Tips For Preparing For The Season With Basic Invite Holiday Cards!

There is nothing more stressful than preparing for the holidays. Between buying gifts, going to parties, and cooking huge meals for friends and family there’s just too much to do, and not enough time to do it. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to make the holiday rush less stressful to handle.

First, make a list of your top five priorities this holiday season. Some things may include getting gifts for your family and friends, making sure you go to your best friend’s party, or making holiday cookies with your kids. Whatever your priorities are, make sure you do all of them. If someone asks a favor that conflicts with your priorities, tell them you can’t help them out this time. Don’t let anything get in the way of what you know you want to accomplish. It’s easy to take on too much during the holiday season, so decide what you want to get done, and you’ll have an easier time saying “no” if you need to.

Second, make sure you make time to complete important daily tasks. This may sound like an unnecessary piece of advice, but I’ve let important bills and emails go ignored during the holiday season, and seriously regretted it after. Pick a time every day during the holiday season to do important daily tasks. Respond to emails, pay bills, and tidy up the house. You’ll feel better once you do.

Third, buy your holiday cards, and send them out promptly. Every year, I mean to send out holiday cards and never get around to it. If you’re anything like me, you’ll only send them out if you do it first thing. Before the holiday season really sets in, order your cards while you’re not too busy. I really like Basic Invite’s cards. Their holiday cards will definitely impress your family and friends.

Last but not least, find a way to treat yourself this holiday season without spending money. It’s tempting to treat yourself with some shopping while you’re already spending so much money on gifts for others, but you can wind up in debt if you do. Instead, try doing something free or cheap that you enjoy. Cook your favorite dinner, watch your favorite TV show with some popcorn, or play a board game with some friends. You’ll be able to relax without blowing your budget.

Good luck this holiday season, and happy holidays!

Disclosure: This is a partnered post. 

Merry Bells Handbell Set With Play-Along DVD Brings Family & Friends Together + Giveaway!

Disclosure: Susie's Reviews receives compensation or products from brands in exchange for the posts on this site Our opinions are honest and our own.

I’m excited to tell you about Merry Bells and hope you will try them out. You and your family and friends will have a blast!  It will get everyone off their phones and interacting and having fun together

Merry Bells brings families and friendships together in a wonderful and fun way!  These Handbells with Play-Along DVDs and Digital Downloads are great for parties, family gatherings, school groups, and more!

• Play Christmas, Children's, Patriotic, and Primary songs.  Each Play-Along DVD comes with 30 of your favorite songs.  Each Digital Download comes with 10 of your favorite songs. 

• Just follow your bell color on the screen and ring your bell when your color lands on the play bar.   You'll catch on in no time and be playing beautiful handbell music together.  It's tons of fun!

• Choose melody (single-note) or harmony (multi-note) versions of each song on the Play-Along DVD.

Merry Bells is great for parties, family gatherings, school groups, and more.  It’s tons of handbell fun for everyone!

The Merry Bells Christmas bell set sells for a special December pricing of $24.95, with additional song books available for children’ songs, patriotic songs, and Latter Day Saints songs.

You can purchase on the Merry Bells website and connect with Merry Bells on social media, on Facebook and YouTube.

Giveaway

One winner will receive Merry Bells Handbell Set With Play-Along DVD valued at $34.95. featuring an heirloom quality case bound hardback book, an ornament just like the one in the story, and a beautiful decorative package. US only. Giveaway ends 12/15/19. 

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Cool Tech Gifts Your Kids Will Love This Christmas

Looking for the perfect Christmas gifts for your kids? You can’t go wrong with technology! There are so many great choices for kids these days that it can be difficult to choose, but at least you know you’ll be giving them hours and hours of entertainment! Who knows, you might even find some gifts that you can enjoy using too!

Check out these cool tech gift ideas your kids will love this Christmas.

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Lego Boost

Lego has always been a fun gift idea for kids, especially if you have a child who loves to build things! Now Lego has gone even further with Lego Boost. There are several different kits available, including ones that help kids build robots! These types of toys are great for when friends come over or so brothers and sisters can play together, and will teach them a lot about technology. There are some really cool ideas that can keep kids entertained for hours, and if you loved Lego as a child, it could provide something fun for you too!

