Get Your Game on This Holiday Season

    To me the best part of the holidays is spending time with friends and family. Let's step it up a notch and make it more fun! It's time to get your game on this holiday season.

Get Your Game on This Holiday Season

    When we lived back in Pennsylvania, we always hosted Christmas Eve. The night was full of savory and sweet treats, laughs, and love. Liam and I always had games at the ready to make the evening more memorable, and let me tell you, it did! Some of our best family memories were made right there, in that tiny living room.

    We won't be going home this holiday, so we're creating new memories and fun to go with our new home. We just got two board games from Rooster Fin Games. However, we couldn't wait until Christmas Eve to try them out. And when you see them, you're going to want to get in on these too!

Ninja Squirrels

    There's a good reason this fast paced family board game has won so many awards. That's because it's so much fun to play! Ninja Squirrels are fighters. Fast food fighters that is! In this game, players battle over being the first to collect their color of acorns and fill their dens for winter. 

    The game says for seven and up, but if younger kids know their colors (and won't put the acorns in their mouth,) then they could certainly join in! As a mom, I love how this game isn't just a blast to play, but it's a great way for players to work on their fine motor skills. Even better, kids think they're just playing, and don't realize that they're working on those skills. 

Rooster Race

    Rooster Race is another engaging and enjoyable game from Rooster Fin. In this game, players race to be the winner with the most corn, by guessing if they card they draw will be higher or lower than the face up card. If the player guesses correctly, they get an ear of corn. Guess wrong, and lose an ear. (If kids can count to fifteen, then they too can play!) When all cards are played, the person with the most ears of corn is the winner!

    Again, this game isn't just a blast to play, but it helps kids to work on fine motor skills, as well as number recognition. In my opinion, this makes these titles from Rooster Fin not just a perfect gift for families, but for classrooms too! I can see them being utilized in libraries, child care centers, therapy clinics, and so much more. So gather your family and friends, and make some memories! 

Get Social!

Follow Rooster Fin Games via    /  Facebook  /  Twitter  /  Instagram

5 Reasons Why You Should Wear Sunglasses Even During Winter!

    For many of us, winter is cold, or at the very least, colder. However, that doesn't mean the sun goes away. It's not as strong as in the summer months, but it's clearly still there. Which is why we should all be wearing sunglasses. Yes, even during Winter!

5 Reasons Why You Should Wear Sunglasses, Even During Winter!

    The older I get, the more sensitive my eyes become. Maybe that's part of getting older, but at any rate, I know that we should all be wearing sunglasses all year round. I was just having this conversation with my husband, and figured I would share a bit of my knowledge with you all. I've broken my "two cents" into 5 reasons, so let's get started!

1.) Reduce Glare and Eye Strain

   White surfaces cause light to be reflected. So if you walk outside on a sunny or even partly sunny day, when the ground is covered with snow, chances are, you will be momentarily blinded. Then you can't see right for a bit. Your vision is blurry or you see spots. This is because the sun was reflected right back into your sensitive peepers. Incidentally, this can also cause major headaches too. If you live in a climate that gets snow in the winter, I'm sure you have experienced this first one. Which is why this is my first reason on why you should always wear sun protection on your eyes, even in the winter.

2.) Eye Protection

    Whether you're outside to shovel the sidewalk, working outdoors, or embarking on a snow covered trail, you should always wear sunglasses for eye protection. As stated above, you will be protecting your eyes from glare. However, sunglasses can also keep snow, wind and debris from getting into your eyes as well. Wind causes our eyes to dry out and become sore. Then they water, and that causes the skin around them to chap. Wind can also cause dirt and debris to fly into your eyes which can in some cases cause corneal abrasions. You can avoid that by wearing a good pair of shades! 

3.) They Help to Improve Vision

    Sunglasses help to improve your vision, by blocking out glare, or even lights. This is especially helpful when you're driving. Let's face it, car visors don't block out much sun light or head lights. So you should always have a pair of sunglasses handy in your car. Whether it's summer or winter, or the seasons in between!

4.) To Block Out Harmful Sun Rays

    While the sun's rays aren't the strongest during winter months, they can still cause damage to your eyes. Choosing the right pair of sunglasses to block out UVA and UVB rays is important. That's because radiation from the sun can cause cataracts or even age related macular degeneration. If simply donning a pair of shades can help to prevent that from happening, then what are you waiting for?

5.) Wrinkles

    We're not getting any younger. Wrinkles are inevitable. However, if you can do something simple to prevent them, then why not? Did you know that wearing sunglasses can help to stop wrinkles from forming around your eyes? That's right. Crow's feet are caused by squinting. So if you're constantly squishing up your eyes from the sun, then you're causing your own crow's feet. So stop squinting and grab some sunglasses.

    I love this pair from Jojen. They have 9 layers or protection in the lenses. The first layer of the lens keeps them from getting scratched and ruined. The second and eighth layers help the lenses to be more durable. The third, fourth, sixth, and seventh layers absorbs the sun. The fifth filters it out. Those layers offer you UVA and UVB protection. The ninth layer is another strengthening layer. You can get them here. They would make a perfect holiday gift for friends and family too!

Boughs, Baubles, and Bubbles!

The holiday season is in full swing! Between Liam's lessons we're decorating and crafting Christmas decor for our new home! Yesterday we took some faux boughs, baubles, and the coolest light set to create a table centerpiece. We thought we'd share it with you all!

Boughs, Baubles, and Bubbles

    Since buying our new home, I've realized that I don't have as much Christmas decor as I'd like. I always get stuff on clearance after the holidays, or pick it up at yard sales and flea markets in the warmer months. However, I stumbled upon this set of  Voneta Globe Lights white perusing Amazon, and I knew I had to have them.

    They look like little hand blown glass balls, but instead they're made of sturdy and safe acrylic. Each "bubble" has little bubbles inside them, which makes them look just like hand blown glass. So you get the beauty of glass, but the safety of plastic. Oh, and they are battery operated so you can use them anywhere in your home. (This came in handy for me because our home was built in 1910, and when the electricity was upgraded, they only put two outlets in each room.) You can set them to steady on, or flashing too! There is forty bulbs and the strands are clear so no matter where you place them, the cord won't stand out and be gaudy. (You can use them to light up any holiday, weddings, or even your outdoor entertaining area.)

Let's Get Crafty!

    Last year after the holidays, I got a set of shatterproof bulbs. I wanted blues and greens, but the only set they had with those colors also had pink bulbs. (I love pink, but my color scheme for our living room is blues and greens.) I grabbed them figuring I would just put the pinks aside. However, after decorating our tree, Liam decided that those pink baubles were "lonely," so we decided to make something with them. When my Voneta Globe Lights came in, I knew just what to do! Make a centerpiece for our dining room table!

    I had this gorgeous rattan basket that was left for me by the previous owners, and I have been wanting to make a nice centerpiece with it. So Liam grabbed the lonely pink balls, and some faux boughs, while I gathered up my new lights and the basket.

    Liam placed the bough garland all around the basket, and I then weaved in the gorgeous lights. To be honest, I wanted to leave it like that. But....we had lonely pink ornaments that needed a purpose! So he took the reins and placed them all in the basket. Then we chose two of vintage ornaments that had a bit of the same color in them and added them in. (I adore vintage baubles, and between yard sales and flea markets, I will keep collecting!) It turned out really pretty, and Liam was thrilled. To me the best part is that this centerpiece cost me under 15 bucks! You can't beat that. So grab some of these globe lights, and and get creating!

A Christmas Cards Means the World to a Soldier

    You may not realize the power of a Christmas or Holiday card. However, if you've ever been away from your family for the holidays, you may know how much it can mean.

A Christmas Card Means the World to a Soldier

    I start watching Hallmark Christmas movies the morning after Halloween. They fill me with happiness, love, and hope. You see to me, Christmas is a feeling. People tend to be happier, kinder, and just full of love, especially this time of the year. One of mine and Liam's favorite movies is The Christmas Card.

    In case you haven't seen it, Faith sends cards to soldiers every holiday season. Her card touches one soldier so much, that when he's placed on medical leave, he goes to that town. I'm not going to tell you the rest, so you'll have to watch it to see what happens. However, my point is that soldiers really do love to get cards and letters of love and encouragement. Especially for the holidays. So why not make them feel loved and thanked from across the miles?

You Will Need Some Note Cards

    To get started, you will need some holiday (or any cards.) I chose these ones from Amazon. I picked them because I loved the whimsical images, and also because the inside of the cards are completely blank. That leaves you and your children plenty of room to write kind words and thoughts. Thanksgiving is this week, so what better way to show your thanks than to the men and women whom keep our country free. 

Where to Send

    There are lots of posts going around on Facebook that give the address to Walter Reed Medical Center for sending cards. However, that address is now defunct and any and all items sent will come straight back to you. I know this for a fact because Liam and I received all of our back a few years ago. I have done some research since then, and I have found other sites that will gladly take your cards of kindness. Check them out:

• A Million Thanks
• The American Red Cross 
• Cheers for Heroes
• Letters to the Troops

Fresh Breath in Time for the Holidays

    Fresh breath is important, even for our fur babies. If you dog's breath is horrific there's no need to worry! You still have plenty of time to get their mouths clean and fresh before your holiday guests start arriving!

Bayleigh is feeling festive already!

Fresh Breath in Time for the Holidays

    The holiday season is upon us. Turkey Day is just ten days away! Santa told me there are only forty two sleeps until his arrival. All of this means that for many of us, family and friends will be visiting. That also means your pets will be kissing the loved ones. You don't want them to have bad breath. So get them some Whimzees!

The Thirty Day Challenge

    We recently took part in the Whimzees Thirty Day Challenge with Chewy.com. This challenge is simple. Simply grab a thirty day supply from Chewy and treat your furry bff to one Whimzee per day. Honestly, after the first treat, you will notice a difference in their breath.

    That's because Whimzees aren't just a tasty snack. They're also yummy toothbrushes for dogs. While your canine bestie is chewing on their Whimzee, the treat is working to scrape unsightly and smelly tartar and plaque from their teeth. This nasty stuff is what makes their breath so foul. So, if they eat a Whimzee each day, their teeth are getting brushed. Wiping away all of that smelly gunk! 

Don't let Josie's stank face fool you! Her breath is super fresh!

They Don't Just Taste Good 

    That's because Whimzees are good for our fur babies too. They're made with limited ingredients, and the ones they do use are the best. These treats are gluten and grain free, as well as artificial color and flavor free. Oh and they're made using non GMO ingredients. We all want what is best for our children, even our furry ones!

So don't wait! The countdown in on! Head to Chewy.com and grab a 30 day supply of Whimzees. Your dog will love you for it, as will your holiday guests!

Follow Chewy.com on  / Facebook  /  Twitter  /  Instagram

Festive Treats for Your Feline Friends

Tis the season! I love summer, but it feels so wonderful to finally be able to say that. (Christmas is my jam y'all!) When shopping for the holidays, we can't leave out our fur babies. So today we're going to highlight treats for our feline friends.

Festive Treats For Our Feline Friends

    Our cute kitty is technically my "granddaughter." Liam rescued her as a sickly feral baby, and insisted she would be his baby. He takes very good care of his sweet girl, and we are all so thankful for his dedication to saving her precious life. So he's very proactive when it comes to making sure she gets special gifts for the holidays. As a matter of fact, he is the one who chose Temptations Holiday Dinner Treats for her. However, upon seeing them, he immediately opened them up, and started spoiling her. So I guess we'll need to get more for under the tree!

    As she was devouring them he told me a couple of things he liked about them.

"Mama! I love this container! When the treats are gone, we use it to store other treats." Clara happens to love Temptations treats, but Liam struggles with the bags. Due to his fine motor difficulties he sometimes can't get them open, and rarely can get them closed. So for him, this Stay Fresh Pack was a huge selling point.

"These treats are Christmas colors!" Indeed they are. Temptations Holiday Dinner Treats are reddish and greenish in color, making them very festive for the season. They're also flavored with turkey and sweet potato, just like a holiday dinner!

Crispy, Crunchy, and Soft

    Temptations Holiday Dinner Treats are crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. The crunchy layer is designed to keep your cats teeth clean. It helps to scrape tartar and plaque from their pearly white teeth. The soft and meaty inside is yummy and irresistible to pawfect little pets! (We have to keep the dogs away when we give these treats to the cat,  or else they will sneak and eat Clara's Temptations before she can gobble them all up!)

