Holiday Gift Guide: Wii Boom Blox Bash Party

About the Game:
"Get ready for even more blox-busting action with BOOM BLOX™ Bash Party for Wii™, the sequel to the critically-acclaimed BOOM BLOX™ game for Wii. Developed by EA in collaboration with director and producer Steven Spielberg, BOOM BLOX Bash Party takes destruction to new heights, providing the ultimate social gaming experience! BOOM BLOX Bash Party will get your party started with new Versus, Co-Op and Team Play challenges - twice as many multiplayer challenges as the original BOOM BLOX."

Game Features:

* More than 400 new blox-busting levels

* The Ultimate Party Experience

* Spectacular New Worlds

* New Blox! New Shapes! New Tools!

* Wacky New Characters

* New Rewards System

* Content Available Online

My Thoughts:
This is a great option if you are looking for a game the whole family can play. I found nothing objectionable in it at all. It offers several ways to play including competitive and cooperative game play, which is something the whole family really enjoys. This game seems to bring out the competitive spirit in us all, as it seems we are always trying to best each other. If you are looking for a game the whole family will really enjoy, Boom Blox Bash Party is a great choice.

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Holiday Gift Guide: The Sims 3

My long time readers will know that I am a huge fan of EA's Sims games. I started with the original Sims and would play every now and then. When the Sims 2 was released, got into gaming hardcore. I loved designing furniture and clothes, building beautiful homes, and raising generations of simmies. My husband says I went a little overboard and maybe he's right. I'd sit down to play for half an hour, then completely lose track of time. But, it worked out okay. Mom needs a break now and again, right?


So, now The Sims 3 is out. Like many others, I anxiously awaited the game's release. What would it be like? Would I enjoy it as much as the first two? So many questions, so much suspense, I was like a little kid on Christmas morning when I finally played for the first time!

About the Game:

The freedom of The Sims™ 3 will inspire you with endless creative possibilities and amuse you with unexpected moments of surprise and mischief!

Create over a million unique Sims and control their lives. Customize everything from their appearances, to their personalities and even the home of their dreams. Then, send your Sims out to explore new locations around town and to meet other Sims in the neighborhood.

Go online to download exclusive content and show off your own creations to the world. With all-new quick challenges and rewarding game play, The Sims 3 gives you the freedom to choose whether (or not!) to fulfill your Sims’ destinies and make their wishes come true.

My Thoughts:
I have very much enjoyed playing The Sims 3. Just like the other two, my kids really enjoy it as well. I am still getting used to the controls on some things. I really like the ability to full customize everything from clothing to wallpaper, and how easy it is to do. I also like that you can choose how hard your Sims work while they are on the job or at school. There are all sorts of little touches that make The Sims 3 unique and naturally, I find a few more cool things every time I play. Ashley loves that your expecting Sims can now go read books on pregnancy and go to the hospital to give birth. Tristen enjoys all the challenges your Sim can be presented with. It offers something for everyone.

I can honestly say this game is a hit with the entire family.I am very much looking forward to future expansion packs. The game is rated Teen, so be aware it may not be appropriate for your entire family. But, if you have gamers on your holiday gift list, especially those who have enjoyed past Sims games, then The Sims 3 would make an excellent gift. This mama really enjoyed it!

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Holiday Gift Guide: Rugs USA

When thinking about holiday gift giving, why not consider a rug? I for one really enjoy receiving home decor as a gift. Rugs USA offers a great selection of rugs in a variety of styles and prices. I love area rugs, they are scattered through out my home. They look stunning on our hardwood floors and keep our feet warm during the cold winter months.

They offer pretty much every rug you can think of, so finding the perfect one shouldn't be too hard. They have braided, shag, the Martha Stewart collection, and even oriental rugs. I was surprised to find they even carry outdoor rugs and some great choices for the kiddos! All rugs come in a variety of colors in sizes. Their prices are quite reasonable. You can find a great rug for in front of your door or a huge rug to fill your living room. There are lots of options here.

We received this adorable 2x3 rug from their Stockbridge collection.

It is a green-multi stripe that perfectly matches the way we are redecorating our bedroom. Dan has it on the floor on his side of the bed. He loves having it there to step on first thing in the morning so he isn't immediately on the cold wood floor. I love that it is functional and looks great!

