Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas

IMG 8580 225x300 Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas

Now that Christmas is behind us and presents have been unwrapped, I wanted to share my kids’ favorite toys and gifts from this Christmas as a special ‘kid-approved’ post, if you will.

In my line of work, I’m blessed to have the opportunity to review many different products…and of course a great percentage of those are family-related or especially for kids.

Throughout the past year, I’ve featured most of the products below on my blog or in my different media segments. While I’ve given my opinion on these items, we have saved the majority of them to share with our kids until Christmas. So it was intersting to me to finally find out which of the toys and gifts they liked best!

I thought it would be relevant to share their favorites with you so that you know what toys are actually worth spending the money on!

1. EzyRoller
This turned out to be the sleeper hit of Christmas! A blogging friend of mine told us about the EzyRoller and said our kids would love them – and she could not have been right! The kids have not stopped rolling around on these since they got them. While this wasn’t necessarily on their Christmas list, I think it’s safe to say it was one of their favorite, if not their favorite, gifts of the day.
 Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas

2. iPod Shuffle
I received one of these doing a blogger trip in February and while we there was no way we were ready to get our kids an iPod touch or iPad, this was a great introduction into electronics for our 8 year old (even though she only has two songs on there right now with no future prospects of getting any more any time soon icon wink Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas
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3. Build a Bear Merry Mint Pup
Every time I pass by Build A Bear I think, “We can’t possibly need another one of these”, but again the excitement over the experience seems to never fade. So I wasn’t sure how getting a pre-made pup would go over, but I guess between the cuteness and the candy cane striped outfit, it won her over anyway icon wink Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas
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4. American Girl
Thanks to some American Girl Doll giveaways I did throughout the year, I also got a My American Girl Doll to give to my daughter. While she just got her first American Girl doll this summer (McKenna) and I didn’t expect for her to get another one this soon (if ever!), it’s been a delight watching her excitement over getting a “My American Girl” doll that looks like her (and that she can also use to play school with!).
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5. Bebe Gun
While I can’t say I whole-heartedly agree with this gift, my husband felt it was time for both of our kids to have a bebe gun (bought from Bass Pro Shops). It seems to be a sort-of rite of passage here in the South, but it still makes me a bit squeamish. Regardless of my views, both kids really enjoyed these in the backyard…even though it was 29 degrees out!
 Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas

6. Xbox 360 with Kinect
This has been especially great for younger kids who don’t quite get the ins and outs of using a controller and it allows the entire family to get off the couch and have fun! We especially like Just Dance 4 and LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas.
 Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas

7. “Brave” Blu-Ray
One of the kids’ favorite movies of the summer (and the #1 Animated film of 2012), this was a hit in the theater with our family and was a thrill for them to get under the tree. While I wouldn’t say it’s my all time favorite Disney film, it is one of the most beautiful animated films I’ve ever seen.
 Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas

8. Doll Clothes from the craft store
While my mom was here after Thanksgiving, I was surprised to find that many craft stores actually carry clothes for 18 inch dolls (like American Girl). While I love the quality and detail of the American Girl outfits Kariss has, I also was shocked at the unique items we found at the craft store. We found a white ‘fur’ coat & matching ‘Uggs’ boots that together cost less than $10 with the sale & coupon we had!

9. Lands End Rolling Backpack
You may remember me sharing how I discovered the high-quality Lands End kids’ backpacks during my Talk of the Town Save vs. Splurge Back to School segment. As kids’ get older, the amount they have to bring home increases. We saved this rolling backpack to give to Kariss now because we knew it would not only be great for school, but also for taking on trips.
 Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas

10. Jingle the Husky Pup with Interactive Storybook
My little man has been wanting a Hallmark Interactive Story Buddy ever since his sister got Abigail the bunny last year. Not only did we get to record our own voices with the Jingle recordable storybook, but Jingle also interacts when you read his own book to him (plus, he’s just fun to cuddle at night!).
 Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas Top 10 Kids Favorite Toys & Gifts from Christmas

As parents, I feel like often times we shop for what would make us happy more than what would make our kids happy, so it’s always interesting to me to find out what it is they actually end up playing with and liking after Christmas.

What were your kids’ favorite gifts they received?

 

In full disclosure, I already mentioned that I received many of the items above  free of charge from my work as a blogger. I’ve also included links to these products when possible, some of which are compensated affiliate links. Keep in mind, I’m only mentioning products our family LOVES and we hope you do too!