   These treats are less than two calories each, so they're perfect for all cats. Use them as a snack or reward. You can even use them in place of cat food. A quarter cup of Temptations can replace a quarter cup of other dry cat foods.

    Our sweet Clara gives Temptations Holiday Dinner Treats TWO PAWS UP and we know your feline friends will too. So head to Chewy.com and grab some for the holidays. You might want to grab extra though! ;)

Latte Love for Your Pets

    Even though many of us are getting into the holiday spirit, it's still fall. Which means it's pumpkin spice season. Now you give your pets some latte love with a drink that is designed just for them!

Latte Love for Your Pets

    I don't personally like to drink Pumpkin Spice Lattes, but I do have many friends that do. So when I saw that The Honest Kitchen has Pumpkin Spice Latte mix for pets, I knew my girls had to have some. As a matter of fact, last Christmas I got them The Honest Kitchen's Egg Nog Mix, and they went bonkers for it, so I knew they'd love the latte mix as well. Thankfully Chewy.com carries all of this yummy stuff (and more) so within two days, their new drink mix was here. 

Paws Down, The Yummiest!

    All three girls drank it right down. That's right! Both dogs, and the cat loved it. I love that it's a treat that is designed for both canine and feline babies. It makes me happy to be able to give them all of the same thing. (Our girls are our babies, and I hate to feel like one feels left out.) Best of all, it's good for them!

Honestly Good

    This all natural treat is made from real goat's milk! Yes, you read that right. They combine that with pumpkin, honey, and other spices to create a liquid treat for your furry kids. Best of all there is no artificial colors or flavors, no fillers, grain, wheat or soy. There's also no GMO ingredients either. After all, pets are our family, and they deserve the very best too.

An Easy Treat That's Perfect for Cold Days

    Pumpkin Spice Latte from The Honest Kitchen is perfect for chilly days because you serve it warm. Just follow the directions on the back, and go by your fur baby's weight to figure how much to make. Let it cool a bit, and serve warm. The holidays are coming, so why not treat your furry family to this tasty drink to accompany their holiday meal! 

Let's Get Social!

Follow Chewy.com on  / Facebook  /  Twitter  /  Instagram

Follow The Honest Kitchen on   /  Facebook  /  Twitter  /  Instagram

Don't Let Your Loved Ones Run Out of Battery Power

In today's world, we are driven by our devices. It's how we communicate, work, entertain and more. So this holiday season, give your loved ones the gift of longer battery life.

Don't Let Your Loved Ones Run Out of Battery Power

    There's nothing worse than getting ready to go somewhere, and your device is low on power. If you won't be in your car long, then you can't exactly get a full charge on your device. And if you're going somewhere with no access to power, you still can't continue charging. That's where today's product comes in. This Portable Charger Power Bank from Aikove will keep their devices charged wherever they may roam!

Powerful Charger

    Aikove's Portable Charger Power Bank packs a punch! This small device boasts 24000 mAh which means it will charge many devices before it needs to be charged itself. Not only that, but it features three USB slots. Therefore users can charge multiple devices at one time. This was a huge sell for me because it seems my son's phone is ALWAYS dead. When I need to charge mine, he's upset because he can't charge his. So I got one of these power banks for the family. It's the perfect gift for all of us, and I know it will be a wonderful present for anyone on your holiday shopping list.

Works On Many Devices

    Unlike other Power Banks that are geared towards a certain brand of phone, this one from Aikove works on a full array of devices. It works on all of our different Samsung phones, my RCA tablet, both mine and my husband's box mods, and more. Basically, if your device charges with a USB cord, then you can charge it via this awesome Power Bank Portable Charger.

Not Too Big and Bulky

    I love the style of this Power Bank as well. It isn't big and bulky like a lot of other chargers I have had. It's about the size of a smartphone, so it will easily fit into pockets, purses, backpacks, and so much more. It's not super heavy either. Weighing in at 355 grams, it's heavy enough to know that it's a power li-Polymer battery, but light enough that it's not difficult to carry around.

