Gifts That Wow

Finding birthday presents for the person who has everything is a chore, that takes up too much of your time. You lose heart and patience when it comes to finding something that is unique and the perfect fit for a loved one and so end up buying the same gifts, year in and year out.

We’re here to level up your gift buying game and get you on top with gifts that are going to blow your special someone away. Take a look at our top four gifts that are as unique as you are.

1. Escape Room

What says: “I love you” more than solving a series of clues and escaping from a locked room together?

In fact, this is the perfect gift experience for a couple who know each other well and love doing exciting new things together. Putting together your collective wits to beat the clock brings out the best in you both and gives you so much to talk about once you’re safely out and heading off for dinner. A great experience and a lot of fun.

2. Hit Broadway

One of those things you often talk about but rarely get around to doing. But why not? Grab tickets for Broadway shows and take your loved one on a tour of the greatest shows on earth. Grab pre-show dinner and post-show drinks for a classically romantic evening in the city that never sleeps.

3. Get a Pet

Yes, that’s right. Show your commitment by getting a pet for you to share. You know how much they love dogs so how about a puppy that’s going to become a big part of your family?

Image courtesy of Pixabay: CC0 licence

Please do note that you need to make sure that you are in a great position to look after a pet so do plenty of research before you go ahead and buy a puppy or kitten.

4. Take the Next Step

If you’re buying for your romantic partner then how about surprising them completely. Could it be that you’re ready to get married, to move in together or start saving for the holiday of a lifetime or a move abroad? Think about that exact thing that’s going to take their breath away and come up with an ingenious way of presenting the idea to them.

Hide a copy of your house key inside a giant box. Pop the question to the background of fireworks, thanks to the help of some friends, or bring along a brochure and start planning your global trip together. 

Just a few simple ideas that will change the course of your relationship for the better. Ditch those flowers from the gas station or that box of chocolates you found in the store and start thinking about how you can up your offer with presents that wow. Tickets for a show, a shared experience or by showing your commitment afresh. The only problem you’re going to find is how to beat your current gift for next year’s birthday.

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The Cup Cozy Pillow is the World's Best Cup Holder for Home and On The Go - Get One for Everyone on Your Holiday Shopping List This Year! (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Do you have a little man who comes into your house at night or when you aren't home and steals one of your family's socks?  Over time, you find that he is making more frequent visits and you are are left with lonely socks, unable to find their match.  I have a basket filled in the laundry room with these lonely socks, in hopes of reconnecting their with pair one day.  On occasion, my girls will run and grab two mismatched socks to wear -- this is usually when they are running low on socks due to not having matches, and I finally decided not to replace socks.  One day I hope to catch this sock thief and see what he is doing with all our socks. :-)

In addition to a sock thief, we also have phone and remote control thieves, who like playing games on us, and will hide our stuff, only to make us tear the house apart looking for them.  While hide and seek is a fun game, it isn't when all you want to do it use your phone or sit down after a long day and watch some television.  It is difficult when you can't find your phone or the remote.  And, while I grew up being my family's personal remote control and changing the channel on our dial television, I have since retired from this job, and prefer my trusty old remote to do the job for me.

Maybe there is a secret land where all these thieves live, and they are living it up with our gadgets and socks, and having a good laugh at our expense.  Or, maybe we are just so busy and forget where we put things.  I would prefer to think it is a thief taking our stuff, but we all know this isn't the case.  So, what can be done to keep remotes and even sippy cups and drink bottles (which also are good at going missing) safe and within arms' reach from us when we are on the couch, or on the go?  Enter the Cup Cozy Pillow...which you may have seen in an "As Seen on TV" infomercial or on Steve Harvey's Funderdome show. 

I first learned of this product by doing a search online for something to keep my remotes and drinks in one place, as I was growing tired on losing the remote or having my girls misplace their drink cups, when they weren't spilling them on the couch, or knocking them on the floor.  As soon as I saw the Cup Cozy Pillow, I had to get my hands on one, and try it out for myself. 

I read so many rave reviews on Amazon, and saw how others solved the same issues we were experiences (minus the missing socks, which is still an ongoing issue in our house), and knew this was just what we needed.

