SodaStream Review - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

The ability to make our own soda and carbonated drinks at home is awesome, and SodaStream certainly makes this possible. Our family had the opportunity to review the Fountain Jet and I can't say enough good things about it.

Personalized Letters from Santa - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Last year I reviewed www.easyfreesantaletter.com. Although my son was too young to appreciate the personalized letter from Santa, I think this year will be very different. He has a better understanding of Christmas, of who Santa is, and how his actions affect consequences. I can't wait to read him his personalized letter this year. Since my review, the company has added a new feature.

Beads Traffic Review - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

In 2000, the creative power behind Maukilo, Alexandra, started the company as a way to offer a wide range of European manufactured toys in the US market. Maukilo offers toys, furniture, and decor from the world's top manufacturers and brands. Maukilo is committed to bringing products that engage children through play that cultivate their cognitive, emotional, and social development.

Gourmet Gift Baskets Christmas Classic Basket Review - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Gourmet Gift Baskets is an online retailer for all your gift basket needs. You can find a gift for everyone on your list for any occasion from holidays to events (baby shower, anniversary, graduation) to thoughtful gestures (sympathy, congratulation, thanks). Their wide variety of products include: snacks, baked goods, gourmet foods, ethnic foods, gluten-free foods, alcohol, sports paraphernalia, flowers, and many more. Gourmet Gift Baskets offer products that can fit any budget with products priced below $50 to over $125. They also offer same day gift delivery for your last minute gift giving needs. The user-friendly website can be easily navigated; you can shop by category, price, occasion, recipient or theme. Their outstanding reputation has garnered recognition in a variety of media from print to television. In addition to providing good quality products, Gourmet Gift Baskets is a proud partner of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and supports community activities through donations.

One Stop Christmas Hop Spotlight: Crafty Kids Creation Cottage

Crafty Kids Playhouses™ is an eco-conscious company that creates toys which stimulate your child's imagination. These award winning playhouses are free of bells and whistles designed to inspire creativity. These toys are not only made with 100% recycled cardboard, but are 100% recyclable after use. Crafty Kids Playhouses™ also offers mini models of their playhouses and eco-friendly art supplies. In addition to providing high quality products, Crafty Kids Playhouses™ is dedicated to fostering children's well-being through the support and donation to The Boys & Girls Clubs of America as well as other children's charities.

ChicoBag® Vita™ Review - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

In 2004, Andy Keller, dismayed by the sight of single-use bags that littered the streets and cluttered the landfill, decided to create a reusable bag. A year and many prototypes later, the first ChicoBag™  was sold on Earth Day in Chico, CA. An industry standard, ChicoBag™ creates reusable bags and packs that are fashionable, lightweight, and compressible in its own integrated pouch. ChicoBag's™ mission is to make a significant decrease in the use of single-use bag by providing superior products and services. From manufacturing to office administration, the company takes pride in reduction processes that minimize their waste impact on the planet.

E-Racer Review - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

The Ultimate Green Store is a one-stop online retailer for all your "green" living needs. This online retailer has an incredible collection of products for eco-conscious shoppers. From household/office items to personal care products, to toys, and pet products, the The Ultimate Green Store has just what you are looking for. Whether you are shopping for yourself or for someone else, this retailer offers products from leading eco-friendly manufacturers and designers. Their focus is on providing their customers with sustainable, natural, organic, recycled, and environmentally safe products without sacrificing style and function. In addition, The Ultimate Green Store also offers other services such as a newsletter, baby and wedding registry, and information on the manufacturers so you know where your products have been. Below are just some of the types of products The Ultimate Green Store carries. Whatever your needs, from daily use products to luxury items, The Ultimate Green Store is a place to find it.

Manzanita Wheel - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

David and Adrienne run Manzanita Kids from their cottage in Seattle. Manzanita Kids specializes in wooden toys designed to nurture creative play. Made with natural materials like birch, walnut, and homemade local beeswax/organic safflower oil, the toys are beautifully handcrafted to meet children's developmental milestones. Parents themselves, David and Adrienne understand the needs of children and created products that are stylish, fun, and safe. They believe in offering unique attractive toys that children not only gravitate to but that enrich their life.

Made with Love Spotlight: Wing Moon

Wing Moon is an up and coming Etsy shop run by Kristin Luna. Her creations are inspired by color, simplicity, music, and fellow artisans. She truly enjoys every single project and loves to create with yarn and beads. Her shop is full of beautiful, unique, and fun items for the entire family. A pet lover herself, Kristin has made amigurumi (crocheted animals) based on the customer's pet. From amigurumi, to jewelry, to scarves, Kristin's attention to detail and passion shows through in her creations.

Made with Love Spotlight: sisters Three

The creative force behind sisters Three are Chasity, Michelle, and Kelly; 3 sisters and mothers. In an effort to supplement their families' incomes, the sisters began creating handmade items for sale. From adorable teddy bears, to beautiful scarves and cowls, to eco baby headbands, all the products are created with love. About to celebrate their first year as an Etsy shop this month, sisters Three has sold over 130 items and garnered 100% positive feedback. Their shop is full of lovely handcrafted items for children, women, and the home.

Keeping Straws From Landfills with Glass Dharma

Disclosure: Sponsored post. All opinion are my own.

One of my favorite things about promoting a product is the advertising. My husband and I were eating out to lunch and he asked a server for a drink refill. She noticed the glass straw sticking out of the cup and immediately asked about it. I told her about Glass Dharma and directed her to the website.

iPad Cover by ciel™ - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Joy Luna is stay at home mom of 3 young boys who loves to create. Environmentally conscious, Joy advocates repurposing items from everyday materials into beautiful accessory pieces she sells on her Etsy shop, ciel™. She uses upcycled fabrics from thrift stores and fabrics donated by family and friends for making elegant totes, wristlets, and hair clips, among other things. The challenge of recycling used materials to create something new and unique inspires her work. Her line of artisan crafted items promotes simplicity, modesty, and practicality.

Holiday Gift Guide coming soon

Starting November 1, I will be posting my Holiday Gift Guide. This year, my focus is on the simple pleasures, highlighting artisan made items and eco-friendly products. I hope you can join me for the next several weeks, as I review and giveaway awesome products for the entire family to enjoy.