Holiday Sales at Jewlr.com!

Still time to get some fabulous gifts from Jewlr.com. Shop the quick ship collection for all items guaranteed to be delivered before Christmas with FREE shipping. 
 

If you need help choosing the perfect gift, Jewlr has created a Gift Guide to help. 

Use coupon code HOLIDAY2012 for 10% Off everything at Jewlr. Check out my reviews on Jewr Infinity ring and also my family ring. 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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5 Tips to Avoid Holiday Over Spending

15 days and counting. I have heard my son tell me almost daily how many days left until Christmas since about 59 days until Christmas. With the holidays coming, a lot of planning around what to get friends and family which can be very overwhelming and hard on our budgets. Don't get caught this year with the of guilt, remorse or the ‘holiday shopping hangover’. I have a few tips that may help.

Before I share my 5 tips for avoiding the Holiday Shopping Hangover I wanted to share some survey stats that were recently taken by Mobilicity. 

• 58% of Canadians say they spend more than they should during the holidays
• 59% find themselves making impulse purchases. 
• Young Canadians (under 35), women and households with children are at the greatest risk of suffering from the ‘holiday shopping hangover.’
  1 in 5 Canadians identify themselves as ‘binge shoppers’ saying their holiday shopping is a whirlwind activity that packs a lot into a short period of time. 
• Out of these ‘binge shoppers’, 71% say they tend to spend more than they should.
• 70% are not planning on using a variety of apps/features on their mobile phone to help with their holiday shopping, even amidst the growing number of apps that do everything from scanning product barcodes to locating retailers with the best prices to organizing store loyalty cards. 
• 46% of young Canadians said they plan on using their mobile phones as their holiday shopping sidekick this season.  

Now my tips on getting through the holiday spending and coming out feeling good amount your gifts to family and friends and your wallet will still love you! 

1. Budget - This is the first and very most important step in avoiding the Holiday Shopping Hangover. I have learned this the hard way and now have another way that I shop for the Holidays. As we approach the gift giving season I figure out how much we can afford to spend without using credit. If you can, start saving at the beginning of the year and put the money into a jar or envelope marked for presents. I make a "budget" of how much we can spend based on our monthly budgets. Then I decide how much we will spend on each person on our list.

2. Plan - Make a list of who you will be shopping for this holiday season. Once you have your list jot down ideas of what each person likes. Keep this list with your budget and as you pick up presents check off your list.
 
3. Shop ahead - Shop over the year with sales. As great deals come up all year round it is a great way to save money but also get a great gift for your loved ones. Keep your eyes open for online coupon codes and sales.
 
4. Gift cards - I find another great idea for gifts are gift cards. We have a ton of people on our Holiday shopping list that are hard to buy for, mostly the adults in the family. They already have a lot of things and when asked usually don't want anything or can't decide what they would like. This is a great way to stay on a budget is to find out what store they like and go back to our list we made on how much we will spend. Head over to the store or online shop and pick up a gift card in that amount.  

5. Homemade -Why not make gifts for your friends and family? Enlist the kids help to make hand painted picture frames, birdhouses, ornaments, bake goods in a jar, the list of ideas are endless. These are usually inexpensive gift ideas that are sure to please grandma, poppa, aunts and uncles, your babysitter, teachers, etc.

Looking at getting yourself, or family members a new cell phone for the Holidays? Check out Mobilicity for great unlimited wireless plans that are 50% off the regular rate for the holidays. For just $22.50 a month, you can get unlimited data, talk and text plus North American long-distance, caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, three-way calling, voicemail, global text and 30 minutes of included North American voice roaming minutes a month. Unlimited monthly talk-and-text plans start at just $12.50 during the special sale.

 
Content courtesy of Mobilicity, Canada’s smart mobile carrier.  Find out how to avoid a holiday shopping hangover and reduce your monthly spending all year round with unlimited data, talk and text, without contracts and hidden fees at Mobilicity.ca.  Now that’s smart!

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Gift Ideas for Girls from Hasbro Toys

Shopping for a little girl this holiday season? Check out some fun toys from Hasbro that will be sure to warm the hearts of girls around the world.

