Best Apps for Holiday fun

 

 ***As Holiday Season Approaches***

Apple Shares Best Ways to Shop In-Store

and Online This Holiday Season

Showcases new iPhone 14 lineup and best Apps for Holiday fun

 

 

As we head into the holiday season, we know people are eager to find great gifts for everyone on their list! Apple wants to make it easy for your viewers to get their hands on the newest iPhone 14 lineup, Apple Watch, iPad, Mac, AirPods and more. 

 

In a special demo from the historic Apple Tower Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, you'll hear from Apple product manager Francesca Sweet who'll share her favorite Apple gifts for this holiday season. Francesca will also walk you through simple tips to save money and time through services like upgrade and trade in, seamless switching, carrier deals, financing options and more — available at all Apple retail locations. And if you’re looking for fun ways to pass the time with friends and family this season, Smokey Fontaine — editor in chief of the App Store — can share the best apps and games for family game nights, finding moments of calm, or staying connected with family and friends throughout the holiday season. Check out the interview below.

 

These are some great tips that are certain to help you through the hectic holiday season. Be sure to download these apps for yourself to keep your events running smoothly.

 

 

Holiday Gift Guide - The Murders, Season 1 DVD

 Kate Jameson (Jessica Lucas, Gotham) a rookie detective is determined to make her mark on the homicide team. But things go horribly awry when she breaks the first rule of policing: never leave your gun unattended. Haunted by her mistake, Kate seeks to make amends through every case, including that of a mysterious killer who seems particularly invested in her. 8 episodes, 6 ½ hrs, 2 DVDs.

My Thoughts

The Murders is a crime series centering around a detective named Kate Jameson who longs to follow in her father's footsteps. But after one careless mistake could ruin her career, she has to fight to prove she deserves her badge. This first season includes 8 episodes.

The Long Black Veil - Kate leaves her gun unattended in her car.

Heist - Kate's first case is a bank robbery.

Queen of Hearts - Prejudice comes into play in a vehicle manslaughter case. 

Never Kissed a Girl - A man dies in a laundromat and it opens a 15 year old cold case.

Toxic - A film buff is killed and he turns out to be a sexual predator. 

Black and Blue - A body guard dies and his employee is suspected.

In My Feelings - Kate runs into trouble during her mother's campaign.

Stereo  - Kate is caught in the middle of a serial killer's crimes.

I really enjoyed this crime series. I always love to see a female detective leading the cases. Each episode was packed with intrigue. I'm excited to see what happens in the next season.  If you'd like to grab a copy of this fantastic series for yourself, it is available online at PBS.org.

Happy Holidays from New Age Mama

Holiday Gift Guide: Precious Moments Eat Pray Love Collection

With the holidays right around the corner, Precious Moments wants to make sure your home is equipped with functional and beautiful pieces that bring simplicity and a modern look. The Precious Moments Eat Well, Pray Often, Love Always collection will top your table with inspirational messages of love.

The Eat Well, Pray Often, Love Always collection is perfect for entertaining, as a housewarming gift, or for a bridal shower. The collection includes an oven mitt, potholder and wooden spoon set, Ceramic Kitchen Utensil Holder Or Pitcher, as well as a Bamboo Kitchen Trivet.

The Collection is available on Amazon now! Click the links below to each piece:

Ceramic Pitcher or Utensil Holder
Inspirational Kitchen Set—Potholder, Oven Mitt and Wooden Spoon
Bamboo Kitchen Trivet

My Thoughts:

With the holidays finally here, we all are thinking about our get togethers and hosting. Nothing grabs the attention of our guests quite like beautiful kitchenware and accessories. If you're looking for something meaningful, well made, with a modern feel, Precious Moments has you covered!

My mother used to collect Precious Moments when I was a little girl. One of my favorite holiday memories was going to our local Christmas store and looking at the new Precious Moments ornaments and decor. When I heard about the new Eat Well, Pray Often, Love Always collection, I knew this would make the perfect gift for mom.

The collection is crafted incredibly well! The ceramic pitcher is perfect for serving or storing your favorite utensils. It's thick, sturdy, and has a beautiful look to the crafting. The oven mitt and potholder are nice and thick, perfect for grabbing your hot dishes from the heat. Last but certainly not least, the bamboo trivet ties the whole collection together. The craftsmanship is perfect. This item is ideal for any occasion!

