Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a safe and Happy New Year!

It's going to be a quiet one around here this year. We were supposed to go to a party at a friend's house {the same friend's that hosted my surprise party}, but the Man is just not feeling up to it. He gave me the go ahead to go myself, and it is quite tempting since I love New Years and hanging out with my friends. I will not be going though, since he is the one I love and I would rather spend my New Year with him and our kids than all of the friends in the world.

Christmas Pics

Well you heard all of the bad stories about our Christmas this year. But, there were good times before the bad. You can totally see how sick the poor man was, but everyone else seemed to have a good time at his siter's on Christmas Eve. The last three photos are Christmas morning.

Carry Your Stuff in Style with the Rupert Pack from High Sierra Sport Company

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.

For over 30 years, High Sierra Sport Company is a family-owned organization, committed to producing thoughtfully innovative bags and luggage that appeal to the intelligence and esteem of the active lifestyle and outdoor consumer.

High Sierra Sport Company has strived to give you the bags you need at a price you can afford. Specializing in adventure travel, our dedication to function, design, and quality shines in each and every one of our products. From athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, to students, travelers, and professionals, our versatile, innovative products are sure to fit your needs.

High Sierra Sport Company has many different bags to choose from for all different needs. They offer luggage, day packs, duffels and many more types of bags.

I don't think I could ever have too many bags. We got out of town often enough, that we really do get our use out of our luggage and bags. With two kids, we usually have to pack a lot of extras so they have enough clothes to wear {you know boys ALWAYS get dirty} and enough things to keep them occupied. Then you have the two of us adults, and that tacks on even more baggage. I'm not like your typical woman that has to bring everything just for a weekend stay somewhere, but I do bring enough. I like to bring all of my bathroom toiletries and of course enough clothes to get by without having to wear something over again.

High Sierra Sport Company sent me this Rupert Day Pack in Blue Tartan Plaid for my adventures. As soon as I opened up the box, I fell in love! The colors are just gorgeous and the whole thing is just totally me. The Rupert pack has different shades of blue and gray, and of course the white accents. There's a really cool swirly design done in white embroidery on the front too.

This pack has so many compartments and zippers, there's a place for everything! It includes a padded computer sleeve which fits a 17 inch laptop. That's going to come in handy big time when I finally do get my laptop because I'll be taking it with me everywhere!

The media pocket in front can carry all of my music and the storage compartment behind that can carry all of my little stuff without getting lost in the shuffle. There are smaller compartments inside which I can just easily slip everything into including money and credit cards.

The Rupert pack comes in three different colors, and I have to say. I like them all! You can choose Blue Velvet, Blue Tartan Plaid or Green Stripes.

Buy It!

You can buy the High Sierra Rupert Laptop Backpack for $69.95

Connect!

You can connect with High Sierra Sport on Twitter @HighSierraSport

Become a fan of High Sierra Sport on Facebook and have a chance to win a free bag every week just for being a fan!

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

I was given a Rupert pack 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.

Contest Tuesday

It's time once again for Contest Tuesday. Don't forget to check back every Tuesday for a fresh linky so you can get in on some great giveaways or to link your own. Feel free to link up as many giveaways as you want.

Also, it's not required, but it would be great if you could help spread the word about this link by posting my button, tweeting, etc.

Don't forget to let me know if you have a contest linky too. Tell me the day you host it or if it's ongoing, as well as the url or button code and I will post your button or link in this listing of places to list your contests. There's quite a list compiled already, you might want to check it out. You can also show some bloggy love and let my readers and I know of any other places to list your contests.

Here's To A Year, A Day Late

I wrote my very first blog post one year ago yesterday. I planned to have a little shin dig with a bunch of giveaways and some other fun stuff yesterday. In light of all that has happened over the last 3 days, that was just not possible.

I feel that I have come a very long way since that first post last year. I have also went in a completely different direction.

I started my blog ShimmerMeBlue on December 26th, 2008 to help promote my Etsy shop and to hopefully help me grow my business. While I have seen a little bit of action because of it, I honestly don't think it helped a whole lot. Maybe I didn't give enough though too. We'll never know. I can just only try to make this year a better one.

In March I took my blog into a whole new direction with reviews. Soon after, I decided to launch a new blog dedicated to my personal life and reviews. That's when Outnumbered 3 to 1 was born. I officially launched it on May 11th of 2009 with a pretty big event. It has been rapidly growing since thanks to all of the hard work I have put into it and all of the wonderful companies I have worked with to sponsor reviews and giveaways. I couldn't have done this all alone. I have also had support from some wonderful people and have learned from quite a few of them. My Skype girls {you know who you are!} are one of the best support groups I've had and I don't think they even realize how much they have helped me in the last few months. Of course I could not forget about all of you wonderful people that come by to read my blogs. Without you, I wouldn't even write a blog. What would I get out of being the only reader??? LOL.

I have had a blast blogging for the past year. It's really been a lot of fun and has brought so many new and great opportunities to me. I have met some absolutely wonderful people {yes that would be you} and formed quite a few great friendships along the way. I can't wait for a chance to meet some of you!

I wanted to make this post into so much more, but I am just completely exhausted. My mind is not able to function at the normal rate, and I just cannot find the words to say. Me speechless, what a joke, right!

In closing, I am looking forward to this next year of blogging and I hope to continue to grow. Not just in my blogs, but in every aspect of my life. I need to learn to give my all in everything this year, and maybe by this time next year I will have achieved everything I hope to.

I do have big plans for ShimmerMeBlue as well. I plan to keep myself very busy creating new designs and running giveaways and other great promotions on the blog. So you will finally start to see some new content. It's all going to take a bit while I learn to balance my family, blogging, jewelry making and everything else. Just bear with me!

He's Home

The man was able to come home from the hospital yesterday around 6pm. They sent him off with some prescriptions and instructions for rest.

The kids and I spent all day cleaning up the Christmas mess. Then his brother, uncle and I went to pick up our tv. {Long story, but that's the first thing he asked about when we all got to see him after surgery, if his brother was going to go to Sam's Club and pick up his tv for him; like that's all there was to worry about, right} He got it all set up for us, then they tried to take the old tv {one of those huge ugly bulky big screens} down to the basement. It was too tall and wouldn't fit through the basement doorway, wtf! So they left with it sitting in the kitchen. I had people coming for dinner, so I couldn't just leave it there.

I had to put it in my bedroom! Now, my bedroom is TINY, the smallest room in the house! I had to move a dresser to where it's not even against a wall and my room looks like absolute crap! Now we have to somehow get rid of it, ugh.

Anyway, he seems to be doing somewhat better now as long as he has his pain pills. He keeps dozing out on and off. He's got to rest for 4-6 weeks without strenuous activity, so that means no work since it's definitely strenuous.

It sucks when everything falls into place, seems to be going great, then BAM, knocked right back down. We'll survive though I suppose. We always do.

Christmas This Year - A Day Full of Worry

We expected a wonderful Christmas this year, and thought we would all have just that. Present wise, it was great for everyone. Unfortunately the presents aren't what really maters.

The boyfriend wasn't feeling very well Christmas Eve. He came home from work and took a very long nap because he was exhausted. He awoke from the nap feeling awful with a stomach ache from hell. It never did go away.

He was up all night with the stomach ache, that just kept getting worse as time went on. No matter what he did, nothing helped it, so he felt like he needed to go to the hospital.

Of course, there was no way I was letting him go alone, so him and I spent the day in the emergency room. We were there for about 5 hours when he finally got the results back that he had appendicitis and had to go in for surgery right away.

It was a horrible day full of worry and tears for him and I, the kids, his family and everyone else who loves him. The surgery did go fine and he is recovering in the hospital as I type this. He may be able to come home today so I need to get the house in order since there are presents and stuff every where.

The kids said this was the worst Christmas ever. I feel so bad for them. They didn't even get to enjoy the whole day, the presents or the celebration because they were just sick with worry for their dad. I'm sure it didn't help that they spent the majority of Christmas without their parents either. Luckily their grandparents and their wonderful auntie helped out and tried to give them a good time.

At this time of year especially, people take life for granted. Sit and think about it for a minute and you will totally agree. Everyone is so wrapped up in giving and receiving presents and everything else that comes along with the holidays. When really, it should just be a celebration of life, family and love.