If your little girl loves the FurReal Friends she will love the newest addition, Baby Butterscotch the Magical Show Pony. My daughter would love to have tons of animals in the house to look after but we just can't have anymore including a horse in town limits. We have fixed this with Butterscotch. With the FurReal Friends they are much like having the real thing for young kids. They can care for their pets by brushing, feeding and playing with them.

Baby Butterscotch is a soft, cuddly, miniature pony that responds to your touch, moves her head and ears, and makes pony sounds just like the real thing! When you pet her, your pony moves her head in your direction or nuzzles up to you to show how much she loves you. She makes sweet pony sounds and even moves her ears. When you feed her her carrot, she makes munching sounds.

Butterscotch comes with her own brush to keep her fur nice and tidy ready for her next show. Also don't forget to feed Butterscotch a pre-show treat of a carrot. Butterscotch can also be posed, she can stand, sit or lie down. Talk to her and see how she responds to your voice.

Disney Princess fans will love this new Play-Doh set Prettiest Princess Castle set, recommended for ages 3+. This set includes a Princess castle, base, 3 princess door molds, prince door mold, tower presser, 6 - 2oz cans of Play-Doh and 3 princesses - Aurora, Belle and Cinderella.

The kids can give their favorite Disney princesses a magical makeover by making cutouts of slippers, roses, tiaras and other accessories. Make dresses and add their acessories to play dress up with each of the princesses. One of the cans contains sparkle compound, so your little one can give Cinderella’s tiara or Belle’s gown a special sparkly beauty!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Hasbro Canada. I received the above mentioned products. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Angry Birds Star Wars Toys by Hasbro

Angry Birds fans will love the new toys from Hasbro! When the beginning of the Angry Birds craze started I wasn't sure what the deal was but I added the app to our family iPod and let my son try it out. Right away he was a pro and was hooked. He even got me hooked on it on my iPhone. When I would be stuck he would ask me if I was like him to help get me past it. He is a HUGE Angry Birds fan but there is also something else he loves - Star Wars.

Hasbro has combined both of his favorites and made Angry Birds Star Wars toys! This Christmas he will be excited to find this fabulous set under the tree!  

Angry Birds Star Wars - At-At Attack Battle Game (recommended ages 5+) $49.99

Launch and destroy in physical form with your favorite Star Wars characters re-imagined as high-flying Angry Birds and villainous pigs. This kit includes 21 blocks to create the massive, signature AT-AT, a Lightsaber launcher and 12 Angry Birds Star Wars figures - including two that are exclusive to this set! Players can also unlock Angry Birds Star Wars in-app content with a special code in each pack. Hours of fun for sure!

Check out the other great Angry Birds Star Wars packs you can surprise your Angry Bird fans with this Holiday season by heading over to Toys R Us.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Hasbro Canada. I received the above product in exchange for post. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Breathe Book Release Party!

Jasmine’s life wasn’t normal for a 16 year old girl.  It hadn’t been normal since the murder of her older sister, Daisy, two years ago. Her life had been changed forever. The monster that murdered Daisy was never caught.  That was the reason her family decided to move away from their hometown in Southern California, to start over.  Hopefully in a place where the last name Rourke wouldn’t bring on staring or judgment or morbid curiosity.

In Lafayette, Louisiana things are quite a bit different but in a good way.  Good manners, Cajun accents and a whole lot of Southern Hospitality all make her think things are going in the right direction.  On top of that the most gorgeous boy she has ever met is interested in her. Her new friends are better than she could have hoped for even if she is worried about what they might think when they find out who she is.  Life would be perfect if odd things didn’t keep happening.  Creepy phone calls, texts, and flowers in her locker start adding up quickly to something terrifying. Could the Monster have followed them to Lafayette? Was he coming after her this time?  Maybe she was just worrying unnecessarily…or not.
 
Join the event!! We're celebrating from 10-6 pst on Friday December 14th!! There will be tons of fun games and prizes the whole day, you won't want to miss it.
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 Hope to see you all there!!

Brought to you by the Release Day Diva

 

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Gift Ideas for the Little Scientist

Do you have a little scientist on your hands? This Christmas why not give your scientist something to play with! The Potato Chip Science Book & Stuff is a great way to teach kids Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Earth Science by using potato's and potato chips.

Blurb:
"Snack on science! Make a science of snacks! Potato Chip Science is the book and kit that s an irresistible introduction to science for 8- to 12-year-olds. 29 incredible experiments plus one edible project that use potato chips, potatoes, potato chip bags, tubes, and lids. 

Included in the bag are a 96-page two-color book and a dozen items that kids can use for the following snacktivities : 

• Bag Blaster - Bird Feeder -Chipmobile
• Chip Analyzer - Chip-ShipChalleng
• Chip-Tube Gobbler - Color Wheel
• Compass - Composter - ConfettiCan-non
• CSI Detective Kit - Dancing Chips
• Electric Wave - Flipper - Hydrofoil - Kissing Tubes 
• Kite - Mini Extermi-tater - Potato Bender - Potato Chip Crunchies 
• Potato Battery - Saucer Tosser - Shrunken (Potato) Head
• Signal Mirror - Sound Spinner - Spud Crud - Spuddy Buddy
• Walkie-Talkie - Windmill  

Potato Chip Science received the Gold Medal from The National Parenting Publication Awards, and a Gold "Brain Child" Medal from Tillywig." 

This is a great bag full of fun projects to keep your kids busy and learning. The pages are laied out with materials needed, method and the meaning. The book is full of pictures and great facts. It is sectioned off into groups - Bags, Chips, Lids, Spuds and Tubes. It would make a great gift or activities for over the Winter holidays from school. Visit Thomas Allen & Son ltd for where to buy.

Another great item for your scientist or curious children is the What's the BIG Idea? Amazing Science Questions for the Curious Kid by Vicki Cobb 

Blurb:
"Why don't we feel the Earth move? Why does an ice cube float? Why can't you unscramble an egg? Why can't we live forever? These are all questions that a curious kid might ask. In What's the BIG Idea?, renowned juvenile science educator Vicki Cobb answers these and other fascinating questions to help kids learn more about the world through the wonders of science.

Scientists learn by asking questions. And this book, now in paperback, is designed to make young readers stop and think about each of the questions before reading what scientists have learned that answers each question. They'll be able to do simple things to see for themselves, and they will build their own scientific knowledge in the process. By the time they've finished this book, they'll get the big picture of what science is all about."

This book is huge! It consists of thirty-five important science questions and answers in four different sections - Motion, Energy, Matter and life. Throughout the book there are tons of pictures in a cartoon form with the bubbles to make it a fun read for kids. Each question and answer is a chapter ready to teach your curious child all about Science. Visit Thomas Allen & Son ltd. to find where to buy.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Thomas Allen & Son ltd. I received the above books for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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BLEEDING HEARTS Book #1 Book Tour! + US Giveaway!

BLEEDING HEARTS: Book One of the Demimonde

Sophie Galen is an advice columnist who is saving the world—one damned person at a time. Shy and sensitive Sophie has all but given up on love until she meets Marek, a mysterious stranger who seduces her with his striking good looks and his take-charge attitude. Yet the darkness she senses within him may be more than she is prepared to handle when Marek draws her into a world of vampires, werewolves, and treachery. Forced to leave behind the comfortable routines and certainties of her past, Sophie makes unbearable sacrifices and uncovers hidden truths about herself and the world around her.





Purchase Print / Kindle / Nook / Publisher/ Twitter / Facebook / Blog / Goodreads


Ash Krafton is a speculative fiction writer who resides in the heart of the Pennsylvania coal region, where she keeps the dust jacket for "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" in a frame over her desk. Visit http://ash-krafton.blogspot.com for news on her series, The Books of the Demimonde.

BLEEDING HEARTS: Book One of the Demimonde (Pink Narcissus Press, 2012) is available in print and ebook formats. The sequel, BLOOD RUSH, is forthcoming in March 2013.

Prizes: Autographed print copy and t-shirt, ebooks, gift cards, swag total prize payout valued over $100 Fill out the form below to Enter to win. Open to US Residents
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Keeping Organized for 2013! + Giveaways

I admit, I am a list maker. I need to write things down to get things accomplished and remember what is going on. I love to write on calendars to keep the whole family, including nanny informed on what is happening in the up coming days, weeks and even months. This way we shouldn't forget what is coming up and I can't be told by anyone "well I didn't know".

