Need a last minute gift idea - make it!

I've been doing a little blog hoppin' today looking for ideas for

next years handmade Christmas.  Some years I do more, some years less.

This year, I will be making 2 wreaths, a scarf and an apron.  Everything

else God provided from doing reviews & giveaways.  Isn't that awesome?

Tutorials you might want to check out!

Stephanie @ Home has a darling tutorial for Holiday Coasters.  Check 'em out:

I'm sharing an easy way to make holiday coasters, 

which are as festive as they are practical, for as little as $1.50.

Mallory - has a darling set of Snowman Coasters:

How adorable are these little guys?? Total cost for a set of 4 is about $2. 

They are so cute and super easy to make! I just used some 4"x4" tiles from 

Lowes for 36 cents each, stamped the snowman on it, painted over with a 

layer of craft polyurethane, and added 4 little felt feet to the bottom so they 

don't scratch any surfaces. The felt feet can be found at the Dollar Tree. I 

made a bunch of these to sell at a local Arts Center and will also be giving 

them away for Christmas presents. Cute and easy...love it!

Coffee Filter Trees

Welcome to The Little Brown House!

I promised in my Christmas Mantle post that I would do a tutorial

of the Coffee Filter trees I featured, and here it is.

My first Coffee Filter project was last spring, when I made my

Brown Coffee Filter Wreath

Christmas Popcorn Garland

Hoosier Homemade has some great ideas on decorating mantels.  Now, I

don't have a mantel but you can also use some of these ideas for decorating 

the top of your sideboard, entertainment center, lower bookcases, etc.

Snowflake Specimen Art

Isn't this darling?  It's made from those little foam snowflakes

that you can purchase for kids crafts.  Gotta be honest, I've always

wondered what to do with those!  And I like that it can be up until

Valentine's Day.

  

Luke 2 Picture and Subway Art - Luke 2

I found many of these ideas here: Christmas Craft Link Party

10 New Year’s Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

Posted on December 14, 2010 by admin

New Year's is a time for starting fresh and setting goals that you'd like to accomplish. For many people this comes in the form of New Year's resolutions. Get fit, stop smoking, learn a new language and lose 30 pounds are just a few of the popular resolutions that just never seem to come to fruition. Instead of making promises you can't keep again this year, face the reality and start making resolutions that are within your means. Here are 10 New Year's resolutions you can actually keep:

1. Be Nicer to People: Being nicer to people is something we can all realistically do more often. This New Year's resolution doesn't require you to donate to a charity every month or compliment every person you see on the street, but just be kinder to people. Simply saying hello and goodbye to people, watching what you say before you blurt out an insult and lending a helping hand to someone, even when it's inconvenient for you, are all realistic examples of being nicer to people.
2. Get More Sleep: One New Year's resolution you could actually keep is getting more sleep. It will certainly require some effort on your part to finish tasks early so you can make it to bed at a decent time, but it's not an impossible feat either. Your body and mind will appreciate the extra Zs, and getting more sleep can actually help you accomplish your other resolutions much easier.
3. Give Blood: If you'd like to give back to the community in a big way but cannot commit to being a volunteer, why not give blood? Giving blood is a terrific selfless act that makes a huge difference in people's lives. Your donation of one pint can save up to three lives and you can give blood every 56 days if you want. Even if you only donate a couple times a year, it's still more than what the average American donates. Your New Year's resolution will save lives; and it doesn't get much better than that.
4. Indulge in Moderation: So many people make grandiose New Year's resolutions, like quit drinking and stop eating junk food, but cannot stick to them. These resolutions are not realistic for the average person because we all like to indulge every once in a while. You'll have a better chance at limiting your alcohol and junk food intake if you do it in moderation. It's highly unlikely that someone who enjoys red wine, chocolate and pizza are going to be able to give it up cold turkey, so let yourself indulge in moderation for a more realistic approach to healthier eating.
5. Floss Regularly: Flossing your teeth and gums regularly is a New Year's resolution you can certainly keep up with. Obviously if you have to add it to your resolutions list, it's not the easiest habit to develop, but it's not impossible to get better at. For a couple extra minutes every morning or night, start flossing before you brush your teeth. Regular flossing has many oral health benefits, such as preventing cavities, removing plaque, preventing bad breath and giving you a better teeth cleaning.
6. Stop Overspending: Do you really need expensive shoes, the latest cell phone or the hottest car on the block? Probably not. You may or may not be able to afford these luxuries, but that doesn't mean overspending isn't a problem. If you genuinely want to save money and manage your debt debt, you should stop overspending as a New Year's resolution. If you stop overspending and start living within your means, it will make a world of difference for your finances and state of mind. It may require the help of a financial advisor or a patient friend, but stopping overspending is a realistic New Year's resolution you can actually keep.
7. Do Your Best at Work: Many New Year's resolutions include finding a better job, but in this tough economic climate, the employed should be so lucky to simply have a job. If you really want to maximize your potential and better your career, make a resolution to do your very best at work. There may be additional responsibilities you could take on, or maybe you could stay late to help out a coworker. If you're unsure about how you can do better than you already are, ask your boss and I'm sure they'd be happy to tell you and impressed that you asked.
8. Do Exercises that Make You Happy: Exercising is almost always on everyone's New Year's resolutions list and it's usually followed by 'lose 20 pounds.' If you really want to start exercising regularly and see weight loss results, you may need to tweak your resolutions a little. Instead of simply putting exercise, try doing exercises that make you happy. With the amount of exercises and workout classes available today, you shouldn't waste your time doing exercises that frustrate you or make you feel less than stellar. It doesn't matter if you prefer long-distance running, yoga or weightlifting; if you do what makes you happy you'll be more likely to exercise regularly.
9. Recycle: If you want to do something good for the environment and actually stick to it this year, make recycling your New Year's resolution. Recycling is a realistic resolution you can keep up with, especially if your recyclables can be picked up at your house. Even if you don't have that convenience, you may not have to drive far to recycle plastic, paper, glass, aluminum and other recyclable products. To ensure that you follow this resolution, designate a bin or box for recycling so that family and guests know where to put their recyclables and nothing goes to waste.
10. Give More Affection: If you aren't the most affectionate person and want to start giving more hugs every day, you can make this one of your realistic New Year's resolutions. It's not too terribly hard to give more affection every day and it doesn't have to be physical either. A smile, kind words and spending time with friends are other easy examples of showing affection to those you care about.

Original post on: http://www.toponlinecolleges.com/blog/2010/10-new-years-resolutions-you-can-actually-keep/  and offered to Holiday Traditions.  Thanks!

M&M Nativity Legend, Recipe and Printable - Activity

My Computer is my Scrapbook has the cutest Family Activity

(or perfect Secret Santa/Cookie Exchange) to work on.

Check this out:

If you haven't every heard of the M&M Nativity Legend... you are in for a real treat (literally)! It's a very cute manger legend and you can go to My Computer Is My Scrapbook for a FREE printable sheet for you to give and share!  

You get to make darling little cookies (and you kids will LOVE helping you) and add them to a baggie or a box to give away.

Cookie Exchange on Tuesday

 

Every year we have a Cookie Exchange at work and every year I make my Salted Nut Rolls.  It's the only time I make these.  Why?  Let's me count 'em off:


1. High Calorie - but, oh so good!  YUM!
2. I LOVE these - and could eat the whole pan.  Which is why when I make 'em - I make people take home the left overs!
3. Kind of pricey - but well worth the cost!

My grandma has been making these since I was teen.  And one of the first recipes I asked her for.  She usually makes them up in advance and keeps them in the freezer and then pulls them out when she needs them.  Here's the recipe:

Crust:

1/2 cup margarine, softened

2/3 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cups flour

2 egg yolks

1 teas vanilla

1/2 teas baking powder

1/4 teas baking soda

1/4 teas salt

Cream the margarine and brown sugar just till combined.  Be sure to not melt the butter as I think that makes the crust flaky and that's not good.  Add the rest of the ingredients and mix till crumbly.  Press into a 9x13 pan and bake for 12-15 minutes just until very lightly browned.

Pour 3 cups of miniature marshmallows on top and return to the oven for 1-2 minutes or until marshmallows are puffy (not browned).  Remove and cool the crust.

Topping:

Melt in a pan and combine, you'll want to stir this as it melts:

10 ounces peanut butter chips

2/3 cup corn syrup

1/4 cup butter

2 teas vanilla

When combined stir in and then pour over the crust:

2 cups rice crispies

2 cups salted peanuts

You can then put this in the fridge for a couple of hours till it completely sets.  I personally don't put it in the fridge as my apartment is always so cold.  But you can if you want.  Don't cut into it until it is completely set.  

Note: peanuts - make sure you get the ones with out the little papery skins on them and you'll want to purchase them in the bag not in the can.  They aren't quite as extremely salty as the ones in the can are.

Giveaway > Stocking Stuffer Ideas from Carolina Pad

We have our Winner = Karren said... 28  I'm following on FB Family Literacy

Karren has 24 hours to contact me back so her items can be shipped for Christmas

Carolina Pad has the neatest products - I used the stickies, posterboards, notebooks, organizers, paperclips, etc to decorate my office at work and at home.  I love to use the posterboard sheets to post family pictures (and then I laminate them) around my office at work.  I've been using Carolina Pad items for the last couple of years - their sturdy, bright, colorful, fun, stylish, and eye catching.


My niece Katie (age 8) has asked for "office supplies" for the last couple of years for her birthday or Christmas. She loves to play "office", loves all the little things like staplers, notebooks, file cabinets with neat hanging file folders, notebooks - you get the idea.

Stocking Stuffers:
If you have a little girl or boy who love to "pretend" why not fill their stockings with Carolina Pad items?  You could get a "briefcase (laptop tote)" and fill it with office supplies like these:

  

Take a laptop tote and fill it with a notebook, pens, pencils, markers

stickies, a mini stapler, ruler and paper clips. 

Put the pens, ruler, markers in a pencil case.  And you ready to go!

Be sure to put a journal in your Tween & Teen's Stocking!

Writing and composing is so very important - and every girl should have a diary!

  and don't forget a pen!

Carolina has very generously offered a $25 gift certificate to one of my readers.  Now this is going to be FAST contest since they need to have the winners information by the 16th.  

Mandatory:

Go to CarolinaPad.com and check out their website.  What would you like to get if YOU win the Gift Certificate?

Optional:

*** Pls note: These entries are completely voluntary - you can do none or all 

• Follow Carolina Pad on Facebook.  Be sure to leave a comment on your FB page or Hearthsong's page including the link to this post and leave your link with your comment. (+2)
• Follow Carolina Pad on Twitter.
• Follow ME on Twitter and leave a tweet.  You can post 2x's a day and be sure to leave me the link so I can follow you if I'm not and also I'll need to check for it when I draw the lucky winner!  "WIN a $25 GC to Carolina Pad - great 4 stocking stuffers! http://ning.it/eVdm82  @familyliteracy #giveaways, #christmas, @familyliteracy" (+2) Post up to 2x's a day for +2 entries each.
• Follow me on Facebook, Blogs: Family Literacy and You, and GivingNSharing  (+1 entry each, pls leave me your sign on name so I can follow you back)

This contest will run until 12/14 @ 10 pm and then the winner will be drawn by Random.org.  Once the winner is drawn and notified they will have 48 hours to contact me with their contact information.  Winner must provide a street address (no PO Boxes) and not have been a Carolina Pad winner in the last 90 days   Be sure to send your friends a link about this awesome giveaway!  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received several product samples for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Today's Events:

  

Hi everyone - I hope you are all having a great week!  Today (or tomorrow depending on when you're reading this) is our annual Holiday Party for work.  We are closing the office at 11:30 and all meeting at Dave & Barry's for lunch, gift exchange and games.  I found this really cute ornament for the gift exchange - it's a clear ornament ball with a cute santa inside that looks like a glass Christopher Radko ornament.

I think I might need to "steal" this one during the game.  A gift can be "stolen" 3 times - so hopefully I can get my hands on it.

Have you had or are you going to any Holiday Parties this year?

Giveaway> Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Kit

We have our winner - Lisa said... 17  I follow HearthSong on Facebook under Lisa Berkery. Entry 1

Lisa has 24 hours to contact me back so it can be shipped in time for Christmas!

I am amazed how popular Friendship Bracelets still are!  Now when I was a kid it was the "Friendship Pins" - remember those?  Then it was the Friendship Bracelets and believe it or not they are still popular and fun to make.  I received the Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Kit from Hearthsong.com not to long ago.  The kit comes in a cute case that contains 22 colors of floss, 4 wheels, 2 different colors of beads, gold and silver thread, needle and step-by-step instructions. 


I thought at first when I looked at the directions that it was going to be a lot harder to learn how to make the Friendship Bracelets.  Actually once I sat down it took about 10 minutes to figure out.  The 4 wheels that come in the kit are designed so that you just follow the instructions.  With basically just a few moves that are repeated throughout the instructions you can make your bracelets in no time.  The thing I had the most trouble with was how long it took to make a bracelet.  


Check out the video on the website:





This is the perfect gift for girls for birthdays, Christmas and would be great on a car trip.  If your kids like color and beads, have some dexterity, small motor skills and the ability to stay on task they'll like this.  It does take quite a while to make a bracelet, but once they have the basic idea and motions down they can do this while watching TV, in the car or if they just need to keep their hands busy. You can easily refill the floss when you run out and you'll want to make sure you get some variegated floss and floss with glitter or sparkles in it.
You can purchase the Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Kit on Hearthsong.com for $24.99.  You'll receive everything you need to make bracelets.  Kids can make them to give to friends as gifts, they can use them as fundraisers to earn something they would really like to have or to raise money for a group or charity they care about.
Hearthsong.com is giving a Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Kit to one of my readers. Here's what you need to do to enter:
Mandatory Entry:Go to Hearthsong.com and tell me what you would love to give to the kid on your christmas list.  Leave a link so we can all see what caught your eye.

*** Pls leave your email address on EACH comment so I can contact you if you WIN ***

Optional:

*** Pls note: These entries are completely voluntary - you can do none or all 

• Follow Hearthsong.com on Facebook.  Be sure to leave a comment on your FB page or Hearthsong's page including the link to this post and leave your link with your comment. (+2)
• Follow ME on Twitter and leave a tweet.  You can post 2x's a day and be sure to leave me the link so I can follow you if I'm not and also I'll need to check for it when I draw the lucky winner!  "WIN a Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Kit - great 4 birthdays & holidays http://ning.it/hkYtfF  @familyliteracy #giveaways, #christmas, #KIDS" (+2) Post up to 2x's a day for +2 entries each.
• Follow me on Facebook, Blogs: Family Literacy and You, and GivingNSharing  (+1 entry each, pls leave me your sign on name so I can follow you back)

This contest will run until 12/14 @ 10 pm and then the winner will be drawn by Random.org.  Once the winner is drawn and notified they will have 48 hours to contact me with their contact information.  Winner must provide a street address (no PO Boxes) and not have been a Hearthsong winner in the last 90 days   Be sure to send your friends a link about this awesome giveaway!  
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Kit for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The "Community" Christmas episode everyone will be talking about!

I was given the opportunity to preview the new Claymation "Community" Christmas episode tonight and requested to blog my thoughts on the show.  I wasn't really sure what to expect since I've never seen the show "Community" sitcom.  


The new Claymation Christmas episode is similar to the old Christmas shows "Frosty the Snowman", "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and the "Easter Bunny" show (sorry don't remember the name of that one).  The story is based on one of the characters wondering what the meaning of Christmas is and his friends are worried about him and decide to try to help him.  Why?  Because he is Muslim, wondering what Christmas is all about.  


This is not your typical Christmas special.  The characters in the show are Christian, Jewish, Muslim and I think one of them may even be atheist (although that's never said, it was just a feeling I got).  There is no mention of faith except in one phrase sung by Yvette Nicole Brown (Shirley) who sings about Baby Jesus.  The only mention of the Jewish faith is pointing out the Menorah and of course the main character in this particular episode is Muslim.  That is the extent of talking about the True Meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah and Ramadan.
I didn't particularly like the show or not.  It was a relief that there wasn't a lot of language or sexual innuendo (can you imagine?).  It's just a light comedy about Christmas and a shallow discussion of what "Christmas" is.  I wouldn't worry about kids watching the show - they'll probably enjoy the Claymation and watching a new holiday special.
Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas (rated PG) Thursday night December 9th (8/7pm) on NBC. 

If you'd like to learn more about the sitcom, click here to check out their website.

The reason for the season?

Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.

See the PC Police had taken away
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a ' Holiday '

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!

Please, all Christians join together and
wish everyone you meet
MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!
If you agree please click "Share", if not, simply ignore.

~ Anonymous

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball 

by Donita K Paul

ISBN: 9780307458995

Available in Hardcover or eBook

Categories: Fiction - Christian - Romance

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball is the story of Cora and Simon. An old fashioned story living in the modern world. Two Christians celebrating Christmas in a slightly different way. The story opens with Cora, a new Christian, trying to live the "good" life, managing her life with strict rules of right and wrong, wondering why some families have it so good and why hers is so dysfunctional.

