Showing posts with label Gift Ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gift Ideas. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Swim with Dolphins at SeaWorld San Antonio

Kissing Brady

Guess what?  I recently fulfilled a lifelong dream.  I was able to swim with a dolphin, so fun!  I was invited to take part in a Dolphin Interaction at Discovery Point in SeaWorld San Antonio.  After changing into a wetsuit and while accompanied by a trainer, a small group of us waded into the shallows of Dolphin Lagoon (at Discovery Point) and met Brady, a 17 year old bottle nose dolphin who couldn't have been sweeter.  There were several other dolphins there but I spent all my time with Brady.

 
 Taking a ride with Brady!

We were able to give him kisses, rubdowns, and even go for a short swim.  It was so fun to be so close to such a beautiful animal and learn about him. 

Learning some of the commands and having fun with Brady

Oh, and we got a little wet!

SeaWorld San Antonio has several interaction experiences available including the Dolphin Encounter, Beluga Encounter and the Sea Lion Encounter.  Interested in booking an Interaction at SeaWorld San Antonio?  Check out the link below for Blue Friday savings and make sure to come back on Thursday for even more savings.  These hands-on-experiences make great gifts as well.  Make someone happy and give an experience this holiday season.

https://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-sanantonio/book-online/tickets/blue-friday-swims/?mi_u=49ab0bbc77671ae139194ddb4811a574b13545f8&utm_source=Silverpop&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=00579088%20-%20SWT.BFS.NP.FC.TP1%20(1)&utm_content=DIGITAL&spMailingID=9911393&spUserID=NDUyNDM1NzkxODYS1&spJobID=1041661558&spReportId=MTA0MTY2MTU1OAS2
SeaWorld's Blue Friday Sale Sneak Peek

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Love and Blessed


Have you heard of loved+blessed?  Unlike many subscription boxes, loved+blessed is about hope and encouragement rather than products - a cause box.  The value of these boxes is measured differently than many other companies.  Each month, they send a box of encouragement to the loved+blessed ladies with a different theme that they hope will brighten their month, help them get through the challenges of life and help them to pass encouragement along to someone else.  I know that I personally love receiving packages in the mail.  I think this is a fabulous way to really brighten someones day!

Each month the box of encouragement includes:
  • a MINI POSTER for your home or office
  • a repositionable REMINDER STICKER perfect for your mirror, laptop or tablet
  • a SCRIPTURE CARD sized to fit in your pocket or purse
  • a removable KEEPSAKE THEME CARD
  • a special GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT (could be jewelry, stationary, journal, home decor, and more!)

I was so blessed to receive my own loved+blessed box.  The theme of my box is BEAUTY!

The sticker inside explains the Beauty theme.

Box Goodies

My box contained a mini poster (Beauty does not require perfection), a reminder sticker (You are all together beautiful my darling; there is no flaw in you), a scripture card (1 Peter 3:3-4), a pink bracelet saying loved+blessed, an encouraging compact mirror, and a prayer journal to record answered prayers.

 mini poster

 compact mirror

reminder sticker

Scripture card

prayer journal

 prayer journal pages

I have to admit that I feel pretty far from beautiful these days.  I am about halfway through my pregnancy and I already feel humongous.  It was such a sweet thing to receive this box and be reminded that I am beautiful.  I love that it contained scripture and reminded me of my inner beauty as well.  I think my favorite thing in the box is my new encouraging compact mirror.  It is something I would probably never buy myself; yet, it is useful and fun!

Would you like the chance to win a year of encouragement?  Yep, that's 12 free boxes.  Enter the Year of Encouragement giveaway and good luck!  Winner will be emailed April 1st.

Join Now and/or check out loved+blessed monthly subscription options.  Also, check out their shop to see examples of previous boxes - so fun!

And you can check out more about and the latest news from loved+blessed on their social channels: instagram, pinterest, twitter, and facebook.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing me with my own loved+blessed box to facilitate my review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Friday, December 4, 2015

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!

a Rafflecopter giveaway