Connect with Precious Moments:

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Harry & Meghan Wedding Paper Dolls Review + #Giveaway.

Celebrate the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with these lifelike cut-outs of the happy couple. Sixteen full-color plates include figures of the bride and groom, complete with accurate re-creations of the fashions they wore to pre-wedding events as well as on the day of the historic occasion. Highlights include the bridal gown, an exclusive design by Clare Waight Keller that was one of the year's biggest fashion secrets and has already achieved iconic status.

Price: $9.99
ISBN:  978-0-486-82866-4

My Thoughts:

One of my favorite memories is sitting down with my mom and watching Prince Harry and Meghan Markle say their wedding vowels. The two of them have a real life Cinderella story. It's safe to say we all lived vicariously through Meghan during the Royal Wedding! Relive the moments with the new, Harry & Meghan Wedding Paper Dolls book. No matter if you are a collector or wish to use the paper dolls for fun or decoration, this book will have you all smiles!

The quality of the paper dolls is absolutely stunning! The paper is nice and thick and the artwork is so intricate. Meghan's unique outfits are all depicted is this book, as well as Harry's dashing looks too. Within are also some fun facts and information in regards to the wedding. This book is certain to be a must have for years to come. Don't miss your opportunity to own it now!

The Giveaway:

Dover Publications was kind enough to offer one free Harry & Meghan Wedding Paper Dolls book for one lucky winner! Thank you so much for the opportunity!

Entry-Form

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zulily’s Top Tips to WIN a White Elephant Gift Party This Holiday Season

The holidays are quickly approaching which means annual White Elephant parties are upon us. Everyone dreads walking away with the worst gift, but this year, we have the inside scoop, so you can come away as a winner and  know what to bring for a “steal worthy” gift.

Online retailer zulily has created a list of the top tips to ensure you’re all the envy of the party. Here are a few of their suggestions

•   Join Forces – Form an alliance with one or two friends and agree to split or share the gifts.
• Wear Your Poker Face – Don’t show excitement when you get a good gift, but act like you love the bad!
• Don’t Jude a Gift by its Wrapping – Often the prettiest wrapped gifts have the worst present.

But how do you source a truly “steal-worthy” gift?  According to a recent survey by zulily:

• Almost a quarter (24%) of Americans’ favorite part about a White Elephant party is getting a fun, unexpected gift.
•  While almost half of Americans (46%) would rather laugh at their gift then gag in disgust (3%).
•  The most desired White Elephant gifts Americans would like to receive are Whimsical Garden Figurines (23%), followed closely by a Wine Glass that holds a Full Bottle of Wine (21%).

Be sure to check out all the awesome White Elephant gifts from zulily in their holiday.

November is Family Literacy Month! zulily Gives Kids Gift of Reading with Holiday Buy 1, Give 1 Campaign

There's nothing quite like the immersive, imagination-inspiring power of books: who doesn't love discovering new worlds, swimming with mermaids, or just simply saying good night? Storytime is a treasured pastime for all, but many children may not have the opportunity to experience the magic of books. To kick off the season of giving while also celebrating National Family Literacy Month in November, zulily, the online retailer obsessed with bringing special finds to its customers every day, is teaming up with Penguin Random House to help provide books to children in need across the U.S.  

zulily is leading its third annual holiday giving campaign launching today, November 1, and is currently planned through  December 12, 2018 at 6 a.m. PT. Special sales events launched during the campaign will feature a curated selection of children's books and each Penguin Random House book purchased labeled with the "BUY 1, GIVE 1" badge will trigger a new children's book donation, up to 100,000 books, from Penguin Random House to First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides new books and other essentials to children in need nationwide.  

"We recognize many of our customers utilize the power of reading and storytelling to connect with their loved ones – from nightly bedtime stories to holiday favorites during this special time of year," said Sheila Nugent, VP of Kids and Hardlines at zulily. "By collaborating with Penguin Random House and First Book, we aim to delight children across the country with the joy and gift of reading this holiday season."  

"This holiday campaign, created through our long-standing relationship with zulily, is a great way to support our community of readers.  Through this partnership with zulily, we're able to distribute books to communities in need through our charitable partner, First Book, by providing up to 100,000 books during this holiday season.  At Penguin Random House we are proud of our commitment to fostering a universal passion for reading and providing access to books in the communities and schools of parents and children who need them most." said Jaci Updike, President of Sales of Penguin Random House U.S. "Our educators share stories with us about families who have to choose between school supplies and food," said Kyle Zimmer, president, CEO, and co-founder of First Book. "The support of zulily, zulily's customers, and Penguin Random House will bring beautiful new books to these families, children, and their dedicated teachers. Books bring joy and they open the door for academic success. Students who receive a new book are in awe that someone would reach out to them in such a tangible, powerful way. Your support means the world to us and it means the future to the children we serve." 

Shoppers can now look for the "BUY 1, GIVE 1" badge on featured books in select events on zulily's website/app. During the campaign, zulily fans can visit zulily's owned social channels to engage in a social call-to-action, through comments, likes or shares to also spark the "Give One" book donation from Penguin Random House to First Book.  

To help efforts to provide children the gift of reading this holiday season visit zulily.com, and zulily's social pages: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Please visit zulily.com/buyonegiveone for full campaign details.  

Holiday Gift Guide - Assassin’s Creed ® Odyssey

Write your own odyssey and live incredible adventures in a world where every choice matters. Rejected by your family, you embark on an epic journey from a young outcast to legendary Spartan hero and uncover the truth about your past. Forge your path through a war-torn Greece shaped by gods and men, where mountains and ocean collide. Meet Ancient Greece’s famous figures and influence a pivotal point in history that shaped western civilization. 
  

Assassin’s Creed ^® Odyssey brings player choice to the forefront through never-before-seen innovations as you choose the hero you want to become and change the world around you. Take control of your destiny with every decision you make and each relationship you build. Customize your equipment and master new special abilities, tailoring your hero’s skillset to your playstyle. Fight across the country of Greece, engaging in visceral battles on both land and sea and becoming a true hero of legend. Placing choice at the center of the gameplay experience, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey empowers you to author your own legendary odyssey.

My Thoughts

I'll admit that the Assassin's Creed series hasn't been my personal favorite since they are a little violent. I didn't let my son play them until he reached junior high, but this one even held even my attention. I love Ancient Greece and the legend of the Spartans,  and this game really brings those scenes to life. In  Assassin's Creed Odyssey, you can get explore the tombs of the ancient Greek civilizations. Along the way, there are mysteries to be solved, and discoveries to be made as you journey with the war hero assassin. You will fight enemies and even meet some of the ancient Greek deities.

One of the unique things about this game is that you can play the missions in any order.  This makes the experience unique for each person. You can also play alone or team up to play missions with your friends using Xbox Live. The possibilities are endless, and make this a game you can play over and over again.

My son loved playing this game. He found it challenging and interesting. It's a little too hard for me and my Nintendo hands to master, but I really enjoyed watching him play. The graphics are just beautiful. I love the different views of the ancient cities and especially loved watching the mythical creatures come to life. Watching him play was like watching a movie, and I feel like it's actually teaching him a little about history.

The Assassin's Creed series has been one of my son's favorites. After waiting a year, he was excited to see what they would come up with next, and he was not disappointed. If you'd like to grab a copy of this fantastic game for yourself, it is available now in stores nationwide. You can also grab a copy on Amazon. It would make a great gift for any of the teens of your list.

No Tricks, Just Great Deals at UntilGone - #Discount Code

The holidays are almost upon us, and that means lots of shopping.  It's always a great idea to get a head start in the fall. We all want to save money on our gift purchases, but I for one have no intention of standing in line on Black Friday or getting into a fist fight with someone over the last HDTV.  Luckily, there's an easier way to get your shopping done that doesn't involve long waits or bodily injury.

UntilGone is an awesome online shopping destination for anyone who loves getting an amazing deal on products they love, but who doesn't want to deal with tricks, gimmicks, or pricey membership fees.  UntilGone  simplifies the shopping experience, and saves you money by offering great deals on all your favorite products every day of the year. Choose from popular categories including electronics, housewares, apparel, outdoor items, and so much  more. Here are just a few of my favorite items.

