Friday Blog Hop!

We've been invited to guest host the Friday Blog hop at MommyWirePr and QueensNYCMom. So excited about this since this is our first time co-hosting! I hope everyone will come link up with us via Google, Facebook or Twitter. Thank you ladies for selecting us!

The Guidelines for participating in the Friday blog hop are as follows:

1. Grab the blog hop button to spread the word.

2. Please follow MommyWire PR and via Google Friend Connect, Google + (feel free to follow on Twitter and Facebook as well).

3. Do not link up your giveaways, blog hops, etc. (They will be deleted.)

Link up your blog, visit and follow at least 3 blogs that interest you.

Let's start hopping and have fun!

All you have to do, add your url link to the linky for it to show up on all participating blogs.

Follow MommyWire PR, Queens NYC Mom and Boyz Rule Our World on Google Friend Connect, Facebook Like, Twitter, Google Reader. Leave a comment when you follow us, so you will be followed back.

Here's to More Birthdays!

As the holidays approach, its always great to spend time with family & friends. It's also a reminder of the loved ones that we have lost over the years to the big C, cancer. I've lost my grandparents to this deadly disease and earlier this year we lost my Aunt Mary to it. They won't be here to celebrate another birthday, but we need to rejoice during this time of year to those that have beat it. They get to blow out another candle and for that I toast to more birthdays!

This post is sponsored by American Cancer Society.

Shutterfly Holiday cards Review & Flash Giveaway!

Every year I use Shutterfly to create my Christmas cards. I actually have used them for various projects such as my wedding photo albums and albums of my son's 5th birthday recently. They are high quality products. The photos are clear & vibrant. They have a large variety of choices. I have never had a problem with their service. I really do love Shutterly.
So I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to do a review. I already did my Christmas cards but I found out they have New Years cards as well. These were perfect since I still had some people that I didn't get to send a card to. These cards are especially great because they capture the year in our lives. I was able to put various pics of special moments in 2011. I think they came out awesome!

I am so pleased at out how these cards came out that I'm definitely going to do New Years cards next year. I have gotten so many compliments on them. 

Shutterfly also has a Family Photo Day microsite that has tips from Style Expert Jenn Falik on how to capture your family's personal style in your family photo. The site even includes a downloadable toolkit with all the tips and information you’ll need to plan and execute your own successful family photo day.

One lucky reader will win a set of 12 5"x7" holiday cards & free shipping!

Valued over $25

Kidtoons Kimochi Review & Giveaway!

Kimochi means feelings in Japanese. These soft, cute loveable stuffed animals can easily bring out those feelings in you. Kimochi's are tools for parents, teachers & children to use as a way of better communication to express feelings. As a parent of a very independent, stubborn little boy, I know he finds it difficult to convey his emotions. Each character plush comes with their own feelings and a How To Feel Guide for parents
I was given Huggs the Octopus to review and a small key chain labeled Silly. Huggs is very affectionate and doesn't know her own strength at times. She can be abrasive but means well. She loves to hand out hugs. This I found fitting for my son because he is such a loveable person. He always says "I love you" to me, my husband & my mom. His heart is very open which I adore. His key chain describes him so well because we are always telling him how silly he is. He's our little rug rat.

You can purchase your very own Kimochi at their website.

Thanks to Kidtoons I have a quick giveaway for one of our readers. One winner will receive a 6 inch Kimochi & keychain. To enter fill out the rafflecopter form below.

My Grocery List Review

My son loves to play board games. I seem to always buy them but some aren't age appropriate for him. I was excited when I was given the opportunity by Family Review Network to review My Grocery List by Marina games. It sounded like something he would enjoy.
Enjoy we did! This game is so much fun and educational. My son loves the idea of "grocery shopping". Each player gets a grocery list and a basket card. Place all cards face down. You have to match your pieces to what is on your grocery list. First person to fill his/her basket with their 6 items wins! We had a blast trying to beat each other. It was a great time.
My Grocery list is age appropriate for 3-7 years old and sold at a very affordable price at $7.99. If you're looking to spend some quality time with your kids I suggest purchasing this game. Your kids will have a blast & so will you!

Disclosure: My Grocery List was provided to me by Marina Games for a honest review. All opinons expressed are mine.

T-Mobile Home for the Holidays Surprise

Flash mobs have been such a craze lately. In New York City's Times Square, you never know when one will pop up. Its totally awesome! T-Mobile has just created their own flash mob in Chicago's Woodfield Mall using an old holiday classic, Home for the Holidays.
Its a beautiful video with an all female cast wearing these cute pink dresses dancing around the mall. The amazing thing is the shoppers stop & take part. They start clapping & are just enjoying the music. I love the spontaneity of it all. I hope to be a bystander one day!

Note: This post is sponsored by T-Mobile.

Day 10 - Thierry Mugler Angel #holidaygiftguide

So for my last day of this amazing holiday gift guide, I want to share with you one of my favorite scents this year. Its Angel by Thierry Mugler. It has an amazing smell that lingers hours after you've put it on. It has a mix of vanilla, cedar, bergamot, patchouli, white musk, candied praline & peppery pink berries. Its sensual and addictive. It comes in an exquisite glass comet bottle that is unique to all.

One lucky reader will win a Thierry Mugler Angel Eau de Toilette 2.7 fl oz 
(ARV $97)

Day 9 - Zoobles Spring to Life Nintendo DS game #holidaygiftguide CLOSED

Video games are always a great hit for the kids. This year Activision held a Girls Summit indicating that girls are not represented enough in the video game genre. It was pretty eye opening but not surprising to hear that the boys are dominating in the market. So Activision put out a slew of games that are geared for the girls. As you saw on day 1, I had Lalaloopsy which is high demand this holiday season. Now I have the Zoobles.
The Zoobles are adorable, quirky, and mischievous little animal-like creatures that are waiting to pop open and surprise you just when you least expect it. Hundreds of adorable Zoobles reside on the distant, mysterious Isle of Zooble, which consists of three primary lands, namely Azoozia, Petagonia, and Seagonia. Zoobles possess the ability to magically morph into tiny balls – concealing themselves from others, rolling into beautiful destinations, or sleeping after a long day of work. They are on the hot collectible toy lists for this Christmas.

One lucky reader will win the Zoobles Spring to Life DS game & Runther from Chillville collection

Day 8 - GlowCrazy Distance Doodler giveaway #holidaygiftguide CLOSED

Today's gift guide brings one of my son's favorite toys the GlowCrazy Distance Doodler. It brings some nighttime fun while he's laying in his room. He's been having some issues sleeping on his own so this brings him some comfort. Its a no mess light wand that you can use to write/draw on your walls and ceilings with their glow reactive clings. It lets your imagination run wild! You can read my previous review here.
Glow Crazy is a great gift for any one that likes to have some fun in the dark. You can purchase Glow Crazy products online.You can also download a Christmas tree stencil on their Facebook page.

One BoyzRuleOurWorld reader will win their own Glow Crazy Distance doodler for the holidays!

Day 7 - Tutu Goes Green book giveaway #holidaygiftguide CLOSED

At the book expo this year, I met Tulani Thomas. She introduced me to her 1st book Tutu Goes Green. Tutu is a little girl that is on a quest of creating a better world for all. In the story, she teaches us on how we can reduce, recycle and reuse. I reviewed the book in a previous post that you can read here.
I have added this to my holiday gift guide because I believe books are a great holiday gift amidst all the toys & video games. I am all about supporting a local mom as well. This book should be on all our book shelves as we try to teach our future generation how to save our earth. My son continuously goes back to read this book and he has become more conscious about recycling and its concept.
I hope you will consider sharing this story with your loved ones this holiday or suggest it to your chld's school to be added to their library. The kids will love it & you can have fun learning together as you go green.  The book can be purchased at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

One lucky reader will win an autographed copy of Tutu Goes Green! 

Day 6 - Isotoner Smart Touch gloves #holidaygiftguide

I think everyone owns something that is touch screen, either it be your smartphone, Ipad or GPS devices. With winter slowly creeping up, it can get too cold to take your gloves off to make that phone call. One of my discoveries are the new Isotoner Smart Touch gloves. These make it convenient to keep your hands warm while navigating on a touch screen. Here are some facts:

• The thumb and index finger are embroidered with conductive thread that conveys an electrical impulse to the touchscreen. This unique patent pending construction gives these gloves exceptional performance, allowing for pinpoint accuracy.
• Signature stretch materials provide superior fit and flexibility
• The non-slip palm improves grip
• Water repellent

We love these gloves & think they would make a great holiday gift for anyone that is a constant on their touch screen devices.  I've already bought a couple of pairs to give as presents. They are available at many retailers even Amazon online.

Day 5 - Chuck E.Cheese Gift Cards #holidaygiftguide CLOSED

For Day 4 of our holiday gift guide, I have to talk about one of the boyz favorite places to go to play arcade games, eat & just have fun. It's Chuck E. Cheese. Now with holiday break coming up, its the perfect time to pay a visit there. Chuck E. Cheese gift cards are a great stocking stuffer for anyone that needs a place to cure the boredom blues.

Chuck E. Cheese gift cards are ideal. While you're out holiday shopping, they can be purchased at your nearest location or local CVS, Walgreens and Target stores. There are no expiration dates or service/reactivation fees. They can be loaded for any dollar amount. Chuck E. Cheese currently has a  promotion going on. You get free 20 tokens for every $25 dollar gift card purchase.

Chuck E. Cheese has generously offered one lucky reader a gift card that is redeemable for one large pizza, 4 drinks and 30 tokens! What a great way to kick off your holiday!

Appreciate those you love.....

It's been so hectic these past few months especially now with the holidays upon us. I'm making shopping lists for work, home, friends, school & Secret Santas. It gets too be so much. Sometimes I feel lost at the true meaning of Christmas. That's why my husband really despises this holiday {gasp}. He says he feels obligated to buy people presents now, which kinda takes me back because I grew up in a family where we go all out. We buy gifts for the dogs if we have too. That's just how we have been.
So it was a HUGE surprise when my husband bought me the new NOOK tablet. Its not Christmas yet, but he always gives me my gift ahead of time.(hates wrapping gifts) It does take the element of fun out of the holiday but I appreciate it. I appreciate him even more, because I know that while I'm rattling off to him of what I want/need he is secretly listening. So it was an even bigger surprise when he told my mom & I this weekend that he purchased us 2 tickets to see the new Hugh Jackman one man show on Broadway. I nearly cried. He said he did it to show us how much he appreciates us! He listened to me weeks ago when I said I would love to catch this show before it ran out in January. He listened to me when I told him that I don't feel appreciated at times because I feel like I do everything for our son. He just listened when I thought he tuned me out. Now I really appreciate him.....

Day 4 - Country Dance 2 for the Wii #holidaygiftguide

My son & I love dancing games. We have a few for the Wii and Santa will be bringing him some more. We just have a great time bonding, laughing & having fun. We recently were able to try the new Country Dance 2. I have to admit that we're not country music fans around here, but I wanted to introduce some different music to my son so this seemed the best.
We loved it! Country Dance 2 has all of country's superstars such as Blake Shelton, American Idol's Carrie Underwood, and Lady Antebellum to name a few. The game was easy to follow and very entertaining. My son had a blast and he really enjoyed the music. He now thinks he's a cowboy!
This would make a great holiday gift for anyone that loves music & dancing. You don't have to be a country music fan to shake your hips. All you have to do is dance!

Country Dance 2 for Wii is rated E10+ by the ESRB and is available in stores. For more information about Country Dance 2™ or the Country Dance™ franchise, please visit: www.game-mill.com.

Disclosure: I received Country Dance 2 for the Wii in exchange for an honest opinion. I was not compensated any other way. All opinions expressed are my own.

Day 3 - Spa & Wellness Gift Card #holidaygiftguide

On this 3rd day of our gift guide, I want to take care of YOU! With all the stress of the holidays, its time to get relaxed and pamper yourself. One lucky BoyzRuleOurWorld reader will win a $50 Spa & Wellness gift card that is accepted at over 4,500 spas and wellness facilities nationwide.

This could be you!

The Spa Week gift cards are ideal presents for that favorite person that deserves some "ME" time. I am definitely hinting to my husband that I need one! Those hot stones are just calling my name! lol
You can purchase your Spa & Wellness gift cards now. They are ON SALE so this is the perfect time to stock up!

