The holidays can be very difficult to get through when you have suffered a loss. When I first made this DIY, I had not lost my oldest son. I made it in remembrance of my parents. Since losing my son, I appreciate the sentiment more than ever. I thought I would share this with you.
Perhaps you could make this for someone who has lost someone or for yourself. I hope you will let me know what you think in the comments. God Bless and Merry Christmas.
Filed under Home & Garden
I know it is the last day of July, please don’t remind me. The summer is going way to fast, and I am actually heading out to jump in the lake. It’s okay, I live on one. However, I could not let July end without bringing you a special giveaway from The Ugly Christmas Sweater.
I was asked to host a giveaway for all of you. Would you like the chance to win your choice of pajamas from their website? Who wouldn’t? Today is your lucky day then, because we are kicking off our giveaway.
The Ugly Christmas Sweater website is so easy to navigate, and you will find all your favorite characters. Whether you are looking for Pajamas, Sweaters, Sweatshirts or more, check out their inventory. I love the jumpsuit pajamas. Popular Youtuber PewDiePie even has a limited edition pair on there. Wow, life goals, to get a Mommy Ramblings limited edition pajama jumpsuit on the site! Baby steps, baby steps guys.
I did choose the Bunny jumpsuit pajamas from A Christmas Story.
These PJs are super soft and comfy. I even did my YouTube live last night wearing them. Check it out!
Here is another video where you can see more about them:
Ugly Christmas Sweater is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky winner will win their choice of Pajamas on the site (no customs and subject to availability). Thank you to the Ugly Christmas Sweater for the review pair of PJs and for sponsoring this fun giveaway on Mommy Rambings. Open to US residents.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Jumpsuit Pajama Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget. Good Luck!!!
You might remember we have blogged about Package From Santa in the past and how excited our son Luke was to get his package. He especially loved the card that had a special piece of Santa’s magic suit.
This year we ordered a Silver Package From Santa and added the special card with the piece of Santa’s magic suit. We were able to go on the Package From Santa website and choose the type of letter we wanted.
We chose the one that addressed doubt in belief. I was so happy we did because as our son, Ethan read it, he seemed really impressed and said that kids in school were saying that Santa was not real. This letter may have helped us keep that magic alive a little longer.
Beyond the letter, there is a flight path that is personalized to where we live and a very nice photo of Santa in his sleigh. There is a special North Pole stamp on the envelope that adds another bit of credibility. There is even more! FREE! All-New 2018 Personalized Video, Phone Call, and Printable Nice List Guide with Every Package!
You still have time to order your own. We have a Special Offer: Mommy Ramblings’ readers can Save 25% Off Any PackageFromSanta.com Program. Use Promo Code FAM2060 at when you order HERE!
The air is getting colder. The leaves have all fallen. Stores are starting to advertise upcoming sales, and all the signs are clear: Christmas will soon be here!
Okay, that’s a little dramatic, but it is true that another holly jolly season will soon be upon us, and I bet you’re already planning ahead for what you’ve got to do.
There’s obviously gift lists to assemble, you’re calling your mom to figure out who’s hosting the Christmas dinner (“Oh! I am?”), and, bless you, you’re probably stressing over how you’re going to decorate this year.
Every proud homemaker knows that having a theme at Christmas is essential for transforming a house into a home. It’s not that you’re being vain or anything, but you know that having a house that feels warm, welcoming, and, dare I say jolly, are key to helping enhance the joy of being reunited with your friends and family during this special time.
With that being said, it can be a pain. It takes time, and it can be tough to keep things fresh and interesting, trying to come up with a new, engaging theme, year after year. To help you out this season, and take some of that burden off your shoulders, I’ve put together a few ideas that you can use to really spruce up your house for all of your guests, whether you’re hosting or not (“Yes. You are.”).
Classic Christmas themes work extremely well because they’re, well, tradition! These are the common color and design staples that leave your guests with no doubt that you treasure the season, and look forward to it every year. It may not be revolutionary, but it’s effective, and when the goal is to relax with those closest to you, and focus on quality time with each other, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
To capture the perfect classical look, stick with shades of dark greens and bright reds, as well as gold and silver. Common design elements include Christmas trees, reindeer, Santa’s sleigh, and turtle doves. Sticking with naturals decor items, like a real Christmas tree, and a pine need centerpiece, is also a great way to accentuate this style.
Traditional style during the holidays is all about keeping the same sense of warmth and comfort that you find in classical style, but eschewing a lot of dynamism in favor of a more subtle impression. To that end, the reds, greens, and other colors that make up the classic Christmas palette remain, but are presented in subtler ways.