We have usually 3 calendars (kids, hubby and mine) in the house minimum and I also have a printed editorial calendar in a duo tang to keep my blogging organized and efficient. My husband doesn't like when I write on his "Wildlife" calendars so mommy has to have her own. I usually get the nicest and biggest calendars for all my needs! I want to say Thank You to Thomas Allen & Son ltd for supplying me with the great Mom's Family desk planner last year and this year I am will be using my new giant Page-A-Week Kitchen Organizer 2013. 

This calendar is absolutely fabulous if you love to write down everything that is going on. I am excited as this calendar can be hung on the wall/fridge or placed on a desk. Ours will be on the fridge for everyone to see. I will be using it to write appointments, kids activities, birthdays and best of all? Our weekly menu plan!

Each page consists of one week and is big enough to write tons of things down. Also included are beautiful pictures and quotes. At the bottom of each page you will find a monthly calendar for that month, the previous and the next! Each sheet is then torn off at the end of the week. This calendar starts on the 30th this year and runs to January 4th of 2014. In the back there is also a place for notes and a small calendar of 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Included with this calendar is an online Page-A-Day calendar absolutely free, just follow the instructions to receive your online calendar. It is very easy and can be down in 4 simple steps.

I am excited to offer a few of the great calendars that Thomas Allen & Son ltd has to offer to my readers! I have the following to giveaway. Two winners will be chosen for each calendar through the rafflecopter forms below. This giveaway is open to Canadian residents and will end on December 14th, 11:59pm Est.
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~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn of Thomas Allen & Son Ltd. I received the Kitchen Calendar for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Wordless Wednesday - Cookie Decorating

Monday we spent the afternoon doing a cookie activity. A sneak peak at a review post that will be up soon. Happy Wednesday!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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The Odd Life of Timothy Green Giveaway!

New out today on dvd/blue ray combo pack - The Odd Life of Timothy Green. I have a special treat for my readers today in celebration of the release. One lucky Genuine Jenn reader will win their very own copy of Disney's The Odd Life of Timothy Green. 

About the film: 

From Academy Award-nominated writer/director Peter Hedges (Dan in Real Life, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape), and starring Golden Globe® winner Jennifer Garner, Joel Edgerton, Oscar® winner Dianne Wiest and CJ Adams as Timothy Green, comes this highly imaginative story about a happily married couple who can’t wait to start a family but can only dream about what their child would be like. Then one stormy night young Timothy shows up on their doorstep. Soon they and the small town in which they live learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life’s greatest gifts. The story is written by Ahmet Zappa (“American Gangster,” “Changeling”).

How to win: Please leave me at comment below with your email address and answer to this question - "What is your favorite movie snack?" If you don't snack while watching movies just tell me that also. This giveaway is open to Canadian residents and will end on December 12th, 2012 at 11:590m EST.

Good Luck! 


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Disney. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Children's Christmas Book Reviews

The Holidays are fast approaching. I am sure if you have kids you are likely in full swing of Christmas songs, movies and books. I have had a few songs stuck in my head over the weekend thanks to my adorable kids. 

If you haven't gotten into the Christmas spirit yet here are a few books from Thomas Allen & Son Ltd that I am sure will help. 

The Christmas Story - The Brick Bible for Kids by Brendan Powell Smith

"Every year, children of all ages revisit the scene in Bethlehem with Joseph, Mary, the three wise men, the angels and shepherds, and the baby Jesus, swaddled and lying in a manger. Kids will love seeing the story of Christmas played out using their favorite toys. Brendan Powell Smith, author of The Brick Bible for Kids series-beginning with Noah's Ark-creates a magical "brick" world around the simplified text of the Immaculate Conception, the census, the guiding star high above Bethlehem, and the promise one little baby brings to the Christians of the world. This important Christmas story is sure to be the perfect holiday gift and a book for families to cherish for years to come" 

Our thoughts: I couldn't pass this book up for review as my son LOVES Lego and Christmas. I thought it would be a great way to teach the kids about the story of Jesus. I will admit my son was more into the book than my daughter. It may be because of the bricks but I think it was more that he is really interested in learning more about Jesus since both the kids have been attending a boys and girls club through the church every week. My son had lost of questions about why/who/where which was really great to be able to sit down and explain the meaning behind Christmas. He also loved the bricks thoughout the book. The photos in this book are great! They remind me of the old lego bricks that my brother had when we were little. They are vibrant and put together well. The story is just long enough to not loose interest for younger children (mine are 5&6). I recommend this book to anyone with a lego fan in the home.  

Curious George Christmas Countdown by Tish Rabe

"Using the format of two previous successful tabbed board books--TV Curious George Good Night Book and classic Happy Halloween, Curious George--Curious George Christmas Countdown has seven tabbed spreads, each with a fun and simple stand-alone poem accompanied by adorable holday scenes inspired by the TV Christmas special. George counts down to Christmas as he fills his days with picking out a tree, baking cookies, admiring holiday decorations, singing Christmas carols, and making presents for his friends."
  
Our thoughts: My daughter is a HUGE George fan and no surprise here, she loved the Christmas Countdown. This is a very cute hard cardboard book with tabs. My daughters fave part of the book? She says she loves when George picks his tree and makes cookies but also when Christmas day arrives. I love the colors and great pictures. This is a great book for children learning to count. It is also great to get everyone excited about the days to come! 

Happy Holidays! What is in your Holiday book pile?
 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Thomas Allen & Son Ltd. I received the above books for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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6 Tips for Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain by Julie M. Simon

Set the best of intentions, overeat, shame and guilt yourself, repeat. It’s a familiar holiday pattern that seems to end in weight gain for many overeaters every year. With the last six weeks of the year fast approaching, it’s easy to begin worrying about packing on those unwanted holiday pounds. The holiday season generally means more eating, more traveling, more stress and emotional eating (especially if you have difficult relatives), and less time for physical activity and relaxation. But this time of year doesn’t have to be a recipe for weight gain. With a little forethought, the following six tips can help you avoid the holiday bulge and maintain your weight into the New Year. 

Tip#1 Avoid skipping meals or going to a party starving. Pay attention to your hunger signals, eat throughout the day as you normally would, and eat a healthy snack before the party. An apple with peanut butter, a cup of pea soup or veggies with hummus will help you avoid ravenous out-of-control eating when you arrive.

Tip #2 Stay conscious and mindful. Stick to one level plateful. Avoid unconscious grabbing and snacking by making a decision to carefully choose what you desire. Make sure to include colorful foods full of fiber that help fill you up and lessen the chance that you’ll overeat. Do not go back for seconds unless you are truly hungry. Pay attention to your fullness level. Pause and allow yourself time to feel the fullness—move away from the buffet table and wait at least twenty minutes.  

Tip#3 Stop at three bites of rich desserts. Remind yourself that these are drug-like foods and that three bites will give you the sweetness and richness without much body imbalance. It’s probably best to pass the dessert to someone else after the three bites. Be willing to feel your feelings when eating time is over.

Tip#4 Pay attention to your emotions.  Check in with yourself before, during and after holiday gatherings. If you’re experiencing unpleasant emotions like dread or sadness, remind yourself that overeating or over drinking won’t resolve these feeling states. Plan some time for nourishing self-care activities after stressful family get-togethers. Take a bubble bath, soothe and comfort yourself by writing loving affirmations in your journal or read your favorite uplifting spiritual passages. Applaud yourself for being willing to care for yourself in a non-food way.

Tip#5 Adjust your expectations to a reasonable level. Expect that there will be some over indulgence and plan to get back to your healthful plan the next meal or the next day. Don’t expect difficult people to change—your critical mother may still make comments about your weight, your lecturing in-laws will most likely tell you, for the umpteenth time, how to raise your kids. Try not to personalize other people’s bad behavior—you can’t control it and its best not to waste precious energy on it.   

Tip#6 Don't take a vacation from exercise or scrimp on sleep. Even though you have a ton of commitments and are short on time, you'll be more productive and energized if you take exercise breaks and get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Consider a brisk walk, hike in the woods, bike ride with the kids or take a yoga class. Turn the lights out at a reasonable hour as many nights as possible—sleep deprivation creates hormonal imbalances that can lead to an increase in appetite and weight gain. 
So eat, drink, practice good self-care and be merry this holiday season and forego the usual New Year resolutions.  

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Today's guest post is by Julie M. Simon, MA, MBA. Julie is the author of The Emotional Eater’s Repair Manual. She is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Life Coach with twenty plus years of experience helping overeaters stop dieting, heal their relationship with themselves and their bodies, lose weight and keep it off. Visit her online at Overeating Recovery. 

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