So, check out Rugs USA while you are shopping this year. They offer free shipping, along with a 30 day guarantee. I am sure you will find something wonderful for those special folks on your list!

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Holiday Gift Guide: Inspiring DYI Art from Successories

I am sure we all have a loved one that is hard to by far. Around here, it is often our parents and my husband. Every year it seems I have the same problem, trying desperately to come up with a solution to the what to get them problem. Buying a gift just for the sake of having something to give is awful, I want to find special, personal gifts.

Then I heard about the awesome personalized art you can get from Successories. Successories is a company that makes inspirational prints and other great products. I am sure you've seen their work, they are the people to see for inspirational art. Anyway, they now offer you the ability to choose which photo you'd like to use, a quote you love, and even ad a personal message to create a special framed work of art. Your very own DYI art! I thought this is exactly what I need!

So, I started browsing for pictures. It's easy to search by category and I soon found the perfect one. From there I just had to write the quote I wanted to use, decide on a personal message, and that was it! It took me all of maybe ten minutes to create the perfect gift for my husband.

So, what does it look like? Well, I chose this beautiful picture of two cowboys, which fits perfectly into our decor. I did not include a personal message, but did use this quote;

"“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am so pleased with the finished product. It is a beautifully framed piece of art. I know that my husband is going to love it and it will look great proudly displayed in our home for years to come!
You can make some amazing gifts on this site. I highly recommend them for any of your gift giving needs. Not only do they offer outstanding products, but they ship all gifts within three days of ordering and next day delivery is available anywhere in the U.S. Plenty of time for Christmas! Go check them out for yourself, I just know you will be impressed!

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Holiday Gift Guide: Charm Girls Club Pajama Party Wii

Back in the day I loved a good slumber party. Me and a few of my best gal pals just watching videos, listening to music, painting our nails, gossiping about boys. Oh and all the dancing, giggling, and pillow fighting....what memories! Now I have a little girl of my own and she loves slumber parties just as much as I did. Girls are so fun!

Anyway, someone over at EA Games knows what girls and pajama parties are all about! Their game Charm Girls Club Pajama Party is a hit with the tween set. You get to make your own character then start playing a ton of fun games. This video game offers lots of mini games that your girl is sure to enjoy. You can jump on the bed, style your hair, and all sorts of other cool stuff. Your character goes around collecting charms and having fun. My 10 year old loves it!

This game is great for girls to play on their own or with a group. I can only imagine what a hit it would be for a slumber party. We may just have to try that soon. Anyway, we enjoyed the game. It kept Ashley entertained for hours. I really liked that it was an enjoyable game made for girls, as I feel there aren't too many of those around. So, definitely keep it in mind this holiday season.

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Naughty Ones on Your List

This holiday season, why not spice things up a bit? Sometimes even nice folks enjoy receiving a gift that's a little on the naughty side. Now, I'm not talking about going over the top here, but consider giving a gift with a little bit of spice to it. Unexpected gifts are often the best gifts.

We recently had the opportunity to try the Body Frosting Gift Crate from Eden Fantasys. This is a wooden crate with raspberry, cherry, mocha, espresso, and original sin flavored edible body paints. It comes with a little paint brush, so you are all ready to paint away! It is packaged attractively and would make a cute gift. Now, about the product itself. The flavors of all the body frostings were very good. They are sweet, but not so sweet that it makes you gag. Plus, they don't feel all gross and sticky on your skin. With it being sweet, this was a nice surprise. They wash off easily with soap and water. Oh, and they make great ice cream toppings! This is a fun gift idea, I might just buy more for Dan's stocking.

I personally would even take something like this to a white elephant gift exchange, but then I'm a little weird. Honestly though, if you and your gal pals do gift exchanges, this might be something to consider. Or if body paint isn't your thing, Eden Fantasys has quite a few massage oils, candles, and even bath products that would make great gifts. They offer so much more than just adult toys.

And guys, they have some really cute lingerie that is sure to be a hit with the special woman in your life. You can find just the right thing whether you want soft and feminine or bold and daring. Their selection is definitely worth checking out.

So, keep Eden Fantasys in mind as you shop this holiday season. They offer great quality products and reasonable prices. Their customer service is top notch. And best of all, everything is shipped in discreet packaging, so you don't have to worry about anyone seeing what you are ordering. I am sure you can find the perfect gift for the naughty folks on your list!

