Review by Lydia @ FrugalDebtFreeLife.com, Contributing Writer 

On the 5th day of Christmas, day2day joys gave to me…

A family-friendly book created to help focus on the true meaning of Christmas. This book shares ideas, games and recipes.

12-Day Nativity: Christmas Activities for a Christ-Centered Home is designed to bring your family closer to Christ this Christmas with twelve days of activities, recipes, service projects, and crafts. Each day you’ll focus on the symbolism and meaning behind one of the figures from your Nativity set. Learn about Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and-of course-baby Jesus, and create a holiday tradition you’ll want to repeat year after year.

Features of 12 Day Nativity Book and Nativity Set

• daily games and activities
• service projects for the whole family
• recipes
• dress up activities 
• a beautiful nativity suitable for children 

Now for my review:

There is something magical about Christmas. It’s so easy to get swept up in all the excitement and sparkle. But as a mom I want to teach my children that the reason our family celebrates Christmas is because of the birth of our Lord and Savior. Without Jesus, it’s just a day in December. So I am constantly looking for meaningful ways to bring Christ to the forefront of celebration. 

So I was really excited when on my doorstep landed the book “12-Day Nativity: Christmas Activities for a Christ-Centered Home.”

The book is packed with useful ways to bring the nativity story to life. My children are very young, just four and two, so learning through play is such a huge part of our life. 

I was pleased to open the book and see from the get go it was geared toward play and acts of service, two things my children love. 

We started the 12-Day Nativity by creating our own Bethlehem out of a cardboard box. This opened up discussion about what Bethlehem might have been like, the types of houses people lived in and what they might have eaten. 

We also prepared our home for Jesus and practiced swaddling a baby. Of course, I live in a boy house, so the closest thing to a baby doll was Charlie Brown. 

The book also introduces different characters within the nativity story, like, of course, Mary and Joseph. But we also discuss the shepherds and various animals. 

The book also offers fun games like playing hide and seek with a nativity set lamb.

However, the book isn’t just surface. It’s more than just games and craft ideas. The book goes much deeper than that, providing scripture passages, message to reflect upon and acts of service you can do to bring the light of the Gospel to your community. 

For example, on the first day the 12-Day Nativity suggests setting a place at your table for Jesus. On the last day the book suggests inviting someone without family to spend Christmas Eve in celebration with you. Another suggestion was to make care bags for the homeless. 

What I Liked:

1. The emphasis on playtime activities 
2. Predesigned crafts
3. Song ideas and object lessons 
4. The emphasis on scripture

What I didn’t Like:

1. Nothing!

You can Buy It!

See the 12-Day Nativity here! 

You can Win it!

Enter this giveaway! If you win, you will get a copy of the 12 Day Nativity book along with a small nativity set to use! Use rafflecopter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: I, Lydia, was given the product(s), to review with my fair and honest opinions. If you would like more info or to have a product reviewed, please contact Rachel.

The post 12 Days of Christmas {Day 5: 12 Day Nativity Book} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

Related posts:

12 Days of Christmas {Day 3: Better Batter; Gluten-Free Flour} 12 Days of Christmas {Day 2: Mamaw’s Many Blessings} 12 Days of Christmas {Day 8: Naptime Creations}

 

Written by KT of One Organic Mama, Contributing Writer 

On the 4th day of Christmas, day2day joys gave to me…

Two luxurious products from Simple Beauty Minerals.  Their concealer and balancing lotion will keep you looking fantastic this Christmas season AND would make a wonderful gift for anyone on your list!! 

Simple Beauty Minerals is a company run by Lisa, who has worked in the cosmetic industry for more than 30 years.  She prides herself on her one-on-one personal service and care for you and your skin!  Even to do this review, Lisa worked closely with me to recommend products that I would really use and that I needed.  Their products are handcrafted by women with care.  This family run company prides itself on featuring REAL women throughout their site because their products are for everyone!! #DontTouchThatUp

There are NO dirty toxins in Simple Beauty Minerals and they are enhance your skin making it look flawless!  Additionally they offer vegan and gluten free makeup options.  Unlike most beauty products, these list ALL the ingredients!  You won’t find anything scary on here!  Natural, organic, and good for your products for your skin! 

Features of Simple Beauty Minerals Concealer and Balancing Lotion

Concealer: 

• weightless, silky powder
• effective in the under eye area
• water resistant 
• can be used as foundation if you need more coverage
• just as effective as a typical concealer 

Balancing Lotion: 

• this lotion was the perfect base to put on before the powder concealer
• it is great for normal to oily skin 
• it is NOT at all greasy 
• it soothes the skin and was great all over my face and neck

Now for my review:

I was given concealer and a bottle of balancing lotion.  After talking with Lisa we decided on these two products since I usually only wear concealer and a little bit of mascara… as a 3rd time mom of a newborn who never sleeps – I MUST use some concealer before leaving the house!  I was skeptical that a powder could provide coverage for my under eye circles but I was pleasantly surprised!  

I used the lotion first right out of the shower all over my face.  The lotion was thick and smooth.  I only needed a tiny amount to moisturize my whole face.  It felt light and great!   

After it was absorbed I moved on to the concealer.  Lisa recommends using a brush for the concealer but you can also just use your finger.  I tried both and the results were the same.  I couldn’t tell the difference between my regular concealer and the mineral based powder by looking – but the FEEL of the mineral powder was amazing!!  It is light and so smooth.  I absolutely loved it!! 

What I Liked:

1. The silky feel
2. The balancing hydration
3. The ingredients
4. The look
5. The company and LISA!! 

What I didn’t Like:

1. Nothing!

You can Buy It!

Go to Simple Beauty Minerals and see all they have to offer! You can get  20% off any order by going here. 

You can Win it!

Enter this giveaway! If you win, you can choose to receive the concealer and balancing lotion ($40.00 value) or this starter kit ($25.00 value)!

Use Rafflecopter Below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out ALL of the 12 Days of Christmas here! 

The post 12 Days of Christmas {Day 4: Simple Beauty Minerals} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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Review by Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life, Contributing Writer

On the 2nd day of Christmas, day2day joys gave to me…

Easy and delicious gluten-free baking mixes from Better Batter. A blend of convenience and health! 

Better Batter provides a variety of flours and baking mixes which are all gluten-free, allergen free, GMO free, and more. The mixes can be used to make all kinds of kitchen staples and baked goods. The flour can be substituted cup for cup in recipes. 

They offer brownie mixes, pancake mixes, yellow and chocolate cake mixes, seasoned flour, and other great GF products. 

Better Batter is committed to giving back, and actively contributes to causes that help the world. What’s more, they even offer financial assistance to families who find it difficult to afford health food that would positively affect their lives. That’s incredible! 

Features of Better Batter Flour and Mixes: 

• 7 varieties of flour and mixes offered
• bulk sizes are available 
• flour can be substituted cup for cup
• GMO free
• company that gives back 
• free shipping on Cyber Monday! 

Now for my Review: 

I received a box of 6 different flours and mixes from Better Batter. My family and friends enjoyed trying all the treats and baked goods!

I started off by making brownies and muffins to share at our church’s evening fellowship. The brownies were so delicious and the muffins didn’t disappoint either. Nobody at church could guess that either were gluten-free or that they were made with allergen-free ingredients. 

The next morning, I made my family a breakfast buffet of waffles, biscuits and leftover muffins. With some fried eggs and bacon thrown in, it was quite a feast. Everything was really easy to make. The waffles turned out great. However, I wasn’t thrilled with the biscuits because I felt like they didn’t rise very well. Even so, they still made yummy bacon, egg and cheese biscuits! 

What I liked: 

• the mixes were so easy to use 
• few additional ingredients were needed
• the baked goods are delicious! 

What I didn’t like: 

• I liked everything, except I felt that the biscuits were a little flat. 

You can buy it! 

Visit Better Batter’s site to browse their various mixes and flours. They are offering FREE shipping on orders over $10 with code:12DAYSBB

You can win it! 

Enter this giveaway! If you win, you will get the sample pack of 6 gluten-free flour mixes. Use Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out all of the 21 Days of Christmas here! 

Disclaimer: I, Lisa, was given the product(s), to review with my fair and honest opinions. If you would like more info or to have a product reviewed, please contact Rachel.

If you won, which gluten-free flour mix would you make first?

