12 Days of Gifts Galore Giveaway: Owl Frame and Children's Books

Welcome to 12 Days of Gifts Galore Giveaway Hop hosted by Tales From the Nursery, Formula Mom, and Mama on a Green Mission.

Over $5,000 in prizes offered... to help you get the gifts you need this holiday season. 

 * * * * *

My giveaway is for this adorable 8"x8" hand-painted frame with cross stitching from Trinkets by Dana (read my shop review HERE).

AND
2 hardbound children's books,
A Howard B. Wigglebottom book of your choice, read my review HERE.
(There's a huge sale on Howard B. Wigglebottom books right now! Read my review for more info.)

and Star of the Sea, read my review HERE.


One winner will receive all 3 items, a $50 value.

After you are done entering our giveaway you'll want to check out everyone else's AND enter for a chance to win one of three GRAND prizes sponsored by Kudzoom!  

Grand prizes: $150 Kudzoom GC, $100 Kudzoom GC & $50 Kudzoom GC - open US/Can

Each blog you stop and enter at will be another entry! 

Enter the grand prize drawing at Formula Mom,
and please say J4C Home sent you.

If you don't see the Rafflecopter form, click "read more."

Gourmet Gift Baskets for Christmas

Gourmet Gift Baskets is offering Christmas gift baskets full of gourmet goodies like fresh fruits, fine wines, premium beers, home baked goodies... they're something for everyone on my list!

This is one of my favorite baskets. It's the Christmas Gift Basket Classic. For $59.99 you get chocolate covered cherries, dark chocolate bar, chocolate chip cookies, almond clustered popcorn, raspberry honey mustard pretzel dip with pretzels, and much more... it's a nice size basket for a family or a group of employees.

There are also gift themed baskets, such as the Breakfast Basket or the Gourmet Cheesecake Sampler.  I'm thinking of getting this basket, the Torn Ranch Rose to give as a hostess gift for a family we'll be vising over the holidays.

You can find the Christmas selections here:  Gourmet Gift Baskets.

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation or product for this review. I wrote it as part of the Blogging for a Christmas Cause program. Gourmet Gift Baskets will donate 2 care packages to our military for every blog post written between Nov. 21 and Dec. 9. Bloggers, if you'd like to help send care packages to the military, visit Closer to Lucy, for more info.

Safety 1st High Chair or Monitor $20.40!

I just scored a great deal on this Safety 1st AdapTable High Chair.  It's normally $79.99 plus shipping, but right now it's $20.40 with free shipping.

The Safety 1st website says this offer is good Nov. 24 - 28, but I'd head over their quickly just in case they run out of stock.

Here's the link directly to the CyberDeals page:  Safety1st

There's also a Booster Car Seat and a Digital Monitor for just $20.40.  The sale prices show $24.00, but 15% is taken off at check out, making them just $20.40 each.  Plus you'll get a 15% code to be used on an order in December.

Happy Shopping!

I'm Disgusted, and Boycotting Daily Steals!

I just read a post on Leslie Loves Veggies about a very hateful ad which appeared on the Daily Steals site.  The ad was for the New Disney Pix Click Digital Camera and read...

“Ah kids, everyone’s worst nightmare. They’re terrible to sit next to in pretty much any situation, be it on a bus, on a plane, in a waiting room, etc. Kids are active little creatures that lack the brain capacity to calm themselves in a manner that isn’t explosive. Therefore, the worst situation is being near a kid that does not have the option of running free like a dog or something. Come to think of it, kids are very much like dogs. If dogs had opposable thumbs they would eat like children. The good thing about kids, however, is that most of them are so stupid that you can just give them something and they’ll be occupied for hours. Like this Disney Pix Click Digital Camera, for instance. You give a kid this and BAM, you don’t have some annoying little thing constantly bugging you to change the channel to an asinine cartoon while you’re trying to concentrate on something you legitimately enjoy. Go ahead, let it outside, let it run around … just make sure you put its collar on in case it gets lost.”

My first thought was 'This can't be real. Someone must have hacked into their site.'  But, no - it's real.  Leslie contacted the company and the ad was changed to a very sarcastic response to her call.  

But, this isn't the end of the story... Daily Steals is full of inappropriate content such as:

• Draw ‘N Dabble Easel: A story about a creepy guy at a playground, who’s setting up this toy so he can draw in children, then kidnap them and lock them in his basement.
• Crayola Creativity Station: Get this so your kids don’t grow up to be worthless bums living in cardboard boxes drinking Colt beer out of paper bags. Oh, but they’ll get into drugs and alcohol in high school anyway, so whatever.
• Knex Sesame Street Set: Dr. Elmo drives around the country stealing kids pets and eating them alive.
• Lil’ Rider Battery Controlled Car: Dad uses remote to drive child in the car and make him run over the neighbors pet dog, then blames it on his kid while they watch and laugh.
• LCD Alarm Clock: This is listed in the toys section, and talks about an intruder breaking into the home and threatening someone with a knife.
• Crayola Color Wonder: A dirty old man appears and asks the children if they want to come with him and play with fire.

Thanks to Meagan at Sunshine and Sippy Cups for this list. I was too disgusted to read more than a couple of the posts. 

I don't think kidnapping, drug abuse, child and animal abuse are things we should find funny or entertaining. It's like being at a party when someone tells a joke demeaning another person's race or religion. If we stand by and don't say anything, our silence shows agreement.  This is the same thing... not speaking up about this is showing approval. If you do not approve let's say so.

What can we do?

* If you're a blogger, tell others 

* Contact the PR reps for any of the children's toys being advertised on Daily Steals. I'm sure they would not be happy to know that their kid-friendly products are associated with ads written in such poor taste.

* Tweet or share this post, or Leslie's or Meagan's posts to let others know.
* Contact Daily Deals through the "Leave Feedback" button in the bottom, right corner of their ads.  To contact them on Facebook or Twitter you'd have to 'like' their pages, which I'm not going to do.

I realize this is an emotional topic and there may be comments on both sides of the topic. Comments are welcome and appreciated, but please remember that it is possible to disagree with each other in a polite manner. Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving... Free Coloring Pages

Image Credit: bennthewolf

Happy Thanksgiving Y'All!  I'm thankful for your support!

Download free Thanksgiving coloring pages at Disney Family Fun.

More at Crayola and RaisingOurKids.
Kids can color Thanksgiving pictures online at Apples4TheTeacher.com

Enjoy!

Balyna Organic Christian Baby Clothes {Review}

I recently attended a Twitter party with Moms of Faith and Balyna Organic Christian Baby Clothing. If you have the chance to attend a Twitter party, I recommend it.  They're a lot of fun and you can win some great prizes while learning more about brands and their products.

At the Balyna Twitter party I won this adorable onesie.

Since we're expecting a new grandbaby in the family soon, I've been reading a lot about baby safety, and have discovered how important it is to have organic fabric next to baby's delicate skin. All of the products at Balyna are made with 100% certified organic cotton, free of toxic dyes.  I love the scripture on the front...  Psalm 24:1  "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness therof," and I also love how soft this outfit is.  If you're looking for baby clothes I'd highly recommend Balyna.  

Become a Facebook friend and be the first to get updates and discounts:  www.facebook.com/balynababy

Mega Bloks: Blok Squad Construction Site {Review}

Kids love construction equipment, don't they? Our local Children's Center recently held an event where kids could see all kinds of trucks close up, and even climb on a few. It was a huge success!     

Blok Squad Construction Site is a buildable playset which includes a 4X4, a Track Loader and a Road Roller, and figures to drive them. We recently got to try out the Construction Site set. I was surprised to see how many extra pieces were in the set. There are lots of tools, a toolbox, a wheelbarrow, blocks to pick up, pylons and signs... 395 pieces in all!  It's enough for endless hours of creative play.

This set is perfect for kids who are ready to transition to smaller blocks with realistic details (ages 5 and up).

Moms will love the price... it's just $19.99!

There are other Blok Squad playsets to introduce kids to everyday heroes with themes such as fire and police. 

For more information about Mega Bloks and Blok Squad buildable playsets visit www.megabrands.com.

If you're not already a member of the Mega Bloks Family Club, what are you waiting for?  When you sign up you'll receive $50 in coupons, and have a chance to win a Mega Bloks Holiday Prize Pack. 

Connect:
  Mega Bloks on Facebook
  Mega Bloks on Twitter

Mega Bloks are available in the U.S. at Toys "R" Us, toysrus.com, Walmart and walmart.com, Amazon.com.
Available in Canada at Walmart CDN, Toys "R" Us, toysrus.com, Zellers.


Disclosure: I received the Blok Squad Construction Site set for my review. This did not influence my opinions. We honestly loved it!  

Christmas Treasure Train: Giveaways

All aboard…The Christmas Treasure Train is leaving the station! Anitra from The MamaZone and Angie from Laughter Does the Heart Good are thrilled to be your conductors on this wild ride for gifts and cash!

This giveaway hop is a little different than most because it has the added element of a cash treasure hunt! As you hop through entering the giveaways on these fabulous blogs, keep your eyes open—you just might find some hidden cash! Here’s how it works:

• Visit each blog listed below and enter to win.
• After you enter on a blog, look for the image of the Christmas Treasure Train.
• If the train contains a three digit code, make a note of it.
• Once you collect all 10 randomly hidden codes, enter here to win the Grand Prize of $100 paid via PayPal.
• As an added bonus, if you enter every giveaway involved you’ll earn 25 extra entries into the Grand Prize drawing (Sweet!).

The hop and hunt will run November 21st-December 5th and the Grand Prize winner will be announced on the 6th.   Ready to win? 

My giveaway is for 2 CD's. If you have someone on your Christmas list who enjoys listening to piano, Celtic hymns and inspirational songs, this is the perfect gift. 

This CD is a collection of 15 songs of praise, mainly hymns with a few modern worship songs.  Review my review of Abide With Me HERE.

Amazing Grace is a nice mix of sweet, soft songs with toe-tappin' rhythms... plus a dash of bagpipes and vocals.  Read my review of Amazing Grace HERE.

Click "read more" if you don't see the Rafflecopter form.

Broadcast Bloggers Deal | Retro Owl Pocketwatch Necklace

Is there someone on your Christmas list who enjoys retro jewelry?  Check out the newest offer from Broadcast Bloggers:

See the deal:  Retro Owl Necklace

And... the Baby Signs Complete DVD set is still available at half off.
Just $49.99 until 11/24.

Thanksgiving Potato Ideas

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a change up in our Thanksgiving menu.  First, I'm tackling the potatoes... traditional mashed potatoes are great, but I really want to try something different.  Here are some of the ideas I've come up with... I've linked the recipes to the titles, so you can try them out if you'd like.

Roasted Domino Potatoes

Potato and Celery Root with Leeks

Roasted Potatoes and Greens

How do you prepare potatoes? 

12 Days of Gifts Galore Sponsor Spotlight: Trinkets by Dana

You may remember my review and giveaway for a great little Etsy shop called Trinkets by Dana. 

Well, I'm pleased to say that Dana would like to offer J4C Home readers another great giveaway.  This time it's for this really cute hand-painted wooded frame with cross stitch. 

It's soooo cute, right?  Well, stop back by on Nov. 25 and enter for your chance to win it.

Check out Trinkets by Dana on Etsy

Trinkets on Facebook, and

Dana's Blog .

Paper cranes, from Trinkets by Dana, come in many different prints and sizes.

I love these little stars. Fill a jar with stars for a holiday centerpiece, or pack small gifts, such as jewelry, in a box full of stars.

Free animated books, songs, posters and non-violent games

I recently discovered a really fantastic site where children can enjoy animated books, songs and games... for FREE.  The We Do Listen Not-Profit Foundation also offers hardcover books, all of which teach important life lessons- about listening, anger management, truth, bullying, peer pressure, sportsmanship, and more.  

As a mom and teacher, I'm very impressed with this website.  I've watched each of the animated books and and loved them so much I shared them with my students. What's really nice is that the kids can read along with the animated books. My students loved the main character, Howard, a adorable little rabbit who gets himself into trouble frequently.   The We Do Listen website also offers printable posters and lessons for parents or teachers.  

I received a copy of Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen, for review.

If your child is " squirmy, wormy" as I used to call my son, this book will help teach him how to be a good listener. The story is well written and the illustrations are vibrant and fun.

11/25 HUGE SALE update:  The latest book; Howard B.Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship: Winning Isn’t Everything is now on sale for $6 for US buyers on the website. It will be in bookstores and Amazon in January. The book, poster and lesson are a fun way to start a family discussion about a very timely subject.

Also, buyers in the US can get all ten Howard B. Wigglebottom hardcover books now for $50. What a deal!  Just click on the SHOP sign at: We Do Listen. 

I'll be giving away a Howard B. Wigglebottoms hardcover book in the 12 Days of Gifts Galore event, which starts Nov. 25... be sure to stop back by and enter to win.

Check out the We Do Listen site with your children.
Howard B. Wigglebottom on Facebook

@Hbwigglebottom  on Twitter

Black Friday's Already Here on Amazon!

Check out the daily "lightning deals" on this page: 

Shop Amazon's Holiday Countdown to Black Friday Store

I found Tide Detergent 65% off!

Other deals include the Kodak EZ Share Z5010 Digital Camera Bundle less than $200... that a $50.95 savings!

Ok... the deals are too many to list, but if you're looking for electronics, kitchen gadgets, music, toys, tools, books, fashion head on over to Amazon and check out the sales.

Affiliate links included.

Christmas Treasure Train: Grand Prize Giveaway

Have you entered the Christmas Treasure Train giveaways?  If not, start HERE. When you've collected the 10 codes, come back to this post and enter them. You could win $100!

All aboard… by now, you should be cruising along on The Christmas Treasure Train. If you’re ready to enter the treasure hunt codes for the grand prize, this is the place to do it.

Before entering, be sure you’ve followed these instructions:

• Visit each blog listed and enter to win.
• After you enter on a blog, look for the image of the Christmas Treasure Train.
• If the train contains a three digit code, make a note of it. 
• Once you collect all 10 codes, enter to win the Grand Prize of $100 paid via PayPal
• If you enter every giveaway you’ll earn 26 extra entries into the Grand Prize drawing

Enter below using the Rafflecopter form. The codes do not need to be entered in any particular order as long as each individual code remains intact. Extra entries will be verified, so follow all of the instructions on each individual blog. For additional details, visit my original post.If you don't see the Rafflecopter form, click "Read More."

Parents Magazine: Best Toys for Preschoolers 2011

It's nice to have the recommendation of friends or experts when purchasing toys. After all, they can go through a lot of wear and tear from our little ones.  These toys have been recommended by Parents Magazine... who better to trust for fun, educational and safe toys!?  

Wonderworld Wonder Vacuum 

This vacumm really works! It picks up small objects, and has an adjustable handle to get underneath the table or bed, just like Mom's vacuum!

It comes with 2 pretend trash pieces. Encourage role play, social skills, and cleaning.  I love a toy that encourages cleaning!

                             

Disney Pixar Cars 2 AppMATes Lightning McQueen Single Pack

Disney's new Cars-themed app-toy set lets kids "drive" a real figure around on top of the iPad, while the app reacts to its movements to make racing, interacting, and playing games in the virtual world possible.   Forget the kids, I think my husband will want this!  :)

Educo Healthy Gourmet Salad For Green Eaters

This is the cutest thing, ever... love it.  Kids love play food, and this set is perfect to encourage healthy heating. The pieces are vibrant and durable. 

Black Friday / Cyber Monday Baby Deals and $150 Contest

One of my favorite baby stores, MyBabyClothes.com is having a big sale on Black Friday (11/25), and again on Cyber Monday (11/28).

Black Friday Sale: You will get $10 off of your purchase of $50 or more plus FREE SHIPPING on every order! Use the code: BLACKFRIDAY at checkout.

Cyber Monday Sale: You will get 15% off of your purchase of $50 or more plus FREE SHIPPING on every order! Use the code: CYBERMONDAY at checkout.

MyBabyClothes.com also has a fun contest, Cutest Baby of 2011, going on right now.  You can enter your child, up to the age of 4. The winner will receive $150 gift certificate.  That would buy a lot of adorable clothes!

Enter the contest here:  http://www.mybabyclothes.com/-i-10.html  If you enter, let me know so I can vote for your photo. :)

Baby Signs Complete DVD Series for 50% off!

I remember the first time I saw a baby sign a word in a restaurant. I thought, "This kid is a genius!" Now it seems that every baby is signing. Babies often become frustrated by the communication barrier between them and adults.  It's also frustrating for parents and care givers when we don't understand what baby wants.  

The solution?  The sign language for babies program from Baby Signs!

With this program babies ages 6 months to 36 months are able to learn to communicate using simple signs and gestures.  This set would be a perfect shower gift or Christmas gift for parents, grandparents, or anyone who works with small children. 

The Baby Signs Complete DVD Series includes 7 DVD's:

My Mealtime Signs (Teaches the signs for Eat, Drink, More, Milk, Cereal, Bib and All Done.)
My Bedtime Signs (Teaches the signs for Stars, Moon, Book, Light, Sleep and Love.)
My Bath Time Signs (Teaches the signs for Bath, Bubbles, Water, Toothbrush, Frog and Duck.)
My Pets Signs (Teaches the signs for Cat, Dog, Bird, Bunny, Fish and Turtle.)
My Park Signs (Teaches the signs for Ball, Butterfly, Slide, Flower, Tree and Swing.)
My Getting Dressed Signs (Teaches the signs for Hat, Coat, Shoes, Socks, Comb and Diaper.)
Bonus DVD: Welcome to the Baby Signs Program Parent DVD with 100-sign Video Dictionary

The full series retails for $99.99, but is on sale right now for just $49.99.  

This deal ends on Thursday, 11/24/11 at 11:59pm MST.   Orders will be postmarked for shipping within 72 hours (working business days) of the conclusion of the deal... so, there's plenty of time to receive it for Christmas.

Jewelry Giveaway: Item of your Choice

Jewelry4Change grew out of a desire to raise money for a cause near to my heart, Africa Water and Life.

To make the season merry, I'd like to give one of my readers their choice of any one item from the Jewelry4Change Etsy Shop.

If you don't see the Rafflecopter form, please click "Read more."

Good luck!