Portable North Pole - Personalized Santa Videos, Toys and More! Review

If you remember I introduced you to The Portable North Pole awhile back. It really doesn't need too much of an introduction now a days. :) I think most parents have heard of it. The boys go crazy for it at our house. Mica asked about a month ago, "Mom when you get the videos from the Portable North Pole, let me know." It's been a couple years, since he's stopped believing in Santa. He apparently LOVES this tradition.

Make Christmas Magic with Portable North Pole Portable North Pole 2017 (PNP) 

PNP makes Christmas even more magical by sending personalized video messages and calls from Santa from the enchanted North Pole to children young and old. Watch them be amazed as they see Santa in his home, the magical reindeer, and the hustle and bustle of the elves as they prepare for Christmas Eve. As the top free mobile Santa app with more than 160 million videos viewed, PNP is a cherished, modern holiday tradition for families worldwide. In just moments, create an adorable video from Santa that you and your child will remember forever. Simply visit the PNP website or download the mobile app on iOS or Android.

I Made Different Videos for Both Boys.

Possibly this is mean of me, but I always have Santa say that they are on the fence for being nice. Then they have to work towards being good.

There's a few things difficult about this year: Isaak wants a drone. I don't think it's the right toy for him, so he's not getting one. Most of them are for ages 14 and up, and all the mom's I've talked to say their kids that have one barely play with it. Then I'm worried about my job. They are swiping sick time from me, and retirement gets a big kick too. I'm worried to say the least. All of Christmas is paid for, so I'm applying for some jobs. Independent schools have been hit hard in the media. Every year enrollment is lower and lower. Please be thinking of me. I haven't applied for jobs for years. It's totally different the way the process of applying for jobs is, then when I applied for them years ago.

The videos are fun. I'll keep on going with the traditions we have. 

I started with Mica's video. Mica has to work on listening harder to his parents.

Then I followed up with Isaak's video. The only thing that's hard is that they have a drone flying throughout the videos. A drone is the one thing Isaak wants, and is not getting. Otherwise the videos are really fun! I always love the big book they have to find. They integrate their friend's names in the videos as well. Isaak has to work on not interrupting people when they are talking.

 

PNP make

Packages:

PNP offers a free video for every child with a new option to purchase a single premium video ($4.99) Premium package, including the Video Pass ($9.99) or Magic Pass ($13.99). Both packages provide six enchanting video storylines to choose from, with each offering five or more minutes of footage to watch, from exploring Santa's workshop to the amazing gift-wrapping machine, as well as the Reaction Recorder (available on mobile app only). In addition, you can create an unlimited number of videos, and receive a special "Santa's Coming" video to watch on Christmas Eve. Plus, the Magic Pass includes HD video downloads and five weekly bedtime videos read by Santa leading up to the big day.

I love how they have different videos to choose from. Then if you have more than one kid, the videos are different.

Save:

Save 20% Make Christmas magic With Portable North Pole! - Use Promo Code: PNP7Family Magic Pass Discount:

https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/?openCart=PAS03&promocode=PNP7FAMILY

Video Pass Discount: Video Pass: EN --> https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/?openCart=PAS02&promocode=PNP7FAMILY

Disclaimer: We get a FREE Magic Pass From Portable North Pole - Create Personalized Video Messages from Santa! They did not tell me what to write, or influence me in any way.

@RoseTheaterCo - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Review

The last few musicals we've been to at The Rose Theater have been for a younger audience. I was so glad that The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was a show we all could enjoy!

This musical is by Jahnna Beecham & Malcom Hillgartner. Adapted from the play by Barbara Robinson.

I love when they leave the stage curtains open, so we can see the set before it begins. There's live music that plays during it. My son Isaak always loves to look under the stage at those who play something.

We saw their last rehearsal. There was bound to be some mistakes, but it didn't seem like they missed a beat.

About The Best Christmas Pageant Ever:

It's a feel good kind of a story. 

The Herdman children are the worst. They don't get any attention at home, so they act out to get negative attention. They decide to crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant. The whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be biting in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon everyone from the terrified pint-sized shepherds to the furious church ladies are calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to cancel the whole thing. It’s up to Grace and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story (and the Herdman kids) through new eyes in this hilarious musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic. Silent night? Not a chance. But sometimes a little joyful noise is just right for Christmas.

What We Thought:

It's best for ages 5 and up just because of the length. It's 2 hours long with 1 intermission. I think it's a great musical to see for any family! If you have smaller and older children I think this is a great show to go to. It held the attention of my 9 and 12 year olds, as to where some other shows are just too young to hold their attention. This show has different aged actors that each family member may relate to.

There's a lot of discussion you can have after the musical. You can talk about acceptance, empathy, social dynamics, and the true meaning of holidays.

