Mango Apple Pear Smoothie

Simple and Delicious Mango Apple Pear Smoothie

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Fruit smoothies are a healthy and easy way to get a boost of energy along with the taste sweetness, without feeling guilty. There are so many combinations of fruits to try when putting together these delicious and refreshing drinks. Packed with loads of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins, smoothies are great any time during the day from an early morning breakfast on the go to a bedtime snack. 

The following smoothie recipe is no exception when it comes to fresh, wholesome ingredients as well as simple and quick preparation. It is best to prepare this recipe using fruits that are well ripened. Chill beforehand if you prefer a nice cold and refreshing drink. You can even add a few ice cubes if you desire!

Ingredients:

1 mango peeled and seeds removed

1 apple peeled with seeds and core removed

1 pear peeled and seeded

1 cup of milk

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend well until smooth. 

2. Add milk and blend until you get the desired consistency. Enjoy!

Have you ever tried a mango apple pear smoothie?

6 Clever uses for Bubble Wrap During Winter

6 Clever ways Bubble Wrap can be useful in Winter

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Bubble wrap will often come in packages with delicate items. Instead of throwing it away or popping the bubbles, consider keeping it. Turns out it is a very useful item to have on hand, especially during the cold winter. Winters can become extremely harsh and cold. It can also get costly during this season as temperatures decrease and put strain on electrical costs. Bubble wrap is also very inexpensive to buy if you don't have any laying around the home. In the long haul it can actually help you save money. Here are some ways you can use it during winter. 

1. Insulate windows. Window insulator kits are available however they can be quite expensive. For a cheap alternative cover your windows with bubble wrap and double sided tape. This will keep your home warmer and help lower electricity costs.

2. Keep your coffee and other drinks hot. Often time moms do not get to drink their coffee at a nice hot temperature. To help keep your drink hot for more than just a few little minutes, simply cover the outside of your mug or with bubble wrap to be able to enjoy your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

3. Insulate your food. Whether you need to keep a take away dish hot until returning home or want to take a hot meal outside keep it warm buy lining the dish with bubble wrap. 

4. Keep water pipes safe. There is nothing worse that discovering you have broken pipes which can leave quite a mess as well as expensive repairs. Cover a sheet of bubble wrap around pipes and tie with a string. This will help maintain the pipes temperatures and keep them from freezing/bursting. 

5. Keep the windshield of your car frost free. Place a sheet of bubble wrap over your windshield and tape it in place to keep that overnight winter frost away. 

6. Protect plants. Lightly wrap the outside of your plant containers with a sheet of bubble wrap to prevent damage caused by a harsh winter frost.

Do you use bubble wrap around your home during the winter?

2016 Year-in-Review products at Mixbook

Create everlasting Memories of 2016 with Mixbook!

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We can’t believe 2016 is coming to a close! What better way to commemorate all your adventures and accomplishments this past year but with a Year-in-Review product from Mixbook!

Create a photo book to compile all of those photos showcasing your top 2016 memories- birthday milestones, new births, adopted pets, vacations, etc. Craft a stunning spread of photo memories to share on your coffee table instead of letting them sit on your camera or computer.

Don’t have the time or desire to put together a full photo book but want to share the year’s highlights with family and friends? Mixbook’s Year-in-Review cards may be the perfect fit for you! Keep the details short and lighthearted for an uplifting review of all that has happened this year. Add a series of photos or one favorite photo in a beautiful, personalized card to send out to your friends and family. 

Neither of the above options sound right for you? Maybe you’d rather keep the yearly review to one picture that states it all. In this case, make sure you check out Mixbook’s wall art. Add art gallery quality photos to your home printed on canvas, acrylic, metal or poster to add a timeless moment of 2016 that will spark memories for years to come.

Not familiar with Mixbook? Mixbook is the most powerful design tool to create fully customizable photo products like books, cards, calendars and wall canvases. With Mixbook's free online editor, you're not limited to static pre-designed templates, you have the freedom to edit to your heart's content. We've dedicated ourselves to bringing you the best experience in creating professional quality photo products that truly reflect your vision for years to come.

Add a personal touch to your beautiful photos and create everlasting memories! Visit Mixbook!

Frugal Gift Wrapping Ideas

Frugal Gift Wrapping Ideas to Save Money and the Environment

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It is wonderful to buy gifts for those special in our lives. It makes the receiver as well as the giver feel good. Spending money on gifts is a good idea as the gifts are items that can be used. However spending money to buy gift wrap can be expensive and since most of it is non recyclable it has a negative impact on the environment. Here are some alternative gift wrapping options that are reusable and more fun and enjoyable.

1. Scarves. You can add a scarf as both a gift and wrap. Alternatively if you have a nice scarf that you don't wear use it to wrap a gift and the person receiving the gift may use it or pass it along with another gift.

