Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts

Monday, November 21, 2016

Give a Gift that Makes Memories

Exploring the Outdoors


My daughter just turned 6 in October. We live in rural Maine. Where I live, you can go outside and look up at the sky on a clear night and see all the stars. You can identify the constellations. Sometimes we can see the planets, satellites, asteroids, comets. Unless it's a cloudy night we can almost always see the moon and the stars. It's really breath-taking!

When she was born, I was lucky enough to meet one of the nurses who took care of me and my twin sister back in the 80s. As new parents, like most other parents we were so nervous. She told us there were 3 things children really needed, "Feeling secure or safe, love, and basic necessities."

Growing up we didn't always have a lot. We learned to appreciate what we had. To be humble: that no matter your situation there was always someone who was worse off. I tried taking some pictures for you, unfortunately, none of them came out: just a black screen :(

This is a fairly accurate depiction of the night sky where I live. Unfortunately none of the pictures I took came out: just a black screen. Source: Night Photography

It's the Simple Things in Life


It's the simple pleasures in life we share that will last a lifetime. During the holidays we sometimes go overboard on buying presents or the "things" but it's the feelings; the emotions associated with those things and the people. Family. Loved ones we're surrounded by that will last a lifetime.

Stargazing, nature watching are both experiences our family shares together.


GeoSafari Jr. My First Telescope


  • A Parents’ Choice Approved Award Winner (2016)
  • National Parenting Product Award (NAPPA) winner (2016)
  • Teacher's Choice Preschool Award Winner (2016)















  • Ideal tool for preschoolers interested in space and the moon
  • Encourages exploration and discovery
  • Provides hands-on experience with a scientific tool
  • Introduces the wonders of space
  • Perfect for STEM learning



My First Telescope is made for ease of use.











This is what I loved about the Geosafari Jr. My First Telescope:
  • No focusing, so it's user-friendly.
  • Easy open tripod
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • I liked the eyepiece even though you can't adjust the focus and this telescope is essentially a nicely made magnifying glass that looks like a telescope.
  • The concept is to get kiddos excited about the outdoors 
  • It helps kids develop their imaginations



This product is recommended for ages 4 and up. My daughter is 6 and this has definitely been one of her favorites. She loves that she can feel grown up, "Let me go get my telescope, so I can look at the stars!"

Folks, I'm sorry to disappoint you; but, I've tried it... I can't see my neighbor's porch light, let alone the stars with this product. It's essentially a magnifier and the website says this too.

But the bottom line is that doesn't matter! Like I said before, it's the simple things in life. Making memories. Feeling a part of the family. Being loved. Looking at the stars.

Find the Award-Winning GeoSafari Jr. Telescope at Educational Insights or visit Educational Insights for more great products!

Disclaimer: I received this product in order to facilitate my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way.


Once Upon A Craft


I reviewed the Gingerbread Man.

Once Upon a Craft features 8 craft options.

The other options include:


  • The Ugly Duckling
  • The Princess and the Pea
  • Jack and the Beanstalk
  • The Elves and the Shoemaker
  • The Frog Prince
  • Rapunzel
  • Twelve Dancing Princesses

Each product package comes with a storybook and the materials to make the craft. This product is recommended for ages 4 and up.

Watch as your child brings their favorite story to life: putting together a simple craft. Share a story with them. Praise your child as they retell the story in their own words with the craft they made on their own!

For the price; it's a great product. The kiddos get something they can keep: the book. They also get something to entertain themselves or an activity/project to complete with Mom, Dad, Grammy or Grampa or someone special- the craft.

Once Upon a Craft The Gingerbread Man













The Product


It's a quick craft but the story can be retold with the use of the craft and story. This was actually a better product in its function than I expected because it aids children in their learning of how to retell stories and building memories.

My only qualm with the series is for me personally, I would like to see more offerings that are gender neutral. It's pretty obvious as to which products are marketed to boys and which are marketed to girls. You really only have to look at the packaging.

