Christmas

Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide 2016 – Tech

December 20, 2016 No Comments Christmas

Thank you to Verizon for sharing the following items for me on a limited basis to test and review. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the companies that help make this blog possible!

If you are anything like me then you are just now getting around to stuffing your stockings! Before you head out for your last minute shopping (or, hey, open your computer) check out my comprehensive 2016 Well Crafted Holiday Gift Guide!

My Tech Favorites from Verizon Wireless this Year

I was pleased to be able to test a few items from Verizon Wireless this year as I didn’t know that they offered much more than phones. They do though! They have phones, smart watches, tablets, and accessories. Below are some of my favorite items from Verizon this year.

Fitbit Alta

Fitbit® Alta™ keeps you motivated and also looking great. Change the wrist bands (sold separately) and customize the digital clock face to update your look. Track your activity and take advantage of automatic recognition and recording of select exercises via the Fitbit app’s SmartTrack feature. Easy-to-see call, text and calendar notifications from your nearby, compatible mobile device are displayed right on the wristband.

The band was slightly difficult to put on at first. But, once on, it worked like a charm and didn’t need to be charged too often. The tracking of deep and restless sleep was an added bonus!

Pixel & Pixel XL

With this new phone by Google, you can be sure to document precious moments with the highest rated smartphone camera, a battery that lasts all day and a charger that gets you seven hours of battery life in 15 minutes. Stay up-to-date on customized news while also using Google Assistant to keep your daily schedule organized.

I was able to test this out for twenty days and fell in LOVE with the camera! The camera has cool features such as a double twist of the phone puts it in selfie mode, HDR+, video stabilization, lens blur, and photo sphere (yes, 360!). You can even adjust levels before taking a photo which is insanely cool control. The light the camera took in was fantastic.

Verizon Wireless

The Google Pixel is currently only sold through Verizon Wireless. I was able to test out the service while testing the phone. I had no issues with service while using it and found that phone calls were crisp and clear. There are a variety of different sized plans that are available so that customers may choose the plan that suits their needs.

Kate Spade Wrap Case

Keep your favorite blogger’s phone safe & looking good with this beautiful wrap case by Kate Spade. Find it and other cases for the Google Pixel and other popular models at Verizon Wireless. This case was easy to put on and fit in with most of my accessories.

What tech are you hoping to find under the tree this year?

Christmas

Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide 2016 – Beauty Products

December 19, 2016 1 Comment Christmas

If you are anything like me then you are just now getting around to stuffing your stockings! Before you head out for your last minute shopping (or, hey, open your computer) check out my comprehensive 2016 Well Crafted Holiday Gift Guide!

Read on to check out my suggestions for a holiday stocking stuffed with fantastic beauty products.

This post is sponsored. All opinions and experiences are my own. As with all beauty products, read the ingredients to see if they will work for you. I only share about products I have tried and liked.

“SpaRituals Holiday Vegan Gold Collection

I love nail polish. I hate buying nail polish. Which makes nail polish one of the best stocking stuffers someone can get me. The SpaRituals collection hits it out of the ballpark this season for me based on the names alone….Come Together, Take a Stand, Unite, and Rising Spirit. SO GOOD. But, even better? The coverage and staying power. Following the provided directions and using the SpaRituals top coat in addition to the color, I was able to wear the color for two weeks which is forever for me. Purchase SpaRituals online through their website, find SpaRituals on Amazon (here for the topcoat*), or use their spa locator to find a local store.

Burt’s Bees Mistletoe Kiss Gift Set

Get mistletoe ready with: Burt’s Pomegranate Lip Balm, Peony Lip Shimmer, Hibiscus Tinted Lip Balm. This package is perfect for a stocking or as a fun addition to your Christmas tree. See who finds it first. Purchase online or at your local Ulta.

evo Live Large Rad Bag

There is just something about a company that makes a great product but then goes the extra step of giving that product awesome names and packaging. Purchasing a shampoo and conditioner can also get you this rad bag. This would be a welcome addition to the holiday tree or stockings. You can purchase these online or visit their website to find local stores that carry evo hair.

From their website: “born from a desire to produce an exclusive salon range (and not sell it as the answer to life, love and other woes), evo steps outside the normal realm of truth-stretching invention in a ‘wake up and smell the coffee’ crusade of twisted honesty – designed to make people think. and so comes the catch phrase – saving ordinary humans from themselves™. inside bottles of evo that are bursting with personality, you’ll find luxurious products that are sulphate, paraben, dea, tea and propylene glycol free; products that give professional results while respecting the environment.”

Kleenex Facial Cleansing Wipes* & Eye Makeup Removers*

These everyday purchases may seem like an odd thing to give as a holiday gift. But, really, they work perfectly in stockings because they allow your favorite person to try something new all wile not spending their own money. If they are already fans of these wipes then you just saved them a trip to the drug store. Seriously, that in itself is a gift! The Kleenex facial products are sold exclusively online. Pick up these wipes on Amazon (links above) or choose your favorite online retailer. Find out more about these products on the Kleenex Facial Cleansing site.

These were fantastic for getting off my stubborn eye makeup without a ton of products. Both of these are sitting up on my countertop now. The Kleenex Facial Cleansing line launched about a year ago and to celebrate they are sharing under the hashtag #WashWhatHappens. Check it out to see the wipes in action.

See more of my beauty picks for 2016…

A Well Crafted Kid

Holiday Family Photos

December 6, 2016 No Comments A Well Crafted Kid

We try to get family photos a couple times each year to really capture the growing boys and important moments in our family. Holiday photos have become sort of a new tradition for us since having kiddos so that we can have a new set of image for our holiday cards. Last year Macey Snelson Photography joined us as we picked our Christmas tree out. This year we decided a trip out to Mt. Hood to play in the snow was in order. What I didn’t realize is that both my husband and I wore the SAME SHIRTS two years in a row. HA!

Even with the same shirts on two years in a row we managed to get completely different images and really wonderful memories from Macey Snelson Photography. Here are some of my favs: