Category Archives: Gifts

March 2, 2016 · 9:53 pm

Don’t Forget The Small Details When Planning Your Wedding

Planning a wedding takes a lot of thought, time and effort. Most times we concern ourselves with the huge decisions like the dress, venue, bridal party, cake, menu, flowers, music and forget the little things that can add a special touch and brand the day our own. Things like personalized wedding napkins may not even cross your wedding planning radar but they should. Small details like this can really show you have coordinated your day down to the smallest detail and they are a great memory to put in a shadow box or scrapbook to remember your day.

Wedding napkins are so easy to personalize with graphics and of course your names and wedding date. There are all kinds of napkins in many color tones for beverages, luncheons, dinner and more! It really shows that you thought about everything to celebrate your wedding day. You might be surprised at all the different ways you can design them online.

With wedding season approaching I thought this was a great tidbit to share. Personalized wedding napkins are a great way to add your special touch to make the ordinary truly extraordinary!

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Filed under Family, Gifts, Life, Life Stages, Weddings

Tagged as Mommy Ramblings. Personalized, Planning A Wedding, Small Details, Wedding Day, Wedding Napkins

January 3, 2016 · 10:05 pm

See The #1 Subscription Box For The Fisherman In Your Life

Subscription boxes are hot but you may not think of fishing tackle when you think of subscription box services. You might be surprised to learn Lucky Tackle Box is the #1 monthly subscription box in fishing.

With LTB you pay a low monthly fee and you will receive a box jam-packed with new lures and baits on the 10th of every month. Shipping is free throughout the United states and you are not roped into a contract, so you can cancel at any time.

If you want to have the same products at the end of your line that professional anglers are using to catch the big fish, you will want to try a Lucky Tackle Box subscription box. If you don’t, you might be telling fish tales about the one that got away.

Unlike other fishing subscription box services that send samples in their boxes, Lucky Tackle Box sends subscribers full size products that give them the biggest bang for their buck. I recently had a chance to sample a Bass Fishing subscription box for largemouth and smallmouth bass.

It arrived in a timely manner and was full of all kinds of lures and baits perfect for anyone fishing for largemouth or smallmouth bass. I liked that the box contained full sized products all picked specifically for bass fishing. We live on a lake filled with bass so it was nice to give this to my older sons who were very impressed with the products.

You can choose a box based on whatever type of fish you are fishing for. I like that there is a variety to choose from. I think this subscription service that is suited to anglers of all experience makes a great gift idea. Sometimes it is hard to buy for a man in your life but if they like fishing, they would find that Lucky Tackle Box is a definite “Keeper.”

You can find Lucky Tackle Box on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Wrap Up $100 In Savings on the XP-830 All-In-One Printer! #HolidayGiftGuide

Looking for a family gift, something practical for the college student or an update to your home office? If you are in the market for a new printer, the Epson Expression Premium XP-830 is a versatile all-in-one printer with superior photo quality. You can also save $100 right now on this amazing printer with a compact footprint.

Fax, Copy and Scan faster with features like the 30-page auto document feeder, auto 2-sided printing and the auto-extend/retract output tray. Print amazingly vivid borderless photos up to 8″ x 10″, or use specialty paper and DVDs. You can print from your smartphone or tablet with or without a router at home or on the go. The intuitive 4.3″ touchscreen makes tasks simple. Print Facebook photos, coloring books and more with Epson’s Creative Print App.

I recently set this printer up in my home office and just love it! It prints, scans and copies super fast and the colors are vibrant and crisp. It is wireless and I really like that I can print right from my iPhone 6 or iPad. This printer is super for when I need to make and print printables for blog features or scanning in older family photos to post online. The touch screen is a pleasure to use and this feature loaded printer has a sleek design that fits anywhere. Why not wrap up the extra savings and this printer today. I don’t think old St. Nick himself could get you a better deal. Mommy Ramblings has added the Epson Expression Premium XP-830 to our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide.