We ended up loving the "naughty" children in the end. They disobeyed because they didn't have anyone that cared for them. When Grace stepped up to the plate to take over the pageant the kids finally saw that someone was willing to give them a chance.

The youngest little girl had spunk and was so cute!

Cast:

Grace Bradley – Sarah Gibson
Bob Bradley – Dan Chevalier
Helen Armstrong – Theresa Sindelar
Reverend Hopkins – Kabin Thomas
Luanne Wendleken – Jennifer Gilg
Betty Brown – Moira Mangiamelli
Conne St. Clair – Marguerite Bennett
Youth Pastor – Robby Stone
Miss Brandel/Nurse – Ashley Laverty
Imogene Herdman – Kaeli Vondra
Gladys Herdman – Chase Robinson
Ralph Herdman – Wayne Hudson
Leroy Herdman – Luke Nieland
Claude Herdman – Josiah Hydeen
Ollie Herdman – Jonas Caruso
Beth Bradley – Lilly Weak
Charlie Bradley – Carson Bishop
Ivy Reed-St. Clair – Chloe Irwin
Elmer Hopkins – Mason Lindsey
Teddy Shoemaker-Brown – Kian Roblin
Alice Wendleken – Annabella Mosher
Ensemble – Hayden Blayney, Briana Nash, Phoenix Nehls

They use a lot of students for the cast.


This is when all the spunk turned friendly:

Run Dates:

December 1 - 23. Catch a show soon!

Friday, Dec. 8 - 7 pm
Saturday, Dec. 9 - 2 pm
Sunday, Dec. 10 - 2 pm
Friday, Dec. 15 - 7 pm
Saturday, Dec. 16 - 2 pm
Saturday, Dec. 16 - 7 pm
Sunday, Dec. 17 - 2 pm
Friday, Dec. 22 - 7 pm
Saturday, Dec. 23 - 2 pm

Tickets Please:

2017-18 memberships are on sale now. Members save $7 per ticket on up to 10 tickets. Call now to get reservations: 402.345.4849. Member tickets can be purchased by members for $20 Main Floor | $15 Balcony. (Regularly $27 Main Floor | $22 Balcony.)

There is a break during the show where they serve drinks and cookies. They do have a question and answer time after the shows, or you can opt to get your child's program signed by one of the actors.

Will you be seeing any Christmas plays, musicals, movies, orchestras or ballets this season?

I received tickets from The Rose Theater to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tartek Kitchen Leak-proof Bento Lunch Box Review

I like cute lunch boxes. A tiffin is one of my favorites. Now I have a Bento Box made by Tartek. It's so cute! You can get it here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0775TBBDQ

This is dishwasher and microwave safe!

I will not put it in the dishwasher. I just think things like this last longer if I hand wash it.

As far as the microwaving goes it has stainless steel compartments that come out. The food can come out to be put in the BPA free plastic to be heated up, or you can put water in the BPA plastic to heat it up in the microwave to steam what's in each compartment.

The lid snaps shut!

I like the snap feature. I do think for kids it's hard to use. Certainly no problem for adults. 

Travis did have the green seals come off in the sink when he washed it. They were hard to put back on. 

Colors:

It comes in Light Blue and Mint Green.

Cost:

$25.95, which is fair for all the perks. Some may find that more than what they'd want to spend.

Disclaimer: I got this Bento Box in exchange for an honest review. This company didn't influence my review. I only review products I think will fit my family, or my readers.

Chifave Women's Dress Review

I have a little something special to show you. It's my favorite color and dress:

This is Chifave Women's Long Sleeve Deep V-Neck A Line Crossover Waist Swing Floral Casual Dress: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075R1397S?th=1&psc=1.

Colors:

My favorite color is red, but I like their blue color as well. 

Sizes:

Small $14.99

Medium $18.99

Large $18.99

Extra Large $18.99

Extra Extra Large $18.99

I went with a large. I'm heavy busted. 

I'm glad I got the size I did. It fits well. I love how it feels. I'm always worried about buying clothes online just because I like to try things on first. It's kind of risky to buy things that fit snug. I am so happy with how it fits. I can wear it with tights or pantyhose.

Materials:

Polyester 95%

Spandex 5%

Wash it in cold, and hang it to dry. I already had to wash it because I headed off to a park to take pictures of my sister's family. Let's just say that I had to go into nature to take some photos. It washed up great! 

I think it's perfect for Christmas Eve. It's not super dressy, but dressy enough for any place I'd go. I call it casual dressy. We go to my Mom's church for a service, and head over to my parent's for a Christmas Eve dinner and gifts.

What do you do for Christmas Eve?

Disclaimer: I got this dress in exchange for an honest review. This company didn't influence my review. I only review products I think will fit my family, or my readers.

