Ho ! Ho ! Ho ! with Hallmark

The cute, the beautiful, the adorable.

Elegant ones. Funny ones. Sweet and simple ones.

I have shared all about them with you through out this year. Now it's time for the festive collection - I can tell you that it's a great blend of Hallmark's gift collection in festive colors, voice ( more on that later ) and MORE!

You just gotta take a glance at this guy from Hallmark's collection for the holidays. He's got that holiday spirit  in him! He is one warm, fuzzy bundle that made my toddler burst into peels of joyous laughter as he danced.

My heart leaped and danced with this snowman in skis. He is the most adorable snowman I have ever seen! 

It did not take me long to fall-in love with this Wireless Children's Angel Choir. They sing a few lines of carols in the sweetest, angelic voices. $14.95 each with any purchase (regularly $29.95)

This bright red frame caught my attention right out of the box. It not only does look perfect for Christmas but

 the bright color makes it a   a great piece on the table or the wall. The dancing lights are pretty but when lit 

up, they tend to give a dull look to the photo. I like it just the way it is, without the lights dancing.

Dancing Lights Holiday Frame-  $24.95 .

Jingle the Husky Pup has become a Christmas favorite. Every year Jingle warms the hearts of little ones with 

his heart-warming adventures. This year, Jingle in a recordable storybook? Yippeeee! Awesome gift for

 children.

Hallmark Holiday Recordable Storybooks. $19.95 each (valued at $29.95 each). Select holiday titles only. 

Holiday Instant Scrapbook Album.$14.95 

We can enjoy the spirit of Christmas with our little ones by doing some scrap booking. Christmas crafts are 

so much fun and get the kids all excited. It is also a great opportunity to talk to kids about the reason for the

 joy that comes with the season. Children will feel also involved and loved when they help decorate their 

pictures in a beautiful Christmas themed scrapbook.  Now I know what to do with all the Christmas pictures

that have been piling up.

Not to forget, Hallmark has a beautiful collection of Christmas and New Year cards.I was happy to see 

some bilingual cards for mes amis. Hallmark also carries cards from UNICEF that supports the 

underprivileged children.

I think that Hallmark has one of the best collections out there for the holidays. GREAT choices and lovely

 designs.

For more information, please visit Hallmark.ca

Disclosure: I received a sample for review purpose only. No monetary compensation was received. The above post reflects my personal opinion.

 

From Cradle to College . Weddings and Babies . Hallmark for all seasons of life!

Summer is in full bloom and so is life !

 A new-mommy to be,

 A new baby to welcome, 

Baby's first birthday,

A friend who just finished her grad school 

AND

Two soul-mates entering into life's journey together.

 Each of these events reminds me of how each occasion is special to the person  celebrating it. I have celebrated each of these and yes! they are some of the most special occasions in life! 

Hallmark has some great products to celebrate those moments..Life is a special occasion!

What's more special than a big brother or big sister's thoughts on a new baby that is being awaited? Here's Hallmark's recordable memory book - What's That in Mommy's Tummy? 

A book that I will need in the future!

This totally cute, little, cupcake shaped birthday candle ( battery powered) is sure to excite an 1 yr old. Why? Because he/she can squeeze this little cake all they want and nothing more than enjoyment, laughter and squeals can happen. Grab your camcorder and make memories of your baby's first birthday as you see their faces light up with this First Birthday Cake Plush.The yellow top glows when the button is pressed and of course, the happy birthday song will play on! 

Graduation is celebrating the fruit of years of hard work. Celebration comes with memories of good times shared all along the way. I remember studying with friends in library, coffee shops and holding project meetings at the class rooms...these friends have a huge part in my success. So it is absolutely a celebration of not just success but good relationships that were formed. 

Here's the perfect photo album to store all your memories.

 Summer weddings...are a ball! Wow..the golden sunshine just adds to the beauty of the glorious wedding. I was so pleased with what I saw at Hallmark for a wedding present! They have stunning wedding albums in shiny white fabric. My friend got married this summer and it was a beautiful gift for her.

Don't forget to see what you can choose to celebrate that special occasion in your life!

Visit Hallmark Canada to know more.

Disclosure: I received a sample for review purpose only. No monetary compensation was received. The above post reflects my personal opinion.

 

Hallmark + UNICEF = Life

 Lives are precious and priceless. But what if lives are being lost and it is because of lack of basic necessities?

We live without worrying about the basic essentials for life such as water, food, clothes.

 We line up to buy the latest gadget on the same day when it gets released, whereas in many places in the world, children line up for a glass of water and one meal a day.

 Our "wants" outnumber our "needs".

We seem to be loosing our appreciation and gratitude for what REALLY constitutes LIFE.

There are many ways to CARE.

 I like to start at home by not wasting food and water. We often remind our little boy about the children who are crying because they have no food to eat, while he doesn't like to eat his eggs.

Secondly, I lookout for brands that CARE. Not just about their business but brands that are sensitive to the needs of people and does something to make a difference.

UNICEF and Hallmark Canada embarked on a partnership this past holiday season to support the long standing tradition of the UNICEF Holiday cards and gifts program. By partnering with Hallmark, UNICEF has tripled its retail reach in Canadian communities while increasing the amount of funds raised for children around the world.

 

A portion of every UNICEF greeting card will support the organization’s work ensuring child survival wherever children’s lives are at risk.

• An anniversary card can help UNICEF provide Vitamin A doses to boost children’s immune systems and preserve their sight. 

• A birthday card can help provide measles vaccines or oral rehydration salts to treat diarrhea, one of the leading killers of children under 5 years old.  

With more than 116 unique designs Hallmark’s new UNICEF collection has something for everyone celebrating life's special moments while giving a child a better chance to survive and thrive. The collection features beautifully crafted cards to celebrate all occasions including birthdays, weddings, the birth of a new baby or to send a special message like good luck, get well or bon voyage.

 

I received some samples and will continue to buy the UNICEF cards, so that I can contribute to help a child survive. 

UNICEF every day cards are now available in Hallmark stores across Canada as well as in other fine retailers where the Hallmark brand is sold.

Disclosure: I received a sample for review purpose only. No monetary compensation was received. The above post reflects my personal opinion.

 

We love reading and so does Nugget!

I do not hesitate to invest when it comes to developing reading skills for my preschooler. My efforts have paid off since my little boy LOVES reading and is well on his way to identifying sight words. 

Here are some of the things that  worked for us:

• Establish a "reading routine" - We began by reading regularly at bedtime and slowly branched out to reading several times in a day.
• Read aloud and with your child - Tone moderation and use of animated voice can make reading time extremely stimulating for children. It also helps identify with the feelings conveyed in the passage being read.
• Lead by example - Let your child see you read for yourself. When I finish reading for my son, I tell him that Mommy is going to read her own book before sleeping.
• Use a variety of books - My son loves books about vehicles. But I make it a point to read his choice first followed by classics and other faith, value based books.

If I have to pick the one of the best "reading aid" I have used with my son, it would be the Hallmark's Interactive Storybooks. I had the privilege to review two other interactive buddies and they were a hit.

This time, we got to befriend a buddy named "Nugget". My son calls him his "reading buddy". When you read certain words loudly, Nugget responds. Jingle the Husky Pup was our very first bud and by now we know how these buddies respond. They are great to make reading time fun and for naps my little one grabs Nugget for some story time. 

 The Interactive Story Book package comes with a buddy and a book. You can also pick up 2 extra books . I am so glad that the "Nugget's First Day at School" book is included with the package. We plan to read it many times to prepare him for school.

Disclosure: I received a sample for review purpose only. No monetary compensation was received. The above post reflects my personal opinion.

 

What's blooming at Hallmark for Mother's Day? #HallmarkPressPause ( +Giveaway , Open to Canada) 5/6

 Expressions!

A meaningful word, rich and crisp in content and when spoken at the right time, can melt someone's heart. Here's more that can happen with an expression :

Win someone's heart. Make someone's day. Add some flavor to a relationship and make it even more special. 

No matter what you want  to express, Hallmark has got you covered.

Hallmark is all about "expressing" your heart. Instead of giving  just some flowers, with Hallmark you can "delight" that someone with a flower that will keep reminding them everyday of how much you value them. This flower will always stay fresh and not wither. At the touch of a button, the bud blooms into a beautiful flower that reveals the message inside.

This new product line from Hallmark is the "Blooming Expressions" .

 I received the yellow flower with the message " You deserve a beautiful day". 

It retails for $14.95 and is available in more colors and messages.

Personally, I think it is a sweet gift. The only downside is that I have to keep it far, far away from my little brat so that the petals don't get plucked away. And while I was looking for the button to see how the flower works, he had already figured it out and showed me how the flower can open and close! 

While I adore  " blooming expressions" , I seem to be lured  into Hallmark's stationery every time I browsed for this. Yep, did not know that Hallmark carried stationery. I have this unquenchable craze for stationery. The more colorful and cuter the stationery, the more I will use it. Stationery can do wonders in my mind and just sends me into an organizing spree.  

When I received this little bundle from Hallmark, I thought it will be the perfect time to mention that Hallmark does carry some lovely, much needed stationery. It looks great on my table and very useful for a mom like me. "Reminders" that are needed for my family, will look and sound much nicer on pretty paper like this :)

 Next time you are at Hallmark, check them out!

Thanks to Hallmark, we have a sweet giveaway for Mother's Day! One lucky Canadian reader will have the chance to win a Blooming Expressions !

Get cracking with Hallmark's Squawkin'-Egg Droppin' Hen ! A must have for Easter!

 Gone are the days when Hallmark was known just for cards. They are expanding their product line and some of the hottest products of the season can be found only at Hallmark.

Soon it will be Easter and apart from food and celebrations, you can surprise a little someone with a gift that will get them laughing over and over again! My son has never had a hen as a toy or a stuffed animal. So the moment he saw Mama Hen, he held it so gently and warmly.

Here's from Hallmark to you..

 It comes with battery, so you can enjoy it right away. Seriously, this Mama Hen is one heck of a hilarious singer, dancer and lays the most colorful eggs! She is a pale yellow with colorful dots and dons a perfectly tied scarf to give her the mature, protective mama look. 

My son enjoys it thoroughly and dances with the hen. All you do is drop the eggs in the little hole underneath the scarf and switch it on by pressing gently on her soft wings.

 This is a great source of fun for this season and while we wait for summer to visit the farm, we will enjoy this hen at home! Totally adorable. My boy who plays it rough, was all warm and cuddly with his hen!

You can buy this Squawkin'-Egg Droppin' Hen from Hallmark for $30.95 or $15.95 with purchase of three cards.

Disclosure: I received a sample for review purpose only. No monetary compensation was received. The above post reflects my personal opinion.

Christmas favorites from Hallmark ( R+G) 12/20 ( CAN)

I "heart" greeting cards. The cute ones, simple ones, musical ones, blank ones, big and small. I have liked some cards so much that I did not give them to anybody. I collect them sometimes! I would go crazy like a kid in a candy shop when I go to a Hallmark store - they have it all. They are the best.

Hallmark doesn't stop with just nice, pretty cards. They have stuff that will make my son want it all! 

Like this Interactive Storybook  that we got last year. He loved it so much that he wanted to take it to the ER with him when he was sick. Along came Jingle and the book and we had a little time reading with our interactive friend Jingle, until an explosion of , lets just say "stuff" came out of my son's mouth and landed all on poor Jingle. Unfortunately Jingle could not come home with us that day and he has been missed much!

But Jingle the Husky Pup and his really sweet storybook is back this Christmas! For a valued price of $29.95, you can get this adorable pup who is ready to bark and interact when you read to him. Best buddy ever for my son!

After our experience with Jingle - the interactive buddy, my son has started to like books that interact with him. With the recordable storybook, he has been having fun and his love for reading is brimming over! You can save $10 when you buy any of the above books before Dec 24, 2011. It will be a great gift for children.

OMG, this has been so much of fun! This mike can sound normal and at the press of the button it can make your voice sound like an elf! It comes with lyrics and pre recorded instrumental so you can sing along. This is great to take to an Christmas party and get everyone singing with you.That's the spirit of Christmas! for $14.95, this Merry-Okee is loads of fun! 

This is no ordinary hat! It is the Rockin' Talkin  Santa Hat! At the press of a button, the hanging part of the hat dances and can put everyone in a holiday mood. I LOVE it! Recently I photographed a toddler and wore this hat while I took pictures and he gazed at the hat and laughed so hard! Great pictures with beautiful smiles. It is a great tool for a photographer to keep the attention of a child. Retails for $19.95 ( usually $24.95)

This sweet bear can not only record a message but is all set to make a difference in the lives of terminally ill children. A portion of the proceeds will support Make-A-Wish- Canada, an organization that grants wishes to terminally ill children. It retails for $24.95.  My son is sending an adorable message for his favorite baby in church and Make-A-Wish Recordable Bear is going to deliver it! 

Wayne Gretsky Keepsake Ornament - $24.99. A great gift for hockey fans! Although a bit pricey for an ornament, a hockey lover will treasure it more than me.

Hallmark has great stuff for the season and do not forget their cards collection for your loved ones. I am thrilled with the variety Hallmark has to offer and it would be wonderful if Hallmark had an online store so that I can shop from home sometimes too.

Now on to the favorite part..GIVEAWAY! Thanks to Hallmark, one lucky Canadian reader will have the chance to win the  Rockin' Talkin  Santa Hat. 

Just leave a comment on your favorite Hallmark product! Browse their website here: Hallmark


Do not forget to leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

Disclaimer: I received a sample for review purpose only. No monetary compensation was received. The above post reflects my personal opinion.

Review: Hallmark's Recordable Storybook

All little girls love princesses and dream to be one! This recordable storybook is just for that little princess in your life. It is very well made with "voice save" technology which helps you to record your voice as you read.

Each page talks about a princess and the wonderful qualities that truly make them fit to be a princess. It encourages children to focus on inner qualities that help them build their personality. It reiterates the value of being friendly, helpful and how people love and appreciate these values more than the sparkles on the gown.

It finally has a page that says the sweetest thing and a little girl would feel so special and loved, to hear that.

You can record your voice in advance and just give your child the book for bedtime. They will surely feel special with their favorite story and your voice. When they get bored with your voice, they can experiment recording their own voices!

Hallmark has other recordable storybooks that both boys and girls will really enjoy. It retails for $29.95.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hallmark and the PR company for sending me the featured product for review. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. The review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.All opinions are only my own.)

Review: Make Father's Day a special one with Hallmark!

If you had read my previous reviews about Hallmark products, you would know how perfect their products are for every occasion in life. Now with Father's Day approaching, I was sent a product that would make a perfect gift for a dad.

Hear the story behind your photo. This elegant photo frame is made of solid wood and includes recordable technology. It allows for up to 10 seconds of recording time.

Before I say anything about this frame, let me tell you that if you purchase 3 Hallmark cards, you get this frame for a reduced price of $19.99. It is regularly priced at $29.99.

This is a lovely recordable photo frame that allows you to record up to 10 seconds. It is not much of a time but maybe a few words from the kids would really make it special. I like the words on the frame " Life makes the best story". It would make a nice gift for dad, mom, children and also for couples.

I plan to give it to my dad with a picture of him and me. It will guarantee a smile on his face every time he sees it. There are other gift options for Father's Day from Hallmark. If you are on a budget, just a card from Hallmark personally signed will mean the world to a dad! How I love greeting cards! I collect every card that my family sends me. 

So visit your local Hallmark store to see what gifts are in store!

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hallmark and the PR company for sending me the featured product for review. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. The review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.All opinions are only my own.)

Review: Think Hallmark for this Mother's Day!

A mother understands what a child does not say.  ~Author Unknown

 

Isn't it so true how mothers have the heart to understand children at exceptional levels? It is funny sometimes when my toddler says something and hubby would look at me as though he has no idea of what my son was saying. He would just tell me once and I would understand right away. Even if I do not have time, my heart would just go all the way out to know what he is saying from his little mind. Yes, he has my heart all wrapped around him. I feel what God has given to a mother is so magical and the best blessing of all.

Moms share a special bond with their children - young or old.This Mother's Day, do not forget to let your mom know how much you appreciate her for all that she is. She truly deserves to know and hear that.

Hallmark wants to make sure that Moms everywhere feel special and have created wonderful gifts! One gift that really stands out is the "Mom & Me - Conversations to Keep Recordable Book".

 

When my son says really cute things, I so would love to record it to keep hearing that sweet voice even 20 yrs later! Did Hallmark know what I wished for?!

Create memories with recordable conversation books.  Each page features one or two open-ended questions to prompt an imaginative response from the child. With the touch of a button the conversation can be played back. 

Some questions maybe hard for a 3 yr old, but questions like "What will you do with a million dollars?" are sure to trigger some funny responses.My son told me today that he wanted to be a bird so he can sit on top of a fire-truck or ambulance or police car ( most of his sentences end with the mention of 1 of the 3 vehicles!). You can record 1 or 2 answers a day and recording seems fairly simple and easy. 6-7 yr old children may have even more interesting answers.

It makes a great Mother's Day gift as it has many interesting questions involving the child and mommy.More so, it will be mommy who would treasure these responses and playback all the memories.

This product retails for $29.95.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hallmark and the PR company for sending me the featured product for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.All opinions expressed here are only my own.)

Review: Hallmark's Easter Special!

Hallmark never ceases to surprise their customers with the most beautiful and adorable gifts. With Hallmark, every season or just every day, you will have something to say. How about those "Just wanted to say hi!" cards or "Get well" cards? They are just as special as the Christmas or other cards and gifts. This is the brand that connects people and hearts!

I present to you these adorable products that I received for review!

 

For this Easter, Hallmark has come out with this cuddly and giggly duck which will every baby and toddler will fall in love with. Our friend's little baby who was the proud recipient of this duck breaks out into peels of laughter when he sees this duck giggling. He will have more of this duck once he learns how to make the duck giggle and sing.

Press this little duck's foot to hear her sing. She won't stop until she's tickled under her wings—then her song changes to giggles.

 You can buy this Totally Ticklish Duck for $29.95 or $14.95 with each purchase of three

Hallmark cards.

Another wonderful product that I received for review was this Interactive Storybook.

We had fallen a little behind in our reading schedule because of sickness and this interactive storybook has ignited the spark to read again.My son loves this raccoon and as we read aloud and he'll chime in with his own responses.These interactive storybooks are a great concept to keep reading fun and a big thanks to Hallmark for such a wonderful product. I love it too! It is a break for me to do something different than "just reading".

 

 You can buy this Watson Plush Toy for $9.95 and you get the Watson and the Case of the Sneaky Stealer Book free! Great and a very affordable gift that will be appreciated by parents and children.

And no occasion is special without a card! That's why Hallmark made sure that your kids have a special way of celebrating Easter. When I opened the card, I knew right away that my son would keep opening the card over and over again. Why? Firstly, the card has Mickey Mouse and friends and secondly it is a musical card that plays the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song!

Go to hallmark.com/extra and follow instructions to see this cheerful card come to life! It is a great way to talk to a child about the true meaning of Easter while having some fun. I plan to talk to my son in simple words about what makes Easter such a joyous occasion. On the other hand, my card did not come to life when I followed instructions, I am guessing sonny played with it too much and it probably had creases and bends. But even just the music, is fantastic! This card retails for $5.99.

If you plan to give gifts this Easter, be sure to consider these products.

~ Happy Easter everyone! ~

(Disclaimer: Thanks to Hallmark and the PR company for sending me the featured product for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.All opinions expressed here are only my own.)