A Letter from Santa

What better way to end the Holiday Showcase then to remind you that Christmas is a time for miracles and magic.  Yes, there is magic in the Christmas Spirit. I believe, wholeheartedly, that children need to have a little fantasy this time of year.

It’s okay for them to dream of gumdrops and sleigh bells. To write wish lists and wish upon stars.  Which is why my final Holiday Showcase review belongs to Birthday in a Box’s “Letter from Santa”.

There are three different variations to choose from: Santa,  Reindeer Games and the Three Wise Men. I chose the Three Wise Men letter for the twins to receive and I want to thank Birthday in a Box for offering a religious based option. It was great to see that they realized that for many individuals this is also a spiritual holiday.

The letter arrived in a big red envelope addressed to both the girls…when they saw their names on the envelopes they begged for daddy and I to open it immediately. The letter was read throughout the day and they took turns carrying it in their little pockets and purses as we went about our weekend chores and errands. They told strangers, family and friends alike that they were on Santa’s nice list.  I heard them giggle and whisper to each other trying to figure out what in the world he would make for them (because, as you know…he doesn’t buy the toys…he makes all of them! Gotta love it).  You can read samples of each letter at the Birthday in a Box website to determine which letter is best for you and your little one.

Immediately they were discussing what to leave for Santa and Rudolph to eat on Christmas eve. The letter is sitting proudly on our living room mantle as a reminder that Christmas is coming closer each day. They are in anticipation of the evening and I couldn’t be more grateful to Birthday in a Box for the review opportunity and for the opportunity to extend my little girls’ fantasies of a big man, with a red nose, a red suit and a belly that jiggles like jelly bringing presents for them as they sleep.

They grow out of childhood all too fast….I like the idea of extending it just a bit more.

Send your child a personalized letter from Santa and let them know they are on Santa’s “nice” list this year! The text of each letter is personalized with your child’s name and location, and delivered in a bright red envelope addressed to your child.

Included as a special gift are two festive holiday ornaments for your child to color and cut out, and a recipe for Santa’s favorite cookies!

Pre-punched ornaments have a crayon-friendly coating and include silver elastic loops for hanging.

• Surprise and delight your children this Christmas by sending them personalized Letters From Santa
  
• 3 styles to choose from!
  
• Each Santa Letter can be customized with a child’s name and hometown.
• Please Note: To guarantee delivery before Christmas, all orders for Letters From Santa must be placed by Tuesday, December 15, 2009.
• Santa Letters will begin to be mailed on November 30, 2009.
  
• Santa Letters are only $5.99!
  

Review Opportunity Provided by Birthday in a Box

*Information obtained from Birthday in a Box’ press release and/or website

A Bonanza of DVDs!

Thomas and Friends

Barney

Bob the Builder

Thomas “Holiday Express”

I thought I would save the best for last! This is it folks. The Holiday Showcase is over. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.  All of the items presented were the best of the best, in my book and I can only wish that it has helped you in your holiday shopping.

With that said.. I want to give a HUGE shout out and thanks to Andrea Blain PR for the last great Holiday Showcase giveaway!!

Let’s take a look at the great familly friendly DVDs that were sent for the IE Twins and I to review.

Thomas and Friends – Sodor Friends Holiday Collection

Now, if you aren’t famililar with Thomas and Friends…Sodor is the island on which they live. All the trains live and work together on the island of Sodor.

The set contains three DVDs:

• Thomas and the Toy Workshop
• THomas’ Snowy Surprise
• Races, Rescues and Runaways (and other Thomas’ adventures)

There’s fun around every turn in these joyful wintertime adventures! Catch the holiday spirit as Thomas & Friends prepare for the grand opening of the Toy Workshop. Laugh and play along as Percy tries to fool his friends into believing he’s Jack Frost. And hold on tight for some of Thomas’ most thrilling races, rescues and runaways in this heartwarming holiday collection.

Set runs approximately 112 minutes.

Thomas and Friends – Holiday Express

All aboard for snowmen, Christmas trees and festive train rides! When you ride the rails with your jolly friends, you never know what to expect. Enjoy exciting adventures filled with lucky trucks, Christmas puddings, surprise parties and much, much more. Join Henry, Emily, Percy, and Thomas for trainloads of fun in the HOLIDAY EXPRESS!.

Set runs approximately 48 minutes.

Just released on November 3rd so be one of the first to enjoy and experience this Classic Story Time Collection DVD.  For additional fun to share with your little one…visit the Thomas the Train website or download this fun color page Thomas Holiday Express.

Barney – Tee-riffic Holiday Collection

Everyone has to love Barney. His peaceful, friendly and kind disposition instantly attracts little kids to his character. With songs, friends and antics your child will be mesmerized through all three DVDs.

The set contains three DVDs:

• Winter Wonderland
• Can You Sing that Song?
• Night Before Christmas The Movie
  

Set runs approximately 177 minutes.

If your child(ren) can’t get enough of Barney, take some time to visit the Barney Website. You will video clips, games, activities and music. You can even join the newsletter while you are there so you won’t miss anything about Barney, Baby Bop and B.J.

Bob The Builder – Building Crew Holiday Collection

Bob the Builder…the ultimate craftsman…will lead your child through fun and entertaining Holiday adventures with his new set.

The set contains three DVDs:

• Digging for Treasure
  
• Snowed Under – The Bobblesberg Winter Games
  
• Bob’s White Christmas
  

Set runs approximately 127 minutes.

Can’t get enough of Bob the Builder? Grab your little one and head on over to the Bob the Builder website where you can learn about new projects, games and activities that you can do together.

With 10 Different DVDs…can you say we had a BLAST!

I feel like Bob, Thomas and Barney have now become very intimate friends. I probably know more about them and their friends, communities and families then I do my own, lol…but seeing my girls react, interact and enjoy each of these DVDs was well worth every moment.

The great thing as a parent…I know that the characters of Bob, Thomas and Barney have good morals and values that are passed on to my girls as they watch the show.

If you are particular on what your child(ren) watch…I would encourage you to pick up these videos as they are kid and parent pleasing.

To Enter:

1. Follow IE Mommy on Twitter and tweet RT – Enter & Win HIT Entertainment MEGA DVD Giveaway @iemommy  http://www.theiemommy.com/2009/11/29/DVDS
   
2. Join the IE Mommy Mailing List
3. Fan the IE Mommy on Facebook
   

   Contest Ends – December 5th!

Open to the U.S. Only

Review Opportunity Provided by HIT Entertainment, Barney, Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder and Andrea Blain PR

Remember the original “Alvin & the Chipmunks”?

They were a favorite of mine growing. I thought I’d offer some old-time cheer as we are nearing the end of our 1st IE Mommy – Holiday Showcase.

Enjoy!!!

**Warning: Intro a bit long but worth it!

“Christmas Don’t Be Late”

All right you Chipmunks! Ready to sing your song?
-I’ll say we are!
-Yeah!
-Let’s sing it now!
Okay, Simon?
-Okay!
Okay, Theodore?
-Okay!
Okay, Alvin? Alvin? ALVIN!
-OKAY!!!)

Christmas, Christmas time is near
Time for toys and time for cheer
We’ve been good, but we can’t last
Hurry Christmas, hurry fast
Want a plane that loops the loop
Me, I want a hula hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don’t be late.

Okay fellas get ready
That was very good, Simon.
-Naturally.
Very good Theodore.
-Ahhh.
Ah, Alvin, you were a little flat, watch it.
Ah, Alvin. Alvin. ALVIN!
-OKAY.

Want a plane that loops the loop
I still want a hula hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don’t be late.
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don’t be late.

Very good, boys
-Lets sing it again! Yeah, lets sing it again!
No, That’s enough, lets not overdo it
-What do you mean overdo it?
-We want to sing it again!
Now wait a minute, boys
-Why can’t we sing it again?
-[chipmunk chatter]
Alvin, cut that out..Theodore, just a minute.
Simon will you cut that out? Boys…

VIVA BOX

On numerous occasions this week I have mentioned those “hard to buy” for people that everyone has on their Christmas shopping lists. Like I have said before, I have quite a few, my husband being one of them (Sorry honey, but it is true).

What exactly do you get these people? Sometimes you just give up and get them whatever! But, if you are like me, you think…”I know I can find them something perfect…” and you keep trying.

Well, I may have found the answer to that crazy dilemma…VIVA BOX!

Viva Box is unlike any other gift that you will find at the mall or local department store. Combining a gift, a catalog and a gift card your recipient can receive a gift (of their choice) that they will love.

There are 16 different Vivabox experiences to from which to choose. Fantastic selections like the ones listed below and Spa, Gourmet, Beauty, Coffee, Wine, BBQ, Photography, Men’s experience, NYC and Movies!

Women’s Magazine:

Give her seven of the hottest magazine issues to indulge in, cover to cover.  Then she will be able to redeem the included gift card for a subscription to her favorite.  It is a gift she’ll enjoy now and for months to come.

What is Included:  7 full magazine issues and a Gift card for a subscription to any one of the magazines

Spa Beauty:

What You Get:

• 3 EO organic body lotions
• 1 EO organic shower gel
• 1 package of EO organic bath salts
• Gift card for a manicure and pedicure–tip included–at one of more than 4,000 spas.

Enclosed in this retreat-in-a-box is a gift card (with tip included!)for a manicure and pedicure at any of the more than 4,000 spas that participate in the SpaFinder worldwide network.

Tea Time:

What You Get

• 7 Numi Organic Teas (Aged Earl Gray, Monkey King Jasmine Green, White Rose, Ruby Chai Herbal Rooibos, Temple of  Heaven Green, Starlight Rose Flowering Tea and Sunset Oolong Flowering Tea)
• Gift card for one of our Tea Time Gift Set options (Single Origins Tea Set, Bamboo Flowering Gift Set, Dancing Leaves Teapot, Bambook Book of Tea or iRelax with Numi Organic Tea)

I received the Tea Time Gift and while I am not much of a tea drinker… I was impressed with the concept, presentation and quality of the product and gifts offered.

Vivabox offers packages that range from $29.95 to $160.00 there will definitely be something to fit your budget and interests. I enjoy giving gifts but I really like the added bonus of allowing the person the opportunity to pick just the right gift for themselves.

Vivabox will be on my shopping list this year. I believe it will allow me the triumph of getting the right gift for those hard-to-buy for people.

Come on and join me in my Vivabox celebration as they are offering a 10% Discount on any purchase of a Vivabox Gift Product right now to the IE Mommy Readers.

From November 9th to December 20th use promo code: vivamom (all lowercase) to redeem your discount. Code can be used multiple times!

Review Opportunity Provided by VivaBox

*Information obtained fromVivaBox press release or website

“GiveCard”

The “Power of Choice”. Who does not appreciate that concept this time of year!? Considering all the decisions that you will make during this season. “Where will you spend the holidays”?,“Who will you invite over for the Holidays?”, “What will you wear to the events?”, “What will you cook?”, “What will you buy?“….the list is never ending.

Thanks to the GiveCard and The Giving Tree we now have one gift that allows us the “Power of Choice” and allows us to give that same “power” as a gift.

The GiveCard is a fabulous twist on the old Holiday staple…Gift Cards.

I am not a big fan of gifting gift cards. What’s the fun in it? I don’t get to pick it out or wrap it up. I don’t get to anticipate their expression when they open it and quite frankly, it is rarely a surprise to the recipient.

But! The GiveCard...now that! I enjoy!

As a Holiday Shopper…I love the ease  of purchasing and giving GiveCards. Simply visit their site, www.givecard.com and click on the “order card” tab at the top of the page. You will be directed to create six steps  (choosing your card value, shipping, personalization, e-card and check out) and  Bamm! You are done!

You can determine the amount you’d like to earmark for your recipient to use as a donation to the charity of their choice. For example…you want to purchase a GiveCard in the amount of $100. You may determine whether $5 or $50 of that amount will be earmarked as a charitable donation. It gives the recipient the power to decide which organization they’d like to bless this Holiday season. I received a GiveCard as review opportunity and was able to donate $5 to the Billy Graham Evangelical Association and the rest of the money I was able to buy bible book covers for the twins.  Thanks Giving Tree! I felt as if I did a little part with my donation.  The Micro-giving philosophy is what makes the GiveCard so unique. Every little bit truly does help.

As a mom…I completely am sold on this concept. The traditional gift card reminds us to think about ourselves and what “our” Christmas wishes are….but, the GiveCard reminds us to think of others and what “they” may need this Christmas.  I believe the GiveCard is a wonderful way to share the Spirit of Christmas with our children. Teaching them to give and not only receive this Holiday…is an invaluable gift that can not be returned.

Each year, 70 percent of consumers purchase a gift card as a holiday gift. If just one percent of those people purchased a GiveCard instead of a traditional gift card, an additional $100 million¹ would be donated to charity.

Unlike other gift cards, the GiveCard is not a full charity gift card and it is not a donation made by a company in your name. It is the only card that puts the power of choice in the hands of the consumer.

Why GiveCard is Unique

• The GiveCard has the convenience of a gift card but with a more personal touch. The giver selects the donation amount starting at $5. The recipient activates the card and donates the pre-selected amount to a charity of their choosing, and spends the rest of the card amount anywhere Visa^® debit cards are accepted.
  
