mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Fill Their Holiday Stockings with These 5 Stuffers

By Leave a Comment

Wow Mom Wednesdays:

 At a recent holiday mommy get-together, the question of “What do you put in your stocking?” became a big topic of discussion. With a few days until the Christmas morning production, I thought I’d share some of the coolest finds I found for stockings this year for kids of all ages!

Holiday Specs
As one of our annual traditions, our family puts on our pjs, packs up the car with treats and hot chocolate to go look at holiday lights while we listen to holiday music. This year I added a new part to our holiday fun – these cool HOLIDAY Specs and they loved them! For under $5 a pair, you can watch as the special holographic lenses create beautiful 3-D images with colorful shapes like angels, reindeer, snowmen, Christmas trees and more. These are perfect for holiday light watching or even just enjoying the lights on your Christmas tree!



Guggenheim Doodletop
Stockings are full of fun games, candy and toys and this is a great way one that can keep them busy for hours. This unique top-bearing the Guggenheim name is a toy that makes art.  Spin the top on paper to create spirals and patterns. Five replaceable color markers are included, so colors may be easily interchanged so your van Gogh can create a masterpiece with a turn of a top. 



Brush Poppin’ Buddies Toothbrush
Teeth-brushing time is still a chore in our household, so a fun toothbrush is normally a good way to get him motivated to brush his teeth and often. That’s where the Brushbuddy is going to play a main part in this year’s stocking. Available in five different animal designs (frog, vow, lion, tiger or elephant), with a push of a button, this compact toothbrush head pops up for a little hygiene fun.




Eco Princess Makeup
I still remember some of my favorite makeup products growing up were in my stocking (you know you remember the Bonne Bell lip glosses!) However, now that I’m a little older and have a little girl of my own, I’m a little more conscious of the stuff I’m putting on my skin and one day, on hers. That’s why I loved this cute little 100% natural Eco Princess Makeup set. Made by a mom, the sulfate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free and vegan set includes two mineral eye shadows, a mineral blush, shimmer lip balm, and a water-based nailpolish all in a cute little bag.



Fun by Lush
The name of this stuff says it all – FUN. While it was made for adults, it looks like play-doh and serves as a natural, colorful shampoo and body wash. Best of all, you can let them play with it or you can take the leftovers and use it for a little soak in the tub.
$6.95 at http://www.Lush.com or at local Lush stores in DFW

Looking for more holiday gift ideas, then check out my HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE for everyone on your list!



DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)



Last-minute Gifts for Your Tech Tot, Teen or In-Between

By Leave a Comment

Tech Tuesdays:


It’s hard to imagine this time next week, all the work you’ve taken to carefully select the right item for the right person and then wrap it up beautifully under the Christmas tree will be sitting in a pile of trash after Christmas morning. However, like many people I know the tree is still bare and last-minute shopping is in high gear as those not done (or started) with their list clamor for the shopping centers or online in hopes to have something in hand when they show up for Christmas. 

To make things a little easier for finding the right thing for that special person on your list, I’ve put together a few last-minute items that can still be found online or on shelves for the kiddo with the avid imagination, the bigger kid thill-seeker or the next Van Gogh. While developed with kids in mind, some of these are cool enough your “big kids” (or even mom and dad) will want to get their hands on them. And like many gifts now available, each one has a tech capability, so everyone can share their fun and imagination when you attach it to your computer. 


For the Adventurer (in the making with an avid imagination):

NERF Nightvision Camcorder, Ages 5-9
I was so excited with this camcorder, I almost had to wrap it up and put my name on it. NERF has combined the world of toys and technology to create the perfect gift with a night-vision camcorder that not only allows you to see up to 50 feet in the dark, but records video with 4x magnification. Best of all, you can store those magic adventures with the SD memory card slot or with the USB port to plug into your family computer. Known of its durability, the Nerf Nightvision Camcorder includes a carry strap, removable lens cover and several button options to capture his/her latest adventure.