2. Brown grocery bags. If your local shops bag your groceries with paper bags do not throw them away. Hold the wrap together by tying some string around it. Tie the string into a bow at the top for a more presentable look.

3. Dish towels. If you have any kitchen items you are giving as a gift add in a dish towel or two and use them to wrap the remainder of the gift items.

4. Magazines. Try scoping out some holiday-themed foods, scenery, or flower pages from magazines and retail catalogs.

5. Fabric and material scraps. If purchasing a gift for a person who sews or crafts a nice piece of material will never go to waste.

6. Children's drawings or paintings. You could even have children paint or color plain white paper to give it a more festive look.

7. Reusable shopping bags. These bags come in many different sizes, colors, and designs. The best part is that if the receiver of your gift reuses the bag it decreases the amount of plastic bags being used resulting in a healthier environment!

8. Cookie tins. If you have some of these laying around they are great for holding many small items together. 

9. Newspaper comics pages. If you get a weekly paper, or can share with someone else, save the comics section for gift wrap.

10. Boxes. Empty boxes from shoes, cereal, and tissues can be turned into cute gift boxes. Make a bow out of fabric scraps to tie around the box.

Do you tend to stick to commercial gift wrap or do you prefer to use a more frugal method?

CustomInk's Interactive Holiday Gift Guide Quiz

CustomInk's Interactive Holiday Gift Guide Quiz

** I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Still looking for the perfect gift for a special someone in your life?  A custom gift may be just what you need. Customink is your source of custom apparel and accessories. With CustomInk's Interactive Holiday Gift Guide Quiz you can find inspiration to create an unforgettable gift.  Plus, when you take the quiz by December 15th you can enter to win a winter wonderland prize pack worth $160 to start the New Year off right!  If you already know exactly what you are looking for you can get started today in CustomInk's easy-to-use Design Lab or check out their professionally-designed templates for more holiday inspiration.

Here are some great gift ideas from CustomInk's Gift Guide!

Ogio Endurance Ladies Reflective Heather Performance Full-Zip

One of the most premium layers in our offering! You'll want to wear this perfect layer on your run and all around town. Features awesome reflective taping, thumb-holes, zippered pockets, and a hood - you can be comfortable and stylish in the same beat!

Eddie Bauer 1/2 Zip Performance Pullover

This crossover outerwear piece is a great cold weather favorite! Heavier weight fabric and cool contrast details make this pullover stand out from the rest. 

30 oz. Jumbo Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler

Take this tumbler cup with you to stay fueled all day! This elevated coffee tumbler is here to wow your team. Double wall vacuum stainless steel with a copper lining ensures your drink stays cold for 24 hours and hot for 5.5 hours!

Rabbit Skins Infant Jersey One-piece

Soft and colorful, this infant style is a favorite. Bright colors and premium cotton fabric make this style an easy choice. Coordinates with the Rabbit Skins Toddler Jersey T-shirt.

American Apparel Dog Raglan T-shirt

The perfect present for your favorite pet! A fashion two-tone raglan that your dog or any four-legged friend is sure to love. Who says your pet can't be as stylish as you are?

We hope that you have found some inspiration here if you are still looking for a gift for a special someone. Don't forget to take CustomInk's Interactive Holiday Gift Guide Quiz!

Buy More, Save More at Mixbook

Buy More Save More at Mixbook: 40% Off site wide and 50% off $100+

**This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission after you have clicked on my link.

You may have handled quite a bit of your holiday shopping over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but inevitably there are a few people that have not been checked off your list. The days are not getting any longer, and you should be on the train as it pulls away from procrastination station. As always, Mixbook has you covered with some great last minute gift ideas!

Mixbook has introduced a new type of wall art – Metal, Acrylic and Poster Prints. The industrial and cool Metal Prints still have the same vibrant colors as all others but with an edge. Rugged enough for a man cave and sturdy enough to withstand kiddo-traffic heavy spaces. They come ready to hang and won't shatter if they are dropped.

Metal Print Ideas

If you are looking for the perfect gift for the person who has everything, look no further. Mixbook's curved Metal Prints are your answer. With a unique curved edge, this is eye catching piece will add finesse to any living or office space. Impress your hard-to-shop-for friend with this unique gift, customizable with any photo and exclusive to Mixbook's home decor collection.

Acrylic Print Ideas

Acrylic Prints have a glass-like finish with brilliant clarity. They are a sleek and contemporary eye-catching gift idea. Missing something for the friend or family member who’s basement is filled with music posters from years past? Spice up their space with another customized poster to match their collection. Select your favorite image from an old road trip and you are ready to go!

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget about Mixbook’s Instagram books and photo prints. These quick to make books are bound to make a great gift, and you already have all the photo inspiration right on your Instagram account! Act fast to make sure that all your holiday shopping gets done in plenty of time so that your only remaining task is to relax and have some egg nog.

Did you see anything here you like? If so head on over to Mixbook now and save!

Ily Couture- Holiday Gifts under $50

Ily Couture- Holiday Gifts under $50

**This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission after you have clicked on my link.

Looking for holiday themed gifts? Ily has a great selection of affordable gifts for this holiday season. Ily is an original fashion company desiring to bring the best products and designs to their customers. ILY is dedicated to making everyone feel on point and on trend. Their design team brings original designs that express you and make you feel good. We add a ton of new styles each week so you have the best selection of newest pieces.

Here is a peek of what Ily has to offer in their Holiday Gifts under $50.

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE MUG

Baby It's Cold Outside! Love the cooler temps and even the prospect of Christmas snow! Sip your favorite tea, coffee or even hot coco with our gold printed Baby It's Cold Outside Mug.

PLAID BLANKET SCARVES - 2 COLORS

Fall is here and we are ready with our New Plaid Blanket Scarves! These uber soft double sided scarves are perfect for your fall and winter getaway! Wrap once for a casual look or wrap twice for a neck warming look and zip up your jacket and you are ready to tackle the cold. Wear with the colored side out or reversed for a more neutral black plaid look. Our Plaid Blanket Scarves come in two colors, red plaid with a black on the back or green plaid with black on the back.

SANTA BABY TEE - KIDS

Santa Baby... How cute is our ILY original design: Santa Baby Tee. It's perfect for the Holiday Season. Your little nugget would look precious rocking this tee with skinny jeans and a santa hat. This Santa Baby Tee is Perfect for Christmas photos or Christmas morning opening gifts. This design features a darling red santa hat and hand lettered Santa Baby!

SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER - KIDS

Santa's Little Helper is perfect for your little helper. Pairs nicely with our adult red baseball tee and is perfect to wear all December long.

MERRY & BRIGHT TEE

There is no better shirt to celebrate Christmas in than in our Merry & Bright Tee! We are so excited to release our Holiday ILY exclusive tees and this is one of our favorites. The double stripe sleeve and red heathered tee will be your celebration look. Pair this with distressed jeans or even a holiday skirt. Fits slightly oversized.

HOLIDAY SLIPPERS

The softest Holiday Slippers to pair with any and all of your festive loungewear this season, pairs well with our Holiday Sweatshirts. Small/Medium 6-8 and Large/X-Large is 9-11 US women's size.

What do you think about these holiday gift ideas from Ily Couture?

2016 Lovepop Holiday Cards

Check out the Assortment of Holiday Cards Available at Lovepop

**This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission after you have clicked on my link.

Right now there are a variety of beautiful Lovepop cards available for the holiday season. Unfamiliar with Lovepop cards? Lovepop cards are intricate 3D paper sculptures, designed by naval engineers on cutting edge software and then hand-crafted in the Asian art form of sliceform kirigami. Holiday, Hanukkah and Christmas cards the come to life when you open them, and even double as a gift! These laser cut 3D pop ups are sure to wow!

To get more of an idea of what Lovepop cards are we have included the following 3 top-selling holiday pop-up cards that are sure to be a delightful and unexpected gift this holiday season. There are many additional holiday themed cards available.


1. Christmas Train Card

The red cover of this jolly Christmas pop-up card features an illustration that is guaranteed to elicit smiles. A laser-cut image of Santa en route from the North Pole to homes around the world in his train hints at the amazing surprise inside. 

Open this Christmas card and revel in the magnificent three-dimensional sculpture of an old-fashioned train, operated by Santa of course, full of stunning detail. The train is adorned with a holiday wreath, peppermint train wheels, and more. The pop-up train also sits atop a wonderfully detailed track. Watch the pop-up! Santa Train is a Christmas card. Perfect for holiday gift-giving, your annual Christmas card send, or for that year-round Santa enthusiast in your life (we all know one). Wow your White Elephant recipient, co-worker, or kids this year with this awesome Christmas card.

2. Santa Hammock Christmas Card

The front of this holiday pop up card shows the sun setting over a tropical scene. Once opened the red card features Santa enjoying some well deserved post-Christmas fun in the sun. Santa is lounging in a hammock between two lovely palm trees and sipping a tropical beverage. Watch the pop-up! We can't think of anyone who wouldn't smile at this festive and original scene. Use the pop up card as a Christmas card, holiday party invitation, white elephant party gift, or keep it for yourself. We wouldn't blame you a bit.

3. Christmas Candle Card

The beautiful blue cover of this Christmas pop-up card depicts a lovely illustration of a traditional holiday candle. Upon opening the pop-up card, a stunning three-dimensional paper sculpture of the brightly lit ivory holiday candle emerges. The 3D sculpture is surrounded by paper boughs of holly, poinsettias, atop a crown of evergreen. The holiday season is a fabulous time to let friends and loved ones know you're thinking of them. Christmas candle is also a delightful gift for coworkers, family members, and anyone else who appreciates the simple elegance of this traditional Christmas decoration.

LovePop cards are affordable, unique, and fun. If you are planning to send out holiday cards this year, give Lovepop cards a try. They will definitely stand out from all the rest. 

Have you ever given or received a Lovepop greeting card?

2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Children

2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Children! Adventures, Creativity, Learning, and Fun!

**This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission after you have clicked on my link.

Our gift guide was put together carefully focusing on products that help children develop skills, inspire exploration, encourage creativity, and of course loads of fun. Children enjoy playing with all sorts of toys which we think is great. However, it is also important to expand their minds and give them the activities they need to strengthen their abilities and grow effectively. Here are our top ten choices for gift ideas for children. 

1. Little Passports. Little Passports  delivers a travel adventure right to your door! Choose from the Early Explorers (ages 3-5), the World Edition (ages 6-10), or the USA Edition (ages 7-12). Each subscription will have your child rushing to the mailbox, waiting for packages highlighting a new global destination or US state. They’ll receive letters, souvenirs, pop-out models, activities, stickers and more. Inspire a life-long interest in travel, language and world cultures with Little Passports!

. 2. Fisher-Price Activity Plush Gorilla. The Fisher-Price Precious Planet Gorilla Doll will bring your child a mix of entertainment and learning with vibrant colors that are sure to please. This toy is large, giving your kid an ample size to grab onto for playtime. The activity plush animal toy has a mirror in his belly that lets your little one see themselves anytime they want. There's also a banana teether that will help as teeth begin to come in. The baby plush toy has a satin leaf attached to one hand, giving a unique texture for your child to explore. Press the music note and the light will flash and children will be rewarded with either a sung song or game. The Fisher-Price Precious Planet Gorilla Doll has noises and other interactive entertainment options.

3. Surprise Ride. Are you in need of some activites to keep your little one entertained while taking time to do some household chores. Through conveniently pre-planned activities, kids learn and explore while moms take a break. Rides are theme-based and cover a wide variety of subjects, from art and science to food and geography, and much more. Each monthly package includes:
- All the supplies needed to complete two projects that explore the month’s theme.
- A book, a snack, and other fun surprises to go along with the Ride.
- Our famous Surprise Ride booklet with lessons on the theme, interesting facts, and ways to continue the exploration.
Sign up for a monthly subscription and a fun-filled Ride addressed to your child will arrive on your doorstep every month. Perfect for ages 5+.

4. Osmo Creative Kit. Osmo makes games that merge virtual and physical play; if Osmo had a middle name, it would be "Interactivity." The Osmo Creative Kit uses interactive art tools in 3 creative apps: Monster, Masterpiece and Newton. Each app takes whatever kids draw and instantly brings it to life onscreen. The kit comes with easy-erase markers and a specially designed Creative Board that transfers what you draw into the digital world, exactly how you drew it! The drawings then become animation to take part in a story, solve a puzzle and more! Recommended for ages 4 - 12.

5. Dash & Dot. Dash & Dot are real robots that teach your kids to code while they play. Using our free apps and a compatible tablet or smartphone, kids learn to code while they make Dash sing, dance and navigate all around the house. Sensors on the robot mean they react to the environment around them, including your kids.

6.  Epic. This year, give the SMARTEST gift... Epic! gives you & your family unlimited access to more than 20,000 high-quality books for kids 12 and under, for under $5/month. It's the year-round perfect gift beloved by parents, teachers & most importantly, kids.

7. Finding Dory Look and Find Puzzle. It's a puzzle! It's a game! It's a puzzle AND game! Assemble the puzzle that features hidden objects within it. Once assembled, look on the back of the box for a list of all the hidden objects, then try to find them within the puzzle! Children can race each other to find the objects. 

8.  Green Kid Crafts: Creativity and STEAM Kits for Kids! Green Kid designs and delivers hands-on, award winning, and eco-friendly Discovery Boxes, Creativity Kits, and STEAM Kits (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). Here you’ll find information about our kid's subscription program, our best gifts for preschoolers and kids ages 3-10, our favorite kid's science experiments, plus craft ideas for kids.

9. Groovy Lab in a Box. With Groovy Lab in a Box, you will receive boxes full of everything you need to learn about and do hands on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experiments for ages 8+.

10. Lil' Bear Book Club. Lil Bear Book Club is a subscription box company that caters to young children. We send gift wrapped board books or Picture books to a child's door monthly to get him or her excited about reading. This is a great way for children to learn to read and for parents to bond with their kids. It also makes a fantastic last minute gift idea for a young child.

Did you see anything here you like? We hope this Holiday gift guide has been helpful.