• GiveCard.com provides tools to customize the cards and enhance the giving experience. New proprietary video technology helps people create a personal connection with their friends and family.
  
• This product can have a huge impact on social giving. In 2008, charitable giving decreased by two percent. The GiveCard can help charities during this tough economic time—every $5 donation makes a difference.
  
• A partnership with Charity Navigator ensures the recipient can choose from thousands of their favorite charities.
  
• Additionally, GiveCard donates ten percent of the company’s profits back to charity.

The Business of Doing Good

Creator Clayton ‘Nick’ Nicholas was among the millions of consumers buying gift cards—while stationed overseas in the military, the West Point graduate didn’t have the resources to purchase personal holiday gifts for his family. He wanted to give his mother a gift card so she could buy something she loved, but also wanted his gift to feel more personal.

After departing the military Nicholas joined up with business partner Jeff Jacobs and they launched GiveCard. GiveCard not only provides a unique solution for the thousands of gift card givers, the company also is based on the philosophy of microgiving—many small donations can add up to a big impact.

GiveCards in denominations of $25 to $250 and video e-cards are available exclusively on GiveCard.com. Donations also can be made directly to charity through the Web site.

*Review Opportunity Provided by The Give Card, the Giving Tree and Barkley US.

Nature’s Notebook

I know that you remember me “gushing” about the awesomeness of the Nature’s Notebook photos and art. If you don’t remember you can refresh your memory with the original review from August 25th… Spotlight on Nature’s Notebook.

Since then my praise of Courtney and Nature’s Notebooks has grown. Yes, my admiration and respect for her work has intensified. This is one talented young lady.

I love the ocean, I love romance and I love one-of-a-kind, can’t-get-at-the-local-department store presents! Courtney offers all of that and so much more on her website, Nature’s Notebook.

You will be left breathless and in awe of the beauty that is nature and the ocean. Captured with your names, verses, sayings, dates, etc…for you to enjoy always!

I can not wait to receive my Family Members name photo that I am expecting in time for Christmas!! I am so excited about it! In the mean time, I will have to drool over all of the gorgeous examples that she has on her website.

I remember opening up the box of sample photos and sitting there stunned at what raw power and romance one photo could hold. Take the natural God given beauty of the ocean and the waves and adding a little bit of “you” into the photo by personalizing it. Wow! It speaks volumes.  If you have a hard to buy for person on your list…this will be a showstopper. If you have a person that is near and dear to your heart..this will be a treasure for them. Either way…you can’t miss.

Nature’s Notebook “has” to be on your shopping list for this Christmas season. Even Santa would put it on his wish list!

*Giveaway Opportunity Provided by Nature’s Notebook & Courtney Noelle

Sims3

by EA

The freedom of The Sims™ 3 will inspire you with endless creative possibilities and amuse you with unexpected moments of surprise and mischief!

Create over a million unique Sims and control their lives. Customize everything from their appearances, to their personalities and even the home of their dreams. Then, send your Sims out to explore new locations around town and to meet other Sims in the neighborhood.

Go online to download exclusive content and show off your own creations to the world. With all-new quick challenges and rewarding game play, The Sims 3 gives you the freedom to choose whether (or not!) to fulfill your Sims’ destinies and make their wishes come true.*

I have to admit that I am still learning about the Sims3 game. There is so much going on. A completely different, exciting world that you control and create. When you do a search of Sims3 you find numerous sites that offer tips, tricks and insight into the game. It is an evolving experience.

I remember my husband buying the original Sims game and I seemed to have lost him to the computer for  a few weeks. It’s a addictive but a lot of fun. An adventure to say the least.

While this game is not suitable for my girls…I know that my older nephews (15 & 20) will get a kick out playing (if I let them, lol). I have to say that the Sims3 truly feeds into the “control” freak in all of us. I mean really, how can you resist? Now I am not a gamer…so I can’t really say how it compares to the other Sims games. But for a novice such as myself. I had a blast and I am still learning. I like games that evolve and give me something to learn each time I play. It’s a challenge.

Now, I see why my husband was so addicted to the game the first time. Hmmm….I wonder if he’ll read this review? If he doesn’t then it’s all mine! (mwaaa, haaa) —imagine evil laugh there-—

Sims3 is a definite stocking stuffer for the “big” kids in your life. Husbands too! Yes, I’ll share….eventually!

Click on Sims3 banner to view a Demo Video of the game

Review Opportunity Provided by: EA, Hasbro and  FogHorn PR