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Archive for Gift Ideas

The Night Night Book Review

Posted by Brande on April 25, 2011
in Baby Products, Books, Ebooks, Education, Family Stuff, Gift Ideas

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

“Bestselling author Marianne Richmond, continuing in the vein of her other books such as If I Could Keep You Little, creates vibrant, eye-catching art and beautiful verses in The Night Night Book (Sourcebooks: ISBN 978-1-9340-8290-4). This tender, evocative picture book brings the entire family together as the perfect story before bed.”

“Sure to become a new bedtime classic, this book takes readers on a tour of the house as everyone settles in. Whimsical artwork and comforting scenes show kids it’s time to say goodnight. Filled with text and illustrations that exemplify Marianne’s real insights into the human spirit, The Night Night Book is a must have bedtime accessory for any parent.”

“Comfy bed,

all tucked in.

Cozy blanket,

toes to chin.

Night night sky.

Night night moon.

Dear tomorrow,

see you soon!”

“The ideal way to wrap up a day with your child, The Night Night Book is an adorable bedtime story the helps kids and parents bid farewell to the day, settle in for the night, and rest up for a new tomorrow.”

About Marianne Richmond:

“Marianne Richmond started her own greeting card company (Marianne RStudios, Inc.) and has become a recognized creator of numerous books that celebrate milestone in life, memorable journeys, and relationships. Since her first book in 1997, Gift of An Angel, write and artist Marianne Richmond has touched the lives of millions over the past decade through her line of greeting cards and gift books.”

My Review:

My, daughter, husband and I sat down last night and read this book before bed. This book was perfect for us because we say night night and our daughter understands what it means. We all enjoyed it! My daughter loves the illustrations as she pointed out various object and animals throughout the book. It was a good learning tool also. We asked her where the stars were on a page and she would point them out. It was just long enough to keep her attention and start relaxing for the night.

I know I’ve said and I’ll say it again, great baby shower gift! I would recommend this book for you and your little ones as a great bonding tool! It’s available now! We will be reading it again tonight and in the future for sure.

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Homemade Convenience Foods Book Review

Posted by Brande on March 23, 2011
in Books, Ebooks, Food and Treats, Gift Ideas, Shopping

Here’s an eye opener. According to Marcia Washburn’s book, “Research shows that by age 45, the average woman has spent 50,000 hours in the kitchen. That figures up to 3124 days of her waking hours feeding and cleaning up after those she loves!” Cough, gasp… EXCUSE ME! I love to cook, but I’m with Marcia.

Here’s what Marcia’s website site www.marciawashburn.com says about her new book, Homemade Convenienve Foods.

“Homemade Convenience Foods is not once-a-month cooking or frozen pizzas or carry-out burgers, but a simple method that even never-cooked-much-before college kids and newlyweds can easily learn to implement.

The Homemade Convenience Foods system is perfect for busy homeschool moms, those who work away from home, and empty-nesters who need motivation to cook for just one or two people.

Homemade Convenience Foods even teaches you how to avoid those last-minute grocery runs that cost you so much time and money. With this system, you will always have the ingredients on hand to prepare at least a dozen different menus. Even drop-in guests won’t faze you.”

About Marcia and Why She Wrote This Book

“Three home-based businesses, church and community activities, homeschooling, and the growing appetites of five boys forced me to learn shortcuts in the kitchen. By trial and error, I developed a system that allows me to serve inexpensive, good tasting, nutritious food in fifteen minutes or less without spending a whole weekend cooking each month. This was not gourmet food, just hardy meals to fill those “eating machines” grazing through my kitchen.”

About Homemade Convenience Foods

Marcia has developed a method that will stock your freezer, cupboard and refrigerator. As well as giving you a list of the equipment needed, which is very few items. She also includes a few tips along the way.

My Review

We all have those days that we stand in the kitchen or stare into the freezer (I’m famous for that one) wondering what I am going to feed everyone. I’m definitely trying this out. Marcia includes yummy recipes in her book. I’m not talking tacos and hamburgers. She has recipes for goulash, chili, quick beef stroganoff, and others. I already started my list for my next grocery trip. I already do a few things she suggests. I buy ground meat, cook and freeze it. It works great for tomato sauce. I don’t want to giveaway all her methods, tips or tricks.

Go to her website at http://www.marciawashburn.com and buy Homemade Convenience Foods. It’s only $5.95 for print and e-book (add $2.00 for S/H for print editions). Also, don’t forget wedding, baby showers, birthdays for friends and relatives! Everyone could use this book. It makes a great addition to my cookbook collection.

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2D or 3D Frame Review

Posted by Brande on March 16, 2011
in Baby Products, Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas

Z-Access Display Frame made by the Lewibelle Company developed this product. Upon visiting their website at www.displayit3d.com, they have 7 different colors. The have 2 styles of frames 6″ x 4″ Frame with Base and the one I’m reviewing a pink 6″ x 4″ “Rotating Frame-Within-A-Frame”. It is a wood frame with film insert so, it stretches. It has two (2) “U” shaped clamps to keep the frame together. According to the instructions enclosed, “The 6″ x 4″ frame size will normally display items with volumes up to thirty-seven (37) cubic inches. This volume relates to an item size of up to 5″ x 3″ x 2.5′.” It can hold an object up to three (3) pounds. They go on to state that the films are tear resistant and the films can be replaces. However, I wouldn’t be poking at it with anything sharp.

My Review:

The instructions are understandable and the frames opens and closes with ease. All you need to do is turn the inside frame (Picture 1) and pull off the two (2) “U” shaped clamps (Picture 2), put your object inside, and put the “U” clamps back on. Slide on the base, and your all set.

Picture 1

Picture 2

The hardest problem I had was trying to decide what to put in it. Finally, I selected one of my daughter shoes she had as a newborn. Picture 3 shows the frame with shoe head on. Picture 4 shows the frame from the side, you can see the shoe “sticking” out.

Picture 3

Picture 4

I removed the shoe to see how the film stretched. It did a little, but not enough to where I couldn’t put something else in it. I would suspect if you were to put a baseball in it for an extended time, it would stretch further.

I love it and have gotten many compliments on it. I’m buying this frame for the next baby shower I attend. Check out their site at www.displayit3d.com. This is a great gift for a sports fan also!

Opinions are my own.

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Review ~ AcquaEssentials

Posted by Professor on March 3, 2011
in Gift Ideas, Health, Personal Care Products

I received samples of the following products to try:

The first product I tried was Caviahue Anti Wrinkle Cream; this was a nice soft cream. It went on smooth and felt nice on the skin. I cannot attest to its effectiveness as I only tried a few samples and was not on the product long enough to see any results. This cream retails at $48.35

The second product I tried was Caviahue Nourishing moisturizing cream. This cream was also nice on the skin, not too heavy and went on very smooth! The cream took away any dryness and did not cause an oily residue that some creams leave. This cream retails at $48.35

The third product I sampled was Mondariz Hydro Woman Cream. This is a very soft non-greasy cream that felt very nice on my skin. The hydration effect felt wonderful on my face and neck and lasted almost all day! This product retails for $ 55.15. They also have a companion Mondariz Hydro Man Cream for males who use face cream.

Overall I have to say that the products were nice. They were a bit perfumed for my taste…I tend to buy fragrance free or lightly scented face creams. These did have a heavier flower scent, not unpleasant, just strong. The only other deterrent factor was the price of the products, they are not cheap, but are comparable in price to many name brand creams on the market.

AcquaEssentials.com is having a shipping special if your order is over 60.00 it ships free. There is a myriad of products for anyone to browse on the website and you can easily place an order for 60.00. The company has products for hair, body, anti-aging, solar protection, Mineral Oil Free, and much more…take a look around they have much to offer.

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Eco Friendly Toys and Gifts for Christmas

Posted by html404 on December 8, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Gift Ideas, Holidays

This post brought to you by your friends at www.earthwhile.co.uk

As our family continues our journey in healthy living, we continue to enjoy trying and learning about new sources of eco friendly products. This includes eco friendly toys and gifts for Christmas.

This week we found out about a new shop that carries a wide variety of eco friendly toys and gifts, including:

Wooden Toys- We love wooden toys, especially well made ones because they tend to last so much longer than the cheap plastic toys available. I don’t know how many toys we throw away because they break. It’s such a waste – of toys and money.

Flip Flap- I love solar powered products. Saves on batteries to use the sun! Take a look at this Bee Happy Solar Powered Dancing Flower? Isn’t it pretty? Great for gardeners or just to cheer up a room.

