November 30, 2017

Holiday Gift Guide to Stocking Stuffers

Did the holiday season sneak up on anyone else? I feel like we were just hunting Easter Eggs out in the backyard and now my house is filled with all things cheery and Christmas! I have seen so many awesome holiday gift guides floating around and have bee lined to some of those websites to ensure I got those items before they sold out, so instead of a gift guide I thought I would share some great stocking stuffer ideas.

My kids are pretty young, so I like to think that I can still get away with giving them practical products...and that they will still be freaking excited about them. I mean, I totally love when my mom fills my stocking with body wash and make up--winning! I hope some of these ideas help you out and feel free to let me know your ideas as well, I love adding items to our must get list each year!



Stocking Stuffers3
one // two // three // four // five // six

One of my favorite stocking stuffers for my kids are sunglasses. Chances are if your kids are like mine...their current sunnies are either lost or broken. Although we haven't tried them yet (but plan too!), Babiators prides themselves on being indestructible so these are the perfect go to sunglasses for littles! They have many different styles, colors, and price points for every personality and I am excited to try them.

Shop: Babiators

Kleynimals has a few great stocking stuffers and we LOVE their flatware. They have stainless steel teething toys that are safe for babies and you can even have them engraved. They have jangles which are perfect for mom to wear and baby to play with and a few other fun items. If you are interested in engraving, be sure to place your order by December 16th to ensure Christmas delivery.

Shop: Kleynimals

Teethers, sippy cups, bath toys, etc. are also all great ideas that your kids will love getting. Munchkin has a ton of different products that we love and what better time than Christmas to get them. Nothing like a little babe finding a brand new, cute teether in their stocking on Christmas morning, I bet they'd waste no time in going to town and chewing!

Shop: Munchkin

This is also the time that we upgrade toothbrushes and pacifiers, and my favorite brand for these is MAM. We have used their pacifiers for both kids (they are all I could get my first son to take) and they have the cutest patterns on them. I also use their toothbrushes for my youngest because they are perfectly shaped for little hands to hold which help in learning to independently brush his teeth.

Shop: MAM

We have been using the same three bowls and three plates for years and with 2 kids I am constantly washing and rewashing, so it is time to add to our collection. We love Re-Play Recycled because their products hold up, they don't break when dropped, and their colors are fun. They might end up sitting next to the stocking, but that's ok too.

Shop: Re-Play Recycled


Now these next ideas aren't brand specific but they will at least point you in a good direction. One tradition we have is buying ornaments each year for places that we visit or just things that we like so we have started doing the same for our kids. We will usually get one or two ornaments to put in their stockings that we will add to the tree the following year. For my oldest they are usually Disney or Pirates themed of course.


You can also throw in some favorite treats like fruit snacks or even their favorite candy that they don't get to enjoy very often. Maybe some markers or crayons with a little coloring book, or even a new book to read together at bedtime. You really can't go wrong with any of these options! What are some must have stocking stuffers in your house?



XO, Michelle


November 21, 2017

Christmas at Gaylord Palms


With the holiday season full steam ahead, so many families are busy planning activities to do with their families and are starting or continuing new holiday traditions. Spending time with family and making memories is what makes the season so special after all. Christmas at the Gaylord Palms is one event that would make for a wonderful holiday tradition. It’s fun, local, and perfect for the whole family.

Now, when people think of Christmas in Florida, they certainly don’t think of snow and ice. We’re lucky if we can dress up on Christmas day without getting too hot! Why not take a break from Mr. Heat Miser and pay a visit to his brother in a world filled with ICE!? Gaylord Palms Resort has once again outdone themselves with their awe-inspiring display of ice and this year the theme is ICE! Christmas Around the World. Everything in ICE! from the towering walls with intricate colorful designs to the tunnels and animal statues are all hand carved on site and with over 2 million pounds of ice, the room is kept at chilling 9 degrees so be sure to dress warmly! I was fortunate enough to visit and experience ICE! with my family on their media preview night along side The Mommy Spot Tampa.


To enjoy the experience of ICE! featuring Christmas Around the World, plan to spend anywhere from 15-30 minutes within the exhibit. If you find yourself feeling a little too chilly before you have seen it all, you may exit in the designated area to warm up before reentering and finishing your walk through. Inside there are activities for all! Enjoy the hand carved displays that showcase the diversity seen around the world alive with beautiful colors and carvings, race your friends or family down the 5 available ice slides [there is 1 kid slide for those under 40”], crawl through tunnels of ice carved just perfectly for your littlest of travelers and so much more, you may even get a peek at Santa's workshop--in ICE! form of course! You truly have to see to believe!


What you need to know:
  • As mentioned above, the room for ICE! is kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit. IT. IS. COLD.
  • Gaylord Palms ICE! DOES provide jackets in all sizes, infant to 4XL. They do not provide gloves or hats so I strongly suggest bringing your own. 
  • Wear or bring your own jacket as well, you may be cold outside once you return your ICE! jacket.
  • Boots aren’t necessary, but closed toed shoes are required.
  • ICE! is stroller and wheelchair friendly.
  • Buy tickets in advance, lines can get long especially on the weekends.

For anyone visiting the Gaylord Palms Resort, be sure to stop by the atrium to enjoy the Christmas Tree trail, see the new JOYFUL! Atrium Light show with festive holiday music from around the world and lots of sparkling lights, as well as the all-new Cirque Dreams Unwrapped stage show complete with jaw-dropping acrobat acts.








Extra, Extra!
Just outside of the ICE! display is the Alpine Village where you can enjoy sweet treats, warm beverages, and do a little holiday shopping. In this area you will also find Snow Tubing which can be enjoyed by anyone 36” and over. Keep in mind that you are tubing down REAL ICE so hold on tight as you zoom down the hill! Also enjoy an interactive Snow Throw game where you can try your hand at throwing a real snowball at moving and non-moving targets. Other offerings include:
  • Breakfast with Charlie Brown and Friends
  • Build-a-Bear Workshop
  • Photos with Santa
  • Visit with Mrs. Claus
  • Make your own gingerbread man
  • Sounds of the Season
  • Post Office to send your Christmas wishes to Santa in the North Pole







To read more details about all of the activities that Gaylord Palms has to offer this Christmas season, click HERE. Christmas at Gaylord Palms runs November 21st-January 7th.

Disclaimer: I attended the Media Preview Night for ICE! at the Gaylord Palms for free in exchange for this post and social media coverage. All opinions are my own.