A Christmas Wish For You

Merry Christmas!

On this Christmas Eve, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May this be a blessed time spent with your dearest friends and family. 

Thank you for your continued support, emails, comments, and participation throughout the year. I'm grateful for you all and this blog, which allows me to work from home and homeschool my son. So THANK YOU!

I'm taking a short blogging break to spend some extra time with my family. I'll return in the new year with some fun new reviews and of course, giveaways too! I will be popping in on occasion through social media, and also replying to emails. Feel free to get in touch by using the contact tab above or email me at thereynoldsmom@gmail.com.

 

Aunt Bessie's brand

Disclosure: This is a guest post submitted by Kira B.

Yorkshire puddings make an important part of any English family dinner. Aunt Bessie's brand has built its business selling frozen Yorkshire puddings with traditional taste but without the hassle of cooking. Pudding is a classic English Christmas delicacy. Being popular in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and the former British colonies, this dish is prepared with flour, bread crumbs, eggs, fat, cream and spices in a boiling water bath. The “pudding” word comes from the French “boudin”, which means "little sausage" and proves that in ancient time pudding was not a dessert at all, including meat as stuffing.

       Today the situation shapes in such a way that the tradition of Sunday lunch with classic puddings is rapidly losing popularity. Therefore, Aunt Bessie's brand began to expand this product category promoting Yorkshire puddings as a dish for every day, and not just for Sundays. They offer a wide range of Yorkshire puddings for any occasion, large, giant and bite-sized, of any shape and perfect for chicken, meat and other dishes.  Be ready to find a few interesting observations about this below.

Category leaders should take care of the brand’s growth

Being the market leader in UK Aunt Bessie's brand benefits most from its growth. It is very difficult or almost impossible to change the purchase frequency. Therefore, it’s much easier to increase the frequency of consumption. That’s what the company’s approach is designed for.

Communication as a fundamental component of brand building

Aunt Bessie's brand represents a great example of how you can create and strengthen key visual elements of the brand. In the latest Aunt Bessie's advert we can see two excessively curious neighbors named Margaret and Mabel who have been invariably present in brand advertising for many years. Those funny old women never cease to amaze how do shoppers of Aunt Bessie's products manage to cook delicious traditional food for their family despite being very busy. “She is doing roast chicken with Yorkshires! It’s so warm! How did she make it?"- They ask a question. The answer is simple – a good housewife always uses frozen food products from Aunt Bessie's brand to prepare delicious and nutritious dinner for the whole family.

Focus on the main point

Despite the expansion of the product line, Aunt Bessie’s brand continues to focus on its core product, Yorkshire puddings, not being spread too thin. They managed to avoid the temptation of trying to be different by shifting their investments to more dynamic categories. This is very true with a purely financial, as well as branding perspective.

 

Cord Blood Registry :: Important Facts About Cord Blood Banking

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for the Cord Blood Registry. I received promotional item to thank me for my participation.

When I was pregnant with Buddy (over five years ago now), I remember receiving a pamphlet or two on cord blood banking. A new concept to me, I brushed it to the side and never heard a word about it from my doctor. Since then, I wish I had looked into it further for Buddy. Thankfully he has been healthy up to this point, but as an infertility mama, the precious, delicate state of life is incredibly magnified. As a parent, I can't imagine what I would do if something tragic happened to my child and I didn't have any more options.

As the world’s largest family cord blood bank with over 500,000 cord blood and tissue stem cell units stored, Cord Blood Registry offers the collection, processing, and long-term cryopreservation of stem cells found in the umbilical cord blood of newborns. These newborn stem cells have the potential regenerative ability to improve and cure common health issues including autism, cerebral palsy, pediatric stroke and traumatic brain injury. Cord Blood Registry is also the first and only family newborn stem cell bank to help establish FDA-regulated clinical trials using cord blood stem cells in regenerative medicine. The medical strides that are being made with newborn stem cells are just astounding.

To see an incredible story of cord blood stem cells at work, view the short video below. 

I love that this mom calls cord blood banking "insurance". When you put it that way, it does make sense to have that safety net that might be needed some day for your precious child.

While I don't know of anyone who has personally benefited from banking their child's cord blood, there are plenty of amazing stories from clients of Cord Blood Registry. With cord blood banking comes peace of mind that in the event of a devastating diagnosis or accident, there's hope that perhaps you wouldn't have if you didn't save you child's cord blood. We will always have many what-ifs and worries as parents, but I can tell you that if we are blessed with another little one in the future, we will likely opt for cord blood banking.

5 facts about cord blood banking that expectant parents should know:

 

•  Cord blood is collected immediately after birth and the collection is painless, easy and safe for the mother and infant. The whole process is simple!
• Cord blood stem cells have been used in the treatment of more than 80 conditions, including certain cancers, blood disorders, immune deficiencies, and metabolic disorders.
• Cord blood banking isn't as expensive as you think. With financing, your monthly payment can be as low as $55.
• There are three options to choose from. Family banking - Your baby's cord blood is stored for a fee for exclusive use by your family. Newborn Possibilities Program® - CBR offers cord blood and cord tissue collection, processing and storage at no cost for five years when a family member has been diagnosed with a condition that can be treated with stem cells. Public donation - Your baby's cord blood is donated anonymously for potential use by a patient who needs a transplant. You must give birth in a participating hospital.
• Family members that are a suitable match can also benefit from using cord blood stem cells, so banking can potentially benefit more than just the child if needed.

 Learn more about cord blood banking today at www.cordblood.com.

 

Holiday Gift Guide 2013 :: A Surprise Every Month with Citrus Lane {Review & Special Offer}

 I received complimentary product for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own.

I love receiving packages on my doorstep, especially when the contents inside the box are a bit of a surprise! Enter one of my obsessions: monthly subscription boxes. For a gift that keeps on giving month after month, consider this subscription box company for the little ones this gift-giving season.

Citrus Lane helps you discover the latest and greatest products on the market for young children. Through their monthly subscription box you'll be able to keep up with the hot new natural brands that continue to emerge. Citrus Lane boxes are tailored to your child's age (from newborn to 5 years), so the contents of each box are age appropriate and relevant.

Buddy will be turning 5 this week, so the 5-year-old box is what we selected to review. I was curious to see how this box would appeal to Buddy since sometimes subscription companies aim too young for their aged boxes, but upon opening I knew he would love it.

Buddy was really delighted with his box, which was the November box with a "travel" theme. The Green Toys hamburger toy has been a big hit and I love that the pieces don't have that chemical-laden plastic smell like most play food sets. We have far too many art supplies in our home so the Doodle Pad and Beeswax Crayons didn't excite him too much, but I'll save them for when we need them. Buddy couldn't wait to eat his new organic snack and use his new reusable lunch bag though!

Our box also included a discount code for Tiny Prints, information on each product and discounts for each of the brand's websites to shop some more. I think this box is very well-rounded, and thoroughly thought out. Each month is a surprise, so your child will get something new and exciting with each box. What kid doesn't love getting a few "presents" in the mail, right?!

Subscription boxes are fun because they're often filled with items I wouldn't normally pick up on my own, or run in to at an actual store. It's a great way to get a little adventurous, and sneak away from the normal brands that you might be used too.

Citrus Lane seems to partner with a lot of my favorite natural and organic brands. I also love seeing that they are focusing on eco-friendly, healthy products to encourage bright futures for our children. For a truly fun, exciting gift this Christmas, give a Citrus Lane subscription to the little ones in your life. There are several subscription options to choose from, and monthly boxes are as low as $19 each with a 6-month subscription.

***Special Offer***
Use code CLBLOGGER to get $10 off any Citrus Lane subscription! 

{Offer Terms: can only be applied to subscription purchases by new Citrus Lane customers. It cannot be applied to gift subscriptions. Subscriptions automatically renew to full retail price. You may cancel anytime.}

 

 

Holiday Baking With Safeway, PLUS a Gluten-Free Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe {Giveaway - Ends 12/18}

I don't bake often throughout the year, but during the holidays I seem to catch up a bit. My need for gluten-free, (and my preference for) organic ingredients can sometimes make it difficult to find what I need though. I have several go-to grocery stores I check, and Safeway is one of those.

I received a gift card for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own.

I've noticed in the past year that Safeway is continuing to expand their gluten-free and organic options throughout the store. Last week I was really thrilled to see lots of gluten-free baking mixes, because I enjoy the convenience of not always having to bake from scratch. Safeway's organic brand, O Organics, also has several ingredients, like organic brown sugar and organic vanilla extract that I picked up.

 With Christmas just around the corner, baking is in high gear in kitchens everywhere. Finding the right ingredients in no longer a big issue for me, since Safeway has lots of gluten-free options that are also either organic, or pretty natural!

As a kid my mom used to bake several kinds of goodies for cookie exchanges, neighbor gifts, and Christmas parties. Since I grew up eating gluten, there's a huge learning curve for me with baking, even over a year after going gluten-free. I've mastered only a few recipes that have become favorites, and here's a recent one that's staying in my roundup of good ones for holiday events, parties, and anytime Buddy wants to help me bake up a treat.

This awesome gluten-free cookie recipe was inspired by The Rehomesteaders', recipe. It's perfect for holiday parties! I've tweaked it a bit, and swapped out the peanut butter for almond butter for a better nutrient profile. They taste amazing, the texture is soft, and they're super easy to make! I also love that this recipe makes only a dozen cookies, so I don't have too many sweet treats hanging around my house to tempt me.

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

 
1 cup Almond Butter 

2 Eggs

1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1 Tablespoon Molasses
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2/3 cup Quick Cooking Oats
1 teaspoon Baking Soda

3/4 cup Chocolate Chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Combine almond butter, eggs, brown sugar, molasses and vanilla until combined.

3. Add oats and baking soda. Fold in chocolate chips.

4. Using a cookie scoop, drop onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.

Let cool and enjoy! Makes 1 dozen. 

What's your favorite cookie recipe?

 

Win It!

One winner will receive a baking gift basket from Safeway! {$40 RV}

The Importance of a Furnace Tune-Up & an Exclusive Discount from Beutler Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing

Disclosure: This is a sponsored article written by me on behalf of Beutler Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Heating. All opinions are 100% my own.

The past week has brought freezing overnight temperatures here in the Sacramento area. As a result, our furnace has been running a lot extra to keep our home comfortable and warm. Thankfully our furnace maintenance inspection/tune-up we received recently as part of the Home Service Plan from Beutler Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing confirmed that our furnace is in good shape for the cold winter ahead. Thank goodness!

In response to all the great feedback on that post about their Home Service Plan, and to spread some holiday cheer, Beutler is offering an exclusive discount to my readers! Enter promo code SACMOMMY when you enter your information to set up an appointment to receive one of the following offers: 

• Home Service Plan for $125, instead of the regular $169. This includes two visits per year – one for A/C and one for furnace. It also includes special discounts on additional services and diagnostics.
  
• Tune-up cost (for someone without a Home Service Plan) for $79 instead of the regular price of $119.
  
• 5% off the book price of replacement installations.

Offer disclaimer: Valid only at participating Beutler® / ARS® Network Locations.  Not valid for third party, new construction customers, with any other offers or discounts, or prior sales.  Coupon required at time of service. Void where prohibited. Offer is for one drain line cleaning and drain line must be accessible for clearing or additional fee may apply.  See service center for details.  If your drain line passes our camera inspection we will extend our standard 30 day warranty up to one year.  Cash value $.001.  Offers expire 12/1/14.

Beutler has also offered the following tips on why it's important to get a fall furnace tune-up at this time of year:

-Having your furnace tuned-up helps it to work properly. When dirt builds up in your furnace, it causes friction. That friction forces the system to consume more energy, resulting in a higher energy bill. By getting a maintenance checkup, you can extend the life of the furnace and also save money on your monthly bill.

-When your furnace ducts have a buildup of dirt, turning on your system can create a burning-like scent in your home. This scent is not only bothersome, but could also result in an actual fire.

-When dirt gets in to the air filter of your furnace that can lead to the decline of heat being generated. You’ll notice a difference from room to room; some being too cold and some too hot.

-A clean and well maintained furnace will be able to operate at its best efficiency and your home will be more comfortable as a result.

Have you had your furnace inspected yet this year?

 

Thomas & Friends®: The Thomas Way {Giveaway Ends 12/17}

 

I received complimentary product for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own.

Just in time for the Christmas, Thomas & Friends®: The Thomas Way was just released on December 3rd. This fun new release can be found on DVD, Digital HD and Video from HIT Entertainment and Lionsgate.

Everyone’s favorite #1 True Blue Engine and his steam team learn that they must work together to stay on track and reach their destination! This one includes 5 great CGI-animated adventures plus a BONUS episode along with a game and puzzles. Buddy was besides himself when this arrived, as usual! Another fantastic Thomas DVD, perfect for young kids who love Thomas and trains.

SYNOPSIS
Hop aboard for fun on Sodor as the engines find out that there is always something new to learn! While Thomas and Duck learn how to steam ahead together with a special delivery, Luke and Millie find out what it's like to drive in each other’s tracks - literally! Percy steams straight into a lucky encounter with Bill and Ben, Caitlin gets a lesson in how things are done and Paxton works hard to recover Thomas' lost puff. With so much activity on Sodor, it's always important to steam ahead and remember that the best way is the Thomas Way!

Episodes
· “The Thomas Way”
· “The Switch”
· “Percy's Lucky Day”
· “Calm Down Caitlin”
· “The Lost Puff”

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
· BONUS EPISODE: Luke's New Friend
· Lift & Load Crane Game 

· Guess Who? Puzzles

Thomas & Friends®: The Thomas Way is available on DVD with an SRP of $14.98.

 

Win It!

One winner will receive the Thomas & Friends®: The Thomas Way courtesy of Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment!