Newest Skylanders Game - Skylanders Trap Team {#Review} #GiftGuide2014

by Bre, 2:38 AM
When my daughter mentioned Skylanders, I was iffy because I didn't want it to be another game that just sits in her room. I researched it and was able to score the chance to feature it here on my blog! In fact, I received the Newest Skylanders Game - Skylanders Trap Team! Skylanders Trap Team is a pretty neat game! Check out more about it from the press release:
In Skylanders Trap Team, Kaos continues his ongoing quest to rule over Skylands. He has discovered the location of the legendary Cloudcracker Prison -- a fortress built entirely out of the magical substance TraptaniumTM and home to Skylands’ most nefarious baddies. In an attempt to build his own army of foes, Kaos blows up the prison, releasing the most wanted villains and blasting shards of Traptanium to Earth in the form of Traps. Now it’s up to Portal Masters to recapture all of the escaped villains using powerful Traptanium Traps and defeat Kaos before it’s too late! The new adventure delivers a diverse and dynamic story-driven gameplay experience, filled with adventure, combat, puzzles, mini-games, activities, platforming and drop-in/drop-out co-op play -- all set within new compelling environments.

 With Skylanders Trap Team, Portal Masters seek out and defeat the most wanted villains in all of Skylands, pulling them out of the game and into living rooms by capturing them in magical Traps. Players can then send villains back into the game where they play as them to fight for good. The game has a Traptanium Portal. This is a new ring of magical energy that enables kids to not only bring their Skylanders to life, but also magically capture villains using the new Traps. 
Once they’ve defeated the villains, kids will be able to place a Trap into the new portal to capture them. They will also be able to hear the villains inside the Traps, an innovation that truly brings life to toys. This is pretty cool because they say some funny things when they are trapped. Lydia always giggles.
 When you play the game, you can choose to switch between the villain you trap or stay as yourself!
As you play, you can unlock features and game play! It is a really neat game for the kids! You can purchase this for Xbox 360™ and Xbox One™ , PlayStation® 3 and PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment systems, Nintendo’s Wii™ system, Nintendo’s Wii U™ system, and a completely unique adventure available on the Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system. We received the game for Xbox 360. Just in time for the Holidays and as of 10/10/14- you can buy this awesome starter pack!
Starter Pack Includes:
  • 1 Video Game
  • 1 NEW Traptanium Portal™
  • 2 Skylanders Figures
  • 2 Traps
  • 2 Character Sticker Sheets with Secret Codes
  • 2 Trading Cards
  • 1 Character Poster
You can find the Skylanders Trap Team Characters and Traps at Amazon, Walmart, Gamestop, Toys R Us, Target, Best Buy for around $75. Prices really vary depending on the store. I have found Walmart to be the cheapest. Lydia already has more characters on her wish list this Christmas! I can honestly say that I love how interactive this game is! We only give her an hour of play time when she plays, but with what I have seen it is adorable.
Visit Skylanders on their social media to stay up to date with the latest!
 Is the Skylanders Trap Team on your childs wish list this Christmas?
*The Small Things received complementary Skylanders in return for this post. All opinions are my own*
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Purchase Hallmark itty bittys And Make A Difference This Year! {#Giveaway} #GiftGuide2014

