Categories
Holidays

Happy Holiday Season! #holidays #HolidayDecor #Christmas #Travel

It’s the holiday season! But it’s still COVID season sadly. We had a nice quiet Thanksgiving and stayed home. On the agenda is to potentially travel in New England for an overnight during December. I always like a staycation. Why not enjoy the sites and places locally this season? I also like decorating for Christmas early. Like super early….this year the decor came out the weekend of Halloween. Why not! Studies show it makes you happier. I tried to add a bit of color in this year as I generally gravitate toward all white. So we have buffalo plaid, pops of pink and silver and gold in the mix this year. What decor do you all like?

Image of a holiday gift - a mini car staged on holiday themed set with pillows
Holiday Mini Car
Categories
Holidays Hotels Travel

Pre-Christmas Travel – Highly Recommend it and to #Quebec @FairmontFronten #travel #momentsLCF #hosted

This year I was prepared and got everything ready for Christmas the weekend before so we could travel to Canada for a quick get-a-way. Our destination was the lovely Quebec City and what a beautiful, magical city. The Fairmont Frontenac offered me a discount to stay at their hotel and of course I said yes. This magical castle located on Cap Diamant overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River is the place to stay.

It is a castle and it is magnificent! The lobby was decorated for the holiday season and had about 20 Christmas trees all decorated I believe from local companies. A cute dog greets you when you check in. The hotel is very dog friendly and you can pay a bit extra to have your pup stay with you. Daphnie is their St. Pierre breed (a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and Lanernese) and the story is she was trained to be a guide dog by the Mira Foundation. But because of her amazing social skills she is now the Canine Ambassador at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac!

We loved everything about the resort — especially the food. We were lucky to be offered complementary breakfast at the Place Dufferin – Lovely views of the Saint Lawrence River and croissants for everyone! The hotel also has a Starbucks and we had wonderful drinks and light bites at the 1608 bar. There was so much to explore on the grounds of the hotel. The kids loved the pool. I loved the cute shops and really all the holiday décor was magical. I highly recommend traveling here during the holiday season. It is a hotel unlike any other I have ever visited – charming yet grand, magical and stunning – a perfect retreat for the Christmas season.

Fun winter activities in Quebec

In addition to exploring the grounds of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac we ventured out to the Quartier Petit-Champlain. This area right below the hotel with adorable shops and restaurants is a must to visit. With the holiday lights and Christmas trees with snow it was like being in a snow globe! We were also able to experience the German Christmas Market. Beautiful decorations, tasty treats, choral singers – all around a magical time! The toboggan slide at the Frontenac is a must ride! It is open Mid-December to March and what a rush and fantastic views of the Frontenac and the River. I read that it can be as fast as 40 miles an hour! This is one activity that you have to experience! In addition, we took a ride and went dog sledding! This was the best experience. We went to Aventures nord-Bec Stoneham. The whole experience was a dream! First you learn how to maneuver the sled (yourself!) Then a guide takes you on a ride in the forest with your dogs. Each sled is for two people so you get a chance to ride and then steer the sled – it was a magical experience. We also got a chance to visit with the puppies after. They also served hot chocolate and cookies to us. This activity is a must if you go in the winter to Quebec. We also went ice skating too – there are a few places to go and here is a link. I do believe we stopped at this place – the Plains of Abraham. There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy in Quebec in the winter.

I would highly recommend a winter trip to Quebec and to stay at the Fairmont Frontenac! We loved it!

Disclosure: The Frontenac offered me a discount on the room and complementary breakfast. As always all opinions in this blog post are my own.

Categories
Holidays Hotels Travel

Pre-Christmas Travel – Highly Recommend it and to #Quebec @FairmontFronten #travel #momentsLCF #hosted

This year I was prepared and got everything ready for Christmas the weekend before so we could travel to Canada for a quick get-a-way. Our destination was the lovely Quebec City and what a beautiful, magical city. The Fairmont Frontenac offered me a discount to stay at their hotel and of course I said yes. This magical castle located on Cap Diamant overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River is the place to stay.

It is a castle and it is magnificent! The lobby was decorated for the holiday season and had about 20 Christmas trees all decorated I believe from local companies. A cute dog greets you when you check in. The hotel is very dog friendly and you can pay a bit extra to have your pup stay with you. Daphnie is their St. Pierre breed (a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and Lanernese) and the story is she was trained to be a guide dog by the Mira Foundation. But because of her amazing social skills she is now the Canine Ambassador at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac!

