Verizon #MidwestMoms Wrap-Up *sniff*

It's hard to believe how fast 2011 went by.  The second half really flew by for me personally.  It started to get that snowball feeling - you know, where you are moving along and picking up speed until everything is flying by in a blur? 


While I'm excited to start 2012 and experience all the great things it has in store for me, one thing in particular makes me sad to see 2011 end - the conclusion to the Verizon Wireless #MidwestMoms program.


I've loved being a part of this great campaign and not just because of the fun tech toys that got sent my way (although I certainly would never complain about cool tech toys!!).  I'm sad that the program is ending because I absolutely loved the group of women that came along with the cool tech toys!  I got to meet some great new ladies: one who won me over with a simple tweet saying she would share a ride from the airport and save me from public transportation, one who is a kick a** cook and will serve as my inspiration to put down the takeout menu once in a while, some that I had met before and was so happy to get to connect with again, and some who I had talked to online many times but never met face to face!  


Getting to meet and work with all of the bloggers in the program was a treat and I will miss you ladies very much!  I once joked on our FB group page that all new phones and tablets should come with a group of tech savvy ladies to help you figure out how to use them and it still rings true.  I have yet to actually read the owner's manual for my Motorola Xoom since I had all of you teaching me about the best apps and shortcuts.  Forget tech support - you guys rock!!


And I can't possible sign off from the program without giving a huge shout out to Verizon Wireless.  Getting to use your 4G LTE service was a treat - something that really has to be experienced in person to fully understand.  It's been a pleasure working with all of you and I hope we get to connect again in the near future!!


Disclosure: I received products and service from Verizon Wireless as part of the #MidwestMoms program. All thoughts, opinions, and experiences are my own.

Wisconsin Mommy's Turkey and Vegetable Chili Recipe

I've never been a huge chili fan.  I don't really care for super spicy foods and regular chili tends to be a bit too spicy and  heavy for me.  Once I branched out and started trying lighter versions, like poultry and vegetable based chili, I found that I really enjoyed it.  It's easy to prepare and makes a great meal on a cold winter day (or for a special occasion like New Years or a Superbowl party).


After trying a good number of different chili recipes, I wound up combining the elements of the ones I liked best and came up with my own version.  It's light on the spices (but you can adjust that to your particular taste) and heavy on vegetables.

Wisconsin Mommy's Turkey and Vegetable Chili

You will need:
 1 to 1 1/2 lbs. ground Turkey breast
1 - 1 1/2 C. Chicken Broth
cooking spray
1 large sweet onion
3 cloves of garlic
2 carrots
1 can Red Gold tomato sauce
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 cans kidney beans rinsed and drained
1 large (or 2 small) cans Red Gold diced tomatoes
1 pkg sliced mushrooms
8 - 10 mini zucchini (or 1 - 2 regular zucchini)
1 red bell pepper
2 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or crushed red pepper
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
salt and pepper to taste


for garnish:
shredded cheddar cheese
sour cream
chopped scallions


Directions:

Start by coating a large pan with cooking spray.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic cloves and saute until transparent and soft.

Slice the carrots into medallions and add to the onion/garlic mix in the pan. Cook until carrots are softened, but not mushy.

Remove the carrot/onion mix from the pan and set aside.  Add more spray if needed.  Brown ground turkey until fully cooked.

Return carrot/onion mix to the pan with browned turkey. Add the can of tomato sauce.

Besides the obvious spices, much of the flavor comes from the tomatoes in this recipe.  Be sure to use high quality tomato products such as Red Gold to maximize flavor.

Add Red Gold diced tomatoes.

Add the chicken broth and stir into the mix. (Homemade chicken broth is the best, but use whatever you have on hand.)

Add the spices - I prefer a smoked paprika, but again, use whatever you have on hand.  Adjust the amounts to suit your personal taste.

Add the kidney beans.

Allow the chili to simmer on low heat while you prepare the veggies.

Slice up the mushrooms, zucchini, and red pepper and add to the pot.

Add salt and pepper to taste.  Allow the chili to cook over a low/medium heat for about 35 - 45 minutes.  I do not like my veggies mushy, so I tend to go for the shorter amount of time.

