Mixie Bottle Review

You will need to send out invites, declutter your living space and guest areas, and enquire as to any +1 guests that might be attending your winter holiday events. You might also need to send out maps or printed instructions with directions to your home, and you might want to plan games and activities to entertain your guests too. In short, there is a lot to be getting on with where your guests are concerned, so get cracking!
Think about food
You will need to make space in your pantry and refrigerator in readiness for the season ahead, so now is the time to work with your existing food. So, you might want to donate some of your food items to charitable groups in your area, for example, as this is a better option than throwing unwanted food away. You might want to prepare a dinner party for friends and family too, as you will be able to use much of your food up this way. And you might steadily start to work your way through the food you have before replenishing your stocks, as you will then save space and money in the run-up to Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Think about gifts
What should you buy your nearest and dearest for Christmas? Now is the time to ask them outright if you don’t feel cheeky in doing so, or you could consult with other people in your family and friend groups to find out a few suggestions. And when you have found out more, you might do more than go for the obvious. So, if your nephews and nieces enjoy reading, you might consider signing them up to a book subscription service instead of buying them a novel or two. If any of your work colleagues show a passion for charity, you might want to find out how to donate on their behalf. And for those people who simply have everything, you might start your shop for unique items so they don’t end up with something they already have. Consider this viking drinking horn for ale and beer for any of your friends who like a tipple or two at Christmas, for example.
So, don’t delay. Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and then Christmas will be merrily weaving its festive delights into your life too! We hope our practical suggestions have been useful, but if we have missed something in our post, be sure to remind us below.
Thanks for reading and happy holidays!

I can’t believe it’s been 30 years since the beloved holiday classic, The Polar Express was written and released. I only came to know about it with the movie release in 2004 and fell in love with the movie! It has become one of mine and my kids favorite to watch during the holidays…okay…not just the holidays, I’ll watch it any time of year.
HMH Books for Young Readers is publishing the 30th Anniversary Edition of the book just in time for the holidays. This has been such a great addition to our library! This book brings the magic back to the holiday. I’m sure we can all remember when we started to doubt and could have used a little more magic to help us believe.
For millions of readers worldwide, this mysterious journey to the North Pole has become a beloved classic. In this 30th anniversary edition, the inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg is revealed in a never-before-seen fashion, with a new jacket design and expanded interior layout. Includes author’s note, downloadable audio read by Liam Neeson, and golden “All Aboard” ornament.
Book Summary:
One Christmas Eve many years ago, a boy lies in bed, listening hard for the bells of Santa’s sleigh, which he has been told by a friend do not exist. Later that night he hears not bells but a very different sound. He looks out his window and is astounded to see a steam engine parked in front of his house! The conductor invites him to board the Polar Express, a train filled with children on their way to the North Pole.
The train takes the children to the center of the city, where Santa and the elves have gathered for the giving of the first gift of Christmas. The boy is chosen to receive this first gift. Knowing that he can choose anything in the world, he decides on a simple gift: one silver bell from Santa’s sleigh. Santa cuts a bell from a reindeer’s harness and the delighted boy slips it into his bathrobe pocket as the clock strikes midnight and the reindeer pull the sleigh into the sky.
When the children return to the train, the boy realizes the bell has fallen through a hole in his pocket. Heartbroken, he is returned to his home. In the morning, his little sister finds one small box with the boy’s name on it among the presents. Inside is the silver bell! The boy and his sister are enchanted by its beautiful sound, but their parents cannot hear it. The boy continues to believe in the spirit of Christmas and is able to hear the sweet ringing of the bell even as an adult.
ALL ABOARD FOR THE POLAR EXPRESS DURANGO, COLORADO SWEEPSTAKES!
Want to win a FREE Trip on THE POLAR EXPRESSTM for your family next holiday season?
One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive:
Four tickets to ride THE POLAR EXPRESSTM Train Ride in gorgeous Durango, Colorado*
Four round-trip airfare tickets
Two nights in a hotel
Four free ski lift tickets to Purgatory Resort
A free signed copy of The Polar Express: 30th Anniversary Edition
CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
I’ve ridden the Durango-Silverton Train during the summer…many years ago, and it’s one of my fondest memories…can you imagine throwing the magic of the Polar Express on top of that?! It’s something I’ve been planing for my kiddos.
BUY NOW
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Jurassic World, the latest movie in Steven Spielberg’s popular Jurassic Park franchise, hit theaters with audiences eager to run with the dinosaurs once again.
With the film ranking in a jaw-dropping $1.5 billion worldwide, it’s not surprising that Universal Pictures has decided this sort of performance warrants another go. The studio announced that it has given the unnamed Jurassic World sequel a green light, the BBC reports. The movie, which is slated for 2018, will once again feature Chris Pratt, Executive Producer Steven Spielberg, and writer/director Colin Trevorrow.
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Always keep your tires fully pumped, this greatly reduces fuel consumption, so give them regular checks. Check your oil regularly, make sure there’s enough flowing as this also reduces damage to the internal mechanism. Be sure to stay on top of all maintenance needed in general, as the better your car runs, the less fuel it will use. You will of course also save money in the long run on any unnecessary repairs.
Chill out!
The most economical driver is a calm driver, so avoiding flooring it and stamping on the throttle. No unnecessary speeding or last-minute braking, maintain a little more control. Switch off the engine where possible, for example when going downhill, and remain in gear. Take your foot off the accelerator as this sends gas to the engine, for example when you’re not moving or stuck in a traffic jam. Try to stay on a low gear below 1500rpm and when changing gears, try to skip, for example from third to fifth, as this will be less of a strain on your transmission.

