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Twitten Valentine’s Day Gift Idea

Posted by html404 on February 6, 2013
in Clothing, Gift Ideas, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Reviews, Seasonal Stuff, Uncategorized

February is here and so is Valentine season. A couple of weeks ago I shared 5 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas, but I have one more to add to that list. It’s a cutsie kind of gift idea that you could give any couple or yourself.

You remember how Bambi was twitterpated? Perhaps you are “twitten” with your sweetie? Twitten you say? Yes well that’s a new term to add to your vocabulary this winter and Valentine’s Day.

Twitten is a pair of mittens, but better than a pair of mittens when it comes to holding your sweetheart’s hand, as it allows you to really hold their hand and not deal with the bulk of a glove or mitten between your hands. Novel idea, eh? Told you it was a cute gift idea.

Twitten is handmade in Peru. It is hand washable as it is made of 50% Alpaca, 30% Wool and 20% Acrylic. They are very soft. They run a bit large for my hand but they are “one size fits most couples” so as to accommodate many sized hands.

Not only does TWITTEN offer the Twitten, but they also sell Texting Gloves, Texting Mittens, Fingerless Gloves, Hats and Scarves. There are many different colors and patterns to choose from.

I actually love these products. I really want the Texting Mittens! We haven’t had a chance to wear our Twitten or wash it but I am grateful for an extra set of mittens in our house as they tend to slowly disappear as winter goes on.

About TWITTEN

TWITTEN is a women-owned and operated business. 20% of profits go to the Bodhi Fund. The Bodhi Fund is a worthwhile charity administrated by the New Mexico Community Foundation. These two organizations offer support to families of children who need to receive life-saving treatment at the Cancer Center of Excellence and must travel out of state to receive their treatment.

He who twittens never twittens alone.

Prices vary.

So are you going to twitten your honey?

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

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Yardenit Cosmetics Review

Posted by Professor on January 3, 2013
in Eco Friendly Products, Family Stuff, Girl Stuff, Health, Personal Care Products, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Seasonal Stuff

Yardenit is the celebrated baptismal site on the sacred Jordan River in Israel. They embrace Pilgrims from the four corners of the earth who come to the Holy Land and to Yardenit for a specific purpose: to walk in the footsteps if Jesus and to be part of the baptismal ritual of following their Savior through the waters of baptism.

You do not have to travel to the Holy Land to experience Yardenit specialty products. You can visit their online store and shop for Holy Land souvenirs, Christian and Jewish gifts, inspirational jewelry, food items eaten during biblical times, music, books, clothing, cosmetics, and toys.

Our Review:

I found this was a very interesting website and web store. I had never actually sought out a store in the Holy Land so I was not aware that one existed. This is a rare gem! The web store offers so many products for both Jewish and Christian guests. They offer a vast array of products… from cosmetics to clothing!

We were privileged to review two of their cosmetic products. We were sent AYA Natural Nail Oil and Olea Essence Lip Balm. Both products are all natural which was a plus! I was concerned about getting a package from overseas … as I was not sure if it would ship well…especially with cosmetics enclosed. But I assure you Yardenit packaged their products beautifully and safely. They were packaged very tight and wrapped so that nothing would break or spoil. I was very impressed.

AYA Natural Nail Oil:

This product is made of 100% AYA natural Oil blend that may have antifungal properties. Nourishes, Moisturizes, and promotes healthy nail growth.

Ingredients: Extra Virgin olive oil, Sweet Almond oil, Tea Tree oil, Jojoba oil, Wheat Germ oil, Geranium, Rosemary, Lavender, and Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

*** We liked this product… the overall packaging was very nice. The oils come in a little dropper like bottle. You then apply right to the nail and rub into the cuticles daily. I used this item for a week and found that it made a difference to the overall health of my nails and cuticles. My cuticles are generally very dry … but this product improved them ten fold. I find that they are no longer peeling after use of this product. My oldest daughter also used this product. Sometimes her nails are prone to peeling …after using this product I can honestly say that her nail structure has improved. It seems that her nails are healthier and stronger and no longer peeling.

Just as a side note… the description states that it “may” have antifungal properties. I believe this is because one o the ingredients in the product is Tea Tree Oil, which is a known antifungal agent.

Olea Essence Lip Balm:

This product is made of all natural ingredients with no preservatives. It is Olive oil based and enriched with jojoba oil, wheat oil and avocado oil. It restores damaged and chapped lips.

Ingredients: Olive oil, Seabuckthorn oil, Bees Wax, Jojoba oil, Sesame oil, Caster oil, Wheat Germ oil, Avocado oil, Tea Tree oil, and Lavender oil.

*** This product was also a hit in my family. We are currently in the winter season and chapped lips are the norm around our house. This product came nicely packaged in a little pot …so it is easily applied with the finger. So I could easily use this on more than one person if needed (unlike a stick lip balm … where it would be limited to one person). The person who benefitted most from this product was my son. He is prone to chapped lips and often licks the top of his lips so the area right above the lip is red and chapped. We have a hard time finding anything except Vaseline that will do the trick because he says that the products we have tried “burn” his skin. Well, we have a new favorite in this product! This has done wonders for his skin and it is gentle and does not burn! It has cleared up his redness and chapped lips…I am so pleased! I did in turn use this on myself and found that my lips feel smooth and not as dried out as they usually feel this time of year! Very nice product!

Overall, we were very impressed with the Yardenit products we received. The only thing I do have to mention is that since the products do have Tea Tree oil in that particular oil seems to take over as the scent of the product. It is not a bad scent… some call it medicinal or a clean scent. It does not detract from the product… but it does take over the other oil scents that are ingredients in the product. I must say that since the Nail oil had the ingredient of Almond oil I expected an overall “almond” scent since that oil seems to be a powerful scent… but the Tea tree Oil is stronger. In the Lip Balm the Tea tree oil was not as strong… but it was still the main scent. I attribute the scent not being as strong in the Lip balm because it is a solid rather than a liquid like the oil. But generally the scent is not bothersome; in my experience it is rather pleasant.

On a side note: I was interested in another product and was worried about shipping to the USA from Israel (I thought it might be expensive) when I enquired with the company I found that their sipping rates are based on weight. The product I was looking at was their hand lotion, which is 150 ml or 5.1 fl oz.; the shipping on this product would be about $ 5.00. I found that this shipping cost was comparable to an average online store. So I was pleased.

Yardenit is currently having a sale on some of their merchandise…so take a look around their store! You can find a link to the store here: http://www.yardenit.com/store

For those interested in the Yardenit site on the Jordan River or for more information on Yardenit in general feel free to visit their home page here: http://www.yardenit.com

If I am ever in Israel I think this would be a neat place to visit and a great place to purchase souvenirs!

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.

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Novica Black Giraffe Wood Ornaments

Posted by Brande on December 23, 2012
in Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Handmade Items, Holidays, Home, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Reviews, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping

Need a last minute Christmas idea? But, it has to be unique! Head over to Novica.com. Novica is associated with National Geographic and has beautiful items for any occasion. Need help with a special gift? No problem! Novica has a “Gift Finder” section!

When I received my Novica package, I opened the shipping box and this is the box inside! Wrapped with beautiful paper adorned with a crafted bow.

In my package I received 4 individually wrapped Giraffe Wood Ornaments.

These giraffes are hand crafted and hand painted by Made Sarna. Each giraffe is unique in it’s own way. They have a small hanger on the back and ready for the Christmas Tree.

Head to Novia.com for your last minute gifts!

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

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5 Last Minute Stocking Stuffers

Posted by html404 on December 22, 2012
in Eco Friendly Products, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Kids Toys, Organic, Reviews, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping, Techie Stuff, Technology/Electronics

If you are heading out shopping this weekend and still need a few stocking stuffers, we have some ideas for you! Below are some products we have recently tried and reviewed or have used in the past. From techie stuff to kids toys, there are last minute stocking stuffers for nearly everyone in the family!

1. Shredz. We got our first snow the other day and our boys have been outside playing with their new Shredz action figures and accessories. The boys really like them! The photos speak for themselves.

2. Eco.Ditty. Eco.Ditty is a company that offers eco-friendly, organic cotton, reusable sandwich and snack bags.

3. Fruit. My mom use to always put a huge apple and orange in our stockings. We never saw that size of fruit any other time of the year.

4. Love’s Christmas Journey DVD. We won this movie in a drawing or something and received it this week. Planning on watching it this weekend or sometime over Christmas.

5. PlayMG. PlayMG is a portable mobile gaming device. It is very cool. So cool that my husband and I have enjoyed playing NBA Jam. If you knew us, you’d know that we both love basketball both watching and playing, but don’t do much of either anymore. Though PlayMG is a pricier item for a stocking stuffer, it is the size of a perfect last minute stocking stuffer, especially if you are stuck in what to get a special someone. No need to buy extra equipment, as it uses a standard cell phone charger to charge. Accessories can be purchased separately, like a case, charger etc.