by Bre, 11:00 PM
When you hear Hallmark what is the first thing that comes to your mind? For me it is Birthdays and Christmas. Hallmark has the cutest line of products this Holiday Season! They are called itty bittys. Let me tell you- These little guys are adorable! Their small stature makes them perfect for collecting and just right for pairing with a greeting card or stashing in a backpack or Holiday Stocking. Celebrate 50 years of your favorite Christmas special with Rudolph®, Bumble®, Santa and Clarice®, plus more fun characters from the movie—all in itty bitty size. You don’t have to be a kid to collect these classic, loveable characters.
See the little guys above? Hallmark will donate $1 to Toys for Tots each time you buy an individual Rudolph®, Bumble®, Santa or Clarice® itty bitty. (Rudolph® collector set not included.) Offer valid 10/4/14 – 12/24/14 while supplies last! How cute is that?  These are just the cutest things! Rudolph, Bumble, Santa and Clarice (seen above) can be purchased for only $6.95 a piece!Look at them! They are adorable right?  The Collector Set you see in the box includes Charlie-In-The-Box (Misfit Toy), Spotted Elephant (Misfit Toy), Hermey and Yukon Cornelius itty bittys! It can be purchased for $29.95! All of these products can be found in Hallmark Stores and online, on their website! Check out the other itty bittys they have here.
Purchase one of the Rudolph itty bittys and make a difference today! Hallmark anticipates that it will be able to donate up to $1.5 million in retail product value and additional cash funds to Toys for Tots this holiday season. Last year, the charity provided more than 16 million toys to nearly 7 million less fortunate children nationwide. A donation presentation to Toys for Tots will take place Nov. 30, during the 83rd annual Hollywood Christmas Parade in Los Angeles, Calif., which will be aired on Hallmark Channel Dec. 10. Visit Hallmark on their website in the beginning of this post to learn more! Be sure to also visit them on their social media to stay up to date with the latest! 
WIN IT:  One reader is going to win all of the itty bittys above! The giveaway will include Rudolph, Bumble, Santa and Clarice & The Collector Set--Charlie-In-The-Box (Misfit Toy), Spotted Elephant (Misfit Toy), Hermey and Yukon Cornelius itty bittys. RETAIL VALUE $57. Reader must live in the Continental USA. Giveaway ends on 11/22/14 at 11:59 PM CST. No purchase necessary. See sidebar for complete giveaway rules. Enter Below. Goodluck.


*The Small Things received Hallmark itty bittys to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own*
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Chatsters Gabby- Your Interactive BBF {#Giveaway} #GiftGuide2014

by Bre, 11:17 PM
There are so many things that my daughter Lydia has on her wish list. She came across something that she fell in love with. To this day, she won't stop talking about it! Chatsters are an interactive friend that chats, dances and plays with all her accessories.
 When she starts chatting her eyes light up and animate! What are you in the mood for? Tap the yellow hearts on her glasses to let her know what you’re thinking. She recognizes 6 super fun accessories that unlock special mini games, silly jokes and even make-overs!

 The cool factor- Gabby says over 300 unique words & phrases and has over 25 games and activities! That is so cool! I wish they had something like this when I was my daughters age! The accessories that she comes with are Smoothie, Cupcake, Eye Shadow Compact, Lipstick, Sprinkles, Mobile Phone. Download the mobile app via iTunes or Google Play and she will talk to you! Check out these helpful hints to learn more about her! Chatsters come in three versions! Where can you buy her? 
You can buy her at Walmart, Target, Toys R Us, and Amazon.com! Check out these videos on YouTube to lean more about how to play with her! Chatsters Gabby would make a great gift this Holiday Season! She is available for the retail price of only $79.99. Prices will vary depending on where you go! Visit Chatsters on their website to learn all you need to know about her! What do you say? Is she on your childs wish list this year? All little girls love a cute doll! A interactive one? It can't get any better than that!
 WIN IT:
 One reader is going to win Chatsters Gabby! This giveaway is open to the Continental USA. Giveaway ends on 11/21/14 at 11:59 PM CST. No purchase necessary to enter. See right sidebar for complete rules. Enter below. Goodluck!  
*The Small Things received a Chatsters Gabby to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own*
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MALEFICENT- On Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on 11/4! {#Review} {#Giveaway}

by Bre, 11:48 PM
Disney’s most iconic villain “MALEFICENT” comes to life for all to own, November 4, 2014.  Starring Academy Award®-winning actress Angelina Jolie (Best Supporting Actress, “Girl, Interrupted,” 2000) as Maleficent, this wickedly fun twist on the classic “Sleeping Beauty” will be made available on Disney Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand platforms.
After enchanting audiences around the world and grossing more than $700 million in worldwide box office, this live-action, fantasy adventure casts a wondrous new spell on Blu-ray and Digital HD, featuring stunning high definition picture and sound, plus spellbinding, all-new bonus features, including several deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes featurettes that take viewers deeper behind the scenes of the filmmaking magic.
My daughter, Lydia received a copy for review. I have to say that I was amazed when we watched it.
What is it about? : Explore the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain in this wickedly fun twist on the classic “Sleeping Beauty.” In an unforgiving mood after a neighboring kingdom threatens her forest, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) places an irrevocable curse on the king’s newborn daughter, the Princess Aurora. But as the child grows, Maleficent finds herself becoming fond of the girl. And as the conflict between the two realms intensifies, Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land. Journey beyond the fairy tale in this soaring adventure that is “visually arresting, brilliantly designed” (Andrew Barker, Variety).
If you haven't seen it- DO NOT READ FURTHER: My favorite part of the movie was when Maleficent regretted placing her curse. She was falling in love with Aurora like she was her own. It was truly an awesome story. Seeing this side of the story has made me rethink that they should make every Disney movie into a live movie like this! =) We loved the effects and we loved that it was 100% family friendly! The ending made us literally "awe".  Check out the bonus features!
Bonus Features:
  • Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD/SD & Disney Movies Anywhere
  • From Fairy Tale to Feature Film - Reimagining Maleficent for a new generation 
  • Building An Epic Battle –Creating the clash between Maleficent and King Henry’s Forces 
  • Classic Couture - Examine Maleficent’s spellbinding head wraps and jewelry. 
  • Maleficent Revealed - Explore the layers of extraordinary special effects. 
  • Aurora: Becoming A Beauty - Elle Fanning reveals her lifelong love of Disney’s original animated classic. 
  • Deleted Scenes:
o   “Stefan In King's Chamber”
o   “Pixie Idiots”
o   “Diaval asks about the Curse”
o   “Pixies Seek Asylum”
o   “Suitor” 
And More!
If you want to purchase Maleficent yourself- you can do so on November 4, 2014 on Blu-ray Combo Pack for the retail price of $26.99 and the DVD for only the retail price of $18.99! As of 10/27 you can find the Blu-Ray on Bestbuy.com for pre-order at $19.99!  Make this a stocking stuffer this year too! It is sure to put a smile on some faces! Visit Disney’s Maleficent on their social media below to stay up to date with the latest! 
Have you seen this movie yet? Do you plan to rent or buy it?
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WIN IT: One reader is going to win a copy of MALEFICENT- On Blu-ray™ Combo Pack! This giveaway ends on 11/17/14 at 11:59 PM CST. Giveaway is open to Continental USA. See complete giveaway rules on my right sidebar.  Enter below. Goodluck!
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Evil Ventriloquist Doll Halloween Makeup {#Tutorial} {#DIY}

by Bre, 10:59 PM
My daughter and I were brainstorming ideas to play with the face paint that we bought! She wanted me to make her into a doll. Since Halloween is almost here, I had the bright idea into making her into an Evil Ventriloquist Doll. Check out what you need to make this happen! Now keep in mind- I don't like complicated. This is SIMPLE to do, if you are willing to take the time to do it! This isn't  perfect by any means, we are "beginners".
- Red, White & Black Face Paint
- Makeup Sponges & 1 Makeup Brush
- Paint Brushes
- Dark Pink Blush
- Fake blood (You can mix clear corn syrup and red food coloring if you don't have any fake pre-made blood)
STEP 1- Lightly coat sponge face with white face paint. Coat makeup brush with pink blush and rotate in a circle on the cheeks as in the picture.
 Step 2- Paint lips white and add random black dots on the face for freckles. You can wait to do this in the very last step. Add them a little further down than I did, you will see why as we go.
Step 3- Coat top lip in red face paint and bottom lip in white. Make it thick.
 Step 4- Draw red lines to the chin and paint a fake bottom lip on the chin. Mine was a bit uneven, but it doesn't have to be perfect. Add a line of teeth above the fake lip you made.
 Step 5- Paint the space in between the lip you painted white and the fake teeth you made black. Draw lines for the teeth.
 Step 6- Freehand thick black eyebrows. Make them arched because you want that evil look.
 Step 7- Draw a thick white line on the bottom of each eye.
 Step 8- Paint top eyelid black. Outline the thick white line you made under each eye and paint some fake lashes!
 Step 9- Touch up the face and lashes. Make the freckles thicker and add the fake blood around the mouth and eyes and make it come out of the nose for effect. You can really add the blood where you want. You are now FINISHED! Accessorize and dress to impress and you are ready to go!
 This is more of a "realistic" way to do this. It isn't as detailed and it doesn't take much to do!
 If you like this tutorial- feel free to hover over one of these photos above and PIN to PINTEREST! You can also share via one of the buttons below! Thanks for reading!
What are you going to be for Halloween this year?
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Moxie Girlz- Ice Cream Bike With Sophia {#Giveaway} #GiftGuide2014

by Bre, 8:32 PM
My daughter has a variety of toys and one of her favorites are the Moxie Girlz products. Moxie Girlz are a line of dolls that have awesome meaning! What does Moxie mean?
  • Positive attitude and Confidence
  • The courage to go for it
  • Energy to do everything you do
One of the newest that Lydia doesn't have until now is the Moxie Girlz- Ice Cream Bike With Sophia. Moxie Girlz have ice cream for sale! Come along for bicycle fun, where ice cream treats stack sky high!
 Moxie Girlz Ice Cream Bike comes with an exclusive articulated doll that really pedals and plays music when you push her along. Super cute stackable ice cream cones feature four fun flavors. You can even sell ice cream cones to the other Moxie Girlz with the paper money included. It even plays music! Lydia has been wanting Sophia! Check out a little bit about her:
She loves nature, animals and the world. She's a writer and feels she can use words to shape the world! She recycles and feels going "green" is especially important in this community where they don't even recognize the color green. She's about doing the right thing and spends time doing things to help others. She can be sarcastic which her friends don't always understand.
 You can find Moxie Girlz at a local retailer near you. Walmart, Target, Toys R Us and Amazon are just a few of the retailers. You can find Moxie Girlz- Ice Cream Bike With Sophia for the retail price of $34, give or take a few dollars! I am recommending this toy for my 2014 Holiday Gift Guide! This will make a cute gift for the little girl in your life! Visit Moxie Girlz on their social media below to stay up to date with the latest!
Like this post? Feel free to hover over an image and Pin to Pinterest or share via one of the buttons below. Thanks for reading!
WIN IT: One reader is going to win (1) Moxie Girlz- Ice Cream Bike of their own. Giveaway will end on 11/14/14 at 11:59 PM CST. Giveaway is open to the Continental USA. All entries are subject to verification. See sidebar for complete giveaway rules. Enter below. Goodluck!
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Vitabath- Spice Is Nice Body Wash & Lotion {#Review} {#Giveaway} #GiftGuide2014

by Bre, 5:30 AM
Have you ever tried a body lotion or a shower gel that just made you feel amazing? Something that makes you feel so great and smells delicious? I thought I had until I received  this product from Vitabath! Let me tell you- I have been missing out. Vitabath carries luxury bath and body products! Vitabath’s quality ingredients and rich fragrances indulge the senses and nourish the skin, resulting in a relaxing, yet invigorating, at-home spa experience. In 2011, Vitabath is revitalized its brand with the introduction of a new moisturizing, sulfate and paraben free body wash line in a wide variety of fresh, playful fragrances.
Recently, I received a fragrance that just makes me want to eat it! This is one of their Holiday Bath Sets, It is called Spice Is Nice!

