or bad.  This one has a great story, an actual unique one which is a rarity.  While this probably won’t be your new holiday favorite, it is one you will feel good watching.  Personally, I enjoyed it.  I am a sucker for a good Holiday story!

About The Movie

After their parents separate, two estranged sisters who haven’t been on speaking terms reunite in hopes that having a family Christmas all together for the first time in years will bring their Mom and Dad close again. They plan to do this in their old family home… the only problem is someone else lives there now.

The DVD includes a limited edition Norman Rockwell print!

Who is Norman Rockwell?  Rockwell was famous for his famous American culture illustrations and artwork. He was born in the late 1800’s and died in the mid 1900’s.

Director: Vanessa Parise
Cast: George Canyon (Christmas Miracle, Dawn Rider, Man of Steel), Aaron Pritchett, Britt McKillip (Dead Like Me), Carly McKillip (Hot Rod)
$14.99
Available at Walmart
Soundtrack also available featuring holiday songs performed by George Canyon
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Originally posted 2013-11-22 00:01:07.

Books, Gifts, Holidays, Reviews

The Sparkle Box

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Let me start this review with a confession: I had heard of this book before.  Last year, somewhere around Christmas, I heard an interview with the author on Focus on The Family.  It really touched my heart and I’ve literally thought about it all year long.  The author’s goal seemed to truly be the lesson the book teaches: to give to others.

It is not often that I am inspired by a children’s book.  I read the book in order to do the review and had to force myself to come in and write.  Not because the task is so daunting, but because the book has me so inspired I don’t want to sit down and write.  I want to do something.  Anything.  Make bread for the shelters, donate, something!  Not simply to fill a box, but to make a difference in someone’s life.  One of my favorite scriptures, and one my husband and I remind each other of constantly is this:  “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”  Matthew 25:40 KJV. 

This book will not only teach your children the joy of helping others, but it will make you want to go out and help someone else, anyone else.  My family has taught me throughout the years to help others.  Even my little brother who seems to be on a poor attempt at running from God has reminded me through his actions to do whatever I can to help others.  When we were kids we went through a period where our Mom couldn’t afford to pay the bills, much less provide for Christmas.  That year, a man we had never heard of, came to our home with a basket of fruit and a gift for my brother and I.  I don’t remember what my brother got, but I got a curling iron gift set.  I’ve never been a girly girl, don’t even know if I ever actually used that set, but what I do know is that I hold that as one of my fondest memories.  It was a great lesson and has been a constant inspiration for me to help others throughout my life.  Granted, I don’t wish that upon anyone, but the lesson could never be the same.  The closest I’ve seen to something teaching this lesson is this book.

About The Sparkle Box 

A Gift with the Power to Change Christmas

Sam is so excited about Christmas! He’s thinking about his Christmas list, looking forward to holiday parties, and puzzling over one very mysterious gift: a sparkly box sitting on the mantel. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his family participate in various acts of kindness to others. On Christmas morning, when Sam finally opens the Sparkle Box, he finds only slips of paper that record the family’s good deeds. Sam’s mom explains that the things that they’ve been doing are, in fact, a gift for Jesus, for Jesus said that whatever we do for those in need, we do for Him.

Author Bio

Author Jill Hardie and her family began placing a gift for Jesus under their Christmas tree as a way of bringing more meaning to the holiday.  The first time they opened His gift, the commercialism of the season melted away and they felt a profound joy and peace.  Jill hopes that The Sparkle Box will spark a new Christmas tradition, bringing light into thousands of lives.

Illustrator Bio

At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life.  After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children’s books began to take shape.  She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut.

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#TheSparkleBox

Giveaway

Must leave a physical address.  However, if you are a military family and have an APO, I will personally ship it to you if you win, so go ahead and enter!

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Originally posted 2013-11-19 10:07:11.

Books, Reviews

Audrey Bunny: A Great Kid’s Story Book

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Audrey_Bunny_coverI must really be getting soft these days because Audrey Bunny almost made me cry.  LOL.  It’s such a sweet story!  It reminds us all that those little flaws we fear are sometimes just what other people love about us!  Audrey Bunny is a beautiful story about a bunny who had an imperfection which made her feel like she could never be loved.  A very good reminder of how we are so very loved!

