Lalaloopsy Birthday Party

Lalaloopsy Deluxe Kit

December is always a bit of a whirlwind for me.  So much to celebrate and such a fun time of year.  B and D had a joint Lalaloopsy Sewing Birthday party this year and it was "sew" much fun!

Our Kit

I was sent the Lalaloopsy Deluxe Party Kit from Wholesale Party Supplies.  This was the perfect kit for our party because it had the basics that we needed: 16 themed napkins, 8 themed plates, 8 themed 9oz cups, set of 8 forks/spoons/knives, one set of candles, 2 sets of streamers (pink and blue) and 1 themed table cloth.

The napkins had Crumbs Sugar Cookie and her pet Mouse.  D wanted this for her cake so David matched the napkins.

 The girls each had their own cake!  D had Crumbs and mouse and B had a needle and a button to make the number 10!

 The cakes!  We used the streamers all around the house.

 Here is a close up of B's cake with the candles that came in our kit.  They were very sturdy and a little thicker than a normal candle.

 We used the cups provided in our kit to hold cutlery and straws for the party.

Fun party straws.

 A close-up of the party plates.  These plates were such a generous size I used them as food holders for the party table.  One plate had cheese and crackers, another had blueberries, etc.

 I didn't get a photo of the table with the food spread ready :(.  Here is a photo though so that you can see the tablecloth.  It did a great job adding to the theme atmosphere.

Here is an example of Mouse and Persian Cat.

For our craft guests could choose between sewing Mouse, Persian Cat or a Bird Lalaloopsy pet.  I am hoping to upload a video and make another post specifically about our craft - stay tuned.  If you are in need of a cute party idea Lalaloopsy is a fun way to go and Wholesale Party Supplies has lots of variety to help make your party the best!

Disclosure:  I was blessed to receive the Lalaloopsy Deluxe Kit for review.  All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Fun at SeaWorld's Seafari Tour

Did you know that SeaWorld San Antonio has tours?  They do!  And they have several different ones available.  Last week I was able to take B on a special birthday surprise.  We drove down to SeaWorld San Antonio and participated in their Seafari Tour, a 3 hour before the park opens tour.  We had such a blast - it was so much fun!  We were able to see SeaWorld's animal conservation center, visit the penguin encounter and the puffin area, see and feed the sea lions, visit the beluga whales and pacific white sided dolphins, visit and pet the sting rays, pet a shark, see their baby sea lions and bottlenose dolphins.  We saw so many animals it truly was hard to keep track.

 Blue-tongued Skink

 Lemur

 Lemur

 Penguin Fun

 Puffins

 

 Pacific White Sided Dolphins

 

The Beluga Whales were having playtime when we visited.

 Feeding the Sea Lions

Baby Sea Lions (about 6 months old)

 

 Sting ray touch tank

 B touching the sting rays

 The shark waiting to be pet.

B was the only kid on the tour brave enough to touch the shark.  She was surprised at how rough the shark was compared to the sting rays.

 Bottlenose Dolphins

Special things to note concerning the Seafari Tour at SeaWorld:  it is a walking tour so you will be doing a lot of walking,  it is recommended for guests 8 and older (kids must be accompanied by a paying adult), this tour is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., you will check-in at the main security gate (not the main entrance because the park is not open yet), tour by reservation only, and prices start at $20.

Perfect Linens Fern Green Second Skin Sheets

David and I really appreciate high quality sheets.  We have had some low thread count sheets in the past and a few years ago we took the plunge and decided that we needed better sheets.  I was so excited when Perfect Linens recently contacted me to review their sheets!  I chose to receive the Fern Green Second Skin sheets.

Perfect Linen's Second Skin sheets Highlights
- super soft all-cotton sheet
- airy mid-weight 400 thread-count combed Egyptian cotton
- colorfast embroidery on flats and pillowcases
- made in Portugal
- oversized to fit mattresses up to 19 inches
- cling free
- durable
- 3 embroidered patterns (ribbon, blue double stripe, and fern green)
- available in standard, queen and king sizes
- machine wash warm, tumble dry low

 Blue Double Stripe pattern

Ribbon pattern

 Fern Green pattern

 My Sheets

My sheets arrived quickly and looked even better in person than pictured on-line.  You can see them above right out of the box!  We have a king sized bed and the sheets really are generously sized to fit all mattresses well.

Our new sheets

Different angle

They look and feel really nice.

 Our bed

"Second Skin's outstanding softness is the result of a natural enzyme process which removes molecules from the cell walls of the cotton, making the fibers easier to bend.  The enzyme process is permanent so the exceptional softness cannot wash out.  Sateen-weave, with fewer yarn-locking intersections per square inch, reduces stiffness further."

I have been really impressed with the softness of these sheets.  They really do feel nice and comfortable!  They also wash really well which is important for durability and longevity which is important in our home.  I have had a great experience with these sheets and this company and I would recommend them.

Perfect Linens has graciously offered a discount code for all of my readers.  If you are in the market for new sheets, please visit Perfect Linens and use the discount code Cummins30 to save on your order!

You can check out the latest products and deals from Perfect Lines on their social pages: twitter, facebook, pinterest, and instagram.

Gift Ideas That Feed the Soul & Family Christian Giveaway

*Thanks to Family Christian for sponsoring this post.  All opinions are my own.*

Christmas doesn't come from a store.  There are a lot of creative ways to communicate love through gift giving, but often it is helpful to be able to pick out a gift from the store shelf or online.

With Christmas quickly approaching you may be wondering what gifts to get for family and friends.  A few years ago I heard a great idea of what to buy for your kids.  You may be familiar with it: give them something they want, something they'll wear, something they need and something to read.  I actually really like this idea!  But I wanted to add something.  Give them something that feeds the soul!  So I put together a list of ideas that help feed the soul.  I had so much fun browsing and shopping at Family Christian and it wasn't hard to find ideas and inspiration.  You can always find great deals and you never forget the true reason for the season.

1. Bible (anyone)

Once our children really start reading, we invest in a high quality Bible for them.  We want them to have access to God's word and encourage them to read about God first hand.  A, B and C already have Bibles.  D's reading has really improved this year and we feel that she is ready for her first official Bible so she will be receiving this on Christmas!  For adults - If your loved ones enjoy drawing, doodling and learning scriptures I would also highly recommend a Journaling Bible.  I have really enjoyed Bible journaling this year.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  bookmark or journaling pens.

 The Bible we are giving D this year - engraved!

2.  Adult Coloring Books (this work for youth too)

These books have intricate detail and much more complex patterns than you will find in a classic preschool coloring book!  You have probably seen adult coloring books in many stores (they seem to be everywhere), but you may not know that Family Christian has a nice collection that include scripture.  As you use your crayons or colored pencils you can refresh and renew your mind while focusing on the presence of God, how awesome is that?  I picked up a few of these for A and B this Christmas.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  colors, colored pencils, or watercolors.

 Coloring Books

 I picked these up for the older girls.

A peek inside...

3.  Journals (anyone)

Journals are a great way to jot down notes, ideas, drawings, prayers, praises, etc.  I want to encourage my kids to lead a lifestyle of thanksgiving and praise.  I also want them to be prayer warriors.  Journals are a great tool to have to help cultivate those skills.  Family Christian has a plethora of journals to choose from, something for everyone.  I thought about saying these only work for those who have learned to write but I really think they work for much younger as well.  Even before they can write our kids love to draw.  Giving them their own book or place to do that can be truly special.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  a fun pen.

 Wall of journals

 Sadie Robertson Journals

Do everything in love journal

Fun Holiday Journal

4.  War Room (adults, older kids)

Right now you can pre-buy War Room (available December 22nd) at Family Christian.  You will also receive a free prayer journal with the current pre-buy deal.  This is the latest movie from the Kendrick brothers (the makers of Flywheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, Courageous).  I was able to see this movie and it was so good.  Not only was it extremely well made, it is thought provoking and it will change how you view prayer and how you pray.  I now have a prayer wall inspired from this movie.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  prayer journal, sticky prayers.

 The prayer journal I received when I pre-bought War Room.

A look inside the prayer journal.

5.  Wall Scripture/Wall Art (enjoyed by all)

David and I love the Word.  We recently had a conversation about how we would like to see more scriptures on the walls of our homes.  Scripture is powerful and Family Christian has so many wonderful options for scripture decor.  You can also find lots of inspiring phrases and artwork as well.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  scripture magnet or encouragement note cards.

 I fell in love with this wall art at my Family Christian store.

6.  Buck Denver Asks...Why Do We Call It Christmas? (everyone)

If you are familiar with the What's In The Bible series then you will already know about Buck Denver.  This video is such a fun and informative way to explain Christmas to both kids and adults.  I reviewed this movie last year so you can read more about What's In The Bible Why Do We Call It Christmas?.  We watch this family favorite every December.  Stocking Stuffer idea to match:  What's In The Bible Coloring Book or Christmas ornament.

 WITB Why Do We Call It Christmas?

I hope you find these ideas helpful and inspirational as you finish up your seasonal shopping this year.  I also want to add that most of these suggestions really work year round so keep them in mind for birthdays and other gift giving opportunities as well.

Ready for a giveaway?  One of you will win a $25 certificate to Family Christian!  Just enter the giveaway below and good luck!

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