Nov 272016
 

Christmas tree decorating traditions are some of my most favorite holiday traditions.  From hiking out with my Dad and brothers to cut the family Christmas tree to some of the new traditions I’ve adopted since marrying there are plenty of tree decorating memories to make me smile.

5 Christmas Tree Decorating Traditions that you can easily try with your own family.

In the past Bubbles has looked at the Christmas tree with awe and wanted to touch each ornament as it was hung.  This year she was even more excited to participate in decorating process.  Thank you to Hallmark for sending us new ornaments to compliment our Christmas tree decorating traditions. Continue reading »

Dec 082014
 

The year I was born I became part of a very special family tradition.  That year my Grandmother gave me my first Hallmark Keepsake Ornament.  Each year after that I received a new one; some years she selected one for me, some years I was able to share a little input on my favorites.

Our family Christmas tree decorated with Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments

Fast forward 36 years and those ornaments – including that Baby’s First Christmas one – grace my tree.  And in addition to capturing special moments and interests from each year, that was the goal.  That by the time I (and later my brothers and cousins) grew up and moved out on our own we wouldn’t have a bare Christmas tree. Continue reading »

Nov 102014
 

This Hallmark Northpole #NorthpoleFun shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

Last year when we went to Maine to visit my family I also was excited to see my friend Em.  Em was one of my best friends in high school and even though we don’t get to talk every day, it’s still the kind of friendship where we text each other when our favorite movie is on TV.  And when we do have the chance to get together, it’s still an easy conversation.

Baking Across the Miles with Hallmark Northpole Gifts

 

Em has a sweet (and super-smart) daughter named Cam. Cam is 10 and when her mom came to visit at the house where I was staying, Cam came along.  It was actually great because Cam and Bubbles played together while we got caught up on each other’s lives.  (By the way, if you happen to be the aforementioned Em – stop reading here, please). Continue reading »

Sep 072013
 

I received a review copy of The Sweeter Side of Life and Meddling Mom in order to facilitate my review.  All thoughts and words are my own.

I share a lot of movies with you all, many of which are specifically for the kiddos or the whole family.  But sometimes moms need a little chick flick break, so today I thought I’d share a new double feature available from the Hallmark Channel.  The DVD includes Meddling Mom and The Sweeter Side of Life.

The Hallmark Channel Double Feature Meddling Mom & The Sweeter Side of Life

I had to start with The Sweeter Side of Life for two reasons.  One, it stars Kathryn Morris who played Detective Lilly Rush in Cold Case, which was one of my favorite shows in the mid-2000s.  And two, it’s about baking, which is one of my favorite things to do when I get a little free time. Continue reading »

Jan 222013
 

Hallmark Valentine’s Gifts for Kids

Hallmark Valentine's Gifts for Kids

When you hear Valentine’s Day it’s natural to think about a spouse or significant other and the flowers, chocolates, and dinners out that may come with the day.  But let’s not forget about the kiddos!  We tell our children every day that we love them but Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to go just a little further and do something extra-special for them.

What’s more special for your child than to be able to hear your voice whenever they want?  That’s exactly the concept behind the “Until We Hug Again” bear and bunny.  They’re also great for family members that live in other parts of the country, need to travel over the holiday, or for moms and dads that are currently deployed.  The bear and bunny are incredibly sweet and soft and make the perfect vessel for your personal greeting.  As soon as Bubbles saw it she squealed “Teddy!” and decided he was her new best friend.  I managed to hold on to it long enough to record her a little message and she’s been fascinated to hear my voice every time she hugs him. Continue reading »