We loved everything about the resort — especially the food. We were lucky to be offered complementary breakfast at the Place Dufferin – Lovely views of the Saint Lawrence River and croissants for everyone! The hotel also has a Starbucks and we had wonderful drinks and light bites at the 1608 bar. There was so much to explore on the grounds of the hotel. The kids loved the pool. I loved the cute shops and really all the holiday décor was magical. I highly recommend traveling here during the holiday season. It is a hotel unlike any other I have ever visited – charming yet grand, magical and stunning – a perfect retreat for the Christmas season.

Fun winter activities in Quebec

In addition to exploring the grounds of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac we ventured out to the Quartier Petit-Champlain. This area right below the hotel with adorable shops and restaurants is a must to visit. With the holiday lights and Christmas trees with snow it was like being in a snow globe! We were also able to experience the German Christmas Market. Beautiful decorations, tasty treats, choral singers – all around a magical time! The toboggan slide at the Frontenac is a must ride! It is open Mid-December to March and what a rush and fantastic views of the Frontenac and the River. I read that it can be as fast as 40 miles an hour! This is one activity that you have to experience! In addition, we took a ride and went dog sledding! This was the best experience. We went to Aventures nord-Bec Stoneham. The whole experience was a dream! First you learn how to maneuver the sled (yourself!) Then a guide takes you on a ride in the forest with your dogs. Each sled is for two people so you get a chance to ride and then steer the sled – it was a magical experience. We also got a chance to visit with the puppies after. They also served hot chocolate and cookies to us. This activity is a must if you go in the winter to Quebec. We also went ice skating too – there are a few places to go and here is a link. I do believe we stopped at this place – the Plains of Abraham. There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy in Quebec in the winter.

I would highly recommend a winter trip to Quebec and to stay at the Fairmont Frontenac! We loved it!

Disclosure: The Frontenac offered me a discount on the room and complementary breakfast. As always all opinions in this blog post are my own.

Categories
Holidays Uncategorized

Happy 4th of July! #4thofJuly #Vacation #Travel

Summer is in full swing and cannot believe 4th of July has come and gone. Lots of beach trips for us and we just came back from a week’s vacation on the cape. #CapeCod is one place that we visit each year. It is family time and sometimes our friends join us which makes going out to dinner and day trips very fun. One trip we love to take is to Provincetown. A beautiful day filled with shopping, lunch (at the Lobster Pot) and a fun game of croquet (who would have thought we were good at it!) made for a fun, family vacation. Here are just a few photos!

What is on your agenda for summer?

The Beachcomber Restaurant – favorite spot!

Family Fun at Sundae School

Family Fun on Cape Cod

A competitive game of croquet

Categories
Holidays

Happy 4th of July! #4thofJuly #Vacation #Travel

Summer is in full swing and cannot believe 4th of July has come and gone. Lots of beach trips for us and we just came back from a week’s vacation on the cape. #CapeCod is one place that we visit each year. It is family time and sometimes our friends join us which makes going out to dinner and day trips very fun. One trip we love to take is to Provincetown. A beautiful day filled with shopping, lunch (at the Lobster Pot) and a fun game of croquet (who would have thought we were good at it!) made for a fun, family vacation. Here are just a few photos!

What is on your agenda for summer?

The Beachcomber Restaurant – favorite spot!

Family Fun at Sundae School

Family Fun on Cape Cod

A competitive game of croquet

Categories
Holidays

Happy Easter! #EASTER Tips for fun items to include in #easterbaskets

I cannot believe it is Easter weekend! I hope that the weather warms up soon as it will be April. As the kids get older I have to figure out what to put in their Easter Baskets. Yes, I still love to gather items for Easter baskets even though they are teens. I used to overthink it about the actual items to include when they were little and everything had to be exactly the same and of equal amount. Of course chocolate is on the list but if you have a hard time figuring out what to put in your kids baskets here are a few suggestions.

If your kids are little – any card game, small board game, writing pads, slime, jewelry, fun hair accessories, little stuffed animals

If your kids are older – money (lol) maybe a gift card, lip balms, nail polish kits, fun jewelry storage dishes, cute signs for their room decor, make-up, sports tickets, any tech accessory

Of course candy and especially a nice chocolate bunny still tops the list around here.

Happy Easter and enjoy the weekend!

 

A felt Easter Basket is ready for goodies!

 

 

 

 

Categories
Holidays Valentine's Day

It’s almost Valentine’s Day – celebrate, have fun and here are some cute, sweet gift ideas from @harborsweets @violetandbrooksjewelry @thepillover

Each year for my girls I put together a cute ceramic bowl with earrings, chocolate and a nice card. I love to celebrate the day and maybe make cute heart shaped muffins or a sweet treat. We all know that chocolate and sweets go a long way for your significant other and here are a few, fun finds that that make a perfect gift for your mom, girlfriend or tween.

A nice red bag – I have way too many bags in my closet. But I am always looking at TJ Maxx and Marshalls for designer finds. My 13 year old saw this at Marshalls and said, “mom you have to buy this!” I looked at it like a perfect Valentine’s Day gift to myself. Any red or pink purse would make a great gift. Stuff it with a few goodies like candy and homemade cards from the kids and your wife will love it.

Jewelry – I discovered this cute online retailer Violet & Brooks after seeing them in the Oprah magazine. Tweens and girls love fashion earring and so do moms! The company sent me the adorable grace earring gift set and the madeline stacking ring Quint. They both came in a cute pink padded storage holder. It makes a nice gift for mom or your tween. It is also good for storage and to take traveling too!

Pillover – this adorable super soft pink baby blanket like cover actually fits on your pillow case and it is like a warm cozy wrap. The Pillover slides over your existing pillow and pillowcase. We loved the baby blanket one but there are several ones to choose from depending on your mood. Two thumbs up from my tween. You can also use these for decorative purposes too to brighten up your bedroom.

Of course I love chocolate! A heart shaped candy box is so classic and who doesn’t love chocolate?? This one from Harbor Sweets includes milk and dark chocolates embellished with an elegant rose ribbon. I have tested these homemade chocolates out before and they are handmade and taste heavenly!  The company is based in Salem, Mass and according to the web site, “still employs its original chocolate making techniques using copper kettles and wooden paddles, combined with the finest local ingredients of fresh butter, cream and wildflower honey.” DELISH! Now let me go finish off the rest of these goodies!

Disclosure: The above companies sent me the products to test out. All opinions in this post are my own.

Treats for your sweetie on Valentine’s Day!

Categories
Christmas Holidays Uncategorized

The Holidays are here! #giftguide #goldgiftguide #holidays #sponsored

Happy Holidays. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. We love products and we love to test out products that come across our desk. The holiday time is busy and we know you don’t have a lot of time to get things done. We have gathered a few items at trendymommies.com that you may be interested in for the holidays. Gold is the theme! I know Rose Gold is pretty popular but I still love GOLD!  It is still a color trend that you will see everywhere!  Here are a few suggestions from this year’s trendymommies.com 2017 holiday gift guide!

For the tech lover – there are plenty of smart phone cases out there but there really is only one that is very protective and also that looks good – The Otter box 

Yes I do love these cases and they start at $44.95! Go ahead drop your phone and see how protective they are! (just kidding…don’t drop your phone but do go buy an Otter box – we love the rose gold and gold ones especially!)

For the teen/tween and mom – all make-up is not created equal. I look for natural lines that really perform. Jane Iredale is that line. This clean, mineral make-up and skin care has something for everyone. They have fun holiday kits and a great gold compact that is perfect for your bronzer. I love the contour kit as it is sleek and gold and the luminizer kit works great.  Their eye shadows are amazing. This must have kit comes in a sleek, slim gold case. These two items are the ones you will take with you everywhere along with the golden gloss! I loved their PureGloss lip gloss. The Crabapple is very moisturizing and lasts – no stickiness. It is made with lemon peel, tangerine peel and pomegranate extracts. Their bronzer is the best I have tried! The make-up is formulated with pure micronized minerals and pigments and is cruelty-free. They also have a holiday gift guide right on their site. 

For the hard to buy person in your life – Gift cards – you know you need them. For one stop shopping our favorite retailer is CVS Pharmacy. You can buy all your gift cards right there. In addition they have holiday décor – see this adorable gold pillow below. They also have so much make-up and kits to chose from. Their beauty accessories, packaged beauty gifts, tech accessories AND toys for the kids really makes it easy to shop. I like when you are in line and see all the beauty buys and the last minute tech gifts such as headphones, chargers and cases. I buy all my stocking suffer gifts here every year.

Speaking of stocking stuffer gift ideas I discovered this lip balm at CVS called Moroccan Magic Organic Lip Balm which says it is the smoothest lip balm ever and it is! So many flavors to choose from. They even have a rose one as well! You can order online here or pick up at your local CVS. These make a perfect stocking stuffer gift.

For the foodie or really anyone that loves a nice tea. David’s Tea has so many accessories and teas to choose from. We love the tea in a pouch called the Jolly Teas Sachet Travel Pouch as it has the holiday tea bags in it!  David’s Tea even has adorable gifts like this white cranberry bark tea infused beauty duo. 

This includes the best smelling hand cream and soothing lip butter. Buy a set for each of your friends. But the best gift of all from David’s tea is the 24 days of tea. This is the one thing you buy yourself NOW so you can enjoy a tea a day as you countdown the days until Christmas!

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

Goodies from @cvspharmacy  They have gifts for everyone on your list
Goodies from @cvspharmacy They have gifts for everyone on your list

@MoroccanMagic best lip balm ever! Perfect  stocking stuffers idea!
@MoroccanMagic best lip balm ever! Perfect stocking stuffers idea!

Gold Goodies from @JaneIredale @DAVIDsTea @cvspharmacy @OtterBox
Gold Goodies from @JaneIredale @DAVIDsTea @cvspharmacy @OtterBox

24 Days of Tea from @DAVIDsTEA
24 Days of Tea from @DAVIDsTEA

Holiday accessories and décor from @CVSpharmacy
Holiday accessories and décor from @CVSpharmacy

 

Categories
Christmas Holidays Uncategorized

The Holidays are here! #giftguide #goldgiftguide #holidays #sponsored

Happy Holidays. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. We love products and we love to test out products that come across our desk. The holiday time is busy and we know you don’t have a lot of time to get things done. We have gathered a few items at trendymommies.com that you may be interested in for the holidays. Gold is the theme! I know Rose Gold is pretty popular but I still love GOLD!  It is still a color trend that you will see everywhere!  Here are a few suggestions from this year’s trendymommies.com 2017 holiday gift guide!

For the tech lover – there are plenty of smart phone cases out there but there really is only one that is very protective and also that looks good – The Otter box 

Yes I do love these cases and they start at $44.95! Go ahead drop your phone and see how protective they are! (just kidding…don’t drop your phone but do go buy an Otter box – we love the rose gold and gold ones especially!)

For the teen/tween and mom – all make-up is not created equal. I look for natural lines that really perform. Jane Iredale is that line. This clean, mineral make-up and skin care has something for everyone. They have fun holiday kits and a great gold compact that is perfect for your bronzer. I love the contour kit as it is sleek and gold and the luminizer kit works great.  Their eye shadows are amazing. This must have kit comes in a sleek, slim gold case. These two items are the ones you will take with you everywhere along with the golden gloss! I loved their PureGloss lip gloss. The Crabapple is very moisturizing and lasts – no stickiness. It is made with lemon peel, tangerine peel and pomegranate extracts. Their bronzer is the best I have tried! The make-up is formulated with pure micronized minerals and pigments and is cruelty-free. They also have a holiday gift guide right on their site. 

For the hard to buy person in your life – Gift cards – you know you need them. For one stop shopping our favorite retailer is CVS Pharmacy. You can buy all your gift cards right there. In addition they have holiday décor – see this adorable gold pillow below. They also have so much make-up and kits to chose from. Their beauty accessories, packaged beauty gifts, tech accessories AND toys for the kids really makes it easy to shop. I like when you are in line and see all the beauty buys and the last minute tech gifts such as headphones, chargers and cases. I buy all my stocking suffer gifts here every year.

Speaking of stocking stuffer gift ideas I discovered this lip balm at CVS called Moroccan Magic Organic Lip Balm which says it is the smoothest lip balm ever and it is! So many flavors to choose from. They even have a rose one as well! You can order online here or pick up at your local CVS. These make a perfect stocking stuffer gift.

For the foodie or really anyone that loves a nice tea. David’s Tea has so many accessories and teas to choose from. We love the tea in a pouch called the Jolly Teas Sachet Travel Pouch as it has the holiday tea bags in it!  David’s Tea even has adorable gifts like this white cranberry bark tea infused beauty duo. 

This includes the best smelling hand cream and soothing lip butter. Buy a set for each of your friends. But the best gift of all from David’s tea is the 24 days of tea. This is the one thing you buy yourself NOW so you can enjoy a tea a day as you countdown the days until Christmas!

