Recap & Pictures At Last

I know, I know. I promised lots of pictures and stories when I got back. It has now been a full day and I am now finally doing what I promised. Sorry it's late, but I have been extremely busy playing catch up today. There were posts to be done, winners to be drawn, emails to be replied to... Oh ya, what about my house and kids?... sigh.

There is not a whole lot to tell. I was in the country without cable or internet. Oh no! How ever did I survive?

With books, cards and movies. That's how. Oh, and alcohol. Of course there was alcohol. Maybe that's why no one got a deer? Maybe they were too tired, hung over or simply didn't wake up for the morning hunt? No way, not the hunters I know! They would never do that!

Anyway, I did have a nice, peaceful and relaxing time when the kids weren't arguing out of boredom. It sure didn't help we were not allowed to send them outside during hunting times. Under normal circumstances it would have been heaven. In fact as long as I had internet, I could definitely see myself living there. I love it and I did not want to come home. In fact, I am still sad about it. I think I really am, deep down, a country girl at heart. I could deal with living 25 minuets away from town and not being able to see people besides my household members all the time. I could definitely get used to it. After all, I would have to have my computer and internet, so I could easily catch up and chat with everyone online.

Wait, don't I do that already? See, I wouldn't be missing much.. except noise!

Here's some pictures of the boys and then the men going out to hunt.



Here's some shots of the house. This reindeer or caribou sits above the kitchen doorway. The whole kitchen hasa cabin type feel to it. These are definitely not my choice in decor, but it works for this house and it was just such a nice little farm house, definitely homey feeling.

Holiday Gift Guide - Stay Warm This Winter with Kiru Boots

Welcome to the Holiday Gift Guide and thanks for stopping by. I've got some great gift ideas to share with you this holiday season so make sure to check back often. Don't forget to see what Casey has to offer today at A Couch With A View too.


Footwear is always a great gift idea. Everyone needs shoes, especially if you live in the colder states.

You see, I live barefoot or in flip flops all summer long so as soon as the cold weather hits I'm on the lookout for a new pair of shoes that are super cute too. Those are always easy to find, until the below zero weather hits and all of those shoes make my feet freeze.

I won't have that problem this year because I got this pair of super cute, stylish and warm Kiru Boots from Teva. They are by far my favorite boots I've ever worn. They are super easy to put on with an easy entry side zipper and oh so soft and comfortable inside. Did I mention they're super cute? I love the little design on the side. I think that really makes the whole boot.

I can't wait to wear these outside sledding or building a snowman! Honestly, it's really hard to believe I haven't been able to try these out in the snow yet. Tomorrow is December 1st and this is Wisconsin. If I do recall, it snowed the day I brought my son home from the hospital in October 10 years ago!

Ok, back on subject here. I love my boots. I love that although they are side zip, you can still adjust them with the strings in front.

Buy It! You can buy the Women's Kiru Boot for $140 in either Deep Wood or Black.

Remember I mentioned I live in flip flops? Well, I do. I adore flip flops. Guess what? Teva has some of those too! It is way to early to be thinking about those, but you better believe it will come back to mind come April!

A big thanks goes out to Teva for participating in this event!

I was given a pair of boots for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Holiday Gift Guide - Have You Hugged a Planet Today?

Welcome to the Holiday Gift Guide and thanks for stopping by. I've got some great gift ideas to share with you this holiday season so make sure to check back often. Don't forget to see what Casey has to offer today at A Couch With A View too.

Kids love soft toys and what better gift to give than something educational and out of this world {pun intended}. The Hugg-A-Plante line from Peace Toys make a great gift to help open a child's curiosity and learn about the world.

The Earth and Moon can teach your child so much about this planet we live on. The moon simply fits inside the earth. You can take it completely out too. Or they can learn about a whole new world with Hugg-A-Planet Mars. Mars has over 400 places labeled!

My kids have really enjoyed playing with their planets and are constantly teaching each other things they've learned. They've come up to me quite a few times now with a silly country name that I've never even heard of! I also never really realized how small the United States really is compared to the rest of the world.

We even throw these around the house an play catch with them. Whichever spot your right thumb lands on, you have to tell the other people the name of that country or state. It's a fun way to learn and keep the mind going. They're also great just for hugging and cuddling.

Buy It! You can buy the Earth and Moon together for $34.95 and Mars for $18.95.

A big thanks goes out to Peace Toys for participating in this event!

I was given planets Earth, Mars and the Moon for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Save Big During Cyber Week at Sam's Club {CLOSED}

Winner Announced and Submitted

I have a couple of people on my gift list that love gadgets. That includes the three people on my list that cost me the most every singe year. Each one of them always want the latest and greatest gadgets from video games to super expensive things. The boyfriend's kick this year is a TV. We really do need one since the picture in our current one is shot, but there are so many other things I want too. But, if you're a mom, you know our wants always come last even to our spoiled significant others. They really are worse than kids sometimes!

Well if you're like me, and are always looking for a bargain or a way to save some extra dough {even if you never do use the extra on yourself} the you need to check out Cyber Week at Sam's Club. They have some great prices on some big ticket {and not so big ticket} items.

I found some great gift ideas and even begged talked the boyfriend into letting me get a camera that was a super good deal. Unfortunately it's not available for delivery right now, but I'm seriously hoping that will change! I really need a new camera since mine broke.

Here is just a small sampling of some of the great deals to be had during Cyber Week. You might want to check it out yourself to find even more.



Win It!
I've got a $50 Sam's Club Gift Card to give away to one lucky winner!!

For your first MAIN entry: Leave a comment on one of the videos on the Sam's Club Holiday Helpers page. Then come back and let me know which one you left a comment on! This step must be done before you can qualify for extra entries.

• Follow @samsclubdeals and @samsclub on Twitter {Must do both}
  
• Post the Holiday Gift Guide button on your blog
• See all extra entries here.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US until December 14th at 11:59 pm.

The information provided in this article was shared as part of the Sam's Club Sharing the Savings blogger campaign. Compensation was received for participation but the views and opinions expressed are solely my own. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Holiday Gift Guide - Cuddle Up with Santa Buddies

Welcome to the Holiday Gift Guide and thanks for stopping by. I've got some great gift ideas to share with you this holiday season so make sure to check back often. Don't forget to see what Casey has to offer today at A Couch With A View too.

In SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS, the lovable “Buddies,” B-Dawg, Budderball, Buddha, Mudbud, and Rosebud embark on a thrilling journey to the magical world of Santa’s Workshop. When Puppy Paws, the fun-loving son of Santa Paws, gets tired of the North Pole, he checks out Santa’s “naughty” list and finds Budderball’s name right on top. Puppy Paws heads south to meet the
Buddies and find out how “ordinary” pups spend their days. But when the world begins to forget the true meaning of the holidays and the magic of the season begins to literally melt away, it’s up to Puppy Paws and his newfound Buddies to save the day in another epic adventure. Their extraordinary exploits highlight the importance of collaboration, courage and tradition in a joyous celebration of life and friendship. Sure to be a family favorite for years to come, SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS delivers enough holiday cheer to last a whole year! It’s Buddy-loving fun the whole family will enjoy again and again.

SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS stars the voices of Tim Conway (The Carol
Burnett Show), Richard Kind (A Bug’s Life, Spin City), Tom Bosley (Happy Days), Field Cate (Pushing Daises), Josh Flitter (Nancy Drew), and Skyler Gisondo (The Bill Engvall Show) and the acting talents of George Wendt (Cheers) and Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future). Robert Vince returns to produce and direct his fourth “Buddies” film.

Here is a game you can play too!

We were away in the country for the past week, so there wasn't a whole lot to do besides watch movies, read books and play games. We did a lot of that! Santa Buddies was one of the movies we took with us and I cannot even count the number of times it was watched. We had different people with us the whole time, so every time someone new would come, they'd have to watch that one because they were just waiting for it to come out. All of the kids really enjoyed it. In fact my friend's daughter stood in front of the TV and couldn't take her eyes off of it. It was so cute, but of course we had to make her move out of the way so everyone else could see too!

My favorite character was Puppy Paws of course because he is just so cute! I loved his innocence in everything since he wasn't from around here. He sure caused a lot of trouble for his friends but in the end they knew he didn't mean it all and he was just trying to help save Christmas!

Both of the kids loved the part where the dogs flew the sleigh and Big Bro liked the part where Puppy Paws got captured and they all broke out.

Santa Buddies is a new classic and tradition to our Christmas library. Of course, we watch the Christmas movies all year round here!

Buy It! You can buy Santa Buddies for the Suggested retail price: DVD 29.99 SRP (US), $35.99 (Canada); Blu-ray $39.99 (US) and
$44.99 (Canada)

A big thanks goes out to Santa Buddies for participating in this event!

I was given a DVD for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Holiday Gift Guide - Gia from Karito Kids

Welcome to the Holiday Gift Guide and thanks for stopping by. I've got some great gift ideas to share with you this holiday season so make sure to check back often. Don't forget to see what Casey has to offer today at A Couch With A View too.


I loved dolls as a little girl. Most of us did. Having boys, I don't take a gander at the doll aisle very often. All I have to say is they sure don't make them how they did back then. I checked out the Karito Kids website and wished I was a little girl again.

The Gia from Italy doll is just breathtaking. She is so cute and even hugable. 2/3 of the torso is soft 100% cotton and polyester fill. Gia comes with her very own passport and book. The book describes the country that she loves where she helps her parents run a inn or pensione.

I think her outfit is just the cutest and she's fun to play with. Yes, I did have practice! My friend's daughter and I had a blast playing with Gia and reading her book. It was fun to learn a few things about Italy too!

What I especially like about Karito Kids is that every purchase helps someone else! 3% of the retail price is donated and you can choose where it goes!

Buy It! You can buy Gia and other dolls like her for $99.99.

A big thanks goes out to Karito Kids for participating in this event!

I was given a doll for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

An Insane Amount of Winners!

As you all know I have been a huge slacker in bloggy land for the past 10 days. I usually spend a bit of time on here each day, so have fallen quite behind. I haven't announced giveaways in 2 weeks and since a lot of the Holiday Gift Guide giveaways have ended, I have a ton of winners to pick, announce and contact. Looks like my day is going to be quite busy! All of the winners have been contacted and will have 72 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn.

MyClyns Claimed

#23 barbara.montyj

The Little Environmentalists {2 Winners} Both Claimed

Nature's Discovery In My Backyard
#75 alwayshopeful Claimed

Go Green With Me
#88 Anonymous Claimed

Jishaku Claimed

#135 Tina

The Pretty Peacock Claimed

#113 409cope

Charm Factory Claimed

#342 Jus and Kat

Things Remembered Claimed

#143 Bacallsmom

OTB Publishing - Ninja vs Ninja Claimed

#4 ale_d_o_l

365 Cards Claimed

#5 brandon and jakell

Wilton - Cookie Exchange Hostess Package Claimed

#344 mail4rosey

Organically Hatched Bathrobe Claimed

#183 mommietj

Kolcraft - Baby Sit n Step Claimed

#55 Jeanine

Gotta Catch Santa Claus {2 Winners}

#16 Tina Claimed

#101 Bev Claimed

Wubbzy’s Christmas Adventure DVD {3 Winners}

#130 Mrs. Fish aka Two Fish Claimed

#169 Mel4Him Claimed

#7 Shana Claimed

Name Your Tune Claimed

#48 Jaime

Wow Imports Name Necklace

#115 Darcie

Sam's Club $25 Gift Card - 5 different giveaways, 5 different winners

#82 jerricapuck Claimed

#70 Deborah Wellenstein Claimed

#61 Angie Marion Claimed

#119 Stephanie Claimed

#165 NutterBoogle Claimed

Sam's Club $50 Gift Card

#139 Jennifer-Eighty MPH Mom Claimed

Find That Perfect Gift with Gifter Stress Lifter {CLOSED}

Winner Announced & Submitted

I have issues shopping for some people on my holiday gift list every year. There's always that one person {sometimes even two or three} that are literally impossible to buy for. I usually end up going with a generic gift like a bath, food or alcohol gift set. While those are usually great gifts, they are pretty impersonal.

Instead of going that regular route, I may have found a solution to that problem this year! The Gifter Stress Lifter will help with gift ideas in just three simple steps. First you create your list. Select the relationship, name and age of someone on your list.


Then after a short quiz, it brings up some gift ideas. I did my quiz for the boyfriend just because I know him oh so well, so I wanted to see how accurate this would be. This Gentron 3500W Generator w/ Electric Start below was the very first thing to pop up and I know he'd love it!

They gave me 193 gift ideas in all, and he'd like any of them, It's definitely a great tool to have on hand when you just can't think of anything yourself. You can even categorize the gift within a certain budget.

Win It! I have a $25 Gift Card for Sam's Club to give away. For your chance to enter, simply check out the Gifter Stress Lifter and tell me what you think about it. Did you find some great ideas? This step is mandatory and must be done to gain your first main entry into the giveaway.

The following extra entries can be done only after the main entry is completed.

• Follow @samsclubdeals and @samsclub on Twitter {Must do both}
  
• Post the Holiday Gift Guide button on your blog
• See all extra entries here.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US until December 10th at 11:59 pm.

The information provided in this article was shared as part of the Sam's Club Sharing the Savings blogger campaign. Compensation was received for participation but the views and opinions expressed are solely my own. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

I Braved the Crowd {CLOSED}

Winner Announced & Submitted

Remember this post earlier about how I was going to be brave and venture out to Sam's Club today for their Day After Thanksgiving Sale on Black Friday of all days? I thought I was absolutely crazy and I was honestly somewhat terrified. I hate the big crowds like that, pushing and shoving and running and dodging. Not really my idea of a good time.

But, I did it anyway, and you know what; it wasn't that bad. Actually it wasn't bad at all, not one bit. The parking lot was not crowded and the store wasn't either. I did not have to push and shove my way through in the least bit. I didn't have to give someone that was in my way a dirty look. I had a nice peaceful shopping trip just like any other day. Check my son out by the laptops. He tried to talk me into buying one. I wanted to soooo bad since I need one, but I promised the Mr. a new TV for Christmas, so I had to watch my spending. Boo!

I did pick up a couple of things though. A hoodie for this weekend at the farm for an amazing price. It was much cheaper than I would have been able to buy it anywhere. I also got a big ole bag of beef jerky for our trip, some giant pickles, olives and a new cordless mouse/keyboard set. Here's a photo of all my goodies.



Win It!
I've got a $50 Sam's Club Gift Card to give away to one lucky winner!!

For your first MAIN entry: Leave a comment on one of the videos on the Sam's Club Holiday Helpers page. Then come back and let me know which one you left a comment on! This step must be done before you can qualify for extra entries.

• Follow @samsclubdeals and @samsclub on Twitter {Must do both}
  
• Post the Holiday Gift Guide button on your blog
• See all extra entries here.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US until December 7th at 11:59 pm.

The information provided in this article was shared as part of the Sam's Club Sharing the Savings blogger campaign. Compensation was received for participation but the views and opinions expressed are solely my own. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Going Back, Yes I am!

I am so excited

And I just can't hide it!

LOL

We're going back out to the farm for the weekend! Woo hoooo! I feel like shouting from the rooftop... IF I wasn't afraid of heights. I know a farm may not seem exciting to any of you and it's really not even a real farm anymore. There are no animals, although the barn is still in tack. The fields are leased out to other farmers. But it is in the country. Far away from the city and the noises that come with it. It is so peaceful relaxing and beautiful. I feel at one with nature and I love it!

I know I am right in the middle of the Holiday Gift Guide, but don't worry it's not over. There is still a lot more to come. I will run it all of next month if it comes down to that. I just need some time for me and some time for my family. This is after all my life, and I need to find happiness again. Maybe this will do the trick. Here's to hoping!

I know I promised stories and pictures of last time I was there, but since I have only been home for 1 1/2 days {and one of those days happened to be a super busy Thanksgiving} I just didn't have the time. However, I will share the few pictures that I do have. I need to get the rest from my BIL's camera, then I'll share those too!

Holiday Gift Guide - Smell Good with the Scent of Mango

Welcome to the Holiday Gift Guide and thanks for stopping by. I've got some great gift ideas to share with you this holiday season so make sure to check back often. Don't forget to see what Casey has to offer today at A Couch With A View too.

Wow! What a ride. Back in 1980, we started out with one small store in Austin, Texas. Today, we’re the world’s leader in natural and organic foods, with more than 270 stores in North America and the United Kingdom. What a long, strange trip it’s been. We still honor our original ideals, and we think that has a lot to do with our success.

Gift sets for the bath are always a great gift ideas for women {and some men} in your life. Whole Foods Market has some great sets available for the holiday season including the Nature's Gate Organics Mango Gift Set: Body Wash and Body Lotion shown here. The body wash and lotion have Mango butter and flaxseed oil that nourish and revitalize skin. The scent is just divine and smells oh soooo good. I love mango though. It's definitely one of my favorite scents. The body wash moisturizes really good and leaves my skin smooth and smelling great. I have a hard time finding lotions that I can use all over my body, like my legs in particular. So many of them irritate my legs when I apply after shaving. This lotion does not which is great because I can use it every day all over my body.


The Whole Foods Market Organic Lip Balm Trio would make a great stocking stuffer. I know I cannot live without lip balm, especially in the cold winter months! These organic lip balms are made with organic coconut oil, organic extra virgin olive oil, organic comfrey leaf and 100% essential oils. The trio comes in Holiday Flavors of zesty ginger lemon, cooling wintermint and soothing vanilla.

Buy It! You can buy the Whole Foods Market Organic Lip Balm Trio for $3.99 and the Nature's Gate Organics Mango Gift Set: Body Wash and Body Lotion for $9.99. These items are available at Whole Foods Market. Click here to find one near you.

A big thanks goes out to Whole Foods Market for participating in this event!

I was given a bath set and lip balm for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Am I Crazy to Brave Black Friday?

If I had to answer that myself, I would definitely have to say yes. I am absolutely crazy. You see, I can't stand the crowds like that. I hate having to shove through people just to get through an aisle. I hate how rude people are, purposely staying in the way, leaving their carts in the middle of the aisle etc.

But, regardless of all that, I am heading out. You see Sam's Club has some amazing sales today that I just really don't want to miss out on. I tried to wake up super early so I could have been around for the complimentary breakfast. Unfortunately I couldn't go because the man had to head out to work at 5:30 am. But I am totally going now and I really hope there are still some great items to be had. But, even if there aren't I'm fine with that. I need to grab some things anyway because we're going back up to the farm for the weekend! Woot! I'm so excited! Seriously, if I could move out to the country I would do so in a heartbeat even though the internet would probably be really slow, nothing like my dear Road Runner. But I'd live, and I'd smell nice clean air when I walked out of my back door in the morning. I'd hear the wonderful sounds of nature instead of traffic and airplanes.

Ok, I kind of got way of track there didn't I? But yeah, I'm really heading out shopping. Pretty brave of me huh? Wish me luck and I'll tell you all about it later on. I'll even have another giveaway to share with you!

Holiday Gift Guide - Flip Flop Faces

Welcome to the Holiday Gift Guide and thanks for stopping by. I've got some great gift ideas to share with you this holiday season so make sure to check back often. Don't forget to see what Casey has to offer today at A Couch With A View too.

Discovery Toys offers educational and developmental toys for kids of all ages. Flip Flop Faces Emotions In Motion helps children learn to understand facial expressions.

While my kids are quite advanced in years for this game, they did have fun playing with our friend's daughter and helping her to toss the bean bags to the correct expressions.

To find the distributor closest to you, go to the Discovery Toys website www.discoverytoys.com and click at the top of the page “Find a Consultant.” Most consultants have websites with their phone numbers listed, you can contact them online or call them if you have any questions.

Buy It! You can buy Flip Flop Faces Emotions In Motion for $22.

A big thanks goes out to Discovery Toys for participating in this event!

I was given a game for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.