Included in the book is a Parent Connection in the back so that you can interact with your child a little more about the story.  It shares some good talking points and I think that any little girl would love to have this book read to them over and over again!  It will keep you all grounded in knowing that you are special, no matter what flaw you think makes you unlovable you are not!  I think that this story is a great confidence builder and is especially great to help with insecurities!

Audrey Bunny

From best-selling women’s author Angie Smith (I Will Carry You, Mended) comes this sweet children’s book about a stuffed animal named Audrey Bunny who fears her imperfections make her unworthy of a little girl’s love. She’ll learn the truth soon enough, and young readers will learn that everyone is special and wonderfully made by God.

About the Author

Angie Smith is the wife of Todd Smith (lead singer of Dove Award winning group Selah), best-selling author of Mended, I Will Carry You, and What Women Fear, and one of the most popular speakers and blog writers in the country. She holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University and lives with her husband and daughters in Nashville, TN.

 Details

Written by: Angie Smith

Publisher: B&H Publishing

Hardcover with jacket:  32 pages
Release Date: October 1, 2013
$14.99

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Publisher (Buy The Book!)

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Originally posted 2013-10-29 00:01:32.

Baby Stuff, Reviews

Fruit Tote with Teether Toys

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Where is the first place every toy goes when the little one’s get their hands on it?  Why, in their mouth of course!  Nothing like that fun oral stage where every little thing must be tasted! This adorable little Fruit Tote with Teether Toys looks like it came straight from the market. The material is organically grown Egyptian cotton and it is made in Egypt utilizing the 13 Villages Project. Each of the pieces are handcrafted, which is always great! Looking over the product, I’m honestly in awe of their amazing ability to construct the pieces. They are insanely well made!

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Product Description

From the Company

As Seen in Mothering Magazine, Nov-Dec 2008 issue.

FOR AGES: The fruit toys are for newborn and up BUT The tote itself is for 2 years and up.

Your little one will have so much fun carrying their fruit teether toys in this cute little tote! Inside the tote includes: banana, grapes and watermelon. Made and stuffed with the finest 100% organic Egyptian cotton. Size of tote is approximately 6 inches long, 4 inches wide and 3 inches high. Size of fruit teether toys vary from approximately 4 to 6 inches.

13 Villages Project

Under the Nile products are made out of 100% organic, Egyptian cotton that assures their products do not come into contact with any pesticides or chemicals during the manufacturing process. The company also practices in fair trade towards all of the people involved with the manufacturing process from start to finish.  The company utilizes 13 villages through teaching and educting the villagers to make the toys. This project is providing health care and gudance for maintaining overall health. The goal is to help these communities lead healthier and happier lives.

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Originally posted 2013-10-21 06:45:11.

Books, Monkey Stuff, Reviews

Green Golly & Her Golden Flute

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What an adorable and fun little book!  I love the story they have created in this one!  It made my imagination go wild!  That’s always great in a story!  This book stands out from others in that it has a CD and story stickers.  The CD tells the story along with a flute accompaniment while the story stickers enable you to use a mobile device or computer to listen to the story and hear the music as they go from page to page.  Each book comes with a CD, or the disc can be purchased separately.

Having won the 2011 Parents Choice Gold Award and getting rave rewards across the board, this story is one you’ll want to enjoy with the little ones over and over again!  The book can be purchased on the website and will be available on Amazon after the book is available for sale (October 15, 2013).

About The Book

The book was written and performed by Keith Torgan and Barbara Siesel and illustrated by Suzanne Langelier-Lebeda.

For Ages 4-10

Publication Date: October 15, 2013

Publisher: Eifrig Publishing

SRP: $19.99

Length: 52 page book, 57 minute audio

The Green Golly Project – Green Golly and her Golden Flute 

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Originally posted 2013-10-15 00:01:00.

Toys

Scented Secret Scrapbook and 20% off Discount!

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It seems like every little girl wants a pony. I can’t think of a single one I know that doesn’t or hasn’t at some point!  This little scrapbook is perfect for any little girl!  Check out this post to get a 20% discount code for this and other great products from SmitCo LLC!

Scented Sweet Scrapbook

Scented Secret Scrapbook

As a child, I would have loved this little scrapbook.  As an adult, I’m doing my best to resist the temptation to keep it for myself. Haha.  The stickers are super cute (and scented, what!?!) and the little pen has a perfect fuzzy accent for any little girl!  This little scrapbook is made as one would expect for a little one that will love it like crazy for a few months.  As an auntie, I know that it won’t last forever, but it will get a lot of love until my niece is done with it.  She may not be able to have a real pony, but she can have these adorable stickers and this super cute little scrapbook!  It’s funny to remember how gifts such as these meant so much for me as a kid that even holding them as an adult brings back the nostalgia of childhood.

Scented Secret Scrapbook and 20% off Discount!

Get the code 20% Off

an Entire Cart Of Gifts Here!

Or simply use coupon code N3CQD6AE on checkout

I’m not sure how long this will last, but I’ll leave it up until someone tells me it’s no longer any good.

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Apparel, For the Zookeepers, Reviews

Lugz Mallard Boots

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No matter how are to fight it, I will always be a jeans and T-shirt, muddy boots kind of girl Sometimes I fight it, other times I embrace it. At the end any day, I will always be an Okie!  Check out these awesome Lugz boots that are comfortable all the time!  Great for anything!

 

I recently got a pair of the Lugz Mallard boots to review and try out, let me tell you, I had a great time breaking them in!  A good review wouldn’t be complete without being thoroughly tested right? I feel that boots are meant to be put through the wringer, so to speak, and if they can’t stand up to the dirt, mud, and everything that comes with country life then they really have no business in my closet This is also very strong contributor to why I feel that boots are meant to be with jeans (good ones not thin designer jeans and sure as heck not with leggings, dresses, or skirts).

Lugz Mallards Boots Review

~ Girl’s Night Out ~

As the song goes, “These Boots Were Made for Walkin….” The new boots, my bestie and myself were walking all around downtown for their annual Girls Night Out. So I don’t them on girls night out and walked all over downtown Siloam Springs, Arkansas The only thing hurting that night or my legs because I’m not a shape my feet more perfectly happy.

~ The Mud ~

I decided to give them test run whenever it rained and stormed because, frankly, I like walking in the mud and seeing how it goes (it’s the kid in me the, Okie in me, and it makes me happy so no judgment!)  After stepping in some shallow mud, I took it a little deeper where the mud covered the sole of the boot.  I am super pleased to say that:

  1. they were easy to clean
  2. I didn’t slide in the mud

~ The Verdict ~

After all I’ve worn them, tested and experimented, it’s safe to say love my new boots!  They are amazingly warm, comfortable, and stylish! I think me and my new boots are going to have some fun this winter!  If only they would go with those formal outfits that I have to wear in the winter time!  But then, I’m way too country to really think that boots go with any kind of skirt. Ever. But that’s just me other people have their own opinions,

Get Yours Today!

Website ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest ~ Facebook ~ Amazon

Lugz Mallard Boots

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For the Zookeepers, For Your Home, Pets

Hummingbird Food Recipe Sponsored by Perky Pet Feeders

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Hummingbird Feeder & Hummingbird Food RecipeIf you were able to catch my review of the Squirrel Proof Feeder, then you already know all about why I love watching the birds.  So many wonderful memories of sitting on my Granny’s lap and watching them come and eat, play and even nest!  I love thinking about those times and seeing the birds come to my feeders brings a smile to my heart every time.  Though cardinals were my Granny’s favorite, on occasion we had a hummingbird or two visit.  Hummingbirds were special because they didn’t come often and they brought new colors to her front yard.  Her house was way out in the country so there were no other feeders close to bring more.

Not too long ago, I purchased a recipe box at an estate sale.  It was packed full of recipes and a beautiful vintage box circa 1960’s I think.  It was filled with magazine recipe cutouts, recipe cards from a bank that no longer exists in our area and (my favorite) handwritten recipes.  One of those handwritten recipes was one for Hummingbird food.  So, when I received the Perky-Pet Red Hobnail Vintage Hummingbird feeder I was understandably stoked for so many reasons!  Of course, I had to share it all with you!

