Author: trendymommies

Categories
candle

Last minute gifts? Head to @TheYankeeCandle

Trying to figure out what to get for last minute gifts? Need a gift idea for the teacher, hostess or mom?  Yankee Candle has so many gift ideas to choose from.

In addition to new fragrances this season, they have holiday decor and the perfect stocking stuffers.  They also offer personalized candles which make a great memorable holiday gift  – with a photo and message on a Yankee Candle it is sure to be a welcomed gift. Prices start around $25.00.

The three 2015 new fragrances are Berry Trifle, Winter Glow, and Gingerbread Maple. The company sent me the Winter Glow and Gingerbread Maple and they smell wonderful. These are available only until December ($1.99 – 27.99)

I also love the  “Winter Wonderland,” inspired collection.  Each of the four cozy scents reflects a memorable line from the seasonal tune.
The fragrances are:  In A Winter Wonderland, Happy Tonight, Dream By The Fire, Snow Is Glistening. Again, get them soon as they are only available until December ($17.99 – $27.99)

In celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Sound of Music this year, Yankee Candle is bringing back the My Favorite Things Limited Edition Collection. This whimsical line, based on song lyrics by Rodgers & Hammerstein, features three returning fan favorites and one new addition: Do Re Mi. Fragrances in the line include the new Do Re Mi, Whiskers on Kittens, Crisp Apple Strudel, Warm Woolen Mittens – get them soon as they only are available until the end of December  ($27.99 MSRP)

I love the car jar ultimate and smart scent vent clips as well for stocking stuffers. They also work well in mud rooms and small rooms. Another favorite of mine is the Scenterpieceâ„¢ Easy MeltCup System. You can choose from a variety of warmers in many different colors. My suggestion is to buy two warmers – put one in one section of the house and another in another room – add your favorite easy melt cup – mine just happens to be Christmas Cookie – and your whole house is filled with the fragrance. Some of the warmers also come with lights and a timer too.  You can check them out at a local Yankee Candle store or before you head in, go online and see what they have for gifts under $25.00.

Disclosure: Yankee Candle sent me a few candles to sample. All opinions in this blog post are my own.

 

 

Categories
Events Products

Fa, La, La, La, La….to @CVS_Extra #Sponsored #CVSMeetUps

It’s down to the wire….Christmas is almost here so hopefully you don’t have a lot of running around left to do. One of my favorite retailers – CVS -is my go to stop when I need any extras to get ready this holiday season. Actually it’s my stop when I need ANYTHING. I have done food shopping at my local CVS – to pick up a few things  – and you may have noticed at your local CVS all the different choices in store. What great fun it was today to take a field trip to CVS to hear from representatives  about what is new in store.

For the #CVSMeetUps a group of bloggers got together to see the better bites, better selection and an even better grab and go part of one of their bigger stores. We walked some of the isles to see new products. I love the radiance platinum line of supplements  now. There was a sample in the gift bag they gave us and I tried it right away.  This line is certified organic and non-gmo as well. The allergy solution isle now has clearly marked signs to help you pick the best option for allergy season and in the beauty isle they have multiple organic lines to choose from including their own Organic Promise, my fav line Say Yes, Alba, Jason and more! Also new is the addition of premier brands for beauty including Jouviance and Wilma Schumann.

Back to your last minute holiday shopping…..What I love about CVS is that it is a great one-stop-shop. CVS provided me with a gift card to pick up some stocking stuffers and some items for the holiday season. They have the best selection of holiday decor (lights are on sale this week!), the best travel item section (great for stocking stuffers), your every day items like detergent, tissues and I needed a frame and batteries for holiday gifts and they have those items as well. I have frequented there many times for milk and bread and of course for birthday party needs like cards, gift bags and balloons. Their candy selection is extensive as well. Plus you can shop online too if you cannot get out to a local store. So think CVS for all your holiday shopping needs this season!

 

Disclosure: CVS sent me a gift card, presented us with a gift bag with goodies and treated us to lunch today. As always all opinions in this blog post are my own.

