December 2012 | Florida Mom Blog, Reviews and Giveaways | The Life of Rylie...and Bryce too!

December 31, 2012

2012 Was Better Than 2011 - A Year In Review

As you may have noticed, I took a little break from my blog, and from pretty much everything else internet-related. I got really busy at work a couple weeks ago, and then took some time to enjoy the holidays with my family. We have been having a great time, and of course I have several posts to write about all of our Christmas fun. So yeah, you'll have to deal with more Christmas stuff for the next week.

I thought today would be a great day to come back from my little hiatus with a "review of 2012" type post. After the year from hell we had in 2011, we definitely had a much better year this year!

In January we celebrated Rylie's 4th Birthday and she had a super fun party with her friends and family. We also went to Disney World where the kids had a great time riding the rides and seeing Mickey and some of his friends.

~~Winners!!!~~ Bazooka, Kidtoons

Congratulations to last week's winners!

Bazooka Christmas Candy

Weekend Win It - December 29-30 {Giveaway Linky}

Welcome to Weekend Win It! This giveaway linky is a great way to spread the word about your giveaways, or find some great ones to enter! And remember...you don't need to be a blogger to enter these giveaways!

I have some great giveaways going on right now...

Giveaway: We Take The Cake
Ends: 12/31

Prize: Red Velvet Bundt Cake

Giveaway: Hickory Farms
Ends: 1/2

Prize: Family Favorites Gift Box

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours! I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

~~Winners!!!~~ JunoPrints, Fisher-Price And More

Congratulations to last week's winners!

JunoPrints Custom Photo Canvas

December With Dylan #ElfMagic

I am so glad we started the Elf Magic tradition in our house this year! We have all had so much fun with Dylan over the last month!

The mornings in our house have been a little different since Dylan arrived after Thanksgiving. Rylie and Bryce got up every day and were so excited to find out what Dylan had been up to during the night. I was honestly amazed at how they really believed that this magical elf would come to life after we all went to bed, but they did. It was so cute to see the kids' faces when they discovered what Dylan's latest elfcapade was.

We weren't all that creative with the elfcapades this year, but Rylie and Bryce thought they were cool. Here are some of our favorites...

Dylan engaged in a Toy Story battle. Of course he was one of the good guys!

Teach Your Children The Importance Of Giving

Back in October, my family and I were out shopping for Halloween supplies. We walked into a store that already had Christmas merchandise out and Rylie said "Why do they have Christmas stuff out? It isn't even Halloween yet!" I believe she heard me say that in another store the day prior, but regardless, she was confused as to why the stores had both Halloween and Christmas displays up. I was too.

It seems as though Christmas is becoming more commercialized each year. It is all about shopping, sales, and getting the best deals and the hottest toys, while the true meaning of the season seems to have been lost. Regardless of your religious beliefs, the holiday season is a time to count your blessings, spend quality time with family and friends, and most of all, give back.

This holiday season Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and club Alumna, Lucille O'Neal (Shaq's mom), have teamed up to remind us what it truly means to give with the 2nd Annual Give the Gift of a Great Future Holiday Campaign. Teaching kids to give back is one of the things that BGCA does best, and this website features resources to help parents with ideas on how to give back with their children. After all, kids are never too young to learn the importance of giving.

Weekend Win It - December 22-23 {Giveaway Linky}

Giveaway: Kidtoons
Ends: 12/27

Prize: Barbie The Princess and The Popstar Tori Doll

Giveaway: We Take The Cake
Ends: 12/31

Prize: Red Velvet Bundt Cake

Wordless Wednesday: A Christmas Miracle

Yes, that is Bryce...with Santa...and he's smiling!

Find Me If You Can Book {Review & Giveaway}

Haley loves books. We read several a day, and she doesn't make it very long until she is bringing me another book and asking me to read it to her. I am always on the look out for books that I like to read to her. She has several books that are my favorites, and I love it when she picks those for me to read to her. We usually go to the library every few weeks and check out several books for her. She loves getting home and negotiating which ones we can read immediately.

When I heard about the Find Me If You Can Book by Bammco, I was intrigued. I hadn't heard about anything like it, and I instantly knew that Haley would love it. The Find Me If You Can Book takes a head shot of your child that you send them, and places it on every page of a book they make full of faces. The story has cute words at the bottom, and then your child gets to try to find themselves among all of the faces. I emailed them a head shot of Haley, and when the book arrived, my husband was out of town, and I knew he would want to see her look at the book, so I hid it and waited until he got home to give it to her.

~~Winners!!!~~ Stompeez, ToiletTree, SUPERPRETZEL

Congratulations to last week's winners!

Stompeez Slippers

Ugly Christmas Sweaters From The Sweater Store {Review}

Last Christmas, my husband and I went looking for ugly Christmas sweaters to wear home for the holidays. You see, my husband has a great sense of humor, and is known to always have some fake mustaches or a horse head around to wear. We thought it would be so funny if we found some.

Well, we didn't have much luck. We went to several stores here, as well as in Florida, and there just weren't that many ugly sweaters around. We had seen people posting pics from "Ugly Sweater Parties" but we just couldn't figure out where people were finding these sweaters. Maybe they had a collection from years ago still in their closet?

When I was asked to review a website that sold nothing BUT ugly Christmas sweaters, I couldn't wait to tell my husband about it. We couldn't believe that a website actually specialized in this, and that it would be EASY to find the perfect sweater. The Sweater Store promotes that they have the ugliest sweaters around. They also promise fast shipping. You can sort through the selections by sweater type (Cardigan, Pullover, Vest, Turtleneck, Sweatshirt) and also filter down what you would like to have on the sweater (cats, Santa, Christmas Tree, Collage, etc).

What Did You Name Your Cottonelle Care Routine?

Last month I told you all about a fun contest over at Cottonelle's Facebook Page. If you read that post, chances are that you didn't forget it. After all, it was about certain "business" that we all do, but don't like to mention. OK, yes, I wrote about poop!

Cottonelle sent me, along with two lucky winners from my blog, a Cottonelle Care Routine that consisted of soft, absorbent Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care Toilet Paper and Fresh Care Flushable Wipes. While I have been using those flushable wipes for years now, I hadn't used the toilet paper regularly, but I do now. The combination of these two products definitely make you feel "Freshie Fresh" after doing the "unmentionable".

As you're out finishing up your Christmas shopping, don't forget to stock up on Energizer MAX Batteries for all of those electronic gifts! With Energizer MAX Batteries with Power Seal Technology, you can have the confidence in knowing you will have power when you need it most throughout the holidays and beyond. These new batteries hold their power for up to 10 years on shelf!

Who wants a little extra spending money for toys this holiday season? Right now, when you purchase specially marked packages of Energizer MAX batteries with Power Seal Technology, you can get up to $8 in Toy Cash! For every two packages of these specially marked batteries you purchase, you will receive $4 in Toy Cash via prepaid MasterCard or PayPal.

My kids' Christmas wish lists are constantly changing. What started out as makeup for Rylie and an orange bucket for Bryce (yes, an orange bucket), has now evolved into a long list of toys, toys and more toys. The latest addition to Bryce's list was a helicopter, so it was perfect timing when the 2012 Hess Toy Truck arrived on my doorstep.

So what does a truck have to do with Bryce's wish for a helicopter? Well, this year's Hess Toy Truck is, in fact, a helicopter! The 2012 Hess Helicopter and Rescue comes with two rugged vehicles ready for action and adventure!

Weekend Win It - December 15-16 {Giveaway Linky}

Giveaway: JunoPrints
Ends: 12/16

Prize: 16x20 Custom Canvas

Giveaway: Fisher-Price
Ends: 12/18

Prize: $100 American Express Gift Card

One thing my kids love about holidays is that the "rules" for meals are a little more relaxed. Sure, it's Christmas, go ahead and eat that candy that Santa put in your stocking. Who cares that you haven't eaten breakfast yet?

If you're like me and put sweet treats in your child's stocking, then you are going to love these Christmas candies from Bazooka. This year, Bazooka has dazzled its candies with Christmas themed packaging and colors. The Push Pops include a topper character which can be used as an ornament, and the Baby Bottle Pop is holiday striped with a special message from Santa.

Holiday Fun At School

Rylie and Bryce have been having so much fun at school the past couple of weeks. They have been talking about holidays, making crafts, and anxiously awaiting the day that Santa comes to school to see them. Every year the owner brings in Santa and his elves for a little Christmas party, and the parents are invited to the party too.

