GIVEAWAY: Collage.com Personalized Photo Blanket!

In case you don't already know, Collage.com is one of my favorite companies of all time and they've been my go-to place for personalized photo products for the last four years now. Their customer service is unsurpassed and the quality of their products are amazing; I've ordered pillows, canvases, wrapping paper, and so much more from them. This really is one of the most meaningful things I have ever created with them though. It's a gorgeous Custom 50x60" Sherpa Fleece Photo Blanket covered with our favorite pictures of my mother-in-law.

This past summer was quite a rough one for my little family because my beloved mother-in-law, Ronda, passed away. We've spent the last 4 months grieving and trying to process our tremendous loss. When Collage.com asked if I would like to make a blanket, I knew the timing couldn't be any more perfect. We actually already own one of the Collage.com's beautiful photo blankets and Ronda absolutely adored it! I just knew making a photo blanket for our family was the perfect way to honor her memory.

Both of my kids absolutely love this blanket: Z calls it "My Grandma Blanket" and I catch C just looking at all of the pictures almost every day. I've been considering making a duplicate one for her (which can easily be done on Collage.com by logging in and reordering it) because I know a few other people who would love this blanket. The pictures are surprisingly vibrant and the fleece so soft is heavier than you would expect it to be making it exceptionally warm!

Once again Collage.com has blown me away. I just love working with and supporting this company as I feel like they do the best job with all of my photo needs. As a photographer, I take pride in the photographs I take and I love that this company takes pride in the products they produce. All of their products would make such great Christmas or birthday presents! All of their blankets are backed by Collage.com's Just Right 100% satisfaction guarantee: if a customer doesn't like his or her order, they'll make it right or refund their money.

Connect with Collage.com on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

New customers also get 60% off their first order!! There's a banner in the top left corner of the page where new customers can get the 60% off discount on their very first order. 

Order your own Collage.com Custom Photo Blanket here!

One lucky I'm No Domestic Goddess reader will win their own Personalized Personalized Sherpa Fleece Blanket below! This giveaway is open to the US only. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below, all terms and conditions are listed on the bottom of the form.

Entry-Form

Disclosure of  Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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." I do use affiliate links on my site so please assume that all links used are affiliate links!

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Make Perfectly Shaped Burgers with a Burger Press!

Hello, all! My family and I are FINALLY over the flu so I've been able to get back to normal activities including blogging and cooking! I've been waiting until I was feeling better so I could make my family some delicious hamburgers with my new Yumms! Burger Press.

I have been wanting a hamburger press for awhile now so I was pretty excited to try out this one. What is a hamburger press? I'm so glad you asked! Hamburger presses are a really neat invention that allow you to make the perfectly shaped and uniform burgers. So basically they're the secret to making absolutely perfect burgers and they are seriously a must-have kitchen tool for anyone who grills hamburgers!

By definition, Hamburger Presses are a fairly simple invention- just two pieces that you press together to form a neat patty. I've never seen one quite like this one though as it actually comes in 3 pieces. It comes with a "lifter" that helps you lift the patties out of the press easily so you don't have to touch the meat. So simple yet such a great help!

I chopped up onions and mixed them in the meat. Yummy!

Yumms! Burger Press Features:

-Makes patties from 1/4" to 5/8" thick for either regular or stuffed hamburgers
-Features a handy 'lifter' that lifts the patty out of the press
-Made from thick, durable BPA free plastic - So cleanup is always easy
-Light-weight, ergonomic handle makes operating this burger shaper effortless
-Dishwasher safe!
-100% Satisfaction Lifetime Guarantee

I'm so happy with the Yumms! Burger Press; it makes perfectly uniform burgers, it seem really durable, it comes with a useful "lifter," and its so easy easy to clean because it's dishwasher safe! If you don't own a hamburger press, I highly recommend this one. You will not regret it (and if you do regret it, Yumms! has a 100% satisfaction guarantee but I doubt you will regret it).

We finished off our perfect burgers with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, and onions! I'm not going to lie, these were the best hamburgers I've ever made. They were cooked evenly and they were all a uniform size! Just looking at this picture of them makes my mouth water... they were that good!

You can buy your own Burger Press on Amazon! 

Disclosure of  Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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." I do use affiliate links on my site so please assume that all links used are affiliate links!

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2016 Holiday Gift Guide: PicturesOnGold.com Locket

The best gifts to give (and receive!) are personal, meaningful, and unique. With PicturesOnGold.com, you can customize a gorgeous gift for pretty much everyone on your list! They carry customizable photo lockets, watches, rings, children's jewelry, and more. My absolute favorite thing on their site are their photo lockets-- they are gorgeous, unique, and special.

Last year, I actually received a locket from PicturesOnGold.com for myself filled with pictures of my Dad, Z, and I. It's still the most precious piece of jewelry I own and I get compliments every time I wear it. This year, I wasn't sure who I wanted to create a custom locket for because I knew pretty much any of the ladies in my life would love one! 

This year, I decided to get a heart locket for Z because she has been talking about her desire for a locket since she first saw mine. She said she wanted pictures of her family in it so I found the pictures I wanted and went to work customizing it on their website. The ordering process is simple and you can customize literally every part of the locket-- shape, color, front, inside pictures (or words), back side, and last but not least, the chain.

The front is engraved with her first and middle names, and inside is a picture her and C on one side, and her daddy and I on the other. The back is engraved with the words "My Family". When it arrived, she was in complete shock. She absolutely loves it and has proudly shown it to everyone who inquires about it! 

Even though I adore her new locket, if there was one thing I could change, it would be that they automatically take the backgrounds out of the pictures BUT that's an easy fix. When you order, all you have to do is mention to them that you want to keep the background and they will do what you ask! You truly have complete control over how personalized you want your jewelry.

Overall, there are no words to describe how meaningful this precious locket is to her and we have absolutely no complaints. A personalized piece of jewelry like this would make the perfect Christmas, birthday, or anniversary gift. You could put pictures of your kids, your grandkids, a missed loved one... the options go on and on! PicturesOnGold.com has more than just lockets too so be sure to check out all of their personalized jewelry while shopping this holiday season!

Connect with PicturesOnGold.com on Facebook and Twitter!

Save on customized Lockets from Pictures On Gold! Just in time for the Holidays! Use code famguide10 to save 10% off your order!

PicturesOnGold.com

Disclosure of  Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

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Unique Christmas Gift Idea-- Personalized Christmas Ornaments from Marked Moments Keepsake!

Every year I strive to find the most unique, meaningful gifts I can for my loved ones. This year I found a small business named Marked Moments Keepsake that specializes in personal, unique, and high quality personalized gifts! They make personalized gifts for every occasion including gorgeous Personalized Christmas Ornaments!

These Christmas ornaments are gorgeous, unique, and they come in a nice little box that is perfect for gifting! These would make great gifts for newlyweds, babies, children, and new homeowners. 

I take great pride in supporting wholesome companies on this blog and Marked Moments Keepsakes is no exception. They are a small family-run business in the Austin, Texas area. They're excited to show their unique products, pride of craftsmanship, and excellent customer service to you. As if their company couldn't get any sweeter, they donate a portion of their profits to Austin Dog Alliance to help train PTSD dogs!

Connect with Marked Moments Keepsakes on Facebook.

Be sure to check out all their beautiful personalized products available at: www.markedmomentskeepsakes.com

Disclosure of  Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

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10 Different Uses for Swaddle Blankets (Other than Swaddling)

Both of my baby girls have outgrown the swaddle stage but swaddling blankets continue to be my most useful baby item. I absolutely love swaddle blankets and I use them for EVERYTHING. I always have at least two in my car and one in every room of my house because they are seriously so handy!

Stroller Cover - As the mom of an infant, this is my absolute favorite way to use swaddle blankets. When your child falls asleep in the stroller (or infant car seat) and the stroller umbrella just isn't cutting it, this thing is a lifesaver. It's light enough that you don't have to worry about baby overheating but it's heavy enough to block out the sunlight or wind. Brilliant!

Burp Cloth - Have a baby that spits up a lot? Forget those tiny little burp cloths! Swaddle blankets are big enough to cover a huge area. Save your shirts, floors, and furniture! If you have a baby that spits up frequently, you totally understand how important these were to me when Baby C was just a few months old. 

Changing Pad/ Changing Pad Cover - I use swaddle blankets every single time I change my baby's diaper. Whether I'm changing the baby on the floor, the couch, on a public changing table...  Yes, they make diaper changing travel pads but that's just one more item you wouldn't need in your baby bag.

Photo Backdrop - Many swaddle blankets come with cute designs on them. You can use them as photo backdrops for your baby or even for other photo opportunities. I've found them so useful as photo backdrops for items I want to sell on Craigslist or even for blog posts!

Nursing Cover - I'm one of those women that has no problem nursing in public with no cover BUT I completely respect women who prefer nursing covers and a swaddle blanket is the perfect nursing cover. Light enough for baby to breathe but still covers everything.

Picnic/Tummy Time Blanket - Need something to lay out on the grass or carpet? Just reach for the nearest swaddle blanket! They are soft, strong, and perfect for any picnic out or tummy time moment!

Beach Cover Ups - Swaddle blankets make perfect beach sarongs! Just tie one around your waist and you're good to go! One less thing to pack for your day at the beach and fashionable too. 

Dry Towel - When in a pinch, just grab one of these useful blankets out of your diaper bag as a towel. They are great for spills, trips to the Splash Park, and other accidents that commonly occur with kids.

Imaginative Play - My five year old has found tons of uses for swaddle blankets! She uses them as baby doll blankets, superhero capes, dress-up ghosts, to make blanket forts, and she even asked me wrap one around her to make a baby sling for her! Swaddle blankets are absolutely great to help little ones with their imaginations! 

Light Blankets - Swaddle blankets keep out wind and excess sunlight so they make perfect light blankets for babies and children. They keep out wind and excess sunlight without being too warm. Perfect for Spring, Summer, and Fall!

My newest swaddle blankets are Snugglupagus Muslin Swaddle Blankets. They're a brand that's primarily in boutique baby stores but are now available online too! They are high-quality, super cute, and stylish too.  They come in a 3-Pack and can be found on their website at www.snugglupagus.net!

Do you use swaddle blankets for things other than swaddling? Do you have ideas that aren't on the list? Share below! 

Disclosure of  Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

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2016 Holiday Gift Guide: Collage.com Fleece Photo Blanket GIVEAWAY

Collage.com is one of my favorite companies of all time and they've been my go-to place for personalized photo products for the last three years now. This was by far the most meaningful thing I ever created with them. It's a gorgeous Custom 50x60" Sherpa Fleece Photo Blanket covered with my favorite photos of my amazing Dad/Z's Papa (you can read my post about my Dad here).

It took me a week to finally decide what I wanted on the blanket and to sort through which photos I wanted to use and it was all worth it; when I received the blanket, it brought tears to my eyes. The ordering process was simple (as always with Collage,com) and the pictures came out clear (some more clear than others, depending on the quality of the photo itself) and overall, the blanket looks amazing.

Z absolutely adores this blanket as well and calls it "My Papa Blanket." I've been considering making a duplicate one for her (which can easily be done on Collage.com by logging in and reordering it) because I want to keep this blanket for myself and I know she's really going to stake a claim on it. Maybe we can share the blanket and both take comfort in the Daddy/Papa blanket together.

I've always been more than impressed with the quality of Collage.com products so I'm always super happy to work with them and this time was no exception. I cannot express enough how happy I am with this blanket; the fleece is heavier than I was expecting it to be and is surprisingly warm!

So who is breaking it to her that this is not her blanket? lol

Once again Collage.com has blown me away. I just love working with and supporting this company as I feel like they do the best job with all of my photo needs. As a photographer, I take pride in the photographs I take and I love that this company takes pride in the products they produce. All of their products would make such great Christmas or birthday presents.

Connect with Collage.com on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Order your own Collage.com Custom Photo Blanket here!

One lucky I'm No Domestic Goddess reader will win their own Personalized Personalized Sherpa Fleece below! This giveaway is open to US only. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below, all terms and conditions are listed on the bottom of the form.

Entry-Form

Disclosure of  Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

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Mother Nurture Chocolate Truffles and Flavored Water for Breastfeeding and Pregnant Mamas!

As a breastfeeding mom, I'm always aware of the food I put into my body but the one thing I cannot live without is chocolate. Seriously, my husband hides the Halloween candy from me (at my own request). What if I didn't have to choose between a treat that tastes good and one that is good for me though? Mother Nurture products were actually created for the sole purpose that you wouldn’t have to choose between a treat that tastes good, and one that is good for you! 

Mother Nurture is a mom-inspired company dedicated to empowering prenatal and breastfeeding moms with healthier options. They provide Chocolate Truffles and Enhanced Water that are full of essential nutrients, made with all natural ingredients, and include nothing artificial. 

I was able to try both flavors of the Mother Nurture Chocolate Truffles and the Enhanced Water in Tropical Splash. I was most surprised by the water; I prefer regular water to anything else but I actually really liked the Enhanced Water! I drank it within minutes and when my husband asked if he could try it, it was already gone. It comes in three flavors: Tropical Splash, Mixed Berry, and Pink Grapefruit. I really want to try the Mixed Berry one next.

The all natural chocolate truffles offer a rich, guilt-free treat that’s good for you and your baby in two delicious flavors: Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Raspberry. It's no surprise to me that I loved the chocolate truffles. The milk chocolate was my favorite but I loved both flavors. I was really glad there was no mineral taste or icky aftertaste! I could definitely get used to eating these every day!

I take my prenatals/postnatal vitamins every day so I was worried about adding these to my routine but Mother Nurture is not a substitute for prenatal vitamins, they actually work in harmony with your vitamins! Mother Nurture allows moms to stay hydrated with refreshing flavored waters and treat themselves to delicious chocolate truffles. 

Connect with Mother Nurture on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Visit their website at www.madebymothernurture.com!

Disclosure of  Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

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2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Capture Precious Memories This Holiday Season with PicturesOnGold.com

If you've been a reader of mine for awhile, you know that my beloved father passed away in 2012 of brain cancer. Well, he's been on my mind a lot lately because we are 2 weeks away from the 3rd anniversary of his death. Thanks to PicturesOnGold.com, I have found the perfect way to remember him and our cherished memories together. 

When I first received the chance to work with PicturesOnGold.com, I wasn't sure what I wanted to get. I had considered getting a locket for my mother-in-law with pictures of her grandkids inside but I felt like it would become outdated in a few months when C is born. As I continued to ponder what direction I wanted to go in, I realized that this would such a meaningful way to remember my dad and our precious memories together. 

After placing my order, I waited impatiently for this locket to come in the mail even though it only took a few days (they ship within one day!). When I opened the box containing my new locket, I lost my breath for a moment. It's seriously so gorgeous and I would be lying if I said it didn't bring this pregnant mama to tears. I just couldn't get over the beauty of the jewelry and how the photos turned out so great; especially considering one is 25 years old!

I was able to completely customize the locket; front, inside, and even the back. The front is engraved with the words "Always in my Heart" and inside is a picture of my dad and I on one side, and Z with him on the other. The back is engraved with the words "Missing you always." 