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Holiday Gift Guide: Butter Bell Review & Giveaway

One product that I was given the chance to review this holiday season has been a hit with everyone who has seen it. Which item is that? The Butter Bell. This handy addition to the kitchen was the topic of much conversation over the Thanksgiving weekend. It is one of those items that you wonder how you ever got along without.


What is a Butter Bell and how does it work? It is a crock that keeps soft, spreadable butter on hand at all times. You pour 1/3 cup cold water into the crock, pack a stick of softened butter into the bell shaped lid, then put the lid back on. The bell shaped butter container goes into the water, creating an airtight seal. My crock sits on my counter top. I love it so much! Buttering anything is so much easier now that I don't have to battle cold sticks of butter. You can use it for plain butter, or mix up a gourmet butter for your holiday entertaining. So far I've done both with excellent results. In my mind there is nothing better than spreading a sweet butter on a hot biscuit. Yum!

These wonderful crocks would make excellent Christmas gifts. I urge you to check out the Butter Bell website where you will find crocks to fit every decor. They currently have their holiday crocks on sale at a great price. Plus, if you buy any 2 Butter Bell crocks, you will receive a Santa Butter Bell and matching spreader free. That is a really great deal! Any foodie would be thrilled to find one of these nifty crocks under the tree.

Want a Butter Bell of your own? One lucky reader will win the rustic brown antique crock pictured above. To enter simply visit the Butter Bell website, then come back and tell me about which crock you like best or a recipe that caught your eye. This is mandatory for entry.

For Bonus Entries:

*Become a fan of The original Butterbell Crock here. This is worth 5 entries, so leave 5 comments.

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* Follow me on Twitter & tweet this giveaway.

* Blog about this giveaway. It doesn't have to be a whole post, you can just mention it when you are posting about other giveaways if you wish. Just be sure to include a link back to here.

* Add my holiday gift guide button to your blog. This is worth three bonus entries, so leave 3 comments.

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* Stumble this post. Please leave your username.

Deadline to enter is 11:59pm CST on 12/17/09. Good luck!

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Holiday Gift Guide: Little Journeys Baby World

You all know I love western themed items. From home decor to clothes, I love it all. I recently discovered a wonderful line of western baby items from Little Journeys Baby World. They offer some of the most adorable country baby items I've ever seen.

About Little Journeys Baby World:
"Caroline Riepler the founder started her first business in 2001 handcrafting (Woodcarving) European Good Luck Witches, which she takes great pride in that Madeleine Albright the former Secretary of State of America has one of her limited editions.

Soon after that in 2003 Caroline became pregnant with her son Stefan and Little Journeys Baby World was born. Unfortunately, things turned bad in 2004 when her Son, Aunt, two Dogs and herself got hit by a drunk driver. It took about 4 years to get back on track again into doing what she loves the most of being with her family and friends, traveling and her dream business Little Journeys Baby World."

Check out this adorable onesis they sent me! It is really cute and I absolutely love the bandanna around the neck. I think it really makes the outfit. Imagine how adorable this would be with overalls or a cute pair of jeans!

Little Journeys Baby World also has other great collections like their International, Traveling, and Heirloom lines. These custom made infant items would make fantastic gifts. They are high quality, absolutely adorable, and unique. Keep these wonderful items in mind when you are doing your holiday shopping this year.

You can win one of the adorable Sheriff Onesis for yourself! Simply pop over to Little Journeys Baby World and look around. Then come back here and tell me your favorite item. This is mandatory for entry! One lucky reader will win a Sheriff Onesis in size 3 to 6 months. Deadline to enter is 12/24/09. This giveaway is open to US addresses only. Good luck!

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Holiday Gift Guide: Wiseman House Review & Giveaway

Today I am so excited to share with you about one of my favorite things in the whole world, Wiseman House fine handmade chocolates. These scrumptious morsels are made in the small town of Hico, Texas which is not that far from where I live. I was first introduced to these chocolates by some friends a few months ago. I can honestly say they are the most delicious chocolates I've ever put in my mouth.


I was sent an assortment of truffles to review. I do not know how to adequately put into words how wonderful these truffles are. The are rich, smooth, and creamy. If I had to choose one word to describe them it would be luxurious. I think what makes these chocolates so special is they are made from the highest quality ingredients by a truly amazing chocolatier. Those two things make an out of this world chocolate! Everyone of them offers a unique taste sensation. You can read about each of the chocolates here. They are all amazing but my personal favorites are Love Potion, southern Hospitality, and Seville Orange.


I was also sent almond toffee to review. Oh my, this stuff is rich, creamy, and oh so buttery. I am normally not a big toffee fan, but found myself not wanting to share this. Covered with chocolate and an almost crust, this is a seriously rich indulgence. A little goes a long way! This is the best toffee I've ever eaten. You really need to try some.



It blows my mind that Kevin Wenzel makes all these chocolates by hand, in Hico of all places. Check out the Wiseman House story to find out more about the couple behind these yummy delights. In my opinion, these are some of the finest chocolates and confections in the world and the fact that they are made locally makes me very happy.

Obviously, I think any of the products I reviewed would make excellent holiday gifts. I am very picky about my chocolate and can be perfectly happy eating nothing but Wiseman House products for the rest of my life! In fact, when asked what I wanted for Christmas, Wiseman House was my simple reply. Your family and friends will be extremely impressed if you get them gifts from Wiseman House. I have my fingers crossed that my husband gets me what I asked for.

So, now to share with you. Wiseman House is giving a 1lb. box of their delectable Sipping Chocolate to one lucky reader. Go explore their site and come back leaving me a comment on what you would most love to try. This is mandatory for entry.

For Bonus Entries:

*Follow on Networked Blogs. This is worth 5 entries, so leave 5 comments.

* Subscribe to my blog.

* Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

* Follow me on Twitter & tweet this giveaway.

* Blog about this giveaway. It doesn't have to be a whole post, you can just mention it when you are posting about other giveaways if you wish. Just be sure to include a link back to here.

* Add my holiday gift guide button to your blog. This is worth three bonus entries, so leave 3 comments.

*Add my normal button to your blog. This is worth 5 bonus entries, so leave 5 comments.

* Stumble this post. Please leave your username.

Deadline to enter is 11:59pm CST on 12/16/09. Good luck!

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Holiday Gift Guide: Bamboo Pet Products Review & Giveaway

During the holidays, don't forget about our four legged family members. Our "furbabies" are like our children to us. Just like kids they can be rowdy, silly, make a mess, and smell up the house, but we love them all the same. So, they all get Christmas gifts every year, just like the rest of the family.

Bamboo sent us some of their wonderful pet products to try. Bamboo says "Smarter, Safer And Just Plain Better! Bamboo celebrates pets by taking a fresh look at everything from nail clippers to feeding bowls. Our products are designed to make pet parenting easier and more fun!" I think they certainly succede in that. They offer high quality products at reasonable price, that truly make pet parenting easier and more fun. Their website is full of wonderful information and resources, such as pet information, e-cards, and pet gift guides. They also help you find where to buy their products, either locally or online. I am very impressed with Bamboo.

DogToids and CatToids:


These are breath mints for your furry friends. I am happy to report that they work really well and the animals love them. Cookie spends a great deal of time knocking the CatToids container off the shelf and trying to open it by batting it around the kitchen. I am guessing that means she really likes them.

WonkyBonkers:

Of all the dog toys we've ever owned, this one is Shelby's absolute favorite. These are basically balls that look like cats with legs and a tail. You get all the tossing, bouncing, chasing action of a ball along with the bonus of having multiple places to grab it. Shelby does not get tired of chasing her Wonky Bonkers, our arm gives out way before she does. So, if you have a dog that loves to fetch and chase, I highly suggest adding Wonky Bonkers to your toy arsenal.

Rubber Neckers:


We have big dogs that are quite hard on toys. Finding toys that are safe for them to have can be quite challenging. I am absolutely thrilled with Rubber Neckers because my rowdy bunch has put them to the test and they stand up beautifully. The girls have played tug of war with them, chewed on them, tried to bury it, and even slept with it. This is Dixie's favorite toy and the only problem we've had is that she does not like to share it. So, if you have big dogs that are tough on their toys, Rubber Neckers might be a good option for you.

ShowGulls:

I cannot say enough good things about Show Gulls. First of all, they are really cute and I just love the name! But, what really impressed me was they are the first toy that Annabelle has shown any interest in. Ever. That says something to me. She loves to bat it about, carry ti around, and even chase it across the room. Yes, we now have a cat that wants you to play fetch with her. It has kept both the cats entertained for hours at a time. Cats can be so finicky, it's nice to have a toy they really enjoy. This one is a hit with our two.

I so wish I had pics of the girls playing with their toys. Unfortunately, the dogs tend to be so rambuncous when playing that all my pictures ended up being blurs of fur. As for the cats, Annabelle is under the recliner with her Show Gull and refuses to come out. So, I guess you can say they are too busy enjoying themselves to be photographed. These toys would make great gifts or stocking stuffers for the pets, or even pet lovers in your like. I know I am always excited when I get a gift for the girls. So, keep them in mind when you are doing your shopping this year.

Want some of these great toys for your own pet kids? I have one Wonky Bonkers and one Show Gull to give to my readers. To win, simply leave me a comment telling me which one you'd like to have. This is mandatory for entry.

For Bonus Entries:

*Follow on Networked Blogs. This is worth 5 entries, so leave 5 comments.

* Subscribe to my blog.

* Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

* Follow me on Twitter & tweet this giveaway.

* Blog about this giveaway. It doesn't have to be a whole post, you can just mention it when you are posting about other giveaways if you wish. Just be sure to include a link back to here.

* Add my holiday gift guide button to your blog. This is worth three bonus entries, so leave 3 comments.

*Add my normal button to your blog. This is worth 5 bonus entries, so leave 5 comments.

* Stumble this post. Please leave your username.

Deadline to enter is 11:59pm CST on 12/15/09. Good luck!

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Holiday Gift Guide: The Ultimate Shortcut Cookie Book Giveaway

Do you remember my review of The Ultimate Shortcut Cookie Book by Camilla V. Saulsbury? Go check it out if you don't. It would make a perfect holiday gift for all the aspiring chefs in your life. Then come back here because I have one copy to give to a lucky reader. All you have to do to enter is leave me a comment telling me your favorite holiday cookie. This is mandatory for entry.

For Bonus Entries:

*Follow on Networked Blogs. This is worth 5 entries, so leave 5 comments.

* Subscribe to my blog.

* Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

* Follow me on Twitter & tweet this giveaway.

* Blog about this giveaway. It doesn't have to be a whole post, you can just mention it when you are posting about other giveaways if you wish. Just be sure to include a link back to here.

* Add my holiday gift guide button to your blog. This is worth three bonus entries, so leave 3 comments.

*Add my normal button to your blog. This is worth 5 bonus entries, so leave 5 comments.

* Stumble this post. Please leave your username.

Deadline to enter is 11:59pm CST on 12/14/09. Good luck!

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.

Holiday Gift Guide: Fairytale Brownies

Have you ever had a Fairytale Brownie? They sent me some of their wonderful brownies to review. The first batch had been mangled, a UPS problem and not their fault, but they replaced them anyway. That was so cool of them! So, their customer service scored high with me right from the start. These brownies are decadent and creamy, rich and smooth little bites of pure bliss. I love a good brownie and these are the best packaged brownies I've ever eaten. I've tasted homemade brownies that don't even come close to these. My husband says I'm obsessed, but I prefer the phrase "in love".


I believe what makes the brownies so extraordinary is the fact they are free of trans fats, hydrogenated oils, preservatives and artificial colors. You don't find that very often in a prepackaged treat. You can taste the flavors of the ingredients, not the artificial gunk and preservatives. This is a great change and makes for an exquisite brownie.

Fairytale Brownies would make an excellent gift this holiday season.Order by December 20, 2009 to guarantee you delivery by Christmas with standard shipping. I think it is great that you still have time to order. You can ship to friends and family across the country. Plus, they ship to APO/FPO addresses, something I really love about the company.

They use the finest quality ingredients and guarantee your satisfaction. If you have a problem, they are going to fix it. Fairytale Brownies really stands behind their products and wants the customer to be 100% happy.

So, if you are looking for a tasteful gift that will really be appreciated, go check out all the great gifts Fairytale Brownies has to offer. I am sure you will find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. They will thank you for it, I promise.

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife Product Review and/or Giveaway Disclosure- I have received no compensation other than the offer of free product to review and/or giveaway. Any opinions expressed on Ramblings of a Texas Housewife are my own. My reviews are never reviewed or edited in any way by sponsors.