Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Hot Kids Toys

So I thought about doing Holiday gift guide for her today but if you have kids or kids to buy for whether they are your on kids or not then you are probably wanting to knock them off your lists first. The hottest toys get hard to find as Christmas gets closer and when you do find them sometimes the prices are jacked up. So kids first, then on to stuff for the ladies and gentleman in the next couple of weeks. :)

Doc McStuffins: Time for your Checkup Talking Doll

 

This toy is hot this year and already hard to find. The cheapest I found it online anywhere was over $50 which in my opinion way to much for this set. If you find it anywhere under $50 and it is on your must have list then grab it before someone else does.

 

 

Lalaloopsy Harmony B Sharp

 

You can find this one on amazon for $45 (as of right now, prices can change quickly on amazon). This is a fairly good deal if you have prime and can get free shipping because they run about $50ish in stores from what I've seen.

 

 

 

 

Monster High Dolls

 

This was on my daughter's list this year. You can still find these pretty cheap if you search around. I seen some at Kohl's for $14.99 just yesterday so if you have a coupon it will save you even more. The hottest monster high dolls are the boy ones, which are so high in price that anyone buying them are out of their minds ($200+?? I don't THINK so). What happened to Barbie? My daughter has tons of Barbie but apparently Monster High is the new it thing.

 

Vtech Switch & Go Dinos

 

I don't know much about boy toys to be quite honest but apparently these little switch and go dinos are pretty popular this year, they are also like the Doc McStuffins and already jacked up in prices online.

 

 

 

Fisher-Price Disney's Jake and The Never Land Pirates

 

 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

 

Speaking of where did barbie go? Well these little turtles that I remember back in my youngster days are back and pretty popular again.

 

 

 

 

I wished I could have provided you with a link to grab up all of these toys but the thing about toy shopping is that you have to search around for the best price whether that be online or in store. Hopefully you can find what you need without paying an arm and a leg, this is why I get my daughter's done in late Oct or early November. haha!


What was on your Toy to buy list this year? Don't have kids or any kids to buy for? What would be on your Santa list if you were a kid again?


My daughter wanted Monster High so that was definitely on our too buy list. The only bad thing (but not really bad) is that my inlaws bought her tons of the Monster High dolls so Santa had to come up with a different game plan. She is also going to be getting the Nabi 2 as well so maybe mommy can have her Nook back. ;)

Ho Ho Holiday Giveaway Reminder!

 

 

Go here to enter!

 

Open to US residents only.

Weekly Wednesday Blog Hop #36

This week's featured blogger is Brittney @ Beauty By Brittney D.

• Grab the button below or add a link somewhere on your blog. This lets others know about the hop so they can hop as well. :) The more the merrier!
• Please visit some link ups and follow if you like them.
• Make some new bloggy friends!!! :)
• This is optional but I would love for you to follow TGL. :)

<center> <a href="http://t-g-life.blogspot.com/search/label/Wow%20Wow%20Wednesday" target="_blank"><img alt="Wow Wow Wednesday with This Girls Life" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/coleman/TGL/wwwbanner.gif"/></a></center>

Tip Tuesday: Breeze through your Morning

It is that time of year where everyone is busy busy busy and a little timesaving tips could come in handy. In the next few weeks through the end of the year Tip Tuesday is going to be full of tips on saving time.

• Skip washing your hair if you washed it yesterday. You don't have to wash your hair daily and it's actually better for your hair if you don't.

• Plan out your outfit the night before, including shoes and jewelry.

• Got kiddos? Get up at least a half hour early so that you feel less frazzled in the morning and you have a little you time to have a cup of coffee, check your email, etc.

• Makeup Junkie? Limit your makeup products during the week for an easy and quick look.

• One bathroom dilemma? Stagger your wake up times so no one is fighting to brush their teeth.

• Don't forget the essentials... Make a designated spot for your keys, purse, phone, school bags, etc.

• Listen to your fave song on the way to work or before you start your day, it will put you in a good mood.

What is your go to thing to do in the morning to save some time?

Review: The Chalk Shop

Are you spending any time Cyber Monday shopping today? If so check out this great little shop on Etsy called The Chalk Shop.

 

They make all kinds of cute chalk designs which can be used on sidewalks or chalkboards.

 

They also come packaged so they make great gifts too.

 

My daughter was thrilled to get some princess themed chalk that I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to go back and order some for stocking stuffers as well. They would be great for that or even party favors.

 

Check out all the different themes they can do.

 

 

 

 

Omgoodness! Love the owls!! They can even do custom made orders so you can have them just the way you like.