To start with, you don’t have to go overboard with Santa statues, reindeer napkins, nativity bookends, and all other manner of Christmas staples. Instead, you can do simple things, like swap out the throws or pillows on your couch for some dark greens and reds, or incorporate a subdued, but elegant rug to introduce just a hint of the Christmas spirit into your living space.
If you’re someone who’s never been one to just go along with the crowd, or forced yourself to keep up with the latest trends, good for you! It takes a lot of courage to live your life that way, and you can use that same philosophy to decorate your home for the season, and leave quite the impression with your guests.
You can use colors and designs that mean something unique about Christmas to you, and incorporate them into your decorations. Maybe one Christmas your family took a trip to the beach, and you have a seashell that represents that trip; or maybe you the most cherished gift you ever received was a pair of socks your mom knit for you, and you use them as the centerpiece of your table.
The possibilities are endless with this approach, and the more unique to you, the better!
This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideas do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.
Filed under Christmas, Decorating, Home & Garden
If you love Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? and its things-that-go sequels, now you can join your favorite trucks as they celebrate Christmas!
WHERE DO DIGGERS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS?
By Brianna Caplan Sayres; Illustrated by Christian Slade
If your kids love trucks and all things construction as much as mine do, you need to check out this book! This is a great picture book to read as a bedtime story during the Christmas season. Your little one will love finding out what diggers, tractors, forklifts and tankers do to get ready for the holidays. This festive new book is perfect for fans of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and Little Blue Truck.
From trimming the tree and singing carols to gathering gifts and putting out milk and cookies for Santa, Christmastime for the beloved vehicles of Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? looks a lot like yours. Even Zambonis celebrate . . . on ice! Enjoy the rollicking rhymes as you watch the truck families prepare for Santa and even help pull his sleigh!
Check out our video below to see more:
We like this book so much, we have added it to Mommy Ramblings’ 2018 Holiday Gift Guide.
BRIANNA CAPLAN SAYRES is the author of Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? and its sequels, illustrated by Christian Slade. She lives with her husband and their two boys in Seattle. You can visit her on the Web at briannacaplansayres.com or facebook.com/authorbrianna.
CHRISTIAN SLADE’s classic, distinctive art style can be found in picture books, novels, and graphic novels for children. He holds an MA in illustration from Syracuse University, as well as a BFA in drawing and animation from the University of Central Florida. He lives with his wife and two children in Florida. Visit him on the Web at christianslade.com.
Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky reader will win their own hardcover copy of “Where Do Diggers Celebrate Christmas?”! Thank you to Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this festive giveaway. Open to US residents.
Where Do Diggers Celebrate Christmas? Hardcover Book Giveaway Rules on Mommy Ramblings:
Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!
Filed under Books, Christmas, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide
MERRY GRINCHMAS!
WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT’S ENDURING HOLIDAY FAVORITE, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!: THE ULTIMATE EDITION IS AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD
This joyous, heart-tickling holiday event based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved book and featuring the voice of Boris Karloff has delighted viewers of all ages since its 1966 debut. The fun begins when the grumpy, grouchy, Yule-hating Grinch plots to ruin the Who’s Christmas. Can he steal their holiday spirit by stealing their holiday treats? Or does Christmas…perhaps…mean a little bit more?
This is one of my favorite Christmas movies! Now, this Ultimate Edition has more Grinchy fun for everyone!
We of course have added Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Ultimate Edition to our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide here at Mommy Ramblings.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Ultimate Edition on Blu-ray! Thank you to Warner Bros. Home Entertainment for the review Blu-ray and for sponsoring this Grinchy Good Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Ultimate Edition Blu-Ray Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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I just adore the Make and Play Christmas Book. It is so much fun for my kids to make the fun Christmas decorations and display them throughout the house.
This innovative new activity book includes ten press-out pieces to play and decorate with. The simple die-cut shapes, including Santa, a reindeer, and an angel, are easy to press out and slot together. The book also includes lots of activities, songs, and recipes to help celebrate Christmas!
This is a really nice book to give to any child and it gives them something to do throughout the season to prepare for Christmas Day.
We think this book is so fun we have added it to Mommy Ramblings’ 2017 Holiday Gift Guide.
Candlewick Press is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own hardcover copy of Make and Play Christmas Book! Thank you to Candlewick Press for the review book and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.
Where’s Waldo? Destination: Everywhere! Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!
Filed under Books, Gifts, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Review
As a parent, I love seeing the excitement in my little one’s eyes at Christmas. Recently, I found PackageFromSanta.com and learned that I could have a package sent to my child from the North Pole! The package would be addressed to my child and be full of authentic, Santa Claus goodies that are sure to delight.
