This week's books and movies

Movie most recently watched:

We just used our free Redbox code and watched Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. I am glad I listened to my sister who recommended I not waste my time or money seeing it in the theater. I am a huge fan of the books (although the Clockwork books were far superior), but the movie was kind of a let down. I wish the characters were a little truer to the book, and that the story line was a little more closely related to the book as well.

Book recently finished:
I just finished reading 2 books, both which I enjoyed.

First up is Blue Bloods. I actually ordered this book randomly on PaperBackSwap as a book I added on to an order. I really enjoyed it, and I look forward to where the series is going to go. It was a very fast read, and although it was not literary genius material, it was a nice light read during the holidays.




I also just finished Shanna Swendson's Kiss and Spell. I struggle with what to say about this book. The first book, Enchanted, Inc. is just amazing and strongly recommend it. I feel like this was sort of a filler book and did not really ever appeal to me. I made myself finish it, and it took some time as I was distracted by other books. I do love Shanna Swendson's writing style, and hope to see the series continue because I think it is better than 99.9% of the books out there. I am always surprised that more people have not heard of her because she is a really, really good writer.

After Holiday Sale at Layla Grace!



Layla Grayce is sweetening their sale! Starting Dec. 26th through the end of the year, all Layla Grayce discounted items will receive an additional 20% off. Simply use promo code EXTRASALE between 12/26 - 12/31 and save even more on Layla Grayce's stylish delights.

Amazon Hot Deals for 12/26

Didn't get what you want for Christmas? Lots of good sales happening right now! These are some of the Amazon hot deals we found for today!

Doctor Sleep: A Novel (The Shining)
Sequel to the shining only $1.99 on Kindle!!!
 

Spider-Man 2 (+ UltraViolet Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]
$4.99!!!
 

 COVERGIRL Queen Collection 1-Kit Eye Shadow Vintage
Clip the coupon and Subscribe and Save to get this eye shadow for 89 cents




COVERGIRL Queen Collection 1-Kit Eye Shadow Peacock
Clip the coupon and Subscribe and Save for only 89 cents!
 

CoverGirl Cheekers Blush, Classic Pink
Clip the coupon and S&S for $1.75


CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 1 Kit Shadow, Brown Smolder
 $1.08 with the coupon clipped and S&S
 

Dockers Men's Packable Bomber Jacket
$20.00
 

Keeping Pets Safe for the Holidays

Thanks to Bil-Jac for the fabulous tips on keeping your furry friends safe this holiday season!


How to Keep Your Dog Safe During the Holidays
- By Your Friends at Bil-Jac Dog Food


The holiday season is all about spending time with family and friends. As we get caught up in the hustle and bustle, decorating, and parties, it’s important to be sure we are keeping our pets safe through it all. Here are ten tips to consider to help keep your best friend safe during this special time of year:
1.   Human Food is For Humans: If you don’t normally feed your dog table scraps, don’t start now. Many of the foods we eat around the holidays are high in fat, salt and sugar and can upset your dog’s stomach. Always keep your dog away from the following foods:
    Chocolate – Theobromine, a component of chocolate, is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and in some cases, death.
    Onions – Too much onion, no matter what kind, can cause anemia in dogs.
    Grapes & Raisins – Too many grapes or raisins may negatively affect your dogs' kidneys.
    Cooked Bones – Turkey and ham bones may be sharp and could pose a choking hazard to your best friend.
2.   Light the Tree with Caution: Keep electrical cords tucked away and ornaments out of paw’s reach. If your pup gets curious and decides to chew on a wire, she could get shocked and even electrocuted. Ornaments, as we all know, tend to easily break very easily and can cut a pet's mouth or paws. If you are going out, consider unplugging lights or putting your dog in another room away from the temptation of cords and shiny decorations.
3.   Go for the Faux: If your dog is more curious than most, you may want to use an artificial tree rather than a real one. Tree water may contain fertilizers. If your dogs drink it, they could experience nausea and diarrhea.
4.   Plant It Up High: Certain holiday plants such as mistletoe, holly and poinsettias can cause vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems if ingested. Make sure all of these plants are up high or opt for artificial versions.
5.   Stuff Wisely: We stuff our pet's stocking just like any other member of the family. Choose safe gifts such as dog-safe toys and treats they love to eat.
6.   No Escaping: If you’re hosting a holiday party, consider keeping your dogs away from the front door when guests are coming and going. Especially if your dogs have the tendency to run out the door the first chance they get. Always make sure they're wearing their collar and dog tag just in case they do escape.
7.  Give Them Peace and Quiet: Some dogs enjoy visitors, but others may get nervous and scared around new people. Set up a quiet, safe room with fresh water and a place to relax away from your guests.
8.   Leave The Drinking to The Adults: If your guests are drinking alcohol, remind them to watch where they put their drinks, especially if your dog is curious. Just a few slurps of red wine can make your dog disoriented and potentially ill.
9.   Don’t Be Gone Too Long: If you're like most of us, you attend holiday festivities throughout December. From company holiday parties, to get-togethers with friends and family, there could be times when your best friends are left alone a little longer than normal. A change in schedule like this may cause stress and nervousness. If possible, plan ahead for these types of events. If you have to go straight to a company holiday party after work, for example, see if a friend or neighbor would care for your dog during that time.
10.   Ring in the New Year Responsibly: Noise makers can be very scary to pets and could cause damage to sensitive ears. Remember dogs hear at much different frequencies than humans and high pitched sounds can be uncomfortable and painful for your best friend. Skip the noisemakers and instead enjoy bringing in the New Year with your best friend by your side!
Want to WIN Grain Free Treats/ Yapple Nana’s and Liver Treats? Enter Below!
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MamaBreak received Bil-Jac treats to share this post with our readers. We did not receive any other type of compensation. As always, our experiences and opinions are our own.

Day 6 and 7 Holiday Extravaganza

This is a FLASH giveaway, this giveaway will last the entire weekend. You will be able to choose 1 item from our Pinterest board set up HERE. As always, you must respond within 48 hours!!! Enter below and HAVE FUN!!!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mod Cloth has 50% off!!!!! And Express Shipping!!!!

Procrastinators unite! If you haven't got a little something for everyone on your list yet, don't panic, ModCloth is coming to your rescue.

ModCloth

Starting Friday Dec 20th, they have 100's of items 50% off! And all you have to do is spend $100+ for free EXPRESS shipping and you will receive your package in time for the holidays. In case you were wondering what's on my wish list here are some hints: Diagonal Alley Coat in Red from ModCloth (to keep me warm), Turn of the Sensory Skirt from ModCloth, and Budding Elegance Earrings from ModCloth ('cos a girls gotta have some bling!). Hurry, shop now and save!

The day Collage.com Blocked me from their Facebook Wall

UPDATE: After an extended conversation with Living Social (the place my voucher originated), Collage.com finally provided me with a tracking number. My package SHOULD be here on Monday. It will be a full 10 days later than when was originally promised, but at least it is actually going to arrive. Will I place an order with Collage.com? Never. 

Mamas-- it is the holiday season. This means I do expect that sometimes things do not go as planned. Sometimes packages arrive a little late, and sometimes they are not what was expected. On November 30th, I placed an order through Living Social with Collage.com. I redeemed my voucher that night because it said it would take 1 week to print and 1 week to deliver. I wanted to make sure it arrived in time! I spent over an hour carefully considering what I would put on my gift, and placed my order. My order receipt clearly says it will arrive on the 13th.

Thanks for placing your order! Your collage(s) should arrive on or before December 13, 2013. You will receive an email when your order ships. 

On the 13th (the day my collage was supposed to arrive), I received an email that my order would arrive by Christmas!!!???!!!

There has been a delay printing your order due to an unexpected issue at one of our production facilities, but your blanket will arrive by Christmas. You will receive another notification as soon as it ships (within the next few days).

So, on the day it is supposed to ARRIVE they sent my an email saying it would arrive weeks later. But I am a patient person, and I was going to get an update in a few days-- right???? On the 20th (today) I received another email (so much for the 13th, so much for a few days). 

Your order was shipped on 12/17/2013. The estimated delivery date is 12/23/2013. There has been a back-up in our tracking information system, so your tracking number is not yet available. You will receive another e-mail as soon as we have your tracking number. 

How convenient that they cannot provide a tracking number. I get both Fed Ex and UPS delivery notifications, and nothing has come through either of them. The ESTIMATED delivery date is the 23rd, which means it could arrive . . . well at any time, and will most likely NOT arrive before Christmas. I sent another email asking how it was shipped . . . but like all other emails, it received a canned response that orders are backed up and when it has shipped I would receive an email with tracking. 

All blanket orders that have started printing will arrive by Christmas. You can check on your order status at http://www.collage.com/orderinfo. You will receive an e-mail with a tracking number as soon as it ships. We do not have any further shipping information at this time, and delivery cannot be changed or expedited once production has begun.  

