52 Weeks Project 2017

As the 2016 year closes, I find myself to be reflective, as many of us usually are. What have I done or not done this year? What can I do to make it better?  All of these questions on my mind in an endless circle.

I suppose the way I am looking at things is by the end of the year, things were much better than the beginning and I am moving forward. 2015 and 2016 were difficult years for me personally and 2016 a year of sadness for the loss of so many musical stars that I grew up with. I also lost a friend this past year too. The political upheaval this year was...well, do not even get me started on that.

However, there were many good things too: Road trips with my Mother, reunions, a baptism, a birth of a new grand-baby,  discoveries, a new church home and forgiveness. All things that give me hope and are of much more importance.

So, what do I look forward to in 2017...

Well, years ago I stopped making New Year resolutions. This year I tried the word of the year thing...for the record, it was DETERMINATION...I am not sure that worked for me so well. I often keep forgetting I had a word of the year.

So, this year...

I have decided to go back to the 52 weeks project. This project is a list of 52 things I would like to try or attempt throughout the year...preferably, one per week, thus the name. The idea is to at very least attempt, better yet, succeed. However, if I don't, I just don't and I do not have to feel bad about it like I would with a resolution. The list of ideas can be small, short term goals or larger, more loftier goals.

Here is my list thus far in no particular order:
1.  Write a new book
2.  Publish a new book
3.  Complete the ICAD 2017 Challenge in June
4.  Complete all reading challenges I set for myself
5.  Read at least 12 of my non-fiction list
6.  Do at least 12 art challenges/swaps for Art in Minature
7.  Buy a new piece of furniture
8.  Do at least 12 random acts of kindness
9.  Complete the 52 money challenge
10. Lose at very least 52 pounds
11. Buy new makeup and wear it
12. Host Thanksgiving dinner at my house
13. Buy a new complete set of pots and pans
14. Go visit my family in MO (or bring them here)
15. Slash my TBR pile in half (does not include new books)
16. See 12 new (to me) movies
17. Go on at least 12 "date" nights with my husband
18. Take up a scripture challenge
19. Be more diligent with my prayer list every day
20. Write in my regular journal everyday

more to come...Happy New Year! ~Naila Moon

Portable North Pole #Review

Just because Santa already visited homes around the world does not mean he is completely off duty. Oh, no, he is busy, busy, busy, gearing up for next year and keeping an eye out for his naughty and nice list.

Do you have a little one that would like to see Santa or the elves again? Well, you can with Portable North Pole or PNP as the like to call themselves, let's you do just that. It is simple as creating a special video just for your child or even adult too.

The Portable North Pole (PNP) site allows Santa to send personalized video messages to children and adults all around the world. More than 150 million video messages from the PNP digital platforms have been viewed by Santa fans around the world since its launch in 2008.

Another thing you can do is create a video for your child's birthday that has Santa and the elves wishing him/her a Happy Birthday. I created one for my grand-son and he thought is was awesome that Santa had remembered him or better yet, even knew. He even got his own certificate of being on the "nice list."

Isn't that the magic of Santa though?

Oh, did I mention it is free? Yep, it is but you can purchase a year long pass. During the year, Santa can pop in to say hello or a reminder to be nice. In addition, there are stories to be read and your child can "visit" in the Santa Village. Oh so much fun!

Not convinced? Well, then check this out too...

 PNP donates 5% of web purchases to children’s hospitals around the world?

The best thing PNP is not just a one time thing that is only seen at Christmas. I have a year long pass and you can too. That means any time of the year Santa will be there if you want him to.

Ho Ho Ho!

Disclosure: I received a year long pass in order to facilitate my review. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Kids' Space Bundle #Giveaway

Kids love little spaces to get away and enjoy time alone. Check out this wonderful bundle to give kids the comfort they crave.

Welcome to the Brentwood Home Kids' Space Bundle Giveaway!

Sponsored by: Brentwood Home
Hosted by: Southern Mom Loves

I’ve got a bundle for you that’s sure to turn naptime into their favorite time. Holly from Southern Mom Loves teamed up with the folks at Brentwood Home for this awesome giveaway, featuring comfy bedroom essentials for your little ones. Not only are they adorable with fun colors and playful patterns, they’re made with healthy, natural materials that are safe for you and your home. Read on to win!

This bundle from Brentwood Home contains two of their most popular kids’ products – the Venice Lounger and the Lilypad pillow. The Lounger has a plush, hugging sensation, so your child feels cradled and secure no matter where they’re hanging out. It’s the perfect place for their “me” time, where they can read, snooze, create, and relax freely. Made with nontoxic polyurethane and gel memory foam, it’s perfectly cozy and kid-safe. For the health-conscious parent who wants the most natural night’s sleep for their child, the Lilypad pillow is the perfect resting place for sleepy heads. It’s filled with a mixture of silky smooth kapok, plus the texture of bouncy, all-natural latex. The Lilypad’s cover is detailed with a delicate plaid pattern for a playful touch. Plus, it’s made using 100% organic cotton, so you and your child can both sleep safe and sound.

Read Holly's review here, then enter to win it for yourself!

One winner will receive a Kids' Space Bundle from Brentwood Home consisting of a Venice Lounger and a LilyPad Pillow! (ARV $190)

Giveaway begins on 12/30/16 at 1:00 am CST and ends on 1/20/17 at 11:59 pm CST. Must be 18 years or older, open to residents of the US only. Once confirmed, the winners will be added to the Southern Mom Loves Winner's List.

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: Naila Moon of Just the Stuff Ya Know and the participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per IP address. All entries will be verified. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will be contacted by email; Please add southernmomloves@gmail.com to your whitelist. Brentwood Home will be responsible for prize delivery to the winner. This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, endorsed by, or associated with Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest, or any other social media platform.

Contact Holly at southernmomloves@gmail.com if you have any additional questions or comments.

Brooklyn Bean Roastery Gingerbread Man Single Serve Coffee #Review # #BrooklynBeanRoastery #coffee #singleserve

This past week Santa dropped by the house on his way to deliver presents. In his huge sack was a new shipment of single serve Keurig compatible coffee from Brooklyn Bean Roastery. The coffee drinkers of the house were excited to open the 40 count box as this time it contained Gingerbread Man.

"Oh, a new flavor!"my Mom exclaimed. "I cannot wait to try it." as she grabbed one and popped it into the Keurig. She told me she loved the ginger taste and thus far was a favorite.

My husband brewed a cup or two and had this to say about the coffee:

"The coffee has a full, rich flavor. The aromatic smell of the coffee reminded me of fresh gingerbread cookies coming out of the oven. I tasted a hint of brown sugar which offsets the the ginger nicely. This is a very enjoyable coffee and makes a nice breakfast coffee."

Wow, I suppose you cannot get better than that! 

I am here to tell you too that the coffee smell made the house smell divine and that just added to the whole ambiance of Christmas. Santa and Brooklyn Bean Roastery, you did well and get a thumbs way up for this flavor.

Disclosure: I received the item mentioned above for review. The opinions stated in this review are 100% mine or that of my family and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

SHOW OFF TUESDAY Link Up #Reviews and #Giveaways

Here we are, the last Tuesday link up for the year. Let's all go out with a bang and link up those reviews and end of year or new year giveaways. My blog bud, Xmas Dolly and I host the biggest and baddest link up around. What are you waiting for? Link up and SHOW OFF! Happy New Year~~~

SHOW OFF TUESDAY...Link Up! #Reviews #Giveaways

Need to find last minute gifts or finding the right item to look at? This is the place to find it. My blog pal, Xmas Dolly and I co-host the biggest giveaway and review link up around. So, what are you waiting for? Link up and SHOW OFF! Merry Christmas!

Brick Loot #Subscription Box #Review

Do you have an overgrown kid...translated husband/wife...( or children) who still loves to build with LEGO's? I do! Seriously, my husband loves to take LEGO's and build stuff. He does not go by the rules. Oh, no, he doesn't. If it is supposed to be a dinosaur, he builds a castle with it. Case in point...

Lucky me, I received this item called the Brick Loot Subscription Box. It came with the Pixel Monster kit (seen above), the little Lego figurine guy, and storage cube, and an additional kit as well that is supposed to be a game counsel. Of course, my husband made it something totally different. 
Isn't that the idea of putting together the bricks to begin with?

Brick Loot is a box subscription company for LEGO and Brick fanatics! Subscribers will receive a monthly box filled with unique, custom and never-before-seen items that work with LEGO bricks and custom building. Each month your Brick Loot box is filled with 4-8 items that were hand picked by Brick specialists (did you know there was such a person?)  who scours the world for the newest and coolest products for you to collect.

What is cool about this company is that the subscription boxes were created by a then 9 year old kid for kids. Yep, the CEO of the company is now 12! He puts together things he likes for other kids. I think that is awesome. Don't you?

The price is not bad and there is nothing but fun, fun, FUN in each kit. A surprise every month. My husband loves it.

Disclosure: I received the above item as mentioned above. The opinions stated are 100% mine or that of my family. ~Naila Moon

#Giveaway: MOCACuff Blood Pressure Cuff Ends 12/25/2016

Has your blood pressure risen while out doing holiday shopping?

This post contains affiliate links if clicked on Michigan Savings may receive a small commission to support this blog.

Welcome to the 2016 Epic Holiday Gift Guide MOCACuff Blood Pressure Cuff Giveaway!

This contest is hosted by the Social Media Gurus Network!

Michigan Saving and More

Deliciously Savvy

Tales From A Southern Mom

Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains

My Crafty Zoo

Adventures of a Nurse

Welcome To My Kitchen

Life in a House of Testosterone

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Now more about our sponsor in this giveaway!

The winner will receive 1 MOCACARE.

$75.27 rv

MOCACARE

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State-of-the-Art Blood Pressure Cuff

Also sold on Amazon!

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I would also like to say Thank you to all the promoting bloggers!

THE GIVEAWAY

This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site.You are not eligible if you have won a prize from the sponsor in the last 12 month. This Giveaway is valid in the United States Only and Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 12/25/16. The winners will have 48 hours to email their information back to las93063 at gmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. Naila Moon of Just the Stuff Ya Know nor any other blogger associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook! If you like our blogs on social media it helps us bring you only the best giveaways and more of them!

Enter below and Good Luck!

 

Entry-Form

SHOW OFF TUESDAY.....Link up your #reviews and #giveaways

We have the BIGGEST, the BEST, the COLOSSAL  “GiveAways & Reviews ever”!  Link them up and shop around!

Adventure #Santa & Adventure Santa Book #Review @AdventureSanta #AdventureSanta

We all know that at this time of year our dear friend, Santa, is very busy. I mean with all of the presents to make, wrapping, and getting the sleigh ready, he has a lot on his plate. But did you know at one point in time he used to take time out to go on adventures? He did! He enjoyed things like baking cookies, or playing games with kids. I mean, who do you think taught the reindeer, reindeer games?

The problem is, with Santa so busy, he was having a hard time going on all those adventures. So, he co-created, with his head elf, a soft plush doll of himself to that so he would still have fun. Guess what? Adventure Santa came alive!
He has a backpack for ideas of fun things to do too. And you know what else? He came to my house!

He did! I had to pick him up at the bus stop though. I guess he couldn't bring the sleigh as the real Santa needed it. So, the bus stop had to do. I wonder what the bus driver thought about Adventure Santa being on his bus?

Anyway, I checked his backpack to see what he had in store for me. Wouldn't you know it, the first thing on the list was the bus stop? He also had on there to drink a cold polar pop. Wow, how did he know? It figures he would like something called, "polar."

I noticed he planned on watching for snow with friends. Even though I live in the desert, it does get cold here. Maybe we will see some snow.

Overall, I had a great time with Adventure Santa. I know he is off for other adventures to see many other families around the world. Maybe he will be coming to your house? If he does, make sure to read the hard back book he brings along with him. It is a wonderful book full of colorful photos. The book tells the tale of how he came to be and what he began doing once he left Santa's shop.

Oh, and one more thing. He does bring his own note cards too. Maybe a mom or dad might want to write down and idea or two for the kids of the house. Certainly, he carries his own ideas in his backpack but parents can always help too. You know, so that he can enjoy adventures with them as well.

I hope you enjoy Adventure Santa as much as I did. Happy Christmas!

Disclosure: I received the above items above for review. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Hickies Shoe Lacing System #Review #LifeWithoutLaces @usfg

Have you ever had a problem keeping your shoe laces tied? I have this problem all of the time and it drives me nutty. I work on my feet all day and inevitably, my shoe laces come undone and I am tripping over them. Even double tying them does not help.

