Showing posts with label GGMholidayguide. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Holiday Gift Guide: Pillow Pets Review & Giveaway!

Perfect gift idea for: Traveling kids

Pillow Pets are one of the favorite items I’ve discovered here on this blog. If you’re not familiar with this toy, Pillow Pets are unique characters that convert from a cuddly stuffed animal to a comfy pillow in seconds. The animal is made by folding the pillow in half and securing it with the sewn-in velcro patch. And when it’s time for a snooze, you just undo the velcro and turn your favorite buddy into a pillow. It’s great for around the house and ideal for travel.

Over the summer I had the pleasure of bringing you a Patriotic Pup giveaway, and just a few weeks later the pup became our very first Pillow Pet friend to come and live with us. The excitement has not worn off since, and Emma loves rolling around with her Pillow Pet. It’s her favorite cushion, and I totally understand why. The chenille fabric is so soft it’s heavenly. I would love a pillow like this just for myself. But even with our newset addition, Magical Unicorn, she doesn’t like to share.

She even found a way to use both of them at once. The stinker!

Magical Unicorn took this here survey to help you learn about her personality, in case you might want to adopt her.

Your name – Magical Unicorn
Where you live – A castle in Europe
Best friends – Ms. Ladybug, Proper Penguin
Favorite things – Flowers and sparkles
Favorite food – Like a horse, I usually eat things like oats and grass. I love fruits and vegetables of all kinds. Plus, I love marshmallows!
Favorite color – Purple
Favorite thing to do – Making flower necklaces and being with my friends
Favorite thing about you – It used to be my mane, but I’m starting to like my unique horn more and more.
What your friends say about you –
Proper Penguin: “Magical Unicorn is simply lovely. She is sweet and kind and always there to give you a hug. There is also something special about her that I just can’t put my beak on yet.”
Ms. Ladybug – “My favorite thing about Magical Unicorn is the twinkly flair she brings to everything she does. It’s like a special occasion every time we see each other – and she usually brings marshmallows!”

Isn’t that cute? A lot of time goes into these Pillow Pets, from their name and design to the character and the high quality of the finished product. I can’t say enough about how luxuriously soft the chenille is, and it doesn’t shed! We’ve tried copy-cat versions, but the original is always the best and that’s definitely the case with Pillow Pets. And since they’re so reasonably priced at $24.95 there’s really no need to look elsewhere. They also offer a smaller version for $15.99.

GIVEAWAY!
Win the Magical Unicorn Pillow Pet, ARV $25!
(US Only - Ends 11/25)

Mandatory Entry: Visit Pillow Pets and tell me another favorite character.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

+2 Extra Entries EACH if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect, become a feed subscriber, or an email subscriber
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Pillow Pets on Facebook, leave your FB name.
+1 Extra Entry if after you ‘Like’ them, you leave this comment on their wall: I entered to win the Magical Unicorn Pet at Girl Gone Mom - http://bit.ly/dxqMf2
+1 Entry if you follow Pillow Pets on twitter.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:

It’s a Pillow and a Pet – It’s a Pillow Pet! #WIN Magical Unicorn #GGMHolidayGuide - http://bit.ly/dxqMf2

+2 Extra Entries if you add my main blog button to your blog’s main page. Please leave link.
+2 Extra Entries if you post my Holiday Gift Guide (snow globe) button to your blog’s main page. Leave link.
+2 Extra Entries if you add my blog url to your text blog roll. Leave link.
+5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway with a link to this post.

Contest is open to US residents and closes at Midnight EST on Nov. 25th 2010. One main entry per household. No compensation was received for this post. The sponsor sent me the product free of charge to facilitate my honest review, and has generously offered the same prize to a lucky reader.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Holiday Gift Guide: Alegria Mini-Boots (Review & Giveaway)

Gift them to: The stylish lady on your list.

I’ll probably be complaining about the blustery cold weather a few months from now, I won’t lie. But to tell you the truth, I do love it. Sure, I wish the season was a bit shorter, but you can’t deny how invigorating it is when you breathe in that fresh crisp air while taking in the holiday décor and enjoying winter festivities, picking out your Christmas tree, watching a fun parade or playing in the snow. That is, as long as you’re bundled up in a comfy coat, warm gloves, and toasty boots while sipping a nice hot cup of cocoa.

My newest pair of comfy-cute boots is from Alegria. Shoes by Alegria are popular with women who are on their feet all day. Doctors, nurses, flight attendants, teachers and artists are among those who rave about this footwear brand, and for good reason. You can see that they’re fun and fashionable, but they also promote health and wellness.

First, they have an anatomically correct patented interlocking footbed system with arch support. Removeable footbeds are constructed of latex, memory foam and cork, which create a custom fit by molding to the natural contours of your foot.

Also, they feature a rocker bottom that is extremely popular right now. The outsole induces a normal walking motion while naturally toning leg muscles, promoting good posture, and reducing stress on muscles, joints and back.

These are properties my mother would look for in a shoe – but my Mini Boots look nothing like what she’d wear. (No offense mom, but you lost your fashion sense a long time ago!)