Features:

Superior photo quality — vivid, bright photos and sharp text, with five-color inks
Full-featured — 30-page Auto Document Feeder; auto 2-sided print/copy/scan/color fax; auto-extend/retract output tray
Create — print on specialty paper and DVDs; plus, lab-quality, borderless photos up to 8″ x 10″
Ultimate wireless — designed for easy printing from your iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ mobile devices and many more; includes Wi-Fi Direct® for router-free printing
Fast — lab-quality 4″ x 6″ photos in as fast as 12 seconds
Easy — 4.3″ intuitive touchscreen with gesture navigation
Creative Print mobile app — easily print Facebook photos and create custom cards, stationery and more
Versatile Small-in-One — ultra powerful performance, ultra slim design
Share — scan to Facebook and the cloud for easy photo sharing

Eco Features

Save up to 50% on paper with automatic, two-sided printing / copying
Supports printing on recycled paper
Recyclable product
ENERGY STAR® qualified
RoHS compliant
Epson America, Inc. is a SmartWay™ Transport Partner

Thank you to Epson for sponsoring this post and providing me with this awesome printer. As always my words and views are 100% my own.

A Fun Kid’s Toy That Helps Build STEM Skills! #Giveaway #HolidayGiftGuide

If you are looking for a really fun toy for kids on your holiday gift guide, you might want to check out BathBlocks by Just Think Toys. These BathBlocks come in a variety of sets and when they are wet they stick to each other and surfaces like magnets.

They have sets like the Ball Run that present so many options to create ball runs and drops all while taking a bath. They are soft without any sharp edges so they are safe and there are a few different sets to choose from including a cooking set, a Coast Guard Set and more.

BathBlocks bring classic block play into a fun, fascinating, new, watery environment. BathBlocks empower children to create their vision and build STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) as they experiment with geometry, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, balance, structure and cause-effect.

BathBlocks have won Oppenheim Gold awards. BathBlocks are made from bacteria and mildew resistant EVA and contain no PVC or phthalates. BathBlocks have won Oppenheim Gold awards. BathBlocks are made from bacteria and mildew resistant EVA and contain no PVC or phthalates.

We have added BathBlocks to our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide. If you would like to try to win a set, enter our giveaway below.

Enter The Giveaway!

Just Think Toys is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their choice of any of the BathBlocks play sets (subject to availability-castle set is sold out) . Thank you to Just Think Toys for the review Ball Run Block Set and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

BathBlocks Play Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Baby, Christmas, Gifts, Giveaway, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, kids, Review

Tagged as Bath Blocks, BathBlocks, fun, Gifts, giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Just Think Toys, toys, Tub

December 1, 2015 · 3:30 am

See The Baskets That Represent Hope #Path2Peace

The other day I received a very special basket in them mail. It is a festive red and white and fits right into the current Christmas season. I can imagine it filled with some colorful Christmas ball ornaments or filled with Christmas cards. It would also be a nice centerpiece for a entry table or coffee table. You may see this in my home and think it is pretty, but you would probably be surprised to learn there is so much more to this basket.

It is actually the Rwanda 10th Anniversary Medium Woven Star Basket. It is sold online and in Macy’s stores as part of the Rwanda Path to Peace program. These baskets, every single one of them represents a journey that they and the women who weave them have been on. The journey is one toward reconciliation.

Macy’s has carried the Rwandan Path to Peace baskets in store and at Macys.com for 10 years. It’s an amazing commitment for an American retailer to make to women in another country. Back in 1994, the tiny nation, no bigger than Rhode Island saw a genocidal mass slaughter. In three short months, nearly 1 million Rwandans were brutally murdered in a fury of ethic violence that is hard to even fathom.

After the massacre, a few women came together and did what women in Rwanda do. They talked, they cried and they wove baskets. These were women of both sides of the ethnic divide, practicing the skills of weaving they all learn from their mothers and grandmothers. When Macy’s began carrying the baskets in 1995, it was the first example of a major American retailer committing to a Trade-not-Aid product line in a substantial way. Macy’s has kept that commitment alive, despite the fact that Rwanda has largely disappeared from the news.

The baskets are available online and in stores and retail for $30-$50. Macy’s offers many 20% off coupons and the wonderful thing is, if you get this item for a discount it does not affect the price the weaver earns for the basket. I hope you take a look at the baskets HERE.

I have to admit I had never heard of this great commitment Macy’s has made to the women of this tiny nation. We are so blessed to live in America and it can be hard to imagine the plight of these women and what they lived through. I am sure they have very deep scars but what Macy’s has done and continues to do gives them a sense of hope, hope for the future, hope to women in Africa.

If you are looking for a gift that carries with it great meaning, these baskets would definitely fit that to a T. It truly is a gift that represents the wish and hope for Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Women. Do you realize that every basket that is sold will not only provide hope but economic sustenance for a woman in Rwanda. She will use the money to pay her children’s school fees, feed her children and perhaps buy a goat that will help improve her life. Can you imagine the kind of impact the purchase of a red and white basket can make?

Below I hope you will take a few minutes to view a video that shows the history of the Rwanda program.

Rwanda Path to Peace is now the longest-lasting program of its kind, impacting thousands of women throughout Rwanda, their families and communities. With their earnings, women can now send their children to school. They can buy everything from soap to land, malaria nets to health insurance. The income they earn from their handiwork has helped rebuild their communities. One of the first things a weaver does when she sells her first basket is buy soap. The next thing she does is buy shoes and pay school fees. Many weavers today have seen huge improvements in their lives. Below are powerful videos featuring such stories, click on the woman’s name to see a video about her life now.

Every Red and White Basket is the result of a weaving process that has been practiced for centuries in Rwanda. Each basket design is unique and they are painstakingly crafted from sisal and grass by women who learned to weave from their mothers, grandmothers and aunts. If you would like to see how the baskets are made in a special video, click HERE!

Ten years ago many of the thousands of children were malnourished and sick but through this program that has provided food, medicine and education they are now thriving young adults. Many of these young adults have completed school and are entering university. Macy’s commitment to the women of Rwanda means they can have hope for a future.

You will find the Rwanda 10th Anniversary Medium Star Basket on Mommy Ramblings’ 2015 Holiday Gift Guide.

“This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.“

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Filed under cause, Christmas, Crafts, Gifts, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Home, Life, Review

Tagged as #GiftsThatGiveHope, #Path2Peace, Healing, Hope, Journey, life, Macy's, peace, Red and White Basket, Rwanda, Weave

November 30, 2015 · 3:32 pm

The Most Meaningful Gift Is Life-Giving #GiftCatalog #Giveaway

I don’t know if you ventured out on Black Friday or are surfing the Internet for Cyber Monday deals, but I will tell you that if you are looking for a meaningful gift, I may be able to help. In keeping with the sentiment, “It is better to give than receive.”, take a moment and check out the 2015 World Vision Gift Catalog. World Vision provides donors the opportunity to give a gift in a loved one’s name, making these the perfect presents to show family and friends love and to spread the joy of the holiday season across the world. And, as an added bonus, there’s nothing to wrap!

Donations of livestock like goats, fruit trees, soccer balls, education for girls and women and much more can be donated in a person’s name to make a truly unique and life-giving gift. When you think about the impact something like this can have on a life this gift truly is priceless.

In addition to the gifts above, World Vision operates the Where Most Needed fund, which provides for improvements in the quality of life for struggling children and families in the U.S. and around the world. Donors to this fund are eligible to receive beautiful artisan goods from Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, which make wonderful presents and stocking stuffers. Why not pledge your support and receive handcrafted gifts for yourself or a loved one, like the ones below:

Since 1996, the World Vision Gift Catalog has grown in popularity as a gift-giving alternative. Last year alone, more than 822,000 people were helped through funds generated by the Catalog. To order from World Vision’s Gift Catalog, call 855-WV-GIFTS or click HERE!

The handcrafted gifts are gorgeous. I was lucky to recieve the African Soapstone box and it is beautiful. It is just like the one below and I would like to extend a chance for you to win the same box courtesy of World Vision. The giveaway is open to US residents and you enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

This ornate hand-carved soapstone box is etched and designed by local artisans in Kenya. Using this sustainable resource these artisans are lifting themselves and their families out of poverty. Approximate size: 2 ½” x 5 ¼” x 1 ½”

Handcrafted African Soapstone Box Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Christmas, Faith, Family, Gifts, Giveaway, Home, Shopping

Tagged as #HolidayGiftGuide, African Soapstone Box, Christmas, Gift, giveaway, Meaningful, World Vision

November 29, 2015 · 2:00 pm

Give A Christmas or Holiday Gift With Meaning #HolidayGiftGuide

Are you looking for a meaningful gift this Christmas and Holiday Season? I have a great idea, have you thought about charms? Charms and Charm Bracelets and Necklaces allow the wearer to wear charms that represent the special things in their life. Beautiful charms inspired by milestones, family, pets, hobbies, career, passion and more can be found at Soufeel! I have a beautiful Soufeel Charm Bracelet that holds very special charms that celebrate my life. I recently browsed their Christmas Charms and could not resist the urge to select a few for a Christmas inspired charm bracelet.

You can find charms to celebrate nearly everything at Soufeel, check it out now and take advantage of their great sales! They have a Black Friday sale at 90% off right now! You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram. You can also find Soufeel on Mommy Ramblings’ 2015 Holiday Gift Guide.

Save 30% On The Perfect Music Lover’s Gift! #HolidayGiftGuide

You know what they say about dynamite coming in small packages right? You can’t dismiss something small as weak and you certainly cannot dismiss the compact triangular Audiosharp Music Eyes Speaker as anything less than dynamite! This little speaker packs a powerful punch in features and sound. It is portable, has Bluetooth wireless capabilities, allows you to answer calls right from the speaker too! The dual drive unit speakers deliver incredible sound!

The internal rechargeable 650 mA battery is good for up to 5 hours of play time and 300 hours of standby time. The built-in microphone supports hands free calls. The connection range is up to 30 feet. You can also use the 3.5mm AUX cable to connect and it is included with this speaker.

We were so impressed with this metal speaker, it is drop resistant, dust proof and comes in red and black. It easily paired with both my iPhone 6 and my husband’s Note 4 with ease. The sound is awesome and it has a phenomenal play time. The speaker has big and clear sound that is truly full range. The bass hits low and the treble pops the highs out perfectly. It is hard to believe the awesome sound is coming from this little speaker. It is in pairing mode the first time you turn it on as noted by the LED blinking blue to red. After the initial time you turn it on you need to hold the multifunction (phone handset icon) for over 6 seconds until the blue red blink starts. All functions are announced audibly when engaged. For example, to turn it on or off, simply hold the multifunction button down until it audibly announces it is on…or off then release it.

Be sure to use the supplied charge cord or you may hit the multifunction with the plug as you are inserting it. Some plugs are too large for the small area around the charge port and can press the multifunction button in when inserted causing it to turn on or enter pairing mode, etc. It charges quickly. The speaker is very stable and will not tip over or move at all due to the shape and rubber strips on the bottom. The controls are on one side with the charge and AUX ports in the center under the attached rubber dust cover door. Controls are clearly marked with “+” & “-” for volume and the “|<” & “>|” for changing the track forward or backward, and the one with a phone receiver is a 9 function multifunction button (on-off-pause-continue-answer call-hang up-refuse call-redial last number called-pair).

We think this awesome speaker is the perfect gift for the music lover in your life this holiday season or you might want it for yourself so you can have your favorite Christmas music playing anywhere you are. Audiosharp has graciously provided Mommy Ramblings’ readers with a coupon code for 30% off this unit which you can purchase on Amazon at the link at the bottom of this post. Just use the code 6TE5NWK3 and save 30% on this awesome speaker! We like the Audiosharp AS0847 Music Eyes Portable Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Speaker so much, you will find it on Mommy Ramblings 2015 Holiday Gift Guide.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for review from Giveaway Service website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Reference ID: pm026c7c6e91742de037b84a407076cff0

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Filed under Christmas, Coupon, Gifts, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Home, Music, Review, Special Offers

Tagged as #HolidayGiftGuide, amazon, Audiosharp, Bluetooth, coupon code, Mommy Ramblings, Music, Music Eyes, Promo Code, Save 30%, Speaker, Wireless

November 10, 2015 · 1:53 am

Diffusing Essential Oils In Your Home-Giveaway #HolidayGiftGuide

I really love using essential oil diffusers throughout my house on a daily basis. I think there are real benefits in using the oils. I love diffusing Peppermint in the morning and throughout my day as it is very energizing and makes me feel invigorated. I like many blends and making my own but one thing for sure, you need a good diffuser. I wanted a mid size diffuser and I saw the ZAQ Galaxy. It is a large mid size diffuser and hold 200 ml of water with an 8 hour run time. It has auto shut off and it works amazing well and is very quiet.

The outer portion of the diffuser is a white ceramic designed to resemble outer space. It is a very tranquil diffuser that has colorful changing LED lighting or can be used without the lighting effects. I have been using my diffuser every day and it works so well, is easy to keep clean and is just such a great addition to my home. ZAQ diffusers have a 1 year limited warranty and they have awesome customer service if you ever need it.

We think the ZAQ diffusers like the Galaxy make a great gift this holiday season so we are adding it to our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide here at Mommy Ramblings.

ZAQ is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win a ZAQ Galaxy Diffuser! Thank you ZAQ for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

ZAQ Galaxy Essential Oil Diffuser Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Christmas, Gifts, Giveaway, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Home, Review

Tagged as #HolidayGiftGuide, Aromatherapy, Diffuser, Essential Oils, giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Mommy Ramblings, ZAQ

October 23, 2015 · 2:01 am

Chuggington: The Big Freeze DVD Giveaway #HolidayGiftGuide

Last Sunday when I awoke to find a coating of snow on my van, I was not impressed. October 18th is way too early to be seeing that white stuff. It was short-lived thankfully and this week saw us getting into the high 60’s and low 70’s. However as much as I hate to admit it, that white stuff will be here and we are supposed to be in for another cold, harsh winter. I am hoping they are wrong this time but I guess time will have to tell us that.

Cool winter fun is coming down the tracks with the newest Chuggington DVD: The Big Freeze!

This super-sized release from Anchor Bay Entertainment features a Never-Before-Seen Holiday Special, to Warm Hearts All Winter Long

The latest release in the popular DVD collection is jam-packed with six fun-filled adventures – including a never before seen holiday special episode from the top-rated Disney Junior series. “The Big Freeze” pulled into retail stores on October 13, 2015, just in time to help families from coast-to-coast celebrate the season – Chuggington style!

The chuggers perform one heroic rescue after another in this cool new seasonal collection of “Chuggington” adventures! When icy temperatures cause the town to run out of fuel and all diesel engines are grounded, it’s wheels-to-the-rails as Chief Jackman and his team of brave Chug Patrollers work together to find a way to the frozen docks to retrieve fuel and get the town of Chuggington moving once again. Fans can join Fletch as he tries to repair the lighthouse, chug along with Calley as she tests to become a first responder, watch as Brewster gets closer to being a Chuggineer, and more! “The Big Freeze” will help teach little chuggers nationwide important lessons about safety, responsibility and teamwork as they ride alongside their favorite friends, Wilson, Koko, Brewster, and Asher!

This is a great movie to give to little ones on your wish list this holiday season. You will find it on a pick for kids on Mommy Ramblings’ 2015 Holiday Gift Guide!

Episodes:

The Big Freeze – Never-before-seen holiday special!
First Responder Calley
On Track Brewster
Hodge Can’t Wait
Zephie’s Star Club
Toot’s New Friend

DVD Bonus features:

Badge Quest Episode: “Share the Load”

Character Montages: “Daley” and “The Docks Crew”

Dove.org reports: “Now this is what good children’s entertainment is about! The stories are terrific, the characters are delightful, and the animation is awesome!” And, for double the turbo-charged adventures, Anchor Bay Entertainment will release in tandem the new-to-DVD dino-sized “Chuggington” title, “Wilson and the Dinosaur.”

Young fans can experience even more “Chuggington” fun at Amtrak Train Days events, taking place across the country. For information click HERE!

Now in its fifth season on Disney Junior, “Chuggington” is a colorful and contemporary CGI-animated TV show from Ludorum that reinforces early social readiness skills. The series has become a global sensation since its debut in September 2008 in the U.K. The show has been licensed to more than 175 territories worldwide and has established ratings records in several key international markets, including the U.K., Germany, France and Australia. The series made its U.S. debut in January 2010.

About “Chuggington^™”

“Chuggington” is a contemporary, action-based, energetic and vibrant CGI series for children ages 2-5. The series follows the adventures of three young trainees – Wilson and his friends Brewster and Koko – as they ride the rails and take on exciting challenges that test their courage, speed and determination. Along the way, and with help and support from a strong community of engines and people, they learn positive values and new skills that empower them to become the best trainees they can be. Further information is available at www.chuggington.com.

“The Big Freeze”

Street Date: October 13, 2015

Audio: Surround 2.0

Retail Price: $14.98

Genre: Children’s, TV on DVD

Rating: Not Rated

Run Time: 73 Mins

Year: 2015

Enter The Giveaway

Anchor Bay Entertainment is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win a DVD of Chuggington: The Big Freeze!. Thank you Anchor Bay Entertainment for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Chuggington: The Big Freeze! DVD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Attractions, Gifts, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, kids, Movies, Toddler, Toys

Tagged as 2015 Holiday Gift Guide, Chuggington, DVD, Gift, Giveaway #holidaygiftguide, kids, Movie, The Big Freeze, Trains