What makes PackageFromSanta.com so special and set apart from any other company is THEY DO IT ALL (packages, letters, calls and videos from Santa and so much more…) With EVERY Package From Santa sold comes one free call and one free video.
You can see an example of a video we customized on their site below:
You can learn more about how it works by viewing this video. Right now you can take 25% off your order when you use the promo code RED1816 at check out on PackageFromSanta.com. Hurry offer ends December 15th!
After Luke opened his package, we made the Coca and he looked everything over again. For the rest of the day he showed the stuff to everyone and he is especially proud that he has a piece of Santa’s Magic Suit. He has asked everyone to feel how soft and warm it is. He is really treasuring everything and cannot wait to spread the Reindeer food out on the lawn Christmas Eve!
You can follow Package From Santa on Facebook and Twitter. Let me know what you think of this, just leave me a comment.
This is a sponsored post and I received a product and or was compensated to facilitate my article. As always, I only promote products or services that I have tried and truly like or use.
Can you believe it is almost Christmas? I feel like the last part of this year is zooming so fast, I can barely keep up. With all the hustle and bustle of the season, it is nice to just slow down, and sit together with my kids and read a book that brings us back to the true meaning of Christmas.
With all the commercialization, it can seem like everyone’s focus is on the latest sale or chasing after this year’s hottest toy. The Stable Cat’s Christmas by Christina Vrba is a timeless picture book that celebrates the fact that everyone has a gift they can bring the newborn King, no matter their size or stature.
This message resonates so well with children, who sometimes feel their size or age limits them in contributing something that matters to our world.
The Stable Cat is worried that it has nothing to offer the newborn king. The cat has no jewels, riches or gold to bring this very special baby. However, when the cat notices the newborn king shivering in the stable, there is no doubt, this stable cat can help. Curling up with the newborn baby Jesus, the stable cat offers its warmth to our tiny king.
This is a heartwarming story and it will be one you will want to share with your children or grandchildren every season.
Worthy Kids/Ideals is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of The Stable Cat’s Christmas! Thank you to Worthy Kids/Ideals for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.
The Stable Cat’s Christmas Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget. Good Luck!!!
Filed under Books, Christmas, Holiday Gift Guide
I want to share a very special book with you, that I find just amazing. It is a children’s book, one that is sure to become a traditional favorite in our home. One of my favorite books as a child was one about the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center and where it came from.
Over the years, I have shared books with similar tones with my children. This year, we were introduced to Red & Lulu by Matt Tavares. From the first time I opened and read the large, hardcover book with my kids,we were hooked.
For me, it had much to do with the bonded pair of cardinals, Red and Lulu. Cardinals are very special to me and if you have been reading this blog for a while, you may remember my post about the significance of them in The Cardinals’ Kiss.
Beyond the cardinals, we live in Upstate NY where many of the trees that have graced Rockefeller Center have come from. Put the two together and add the magic of the Christmas season, and you have a recipe for a new holiday classic. I know we will read this book many times this season.
Red and Lulu lived happily in the tree that was going to be cut down and transported to New York City. The problem was not that they were going to lose their beloved home, it was bigger than that!
The morning the tree was cut and loaded on the truck, Lulu was in the inner branches. Lulu was in trouble because Red was not with her at the time and now she was on her way to The Big Apple.
Red caught sight of what had happened and flew as fast as he could to catch up to Lulu, but before long, he lost sight of the truck. Red did not give up, he flew all the way to NYC and eventually found Lulu and their tree. Reunited, they happily explored this big, bustling city and made many friends in beautiful Central Park.
Red and Lulu were so happy to be together again. They would sit in the branches of their tree and admire the lights and the people who came from all over the world to see the majestic evergreen.
When the season was over, Red and Lulu made a new home with their new friends in Central Park. One of the perks of their new location, was that every year they could return to Rockefeller Center and sit on the branches of a new Christmas tree. The whole season long, they could happily enjoy, the sights and sounds of the city that never sleeps, during the most wonderful time of the year. This book shows there is no distance too far to keep a determined cardinal from his loved one in an ode to serendipity and belief that is destined to be a new Christmas classic.
This book pulls at my heartstrings in so many ways. That is why I have added it to Mommy Ramblings’ 2017 Holiday Gift Guide.
Candlewick Press is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own hardcover copy of Red & Lulu! Thank you to Candlewick Press for the review book and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.
Red & Lulu Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!
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Hello, I’m Carolyn! I am a PR Savvy, WAH Mom to 5! I love Photography, Baking, DIY Projects, Crafts, Cooking and making memories with my family. I love sharing reviews and giveaways too!
