Archives for December 2011

Uses for Q-tips & a Chance to Win Up to $1,000

Have you seen the new Q-tips® Precision Tips™?  I got to try some of these out and have been thinking of all the ways I could use the special precision tip.  I used them to apply my eye liner and was very impressed how I was able to get a perfect line.  Once I apply it I can then use the Q-tip to blend it.

I could see using the Q-tips® Precision Tips™ for painting tiny details on Christmas ornaments or Crafts.  There are many other ways to use Q-tips and here are some of my favorite ideas:


  • Q-tips® cotton swabs and Q-tips® Precision Tips™ are great for applying glue to models and arts and crafts projects. Use one tip to apply the glue and the other to remove any excess before it dries.
  • Q-tips® cotton swabs are great for applying medications and ointments to minor cuts and bruises – they are convenient, clean and disposable.
  • To fix makeup mistakes, just dip a dot of makeup remover on a Q-tips® cotton swab or Q-tips® Precision Tip™ – to erase it! Perfect for fixing a smudge without having to re-do your whole look.
  • Give yourself an at-home manicure and pedicure with Q-tips® Precision Tips™ by lightly moistening the end with nail polish remover to create your own “magic wand” that instantly erases unwanted mistakes.
  • Use Q-tips® cotton swabs or Q-tips® Precision Tips™ to touch-up paint on cabinets or walls. Apply wood stain to cover scratches in furniture or floors.

Check out Q-tips Facebook page for more tips and to submit your tip for a chance to win* a $100 gift card of a grand prize worth $1,000.  Be sure to enter by 12/15.

Disclosure: I  was provided with Q-tips cotton swabs® and information about the product by RocketXL. Allopinions are 100% my own.

Making Memories and Taking Time Off

 My 6 hanging out by a big tree

Did you notice that I lost steam and ended my gift guide early?  Well, it isn’t so much that I lost steam but that blogging is a lot of work and when you add 6 kids into the mix it can get a bit crazy (especially this time of year).  I would far rather enjoy this season than stress about posts not going up.  So I decided to end it a bit early.  We’ll see how long it is before I commit to 30 days of anything again without having the posts done well in advance (Although I do have a series up my sleeve for the new year that I am currently working on…).

I decided to take the whole month of December off of blogging to make time for the truly important things in life.  I will be busy cuddling little ones (and hopefully big kids too), reading,  tickle parties, cookie baking and memory making.  I will be sharing some posts from the archives while I am away.

I pray you have a lovely Christmastime full of love, joy and peace.  I will be back in time to wish you a Happy New Year.  In the meantime, you can connect with me on Twitter, Facebook or send me an email. I would love to hear from you!

You can see all of the Mommy Kudos Gift Guide items here.  If you need some inspiration there are some really great gift ideas for moms, babies and kids each day.  Also be on the lookout for my Ultimate Stocking Stuffer List (updated from the archives).

Blessings to you and yours!!

Favorite Gift Finds at BrookStone

I had the privilege a couple weeks ago of attending a blogger event at a local Brookstone store.  I always enjoy browsing Brookstone and checking out all of their latest items.  This time I went with Christmas gifts in mind and was on the hunt for what I thought would make great gifts.  Here are my top Brookstone gift recommendations:

 
I was impressed with this small wireless speaker that you can pair with your iPod or phone.  You can move this speaker around with you and listen to your favorite music.  It sounded great and is a great price at $99.99
This towel warmer sits in your bathroom and will warm up to 2 large bath towels in about 10 minutes.  Wouldn’t it be nice to step out of the shower on a cold morning to a nice warm towel?
 This cube of magnetic balls makes for addicting play.  You can make all kinds of shapes with these strong magnets.  This is a great gift for anyone who likes to create or build.

I got to try this out in Brookstone and thought this was really useful.  The body bean has an insert that you can heat up to use on sore or painful areas or just to warm you up.  It’s better than a hot water bottle. Plug it in for 15 minutes to heat it up, unplug it and it’s ready to use.

From what I understand these are pretty hot right now.  Teens and adults alike are flying these indoors and out with their iPads and iPhones as well as Android-based phones and tablets. The on-board cameras (one forward facing, one facing down) let you see in real time what the pilot sees as you complete complex flight maneuvers.  Oh, and if you get one, girls won’t be able to resist being near you as shown in the photo (sorry I couldn’t resist).
iConvert Video Converter

This caught  my eye because I have a basket full of old videos sitting around that really need to be converted to a digital format.  For only $99 I can convert old VHS, Beta, and other analog formats to digital SD memory cards.  Find this in a Brookstone store as I could not find it available online.

Have you ever watched a digital frame in person?  It is almost addicting to watch all of the pictures cycle through.  These make great presents for grandparents. Load them up with the best pictures of the grandkids and it’s ready to go.
Know someone who always has their laptop in their lap?  This e-Pad would make a great gift for them.  It  gives them a comfortable cushion and a flat surface to type on.  The e-Pad comes with speakers or without.
I received one of these as a gift from the blogger event I went to and I have really enjoyed using it.  It is made with the super soft n•a•p material and gently vibrates.  I find it to be very relaxing.   
Check out these great gifts and more at Brookstone online or in stores. Use code ELF25 and get 25% off online (thanks Kim!).