My daughter's completed Gingerbread man.
Once Upon a Craft would make a great standalone gift or stocking stuffer! If you would like to check out the product I reviewed or purchase it for your kiddo visit Educational Insights!

Disclaimer: I received this product in order to facilitate my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Update: Holiday Gift Guide

I'm excited to announce I'm partnering with Educational Insights and Learning Resources!

I've made many inquires to various companies and am awaiting replies.

I am still taking Submissions for my 2016 Holiday Gift Guide!

I hope to feature gift ideas in the following categories:

  • Children's Gifts
  • Men's Gifts
  • Women's Gifts
  • Family Gifts
  • Pet Gifts
  • Stocking Stuffers
If you are interested in sponsoring my 2016 Holiday Gift Guide, please contact me at dpapsis2@gmail.com

**There are a number of options available!

I plan to publish product reviews ASAP with backlinks to product and/or company pages and original photographs with social media amplification.

All sponsors and/or products will be featured in my Holiday Gift Guide and on my social media sites; as well as my permanent Sponsors Page.

I plan to publish my completed Holiday Gift Guide by Monday November 21st for maximum traffic and exposure in line with the Holiday Shopping Season. (Think Black Friday and Cyber Monday).

Monday, September 19, 2016

2016 Holiday Gift Guide: What Are You Wishing For?





What would you like to see featured in this year's Holiday Gift Guide? 

Please leave your comments below.

Friday, March 4, 2016

Honesty and the Power of Social Media

It's amazing what honesty and the power of social media can do!
I checked my email and read for yourselves the email I received this morning from FiveJoy regarding their product.

Screenshot of email from FiveJoy Co-Founder/CEO, Jennifer

My Response to FiveJoy and their CEO/Co-Founder

Hello Jennifer!

I appreciate your response and hope you follow through this time. My 5 year old daughter and I would be very appreciative! She will be over the moon if and when a new one arrives!

You can blame mistakes on various processes, email and/or whatever else. My point is, no matter where the fault lies, in Business, Retail or E-Commerce the customer or consumer is what matters. By the way, it would be nice if you took the time to spell my name correctly. Thank you!

Kind Regards,
Danielle Papsis

I'll let you all know when I receive the replacement FiveJoy Teepee as Jennifer said in this latest email. I do hope they follow through.
 
Have you had a similar experience? I want to hear from you! What did you do to remedy the situation? If you are dining at a restaurant will you say something if your order comes and is not as you requested?

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day, Saint Valentine's Day, The Feast of Saint Valentine.

Valentine's Day like many holidays is more than about the commercialized cards, chocolates and jewelry. It is nice to receive or give a gift. This day can be made special (as can any other day) through the expression of love, joy and appreciation for your partner and loved ones.

My daughter attends Pre-Kindergarten in the town where we live. A weekend ago we went to Target and she picked out some Valentine's Day cards she thought were cute to give to her classmates at school. Of course, all of them were pink and depicted one or two Pomeranians with a cute little message and perforated slits to insert a pink pencil with Pomeranian puppy faces on them. Thinking some of the boys in her class might feel a bit awkward at receiving a pink pencil we chose some sparkly pencils in a variety of colors to replace them.

My parents were married on Valentine's Day. My grandmother, who will be 88 at the end of the month, saved pictures of their wedding day. Looking at these pictures I recognize some family members, some who have passed. As for my parents, their marriage didn't work.

Many children and adults make sing-song rhymes "Roses are Red, Violet's are Blue..."

This modern cliché Valentine's Day poem can be found in the collection of English nursery rhymes Gammer Gurton's Garland (1784):

The rose is red, the violet's blue,
The honey's sweet, and so are you.
Thou art my love and I am thine;
I drew thee to my Valentine:
The lot was cast and then I drew,
And Fortune said it shou'd be you

My Fiancee is a kind-hearted soul and loving Father. Wouldn't you know he too went with the commercialized Valentine's Day!
My Valentine's Day Presents: Russel Stovers Chocolates and a Potted Pink Mini Rose.

