Dating My Husband Diaries-Perfect Gift

My husband and I have been together for over 10 years now.  We are thankful everyday to have found each other.  Dating my husband has never been hard.  But buying him gifts, now that is another story.

Thanks to TheBroBasket sending sample product for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

I have a great husband who loves to surprise and buy me things for no special reason.  He always finds the perfect gifts.  He buys me things I never would have bought myself that I find I cannot live without.  When we first started dating I always got him the perfect gifts.  I think I have lost my touch, though.  I have a couple of gift fails under my belt.  I like to get everyone the perfect gifts.  But what do you get the guy who has everything?

TheBroBasket is the perfect gift for any guy in your life.  My hubby does not like chocolate, he is not into the mushy stuff, and I'm tired of wasting my money on gift fails.  TheBroBasket has a variety of guy-friendly gift baskets like Viva Tequila, The Junk Foodie Party Package, The Cali Craft Beer Sampler and A Bite of Bourbon.  What guy would not want this delivered to them?

You can create custom baskets where you choose all the cool stuff you want in your guy's BroBasket and make it one awesome drinkable arrangement.  From whiskey samplers, craft beer, fine wines and all kinds of snacks, TheBroBasket is sure to please. There are lots of non-alcohol baskets to choose from too! and its breezy online shopping experience means no more stress at the mall!  Especially if you are busy and can't get away.  This gift is perfect for birthdays or for no reason at all.  Make your guy's day, any day of the week by sending him a surprise to his door.

Got a golfer in your life, check out the Golfer Gift BroBox.  Fitness buff no worries, the Fitness BroBox is perfect for them.  The College Care BroBox is perfectly filled with yummy snacks.  There are several options that are reasonably priced and under $50.

Valentines DIY Treat Bag

Valentines Day is tomorrow.  It is a holiday celebrated in the schools, daycares, and super sold on TV land.  Growing up my parents were too busy to think of DIY, Pinterest, or even wasting money buying gifts for a pagan holiday.  Gifts do not have to cost you an arm and a leg.  They can be small but made with love.  You don't want your kids to feel left out.    

I like to give thoughtful gifts. It means more to me to put some thought into it. Valentine's Day is no different. It is supposed to be a day where we show each other how much we love one another. I know some people will say things like:

"I love you everyday, not just one day" - but do you show me everyday?  Do you tell me?  Do you appreciate me?  Do you make me feel special in any way?

"The stores made up this holiday to get people in the stores" - You don't have to buy my love.  You just have to show me.  Hugs, time spent together, game night, movie night, something special or different than the normal routine.  We get to caught up in routines and schedules.

Anyway.  Whatever reason you may or may not celebrate, those are yours and yours alone.  I wanted my loved ones to feel special this day.  This is what I did for them.  I made goodie bags.  I personalized each one for each person and I spent under $20.

I went to the store the other day and noticed that V-day cards were $4.99 and higher.  Stuffed animals were at least $5 each.  The decorative bags-don't even get me started on those.  So I decided to make my own bags.  I bought most of my items at the dollar store.  I bought white paper bags.  They were 3 for $1.  I decorated each side and personalized it for each of my loves.

 Dad got a cupid's arrow.   I did 4 hearts-representing each family member.

 The goodies in my daughter's bag are a few of her favorite items.  I also gave her a heart puzzle that was specially made for her by a friend.  No cost.

 My son's goodies went over budget and broke the bank.  Sometimes you just have to splurge a little. The back of his bag has a poem I made up all by myself.  I am no poet but it came from the heart.

 My daughter is small and does not have money.  The teen probably has money but didn't think to buy us anything, I am assuming from previous experience.  I decided to make DAD a bag from them.  I picked a cute card that was 2 for $1.  I also found useful things for him, and favorite candy.

This is nothing big.  It is the thought that counts.  Plus a way to someone's heart is through their tummy.  Candy counts as food, right?  The dollar store has so many great things.  They also have toys.  You can put toys, books, or clothes in your kids' bags.  They have bigger bags for 2 for $1 or $1 bags that you can fit lots of goodies into.  You know your loved ones better than anyone else.

So if you are still looking for an idea or want to give your littles extra goodies, head to your nearest dollar store who knows what you will find. 

Life is Full of Gnoments

***Disclosure-Sample product was received for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Valentine's Day is around the corner.  Have you gotten your partner a gift?  Are you still looking for the perfect gift?  I feel like we have everything we need.  What do you get a person who has everything they need. 

When we first got together, you know the romance period when you are wooing each other, I always got the perfect gifts.  But as time passes by, we seem to have stop wooing each other.  You know once you get married sometimes you lose the same fire you use to have for each other. 

Life has us drifting apart whether it is because we are splitting ourselves between our kids, jobs, or home.  We need to preserve what brought us together in the first place. 

I love thinking about those first moments me had.

Have you ever left your partner a note, or a special message?  Well let me introduce to you the Gnoments. 

This is a relationship kit designed to encourage you and your partner to do nice things for each other.  Reviving your relationship.  Kinda make you feel like a kids again.  A puppy love you are chasing.  The kit comes with 2 gnomes, a boy and a girl.  It also comes with a story book.

Each Gnome has a special surprise gnome pouch on its back to hide a note or something special.  You can also deliver surprise messages. videos, sound clips, photos, maps and more though each gnomes' embedded NFC technology OR, send a Gnomification text or email through the website. 

Relationships are hard work but both of you have to willing to work at it.  We need to keep the sparks going.  Wooing each other.  Sending little surprises.  Unexpected loving. 

My husband and I love our little gnomes.  They are so cute.  They have magnets and you can make them hug each other.  It was easy to go online and personalize our gnomes.  My husband's gnomes name is Gnomeo.  My gnome is Starlette.  Like Romeo and Juliette, lol.  We have been having fun finding our gnomes, leaving love notes for one another, and rekindling our love for one another.

Before one falls head over heels with each other you have this period of falling in love, that is when the real magic of your relationship happens.  Gnoments can remind you of that time and can help you take your relationship back to what it use to be.  This is exactly what we needed.

For more information on Gnoments, go to www.gnoments.com.

Simple Valentine Day Ideas

***Disclosure-Sample product was provided for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on personal experience.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  Have you gotten your Valentine his or her present?  Are you the type that asks for nothing but expects something?  Looking for something different?

I am the type that wants my hunny to get creative.  Think out of the box.  I think know a days couples and relationships are losing they boyfriend/girlfriend stage so quickly.  I like when husbands and wives date each other, yes, you heard right.  Date in a marriage, but date each other.  Meaning, don't lose how you fell in love with each other.  Courting each other keeps the relationship fun.  Valentine's Day does not have to be such a chore.  Valentine Day ideas can be simple yet show how much you care.

-Breakfast in Bed.  This one is an old idea but who actually does this.  Have you ever done this for your loved one?  After a long week, surprise your loved one with a hearty breakfast.

-Surprise your loved one with a picnic lunch.  Pack everything for a romantic lunch.  Show up at their lunch hour.  Pick them up.  Drive to a near by park and have a picnic.  If you are not much for packing a lunch, you can pick up something that does not need to be kept warmed.  Whatever works for you.

-Make a coupon book with rewards to redeem.  This is does not cost money.  You can get creative.  Examples of Coupons:
      ~Good for 1 Back Massage
      ~Good for 1 Foot Rub
You can get make an all in one Valentine gift by adding lotions, body creams, and the coupon book. Suggestion for the lotions/body cream can be different but fun like Good Earth Beauty Body Cream Chocolate Dipped Strawberries-It is a whipped body cream that feels light and fluffy. 

Scent Description: Ripe red strawberry is surrounded by creamy milk chocolate notes to create a decadent treat. Sweet vanilla creme and rich maple combine at the base of this luscious confection.

-Off Day.  This is great for stay at home moms or dads.  You get a day off.  Your loved one takes the kids for a full day and you can do whatever you want, even if it is staying in your pjs all day.  Even if you work, on your days off you are trying to catch up, keep up with the kids, and etc...wouldn't you like a day just for YOU!  I will take this, even a few hours would give me a nice break.  Getting a card that has a message reading, have fun.  Me and the kids will be gone.  Happy Valentine's Day!

-Love Letter.  Remember back in school when we use to get the love letters and how it use to make us feel.  Nobody writes letters anymore.  I am not saying send an email or a text.  No take out some real paper, and a pen.  Write from the heart.  Valentine's Day is one day of the year.  Express your love and remember you can write letters to your loved ones all year long not just one day.

Whatever you do, do it from the heart.  You know your partner.  I won't remind you the clock is ticking and it stops on Saturday.  Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

***CLOSED***PAJANIMALS DVD Giveaway

Hey PAJANIMAL fans,

February is the month of love with Valentine’s Day (February 14), Celebration of Love Week (February 10 – 16) and Love Your Pet Day (February 20), and Pajanimals want to help you celebrate by offering new FREE PAJANIMALS-themed Valentine’s Day printable cards available now at http://www.sproutonline.com/printables/pajanimals-printable-valentines-day-cards

Check out the new DVD,

In “Pajanimals Playdate,” the Pajanimals love to play games, sing songs and go on great adventures to meet new friends.  Each story resolves a challenge typically encountered during every preschooler's day. Through their imaginary journeys, these friends discover fun ways to learn daily life lessons. Snuggle up with the Pajanimals for a magical adventure and play date that encourages a bedtime routine!  $9.99; Ages 0 - 6   now available at www.ncircleentertainment.com and www.amazon.com.  

I have a giveaway.  1 Lucky winner will get a PAJANIMALS DVD

How to enter:

1)  Show me the love, follow blog, Facebook, Network, Twitter (1 entry each)

2)  Share the love, Facebook share. (1 entry/per share, must link)

3)  Tweet the love. (1 entry/per tweet/per day)

Enter to #win @hensonparents @SproutTV PAJANIMALS DVD @independentmami #giveaway ends 2/28  http://tinyurl.com/ad6826e

4)  Follow @hensonparents on twitter (1 entry)

5)  Follow @SproutTV on twitter (1 entry)

Bonus Entries-

If you are a Facebook Fan-you get a bonus entry for each.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sprout

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Pajanimals

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hensoncompany

This giveaway ends 2/28/13 at 8 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  You must leave your email in the link.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.   For U.S. and Canada participants only please. Godd luck.

***Disclosure-Sample product received to review.  Any opinions stated are my own.

Spoonful of Valentine's

Do you make your own V-day cards with your kids?  Do you do arts and crafts, bake desserts, or just plain have fun?  Well let me tell you about Spoonful.com, Disney’s new lifestyle family site, features content grouped into four main categories (cook, create, play and celebrate). Additionally, the site was built with a technology that allows for easy viewing across computers, tablets and mobile devices – perfect for parents on the go! Here’s a peek at what Spoonful is serving up for Valentine’s Day:
Unique Valentine’s Day Card Ideas:
Hidden Matchbox Messages	Pencil Toppers	Mad Love Mad Lib Scrolls
Simple Homemade Gift How-To’s:
Paper Bouquet	Friendship Rings	Magic 8 Ball
Kid-Friendly Dessert Recipes:
Cupid Cupcakes	Mickey's  Cookies	Windowpane Heart Cookies
Free Printable Disney Valentine’s Day Cards:
Disney Fairies	Toy Story	Disney Princesses
About Spoonful.com Spoonful.com is a one-stop shop filled with thousands of inspired ideas that can bring a little magic into everyday family life. Spoonful delivers easy-to-digest daily doses of inspiration and information, designed to spark the enthusiasm of parents. The site helps parents power through everything from getting a handle on holiday festivities to figuring out a fun way to get kids to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. The site’s responsive design also makes it easy to access from home or while on-the-go via smartphones and tablets. ***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

Weightloss Wednesday-V-Day Tips

What are your plans for the V-Day?  We always do food, the is the first thing I think about when I think V-day.  And lately working out has not been happening so not feeling so great about my V-Day outfit either.  But no worries, here are some helpful tips on how to prepare for the most romantic (and at times, stressful) holiday of the year:

·         Eliminate pre-date jitters with some cardio!

o   Take 30 mins in the morning to walk, run, bike, etc. The endorphins your body releases during and after your workout will help you relax and allow you to clear your mind for the big night.

§  Did you know? If you get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day (like brisk walking), five times per week, you can almost guarantee yourself a healthier and more satisfying life while lowering your risks for heart disease, stroke and diabetes (Source: American Heart Association)

·         A healthy meal is a romantic meal: 

o   Plan Ahead: If you know where you’re going ahead of time and there’s a menu available online, be sure to review it and identify some of the best options that align with your healthy eating habits.

§  Aim for lean meats like fish, skinless poultry and beef (flank, tenderloin, sirloin) and avoid anything fried. Also, instead of eating the white bread rolls that come out before dinner, request whole wheat rolls – if they don’t serve them, it’s best to just skip it.

o   Menu 101: It may seem simple, but knowing how to read a menu is a key element in selecting the right items. Pay attention to terms such as “blackened” vs. “creamed” and “steamed” versus “sautéed,” as these preparation methods make a huge difference in how healthy a menu item is.

§  Knowing what is on the menu ahead of time will also reduce any stress or anxiety that may come from figuring out what to order.

o   Take It To-Go: Because so many restaurants serve huge portions, suggest sharing a meal with that special someone and/or request a “to-go box” when ordering and pack up half of the meal before beginning to eat.

o   Slow Down: While it is important to learn what to eat, focusing on how to eat is also a key component to dining out successfully. Be sure to chew slowly and notice the flavor and texture if the food – savor the flavor.

§  Also, don’t forget to pause mid-meal and check your appetite to prevent overeating and feeling stuffed. Remember, the first bite always tastes best!

 ***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.  In honor of National Heart Health Month, Jenny Craig, proud supporter of the American Heart Association, is sharing these tips.

****CLOSED***Be my Valentine-Smoothie King GC Giveaway

So have you been keeping up with your weight?  Was V-Day your goal date?  Valentine's Day traditionally comes with loads of chocolates and sweets.  But if you are keeping your eye on the bigger prize, not just one  day but the rest of our lives.  Every sweet V-day can still be enjoyed in a very different healthy way.

This V-Day be smooth and give in to that sweet tooth but do not make bad choices.  When we want something to snack on, we stop at our local Smoothie King and each get a smoothie.  I even make mine skinny with less calories but still satisfy my craving.

With Valentine's Day only a few days away, you might still be stressing on what to get your significant other.  Let's get real- another year of flowers and chocolate is simply not going to cut it.  Why not keep it simple and treat your sweetheart to Smoothie King- the creator of the original smoothie, who offers 38 delicious and nutritious options under 300 calories.  The perfect pick-me up, meal on the go, Smoothie King's delicious smoothies will satisfy your Valentine's taste buds with flavors from Passion Passport to Pineapple Pleasure.

Packed with fruits, veggies, heart-healthy minerals and nutrients, these smoothies will be the perfect (guilt free) treat to get your someone special this February 14th.  Smoothie King wants to show the love, and is  offering one of my lucky readers a $10 gift card.

How to enter:

1)  Mandatory-Show me the love....tell me what flavor you like.  (Must be a blog follower-1 entry)

2)  Share the love-Facebook Share. (1 entry/per share)

3)  Tweet the love. (1 entry/per tweet-must be at least an hr apart)

Enter to #win a @SmoothieKing $10 gc @independentmami #giveaway ends 2/15 http://tinyurl.com/a6txjz9

4)  Comment Love-Leave a comment on any February non-giveaway post. (1 entry/per comment/per post)

This giveaway ends 2/15/13 at 8 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Must leave email in the comment.  US only.  Good luck.  

***Disclosure-I will be receiving a gc in return for this post.  Smoothie King is a place my family and I frequently visit.  Any and all opinions stated are our own, honest opinions.

Madly Madagascar Valentine Cards

Do you make your own Valentine's cards or use printables?  Thanks to Madagascar for these cute printables...

Madly Madagascar

Your favorite Madagascar pals are back in an all-new adventure! Alex’s favorite holiday, Valentine’s Day, brings hilarious surprises and excitement for the entire gang. Melman plans a big surprise for Gloria, Marty tries to impress a new friend and everyone wants to get their hands on King Julien’s love potion. You'll fall in LOVE with Madly Madagascar!   ***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

DOc McStuffins and Handy Manny VDay Specials

Disney Junior will be celebrating Valentine's Day this year with themed episodes of cable TV's #1 series for kids 2-5 "Doc McStuffins" and perennial favorite "Handy Manny."

 In the new "Doc McStuffins" episode titled "My Huggy Valentine," Doc receives a stuffed Valentine's Day heart named Val as a gift and Lambie gets jealous because she thinks Doc likes her new toy better.  After diagnosing Lambie with "splitheartitis," Doc reassures her that no one could ever take her place.  This episode of "Doc McStuffins" premieres Friday, February 1 at 10:00 a.m., ET/PT on Disney Channel and 4:00 p.m., ET/PT on Disney Junior.

 Then, in the "Handy Manny" episode, Manny wants to ask longtime friend Kelly to a Valentine's Day party.  With a little help from the tools, he finally works up the courage and asks her to attend Mrs. Portillo's party with him.  The episode titled "Valentine's Day Party" premieres Thursday, February 14 at 10:30 a.m., ET/PT on Disney Channel and 6:00 p.m., ET/PT on Disney Junior.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.