Each Holiday Set contains a perfect pairing of moisturizing Sulfate and Paraben Free Body Wash & Hydrating Body Lotion bound together with holiday cheer. They are both 16.9 fl oz. This smells AMAZING. I MEAN AMAZING! It is the perfect blend of fresh pumpkin and allspice mixed with delicious cream cheese icing and finished off with notes of rum and maple syrup. It makes your house smell like you have been baking fall cupcakes all day! The smell even lingers after you use it!  I love how the lotion moisturizes my skin and makes me feel awesome too! My 8 year old sneaks into it constantly. It is a hit in this household. Shower time has been "Mommy! Can I use your new stuff? It smells SOOOOOOO good!".
If you are wondering where you can get it, you can get it via this link on the Vitabath website for only $16.99. It is worth every single penny! Standard gorund shipping is only $9.95. Visit their website to learn more and see what other products they have to offer. This gift set will make the perfect Holiday gift this year! Be sure to visit them on their social media below to stay up to date on the latest! 
One reader is going to win a Spice Is Nice Set of their own. Winner must reside in the Continental USA. All entries are subject to verification. Incomplete entries will result in disqualification. No purchase necessary to enter. Giveaway ends on 11/14/14 at 11:59 PM CST. See right sidebar for complete giveaway rules. Enter below. Goodluck! 
*Disclaimer: The Small Things was sent complementary product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own*
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SnapPower Guidelight {#Review} Making Bedtime For My Little One Easier! #GiftGuide2014

by Bre, 1:16 AM
Do any of you have a child that is scared of the dark? I do. Lydia is 8 years old and she is scared of the dark. I am 25 years old and I am still scared of the dark on occasion. Recently I was introduced to a product that I am completely in love with! The SnapRays Guidelight is a plug-and-play replacement for the standard plug-in night lights and hardwired guide lights found on the market today; it installs within seconds and requires no wires or batteries. 
They are available in two different style and three different colors. I chose the Duplex style because that is what my plugs are at the moment. I also chose white  because it fits the place.
 Using the product is pretty simple. You need to turn off the power to the room you want to install these in FIRST. Remove the existing cover plate and snap on the SnapRays Guidelight.
The Guidelight has prongs on it that clip around the outlet screws. The prongs HAVE to touch these screws to work. Make sure that nothing is in the way.The screw terminals have to be exposed. If paint or tape is on the outlet, they won't work. FUN FACT: LEDs in the Guidelight will last for 25+ years before they begin to dim AND they only cost 10 cents a year to operate! WHAT?!
The SnapRays Guidelight is designed to be installed facing the same direction as the ground prongs on the outlet.  For example: If the ground prongs on the outlet are facing down, the Guidelight will need to be installed with the lights facing down. If the ground prongs are facing up, then the Guidelight will need to be installed with the lights facing up. They are not comparable with GFCI outlets. I honestly have to tell you, this is GENIUS. I love it! I would have never thought of such a thing before! They only emit 6 lux of light! It is the same as a standard nightlight! Please keep in mind these only light up at night. These would be great in hallways too!

I have two of these in Lydia's room and one in my kitchen and one behind my couch so that we can see out laptop cord when we get it at night. Currently you can only purchase these on their website! They are $15 a piece but you can buy them in 1, 3, 5, and 10 packs. Prices vary. Check out their website via the link in this post to learn more! A pack of these would make a great stocking stuffer or gift this Holiday Season! I recommend it for my gift guide this year! Check out Snaprays on their social media below to stay up to date with the latest! 
Like this post? Feel free to hover over one of the images and Pin to Pinterest or share via one of the buttons below! Thanks for reading!
*Disclaimer: The Small Things received complementary Guidelights to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own*

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Lexus IS 350 F Sport- Sleek, Awesome and Great!

by Bre, 6:40 PM
My husband and I love driving new cars. Recently I was able to have the awesome opportunity to review the 2015 Lexus IS 350 Sport and test it for two weeks. 
Photo Credit Lexus.com
Check it out above. The color that I drove was Atomic Silver, not white. This car has to be the sleekest car that I have ever been in. I love it! It has a Drive Mode Select- It enables you to make your IS more responsive or efficient with a simple turn of the dial. Eco is one of those options.
One of my favorite exterior features was the sleep mesh grille. It gave the car a unique look. It’s only fitting that a vehicle this cutting-edge has audio technology to match. From the eight-speaker Premium Audio System’s ability to pause and rewind HD Radio6 to the 360-degree, three-dimensional sound of the available 835-watt, 15-speaker Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound Audio System,2 the IS raises the audio bar as easily as it raises your heart rate.
 As you can tell is also has front sport seats. They hug every bit of you. The seats are able to be heated or cooled as well. It has electrostatic touch-based temperature controls which enable you to change the temperature with a swipe of your finger! I thought that this was super cool!
The rear has awesome spaciousness of generous legroom with the convenience of a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat.
This beautiful car also has 18-in split-five-spoke alloy wheels! Look at how sleep those are too! Another thing that I noticed when driving is that it has intelligent high-beam headlamps as well as lane Departure Alert! The side view mirrors light up when someone is coming beside you on your blind spot. The Lexus IS 350 F Sport has all-wheel drive to help provide enhanced traction and control all-wheel drive to help provide enhanced traction and control. Visit the Lexus website to learn more about the various packages and prices! This car will not disappoint.
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#Nokia #Lumia Cortana- Your Personal Assistant; Windows Phone WOW

by Bre, 11:16 PM
Did you know that all Windows phones now have Cortana? She is super cool and allows so many possibilities! Cortana's features include being able to set reminders and find places to eat. She can also set your alarm and do basic commands. All you have to do is push the app, click the microphone and ask away! She will answer! She also calls you by your name or nickname! You can personalize your interests and name when you set it up. It is quite simple! 
I love that you can set quite times, your favorite places and music search matches! You can do this by tapping the three white lines on the right of the phone when you have Cortana open. 
 
Most important of all, I love using Cortana because as a student/mom and blogger on the go she reminds me of stuff daily. I would lose my head if I didn't have this thing! Where has she been all my life?
Overall. I love Cortana because she knows YOU she learns your interests and recommends things to you! It is a really useful thing! If you don't have a Windows Phone (I recommend the Lumia 635), you are missing out! 

Now- A small update, I recently posted about my new Nokia Lumia 635, {see that post here} I wanted to share a few things with you- This phone is AWESOME!  I really didn't know how much you can personalize this phone until I played with it more and more. The live tiles allow you to see status updates, and tweets in real time. You can also  pin apps, websites, music albums and pretty much everything to the main screen so that it is all there. You can also personalize the colors daily. It is like having a new phone everyday. You never get bored with it! SEE?

 
Lydia likes to take my phone and take pictures. It doesn't have a front facing camera so it is nice to have her snap one for me! Check it out! No editing other than my watermark has been added.

Do you have a Windows Phone? If not, do you plan to get one soon?Visit Nokia on their social media below to stay up to date with the latest! 
*The Small Things received the Nokia Lumia 635 to facilitate this post as part of a back to school program. All opinions are my own*
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Lydia placed 3rd in the league & tournaments!

by Bre, 10:26 PM
My daughter Lydia went in her second round of Tournament Games today! They placed 3rd in the league and 3rd in the tournament. They lost by 1 or they could have went to the Championship game! All of the girls played hard! We are all SO proud! Check out our photos for yourself!
 Kissing her metal lol
 Proud little lady here!
 She is a mommys girl! 
 She loves him!
I am so proud!
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