Alas, I found the perfect solution in a little gem called Hickies! I know the name sounds funny but these little plastic "ties" pack a wallop.

All I had to do was take out my existing shoe laces and then replace each one with the plastic "tie" into each hole. It was seriously easy! The system allows the user to put the "laces" in different ways too. I used the regular fit but I could have chosen to use a looser or tighter fit.

Check out this video that shows how easy it really is. HICKIES LACING SYSTEM-REGULAR FIT

As you can see, my Hickies are red. I also received a gray pair but wanted to use the red. They actually come in all sorts of fun colors to fit the users style. Kids can use them in their shoes too and I can only imagine how fun it would be to switch up into different colors. In fact, I am planning to give my grand-daughter a pair for her shoes.

I am very happy with these and now, I also have shoes that not only stay "tied" but also I can easily slip on and off. That makes me one happy person for sure.

Would you like to try them out? For my readers: Save 20% HICKIES shoe lacing system! Great gift for Holidays! Use code USFG to save. hickies.com http://usfamilyguide.com/coupons.php?bid=13107&dealid=3026.

Disclosure: I received two sets of this product for free. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Review:Multipurpose Hook Rack from Cave Tools

I don't know about you, but, in my apartment, I never have enough places to hang things. Think about all the things I or you could hang: cups, kitchen tools, bath towels, work tools, coats and much more. Living in an apartment makes this even doubly hard to find.

I was lucky enough though, to receive this multipurpose hook rack from Cave Tools. I am telling you, I was tickled pink to have it. The rack is made of a strong stainless steel metal and comes with five hooks.What was very cool was the hook rack also came with a screwdriver. That is right, the company puts a screwdriver and screws in the box with the hook rack! I thought that was pretty awesome. It made it so much easier because then we were not looking around for the right size to use.

The question for me became just where to put the hook rack and what to hang on it. Since it is Christmas time, I found the perfect solution!

I made these stockings for my grand-kids and wanted to hang them up. My husband hung the multipurpose hook rack near our door and that is where the stockings are now hung. After Christmas, it will become a jacket or coat rack.

One more thing, the rack comes with a BBQ recipe book to download. That is sure to come in handy next Summer when it is time to break out the grill again. I am really happy with this company and my multipurpose hook rack. I will be using it for a long time.

Disclosure: I received the item described above from the company for free. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

SHOW OFF TUESDAY #Giveaway and #Review Link Up

The holidays are upon us and that means many things for many people. One thing my blog pal, Xmas Dolly and I know, is that there are many bloggers out there reviewing and giving away loads of stuff. It is that time of week to SHOW OFF! Get all of your stuff seen on our weekly linkup and enter others giveaways. Join us!

SHOW OFF TUESDAY...Link Up Those #Giveaways and #Reviews

Xmas Dolly and I co-host this weekly #giveaway and #review link up. Link up and SHOW OFF what you have! We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving here in the U.S. Thanks for coming back week after week and linking up with us!

#Moana Activities For the Whole Family #Disney #movies

Moana is coming out to theatres on November 23rd, just in time for Thanksgiving to be upon us here in the United States. Disney has released some fun family activities related to the movie that I want to share with my readers. (See below)

ABOUT THE MOVIE:

Genre: Animated Comedy/Adventure

Rating: PG

U.S. Release Date: Nov. 23, 2016

Voice Cast: Auli‘i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Jemaine Clement, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Alan Tudyk.  

Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker

Producer: Osnat Shurer

Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows exactly why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) meets the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”), produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), and featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa‘i, “Moana” sails into U.S. theaters on Nov. 23, 2016. For more information, visit http://disney.com/moana, like us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/disneymoana; follow us on Twitter, http://www.twitter.com/DisneyAnimation; follow us on Instagram, https://instagram.com/DisneyAnimation.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new feature film “Moana” is about an adventurous teenager who, with help from demigod Maui, sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and save her people.

