2016 Kids! Holiday Gift Guide

This Christmas, I decided that it was important to not go overboard with spending. I picked a few items for my “Kids! Holiday Gift Guide” that your children will absolutely adore. Here is my rule of thumb, choose one thing in each category: start with something that they want, something that they need, something to wear, plenty to read, something that they take time to create or make, a treat to eat & a little something extra. From my Carseat Dancers to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas! 

Happy shopping!

❤️Jen

P.S. Please feel free to shop directly by clicking directly on each blue link.  

1. Coin Purse – $14.99

Relic Caraway Zip Penguin

My girls enjoy spending their own money on the items on their wish list. And when they are not spending, you’re  teaching them to SAVE. This cute little coin purse is the perfect gift for any child. Be sure to give it with a little bit of cash inside.

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2. Shopkins Snack – $ .47

Shopkins Shortbread Cookie Bites

Anything Shopkins is all the rage. Your  little cutie will love this snack. Santa could add a bag to their stocking. Yum!

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3. Usborne Books Set – $119.99

Shine-a-Light Series 

All kids enjoy books that are interactive. The books in this series allow children to shine a flashlight behind the page, or even hold it up to the light, to reveal what is hidden in and around different places. This series encourages children to READ & discover a world of great surprise all while learning along the way. So fun!

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4. Fairy Door- $24.99

Irish Fairy Door

A perfectly darling fairy door that comes with a magical key can be placed at the base of a wall indoors or outdoors against a tree as a sign of welcome for fairies—when the key disappears, the fairy has arrived! A charming gift for those who will forever believe in fairies. 

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5. Custom Dress- $52.00-ish

CourtneyCourtney Dress

Have you ever had the most comfortable concert T-shirt?  Or perfectly soft piece of clothing… something that you wish you could wear on the daily? Creator, seamstress, Courtney has hit the jackpot with the sweetest dresses EVER! My daughters and niece all have her birthday dresses & ADORE them! Check out her whole line. You will want them all! ❤️

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6. Kid’s t-Shirt – $21

Regulators Mount Up 

The T-shirts in the Saturday Morning Pancakes collection are hilarious. “Things that make you go hmmm…” and bring you back to those earlier years. 

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7. The Shrunks Trampoline Pool – $99

Trampoline

Say what!?! Two products in one! As a trampoline, the sturdy construction features a jumping area measuring 50 inches in diameter. To use it as a pool, simply flip it over! Great exercise and great fun. The best “babysitter” ever! LOL! 😂

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8. Lego Classic Set – $40

Legos

With this sweet Lego set your kids can be creative and build what they want. 

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9. Tsukihoshi Sneakers – $59.95

Rainbow Tennis Shoes

Cool breathable tennis shoes with barefoot comfort are all the rage. My kids love the idea of Velcro & no tie laces for easy on easy off. Every kid could use a pair of the perfect sneakers. 

 

Christmas Wish List for Women >> Gift Guide

This collection of goods is perfect for the WOMEN in your life. I’m sure you’ll see that there’s something for every woman on your Christmas list! Is she a mom? Your best friend? Traveler – always on the go? We’ve got you covered!

1. MAC HUGGABLE LIPCOLOUR – in Touché
I receive so many compliments every time I wear this lipstick.
MAC Cosmetics
$20

2. CD >> Adele – 25
Hello… This entire CD has me swooning. Her musical talent is phenomenal.
Target
$13.99

3. Robe >> Charter Club Robe
Normally, I wouldn’t recommend buying her “clothing” for Christmas… sizes often vary too much. However, a robe is a brilliant gift option. This one is super cozy, perfect for cuddling up on the couch with a glass of wine {or hot cocoa} in hand. Ahhh…
Macy’s
$28.99 {Today’s Sale}

4. Camera >> Fujifilm Instax Mini 8
Crazy cool pictures in hand at the touch of a button!
Urban Outfitters
$80 {The current sale price is a steal. Normally this is $100!}

5. Purse >> Coach Edie Shoulder Bag
I absolutely love the modest vibe that this handbag gives off. The fact that it doesn’t have logos all over it makes it even more usable. So on trend.
Coach
$325

6. Boots >> ‘Lambert’ Fringe Booties
OMG! These are UH-MAZE-ING!
Nordstrom
$90

7. Sunglasses >> SPY “Farrah” Happy Lens Collection Polarized Sunglasses
I sport these shades & LOVE them! Have you tried the polarized “Happy Lens” by SPY Optic? The color and clarity of these lenses are unreal.
SPY Optic
$42 {Current SALE price.}