Mamas-- DO NOT order from this company! Not only have they not answered my email inquires directly, but their phone brings you straight to a voice mail that asks you to email (because THAT is working so well), AND THEY HAVE BLOCKED ME FROM FACEBOOK. What did I say on Facebook that was so awful? I simply stated that I placed my order on the 30th, was promised a 13th delivery date, and have still not received tracking. If they are blocking me from Facebook, I am certain that almost anyone who has posted anything about their orders have been blocked as well. BUYER BEWARE!!!!!! Do NOT order from this company that has questionable business practices!!!! 

Holiday Extravaganza Day 5!!!

This is a FLASH giveaway, meaning each giveaway will only last 24 hours. You will be able to choose 1 item from our Pinterest board set up HERE. As always, you must respond within 48 hours!!! Enter below and HAVE FUN!!! A new Rafflecopter EACH DAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Extravaganza Day 4!!!

This is a FLASH giveaway, meaning each giveaway will only last 24 hours. You will be able to choose 1 item from our Pinterest board set up HERE. As always, you must respond within 48 hours!!! Enter below and HAVE FUN!!! A new Rafflecopter EACH DAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Extravaganza Day 3

This is a FLASH giveaway, meaning each giveaway will only last 24 hours. You will be able to choose 1 item from our Pinterest board set up HERE. As always, you must respond within 48 hours!!! Enter below and HAVE FUN!!! A new Rafflecopter EACH DAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ModCloth's Revel in Rewards Sale Starts Today!



The ModCloth Revel in Rewards Sale begins today and there are THREE fabulous ways to save while you shop and treat yourself!

1. Enjoy FREE US shipping on orders $50+
2. Spend $100+ for free EXPRESS shipping
3. Spend $125+ & get $25 back to spend on yourself in January!

Check out all of ModCloth's adorable dresses, fun graphic tees, shoes, cardigans and even apartment and home accessories. And, don't forget to check out the ModCloth Gift Guide, you can shop for Him, for Her and there is a even a fun selection of gifts under $20, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list!

Holiday Extravaganza Day 2

This is a FLASH giveaway, meaning each giveaway will only last 24 hours. You will be able to choose 1 item from our Pinterest board set up HERE. As always, you must respond within 48 hours!!! Enter below and HAVE FUN!!! A new rafflecopter EACH DAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Duraflame Sweepstakes!

Duraflame Sweeps


Loving this new Sweeps!!!!!  Click HERE to enter!

The above link contains affiliate links which do not impact your entry experience. We thank you for supporting MamaBreak!

Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza

This is a FLASH giveaway, meaning each giveaway will only last 24 hours. You will be able to choose 1 item from our Pinterest board set up HERE. As always, you must respond within 48 hours!!! Enter below and HAVE FUN!!! A new rafflecopter EACH DAY!!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ModCloth Mystery Sale!!!


http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=552615&u=669621&m=43745&urllink=&afftrack=

And use code MYSTERY20 for an extra 20% off your entire ORDER!!!!!! Code good until the end of the day! 

It's Not Too Late To Order!!!

Did not find what you were looking for in the Shutterfly deal below? TinyPrints has 25% off their holiday cards right now WITH free shipping!!!!! Use code CARDS25FS Tiny Prints Holiday Cards

50% off of cards at SHUTTERFLY!!!!!

 

Save 50% on 6x8 flat cards and 5x7 tri-fold cards on signature cardstock.
Save 40% on 4x5, 4x8, 5x5, and 5x7 flat cards on signature cardstock.
Save 30% on 5x7 folded cards on signature cardstock.


Just use code HOLIDAY
ENDS TOMORROW NIGHT!!!!!!!!

Offer expires December 14, 2013 (11:59 P.M. PT). Offer is good for cards at shutterfly.com. Photo paper and 3x5 folded note cards are not included in this offer. Pearl shimmer cardstock and rounded corners available for an additional charge each per card. Taxes, shipping and handling will apply. Not valid on calling cards, prepaid plans, cards sent using mailing services, prior purchases, orders placed for in-store pick up, purchases made on the Shutterfly for iPhone app, Shutterfly for iPad app, Shutterfly for Android app or Shutterfly Pro Galleries. Valid for the intended recipient only. Cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with other offers or credits. Not valid for resale.

Simple Wishes Hands-free pumping bra giveaway!

Today we are excited to share a Simple Wishes Hands-Free Bra giveaway!  If you missed it, checkout the review here.  We love that Simple Wishes bra helps moms get more done!  To learn more about Simple Wishes check out their website!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Wishes Giveaway


Welcome to the Holiday Wishes by Mom to Bed by 8 Giveaway.

The holidays are upon us, and we wanted to bring you an extra special treat! We know the iPad Mini is VERY popular, so we hope you will love this giveaway. Myself, and several other bloggers from the MPM Network, got together to bring you this fantastic giveaway!!!

Hosted by MPM Network Bloggers

One lucky reader will receive a iPad Mini 16GB!

Giveaway ends December 26th at 11:59pm, open to US and Canadian, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure:MamaBreak is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Making memories: Share the experience of a unique children’s book from Blurb

Story time is one of the most magical times in our house. We love all of the unique books that Blurb has to offer. With beautiful pictures, creative story lines, and fun characters, these are sure to be a hit with any child (or adult)! Just check out these fun, creative books! Perfect for a holiday gift! And  don't forget you can Save 20% on print books when you spend $40 or more through this link! (Links below are affiliate links--we thank you for supporting MamaBreak).
 
Title: Ollie + Loo
Author: Joni Cooper
www.blurb.com/b/4554150-ollie-+-loo
Joni Cooper brings incredibly original characters to life with brilliant illustrations in a book that will have parents and kids laughing along together.
Title: Edward Hopper and the Carrot Crunch
Author: Mike Smith
www.blurb.com/books/1189264-edward-hopper-and-the-carrot-crunch
Very few children’s books have financial mismanagement as a central theme—we can only assume most children’s book authors have not had the pleasure of meeting a rabbit named Edward Hopper.
Title: My Bug Journal
Author: Hannah Rollings
www.blurb.com/b/1925331-my-bug-journal
Bug-lover or other, this journal is sure to spark interest from anyone who takes a peek inside the covers. Enchanted illustrations, bug facts, room for records and much, much more.
Title: Myrtle & the Scarecrow
Author: Kate Lowe
www.blurb.com/b/4662116-myrtle-the-scarecrow
Myrtle finds solace with a not-so-scary scarecrow?and learns a lot about herself? in this short but sweet tale. The atmospheric illustrations have a little magic about them—we look forward to more from this young, talented illustrator.
Title: The Trouble with Bears
Author: K.D. O’Reilley
www.blurb.com/b/400437-the-trouble-with-bears?pid=Featured
This story cleverly combines a lesson on self-worth with an exploration of different cultures, geography, and history. The talents of a former writing instructor and a visual artist are a winning combination here.
Title: Mylo & Peet
Author: Janyce Portalatin
www.blurb.com/b/4290427-mylo-peet
A graphically pleasing book with a message tailor-made for the new generation of eco-warriors the importance of recycling and protecting the planet.
Title: Theo
Author: Kenny Lim & Grant Gilliand
www.blurb.com/b/781375-theo?pid=Featured
Join Theo on his journey as he navigates the obstacles and challenges of school—made all the more difficult due to his not-so-normal third eye. Fantastic illustrations bring this story’s great message to life.
Title: A Whimsical Tale of Invention
Author: Kara Pooley
www.blurb.com/b/628072-a-whimsical-tale-of-invention
Fascinating facts, inspired inventions, intriguing illustrations, a poem or two—this book has it all.
Title: Ahwen’s Journal
Author: Alice Alder
www.blurb.com/b/4291566-ahwen-s-journal
It would be impossible not to fall in love with the beautifully illustrated characters in this book. Ahwen, Harn, Charwood—we’ll be keeping an eye out for you the next time we’re in the woods.
Title: Marco and the Zombies
Author: Justin Kerr
www.blurb.com/b/1360926-marco-and-the-zombies?pid=Featured
Another collaborative project delivers a brilliant book. With Zombies at the heart of this story—and superb illustrations by Bret Bowers—it’s one older children are sure to enjoy.
Title: Baby Bear gets a Present
Author: Chris Wood
www.blurb.com/b/4387364-baby-bear-gets-a-present
Even toys relegated to a box in a forgotten corner of the house have lives of their own. In this heartwarming tale we learn just how much fun they have.
Title: Penelope and her Puffy Brown Crown
Author: Jasmin Ortiz
www.blurb.com/b/4181634-penelope-and-her-puffy-brown-crown-paperback
Popping with color and originality, this rhythmical story makes reading aloud a real pleasure. Apparently, bad hair-days happen to young people too.
Title: My Best Friend
Author: Nathalie Josephine
www.blurb.com/b/4295225-my-best-friend
In this lovely little book, bright (and very cute) characters illustrate a story designed to help children deal with the loss of a friend.
Title: A Bit Lost
Author: Leanne New
www.blurb.com/b/4275053-a-bit-lost
Delightful creativity elevates the imagery in this standout book, a simple tale of lost-and-found for little ones.
Title: The Goose Girl
Author: Madeleine Valley
www.blurb.com/b/4274145-the-goose-girl
A lesser-known story by The Brothers Grimm gets a thoroughly modern makeover in this graphically rich retelling of Goose Girl from Madeleine Valley. This is one for the older bunch.
Title: The Great Bear Surprise
Author: Carolan Coughlin
www.blurb.com/b/4259737-the-great-bear-surprise
Join Carolan on her hike up Red Plume Mountain where she discovers much more than the view of the surrounding landscape. This is a sweet story of unexpected friendship.
Title: Goodnight Forest
Author: Emilie Dale
www.blurb.com/b/3018559-good-night-forest
See your little ones off to sleep and bid goodnight to the forest with this rhythmic wind-down bedtime book, from graphic designer and illustrator Emilie Dale.
Title: The Adventures of Dude, Squat and Mose
Author: Michael Hall
http://www.blurb.com/b/4720681-the-adventures-of-dude-squat-and-mose
With fabulous illustrations from Gerald Kelley and a fun-packed story from author Michael Hall, the adventures of this brave trio of adopted dogs if sure to become a favorite.

Links above are affiliate links. We thank you for supporting Mamabreak. 

Costco Membership Sale on Zulily today!!!

What a fantastic deal right in time for the holidays!!! Zulily has Costco memberships today at a fantastic price!
Business Membership -$55
a free delectable rotisserie chicken,
free 48-pack of batteries,
free case of Kirkland Signature™ water and additional savings.

Costco Executive Membership -$110
a free delectable rotisserie chicken,
free 48-pack of batteries,
free case of Kirkland Signature™ water and additional savings.
Just log into or create a Zulily account and buy this fantastic deal! We needed batteries, so it is a win/win for us!

Nature's Miracle Review

During the holidays, messes happen. They happen all over the house, from visitors, kids, and even pets. We received Nature's Miracle to review and have been using it on our holiday messes.
We love that Nature's Miracle is pet and kid friendly! That is a must in our house with 3 kids, 2 dogs, 2 cats, and a crab! The spray nozzle makes cleaning up small messes so much easier!

The spray not only cleaned areas in our house, but also removed odors that we tried it on (including a strong dog smell). We will be using throughout the holidays for all of our cleaning needs!


MamaBreak received item(s) in this post to review here on the website. We did not receive any other type of compensation. As always, our experiences and opinions are our own. 

Amazon Deals 12/9

Here is a list of the lowest prices on items we could find on Amazon! We only bring you the BEST deals we can find! (Links below are affiliate links)


Playskool Heroes Transformers Rescue Bots Boulder the Construction-Bot Figure
Only $5! Would make a great stocking stuffer!
 

Playskool Heroes Transformers Rescue Bots Blades the Copter-Bot Figure
Only $6!!!!
 

Leatherman 831426 Wingman Multi-Tool
Only $19.88! Super Gift!
  

Hamilton Beach 51101B Personal Blender with Travel Lid, Black
Only $9.99!


Etekcity® 11lb 5kg Precision Digital Multifunction Scale 
Only $5.99 with code ETEK11LB
 

40% off Mugs at Tiny Prints!!!!

We love Tiny Prints! We have reviewed them many, many times, and their mugs are high quality! We actually just ordered one as a teacher gift!




Tiny Prints Mugs

Mía Mariú Holiday Shopping Spree Giveaway



How about a gift for YOU this holiday season? We know you have spent time shopping for everyone on your list, and now it is time to treat yourself! Mía Mariú is an innovative company that stands for beauty and health in harmony and above all, for happiness and balance for all women. With nature's finest forces, they offer a full line of health and beauty products designed to help you illuminate your beauty from the inside out.
The Mía Mariú product philosophy is that beauty and health go hand in hand. Everything you want. All you need. Beauty and health in harmony.
With Mía you don't have to spend a lot of money to get high quality botanical skin care, mineral cosmetics and nature's nutritionals that you want and deserve. That is what they are all about. Mía Mariú offers real health, beauty, balance and harmony for real women.
Mía‘s natural health and beauty products are available exclusively through an Mía Mariú Independent Adviser or online here: http://miamariu.com/.

One lucky winner will receive a $400 Mía Mariú Shopping Spree.

Event hosted by Mom to Bed by 8. Giveaway ends December 23rd at 11:59pm, open to US residents only, ages 18+. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law. To enter please use the giveaway form below. Good luck.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure:MamaBreak is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!