For our daughter a less expensive Heart filled with chocolates and some Tulips we can plant in our perennial flower beds later.

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Share one of your favorite holiday traditions.

Monday, December 28, 2015

Review: Inspired Basics Vertical Moscow Mule Mug with Bonus Cocktail Recipe E-Book



LIFETIME GUARANTEE! Before buying your Moscow Mule Mug make sure you do your research! Inspired Basics backs their Moscow Mule Mugs with a Quality Guarantee.

NO TIN or NICKEL LINING here! This Mug is 16 oz. Stunningly Beautiful and Handcrafted. It is a Hammered Copper Mug With 100% Pure Copper. The handle is welded for easier cleaning. Riveted handles are harder to clean around rivets and by nature attract bacteria Posing potential health hazards and are also notorious for leakage.


BONUS! Inspired Basics Vertical Moscow Mule Mug comes with a Special 37 Page Cocktail Recipes e-Book - Valued at $19.97 for FREE (e - book download details inside the box). Use with a variety of Cocktails Not Just Moscow Mules. Use with Vodka, Ginger Beer, Martini and many more beverages. Of course you can always use these mugs for making your favorite "mock-tails" too ;)










FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS & SPECIAL PEOPLE! Gather friends and family for fun Times - Great For Weddings, Special Occasions like Anniversaries. Makes an awesome gift and looks stunning with your drink-ware. Elegant Copper Cups for both indoor and outdoor fun.

Remember Copper Moscow Mule Mugs Are NOT For Microwave Use and are NOT dishwasher safe!

Disclaimer: I received this product in order to facilitate my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way.

Monday, December 21, 2015

Kicking Mule Hammered Moscow Mule 100% Solid Copper, 20 Oz. Review



 
Find The Kicking Mule's 20 Oz. Copper Mug Here!


While I'm not an expert on how to tell if this truly is solid copper, it certainly looks beautiful! You can pop it in the freezer to make drinks nice and frosty. 20 ounces is plenty big for any ice cold beverage you can dream up!

Kicking Mule backs their Hammered Moscow Mule with a 100% Guarantee and a Lifetime Warranty! These reasons make it all the more enticing to purchase your Copper Mule from Kicking Mule!

This Copper Mule Mug comes in an elegant Black Box ready for gift-giving!

Kicking Mule goes the extra mile with their packaging and wraps their Mules in paper, foam and plastic before placing them in a simple yet elegant, quality black gift box with their company logo. I'd recommend this 20 Oz. Hammered Moscow Mule Made in 100% Solid Copper as a special gift, perfect for any occasion. As a matter of fact, hubby is going to love his new Christmas present! Shhh! Don't tell ;) The recipient will appreciate and admire their Mule for years and drinks to come! Cheers!

Disclaimer: I received the above product to facilitate my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

Friday, November 20, 2015

LifeStyle PartyTime Kitchen #Giveaway - Step2 #FanFriday!

Enter to win a LifeStyle PartyTime Kitchen from Step2 on their Facebook Page!

Like and Enter to win the LifeStyle PartyTime Kitchen in Winner's Choice of color!
https://www.facebook.com/thestep2company/timeline


The Step2 LifeStyle PartyTime Kitchen comes in the winner's choice of blue and green or maroon (ARV $179.99)!

Features include:
  • Realistic "stainless steel" oven, microwave, and refrigerator
  • Four electronic features: toy microwave, stove top, overhead light and phone to increase interactive play
  • Frying pan and boiling pot activate frying and boiling sounds on front burner, enhance make believe fun
  • Special silverware drawer and two "wicker" storage baskets for kitchen toy accessories
  • 33-piece accessory set included (colors of accessories and play food may vary)
The Step2 LifeStyle PartyTime Kitchen is recommended for children ages 2 and up.



Do you want to purchase The LifeStyle PartyTime Kitchen for a child on your Christmas list? It is now On Sale for $119.99!

Check it out Here! http://www.step2.com/p/LifeStyle-PartyTime-Kitchen