It is December and that means that Christmas will soon be here! It is time to send out Holiday and Christmas Cards! Shutterfly is my favorite to-go-to website for cards because they have so many choices and they are also super quick with their shipping! I had the opportunity to receive Christmas cards from Shutterfly and am thrilled with how they came out! I am really thrilled that I do not want to post a picture of one here because I know some of my family and friends read my website! So, the above are three of my favorites this season! You can guess which one I finally chose to personalize! I love how you can personalize them so easily and that there are so many choices. There really are so many choices that it is difficult to choose but after choosing the theme, it is so easy to add photos and your text.

I had so much designing our card with all the different photos. I even included our pets! Shutterfly also has Address labels to match with the cards and postage stamps that you can design. I designed some with a photo of our dog!

Just check out these awesome holiday cards at Shutterfly !”  And, don’t forget to check out all the wonderful holiday photo gifts at Shutterfly !”

We have teamed up with our friends at Shutterfly for a Holiday Giveaway! One winner will win  $50 off total order so you can design your own cards (plus free standard shipping) code at Shutterfly! To enter, leave a comment below telling me which one of the above cards you think I chose! You do not have to be correct to win!  Deadline to enter is December 7th, 2016 at noon PST! One winner will randomly be selected from all entries.

Self Disclosure: I have received compensation (photo credit for free) to facilitate this feature but any opinions expressed are my own.

Tea Council of the USA Launches Photo Sharing Sweepstakes to Celebrate Hot Tea!

 In honor of the second annual National Hot Tea Day – to be celebrated on January 12, 2017– the Tea Council of the USA is launching the IndividualiTEA Photo Sharing Sweepstakes to give tea lovers across the nation an opportunity to win $500 and a year’s supply of tea. Entering is easy…simply share a photo, video or short explanation (in 140 characters or less!) with the unique ways, times, or places you like to enjoy your favorite tea – black, green, white or oolong – on Twitter with the hashtag #IndividualiTEA for a chance to win!

An ancient beverage nearly 5,000 years old, tea has become an American favorite, with approximately four in five U.S. consumers drinking tea. Everyone has a unique way of enjoying tea, as well as their own individual preference for tea times and tea types. Whether you enjoy your favorite cup as a morning pick me up at work, to socialize with family and friends, to relax before bed, or on vacation – the Tea Council of the USA encourages you to share your #IndividualiTEA.

Visit the Tea Council of the USA or follow @TeaCouncil on Twitter to learn more about the many unique characteristics of tea.

IndividualiTEA Photo Sharing Sweepstakes Details

The sweepstakes runs through January 31, 2017. A copy of the official rules can be found here. Enter as many times as you’d like and don’t forget to tag and tell your friends! To enter:

• Share a photo, video or explanation of the unique ways, times, and places you like to enjoy your favorite tea on Twitter and at http://bit.ly/2e6EMBx with the hashtag #IndividualiTEA and tag @TeaCouncil.
• You’ll be prompted to finalize your entry for a chance to win at http://bit.ly/2e6EMBx.

We have also teamed up for a Special Giveaway!

One winner will win a Give basket like the one I received above! You will love this! It is filled with Tea Goodies! My family loved the Matcha Love Japanese Green Tea! To enter, leave a comment below telling us your favorite kind of Tea! Deadline to enter is December 8th, 2016 at noon PST. One winner will randomly be selected via Random.org.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Top photo and press info regarding the sweepstakes was provided. SoCal City Kids will select the winner and the Tea Council of the USA will ship the gift basket to the winner.

The Snowy Day, part of Amazon Studios’ original kids holiday programming, is an animated special based on the award-winning book by Ezra Jack Keats. The book, well-known as one of the first picture books to feature an African-American protagonist, has won a host of awards, including the Caldecott medal – one of the highest honors in children’s literature – and was included in the Library of Congress’ list of “Books that Shaped America.”

The special follows Peter, a young boy in a red snowsuit, as his mother sends him on an adventure to Nana’s house to retrieve their traditional Christmas mac and cheese dinner. Enjoying the snowy day along the way, Peter encounters friends from the neighborhood, from storekeepers and bakers to the older boys he admires – and a group of a capella singers voiced by Boyz II Men. After arriving at Nana’s and retrieving the mac and cheese – and his most coveted gift, a brand-new red sled – Nana helps Peter team up with the older boys for an epic snowball fight, resulting in the destruction of the special holiday dinner and his sled. When the neighborhood comes together to celebrate new traditions with Peter and his family, Peter realizes that the true meaning of the holiday is about who you spend it with.

Narrated by Laurence Fishburne (Black-ish, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Matrix) and the featuring voice talent of Regina King (American Crime, The Leftovers), Jamie-Lynn Sigler (The Sopranos), and Angela Bassett (American Horror Story, BoJack Horseman), The Snowy Day features “Snowy Day,” an original song by Boyz II Men, available exclusively on Amazon Music to download and stream which started on  November 25. The new production us executive produced by Laurence Fishburne and Helen Sugland (Akeelah and the Bee) as well as Ann Austen, Irene Sherman, and Deborah Pope (Ezra Jack Keats Foundation).

I also received a copy of this delightful book and highly recommend it for young children this Holiday season!

We have teamed up for a Special Holiday Giveaway! One winner will win this delightful book! To enter, leave a comment below telling us how you would spend a day in the snow! I know I would build a snowman!

Deadline to enter is December 1st, 2016 at noon PST. Winner will randomly be selected via Random.org.

Self Disclosure: I received a free book to post. Credit: Amazon and The Snowy Day.

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!

Can you believe it’s almost the holidays? We are excited to share some super fun, educational, and problem solving gift ideas for families and bring you another amazing giveaway! Enter to win one of these 12 fabulous prize collections as part of Mommy Scene’s 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway! 12 winners (one per gift collection) will be selected December 12th, 2016!

Gift Collection 1

Ah Goo Baby Plush Pad Memory Foam Changing Pad
Revelae Kids Cozy Sleeper
Loopy Gear Loopy Rattle Holder
Blue Baby Bum Multi-Purpose Car Seat Canopy

Gift Collection 2

Milkies Milk-Saver
Snuggle Me Organic Original Co-Sleeping Baby Bed
Goochie Goo Garb Blankets
LullaBelay Car Seat Strap

Gift Collection 3

Aqua Vault Packable Pails
The Minkey by The Olie
Ubbi Snack Tweat Container
Star Kids Products Snack & Play Travel Tray 2.0

Gift Collection 4

Revelae Kids Cozy Blanket Pouch
Toofeze Natural Baby Teether
Handsocks Baby Mittens
Active Essentials Egyptian Calendula & Aloe Baby Body Wash & Shampoo, Egyptian Calendula Calming Baby Bath, Body & Massage Oil, Egyptian Calendula & Comfrey Healing Baby Balm (3 products)

Gift Collection 5

Wellie Wishers American Girl Doll Emerson
EarZings Pierce-Free Earrings
Yummi Pouch Cloth Snack Bags
Livie & Luca Mulberry Pepper Boot

Gift Collection 6

timi & leslie Rachel 7-Piece Designer Diaper Bag Set
Kindred Bravely Davy Maternity & Nursing Pajamas Pants Set
Rachel’s Remedy Breastfeeding Relief Packs
Beyond The Tiger Mom: East-West Parenting for the Global Age

Gift Collection 7

Earth Mama Angel Baby Sleep Little One Gift Set
Buttons Diapers Muslin Burp Cloth Bib Combo
Jack N Jill Kids Natural Care Bunny Gift Kit
PaigeLauren Classic Layette Footie Romper

Gift Collection 8

Wristy Buddy Moose Teething Wristband
Bazzle Baby Banda Bib Drool Bib
QuickZip Zip-On Crib Sheet 3 PK: Starter Pack + 2 Zip-On Sheets
Thinkbaby All-In-One Bottle Set

Gift Collection 9

Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Star Kids Products Play-n-Go two sided educational activity mat
Catchie 3-In-1 Car Seat Protector
Sudsy Dough Moldable Soap

Gift Collection 10

Funbites
Pacific Baby Natural Bamboo Feeding Plate
I See Me – It’s Fancy to Be Me Personalized Book
Surprise Ride Leonardo da Vinci Activity Kit

Gift Collection 11

YoRo Naturals Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream
The Shrunks Bouncer Pool
Tottigo Pack ‘n Potty
Aqua Vault FlexSafe + Waterproof Phone Case

Gift Collection 12

Purl Lamb Hoodie & Pants Set
SmartNoggin NogginSeek Peek & Seek Rattle
Breganwood Organics Hooded Towel for Babies & Toddlers
Yummi Pouch Reusable Food Pouches

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Self Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Mommy Scene and is open to US entries ages 18 and older. No purchase required to enter. 12 winners (one per gift collection) will be randomly chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on December 12th, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.

Pampers has launched one of the biggest innovations in training pants in years: the new and improved Pampers® Easy Ups™ Training Underwear – a product designed to help little ones and their families during their “Underwear Training” journey.

New Pampers Easy Ups are the easiest way to underwear!  They look, fit and feel like real underwear while providing the leak protection you’d expect from Pampers.

I received samples and had a friend try them out with her little one and they are highly recommended!

We have teamed up for a Giveaway! To celebrate the new and improved Pampers Easy Ups our readers can win a Pampers Easy Ups Giveaway. 

To enter, leave a comment below! Deadline to enter is November 11th, 2016 at noon PST. So, enter today! In the comments let us know what size your little one would wear! One winner will be selected via Random.org. *The winner will be receiving the unboxing box along with a pack of Easy Ups, which you can see in the photo.

Self Disclosure: I received samples to facilitate this post. Photo and info provided. 

On November 12 Celebrate Mickey Mouse’s Birthday at a party you will never forget.  Disney Junior at the Movies – Mickey’s Big Celebration invites you to be the FIRST to see Mickey’s new series Mickey and the Roadster Racers on the BIG SCREEN.  This will be a unique and interactive opportunity to see exclusive content while encouraging kids and families to get up and sing, dance and play along with the characters from Disney Junior’s best-loved series.

“Disney Junior at the Movies – Mickey’s BIG Celebration” is almost here!  Come celebrate Mickey’s Birthday and be the FIRST to see Mickey’s all new series Mickey and the Roadster Racers on the BIG screen.  You can sing and dance along with all your Disney Junior favorites, so grab the wheel and join the fun!

Be sure to check out Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Daisy and your favorite Disney Junior pals as Fathom Events and Disney Junior present a special sneak peek of Mickey and the Roadster Racers in select movie theatres nationwide at this hot diggity racer-rific one-day event on Saturday, November 12th!

In this all-new series, Mickey and the gang now run a super-cool garage where they take care of their brand-new, transforming roadsters, as they get ready for races around Hot Dog Hills and around the world!

When they’re not on the road with Mickey competing for trophies, Minnie and Daisy run their own business, “The Happy Helpers”, solving problems for anyone needing a helping hand. Minnie’s skills know no limits and her style will still be as fashionable as ever.

Kids and families will be racing into local theaters to be a part of this fun and interactive experience designed especially for Disney Junior fans!

• Attendees will also receive a $5 offer to the Disney Stores and a free e-book download as well as other giveaways.

• This is a fully interactive event where kids are encouraged to dance and sing in the theatre.

• Attendees will be among the first to see the upcoming series Mickey and the Roadster Racers on the big screen before its television debut in January 2017

• This is a great way to introduce your preschooler to the moving going experience in a fun and interactive way

We have teamed up with Fathom Events and Disney Junior  for a giveaway! 

We have tickets to give away! To enter, leave a comment below telling us your favorite thing abut Mickey Mouse! Deadline to enter is November 9th, 2016 at noon PST! We have two family 4 packs to give away and one additional winner will win two tickets! There will be 3 winners! The tickets are good at Cinemark at South Bay Pavilion which is located at  SouthBay Pavilion, 20700 S Avalon Blvd #285, Carson, CA 90746.

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to post. I am hosting a giveaway and winners will receive tickets. Credit: Fathom Events and Disney Junior.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy in partnership with OC Parks is pleased to announce the opening of the new Augustine Native Plant Nursery in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, with public programs beginning Nov. 13. Volunteers can now care for young plants at the Augustine nursery, in addition to the Native Plant Nursery at the City of Irvine’s Quail Hill Trailhead.

Planning for the Augustine Native Plant Nursery began in spring 2015, and the new structure will officially open for registered programs on Nov. 13. Volunteers can plant seeds, transplant seedlings, and care for native plants, all while surrounded by a backdrop of beautiful, expansive coast live oak trees.

The Augustine Native Plant Nursery is the Conservancy’s second nursery; the Quail Hill Native Plant Nursery is located at the Quail Hill Trailhead in the City of Irvine. Both nurseries are an extension of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s mission to protect, restore and enhance the natural resources of the Landmarks through stewardship of the open space. All native seedlings grown at the Augustine and Quail Hill Native Plant Nurseries support habitat restoration projects throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

“The plan to create satellite nurseries was set in motion to expand community-driven habitat stewardship on the land,” said Matilde De Santiago-Barrows, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Community Stewardship Coordinator. “The Augustine and Quail Hill nurseries restore and protect the land, but it’s our hope that they also inspire people of all ages to find a love of the Landmarks.”

Both nurseries welcome nature lovers age 6 and older to work comfortably at tables in shaded structures, where seedlings are thinned out and transplanted before being used at habitat restoration sites throughout the Landmarks.  Feel the earth beneath your fingertips during green winter months at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy nurseries, and help propagate native species and grow seedlings in the same location they will be planted. Join volunteers at the Augustine Nursery on Nov. 13 by registering here, and join volunteers at the Quail Hill Nursery on Nov. 6 and 15 by registering here. All programs are free and open to the public with required pre-registration. No experience is necessary, and all tools and training are provided. For more information on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, visit www.LetsGoOutside.org.

Credit: Irvine Ranch Conservancy in partnership with OC Parks.