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

Goodies from @cvspharmacy  They have gifts for everyone on your list
Goodies from @cvspharmacy They have gifts for everyone on your list

@MoroccanMagic best lip balm ever! Perfect  stocking stuffers idea!
@MoroccanMagic best lip balm ever! Perfect stocking stuffers idea!

Gold Goodies from @JaneIredale @DAVIDsTea @cvspharmacy @OtterBox
Gold Goodies from @JaneIredale @DAVIDsTea @cvspharmacy @OtterBox

24 Days of Tea from @DAVIDsTEA
24 Days of Tea from @DAVIDsTEA

Holiday accessories and décor from @CVSpharmacy
Holiday accessories and décor from @CVSpharmacy

 

Categories
Christmas Holidays Uncategorized

The Holidays are here! #giftguide #goldgiftguide #holidays #sponsored

Happy Holidays. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. We love products and we love to test out products that come across our desk. The holiday time is busy and we know you don’t have a lot of time to get things done. We have gathered a few items at trendymommies.com that you may be interested in for the holidays. Gold is the theme! I know Rose Gold is pretty popular but I still love GOLD!  It is still a color trend that you will see everywhere!  Here are a few suggestions from this year’s trendymommies.com 2017 holiday gift guide!

For the tech lover – there are plenty of smart phone cases out there but there really is only one that is very protective and also that looks good – The Otter box 

Yes I do love these cases and they start at $44.95! Go ahead drop your phone and see how protective they are! (just kidding…don’t drop your phone but do go buy an Otter box – we love the rose gold and gold ones especially!)

For the teen/tween and mom – all make-up is not created equal. I look for natural lines that really perform. Jane Iredale is that line. This clean, mineral make-up and skin care has something for everyone. They have fun holiday kits and a great gold compact that is perfect for your bronzer. I love the contour kit as it is sleek and gold and the luminizer kit works great.  Their eye shadows are amazing. This must have kit comes in a sleek, slim gold case. These two items are the ones you will take with you everywhere along with the golden gloss! I loved their PureGloss lip gloss. The Crabapple is very moisturizing and lasts – no stickiness. It is made with lemon peel, tangerine peel and pomegranate extracts. Their bronzer is the best I have tried! The make-up is formulated with pure micronized minerals and pigments and is cruelty-free. They also have a holiday gift guide right on their site. 

For the hard to buy person in your life – Gift cards – you know you need them. For one stop shopping our favorite retailer is CVS Pharmacy. You can buy all your gift cards right there. In addition they have holiday décor – see this adorable gold pillow below. They also have so much make-up and kits to chose from. Their beauty accessories, packaged beauty gifts, tech accessories AND toys for the kids really makes it easy to shop. I like when you are in line and see all the beauty buys and the last minute tech gifts such as headphones, chargers and cases. I buy all my stocking suffer gifts here every year.

Speaking of stocking stuffer gift ideas I discovered this lip balm at CVS called Moroccan Magic Organic Lip Balm which says it is the smoothest lip balm ever and it is! So many flavors to choose from. They even have a rose one as well! You can order online here or pick up at your local CVS. These make a perfect stocking stuffer gift.

For the foodie or really anyone that loves a nice tea. David’s Tea has so many accessories and teas to choose from. We love the tea in a pouch called the Jolly Teas Sachet Travel Pouch as it has the holiday tea bags in it!  David’s Tea even has adorable gifts like this white cranberry bark tea infused beauty duo. 

This includes the best smelling hand cream and soothing lip butter. Buy a set for each of your friends. But the best gift of all from David’s tea is the 24 days of tea. This is the one thing you buy yourself NOW so you can enjoy a tea a day as you countdown the days until Christmas!

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

Goodies from @cvspharmacy  They have gifts for everyone on your list
Goodies from @cvspharmacy They have gifts for everyone on your list

@MoroccanMagic best lip balm ever! Perfect  stocking stuffers idea!
@MoroccanMagic best lip balm ever! Perfect stocking stuffers idea!

Gold Goodies from @JaneIredale @DAVIDsTea @cvspharmacy @OtterBox
Gold Goodies from @JaneIredale @DAVIDsTea @cvspharmacy @OtterBox

24 Days of Tea from @DAVIDsTEA
24 Days of Tea from @DAVIDsTEA

Holiday accessories and décor from @CVSpharmacy
Holiday accessories and décor from @CVSpharmacy