A VR gaming system

Virtual reality has really taken off in recent years. It’s a great way to keep kids entertained and take things to the next level. VR helps kids to enjoy interactive games that can keep them busy for hours and hours, as well as keep them moving. Some of the best games for VR can include some sports games or those based on your kids’ favorite characters, so there are plenty of choices out there. A VR system is a great gift that will see your kids light up on Christmas morning!

Some earbuds

For older children and teenagers, wireless earbuds are a cool gift to get. There are a lot of options out there for earbuds, and they don’t have to be from Apple. There are earbuds that are better than AirPods that offer better sound quality, longer battery life and come in a range of colors and styles. Everyone is wearing earbuds at the moment, so if you’ve got a fashion-conscious teenager in your house, this could be one way to make their Christmas!

Toys that teach coding

It’s hard to imagine being taught coding in school, but more and more kids are learning how to code and program. It’s a great skill to have, and something that will benefit their futures as technology becomes more and more prominent. Being able to learn code will keep your kids entertained for a long time, and help them show interest in a different area of technology. Some of the best toys that teach coding include puzzle games, Code Master and Sphero SPRK+. There are a lot of different coding toys, which include both offline and online options that can teach your kids some key skills, whilst having a lot of fun too.

Why not join in and learn a bit about coding yourself?

A smart home speaker

Smart home speakers are a great addition to your home. They can help you remember tasks, play music anywhere and help with basic functions around your home. But while they might seem like a practical tech purchase for you, they’re a lot of fun for kids. Amazon has an Echo Kids speaker that’s ideal for helping them play as well as listen to their favorite music. With the right parental controls, you can make sure that the smart speaker is put to good use and provides plenty of entertainment for your kids.

A new tablet

If you’re looking for a tech gift that will keep your kids entertained for hours, then a new tablet could be ideal. It will stop them using your phone or personal tablet, and allows you to put the right controls on there to stop them seeing content that’s unsuitable. There are tablets designed for kids that have sturdy designs and plenty of features that will make sure your kids are always entertained. Remember to limit the time your child spends on their tablet, you don’t want them to start becoming antisocial and only wanting to spend time looking at a screen!

Finding the perfect Christmas gifts can be tough, but if you have a kid who loves technology, then you’ll be pleased to hear that there are some fantastic options out there this year, including tech gifts for all ages and budgets. Make Christmas extra special this year with some top tech gifts that they will love this holiday season.

Disclosure: This is a partnered post. 

UglyChristmasSweater.com $60 Gift Card Giveaway!

Sponsored By: UglyChristmasSweater.com

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

Winner will receive:

Any item of their choosing up to a $60 RV at UglyChristmasSweater.com!

Read Love, Mrs. Mommy's UglyChristmasSweater.com Review!

UglyChristmasSweater.com has all your fun holiday needs covered! This is a one-stop shop that has everything from the popular ugly Christmas sweater, to fun sleeping pj’s and even blow-up decorations for your front yard! But, this site doesn’t stop there. They even have custom sweaters that you can make and officially licensed products from all our favorite holiday movies, too! Read More...

Previous UglyChristmasSweater.com winners are excluded from winning another giveaway. 
Please do not enter if you have already won.

Open To US entries and must be 18+ to enter

Giveaway Dates ~ 11/26 9:00 AM EST through 12/19 11:59PM EST

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. Previous UglyChristmasSweater.com winners are excluded from winning another giveaway. Please do not enter if you have already won. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

Four Approaches to Preschool and Why They Matter

When it's time to apply for your first job at a preschool, the options can be overwhelming. There's a temptation to apply everywhere and jump at the first job offer you get. However, before you send out your resume, it's worth taking some time to consider the type of preschool you'd love going to every day. If you've written a personal philosophy of education, start with that. What do you consider to be the most crucial part of a preschooler's education? Are you into Constructivism and a fan of free play, or are you convinced that school readiness should be the focus of a high-quality program? You may fall somewhere in the middle, and that's OK. What matters is that you know where you stand so you can focus your efforts on finding a good fit with a school you love. To focus your search, consider the following four popular approaches to preschool and think about which may be the best environment for you as a teacher.

HighScope

HighScope schools focus on active learning. Children are encouraged to construct their own knowledge through the Plan-Do-Review framework. The most famous iteration of the HighScope curriculum may be the Perry Preschool Project, which established the value of early childhood education, both on a human scale and as a financial consideration. Another famous school system that often uses the HighScope curriculum is Head Start.

Reggio Emilia

The Reggio Emilia curriculum is named after a town in Italy called, you guessed it, Reggio Emilia. Hallmarks of the Reggio approach include:

• The Hundred Languages of Children. This phrase refers to the belief that children have infinite ways of expressing themselves, each of which should be honored.

• Provocations. Provocations are open-ended (but not unplanned) materials that are set out for the children to explore without direct instruction and without a specific end in mind.

• The three teachers. The first teacher in Reggio Emilia's thinking is the parent, the second is the classroom teacher, and the third teacher is the environment. Therefore, Reggio-inspired teachers pay special attention to setting up the environment. The moment you walk into a Reggio Emilia school, such as Little Sunshine's Playhouse, you will notice the breathtaking beauty of the environment. 

• Documentation. In the context of the Reggio Emilia curriculum, documentation doesn't necessarily refer to file folders full of reports or to statistics reported to a governing body. Instead, the documentation is part of the learning and reflecting process. It may involve children's work or photographs of the children working. A standout feature of Reggio-style documentation is that it is displayed publicly for the children, their parents, and visitors to see.

Montessori

Maria Montessori was a pioneer in the field of early childhood education. She set out to teach "unteachable" children, and her methods were so successful that they have been applied to learners of all ages. In the preschool context, the Montessori curriculum focuses more on regulation and practice than on free play. Still, the children are free to choose their own activities within the structure of the Montessori classroom. Familiar features in Montessori classrooms include:Self-correcting materials. The Montessori method centers on specific materials that don't turn out right if not put together correctly. For example, when working with the Montessori cylinder block, a child quickly learns that, if even one cylinder is out of place, not all the cylinders will fit back into the block.

• Self-correcting materials. The Montessori method centers on specific materials that don't turn out right if not put together correctly. For example, when working with the Montessori cylinder block, a child quickly learns that, if even one cylinder is out of place, not all the cylinders will fit back into the block.

• Practical life elements. Practical life materials are easy to notice in the Montessori classroom because they include real glasses, child-sized water pitchers, and so on. The children use them to practice real-life skills at a scale they can handle.

Waldorf

Waldorf schools focus on the whole child and do not emphasize academics at an early age. In fact, classic Waldorf schools don't teach reading to children younger than age seven. Some Waldorf-inspired schools approach academics earlier than age seven, mainly when they are motivated by state school-readiness standards. Other unmistakable features of Waldorf preschools include:

• Imagery. Rudolf Steiner, the man behind the Waldorf philosophy, believed in the great power of imagery and metaphor. Therefore, imagery is the foundation for many aspects of the Waldorf approach.

• Natural materials. You won't find plastic toys in a Waldorf classroom. Instead, the children use natural materials in their play, including wood, silk, and beeswax.

• Learning through story. Story is an underlying theme in Waldorf curriculum. Children learn from stories in all subjects, not only literature and history.

Some schools blend two or more core philosophies or take bits and pieces from all over. Others adhere strictly to one ideology. When you start researching new opportunities, read the job ad carefully but then go to the center's website and read the philosophy and curriculum pages. Although they're geared toward parents, they will give you a wealth of information about what goes on behind the scenes. Before you interview, make a note to yourself about your have-to-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers. That way, you're less likely to get caught up in the moment and accept a job that honestly isn't a good fit for you. Wherever you end up, you're sure to learn a lot and make lots of fun memories along the way!

Disclosure: This is a partnered post. 

3 Privacy And Security Rules For Bloggers

Whenever you do anything online these days, it’s so important to think about privacy and security. It’s easy to post things on social media or put details into a website without really considering your security, and the consequences can be devastating. If you are a blogger, it’s so important that you think about your online security but a lot of new bloggers don’t realize that. It’s one of the biggest mistakes that people make when starting their new blog and if you are not careful, it could put you in danger. If you post too many details about your personal life, you open yourself up to things like identity theft. It’s also important that you protect the content on the blog itself, so it does not get stolen by other bloggers that want to pass it off as their own. With that in mind, these are some of the best ways to protect your privacy as a blogger.

Pixabay CCO License

Never Use Your Real Address 
Once you start working with companies on sponsored posts, they will need to send you things in the mail. Most of the time, that is perfectly safe because they’re a legitimate company and they do not have any malicious intentions. However, there is a chance that criminals could pose as a company in order to find out details, like your address, which they can then use to commit identity fraud against you. That’s why it may be safer to use a virtual mailbox service instead of giving out your own address. All of your mail will be sent there and then can use the online access to my po box system to look at all of your mail. Anything that needs to be forwarded on to you will be, and you never have to give out your address. It’s surprising how much information people can find out once they have your name and address, so you don’t want to be giving out this information freely. 

Be Vague About Location 
When you are writing a blog, it’s likely that people will know what city or area you come from and you may post about places that you have been in that area. But it’s important that you do not get any more specific than that, especially if you live in a small place where you are easy to track down. Do not use photos that give away the exact location of your home, and don’t give specifics about the location.

Use A VPN 
If somebody manages to hack into your blog, they can easily lift all of your posts and they will also be able to find out personal information about you, so it’s important that you are protected. You need to have up to date security software on your computer, and it’s also a good idea to use a VPN to give you an added layer of protection. A VPN, or virtual private network, creates a separate network and makes it harder for hackers to gain access to your computer, so you are better protected. 


These basic rules should help you to avoid any privacy and security issues on your blog. 

Disclosure: This is a partnered post. 

Gift Ideas for Curious Kids from National Geographic Kids + Giveaway

The holidays  are RIGHT around the corner and although pumpkins may still be on the front porch, it's time to figure out what will go under the tree and next to the menorah (and don't forget gifts for the teachers).  

Books make the best gifts -- a thoughtfully selected book will hold a child's interest long after the new toys have been tossed aside.  National Geographic Kids Books is featuring several new titles that are perfect for gift giving.  From big, bold and beautiful hardcovers to fun stocking stuffers, these titles cater to book enthusiasts and reluctant readers alike; and are fun, inspiring AND educational (but don't tell kids that last part!).  Here's a brief rundown of each title:

The Book of Bling: Ritzy Rocks, Extravagant Animals, Sparkling Science and More! (ages 8-12, $19.99) 

From upscale splurges to flashy fun in nature, this treasure trove is filled with wonders that will dazzle and delight. Read about how nature struts its stuff with tantalizing tidbits about animals, including a few that literally glitter with iridescence to confuse predators. Or maybe you'll strike it rich after reading about Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, U.S.A., where anyone can go hunt for sparkling gems. Dig into info about the world's mysterious minerals, gorgeous geodes, and ritzy rocks. Discover extravagant expenditures like Canada's million-dollar solid gold coin. Learn all about the splendid science of diamonds that rain from the sky in space. Get the secret behind glowing bio luminescence. And go back in time to uncover palatial palaces, the riches of royalty, and other ancient treasures.  To show off the lush content in proper fashion, readers will be dazzled by hundreds of fun flashy photos throughout.

Nerd A to Z: Your Reference to Literally Figuratively Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know (ages 8-12, $14.99)

This superstuffed alphabetical compendium of must-know facts from science, pop culture, history, and more is perfect for kids who already know the names of every single dinosaur or want to understand exactly how the Millennium Falcon works. It's a book for grammar gurus, science snobs, music geeks, and history buffs. In short, it's a book for nerds. Inside, you'll find browsable, info-packed blurbs that'll give you the lowdown on everything from augmented reality to zydeco, with larger features that dive deep into fascinating topics like UFOs, pirates, artificial intelligence, and daring circus acts. And you'll hear from the world's most notable (and quotable) Nerds of Note from history and today.

Treasury of Bible Stories: written by Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Christina Balit (ages 8-12, HC, $24.99)

Noah's Ark, Moses, David and Goliath, the ten plagues, Daniel and the lions' den, Jonah and the giant fish, and many more of the Bible's most powerful stories — 27 in all — are compellingly retold in this beautifully illustrated treasury. Readers will be fascinated by the ancient people and events they encounter, surprised by some of the lesser known accounts revealed, and inspired by the lessons these tales impart. Stories cover important ground beyond religion, such as culture, history, and geography, and they touch on issues that remain relevant today--faith, loyalty, kindness, violence, generosity, greed, jealousy, and more. These accessible, readable stories give kids a rich picture of biblical times, which encourages them to think about our role in the world and to learn more.

Dream Journal: by Dr. Allan Peterkin (ages 8-12, $12.99 )

This stocking stuffer is what dreams are made of — literally!  Professor of Psychiatry Dr.Allan Peterkin helps readers uncover the power of their dreams and better understand the science of sleep. With lively text, vibrant imagery, and plenty of space for writing, it's the perfect tool to help kids remember, record, and reflect on their nighttime adventures.  Catching Z's has never been so much fun!

Brain Candy: Seriously Sweet Facts to Satisfy Your Curiosity - (ages 8-12, $8.99) 

This offbeat, "stocking-sized" book is like a sweet treat that will satisfy any reader's fun fact cravings. Cranium “cavities” will be filled to the brim with 500 fascinating knowledge nuggets about numbers, fun facts, and cool trivia on all kinds of topics.  With features that dive into why potatoes and tomatoes are a dynamic duo, amazing animal tongues and how they are used to ”lick” their competition and dental care through the ages, Brain Candy is a tasty approach to feeding kids tantalizing tidbits about the world. 

Giveaway

One lucky reader will win all of the books listed above! This giveaway is open to US readers ages 18+ and ends on 11/25/19. Void where prohibited by law. Good luck!



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The Magic Christmas Ornament Gift Set Giveaway

Disclosure: Susie's Reviews receives compensation or products from brands in exchange for the posts on this site Our opinions are honest and our own.

Invite the magic of Christmas into your home this winter with The Magic Christmas Ornament Collection. This spellbinding Christmas storybook and dazzling tree ornament set will inspire new traditions and pull readers, both young and old, into a world of holiday splendor. The Magic Christmas Ornament Collection includes an heirloom quality case bound hardback book, an ornament just like the one in the story, and a beautiful decorative package, perfect for making the gift of Christmas a lasting memory.

On Christmas Eve, Victoria’s father gathers her and her brothers, Joseph and John, around the fireplace to tell the story of a very special ornament that has hung on their tree for as long as they can remember. Their father found the ornament in a mysterious tree one snowy evening when he was seven years old, and brought it home. After hearing the story and going to bed, Victoria, Joseph, and John sneak back downstairs, and discover the ornament has magical powers! It whisks them away to the happiest place on Earth: Santa’s workshop! The children can’t believe their eyes as Santa himself appears before them. They also see mountains of toys, reindeer prepping for flight, the largest Christmas tree ever, and hundreds of elves - one of whom seems very familiar. This elf, named JJ, gives them a tour around the workshop, tosses Victoria one of Santa’s ornaments, and leads them outside, straight to a mysterious tree in the woods. Victoria somehow knows to place Santa’s ornament into the tree’s knothole, and the magic of the ornament whisks them right back home. When they return, the children know they’ll never forget the magic of Christmas that they witnessed that night.

Full-spread illustrations, featuring dazzling and colorful scenes, will inspire the festive spirit in readers of all ages. This beautiful hardcover comes in a shiny gift box with an ornament just like the one in the story—perfect for holiday gift-giving, reading aloud, and cherishing year after year. In true Christmas spirit, a portion of all proceeds will be given to the Marine Corps' "Toys for Tots" program. The book alone is available for $19.95. The price of the full collection is $44.95.

The authors’ father and grandfather, Sylvester (Ziggy) Barbato, was one of nine children from an Italian immigrant family. Ziggy often told James, his son, that their family was too poor to afford toys, but he always vowed that his children would experience the spirit of Christmas nonetheless. The Magic Christmas Ornament is an original story created by James and Victoria Barbato, allowing their family to share the magic of Christmas—and all of its excitement—with yours.

About the Authors:

James (Jim) Barbato is a former college professor and business owner. He is also the son of a U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant and lived all across the United States and Canada for the first twelve years of his life. As a child, Jim developed a strong Christmas spirit, inspired by the stories his father would tell. Jim often told original stories to his own three children, including the story of "The Magic Christmas Ornament," which they still remember and cherish as adults.

Victoria Barbato is currently an Instructional Coach for English language instruction in the Boston area. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Education and a Master’s degree in English, and is passionate about teaching and creating equity in educational opportunities for all learners. Growing up, Victoria was greatly inspired by her grandfather’s and father’s stories because they connect to the importance of family, convey fascination with the world, and always have a message of hope.

For more information, please visit the website, Purchase on Amazon,  and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Giveaway

One winner will receive The Magic Christmas Ornament Collection valued at $44.95, featuring an heirloom quality case bound hardback book, an ornament just like the one in the story, and a beautiful decorative package. US/Can only. Giveaway ends 11/22/19. 

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Practical Fashion Ideas For This Autumn

When we think about autumn, we automatically consider the weather. Obviously, this is the time of change, when the cooler summer clothes are being used less often, and when bobble hats and gloves are edging their way out of the drawers. Obviously, you can layer your clothes in the autumn, and this is always a good idea, especially when you’re going in and out of properties, or work. Having the option to be able to take a layer off when warm helps you feel much more comfortable. So in 2019, what are the trends in the fashion world, that will start to show their way through to the end of the year?

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Fantastic coats

The 2019 season is going to see some different and amazing coats, over sized and over-styled, with various distinct patterns, that will suit the wearer depending on their preferences. Coats are usually helpful in keeping the wearer tidy and comfortable but are sometimes overlooked. Many tartan and beige creations are coming to the surface now, and boulcé is a popular choice among those of us who have an eye for fashion. It has been noted that more aggressive, and to the point, styled coats are becoming the trend in various places, and aside from looking very useful, they of course help the wearer stay warm and cozy.

Boots

Aside from being incredibly useful, and very comfortable during the autumn-winter season, boots can look amazing and really finish off an outfit. There are so many different styles of boots, from Wide calf rain boots to pair with a waterproof jacket to Some sparkly boots with a killer set of heels on them, you will find a pair of boots to match any outfit you choose. This is especially good for parties and meals out with friends. Some of us secretly love it when the weather turns a little bit colder because boots are one of those all-around comforting items that we can pair with anything pretty much!

Color

When we think of autumn, we tend to imagine reds, black and oranges as the staple colors to match this season. However this year the catwalks have been mixing it up a little and throwing in the odd curve ball. You may notice this season some fluorescent pieces, paired with traditional low-key colors. This really sets off and an unusual but effective outfit, and certainly not what you might expect during the autumn months. But are yellow is also another distinctive color this season, that you might not expect. But if you have a look at the catwalk photos, you will see that it really works well, and if you see a butter or wax yellow coat being worn, it can certainly brighten up your day.

As with fashion at any time, there are no hard and fast rules. Most of us have a standard wardrobe that we add and takeaway various pieces from. But during inspiration from those at fashion week, and looking at the stores and what they have on offer can be inspiring and hopefully improve how you feel about your clothing.

Disclosure: This is a partnered post. 

Gobble Till Ya’ Wobble Giveaway Hop #GobbleHop

Welcome to the Gobble Till Ya’ Wobble Giveaway Hop  hosted by The Review Wire and Chatty Patty's Place.  This giveaway runs November 1st -15th. Please make sure to visit all the blogs in the hop for even more chances to win a prize.  

Enter below to win $20 PayPal Cash!  Open World Wide. You must be 18 years old to enter to win.

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