Even though I adore my new locket, if there was one thing I could change, it would be that they automatically take the backgrounds out of the pictures BUT that's an easy fix. When you order, all you have to do is mention to them that you want to keep the background and they will do what you ask! You truly have complete control over how personalized you want your jewelry.

Overall, there are no words to describe how meaningful this precious locket is to me and I have absolutely no complaints. A personalized piece of jewelry like this would make the perfect Christmas, birthday, or anniversary gift. You could put pictures of your kids, your grandkids, a missed loved one... the options go on and on! PicturesOnGold.com has more than just lockets too so be sure to check out all of their personalized jewelry while shopping this holiday season! 

Connect with PicturesOnGold.com on Facebook and Twitter!

Save on customized Lockets from Pictures On Gold! Just in time for the Holidays! Use code famguide10 to save 10% off your order!

PicturesOnGold.com

Disclosure of  Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

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Ecocentric Mom Subscription Box Reveal - October 2015 Box

Monthly subscription boxes are one of my favorite things to review because I love trying new products and they usually include brands I've never even heard of before. Out of all the monthly subscription boxes I've tried over the years, this subscription box is actually my favorite one. It's the Ecocentric Mom "Mom & Baby" box!

At Ecocentric Mom, "each box is packed with goodies that are pure, healthy, useful and fun. They’re also specifically curated for your stage of motherhood. Choose between the pregnancy, mom & baby and mom subscription box, and switch to the next box when you’re ready." 

Part of me gets nervous when getting new subscription boxes because if you've never used the company before, you really never know what you are going to get. I was sent the October Ecocentric Mom box and I was so excited to see all of these great quality items in this cute little box. The gorgeous packaging was the just the beginning of my delight... I had finally found a box where I want to use every single product that comes in it! 

Let's take a look at all the goodies in this month's box!

Lasting Smiles Organic Lip Balm - Pure Pomegranate

$4.99 for a .15 oz. tube (full-size included)

This was actually one of my favorite things in the whole box. In the Michigan winters, lip balm is a necessity and not only is this brand absolutely fabulous but they have such a great mission as well. Each purchase made will help fund a cleft lip surgery that will transform a child's life forever! I had never even heard of Lasting Smiles before but I will definitely be buying my lip balm from now on!

Piyo Piyo Stylish Bendable Fork and Spoon Set

$4.99 per set (full-size included & promo code for 10% off order)

Z was absolutely tickled by this cute little fork and spoon set and as soon as she saw them, she said "Baby is going to love this!" This is an adorable first feeding set for Baby C and I can't wait til she can use them! Piyo Piyo products are BPA and Phthalate-free, environmentally friendly, and durable. This cute little set allows your child to eat either right-handed or left-handed.

Acure Baby Fix-It Stick

$7.99 for a .5 oz. stick (full-size included & promo code for 20% off order)

In my family, we call these "boo boo sticks" and I've actually been looking for a new brand to use because the brand I have been using discontinued their product. I had never heard of Acure before so I was really excited to try it out. Acure uses plant and food based formulas that are clinically proven to provide optimal performance at a cellular level. This Fix-It Stick soothes all booboos with the benefits of pumpkin, borage and pomegranate oils!

Love Child Organics Super Blends Pouch

$1.99 for a 4 oz. pouch (full-size included & promo code)

Every mom knows food pouches are the ultimate convenience for a family on the go. Love Child makes delicious organic foods with no refined sugars, additives, preservatives or fillers in any of their products! Z and I both tried this out and it was the perfect snack for her in the afternoon! I love feeding my kids things that have amazing ingredients but don't compromise the flavor!

Enjoy Life Grab and Go Seed and Fruit Mix - Mountain Mambo

$15.59 per 24-count (1.6 oz. included)

These are absolutely perfect for families on the go! My husband snatched this up as soon as he saw it and I was lucky to get the little bit I did get to try. This Mountain Mambo mix is free of the eight most common allergens. It's also Kosher, Halal, all natural, and non-GMO verified! Enjoy Life also manufactures a wide variety of other snack as well.

Ellovi Butter Minis - Mint Chocolate

$26 for 3.5 oz. (.5 oz. included & promo code for 15% off)

The Ellovi Butter is also one of my favorite discoveries in this month's box. It smells absolutely divine and it's the best body butter I've ever tried. Its a bit on the pricey side but after trying it for almost a week now, I know why. A little goes a long way, it's absolutely fabulous, and I've added a full size to my Christmas list already. I use it on my hands because they get cracked in the cold (it healed them after one application) and it's gentle enough to use on Z's face that also dries out in the cold. I will definitely be buying more when I run out and that's saying a lot!

Pure Water Baby Wipes Travel Pack
$1.00 travel size (travel size included)

These wipes are so awesome! They contain only purified water, plant extractsm and moisturizing agents. They are also free of chlorine, alcohol, parabens, SLES, and dyes. This travel pack is perfect for throwing into your purse or diaper bag. I love them for cleaning up messes on Z's hands and face. They are gentle enough to use on delicate skin. 

I can tell the people at Ecocentric Mom actually care about what they put into each box and words cannot not express how impressed I am with the selection and quality of this Ecocentric Mom Subscription Box. Check back next month because I have one more box coming to me and I seriously cannot wait to see what comes in it!

Connect with Ecocentric Mom on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Order your own (or gift one!) Ecocentric Mom Box at ecocentricmom.com!

Disclosure of  Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

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2015 Holiday Gift Guide: The Wonder Years Complete Series DVD Set

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, TAKE A TRIP TO THE MOST 

BELOVED SUBURB IN TV HISTORY, WITH A LANDMARK SITCOM NEVER BEFORE AVAILABLE AT RETAIL 

IN A COMPLETE SERIES SET

Who didn't love the Arnold Family?! The Wonder Years ran from 1988 to 1993 and was one of the most popular shows on TV, achieving a spot in the Nielsen Top 30 for four of its six seasons. I watched The Wonder Years growing up so I was really excited to learn that I can finally own it! 

For six seasons, The Wonder Years captured the angst of growing up in suburban middle-class America in the late '60s, as seen through the life and times of Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage).  Audiences eagerly followed his evolution as a typical awkward teenager who remembered every moment of his transition from childhood with excruciating detail and remarkable hindsight.  From  his first kiss with Winnie Cooper (Danica McKellar) to his friendship with Paul Pfeiffer (Josh Saviano) and the ups and downs of the Arnold family, fans shared in laughter, love, and loss, but above all, wonder.  

I received The Wonder Years Complete Series Metal Locker. This DVD set is by far the coolest collectible DVD series set I've ever seen. This awesome locket contains all 115 episodes across 26 DVDs, along with over 23 hours of bonus features, which includes exclusive new interviews with the entire cast, the first cast reunion in more than 16 years, 11 newly-produced featurettes and much more!

If you've not yet experienced the wonders of The Wonder Years, this holiday season is as good a time as any to acquaint yourself with the groundbreaking family sitcom named by TV Guide as one of the "Top 20 Shows of the '80s".

THE WONDER YEARS COMPLETE SERIES/SLIPCASE VERSION 

THE WONDER YEARS COMPLETE SERIES/METAL LOCKER (Available at Costco)

Disclosure of  Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

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Beat the Winter Blues with the Verilux HappyLight Liberty 10K Energy Lamp (& GIVEAWAY!)

The clock went back an hour on last Sunday, are you prepared for the shorter days of winter? Every winter, I definitely suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) also know as the "Winter Blues." SAD affects my mood and makes me feel tired and drowsy all day long. I've been wanting to try light therapy to help for awhile now so I was really excited to get the chance to try out the Verilux HappyLight Liberty 10K Enery Lamp!

In the winter, lack of sunlight can actually cause a hormonal imbalance and significantly effect your mood. If you’re like 20% of American adults, having less light can make you feel down. Did you know the northern half of the continental US loses between 5 and 7.5 hours of daylight on December 21st compared to June 21st?

The point of a light therapy device like the HappyLight is to mimic outdoor light.  Studies have also shown that insufficient exposure to sunlight is associated with low levels of melatonin and serotonin, causing depression, weight gain, and sleep disturbance.  And one of the best ways to manage SAD at home is light therapy.  Light therapy not only helps regulate your internal clock but it also gives you more energy.

HappyLight Liberty 10K Specifics:

The Liberty 10K provides up to 10,000 LUX of full spectrum light (scotopic light measured at 10 inches), the highest recommended output for addressing seasonal change, the "Winter Blues" or the effects of shift work, jet lag, malaise or fatigue. Balanced Natural Spectrum Daylight taps the potency of light to gently cue your body to recalibrate and stabilize, naturally reducing fatigue and lethargy while improving focus.

My Thoughts:

The Liberty 10K is bright. For some reason, that actually surprised me but this is a very bright light. With that being said, it's not like you're supposed to look right into it. You put it off to the side (but still within eyesight) and after awhile, you forget its even there. Its really easy to use, just plug it in and leave it alone! I particularly love the size of the HappyLight Libery 10K, as it fits perfectly on my desk and its portable so I can just move it to the kitchen table if I'd rather use it there. I actually prefer to use it in the mornings in the kitchen while I make breakfast or do the dishes. Its my little morning "pick-me-up" that I actually look forward to every day.

I've only been using it for a short time so far but I've been feeling a bit of a shift in my moods and energy. I cannot wait to see how it does in the dead of winter! I bet it will make the long Michigan winters much less miserable for this mama. Literally the only negative I've found is that full spectrum lamps can get a little pricey.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with my HappyLight! If you need a drug-free, caffeine free mood and energy enhancement, I highly reccomend looking into a HappyLight. You can use your HappyLight Energy Lamp in the morning, just before working out, at that late afternoon drowsy time or whenever you feel fatigued, lethargic or just out of sorts.

Connect with Verilux on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Youtube.

You can buy your own HappyLight at the Verilux website!

Giveaway details! One lucky I'm No Domestic Goddess reader will win their own Verilux Happylight Liberty 10K Energy Lamp below! This giveaway is open to US only. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below, all terms and conditions are listed on the bottom of the form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure of  Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

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Yorkshire-Mayfair Luxury Microfiber Sheet Set Review

My husband and I are absolute snobs when it comes to our bedding so I was hesitant to review this Luxury Microfiber Sheet Set from Yorkshire-Mayfair but I'm glad I did. This set includes a 4 piece sheet set that includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet and two pillowcases.

They are made of the highest quality heavy-weight luxury microfiber and they come in 10 different colors. Microfiber sheets are supposed to be more durable than cotton, hypoallergenic, and wrinkle resistant.  They are incredibly affordable yet nice and comfortable as well. This set has an extra deep pocket fit and the fitted sheet has not slipped off of my extra-deep mattress once and the flat sheet is the longest sheet I've ever seen for a Queen. 

I was sent Chocolate (randomly) and although brown would not have been my first choice, it actually goes pretty well with my red(ish) comforter and it has really grown on me. Just look how great it looks!

They aren't completely wrinkle-free but they do flatten out pretty well. They are also cool to touch and light so they will be so amazing during the summer. It looks nice and feels nice so we are overall very happy with it! If you buy them and aren't happy with them, no worries because they have a lifetime guarantee!

Buy your own Luxury Microfiber Bed Sheet Set on Amazon!

Disclosure of  Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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." I do use affiliate links on my site so please assume that all links used are affiliate links!

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