I was blessed with the opportunity to review the  Make It Yourself Candle Kit to feature in my 2011 Holiday Gift Guide! The Multi-Colored Make It Yourself Candle Kit  assembled exclusively by A Toy Garden is a lot of fun! In my mind this candle making kit is the  perfect craft to do together with family and friends during the holiday season!What this kit includes is 12 8×8 inch sheets  of 100% honeycombed beeswax in 12 different beautiful colors, 4 yards of quality wick, and very easy to follow instructions.

My daughter and I used the candle making kit together to create such pretty candles! I first prepped the beeswax since it was stored in a cooler place with my blow dryer to make sure it was warm enough to roll. I then cut the wick to the proper size and then let my daughter help me roll each candle out!  We also brought out my mini clay cutters to use to add different shapes such as stars to each candle!The candles came out great and my daughter was so proud of her creations! I look forward to trying out some different combinations because the combinations of candles you can make are endless!

I think hand crafted  candles are wonderful gifts and how extra special if the receiver knew you made them yourself! I recommend checking out A Toy Garden! They have a fantastic selection of arts and craft items among the vast selection of toys that encourage imaginative play! Keep in mind that it’s not too late to order the The Multi-Colored Make It Yourself Candle Kit to enjoy with your own friends and family this season! It’s also available in Christmas or Hannukah colors, and in natural beeswax.

Get Connected: Visit a  www.aToyGarden.com | Fan a Toy Garden on Facebook! 

Disclaimer: I was sent the above product mentioned for review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

What are PakNaks?

Basically, they are super cute soft rubbery 3-d decorations for kids (or adults like me) with over 40 cool designs ($3.99 each). They can be put on backpacks, lunch bags, headbands, computer bags, household items, and whatever else you would want to put them on! They are very easy to attach, just peel and stick! You can change out your PakNaks to for a new look as they are attached with fuzzy coins( extras are available for 2/$1.00).

What’s neat about the PakNaks is that they each have  information cards about themselves from where their homes are, favorite foods, best friend, and favorite activity. Pak Naks make the perfect stocking stuffers, great secret santa gifts, or anytime gift!  Once your kid has one, they’ll want to collect them all! Lucky for parents that they are extremly afforable and perfect for children ages 3 and up!

Buy it: Check out http://www.paknak.com/ and if you so happen to order please use the code PAK20 and save 20% off your order!

Disclaimer: I was sent the above product mentioned for review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

The Slice™ Safety Cutter is the most versatile tool you’ll ever own. Features a finger-friendly microscopic ceramic blade that’s quick, easy and a safe substitute for scissors or traditional safety knives. Slice Safety Cutters are perfect for scrap-booking, clipping recipes, coupons and news articles, removing shrink-wrap, opening CDs, DVDs, plastic packaging, and more. Includes a built-in magnet and key-ring hole.

- Ceramic blade lasts longer than steel
- Stays sharp and never rusts
- Built-in magnet and key-ring hole
- Rubberized non-slip finish
- Finger-Friendly™ Design
- For left- and right-handers

What a handy item the  Slice Saftey Cutter is! It such an innovate product that has made my life easier! I like that this product is safe and easy for children to handle. No more worries of falling on scissors or getting cut!

I’ve been using this on almost everything. It’s been fantastic for opening the wrapping on cd and dvd cases, trimming coupons,  cutting out bookmarks, clipping coupons and recipes out of papers and magazines. It’s such a great little tool.

The cost of this Safety Cutter is equally impressive at only 5.99! I honestly thought this product would be going for more. The price is reasonable enough to purchase several to keep around. One for my keyring, one to reside on the office magnet board, and one for crafting!  Overall The Slice Saftey Cutter’s would make fantastic stocking stuffers this Christmas season! I give this product 5 out of 5 stars!

Crazy Dog Tees is great place to shop if you are looking for attire that is anything but boring and plain! Laughter is the best medicine and smiling reduces wrinkles… so if you are looking to stay healthy and live great for a good long while, you need to visit their store! They offer a huge selection of novelty t-shirts with very cool designs that will defiantly crack a smile laugh and get a laugh out of you.

Crazy Dog also has shirts for every member of the family, even for the kids! My daughter, loves the shirt I have from here that reads “Dinosaurs are Cool”. One of her go to shirts for a day at the park. Some of their other children shirts include designs that read ” Yes I Wore This Shirt Yesterday”, “Never Forget”, and “Choose Your Weapon” to just name a few!

If you grew up playing the Nintendo, they’ve got a shirt for it! Born in the eighties like me, they’ve got a shirt for that. Fan of the legendary plumber, they’ve got you covered. They also have Zelda, Donkey Kong, and other great classic Video Game T- Shirts.

Do you love nerds? Was rainbow bright one of your favorite child hood icons? … Do enjoy cute shirts with food that has faces? Crazy Dog Tees is not limited to just shirts as they also offer cute pj sets for girls/women in either long or short sleeve and pant styles!

I was sent the Mr. DNA t-shirt to review. Those familiar with the movie Jurassic Park will get a kick out of seeing the colorful anthropomorphic friend which is just a DNA helix with arms, legs, and a face. The t-shirt is very comfortable, holds up great in the wash, hasn’t shrunk, and it still looks brand new after many washes!

Crazy Dog T-Shirts would be a great place to check out if you are thinking about t-shirts for a gift this Holiday season! They’ve got you covered with so many styles and designs .Prices range on their site from $6.00 up to 26.00 for t-shirts.

Be sure to get connected on Facebook to stay updated on their newest shirts, deals, and giveaways!

Crazy Dog T-Shirts wants to giveaway a $15 Gift Certificate to one of my readers! Enter below…

 


Disclaimer: I was sent the above product mentioned for review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

The Classic Series: Babar & Father Christmas story has just been released on DVD!  In this story Babar’s children, write a letter to Father Christmas asking him to visit Celesteville at Christmas.  But their letter never arrives because it is stolen by Babar’s Arch-enemy, Rataxes the Rhinoceros, who wants all of Santa’s toys for himself!  When Babar sees his children so disappointed, he decides to make a journey in search of Father Christmas.

This story is a fun adventure that takes it’s viewers from Paris to the Northpole! Fans  of Babar are sure to love this digitally remastered and restored version of their favorite Elephant character!DVD bonuses include two extra episodes highlighting core family values, “A Child in the Snow” & “The Gift”, and an exclusive mini Babar coloring book for the kids!

My children and I have enjoyed watching this feature and will probably be watching it several more times through out the both of December.  The story is so cute and will be loved by both boys and girls! A great flick to enjoy during Family movie time!

Run time: 70 mins. | Price: $14.98srp | Street Date: November 22

I’m excited to be offering THREE people a chance to win their very own copy of The Classic Series: Babar & Father Christmas DVD to enjoy with their own family! Please enter below through Rafflecopter. (Giveaway is open for residents of the US and Canada only.)

Disclaimer: I was sent the above product mentioned for review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

I’ve been listening to Billy Joel’s new released two-disc Legacy edition of “Piano Man” and have been enjoying it quite a bit.  The Legacy Edition is of  the 1973′s Piano Man album which exclusively features a long-lost fabled radio concert from 1972 which  has never before been released. The concert includes three Billy Joel songs–”Long, Long Time,” “Josephine,” and “Rosalinda”–which do not appear on any other albums by the artist and, of course, the performance of “Captain Jack” which launched one of the most remarkable careers in show business.  The legendary Sigma Sound performance is available exclusively on the new Legacy Edition of Piano Man (and is not included on The Complete Albums Collection). Billy Joel’s music is full of captivating tunes,  thought provoking lyrics, and inspiration to take you through your day.

In celebration of this upcoming release, I’ll be  giving away a copy of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” Legacy Edition to one lucky  reader.

Disclaimer: I was sent the above product mentioned for review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Tropical Traditions offers some of the best 100% Organic Lip Moisturizers that I’ve ever tried out. And why I prefer their brand to other companies is because all ingredients are edible and certified organic. Each lip moisturizer is manufactured from organic virgin coconut oil in which I’ve read has amazing benefits for your body.

I was given the opportunity to try out a variety of  Lip Moisturizers from Tropical Traditions.  I found the flavors of the added essential oils wasn’t over the top but just the right amount was added. Application to my lips spread easily and the lip product wasn’t too oily! It lasted for hours of protection and made my lips feel and look great!

Tropical Traditions Organic Lip Moisturizers are available in the following flavors…

• Peppermint/Cinnamon (My favorite and perfect for use during the holiday season)
• Orange/Cinnamon
• Tea Tree Oil
• Citrus (My husband has claimed this flavor)
• Unscented (Great for those who may be allergic or sensitive to fragrances)

Overall, I’m a fan of Tropical Traditions lip moisturizers and for the price of 2.75 for each .15 ounce tube these are quite a steal! They’ve been fantastic in keeping  not just my lips but my husband and kids lips protected too. Tropical Traditions Organic Lip Moisturizers would make the perfect stocking stuffer and just a little extra something to add to another gift to friends and family this Holiday Season.

If you purchase any Tropical Tradition  product from their site, then be sure to use my customer number at checkout. This will get you a FREE book with your order, titled: “Virgin Coconut Oil: How it Has Changed People’s Lives and How it can Change Yours.” At checkout, underneath, “How Did You Hear About Us?”, pull the drop down box to “Referred by a Friend”. Then a box will appear to type in the User ID of the friend (me) who referred you. This number is 5542476. A $25 book, free with your purchase!

Get Connected: Tropical Traditions on Facebook |  Tropical Traditions on Twitter | Tropical Traditions on YouTube | Tropical Traditions on Amazon.com

I’m excited to spread the Holiday joy by offering a five pack of  Lip Moisturizers from Tropical Traditions to one of my USA or Canadian readers to win!

Disclaimer: I was sent a multi pack of Tropical Traditions lip moisturizers to spotlight in my Holiday Gift Guide . This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Galilee Silks, a leading silk designer company located in north Israel  offers many jewish related products of all kinds but not limited to! They offer beautifully detailed fashion items such as Scarves,  shirts & skirts , Ponchos , Handbags , tablecloths, Necklaces, and more that are either hand made, hand painted, or both.I was recently given the opportunity to review a stunning silk flower necklace and I must say I am very pleased with it! The rich intricate detail and the fine high quality craftsmanship is something to be very proud of. The silk itself is very soft and seems to shimmer when worn! I love the rich fine colors that just make it stand out so nicely. In my opinion, It’s the perfect accessory for many special occasions. And it’s very comfortable when worn.

If you are looking for a gift that’s unique, one of a kind, simply elegant, and handmade? I would highly recommend Galilee Silks. If you are sticking to a budget know that they have products in a wide variety of price ranges! For instance, the particular necklace I reviewed was less than 20.00!

Get Connected to Galilee Silks  through their Facebook Page and @GalileeSilks on Twitter.

Win! I’m excited that I’ll be giving one of my readers the opportunity to win a $50 gift certificate to use at Galilee Silks! So be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter entry form below!

Disclaimer: I was sent the above product mentioned for review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

We also were sent several of the Habitat sets (retail at $29.99 each) from their glow in the dark Hexbug Nano line as well as HexBugs from the Galielo Collection (retail at $7.99 each). These sets take playing with the Hexbugs to completely different level! Children  have lots of fun  putting together multiple sets weaving in and out of places to make a really huge track that lights up in places they see fit! With the track sets the mixing things up and the reoccurring playtime factor is huge in prompting constructing in all sorts of new ways to play!

I’m usually not a fan of battery operated toys but these have won me over! These little bugs take batteries which are called Power Cells. And these batteries do last for quite a long time. We’ve had had HexBugs in our home since Easter and their batteries are still working without needing replaced. Though when you do, note that power cells are very affordable at 4.99 for a two pack and are very easy to install.

My own children and friends of our families children really loved playing with these toys and had a blast with all the great Hexbug Nano things we received for our 2011 Halloween Party! Nothing but a good time ensued and everyone is really enjoying all the Hexbug goodies thanks to Mommy Parties and Hexbug giving us the opportunity to promote and review these great toys. I’m sure most if not all of the children that took home habitats and Hexbugs of their very own will be adding more to their Christmas list for 2011 and letting all of their friends know about these fantastically fun toys!

If you are personally thinking about Christmas, keep in mind that HexBugs  would be a fun little toy to start collecting for kids of all ages preferably recommend for  ages 3 and up. What’s neat too is that included with each bug you purchase is a code in which the owner can register their bug online to learn  science and play fun games! Gotta love toys that are not only fun but educational too! Plus, they make great stocking stuffers! Hexbugs are available at major retailers nationwide and at www.hexbug.com

Disclaimer: I was sent the above product mentioned for review through Hexbug (through MommyParties). This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

This month I was given the opportunity to review one of the Child to Cherish Grandma’s Little Baker Suitcases.  These suits cases come in various unforgettably adorable designs perfect for both boys and girls!  I’m a huge fan of the illustrations of mice, bears, and bunnies which bring me to think of the fine works of Beatrix Potter whom played a big role in my own childhood.

Each suitcase is an 11.25 x 8 x 3.5-inch tin suitcase which is filled with everything your little baker will need such as an apron, wooden rolling pin and spoon, 3 cookie cutters and 5 delicious cookie recipes! The cookie recipes are easy to follow and feature those most loved by everyone, Sugar, Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Gingerbread and Snickerdoodles!

The Little Baker Suitcases are perfect for children from ages 2 and up and come in three different colors.  The boxes are perfect to take to and from Grandma’s for those special cookie baking days!

Once my daughter outgrows using this special suitcase (which won’t be for many many years), I can’t help but think with all the roominess, that I could store other special cookie cutters as well as secret family  cookie recipes to share with with my own Grandchildren when they visit.

Buy it: You can purchase  the Child to Cherish Grandma’s Little Baker Suitcases
online at ChildtoCherish.com for $42.99. They also have many other fantastic holiday products perfect for gift giving such as a decorative handprint kit ornament and Plant a Tree for Me gift, though not limited to just Holiday gifts, I encourage you to check them out for gifts you will cherish for a lifetime!