Welcome 2016

2015 brought the Anderson household many ups and downs and I am sure 2016 will be the same. In 2015 the Lord blessed us with a house, me a job and many other things that our family needed. There are some BIG blessings coming to us in the 2016 year as well. I have learned that when you wait for the Lord and quit trying to make things happen he will truly bless with much more then you could ever imagine!

Top 10 List: America's Favorite Holiday Comfort Foods

It's my favorite time of the year! I love having friends and family over to enjoy delicious meals and fellowship together. 

Preparing holiday meals is an extremely important tradition in my family -- it has been since I was a little girl. During the holiday season, we'd always make tons of cookies and candies for our extended family. I used to love the smell of everything baking in the oven. I still do. 

I recently partnered with Del Monte (the makers of premium canned vegetables and so much more) to share with you some fun stats on what Americans love to eat during the holidays. They just published their Del Monte Comfort Food Index, which ranked the Top 10 Holiday Comfort Foods.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Love, Cookie

   

I just love when I get food to test, so you can imagine my excitement when a box of cookies came to my door. Bug healthier than most and my husband were the first one with their hands in the cookie box.

  Baker Maid is a family owned company based in New Orleans that is known for their cakes and cookies. Their newest brand is Love, Cookie. Love, Cookie comes in 8 different varieties making it easy or maybe hard to choose your favorite cookie.

Amazing DIY holiday ideas, tips, tools and more for your furry family members

Happy Howlidays! 

I love the holiday season — the cold weather, the yummy food, and of course, all of the festivities! You know who else loves them too? My dogs, Daisy & Ginger. I'm thinking it may be because of all the extra lovin' and gifts he gets from the family.

It turns out that I'm not the only pet mama to spoil her pup during this time of year.  That's why I love this super cute website called TheNosePrint.com from Big Heart Pet Brands (the makers of Milk-Bone, Pup-Peroni, Canine Carry Outs, and Milo's Kitchen).  They really know how to celebrate the holidays with your pup!

On TheNosePrint.com, check out some of the fun doggy do-it-yourself ideas they've dreamed up:

http://thenoseprint.com/article/diy-holiday-dog-gifts

2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Numi Organic Tea: Tea by Mood

  

 Like most mom's, I have a pretty hectic schedule. Sometimes all I want is to relax with a nice cup of tea. Well, I have yet to ever have that happen. If I'm lucky, I might get a cup of tea while I'm chasing kids or making supper. Tea by Mood has 8 different tea flavors so you should definately find a tea to fit the mood. Tea by mood is organic, non-GMO  and Fair Trade Certified Tea. Tea by Mood comes with 8 different teas totaling 40 tea bags.

Santa Sent Me A Letter #Giveaway

With my kids getting older they are starting to not believe in Santa and well I am just not ready for my kids to grow up. I love the fun and excitement that Santa brings to the Holiday season for kids. This year each of my kids will be receiving a personalized letter from Santa this year. Each one of the letters are personalized to each child and also note the reason for the season being our Lord Jesus Christ. 

There are several different letter options you can choose from so you get what is just right for you and your family. 

#TheStorkOTC and Giveaway

New Clinical Study Demonstrates Stork OTC Home Conception Kit is More Effective At Delivering Sperm to The Cervix Than Natural Intercourse When Trying to Get Pregnant.  The Stork OTC is a promising option for women and couples having trouble getting pregnant--a safe, and easy-to-use way to optimize chances for conception, at home. 

The first and only conception assistance device to meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s strict requirements and be cleared for over-the-counter sales, without a prescription, The Stork OTC is the product of years of meticulous design and testing.

When Mr A. and I were trying to conceive it seemed like nothing would work. We tracked my ovulation and tested his sperm count and everything was "working" but we were not getting pregnant. I truly feel that had we had the The Stork OTC kit we would have been able to conceive quicker and easier. 

2015 Christmas Giveaway

Hosted by: Kay from The More The Merrier Amy from This Mamas Life

Sponsors:

Guitar Hero Live - $99.99 Value 

  Made With Love & Kisses Blanket (Fuzzy Flurry Blue "Cool Monkey" Blanket) - $48.00 Value 

  Peg + Cat book - $10.00 Value 

  YOXO "Wynd" Pegasus - $29.99 Value 

  Jamberry Gift Card - $50.00 Value 

  Civilized Cats Book - $15.00 Value 

  GreenTreeJewelry - 3 Pairs of earrings chosen by sponsor - $44 Value

Thirty -one and World Vision team up #GivingTuesday

In the midst of the retail frenzy that follows Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday provides an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others by focusing on charitable giving. On Dec. 1, 2015 – the 4^th annual #GivingTuesday – World Vision will partner with Thirty-One Gifts to help charitable donations make twice the impact.

On #GivingTuesday, every donation made by phone (1-888-511-6588) or online (Worldvisiongifts.org) to World Vision will be matched by Thirty-One Gifts – a direct-selling company offering totes, purses and more – with a donation of one of their products, such as a tote bag or blanket, up to a total of $1MM worth of products for women and girls in need around the world. 

Tips for Planning a Family Ski Trip

As the weather gets chillier and the school holidays approach, lots of families are excitedly looking forward to hitting the slopes for some skiing and snowboarding. Whether you’re a lifelong skier and are looking forward to teaching your kids for the first time, or you’re all beginners excited to play in the snow, it’s great fun for all. We all know that travelling with kids can be challenging, especially when they’re young - so here’s some tips for a fuss-free holiday.

Tips for Cruising with Children

How to Keep the Children Entertained on a Cruise

A cruise is a great way see more of the world in a short space of time. When travelling with kids, though, it can sometimes be difficult to keep the journey in-between stops entertaining. Fortunately, there are many trips centered around those that are bringing young children along with them, with a wide-range of on-board activities. Here’s just a few of the things you should look out for to make sure you get the most out of your family vacation.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Everlast Weighted Jump rope

  

I am not a big fan of exercise. I will do the basics and that's about it. I do, however, like to jump rope. I recently received the Everlast Weighted Jump Rope to try. Which lets me jump rope and exercise at the same time and not complain, too much. Jumping rope is a great way to burn a lot of calories so why not jump with weights? Don't worry, its not as hard as it sounds. The Everlast Weighted Jump Rope has 1.5 lbs of removable weight in each handle.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Touch Coffee and Beverage Machine

If you love coffee like most people do then you will be very interested in this Holiday Gift Guide feature! I was sent a T414S Brewer to review along with some wonderful L.A. Coffee XBold Cups. With living a very busy life coffee was something I only got from drive thru's. I didn't have time to make a pot of coffee and I am the only one in my house that would drink it anyways. So why waste the time and resources for just one cup of coffee? Now thanks my Touch system I can easily make one cup of coffee while rushing out the door with the kids in the morning.

Coming Soon: Finding Dory

Opening June 17th 2016

2015 Holiday Gift Guide: The Mill Fudge Factory

  

OK, so who out there does not like fudge? Especially homemade fudge? I know that I can not resist homemade fudge neither can my husband. I was lucky enough to receive a one pound sampler pack from The Mill Fudge Factory. The Mill Fudge Factory makes their own fudge in the Lakes region of New Hampshire. The sampler pack I received contained 4 different types of fudge. 

2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Quarto Kids Books

If you haven't guessed yet we love books in our house. The kids book shelf is overfilled and we are starting another one. Some of our newest books to our collection are The Crow's Tale and The 50 States. My mother in law has fallen in love with The Crow's Tale and the boys are really enjoying The 50 States book.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Harriet's Big Adventure

Did you know that studies show that 26 percent of children who are read to three or four times a week recognize all the letters of the alphabet compared to 14 percent of children who are read to less frequently? Those stats just amaze me and make me realize how lucky my children are since they are read to on a daily basis. One of the newest books added to our collection is Harriet's Big Adventure. 

2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Jackpot Candles

One thing I am a big fan of is candles! I love having my home smelling wonderful and inviting when guests come over. With having asthma though I have a hard time getting candles that do not bother me. Lucky for me soy candles typically do not bother my asthma unless it's a super strong smell. I am cautious when picking out my scents due to my knowledge about scents and my asthma. My newest candle that I am currently burning and have fallen in love with is the Jackpot Candles Hot Fudge Brownie.

 

2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Frozen Wild: How Animals survive in the Coldest Places on Earth

One thing that my children love is animals and being outdoors! It is a love they have inherited from both their dad and I. My husband is a animal charmer and seems to be able to get any animal to calm down and go to him. I was very excited to give the kids a book about how animals survive in the coldest places on Earth. This wonderful book is titled Frozen Wild and has quickly become a family favorite in the Anderson Household.  

Daddy's Home Preview

Check out the new trailer for DADDY’S HOME starring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, and Linda Cardellini!

DADDY’S HOME will be in-theaters December 25th!

Only YOU Can Prevent Wildfires

October is Fire Prevention Month

The sad truth is that nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires are still caused by humans: 

• In 2014 there were 7,933 wildfires caused by lightning, but 55,679 wildfires caused by human error (as reported to the National Interagency Fire Center).
• In 2014 more than 3.5 million acres burned due to wildfires in the U.S. of those, more than 1.5 million acres burned due to human-caused wildfires.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Egoistic Noir Instant Coffee

 Having 3 boys, 2 in school, and working full time I often catch myself running out the door in the morning with no breakfast, lunch or the most important thing... coffee. Especially when I forgot to make it. I do not like instant coffee because it leaves such a bitter after taste in my mouth. Plus, you have to use what seems like boiling water and then you have to wait to drink it. So it really defeats the purpose of "instant" coffee. 

2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Oh No There are Monsters in my books

  

Ok so how many parents have children that are afraid of monsters. I'll have to admit, I'm one of them. My boys keep "monster away spray" by their beds. But when I got the Monster books, they were excited to read about them.

 

They first wanted to read "Dining with Monsters" by Agnes Baruzzi (probably because the word "disgusting" is on the cover. Yes can you tell I have boys). Monkey is learning to count but can not read. Bean can read so he decided to read it to Monkey and had him count. The book tells you the monster and you get to flip out the page and count the creatures they ate. The boys had fun with this one. Who knew that the ghostly haunter, skitty-skatz gobbled up 7 flying bats.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Multi Flask Total Hydration System

Ok, so Im not going to lie... when I was given this bottle, I had no idea what to do with it. I own a water bottle and and infuser so I was familiar with that part. I have since, gave my old infuser to my mom and use every part of this one. This bottle is 6 bottles all wrapped into 1. The Multi Flask is for fruit infused water, filtered drinks, powdered drinks, and hot and cold beverages. It includes the outer shell for water, inner shell for insulated drinks, glass inner shell (for hot or cold), a tea strainer for fresh tea, a fruit infuser, an agitator for mixing powdered drinks, a sipper lid, a spout lid, a silicone base insert for the glass inner and a mesh carry bag. 

October ADD/ADHD Awareness Month

Meet Bubba my oldest son!

He looks like a normal healthy almost 11 year old boy right... Well he is but he also suffers from ADHD a condition that I knew very little about except that the kids are usually horrible. That is not the case at all Bubba is one of the sweetest and most caring young men you will meet and has a great love for God and his family. But he struggles with sitting still and focusing while at school and even at home while doing homework. But that doesn't make him a bad kid does it?? Well in the eyes of some YES it made a horrible kid and they let him know that and tore this sweet boy down by bullying him.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS TRAILER

TO DEBUT TOMORROW DURING HALFTIME ON

ESPN’S “MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL”

Tickets to Star Wars: The Force Awakens Go on Sale Everywhere

Following the Trailer Launch

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS arrives in theaters everywhere on December 18th!

Getting the Most Out of a Family Vacation

Getting the Most Out of a Family Vacation

Family vacations are meant to bring loved ones together on an adventure of a lifetime. Without proper planning, however, these getaways can be more stressful than relaxing. It's possible to have a spectacular vacation on nearly any budget when travelers consider their interests and plan itineraries several months before the trip. Get the most out of a family vacation by following a few simple guidelines.

jj rabbit utensils for little hands & Giveaway

Bug is at that age where he is trying to feed himself, but, he's not very successful. He can't get the spoon right and then gives up and tosses it all. Recently I got the opportunity for Bug to try the jj rabbit utensils set that is made from plants so they are BPA and PVC free. The spoon and fork are curved for little ones that are learning to self feed. Bug has the jj rabbit dipPLATE, ergo fork and spoon and the hidden rabbit cuppies. 

2015 Holiday Gift Guide

Christmas is quickly approaching and with so many choices out there when it comes to gift shopping it can quickly become overwhelming. Well that is why I hope to bring you some awesome gift ideas for kids, babies, mom, dads and the entire family! I love seeing the look on someone’s face when they open a gift I have specially picked out for them or the look of amazement on the kids faces when they realize Santa has come. Perhaps one or more of these gifts will help get you get that reaction as well! You will want to come back to the 2015 Gift Guide Page which you can find above to see what new companies have been added.       
2015 Holiday Gift Guide

Easy School Mornings thanks to Ready to Bake

If your family is like mine then school mornings are rushed and crazy. Sometimes the boys are grabbing something to eat and taking it with them on the way to school. I try to keep healthy foods around for the kids to eat in the mornings that are quick and easy for them to grab and go if needed. Now thanks to the Ready-To-Bake mixes I can easily have muffins for them to eat on the way or delicious snacks for them for after school. 

All in 1 school supplies with Blum

It is hard to believe but Sweet Pea will be attending Pre-K this year. Oh where has time gone my little girl is starting school. She is super excited and can not wait for her upcoming first day. Now I get the great stress of getting 3 children school supplies. I really dislike big crowds and having to try and squeeze your way through to get what you need. Now thanks to Blum I won't have to do that to get Sweet Pea's school supplies.

Drink easy with Juice In the Box

My kids love taking drinks with them when we go places and I usually allow them to, but I hate when the drinks get spilled in the car. Now thanks to Juice in the Box the kids can easily take a drink with them and I don't have to worry about them getting spilled and not cleaned up.

Preparing school supplies with Mabels Lables

One thing that I have always hated was labeling all the school supplies. I would use permanent marker and depending on the supply it would rub off or smear. I saw that other parents were using super cute labels on their childrens' supplies and I always wondered where they got them at. Then I discovered mabel's labels and fell in love with their cute designs.