Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on Nintendo Switch! #HolidayGiftGuide

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Nintendo America for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

I don't know about you, but there are always video games on my holiday shopping list!  My teens love playing pretty much any video game they can get their hands on and year is all about the Nintendo Switch!  Here is one of their new favorites games, Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom:

About the game:

Save the kingdom of Hyrule—this time with the wisdom of Princess Zelda!

The people of Hyrule are being stolen away by strange rifts that have appeared—and with a certain swordsman among the missing, it’s up to Princess Zelda to save her kingdom in a brand-new The Legend of Zelda™ story!

Team up with the mysterious fairy, Tri, and use the Tri Rod to create “echoes,” which are imitations of things you find in the environment—then recreate those echoes whenever you like to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. 

Create echoes like water blocks to reach new heights, make bridges out of old beds, throw rocks at foes—or find your own creative combination of echoes to do things your way. You can even create echoes of monsters to fight at your side in combat!

The newest addition to the Zelda franchise is a hit with our teens!  Check out all of the newest games for Nintendo Switch and give gifts gamers are guaranteed to love!

Explore Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

DateBox Club: The Perfect Gift For Your Partner! #HolidayGiftGuide

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to DateBox Club for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own.

Sometimes buying gifts for your partner can be tricky, but today's gift idea might just be the perfect gift!  A subscription to DateBox Club keeps the fun going all year long!

DateBox Club will ship out a fun themed date in a box each month full of goodies to create a fun experience for you both to share.

Check out a recent box to get an idea of what to expect:

An information card including instructions for the date, mood enhancing tips and more:

Goodies to help set the mood:

All the supplies you need for the Time Capsule Date:

What a great idea for date night, right?!

DateBox Club is affordable, easy to use and fun for both partners making it a super gift idea this holiday season!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Sweet Pecan Treats from Sunnyland Farms: the Gift Everyone Will Love! #HolidayGiftGuide

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Sunnyland Farms for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

If you have a foodie or someone with a sweet tooth on your gift-giving list this holiday season, you NEED to know about Sunnyland Farms and all of their gourmet goodies!

Sunnyland Farms is a family-owned and operated 1,760 acre Georgia pecan farm that has been around since 1948.  They are a farm AND manufacturer. Every delicious product they make is managed on site with close attention to detail.  Sunnyland Farms proudly offers Georgia-grown pecan nuts in all varieties: halves, pieces, raw, mammoth, toasted, honey-kissed, unsalted, salted, and in-the-shell. These gourmet, fresh pecans are wonderful for snacking, baking, and gifting. 

Check out some of our favorite mouthwatering treats from Sunnyland Farms:

Classic Pecan Trio

This collection of gift tins has something for everyone. One tin of Raw Mammoth Halves. One tin of Toasted and Salted Halves. One Tin of Chocolate Covered Pecans. The best of Sunnyland’s best in this trio. Each carefully packed in our exclusive signature tins and topped with a festive green grosgrain bow.

This sampler is a real treat for any pecan lover!  Plenty of  nuts for snacking or using in baked goods this holiday season!

Rum Crunch Cake

This light, fine textured rum cake is crusted with sweet coconut flakes and extra small pecan pieces. Drizzled with a rum butter sauce, it is moist and delicious. Easy to slice and freezes beautifully. 

Keep this yummy cake on hand for unexpected guests or as a special treat this holiday season!

Any of these goodies would make great gifts or would be perfect to have on hand for holiday entertaining.  Sunnyland Farms offers free shipping with no minimum order needed.  They have really phenomenal customer service as well.  

In today’s world, you don’t always know where your food is coming from. At Sunnyland Farms, that’s not the case. “Only the best” means one thing: they sell the highest quality, freshest mixed nuts, dried fruits, and famous pecans for sale you’ll find anywhere.

One of our favorite foodie gift ideas this year is definitely Sunnyland Farms!

Explore Sunnyland Farms

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Winter Watchlist: Things You Should Keep an Eye On in Your Home Before They Spiral Out of Control

**Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate** 

 

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While you’re enjoying hot chocolate and pumpkin spice aplenty this winter, be sure to take some time out to take care of your home because, you know what? Winter can be harsh on your house, and the last thing you want is home problems spoiling your cozy enjoyment of your property, right?

1. Keep a Close Eye on Your Pipes – Don’t Let Them Pull a Houdini

Winter’s chill can turn your pipes into popsicles faster than you can say “plumbing disaster.” Freezing temps put pipes at risk of bursting, especially if they’re in unheated areas like the garage, attic, or basement. Trust us, one pipe burst, and suddenly your winter turns from cozy to costly in seconds.

So, what’s the move? First, make sure exposed pipes are wrapped in insulation. And if the temperature really drops, keep a tap dripping slightly to help relieve pressure in your pipes. A small trickle of water is better than a flooded basement! This winter-proofing step takes just a few minutes and could save you thousands.

2. Watch Out for Wintertime Pests – Because They’re Watching You

Believe it or not, pests want a cozy home too. Mice, cockroaches, and even squirrels will try to get inside the second temperatures drop, turning your home into their winter paradise. If you’re hearing little footsteps (not the festive kind) or spotting mysterious droppings, you might have a pest problem on your hands.

This is where the professionals come in. Don’t wait for the mouse family to invite cousins and friends to move in, too. A quick call to a trusted pest control company can nip an infestation in the bud. They’ll inspect, secure entry points, and safely evict any squatters before they become long-term tenants. Keep your house pest-free this winter – and enjoy fewer surprises in your cupboards and corners.

3. Monitor the Humidity – Because Dry Air = Big Problems

If your home’s humidity drops too low, you’re in for more than just dry skin. Low humidity can lead to cracking wood floors, peeling wallpaper, and even damage to your electronics. Plus, dry air is an invitation for pesky colds and flus to spread. If the air feels drier than a desert (or if your plants are dropping hints by wilting), it might be time to bring in a humidifier.

Aim for around 40-50% humidity. You’ll feel more comfortable, your furniture will thank you, and your sinuses will be eternally grateful. Pro tip: If you want a budget-friendly approach, just boil a pot of water on the stove and let the steam naturally add moisture to the air. Instant, cost-free humidity boost!

4. Give Your HVAC System Some Love – It’s Keeping You Warm, After All

Your HVAC system is the hero of winter, but only if it’s working right. If it hasn’t been serviced in a while, it’s probably overdue. The last thing you want is for your heating to conk out on a freezing day – or for your system to work overtime because it’s clogged up and struggling. Schedule a quick check-up with a trusted HVAC pro, especially if your heater seems to be making strange noises or just isn’t warming things up like it used to.

This small step can prevent a major breakdown, keep your energy bills in check, and ensure your house stays warm and welcoming all season. And who knows, maybe your HVAC system will reward you with a few extra years of smooth operation.

5. Watch for Ice Dams – A Not-So-Fun Roof Hazard

Ice dams might sound like a cool natural phenomenon, but they’re actually winter’s nasty surprise for your roof. These ice formations occur when heat from your attic melts the snow on your roof, causing water to trickle down and freeze again near the gutters. Left unchecked, ice dams can create pools of water that leak into your home, damaging walls, ceilings, and insulation.

To avoid these frosty headaches, check your attic insulation to keep it evenly warm and prevent snow from melting unevenly. Clear your gutters of leaves and debris so water can flow freely, and if you notice ice buildup, use a roof rake to carefully remove snow near the edges. It’s a little effort now for a lot of peace of mind.

6. Inspect Your Windows and Doors – Stop the Sneaky Drafts

Winter drafts are more than just chilly annoyances; they can seriously hike up your heating bill and make your home feel less cozy. Check your windows and doors for gaps or worn-out weatherstripping, especially in older homes. If you feel a breeze coming through, it’s time for a little DIY or to add some fresh insulation strips to keep the warm air inside.

Alternatively, go old-school with some thick curtains or even a door snake (yes, they still make those!). Not only will you stay warmer, but your energy bill will be a bit friendlier, too.

So, there you have it – your winter watchlist! Be sure to keep your eye on the ball!

How to Help Your Kids Love Learning

 **Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate** 

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Kids love learning when it appeals to them on an individual level. Not all children learn the same way and use the same methods. So what can you do? There is some debate about how learning should be done, but from experience to encouragement, here are some ideas.

Prepare them for an Excellent School

Of course, every good parent wants the best education for their children. Just finding a good school can be a chore! However, when you have your heart set on one for your kids, you can get them excited about it too. A school of excellence typically offers a lot of information about how they teach and the results that come with it. You can use this to help get your child excited about attending school, and learning all the new things, as they also become a proud student.

Offer Hands-On Experiences

We all remember sitting in a classroom watching teachers write on blackboards! While this is a standard and traditional method of teaching, and it has its place, it isn’t as effective as some other methods. You can help get your children excited about learning and discovering new things with hands-on experiences. Many top-rated schools follow multiple methods of learning such as this. Sensory learning through touch, sight, and sound is practical and fun for the kids.

Kids Love Learning When It’s Fun

Further to fun, who says school has to be boring? Although kids get bored at school around 33% of the time, attending classes can be fun. You can prepare your children for fun-filled learning by making it fun at home as early as possible. Children love learning, and it is a natural part of growing. For most, it is boring when they lose interest or struggle. But filling education with fun ways to learn, such as with songs, colors, and participation, improves how we learn.

Encourage Multiple Skills

You can probably remember the subjects you hated at school, usually math! But have you ever considered why? We tend to have bad memories of the subjects we struggled with. But again, why? The main reason is usually because we didn’t have the right encouragement. You can learn “challenging” subjects and even grow to like them when someone encourages your growth. Even so, kids will love further encouragement in the skills they are naturally good at.

Understand How They Learn

Not all children learn the same way, which is why traditional teaching doesn’t work for everyone. Some kids are visual learners, others are auditory learners and then there are children who need to experience things to understand them. All types of learning benefit all children,but a combination of these provides an excellent all around approach that encourages the natural talents of the kids. Fortunately, most schools today also offer this kind of learning approach.

Summary

Preparing your child for an excellent school from an early age will help your kids love learning and use their natural talents well. Making it fun breaks up the monotony of some subjects. However, it also helps to understand how each child learns, such as visual or auditory learning.

All-Natural, Luxurious Skin Care Gifts from Ella Pure! #HolidayGiftGuide

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Ella Pure for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Looking for a gift that is sure to make that special someone feel pampered?  Check out Ella Pure Skin Care!

Ella Pure Skin Care is an all-natural luxury skin care and make-up line specifically designed to address the needs of aging skin. Ella Pure's Products are made with only the highest quality ingredients and are 100% organic and cruelty-free. 

 

We got to check out the 3 Step Peptide Pack:

Peptide Cleanser

Ella Pure’s Peptide Cleanser offers a soothing and enriched cleansing experience, utilizing a mix of natural extracts and peptides to help purify the skin.

Peptide Moisturizer

 

Ella Pure’s Peptide Moisturizer is a strategically formulated blend of natural oils, botanical extracts, vitamins, and peptides provide a new approach to skin hydration and care. Nourish your skin like never before with this bioscience enriched blend of ingredients.

Peptide Serum

 

Ella Pure’s Peptide Serum A carefully crafted combination of amino acids, plant-based extracts, and peptides to support your skin. Utilizing these incredible ingredients, this serum is a perfect addition to complete a balanced skincare routine.

Ella Pure's products are formulated to nourish and revitalize your skin, giving you a youthful appearance. This 3 step set is the perfect way to combat the effects of aging and keep your skin looking its best.

Check out Ella Pure for this set and lots of other all-natural luxury skin care products this gift giving season!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Festive Holiday Finds at Saltwater LUXE! #HolidayGiftGuide

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Saltwater LUXE for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Looking for the perfect additions to your wardrobe this holiday season?  Or maybe you're on the hunt for a lovely gift for the fashionista on your gift giving list?  Check out Saltwater LUXE!

Saltwater LUXE offers versatile style and luxurious comfort to the everyday wardrobe. Perusing their website you'll find one of a kind textures, limited edition fabrics, and hand-sewn feminine embellishments that are the signatures that bring individual character to every piece. From brunch to beach to nights out on the town, Saltwater LUXE carries you effortlessly from one sun-kissed adventure to the next.

