#Stuffies4Kids

 

I won our Christmas tree from Capitol Christmas Trees, a business that gives back
by donating to and collecting donations for foster kids.

Renee with her dog, Lola

Our daughter Renee, 7 wrote a letter to Santa last week. I’m such a proud Mom!
We decided to start a fundraiser for local foster kids.

Renee has a big heart! This holiday season she wants to give Stuffed Animals to foster kids (who might not otherwise receive much or anything at Christmas.) Let’s help Pay It Forward!

Did you know thanksgiving or giving (gratitude) can contribute to healthy living?

It’s true! Dr. Robert Emmons, a Professor of Psychology at the University of California says:

Give something away. When we are givers, we reflect more clearly on what it is like to be a receiver. Also, we are grateful for the opportunity to give, knowing that giving brings happiness to self and others.

Please consider making a donation. Any amount helps!

Read & Share: https://GoFundMe.com/stuffies4kids

Be a part of what makes the holidays magical  = )

All donations are greatly appreciated! 
Thank you for reading our story.

2016 Holiday Gift Guide Submissions

This Mom Loves to Review always loves finding the newest and special products for loved ones all year long; but, now it is time to focus on the upcoming holiday season.

We are interested in working with you to provide readers with a variety of fantastic gift ideas. Please take a look at the gift categories, and promotions available.

Types of Gifts:

• Gifts for Children 3 and under
• Gifts for Children 3 and over
• Gifts for Mom
• Gifts for Dad
• Stocking Stuffers
• Unique or Personalized Gifts

 

Promotion:

• Sponsored Posts
• Outbound links to products and/or website
• Photographs
• 2 rounds of Social media amplification during the weeks of your choice
• Product Reviews
• Outbound links to products and/or website
• Original Photographs
• Giveaways (Highly recommended for creating extra attention)
• Tweets
• Facebook Posts
• Instagram Posts
• Pins to Pinterest
• Promotion in 2016 Holiday Gift Guide
• Paid Advertising available on my sidebar
• Permanent listing as a sponsor on my Sponsors Page

Sturdy Metal Flag Stand + American Flag

The ground was frozen at the time this photo was taken, so it was placed in my raised garden bed.

This Flag Stand was easy to assemble and is small but attractive at almost 3 feet tall.
It is meant for potted plants or in the garden. I would like to see a larger version made available, too.

FEATURES:

Large Display Stand: 32 inches tall, 15 inches wide, & made of sturdy, rust-free one-piece wrought iron that is powder-coated and will not break or bend.

Sturdy Design: Secures any flag with a rubber stopper, bottom flag clip, and double 5.25-inch spiked posts for support.

Removable Flag: Depicting the red, white, and blue, the fade resistant 12-by-18 inch 150D polyester flag can be easily removed, washed, and replaced with any other flag of the same size.

Weatherproof: The stand and flag will withstand strong winds, rains, bright sun, and inclement weather without rusting or tearing.

Kit includes:
1 Metal Stand – 32x15 inches
1 American Flag – 12x18 inches
1 Flower shaped Rubber Stopper
1 Anti-Wind Clip
1 Instructions

Complete Set - Get a beautiful American flag and a 32-inch tall, sturdy wrought iron garden stake.

Classic Design - With the iconic flag removable, the stand has an "h" bracket spike for strength.

Special Features - Rubber stopper & anti-wind clip keep flag steady on the stand even when windy.

High-Quality Material - Fade Resistant polyester flag & 8mm black wrought iron with a coated finish.

2 Year Warranty - If not completely satisfied, you may contact the company in order to rectify the issue immediately.

Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

Make Your Little Leprechauns Smile with this CopyCat Shamrock Shake Recipe!

One of my favorite treats in March is a Shamrock Shake! Make your little leprechauns smile thanks to this copycat recipe.

Photo Credit: AllRecipes.com

Copycat Shamrock Shake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1/4 teaspoons mint extract or more to taste
• 9 drops green food coloring
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup, or to taste (optional)
• 2 tablespoons whipped cream, or to taste (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon green decorator sugar, or to taste (optional)

Directions:

1. Blend ice cream, milk, mint extract, and food coloring together in a blender until smooth.
2. Drizzle chocolate syrup around inside walls of 2 tall glasses; pour shake into glass. Top with whipped cream and green decorator sugar.

 Find the Shamrock Shake Recipe Here!
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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.

Visting New England? Come Meet Freeway the Reindeer Today at Kittery Trading Post!

Freeway "Maine's Only Reindeer" will be making a stop today at Kittery Trading Post. Come visit. She will be there between 1 and 4 pm today Sunday November 22!

Freeway the Reindeer will be at Kittery Trading Post Today: Sunday, November 22 1-4pm!

Meet “Freeway,” Maine’s only reindeer. She will be 15 years old in a few months, which is old for a reindeer! Freeway travels with her best friend, a 16-year old female Spotted European Fallow Deer named "Baby."

Follow Freeway and all her Friends on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/Pony-X-Press-Zoo-362614660297/?fref=ts
 
Visit Kittery Trading Post at: http://www.kitterytradingpost.com/

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