The Mini Boot features a Suede Leather Upper, leather-lining and a mini bottom outsole. They feature that a moveable footbed system I told you about before and they’re hand-stiched. Talk about great quality. The fit is very generous. I like that they’re water repellent – they’ll be suitable for wearing in the rain, snow, etc. Now I need to just get a pair of skinny jeans or leggings so that I can look as cute as this model pictured below!

GIVEAWAY!
One reader will win a pair of Suede Mini Boots, ARV $160!
(US Only - Ends 12/3)

Mandatory Entry: Visit Alegria and tell me which color you’d want if you are lucky enough to win these Mini Boots!

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

+2 Extra Entries EACH if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect, become a feed subscriber, or an email subscriber
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Alegria on Facebook, leave your FB name.
+1 Extra Entry if after you ‘Like’ them, you leave this comment on their wall: I entered to win the Suede Mini Boots at Girl Gone Mom -
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:

I entered to win a pair of Alegria suede mini-boots, a $160 value @GirlGoneMom #GGMHolidayGuide and you can too! http://bit.ly/atDJY4

Contest is open to US residents and closes at Midnight EST on December 3rd, 2010. One main entry per household. No compensation was received for this post. The sponsor sent me the product free of charge to facilitate my honest review, and has generously offered the same prize to a lucky reader.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Holiday Gift Guide: Paddywhack Lane Review & Giveaway

Ideal gift for: Christian girls age 3 and up.

“It’s What You Believe Inside That Makes you...You! The Outside is Mostly Fabrics and Stitching.”

I love this quote from Paddywhack Lane, and it’s a great lesson that it’s what’s inside that truly counts. It’s important life lessons like this that Paddywhack Lane teaches children through the guise of play. Paddywhack Lane specializes in creating a collection of heartwarming, inspirational stories, high quality, role-play toys, gifts and music for young children that parents can feel good about giving to their children. They believe that Children are the most wonderful gift that we parents have been entrusted with. Underneath each adorable little exterior, hidden inside each child, is a personality and identity that was creatively and supernaturally created by God to bring out the best in each one. I certainly cannot argue with that!

We received a delightful hardcover book called Lauren and the Leaky Pail from Paddywhack lane. The story teaches children the power of persistence and faith. It follows Lauren and her desire to win first prize in a gardening contest. Her leaky pail, however, is ruining everything. Some unexpected surprises lay ahead for Lauren, and she’s rewarded in the end for her hard work, even if it wasn’t what she envisioned.

It’s an impressive size at 11”x9” and is 32 pages long. This is not a book that my daughter will sit quietly and follow along while I read it to her. She’s too young for that now, but I did really enjoy it myself and I know that she will in a year’s time. The illustrations are gorgeous. The book is great quality from the story to the finished product, and is a good value at $15.99.

Another cute item from Paddywhack Lane is Courtney's Tea Party Playset. It’s a miniature size tea-party hosted by Princess Courtney, with Lizzy the bear and all of Courtney’s favorite treats. The figurines are poseable and the set is very detailed, down to the teeny-tiny saucers and spoons. It’s really adorable, but I wouldn’t let Emma play with it. It’s labeled 3+, but because of the extremely small parts I probably wouldn’t introduce this until 4 or older. I’ve included my thumb in the photo so you can get an idea of size. This set is $22.99.

Paddywhack Lane is offering a 20% off special for my readers if you use the promo code usablogger at checkout.

GIVEAWAY!
A lucky winner will receive a copy of Lauren and the Leaky Pail and their choice of playset from Paddywhack Lane – ARV $40!
(US Only - Ends 11/19)

Mandatory Entry: Visit Paddywhack Lane and tell me another toy that you think would make a great holiday gift.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

+2 Extra Entries EACH if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect, become a feed subscriber, or an email subscriber
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Paddywhack Lane on Facebook, leave your FB name.
+1 Extra Entry if you follow Paddywhack Lane on twitter.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:

Paddywhack Lane offer's quality gifts for kids. #Win a miniature playset and beautiful book ARV $40 #GGMHolidayGuide http://bit.ly/9f5FOP

Contest is open to US residents and closes at Midnight EST on November 19th, 2010. One main entry per household. No compensation was received for this post. The sponsor sent me the product free of charge to facilitate my honest review, and has generously offered the same prize to a lucky reader.

Holiday Gift Guide: Baby Alive Bouncin’ Babbles Doll (Review)

Perfect Gift Idea for: Doll-loving toddlers

Right now, Emma can’t get enough of her baby dolls. Big and small, soft or firm, she loves them all. And let me tell you, she is a really good mommy to her babies. She hugs and kisses them, carries them around, and pushes them in the stroller. She even feeds their bellies and changes their diapers – even when they don’t have diapers.

Yesterday, she saw the Baby Alive Bouncin’ Babbles doll in our office/holiday gift guide storage area. She went crazy for it, so I had to let her open it. After all, she is working on this gift guide too, right?

She has several other dolls to play with, but this weekend she’s been focusing all of her time and attention on her new Baby Alive baby.

They went for a long stroll around the house, taking stops to kiss her gently on the head, and then Emma cuddled her the entire way to her cousins’ house where she was still playing with her Bouncin’ Babbles. I love this photo of her getting ready to take a ride on the slide. It’s the cutest thing watching my little girl play mommy, but there’s a lot more to Baby Alive.

Just like the name hints at, she acts just like a real baby. When we press her left hand, she will coo, talk baby talk, and bounce up and down. I shot a brief video below just to show you all she can do.

It would be nice if this doll came with a playpen like the one she comes packaged in. This keeps in her place when she decides to bounce up and down, and Emma doesn’t really understand that she has to hold on tight to keep the baby from falling over. We were able to keep her packaging in tact so that we can use the packaging as her playpen, but being that it’s made of cardboard I know it won’t last long. That’s the only improvement I think could be made for this toy. Or maybe an accessory sold separately?

The Baby Alive Bouncin’ Babbles doll is available in Caucasian, Hispanic and African American ethnicities. The retail price is $24.99. Since Emma liked Bouncin’ Babbles so much, I’m looking into getting her more Baby Alive dolls for Christmas this year.

No compensation was received for this post. My daughter received the doll in order to facilitate our review, but all of the views expressed in this post are my own.

Holiday Gift Guide: Socks 4 Life as Stocking Stuffers (Review & $20 GC Giveaway)

Great Idea for: Stocking Stuffers

We could always use more socks around here. Whether one of a pair gets “lost” in the dryer or holes develop, there seems to be a constant shortage of the ones we want to wear. I’m always digging in the drawer for my black socks, Emma likes her ankle socks, and daddy prefers crew socks.

People always joke about receiving socks and ties for Christmas, but I love the practical gifts and I see nothing wrong with giving socks as stocking stuffers. Especially during the cold winter season!

Socks4Life sent us our stocking stuffers a little early. Daddy received the American Made Men's Solid Black Crew Socks:

Emma was sent a few pairs of the Dolce children’s low-cut ankle socks:

I received a few pairs of Women’s socks including a couple of great knee socks and these adorable slipper socks. The other pairs we tried were basic socks, but these are quite different, and so soft. They’d even make a great gift for Christmas when paired with some other foot pampering products.

Socks4Life has a 30-day money-back guarantee and also offers free shipping on orders over $50. Get all of your stocking stuffers from one place – how easy is that?

GIVEAWAY!
Enter to win a $20 gift certificate to Socks4Life!
(US + CAN - Ends 11/19)

Mandatory Main Entry: Head on over to Socks4Life and tell me how you’d spend your gift certificate.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Socks make great stocking stuffers! WIN a $20 gift certificate to Socks4Life#GGMHolidayGuide: http://bit.ly/a5bgPu

Contest is open to US and Canadian residents and closes at Midnight EST on November 19th 2010. One main entry per household. No compensation was received for this post. The sponsor sent me the product free of charge to facilitate my honest review, and has generously offered the same prize to a lucky reader.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Holiday Gift Guide: HearthSong Cottage Playhouse ARV $80 {Review & Giveaway}

Gift Idea Perfect for: Any child or child at heart

What is it about children and forts? Emma loves it when we make one out of a big blanket and all hide beneath the “roof”. We do this because the teepee-shaped tent she’s been playing with won’t fit us adults; it will barely contain her and yet she still insists that we come inside. Of course we do what we’re told, but she’s not pleased that our limbs and rear-ends poke out. What we really ~~wanted~~ needed, was an indoor playhouse just like the one she has outside. When we saw the Cottage Playhouse at HearthSong, our search was over.

I knew this playhouse was going to be great fun for Emma. What I didn’t expect is how fun it would be for her dad and I, because we can all fit inside and play as a family. This thing measures 5 feet by 4 feet and is about 5 feet tall. It is HUGE, and is large enough to fit me, Emma, ad daddy with plenty of room to spare. We could literally have a tea-party in here!

The Cottage Playhouse is sturdy. It’s framed with fiberglass poles that fit into metal connectors. The vinyl covering hangs from the frame and ties to the poles to keep it snugly in place. It was a breeze to set up, and once we finished “building” her home, Emma was over the moon with delight. The fact that it fit all of us was major, and all of the other fun features were icing on the cake.

playhousemont

The windows and doors can be velcroed up or down, and the house itself has special touches to make this house a home, like flower boxes and landscaping. Emma loves adjusting the windows and crawling through the doggy door. Thanks to the mesh eaves and window vents, it won’t get too stifling in there.

There are tons of great toys available at HearthSong, and for the holidays it’s very helpful that their playthings are categorized by age and type. But be careful, it’s easy to get carried away!

GIVEAWAY!
One very lucky person will win the Cottage Playhouse from HearthSong!
(US Only - Ends 12/3)

Mandatory Entry: Visit HearthSong and tell me another toy that you think would make a great holiday gift.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

+2 Extra Entries EACH if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect, become a feed subscriber, or an email subscriber
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ HearthSong Toys on Facebook, leave your FB name.
+1 Extra Entry if you follow Hearthsong Toys on twitter.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message: