Shop Pear Tree Greetings For Unique, Creative Christmas/Holiday Photo Cards!!! $40 Gift Code Giveaway!!!

pear tree logo #PearTreeGreetings

After Halloween I think it really hits that even though we may not believe it, that it’s time to start planning for the holidays. If you send Holiday Cards to your family and friends it’s time to start shopping!  I love taking photos and so I have sent photo cards to my friends and family ever since my oldest was born.  I love seeing how many options are available now. How I wish when my first three were younger that we had all the photo editing options and the ability to use multiple photos on cards.  My life would have been so much easier!  At least now with our family of 7, the endless array of options for colors, font, design, text and more make it easy to create a card that is unique, special and includes many photos of our family.

I recently created some Christmas Cards at Pear Tree Greetings and even ordered some coordinating photo address labels.  Their selection of cards is spectacular, and the search options make it easy to find a card that has the features you need.  If you normally write a holiday newsletter they have cards with stories and newsletters built right in.   What a great look to have the card read like a story of the last year to share with family and friends.  I chose the Stripes and Stories Creative Photo Christmas Card.

Stripes And Stories Photo Card #PearTreeGreetings

 

I was able to test several other options and save them until I found one that I was sure would be perfect for us.

Five Panel Argyle Holiday Card #PearTreeGreetings Soft White Lights Christmas Card #PearTreeGreetings Sparkle & Shine Trifold Letter #PearTreeGreetings

Stocking Stuffers Holiday Card #PearTreeGreetings Christmas Gift Tags #PearTreeGreetings

The card I chose had a Christmas Cookie recipe but I swapped it out for a snippet of A Charlie Brown Christmas where Linus explains what Christmas is about.  That is very special to my family for various reasons but especially since our son Luke was born on Christmas Eve and his sister declared that after seeing that scene, we should name him Luke.  We were contemplating between Luke and Jacob and could not decide on which to use for his first name.  She called the hospital a few hours after his birth and said she had just watched A Charlie Brown Christmas and after hearing Linus recite Luke 2:8-14 KJV that his name should be Luke.  The funniest thing is that Luke became a huge blanket baby just like Linus.

In another panel in the card I was able to add a custom Christmas and New Year message.  All the photos had little plaques that we could customize with our kid’s ages, where or when a photo was taken or anything else we wanted.

I was also able to create a coordinated look by ordering photo address labels that tied everything together.  It was simple and easy and there are even easy editing options right on the site when you are making your card that will allow you to convert your color photo to black and white in one click as well as other tweaks to make your photos look their best.

Chevron Cheer Address Label #PearTreeGreetings Festive Framework Address Label #PearTreeGreetings

Pear Tree Greetings is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a $40 Gift Code to use at PearTreeGreetings.com!  Thank you Pear Tree Greetings for the review code and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Pear Tree Greetings $40 Gift Code Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Smart Games, Bunny Peek-a-Boo Game Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

Smart Games Logo #SmartGames

You may be full swing into your holiday shopping since Halloween is over and thinking about the little ones on your list.  As a mom, I love when something is fun and educational for my kids.  A great game that is both of those is Bunny Peek-a-Boo  from Smart Games.  This game may at first look like an infant toy but don’t be fooled.  Named to the Parents Magazine 2013  top picks from Toy Fair, Bunny Peek-a-Boo helps children discover the world of 3D spatial perception.  3D spatial perception is an important skill in reading and mathematical reasoning.  There are 60 challenges on 4 different levels for children to solve.  Beyond the cards parents and kids can use the blocks to explore other concepts like above/below, inside/outside, visible/hidden, etc.  My little guy loved to play with this and was really thinking how to recreate the picture on the card.  It’s fun even for my 6-year-old to do the master level challenges.

Smart Games Peek-a-Boo Bunny #SmartGames #HolidayGiftGuide

Mommy Ramblings is adding this fun and educational game to our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide!!!

Smart Games Peek-a-Boo Bunny #SmartGames #HolidayGiftGuide

 

Smart Games Peek-a-Boo Bunny #SmartGames #HolidayGiftGuide

Smart Games Peek-a-Boo Bunny #SmartGames #HolidayGiftGuide

Smart Games Peek-a-Boo Bunny #SmartGames #HolidayGiftGuide

Smart Games is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky Mommy Ramblings reader will win their own Bunny Peek-a-Boo  Game.  Thanks to Smart Games for the review Game and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Smart Games, Bunny Peek-a-Boo  Game Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Choosing The Perfect Frameless Shower Doors For Your Bathroom!!! #CurbAppeal

‘We are making progress on our master bath remodel.  There are so many decisions to make regarding tile, colors, vanities, tubs, showers and more that it can be overwhelming.  I really want to make choices that will enhance our home, add value and functionality. Having built our home, I have been through this before.  At that time there were so many decisions to make about everything it definitely got overwhelming, and there was no internet or Pinterest to help with great images or inspiration.  So last I updated we chose our tile and now I have picked our shower doors.  I like the way clear shower doors look in pictures but to tell you the truth, I do not think they would suit our bathroom. First off, my bathroom is large but when you walk in you look straight across to the shower.  If the glass were totally clear it would be the first thing you see and there would be no privacy if someone accidentally walked in on someone showering. Also, if the shower was not perfectly arranged I think it would look messy because the clear glass shows everything.  I also think the clear glass would be tiresome to take care of because of the spots and streaks that would show if you were not meticulous.

Frameless Clear Shower Doors

I love frameless doors but I decided on frosted glass and I am very comfortable with my decision.

Framless Frosted Shower Doors

Even after deciding on the glass there were other decisions on the doors to make such as the finish on the door trim and whether I wanted a sliding door or one that opens out.  I chose the sliding option just because I would be afraid of my little ones coming in and slamming it accidentally and I know it would make me a wreck.

Outward Opening Frameless Shower Door #curbappeal

 

The sliding option cost more but not as much as my sanity.  There were only 2 choices for the trim and I chose the stainless steel over chrome, again pricier but I think easier to care for and more high-end than chrome which is fitting of a master bath.

Stainless Steel Accents Shower Doors #curbappeal

 The company I dealt with for the shower components was Vigo Industries and they were excellent and the gentleman that assisted me was helpful and answered all my questions.  He even preferred the frosted glass as well which made me feel even more secure with my choice.  So what are your thoughts on shower doors? Do you have clear glass frameless?  Do you love or hate them or have a love, hate relationship with them?  Do you have frosted frameless doors?  Are you happy with them or do you regret having picked them?  Share your thoughts with me on the comments for this post and keep following because we are going to cover every step of the way the progress of our bathroom and show you from start to finish how our bathroom comes together in our curb appeal series.

 

 


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Shop World Vision Gift Catalog This Holiday Season For Gifts That Give Back All Year & Enter Our Giveaway For A Handmade Ornament Set From Nairobi!!! #WorldVision

World Vision Logo

I cannot believe how fast this year is flying by.  I thought today that by now I have usually baked many batches of pumpkin chip cookies and this year I have not made one.  I better get some made pronto or it will be time for gingerbread.  ‘Speaking of gingerbread, you are probably thinking of your holiday gift list or will be soon.  I really want to share an idea for truly meaningful gifts this season, The World Vision Gift Catalog offers more than 250 items that help fight poverty and save lives here in US and around the world. What a great gift to buy for anyone but especially for those who are so challenging to find the right thing for.  These unique, life-changing gifts will never be too small or need to be returned and they  give back all year-long. With a financial contribution, donors can select one of the 30+ Handcrafted Gifts that can be shared with a loved one and at the same time help a person in need.

world vision goat 1

World Vision goat

D087-0057:30

 

You can follow  World Vision USA  on Facebook  and Twitter at @WorldVisionNews or @WorldVisionUSA.  You will also find that gifts from The World Vision Gift Catalog are featured on Mommy Ramblings’ 2013 Holiday Gift Guide.
World Vision Animal Trio Ornaments #WorldVision
World Vision Ornament Set #WorldVision
World Vision is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win the set of 3 handmade Zakale wire and bead animal trio ornaments from Nairobi.  Thank you World Vision for these exquisite ornaments that will be gracing our tree this year and for sponsoring this inspiring giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.
Set of 3 Handmade Zakale Wire Bead Animal Trio Ornaments Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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LunaTagz, Reflective, Safety Stickers Review & Giveaway!!! #LunaTagz

Lunatagz

Just like the moon, they’re illuminated by light. LunaTagz protect the creatures of the night. As they run, ride or simply play, their existence is known to keep them safe.

Available in an array of shapes and sizes, from skulls and hearts to paw prints and peace signs, LunaTagz stickers and straps are made with a fusion of genuine 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective material and a specially formulated durable adhesive so that you can tag your running gear, bikes, helmets, leashes, mailboxes, backpacks and more. They’re ideal for any area that requires safety illumination from street lamps, headlights or any beam of light. You’ll be seen up to 300 feet away!

LunaTagz Illuminated By Light

LunaTagz were conceived by Ramsey, NJ mother of three, Hala Assile. Her desire to keep her children safe and their desire to “look cool” sparked the launch of the business. Today, LunaTagz are sold in popular retail locations across the country.

I received some peace signs and lightning bolt design LunaTagz to review.  They are a great look and are perfect for adding to any article of clothing, hat, helmet, jacket or even dog leash that we want to be seen if we are out at night.  My daughter is a jogger and cyclist and these are great for her helmet or jacket when it is dusk or later.  This is an easy way to make it easier for anyone to be seen at night.

halloween_trickortreat With LunaTagz

LunaTagz is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their choice of the 4 Pack Pet Lovers or Everyday 4 Pack of LunaTagz.  Thank you LunaTagz for the review Tagz and for sponsoring this terrific giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

LunaTagz, Reflective Safety Stickers Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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LEGO® KIDSFEST New England: December 6th-8th!!! #LegoKidsFest Giveaway For 2 Tickets To Opening Night & Exclusive VIK Event!!!

Lego Kids Fest

LEGO® KIDSFEST New England: December 6-8

Three Acres of Hands-On Educational Fun for All Ages

The LEGO® KidsFest national tour stops at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT, December 6-8, 2013, bringing all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in this three acre activity- and  entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests.

Lego Kids Fest 1

Among the many LEGO attractions, families will find:

  • LEGO Model Gallery: dozens of life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks
  • LEGO Master Builders: live demonstrations and activities from the crew who get paid to play
  • Creation Nation: build your own creation to add to a custom map of the U.S.
  • Race Ramps: build your own custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family
  • LEGO Games Arena: roll the dice to play LEGO board games
  • Construction Zones: creative free build, play and display areas
  • LEGO DUPLO®: younger visitors can explore imagination through building
  • LEGO Retail and KidsFest Marketplace: purchase LEGO merchandise and official KidsFest tour goods
  • Brick Pile: a gigantic pile full of LEGO bricks for creative play and enjoyment
  • Monochromatic Builds: bricks of a single color to foster group creativity
  • Brickscapes: fantastic displays that combine lots of LEGO and DUPLO sets
  • And much more, covering over 150,000 square feet of space

Lego Kids Fest 2

“Any family who likes to be inspired, get hands-on and have fun together won’t want to miss LEGO KidsFest,” said Vince Rubino, LEGO events manager. “We’re bringing so many activities for Virginia-area families to test and showcase their creativity and building skills in what is sure to be a family event to remember.” 

Lego Kids Fest 1

Based on sell-out attendance in previous markets, advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.

Five sessions – all identical – are available for the Hartford December 6th – 8th tour stop.  LEGO KidsFest tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for children and can be purchased online at www.LEGOKidsFest.com

The LEGO KidsFest 2013 tour stops have included: Richmond, VA (February 15 – 17), Louisville, KY (April 5 – 7), Houston, TX (May 17 – 19), Phoenix, AZ (July 12 – 14), San Jose, CA (August 30 – September 1), Portland, OR (October 11 – 13), and Hartford, CT (December 6 – 8).    

 Lego Kids Fest 4

TICKET Giveaway – One lucky Mommy Ramblings Readers will win (2) tickets to for the opening night session on Friday, December 6, 2013   (Includes a special exclusive VIK event starting at 3pm along with the session 4-8:30pm).  To keep up to date on the latest news and events be sure to  LIKE and Follow LEGOKidsFest on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest ticketing updates!   Winner will be randomly chosen by USFG on Thursday, Nov 15!!!

To enter the giveaway click HERE.


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Enter to Win A $200 Gift Card From Educational Toys Planet!!!

Get your Holiday shopping started early, Educational Toys Planet, one of our sponsors is having a Rafflecopter giveaway for a $200 Gift Card. Beat both store and online crowds in 2013 by engaging in “preseason” toy shopping! As always, they have you covered with thousands of hand-picked gifts for kids  from hundreds of manufacturers.  Feel free to enter below Good luck and happy preseason shopping! Hurry ends on October 31st!!!

One lucky winner will receive
$200 eGift Code from Educational Toys Planet!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Bring Pound Puppies: “Holiday Hijinks” Home November 5th!!! DVD Giveaway For 2 Winners!!!

         SHOUTKIDS HASBRO

It’s Time For Holiday Hijinks!

             Pound Puppies: Holiday Hijinks

Pound Puppies Holiday Hijinx

      Bring Home the Holiday Fun November 5th

                      from Shout! Factory Kids

 

The holidays are almost here and no one is more excited than these lovable Pound Puppies! On November 5th, 2013, Shout! Factory Kids, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios, will release Pound Puppies: Holiday Hijinks on DVD.

Can the Pound Puppies gang — Lucky, Niblet, Cookie, Strudel, Squirt and Mr. Nut-Nut — make sure that every pet has a family of their very own this holiday season? Find out in this merry-filled disc, packed with five of your all-time favorite holiday episodes!

Winner of the 2012 Humanitas Prize in Children’s Animation, the Pound Puppies series is currently airing on The Hub in the U.S. and YTV in Canada and stars the voices of Eric McCormack, Yvette Nicole Brown, Michael Rapaport, John DiMaggio, Alanna Ubach, René Auberjonois, and M. Emmet Walsh.

Episodes Include:

  • I Heard The Barks On Christmas Eve
  • I Never Barked For My Father
  • Barlow
  • Good Dog, McLeish
  • Prince And The Pupper

Shout Kids Factory is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Two lucky blog readers will win Pound Puppies: Holiday Hijinks DVD!!!  Thank you Shout Kids Factory for the review DVD and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Pound Puppies: Holiday Hijinks DVD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Ornaments With Love Christmas & Holiday Personalized Ornaments Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

Ornaments With Love

We are kicking off the start of Mommy Ramblings’ 2013 Holiday Gift Guide Posts with Ornaments With Love!  Ornaments with Love is a family run company that has been in the retail gift business for over 50 years.  This great company has so many great styles of ornaments and tabletop decorations for the holidays that can be personalized.

These unique ornaments make great gifts and will become treasured keepsakes that will evoke great memories each season when they are unboxed and displayed.  As a mom of many, I really like that they have ornaments that go beyond 2.5 children and even included pets. This year we ordered a festive, Christmas Train decoration with a car that was adorned for each family member with their name.  The detail and quality on the ornament is superb and my little ones were so excited when it arrived.  They were busy finding everyone’s car and had such fun seeing there was a train car for everyone.  The extensive ornament selection will let you find the perfect ornament for anyone, check out some of the available styles below and to see them all visit the website.

So many ornaments for grandparents, grandmas and grandpas

So many ornaments for grandparents, grandmas and grandpas

 

 

Ornaments for Teachers!

Ornaments for Teachers!

Special Ornaments for Service Men and Women!

Special Ornaments for Service Men and Women!

 

Daycare Provider and Babysitter Ornaments!

Daycare Provider and Babysitter Ornaments!

 

Great Ornaments for Photographers!

Great Ornaments for Photographers!

 

Lots of New Baby and Baby's First Christmas Ornaments!

Lots of New Baby and Baby’s First Christmas Ornaments!

Hanukkah Ornaments!

Hanukkah Ornaments!

 

Ornaments for Multiples!

Ornaments for Multiples!

 

Ornaments for musicians and so many other hobbies!

Ornaments for musicians and so many other hobbies!

Oranments With Love Train

Oranments With Love Train Merry Christmas

Oranments With Love Train Luke

Would you like a chance to win one of these great ornaments?  Ornaments with Love is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One luck blog winner will win an ornament of their choice from Ornaments with Love!  Thank you Ornaments with love for the beautiful review ornament and for sponsoring this spectacular giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Ornaments with Love Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Download Free Disney, Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return on the iTunes App Store, Google Play, and Windows Store!!!

Disney Snow White Free App Game #Disney

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Explore the Enchanted Forest on Mobile in “Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return”

Disney Snow White App

Disney Interactive launches Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return, bringing the cast of Disney’s original Animated Classic to mobile

 

Today, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs make their debut on mobile with the launch of Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return on the App Store, Google Play, and Windows Store. Players can now join Snow White and her friends as they attempt to bring peace back to the Enchanted Forest.

Free Disney Snow White a

The most enchanted building game on mobile, Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return invites players back into the storybook setting of Snow White. This time, the Evil Queen has corrupted the land, and players must help the Dwarfs unite to lift the curse. Players restore the forest by crafting new buildings, exploring new locations, and mining for hidden treasures and resources, while learning more about the Dwarfs’ stories through all-new discoveries along the way. Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return even lets players connect their uniquely made communities by sending and receiving gifts from friends.

Save Snow White Disney App Game

Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return brings magic to the popular simulation genre. The classic story of Snow White’s world lives on, this time with the audience’s help to bring happiness back where it belongs!

Seven Dwarfs Disney Game

Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return features include:

  • Players venture deep into the forest to rescue Snow White and all seven Dwarfs.
  • Explore new locations and discover pieces of the Dwarfs’ story
  • Craft items to restore the village and bring happiness to the forest
  • Players mine for hidden treasures and resources in a unique mini-game
  • Send and receive gifts from friends to help on quests

 

Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return is now available for free on the iTunes App Store, Google Play  and the Windows Store .


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