• Get a $100 Spa & Wellness Gift Card for just $89.99 plus a FREE gift box through December 31st.
• Get 10% off all other cards too! Purchase here.
• Accepted at over 4,500 spas and wellness facilities across North America (browse the Spa Directory for spas near you)
• Redeemable 365 days a year and never expire
• Welcomed for ANY spa treatment your recipient desires
• Available as a beautiful card + box set OR as an instant, printable eGift Card
• A fantastic corporate gift idea. Treat your employees and keep them motivated this holiday with the gift of spa. Customizable gift card packages, discounted in bulk. More info here.

$50 Spa & Wellness Gift Card Giveaway

One lucky BoyzRuleOurWorld reader will win a gift card 

Please use the Rafflecopter form below. If you are having trouble viewing the widget, please try the below:

• Refresh your browser or view the post using a different browser.
• Make sure you have Javascript enabled on your computer.
• Clear your cache.

Day 2 - #Holidaygiftguide Topsy Popcorn Review & A Giveaway CLOSED

 Food & holidays are synonymous. Everyone has to let the belt buckle loose at this time of year. For Thanksgiving, I was in charge of desert, so I brought some pies but I also bought over a huge tin of Topsy popcorn for the family to try. What a hit! The popcorn came in a decorative snowflake tin filled with caramel, cheese & cinnamon popcorn. The bright red color of the cinnamon kinda threw us off but the taste is really good. I was surprised and I'm not a big cinnamon fan either.

3.5 gallon tin

cheese,caramel, & cinnamon

Topsy has been popping kernels since 1929. They are the first company to sell popcorn in the circular tins that are popular today. You can select different tin designs and popcorn flavors through their website. This would be a great gift for your coworkers, babysitters or even just for the family! Now until Dec. 12 they are offering a $3 off as many canisters as you like by entering code Topsy73 at checkout.

Topsy's has generously offered to give one lucky reader a chance to win their own 3.5 gal tin!

10 days of Holiday Gift Guide begins!! CLOSED

December is here! That means its time to hit the malls or shop online for presents for those special someone in your lives (and a little something for yourself). To help you with ideas, I am excited to launch our 1st holiday gift guide! These are just a few items that are my favorite to give this holiday. So get ready & SHOP!!

Day 1

One this 1st day of gift guiding, I want to share with you my love for Lalaloopsy! Even though I have a son, my inner self shifts to the dolls section whenever we hit Toys R Us. I used to have a vast collection of Barbie dolls growing up. I remember last Christmas people were searching high & low for a Lalaloopsy doll. They remind me of a modern version of Raggedy Ann. Now Activision has released a DS game in time for the holidays: Lalaloopsy Sew Magical Sew Cute

Product information

With your love and a little bit of imagination, the Lalaloopsy magic can go on forever! Each doll has her own personality that comes from the fabric used to make them. Join Mittens Fluff N Stuff, Tippy Tumblelina, Crumbs Sugar Cookie and more in the magical Lalaloopsy Land!

Lalaloopy: Sew Magical! Sew Cute! Features:

• Welcome to the whimsical world of Lalaloopsy! Explore the colorful world and make new friends with the other dolls and their pets!
• Friends, Silliness and Fun! Make cookies, grow flowers and more, then share with your Lalaloopsy friends!
• Sew Sweet! Show how much you care for your pets and keep their tummies full with special treats

Every little girl will love to open one up for Christmas

. One lucky BoyzRuleOurWorld reader will! Plus with the DS game you will also get a mini Lalaloopsy doll Crumbs Sugar Cookie 

Mandatory Entry

Name one of Santa's reindeers

Extra Entries

Follow me via Google Friend Connect

Like BoyzRuleOurWorld

Follow @BoyzRuleOurWrld 
 Tweet the following & leave the link in your comment
#WIN Lalaloopsy DS game & Mini doll @BoyzRuleOurWrld #holidaygiftguide #giveaway
http://tiny.cc/9utcv

Giveaway ends 11:59pm on Friday,December 9,2011. (Open to U.S.ONLY) One winner will be selected using random.org. If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you (either an email address in your comment or on your profile). 

Disclosure:  I did not receive any compensation for this review. All opinions are my own.