Find It Games

You know those people on your gift list?

Those people who are sooo hard to buy for?

Those people that have everything?

Those people that don't seem to need anything?

Those people that don't WANT anything?!

Oh, yeah...we've all got 'em!

WELL! I've got the perfect gift for any and everyone!! A FIND IT game!


Each FIND IT game is a large clear tube filled with tiny plastic "beads" and hidden objects. Our family has the Original version.

Several objects are pretty obvious right away. My husband (who doesn't like games), started looking and was VERY quickly checking off item after item after item.

I thought to myself, "Oh, great! What a waste of $20!"

And, then, like listening to the slowing of microwave popcorn popping, my husband stopped calling out items. We'd probably only checked about half of the items.

Now, I was saying, "Did you find this yet? Or this?"

And husband would say, "What?? That's in there?? You're kidding...I've got to find that??"


And our FIND IT game became quite addictive! We just couldn't stop shaking and twisting and turning!

We had it sitting in the living room during our large family Thanksgiving and with the help of 10+ people, we've found almost everything on the list. That's right - almost everything.

At least FIVE items have yet to be seen!! And, supposedly, FIND IT's most elusive item is a hidden penny in each game! Yep, we haven't found it yet...

Here's an example of some of the 47 original hidden items - easy (for us): sunflower, pipe cleaner, feather; hard (for us): staple, popcorn kernel, marble).

We've purchased another original FIND IT for our nephews for Christmas (they do have a kid version) and we know they will love it! A FIND IT game is great for ALL ages - 8 to 98 the box claims! :-) But, I'll tell you that my 3 year old loves "finding t'ings!" too!

A FIND IT game is also perfect for long trips in the car - or airplane flights! Buy one right before a long trip, and I doubt you'll hear a peep from the backseat! ;-)

I've already added the Deluxe Version to our family's wishlist, and, thinking our little girl would enjoy the Glitz and Glamour Version!

I think a FIND IT game is worth every penny and will delight and fascinate whoever holds it! Once you see a FIND IT, you'll also think, like me, "Now, why couldn't I have thought of that?!"

Hurry! There's still time before the big day!!! You can find a store near you that carries FIND IT games (many Barnes and Noble do) or purchase online here or, we used Amazon.

Recommend: YES

**I was not compensated in any way for this post. The post is purely my opinion of this product. FIND IT photo was used by permission.**

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Tags: Find It games Find It game

Hal and Holly Moose from Build-a-Bear

Have you ever been to Build-A-Bear Workshop? I have only been once (as the closest location is a bit of a drive), pre-kids. Now that I have two young children, I know they would enjoy a special trip to Build-A-Bear! Although you can easily purchase bears and other furry animals online, making your own fluffy friend in-store is a memorable experience!

Thanks to MomSelect, I got to meet the newest members of the Build-A-Bear family, Hal and Holly Moose:

Aren't they adorable?! When you press Hal's hand (paw?), the lights on his antlers blink. Cuute! Both Hal and Holly are warmly (and quite snazzily, I might say) dressed for wintery weather!

These two certainly need their wintery outerwear for an adventure to the North Pole! Hal and Holly Moose are siblings who are starring in their own Christmas movie this year!

Holly and Hal Moose: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure is a story full of big dreams, big ideas, and a little bit of teamwork! Together, they help Santa's reindeer fly on Christmas Eve, despite a terrible storm trying to cancel Christmas. You can buy your own copy HERE or watch online HERE.

If you don't have time to head to Build-A-Bear, you can get FREE SHIPPING with a $35 purchase by using code 94586! Hurry! Expires 12/16

Thank you, Build-A-Bear and MomSelect for sending Hal and Holly to visit our family!

Recommend: YES





**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family.**
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Tags: Build A Bear Holly and Hal Moose Hal Moose Holly Moose

Green Toys Review and GIVEAWAY! {CLOSED}

A few weeks ago, I reviewed a recycling truck from Green Toys. I was very impressed with the workmanship of the truck, as well as it being a toy that fostered my children's imaginations. My children were just plain impressed! They loved "recycling!" You can read more Green Toys here and about our recycling truck test here.


Green Toys makes classic children's toys out of recycled milk jugs! Yes! Milk jugs!!

All of those jugs your children have emptied and you've recycled, are being made into something your children can have fun with! And, all of Green Toys' products are American made!

Want to BUY IT?
Green Toys are really quite affordable, as well! You can find a store here or an online retailer here. I don't have to remind you that Christmas is quickly approaching!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Want to WIN IT? Just in time for Christmas, Green Toys has generously offered to give one of YOU their Chef Set (Sorry, US addresses only):



Green Toys' Chef Set includes:

• Stock pot with lid
• Skillet
• Ladle
• Spatula
  

I know from the quality and construction of the recycling truck that you will not be disappointed in Green Toys' Chef Set and that the child who receives it will have hours of fun "cooking!"

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Congratulations to {Crystal} on winning! I have emailed you about your prize!

To enter, visit Green Toys and tell me another toy you'd like to give as a gift and who you'd give it to!

For additional entries (must do above to qualify for extra entries!),

• Follow my blog publicly via a feed reader or subscribe by email (must confirm subscription). Comment and let me know! If you're already a follower/subscriber, comment and let me know! (1 entry)
  
• Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link to your post! (1 entry)
  
• Enter my giveaway URL into another blog's giveaway McLinky and send me the link so I can see it! (1 entry)
  
• Snag my blog button (in the far right column) and leave a comment with the link! (1 entry)
• Become a fan of Green Toys on facebook and leave me a link with your facebook user name (1 entry)
  
• Post about my giveaway on Green Toys' facebook page and leave me a comment with the link (1 entry)

Entries accepted until Thursday, December 10, 11:59 PM.

Recommend: YES





**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family.**
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Tags: Green Toys eco-friendly toys blog giveaway blog contest

The Christmas Kitchen by Tammy Maltby

Does the thought of Christmas preparations send you into a panic?

It shouldn’t.

Isn’t Christmas the celebration of Christ our Savior coming to earth to dwell among us? (John 1:1)

It seems as though in the hustle and bustle of everything else we feel we “must” do - the gifts, the parties, the decorations - the most and only important part of Christmas gets pushed to the back of our minds.

Tammy has put together The Christmas Kitchen, a delightful book full of tips, traditions, and simple recipes to slow your Christmas focus.

You will find everything from tips for stress-free fun with kids in the kitchen, how to make gingerbread houses, recipes for homemade hot chocolate, to a full Christmas meal. Tammy shares many of her own family traditions, which is something I always enjoy hearing about.

The Christmas Kitchen is a gift-sized book, perfect for you or someone else you know that might enjoy a peek into Tammy’s family traditions with hopes to start some of your own! You can purchase your own copy here or here!

I'll share one of Tammy's recipes that I can't wait to make and package up for my family's Christmas goodies baskets! It sounds rich, creamy, chocolate-y, and fabulous (much better than Swiss Miss)!!! ;-)

GOURMET HOT COCOA MIX

Tammy Maltby from The Christmas Kitchen

4 cups instant nonfat dry milk powder

2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

2 cups French vanilla powdered nondairy coffee creamer

2 cups powdered chocolate milk mix (store brand works just fine)

1 5-oz (6 serving) package cook-and-serve (not instant) chocolate pudding mix

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups miniature marshmallows and/or miniature chocolate chips (optional, but yummy)

Boiling water or milk, for serving

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well. For a better blend, mix the dry ingredients in a blender or food processor before adding the marshmallows. Store the mix in an air-tight container. Makes about 12 1/2 cups mix, for 50 servings.

To serve, place 1/4 cup mix (or more) in mug or cup. Add 3/4 cup boiling water or hot milk and stir well.

Tammy also gives several variations to the hot cocoa: Mint, Mexican, Rich Mocha, and Sugar-Free. Mmmm, Chocolate is so good. Warm, liquid chocolate is really good. :-)

Click HERE to take a peek inside the book!

Many thanks to Tammy and Howard Books, through FIRST, for allowing me to review The Christmas Kitchen!

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.

Recommend: YES





**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family.**
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Tags: Tammy Maltby The Christmas Kitchen Christmas gift ideas Christmas traditions book reviews recipes Christmas recipes

Gift and Holiday Recipe ALERTS!

You have probably already noticed these two images above my posts:



In the next few weeks, I will be highlighting products that I think would make great gifts (for those of you who haven't finished - or even started! - your Christmas shopping)!

And as the holidays seem to be the time when we do the most "special" baking, I plan to share some of my favorite recipes with you!

California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil - EVOO GIVEAWAY! {CLOSED}

Rachael Ray's abbreviation "EVOO" has made it into Webster's Dictionary. Just about any household with some culinary knowledge knows exactly what EVOO stands for:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Through MomSelect, California Olive Ranch sent me a bottle of their high quality, fresh pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

California Olive Ranch cold presses their award winning 100% California grown olives within hours of picking for a fresher taste. Their distinct green bottle helps keep the premium extra virgin olive oil fresh longer.

A few interesting facts on why Olive Oil is a popular oil in cooking:

Olive oil is high in healthy monounsaturated fats.

It has a 10:1 ratio of fatty acids: 10% Omega-6 and 1% Omega-3 fatty acids.

Olive oil has 5mg of flavenoid polyphenols for every 10 grams of oil. These polyphenols are natural anti-oxidants that can prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and reduce the overall effects of aging.

California is the only state to have legally adopted the international standards for olive oil. As a result, NOT all EVOO sold in the United States is the real thing. You can read more news, information, and recipes on California Olive Ranch's blog.

Want to BUY IT? Click here to see all of the products offered by California Olive Ranch. California Olive Ranch is also offering free shipping to my readers! Enter the code "MOMS" in the coupon code section during checkout! EVOO would make a fantastic addition to a foodie's Christmas basket!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Want to WIN IT? WIN a 16.9 fl.oz. bottle of California Olive Ranch's Fresh California Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

This giveaway is CLOSED. Congratulations to {Eloise} on winning! I've emailed you with instructions on how to claim your prize!

To enter, visit California Olive Ranch and tell me which recipe you would try with your Olive Oil.

For additional entries (must do above to qualify for extra entries!),

• Follow my blog publicly via a feed reader or subscribe by email (must confirm subscription). Comment and let me know! If you're already a follower/subscriber, comment and let me know! (1 entry)
  
• Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link to your post! (1 entry)
  
• Enter my giveaway URL into another blog's giveaway McLinky and send me the link so I can see it! (1 entry)
  
• Snag my blog button (in the far right column) and leave a comment with the link! (1 entry)
• Sign up for California Olive Ranch's "In Season" e-newsletter (1 entry)
  

Entries accepted until Saturday, December 12, 11:59 PM.

Recommend: YES





**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family.**
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Tags: EVOO extra virgin olive oil California Olive Ranch California olives blog giveaway California Olive Oil blog contest

Curious Chef Pizza Kit Review and GIVEAWAY {CLOSED}

Christmastime is comin', Christmastime is comin',

Christmastime is comin', and oh, it won't be long!

If you haven't already noticed by the many recipes that I post here, I LOVE to be in the kitchen. Despite not having a dishwasher, I thoroughly enjoy cooking up a storm!

In the last few months, as soon as I head into the kitchen, my little girl is right beside me saying, "I help you, Mommy!"

In fact, the other night, she was drawing a picture of our family. I pointed to "daddy" and asked where he worked. She correctly replied, "H-- C---!" I then asked her where (stay-at-home) mommy worked. Her answer? "The kitchen!" :-)

I hope my love of cooking will pass on to my children. Because of that, I was so excited when I came across Curious Chef. I was even more excited when Curious Chef offered to send me the 5-piece Pizza Kit to review!


The Pizza Kit includes a mixing spatula, pizza server, pizza cutter, nylon knife, tomato cutting board as well as stickers and a shopping list!


Curious Chef makes real kitchen utensils for small hands. Curious Chef's items are not flimsy "play" kitchen sets. They are, just as they say, REAL kitchen utensils, sturdy, brightly colored, and perfectly sized for the little helpers in your kitchen!

Our Pizza Kit arrived just as Thanksgiving preparations were in full swing, so we had to put our pizza test on hold for a few days. My daughter wouldn't let me forget it, either! She kept asking when she could use her "special pizza maker." :-)

So, after the millionth request, I put her to work on the Thanksgiving prep!


Using Curious Chef's pizza cutter, Little Miss cut up homemade butter mints for me. The pizza cutter fit her hand perfectly and cut the mints easily. And, yet, the cutter isn't sharp, so I wasn't worried about missing fingers!



Obviously, the Pizza Kit isn't JUST for pizza night! These utensils are for all kinds of food preparation!

We finally got to make pizza last night! Instead of making homemade crust, we followed the recipe right on the Pizza Kit box for "Mini Cheese Pizzas," using English muffins. Armed with the nylon knife, Little Miss went to town on some pizza toppings. The green peppers were a little difficult for her to cut, but she doesn't have the greatest knife skills yet! ;-)

I, however, was easily able to cut the peppers with that nylon knife! Serrated, but not "sharp," the knife did a really great job on the pepper's thick flesh and slippery skin!

Any of Curious Chef's products would make perfect gifts for that budding chef on your list! You can buy gift sets or open stock items! I can't wait to add to my children's collection! Little Miss needs her own set of measuring cups now!

I want to thank Curious Chef, Cristina, and JB Cumberland PR for sending our family the Pizza Kit to test and review! We loved it!

Want to BUY IT too? Check out all of Curious Chef's products here. You can buy online or find a store near you that carries Curious Chef. I would much rather have more kitchen tools for my children rather than another blinking, noisy toy! And, honestly? I know my children will enjoy and use their Curious Chef items much more than any other toy!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Want to WIN IT? Curious Chef has graciously offered to give one of my readers her own 5-piece Pizza Kit!!

Giveaway is {CLOSED}. Congratulations to {Sarah}, commenter #42, on winning her own 5-piece Pizza Kit!

To enter, visit Curious Chef and tell me another product you would love and who you would give it to!

For additional entries (must do above to qualify for extra entries!),

• Follow my blog publicly via a feed reader or subscribe by email (must confirm subscription). Comment and let me know! If you're already a follower/subscriber, comment and let me know! (1 entry)
  
• Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link to your post! (1 entry)
  
• Enter my giveaway URL into another blog's giveaway McLinky and send me the link so I can see it! (1 entry)
  
• Snag my blog button (in the far right column) and leave a comment with the link! (1 entry)
• Become a fan of Curious Chef on facebook and leave me a link with your facebook user name (1 entry)
  
• Post about my giveaway on Curious Chef's facebook page and leave me a comment with the link (1 entry)
  

Entries accepted until Monday, December 7, 11:59 PM.

Recommend: YES





**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family.**
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Tags: Curious Chef kids in the kitchen product reviews blog contest blog giveaway