8. Keurig 2.0 K500 Coffee Maker
Brewing System with Carafe
I don’t know what I’d do with out my Keurigs!?! Yes, Keurigs! I own 3. I’ve been asked by my CarseatDancers, “How many cups of coffee have you had today?” My reply: “Not enough!” Keurig has made my LOVE of coffee grow immensely.
Bed Bath & Beyond
$199.99 {Remember to use your 20% off coupon when purchasing.}

Merry Christmas & Happy Shopping!
xoox, Jen

Christmas Gift Guide >> for Boys

Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails, That’s what little boys are made of.

Is there a little boy on your Christmas list who’s got it all? Well, we put together a Christmas Wish List sure to make every little guy swoon, even the one who has it all. We’ve picked items from Star Wars to Batman and everything in between.

1. Lego City Space Port Utility Shuttle 6007
Target
$23.99

2. Discovery Kids T-Rex Moving Figure
Kohl’s
$31.49

3. BATMAN™ Ride On Vehicle
Pottery Barn Kids
$119

4. BABIATORS Sunglasses
BABIATORS
$20

5. Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars
Zappos
$35

6. Star Wars Yoda Character Hugger And Throw Set
Kohl’s
$20

7. Book: The Little Boy Who Lost his Name
LostMy.Name
$30

8. Tucker + Tate
Fitted Two-Piece Pajamas
(Little Boys & Big Boys)
Nordstrom
$32

9. Hammond’s Candy Cane
Hammond’s Candies
$2.95

From my carseat dancers to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas…
Happy shopping!
❤️ Jen

Christmas Wishlist for Girls >> Gift Guide

Every little girl has sugar plum dreams about the goods on her list for Santa. Is the little girl in your life a girly-girl, crafter, sporty, bookworm or misfit… maybe? The “Christmas Wishlist for Girls” that my CarseatDancers and I have put together has something that every type of little girl would adore. Here’s our list of Christmas Must-Haves for girls from 5 to 12.

1. Book: The Little Girl Who Lost Her Name
A personalized gift is something that will be cherished forever. The creativity in this collection of books is phenomenal. Each story is different, as the main character searches for the letters to spell the name of the child who receives it.

2. Globe – Elenco 5″ Political Globe:
Kids who dream about adventure and love to explore will be filled with excitement with the World at their fingertips.

3. American Girl Doll:
“American Girl’s mission is to celebrate girls. We embrace who they are today and look forward to who they will become tomorrow.”
Since 1986, American Girl has inspired girls of ALL walks of life. Online & in store you will find an amazing selection of dolls, books, clothes, toys, and accessories. My CarseatDancers LOVE American Girl. ❤️
Here’s my sweet AKA7 with Grace. Grace is 2015’s Doll of the Year.

4. Penny Board
These cute little skateboards are the newest trend. We are absolutely loving that they have made these a little bit more girly but still PERFECT for the sporty girl in your life. Remember to pick up elbow & knee pads and a helmet if you decide to grab or customize one of these boards.

5. Seedling‘s – My Mini Masterpiece
“Our Kits + Your Imagination = Endless Play”
Painting is one of our favorite indoor craft activities. With this sweet little ARTIST kit your sweetie will create a masterpiece perfect for any wall.
KIT INCLUDES:
Wooden Easel
Canvas
Artist Quality Acrylic Paints
Paint Brush
Instructions

6. Hammond’s Candy Cane
Since 1920, Hammond’s has been creating the best Christmas treats. This JUMBO candy cane is a must-have stocking stuffer!

7. LEGO – Disney Princess – Rapunzel’s Tower
Your little one will build this cool Lego tower as Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, & Pascal the chameleon watch.

8. Justice- Fashions
The perfect Christmas outfit for my little firecracker came from Justice. They have a lovely selection of fashions for the girl in your life.

Happy Shopping & Merry Christmas!
❤️🎄🎅🏻
Jen & my Carseat Dancers

Oh Baby! Christmas Picks >> Gift Guide

Oh Baby! – Christmas Picks

My CarseatDancers and I put together this sweet collection of goods… Perfectly perfect for the baby in your life this Christmas.