Garnish the finished chili with cheddar cheese. sour cream, chopped scallions or whatever you like!!  Enjoy (and go Packers!!).
Pin It

I Caught Santa Review and Giveaway (Rafflecopter)

LJ is only in first grade but is already becoming quite the little skeptic about some things.  Part of it is my fault - in an attempt to combat all of the marketing and commercials he is exposed to, I have encouraged him to not accept everything he hears at face value.  But when he started questioning Santa and Elden (our Elf on the Shelf), my heart broke a little.


I instantly pulled out our evidence from last year -  pictures of Santa in OUR LIVING ROOM leaving presents and eating the goodies we left for him.  "See?" I pointed out. "How could we have this picture then?" 

The process of adding Santa (or any of the other characters you might want - loved doing this with the toothfairy as well) is super easy - no Photoshop skills needed.


I have two icaughtsanta.com codes to give away to readers.  This will be a super quick giveaway since Christmas eve is just around the corner!  I will email a code to two winners on December 23rd (Friday).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bloggers Attend #CadillacRock in Chicago

I started working with General Motors a little over a year ago when I wrote a review of the Chevy Traverse.  Since then, I have really enjoyed the interactions I have had with GM and grown to love the brand and folks associated with it.  Of course I love the amazing vehicles they have allowed me to test out (my review of the Yukon Denali will be coming soon) but more than that, I have loved working with Connie Burke, the Social Media and Communications Manager at GM.


Connie is one of those people who really understand the social part of social media!  Not only is she immediately engaging (whether you are meeting her on Twitter or in real life) but she understands that the relationship goes past just arranging for a test drive and checking to see if a post was written.  I can probably count on one hand the number of PR or Social Media folks who have actually commented on a review I did for them.  Connie did.  And she let me know what it was about the review that she liked - I can't tell you how helpful that is when you are doing your very first car review...and are wondering if you did it right.


When I was approached about co-hosting a Cadillac event with Social RevUp and two other bloggers and learned that Connie would be the featured guest, I didn't even have to think about it.  It was an automatic YES!

The event was held last night at Reza's Restaurant in Chicago and hosted 75 local bloggers who got the chance to kick the tires on several Cadillac models, enjoy fabulous food, and even go home with some great prizes.  The highlight of the night for many was the chance to meet Connie and get to know the person behind GM's social media presence online.  Connie took some time and explained what it is she looks for when choosing who she will entrust the keys to. (She pointed out that turning over an expensive vehicle to someone is much like agreeing to a date - you kind of want to know the person a little bit and feel that you can trust them.)


Connie also reiterated what we bloggers tell each other (and ourselves) all the time - it's NOT all about numbers.  It's about what unique perspective you can bring to the table and how you cal allow your voice to shine through in your piece.  I loved hearing that from a brand representative and was so glad that so many bloggers got to hear it as well.

Personally, I had a blast at the #CadillacRock event, and I think the other attendees did too.  It was exciting to see the official Wisconsin Mom Squad logo printed on all of the materials and I couldn't have asked for a better way to kick off this new venture of mine! (If you are a Wisconsin blogger, we'd love to have you join the Wisconsin Mom Squad too!)

There were great door prizes and a Cadillac cake!

@TheDomesticExec checks out the Escalade.

Crystal Holiday Campaign #CrystalRollOn #Cbias

We love to use the holidays as a chance to give back to the community.  We feel that it is an important lesson for LJ to learn and that we should be teaching it by example.  We love attending the Kapco Kids to Kids Christmas party (a local business that collects toys to be distributed to local families via the Salvation Army) and that has become one of our favorite holiday traditions.  We also save a portion of LJ's allowance in the "give" portion of his piggy bank and he has donated it to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission the last few years.

One of the reasons we originally chose the MRM was because of the way their literature was worded.  Across the front of the envelope it said "Provide a Thanksgiving meal for just $1.81."  That was perfect for a (then) four year old to understand.  We counted out his money and then figured out just how many meals it would provide.

The more I learned about the Milwaukee Rescue Mission (MRM), the more I felt that this was an organization that I wanted to continue to support.  They do so much more than just provide a roof over people's heads.  They have programs that truly help folks get back on their feet no matter what challenges they are facing.  They support women who are leaving abusive home situations, men who are fighting to get off of drugs, and children who need a little stability in their lives.


This year, we had the opportunity to contribute to the MRM in an additional way.  We were tasked with putting together a bag of personal care items that we could then donate to the shelter.


I set off to Walmart and went to shopping.  I found on MRM's website that they were in need of cold medication, oral care items, and other personal care items.  I grabbed my coupons and tried to make my money go as far as it could to buy as many items as possible.

Additionally, we had some new clothes, towels, and blankets that had come home with me after the Lands' End Tent Sale and we decided these would get put to good use there as well.  Before we knew it, we had a box of clothes and such to add to our donation.

The company that made all of this possible is Crystal Roll On Deodorant.  I had been hearing a buzz about natural deodorants the past few years but was afraid to try them.  I (mistakenly) assumed that they would be less effective.  This was just the push I needed to finally give it a try.


Okay, I will admit when I am wrong.  I was wrong.  I found the Crystal to be as effective as the brand I had been using.  In addition to being all natural (a huge plus in my book), I also like that it isn't perfume-y (that is TO a word!), doesn't leave white streaks on my clothes, and is VERY reasonably priced at $3.48.

We enjoyed being able to give to our community and want to give a huge "thank you!!" to Crystal Deodorant for giving us this opportunity!!  For additional pictures of my shopping trip, check out my Google+ story.


This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias

How to Make Frosted Candles #GlueNGlitter

I love winter decorations.  I especially love the ones that are frosted to look like they are icy or snowy.  This is one of my favorite centerpieces for just that reason.

Recently, I came across these cool frosted-looking candles at some store or another (I honestly don't remember where) but they were a whopping $19.99 a piece.  Since I had visions of lining my mantle with a bunch of them, that was a bit more than I wanted to pay.

Then I started plotting on how to make my own frosted candles.  I figured I'd start with a Christmas centerpiece first, to kind of figure out how it's done.  I imagined a frosted cranberry theme would look nice.


I headed to my local Walmart to grab what I needed.  I snagged some Elmer's spray glue, some Epsom salts, and some candles.  The only problem was that the candle selection was pretty wiped out - being the week before Christmas, I guess red and white candles are in big demand!

I set my supplies out and began.  First, I covered the table with newspaper.  I've worked with this Elmer's spray stuff before and I know that it is sticky!!!  Not something you want all over your kitchen.


Next, I sprayed the surface of one candle evenly with the adhesive.

Quickly, I rolled the candle in a pile of the Epsom salts.

The result is this frosted looking candle...

I repeated the steps with a taller candle.

I had really wanted to try a white candle, but couldn't find one.  I decided to try a blue and see what that looked like.

Now, to assemble the centerpiece.  I took a charger (or a serving plate will work too) and spread some Epsom salts on it.

I added the candles and some cranberries which I rolled in the salts and came up with this...

In decorating, you usually follow the rule of three, so ideally you'd want three candles on the plate.  I worked with what I had and was pretty pleased with the result!  What do you think??


This project has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Elmer's #gluenglitter #collectivebias #CBias

Send a Lego Star Wars Greeting and Help Toys For Tots

Have you got a Lego Star Wars fan in your house?  LJ is simply crazy about anything Star Wars and anything Lego, so put them together and you have one very happy kid!!  One of his favorite parts of Christmas has been the annual Lego Advent calendar that Elden (our Elf on the Shelf) brings him each year.  This year, the theme was Lego Star Wars so he was even more excited!


To add to the Star Wars Lego Christmas joy, the folks at Lego have set up this fun website where you can send Lego Star Wars themed messages to your friends and family.  Jay sent me the link a few days ago, but I didn't check it out until last night.  I then spent waaaay too much time sending greetings to everyone I know.


The best part is that for each greeting sent, LEGO will donate one new LEGO toy to Toys For Tots (up to 1 million toys).  Yay LEGO!!!!

Save Time and Money while Planning Your Holiday Entertaining

One of the best parts of the holidays is the entertaining.  I love having the house decorated and hosting everything from playdates to coffee with friends to dinner parties.  But with all of the stresses put on busy moms during the holidays, menu planning and preparation can be daunting.  Here are a few products to help make the process a little easier:

Calypso Bay Spritz:
A sparkling adult beverage that is light, crisp, refreshing and only 99 calories.   Lower in calories than most wines and less sweet than other bottled drinks, Calypso Bay is a tropically-inspired line made from natural fruit flavors and includes two flavors: Ruby Red citrus and Pineapple Mandarin Orange.Perfect for those (like me) who aren't really hard alcohol drinkers, this grown up alternative to wine cooler are delicious and allow you to save calories so you can splurge in other areas. 