The story opens with Cora and Simon inadvertently meeting at the Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s bookstore on a little used snow covered street that no one seems to know is there. They each purchase a book and find a mysterious ticket to The Wizard's Ball. 

I found the book enjoyable although the end of the book is predictable.  It does approach the subject of the “Wizard’s” Ball from a Christian standpoint and while I didn’t have any issues with it being called that, some may.  Really the only place a “wizard” is present is in the name of the ball and the fact that no one seems to see this little street that appears and where the ball, shops and characters of the ball take place.

This book would be a delightful gift for kids 11+.  It would even be fun for a mother to read with her daughters at bedtime.  I’m rating this book as a 4.5 or Perfect Stocking Stuffer! 


Read Chapter 1
Learn more about: Donita K Paul

You can purchase Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball for $10.19 from Amazon if interested.  Remember if you purchase $25 in (most) products you will get FREE shipping.  This book would be an ideal gift for someone that enjoys reading, a teen girl, a Secret Santa gift or as a Hostess gift.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball for review purposes from http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."


If you liked my review you can rate it here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/view/560 Thanks so much!

The Christmas Chronicles - Book Review/Giveaway

The Christmas Chronicles, The Legend of Santa Claus
By: Tim Slover
Hardcover, 176 pages
ISBN: 9780553808100


What would you do if you had irrefutable proof that Santa Claus existed? Tim Slover has a written a wonderful book guaranteed to become a Christmas classic.  The Christmas Chronicles is the story of Klaus, a child born in 1343, orphaned and adopted by a craftsman's guild to grow up to become a master woodworker.  This book will tell you the story of a man with compassion and love for the children in his village, his country and eventually the world.


The Christmas Chronicles is a book packed with action and danger.  Yes, there is a bad guy in this Christmas story.  Rolf Eckhof, filled with jealousy, envy and hatred, will stop at nothing to stop Klaus from doing good.  Ultimately he turns into a evil spirit as his jealousy and anger take over.  


You can read a excerpt:
_________________________________________________________
Chapter One
Klaus the Carpenter

The man whom legend calls Santa Claus was born simply Klaus. He was the first and only child of a skilled carpenter and his good wife, both of whom, I am sorry to say, died when the Black Death came to their village at the foot of Mount Feldberg in the Black Forest in 1343. Little Klaus, barely out of babyhood then, had no other family, and so he was adopted by the Worshipful Guild of Foresters, Carpenters, and Woodworkers. It was very unusual for the Guild to adopt a child, but Klaus's father had been a much-loved member, and so they did it. Of course, the Masters of the Guild were extremely preoccupied with their work of making plows and houses and clock gears--many, many things were made of wood in those days--and they really did not have the time to rear Klaus. So, mostly, they didn't. They gave him plenty of food, which he liked very much. They gave him old carpenter's tools instead of toys. And they gave him genial, distracted pats on the head whenever he came within range--benign neglect. It was a very satisfactory arrangement.

It is not surprising that Klaus became a very fine worker of wood. (click to continue)
_________________________________________________________


I found The Christmas Chronicles to be a very good book - in fact I stayed up til 3 am reading it! With 176 pages and 7 chapters, you could read several pages or even a chapter each night with your kids and finish it in plenty of time for Christmas.  So, start a new tradition this year and begin reading The Christmas Chronicles.


You can purchase your own copy of The Christmas Chronicles on Amazon for $10.88.  You won't be sorry that you purchased this wonderful book - it'll be a great addition to your personal library.  It makes a great gift too.

** Giveaway Alert! **

Tim Slover and Pump Up Your Book is hosting a giveaway for one of my readers. YAY!  This giveaway is open to the US and Canada.  


Mandatory Entry: 
Follow Holiday Traditions on GFC and leave a comment with your sign on name.  If you have a blog, please leave your blog address so I can you back!  


*** Be sure to add your email address on all comments so I can contact you if you win ***


Optional entries:  Just a couple that you can enter - IF you want to!  (Pls leave 1 comment per entry: +2=2 entries)

• Follow Holiday Traditions on Facebook or Networked Blogs (+1 each)
• Follow GivingNSharing on GFC, Networked Blogs (+1 each)
• Follow Family Literacy on GFC, Networked Blogs (+1 each)
• Follow ME on Twitter and Tweet the following: (+2 each time, you can tweet up 2 times a day, 4 hours apart)  "Start a NEW Tradition with The Christmas Chronicles by Tim Slover - Giveaway ends 12/8, http://ning.it/e1kovK #literacy #family #giveaway"

This contest will run until 12/8 @ 10 pm and then the winner will be drawn by Random.org.  Once the winner is drawn and notified they will have 48 hours to contact me with their contact information.  Winner must provide a street address (no PO Boxes & be in the US or Canada).  Be sure to send your friends a link about this awesome giveaway!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of The Christmas Chronicles for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

... Featuring Norah Jones

This is a great gift for someone who loves a mixture of music - there's a little jazz, country, hip hop - lots of old favorites and some new ones too. I really loved the Norah & Ray Charles duet!

Fish Sticks - Game Review/Giveaway

Fish Stix Board Game

A visual strategy game that’s fun for kids of different ages to play together.

Peaceable Kingdom is a company that specializes in toys and games that encourages and enhances the learning process for kids Preschool through Jr High and beyond.  All of their products have one thing in common – they nourish children’s hearts, eyes, minds, and funny bones!  

They are dedicated to producing original high-quality products that are manufactured in socially-responsible facilities, use recycled and FSC certified paper in 100% of our cards and envelopes, support the local community by volunteering in the schools and our larger world by donating to charitable organizations that support the lives of children.


I was sent one of their games to try with my nephew Brett (age 7) and we played it over Thanksgiving at mom & dad's and I'll be honest, I was a little concerned about him being able to play it but as we all know kids are sometimes much smarter than grown ups.  Brett is very detail oriented and has a really good attention span.  (In fact, the kid's did better than the grown ups.)


Fish Stix is a game that is a cross between dominoes and concentration.  The game involves a lot of matching not only the design of the fish but also the direction they are "swimming".  Visual and Spatial reasoning along with strategy skills are reinforced during the game and it's also a good introduction to basic math skills for young players.

Watch this:

Details:

Fish Stix is a game for children 6-12 years old and can be played with 2-4 players.  No reading is required and if you have younger children you can either have them play with you or you can 'tweak' the game to fit their ability.  (Perhaps count all "like" fish in a row no matter if they are facing the same direction).  Fish Stix has won the following awards: Parents' Choice 2009 Gold Award, Dr. Toy 10 Best Games of 2009, and Dr. Toy 100 Best Products of 2009.

You can purchase Fish Stix online for $14.99.  I was really impressed with how fast the game came and loved the colors and sturdiness of the pieces. The kids I played with (Brett & Kaden) both loved the game and it was a lot of fun to watch them double check each other's work and kind of egg each other on.  

Peaceable Kingdom is offering one of my readers a game of Fish Stix of their very own!  

How can you WIN a Fish Stix Game of your very own?

Mandatory:  Like Peaceable Kingdom on Facebook and leave them a note saying that I sent you with the link to this post.  Leave a comment on this post with your sign-on name as I do check for it.

Optional entries:  Just a couple that you can enter - IF you want to!  (Pls leave 1 comment per entry: +2=2 entries)

• Go to Peaceable Kingdom and look around.  Tell us a game or another item you would love to have.
• Follow ME on Facebook and post a message about my giveaway with a link to this post. (+2)
• Follow ME on GFC & networked blogs (If you already do, let me know, it still counts) (+1)
• Follow ME on Twitter and tweet: "WIN a Game from Peaceable Kingdom during the 12 Days of Christmas! http://ning.it/g4hVse, #christmas #family #giveaways RT @familyliteracy" (+2 entries, you can tweet this up to 2x's a day for 2 entries each)
• Enter any of my other active giveaways on this blog and receive an entry for each one (listed top of the left column). Tell me in your comment which one it is.  (+1 entry)

** Pls leave your email address on EACH comment 

so I can contact you if you WIN **

This contest will run until 12/8 @ 10 pm and then the winner will be drawn by Random.org.  Once the winner is drawn and notified they will have 48 hours to contact me with their contact information.  Winner must provide a street address (no PO Boxes & be in the continental US).  Be sure to send your friends a link about this awesome giveaway!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the Fish Stix game for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."