I always knew how much I loved him and I would literally do anything for him. But I've never put too much thought into life without him. I did that for the first time yesterday and it really scared the hell out of me. I couldn't bear it. I've been with him for 11 1/2 years. He is my family. Him and our kids. I would literally die inside if that was ever taken away.

I will try not to take so much for granted anymore. I will love with everything I have and try not to be such a bitch {because I really can be sometimes} and just treasure every moment we have together. You just never know when those moments can end and your world comes crashing down.

Merry Christmas!

I want to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas! I have had a blast blogging this year, and I wouldn't still be here if it weren't for loyal readers such as yourselves! I also want to give a shout out to all of the companies and PR Reps I've worked with in the past 8 months. I have really enjoyed working with you all!

Here's our Christmas tree that we finally finished 2 days ago. We had lighting issues. Believe it or not, the lights are actually on in this picture. You just can't tell! I haven't had a chance to play around with the settings on my new camera yet!

I am in the middle of finishing up my cookies {some in the oven now} and then we're off to the SIL's for his family Christmas gathering. The kids are so so excited! Heck so I am, I don't have to host it this year!

Tomorrow will actually be a relaxing day since my family is doing Christmas up north this year. We're supposed to be getting a snow storm so we decided not to make the drive to be on the safe side. I'm going to make us a nice Spiral Ham dinner and we'll spend some family time together, watching movies I'm sure!

Holiday Gift Guide - Last Minute Must Have Movie

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.

WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE THE MOVIE EXTENDED EDITION

The most magical event of the year is now even bigger, with more thrilling adventure! Wizards of Waverly

Place The Movie Extended Edition features exclusive footage, behind-the-scenes bonus and awesome extras that take you deeper into the mysterious world of wizardry! Embark on a supernaturally exciting adventure as the Russos, your favorite family of wizards-in-training, join together on a quest full of heart-stopping action and hilarious magical mishaps! While on vacation, Alex (Selena Gomez) accidentally casts a spell that threatens her family’s existence! Max (Jake T. Austin) tries to keep his parents together while Alex and Justin (David Henrie) use every trick they know as they search for the “Stone of Dreams” to reverse the spell and save their family. You won’t want to miss one extraordinary moment of this extended, magic-filled and action-packed movie!

Bonus Features

• Color-Changing Wishing Stone With Clip (Limited Time Only) included on pack
• Insider’s Exclusive – On Location! – Your Favorite Stars Reveal: Special Effects; Movie Stunts;
Magical Props; Animal Actors & More!

Wizards of Waverly Place is one of the kids {as well as my own} favorite shows. They watch it pretty often, and many times I'll just sit there and watch it right with them. What can I say, I just can't resist Alex, Justin and Max! Neither can the kids I suppose.

We were pretty excited when we found out they were coming out with a movie. I just knew we'd have to get it. Imagine how thrilled I was when I had the chance to review it then! Well, let's just say I was through the roof!

Wizards of Waverly Place the Movie sure didn't let these fans down one bit. Nope, not for a second! This was one great movie all around. I myself have watched it about 5 times. What about the kids, you ask? Umm, I lost track at around 10. Every time I go to watch something, it's in the DVD player. I think that says enough, without words.

Here's a clip. Watch for yourself and see what you think.



All of the characters did wonderful jobs in the roles for this movie. Poor Alex messes up a spell and her whole family could be a thing of the past. The 3 siblings band together to do whatever it takes to get their parents back together and save their family, nomatter how dangerous it may be. It's definitely a must see movie and an excellent gift idea for any fan!

Buy IT!
Wizards of Waverly Place the Movie is available for a SRP of $29.99 in stores as well as online.

A big thanks goes out to Walt Disney Home Entertainment and Click Communications for participating in this event!

I was given a copy of this 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.

Wordless Wednesday

Can you believe it's been over a month since my last Wordless Wednesday?? I guess it's been kind of hard without a camera. Thankfully the man bought me one for Christmas and was oh so sweet enough to give me it right away. Lucky me, right?! Here is the first pic I took with it!

Lil Man with a Mohawk. What started as a joke has lasted quite a few days now. He likes it and wants to keep it. Unbeknown to him, it is coming opff tomorrow. No Mohawks in my Christmas pictures please! It is kinda cute though huh?



Head over to Extraordinary Mothers, Wordless Wednesday HQ and 5 Minutes for Mom for more Wordless Wednesday!

I Love Him

I really, really do!

My camera has been broken for quite some time. It would work when it wanted to for awhile, then just completely went to hell. I couldn't even get the thing to turn on anymore! So needless to say, I really needed a new one. Like bad! I mean c'mon, what mom doesn't have a camera? Especially at Christmas time!

Well today he made my Christmas wish come true. He was all silly about it too. He grabbed the wrapping paper right in front of me and asked me where the tape was. I said "Why, so you can wrap my present?" Of course he said yes! But then, by surprise, he said "I guess I can just give it to you now." So I got it, without the wrapping. But you know what, this is one gift that I could care less if I got to open or not. I'm just ecstatic that I have a camera now.



There it is. Right up there. Isn't it pretty? Mine is the silver one. I would have loved one of the colored ones, but this is what they had. I'm not complaining. I love it! My own little Canon PowerShot A1100 IS 12.1MP Digital Camera. Mine, all mine!

You see, Christmas dreams really do come true! My guy's the greatest :)

I already started playing with it. I have my Wordless Wednesday pic that you'll have to come back to see in just a couple of hours. Some pics of the dogs and the tree. Yes, I finally finished the tree after a week and a half!

I didn't receive anything for this post. The camera was bought by my boyfriend with his hard earned cash. I simply linked to Sam's Club because that's where he bought it. Oh, and just because I love that store ;)

Mmmmm... Chicken {CLOSED}

The new Any'tizers product varieties are made with the highest quality boneless chicken chunks and crispy breaded chicken wings and contain no MSG, soy protein or fillers. All varieties can be customized with as little or as much of the two Sauce and Stir sauce packets as desired, and each variety features a re-sealable outer bag for easy storage and to maintain freshness.

The new Any'tizers varieties are ready in minutes, hot from the oven or microwave, for multiple snacking occasions, including:

* Attack of the Afternoon Snackers: Sometimes guests are a little more permanent, like kids and their friends who regularly crash the kitchen for after-school snacks to tide them over until dinner. The new Tyson® Any'tizers varieties with Sauce and Stir sauce packets are a substantial, satisfying snack, giving kids the fuel they need to last until dinner.
* Game Time Guests: Sports fans need real, hearty food to keep their energy up to cheer on their favorite teams. The new Tyson® Any'tizers® varieties with Sauce and Stir sauce packets are the perfect, meaty snack for fans who don't want to miss a play. With so many flavorful varieties to snack on, Any'tizers snacks help them stay satisfied until the game's final seconds.
* Holiday Hosting: Hosting holiday parties can bring a range of ages and tastes, and inevitably, everyone will come with a roaring appetite. Keep new Tyson® Any'tizers varieties with Sauce and Stir sauce packets in the freezer to put together an at-home holiday party spread in a moment's notice and at the fraction of the cost of catering. They're a heart-warming appetizer perfect for entertaining that will keep guests satisfied and full of holiday cheer.

I live in a house full of males, so easy meals and snacks are a necessity at times. You wouldn't believe how much those little monsters can eat! Seriously, sometimes way more than me! It's crazy when you consider how skinny Big Bro is. He is nothing but skin and bones. But it's not for lack of trying to fatten his little butt up.

Anyway, the man and Lil Man love hot stuff. The hotter it is, the better. I don't know how they do it.

I figured since they like hot, the Wings with Citrus Fire Sauce would be perfect for them! I was absolutely right, they loved these wings! I will be buying them all the time because lets face it; it's way easier than making them homemade!

Tyson anytizers come in a lot of different varieties including chicken strips and popcorn chicken. I personally like the popcorn chicken!

Win It!
Two lucky Outnumbered 3 to 1 readers will win a coupon for a FREE BAG of Tyson anytizers!

Here's the scoop on how to enter my giveaways and get extra entries. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry, otherwise it will just be counted as one. Your loss.

For your first MAIN entry: Just leave me a comment, simple as that! This step must be done before you can qualify for extra entries.

• See all extra entries here.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US until January 5th at 11:59 pm.

I was given coupons for free Tyson anytizers 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 - Get Active with EA SPORTS Active {CLOSED}

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.

Revolutionize your workout regimen with EA SPORTS™ Active, the ultimate interactive fitness program that’s designed for you. Get fit with a holistic approach to fitness that combines nutrition and lifestyle factors, with a variety of activities, all from the convenience of your living room. From customized routines that target upper body, lower body, and cardio to a guided 30-day challenge that tests muscle endurance, coordination and agility, stay in shape with fitness made fun and easy.

I did a 30 Day Challenge and it went pretty well. I am getting ready to do another after the holidays are over and I actually have time to myself again. It seems that I've forgotten what that is lately!

EA SPORTS Active is a great gift idea for anyone who wants to lose weight, or even just for someone who likes a good workout. Your personal trainer guides you along the way to help you lose weight or just to stay in shape.

Buy It!
You can buy EA SPORTS Active for $59.99 online. It's also available at stores.

Win It!
One lucky Outnumbered 3 to 1 reader will win an EA SPORTS Active.

Here's the scoop on how to enter my giveaways and get extra entries. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry, otherwise it will just be counted as one. Your loss.

For your first MAIN entry: Head over to the EA Store and tell me another game you want. This step must be done before you can qualify for extra entries.

• Enter any of Casey's Holiday Gift Guide giveaways letting me know which one {1 entry for each giveaway you enter, max 3 extra entries}
  
• 2 extra entries if you have the Holiday Gift Guide button posted on your blog
  
• See all extra entries here.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US until January 5th at 11:59 pm.

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

This is strictly a giveaway. I did not receive any form of compensation for this post. 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.

Secret Santa

You know how I love my swaps. I did one for Easter, Halloween and Christmas this year. Well I just did another one. Yep, you heard me right! It's all thanks to TJ Maxx, so I want to give a big ole shout out to them. It was so much fun!

I headed out to TJ Maxx in search of gifts for myself and for my swap buddy. This may seem like a very easy task and normally it would be. There was a problem though. I didn't know a darn thing about my swap buddy! Nada, nothing, zilch. Do you realize how hard it is to shop for someone you know absolutely nothing about? Pretty. Darn. Hard!

Until I decided to stop trying to find one big thing. Then it was easy as pie! I selected a couple of smaller or lower priced items and bam, instant gift pretty much anyone would enjoy!

I found some super awesome stuff at TJ Maxx though. They had these amazing vases that were just breathtaking for under $15! That is totally a steal! I got lost in the Christmas section for quite some time too because there was just so much to look at. They have some really great stuff and excellent prices!

Oh, I did forget to tell you the best part! I found a new store closer to me a couple of weeks ago, so of course I had to check it out for this trip. I love it! It's got even more to offer than the one I usually go to it seems, and it's closer. Woot!

Stay tuned for another post about what I got from my Secret Santa!

I was given gift cards to go shopping with for myself and my swap partner. 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.

Contest Tuesday

It's time once again for Contest Tuesday. Don't forget to check back every Tuesday for a fresh linky so you can get in on some great giveaways or to link your own. Feel free to link up as many giveaways as you want.

Also, it's not required, but it would be great if you could help spread the word about this link by posting my button, tweeting, etc.

Don't forget to let me know if you have a contest linky too. Tell me the day you host it or if it's ongoing, as well as the url or button code and I will post your button or link in this listing of places to list your contests. There's quite a list compiled already, you might want to check it out. You can also show some bloggy love and let my readers and I know of any other places to list your contests.

I'm So Bad

I'm horrible when it comes to surprises. I do mean horrible. I just have something inside me that can't stand it and I have to know what the secret or surprise is. It's kind of a curse, because if I don't find out, I just keep on wondering.

For instance, here's an old story. My sister is always reminding me of it.

When I was about 19 or 20, I was in Indiana for Christmas. I knew that my mom was wrapping my presents and I bribed my sister to tell me what it was. She told me and I think I gave her like $2 or some candy or something.

Fast forward to yesterday and oops.. I did it again! The man's dad wrapped our gift and the kids set it between our two desks. It was just inches away from me, staring back up at me for days. I wanted to know what was in it so bad. Those darn kids just wouldn't spill though!

