Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Holiday Gift Guide: Lovable Labels "Holly Jolly Gift Pack" Review and Giveaway

I have had the pleasure to work with Lovable Labels in the past. Their labels are the perfect must have for parents who want their kids stuff labeled. I label everything that goes to school with my daughter. From her lunch box to her sippy cup to her jacket and extra clothes. Lovable Labels has all the right stuff to make sure that her items come home with her.

With the holidays just around the corner Lovable Labels has come out with two great "Holly Jolly Gift Packs" that would make the perfect stocking stuffer for any kid.  The Christmas Jewels and Santa's Pick packs come complete everything you would need to label your child's clothes, shoes, books, and more. 

Holiday Gift Guide: Ditch the Joneses Book Review


The holidays are always a time that we get to spend a lot of time with family. Isn't that a big part of what makes it the most wonderful time of the year? I know I look forward to the time spent together baking, watching holiday movies, sitting around the table with good food and even better conversation. Doesn't it kind of make you wonder why if it's so great it doesn't happen year round?

I know first hand what it's like to balance work and family. My husband works full time and I work part time. Then we add into the mix that we have a toddler who takes dance and swimming. I shop, clean, and cook. And our time together seems to have disappeared. What exactly are our family priorities and how can we make them take a front seat in our lives?

The truth of the matter is that we are living in tough times. The cost of living is high. The cost of having children is high. And we have to work to make ends meet. But this book, Ditch the Joneses: Discover Your Family, is a really helpful tool. It allows you to step back and look at what is important. How do we create a balance in our life that really puts our family first?

This book guides you in looking at your big picture, making small changes that make a big difference, and being happy with those changes. Cathi gives helpful tips on how to save money. Finances are big part of arguments in families everywhere. But analyzing your spending, making decisions together, and being happy with those decisions can make a big difference.

This book is a quick read with a lot of information. It even offers some worksheet activities to help make the content more real and relevant to you by allowing you to look at your personal situation. I would definitely recommend this book to any couple thinking about starting a family and even families with very young kids. You never know what small changes you could make that would make a big difference in your family life. Or, maybe you will discover that you and your family are ready to make a big change, like becoming a one income family.

You can visit Cathi's website to learn more about her book, and you can also check out her video HERE. Cathi is also on Facebook and Twitter, so check her out for all the latest about her book!


Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Mickey's Clubhouse Space Adventure Review

Available on DVD TODAY!

My daughter adores Mickey and all his pals. We visit his clubhouse at least once a day, so having some episodes on DVD is a must! So when I was given the opportunity to check out the newest DVD I knew my daughter would love it!

This November, parents and their preschoolers are invited to blast off with Mickey and pals on a rocketship full of fun in Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment’s newest release of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Space Adventure, a new, full-length intergalactic adventure that takes the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse gang – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Daisy – into outer space on a search for the ultimate space treasure. Packaged with a surprise, never-before-seen “Goofy’s Thinking Cap” episode and fun, glow-in-the-dark space-themed stickers, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Space Adventure will be available for purchase as a 2-Disc (DVD + Digital Copy) Combo Pack November 8, 2011. 


This DVD arrived yesterday and the minute my daughter saw it we had to put it on. I think this may have been my daughter's first adventure into space so she was really interested in where they were. I love how this program is educational and fun. As you go on this adventure with the gang you learn about the Moon, Mars, and the Rings of Saturn. But of course their mission to find a special treasure does not goes exactly as planned. As Mickey and his pals encounter obstacles they call on the viewers to help them solve problems.

On this adventure you are introduced to new friends, like Martian Mickey and Moon Men Chip and Dale, as well as encounter a familiar old face in a new role, Space Pirate Pete. As usual, Pete is up to no good and wants the treasure for himself. But in the end there is a nice lesson about friendship and working together toward one common goal.

This was an out of this world adventure that my daughter truly enjoyed. And a major bonus is that parents can  really enjoy watching this with their children. The characters are lovable, the lessons important, and there are  opportunities for kids and parents to participate throughout!

This DVD is available today for $19.99 SRP at most major retailers.


Holiday Gift Guide: Tiny Prints Giveaway


I recently wrote a post about my family tradition of sending out Christmas cards. I talked about how my mom is an artist and she draws an incredible Christmas card each year. Our family and friends look forward to her cards and each one is truly special. I always wanted that perfect Christmas card that people treasured... and now that I have my beautiful daughter I feel like each Christmas card is beautiful and special!

Tiny Prints is the perfect place to go to find the perfect Christmas or holiday card for you and your family. With their huge selection you are sure to find one that fits your personality. And then you can personalize it however you want, even with photos!

Holiday Gift Guide: Pillow Pets for the Nintendo DS Review

America’s Favorite Plush Characters are available on Nintendo DS™ with the Pillow Pets™ Game 
from GameMill Entertainment

As the mother of a young child I am very familiar with Pillow Pets! They are all the rage and the kids adore them. Who wouldn't? They are cute and cuddly, and serve as both a pillow and a cuddly pal. A brilliant idea if you ask me!

Now those cuddly friends are part of a whole new world... the virtual world. In October the Pillow Pets game was released for the Nintendo DS. So now your kids can watch their pals come to life in Dreamland. Each Pillow Pet in Dreamland is unique, as your child gets to help create their personality through their style. They can dress them up with accessories like hats and glasses, truly making them their own.

This is a great game for the younger kids. It's an adventure to find your lost Pillow Pet. But it has a lot of the same concepts as many other video games, such as collecting tokens and uncovering rewards. 

Here is a little more about the game:
Based on the beloved children’s line of plush pillows from CJ Products that easily transform into snuggly companions, the Pillow Pets™ game for Nintendo DS invites you to jump, fly, buzz and explore Dreamland, the imaginative world where the Pillow Pets™ characters thrive. Get to know your charming pet’s personality as you customize him or her with hats, glasses and more! When your favorite pal goes missing, you must set out on a journey to bring your lost pet home safely. But don’t fret! Along the way you’ll meet cuddly friends and uncover tokens and rewards that will make for an unforgettable experience! Whether playing alone or side by side with friends, the Pillow Pets™ game for Nintendo DS creates a nurturing and fantasy-filled adventure that can be enjoyed by boys and girls of all ages.

Developed by First Playable, the Pillow Pets™ game for Nintendo DS is rated “E” for Everyone by the ESRB.  For additional information about GameMill’s line of products, please visit: www.game-mill.com.

I think this would make a great Holiday gift for any Pillow Pets fan who also enjoys a fun video game! The suggested retail price is on $19.99 and this game can be found at most major retailers.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Holiday Gift Guide: My Caring Cross Review and Giveaway


It's really hard to review something as unique as My Caring Cross. Usually I am looking at a product in terms of it's quality, functionality, visual appeal and so forth. But in the case of My Caring Cross I am looking at something that is much more emotional and symbolic.

Here is a little bit about My Caring Cross:
Caring CrossesTM are individually carved from a single unique piece of beautifully grained olive wood pruned from the olive trees around Bethlehem the birthplace of Jesus. Christians have been carving crosses like this for hundreds of years, originally for pilgrims and more recently tourists visiting the Holy Land. Each craftsman receives a fair price to support their family and Christian community. My Caring Crosses are designed to fit comfortably into the palm of your hand as an aid to prayer or meditation. Ideal as your spiritual companion for easing children's fears, comforting worries and stresses of adults and focusing the prayer of the sick and elderly.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Guest Post: Table Setting Ideas for Thanksgiving

There are hundreds of different ideas about Thanksgiving table settings, but most decorating ideas involve fall related colors such as red, orange, brown, yellow and green. These colors can be incorporated into very rustic, natural settings or modern table settings with clean lines and minimal decoration. Some table settings include traditional Thanksgiving images such as turkeys and cornucopias, but the table can also look very festive without these images being included.

A Modern Approach

A modern Thanksgiving table is likely to be streamlined and include only a couple of fall colors, such as brown and orange. Gold trimmed China is commonly used because it is both elegant and modern. Some decorators use cloth napkins in fall colors, while others opt for white napkins with elegant rings in neutral fall colors. The centerpieces may consist of floral arrangements featuring only one type of flower or simple branches arranged in vases. Formal table settings may include white place cards with elegant gold trim to match the fine China.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Kids Party World Review


I think one of the most exciting parts of being a parents is planning parties for your kids. Whether it's a birthday party or a party for a special occasion or holiday, the looks on their faces and the excitement in their eyes in unbeatable.

A lot of thought and planning goes into throwing the perfect party for your child. And the biggest piece of all that planning is making the party perfect for THEM. What do they love? Is your little girl a princess? Does your little guy love sports? Do you have a Sesame Street or Dora fan? The theme sets the scene for the whole party and KidsPartyWorld.com has you covered!

Kids Party World offers a huge variety of items for pretty much any theme you can think of! They have the kids covered from their first birthday through the Justin Bieber swooinng girls or NFL fanatic boys. They also have all the party supplies you would need to throw baby showers, bridal showers, anniversaries, 30th, 50th, and more. And the site is organized and easy to navigate to what you are looking for.

Whatever the theme they cover you from head to toe with invitations, plates, napkins, cups, table cloths, party favors, pinatas and more! They can be your one stop shopping for a fabulous party.

They recently sent me a great package filled with Curious George party supplies. It came complete with everything I would need to throw a fabulous party. It came with cups, plates, 2 kids of napkins, masks, balloons and confetti, stickers, a banner, and a table cloth. Awesome!



I truly couldn't have been more pleased with this party pack. I feel like it covered all the bases and provided unique party supplies. I never would have thought to do masks, but they are amazing and offered such an exciting piece to a child's party. And each item was high quality and sturdy, all while having prices that can't be beat. I would definitely recommend you check out Kids Party World for your next event!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Holiday Gift Guide 2011

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Wow! When did November get here?!? Time is flying by and the holidays are right around the corner. It's time to start the holiday shopping! And Momma Drama is here to help you spot some "must haves" this holiday season. I will be sharing review and giveaways for great toys, tasty treats, and even a few ideas for moms and dads. Starting on Monday we will be going full force until Thanksgiving. Be sure to check back often so you don't miss a thing!

So do tell.... what's on the top of your wish list this year?