We have really been enjoying learning to us our PlayMG, but I wouldn’t say it hasn’t been as user friendly as I would like. It took me an email and a couple calls to support and I still cannot get the internet to work even though my WiFi says it is connected. I have to call them again after Christmas. The game has frozen on us a couple of times causing us to reset it by pressing the brightness and volume down buttons, which I need to ask about. Support has been great though.

There were a couple of cards like this and that was the extent of instructions. It came beautifully packaged though in a nice box that slide out like a drawer. Too bad my children sort of wrecked ours already or I could show you how nice it was.

I will say that so far the PlayMG has been a motivator for my boys (9 and nearly 11) to do their chores, so it is working in the sense that I want it too. I like that it is portable and needs no other service other than WiFi and it will work with our NetZero device. I also like that we can use the Bill My Parents card. I added $20 to it and Bill My Parents added another $10, so I can use that as an extra incentive for chores. OR if certain individuals are not complying then I can say I get to spend the money instead. Hoping I don’t have to resort to that but if I have to play hard ball I will!

The Bill My Parents card works like a debit card but teens cannot overspend if there is no money on the card. Parents can be notified via email of purchases etc., but they will not be able to get a report of websites visited or what their kids watched. That’s a downfall, if you ask me. I like that it’s a debit card. Now that my girls are getting older, it will be a useful tool to use to educate them about responsible credit card use.

Overall, we like PlayMG, I just wish more instructions came with the device on how to get everything set up -email, internet etc. This is a great device that gets my children OFF my iPhone and onto THEIR games without expensive cell phone charges or contracts.

Have fun with any last minute shopping, visiting or preparing you have to do this weekend!

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Reverse Charades Holiday Edition Review

Posted by Brande on December 22, 2012
in Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Humor, Kids Stuff, Kids Toys, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Reviews, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping

Reverse Charades Holiday Edition Review

So, I think I still have pains in my side from laughing so much! My husband, myself, and 2 other friends played this one evening when the kids went to bed. I’ve never had so much fun with a game and it got very competitive! I’m laughing as I write this remembering my husband trying to act out “Cindy Lou Who”. Start laughing now… imaging trying to act out “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, “Nutcracker”, or “Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen”. Bring some tissues because your going to laugh until you cry! Reverse Charades Holiday Edition is a must have for a Christmas Party! Great stocking stuffer also it a small box (it’s about the size of an iPhone).

Reverse Charades also come in Girls Night In Edition and Sports Edition. To purchase Reverse Charades online click here, Amazon.com, or 2000 other store locations.

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Christmas Tree Hunting – Wordless Wednesday

Posted by html404 on December 12, 2012
in Family Stuff, Holidays, Seasonal Stuff, Wordless Wednesday

We went Christmas tree hunting at a friend’s farm. They had a beautiful white birch grove as well as a grove of silver trees that this photo does not do justice. It was beautiful.

In our search we had to be careful for holes left from where trees were dug up. Blondie is standing in on in this photo. Our friends’ farm use to be a tree nursery.

We eventually found a tree very similar to this one. It was huge and a monstrosity to get into the van!

We each took turns cutting down the Christmas tree. We actually had to go back out and buy a new saw because ours was too dull to do anything significant in the way of cutting. Makes for an interesting story to pass down through the years.

When we finally got the Christmas tree shoved into the van it was a tight squeeze for everyone to get back into their seats.

This is what the tree looked like for a few days. It took a few extra cuts to get it just right and I haven’t yet taken an updated photo of it cut down to size or completely decorated.

When do you put up your tree?

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Sears #styleSURPRISE

Posted by html404 on December 11, 2012
in Fashion, Holidays, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping

Over the years Sears has been a trusted brand in my life. Guess I learned that from my mother, as well as my mother-in-law as they shopped at Sears…and still do. As most of you know, Sears provides everything from appliances and apparel to jewelry, electronics and more.

This holiday season Sears is hosting their Holiday #styleSURPRISE Sweepstakes where entrants can enter to win $5K worth of SYW points. I entered. It’s very easy, especially if you already have an account. Just sign in or sign up and follow the prompts at the link I just provided.

I think if I won the Holiday #styleSURPRISE I would update my wardrobe, costume jewelry and even buy my family some goodies. Below I’ve shared a little bit of my style.

My Style

At Sears.com I found a pretty Maxi dress that I like, except for the low neckline, love the empire-like waistline though. I usually have to buy petite sizes because I am so short and regular size/length dresses are too long.

Fashion Accessories

I like pretty simple and practical when it comes fashion accessories. Here are a few pieces of jewelry that appealed to my eye and no I don’t think either of them go with the dress above:

You can visit Sears for more everyday fashion inspiration.

Imagine if you won $5k worth of SYW points? What would you buy? Leave me a comment.

This is a sponsored post, I am a Sears blogger, though all opinions are my own.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted by html404 on November 22, 2012
in Holidays, Seasonal Stuff

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Faith and Family Reviews!

Hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends! Once again we are flying solo this holiday, opting to stay at home – no hosting even – and we are going to enjoy our own home grown meal of turkey, potatoes, butternut squash and pumpkin (in a pie of course!). Then other yummy things we are making or have bought to gobble down with the rest of our meal.

We are very grateful for many things but here are some at the top of our thankful list:

1. Jesus who died on the cross for our sins to give us eternal life in Heaven one day. He’s the ultimate reason I live.
2. God’s provision financially has been huge for our family over many years but this year has been amazing in a different way. I could say so much more but it would take a book. Seriously. Just when we think we are at the bottom of the barrel, He comes through.
3. Family. A husband to love and who loves me, and our children…other reasons I live. I can’t imagine life without any of them.

May this truly be a season of thankfulness for all of us…

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 5:20 ESV

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Carpet One Review and Giveaway

Posted by html404 on October 29, 2012
in Giveaways, Home, Reviews, Seasonal Stuff

When we went to Brandcation Blog Cabin we received swag (products from companies sponsoring the event or bloggers). Amy from Grinning Cheek to Cheek was sponsored by Carpet One. We all received a mat. There was a choice of pet paws and a fall mat, since I don’t have a fall mat I chose that one, though my kids would have loved the pet paws! Mommy rules! I think there were even two 5×7 mats given away – they were nice too!

Carpet One Review and Giveaway

Carpet One mats are water and stain-resistant, machine-washable and made in the USA. We have already washed our mat once – didn’t want to take a photo of a dirty mat even though the browns hide the dirt really well. Another reason I chose this mat. The pet paws had a light color for the paws which I figured would show the dirt more. With ten people in our home we track a lot of dirt in even though I have mats at every entrance and the children are required to take off their shoes and wash their feet if they go barefoot. The mat washed up nicely and did not fall apart. I’ve had that happen before, probably on mats that weren’t machine washable though as they frayed and the back disintegrated.

I actually put our mat in front of our kitchen sink. It’s soft under the feet and give extra support while standing doing dishes. It looks nice too. We really like it there.

Overall we are very pleased with our first experience with a Carpet One product.

About Carpet One:

Carpet One Floor & Home has more than 1,000 independently owned and operated stores in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Carpet One Floor & Home carries carpet, wood, laminate, ceramic, vinyl, and area rugs, including exclusive brands like Bigelow and Lees.

Carpet One Giveaway

Now for the giveaway!

Please make your entries via the Rafflecopter below to win one of these Autumn mats supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month, which was this past month.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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OctoNovemCember Shopping Holidays #OctoNovemCember

Posted by html404 on October 24, 2012
in Holidays, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping, Uncategorized

Can you believe there’s only a week left of October? Seriously, I don’t know where time goes. Before we know it we will be snowed in! But shhh….you didn’t hear that from me!

What does the above image make you think of? To me it denotes Autumn, Thanksgiving and Christmas (insert your preferred holidays) all rolled up into one. I generally only shop for food for Autumn and Thanksgiving, as we do not give gifts for either of those holiday events. I shop for gifts for Christmas.

For Christmas gifts I am usually shopping all through the year. I am not as good about starting right after Christmas with the end of year sales as I use to be, but I am done shopping well before Christmas except for maybe…one…or two last minute gifts for the hard-to-buy people in our family.

This will probably be weird but I don’t shop on Black Friday. I have never relished putting myself or my children~~‘s lives at risk~~ through the crowds and hassle of racing for the sales. It never seemed worth it to me.

It saves money to shop early and to have a budget in mind of what you are going to spend. With the advent of technology there are even more ways to save by taking advantage of online sales, FREE shipping, using sales or coupons in conjunction with FREE shipping offers increases your savings.

Shopping Holidays

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Win a $1000 Shopping Spree

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Tech Savvy Shoppers

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Happy OctoNovemCember™ Shopping!

This is a paid post by One2One Network and RetailMeNot.com