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.

Eggs-straordinary Easter Basket Gift Ideas

Are you looking for ideas on what to fill your kiddos basket with? I try to fill the baskets with different things every year from small things to big things. It brings me joy to see how their eyes light up with joy.

Here are some items that made it into this year's basket:

Candy most likely ends up in all of our baskets.  We just recently had an emergency visit to the Dentist for a baby root canal.  So this year, there will be less candy and more essentials. 

ELECTRONIC TOOTHBRUSH:  The Poseidon Children’s Sonic LED Toothbrush features a brush head that lights up with a rainbow of bright LED colors that will make brushing fun.  Kids are actually excited to brush their teeth!  The Sonic Toothbrush also features an automatic turn off after 2-minutes, ensuring children are meeting the dentist recommended brushing time.  Available in pink or blue, batteries included, and free shipping in the US.

For more information, go to:  toilettreeproducts.com

FLOSSER:  Plackers® Kids Flossers turn the difficult task of getting your kids to floss regularly into a fun and simple part of their everyday routine.  Each Kids Flosser is designed with a dual grip handle and angled head, making it easy for kids of all ages to use. With the fruit smoothie swirl flavor and bright colors, your kids will actually look forward to cleaning their teeth.

For more information, go to:  plackers.com

PERSONALIZED BOOKS FOR KIDS:  Grab your favorite character and jump into a personalized book for kids. The stories are filled with princesses, pirates, and messages of love that will keep kids company on a lifelong journey of loving to read. Your kiddo will never forget how fun it is to learn and play with a cool personalized children’s book.

For more information go to: putmeinthestory.com

Happy Egg-hunting and basket filling!

2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Her

Are you looking for ideas on what to get her?  You know mom, your sister, your sister-in-law, your daughter, and don't forget YOU!  Christmas is around the corner.  I have some gifts ideas for you.

Help pamper someone in your life.  Think about it, how many times do you pamper you?  Show HER you care by giving her gifts thoughtful gifts.

1)  Life is too short for boring nails.  Glossique can give life to any nails and with so many different styles, she can be ready for any occasion.  This is a perfect stocking stuffer and it is under $15.  You can use coupon code:  MERRY20 to get 20% off all the nail wrap styles.

2)  Giving the gift of healthy, beautiful skin with Neutrogena.  This is a gift that can be used everyday.  A moisturizer with sun screen.  The perfect gift for mom. 

3)  Bring the Spa to her by giving her a gift set with all she needs to pamper herself at the comforts of her home.  Zakia's Morocco Hammam gift sets are 100% all natural products.  No Parabens, PEGs, Mineral Oil, Silicone, Sulfates, Testing on animals big or small!

4)  Give the gift that straightens, curls, flips, and styles all hair types.  The CHI G2 flat iron with a dynamic new design with upgraded technology and performance enhancements is the perfect gift for her. 

Remember that it does not matter the size of the gift but the thought you put into it.  Think what the person likes or think about things they may need.  Sometimes we forget about us or we do not make ourselves priority.  See them smile when they see the thoughtful gift you bought them. 

Have fun shopping!

***Disclosure-Sample products were received for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience and preference. 

Gift Ideas For Kids

Are you looking for some fun gift ideas for your kids or wondering what to get them?  I have some ideas to help you.  I know sometimes I wonder what to get all my nieces and nephews too.  Kids sometimes can be hard.  I like to be the perfect gift giver.  I love to see their faces when they get something they like.

1)  Books-Kids love books.  My daughter loves reading a different book everyday at bedtime.

Footloose by Kenny Loggins is a book your kids will love.  Kenny rewrote and re-recorded the original song.

2)  Socks-I don't know if you know but socks are the thang.  You have to have your sock game be super strong when you are in school.  This cool be your ticket to cool.

The Sox Market has any kind of sock you can thing of for everyone in the family.

3)  Watch-Every kid wants to be like the big kids or grown ups.  I remember asking my mom for a watch one year for Christmas.  My daughter asked for one this year too.  But I thought she was too small.

Watchitude is designed for kids ages 4-12.  They slap on.  How cool is that!  Remember those slap bracelets from back in the days?  Like those, only cooler because of the designs.

4)  Kicks-That means shoes.  Some cool shoes with cool shoe laces.

Dick's Sporting Goods has team up with sportsmatter.org.  Youth sports programs are losing funding.  Through the program Sports Matter, DICK's will match up to $1.5 million dollars to programs selected by teachers for public and charter school.  So not only are you buying a great gift, but you are helping others.  And don't forget to swap out the laces for green laces.

***Disclosure-Sample products were received for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience and preference. 

Super Hero Themed Easter Basket

How old is too to get an Easter basket?  I have a teen who is seventeen.  But he is still my baby and for the most part a big "little" kid at heart.  He loves anything super hero.  We are Marvel, and DC fans.  His favorite just happens to be Batman.  He is easy to shop for because anything Batman will make him happy.  This year, I decided to make him a Super Hero Themed Easter basket of his favorite character.  It just so happens that this weekend is not only Easter but the Superman vs Batman movie hits the theaters too.  So finding character items to fill his basket was not hard.  But when I started thinking of making a basket for him, I thought a basket is for little kids.  He is not little.  All the baskets we have at home are girlie, or babyish.  I had seen on my feed one day someone used a hat/cap as a basket.  I didn't save it or pay no more attention since I usually do not do baskets for the teen.  But then when I was at the store I found this cool Batman shirt I liked for my son.  I usually buy Christmas and birthday gifts throughout the year when I catch good deals or find clearance.  Both of those just passed and then I had the bright idea of trying to make him a cap/hat basket.

Here is what is in his cap/hat basket:

Basket-My son loves hats/caps.  He has been collecting them since he was little.  It made since to use a cap as a basket.  (I found this hat at Walmart for under $10.  The youth hats/caps are around $5.)  The tricky part was what all could I fit in there?  I actually fit a lot of things in there.

The left picture is the back of the cap where I stuffed it with some of my son's favorite candy.  He is too big to participate in the Easter egg hunts.  He normally helps his sister get eggs and she shares candy with him.  The ones she doesn't like or the ones he asks for.  This way he gets his own candy.  All the candy was found at the dollar store.

The right picture is of the top view where you can see I stuffed 3 rolled up shirts inside the middle of the cap.  Two of the shirts were found at Walmart for under $10, the other was a bit pricey.  This is the one I found at Target, the main reason I was inspired to create this basket for him.  It is a button down, collar Batman shirt that I know he will love. 

The top picture shows a frame I found for his room at Ross.  He has been adding frames to his room for décor, adding to his collection.  He asked me for one recently and when I saw the price told him he was crazy.  Ross has several frames under $10. 

His basket ended up being a bit pricey once you add everything up but they are all items he will be able to use.  You are only a kid once, next year he will be 18 years old.  We are always wishing they would not grow up on us, and wished we could keep them little for ever. 

Do you make your teens baskets?  At what age do you stop?  Have you ever made a cap/hat basket like this?

Easter Basket Ideas for the Littles

This year we are going to be attending more than one Easter egg hunt.  What kid needs all that candy?  Not mine.  So I got a little bit creative with this year's Easter basket from mami and papi.

I normally do not go all out on an Easter basket.  One year I ran out and got a prepackage one that was way over prized.  I hate to admit that all those Pinterest Perfect moms made me feel bad because I did not make my kid a basket, or create something cute.  My daughter is only 4.  I feel I am learning and getting better at this.  No one should make you feel bad that you do or do not get your kid an Easter basket.  If you want to, then do it.  If you don't, then don't.  If you do choose to get your littles basket, it should not break the bank.  I stopped at the dollar store to get some of my goodies.  Here is what I have in the above Easter basket for my Lil Bit:

1)  Basket-This is a recycled basket that I already had.  I actually counted and my daughter has 4 Easter baskets.  These are starting to multiply and I have something to do with it.  So I instead of buying a new basket, I used this one and it happens to be the perfect color I was looking for.

2)  Grass-It is messy.  What do you do with it afterwards?  I actually was at Walmart during my lunch hour and found they have several rollback racks in the middle aisles.  I found cute character t-shirts for $1.00.  I used one of these shirts as my "grass".

3)  Eggs-Every Easter basket needs eggs with wonderful surprises inside.  (I actually got some really cute chick eggs last year on clearance after Easter.  Those were not used in this basket but will be used for one of the egg hunts.)  Since my daughter will be attending several parties, candy is not on my list of goodies in these eggs.  I decided to stuff the eggs with other useful things that my daughter likes, needs, and were the right size.
-kid's nail polish (Disney multi pack)-2 fit perfect in a larger egg, or 1 in a regular size egg
-socks-1 pair fit in the larger size eggs.  My daughter loves colorful socks.  The dollar store carries character socks.  I also thought of doing undies, but we have plenty from back to school time.  Those character undies come in multi packs.  You can probably get 1 in each egg. 
-hair accessories-small hair bows can be used to decorate the basket or they can be placed inside the eggs.  The size of the bow will determine the size of the egg.  The dollar store carries a lot of different hair accessories.

4)  Toys-Most kids always want toys.  My kid does need anymore toys.  Her birthday and Christmas just passed.  We still have gifts that are in the boxes, unused.  I decided to get my daughter a useful toy like chalk.  We have a chalkboard wall in our kitchen.  She loves to color, write, and draw.  I found a big box of chalk at the dollar store and they even had the fancy chalk holders.  My daughter needs this, because she keeps breaking her chalks.  Once they are broken, she does not want them.  This chalk can also be used on the sidewalk perfect for any Spring day.
Movies-If you want to splurge on a big ticket item, why not spend money on something your kiddo will use over and over.  Summer will be here soon enough and my kids love to watch movies.
Plush-I do not do stuff animals.  What do you do with so many stuffed animals?  It is an asthma sufferers hell when those things get all dusty.  Someone has to dust them off.  But I do get the kids small collective figurines, dolls, or action figures.  This year I found a replacement for the little chick my daughter loved.  Both of hers from a previous basket broke, and she loved those little chicks.

Do you get your kids' Easter baskets?  Have you gotten your kiddos baskets ready this year?  What are some things you add to your basket?  I am already thinking about next year's...

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.

Holiday Gift Guide 2015-Stocking Stuffers

***Disclosure-Sample products were received for review..  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experiences. 

Every Christmas I love to give stockings stuffed with goodies to my family.  Growing up we did not get gifts.  The years we did, we really appreciated them.  When I started working I bought everyone lots of gifts to make up for the ones we did not get before.  And that is how the stocking stuffers started as a tradition for us.  Stocking stuffers do not have to be expensive.  They can be small items.  Thoughtful gifts. 
Here are some of my suggestions:

For the Kids-
1)  Peeps has a full line of holiday Peeps that are sure the kiddos will love. 
2)  Kidz Bop has tooth tunes.  My daughter loves her tooth tunes toothbrush. 
3)  Redan Magazines are perfect for the kids to get them into reading. 

For Her-
4)  Luca & Danni has many things to choose from for the lady in your life.
5)  Trudeau has cookie cutters, Daisy wine charms, Flex pot clips, Zest Graters, etc...and so much more.

For Him-
6)  Is he techy?  Monster has plenty of gifts for the guys.

For the Family-
7)  My mother in law loves to get pictures of the kids.  Why not print your favorite picture, favorite memory, or memorable day, and stuff them into the stockings.  The dollar store has frames for a dollar to make it even more special.  The person receiving it can display it in their home.  Capturing a moment is the best gift to share.  Don't have a printer?

Give yourself a gift this year that everyone will enjoy! 

HP Envy All-In-One Printer has a free ink offer.  Got to HP Instant Ink for more information, and don't forget to sign up before Dec 31, 2015.

AdoramaPix Holiday Gift Idea

***Disclosure-I am a USFG member.  This is a compensated post.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Are you looking for a great Christmas gift?  Pictures capture moments and they tell a story.  Have you ever thought about giving this as a gift?

AdoramaPix helps people turn their digital photographs from abstract computer files into beautiful keepsakes designed to last a lifetime.  Their contemporary metal prints capture memories in rich color and vibrant detail.

Because your images are infused right into the metal, and not painted on the surface, their metal prints are extremely durable.  Not only will your metal image be water and weather proof, but scratch resistant as well.  You can even clean it with glass cleaner. Your memories deserve to live in true, archival luxury with AdoramaPix metal prints.

You can find all the fun gift ideas HERE:
http://www.adoramapix.com/app/home/

Independentmami readers get to save 35% off all metal prints by using code: pxusfam35m
 expires 12/15/2015.

Holiday Gift Ideas

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

We love popcorn at our house.  And of course, we love to try new flavors.  Are you ready for this Holiday Season 2015?  I love the holidays.  And yes, I am already thinking of the perfect gifts to get my family. 

KingofPOP.com and its sister site, GourmetGiftBaskets.com, have the NEW HOT FLAVORS of popcorn:

-Pink Himalayan Sea Salt Infused Caramel Popcorn
-Cinnamon Bun Popcorn
-Herb Roasted Vegetables Popcorn
-Buttered Corn On The Cob Popcorn
-Sweet Onion Popcorn
-Garlic Parmesan Popcorn

And if you are looking for gift ideas for this holiday season, check this out:

1. Care Packages-Once the kids grow up, it gets more and more difficult to find the perfect gifts for them.  I have a few nieces and nephews that are in college and care packages are perfect for them.

Ingredients:
• Parmesan Garlic & Herb Pita Chips by Wildcat Mountain 
• Sea Salt Chips by Kettle
• Blue Raspberry Airhead by Van Melle 
• Buffalo Popcorn by KingOfPOP.com 
• Honey Mustard & Onion Pretzel Pieces by Harvey's Pretzels 
• Traditional Chex Mix by General Mills
• Sour Patch Kids by Kraft Foods 
• Strawberry Airhead by Van Melle 
• Pepperoni Pizza Combos by Mars 
• Andy Capp's Cheddar Fries by Conagra Foods 
• Oreo's by Nabisco 
• Plain M&Ms by Mars 
• Rice Krispies Treats by Kellogg's 
• Chocolate Chip Cookies by Kimball Lake Bakery 

I know some people who have too many people to get gifts for, so they stopped giving individual gifts.  This is perfect to send to a family.  There is something for everyone.  And no one will feel left out.

And if you have popcorn lovers in your family, how about sending them popcorn.

Anyone craving Thanksgiving dinner now?  I know some of us wish we could be with our family and I know we can't always do that.  How about sending them a little Thanksgiving Popcorn Feast which includes turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, apple pie, pumpkin pie, and strawberry cheesecake.  

Our favorite was Apple pie...yum!

All of these choices and many more can be found at GourmetGiftBaskets.com and KingOfPop.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!

Last Minute Harley Davidson Christmas Gifts

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

Are you still looking for the perfect gift?  Haven't found just exactly what you are looking for?  I love to give personal gifts, things that make sense to a person I am gifting.  I hate to get unpersonal gifts.  Are people paying attention?  Well I do.

Do you have any motorcycle lovers, especially Harley Davidson?

 Harley-Davidson’s Baddest and Toughest Gift Guide

Winter is here.  Baby is cold outside.  Why not give them some items to keep them warm? 

Harley Davidson has many men's and women's gloves to chose from, just find the right one.

Women's Cable Knit Scarf

$45.00

You don't have to break the bank when buying gifts.   There are many things to chose from that are under $50.

Set of Wine Charms

$35.00

LED Resin Biker Santa Ornament

$20.00

 

Stainless Steel Travel Mug with Handle

$20.00 

Holiday Stocking

$25.00 

You can ship your online orders to your local Harley-Davidson® dealership where you can pick them up—for free.