 

New organic beauty items at @CVS_Extra
New organic beauty items at @CVS_Extra
Great new signs in store @CVS_Extra #findyourhealthy
Great new signs in store @CVS_Extra #findyourhealthy
CVS carries a multitude of items From health and beauty to holiday decor and more #findyourhealthy @CVS_Extra
CVS carries a multitude of items from health and beauty to holiday decor and more #findyourhealthy @CVS_Extra
Categories
Uncategorized

#‎HolidayGiftGuide2015: Gifts for teens, foodies and tech items

‪Twenty days left until Christmas so you better get shopping soon. We see a lot of fun, useful and different items come across our desk at trendymommies.com. Here is our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide with a few ideas for the beauty product junkie (any teen really), the foodie and tech items.

I have a closet full of beauty products and I love to test out new ones. My go to favorites for my teen and tween girls are any items from the Say Yes line. They have hair, body, face and even a baby line. Two perfect items for stocking stuffers are the wipes and the lip balm. My girls love the coconut balm and the grapefruit one.

The facial wipes are perfect for anyone really – use them as hand wipes or face wipes – great for travel too.
Tata Harper is another all natural line, a must try and a new favorite. Each product from this line is very rejuvenating and offers multiple benefits for your skin. Their antiaging lip treatment is like an aromatherapy treatment. A nice set for mom or a sister is the Tata Harper Natural Glow from Head to Toe. ($115 at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman) Perfect for dull winter skin this collection polishes and deeply hydrates. The Smoothing Body Scrub is amazing. I love to use a body oil in the winter and their Revitalizing Body Oil is perfect for when you step out of the shower. The Fortifying Body Lotion and Redefining Body Balm are little extras for smooth skin. The Rejuvenating Hand Cream is right by my bedside table and is very nourishing. This set makes the perfect indulgent winter gift.

 

For those who want perfect hair the PHYTO Huile Supreme & Secret de Nuit Hair Set & PHYTO Huile Soyeuse & Secret de Nuit Hair Set ($59; Retail value of $78 at Sephora and Sephora.com) are perfectly packaged and ready to gift. These are very nice sets and who doesn’t love a rich, beautifying treatment oil and a leave-in night cream for smooth healthy-looking hair? A nice gift for the beauty lover!

For the foodie in your life– If they love coffee and hot chocolate and like an extra little treat AND if you need a hostess gift try chocolate coffee toppers from Topperfino . Topperfino coffee toppers are made from a premium Belgian dark chocolate finished with unique edible coffee art designs. They are stunning for a party too. Place the Topperfino on top of your coffee cup and watch it melt into a creamy flavorful addition to your coffee or chocolate. They come in dark chocolate, caramel, French vanilla and hazelnut and more than 20 coffee art designs. Each box comes with 10 toppers and retails for $13.99 plus shipping or two for $24.98 including free shipping.

Also nice hostess gifts can be found at the spice lab. This site has gourmet salts, spices and teas – check it out as any foodie would love a gift from this site. The items on this site are very unique and are wonderfully packaged.

Each year I buy my kids PJs and everyone loves PJs as a gift! For anyone who can’t wear PJs that are too hot like fleece or flannel, well Cool-Jams makes the perfect gift! Cool Jams is the best moisture wicking sleepwear and they have nightgowns and pajamas. I tested them out and they are super soft and very nice! And I was super cool at night.

A fun, inexpensive item for the tech lovers and for those teens that love to take selfies is the NanoHold. It brings hands free to a new level. It is an adhesive that sticks to your phone and holds to any smooth flat surface. This innovative product carries with it microscopic technology all in the size of a credit card. Nanohold is the only one of its kind to come with a cover to protect against dirt and preserve the length of the adhesive grip.  Price is $6.00.

 

What to get for dad or the hubby?? If he is always loosing items get a Tile! Tile is a small Bluetooth device that you can hook on your keys, stick to your phone, drop in your wallet, to help you keep track of your items via the Tile app on your phone. Tiles retail for $25 for one, $70 for a four pack and are available at Apple, Best Buy, and Target stores and Amazon.com. Really cool as you “Ring” your tile if it’s within Bluetooth range or check the ‘Last Place Seen’ on in-app map.