Slate Coaster and Placemat Set –

Reusable Shopping Bags by Envirosax – I have to admit that still haven’t formed a habit of remembering to bring my reusable bags with me when I go shopping. However, I think it is a good idea and like the fact that more stylish bags are becoming more available. They even have ones geared towards kids.

These are not the only eco friendly gifts ideas to consider. Consider giving a larger gift to yourself, a parent or grown child if you have the means to, as helping yourself or family members towards energy saving products is a wonderful gift in my opinion. I can think of a few energy leaks in our home that I would love to plug up, but we didn’t get to and would have loved to receive it as a gift. Think about how much money you could save by contributing towards saving energy (and money!) on home improvements like home insulation, garage insulation or outdoor lighting (such as solar powered lights).

Many times giving an eco friendly gift means that the gift will also help others, whether through providing a fair wage or helping a charity. So please consider giving a gift that gives back this Christmas season.

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Gift Ideas for Moms

Posted by html404 on November 28, 2010
in Gift Ideas, SALES

Here are some gift ideas for moms:

Expectant moms might enjoy a gift certificate or clothing from Destination Maternity:

Destination Maternity: Free earrings with a purchase of $125 or more! Valid Nov 24-29. Use code: DMFE.

Just My Size has some wonderful items making you want to buy a little something for yourself:

Get Online Doorbusters at JustMySize.com. Offer valid 11.26 through 11.28.

For moms who like to write and send cards then Current might have the perfect gift:

Find Great Gifts for Mom at CurrentCatalog.com. Shop Now!

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iTunes and Apps

Posted by html404 on November 27, 2010
in Gift Ideas, Techie Stuff, Technology/Electronics

I couldn’t find a deal for dad that I could share quickly while writing up these sales posts, so I thought I’d include the iTunes and App store, as there is something there for everyone and it has some great gift ideas. The free stuff is the greatest though, right?

Or you could get someone you love a gift certificate so they could do their own shopping:

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Fashion Playtes

Posted by html404 on November 27, 2010
in Gift Ideas, SALES

Yesterday we posted a LEGOs sales post and thought we’d share a sale each day for girls, moms and dads. So here’s Fashion Playtes for the girls in your family:

We have never tried this, just visited their website and it looks really cool.

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Closed12 Days Of Chrismas Giveaways – Day 4 – 77kids $50 Gift Card Giveaway!

Posted by html404 on November 25, 2010
in Contests, Faith and Family Reviews Friday Giveaway, Gift Ideas, Giveaways

Congratulations to Annie! You won this giveaway! Thanks to all who entered and to 77Kids for sponsoring this great giveaway. Winner chosen by Random.org

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to YOU – A 77kids $50 Gift Card!

A few weeks ago we were invited to a holiday event with American Eagle’s 77kids brand. We were very excited to receive another opportunity to work with them! Yesterday was the event and we attended a VIP kick-off party at the new Chicago area 77kids store. We got a sneak peek at the magical window displays, received free treats and got a really good look at the store itself. You can read more about our fun day here. Thanks to TheMotherhood.com and 77kids.

But, 77kids wants to give 1 winner a chance to win a $50 gift card good towards 77 Kids online or in-store!

Want to enter to win this 77kids gift card?

Mandatory Entry: Create a snowflake on 77 Kid’s website here and leave me the e-mail you used to create the snowflake.

Extra Entries (Please be sure and leave a comment and link for extra entries):

1 Entry:Follow Faith and Family Reviews On Twitter(http://twitter.com/faithfamilyrevw)

1 Entry Follow 77kids on Twitter

1 Entry: Like Faith and Family Reviews on Facebook. Please do not unlike us after the contest is over. Isn’t that a form of dishonesty? Just sayin’. Put yourself in our shoes, ok? Thanks!

Editor’s note, we learned recently that Facebook limits the amount of “likes”, so not much we can do besides friend each other. Just let us know in your comment which one you did for us and the giveaway. Thanks!

1 Entry: Like 77kids on Facebook.

2 Entries: Follow Faith and Family Reviews on Google Friend Connect (on the our right side bar).

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway, but only one tweet per day please. Include your tweet url with your comment. You may write your own tweet or use this one:

Giveaway: Enter to win a $50 gift card from 77kids! @faithfamilyrevw! http://faithandfamilyreviews.com/?p=5416 Please share! Thx!

5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post, 77kids, and tell your readers about 77Kids’ create a snowflake event and give me the link.

1 Entry for every comment you leave anywhere else on this blog, but please leave a link with your comment!

Details:

This giveaway will run from November 25th to Tuesday December 6th at midnight CST. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. 77kids will ship 1 winner a $50 gift card. Winner will be contacted via email on or before December 10th and will be asked for their contact and other pertinent info. Winners will have 48 hours to send me their info at [ffr] [giveaways] [at] [gmail] [dot] [com] (without spaces and parenthesis). Please note: This giveaway is offered to US.

Thanks and have fun!

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Closed12 Days Of Chrismas Giveaways – Day 3 – Episencial Gift Set

Posted by html404 on November 24, 2010
in Baby Products, Faith and Family Reviews Friday Giveaway, Gift Ideas, Giveaways

Congratulations to Karen F! You won this giveaway! Thanks to all who entered and to the wonderful sponsors! Winner chosen by random.org

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to YOU- A Episencial Gift Set from Organic Baby Gift Boutique!

Our review:

We really liked the Episencial products. We liked that they where organic and had safe ingredients for baby. We also liked how they foamed up really well for a eco-friendly product. These soaps made the children smell really nice and the soaps have lasted for a decent amount of time and that we aren’t running out of it. This soap is clear so there is no dyes and colors in it so that’s really nice! We really liked these products and highly recommend them!

Organic Baby Gift Boutique wants to give one winner a gift set from Episencial! This set includes:

1 8oz. bottle of- episencial Sweet Dream Bubble Bath! This bubble bath is-

ong-lasting bubbly gel concentrate
smells terrific with real fruit juice extracts
won’t irritate eyes or sensitive places!
organic
Enhanced bubbles from natural, sugar derived surfactants. Sulfate free!
Organic avocado oil and soothing oat extract to hydrate skin.
Organic ginko biloba, green tea extract, and mandarin orange.
Organic lavender oil with plum and peach extracts help wind down for a peaceful nap or night’s rest.

and….. 1 8oz. bottle of episencial Playful foaming Wash! This foaming wash is:

ultra pure hydrating hair & body cleanser
safe and gentle
soothing oat, thyme, ginkgo & calendula
Won’t irritate eyes or sensitive places. Rinses off fast!
Gentle and hydrating cleanser using thyme oil and plant-based surfactants. Sulfate free!
Fragrance free. Organic orange extract is our mild and fresh scent.
Organic ginko biloba and calendula extract to sooth the skin.
Organic aloe and soothing oat extract to moisturize naturally.

This gift set is appx. $17.98 value!

Enter to win this eco-friendly gift!!

Mandatory Entry: Tell me what else you would like from Organic Baby Gift Boutique!

Extra Entries (Please be sure and leave a comment and link for extra entries):

1 Entry:Follow Faith and Family Reviews On Twitter(http://twitter.com/faithfamilyrevw)

1 Entry: Follow Organic Baby Gift Boutique on Twitter. (https://twitter.com/OrganicBabyGift)

1 Entry: Like Faith and Family Reviews on Facebook. Please do not unlike us after the contest is over. Isn’t that a form of dishonesty? Just sayin’. Put yourself in our shoes, ok? Thanks!

Editor’s note: We learned recently that Facebook limits the amount of “likes”, so not much we can do besides friend each other. Just let us know in your comment which one you did for us and the giveaway sponsor. Thanks!

1 Entry: Like Organic Baby Gift Boutique on Facebook.
(http://www.facebook.com/OrganicBabyGiftBoutique?v=wall&ref=ts)

2 Entries: Follow Faith and Family Reviews on Google Friend Connect (on the our right side bar).

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway, but only one tweet per day please. Include your tweet url with your comment. You may write your own tweet or use this one:

Giveaway: Enter to win products from a Episencial gift set! @faithfamilyrevw! http://faithandfamilyreviews.com/?p=4719 Please share! Thx!

5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post and OBGB.

1 Entry for every comment you leave anywhere else on this blog, but please leave a link with your comment!

5 Entries: Tell me your favorite things about Christmas. (memories, movies, food,gifts, etc., etc.)

Details:

This giveaway will run from November 24th to December 7th at midnight CST. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. Winner will be contacted via email on or before December 15th and will be asked for their contact and other pertinent info. Winners will have 48 hours to send me their info at [ffr] [giveaways] [at] [gmail] [dot] [com] (without spaces and parenthesis). Please note: This giveaway is offered to US only.

Thanks and have fun!