Clicking fever!

Have you ever been to one of those blogs where there are tons of links leading to discounts, gift ideas, deals-of-the-day, closeout sales and more? You know, the ones with a button or icon that says "click here" or click there, or click anywhere on this ad. Well, I cannot promise that my post won't have such links, or that they will always lead to the best deals once you click on them, but I do try and link to positive, fun, and informative websites. So, with this being an assignment about where to click, I thought I'd have fun with it. Just remember, that even though there is a link in here, you need to remain a responsible clicker!

Happy Clicking! :)

Curiously Awesome Gift Ideas from Vat19.com!

All week we've been checking the mail for a special delivery from Vat19.com. This afternoon Jenn beat me to the mailbox, grabbed the package, screamed "Hurray, it's here!," waved it in the air in my direction, then ran inside the house to open it ... kids ... you gotta love em!

Inside the package she found three different samples from their lineup of curiously awesome products; a DVD titled "Ambient Fire - The Ultimate Video Fireplace," a "Smencil's Gourmet Scented Pencil" (sniff … ah, watermelon, my favorite!), and a sampling of a bit of winter better known as "Insta Snow Fake Snow Powder."

Ryan wasn't home when we opened the package so we decided to wait until he and his friend got here to try out the "Insta Snow Fake Snow Powder." As you can see in the photo below they are having too much fun with this stuff! Since all of my children were raised in Virginia where it snows more often, this was a reminder of cooler winters, sledding, and snow fights!


Jenn really likes the "Smencil's Gourmet Scented Pencil" so I guess we know who's getting this one. Smencil's come in a 10-Pack of assorted fragrances, each in it's own plastic container, they are made from 100% recycled newspapers, have biodegradable erasers, and they keep their scent for two years. What a uniquely earth friendly idea! Maybe both of these items would make perfect Christmas stocking stuffers for some of the kids in my life.

PS My favorite is "The Ultimate Video Fireplace" DVD. Just imagine a cozy winter’s night in front of the fireplace with your sweetheart … mmm … yeah, I can imagine it. Can you? ;)

Christmas Gift Ideas

Yes, it's that time of year when my children start giving me their Christmas gift ideas. They want to make sure I have enough time to shop around for the items off their lists. This is when I incorporate the help of family members; I contact each of them with those same gift ideas and we all pull together. As my son ages though, he has more often asked for gift cards or cash. He's has come to the conclusion that it's easier to get what you want with those gifts than to have to return items that don't quite fit. Either way, they are always thankful for the presents they receive and have fun giving too!

Next up is what to get my parents? They are harder to shop for since they usually have everything they desire. One thing they don't have is a recent photograph of my four brothers and me. We've not had a professional one taken together since ... shhhhh ... 1970 ... and a home photo in 1980, far too long ago. I'd love to get all four of my brothers together to have a picture taken to give to my parents. It would be wonderful to one taken and framed by this Christmas as their gift. Perhaps our annual gathering on Thanksgiving will be the perfect opportunity for a photo opp. Not to worry, my parents never read my blogs so the secret is safe!

I wonder if I'll get what I'm wishing for this Christmas? ;)