We got to try out the gorgeous Damon Skirt in black. Layering black fabric with the sheerest lace, Damon is all romance. Swirl and twirl on the dance floor, or throw on with a cami for the perfect date night look.

This fabulous skirt would work for any holiday social event this holiday season and on into the new year.  It can easily be dressed up or worn more casually.  Forget the little black dress this holiday season! The Damon skirt is definitely a staple wardrobe piece!  

Check out Saltwater LUXE for this lovely skirt and all of your wardrobe staples this holiday season!

Explore Saltwater LUXE

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Be Prepared for Winter Cold and Flu Season with the Ultimate Sick Day Survival Guide!

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to the sponsors for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

The dreaded cold and flu season is upon us and today we want to share some of our favorite products to help ease the stress on the whole family should sickness strike.  Check out this Ultimate Sick Day Survival Guide:

7:00 AM Morning Boost

Kick off the day with Swanson’s immune-strengthening supplements like Vitamin D and Vitamin C.  What better way to be prepared to make it through than a good defense against those pesky germs?*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition.

9:00 AM Creative Distraction

Keep little hands busy while they rest with Scentco’s Water Magic mess-free, reusable activity books. 

These fun books offer a great distraction to your little ones!

11:00 AM Cozy Comfort

Microwave their favorite Warm Pal cuddly stuffed animal for extra snuggles as they lounge on the couch.

This adorable and snuggly pal is sure to bring both comfort and smiles!

12:00 PM Lunch & Soothe

Prepare a soothing warm soup with GoodCook’s Healthy Ceramic Pot to help ease sore throats. 

GoodCook makes prep and cleanup a breeze with this gorgeous pot!

2:00 PM Fever Relieving Nap

Bring down a midday fever with Mommy’s Bliss, the first & only Clean Label Project Certified acetaminophen so they can drift off into a much-needed nap.

4:00 PM Storytime Fun

Settle in with a What on Earth Books story to keep their spirits up and distract from the sniffles. 

These books offer a chance to learn something new and keep kiddos engaged instead of focusing on their symptoms.

7:00 PM Bedtime Calm

A spoonful of Organic Herbal Cough Syrup offers calming relief to help little ones sleep soundly through the night.

Follow this survival guide to hopefully nip those germ causing illnesses in the bud and make sick days a little less stressful!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Good Guygiene Box For Teen and Tween Boys! #HolidayGiftGuide

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Good Guygiene for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Are you looking for a great gift idea for a tween or teen boy?  Look no further than a subscription to the Good Guygiene Box!

Equip your young guy with a box of confidence that introduces cool personal hygiene swag from top brands developed just for teen and tween boys. The folks at Good Guygiene pick 4-6 personal care items based on a different hygiene theme every other month that will set the stage for lifelong healthy hygiene habits and put HIM (not mom) in the driver’s seat!

An added bonus, all products are toxin-free, cruelty-free, and backed by science.

Check out the fun products in a typical box:

This box was packed with personal care items from the top brands in footcare.  So many great products! 16 year old D really enjoy trying out these goodies.  It's a great way to gently encourage your tween and teen boys to craft their own personal hygiene routine.  What a confidence booster!

A subscription to Good Guygiene would make a great gift this holiday season!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.Good 

Pen Heaven Is Here To Get You Ready For Spooky Season!

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Pen Heaven for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Pen Heaven is our favorite place to find cool and unique writing gifts and their selection of pens that are perfect for Spooky Season does not disappoint!  Check out our favorite Pen Heaven writing set for Halloween:

Pewter Feather Quill and Ink Set with Owl Design

Explore the art of calligraphy with this beautifully-presented gift set, comprising a complete range of nibs and a bottle of black ink. The owl motif decorating both quill and ink bottle makes a charming touch.

Gift box includes:

Feather quill with metal nib

Bottle of black ink

Six nibs

This set features a gorgeous genuine pewter quill shaft and bottle cap and is made in Italy.  It would be a fun and thoughtful way to treat someone (or maybe yourself) this Spooky Season!

Find this lovely set and so many more great gifts for writers at Pen Heaven!

Explore Pen Heaven 

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.