No Name Steaks (and Seafood and Chicken!!):
You can be the best cook in the world, but if you are not working with quality ingredients, your dish is not going to turn out like you want it to.  While No-Name products give the impression of being "generic", they are some of the best steaks and seafood I have cooked for my family.  A family company located in neighboring Minnesota, No Name is known not just for their high quality products, but also for their high quality service!  Find No Name products at your local grocery store or order from their online store!

Nonni's Gingerbread Almond Biscotti:
I love biscotti - they are perfect for dessert or just a snack with coffee.  In fact, my mom makes some of the best biscotti I have ever had, but they do take a long time to make requiring multiple steps and even have to be baked twice.  Don't have the time?  Nonni's is a close second to my mom's homemade biscotti and their newest addition, Gingerbread Almond, is perfect for the holidays!  Find Nonni's biscotti in all of their fabulous flavors in your local grocery store.






Disclosure: I was provided samples of the above mentioned products to facilitate my review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Shoppers In Panic Gift Guide JCPenney

There are only 10 days left until Christmas - TEN DAYS!  How did this happen??? Yes, Christmas falls on the same date every year, youdd would think that we would plan ahead.  Yet, I saw a report this morning that only about 30% of people are done with their shopping.


The rest of us, the other 70%??? We're panicking!!


Well, stop panicking my fellow procrastinators...JCPenney is here to help.  They not only have a bunch of fabulous gifts ready to be brought home from a store near you, they also put together this handy-dandy gift guide!


And just in case any of those last minute shoppers are shopping for me looking for ideas for their wives, let me share a few of my own favorites...

It gets cold here in WI - I mean REALLY cold.  These snazzy gloves allow you to check in on FourSquare, Tweet, and update your Facebook status without getting frostbite!







If you have a coffee lover on your list, give them the gift of freshly brewed coffee in the flavor of their choice.  I actually have a Keurig already and LOVE it, but I'm always happy to receive K-Cups as a gift as well!! (See? Get them this Keurig machine and then you will know what to get them in the future - K-Cups!!)




This very cool remote controlled helicopter may or may not be arriving under our tree this year...for LJ (really! I'll only play with it a little!)

So be sure to check out the JCPenney Shopper's In A Panic Gift Guide and pick out some great gifts for your friends and family!!



I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of jcpenney and received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Microsoft Office *Giveaway* plus 10 Tips and Tricks to a More Organized Holiday

No matter how well I try to plan ahead, the holidays always seem to throw me for a loop.  I think I'm right on track, then suddenly there are only days left until Christmas and my to do list is still long and daunting.  I'm always on the lookout for tools and tips to help me be more organized and efficient, so when the folks at Microsoft offered to send over a copy of Office complete with suggestions on how to use it to make my life easier, I said YES!!

Straight from the Microsoft Office blog, here are their ten tips and tricks to a more organized holiday season (I've been doing #7 for years and it saves me SO MUCH time!!):

Top 10 Holiday Tips & Tricks

1. Save kitchen counter space. Download this free OneNote 2010 recipe notebook and digitally catalog all your favorite recipes in one place.
2. Never lose another family recipe. Share your OneNote 2010 recipe notebook with family and friends, and collect other favorites using the Office Web Apps on SkyDrive.
3. Keep track and stay in the black. Download this free Excel 2010 spreadsheet and see wish lists alongside your gift spending budget.
4. Avoid impulse purchases. Stay focused by accessing your budget spreadsheet on the go with Excel Mobile on your Windows Phone.
5. Dress up dinner. Download and customize this free Word 2010 menu . This simple, yet classy detail will add personal touch to any holiday meal with family and friends.
6. Image is everything. Use photo editing tools in Word 2010 to customize your own holiday newsletters, greeting cards or party invites using templates from Office.com.
7. Don't sweat your penmanship. Use Office 2010 to convert addresses into unique holiday mailing labels and mail newsletters, greeting cards or party invites in a snap. 
8. Show off the holidays. Put all your holiday photos in PowerPoint 2010 to create a collage of memories, and share with loved ones via the Broadcast Slide Show feature.
9. Don't let your gift get lost in the shuffle. Download and customize your very own gift tags from Office.com.
10. Blog a gift guide. Create and embed your very own PowerPoint 2010 gift guide slide show into a blog to give your readers a taste of what's hot this season.

And to help you have a stress-free, organized holiday season too, Microsoft has two copies of Microsoft Office 2010 Home and Student that they are providing to two Wisconsin Mommy readers.  One version is for PC, the other for Mac so there is something for everyone!

Here's how to enter:

1) (Mandatory) Leave a comment on this post telling me what your least favorite holiday "chore" is.  Hate the cooking, cleaning  shopping? Fess up!  Please also let me know if you would be wanting the PC or Mac version of Office.

Additional optional entries.  Leave a separate comment for each as each comment will count as an entry.

2) Like Wisconsin Mommy on Facebook.

3) Follow Wisconsin Mommy on Twitter.

4) Tweet about the giveaway by clicking here.

5) Like Microsoft Office on Facebook.

6) Share this post by clicking the +1 button at the bottom.

The details and legal stuff:

This giveaway will end at 11:59 pm CST on December 28th.  At that time, two winners will be chosen using random.org.  One winner will receive the PC copy and one the Mac - preferences will be taken into account when determining the winners.  The winners will be notified by email and will have 72 hours to respond or another winner will be notified.  The prizes were supplied by Microsoft as well as a digital review copy for me to review. (Thanks Microsoft!!)  You must be 18 years old to enter - contest is void where prohibited by law.  No purchase is necessary and the odds of winning depend on the number of entries.

*Wordless Wednesday* - Pie In the Face

LJ was one of the top popcorn sellers during his Cub Scout pack fundraiser.  The reward for his hard work and perseverance? The opportunity to throw a pie in the face of the Scout leader of his choice. (Did I mention that Jay is a cub scout leader this year????)  POW!!!!

Photo Credit: Lyn Moran Photography.  If you are in the Milwaukee area and in need of a photographer, please check out the Lyn Moran Photography website.  She is an amazingly talented photographer and a a great person to work with!

Verizon Gives One Reader a Very Merry Xmas! #MidwestMoms

I came home tonight and found the following e-mail in my box.  I'm so glad that Verizon and I could help to make this young lady's Christmas and her gushing thank you certainly made my day.  (And I love that Verizon threw in a gift card no one was expecting - they are just cool like that!)

Hey Maureen!

Just wanted to let you know I received my phone like sometime last week. Sorry I didn't let you know sooner. I wanted to get it activated and make sure all went well (not like it wouldn't) and gush about how much I loved it in action first. Of course when I went to go activate it Verizon was on a nation wide 4g down issue and activating it wouldn't work so I have to go back hopefully Sunday to get it turned on. Normally I am just that unlucky. ;) It was one of those days. 5 different targets to try and get a specific Christmas tree, and then a store being out of something I was going to buy as a Christmas gift. I think I woke up on the wrong side of the bed that morning haha. All is good now!

I can't believe how thin and awesome it is though. The graphics are awesome even without the sim card, and it is so much nicer than my current phone! I just know it will be the perfect phone for me. I even ordered a case ( purple argyle pattern ) for it. So cute, even though it is tough enough not to need it! Im in love with it and havent even got to experience it yet. 

When I opened the box though I my jaw dropped. Verizon included a $100 gift card with the phone! o.O That gift card managed to cover a whole month's service. That in itself is awesome, but now I have $100 in my budget for Christmas gifts that I didn't think I would have. I thought everyone was getting cookies this year. Verizon totally made my Christmas season! <3<3<3 them!

Thanks again for everything! You rock!

D

As a member of the #MidwestMoms program, Verizon Wireless has provided me with technology goodies and services to play with and also provided me with cool giveaways to bestow upon my readers!!

Phix Energy Drink (review and giveaway)

It seems that there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done.  I'm not looking for sympathy here, I know that everyone is busy!  And just like everyone else, it seems that when things need to get done, sleep sometimes takes a back seat.  I wind up dragging the next day and then drinking too much coffee which makes me jittery and less productive.  People have suggested that I try energy drinks, but they either taste like mud or give me jitters worse than coffee (which I actually enjoy drinking).

When I was sent Phix Energy drink, I was a bit dubious of their claims - more energy, no jitters, and good taste.  Turns out, they were telling the truth!  The description from their site:

Phix Energy is a sophisticated, natural energy drink mix blending green tea antioxidants, energy-restoring NADH, and yerba maté for enhanced vigor, plus we add vitamins and minerals to keep you feeling healthy.

Our natural energy drinks give you an immediate lift, but unlike other energy drink mix products, there are no spikes, jitters, or crashes. Phix Energy is smooth and sustained energy designed to give you a natural boost day in and day out.

Additionally, Phix is not high in calories, clocking in with only 36 per serving but has a nice refreshing taste like any other powdered drink mix.  Be sure to follow Phix on Facebook and Twitter for more information!

But I'm betting you'd like to give Phix a try for yourself, right?  You got it!!  Phix Energy has been nice enough to offer one lucky Wisconsin Mommy reader 3 boxes of Phix energy in the flavor of your choice as well as a coupon for 25% off future purchases.  Thanks Phix!!

Here's how to enter: 

I was given samples to try for review purposes which did not influence my opinion.

Holiday Gift Ideas - Unusual Stocking Stuffers

If you are looking for a small gift that is more unusual or perhaps a good stocking stuffer idea, look no further:

Poo-Pourri

The solution to all of your smelly bathroom issues.  Simply spray Poo-Pourri on the water in the toilet before you do your *ahem* business, and any offensive odors are contained.  Sound too good to be true?  I thought so too - until I tried it.  It works.  And even better, it does not have any of that harsh chemical smell we so often get with air freshener products since it is made with essential oils.  Need more reasons to buy it? The Christmas version
has a pic of Santa running for the loo with the caption "Because even Santa has to go."has a pic of Santa running for the loo with the caption "Because even Santa has to go."  It's biodegradable and made in the USA. (Also available in a purse-sized spray so you can use it while visiting relatives or out in public restrooms.)

Queasy Pop Kids!

These arrived just as we were being hit with that nasty stomach bug going around - perfect timing!!  My mother had always told me that one way to break that dry heaving reflex you can get while sick is to suck on something for a while.  A nurse had shared the tip with her when I was a kid and she passed it on. The problem is that many lollypops have so much sugar, artificial flavoring and coloring that they only make things worse.  Quesy Pop Kids!
are all natural, drug free, and taste great.  With flavors like natural cola, cinnamon, peppermint, and green apple (as well as more traditional flavors like lemon or raspberry) there is a taste for everyone.  These are great for that expecting friend as well!!

Himalayan Crystal Salt Inhaler

I wondered about this Himalayan Salt Inhaler
when I first saw it featured on Dr. Oz.  Seeing as how I seem to get at least a couple of nasty colds each season, I figured I'd give it a try and see if it helped.  While it did magically make my cold symptoms disappear (darn!), it did manage to thin out the congestion in my nose enough that I could sleep without taking any medication.  I also like that it is simple and easy enough for a kid to use - LJ tried it and did not have any complaints.  Perfect for that friend or family member with asthma or frequent sinus issues.

Anti Monkey Butt Powder

Anti Monkey Butt Powder is specially formulated to absorb excess sweat and reduce frictional skin irritation. It is Ideal for butt busting activities such as truck driving, motorcycling, bicycling, horse back riding, and extreme sports. May also be applied inside footwear, under sports pads, and other areas prone to chafing. Indoors or outdoors, work or play, or on occasions when you sit on your butt all day, don’t let your buns get red, use Anti Monkey Butt Powder instead! (Comes in a baby version that works miracles on diaper rash!)  Even if your recipent doesn't ride horses or motorcycles, the bottle is so darn cute, it's worth giving just to see the look on their face when they open it!

Peter Walsh's Lighten Up

I'm always a little blown away by the excessive consumerism that comes with the holidays.  This year seemed especially bad with stores opening for their Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving night.  I loved Lighten Up
because it is such a great reminder that we all really have way too much stuff already and that buying more is not going to equal more happiness.  As the book's tagline says "Love what you have, Have what you need, and Be happier with less".  The perfect gift for anyone who has stuff (and can read).

FyrFlyz

Yes, FyrFlyz hired me to go demo their toy at ToysRUs' Black Friday sale but that is NOT the reason why I am featuring them here.  They are simply the toy that has been the most fun and gotten the most use out of all the ones I was sent this year.  They are a back to basics kind of toy that is just SO. MUCH. FUN! Really.  It took a few tries to get the whole technique down, but once he did, LJ couldn't put them down.  Check out the (prize winning) video he made showing his awesome FyrFlyz skills.


I recieved some of these products for review purposes which did not influence my opinion.  Included links are affiliate links and provide me with a small amount of money to buy my kid Xmas presents income.  As always, your support is most appreciated!