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * G+ * YouTube

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Book Reviews, Books, Christian, Monkey Stuff, Reviews

#WhereJesusSlept: Keeping Christ in Christmas

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The Spirit of Christmas

In a time where the true meaning of Christmas can be lost or misplaced, especially for young children, it is important for my family to remember why it is we have this holiday and what we are really celebrating. Each Christmas even night they open one gift; it contains a new pair of pajamas, a mug for homemade hot coco and a new book. This year my children are going to receive books themed for the true meaning of Christmas (as last year they each received Santa books) and I am anxious to read them to my children as we wait to celebrate the following morning!

“Where Jesus Slept” is a beautifully illustrated book worded for young children, to tell the story of the birth of Jesus. The story is told in a catchy rhyming scheme that invites our babies to discover where Jesus slept on Christmas, and how so many came to adore him. The illustrations are wonderfully done to draw in the attention from all ages. Like so many popular children stories the rhyming scheme in this book it one that is destined to become a favorite; because it is so catch a rhythm it also allows children to generate a strong willingness to memorize the story and eventually they will learn how to read it on their own if they are not yet reading to themselves!Keeping Christ in Christmas

Our Children Need Christ in Christmas!

The Christmas holiday has dramatically changed in what is expected and appreciated out of this time of year. Where it was once solely about praising God for the birth of the savior, but about bringing a family together and sharing this magical time with our loved ones! Lately Christmas has become commercialized, bargain shopping and big gift buying has replaced priorities in some families. Children’s “wish lists” have gone from that heartwarming “I want to see granny!” to “I want that toy that everyone else has!”

Children need Christ in Christmas because it brings them to understand the gift of love! Quoting from How the Grinch Stole Christmas… “Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more!”

Look for ways to keep Christ in Christmas for your family! Here are a few ideas from the Unlocking the Bible:

1) Read the Bible story with your family

2) Use and advent calendar with scripture

3) Listen to Chris-exalting Christmas music for the holidays

The above mentioned site contains great way to making this Christmas more about Christ and less about that gift those precious babies want so much!

Now for the giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Please note: I did receive this product for free in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions are from My Crafty Zoo and are not influenced by sponsors.**

About the book:

“This is the bed where Jesus slept. This is the straw that lined the bed where Jesus slept.” From here, the story builds with each spread, adding a new element and explaining the relationships among the participants and witnesses to the first Christmas. From Jesus sleeping sweetly to the wise men bringing gifts, this charming book reminds readers young and not-so-young of the joyous event we celebrate at Christmastime. Children will love the delightful illustrations and the engaging repetition in this cumulative tale.

Format: jacketed hardcover

Trim size: 10×10

Page count: 32

Retail price: $16.99

Reading age: 4-7

About the author:

Norma Lewis is the author of ten books. She lives in Grand Haven, MI, with a marmalade cat named Scalawag. They both love spending time with her six grandchildren, ranging in age from three to twenty.

Illustrated by Katy Hudson.

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Books, Gifts, Monkey Stuff, Reviews, Toys

#JesusSeesUs

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I always love Mommy inventors!  The Jesus Sees Us Doll was created by some Mommy’s wanting to teach their little ones a little more about Jesus.  I think this is a great idea as children need concrete things to better understand the world around them.  The book that comes with the the Jesus Sees Us Doll is full of lessons that we try to teach our little ones, such as being honest, sharing, helping others and other principles that help us all learn to be better Christians.  The book is worded simply and each new thing it teaches has a scripture ‘address’ so that as they grow older we can look in the Bible to further our understanding not just of the lesson, but also of the Word.

Jesus

Product Description:

Give your children a gift they can carry with them always—faith! The Jesus Sees Us doll and book are so much more than just a doll and book. Jesus Sees Us is a beautifully relatable tool for introducing faith, Jesus, and His teachings into your child’s life. Children cling to things that make them feel secure and are drawn to the wonder of something they can believe in. Why can’t that belief be in Jesus and that security be their faith? The Jesus Sees Us doll and book are reminders that Jesus Christ is always with them, guiding and loving them every day! He will be by their sides to help them through tough times and to celebrate their victories! The doll will help remind your child of the lessons that Jesus taught while He was on earth. He is a huggable reminder that Jesus loves them and is always watching over them. He cares about the way they live their lives and wants to teach them how to be good Christians!

If you’d like to get $10 off, use code JSBlog10

 Jesus Sees Us Christian Doll and Lesson Book

You can also learn tons more about the product and creators at:

http://www.JesusSeesUs.com

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