The man said something the other day like "I bet they're pots and pans". I told him "No way, you're totally wrong." So the next day, I lift up the box to move it and just felt the need to shake it a little. Hmm, I thought out loud, I wonder if this is pots and pans. Big Bro was standing right there and gave Lil Man that look. You know the look. The Oh shit, the secret's out look. That look said it all and I knew!

Lil Man starting screaming at Big Bro for telling the secret and he tried to bust him out when Grandpa came back. Luckily I shut him up just in time!

I feel so bad though! I was just messing around and he didn't even let the secret out. It was just the look, you know. C'mon I'm a mom. I can't help it that I know "the look"!

Holiday Gift Guide - Comfortable Tees

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.

Purple pig was created based on our desire to share our commitment to health and wellness in a fun way. Find time in your day to sweat, laugh and just hang out in some of the softest tees around.

Our fabrics have been carefully chosen for quality, softness and comfort. Our unique designs each hand drawn. The shirt colors and ink are individually selected and coordinated.

We hope you enjoy our shirts!

Purple Pig has a wonderful variety of yoga shirts to choose from. I chose the ohm shirt because of it's simplicity. It's like a basic white tee. Just instead of plain and boring it has ohm written on it. It's made of 100% Pre-Shrunk Cotton and is just oh so comfy. There's just nothing like the feeling of a comfy tee. It beats out all the other shirts some days, just because of the comfort.

Purple Pig has many other great shirts available too. They even have styles for men and children, so you can look around for something for the whole family.

Buy It!
The ohm shirt is available for $29.99.

You can follow Purple Pg on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

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

I was given a shirt 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 - Bringing Back the Classics - The Velveteen Rabbit

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.

Children and families nationwide need not wait until Easter for a visit from their favorite rabbit! One of the most beloved family tales of all time returns in this enchanting combination of live-action drama and animated adventure. The Velveteen Rabbit tells the story of a boy named Toby who is sent by his busy father to spend the holiday season with his stern grandmother. Toby’s world instantly brightens when he discovers the house’s “magic attic,” where three forgotten toys – including a special stuffed rabbit – unlock an imaginative world that will change all their lives forever!

Starring the voice talents of Jane Seymour, Tom Skeritt and Ellen Burstyn, this charming and unforgettable classic will be a gift to treasure all year long.

The Velveteen Rabbit is an all time classic. It's a tale of friendship and adventure like no other. I remember reading the book when I was young and I am so excited to be able to share the memories with my children.

This all new movie is so much better than the books I've read and I just love what they've done! The scene above when Toby wishes the rabbit to life is one of our favorites. It goes from sad and real to happy and cartoon in just an instant. It was wonderful to see his whole world light up from the darkness that it once was. I think they did a wonderful job in the recreation and we will treasure this movie always!

The Velveteen Rabbit is a great last minute gift or stocking stuffer idea. You could even buy it just for the heck of it for a family movie to watch on Christmas!

Buy It!
You can buy The Velveteen Rabbit in stores or online for a SRP of $14.98.

A big thanks goes out to The Velveteen Rabbit and Grand Communications for participating in this event!

I was given a DVD copy of this movie 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 - Last Minute Gift Ideas - Personalized Ornaments from Cafe Press

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.

Here at CafePress, it's all about you and your passions. In a nutshell, we're the world's best destination for expressing yourself through merchandise. From your favorite T-shirt and hoodie, to the tote bag over your shoulder and bumper sticker on your car, we're here to let you express your interests. And what makes our products so unique, and so expressive, is that we don't create the designs on them. Our community of designers do - all through millions of shops we help them run.

Ornaments are keepsakes that you can use on your tree year after year. They are something that you and your family can treasure years down the road. You can look back and remember that time or place that you made or bought that ornament.

Personalized ornaments are even better because they bring back a lasting memory. CafePress went a step further in ornaments that you can personalize with a picture and message.

Wondering about that super cute ornament you see above? That's one that I made. That's my Lil Man right there! What an adorable picture! It's definitely one of my favorites! That's why I chose this one for the ornament. His Grandpa used to be in the Army, so I chose the Proud To Be ornament and thought it was quite fitting. I just know he will treasure these ornaments forever and think of the boys every time he puts them on his tree!

Buy It!
You can buy the Proud To Be Ornament and others like it for $12 each.

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

I was given 2 ornaments 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.