Happy Shopping!
❤️ Jen

1. BARTS KAMIKAZE {Kid’s} Trapper Hat
@ surfdome
$34.93

2. Book: A Wish to be a Christmas Tree
@ Target
$8.09

3. Toy: Jellycat Cordy Roy Fox
@ dispersdotcom
$25

4. Freshly Picked >> Denim on Denim suede moccasins
@ FreshlyPicked
$60

5. Spanish A B C Blocks
@ kissui
$43

6. Organic Baby Blanket in Geometric Bear Print
@ lolaandstella
$50

7. Silicone Teething Necklace – Jade
@ glitter&spice
$19.50

8. Joovy Boob – Glass Baby Bottle
@ Joovy
$14.99

9. Holiday Winnie – Onesie
@ finfirst
$20

2015 // New Year // New Resolutions

Just before the new year I read something about “investing in yourself.” I took this mantra to heart when coming up with my New Year’s resolutions.
Laugh More
Not that I don’t. Laugh, that is. LOL! I just felt like I could spend less time being frustrated with the normal “mom life” things & “busy teacher” things and laugh, more.
Hike
I am literally surrounded by breathtaking valley and mountain views {in every direction} with room to roam. I rarely take advantage of going outside to exercise, for FREE! This year, I vow to take regular hikes with my family. I’m a tad sore from yesterday’s hike… but I feel fantastic!
Organize
I started with my closet, then my daughters’. We’ve already given away the bags of goods. 😊 Next, the girls’ toys. We will donate what’s purged. This works perfectly just after Christmas. I even think they’ve forgotten about some of their “old toys.” Out with the old & in with the new. They are totally fighting over, I mean loving Addison’s Merida Archery Set.
I was laughing {more} when Delaney, 5, asked, “Mommy, who’s A-N-D-Y & why did they write on Jessie‘s boot?!”

Conquer A Fear
Not sure what this is yet. All I know is that it will have NOTHING to do with snakes or skydiving! Really.

Take An Important Risk
So, I purchased all of the necessary materials to get my real estate license. Why not? I’ll certainly let you know how that risk goes come summer. {I’m excited but need time to focus on this venture.} Heck! People have always told me that I can sell anything. Did you know that I once sold the shirt off my back?

Cheers to 2015 & your Resolutions!
Remember: “Invest in yourself.”
❤️ Jen

New Boxing Day Pastime//Reindeer Games

So, today’s Boxing Day {the day after Christmas} and our family has a new tradition… Deer Wrangling!

Reindeer rides, courtesy of Mema. {To purchase a 3D Inflatable Deer & have reindeer games of your own visit Bass Pro Shops.}

A visit from our local fire department {they were just driving by & stopped.}


The kids were thrilled to sit in the driver’s seat. {Shhh… Mema hopped inside too.}

A lovely trip to the park completed a great day…


What a fantastic day!

Cheers to Family!
❤ Jen

Wordless Wednesday // Trimming the Christmas Tree with Little Ones

Addison {5}

Delaney {4}

The best things in life are FREE // Be Thankful

Thanksgiving

Addison 5:”Mommy, do I have school tomorrow?”
{She loves Transitional Kindergarten.}
Me: “No. You’re off this whole week for Thanksgiving.”
AKA5: “This whole week is Thanksgiving! {long pause} Well I better give some thanks!” She’s thankful for: family, friends & her American Girl Doll
Delaney 4: “I’m fank-foe for funny faces.”

I’m thankful for: A family who’s supportive and giving. Beautiful, intelligent daughters. A thoughtful, hardworking husband. Friends who are like family. Sleeping in. LOVE. ❤️

Be thankful.
Cheers!

4th of July // This Independence Day

This little Fashionista is in a bit of a debacle over what to wear on the 4th of July.

So, we hopped in the car and hot-tailed it to one of or favorite quick fix stores, Target!

Target had a myriad of little girl {& boy} red, white & blue and stars & stripes fashions perfect for your Independence Day celebrations & bar-b-ques.

This is what our Carseat Dancers decided they’ll wear:

On this July 4th, be sure to remember that Independence Day is deeper than wearing red, white & blue and stars & stripes and having bar-b-ques. Let’s be aware of our freedom, liberty & independence. We are the “Land of the Free; because of the BRAVE.”

Head over to one of my fave parenting blogs, SheKnows, for some fantastic kid-friendly conversation suggestions for tomorrow.

Cheers to FREEDOM!
xoox, Jen