December 12th, 2010

On the 12th Day of Charlene Chronicles…

Over the past twelve days I have featured a variety of holiday gift ideas for moms, dads, grandparents, brothers and sisters, babysitters, friends, co-workers and of course, kids. Everything from a martian moonhouse to mothers’ jewelry. Yet, I saved, what I think is the best gift, for last.

The gift of time.

While there is often no monetary value to giving the gift of time, it can be worth a great deal to the person to whom you are giving it. It could be a husband watching the kids on a Saturday afternoon while his wife can get a manicure and a cup of coffee, or just a Sunday afternoon nap. Perhaps it is a wife giving her husband an afternoon of golf with his brother or an Friday night beer with a best friend. Maybe it is giving an elderly relative an afternoon of time to reminisce or an offer to run errands on a cold morning.

It could be something as simple as a promise to spend more time as a family in 2011, dedicated time each week to have a family game night, or a an effort for a couple to connect together at the end of each day.

You could print out the promise on a pretty piece of paper and wrap it in a bow. Maybe even create a coupon book of promises to empty the dishwasher or fold the laundry, mow the lawn or vacuum the garage.

Whatever it is, on the 12th Day of Charlene Chronicles, a fabulous gift idea for this holiday season is just the gift of time.

_____________________________

Image Credit: hisks via stock.xchng.com

CategoryHome | CommentComments Off

Tags:
December 10th, 2010

On the 10th Day of Charlene Chronicles…

I wish someone would give me a gym membership for Christmas. Actually, to get that I would need the time to go along with it and that is not likely to happen anytime in the next decade.

The next best thing I guess are those shoes you see everywhere. You know what I am talking about. The ones that  pretty much promise your butt will look like a super model’s pampered booty. Of course, deep down inside I know that is not true, but dang if I don’t wish it to be a teeny-tiny-iddy-bitty true and willing to fork over some cash for that distant dream.

Whether it is Sketchers, New Balance, Reebok, MBT, SpringBoost or FitFlop, there are many from which to choose.

For my birthday, I bought the FitFlop Ultra Lounge Slippers. I got these because I am often in the house wearing sweats, ratty t-shirts, and bunny slippers. (Umm, is that TMI?) So I thought to replace my worn-out Dearfoams for slippers that supposedly give my legs, ass and everything else in between a workout while running after my 13 month old, doing laundry, emptying the dishwasher…you get the picture.

FitFlop states it is biomechanically engineered to help tone and tighten your leg muscles while you walk in them using their patent- pending muscle-loading Microwobbleboard™ technology, which increases leg and bottom muscle activity (up to 30%) and absorbs more shock than a normal shoe (up to 22%). Totally cool but my final decision was based on the fact that FitFlop has also been approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

I have been wearing them for a month now. Yes, my birthday was only 5 days ago, but heck, I can treat myself to an early birthday present! My post-baby floppy butt should not suffer!

To be honest, I am not sure if I am seeing anything of the firmer nature. If I do, I can’t tell if it is from my Fitflops, my ramped-up running or anything else. Time will tell I guess. However, I love them. They are comfortable, supportive and feel fabulously awesome. They are also cute. I have been asked if they are new Uggs.

So for Christmas, I am currently eyeing their other shoes so I have something to wear out of the house too. And if my butt starts to look fabulously awesome, then that is icing on the (birthday) cake.

______________________________

Don’t forget to check out the other 9 days of Charlene Chronicles for gift ideas this holiday season and beyond.

Image Credit: Fitflop.com

CategoryStyle | Comment1 Comment »

Tags:
December 8th, 2010

On the 8th Day of Charlene Chronicles…

I have a chronicled a mish-mash of holiday ideas to share over the course of 12 days. So far I have featured gifts for kids. (Name Your Tune Kids CD, Super Fun Bath Toys, and a Bilibio). I also highlighted presents for parents, (Healthy Habits Kitchen and the Roomba) as well as a great hostess gift (Felted Soap) and all around gift. (Books)

Yet, we often have to buy a gift for a friend or co-worker. Maybe even a hard-to-shop for brother or sister. When I need such a gift, often I am at a loss for ideas.