Charge It Up and Go

    Simply grab one of these Portable Charger Power Banks, and charge it up. It will be fully charged in about nine to ten hours, and then you can charge all of your devices on the go. It features a digital LCD display screen so you can easily see how much power is left in your power bank. This device will make an amazing gift. Grab one for someone (or everyone) on your holiday shopping list. While you're at it, you may want one for yourself too!

HGG for Fur Babies

Welcome to our Holiday Gift Guide for Fur Babies!

Here you will find gift ideas for your precious fur babies.  

Check it out!

(Please DO NOT add your own links)

To be featured contact me at alegionforliam@gmail.com

Holiday Gift Guide for Her

Welcome to our Holiday Gift Guide!

Here you will find some neat gift ideas for the women in your life.

Check it out!

(Please DO NOT add your own links)

To be featured contact me at alegionforliam@gmail.com

Holiday Gift Guide for Him

Welcome to our Holiday Gift Guide for the guys!!

Here you will find some pretty neat gift ideas for him.

Check it out!

(Please DO NOT add your own links)

To be featured contact me at alegionforliam@gmail.com

Holiday Gift Guide for Tweens and Teens

Welcome to our Holiday Gift Guide for Tweens and Teens!

Here you will find gift ideas for those moody tweens and teens. We think these ideas are cool, and they will too!

Check it out!

(Please DO NOT add your own links)

To be featured contact me at alegionforliam@gmail.com

Holiday Gift Guide for Kids

Welcome to our Holiday Gift Guide for Kids!

Here you will find gift ideas we adore for younger children.  

Check it out!

(Please DO NOT add your own links)

To be featured contact me at alegionforliam@gmail.com

There's SNOW Time for Cold Feet

    Whether you like it or not, winter is on it's way. For many of us, that means snow is coming as well. When the weather turns, there's SNOW time for cold feet. Which is why winter snow boots are a must have if you live where the wind blows, and the white stuff falls!

There's SNOW Time for Cold Feet

    I don't hate snow. To me, the first snow fall is always dreamy and romantic. I love to take Liam out and ride sleds down the hill. But that's it. After that, I want it gone. But no matter how you feel about that white, cold stuff, if you live where it falls, then you need snow boots. I just got Liam this pair of Gubarun Snow Boots. Their super warm and he loves the camo coloring on them.

Gubarun Snow Boots

     This pair of boots is so comfy. The inside is plush and covered with a faux fur lining. This keeps toes and feet toasty warm! The outside of the boots is waterproof, so not only will feet be warm, but they'll be dry too! As a mom, I'm a fan of the tread. I don't want my son slipping on icy and snowy surfaces. So I was impressed with the nice traction that the tread on these boots provides. They also have hook and look closures, so there's no need for tying. This was huge for us because even though Liam can tie shoes, he struggles with it due to his fine motor skills.

    I'm lucky enough to have small feet. Which means I can fit into Liam's pair of Gubarun boots too. I tried them on and they are so soft and squishy on my feet. I love them so much that I think I will have to get myself a pair. Even though we moved South, we will still get some snow, so I'm going to want a warmer pair of boots for the winter.

    Speaking of sizes, these boots come in a wide range of sizes. You can find them for toddlers, little kids, and big kids too! (As well as moms with small feet!) There is also a bunch of other camo colors to choose from too. With winter right around the corner, grab a pair for all of your kids! You won't be disappointed!

Boating Fun for Tweens, Teens, and Adults

    I have a fantastic toy for younger and old on your holiday list. I just got Liam a remote control boat for Christmas. When it came, and my hubby laid eyes on it, he wanted one too!

Boating Fun for Tweens, Teens, and Adults 

    I chose the Power Tempo Boat from Ksaleco. This bad boy can travel up to EIGHTEEN miles per hour! That's fast for a "toy!" It's ready to go right out of the box, so after Liam opens it on Christmas morning, he can have a blast with it. (That is if he can keep his dad off of it!) This lightweight boat is powerful and awesome, and I can't wait to see my son enjoy it.

Let's Talk Features

    The Power Tempo Boat is easy to control. Depress the trigger on the remote to throttle the boat, and go forward or backward. There is a knob to move the rudder either left or right. The remote also features trim buttons to move left, right, backward, and forward. This remote is 2.4 GHz and automatically pairs with the boat.