Ah, potty training…I’ve been through it three times now, so you think I would be a pro…NOT the case! Each child is a different and new challenge. Having my first two in day care, well they pretty much potty trained them for me. Then my third, even with all my effort just didn’t seem to get it…that is until we were at my moms one day, and he wanted to go inside and go potty…sure little man lets go…and well guess what!? He never went in his pants again! Let’s face it when it comes to potty training we can use all the help we can get, which is why I loved learning about Potty Power Academy.
Potty Power Academy is an online resource for both parents and kids to aid in the transition from diapers to potty. Potty Power Academy is a website developed by MazzMedia, a family owned educational publisher. Potty Power Academy is built for the new generation of technologically savvy toddlers. The site provides an interactive and engaging learning experience for kids to learn the concepts and skills necessary to use the potty independently. Potty Power Academy has joined us in our Summer Product Guide and This N That with Olivia posted all of the details HERE.
Are you fed up with diapers?
Potty Power Academy employs a “potty learning” approach rather than a “toilet training” approach. What’s the difference? The “toilet training” attitude is an adult-centered, adult-directed process whereby the parent establishes timelines, sets expectations and makes choices. “Potty learning,” is a child-centered, child-directed approach guided by adults.
We are excited to give THREE readers 3 months of access to Potty Power Academy and a toddler t-shirt. To enter this giveaway, use the Giveaway Tools form below. Winners must be in the US and be 18+ older. The participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be emailed by Olivia Douglass and will have 24 hours to respond to claim their prize.

Our mother is our modern day hero. She never failed to take care and protect us from the time we were born until we are capable of our own. She reared and guided us to become the person who we are today. Mother’s Day is the special occasions where we give to our mothers back all the love and care that she showered us. Lots of mothers will say that they have everything they need, and there is no need for a gift. However, giving gifts to her is one way to show that we love and care for her. Moms can be very difficult to shop for. Hence, Mother’s Day gift baskets are the perfect solution for this situation.
Well-chosen Mother’s gift baskets will surely bring a smile to the face of our mother. When we speak of gift baskets for Mother’s Day, luxury items are always a popular content. If you have a mom who loves her kitchen so much, then giving gourmet items such as exotic fruits, rare cheeses, imported chocolates and find wines are sure to make great happiness to her. Meanwhile, a gift basket that contains soaps, upscale lotions and perfumes are a popular choice for people who like to pamper their mothers with beauty products. Moreover, a basket containing gardening tools and hand lotions will surely be appreciated by a mom who is a gardener.
The most efficient way to purchase Mother’s Day gift baskets is through online retailers. There are countless numbers of retailers that specialize in gift baskets for Mother’s Day and let buyers choose a customized selection of gift items to be included in the gift basket. Lots of these online retailers specialize in gift baskets that are specifically made for women, particularly mothers. These online retailers can creatively design a gift basket that will surely leave a lasting impression and create good memories to your mother.
You can get many advantages when you shop online. There are large selections and competitive prices that makes the shopping for Mother’s Day gift baskets easy and fast. Moreover, you don’t have to fight traffic and wrestle crowds. With a click of your mouse, you can choose and buy a gift basket for your mother delivered right at your mom’s doorstep. Online shopping is very convenient for those whose mothers are far away or residing overseas.
Mother’s Day is where we express our love, care and appreciation for our mothers. A gift basket that is delivered to her is a great way to say “thank you for everything”.