These are only a few of the amazing deals you can find at UntilGone. They offer a wide range of high quality products from a variety of categories at everyday low prices.  Plus, they have exclusive sale events that drop prices even lower. If that's not enough, they even offer free shipping on all orders over $20! Check back often as the inventory always changes to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. Check them out today and check off some items on your holiday shopping list. But remember not to wait, because these items are only available until their gone!

****Discount Code****

If you want to make a purchase at UntilGone, now would be the perfect time. New Age Mama readers are being offered an exclusive discount. Just enter the code NEWAGEMAMA at checkout to get 5% off your total order.

Holiday Gift Guide- Red Rose Sweet Temptations; Dessert Flavored Tea.

With cold weather comes the excuse to stay inside, curl up with a good book (or a good binge on your favorite TV show), and sip on something hot and delicious, now without any of the guilt! We are happy to share with you and your readers new Red Rose Sweet Temptations, a range of zero-calorie, caffeine-free herbal tea blends that are naturally flavored, lightly sweetened with Stevia and taste just like your favorite bakery treat! They taste just like their flavor names, which include Blueberry Muffin, Caramel Apple Pie, Lemon Cake and Strawberry Cheesecake.

Lisa Lillien, aka Hungry Girl, has partnered with Red Rose to create some delicious recipes featuring the new flavors. The latest recipe pairs perfectly with the weather outside and upcoming holiday season - Caramel Apple Pie Latte! Here's the link to make this delicious drink yourself!: Caramel Apple Pie Latte Recipe

About Hungry Girl:

Lisa Lillien (a.k.a. Hungry Girl) is a New York Times best-selling author and the creator of the Hungry Girl brand. She is the founder of hungry-girl.com, the free daily email service that entertains and informs hungry people everywhere. Lisa is the author of twelve bestselling cookbooks, six of which debuted at #1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list. She has also starred in a top-rated cooking show on both Food Network and Cooking Channel. A self-proclaimed "mad scientist" in the kitchen, Lisa dishes out guilt-free recipes, tips & tricks, supermarket finds, and survival guides for real-world eating situations.

My Thoughts:

I'll admit that I have a sweet tooth! When the holidays come around I am ready to dig into my favorite seasonal recipes. However, trying to stay on point with my health needs and not over do it with sugary treats is harder this time of year. Thanks to Hungry Girl and Red Rose, they have created a must have tea line for sweet lovers just like me! With flavors like Caramel Apple Pie, Strawberry Cheesecake, Lemon Cake and Blueberry Muffin, no matter what your favorite dish is you are covered by Red Rose Sweet Temptations!

I was amazed by the accurate flavors of these teas. If you are concerned about health risks, fear not! Sweet Temptations are caffeine free, herbal, zero calorie, naturally flavored and only lightly sweetened with Stevia. You'll be able to enjoy all your favorite bakery treats without any guilt!

After enjoying a cup at night as a treat with my official Red Rose mug added in to my delivery, I decided to try and see what special mixes I could make. I loved mixing up a tablespoon of honey into my Blueberry Muffin tea. It was scrumptious! I also adored making my own dessert by adding a touch of chocolate syrup into the Strawberry Cheesecake and a bit of cinnamon into the Caramel Apple Pie! These teas are perfect for your recipe making! 

If you're looking for a savory treat for yourself or a loved one this holiday season, look no further than Red Rose Sweet Temptations!

Connect with Hungry Girl: 

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Connect with Red Rose:

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Promotion: 

Red Rose and Hungry Girl are having a promotion now on their Sweet Temptations tea. Click here on this link Promo Link  to check out the wonderful prices of individual packs and multi. All orders over $65 receive a free gift! Offer ends 12/26/17 at 10 am ET. 

Holiday Gift Guide- Corked, Portable Aromatherapy!

Corked® is a portable aromatherapy device that diffuses unique blends of vitamins and essential oils for a new approach to aromatherapy.

All of our blends are made of organic, all-natural ingredients like vitamins, minerals, and essential oils. After a blend is made it is filled into our high-quality stainless steel device which diffuses the liquid that is infused with a blend of essential oils from plants as well as Vitamin B12.

How to Use:

Using your Corked diffuser is as easy as drawing into the mouth as if drinking from a straw, and expelling the mist out of your nose. Proper use would include no more than 2-3 puffs on the diffuser at a time, 3 times a day. Aromatherapy is all about balance, pretty much like everything else in life! If you're sure to stick to using the diffuser as directed, it will increase the overall life of the battery and diffuser, and it will also ensure that you're getting the best possible aromatherapy experience with Corked.

1. Locate the white top and pop it off the tube.

2. Slide the diffuser out of the packaging tube.

3. Draw into mouth, do not inhale into lungs.

4. Exhale the mist out of your nose.

Ingredients:

We only obtain ingredients from reputable United States based companies. In order to account for divergence in supply, we purchase ingredients from a variety of companies.

Each blend has its own web page that discusses the specific essential oils list for that blend, as well as how each of the essential oils is used in aromatherapy. In order to enhance the aromatherapy experience for our users, we also include Vitamin B12 in all of our blends.

Safety:

Our primary objective at Corked® is to create and distribute a safe and reliable product; that’s why we use entirely natural ingredients and a safely constructed diffuser.

The Corked® portable aromatherapy delivery system is not an e-cigarette, as it does not contain tobacco, nicotine, or artificial chemicals. In addition, the base used for our essential oil blends is an organic, soy-based vegetable glycerin.

If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any sort of respiratory condition such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and/or acute respiratory infection, it is recommended that you do not use the Corked® aromatherapy delivery system. Those with allergies to any essential oils should carefully consider which blends to use if you do choose to use the Corked® device. It is not anticipated that users will experience any adverse effects from the device, as long as it is used as directed and by those without any of the aforementioned conditions.

My Thoughts:

Having always been a huge fan of aromatherapy and essential oils, I was fascinated by the unique experience that Corked brought to their users. I have always felt better after enjoying the health benefits of oils, no matter if they were for relaxation, sleep, or even to help with mood boosting. Being able to bring that relief with me in a quick and easy handheld device sounded like the perfect way to bring that balance into my busy life.

Corked is so fun and easy to use! They taste fantastic, work quickly, and give you a boost of energy thanks to the Vitamin B12. I got to try the Corked Bundle which had five of their wonderful diffusers:

Alive - A blend specifically designed to boost energy and uplift mood.

Ecstacy - Uplifts mood and increases libido to enhance your time with that special someone.

Meditate - Find that peaceful and calm state of mind during meditation or after a long day.

Refresh - Rejuvenate the systems of the body after a workout or when you're feeling groggy.

Trance - Fall into a deep and restful sleep that's without the spacey feeling in the morning.

Each portable aromatherapy device lasts between 250-300 breathes. I have to say that the five did their job and certainly made me feel what the description said. Once you pop the top off and have your stainless steel diffuser in hand, you take a deep breath as if you are using a straw, then release the mist through the nose. A cool feature is that the Corked logo on the bottom actually lights up as you inhale!

Alive gave me an instant energy boost and made me feel ready to take on the day. It brightened my mood and did not have the random groggy feeling when an energy drink for example wares off. Ecstacy makes you feel confident and spicy. I loved how fun that one was for your mood overall. Meditate is fantastic when you need that feeling of relaxation and calm. If you need help reaching a level of zen in your life or during a meditation, this one is for you! Refresh is fantastic for those that fight in the morning to feel awake or need that push of motivation to keep doing through your day. I also recommend using this if you are fighting a cold. Last but not least, Trance is wonderful for people who have insomnia like I do. This peaceful blend assists in reaching a healthy state of sleep without dragging the next day.

Another fantastic attribute about Corked is that they will even mix a special blend just for you! If you want to custom build your dream diffuser, look no further than their website to, Mix Your Mood! They also have a Mix of the Month option as well. This month is, Robust! If you're looking for a unique and truly ground breaking item for you or someone on your list this holiday season, Corked is ideal for you! I highly recommend these products and cannot wait to keep using them as a new part of my routine.

Connect with Corked:

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