Natural Lip Balm Review

I have a nervous problem: I bite my lip. That's right...I don't bite my fingernails, smoke, or drink. Instead I bite my lip. Me being a lip biter under stress, and dry winter air I tend to get dry, cracked lips.

So far it's not too bad this year. I have the stress. Stress could be a post in its self. The good thing is that I had this sinus surgery before. Now I'm not just a mouth breather.

Meet Natural Lip Balm:

It's felt like I have had it on all day, and I've only applied it once. I've even had a meal in the middle of the day.

Ingredients:

Coconut Oil and Shea Butter

It's so wonderful that it's packed with goodness, and not fillers.

Scents: 

Natural is what I got to review
Coconut Oil
Coffee
Mint
Beeswax

They sell them in packs of 3 for $9.99, but also give you the option to mix up the scents for the same price. I was thinking the cost was expensive at first. That's before I realized it's a set of 3. My goodness what's in it is great for your lips.

Where to Get It:

You can get it on The Healing Tree's website: https://healingtreeclub.com/bath-body/natural-lip-balm. It's from Thailand.

Are you a lip biter like I am? Stop it if you can. Help you lips out with The Healing!

Disclaimer: I got this lip balm in exchange for an honest review. This company didn't influence my review. I only review products I think will fit my family, or my readers.

Portable North Pole - Personalized Santa Videos, Toys and More!

Mica asked about a month ago, "Mom when you get the videos from the Portable North Pole, let me know." It's been a couple years, since he's stopped believing in Santa. He apparently LOVES this tradition.

At first Santa said Mica's name, "Meeka",  even if I spelled it "Micah". Santa called him, "My Friend". Now he says his name correctly. They certainly advance the videos and names every year.

Make Christmas Magic with Portable North Pole Portable North Pole 2017 (PNP) 

PNP makes Christmas even more magical by sending personalized video messages and calls from Santa from the enchanted North Pole to children young and old. Watch them be amazed as they see Santa in his home, the magical reindeer, and the hustle and bustle of the elves as they prepare for Christmas Eve. As the top free mobile Santa app with more than 160 million videos viewed, PNP is a cherished, modern holiday tradition for families worldwide. In just moments, create an adorable video from Santa that you and your child will remember forever. Simply visit the PNP website or download the mobile app on iOS or Android.

Packages:

PNP offers a free video for every child with a new option to purchase a single premium video ($4.99) Premium package, including the Video Pass ($9.99) or Magic Pass ($13.99). Both packages provide six enchanting video storylines to choose from, with each offering five or more minutes of footage to watch, from exploring Santa's workshop to the amazing gift-wrapping machine, as well as the Reaction Recorder (available on mobile app only). In addition, you can create an unlimited number of videos, and receive a special "Santa's Coming" video to watch on Christmas Eve. Plus, the Magic Pass includes HD video downloads and five weekly bedtime videos read by Santa leading up to the big day.

Save:

Save 20% Make Christmas magic With Portable North Pole! - Use Promo Code: PNP7Family Magic Pass Discount:

https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/?openCart=PAS03&promocode=PNP7FAMILY

Video Pass Discount: Video Pass: EN --> https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/?openCart=PAS02&promocode=PNP7FAMILY

Disclaimer: We get a FREE Magic Pass From Portable North Pole - Create Personalized Video Messages from Santa! I'll share our experience!

WW: Thanksgiving {Linky}

My sister and brother-in-law took my nephew Emerson that has Trisomy 18 to Ohio. They spent some of their stay in a Ronald McDonald House, and much of their stay at a seizure clinic. They stopped one med, gave him a specific diet, and are trying a new med. Then they have Face Time meetings to see how he's doing. YAY!

I had 3 extra nephews in my care over Thanksgiving. In total I was caring for 5 boys. Thankfully some are the same ages, so they play well together. There are 2 twelve year olds, 2 nine year olds, and 1 three year old that was my helping buddy.

Cousins:

My nephew Evan took this of our family:

My nephews:

The three year old Edison helped me decorate pumpkin spice cupcakes and we put together this veggie tray:

After we ate a gigantic meal at my aunt's house and the boys played outside almost all day, Travis took the bigger boys downtown to see the lighting display and they listened to a free orchestra concert. I took my helper buddy Edison to Target, and home for bed. 

What did you do for Thanksgiving?

Canvas On Demand Review

Canvas On Demand has awesome gifts for everyone on your holiday list! I love the variety they have. 

Ordering and Shipping:

I just ordered from Canvas On Demand last week, and got my 2 canvases in the mail already! I thought for the holiday rush that was pretty good! I did think the box could have been put together better for shipping, but the products looked great!

What did I get?

I got a coloring canvas. I did like their selection! We have a fairly small house, and are kind of running out of room for canvases. I did get one I knew would work in our kitchen. We have pepper colors: Red, Yellow and Green. Then we have Mexican decor. 

I envision a future art project with Isaak coming up! I'd like to work paint, and sewing into the skull. 

This is another example of a color canvas they have:

Canvas:

I couldn't go to Canvas On Demand without ordering a shot of my own family. Off we went to a park to shoot photos for the canvas and our holiday card - coming soon. Does anyone else hate that they have less daylight to take photos? I work, come home and it's dark. Weekends are my only time to shoot! We're busy on the weekends. It was hard squeezing this photo session in!

I tried the self timer. I had seconds to get in that shot. 

On their site they have options for a white edge, black edge, and photo edge. I picked photo edge. I took a photo that had plenty of room around the edge.

I'm happy with the canvas print!

Backside of Canvas:

I love how they have hangers to hang it horizontal and vertical. 

Are you done shopping for Christmas? That is, if you celebrate it. I pretty much hang on to much of what I get for reviewing, and things I've won to give for Christmas. I get stuff along the way.

Canvas on Demand is based in Raleigh, NC, @canvasondemand has everything you need to get your shopping done early. They offer more than just canvas prints. From incredible photo-to-canvas art for parents, Coloring Canvas for kids, and customizable photo gifts, including ornaments & more, Canvas On Demand can help with your holiday haul.

#mycanvasondemand https://www.canvasondemand.com/?coupon=usfam

Disclaimer: I received a 16x20 Premium Gallery Wrap Canvas + 16x20 Coloring Canvas to review in exchange for writing this pre post. There will be a follow up post after I get the canvases.

Tips: Getting the Perfect Car #CarsCom #ad

This is a Sponsored Post.

We thought we'd be getting a new car when we had hail damage in the summer. Travis had to do a lot of calling back and forth to insurance and fix-it shop. We thought the Civic would for sure be totaled because of its age. It turned out that they did end up fixing both of our vehicles. 

I'm happy that there are sites out there like http://cars.com. They are super helpful in all things car related:

• Cars for Sale
• Sell Your Car
• Service and Repair
• Research

Buying cars can be super intimidating. They are just so expensive. Sites like cars.com, make us happy and less stressed.

What do you look for in a car?

For us it's always been something reliable. We've gotten a few Subaru's and a few Honda's. I just don't want the car to fall apart on us. Honda's and Subaru's are pretty reliable, and good on gas.

For our next car I want to go with something less expensive. It will more than likely be the car that Mica learns how to drive on. What we've looked for in the past may not be what we look for in the future.

The key thing is to do your research! Utilize companies like cars.com to help in the process of finding a car that fits your family. They give straight forward answers to questions you may have.

Get more than one opinion. Going to different dealerships, and working with different dealers will help you you get different perspectives that you need.

Try and have fun when getting a new car. Like I said above it can be stressful. Just relax, and enjoy some rides before making a purchase.

For a Great Article on How to Clean and Detail Your Car Interior, check out this article. I have the most trouble keeping my trunk clear from stuff. Does your car need to be cleaned right now? 

Sviuse Women’s PU Leather Tote Review

Sviuse Women’s PU Leather Handbag/Purse http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0771NZ2CD is certainly classy!

Front:

The front has front zippers that are decorative. I think they look fashionable. I could see a Mom that has tiny kids being annoyed because children love to zip and unzip things. For me it's perfect.

Back:

Has a small pocket. This small pocket is great for keys, loose change, or if you're caring jewelry on a trip.

Sides:

There really wasn't a lot on the sides. I am kind of bummed it doesn't have side pockets. That's one thing I love about the purse I currently have. It's starting to get worn out, and that's why I needed a new purse.

Inside: 

There are different pockets on the inside. Enough to put cards, change, and bigger things like a phone.

The top has small handheld straps, but hooks on the sides to put on a shoulder strap. I actually use both. Usually I use the shoulder straps, but if I'm in a crowd where I'm nervous about theft I'll use the handheld straps. I also use the handheld straps if the purse has heavy things in that are weighing on my shoulders.

Colors:

It only comes in black. Now I do know that they brand sells other purses in different colors. I wish they had a drop down menu for other colors. Colors I think many people would appreciate: Dark Brown, a Red Brown, Grey, Yellow Ochre and Red. What colors would you like to see them carry? 

Cost:

$39.89 on Amazon Prime

Other Details: 

It’s leather, water resistant, and dust proof.

Question: 

Do you call your or your wife's bag a purse, a handbag, a tote, or something else?

 

Disclaimer: I got this purse in exchange for an honest review. This company didn't influence my review. I only review products I think will fit my family, or my readers.