2012 Gift Guide Stocking Stuffer Idea: Carmex Lip Conditioner

My friends at Carmex sent me over their new Carmex Lip Conditioner and I like it so much I had to suggest it as the perfect stocking stuffer. Here's a little about it:

Carmex Lip Conditioner is an entirely original product.  It's neither a lip balm nor a lotion - it's a lip conditioner, and it's like lotions for your lips.  Packed with 13 moisturizing ingredients, new Carmex Lip Conditioner will leave your lips silky smooth and kissable, never sticky.  And because of it's matte finish, Lip Conditioner makes a perfect base for lipstick.  Whether you wear it alone for a natural look, or go bold by layering it underneath your favorite lip color, you can always count on your lips being protected.  It is Carmex, after all!

First of all, I absolutely love the scent.  It smells just like a creamsicle, so yummy.  I know I say this each time a new Carmex scent comes out, but this is my favorite scent ever.  It feels light on the lips, absorbs quickly, and I seriously, really did notice a big difference in the way my lips felt after just a few applications.  I really like how you can layer it and give your lips a little extra protection all season long.

I think a tube or two would be a great addtion to a stocking this season, cause friends don't let friends have chapped, dry, or flaky lips ☺



Disclosure: The makers of Carmex, contacted me and provided me with complimentary samples of this product.  The experiences and opinions related within are all my own and unbiased by this relationship.

2012 Gift Guide: MAM Feed & Soothe Set for Baby

Do you have someone who's having a baby on your gift list this year?  As someone who can still remember the baby phase, I recommend MAM's Feed & Soothe Set.  It's a handy little set to have on hand, whether the parents to be are planning to breast feed or not.  Don't let your friend or family member be caught during those first few weeks with not enough bottles and no pacifiers!  I speak from experience, and know what that's like from my first time around when my now six year old was born.

MAM's Feed & Soothe Set is available exclusively at Walmat and has everything a new parent will need, all the essentials in one box:

• 2 sizes of Anti-Colic Bottles (two 5.oz and two 8oz.) for a total of 4 bottles 
• 2 MAM Pacifiers
• Suggested retail price, $19.50 - priced right for giving!

There is an adorable bunny motif on the bottles, which is perfect for both boys and girls.  The pacifiers are also gendar neutral, while still sweetly decorated for baby. 

We used MAM bottles with LB when he was a baby.  The MAM Anti-Colic Bottles's unique ventilation system helps reduce gas and colic symptoms, and the symmetrical nipple on MAM Pacifiers are designed with your baby's jaw and tooth development in mind.  Pacifiers also have generous air holes and a curved shield that fits comfortably against baby skin. 

I think this is a great gift set to give either to a family you know or to put under the giving tree at your church or other holiday charity outlet.  As we no longer have a bottle fed baby at home, we donated ours to a organization supporting young mothers trying to keep their babies and they were greatly appreciated.  

Here is a special coupon code I wanted to share with you all: From December 3 – December 7, use coupon code MAMHOLIDAY to buy one set of MAM Personalized Pacifiers and receive one of equal or lesser value for free. One coupon per customer; redeemable exclusively at www.mambabypersonalized.com. Offer expires December 7, 2012, 11:59 PM EST.  Please note the dates this offer is good for, as it has not started yet!  This is just a heads up so you can be ready.

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Personalized Pacifiers by MAM

Disclosure: Complimentary MAM products were provided in exchange for including this in my 2012 Gift Guide.  However, we have and do use MAM products in our home and have been very happy with them.  The experiences and opinions related within are both personal and unbiased.

A Crafty Soiree #117

Hi Friends!  I'm so glad you came by today!  I know what a busy time this is for many of us in the states, with Thanksgiving being tomorrow.  My features this week are quick and easy gifts to make, with the exception of the first one.  I felt bad not including any Thanksgiving projects, because it seems that its one holiday that can get lost in the hussle leading up to Christmas.  The stores certainly think it's already December!  Thanksgiving is such a lovely holiday because there are no gifts to be bought, just good food and time with family, appreciating what's really important.  

Since there isn't much time to do any big involved crafts before tomorrow, I found a quick one, just download the free printable and you're on your way!  Thanks to Becky at the Paisley Palooza for this Give Thanks Banner!

Now on to some gifts to make!  I thought these all looked like things we can whip up in larger numbers without a lot of expense.  Have fun crafting!

These Chalkboard Blocks from A Farm Wife's Journal look festive with their red bows and Joy message, but as Cherilyn points out it's easy to change out the ribbon and message to match any time of year.   Now that's one great gift, a cute decoration you don't have to store because it can be used year round!

These festive Candy Cane Candles from Desire Empire are nice because you don't even have to dig around for a glass container.  The candy canes are glued right onto the candle.   Here's the best part, the candy canes are actually mini candy canes so you can make several with one package!

Noreen from Crafty Journal used two inch tiles, stickers, mini clothes pins, and everyone's favorite - Mod Podge, to make these very cute little Recipe/Photo Holders.  I was thinking this would be a great way to use any leftover stickers you might have, you know the ones I'm talking about.  The one or two you always seem to have left after using most of them from the sheet.

Christine at The DIY Dreamer has turned felt into these sweet Felt Xmas Ornaments and on her post you can see several different color combinations.  These blue and white ones are my favorite, lovely for a snow theme!

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Party Guidelines

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5.  Your hostesses would love it if you'd follow us. You can find Malia here.

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