After reaching out to the folks at Cup Cozy Pillow, they sent me a sample of their 5 cup deluxe cozy pillow (also available in 3 whole cup holder, too).  While my husband and gears weren't excited to try it out, I sure was! I wanted to put it to the test and see how it worked at keeping my remotes for our television and streaming devices all in one location, as well as have a spot to put my phone and a hot or cold beverage.  With four people in our household, I knew the 5 whole cup cozy pillow was what we needed, so everyone had their own spot to store a drink when we enjoyed quality time on the couch.

So, how did the Cup Cozy Pillow work?  Perfectly!  I love how you can place this cup cozy pillow on the couch cushion next to you, on a nearby foot rest or end table, and have everything you need all in one place. No more worrying about where a particular remote walked off to, or having a drink spill when someone gets up off the couch. 

I have seen through the Cup Cozy Pillow website that this product is great for on-the-go travel, used when camping, on picnics, etc. 

This is such a versatile product and one you will try once and wonder how you ever lived without it.  Since receiving the Cup Cozy Pillow to try out, we have not had a visit by the remote or phone thief, and I am not running to grab paper towels to clean up a drink spill on the couch or floor, which I love!  It is great to sit down on the couch and have the remotes in one spot and a spot to hold my drink, when I need a free hand. 

With the holidays fast approaching, why not check off everyone on your shopping list by gifting them with their very own Cup Cozy Pillow.  They are great for kids away at college, busy families with kids, grandparents, etc. Once you try this product you will see why I and so many other people can't stop raving about and recommend the Cup Cozy Pillow.

So, what are you waiting for?  Say goodbye once and for all to the remote and phone thief in your house, and get this handy cup holder pillow today.  Head on over to http://cupcozypillow.com/ to place your order today.

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More about the Cup Cozy Pillow:

"Why move to get your cup when you don't have to?  Embrace your inner laziness with the world's BEST cup holder, The Cup Cozy Pillow  With it's unique patented, expandable cup hole walls you won't find any other cup holder that will fit such a vast number of cups, mugs, cans, or bottles. Not only is it THE ultimate cup holder, it also can be used to hold all your TV watching essentials like snacks, reading glasses, TV remotes, gaming controllers and more! "

Features:

-Fits Almost Any Size or Style of Cup, Mug, Bottle or Can

-Insulates Your Drink to Keep It Hot or Cold Longer

-Super Soft to the Touch Velboa Removable, Washable Cover

-Lightweight and Portable-Use It at Home or Take It With You!

-Convenient Place to Keep All the Small Items You Use daily!

-Dimensions: 13.5"W X 13.5"L X 3.5"H

-Weight: 1.125 LBS

- Available in 3 whole or 5 whole pillows, in a variety of colors and fabric designs (check out all the options here: http://cupcozypillow.com)

Cup Cozy Pillow Social Media Channels:

• https://www.facebook.com/cupcozypillow/
• https://twitter.com/cupcozypillow
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkFlzspBrqnLvJQnQQbnMpg
• https://www.pinterest.com/cupcozypillow/
• http://cupcozypillow.com/cupcozypillow

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Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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The Best Seat in the House is the XL Royal Sack from The Bean Bag Chair Outlet -- Review and #Giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.

I don't know why they invented a couch, because after you sit on an XL Royal Sack from the Bean Bag Chair Outlet, you will not want to sit or lounge on anything else.  :-)  I know that this is a bold statement to make, but if you have never sat on a Royal Sack from this US-based company, then you are truly missing out.  Recently, I was sent their Giraffe print XL Royal Sack to review, and have to say that is one of the best products I have reviewed since starting my blog back in 2009.  

Growing up did you ever a bean bag chair?  I remember for birthdays and Christmas' I would always ask my parents for one.  And, then one year, I found a royal blue vinyl bean bag chair under the Christmas tree.  I was so excited to try it out, only to be disappointed with how uncomfortable they were to sit on.  Back in the day, the bean bag chairs were made with mini Styrofoam pellets, that would never mold to your body, and would break down very quickly.  Leave it to my brothers to be rough housing around and do a belly flop on my bean bag chair.  Right before my eyes, the vinyl ripped open, and the room was filled with these tiny Styrofoam balls.  I was devastated, and my mom was mad, as it took forever to clean up the mess due to the static of the filling, and it clogging her vacuum hose.  After that, there was a no bean bag policy in our house.  

By the time college rolled around, I found many dorm mates with bean bag chairs in their rooms.  Unlike the bean bag chair I owned for  a short time, these ones seemed to have a better filling to them -- foam broken up into rectangular pieces.  But, even with a new filling, the bean bag chair weren't that comfortable to sit in for an extended period of time.  While they weren't comfy, they sure did look "cool" in a dorm room. :-) Now, flash forward 14 years and I find myself staring at another bean bag chair -- this time in my own home.  And, like the previous bean bags chairs I sat on in college, this XL Royal Sack from The Bean Bag Chair Outlet had a foam filling.  The only difference was that this was filling was more moldable, durable and well made.  And, they weren't kidding when they said it was XL.  Just look at the diameters for the XL Royal Sack:

• Floor Space: 72" W by 52" D by 36" T
• Circumference: 216"
• Diameter: 78"

Exact dimensions vary based on how you shape the chair.

I have to warn you that the package that the bean bag chair comes in is extremely heavy.  I think it was over 20 pounds, as the bean bag chair comes with all the air sucked out of it, making it a hard block of foam.  While I was excited to get the box in the house to show the XL Royal Sack off to the girls, I wished my husband was home to carry it in.  When I finally did get the box in the house, the fun began.  After getting what would be our XL Royal Sack out of the box and into its removable and washable liner, I had to knead and move around the filling to loosen it.  After about five minutes of intense kneading, rolling and rolling around on, the fillings were all separated, and i was a left with the XL Royal Sack.  The girls couldn't stop giggling, and wanted their turn on this "huge pillow."  And, in an instant, I saw a flashback of my two brothers belly jumping on my bean bag chair, as the girls grabbed hands and did a belly flop on the XL Royal Sack.  Unlike the poor quality bean bag chair of yesteryear, this US-made bean bag chair survived toddlers going to town on it.  They couldn't stop rolling around on it, and dragging it around the room.  Bella even showed off how she is fearless by jumping from the couch on the the new XL Royal Sack (which I don't recommend). 

But, then nap time came around, and I told the girls that if they behaved and took a nap, that they could snuggle up and the new bean bag chair and watch a little television before nap time.  They both grabbed their bottles, found a spot on their giraffe XL Royal Sack and settled in for a relaxing afternoon.  Within a few minutes their bottles were done, and they had both rolled over and passed out.  

The XL Royal Sack is so big that it fit both girls laying sideways perfectly.  And, when they awoke, the fun of having this oversized bean bag chair in the living room, started all over again. :-)

It has been a few weeks since we received the XL Royal Sack, and it is still keeping its shape, and offering hours of comfortable seating for every member of the family.  What was once an overcrowded couch, has since become an empty sectional in the corner of the living room, as everyone opts to sit on the bean bag chair when they enter the living room.  The bean bag chair is so comfy, that kids love sitting on it to watch television, play video games, or in my girls' case take a nap.  And, each night before bed, my husband or I mold the bean bag chair into a seat, and snuggle up with the girls, as we read them their bedtime stories.  I can't get over how much use this one product is getting in our house, and how every member of the family enjoys it.  Friends of my daughters, as well as family who come to visit, have to try out the XL Royal Sack.   And, once seated, they don't want to get up. :-)  It is that comfortable.  If I could, I would get rid of my couch and get a living room full of these bean bag chairs.  But, I know I would get funny looks when family and friends would come to visit, and expect to find a coach to sit on.  They would think I was trying to relive my college days, where it was the norm to have a bean bag chair as seating. :-)

Are you looking for the perfect "family gift" to get your family this year?  Skip the vacation and buy a Xl Royal Sack today.  This versatile oversize bean bag chair will become the focal point in whatever room you choose to leave it in.  And, don't be surprised to find it moved when you go to relax on it, as kids and adults alike will want to drag it into their bedrooms to relax and chill out.  You really have to sit on one of the amazing high-quality bean bag chairs to see what I am talking about.  It is so relaxing, that as you melt into the bean bag, you can't help but want to stay awhile. 

If the XL Royal Sack is too big for your living space, don't worry, as the the folks at The Bean Bag Chair Outlet also offer other size bean bag chairs, in a multitude of colors and fabric choices.  The hard part will be deciding on the color/style and size to get.  And, with a 10-year warranty on most bean bag chairs, this assurance of their superb quality workmanship and dedication to making customers happy is second to none.  I am so happy to have had the chance to try out the XL Royal Sack, and will definitely be suggesting to family and friends who are looking for the perfect gift to give this holiday season.

To learn more about the different bean bag chairs available, including the different sizes and color/design options, visit the Bean Bag Chair Outlet here:  www.thebeanbagchairoutlet.com.

And, just for Inspired by Savannah readers, make sure you use coupon code "BEANBAG1"  (all caps) at checkout, to receive 10% off your total order.  Act fast as this offer is only valid until Dec. 31, 2013. 

--WIN IT--

Thanks to the kind folks at The Bean Bag Chair Outlet, one lucky reader will win an XL Royal Sack in the color/style of their choice, to enjoy with their family.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Help Support a Great Cause, While Enjoying Some Delicious Homemade Cookies from Casey's Cookies (Review)

Casey's Cookies Mission:

Mentally disabled adults are as vulnerable as small children -- trusting far more than they should, and loving those who show even the slightest kindness.But, it’s difficult for them to find their place in society once they leave school.

A few may get jobs working in a hospital laundry, assisting with lawn care, bagging groceries, or working in a fast food restaurant, but most simply remain at home until their parent or guardian is no longer able to care for them.

Casey’s Cookies offers a new opportunity. Under the supervision of volunteers, participants bake cookies from scratch, then package and sell their gourmet and specialty cookies to individuals and local businesses. They learn the importance of teamwork and other valuable job skills while helping to build a business that will provide them with income and a safe place to live. It’s an exciting project, and one that you can be a part of.

We’re in need of donations to fund our cookie production and sales activities, gifts to help speed the development of a residential community, volunteers to assist with transportation and supervision, and also companies and individuals who want to buy cookies! If you would like to volunteer your time or make a financial gift to help Casey’s Cookies, please call (727) 388-4150, or email us at [email protected].

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Meet Casey of Casey's Cookies:

Casey was born with Goldenhar Syndrome, a congenital birth defect that includes deformities of the face and spine, and in some cases mental retardation.  In addition to having a low IQ, Casey is severely hearing impaired, and has had nine major surgeries to correct curvatures of her spine and severely dislocated hips.  But, throughout her physical ordeals, and despite her reduced ability to comprehend, Casey has never lost her sense of humor or her love of people.  She has learned to read and write, and can solve simple math problems.  She loves Gospel music, and credits God with healing her.  Casey is a 2010 special diploma graduate of Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg, Florida, and the daughter of the couple that helped establish Casey’s Cookies.  She was one of the first four developmentally delayed individuals hired to be a part of Casey's Cookies, and spends every morning in the kitchen assisting with cookie preparation and packaging.

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My Thoughts:

I was sent a sampling of each of Casey's Cookies signature flavors, and was amazed at just how good they tasted.  I tried spacing out the 8 cookies that were sent my way over a few days, and couldn't believe that at day 3 they still tasted like they were just baked, and so moist.  My favorite by far was their blueberry cookie.  I have never had a blueberry cookie, so I can't compare with others.  You should have seen the whole, plump blueberries that they used in their cookies.  Other blueberry desserts I have tried, like breads, use smoothed blueberries, or these chips that are blueberry flavored.  But, when it comes to Casey's Cookies, they take pride in their baked cookies, and this can be seen by the quality of each of their cookies.  They offer some cookie favorites like chocolate chip, as well as unique flavors including cranberry with white chocolate chip and cinnamon oatmeal raisin, made with plump golden raisins.  

Casey's Cookies offer their cookies in gift boxes, part of cookie trays and party packs, as well as by the dozen.  And, with eight flavors to choose from, including two sugar-free cookies, you are bound to satisfy your sweet tooth, or offer up a delicious gift to family and friends, which they will enjoy eating.

These cookies are just the icing on the cake so to speak for such a worthwhile cause. Casey's Cookies offers physically and mentally disabled adults the opportunity to learn skills such as team work, in addition to offering them an improved quality of life and the ability to live independently.  Through daily assigned tasks such as mixing, scooping baking, packaging, etc., participants prepare these delicious cookies for us all to enjoy year round.  I have read so many positive reviews from their recent Valentine's Day sales, and can't wait to see what they have in store for Mother's Day, and new flavors that they come up with.

Casey's Cookies is truly an inspirational story, and one that needs more recognition for the work that they do with and for physically and mentally disabled adults.  And, it was all started because of Casey, as through her perseverance and drive, not only has she overcome so much, she also provides inspiration to others who participate and help to make Casey's Cookies a success.

So, with Easter around the corner, as well as the need for a good homemade cookie to dip into your hot chocolate this winter/spring season, why not consider ordering a cookie sampler from Casey's Cookies.  And, make sure you try the blueberry cookies -- they are truly out of this world.  I am hoping my husband gets me some for Mother's Day!  hint hint hint... 

---BUY NOW---

Click here to order a cookie sampler, dozen cookies, cookie tray and more directly from Casey's Cookies website.  Cookies are baked fresh daily!

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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Great Gift Ideas– Gourmet Food Mixes and Handmade Jewelry by The Women’s Bean Project (Review)

 

Since 1989, the Women’s Bean Project has been helping women break the cycle of poverty and unemployment. They are a nonprofit organization that teaches job readiness and life skills for entry-level jobs through employment in their gourmet food production and handmade jewelry manufacturing businesses. Women come with the goal of transforming their lives and moving toward self sufficiency.

 

 

At the end of November, I was sent the 2 Chili & Cornbread Gourmet Food Bundle from the Women’s Bean Project, to sample and include in my holiday gift giving guide.  But, as many of you know, my daughter, Arabella, who was born on 11/10, took ill shortly after birth and needed to have surgery for pyloric stenosis last week. So, since her arrival, it has been crazy around her, as well as after her surgery and hospital stay.  Slowly, we are getting back to some normalcy (as much as you can with 2 children under the age of 2 in the home).  So, I found this gift set to be a lifesaver the week before my daughter’s unexpected surgery.  This gift pack contained two different chili's –one mild and one hot.  My husband and I are fans of spicy foods, so I first made the Firehouse #10 chili, along with the Golden Cornbread Mix that was included.  The chili directions were easy to follow, and the finished product was so tasty.  Usually, when I make chili, we have leftovers for my husband to take to work and for my lunch the next day.  But, not with this chili.  We kept going back for seconds, it was so good.  The beans cooked up great, so there were no hard beans, like some other chili's I have made or bought in restaurants.  My husband was so disappointed when he got up the next day for work and realized there were no leftovers.  So, that weekend, I made the milder chili, which was just as good as the Firehouse #10 chili.  Because we like spicy chili, we added some hot sauce to add some heat.

Overall, I was impressed with packaging of the gourmet bundle,as well as with the story behind this company.

Firehouse #10 Chili, Old Fashioned Chili and Golden Cornbread Mix all lovingly handmade and packaged in a Kraft paper box, shrink wrapped and tied with a signature Bean Project ribbon.

These gift bundles make for great gifts for any occasion – housewarming, hostess gifts, for teachers, expectant moms, and year-round holiday gifts (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, etc.). All Women’s Bean Project products come beautifully packaged, so they are ready to give as a gift upon arrival.  No need to fumble for wrapping paper – just give as is, or put in a gift bag.  I guarantee the recipient of these fine products will not only love the food once they cook it up, but they will also feel good, knowing that their gift was handmade by women looking to turn their lives around for the better.

I can’t wait to order some more chili was here, as well as order as gifts for upcoming birthdays in 2012.

The Women's Bean Project also offers handmade jewelry, bean soup mixes, Organic fair trade coffees, cookie and brownie mixes, instant teas, salsa mixes, fajita marinades, spice rubs, dip mixes and sweets.  They can be ordered separate or as part of a gift basket or bundle.

 

Want to help this great non-profit organization?  Help out by donating or volunteering your time.

Disclosure:  I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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