Tag Archives: 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Lilla Rose, Flexi-Clip Review and Giveaway!!! 2 Winners!!!

You may remember our review of the Flexi-Clip  in the past. I still use my Flexi-Clip  to put my hair up when I want my hair to look pretty, but don’t have time to do anything special! When our friend and Independent Lilla Rose consultant, Sarah Ives, gave me the opportunity to do another review for the Flexi-Clip , I accepted of course!! 

I love putting my hair up in a sophisticated French twist, it is always annoying to have to gather up all of those little bobby pins, try to open them with my teeth and keep them open just right as I try to get them into my hair, over and over again! However, with my little friend the Flexi-Clip , you just twist your hair up into the desired style, and stick the one solid pin into the bulk of it, and then push it through the other side of the Flexi! It makes it so much simpler, and doesn’t take nearly as much time! I even had fun coming up with more original styles!

 

Being that it is Autumn, one of my first choices for a Flexi-Clip  from her website, was the Festive Fallen Leaf design. This clip is gorgeous, the multi hued brown, gold, red and brass beads all compliment each other beautifully and give it a very festive feel. It has a pretty little leaf/flower design with tiny gems in the center. I have decided that this clips is perfect for me to wear to my family’s Thanksgiving dinner. I can put my hair into that favorite French twist style, slip in the Flexi-Clip, and as it only takes a minute, still have plenty of time to help with the food!

 

A Flexi-Clip  would make a great stocking stuffer for any girl, young or old! All of Lilla Rose’s finely crafted Flexi-Clips would be a welcome addition to your hair accessory collection, if not replace it completely! We are  including the Lilla Rose Flexi-Clip  in our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide as it is perfect for a special stocking stuffer.

 

Independent Consultant Sarah Ives is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Two lucky blog readers will each win a certificate redeemable for a Flexi-Clip of the winner’s choice valued up to $16!! Anyone who has won a Lilla Rose giveaway in the past 6 months is not eligible for this giveaway. Thank you Sarah Ives for this lovely review Flexi-Clip  and for sponsoring this splendid giveaway!!! Giveaway is open to the U.S. Canada and Mexico. 
Lilla Rose Flexi-Clip Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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Baby Bella Maya, Designer Toddler Car Seat Cover Review & Giveaway!!!

In my husband’s vehicle we have 2 Britax Boulevards and in my van we have 2 Recaro Car Seats.  The Britax Car Seat Covers are machine washable but the Recaro seat covers are only surface washable.  I was eager to try out the Baby Bella Maya Toddler Car Seat Cover on one of the Recaro seats because it would save a lot of surface cleaning because it can be machine washed.  I chose the Little Boy Blue and it is so sweet.  The cover is very well made and very soft and comfortable.  It fit great and was easy to put on without even having to remove the seat from the car.  The snaps make it simple to insert the straps through and my son thought it was great, in fact my other son took one look and asked where his was!  It really came in handy too because the other day we took a day trip to Manhattan and my three-year old spilled his drink all in the car seat.  We were just able to remove the cover and then machine wash it.  It saved my son from a soggy ride and saved me from a lot of insane surface cleaning of the original seat cover.  They have so many beautiful styles, you are sure to find something you and your child will love.

Little Boy Blue Toddler Car Seat Cover

Little Boy Blue toddler cover in a blue and dark brown toy print, topped with brown trim.  The cover is a fun and trendy way to give your toddler’s car seat a brand new look.   Spills are no longer a problem the cover can be removed, washed and securely placed back on the seat in a matter of minutes without having to disturb the integrity and safety of the installed car seat.  The covers utilize snaps to allow easy access to restraining straps, simply slide the straps through the inserts and snap closed, not only pretty but functional as well.  Coordinating strap pads are included to complete the look.

  • Set includes matching strap pads
  • Designed to fit the Britax® Marathon toddler car seat,  cover will  fit any similar car seat
  • Content: Toy Print 100% Cotton – Dark Brown Liner:  100% Polyester
  • Care Instructions: Machine Wash Gentle Cycle, dry low heat

Because of the situation I just mentioned above we are adding the Baby Bella Maya Toddler Car Seat Cover to our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide under Products to Help Make Your Holidays Merry and Bright.  This cover will be a real life saver when you are traveling during the busy holiday season.

Baby Bella Maya is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win the toddler car seat cover of their choice (subject to availability).  Thank you Baby Bella Maya for the review cover and for sponsoring this fabulous giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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Tervis, Peanuts® Group Wrap Hot/Cold Tumbler with Lid Review & Givewaway!!!

As a busy mom, it seems I am always on the go.  Busy mornings and shuttling kids really makes travel cups very handy.  I love the Peanuts Gang and so when I had the opportunity to choose an item for review from Tervis it was a no brainer that I chose the 16oz Peanuts Group Wrap Hot/Cold Tumbler with Lid.  I love this tumbler and not only for the cute factor.  The tumbler is dishwasher safe which is a must in this house and it can hold hot liquids but is not hot to the touch.  The lid is super handy and makes it great for running out the door and right into the cup holder in my van with no spills to worry about.  Lastly the cute factor and my favorite characters just stack the deck for me in recommending this tumbler.  In fact, Mommy Ramblings loves this tumbler so much we are adding it to our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide because it makes a perfect gift and even a great stocking stuffer that can be filled with candy, little gifts or even jewelry and stuffed into a stocking.

The most popular one of the bunch. It’s 16oz of refillable fun.

  • Great for both hot & cold
  • Microwave,  freezer & dishwasher safe
  • Greatly reduces condensation & sweating
  • Fits in most cup holders
  • Made in America
  • 6” tall x 3 3/8” (top) x 2 5/8” (bottom)

Tervis is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Tervis Hot/Cold Tumbler!  Thank you Tervis for the review tumbler and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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Hape Toys, Quadrilla Twist Set Review and Bamboo Vehicle Giveaway!!!

If you are not familiar with Hape Toys you are in for a treat, if you are familiar with Hape Toys you are still in for a treat.  Hape toys are created to inspire play, learning, and exploration of the world we live in; through responsible business practices they aspire to leave the world in a better condition than when they received it.

Hape’s Philosophy

Hape toys are designed first and foremost for children. Each product is developed to enhance a child’s developmental skills. Neither language, nor culture, nor gender impedes the intuitive play patterns. What children see as fun, parents and educators recognize as age-appropriate learning basics; social, sensory, physical, and emotional skills. Using natural materials, water-based paints, and strict quality and safety standards make every Hape toy an investment kids will love and parents can trust.

I recently had the opportunity to review the Quadrilla Twist Set from Hape.  When it arrived in the box it was impressive.  Opening the box and seeing the beautifully crafted natural and colored wood was just amazing.  This set is heirloom quality that will be handed down for generations.  My husband and I were in awe of just how awesome this set was.  Our little ones were eager to start our first creations and it was easy for them to help us as we would call for the red, or the orange and quickly we built our first structure and literally our kids played the next several hours with this set and were fascinated.  When it was time for bed my son made sure to tell me not to take it down because he was going to play when he got up, which he certainly did.  We are looking to get some of the other sets and add-on to create even bigger runs.  We are very happy with this product and when it says up to age 99 they aren’t kidding, we had a blast right along with the kids.

Quadrilla Twist Set

The Twist Set is the largest marble run set in the Quadrilla marble run family.

With its curved rails, large supply of blocks and two funnels, this set offers endless dynamic construction possibilities for large captivating structures.

Especially in combination with the rail set, building complex structures not only develops visual thinking but also offers a lot of fun and challenge.

Mommy Ramblings thinks the Quadrilla Twist would make an absolutely great gift this holiday season and so we are adding it to our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide!

Hape is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Hape Bamboo Vehicle!  Thank you Hape for the review product and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Hape Toys Bamboo Vehicle Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Step2 Little Helper’s Grocery Cart Review and Giveaway!!!

 

As a mom of five children, I am often asked advice.  One thing I am asked a lot is; what are the tried and true children’s toys I recommend.  Hands down one of them would be a shopping cart.  A shopping cart is great for boys and girls and lets them role play an activity they see mom and dad do all the time.  A shopping cart can also transform into many other things that carry much more that groceries.  Step2 makes a very sturdy, quality shopping cart called The Little Helper’s Grocery Cart that will be used again and again through the years.  My three-year old loves to take his stuffed animals on pretend shopping trips and my five-year old does too. They will take the cart for laps around the house or in the playroom and it allows for great imaginative and creative play.  One thing I love about this cart is that you do not have to wait at all to let your child have fun, it is fully assembled in the box.  What a treat for Daddy elf not to have to fumble to put it together if you want this under your tree. This cart is roomy and very sturdy and will stand up to even the most aggressive shoppers.  Mommy Ramblings recommends the Step2 Little Helper’s Grocery Cart and you will find it on our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.  

Kids can really shop till they drop with this easy-to-push, super durable grocery cart. Made in USA.

  • Low and wide cart shape is easy to handle, even for early walkers
  • Durable, large wheels roll smoothly
  • Solid, no-grate basket design keeps even the tiniest treasures inside
  • Lower shelf provides extra storage space for even more fun cargo
  • Great as a stroller, too! Seat space is perfectly configured to securely hold a favorite doll or stuffed animal; Large leg holes allow child to effortlessly insert or remove their shopping pal
  • Cart is fully assembled for instant out-of-the-box play
  • The inside dimensions are: 6H X 10W X 8D
  • Accessories and play food not included

Awards:

  • Platinum Award, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, 2010

Fully assembled right in the box!!!

Step2 is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Step2 Little Helper’s Grocery Cart!  Thank you Step2 for the review cart and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Step2 Little Helper’s Grocery Cart Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Giralua Ceramic Hand Painted Cherry with Silver Plated Stem Review & Giveaway!!!

 

I am relatively sure that what I am going to share with you is going to be the most unusual gift idea on our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.  You are sure to have heard of Brazilian Cherry Wood but I am going to tell you about a Cherry made in Brazil.  This Cherry is Cherry #1 in a series and is hand painted ceramic with a hand formed metallic silver plated stem.  The dimensions are 11″ by 4.5″ and this work of art is sure to get people talking.  So if you are looking for something for the person who has everything, I bet this cherry is something they don’t have.  Mommy Ramblings is adding this very unique, artful cherry to our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.

 

Would you like to win a cherry of your own?  Giralua is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own Cherry #1.  Thank you Giralua for the gorgeous review cherry and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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Corolle Dolls Miss Ambre and Bébé Do Review and Giveaway!!! 3 Winners!!!

If you are not familiar with Corolle, let me take a moment to introduce you.  Corolle is a doll manufacturer producing exquisite, adorable dolls that are styled in France. One of the greatest gifts for a little girl is a classic baby doll, one she can love, care for, and pretend with. In addition to their baby dolls, they have dolls for every age and stage, begining with squishy soft baby’s first dolls to fashionable, sophisticated dolls for older girls and everything in between.

I received a Miss Corolle doll named Ambre.  She is a beautiful blonde, 14 inches tall with a fashionable ensemble; a lovely red velour shrug and gray tweed, low waisted frock with a red tulle underskirt. Topped off with a red headband, tights and little black shoes, she is ready for Christmas! Her hair is long, perfect for many different styles. She has a light vanilla scent to her and has a soft body made for hugs from her new mama. She has bold blue eyes with delicate blonde eyelashes that make her look more realistic. She is packaged in a lovely, holiday-ready box!

Bébé Do is the other rosy-cheeked doll that was sent to join our little family, she is an adorably chubby, soft-bodied baby doll that ignited my motherly instincts. Whoever said dolls are just for little girls? Also at 14 inches, she is the perfect size for cradling in your arms, and her oh-so-soft body is perfect for cuddling! Bebe Do is outfitted in charming pink jammies, and comes with a bottle, soft bunny and small story book to show little girls how to take care of Bébé Do just like a real mommy!

Both dolls can be equipped with accessories and fashions from the Corolle collection on their website! They have a 12 piece set of baby accessories, diapers, cradles, strollers and of course fashionable clothing to complete their dolls‘ collection!

Mommy Ramblings is sure any little girl would love to adopt either of these beautiful dolls, so we are adding them to our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide, they would make an ideal gift for a daughter, granddaughter or niece!!

Corolle is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  3 lucky blog readers will win their own Miss Corolle Ambre Doll or Bébé Do Doll!! Thank you Corolle for these beautiful review dolls and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway!!!

Corolle 3 Doll Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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The Money Scholar Bank Review and Gift Certificate Giveaway!!!

I think we all know that one of the biggest sources of conflict in relationships is money.  Some people are good about saving, others can’t save a dime and as fast as they make money they spend it.  Perhaps things would be better if a good foundation was built for our children at an early age with how to manage their money. Money Scholar banks were created just for that purpose    They make interactive banks that are the piggy bank for the new generation.  With four different categories it will open up a dialogue between parents and children and help children to develop good money management skills that will be a benefit to them their entire lives.  These banks allow them to divide their money up in four categories: Save, Invest, Give and Spend.  They come in so many great styles to complement nearly any room decor.

We were lucky enough to be able to review one of these great banks and went with the Classic Sports Bank.  It is very good quality and looks fabulous in our son’s sports theme bedroom.  There are easy to open caps under the sports balls to remove the money from the individual banks and they all fit secure and snug in the base.

Mommy Ramblings thinks Money Scholar Banks are an excellent gift for the children on your holiday gift list.  You will find it on our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.

Money Scholar is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a gift certificate for $37.95 to be used on the Money Scholar website.  Thank you Money Scholar for the review bank and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Money Scholar $37.95 Gift Certificate Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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I See Me!, Personalized Children’s Gifts Review & Giveaway!!!

Having worked with I See Me in the past, I was recently contacted to see if I wanted to do a review of their personalized placemats and coloring books.  I gladly accepted and soon was sent 2 personalized placemats and coloring book.  The placemats are easy to care for and wipe clean, colorful and fun.  The coloring book is lots of fun for kids as they see their name on the cover and throughout the book animals bring letters one by one to spell out your child’s first name in rhyme.  There are also fun learning activities for kids to complete in the back.

If you are looking for great Holiday gifts that are unique and special, you should check out all the great personalized gifts from I See Me!  Right now there is a great savings in place if you want to buy multiple placemats or coloring books.  How easy it can be to get great gifts at a great price and all in one place.  Think of all the kids on your list you can cross off when you take advantage of the great savings.  To sweeten the deal, you can Get Free Shipping on all orders at I See Me with coupon code Santa – hurry, offer ends November 14th!

Mommy Ramblings is adding I See Me! to our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide because we think it is a great place to shop this season for all the kids in your life.

Get Free Shipping on all orders at I See Me with coupon code Santa - hurry, offer ends November 14th!

 

I See Me is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a personalized placemat and coloring book!  Thank you I See Me for the review products and for sponsoring this wonderful giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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This Chick Bakes Sampler Box Review & Giveaway!!!

Shortly before  Hurricane Sandy hit I received a very pretty box in the mail from This Chick Bakes.  Inside was a sampler assortment of small batch gourmet treats.  I can’t tell you how I looked forward to these when we were without power due to the storm.  That little delectable sweet treat gave me a sweet tooth fix that was especially needed during such a high stress time.  My absolute favorite was the Peanut Butter Blast Cup.  It was so good and just pure bliss.  There was such a great variety of tastes in this box; Green Tea and Lemon ,Orange White Chocolate, Fudge Brownie, Raisin Coconut Chocolate Oat, Peanut Butter Blast and Ginger Molasses.

Their products are made from the finest ingredients they can find. There are no Trans-fats, High fructose corn syrup (HFCS), artificial flavors or preservatives in any of their products. They use fresh ground peanut butter, Callibaut & guittard chocolates, organic teas, and pure extracts.  If you are looking for a sweet gift for someone this holiday season, you should check out the many assortments you can get from This Chick Bakes, or you could build them a custom box of treats.  Mommy Ramblings is putting this sweet gift idea on our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.

This Chick Bakes is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a sampler box as I did.  Thank you to This Chick Bakes for the review box of treats and for sponsoring this very sweet giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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