Last Day to Enter!!!!

To enter, visit the prize pages or the individual gifts.

ALL THE GIFTS ARE UNWRAPPED, ENTER THRU NOV. 30TH

Prize Group 1: Gift #1, Gift #2, Gift #3, Gift #4

Prize Group 2: Gift #1, Gift #2, Gift #3, Gift #4, Gift #5

Prize Group 3: Gift #1, Gift #2, Gift #3, Gift #4, Gift #5, Gift #6, Gift #7, Gift #8

Prize Group 4: Gift #1, Gift #2, Gift #3, Gift #4, Gift #5, Gift #6, Gift #7

Prize Group 5: Gift #1, Gift #2, Gift #3, Gift #4, Gift #5, Gift #6, Gift #7, Gift #8

Smiles,

~Kristinia/Loving Heart Mommy~

Stocking Stuffer/Giveaway: Il Divo

Thanks to One2One Network & Il Divo for this opportunity!

My thoughts:

Il Divo's "The Promise" I found to be the most soothing and uplifting music for my ears! I loved "The Power of Love" and "Hallelujah" even though most of the songs on "The Promise" are in Spanish it was still very beautiful to listen to. On the deluxe edition of "The Promise" you can pop the cd into your DVD player for three special features! If your a fan of any kind of opera you will love this very talented operatic quartet!

The Christmas Collection by Il Divo is a collection of the most popular Christmas songs all sung in perfect harmony, simply beautiful and moving! My favorites were "O Holy Night", "White Christmas" and "Silent Night". Their beautiful vocals will instantly put you in a joyful mood this Holiday Season!

Want it now?
Check out Il Divo at Amazon.com, where they have more pictures and even sample video clips!

From Il Divo:
Introducing Il Divo, the smooth and silky operatic quartet, brought together by pop guru (and American Idol creator) Simon Cowell in 2004!

Following an extensive worldwide audition process culminating in the union of the four talented singers from different countries and musical disciplines, who discovered their musical purpose in the union of Il Divo, the virtuoso blending of operatic technique with romantic and popular song took the world by storm.

With sales of over 22 million, Il Divo, Ancora and Siempre scored 36 No. 1 chart positions across 26 countries in just their first three albums!

Two sold out world tours have seen Il Divo performing to over 1.5 million people in thirty countries. They appeared at the opening and closing ceremonies of the FIFA 2006 World Cup, singing the official theme song with superstar Toni Braxton. They were also special guests of icon Barbara Streisand on her 2006 tour of North America.




What you can WIN:
Il Divo's The Promise Deluxe Edition (CD/DVD) and Il Divo: The Christmas Collection ($41.99 value). Wouldn't these be great for that special someone in their stocking this Holiday?

How to WIN:
Leave a comment with your favorite song from The Promise and The Christmas Collection, click here to hear sample audio clips.

Extra Entries:
Follow this blog (leave an extra comment)
Add my button (leave an extra comment)
Subscribe via email (leave an extra comment)

Giveaway ends: December 7th


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Click Here and thanks for reading!





Smiles,

~Kristinia/Loving Heart Mommy~

A Busy Christmas Giveaway

Busy Mommy is hosting a Busy Christmas Giveaway! Get in on the fun! Running until December 11TH!



Smiles,

~Kristinia/Loving Heart Mommy~

Stocking Stuffer/Giveaway: For the Cat Lover

Thanks to Purry Logic and The Family Review Network for the opportunity to review and giveaway this darling book!

Purry Logic by Jane Seabrook is a very colorful and beautifully illustrated book for the Cat Lover on your list this Holiday Season! I surely enjoyed this book and the illustrations, my son was even ooohing and aaahing (is that a word?) over the pictures. Since he's only 21 months old I made a game of teaching him his colors with the different color of the cats fur and the different color eyes of each cat. ~smile~ I can tell you he now definately knows what a cat is.


From the Publisher:
Filled with wry witticisms to perk up even the most finicky cat lovers, PURRY LOGIC puts a distinctly feline twist on Jane Seabrook's popular FURRY LOGIC books. This delightful collection presents cuddly cats offering purr-worthy pick-me-ups like, "My only purpose in this life is to rest and recover from my previous lives," "If you didn't make the rules, just ignore them," and "When fat, arrange yourself in slim poses." Watercolor-painted in loving detail, Seabrook's sleek and sassy kitties remind us that the best things in life are furry.

WHAT YOU CAN WIN:
Your very own copy of "Purry Logic"!

HOW TO WIN:
Do you have a favorite furry feline friend? What is the most memorable thing that they have done? Leave a comment with the most memorable moment and be sure to include their names, cause I love to hear what people name their cats!

For example: We had sister kittens named Sphinx and Spirit. They used to both just lay curled up together on one of those mini cat beds, even after they became soo "FAT" they still would manage to fit and sleep peacefully, it was adorable!

GIVEAWAY ENDS: DECEMBER 3RD!

Smiles,

~Kristinia/Loving Heart Mommy~

Have a Happy Thankful Thanksgiving!

Well first off let me tell you.. I went to the grocery store thinking I would be able to get everything we needed for our Thanksgiving dinner.. I was able to get everything but.. there weren't any turkeys that had been refrigerated only, all were FROZEN!!!

So I have a 17 lb turkey about as frozen as concrete that will take about 3-4 days to thaw out, so this Thanksgiving we will celebrate most likely this weekend! But then again I love the Holidays but I'm not for "tradition". We are celebrating all "Holidays" after the observed day... it kind of happened by accident starting last year but when you have a family like mine.. we are either all together or there are things that come up that makes it to where we are apart for that "specific" day.

But it all works out in the end, I don't mind having Thanksgiving Dinner on Saturday, neither do I worry about us giving thanks because we do that each and every day! I'm thankful year round not just on Thanksgiving.

I'm Thankful for my family, my friends, my readers, my life, my loving Husband, the list could go on and on. I'll be writing more a bit later on today but I wanted to leave you with an easy recipe from one of my readers.


Thanks to Jennifer Johnson for this quick dish for Thanksgiving leftovers: Cheesy Potato Ham (or Turkey) Casserole


Smiles,

~Kristinia/Loving Heart Mommy~

This Full House - Holiday Picks & Giveaways 2008

Just look at all the fun prizes:
Day 1 - For the Outdoors: Lands' End Collection of Warm Fuzzies

Day 2 - For Him: Man Spa Gift Package from Sothys Paris - Because, He's Worth It...too!


Day 3 - For the Home: Deck the Halls, Clean the Floors and Green Gift Giving

Day 4 - For the Grandparents: Gift of the Christmas Cookie

Day 5 - For the Whole Family: Black Friday Night at the Movies...um...Night!

Day 6 - For the Kitchen: Pillsbury Home is Calling Gift Basket

Day 7 - For the Toy Box: The Discovery Store

Day 8 - Gifts that Give Back: Save the Oceans, Adopt a Creature!

I believe all end on December 1st!


Smiles,

~Kristinia/Loving Heart Mommy~

Build-A-Bear Workshop® A Friend Fur All Seasons Wii Game & a Giveaway

I absolutely love Build-A-Bear, the experience of picking out that new friend and watching them come to life! But for times where there isn't a local Build-A-Bear there is now Build-A-Bear Workshop® A Friend Fur All Seasons game to play on your Nintendo Wii™! Rated of course "E" for everyone, this is a great game for families and their children and you can even have up to 4 players, so be sure to invite your friends!!

Thanks to the Family Review Network & Game Factory for this review and giveaway opportunity!

From the Game Factory:

Build-A-Bear Workshop® A Friend Fur All Seasons

An interactive family-friendly experience, Build-A-Bear Workshop® A Friend Fur All Seasons allows families to share the interactive Build-A-Bear Workshop® experience using the Nintendo Wii™ system. Originally made for Nintendo DS, Build-A-Bear Workshop® entertainment experience allows up to four players to name, groom, feed and dress their bear using the revolutionary Wii™ remote. The game allows players to join their customized bear on adventures to explore islands, meet inhabitants and help furry friends.

Build-A-Bear Workshop® A Friend Fur All Seasons allows full interaction between the player and her/his furry friend in a variety of 20 fun mini-games, from throwing Frisbees to ice-skating. Four islands season-themed wait to be explored and six treasure spots hold magical chests! Developed for children and families, Build-A-Bear Workshop® packs fun for the whole family and allows players to take full advantage of the unique features of the Nintendo Wii™ game system.

Key Features & Highlights

Explore the four season-themed islands in the Adventure mode and play lots of fun mini games in the Playground mode


Enhanced interactive experience with 20 fun mini-games, including ice skating, build a snowman, a croquet party, a cool ride on a ladybug, throwing a Frisbee, and jumping on a jump stick. Some mini games even include surprises!


Fun for the whole family in single or multiplayer party games with up to four players.

Discover six secret treasure spots hidden around the islands and dig up a magic chest with a hidden surprise just for each player.


Collect bear medals, rewards and exciting items to use in players very own Build-A-Bear Workshop® experience. Choose from more than 80 items available for your furry friend!


Natural and innovative game play takes full advantage of the unique features of the revolutionary Nintendo Wii™.

Watch the trailer for Build-A-Bear Workshop® A Friend Fur All Seasons by clicking HERE.

Game Description

Your furry friend is invited to a great party on Palace Island by Bearemy and Pawlette. In order to cross the sea and reach the party, Bearemy and Pawlette offer you the FriendShip. Explore new islands on the way and take time to meet and interact with the furry friends that live there. They love playing games too, so on each island you get to play mini games, help them out, and find the puzzle pieces needed to recreate the map that will lead you to the next island. Finally you reach Palace Island where a big party awaits you!

A Friend Fur All Seasons is a highly interactive and trans-generational adventure and party game in the true Build-A-Bear spirit! Let your imagination guide you as you board the FriendShip and set out to have fun with your new virtual furry friends…


Where can you get it?
The game is currently available since its launch October of 2008. You can find it at many of your local and online retailers for about $39.99

Need some help finding it? Check: Amazon.com, Walmart, Target, Gamespot, EB Games just to name a few...



Bonus Auction:
They are auctioning off celebrity-built Build-A-Bear Workshop bears at Ebay, along with autographed copies of the Build-A-Bear Wii game. These bears and signed games will be on eBay's Giving Works to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California. These one-of-a-kind bears were built by celebrities like Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott, the Jonas Brothers, James Gandolfini, Melissa Joan Hart, Bonnie Hunt, Mitchel Musso, Meaghan Jette Martin and more. Start bidding HERE.

Now on to the Giveaway...

Would you like to win your very own copy of Build-A-Bear Workshop® A Friend Fur All Seasons for the Wii?

Leave a comment telling me about your child's favorite plush, whether its by Build-A-Bear or not and who you are winning this game for!!

Deadline to enter is December 2nd!

Want more chances? Enter at the following blogs:


Ends December 6th! Enter HERE!

Build a Bear Wii Game - ends December 4th!

Smiles,

~Kristinia/Loving Heart Mommy~

Decorating the Tree #1

I just pulled out the 6ft tree from last year and I even snagged a 4ft White tree already pre-lit from Wal-Mart! My plan is to decorate our 6ft tree for Gabriel and the 4ft tree for Helana.

Here are some pictures of what progress I've made in decorating soo far! We have started with the lights, I plan on putting the ornaments on tonight when the children are both sleeping! I'm even thinking of wrapping some boxes (no gifts inside) spruce up the setting!

If you have small children who would like to help out I suggest starting off with the lights, he had such fun watching me walk around the tree with the lights.. I was making myself dizzy and him giggly!

I'll leave you with my lil' Santa goofing off.. He's soo cute!
Tonight is Decorating the Tree Part 2, the ornaments! I'll have a post and pictures coming soon!



Smiles,

~Kristinia/Loving Heart Mommy~

Hip Mama's Place Christmas Giveaway Event!

Oh what fun it is to find... Jingle Bells Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, fa la la la la, walking in a Winter Wonderland... I am soo ready for Christmas and the giveaways around the Blogosphere just keep getting better and better!


Just check out the sweet holiday giveaways from Hip Mama's Place:



- A set of Glacier necklace and a pair of earrings, vaued @ $120 from Twisted Silver

- Lighthouse Wheeled Duffel Bag of your choice (size and color) from Land's End, Valued from $149.50- $199.50

- Supermama Kit from Mama Mio, Valued @ $99 (2 Kits Available, 2 Winners)

- 2 Kids' Tees or 2 Onesies (your choice) from BabyRockApparel.com

- Smart-e-Bear (Bear, Cat, or Dog) from Smartebear.com, Valued @ $80

- PopATot Baby Activity Center, Valued @ $60

- $50 Gift Certificate to The Pashmina Store

- $50 Gift Certificate to Mother Earth and Baby

- $50 Gift Certificate to TrendyRemedy.com

- $50 Gift Certificate to GrowInStyle.com

- $40 Gift Certificate to Custom Made for Kids (good to use for personalized book purchase at $32.95 plus shipping to U.S. only)

- Motherhood Essentials Kit from Belli Skincare, Valued @ $39 (3 Sets, 3 Winners)

- Super Soft Minky Blanket of your choice from My Carseat Blankie, Valued @ $35

- Poingo Children's Interactive Storybook Starter Set, Valued @ $35

- Cheekeyes Wooden Animal Set (your choice)from Oompa.com, Valued @ $30

- Eleven Shoes for Kids from the Fall/Winter 2008 Collection (your choice)

- Pineapple Cove Baby Diaper Wallet (your choice of color) from Baby Brown's, Valued @ $28

So get to checking your lists and checking them twice cause these are a lot of really "Nice" gifts for the holiday if you were to win! Good luck and I hope everyone has a Thankful Thanksgiving!


Smiles,

~Kristinia/Loving Heart Mommy~

Stocking Stuffer:Child Safety with the SeatSnug®

I recieved this little lifesaver to review and it was just in the knick of time I believe too. My son has a booster seat and it doesn't seem to sit in my car and feel secure enough, even with the Latch system and the 5 point harness it still seems to have some sort of slack to it.. now I'm wanting my child's seat to be secure and not tilting even slightly, basically I don't want my child's seat to even budge! Do you have this issue? If so the SeatSnug® would be the best investment you will ever make for your childs life and safety.

The current 3-point seatbelt system in today’s vehicles represents a compromise between safety and comfort allowing “slack” in the lap belt portion while riding in a vehicle. SeatSnug solves this issue and features the newest CG-Lock technology product that simply clips onto an existing seatbelt to keep kids safe. SeatSnug® allows a child to be safely secured in a booster/car seat, without the ability for slack to develop and will reduce the number of children severely injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents. http://www.seatsnug.com


From SeatSnug:
Why Do We Need SeatSnug®?
Children in booster seats are at risk of injury and death due to seatbelt slack (looseness). The three-point seatbelt commonly used in motor vehicles, represents a compromise between safety and comfort. A three-point seatbelt allows slack to develop in the lap belt portion while children (or adults!) are riding in a vehicle. Seatbelt slack is acknowledged in the auto industry as a major contributor to injuries and deaths in vehicular accidents.

A loose seatbelt allows a child in a booster seat to bounce around, rock, tip, slide, and even fall over during normal vehicle maneuvering, which can result in injuries, such as a child’s head being thrown against the side of the vehicle, as well as leading to child discomfort, including motion sickness. In frontal impact accidents or during panic stops, a loose seatbelt can further lead to a child submarining under the lap belt. Loose lap belts are also contributors to children, whether in a booster seat or riding without a booster seat, ejecting out of the seatbelt in rollover accidents, allowing children to “fly around” the vehicle, resulting in the potential for severe injuries and even death—even though the seatbelt was buckled!

What’s the Solution?
The brand new SeatSnug® allows the lap belt to be lightly tightened around a child’s hips while riding in a vehicle, preventing seatbelt slack or looseness from developing.

By gently securing a child while riding in a booster seat, SeatSnug® substantially eliminates bouncing, rocking, tipping, falling over, submarining, and ejection, thus reducing the potential for injuries and death in vehicular accidents. At the same time, SeatSnug® improves child stability and comfort.

How Does SeatSnug® Work?
SeatSnug® can be easily and quickly clipped onto a vehicle’s existing factory installed seatbelt. Once a child in a booster seat is buckled up, the lap belt may be lightly tightened around the child’s hips by pulling up on the shoulder strap to more safely secure the child, without affecting the normal operation of the shoulder strap. The child continues to have the comfort of free upper body movement. Thus, SeatSnug® enhances child safety while maintaining and enhancing comfort.

SeatSnug® incorporates the unique race track proven, crash tested, and patented CG-Lock® Technology (visit www.CG-Lock.com for more insights about the CG-Lock).

The CG-Lock technology received The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval as a unique car safety device that stabilizes children in booster seats to increase child safety and comfort. SeatSnug® is a CG-Lock technology product designed specifically for children, to provide peace of mind to Moms and Grandmoms, while they drive children around.



Be sure to watch the comparison booster seat video, HERE, which dramatically demonstrates the merit and benefit of SeatSnug® and the CG-Lock technology in safely and more comfortably securing a child in a booster seat. The differences are amazing—yet the video was done at ONLY parking lot speeds. Imagine the safety difference at much higher speeds or if an accident should occur.

How do you get your hands on this little lifesaver? Check out SeatSnug where you can purchase the single pack ($34.95) or the 2-pack (on sale now for $59.95).



Smiles,

~Kristinia/Loving Heart Mommy~

Featuring Handmade/Giveaway: Connected 2 Christ

A bit about Connected2Christ:

First off if you didn't know, Erin Lowmaster the very creative digital graphics artist is my younger sister! I wish I had her amazing talent! I'm better at other things, like blogging and photography...

She has designed everything from t-shirts, tote bags, stickers, coffee cups, aprons, ties, cards, and much much more! Believe it or not you can even buy shoes with her designs from Keds for children and adults! She has the cutest designs, all very colorful and vibrant.

The extra cool thing about having a store with Zazzle is that you can custom make just about anything with the designs by the artist. Say for example you'd like a tote bag with her design of the Merry Christmas Baby in a Box, you can then choose the design, choose the color of the tote, and even add your own text!

She also is one of the hit designers over at Christian T-shirts.Net

Why she started her business:
I started my business because I wanted to share my art with the world.

Her favorite part of the holidays:
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends!


The giveaway: A mousepad of your choice from her Zazzle store.
View the selections of Mousepads here.

What you need to do is check out her Zazzle store and come back letting me know your favorite product(s) and design! Don't forget to enter her contests as well! Deadline to enter: December 1st

Extra! Extra! : Connected2Christ's Blog is also having TWO giveaways:
Think Green Tote Bag - ends December 7th, view it HERE.
Christian Christmas T-Shirt - ends December 5th





Smiles,

~Kristinia/Loving Heart Mommy~

Featuring Handmade: Athena's Olive Tree

A big thanks to Rachel Timmerman for taking the time for this interview and sending me some soaps to sample! They all smell very lovely and are very refreshing!


A bit about Athena's Olive Tree

Newlyweds Rachel and Matthew Timmerman from Rockville, Maryland launch Athena’s Olive Tree, a company featuring a wide range of beautifully handcrafted, natural bath and body products.

You can read more of their story HERE.





They have a large variety of beautiful handcrafted soaps, bath bombs, bath salts, bath cookies, lotion bars, shaving creams, body butter, moisturizers, scrubs and much much more!

Her favorite part of the holidays: The food! That's why I base so many of my products on food!

From peppermint, to butterscotch, and even oatmeal cookie scented soaps and more!

They were just feautured in Daily Candy and Modern Magazine!

Extra Extra!!
Yes! I'd like to point out that I offer free shipping on domestic orders over $50.00!! I will also throw in a free surprise soap for all orders over $50.00!

I've also put many items on sale - huge discounts!

Special for my readers:
Yes! Free shipping and a free surprise soap on orders over $50.00! Mention "Lovin' the Holidays" in order for this to apply!


More specials:
Spend $25 or more and get 5% off the entire purchase!
Spend $50 or more and get 10% off the entire purchase!
Orders under $100 are eligible for flat rate shipping at only $6.49!*
Shipping options available for as low as $1.17!*

Be sure to visit Athena's Olive Tree and their Etsy store for more great items for all your bath and beauty needs! These make great stocking stuffers for your family and friends. Need a gift basket? They have many to choose from! Who doesn't love to be pampered?

Smiles,


~Kristinia/Loving Heart Mommy~

How to make your own Advent Calendar

WOW, I was very impressed with "We are THAT Family"! She has the cutest idea for your own advent calendar for this holiday season!
Click HERE to check it out and she also has a giveaway that is included!

Check out all of her DIYP (Do it Yourself Projects!)






Smiles,

~Kristinia/Loving Heart Mommy~

Giving Thanks Giveaways

Check out the great giveaways at Mommy Blog Reviews! Hurry deadline to enter is November 24th!!!

What is up for grabs?


Chex Mix Spa Packages (Package of Chex Mix bars and cool spa stuff.)
Glide 2 Ride Bike (Your choice of pink or blue)
RK Knudsen Sensible Sippers (free juice boxes and a t-shirt)
Crayola Digital Camera
Precious Girls Club (book and online access card)
BabbaCover infant seat covers (super cute and really functional!)

Would you like to subscribe to my E-mail newsletter?
Click Here and thanks for reading!




Smiles,

~Kristinia/Loving Heart Mommy~