Recently, a group of bloggers and I met with a representative from BJs. We had lunch, got some goodies and took a tour of the newest BJs store here in Massachusetts, which is in Waltham. What I realized, as I walked through the store, was that BJs is not just about 10 gallon tubs of ketchup that will last you until the next decade, but it is actually a great source for gifts.

On my own two days later, I went holiday shopping at my local BJs store. I picked up some Ferro Roche chocolates for hostess gifts, a candy dispenser that looks like a gumball machine for my brother, and some Lindt chocolate favors for Christmas dinner.

I also picked lots of gourmet cheeses, crackers and nuts for a homemade gift basket for my in-laws (though BJs had a large stock of pre-made gift baskets from which to choose too.)

There was even a large display of gift cards for my sister-in-law and nephew, which saved me time from having to run to store-to-store.

I also loved the fun gingerbread making kits and other baking ideas to get into the holiday spirit with the family.

The wrapping paper and gift tags were stunning.

Couldn’t believe they had the electronics for the various Wii, Xbox and Playstation trends.

Plus the massive amount of toys.

And the TVs? The lowest prices I have ever seen.

I particularily thought these two products were fun gift ideas. The Sodastream where you can make your own soda, which I could see being fun for the teen set. Heck, even grandparents might think it is cool.

This funky piggy bank may be great for a regular babysitter or tween niece.

I saw UGGs, Under Armour, designer kids coats, and Prada handbags. Plus cute gift baskets for humans…and dogs!

I was expecting wearhouse quality and outdated items, but got department store luxury at warehouse prices. One word: Fabulous.

So for the 8th Day of Charlene Chronicles holiday shopping list, I am not featuring one particular product. Rather I am featuring one particular store (BJs) because often it is not about what to buy, it is just the inspiration on where to look.

CategoryProduct Reviews for Moms, Babies and Kids | CommentComments Off

Tags:
December 7th, 2010

On the 7th Day of Charlene Chronicles…

Felted Soap. It is the coolest little thing I stumbled upon at a shopping trip to Whole Foods. The shape and texture caught my eye and I had to share. It may be the neatest gift this holiday season for friends, hostess gifts or hard-to-buy for individuals.

What it is, is homemade soap wrapped in felt. The felt acts as a lather enhancer and a mildly exfoliating washcloth,

No slivers of soap to chase around in the shower and the felt wicks water away from the soap, which helps it last. When the soap is gone, you have a felt bag for small treasures or other unique uses.

Crafters on Etsy sell these fabulous homemade felted soaps, as do most Whole Food locations, but if you feel crafty, you can make it yourself. Martha Stewart has a great recipe as does WikiHow.

While adult supervision is definitely needed, kids can have fun with this project and in the end, you may have a great gift to give the grandparents too.

________________________________________

Click here for days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Charlene Chronicles Holiday Gift Ideas.

Image Credits: 1862housesoaps on Etsy.com

CategoryHome | CommentComments Off

Tags:
December 6th, 2010

On the 6th Day of Charlene Chronicles…

Books make great gifts, especially for the bookophiles in our lives. So, for the 6th Day of Charlene Chronicles, here is a fabulous video segment showcasing great books for holiday gifts. Books for parents, kids or adults, Fox25 Morning News and Family-Life-Stories.com has some ideas for you.

Don’t forget websites like Barnes and Noble or Borders too. They often have book suggestions based on interests and age to help narrow your selection. Perhaps a Kindle or Nook instead? Or to give a book gift more pizazz, include tea and scones, a funky booklight or a homemade bookmark.

Whatever the book, I think the greatest gift is the passion for reading. Enjoy.