At just about one 1 lb., your little one can pick it up, but your big kids will be grabbing for NERF Nightvision Camcorder, especially on Christmas Eve to spot Santa in the act. (Perhaps this is what Santa should be bringing instead.)

SRP: $89.99 – Toys “R” Us, on sale for around $75 at Amazon.com
For the Thrill Seeker – skateboarder, snow ski enthusiast, biker:

Action Shot Camera, Ages 8 and above
Next to a helmet, this is the second thing your thrill-seeker should have – the Action Shot Camera. With the ‘Click & Grip’ mounting system, mount this small camera onto helmets, bike handlebars, skateboards and more and to record those “wow moments” they’ll want to share less with you and more with their friends. Includes a helmet mount, adhesive mount, protective or mounting case, USB connection and editing software is included with the camera as well as 128MB of on-board memory, MicroSD card slot to add more memory. With the digital capabilities of video – VGA resolution (640×480) at 30 frames per second, QVGA resolution (320×240) at 60 frames per second, photos- 640×380 resolution.  In a nutshell, they can get some great shots, but they won’t necessarily be able to display them on ESPN.

Thankfully, now with the Action Shot Camera they won’t try to use their smart phone and use both hands on the adrenaline-rush of the day.

For the Illustrator, Artist or Photography Nut:



EasyPen i405XE, KYA, Ages 12 and above
Another item that this mom was reluctant to wrap up and put under the tree for someone else is the EasyPen i405XE from Genius Tablet.  Ideal for anyone already with an artistic inclination and a computer, this plug-and-play digital art studio allows artists and photography nuts to create their own drawings and add their own creative touches to existing pictures with the ease of a cordless pen. The tablet attachment includes a wide selection of brushes, paints, pens and paper textures to allow the user to add unique touches to photos, scrapbooks, paintings, etc. and includes Corel Painter Essentials 4, one of the leading graphic software on the market today. 

The only limitations of the Genius Tablet is what can be created by the person holding the cordless pen.


If you’re still looking for the RIGHT present for the right person, make sure to take a look at my HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!


DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Make Family Time Fun with These 6 Must-Have Board Games

By Leave a Comment

Wow-Mom Wednesdays: 

I have a friendwho buys a board game every year for Christmas for each member of her family to encourage family time while building a collection that they can share with their family and friends. So this year I totally stole the idea and have decided to take it on for my family. Oh, I didn’t know what I was embarking on in my search for the right game for the right person. There is a huge selection out there, but where do you start? 
So here I share my recommendations:
For the Little Ones: Sonny the Seal

If you want to make a splash, Sonny the Seal is the game.  The goal of this game is simple, toss the ring around Sonny’s neck.  Every time you do, he will clap his flippers and bark his excitement!  My two kids (1 and 4 years old) loved this game and mom got the opportunity to play this one like a hundred times.
All ages
$29.95 


For the Toddlers: Cupcake Race


Cupcake Race is the board game that satisfies your sweet tooth!  There is a party tonight and you are bringing the cupcakes.  Be the first to mix, bake, frost and top your cupcakes and you win the cherry on top. Think CandyLand meets Sorry. Personal note: Since this game entered our home, we’ve played it no less than 100 times. Just watch out for the little sprinkles and cherries if you have a less than 2-year-old around.
Ages 4 and up
$19.99 

For the Tweens: Kwizniac

Trivia games – you either love them or hate them. Kwizniac puts a twist on trivia so that finally we can all feel smart.  With Kwizniac you get clues to guess the person, place or thing.  The fewer clues you need, the more points you get.  This game is easy to take on the go and play anywhere, anytime.  (And if you really want to upgrade your game playing, you can even get this game as an app on your smartphone!)
Ages 12 and up
$19.99 

Flash Point Fire Rescue puts a twist on traditional board games.  It is a cooperative game, meaning you will have to work together to win – just like a fire department.  In this game, you will have to work together to save the people trapped in the burning building, fight the fire back, rescuing victims or investigate points of interest. And unlike other games, there’s also different levels of difficulty, so there’s never a dull (or repeat) game. (I’m thinking this game is the perfect present for my fire-fighting friends!)
Ages 10 and up
$19.99 
For the Whole Family: Reverse Charades

Spice up your family game night with three new expansion packs for Reverse Charades.  Reverse Charades is the hilarious twist on the classic game- instead of one person acting out a word; the team performs for one person to guess.   And to keep the fun going all year long – there’s expansion packs to entertain whatever interest your group enjoys like Sports Edition, Holiday and Girls’ Night Out. Our family plan is to play this Christmas Eve with the whole family.

However, my favorite part of this tame is that a portion of every game purchased benefits childrens’ hospitals.

Ages
$9.99
For the Big Kids (Mom, Dad and their friends): Star Trek Catan


Boldly going where no game has gone before…with Star Trek: Catan.  It’s the latest in the Settlers of Catan board game series (which has a fond place in my heart since the first night I met my husband we played this game with friends.)  In this edition, travel to the final frontier with Kirk, Spock, Scotty and McCoy as you work to expand and save the Federation.  The most unique part of Catan is the randomized board so each time you play is completely different. A must for anyone who is either a Settlers, Star Trek or loves role-playing games.

Ages 10 and up
$49.99 (Available exclusively at Target)
Play on and celebrate a little family time this holiday. 

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Hey, Go Elf Yourself (and how my family does it rap-style!)

By Leave a Comment

Tech Tuesdays:

You know you’ve done it or at least thought about it.
Yes, everybody does. Elfing yourself! (tee-hee!)
But this year, this holiday pastime has gotten bigger. Much bigger. And the kids are invited to play along with their own version – all year long.
Yes, ElfYourself.com, the most popular FREE holiday eGreeting from OfficeMax.com, with more than 470 million customized elf eGreetings during the past six holiday seasons, is back to turn everyone into dancing Santa’s helpers.  New this year, everyone who “elfs” themselves at ElfYourself receives a FREE year-at-a-view calendar featuring their “elfed” photos. Simply upload your photos, click “Let’s Dance” and select the “Get Calendar” link. The site will generate an exclusive promo code that can be redeemed for a custom ElfYourself Calendar at your nearest OfficeMax store. (Calendars retail for $6.99 and are limited to one per customer.)

But that’s not all folks… the guys at OfficeMax.com keep spreading holiday cheer by allowing you to share your custom eGreetings via email, Facebook, Twitter or by embedding it on websites. Or even better, you can get your 60-seconds of “Elf” Fame by participating in a new real-time holiday experience at ElfYourself Live, a dedicated channel featured on YouNow.com where your one-minute video is broadcasted online in front of a live global audience.

The brains behind those JibJab personalized greeting cards, such as Elf Yourself, are now letting your kids star in their own animated bedtime story books.  It’s a free iPad app that enables parents to create personalized, animated eBooks that include your child’s name and face in the stories Called “Starring You StoryBooks”.   

You can choose from one of many different kids’ books (with one free to start). The next step is to import your child’s face so it’s superimposed on the main character. You can take a photo using your device or select one from your photo gallery. Now you’re ready to flip through the storybook. The main character – which now has your child’s face – will walk, run, swim, cartwheel and dance around the pages. You can check out the StoryBots here —>http://www.storybots.com.  

I’m pretty sure my kid asks everyday to read HIS StoryBotsbook. He loves it and you will too!

Have fun and of course, “Go Elf Yourself!”

This Week: Tunnels, Trains and Other Holiday Things

By Leave a Comment

To-Do Thursdays:

The countdown is on as we approach less than 20 days until Christmas, so our schedule is full with Santa visits, Christmas cards and tree lightings.

If you’re looking for twinkling lights and holiday fun, check out these fun things to do:

     Garland Christmas on the Square, Dec. 6.
     
     Light up the Holidays with: Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie

     7 Tips for the Perfect Experience at ICE! at the Gaylord Texan

And there’s still other fun to be had this holiday with these events:

     Make Holiday a Home Run with Arlington’s Christkindl Market, Nov. 29 – Dec. 15

     Free Holiday Fun Has Already Begun at Galleria Dallas, now until Dec. 22

     All Aboard for Holiday Train Fun in Tarrant County


7 Tips for the Perfect Experience at ICE! at the Gaylord Texan

By Leave a Comment

Disclaimer
 
Recently, my official family event reviewer (my son) and I took a much needed mother-son adventure to travel to the Christmas Capital of the World, Grapevine, Texas for the opening of ICE! at the Gaylord Texan. (Oh, the things we do for prosperity!) Since it was our first experience, we thought we’d give you some tips on how you can have your best first experience at ICE! based on our lessons learned. 
 
 
TIP #1:
Bring Your Hats and Mittens with You to ICE! 
 
During Christmastime, there’s nothing like driving through Main Street in Grapevine to put you in the Christmas mood with all the decorated store fronts up and down the street. (And the North Pole Express is an absolute must, but that’s another day trip!) 
 
TIP #2:
Make Time to Enjoy Yourself. 
We gave ourselves the afternoon to enjoy the whole experience to the Gaylord, so we took our time driving, talking about the holidays, the exhibit and everything else holiday at the Gaylord Texan. We spent around 3-4 hours for our excursion. 
 
Pulling up to the entrance to the Gaylord Texan you can see that they are all about the Christmas details…even before you past the gates. My son was already so excited at this point I wasn’t sure he was going to be able to contain himself. 
 
TIP #3:
Parking may be an issue if you are bringing lots of little ones or the stroller. 
If you follow the signs to “ICE Parking” you will be sent to the other side of the hotel to park. There is some Convention Center parking, but it’s hard to score. My suggestion, which is what I didn’t do, VALET if you can. It will cut your walking time in half. However, remember, your parking cost (a $17 value) is included with your ticket to ICE! 
 
Here we are with the “big blue jackets” and ready to enter the freezing temperatures of ICE! (FYI, the tent that houses the 2 million pounds of ice is kept at around 12-25 degrees, so get ready for the chill.)
TIP #4:
You can take photos at ICE!
However, your camera may react different to the temperatures so take that into consideration. But take into consideration, there are several people going through the exhibit as well and sometime trying to get that perfect picture can back up traffic. Note: if you don’t want to deal with photos, you can have your photos taken and purchased at the end of the exhibit. 
 
The first room you get to includes this great welcome from the sponsors. 
Each year the theme changes at ICE, so check the website for this year’s theme!
Can you believe these colors are made just using highly concentrated
FOOD COLORING!?!
In the center of ICE!, you’ll find an amazing ice slide just for the little ones. This was perfectly timed and so much fun for a photo moment! 
 
While the exhibit has some fun and colorful scenes for the kids, I simply loved this Nativity scene. It was absolutely beautiful and certainly made you remember the reason for the season. 
 
 

Once you’ve ended the ICE! part of the fun, you can take off your jacket and enjoy a perfect moment for hot chocolate and a sweet snack. We opted for two gingerbread cake balls and cocoa, but these Madagascar-themed chocolate rice crispy treats were a hot item. Just think of it like that mandatory food stop you make at Six Flags. Don’t think about the cost; just pay for it and take a little moment to appreciate your family and the holidays.
While the exhibit was fun, the SNOW Tubing was the ultimate experience for us. And best of all, we could do it together with family tubes (how else do you think I got this shot!) While this is a separate ticket than ICE! you cannot NOT do this. It’s just too mean to do that and too much fun. And best of all, you get to do it like 10 times with your ticket so it’s worth it.

TIP #6:
You’ll need some muscle.


While there is help to put you on the slide, you are in charge of carrying your tube to the top of the slide. The double tube was rather heavy and cumbersome to carry, so it’s not for the faint of heart. When we switch to just having my son ride with a small tube, he could hold it, but it was a chore. Basically, there’s not much to say here except be prepared and you might have to do some hauling. 

A trip to the Gaylord’s Gingerbread House/Candy Store was a great way to end our adventure. We grabbed some fun holiday candy for the rest of our family and then ventured on our way home. ICE! was a great way to kick off the holidays!

TIP #7:
Enjoy Yourself. It’s Christmas! 

Of course there’s a whole lot more to do at the Gaylord Texan during the holidays, so make sure you look at all the other fun activities like Gingerbread House Making and more!

ICE! at the Gaylord Texan
Gaylord Texan Hotel 
1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, Texas 76051
817-778-2000
Website

Get Dolled Up: Four Dolls Your Girl Must Have for the Holidays

By Leave a Comment

Wow Mom Wednesdays:

An Oldie (with a Twist): Cabbage Patch Kids BABIES


I can remember it like it was yesterday. Lillian Felicia was the name of my first Cabbage Patch Kid. She had brown hair and eyes just like me and I was the proudest little 6-year-old girl in the world when I opened her up that Christmas. Now I get to share the same experience with my baby girl. The Cabbage Patch Kids line has expanded its adoptions to include Cabbage Patch Kids Babies. With six different fashion styles in a large variety of hair and eye colors, silky hair and removable fashions, little mommies will love caring for their newly adopted Babies. Maintaining high standards of quality, each Cabbage Patch Baby comes in his or her own pajamas or onesie outfit, matching blanket and special CPK cabbage leaf, bottle and pacifier.  Also includes a birth certificate with one-of-a-kind-name, birth date and adoption papers (which online purchase on CPK allows you to change your baby’s name.)

Additionally, now until Dec. 31, each baby comes with a FREE Shutterfly 8×8 hardcover Photo Book (a $29.99 value) with the purchase of any specially-marked Cabbage Patch Kids product.  You can also enter the Cabbage Patch Kids® One-of-a-Kind Kid Photo contest by uploading a favorite photo of their child with or without their Cabbage Patch Kid at http://www.cabbagepatchkids.com/Shutterfly.  One lucky child will be featured on a future Cabbage Patch Kids doll package plus many other prizes will be awarded including Cabbage Patch Kids and Shutterfly gift cards.

Cabbage Patch Kids Babies
Ages 2-5
Starting at $24.99 at CabbagePatchKids.com, ToysRUsand Target
A Newbie: Positively Perfect Dolls



While Cabbage Patch Kids were made with several options to look like your child, there aren’t many other options available for multicultural children – until now. Designed by mom and former professor Dr. Lisa Williams, Positively Perfect Dolls are a new line of dolls created to give girls of African-American, Hispanic and Asian ethnicities a doll that that encourages dreams, promotes intelligence, challenges perceptions, and open their hearts to all types of beauty.

Each doll is made with specific details in both her look and story. For example:
Marvelous Maria is the athlete of the group, and she can jump high and run fast. She plays soccer and basketball, and beats most boys in school sports. She eats healthy food and encourages her best friends Dayna and Brianna to do the same.
  •          14″ long doll has amber skin tone
  •          Gorgeous brown eyes
  •          Soft, cuddly body that is ideal for hugging
  •          Comes clothed in a pretty pink and blue trimmed dress with silvery earrings
  •          Hair can be styled, washed, air-dried and styled again and again 

Positively Perfect Dolls
Ages 3 and up
Starting at $12 at Walmartand soon to ToysRUs, Target, Kmart, Sears, Overstock, HSN
The Big One: American Girl’s Caroline


The doll of all dolls, American Girl has written the book on dolls, accessories and experiential marketing. While I thought I was able to hold off before stepping into the world of American Girl, my daughter received her first Bitty Baby doll as a gift for her first birthday, so I’m already in deep as I’m already waiting for our first matching outfits for her and her doll. And let’s not even talk about our first trip to the American Girl Bistro for lunch with the girls…

Celebrating the potential of girls ages 3 to 12, American Girl encourages girls to dream, to grow, to aspire, to create, and to imagine through a wide range of engaging and insightful books, age-appropriate and educational products, and unforgettable experiences. And those experiences are what dreams are made of with salon visits, photos and even spend the night packages just for our doll at the Westin Galleria and that’s just for starters.

While there are other dolls for sale, this year’s doll, Caroline, is a must-buy for Holiday 2012 with Caroline.  She opens up a whole world of imaginative play and comes with authentic styles from 1812 with a soft pink empire-waist dress with a woven floral sash and ruffle trim, details common in her era, lacy pantalettes and ribbed-knit stockings to keep her proper and even cute little pink shoes to match. Each doll ncludes the Meet Caroline paperback book, the first story of this brave, adventurous girl.

American Girl Caroline
Ages 8 and up
The Little (and lovely) One: Once Upon a TreeHouse Dolls


While American Girl dolls have endless opportunities for accessories from head to toe, Once Upon a TreeHouse goes back to the basics with Waldorf doll style, heirloom quality pieces utilizing century-old woodworking techniques from Germany’s oldest doll maker. Each doll is handmade with a special story and unique look so that no one doll is the same.

Once Upon a TreeHouse creates handmade toys and interactive ideas for parents and grandparents in efforts to provide enriching experiences with their children and grandchildren. Developed by a mom/sister team, Once Upon a TreeHouse was born to fill the gap between inferior plastic and antiquated dolls and dollhouse toys they felt were typically found in the market today. Offering a range of eco-friendly, high-end custom dollhouse products, the company uses natural materials like wood, cotton and wool, safe paints and stains, and for the dolls’ clothes only Velcro closures are used, so no buttons or tying is required. And for every doll Once Upon a TreeHouse sells, they give a doll to a child in need.

Once Upon a TreeHouse
Ages 3 and up
Starting at $22 available at OnceUponaTreeHouse.com
DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)




Stuff his Stocking with this Man Must-Have: The iGrill for IPhone and IPad

By Leave a Comment

Tech Tuesdays:
As Texas residents there is a requirement that you own a grill. It’s like an extension of your kitchen and like many things also in Texas – the bigger the better. Thankfully, temperatures here allow you to cook outside ‘round the year except when Mother Nature throws you a loop about half-way through the grilling process.

I know from my own experience that there have been many times I’ve had the “perfect meal” ready to go…I just needed to cook the steaks. Unfortunately, you either have to stay and babysit the steaks OR put them on the grill, walk-away just for a second and then SOMETHING always makes you forget and you end up having some really well-done steaks. It’s like I just need a little steak cook for about 20 minutes to watch the meat and then tell me when they’re done…

And then there was iGrill. Your IPhone/IPad already does everything else. It’s already your phone, computer, assistant, baby camera/monitor (yes, I have that app), and everything else…well now you can add cook to its long-list of reasons you’ll never be able to go to another smart device. Created by iDevices, the iGrill is a wireless cooking thermometer that you plug into your meat and it alerts you on your device when the meat gets to the right temperature. Almost seems like cheating, right?

Whether you’re grilling, smoking or indoor cooking, the iGrill wants to be your new cooking assistant. Using two included probes, the iGrill device measures the temperature and using the free app on your IPhone, alerts you when you should come and check out your meat. Bottom line: You can stay inside, watch TV and then come out and take the meat out when it’s done. The app even provides you links to recipes from Jennie-O as well as a guide to making the perfect steak and even deboning a fish.

While I would say this baby is perfect for a man gift this Christmas, I can only imagine how my first turkey would have actually turned out if my IPhone would had woke me up from my accidental slumber rather than to wake up two hours later with a huge, burned bird. I think the iGrill might be the way to save many meals in the future…it’s wireless cooking at your fingertips.

iGrill
Starting at $79
Available at iGrill.com, Brookstone, and Apple
DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Stuff the Stocking with I See Me Personalized Books

By Leave a Comment

Sharing Saturdays:
Just as important as the gifts under the tree are the gifts in the stocking. Working to find the right things that are fun and perfectly priced, this is traditionally where a small trinkets like Matchbox cars, Thomas accessories and holiday candy and of course, dog bones for Birddie, the family dog. Now with a little girl in the mix, I’ve got to expand my ideas of what goes into the cute stockings on the mantle, while also being “even” so the older one doesn’t think the younger one is getting anything cooler than he has.
Enter one of my favorite stocking stuffer finds this year: customized books. I See Me! personalized children’s books are a great way to spark a child’s imagination this holiday season. With every book, the child’s name and other personal details are inserted into stories that can help teach learning lessons like how to be a big sister/brother, the importance of a name, and most appropriately for now: the story of Christmas and Hannukah. Each of the books selected for both children included a great story, beautiful illustrations and will also make them feel special since every page including something specific just for them.

While I opted for color activity book options for both children, you can also choose for beautiful hardbound/board book editions for a little longer shelf time. And with a starting price of $9.99, these personalized books are affordable, memorable and educational all at the same time – making them an idea stocking stuffer. If my recommendation is enough, see what the Today Show, People and DailyCandy had to say about I See Me! Books.
I See Me!
Personalized Books
$9.95 – $39.95


DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)


What to Toast with the Turkey: Wine Picks for Thanksgiving

By Leave a Comment

Tech Tuesdays:

It’s not just Tech Tuesday – it’s also two days before Thanksgiving! 

Whether you are cooking, visiting or even dining out, you are probably going to be met with the challenge of wine at Thanksgiving. Well never fear, I not only have a recommendation for your Thanksgiving needs as well as a resource that keeps on giving no matter the holiday or occasion for all your wine suggestions.  I’m so excited to share this info – especially since I was able to talk one-on-one with the creator.  (Heads up: Get out your smartphone so you can get ready to download this!)

Loved this photo from blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com.
Recommendations for Thanksgiving Wines 

From WinePoynt’s sommelier and president, Chris Taylor:   

“My advice is to offer two wines with your Thanksgiving dinner, a medium-bodied white wine with acidity and a touch of sweetness, and a smooth red wine with good fruit character that compliments the flavors on your plate without bossing them around too much.  With a white and a red to choose from that both complement the spread, plus the fact that one’s sweet and the other’s not, you should have all the bases covered.”

White
$ Rieslings from Washington
If your table will be heavy on the marshmallows and other sweets, you may want to go for a slightly sweeter white wine, like a Riesling.  Sweetness varies across different Rieslings, but most of the ones from Washington are versatile enough to go with dinner & dessert.

$$ Chenin Blanc wines from Loire Valley of France (e.g. Vouvray)
The balance of sweetness & acidity complements the tang of cranberries, the richness of sweet potatoes, AND the turkey!

Red
$-$$ Pinot Noir from California
Styles vary of course, but these smooth reds are easy to drink, bursting with fruit and spices, are generally crowd pleasers, and won’t trip over anything on the table.

$$ 2012 Beaujolais Nouveau
The first wines available from the French harvest each year go on sale the Third Thursday of each November, just in time for Thanksgiving.  These light, fruity offerings from the gamay grape are intended to help us give thanks and celebrate the bounty of the harvest.  Perfect!



DRINK. RATE. REPEAT.: A little about Chris and WinePoynt
What happens when you are an accomplished sommelier with volumes of wine knowledge and you want to be able to make recommendations for people no matter where they are and no matter their wine price point? You create an app called WinePoynt.

All the knowledge from WinePoynt’s sommelier and president, Chris Taylor, was repurposed, organized and optimized to create the newest must-download app on your smart device, WinePoynt.  Made for anyone from customers, restaurant owners, party planners and local spirit sellers, you can slice and dice wine info from what to buy, what to pair, what to drink, and more – all with a few clicks.

Using info from the user and their location, WinePoynt learns what individual users like as they rate wines, the more the better. Unlike any app on the market, WinePoynt offers the unique service of providing personalized wine recommendations for the users location, allowing them to create and publish custom wine lists, view wine details, rate wines, add notes, share wines, scan wines by UPC code and more, all with a single app. Additionally, app users can attach notes or pictures to wines and share them via social networks along with their ratings.  WinePoynt has a free and a premium version available to mobile users, the premium app costs $.99 a month or $4.99 per year. 

 Cheers to the Holidays!


Pin This!

Visit Mama Challenge's profile on Pinterest.

Pictures Say a 1000 Words

Follow Along!