The post 12 Days of Christmas {Day 3: Better Batter; Gluten-Free Flour} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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On the 2nd day of Christmas, day2day joys gave to me…

A handmade with love giveaway from Mamaw’s Many Blessings. Mamaw is actually my mom Carol, who is a Grandma to 5 blessings, and counting, #6 will be here in about 5-6 weeks! ?

She has always had a talent to sew cute outfits, my sister and I always had matching outfits for holidays growing up. For the past several years, my mom has even poured her passion into her grandchild (who call her Mamaw), making them cute clothing and even costumes. And now I have daughters with matching clothes!

She recently has expanded her options and made these drawstring backpacks for all of the grandchildren. 

Features of the Drawstring Monogrammed Backpack:

• Made with high quality fabric 
• Machine washable with any fabric 
• Professional quality monogramming 
• Perfect size for kids

Now for my review:

I was given (or shall I say my kiddos were given) the drawstring backpacks to review from Mamaw, made especially for this giveaway for day2day joys reader’s. 
When I got the package in the mail, it was nicely wrapped with tissue paper. She had included a nice card with a hand written note. I loved this extra special personal touch.
The drawstring backpack is well sewn.

All the kids were so excited to put them on. They gathered some fun toys and books and filled them up right away. 
Mamaw’s Many Blessings offers many other types of clothing at her shop as well, including dresses, outfits, boy’s ties and others as she gets inspired. She also makes baby’s gowns… here’s a funny story. Before London was born, we had no idea whether she was going to be a boy or a girl but my mom was hoping for a girl because she gave me this gown at the baby shower, lucky Mamaw, because she was a girl and now gets to get all dolled up, just like Julia! Now she thinks the new baby is a boy so she is making a boy outfit!

What I Liked:

1. The backpacks are well made
2. They can be filled with items to keep your kids happy for a period of time
3. The monogram is a nice extra touch 
4. They are personalized to each child

What I didn’t Like:

1. Nothing!

You can Buy It!

Go to Mamaw’s Many Blessings and see all she have to offer! 

You can Win it!

Enter this giveaway! If you win, you will get a monogrammed drawstring backpack! Carol will work with you to pick out colors you like best as well as a personalized monogram. Use rafflecopter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out all of the 12 Days of Christmas here! 

Disclaimer: I, Rachel, was given the product(s), to review with my fair and honest opinions. If you would like more info or to have a product reviewed, please contact Rachel.

Who will you give this monogrammed drawstring backpack to? Or will it be for yourself?

The post 12 Days of Christmas {Day 2: Mamaw’s Many Blessings} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

Related posts:

12 Days of Christmas {Day 3: Better Batter; Gluten-Free Flour} 12 Days of Christmas {Day 5: 12 Day Nativity Book} 12 Days of Christmas {Day 9: Real Traditions Natural Products}

Written by Karli of Feed Me Mama, Contributing Writer 

On the 7th day of Christmas, day2day joys gave to me…

A subscription box from Eco Emi! My box was full to the brim with fun, Eco-friendly goodies, including hot chocolate, hand sanitizer, peppermints, lip balm, herbal decongestant, and more! 

Eco Emi is a box subscription service that features eco-friendly gifts for the whole family. Single boxes can be purchased and gifted, as well as subscriptions of various lengths to gift your loved one for months to come! Each box is carefully curated to bring you a wide selection of fun goodies that introduce you to amazing companies. There are themed boxes, like the variety box or the beauty box, as well!

You can read more about Eco Emi and how they choose their products right here! 

Another fun fact about Eco Emi: each box is hand packed for you by a developmentally disabled adult, providing them with a great employment opportunity! Check out this video and see how Eco Emi pays it forward.

Features of Eco Emi Subscription Box”

• Eco-friendly products
• Products are either full-size or good for multiple uses
• Different box each month
• Supporting employment for developmentally disabled adults
• Various subscription lengths available

The HOLIDAY BOX Included:

• Dark drinking chocolate
• Herbal decongestant rub
• 2 natural exfoliating cleansing towelettes
• Spearmint vegan lip balm
  Wooden holiday postcard
• Recycled newspaper pencil
• Organic peppermint breath mints
• Winter Wonderland goat’s milk soap
• Christmas tree cookie cutter
• Plantable seed paper Christmas tree
• Candy Cane hand sanitizer 

Now for my review:

I love subscription boxes. I have tried out a few before, so of course I jumped on the chance to review this one! I have to say that, truly, this is the best subscription box I have ever seen.

 I was astounded by the value and diversity of the products, the number of things included in the box, and the high caliber of businesses included in this curation. Many times, subscription boxes are nothing more than a smattering of samples that each company would likely give you for free- but not this one! A full size lip balm, package of peppermints, and jar of decongestant (among many other things)made this box stand out in the pack. Any lover of natural things would be delighted to be able to try out all of these products and introduced to these companies! 

What I Liked:

1. The variety of items included
2. The value of the items-including full size ones
3. Items the whole family can enjoy
4. High caliber of companies
5. Usefulness of each item 

What I didn’t Like:

1. Nothing!

You can Buy It!

Go to Eco Emi and see all that they have to offer! Subscription boxes are an incredible gift for anyone, but particularly those who “have everything”. Gift just one box, or a subscription service of up to a year! And, you can always just buy a subscription for yourself, too

You can Win it!

Enter this giveaway! If you win, you will get your choice of the Holiday Box (similar to the one above) or another monthly box from Eco Emi! Use rafflecopter below!a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post 12 Days of Christmas {Day 7: Eco Emi Subscription Box} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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On the 5th day of Christmas, day2day joys gave to me…

A Crystal Chandelier headband glittering with rhinestones on a comfortable elastic band from Think Pink Boutique. Super cute to dress up your family pictures or holiday attire. 

Behind Think Pink Boutique is a team of working moms, who started off just making these bows just for fun, which turned into something more that they could ever of imagined. 

Features of the Crystal Chandelier headband:

• Beautiful rhinestones
• choice of white, ivory, tan, or black elastic
• Available in all sizes from Newborn to Adult
• It’s in the Mommy and Me collection
• Made in the USA 

Now for my review:

I was given the crystal chandelier headbands  in the adult, girls and infant sizes. Being a mom of girls, it’s so fun to get to dress them up. Besides getting the girls matching outfits (my favorite place is Mamaw’s Many Blessings), it’s fun to get them bows that match, so that’s why I was so excited to get these headbands! 

The headbands are well made with a felt inner side for comfort and elastic that fits well according to their size chart.  A lot of the time when I wear headbands all day they give me a little headache but this one was very comfortable. Overall my first impression was that it was quality product.

My daughter Julia really liked hers. She absolutely loves getting dressed up and loves this headband. She even told a friend later about it and how the appropriate (to her) way to wear it which is over her hair. London, the baby could care a less but I thought it was so cute! 

I also love the idea of the Mommy and Me collections. Think Pink Boutique actually has Mommy & Me headbands, necklaces and scarves… so the possibilities are endless to match with your daughter(s). I think the Crystal Chandelier headbands that we wore are fitting for the holiday season.  

What I Liked:

1. The head bands are adorable
2. They are well-made
3. Made for comfort and long wearing
4. Matching sets are available

What I didn’t Like:

1. It’s all up to personal preference but I did think the infant size of the crystal chandelier pendant was a bit big for an 8 month old

You can Buy It!

Go to Think Pink Boutique and see all they have to offer! If you go and “like” their facebook page and message them, they’ll give you 10% off any order!!

You can Win it!

Enter this giveaway! If you win, you will get a $20 credit to Think Pink Boutique! Use rafflecopter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post 12 Days of Christmas {Day 5: Think Pink Boutique} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

Related posts:

12 Days of Christmas {Day 4: Mamaw’s Many Blessings} 12 Days of Christmas {Day 7: Eco Emi Subscription Box} 12 Days of Christmas {Day 2: dōTERRA Essential Oil}

On the 4th day of Christmas, day2day joys gave to me…

A handmade with love giveaway from Mamaw’s Many Blessings. Mamaw is actually my mom Carol, who is a Grandma to 5 blessings, and counting!

She has always had a talent to sew cute outfits, my sister and I always had matching outfits for holidays growing up. For the past several years, my mom has even poured her passion into her grandchild (who call her Mamaw), making them cute clothing and even costumes. And now I have daughters with matching clothes! 

She made these adorable outfits pictured above and even a tie for my son… look for them on her Etsy shop! 

Now I am trying not to be biased in this review but really all I have to say are great things, and not just because Carol is my mom.

Features of the Izzy Belle Dress:

• Peasant style dress with pleated middle
• High quality fabric with handmade bows on the collar and sleeves
• Modest length just above the knee
• Come with a matching headband
• Machine washable with any detergent

Now for my review:

I was given the Izzy Belle Dress to review from Mamaw, made especially for this giveaway for day2day joys reader’s and mom has now decided to offer the dress at her shop as well, she’ll be adding the link soon. The name Izzy comes from Julia’s middle name Isabel. Sometimes we call her Izzy.

When I got the package in the mail, it was nicely wrapped with tissue paper. She had included a nice card with a hand written note. I loved this extra special personal touch.

The dress is well sewn with a correct sizing tag on the inner waist band. Again, I might be biased but my mom has always sewn her garments with special attention to making sure they look homemade but professionally sewn.

Julia, my daughter, always loves getting dresses from Mamaw. She was so excited to wear it and we decided together she would wear it on Thanksgiving. The headband was a nice touch that matches perfectly. 

Mamaw’s Many Blessings offers many other types of clothing at her shop as well, including dresses, outfits, boy’s ties and others as she gets inspired. She also makes baby’s gowns… here’s a funny story. Before London was born, we had no idea whether she was going to be a boy or a girl but my mom was hoping for a girl because she gave me this gown at the baby shower, lucky Mamaw, because she was a girl and now gets to get all dolled up, just like Julia! 

What I Liked:

1. The dress is so CUTE and well made! 
2. The colors compliment each-other: yellow and blue
3. The dress can be worn in the summer months or in the winter with some tights or leggings
4. The matching headband is great! I’m always trying to find headband and bows to match clothing so I love this

What I didn’t Like:

1. Honestly, there isn’t really anything bad I can say, the prices are reasonably priced in comparison to other similar shops

You can Buy It!

I hope you love Mamaw’s Many Blessings clothing as much as I do! Go check out her shop and see all the great things she has to offer!

My mom is extremely busy now and has promised to make my own kids some Christmas PJ’s so she won’t be able to make any orders before Christmas but she will be having a special for ordering NOW and shipped in January. 

Coupon code for day2day joys readers: 2014DAY2  Expires 1-10-15 

You can Win it!

Enter this giveaway! If you win, you will get a made to order Izzy Belle Dress, made in sizes 6 months all the way up to 8/9 girls.  Enter giveaway using rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Go check out the other 12 days here!

Disclaimer: I, Rachel was given the product(s), free of charge, to review with my fair and honest opinions. If you would like more info or to have me review a product, please contact me.

The post 12 Days of Christmas {Day 4: Mamaw’s Many Blessings} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

Related posts:

12 Days of Christmas {Day 5: Think Pink Boutique} 12 Days of Christmas {Day 7: Eco Emi Subscription Box} 12 Days of Christmas {Day 2: dōTERRA Essential Oil}

No, I don’t mean that we’re going to be singing the song, but the 12 days of getting to learn about awesome businesses & products and getting a chance to WIN them. Woot! 

This year I have some wonderful businesses participating with products including jewelry, hand made clothing, essential oils and soaps, personalized gifts, natural non-toxic products, fertility aids, and fun videos we all know & love! And much more!

Let’s take a sneak peak ->

In no particular order, here are the businesses participating this year:
Veggie Tales
1 Oil for Life
Holly Lane Designs
Kisses from Above
Mamaw’s Many Blessings
Peace and Carrots
Krown Kreations
31 Gifts by Tiffany
T-Tapp- At Home Fitness
Bloom Naturals
Lilla Rose by Kristen
Amazon Gifts

Well, there you have it! Don’t these businesses sound wonderful?? 

This year since I am nearing 26 weeks pregnant, I have asked a few of my wonderful contributing writers to help me with all these reviews but be confident I support and love all of these businesses & products!

Be on the lookout for November 26th, the 1st day of the 12 Days of Christmas!

Which business are you looking forward to learning more about?

The post Coming Soon…12 Days of Christmas Reviews & Giveaways 2013 appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

Related posts:

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