    Power Tempo Boat features a waterproof hull with anti tilt modular design. The body is made of ABS impact resistant plastic. The parts are easily maintained and replaced. This bad boy even features a capsize recovery feature. (Simply push the throttle and trigger forward, then back to right the boat.

• Size: 42.4 x11.4x11.9cm 
• Controller: 2-CH, 2.4GHz 
• Control distance: 120 meters 
• Battery for controller: 4 x AA 
• Battery for boat: Li-Po 7.4V 1500mAh 
• Charger for boat: USB (cable included) 
• Charging time: 110 minutes 
• Running time: 6-8 minutes

Keeps Cool and Stays Safe

    The boat keeps cool by circulating water in and out. This prevents the motor from over heating while it's racing around on the water. Another safety feature is the propeller won't move unless it's in water. That keeps small fingers from getting injured.

    My husband loves this boat, and cant wait for our son to open it so he too can play. We know your kids will love it too!

Photography Hobby or Career

Since I was just a kid, I've always loved to take pictures. Now as an adult it has become one of my many hobbies. But it can also be a rewarding career as well.

Photography Hobby or Career

    I may be dating myself here, but I remember when cameras took 110 film and had those gorgeous flash cubes on top. (Do you remember those?) I was quite young, so my parents didn't let me use their camera. When I was about 11, we went to neighbors moving sale, and they had a Kodak 110 camera for sale. I begged my parents for that camera. They obliged under the condition that I used my allowance for film and processing. (Yeah, I'm old enough that we had to wait for our film to be processed.) I was stoked!

    I took pictures of everything! I quickly learned that 110 film and developing those pictures was expensive. Jump forward to digital cameras. Now I could see every image I took. Which meant I could snap fifty or more pictures, and keep the best. I was gobsmacked at how amazing this was! (Yeah yeah. I'm old enough to remember the invention of digital cameras.) Now with the burst function, I am sure to capture the very best shots of my son and my furry daughters.

    That option came in handy with my son. He's autistic and getting him to look at me wasn't always easy! I've been homeschooling him since he was five. So that means no yearly class pictures. We live on a very tight budget, so getting them done wasn't always an option. Instead, I use my love of photography to stage his yearly school photos. Then I send them to Walmart to get printed for family and friends.

    My favorite way to capture these is by choosing a gorgeous setting outside. The lighting is more natural, and it's easier to get clear shots if it's a nice day. However, setting up a shoot inside isn't too hard either. Baby pictures were easy. I took his Boppy pillow and draped it with a nice baby blanket, and was able to pose him and get perfect pictures. When Liam was four, I hung an American flag on the wall, and pulled my antique trunk over. I posed him on it and got the most adorable snapshots. They're actually my husband's favorite ones. However, now that he's older, getting him to take time out of his "busy day" to pose for me is like pulling teeth. So when we're out exploring, I set my camera to burst mode and capture as many images as I can, then delete the bad ones. I did get him to pose for me this year. However, he only gave me fifteen minutes of his precious time.

Career?

    I have pondered taking my love of photography and editing to the next level and turning it into a career. Friends and family have paid me to do their family photos, and it was so enjoyable. However, being socially awkward, taking pictures of close friends and family, is much easier than capturing those memories for total strangers. So for me, turning this hobby into a career wasn't an option. However, for many it is. Take Blake Rubin for example.

Blake Rubin

    Blake is a photographer from Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Much like myself, she too loved the art form since she was a child. However, Blake took her passion one step further, and worked her tail off to go to school, and hone her craft. She uses her camera to pull viewers into her world. Blake really has an eye for beauty.

    Ms. Rubin loves to photograph her hometown of Philadelphia Pennsylvania. There are so many gorgeous things to see in Philly, it's no surprise she enjoys capturing it all. Blake also loves to travel an capture every moment. Recently she went to Italy. From taking pictures of the big cities, to small villages, Blake can pull the viewer in, so they feel that they are actually there.

I love this image of my boys (They were 14 and 4)

     Knowing how hard it was to pay for her dream, Blake has even started the Blake Rubin Foundation Scholarship. She uses this to give back, pay it forward to other college students, and help future photographers dreams to come true. How wonderful is that? We need more people like Blake in this world!