Holiday Cooking With BrylaneHome

*I received the products below in order to facilitate this review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. See disclosure.

When I think of the holidays and entertaining guests in my home, my first thought as the hostess always turns to what food will I serve. Cooking up those family favorite dishes requires quite a few different pans. The last thing I want to pull out with guests in my home is a less than stellar pan. Thankfully BrylaneHome has solved my dilemma this year by providing me with some wonderful cookware- the 12-pc Cereco Cookware Set.

Find Fun and Useful Gift Ideas At Best Buy ~ #HintingSeason

Sponsored post. The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. see disclosure.

Do you have a few on your list this year that are difficult to buy for? Well not only do I have a couple on my holiday shopping list this year, but I confess, I can be a hard person to grab a gift for too. I will NEVER just say what I would like, but I sure can hint around like a pro. This year, not only have I done a bit of hinting, but I am sharing with you some fun and useful gift ideas that would be perfect for the hinters on your list too. 

For HINTING Season this year, make sure to stop by Best Buy, where you not only find Expert Service and Unbeatable Price, but also these top gifts that have made my hinting list this Holiday. Here's why they should be on yours too:

Stop by BestBuy and Take a look at the Xbox One! 

What is Xbox One?

Xbox One was built by gamers, for gamers. With the best exclusive titles (Halo, Sunset Overdrive), the biggest blockbusters (Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty) the hottest sports franchises (Madden 15, FIFA 15, NBA 2K15) and top family titles (Fantasia: Music Evolved, Just Dance 15, Skylanders) Xbox One takes gaming to a whole new level.

Does Your Tween Have A Lot To Say? Let Them Say It With a Recycled Bracelet Cuff!

*I received the products below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. see disclosure.

My tween daughter and her friends love to make bracelets, and the more unique the better. It seems like the kids her age are all about being their own person. Don't think I could have found a cuter bracelet that will allow them to show their own personality than the Shainsware Recycled Cuff Bracelets from The Ultimate Green Store!

12 Piece Cereco Cookware Set Giveaway ~ #HomeHolidays

Welcome to the Home for the Holidays Giveaway Hop Featuring a 12 piece Cereco Cookware Set sponsored by BrylaneHome. This event is hosted by the Blogging Mamas Network!

We are right in the middle of the Holiday Season, festive decorations fill our rooms, the stockings are hung by the Fireplace, and the smell of an Evergreen fills your Home… I have teamed up with a great group of bloggers that want to fill your home with even more! The Home for the Holidays Giveaways are all centered around the perfect products for your home – whether it’s decorative gifts or appliances, each blogger has something for your home! Right here on Coupons and Lesson Plans you can enter for your chance to WIN a 12 piece Cereco Cookware Set from BrylaneHome! 

Be Prepared For Cold Season With #ChildrensDimetapp

*Sponsored post. I received the product below free as a Smiley360 Blogger. All opinions are my own. see disclosure.

There is more than just holiday cheer going around this time of year. Cold and Flu season is also in full swing, and it seems like everyday another friend or family member is posting on social media about their kids being ill. Thankfully we have not been hit by any cold bug at my home yet this year {knock on wood}. If we are though, I want to be prepared. Thankfully with Children's Dimetapp already on hand, I have a great start!  

Royal Fluff For Your Little One ~ Cloth Diaper Review

*I received the product below for reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. see disclosure.

I love to refer to my 8 month old as Mommy's Little Prince, but of course, there is not any royal blood flowing through his veins, no matter how much my husband teases. Regardless of titles and lineage, I can still cover my little prince's bum with some Royal Fluff Cloth Diapers! 

Winter Wonderland Hop Event Featuring The Ultimate Green Store

*I received the product mentioned below in order to facilitate a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. see disclosure.

I would like to welcome everyone to the Winter Wonderland Hop Event featuring The Ultimate Green Store here on Coupons and Lesson Plans. This event is hosted by LeahSay's Views & Planet Weidknecht. As the weather gets chilly, and the holidays are quickly approaching we can no longer deny that winter is upon us. Now is a wonderful time to get comfy, and enter a few giveaways in the warmth of your home. That is why we bloggers have come together with a bunch of fun giveaways for you to enter with prizes all valued at $25 and more.

The Ultimate Green Store has generously sponsored, as part of my 2014 Holiday Gift Guide, a $30 Gift Certificate to one very lucky reader! 

Hot Holiday Toys ~ Crayola Paint Maker #ChosenByKids

*Sponsored post. I was compensated to attend the event and review this product. All opinions are my own. see disclosure.

On December 6th, my kids and I attended the Holiday Toyland event at my local Wal-Mart. We were able to be "Official Toy Testers" and take an up close look at some of the hottest toys for the 2014 Holiday. (Make sure to check out the store dates and times because different areas will be having their Holiday Toyland Events this weekend (12/12 & 12/13), and you could go check it out!) 


My kids had a blast playing with a few toys, and seeing some of the toys in action and demonstrated for us. The worker Then when I told them we were going to go ahead and bring home Crayola Paint Maker, they were super excited! 

The Crayola Paint Maker is right on point with my older two children's interests. They have skills, when it comes to art, that I can only dream about since the artsy gene skipped right over me. They think being able to make their own paint at home is very cool. 

Royal Fluff Cloth Diapers Giveaway ~ #pinkandblue

Welcome to the "Pink&Blue: Babies are One" Giveaway Hop 

featuring Royal Fluff Cloth Diapers here on Coupons and Lesson Plans! 

Enter for your chance to WIN 2 One-Size Pocket Cloth Diapers {ARV $46} in the winner's choice of boy, girl or gender neutral styles.  This event is hosted by Heather from Mommy's Favorite Things and Michelle from Mama's Baby Cupcakes. 

A Sassy, Stylish Purse From Sass N Frass ~ 2014 #HolidayGiftGuide

*I received the product below in order to facilitate this review, and was not required to write a postive review. All opinion are my own. see disclosure.

If there is one gift that all the ladies in my family love receiving, it would have to be purses and handbags. Nearly every year since I can remember, I have either received or given a cute bag as a gift. Finding a fashionable bag at a decent price is a must, and that is why I had to share with all of you a company I recently found- Sass N Frass!

Sass N Frass is a boutique shop that features some unique and trendy products. They offer Women's and Children's Fashions, Jewelry, Purses and Bags, Home Accessories, and even some Sassy products for Pets too. One of my favorite categories on their site is the Sassy Steals Under $5. There you can find some fun stocking stuffers perfect for this time of year. Not to mention their current Holiday Collection has some very festive products at great prices too!

I was sent the Studded Purse in Pink to look over for review. This stylish bag with a leather look features a zipper pocket on back, and fashionable studs on the front.

Sponsored: Keeping Breakouts At Bay With Clearasil Hydra-Blast Oil-Free Face Wash ~ #MC #ClearasilMom

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Clearasil. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.



Breakouts. Acne. Pimples. Those are three words to describe what stressed me out when I was a young teenager. Thankfully my mom introduced me to a facial routine early, and saved me from a lot of embarrassment and self-esteem worries. I am happy to be able to do the exact same for my tween daughter. I don't believe that skin issues should be a rite of passage into the teen years. They come with the territory, but I have given our daughter Clearasil Hydra-Blast Oil-Free Face Wash which can reduce breakouts by 85% in about four weeks, to help keep her skin clear. 

Even though Clearasil Hydra-Blast Oil-Free Face Wash is a gentle cleanser that isn't supposed to dry out her skin, she has very sensitive skin that is prone to dry patches during the cooler months, but will still be oily in the T-Zone area. We decided from the beginning that she would use it ever other day to see how her skin reacted, and if we could notice a reduction in her breakouts.

Using the Hydra-Blast Oil-Free Face Wash is actually super simple, and after just reading the directions with my eleven year old tween once, she was able to continue without any assistance. After wetting her face, she used almost a quarter sized portion of the face wash by massaging it into her skin. She paid careful attention to apply more to her nose, chin and forehead since these are her problem areas. Last you just rinse the face wash off with warm water. No crazy procedures or multiple steps to the routine, which is perfect for my tween.

Rock 'N Learn 10 DVD Preschool Set 2014 Holiday Gift Guide ~ #SantasHelper

*I received the products below for reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. see disclosure.

Do you have a little one getting ready for school on your Holiday shopping list this year? Rock 'N Learn has the perfect Preschool bundle that will both entertain and help improve their readiness for school, the Rock 'N Learn 10 DVD Preschool Set which would make a fun gift to place under the tree! 

We received our first Rock 'N Learn DVD a year ago to assist my son in learning his letters and sounds while in Kindergarten since he was struggling. He enjoyed it so much, and was learning without realizing it. I was so impressed that I reached out to Rock 'N Learn to join my 2014 Holiday Gift Guide, so I could share with all of you this excellent resource for children. Below is a little about Rock 'N Learn, and a chance for you to enter to WIN the 10 DVD Preschool Set {ARV $129.95}!!!!

Join Me This Year In #GivingTuesday

*sponsored post. I received compensation for this post, and a donation has been made in my name to a person in need as well. see disclosure.

Shopping, battling the crowds, and picking up gifts for great prices are all part of the season that is in full swing this week with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. I want to share with you a wonderful day that follows this huge shopping weekend ~ Giving Tuesday! 

Even though we are all purchasing gifts to give to our loved ones, we usually will receive a gift in return too. Giving Tuesday is all about giving simply for the joy of giving without any expectation of receiving something yourself. There are so many wonderful ways to go about giving forward to someone who truly needs it this time of year, and Give Forward wants to remind you of ways to make that happen this Tuesday. 

Merry Christmas Giveaway Hop Featuring Halo SleepSacks

Who is ready to enter some wonderful giveaways to kick off the Christmas Season?! Coupons and Lesson Plans has joined with some amazing bloggers in this fun giveaway event organized by Planet Weidknecht and LeahSay's Views to offer everyone some great Holiday Giveaways this year! 

~Enter for your chance to WIN a MicroFleece Halo SleepSack!! Then be sure to "Hop" around to the other fun giveaways linked below!

How To Keep Baby Warm Without A Blanket ~ Halo SleepSack Review

*I received the product below for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own. see disclosure.

As the weather turns cooler all of us Moms want to make sure our babies are warm and comfortable while they sleep. We know that using a blanket in the bassinet or crib just isn't recommended, and Back Is Best for baby while sleeping. That's why I have been using a Halo SleepSack with our little guy.

Fun Delivered Every Month ~ Austin Lloyd #HolidayGiftGuide

*I received the product below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. see disclosure. 

While on the hunt for a unique gift idea for Baby's First Christmas, I found the cutest option especially for someone to give that lives away from the newest member to join the family- Austin Lloyd! 

Austin Lloyd, monthly subscription boxes for baby and toddlers, delivers fun for your little one in a box every month. Each box will contain 4-5 toys and books that are bpa and phthalate free, and products that are not typically sold in chain stores. They also will not ever contain items that require batteries to enjoy.You are able to choose an age range for your box for baby or toddler between the ages of 0 months- 3 years. This way you know the products included in your Austin Lloyd package will be age appropriate for your child to learn and play. They make it very easy to gift a box through the sign up process too. 

Austin Lloyd's November Fairy Tales and Make Believe Box

Holiday Traditions That Keep Families Close ~ #ChosenByKids

*sponsored post. see disclosure.

As the holidays draw nearer with every passing day, my thoughts go back to when I was young. Some of my most treasured memories are celebrating with family. One tradition my family has continued since I was little is getting together with my Dad's side of the family at my Grandparents home on Christmas Eve to trade gifts and visit.

One of my favorite pictures of our two oldest kids on Christmas Eve from a few years ago.

Back more years than I care to admit, this was just my Grandparents, my parents, my Dad's four siblings and spouses, then of course us cousins. Well, as you can imagine, this has grown into quite a huge get together with now two more generations included. There are eleven of us grandchildren, over twenty great-grandchildren, and now one precious great- great granddaughter. It's a packed house to say the least, and we would not have it any other way! We love that we are all close, and are staying that way by making sure we see each other every year for a fun night.

Since we are keeping this holiday tradition alive for our children in such a large family, we have to be creative with gift giving. Buying presents for everyone is not something we can do on a budget. That means we have all agreed to trade names for the younger generations, and everyone buys for as many kiddos as they are bringing. There are still plenty of gifts and toys under the tree, and we all get to enjoy those eyes light up when a little one unwraps their toys. I just love how keeping this tradition alive has kept our family close during the holidays and throughout the year. This year I am looking forward to our little guy's first Christmas with the entire family!

With toys to buy for both our traditional Christmas Eve holiday celebration, and for my own kiddos, I will be stopping by the Toyland Event held at my local Walmart on December 6th. I can't wait to share with you all the details after the event, and one of the cool toys I picked up for the present exchange at my family's Christmas Eve party. Make sure to check the list of participating stores and event dates to stop by and join in the fun at the Walmart Toyland Event in your area.

What is a Holiday Tradition your family observes to keep everyone close? I would just love to hear about it! ~ Amanda 

Looking For an Absorbent Pocket Cloth Diaper? ~ Thirsties Modern Cloth Diapers Review

*I received the products below for reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. see disclosure. 

One Size Pockets? Hemp Inserts? If you would have asked me what these terms referred to a year ago, I seriously crack up when I think about what my sarcastic response would have been! {Which I will leave to your imagination} Now fast forward to present day, I understand that one size pockets are a versatile cloth diaper that you can "stuff" with absorbent cloth inserts, and adjust to fit babies of varying sizes. Hemp Inserts are a all natural fiber cloth diaper insert, not what I envisioned the first time I heard that term, and Thirsties Modern Cloth Diapers has offered me both to share with you my opinions in this review.

Thirsties is located right here in the USA, and their products are manufactured in Colorado. Some of their products are even made by Moms who work from home. They are also dedicated to being a socially responsible business by using more than 90% USA sourced fabrics and materials, and recycling 100% of their scrap fabric. Good for you Thirsties!!! 

NCircle Entertainment Holiday DVD Prize Pack Giveaway~ Holiday HOHOHO Hop

*I received the products below in order to facilitate this event and overviews. All opinions are my own. see disclosure.

Welcome to the Holiday HOHOHO Hop

featuring a Holiday DVD Prize Pack Giveaway!

Are you making a List and Checking it Twice?!!! Now is your chance to seek out some awesome prizes for those on your Christmas list, but you better hurry, the hop ends on December 5! Make sure to stop by The Review Wire for the Grand Prize, an Erin Condren Life Planner. You can use this planner as a nutrition/exercise log, newborn sleep & peep record, work meetings & appointments, academic & social planner, keepsake journal or as a scrapbook...the possibilities are endless!

Here on Coupons and Lesson Plans, you can enter for your chance to WIN a set of 4 Brand New Holiday DVDs in a Prize Pack sponsored by NCircle Entertainment just in time to enjoy this year. 

A Fashionable Gift Idea With A Little Zip - Zipz Shoes #HolidayGiftGuide

*I received the products below in order to facilitate this review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. see disclosure.

I have always loved receiving shoes as a gift, and know I am not the only shoe lover out there!!! This holiday season I just have to share with you a brand of shoes that that would make a great gift idea- Zipz Shoes!

First a little about Zipz Shoes' beginnings. One of my favorite things about Zipz is it was created by Jerry Stefani and his family. The idea actually originated at a family BBQ in California! The family collaborated and eventually, after some creative thinking and a few prototypes, agreed on zippers as a way to make the shoe that could change covers. Now we have this awesome truly interchangeable shoe system Zipz!!!

How do Zipz work? First you choose a Zipz Soul or the base of the shoe from the styles available. Then select your favorite Shoe Cover, and that's it! Now you have a trendy piece of footwear to show off, and compliment your personal style.