Gaylord Opryland Hotel Christmas Must-Do’s 2012

IMG 7802 225x300 Gaylord Opryland Hotel Christmas Must Dos 2012
If you’re planning a visit to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel this Christmas in Nashville, TN, then you can’t afford to miss my “Must Do” list for Christmas 2012!

There are SO many amazing things to see and do at the Gaylord Opryland Resort hotel, especially during Christmas, that I decided to take my years of first-hand experience at the most “Christmassy” hotel in America and condense it into my top things to see and do while visiting Opryland.

I had the chance to speak with my friend (& General Manager of Gaylord Opryland hotel) Pete Weien about the 29th Annual “A Country Christmas” this year and we shared our favorite experiences Opryland has to offer this season:

First of all, here are some of my top tips for enjoying Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Hotel:
1. Take advantage of what’s free
There is so much to see and do just by simply walking around Opryland Resort: the nativity with the Christmas story being told, the beautiful lights lining the drive to the Magnolia Lobby, the new addition of the Nutcrackers throughout the resort this year and so much more! It’s worth the drive over just to walk through the property (But don’t forget your camera to take lots of pictures!)

2. Eat at an Opryland restaurant and Valet Park for free!
Yes, when you eat at one of the Opryland sit-down restaurants, your valet parking is validated! My favorites are the fries at the Irish Pub and the table-side freshly made guacamole at Solario.

3. Avoid the weekends
It is nearly impossible to get off the highway during the weekends, sometimes resulting in a 2-3 mile line off the exit. If you are planning a trip to ICE! or the Rockettes during the weekend, allow an extra hour just for travel/parking from the highway.

4. Park at Opry Mills
Now that the Opry Mills Outlet Mall is back open, we once again have a first-rate outlet mall right in our backyard…and it happens to literally be in the backyard of the Opryland hotel! Why not park in the Opry Mills lot situated between the Grand Ole Opry and the new Opryland Events center (where ICE! is) and then you’ll be perfectly poised to take in everything Opryland has to offer (ICE!, Rockettes, shopping and all that lives inside the Opryland resort!).

5. Wear Comfy Shoes
Gaylord Opryland is a lot of things…but it’s not small! You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to invest a pair of cute shoes or boots ladies! (Remember point 4 above!). Pack a variety of shoes for the kids so they don’t get blisters and don’t forget a pair of flip flops for the indoor pool!

My next best advice would be to book a 3 day package at Opryland to take it all in at your leisure.

Book a Gaylord Opryland DreamWorks Christmas Package

If you have kids, they’re going to love the Christmassy Dreamworks Experience Package! For us, this is the ultimate way to enjoy ALL that Opryland offers during Christmas and not have to worry about opening our wallet once we’re there! Packages start at $199 and include the following:
Accommodations at Gaylord Opryland Resort, Upgraded ICE! VIP Experience ticket including front of line access to ICE! featuring DreamWorks Shrek the Halls, a piping cup of delicious hot chocolate and a Gingy Meet and Greet, ShrekFeast Interactive Character Meal (our kids’ favorite!), DreamWorks Character Holiday Meet & Greets, Scavenger Hunt featuring “Rise of the Guardians”, VIP seating for the Holiday Shrektacular, UPGRADED DreamWorks Collectible Madagascar Gift Bag Welcome Amenity with Package Check-In to also include Puss in Boots/Kitty Softpaws key chains and activity book, Souvenir Family Photo and even Special Wake-Up Calls by DreamWorks Characters!

I know not everyone can afford the time or money for an Opryland Christmas package, so if you absolutely have to pick and choose, here are my favorite Gaylord Opryland offerings in order of preference this Christmas:
IMG 7662 300x300 Gaylord Opryland Hotel Christmas Must Dos 2012
1. The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular happens to be one of my favorite shows of all time (yes, I said it…and I’m not just including Christmas shows in this category!). What these women do with their legs is AMAZING, and it keeps getting better and better every year. We are so lucky to have the show right here in Nashville at another institution in its own right, the Grand Ole Opry, and it is the perfect show for families of all ages to get into the Christmas Spirit. (Read my full Rockettes show review…)

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2. ShrekFeast Interactive Character Meal
Outside of Orlando, I’m not sure where you can find character dining like this! Guests are treated to the high quality food you’ve come to expect from Gaylord Opryland while also being visited by DreamWorks characters like Shrek, Fiona & Puss in Boots. Kids love the “Swamp Juice” and “Green” chocolate fountain for dessert. I love the wide array of choices for adults too, such as the fresh berry selection and custom egg station. (Read my full Shrek Feast review)

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3. ICE!
ICE! is quite a phenomenon…especially if you live in an area (like Florida or Texas) where snow doesn’t typically fall. It takes 40 artisans from China over 3 months to create this indoor winter wonderland that depicts some of your favorite fairy tale characters. This year’s ICE! takes you through the story of “Shrek the Halls!” with Shrek, Fiona and all their friends. I think this year’s ICE! is better than ever, but even in saying that, it is a pretty hefty price tag considering it’s 9 degrees in side and you can’t stay in there that long! If you’re looking for ICE! ticket discounts at any of the Gaylord resorts, I’ve got those for you too icon wink Gaylord Opryland Hotel Christmas Must Dos 2012 (Read my ICE! review here…)

There are also a ton of other offerings at Gaylord Opryland this Christmas, such as Lorrie Morgan’s Enchanted Dinner Show and the Holly Jolly Town Square, but they’re not worth the investment in my honest opinion. I’d much rather spend my money on staying in the hotel and enjoying my surroundings rather than a dinner show with my family.

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Of course, don’t forget the other free fun, like pictures with Santa and the DreamWorks Scavenger Hunt. However, I don’t think there’s anything our family enjoys more than waking up to the voice of our favorite Shrek character, opening up the doors to our veranda and sitting out on our balcony and enjoying the atrium.

I hope you have the chance to enjoy Christmas at Gaylord Opryland not only this year, but for many years to come! What is your favorite part of the Gaylord Opryland resort at Christmas?

Merry Christmas 2012 from the Cone Family

Screen Shot 2012 12 25 at 2.48.39 PM 215x300 Merry Christmas 2012 from the Cone Family

Merry Christmas 2012 from the Cone Family to your family!

Wherever you are and however you are celebrating today, I pray that it is filled with joy, laughter and memories to last a lifetime.

Still, I know that for many of us, the Christmas season can be bittersweet as well. If you are hurting this holiday, know that you are not alone. (You can read why Christmas made me cry too…)

But through it all, I am ever thankful for each of you who join me on this journey to live your best life on less and maximize your memories with your family. May you be even more successful in your pursuits, whatever they may be, in 2013!

With love & gratitude,
Sami

Hurting during the Holidays (aka Crying at Christmas)

172649 crying angel Hurting during the Holidays (aka Crying at Christmas)

Photo Courtesy of Oziris


While most of us know Christmas as the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, I would venture to guess there is a much larger population than we think who are hurting during the holidays.

I recently heard Mandisa’s new song, “Christmas Makes Me Cry” and it made me realize just how difficult of a season this can be, even for those of us who celebrate the joy of Jesus’ birth.

For one reason, I’d say it’s simply because we stress ourselves out.

So many of us look forward to Christmas for so long that once it’s here, we put unrealistic expectations on ourselves to create the ‘perfect’ month for everyone.

Secondly, and a close follow up to reason #1, no-one is perfect. So to think we can create the perfect anything is absurd. Even when nothing else is going wrong around you, people are still people, and face it: we disappoint each other.

Thirdly, most of us do have broken relationships in our lives, whether through death, separation or even just family fall-outs. Regardless of where you stand in this spectrum, this season that centers around family will make those relationships ever-more present in your mind and can make your celebrations slightly bittersweet.

I for one spent most of our Christmas Eve service crying my eyes out. I grieved over most of the reasons I just listed…and then was mad at myself that I couldn’t ‘move on’ and stay focused on the reason I was sitting in church in the first place.

I’m especially thankful to my friend Trish (who, with her husband, wrote an amazing book on relationships that JUST came out, “Beyond Ordinary“…everyone needs to pick this one up!) who let me cry on her shoulder and reminded me that not only is it impossible for me to control anyone else’s behavior, it’s OK for me not to have all of my own pieces perfectly put together all the time either.

Of course, there are the plethora of other valid reasons why crying at Christmas is more prevalent than we might think:
*Families separated because they are separated by members serving in the military
*Family members in the hospital or assisted-living centers who can’t be at home
*Families torn apart due to a recent tragedy, whether it’s a car accident, an affair or anything in between
*Foster children who have been bounced from home to home and find themselves, once again, without someone to love them
*Family members who desperately want to get home to each other, but can’t afford to travel
*Children with parents in prison
*The homeless who don’t know where to go to get a hot meal on Christmas

I could go on and on, and still may not even have touched on what you’re experiencing this Christmas.

I bring this up not to depress you, but rather to say you’re not alone. And as much as I love this time of year, I think I may have been living in a bit of ignorance to think that just because the calendar says it’s Christmas, everyone should therefore be happy.

But I’m reminded of song lyrics that say, “Though the sorrow may last for the night, His joy comes in the morning” and God’s promise from James 1:2-3 that tells us:
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

My tear-fest yesterday reminded me of what my Christian walk is all about: I’m not promised happiness on a day-to-day basis, but I can Choose Joy. In Kay Warren’s book with the same title, I learned that “Joy is deeper than happiness, lasts longer than excitement, and is more satisfying than pleasure and thrills”.

So if you’re hurting this holiday or crying this Christmas, just remember, we worship a Savior who Himself experienced the ultimate pain and humiliation: a criminal’s death on a cross. Reach out to Him with your troubles while also reaching out to those around you. Chances are if you’re harboring hurt, they just may be too, and you can comfort each other while challenging each other to choose joy this Christmas.

Wherever you are and whatever you may be going through, I pray the peace of Christ Jesus falls on you and your family. Merry Christmas!

DaySpring After Christmas Sale & Clearance


 DaySpring After Christmas Sale & Clearance

Don’t miss the DaySpring after Christmas sale & clearance is going on now until the end of January!

Shop Clearance on Christian Gifts, Art, Cards, Decor, & More from DaySpring DaySpring After Christmas Sale & Clearance

You’ll save up to 75% off on Christian cards, ornaments, home decor and more! Plus save up to 75% off all calendars & planners! And you don’t even need any code when you shop on DaySpring.com.

Check out a few of these great deals:

JOYN Chevron Stockings - $11.99 (half off)!

 DaySpring After Christmas Sale & Clearance

Redeemed Christmas Pillow - $12.99 (half off)!

 DaySpring After Christmas Sale & Clearance

Love Came Down Frosted Glass Hurricane - $14.99 (half off)!

 DaySpring After Christmas Sale & Clearance

All Journals- Buy 2 Get 1 Free! DaySpring After Christmas Sale & Clearance

 DaySpring After Christmas Sale & Clearance

 DaySpring After Christmas Sale & Clearance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You also don’t want to forget about their fabulous Heart Connection Card Club either… Never be without a great card again!


 DaySpring After Christmas Sale & Clearance


Teacher Gift Ideas for Christmas 2012

Looking for teacher gift ideas for Christmas 2012? The holidays are the perfect time to say a special thank you to the only other people that most likely spend as much time with your kids as you do – their teachers!

There are so many simple, yet special ideas for gifts to thank our teachers, but here are just a few that will mean a lot without breaking your budget either:

Coffee & Tea
 Teacher Gift Ideas for Christmas 2012 Teacher Gift Ideas for Christmas 2012

I mean really, who doesn’t love it when someone gives you a Starbucks card? Starbucks continues its tradition of being the perfect destination for holiday gifting needs – from stocking stuffers and hostess gifts, to the ideal presents for coffee and tea lovers – and a seasonal beverage or treat.

As a Starbucks family, we add to our Starbucks mug collection every Christmas, including their matching holiday mug ornaments. This year they’ve created the Holiday Red Cup Snowman Mug ($8.95). We especially love the Red Reusable Cup Sleeve so you’ll never be without one when you need it – The set includes a red recycled leather sleeve and a gold sleeve. (only $4.95). You can also add in some festive Starbucks VIA Peppermint Mocha Flavored Coffee to complete your set. Of course, if you’re not sure what to give this holiday season, give the gift of choice with a Starbucks Card. You can even dress it up with a selection of fun and festive Card holders. Everyone can find something to enjoy at Starbucks icon wink Teacher Gift Ideas for Christmas 2012

Ornaments, Cards & Such
 Teacher Gift Ideas for Christmas 2012 Teacher Gift Ideas for Christmas 2012

Hallmark has always been my one-stop shop for meaningful gifts that last well beyond Christmas. Sometimes a thoughtful card goes much further than a gift, especially when it has a keepsake ornament attached to it!

Red & White Gable boxes ($3.49), Holiday memo caddies ($12.49), & Keepsake Ornaments (All shown on Talk of the Town were under $20).

Bath & Beauty
 Teacher Gift Ideas for Christmas 2012 Teacher Gift Ideas for Christmas 2012

A perennial favorite for teacher gifts are bath and beauty items, but sometimes it can be hard to match scents and brands with personal preferences. One brand I’ve found to be universally welcomed is Philosophy. The Philosophy Christmas Morning Gift set is the perfect gift not only for teachers, but for anyone special that you want to bless this Christmas.

Chocolate!
 Teacher Gift Ideas for Christmas 2012 Teacher Gift Ideas for Christmas 2012

Who doesn’t love chocolate?! A sweet treat is always a special way to tell your teacher you love them and speak directly to their heart icon smile Teacher Gift Ideas for Christmas 2012 Not only is it something they can enjoy, but it’s easy for them to share it with others, both in their own home and at school.

Hershey’s is a classic favorite known for their quality and affordability as well! There are not only great chocolates for gifting (like the Hershey’s Pot of Gold Premium Collection), but they’ve also dressed up some of their classic treats for the holidays (like my personal favorite – Reese’s Peanut Butter Trees, as well as York Peppermint Pattie Snowflakes).

Candles
 Teacher Gift Ideas for Christmas 2012 Teacher Gift Ideas for Christmas 2012

Another favorite little ‘happy’ to give teachers (& anyone for that matter) is candles! As someone who helps people save money, I have a hard time advocating buying something that will literally burn away, but I LOVE candles nonetheless…especially the way they make my house smell.

So that’s why I’m thrilled (and a little obsessed) with the new Energizer flameless candles. Not only do they come in a variety of scents, but you can also set a timer for when you want it to go off AND it flickers in different patterns…just like a real candle…but safer and without melting away icon wink Teacher Gift Ideas for Christmas 2012

 

But my best advice is to actually ASK your teachers what their favorite things are! My kids’ school sends around a questionnaire at the beginning of school for the teachers to fill out their favorite restaurants, magazines, coffee drink, color, etc. Each family then contributes a certain amount for a gift and we pool those resources to buy gifts that we know they’ll love (because they’ve already told us so!).

Buying teacher gifts doesn’t need to be stressful. I’d love to hear your ideas with how you bless your kids’ teachers at Christmas…please feel free to leave a comment below!

Watch the video from Talk of the Town on December 14, 2012:

Disclosure: There are some compensated links used in this post so you can find some of my favorite products from today’s segment!

How to Throw a Holiday Party for Less

IMG 8132 225x300 How to Throw a Holiday Party for Less

Been wondering how to throw a great holiday party for less money? It seems like holiday parties are a dime a dozen this time of year, but many of us shy away from hosting such a bash because the dent it can put on our wallets.

But I’m here to break the holiday party myth: Throwing a great party doesn’t have to cost a lot, but can still be simple, safe & fun!

How to Throw a Holiday Party for Less:

1. Go to stores you know & trust where you can get a lot of things done at once, but still stay on budget.
Example: Use Aldi for all your baking needs. Not only do they have all the essentials, but they also have fun add ins and nuts that are usually much more expensive. (Everything below was under $25!)

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If you’d rather not go the scratch-made route, consider a place like Sam’s Club: a one-stop destination for all your entertaining needs! They have everything for your table! Whether you’re looking for platters of gourmet-to-go desserts (like The Cheesecake Factory Hershey’s Cheesecake & the Artisan sampler pie) or appetizers like chicken and bacon bruschetta and mini quiches, you can find it there, as well as holiday decorations, tablescape & serving items.

 How to Throw a Holiday Party for Less

The best part is that Sam’s Club offers a 200% satisfaction guarantee on fresh meats, savory seafood, crisp produce and baked goods so you’ll feel comfortable knowing you are serving quality food items to family and friends.

2. If you want to keep it even simpler and don’t want to serve food, consider doing just a holiday beverage bar with a kid friendly hot cocoa or apple cider, as well as a coffee drink and blended drink for the adults using quality small appliances from Black & Decker (I love their single-serve coffee maker and blender – you can get each for under $30!). And don’t be afraid to to ask people to bring cookies to share and maybe even enough to take home!

IMG 8140 300x225 How to Throw a Holiday Party for Less

 How to Throw a Holiday Party for Less

3. Keep it family friendly by coming up with a fun theme (like Christmas PJs), putting out kids’ Christmas crafts or showing family-friendly Christmas movies (like VeggieTales) and make sure to put away breakable decorations and instead opt for Energizer flameless candles.

 How to Throw a Holiday Party for Less

Keep decorations simple and budget friendly – shop deals at Michaels, find receptacles you already have and fill them with fruit, cheap ball ornaments or tree cuttings from your yard! (Makes your room smell great too!)

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I also love the new Christmas designs they’ve come out with! Now you literally don’t have to watch your money burn as they flame does icon wink How to Throw a Holiday Party for Less

Check back to watch my segment on the topic from Fox TN Mornings!

Starbucks 12 Days of Gifting Discount: Day 12

The 12 Days of Gifting from Starbucks are back. With a new gift each and every day, there’s bound to be something for everyone on your list.

The Day 12 Deal is (LAST DEAL):

40% Off Cranberry Bliss® Bars 6-Pack.  This offer is valid 12/12/12.

 

Check back every day to find out what’s special for that day. You can also text “MERRY” to 697289 to get a text with the daily deal sent right to your phone.

If you’re looking for more Starbucks freebies, stay tuned over the coming days and don’t forget about their Free WiFi and weekly free iTunes music downloads.

$10 off $30 from Shutterfly

Screen Shot 2012 11 12 at 8.48.03 AM 300x300 $10 off $30 from Shutterfly

We’ve loved using Shutterfly for our Photo Christmas Cards for the past few years. Before all the online photo sites starting coming out with multiple design options, Shutterfly was the first we found that not only offered great designs and colors, but also let us choose multiple images to showcase on our cards.

I know, not everyone loves giving (or getting) photo cards during the holidays, but I obsess over them! In fact, I get genuinely disappointed when someone sends us a card now that isn’t a photo card!

Yes, I realize now that we’re in a Facebook and Instagram age, it’s easier to keep in touch with friends and family that don’t live near us, as well as see pictures of how the kids are growing. But there’s just something about those photo cards…

In fact, I keep them year after year to see how everyone has been growing and changing!

So if you want to be just like me (and you know you do – how’s that for peer pressure?), why not check out ALL the great designs and special offers Shutterfly has on photo cards this year. Here are Promo Codes anyone can use to help you get started on ordering your Holiday Cards!

Get $10 off of $30 with the code SAVE10 until December 11th.

1076500 kodak email1 nonrmdr header 300x38 $10 off $30 from Shutterfly

Free shipping on orders of $50 or more with code: SHIP50 until December 14th.

1076500 kodak email1 nonrmdr fs 300x33 $10 off $30 from Shutterfly

 $10 off $30 from Shutterfly

Disclosure: There are affiliate links used in this post, but I wouldn’t share this if I didn’t use them myself icon smile $10 off $30 from Shutterfly

Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World

20121205 003437 Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World
PinExt Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World

Have you seen inside the Art of Animation resort at Walt Disney World yet? I’ve got a peak inside the Cars Family Suite for you this Christmas at the newest Disney resort, the Art of Animation.

If you watch the video, I also give you a tour inside Animation Hall, which houses registration, the “Ink & Paint” Food Court as well as the gift shop and arcade.

Here’s the tree inside the Art of Animation lobby:

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PinExt Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World

The sky light just above the tree:

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PinExt Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World

The registration area:

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PinExt Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World

Detail of the animation wall:

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PinExt Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World

I got to bunk with my friend Joey Fortman in a Cars Family Suite for the night while in Orlando for some meetings. The Art of Animation resort is 75% family suites, which means you can fit up to 6 people in these rooms. Take a look:

Each room contains a main bedroom with its own bathroom, a separate family room area with its own bathroom, a couch that folds out into a bed and a kitchenette. As you saw, they also have a family friendly desk with a murphy bed – too cool!

The courtyard around the Cars Family suites are also pretty amazing. It looks like you stepped right out of the movie into Radiator Springs!

20121205 003515 Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World

PinExt Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World

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PinExt Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World

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PinExt Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World

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PinExt Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World
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PinExt Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World

I also LOVE the CARS details in the rooms. Of course this has nothing to do with the fact that our last name resembles most of the decorations…

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PinExt Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World

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PinExt Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World
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PinExt Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World

I can’t wait to bring my family back to the Art of Animation suites here at one of our favorite vacation destinations, Disney World! The New Fantasyland also opens this week. Unfortunately I won’t have a chance to go into the parks this trip, but we can’t wait to uncover the fun and make even more memories here.

Have any of you stayed at the Art of Animation resort yet? Which section would you choose: Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Cars or Finding Nemo?