___________________________________________________
Image Credit: kylpyamme via stock.xchng

CategoryProduct Reviews for Moms, Babies and Kids | CommentComments Off

Tags:
December 4th, 2010

On the 4th Day of Charlene Chronicles…

It is holiday time, which means shopping time. If you are starting to panic, stay tuned. I have a chronicled a list of cool items that may help you with your holiday shopping. Some ideas will be geared towards babies. Others will target kids or the adult set. All in all, a mish-mash of holiday goodies over the next 12 days.

On the first day, it was a Name Your Tune Kids CD. On the second day, it was Super Fun Bath Toys. On the third day, it was Healthy Habits Kitchen. Today….

♪ On the fourth day of the Charlene Chronicles, I wish someone gave to me……♪

A cool-shaped funky toy

Bilibio is a new kind of toy that leaves room for a child’s endless imagination. That is important to me as a Mom. Whatever their interpretation, kids can invent their own games with it and be creative in any way: indoors or outdoors; in the sand or in the snow; on their head or their back; and sitting on top or sitting underneath.

Age range is from 2-7, but my 13 month old loves stacking his toys in it. Thus, it is a toy that will span years rather than days. Making it a value in-and-of itself. Big or small, the price ranges from $15-30. So if you are looking for something truly award winning, this is a great and innovative gift.

____________________

Image Credit: Bilibio.com

CategoryParenting Ideas and Advice | CommentComments Off

Tags:
December 2nd, 2010

On the 2nd Day of Charlene Chronicles…

It is holiday time, which means shopping time. If you are starting to panic, stay tuned. I have a chronicled a list of cool items that may help you with your holiday shopping. Some ideas will be geared towards babies. Others will target kids or the adult set. All in all, a mish-mash of holiday goodies over the next 12 days. On the first day, it was a Name Your Tune Kids CD. Today….

♪ On the second day of the Charlene Chronicles, I wish someone gave to me……♪

Super Fun Bath Toys

Bath Time takes on another challenge when you have a toddler. Long gone are the days where they were contained in a little bucket or tub bouncer. Keeping them in one place in a tub requires patience, physical strength…and a couple of really good bath toys. If you have a preschooler, they may now dread the bathtub. Enticing them to shampoo requires a couple of ‘Yookidoos’.

A company called Yookidoo has come to the water rescue. They have some great non-bath toys, but they also offer some bath options too. Here are my favorites.

Flow and Fill Spout Bath Toy:

The Flow-N-Fill Spout Bath Toy by Yookidoo is a unique water activity toy that attaches directly to the tub and draws water from the bath up through its spout, creating a gentle and constant water stream. The colorful bath playset comes with three activity tumblers. One tumbler creates a shower, another has a turning propeller, and the last one has a hidden friend that comes up to the surface when you fill it with water. It also includes a cute push face that easily turns the water flow on and off, as well as a swiveling arm that can hold all the vibrant tumblers. (Requires 3 AA batteries and best for ages 9 months+)

Stack N Spray Tub Fountain Bath Toy:

The Stack-N-Spray Tub Fountain Bath Toy by Yookidoo is a unique water jet toy that pulls water from the bath tub and squirts it out the top. It features a floating base with stackable boats and little characters. Each stackable piece floats on its own and has its own water effect. You can mix and match, use some and not the others and have a different experience every time. The red boat spins and sprays water. The light blue toy boat has a swiveling propeller and the dark blue boat has a water spout. The octopus sprays water all around and the scuba pal squirts water hair! (Requires 3 AA batteries and best for ages 12 months+)

Your kiddo will go crazy for these imaginative and interactive bath toys. Hey, you might get them to sit for 5 minutes! You can find them at major retailers and they range from $15 to $30 depending on the seller. Just do a web search.

Splish Splash, it’s a holiday smash!

CategoryParenting Ideas and Advice | Comment3 Comments »

Tags: