{day 5}: The 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Spectacular

We all know we've had our fair share of eating struggles here in the SPH. I could link back to a few previous discussions, but I think I'd find myself back-linking all day long.

What I do know for sure is that one thing that has DRAMATICALLY improved mealtime around here is the introduction bento-style eating for Sassy and Tink. It totally makes sense. Kids enjoy variety. Most children would prefer several small portions of a variety of food that a huge lump of some colorless slop on their plates. Right?

We've sampled many, many, many bento products around here. Countless things to make meal time more fun! Today, I'd like to share with you one of our favorites...



The Dr. Sears Nibble Tray. Dr. Sears has a simple philosophy when it comes to putting your best foot forward in regards to your child's eating... RAISE A GRAZER. The nibble tray his team designed is wonderful... a bento box for babies, if you will.

The nibble tray is bright and fun, resembling a fresh pineapple. It has lots of small compartments to include a variety of colorful, healthy food options, and it has an ingenious removable dip section, which can be refrigerated. A second fail-proof solution to feeding in the SPH- include dip! Yogurt, hummus, applesauce... it doesn't matter. Dip is our friend! And, of course, it is BPA free!

I'll tell you what- this product may be designed for babies in mind, but Sassy LOVES to eat from the "pineapple thing", as she calls it. Hey, it could even make your lunch the talk of the office!

Up for grabs- a Nibble Tray of your very own!

Ways to enter {make sure you leave one comment for each and a way to reach you if you are the winner!}:

1. Leave a comment sharing the most well-received "nibble" in your house...
2. Follow Sweet Peas & Sassafras through Google Friends Connect. Already a follower? Say so!
3. "Like" our facebook fan page.
4. Share this giveaway on facebook using the convenient little "f" button under my signature at the bottom of the post.
5. Share this giveaway on twitter using the convenient little "t" button under my signature at the bottom of the post.

Facebook comments will not be counted, so hop on over!

Open to US residents only. Giveaway will remain open until Thursday, December 9th at 11:59 PM CST. All prizes will be mailed out simultaneously at the conclusion of the 12 Days of Giveaways.

{I was not compensated by Dr. Sears or Zak! brand of products to review their products. All opinions are my own. These giveaway prizes were purchased by our family. Value of prize is approximately $7.99}

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{day 1} winner: #25 SgtsWifey
{day 2} winner: #17 Jamie
{day 3} ends Tuesday, 12/7 at 11:59 PM CST
{day 4} ends Wednesday, 12/8 at 11:59 CST

Oh, There Were Cookies...

We had a very busy weekend here in the SPH. Lots of details to share.

But, in the interest of actually getting my Christmas cards addressed this morning, today I will share just a smidgen of what we were up to this weekend.

Or, should I say what Tyler and Sassy were up to (in the interest of full disclosure to my cookie swap peeps and accuracy in my blog content)...

They test-drove a few potential cookie swap recipes!

There were Raspberry Pistachio Thumbprints:



There were Macadamia and Irish Cream Cookies:



There were Chocolate Mint Layered Cookie Slices:



All were good. None were it.

So, it's back to the drawing board tonight...

{day 4}: The 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Spectacular

While we have been experiencing {what I would consider} mild December weather here so far, the bitter cold is right around the corner.

There's nothing I dislike more than being cold in the cold.

If you want to know the truth, when the girls and I have nowhere important to go, we lounge around in our jammies. Especially when it's cold outside.

In the winter, my PJ ensemble typically includes some kind of socks. Usually multiple layers. Always soft, fuzzy things.

Do you want to know what some of my favorite soft & fuzzy things are?

These babies:



Around the holidays, Bath & Body Works carries these scrumptiously soft socks perfect for pallorless piggies. Tee hee.

Not only are these socks super soft, they are infused with lavender and shea, providing some relaxation and moisture. Sweet deal, huh?

And, of course, they are fun & festive. That never hurts.

One of you will win a pair!

Ways to enter {make sure you leave one comment for each and a way to reach you if you are the winner!}:

1. Leave a comment sharing your go-to "cozy-maker" for winter...
2. Follow Sweet Peas & Sassafras through Google Friends Connect. Already a follower? Say so!
3. "Like" our facebook fan page.
4. Share this giveaway on facebook using the convenient little "f" button under my signature at the bottom of the post.
5. Share this giveaway on twitter using the convenient little "t" button under my signature at the bottom of the post.

Facebook comments will not be counted, so hop on over!

Open to US residents only. Giveaway will remain open until Wednesday, December 8th at 11:59 PM CST. All prizes will be mailed out simultaneously at the conclusion of the 12 Days of Giveaways.

{I was not compensated by Bath & Body Works to review their products. All opinions are my own. These giveaway prizes were purchased by our family. Value of prize is approximately $7.50}

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{day 1} winner: SgtsWifey
{day 2} ends tonight at 11:59 PM CST
{day 3} ends Tuesday, 12/7 at 11:59 PM CST

Like.

Sassy and Nana were looking through some books the other day.

Sassy: This hedgehog is soooo cute!
Nana: She is.
Sassy: Look at her pretty prickles. And her cute little nose!
Nana: I know! Sassy, you sure do ♥ hedgehogs...
Sassy: I do. Do you want to know what I love even more than hedgehogs, Nana?
Nana: What's that?
Sassy: Donuts and The Bears.

That's my girl. GO BEARS!

If this was a facebook status update, I would totally "like" it.

{day 3}: The 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Spectacular

I ♥ written correspondence.

It's quickly becoming a lost art for sure, and I am partially to blame.

With the various electronic means of communication that we all know and love, it's easy to pass up the option of a handwritten note. Oh, do I love a handwritten note...

I can help you! I came across these beautiful cream colored note cards with dark red envelopes. They just spoke to me.



And, options there are...



One lucky reader will win fifteen note cards with envelopes- 3 of each design- rest a minute, shine, discover, write your own story, and fly. Along with the note cards, you will get to try my absolute favorite pen for written correspondence- a Zig Writer in black. I originally began using these pens for scrapbooking, and they quickly became my pen of choice for daily written tasks.

Ways to enter {make sure you leave one comment for each and a way to reach you if you are the winner!}:

1. Leave a comment sharing your favorite of the five note card designs and why you ♥ it so...
2. Follow Sweet Peas & Sassafras through Google Friends Connect. Already a follower? Say so!
3. "Like" our facebook fan page.
4. Share this giveaway on facebook using the convenient little "f" button under my signature at the bottom of the post.
5. Share this giveaway on twitter using the convenient little "t" button under my signature at the bottom of the post.

Facebook comments will not be counted, so hop on over!

Open to US residents only. Giveaway will remain open until Tuesday, December 7th at 11:59 PM CST. All prizes will be mailed out simultaneously at the conclusion of the 12 Days of Giveaways.

{I was not compensated by Michael's or Zig Writer to review their products. All opinions are my own. These giveaway prizes were purchased by our family. Value of prize is approximately $4.99}

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{day 1} ends tonight at 11:59 PM CST
{day 2} ends Monday at 11:59 PM CST

Decking Our Halls...

We spent a wonderful family day together this past Sunday...

First, we took the girls to see Tangled. I'm not sure you enjoyed it more- Sassy, Tink, or me! It was such a wonderful story, I really liked Rapunzel's character, and it had a great message. I'm thinking about going back to see it in 3D before it leaves the theaters- I heard it's pretty awesome!

After dinner Sunday evening, we decided to decorate our tree. Sassy and I had been preparing little bits and pieces earlier in the day...

We began unpacking all of our holiday baubles. It put an instant smile on my face when I found the Christmas dog box among the grocery bags and other things. ♥ her!



Every year, I try to find an ornament for each of us that represents us well. It's always fun to key in on the girls interests at the time in their ornaments. This is the one I found for myself. Perfect for me? I think so...



Sassy chose this one because it reminded her of Cape Cod. Well, Sassy girl, it reminded me of Cape Cod, too. ♥



When it came time to decorate after dinner, we popped on some Christmas music and got to it. Sassy jumped right in:



Tink was way more content driving us all bananas carrying around this squeaky Santa and squeezing him incessantly... Oh, and Sassy was pretty thrilled to find her dinosaur ornament from the year she was really into dinosaurs (read: age 2). She is definitely on a recent T-Rex kick...



With all of our hard work, we were parched. So, Daddy whipped out the eggnog {gag}. I mean, it's just not for me. The girls, however... they love it!



With our tree soon growing bottom-heavy {funny how that works...}, Daddy helped Sassy place some ornaments up high:



Tink was pretty bewildered by the whole process. I took a moment to step into my obligatory I hang Christmas ornaments, too pose... disheveled pigtails and all:



The girls were actually {gasp} loving to one another. Now,t hat's the Christmas spirit!



And, before we knew it, our tree was complete. I *think* it's the prettiest tree I've ever seen.



We closed with our traditional bedtime snack of Scottish Shortbread and Plum Dumplings. Yum.



And all were smiling and happy.



With that, it was Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night...

{day 2}: The 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Spectacular

Here in the SPH, it is no secret that we love Little Lesiw hair accessories. My girls sport them quite often, and they are fabulously hip, fresh, and incredibly well-made.

Even though I don't have a wee one to wear it, I couldn't help but choose this adorable infant-sized {~12"} Zebra Bitty Bloom headband. It is so stinkin' adorable!



And, it could be yours! One lucky reader will win this hand-crafted headband for your little one. Consider this an extra special treat, since Little Lesiw has closed their etsy doors and are in the middle of hiatus on their website. These little babies are hard to come by right now!

Ways to enter {make sure you leave one comment for each and a way to reach you if you are the winner!}:

1. Leave a comment sharing who would get to sport this lovely little gem.
2. Follow Sweet Peas & Sassafras through Google Friends Connect. Already a follower? Say so!
3. "Like" our facebook fan page.
4. Share this giveaway on facebook using the convenient little "f" button under my signature at the bottom of the post.
5. Share this giveaway on twitter using the convenient little "t" button under my signature at the bottom of the post.

Facebook comments will not be counted, so hop on over!

Open to US residents only. Giveaway will remain open until Monday, December 6th at 11:59 PM CST. All prizes will be mailed out simultaneously at the conclusion of the 12 Days of Giveaways.

{I was not compensated by Little Lesiw to review their products. All opinions are my own. The headband was part of a contest won by myself and hosted by Little Lesiw. Permission was given by Little Lesiw to use part of prize winnings for a giveaway. Value of prize is approximately $15}

Thanksgiving Weekend...

The rest of our Thanksgiving Day weekend was delightful!

Friday, we had the chance to spend some time with Ty's family. We took the girls swimming at the hotel where they were staying. Actually, I dropped Ty and the girls off at the hotel at around 9:30 AM and shot over to Target to take advantage of a few Black Friday deals. Basically, I bought several movies we didn't need and an extra larger memory card for my camera.

This is what Sassy decided to wear to the hotel. Oh, that girl...



Once I was finished at Target, I rejoined the fam to watch the girls swim. Tried to take some pictures... epic.fail. It was approximately 987 degrees in that room, and the condensation got the best of my lens.



After the girls had their fill of swimming and splashing, we all headed back to the house to have lunch- Thanksgiving leftovers, of course. We spent some time visiting, and when Tink napped in the afternoon, my Mom stayed with her while the rest of us went to see Harry Potter 7.1. Tyler and I had already seen it, and Tyler and his Grandma ended up going to see Morning Glory instead. I tried to convince Sassy to see that instead, but she was set on seeing HP. She has seen a couple of the first movies, and done fine, but this one has some scary scenes. She covered her eyes a couple of times, and I did so as well in one particularly frightening scene, but she really liked it. She was able to recap the plot and list the good guys and the bad guys. It was a tough parenting decision for us, but it all ended up fine. In retrospect, I don;t know that I should have allowed her to see the film, but she has had no lasting effects, thankfully!

After the movie, we went to Red Robin with Tyler's family for dinner and came back to the house to say our good-byes, as they were leaving for Iowa and Minnesota early Saturday morning.

Saturday, we took the girls to story time at Barnes & Noble to benefit the high school in our town, and we did a but of holiday shopping. Tink was overjoyed to see Miss Debbie, and the girls made some great reindeer crafts to bring home.

Later in the day, Tyler finally put lights up om the outside of the house! We have had lights for at least two years, but every single year, I forget to buy the little light clips until it is too late and they are sold out everywhere. Well, this year, I remembered, so Tyler tackled that project during nap time...



While Ty worked on that, Sassy spent some time panting. She is really into her arts & crafts things lately. She does such a nice job!



And, what was I up to, you ask? Preparing the house for Christmas decorating! It's sad to say goodbye to my mantle birds and my log vases, but we must make room for other exciting things!



Sassy also decided to do some work on her bedroom. First, she asked if we could hang the adorable picture she brought home from preschool right before Thanksgiving. When I pulled it out of her backpack, my heart about melted. Sassy sure does love her baby cousin, and I can't wait for her to see him again after Christmas!



She also did some straightening of the 7,462 guys on her bed:



And, she made a special Christmas tree for her bedroom from a craft kit we bought the girls at Target. It turned out very cute!



After a while, Sassy decided she really wanted to do her holiday shopping. Last year, we took some money out of her piggy bank, and she made a list of all the people she wanted to buy gifts for. Remember?

Well, she did the same this year. She took out a bit more money this year ($87), but she also had a larger list to buy for. Tyler and I also chose to replace the money again this year. She has been saving hard for her trip to visit the princesses, and hopefully that is a trip we can make in the next year or so. I want her to have that money in her piggy bank.

Anyways, Sassy and I went to Kohl's and Target. She chose every last gift herself, and really put a lot of thought into what each person would most like. We wrapped a few when we got home, and put them aside the place under the tree when the time came.



Unfortunately, Sassy remembered leaving her pink LuLu purse that Nana bought her from TJ Maxx at the checkout counter at Kohl's. After a few phone calls and a return trip with Daddy to search for it, it was not recovered. While the contents were meager (a princess lip gloss and a lucky "dragon tear" stone), her little heart was pretty broken. Although a valuable lesson was learned, it's moments like this that make me want to do anything to right the situation. I'm sure you fellow mamas can relate...

All in all, we had a very busy, festive Friday & Saturday here in the SPH. We'll cover Sunday in tomorrow's post!

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{day 1}: The 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Spectacular remains open! Look out for {day 2} this afternoon...

{day 1}: The 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Spectacular

Sometimes, you find a product that just makes you smile. And, what better way to welcome December than with a smile?

I am in love with EOS lip balm spheres. 100% natural, 95% organic, and sure to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

The container is fabulous, easy to find in the bottom of your purse, and the texture is great. I've recently put some of my tried-and-true favorites aside to make way for this new gem. My favorite flavor- sweet mint.



It may be small, but it packs a lot of punch. And one of you lovelies is going to win your very own EOS Sweet Mint lip balm to try!

Ways to enter {make sure you leave one comment for each and a way to reach you if you are the winner!}:

1. Leave a comment sharing your current favorite lip treat.
2. Follow Sweet Peas & Sassafras through Google Friends Connect. Already a follower? Say so!
3. "Like" our facebook fan page.
4. Share this giveaway on facebook using the convenient little "f" button under my signature at the bottom of the post.
5. Share this giveaway on twitter using the convenient little "t" button under my signature at the bottom of the post.

Facebook comments will not be counted, so hop on over!

Open to US residents only. Giveaway will remain open until Friday, December 3rd at 11:59 PM CST. All prizes will be mailed out simultaneously at the conclusion of the 12 Days of Giveaways.

{I was not compensated by EOS to host this giveaway. All opinions are my own. Prize was purchased by me: value $3.29}

Full of Thanks...

I spent Thanksgiving Day with my wonderful family in our home that we are so blessed to have. Looking back at some of the pictures from the day has really helped me reflect on all of the things we have to be thankful for.

I am beyond thankful for my two gorgeous, smart, funny daughters that are growing by leaps and bounds every day. I am thankful for this sweet, spunky little darling.



I am thankful for her spirit and drive. I am thankful for her personality and for the challenges we face in parenting her, and I remain thankful that she is healthy and developing as she should.



I am thankful to have a husband who is my rock. He is selfless and giving and involved. He would do anything for me and anything for his girls. He is our provider, and we are so thankful for that.

I am thankful beyond measure for being given the opportunity to share in the lives of my girls. The wonder and the laughter and the exploration- it keeps me feeling young and renewed.



I am thankful for my incredibly smart, kind, sweet, and funny Sassy. I am thankful that she is excelling at school and learning new things every day. I am thankful that she is learning empathy and how to think of others rather than only herself. It's amazing to see this quality emerge in her.



I am thankful for able arms and my beautiful camera to capture these silly self portrait... I rarely include them in my posts, but I am thankful to be remembered, to be physically present in the creation of these family memories for years to come. Oh, and I'm thankful for photo editing software, too. At least my skin is!



I am thankful that Sassy and Tink have four loving-involved grandparents, two living great-grandparents, and a plethora of aunts, uncles, cousins and close family friends who we consider family. Or girls are so loved, and there is really nothing more important to me than that! I am thankful for all of the wonderful people in our lives!

I am thankful that Tyler's family chose to make the long drive from Minnesota this year in order to spend time with us. I am beyond thankful to have had the opportunity to share the holiday with both sides of our family- a rarity in our household! I am even thankful for Moon Dough. Although it caused us to have a very early change of Thanksgiving attire, the girls had so much fun, and I am thankful for thoughtful relatives.



I am thankful for the abundance of food we were able to put on our table, this day and every day.



I am thankful for an able-bodies little girl who loves her physical activity. I am thankful that she has hands-on grandparents who delight in her accomplishments as much as her Dad and I do.



I am thankful for the beautiful Kansas weather, landscape, and scenery. I don't say it often, but I am thankful to call this home. It's really grown on me.



With so much to be thankful for, it's pretty hard not to have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Thanks to all of you for sharing in it with us!