Gifts for Hockey Fans

Ice hockey may have originated in Canada, but there are plenty of Americans who enjoy watching, playing or coaching this fast-paced sport. This week, with the U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team advancing to a gold medal match and the unbeaten men’s team preparing for a quarterfinal, hockey is enjoying a skyrocketing popularity. The regular hockey season runs until April, so even past the Olympics, there is still plenty of time to shop for the hockey fan in your life. Here are a few gift suggestions:

For the dapper dresser, a pair of hockey rink cufflinks ($80) will add the perfect sporty touch to a starched shirt. Each stainless steel and enamel cufflink is a miniature replica of a hockey rink. Even its colors match regulation hockey rink colors!

Is your hockey fan more of a grill master? Then he or she will love this hockey BBQ set ($59.95). Made from stainless steel and actual retired hockey sticks, the fork, tongs and spatula are designed by a Massachusetts-based artist and are sure to be the talk of the party.

For inspiration, there’s nothing better than envisioning the thrill of the ice. Hang this wall mural($79) in a hockey fan’s room. Or, have him or her join a favorite team with a jersey on thispersonalized print ($54.50). Three jerseys feature current players, while the fourth will be your hockey fan’s name and favorite number.

Here’s another fun fact: During the course of an average game, some players can lose as much as five to eight pounds, most of which is water weight. Keep your giftee hydrated and hoisting his own Stanley Cup with this Stanley Classic one-hand mug ($30). Unlike the Stanley Cup, this one is to keep, no need to give it back next year!

Check out Gifts.com for other gift ideas for sports fans.

Jennifer Glatt is a content strategist, copywriter and travel writer based in Wilmington, North Carolina. She’s also a wife and mom, book club aficionado (her club reads wine labels), serial cross-country mover and lover of good pens. She has never opted to open a gift “on time” if she could open it early without being fussed at.

via:http://blog.gifts.com/gift-guides/gifts-for-hockey-fans

5 Trends for Toys in 2014

The American International Toy Fair is a treasure trove of playthings, with more than 1,000 toy manufacturers and distributors showing off their toys, from classics like puzzles to the latest software and video games. It’s not open to the public, but we get industry access for Gifts.com. Identifying what will be the hottest toys of the year is like finding a few needles in a really, really, really huge haystack. So, instead of listing individual toys, here is a rundown of five trends we spotted. You can look out for these on Gifts.com as the new toys start rolling out this spring, and get a sneak peek for what kids will be screaming for during the fall and holiday seasons.

Low tech:
As much as kids love their app-tivities, there were a lot of amazing toys at this year’s Toy Fair where batteries and a screen are not required. I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of this type of toy making their way onto hot toy lists as people (and their kids) experience a little bit of a tech hangover.  Melissa and Doug, and Green Toys, are both great examples of companies making toys that are fun and engaging without having an “on” switch.

Role play reveals:
Another theme that I noticed was for the kids who love to get into the action and pretend to be their favorite characters. Whether it’s a super hero or princess, there are accessories that start out as one thing and reveal themselves as something else. There’s the Marvel Captain America Super Soldier Gear Stealthfire Shield (available this spring, $19.99) that pops open to reveal a hidden, four-dart Nerf blaster. And, the Nerf Rebelle Agent Bow ($29.99, available Fall 2014) is a princess archery set that has a secret code reader on the bow and special feathers on the arrows so that you can write invisible messages on them and shoot them at your fellow good gals during battle.

Revved up ride-ons:
Ride-ons have come a long way since the scootie train I had as a kid. One trend we’re loving is the uber modern, bubbly and slick ride-ons like the Reddot Design award-winning Spherovelo ($100) and Little Tikes Jelly Bean Racer ($19.99). They both are the kind of toy that you actually want left out so that friends and family can see how good looking toys can be.

Bam! Pow! Boom!
This year, Batman will be everywhere. He’s having a big birthday (turning 75!) and just about every major toy maker is creating something to celebrate. From re-creations of the original Batmobile toy to new Duplo Lego play sets for toddlers (out in August), Batman will be hard to miss in 2014.

Gateway toys:
The makers of some of the most popular toys of all time are now trying to get youngsters into the franchises at an earlier age. I saw lots of toddler versions of classics, like the new One Step Changers Transformers (Age of Extinction Chomp and Stomp Grimlock, out in August, $79.99) that can transform with one movement and giant Lego-style building blocks, called Massbricks, that let kids make life size structures. The Transformers complement the movie that’s coming out in August, but toys will be available in June.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the Toy Fair tomorrow, and shop all our toy and game gift ideas at Gifts.com.

via:http://blog.gifts.com/gift-trends/5-trends-for-toys-in-2014

Gifts for Pisces Men

The sensitive Pisces man (Feb. 19 to Mar. 20) is imaginative and creative. The sign’s symbol is two fish, representing a dual nature and go-with-the-flow attitude. He is very mysterious and sometimes has a temperamental side. Being a dreamer, he likes to be in his own fantasy world. He is very secretive and it can sometimes be hard to figure him out. Some famous Pisces include Jon Hamm, Daniel Craig, Kellan Lutz, and Justin Bieber (talk about hard to figure out!). Here are our top gift picks for the Pisces man.

For his secretive and mysterious side, this Inner Truth Journal ($16) will let him pour his soul out without letting anyone know what he’s thinking.

These Paperclip Earbuds ($40) are perfect for his creative and imaginative side. He’ll appreciate its fun design and can retreat to his dream world to these sound of his favorite tunes.

As a water sign, he can use this Waterproof Camera Case ($48) to document his underwater adventures.

Check out more awesome gift ideas for the Pisces man here. If you’re searching for more gift ideas by horoscope, visit Gifts.com for our Horoscope Gift Guide. Browse through our other shop-by-zodiac posts here to see expert gift recommendations for other sun signs, including yours!

via:http://blog.gifts.com/gift-guides/gifts-for-pisces-men

Gifts for Pisces Women

The charming Pisces woman (Feb. 19 to Mar. 20) is a lovable romantic. Like her male counterpart, she is artistic and creative. She is known to have a dual nature—she can be secretive and mysterious, yet exciting. She loves experiencing new adventures! The Pisces woman is very loyal and will do what she can to lend a helping hand. Some famous Pisces women include Rihanna, Emily Blunt, Rashida Jones, Olivia Wilde and Jessica Biel. Here are our top gift picks for Pisces women.

For her creative and artistic side, you can get her this cool Sunset Sand Art ($110) “window.” It can be rotated in different directions to change the placement of the sand inside, playing with the views of sky and land.

Since she loves exploring and going on new adventures, this Picnic Basket for Two ($57) will be the perfect companion, with handy compartments for everything she’ll need.

As a true romantic, the Pisces lady would love this I Love You More than Bacon Gift Box ($49), because let’s face it — you really do.

Check our our other amazing picks for the Pisces woman here. Visit Gifts.com and read ourHoroscope Gift Guide to shop gifts by zodiac. Browse through our other shop-by-zodiac posts to see expert gift recommendations for other sun signs, including yours!

via:http://blog.gifts.com/gift-guides/gifts-for-pisces-women

Our Favorite Things from Toy Fair 2014

After combing the 375,000 square feet of floor space at the Toy Fair 2014 and visiting a few off-site showrooms, we couldn’t help but find a few (hundred) toys that we got really excited about. Unfortunately, a lot of them don’t come out until the summer or fall, slated to be out in plenty of time for Christmas. So, to keep things simple, we’ll just share a few awesome toys that you can get now at Gifts.com. But keep checking back on Gifts.com for slide shows and gift guides galore as all of our favorite finds from the Toy Fair get added to the site over the next few months.

SkipHop Zoo Travel Blankets ($20):
The characters that we know and love by SkipHop cleverly made into an attached pocket that the blanket folds right into, forming a plush pillow.  They have a special kind of Velcro on the pocket that is completely smooth to the touch so that no one will get hurt and it won’t collect lint. We have no idea how it works, but it is genius!

Little Tikes Touch n Go Racer ($12.99):
These offer amazing play value for the price! They have little touch sensors that let small hands make real sounds. Touch the key and hear the engine start, tap the hood and hear the motor rev, rub the lines on the back and watch it go. These were so much fun to play with and there will be more cars in the line in time for the holidays. Little boys will go nuts for these!

My Little Pony Equestria Girls Rainbow Dash doll and pony ($19.99):
The Equestria Girls are part girl, part pony and all amazing. The Rainbow Dash doll comes with a pet pony, or in this case unicorn, too! Little girls will squeal over the colorful locks, er manes, and coordinating fashion. We’ll have it on Gifts.com soon, but you can get your fix now with this version, which does not come with the pony, Equestria Girls Rainbow Dash.

 

NerfCam Blaster ($79):
One toy that we can’t help but mention, even though it isn’t available until the fall, is the NerfCam Blaster. It is truly amazing. It’s a Nerf gun that comes with a built-in HD video camera for taping your battles and an easily removable SD card for simple uploads to your social network or device of choice.

Stay tuned for more toy ideas on Gifts.com, inspired by the latest offerings at the Toy Fair 2014.

 via:http://blog.gifts.com/gift-trends/our-favorite-things-from-toy-fair-2014

Himalayan or Siamese

Some cat lovers or pet lovers are still confused if one is a Himalayan or a Siamese. It is mainly because both have the same color; however, both have different hair lengths. But wait a minute, you can distinguish one not only by their coats but also with their behaviors.

Purry furry coats

Purebred Siamese have short, soft hair that is shiny and stick tightly to their body. Brushing Siamese’s lovely fur does not require you to do it on a daily basis because it doesn’t get tangled. Whereas Himalayans, you have to brush their coats to detangled and to remove dust as well. It is part of grooming them.

Himalayan, for those who are not aware of, is a mixed bred of Siamese and Persian. (So I guess you have an idea why this cat breed has long hair than the purebred Siamese.)

One is shy, the other is proud

If you try to observe Siamese has its way to let people know that, “Hey, I’m here! Please, pay attention to my beautiful features.” Yes, this cat breed loves attention and gets your attention. It meows for you to either pamper him/her or give him/her some food. It definitely wants to be part of your everyday life.

Himalayan has somewhat opposite characteristics. It is quiet and contented to be pampered. It rarely meows unlike our Siamese friend.

“I’m slender, you’re stocky”

Siamese cats are long and slender, which perhaps they know they are attractive. They have long neck and tail that can boast about unlike Himalayan felines. You know you are dealing with Himalayans if they have round face, but if triangular you definitely can tell they are Siamese.

Look into their eyes, so you’ll see the shape. Siamese cats have almond-shaped eyes, while Himalayan cats have round ones.

via:http://pocketchange.become.com/2014/02/himalayan-siamese.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+pocketchange-become+%28Pocket+Change+-+Become.com%29

The Benefits of Running Outdoors

Running is one of the best forms of exercise. It doesn’t require any equipment at all except for some great running shoes and a little motivation to get up and start. People who want to get into running think that it is something one can easily start but cannot keep up. Picking the best time of day can be an issue for some since the body temperature and agility is huge factor in completing a good run. Apart from the apparent benefits of running such as getting healthy and fit, running can soothe the mind, the heart and soul as well. But where is the best place to run? While the allure of the treadmill in the gym or your living room is obvious, there are benefits of exercising outdoors that can’t be replicated on a treadmill or a recumbent bicycle.

Pacing

While running on a treadmill can have some unique advantages, it can also be harmful to your long-term development as a runner as it locks the runner into a target pace. This method doesn’t teach you how to properly find and maintain pace on your own. This results to stunted development of your internal effort and pacing instincts.

Scenery

For majority of runners, treadmills are boring. Checking the clock and gauge can discourage any runner from going a real distance unlike when running outdoors, enjoying nature, the view of the city, or the park, time passes by quickly and before you know it, the run is over and you’ve worked out more than you expected you would. Running outside boosts mental health, reduces stress levels and alleviates depression. As you tread on the ground, your body somehow connects with the earth and gives a positive psychological effect over the control you have over your body. Seeing a majestic view can give the runner a sense of calm and empowerment.

Stride

You stride differently when you run outdoors because essentially people flex their ankles more when they run outside. Since outdoor exercise tends to be more strenuous than indoor ones, outdoor runners expend more energy to cover the target distance. They also run against the wind at times and experience change in terrain which helps train their balance and endurance.

Perhaps there are still many unfounded benefits that only a runner himself can discover, but one can never know until he takes his next sweat session outside. So, take your shoes for a run and see how you might just get something good out of it!

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Tips on Keeping your Heart Healthy

Each year, heart diseases claim about 600,000 lives. As the leading cause of deaths, heart problems are sometimes difficult to detect. Most patients don’t have the idea that they are suffering from one until an attack comes in. While this fact sounds cruel, there are ways we can prevent having it. Here are some of the tips that you can do to keep your heart healthy.

1.       Exercise

The ideal exercise is at least 150 minutes a week. That means in order to have a healthy heart, aerobics or cardio exercise for 30 minutes in most days of the week should be done regularly. This does not mean doing strenuous activities. Perhaps walking the dog, gardening or climbing stairs would do.

2.       Quit smoking

Smoking is a major contributor to heart attack risks. This is because of the presence of chemicals in tobacco which can damage the heart and blood vessels, making the arteries narrow. This is not only dangerous to the smoker. Secondhand smoke can harm other people even worse. The good side of this is when you stop smoking, the risk dramatically drops within just a year.

3.       Eat a balanced diet

Have five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. You may also add them to your oatmeal or pasta sauces. Foods with Omega-3 fatty acids also lower the risks of heart attack. It is present in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, soybean oil and canola oil. They are also found in some supplements.

4.       Manage weight

An unhealthy percentage of body fat can lead to conditions that raise the risks for hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. To check if you are maintaining a healthy weight, monitor your body mass index or BMI. Exercise and balanced diet make this goal possible.

5.       Have regular screenings

As a silent killer, heart disease usually does not give clear symptoms. Thus, it is important to visit your physician regularly and have your heart and blood screened for possible risks. Three major factors should always be considered in screenings: blood pressure, cholesterol levels and diabetes.

Some other tips include drinking less since alcohol consumption increases one’s body fats. Also, always check the labels on food packets in the grocery for healthier choices.

via:http://pocketchange.become.com/2014/02/tips-keeping-heart-healthy.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+pocketchange-become+%28Pocket+Change+-+Become.com%29

To Do List Before Leaving for Vacation

If you are leaving your home or your work for quite some time, make sure that you have prepared everything you need. Yet, more than the items you should not forget to bring with you, here are some of the things you need to do a few days before the departure date for a worry-free travel.

Charge all batteries

Be sure that all your gadgets and cameras are fully charged the day before leaving. Also, check the memory card for the space your trip might require.

Print and photocopy your travel documents and itineraries

Secure two copies of your plane tickets and make sure you have all the documents ready in one place.

Prepare your cash

Get cash from the atm. Check the local currency and exchange a right amount especially for fees in some airports and other random must-haves.

Call the credit card company

Inform your credit card company of your travel plans. This will help you track any possible fraudulent transactions during your trip.

Check for medical insurance and required vaccinations

Some countries might require you to get a vaccine to avoid acquiring diseases. Review your insurance policy, be it medical or travel, to know the coverage in case the trip requires.

Make arrangements for pets and plants

Have someone feed your pets and water your plants while you are away. It also helps to ask someone to oversee your place from time to time.

Pay bills

Pay in advance to avoid any penalties and other charges. You may also try the autopay system. Check with your bank.

Set up auto email response

Let the people know that you are away so they can set their expectations.

Turn off appliances

Make sure everything is unplugged before you leave.

Clear the fridge from perishables

Check the remaining food in the fridge and clean out any perishables.

Take out garbage

Dispose properly before leaving to prevent any pests in the trash corner of your home.

Check luggage

Hand carry baggage should not contain any sharp objects and liquids should be placed in ziplocks.

via:http://pocketchange.become.com/2014/02/list-leaving-vacation.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+pocketchange-become+%28Pocket+Change+-+Become.com%29

Recipes to give leftover chicken new styles

Dress your leftover chicken with a style. These days being innovative in the kitchen creates wonder in the food served on the table. It is not an excuse anymore to throw leftover or eat the same dish that triggers taste fatigue. These easy-to-do recipes would get you addicted to bring new faces to your leftover chicken. What to do with your leftover chicken? Wrap and toss.

Wrappin’ them up

For your conservative leftover chicken, make yourself comfortable wrapping it in either flour tortillas or spinach wraps. Combine it with a few ingredients for a Salsa experience in your mouth.

For a Hoisin Chicken Wraps recipe, all you need is stir finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, 1 1-inch ginger, and 3 white and light green parts of scallions in a large skillet. When you can finally smell the flavor, add about 3 ½ cups of shredded leftover chicken, ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and ½ cup chopped cashew nuts and cook for 2-3 minutes. Soften your flour tortillas by warming them in microwave oven to wrap and roll the mixture.

Another wraps recipe for those who like the sweet-and-sour taste is Chicken Mango Wraps. It is quick and easy. Spread generously and evenly (or freely depending on the thickness you want) a mixture of ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apricot or peach jams, and 1 teaspoon minced jalapeno on 4 8-in spinach wraps. Layer the wraps with about 3 cups of baby spinach leaves then top with 4 cups of sliced chicken, sliced ripe mango and avocado, 1 ½ cups of alfalfa sprouts. The next step is rolling the wraps tightly.

Try to create your own wraps recipes to break the boredom to your chicken dish.

Toss and turn

A little bit of tossing will turn your leftover chicken to a colorful, savory, deliciously made salad. Salad is easy to do and you can find so many recipes out there you can try and recreate. For now, let’s try these two recipes.

Give yourself 25 minutes to complete your Rotisserie Chicken Salad. Start with 4 slices of bacon you cut in half. Cook them in saucepan over medium heat until browned. Set the bacon aside then discard the oil but leave 1 tablespoon of the drippings from saucepan. Heat to boil over medium heat 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, a tablespoon of olive oil, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ tablespoon of ground black pepper. After that, you are ready for the next and last step. In a large bowl, place your 1 bag (about 9 ounces) of cut hearts of romaine then transferring the hot dressing over it. Now, it’s time to toss the mixture and add your 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken meat. Sprinkle crumbled bacon on it, then you are ready to eat.

Try Asian salad dish with 8 ounces of rice noodles as main ingredients. First, whisk fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, and water for the dressing, then set aside. Next, cover the noodles with hot water for 10 minutes. While waiting for the noodles to soften, boil water in a large pot.

After 10 minutes, drain the noodles then transfer it to pot. Cook it for 3-4 minutes until tender. Remember to stir it from time to time. Drain it and wash it with cold water.

Now for the main part, transfer noodles in a large bowl or where you can toss the ingredients well. Add 3 cups of diced chicken, a cup of mung bean sprouts, 4 thinly sliced scallions, grated carrot, and ¼ cup chopped fresh coriander. Pour half of dressing then toss again. Add dressing again until you achieve the taste you desire. Another thing, you may put 1/3 cup chopped unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts for your Asian Chicken and Rice Noodle Salad.

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Popcorn Indiana Celebrates National Snack Food Month

It’s National Snack Food Month in February and Popcorn, Indiana has a variety of selections perfect for everyone to enjoy a delicious snack every day of the month.

The maker of America’s #1 Kettlecorn offers these benefits.

For the Healthy Snacker: Popcorn, Indiana’s line of better-for-you popcorn has amazing taste and only 40 calories or less and just 2 g of fat per cup. It’s great for those wanted to snack smarter without sacrificing flavor.

For the Nightly Movie Watcher: the brand’s original line of ready-to-eat popcorn has the perfect amount of salty sweet that will leave everyone satisfied!

For the Superbowl Sports Fan: Popcorn, Indiana’s Chip’ins, an air-popped popcorn chip, is the best way to satisfy those potato chip cravings. Available in a variety of flavors, including White Cheddar and Jalapeno Ranch, there is a Chip’in to please all tastes.

I received a few samples and here are my thoughts.

Parmesan and herb – my husband and I really like this flavor. In one word – it’s different but tasty.

Fit Popcorn Real Butter – a hit. the kids like it.

Crispy Crunch – The family gives this an A+. Sweet, salty and crunchy – perfect for everyone’s tastes.

There’s also these other flavors: Sea Salt and Onion Dijon, and Olive Oil.

Since my son particularly needs extra fiber in his diet – popcorn is a regularly snack I like to give him.

via:http://www.mogulbaby.com/2014/01/popcorn-indiana-celebrates-national-snack-food-month/

I See Me! Personalized Growth Charts

I See Me! has now launched an adorable new category of personalized growth charts.

Chief Creative Officer and company Co-Founder Allan Haag says, “We have ten styles to choose from, all wonderfully illustrated by a variety award-winning artists and printed on high quality canvas. The growth charts are all made one at a time and are personalized with the child’s name. They make a great addition to a child’s room!”

Styles include Things that Go, Dinosaur, It’s a Girl!, It’s a Boy!, Love is in the Air, Kick, Score, Run!, Outer Space, All-a-Flutter Butterflies, Blast Off! and My Very Own Name.Each growth chart comes beautifully packaged in a signature I See Me! gift box.

I See Me! is also known for their classic, award-winning library of personalized children’s books, which feature the child as the star character of each story. We reviewed their personalized birthday book which which is adorable and definitely something to keep for years.

The company has been expanding into many coordinating personalized gift categories such as stickers, coloring books, placemats, puzzles and lunch boxes.

via:http://www.mogulbaby.com/2014/02/i-see-me-personalized-growth-charts/

Books: Loom Magic! 25 Never-Before-Seen Designs for an Amazing Rainbow of Projects

Thank goodness for the loom craze! Making rubber band bracelets have kept my kids busy for hours.

The new book - Loom Magic! 25 Never-Before-Seen Designs for an Amazing Rainbow of Projects (Sky Pony Press, December 2013) includes twenty-five new rubber band loom projects created by John McCann and Becky Thomas.

I gave it to my 8-year-old who was really excited to learn some new designs. When he browsed through it he realized he needs to  have the Rainbow Loom to so some of the projects. Perhaps it’s because the Rainbow Loom is featured in the instructions even though the book does not endorse the project. My kid adamantly told me, “You need to get the Rainbow Loom so I can do all the projects.”

So today – we finally got him that so he can start experimenting the following projects included in the book:

Cell phone Case
Watch band Octo bracelet
Sports fan keychain
Matching barrettes
Pencil topper
Snowman ornament

It’s going to take awhile to see if he will get to the above. But hey – it keeps him interested and creative!

via:http://www.mogulbaby.com/2014/02/books-loom-magic-25-never-before-seen-designs-for-an-amazing-rainbow-of-projects/

This Is Not A Toy Exhibition Curated By Pharrell Williams

If you’re in Toronto the next few months check out the exhibition This Is Not A Toy, guest curated by music and fashion mogul Pharrell Williams.

It’s also the first time for coveted artists, Brooklyn’s KAWS and Japan’s Takashi Murakami, to show their work in a design museum. On view from February 7 until May 19, 2014, the exhibition takes its name from the disclaimer found on packaging for objects that may be called toys, but aren’t meant for play.

(I recognize and have owned a few Japanese toys in the collection!)

Visitors absorb a multi-faceted sensory experience, as they are immersed in a vibrant world filled with music, video, and vinyl via iPad Air, iPad mini with Retina display and iMac.

Features include in-depth interviews with artists such as KAWS, Huck Gee and Frank Kozik, stop-motion videos created by fans of Kidrobot figures, and get an exclusive look at how vinyl toys are made and customized. The showstopper, The Simple Things, is a striking sculpture created by a trio of trailblazing creatives: Williams, Murakami and Jacob Arabo, a.k.a. “Jacob the Jeweler”.

The fiberglass, metal and steel head features a wide grin that reveals blinged-out ordinary objects, including a Pepsi can, a cupcake, and a Heinz ketchup bottle. First unveiled during Art Basel in 2009, The Simple Things has been exhibited at London’s Tate Museum, Paris’ Chateau de Versailles, Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Art, and now, Toronto’s Design Exchange.

This Is Not A Toy is on display at the Design Exchange from Friday, February 7th to Monday, May 19th, 2014.

via:http://www.mogulbaby.com/2014/02/this-is-not-a-toy-exhibition-curated-by-pharrell-williams/

Construction Fun With Crazy Forts!

Most children love playing with forts and tents. I think Crazy Forts is a great toy that involves creativity, building skills and fun.

Inside the box you’ll find 69 pieces (44 sticks and 25 balls). Design ideas are included too. All you do is add bedsheets and blankets and you have a cozy place to hang out. There are three choices to pick from: Original, princess, glow in the dark. There’s even a product available that includes LED lights that fit into the holes of the fort.

On the first day of fort building my son stayed in it for a couple of hours with the ipad.

As you can see my kids loved building and playing with the Glow and the Dark set. Get more than one kit and build a bigger fort.

Retail price is $49.95. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

OVERALL: I think it’s a great construction product. It’s a toy that children can work together on play with for hours. It’s also great that you can easily store the sticks and balls back into the box.

TIP: You need to look at the pamphlet because it will tell you that you need to insert sticks into the top of the balls with the arrows pointing up.

via:http://www.mogulbaby.com/2014/02/crazy-forts-construct-a-tent/

Grown Alchemist Intensive Hand Cream

We took a gamble by purchasing the Grown Alchemist Intensive Hand Cream ($27). A few of the first ingredients listed were Persian rose and argan extract, so we figured the stuff could help alleviate our perpetually dry hands. Not only does the cream rub in quickly and soften up our skin, but it also smells super good and doesn't leave behind any greasy excess. Man, we really love it when we're right!
via:http://www.outblush.com/women/beauty/skin-care/grown-alchemist-intensive-hand-cream-/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+outblush+%28Outblush%29

Chevron Flora II Area Rug

The Chevron Flora II Area Rug ($88) is far more than an accent piece, it is the rug of infinite possibilities! This stylish floral-and-stripe combo would make the perfect bedroom landscape. Or living room landscape. Oo, maybe we could use that pop of color in our hallway. The nicest bathmat ever, perhaps? Yes, we're confident that this rug can do it all.
via:http://www.outblush.com/women/home/chevron-flora-ii-area-rug-/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+outblush+%28Outblush%29

Blend #55: Calm

Is it one of those days that seems determined to unravel your usually cool and collected attitude? Before you give in and fly off the handle at the lack of clean forks in the breakroom (seriously, it takes thirty seconds to wash them, people!), try dabbing on a bit of hollow & ridge's Calm essential oil blend ($38). The lavender, rose, and geranium ought to take you to a happier place as you defiantly reach for a spoon and dig into your leftover lo mein.
via:http://www.outblush.com/women/beauty/blend-55-calm-/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+outblush+%28Outblush%29

Krispy Kreme Dozen Giclée Print

Even if Krispy Kreme donuts aren't on your daily healthy eating plan, you can still make them part of your life with Joël Penkman's giclée print ($90). Perhaps just seeing a dozen, perfectly formed, glazed, sprinkled, and iced vessels of sugar in your kitchen every morning will give you a good, sweet start to your day.
via:http://www.outblush.com/women/home/art-decor/krispy-kreme-dozen-giclee-print-/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+outblush+%28Outblush%29

Does This Make Us Look Cheap? February 21, 2014

No, we're not getting you ready for St. Patty's already. We are cluing you in to the hot neutral for spring: hunter green. It looks sharp and modern paired with pastels, but isn't so floral and fresh that you can't get away with it while it's still snowing out. Seriously, is it still snowing?

Gap Ultra Skinny Pants ($22 on sale)
Ecote Batwing Knit Cardigan ($29 on sale)
Nixon The Time Teller Bracelet Watch ($75 on sale)
Fossil Perforated Belt ($25 on sale)
olivia + joy Editor Tote ($50 on sale)

Our mothers told us to avoid looking cheap, but we can't help but think frugality is flattering. Does This Make Us Look Cheap? is your Friday dose of sale items to snag over the weekend - because being a tightwad doesn't mean you don't have taste.

via:http://www.outblush.com/women/does-this-make-us-look-cheap/does-this-make-us-look-cheap-february-21-2014/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+outblush+%28Outblush%29