Finally if you are trekking to grandma’s house for the holidays a nice bouquet is a wonderful gift. Teleflora debuts a festive lineup with two bouquets paying tribute to the 50th anniversary of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”: the Snoopy’s Cookie Jar Bouquet and the Peanuts Christmas Mug Bouquet. Lush chrysanthemums and carnations adorn a decorated doghouse (which doubles as a cookie jar) and a hand-painted ceramic mug captures Charlie Brown joyfully ice skating with his best furry friend.  Teleflora sent me a winter wonderland bouquet and it was unlike any other bouquet of flowers I have seen!  Check out their web site and order from there.

Happy Shopping!!

Disclosure: The above companies sent me the products to test out and review. As always all opinions are my own in this blog post.

Categories
Events Travel

Celebrate the season with a stay @GreatWolfLodge #gwlhowlidays #snowland #GWLNE #travel #hosted

The holiday season is a great time to visit Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg as snowland is the theme of this massive indoor waterpark destination! From November 28 through January 3, Great Wolf Lodge transforms into a magical winter wonderland. My family and I spent an overnight at the lodge and was welcomed with wonderful holiday décor and fun activities. Santa was on hand to hear all the kids wishes and we even got to stay in the Snowland Suites. Our room had a Christmas tree and lights were everywhere. There were decorations of snowflakes hanging from the ceiling and I loved the extra touch of how they wrapped all the pictures in the room. It really was a nice way to get into the holiday spirit. We also got to take home with us a commemorative Snowland throw and a copy of the winter story book, Unique as a Snowflake – add to that a delivery of milk and cookies at the end of the night by a special Great Wolf Kids™ character and the extras really make this a unique get-a-way unlike any other. It really is more than an indoor water park. For the younger kids there is story time, forest friends show and more. The Howlin timbers play park which offers Howl at the Moon Mini Golf, Ten Paw Alley, the Frog Hopper amusement ride and the Howlers Peak Ropes Course. So mom if you are weary of the twisty water rides take a visit with your kids to the ropes coursein the play park or have the kids visit the scooops spa! Click here for a list of all the attractions.

The Great Wolf Lodge is a fun, close get-a-way this holiday season with lots to do for kids of all ages. We stayed onsite to enjoy a dinner at the Lodge Wood Fired Grill and it was great. I got the buffet which was mostly a Mexican theme and it was really good. Kids loved their meals as well, but there are so many food options to choose from. There is also a Dunkin Donuts onsite. As my kids are on the older side the two best slides, according to both of them, are the wolf’s tale and howlin tornado. The wolf tale is super fast and daring! You step into this launch pod – according to the description on the web site – and the floor drops out from under you, and you’re hurled into a nearly vertical, 20-foot free fall, followed immediately by a 360-degree, high-speed loop! Everyone in my family did it. I did not this visit but have in the past and I cannot believe I did it! It is unlike any water ride I have been on. And the howlin tornado, well  this ride is built for four and has lots of tilting twists and turns! We went on this together several times and the drop was unbelievable.

We also received paw passes which allowed us to receive free games, tattoos, create your own stuffed animal and more. There is also lots of gift shops too! Check out the web site for their latest deals and fun!

Disclosure: I was able to stay overnight at a discounted media rate and received complementary paw passes. All opinions are my own in this post.

 

Fun and adventure @GreatWolfLodge #GWLNE
Fun and adventure @GreatWolfLodge #GWLNE

 

Categories
Events Holidays

Get into the holiday spirit with #BostonBallet #BBNutcracker @bostonballet #Hosted

If you are looking for something special to do with the kids this holiday season Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker is that special experience unlike any other. I remember seeing the performance as a child with my parents. My mom would also have to make a stop at Lord and Taylor (hmm…wonder where my love for shopping comes from?) She also loved the ballet as well. The Nutcracker is a fun holiday tradition to start with your family. For those in the suburbs make a day trip adventure and stop for shopping and dinner, but don’t miss this magical performance this season!

We were so lucky to be invited to an afternoon dress rehearsal. We took photos in the grand lobby AND the performers visited with the audience and took photos during intermission. It was such a treat and a wonderful performance. The music, dancing, stage lighting and decoration was magical. This was my older daughter’s first time seeing the Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker and she really did enjoy it. For those with little kids The Nutcracker performance length is approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes includes one intermission. It really is a performance for all ages.

Here is more information about this special ballet. Boston Ballet’s Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker is a completely re-imagined production which premiered in 2012 and has since received praise from audiences and critics alike. This year’s production will feature all-new lighting design by Finnish-based Mikki Kunttu, and includes the full company of 68 dancers along with more than 200 Boston Ballet School students. The Nutcracker will run November 27–December 31, 2015 at the Boston Opera House so get your tickets and enjoy the magic of The Nutcracker! For more information click here. 
Disclosure: My kids and I were given tickets to the dress rehearsal performance. All opinions are my own in this blog post.

Such great ballet dancers at #BBNutcracker
Such great ballet dancers at #BBNutcracker
We had a fantastic time at @BostonBallet
We had a fantastic time at @BostonBallet
Categories
Events Holidays

Get into the holiday spirit with #BostonBallet #BBNutcracker @bostonballet #Hosted

If you are looking for something special to do with the kids this holiday season Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker is that special experience unlike any other. I remember seeing the performance as a child with my parents. My mom would also have to make a stop at Lord and Taylor (hmm…wonder where my love for shopping comes from?) She also loved the ballet as well. The Nutcracker is a fun holiday tradition to start with your family. For those in the suburbs make a day trip adventure and stop for shopping and dinner, but don’t miss this magical performance this season!

We were so lucky to be invited to an afternoon dress rehearsal. We took photos in the grand lobby AND the performers visited with the audience and took photos during intermission. It was such a treat and a wonderful performance. The music, dancing, stage lighting and decoration was magical. This was my older daughter’s first time seeing the Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker and she really did enjoy it. For those with little kids The Nutcracker performance length is approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes includes one intermission. It really is a performance for all ages.

Here is more information about this special ballet. Boston Ballet’s Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker is a completely re-imagined production which premiered in 2012 and has since received praise from audiences and critics alike. This year’s production will feature all-new lighting design by Finnish-based Mikki Kunttu, and includes the full company of 68 dancers along with more than 200 Boston Ballet School students. The Nutcracker will run November 27–December 31, 2015 at the Boston Opera House so get your tickets and enjoy the magic of The Nutcracker! For more information click here. 
Disclosure: My kids and I were given tickets to the dress rehearsal performance. All opinions are my own in this blog post.

Such great ballet dancers at #BBNutcracker
Such great ballet dancers at #BBNutcracker
We had a fantastic time at @BostonBallet
We had a fantastic time at @BostonBallet
Categories
Events opinion Travel

Traditions, Turkey Day, Turkey Trot and being #Thankful

Thanksgiving is almost here, time for good fun and cheer! This year we are cooking a turkey which in years past we usually buy our turkey pies from my favorite place growing up – Raymond’s Turkey Farm. My kids love their turkey pie and fixings and it’s funny as I loved it as a child too. I just was so busy that I did not have time to get there. I do love this time of year for celebrating traditions. I am trying to make fun memories for my kids and continuing on with my goal of doing something fun and different, (and to travel more – whether it’s a day trip, weekend away or vacation) we are headed to a couple fun events this coming weekend including The Boston Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker and a visit to Great Wolf Lodge! More on those fun events later.

The girls asked me if they could do the Turkey Trot in our town this year and wanted me to do it with them.  Well, I am not a runner – AT ALL – but thought this would be a fun event to do with my kids and it’s for charity (proceeds go to our local food pantry) I have been trying to run every other day but I am only up to 1.5 miles LOL. Believe me this is the most I have ever run – it’s just not my thing- I am trying though….I hope I can make it the 3 miles! So we shall see how this Thanksgiving morning tradition will go. I will not complain though as I am lucky enough to be able to run, my kids are active, my family is here for Thanksgiving so lots to be thankful for!!

What traditions do you have?

 

 

Categories
Holidays makeup Products skin care

Holiday Beauty: Starting holiday shopping a bit early @QVC

I like to start my shopping a bit early…and at home…in my pjs! And dads out there (and anyone else who is trying to avoid the malls this season) QVC has the items for you! The folks at QVC have the best selection of gift ideas this holiday season and they sent me a few gift sets to test out. If your wife, mom, tween, niece or sister loves to receive a beauty kit or make-up kit as a gift (and who doesn’t?) QVC has the most coveted selection of make-up, beauty, perfume sets and more. In fact they have my two favorite brands – Tarte and Josie Maran. Both make-up and skin care lines are on the natural side and have no yucky chemicals in them. I feel good about giving my teen and tween girls lip sticks and moisturizers from each of these lines. They love the argan oil especially and this I would say is a must have for dry, itchy, winter skin.

The Decadent Bliss Radiant Beauty Argan Head to Toe Luxury Set from Josie Maran has the 100% Pure argan Oil, a creamy oil in a tube and the whipped argan oil as well, all to to moisturize face, treat split ends, or condition cuticles – Multiple uses all in one kit.

The Josie Maran Argan 3-in-1 Core Color Hydrating Lipstick Duo is perfect for stocking stuffers and is $30. This is a 3-in-1 lipstick formula with the moisture of a balm, the pigment of a lipstick, and the shine of a gloss – love the formulation as it goes on easy and with nice light color. It comes with two so you can have one in your make-up kit and one in the car. The colors are really nice and very moisturizing.

My other favorite from QVC is tarte. The tarte LipSurgence 5 piece set is perfect for teens. I like the LipSurgence as it’s not too sticky and the colors in this kit are wonderful. QVC also has tarte eyeliner and eyeshadow kits so check them out here

What is best about QVC is you can shop online too. Happy early shopping!

Disclosure: QVC sent me several holiday kits to test out. All opinions in this blog post are my own.

@tartecosmetics kits from @QVC make the best gifts
@tartecosmetics kits from @QVC make the best gifts
@QVC holiday gift ideas @tartecosmetics
@QVC holiday gift ideas

 

Categories
Events Halloween

Get your Halloween supplies fast @BJswholesale #sponsored

In the rush of weekend soccer and activities I forgot that this coming weekend is Halloween. In between soccer and dive I also had to grocery shop, needed some supplies and gifts for upcoming parties and like all moms had to figure out how to run around and get the kids their costumes and Halloween candy. I did it all in one stop at @BJWholesale club this weekend. They were nice enough to send me a gift card for the Halloween season and they had costumes, decorations and of course the best selection of bulk candy I have seen. The kids picked out the 110 bulk bag of dots and tootsie rolls. If you have lots of kids that come to your door on Halloween you have to get your candy here!  They also have very unique decorations for Halloween. They had rows of Disney costumes as well – a good selection the week before Halloween. It’s not too late to check out the selection this week at your local BJs Wholesale Club.

Disclosure: BJs Wholesale sent me a give card to use. All opinions in this blog post are my own.

 

BJ's Wholesale Club candy supply is looking good this weekend
BJ’s Wholesale Club candy supply is looking good this weekend
Shop BJ's Wholesale Club this week for the best selection of Halloween candy, costumes and décor!
Shop BJ’s Wholesale Club this week for the best selection of Halloween candy, costumes and décor!
Stocking up on Halloween décor @BJswholesale
Stocking up on Halloween décor @BJswholesale
Stocking up on more Halloween décor @BJswholesale
Stocking up on more Halloween décor @BJswholesale
Categories
fashions home decor

Your middle schooler’s fashionable locker @lockerlookz

Fashion Locker? Yes, kids do decorate their lockers!  If you have a tween girl you know that fashion can be important when it comes to middle school. Why not have them design their locker with fun accessories and décor? They can decorate their space with a bit of help from the experts at  LockerLookz. 

It is a creative and fun way for tweens to personalize their space at school and LockerLookz offers so many different accessories to choose from.  LockerLookz offers wallpaper, rugs, bins, frames, white boards and what a way to light up a locker  – a beaded chandelier! You can buy each item individually or in kits.  I also (*I mean my tween) loves the different color selections. The company also offers a new product line including fur pillows, a storage caddy, tape dispensers and a fun candy dispenser!  All these items are perfect for the tween girls bedroom at home as well. Check out the items online.

Check out my 6th grader’s locker  – almost complete thanks to LockerLookz.

Disclosure: The company sent me some LockerLookz items to test out and review. All opinions in this blog post are my own.

Turn a drab locker into a stylish one with @LockerLookz
Turn a drab locker into a stylish one with @LockerLookz