Visit the official MOANA website here: http://movies.disney.com/moana

ACTIVITIES:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-Xq8x91BE3makE1THhCNlNzNzA/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-Xq8x91BE3mTUMzeHBJZmVPWVE/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-Xq8x91BE3mNDZYejJDQ3lnLTg/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-Xq8x91BE3mMkw5ZTVFX21wS1E/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-Xq8x91BE3mT1hhbmlaOVZMTGs/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-Xq8x91BE3mTEpybTVhVVgtdzA/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-Xq8x91BE3mZUxpa2NiTVBseDQ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-Xq8x91BE3mSzhnTEIwNUp4b2c/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-Xq8x91BE3mT0lHLXpXN0o3cWc/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-Xq8x91BE3mZlJ4ZFJvOXBqWTA/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-Xq8x91BE3melFOaGJZN3Q3OG8/view?usp=sharing

Disclosure: I am working with Disney to bring you this information and activites.

Monkey Mat #Review...As Seen On Shark Tank!

Back in September, I introduced this terrific mat for families. I told you that it had been featured originally in the TV show, Shark Tank. The mat is called, Monkey Mat and it is a wonderful gem that I am happy to have. I actually received their new one which is quilted. See this amazing stitching?

 

That stitching makes the mats strong and durable to last just about anywhere you use it. Monkey Mat can be used by all ages and since it is large, several people can sit on it at the same time. Even my goofball husband likes it as it is big and comfortable.

So, what makes this different from other picnic or blanket like items? 

Well, here is the first: you can take this anywhere. I do mean just about everywhere, beach, park, concerts, hiking, travel anywhere really. The mat comes in its own zipper and water-proof bag. The mat is also water proof and spill resistant. Win!

Attached to the bag is a strong, durable handle that can also attach to a stroller. purse, backpack, heck, maybe even a belt loop. Get this, the bag is also securely attached to the mat itself! That means once you take the mat out, you won't lose the bag. You cannot believe how many times I have had to go chase a bag because wind has carried it away. With this, that will not happen.

Here is another great feature: The Monkey Mat has weights in each corner of the mat. This helps to keep the mat from flying away. No more chasing blankets either for me. In addition, see those loops? Those loops are sewn into the mat for additional security. You can put stakes into them and be assured that the mat is going no where. Note: I did find out that the company sells stakes separately but surely, any camp stakes would do too.

Finally, a third feature: There are four more sturdy loops in the middle of the mat. These can be used for a myriad of reasons. You could attach your car keys, toys for young children, even additional bags or items. Again, no more losing stuff! 

I originally was going to give this as a gift but I have decided this one is for us. They come in a variety of colors. Mine came in bright red  they even have camo patterns which would be great for the hunters in my family. I think I will have to be purchasing a couple more for family members very soon.

Thanks for looking and reading about this product I highly recommend!

 Disclosure: I received the fore mentioned product for free. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Oh, Fudge! Chocolate Flavored Single Cup #Coffee #Review #BrooklynBeanRoastery

For a few months now, I have shared with you different flavored  single serve coffees. No coffee filters needed here.

This month I am sharing a coffee from Brooklyn Bean Roastery for the chocolate lover in you. The name is "Oh, fudge!" I found this to be a fun name for coffee. I took a whiff of the ground up coffee beans and wow, you wanted to throw the ground up beans right down your throat. Strong flavored smell there. The packaging of each single serve was interesting too. Don't you just love that kid on there?

Now, not being much of a coffee drinker myself, I had my taste testers...aka, my Mother and husband...brew themselves each a cup in the Kerurig. This time, their reviews were less than stellar but let me tell you why.

Both of them felt that the smell was divine and the chocolate smell strong, even before they tasted the coffee. The expectation was that the coffee would have that same strong chocolate taste. However, both said that the taste of chocolate was there but once each brewed their cup, the taste was not strong. In fact, each said the taste was mild if almost non-existent.

Now, I am not saying they did not like the coffee, they felt it was okay but were also looking for that chocolate-y flavor that two chocolate fiends love. If you like a milder chocolate coffee taste, then this one is spot on for you.

Disclosure: I received a 40 count box of the described product. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own or that of my family. The views expressed here may conflict with your own.
~Naila Moon

SHOW OFF TUESDAY...Link Up #Giveaways & #Reviews

The holidays are fast approaching and there are a ton of products and gifts awaiting to be seen. Welcome back to SHOW OFF TUESDAY! This is the biggest and best link up for giveaways and reviews around. My blog pal, Xmas Dolly and I co-host this linkup every Tuesday. You can come here and SHOW OFF! Yep, we want to see those giveaways and reviews that you have to share with everyone else. So, come on, what are you waiting for...It's SHOW OFF TUESDAY! This is a Blog Hop!