 

I give this company 4 stars. I love all the cute chalk designs. They are a little pricey compared to regular ole chalk sticks so that really is my only con but sometimes just plain ole chalk isn't as fun as Lego's, owls, trucks, and prinecess'.  ;)

 

 

 

 

 

The Chalk Shop

 

 

A DIY chalkboard like this and some of these cute chalks would make the perfect gift for a kid or even a home decor lover like myself. Super cute!

 

 

 

 

Chalk c/o The Chalk Shop. The views and opinions expressed on this review are purely my own.

 

 

 

Holiday 2012 Gift Guide: Shop Small Under $50

The second annual “Small Business Saturday” will take place tomorrow on November 26th as part of the national movement to support local and small businesses during the busiest shopping season of the year. The marketing initiative encourages shoppers to shop small businesses the day after Black Friday.

 

Here are some great ideas for shopping small online this weekend.

 

 

 

Two lovers custom initial necklace

$34.50

 

 

Men's wallet dark blue tweed

$24.90

 

Hardwood Round Stacker Toy

$29.95

 

 

Vinyl Quote

$25.00

 

 

2-Sided Initial/Date Pillow

$35.00 

 

 

Are you shopping small this weekend?

 

 

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

 

I am thankful for...

 

My Lord... for he is in control and I trust in him

 

My good health... You never know what tomorrow will bring but today I'm thankful for living another day.

 

My husband and daughter.... They are my world and without them I wouldn't be me.

 

My extended family... My husband and I are both blessed to have such great parents who adore and cherish their children and grandchildren. We also have some pretty great brothers/aunts/uncles..etc :) I couldn't ask for a better family or inlaws.

 

My friends... They always had my back even when we live miles and states apart.

 

My 2 crazy dogs... Who have both loved me and been right by my side through the toughest times of my life.

 

Those who serve (military, police, fire, etc)... your sacrifice does not go unnoticed in this house.

 

My blog & YOU... I have had so much fun this past year and all you guys are great.

 

Being a stay at home parent... I am blessed! Having this opportunity has allowed me to spend precious time with my always growing daughter and the ability to pursue my own goals.

 

Being financially secure... We aren't rich but we have what we need and then some.

 

Being an American... Our country may not be perfect but I love it just the same.

 

Facebook... It sounds silly but It has allowed me to stay in touch with all of my great friends.

 

The hard times... Another one that sounds silly but the hard times have made me stronger. It also makes the good times that much better.

 

Hope... that tomorrow will be better for those who struggle today.

 

 

What are you thankful for?

Weekly Wednesday Blog Hop #35

This week's featured blogger is Lucy @ Simply Blushed.

 

• Grab the button below or add a link somewhere on your blog. This lets others know about the hop so they can hop as well. :) The more the merrier!
• Please visit some link ups and follow if you like them.
• Make some new bloggy friends!!! :)
• This is optional but I would love for you to follow TGL. :)

<center> <a href="http://t-g-life.blogspot.com/search/label/Wow%20Wow%20Wednesday" target="_blank"><img alt="Wow Wow Wednesday with This Girls Life" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/coleman/TGL/wwwbanner.gif"/></a></center>

BARGAIN ALERT: Rugs @ 75% off

This is for my readers who love home decor as much as me. :)

 

Black Friday Deal!

Get 75% off already low prices at RugsUSA.com with special code BLACK75 plus FREE shipping!!

I have been wanting a chevron rug for awhile but couldn't justify spending hundreds of dollars on one. I got one today 5x8 size for $41. Sweet!!

Tip Tuesday: Thanksgiving Tips

Hosting Thanksgiving this year at your home?

Here are some super simple tips to keep it going smoothly and not so stressful.

1. Plan ahead

If you can prepare certain dishes ahead of time, do it. I plan to start prepping tomorrow night so all I really have to do is pop it in the oven. There are also some dishes like desserts that can be cooked even a day early and be a-ok for the next day.

2. Don't try to please everybody

You are hosting Thanksgiving so make your menu, don't take dinner orders. If others want a specific dish have them bring it. It is ok to enlist help. We have always done a potluck sort of Thanksgiving where my brothers and their wives would bring a couple dishes, my aunt would bring a couple, etc.

3. Keep the kiddos occupied

Give the kids small jobs to do like folding napkins or setting the table. Yes, they like to help too. It's also a good idea to have something fun planned like games or a craft project for after dinner otherwise they will make up their own fun thing to do, usually running around screaming.

4. Relax

You are with family, it's ok if something is running late and dinner doesn't happen right at the time you told everyone. Don't feel like you have to entertain everyone either. People know how to chat amongst themselves. Just smile and wave... haha.. Enjoy!!