At the beginning of the week the kids bring home their daily sheets, and there is a discussion question and/or an activity listed for each day. Some of the discussion questions have been "What do you eat on Christmas?", "What does your family do to celebrate Christmas?", and "What do you want to get your Mommy for Christmas?" I always try to go over the discussion questions in the morning so my kids are prepared to participate in the discussions.

I was a little surprised that Bryce's sheet for this week was full of discussion and activities related to Hanukkah. I figure that there must be some kids in his class that are Jewish, and if that's the case, I'm glad that it is being discussed at school so those kids are included in the holiday fun. I think it is pretty neat, too. Since I don't celebrate Hanukkah, I know nothing about it, so I'm glad that my kids are learning about a holiday that we would not normally discuss. (As long as they don't ask me for 8 more presents! haha) Rylie brought home a Menorah made out of Popsicle sticks tonight, so apparently her class is discussing it too.

So anyway, while the "crafts" are fun for the kids, my favorite bring-home-project so far is Rylie's letter to Santa...

Hickory Farms Holiday Gift Boxes {Review & Giveaway}

This is a special guest post by Rick, Melissa's husband.

My wife has packages delivered to the house all the time. There's always one or two she hasn't gotten around to opening yet. When I saw the box from Hickory Farms, I told her, "Don't worry. I got this."

Truth be told, I skipped lunch that day and I knew the contents of that box would provide a nice snack while tending to after work child care and dinner prep. What was intended to be a quick scarf of meat and cheese, however, turned into quite a little adventure. I had forgotten the amazing variety they nest between the flaps of that iconic box. I spent the first five minutes just taking inventory!

Wordless Wednesday: The Christmas Tree Is Finally Up!

...and so what if most of the ornaments are near the bottom?

Liberty Of The Seas Western Caribbean Cruise - Day 3

When we woke up on Day 3 of our Western Caribbean Cruise on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas, we were docked in Cozumel, Mexico. We had a quick breakfast and then headed off the ship for a day of fun. We were docked right next to the Jewel of the Seas, which we will be sailing on in March. (I can't wait!)

We walked through all of the shops at the port and finally got in cab line. We had laughed all morning about Brian and Sean showing up in the same bathing suits, and then the guy behind us in line also had the same suit on. Crazy coincidence, or do we all just love Old Navy?

We Take The Cake Delivers Cakes To Your Home {Review & Giveaway}

Who doesn't like cake? When I was asked to review a cake from We Take The Cake, of course I accepted! We Take The Cake is a sweet website where you can order cakes online for home delivery. Each cake is baked by hand and can be sent nationwide, overnight and is guaranteed to arrive on the date you specify, up to 60 days in advance. You can even send these cakes as a gift, or perhaps a little something sweet to say thank you, and you can include a special message for the gift recipient.

~~Winners!!!~~ Green Giant, EatSmart, SeaWorld

Congratulations to last week's winners!

Green Giant Seasoned Steamers Prize Pack

Weekend Win It - December 8-9 {Giveaway Linky}

Giveaway: Stompeez
Ends: 12/10

Prize: Choice of Stompeez Slippers

Giveaway: ToiletTree Products
Ends: 12/11

Prize: Professional Skin Care System

Five Question Friday - December 7th

Yikes! It's the second weekend in December already. How did that happen? Before we know it, Christmas will be here!

If you have visited the blog this week then you know what we have been up to...cruising! Even though I miraculously got caught up on my laundry right after we returned to land, I am still working to catch up on all of my online activities. I hope you're enjoying my cruise recap posts. There are still 2 more to come, with the next one being the most fun.

My goal for this weekend is to get the Christmas tree up, and at least some of the outside decorations. I don't know if we'll get everything out this year since we are already running out of time. Other than that and dance, we don't have any plans. Who am I kidding? Just getting the decorating done will take the whole weekend! My aunt is in town visiting and she is supposed to stop by Saturday night, so it will be good to see her.

Kidtoons Is Now Playing: Barbie The Princess And The Pop Star {Barbie Giveaway}

Do you need a break from all of the holiday hustle and bustle? Do you want to spend some quality time with your family this weekend? How about a Kidtoons Matinee? Whether it is your child's first movie experience, or they are regulars at the theater, Kidtoons matinees are great fun for the whole family!

Since 2004, Kidtoons has been bringing beloved and well-known children's brands and entertainment to cineplexes nationwide. We provide a family friendly, affordable, co-viewing experience that parents can count on each month, year-round to bond and create treasured memories with their kids. Each monthly program is designed for kids 2-8 and their parents.

Now playing during the month of December:

Liberty Of The Seas Western Caribbean Cruise - Day 2

We were at sea during Day 2 of our Western Caribbean Cruise on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas. At sea days are great days to explore the ship, catch some shows and do some shopping.

We were in an inside stateroom on this cruise, so when I woke up and it was still pitch black, I had no idea it was time to get up already. I like to eat meals in the main dining room, so I always make sure I get up before breakfast service ends. I was kind of surprised to see a full buffet when we arrived in the main dining room, and even more surprised to see that there wasn't a lot to choose from on the menu. Brian and I both ordered Eggs Benedict, and then I headed to the buffet with Rylie where she got a huge plate of fruit and another plate of eggs, bacon and sausage. The food was really good - even the buffet food that Rylie ate.

After breakfast we walked around the ship for a little bit and did some shopping, and then once the sun came out, we headed to the pool. On one side of the upper deck is the H2O Zone for kids, and on the other side are the adult pools. The H2O Zone had a huge, colorful splash area, a small pool with a current going around in it, a deeper pool, and a couple of jacuzzi tubs. The water in the splash area was freezing, and because of the wind, it was hard to stay out of it.

Born Free Tru-Clean Sterilizing System {Review}

When Haley was a baby, we lived in a small apartment much closer to downtown. This apartment had a very small kitchen, and the owner of the apartment left the microwave there for us to use, and it was tiny too. When we went to register for items that we needed, most of the bottle sterilizers were for use in a microwave. I knew that they wouldn't fit in our small microwave, and I wasn't that keen on putting all of her bottles in a microwave anyway, so we registered for one that went on a counter top and plugged in. We then registered for a drying rack that had 2 tiers, and both of those took up a lot of room on our counter top.

We used both of these items on a once-a-day basis until Haley was about 5 months old, and then I felt comfortable using the dishwasher. At that point, I had returned to work, so I had a lot of pump parts as well as bottles, so we easily filled up the dishwasher daily and it didn't seem like a waste to run it every night.

We saved that sterilizer so that we could use it with our next baby, and when Kennedy came along, it became something that was on the counter in our new house too, right next to our large drying rack. It looked so neat and tidy (not!). Now that Kennedy is exclusively on bottles, we go through 4 a day. A lot of days I don't have to run our dishwasher and I end up running out of bottles. When I was asked to review the Born Free Tru-Clean Sterilizing System, I couldn't wait.

Liberty Of The Seas Western Caribbean Cruise - Day 1

Did you notice that it was quieter than normal around here the last few days? That is because we were on vacation! Last Thursday we set sail on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas for a Western Caribbean Cruise, and we had an awesome 4 days! There is way too much to put in one post, so I'm going to post a recap for each day...I want to remember everything!

On Thursday morning we headed down to Fort Lauderdale to board the ship. We gave ourselves what we thought was plenty of time to get there early, but we came close to not even making it on time since the interstate ended up being shut down about halfway there. Not a good way to start a vacation, that's for sure. We finally made it, though, and we got ready to board the ship.

Getting ready to cruise on Liberty of the Seas

Get Great Sound Anywhere With The Soundfreaq Sound Kick {Review}

This is a guest post by the techie in the house - my husband, Brian.

The Soundfreaq Sound Kick is a portable Bluetooth enabled speaker system. It allows you to stream music wirelessly from any A2DP-compatible device including iPhones, iPods, Androids, Blackberries, Windows Phones, Bluetooth capable laptops, and pretty much any phone or other portable device that can play music today.

When I took the Sound Kick out of the box I was impressed by the build quality. Although it is mostly plastic, it has a metal grill on the front and feels solidly built. It only weighs 1.6 pounds, but the size to weight ratio makes you feel like you have a high quality component in your hands. But I'll get back to the size in a moment.