Sweeten Up the Holiday Season with Burleson's Honey! #HolidayGiftGuide

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Burleson's for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Ready to sweeten up the holiday season?  Burleson's Honey is a true Texas gem, a 117-year-old family brand based in Waxahachie, Texas. Burleson’s is as Texas as it gets - 100% pure, True Source Certified® honey, made with integrity, transparency, family tradition and tons of state pride. 

Unlike many big-name honeys on store shelves, Burleson’s keeps it real - no fillers, no shortcuts, just pure, ethically sourced honey that supports hardworking beekeepers and local farms. They’re even a founding member of the “Go Texan” movement, helping keep the sweetness right here at home.

Check out a few of our favorite Burleson's products:

Texas Wildflower Honey

As close as you can get to the actual taste of springtime in the Lone Star State. This full-bodied, flavor-packed honey is a perfect choice for everything from grilling and baking to sweetening a pitcher of cold iced tea.

Clover Honey

Burleson’s flagship Clover Honey has a pleasant, mild taste and light color. It's versatility and outstanding flavor have made it the everyday honey of choice for generations of families throughout the southern U.S. 

Creamed Honey Spread

Burleson’s Creamed Honey Spread (also known as spun honey) combines delicious, natural honey flavor with the convenience of easy spreadability. It’s a sweet addition to sandwiches, baked goods, or drinks.

South Texas Huajillo Raw Honey

The newest addition to the Burleson's family. Straight from the Lone Star State, South Texas Huajillo delivers a clear, crisp, powerful sweetness with little or no aftertaste. The perfect honey for those with the most discerning taste.

Raw and Unfiltered Organic Honey

Introduced for Burleson's customers’ interest in clean and healthy food choices. In addition to being True Source Certified like all of their honey, it is also certified organic by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

From everyday breakfasts to backyard barbecues, Burleson’s brings a touch of Texas tradition to every table. Their lineup includes lots of honey options, and naturally flavored creamed honeys that taste delicious spread on biscuits or stirred into tea. With the holidays coming up, it’s a local favorite for gifting and entertaining - a little jar of homegrown Texas sweetness that fits right into any kitchen.

Burleson’s Honey is available in Texas stores like Walmart, H-E-B, Central Market, Brookshire’s, Tom Thumb, Randalls, and more!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Beverly Hills MD: Skincare Gifts She Is Sure To Love! #HolidayGiftGuide

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Beverly Hills MD for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Keeping the skin hydrated is important for many reasons especially as it is fundamental in maintaining healthy functioning skin. Beverly Hills MD has a variety of products that work to increase the skin’s water levels, supply the skin with hydration, and protect the skin barrier.  These lovely products would make a fantastic gift this holiday season!

Take a look at a few of our favorites:

Multi-Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Booster

Featuring 11 powerful hyaluronic acids, this serum helps the skin appear smoother, firmer, and more radiant. The Hyaluronic Acid BT sits on top of the skin like an invisible sheet mask to help lock in moisture.

Moisture Lock Botanical Essence

To help support a healthy skin barrier function, this lightweight essence nourishes the skin to give it a luminous, healthy radiance. It is formulated to combat the signs of Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), promote skin elasticity, and even the skin tone for a brighter looking complexion.

Smooth + Firm Copper Peptide Concentrate

A highly concentrated “firming gel” featuring copper peptide microcrystals and hyaluronic salts, helping provide visibly tighter, bouncier, and more radiant skin.

Ageless Volume Hyaluronic Face Mask

Inspired by deeply rehydrating facials, these masks are packed with potent volumizers that help visibly plump, firm, and smooth the skin as it is deeply hydrated. The Allantoin in the mask helps support the skin barrier to retain moisture.

Skin Perfexion Correcting Complex

Reduces the look of redness and discoloration on contact for a flawless-looking complexion, while bakuchiol delivers dramatic smoothing and visible firming benefits. (Results may vary from person to person)

Plump + Glow Vitamin C Serum

Crafted with kakadu plum, botanical extracts and nourishing oils, this serum helps enhance elasticity, visibly reduce wrinkles, and deliver a show-stopping glow. (Results may vary from person to person)

Put something under the tree that she is sure to love and actually use this year!  Check out Beverly Hills MD for some great gift ideas! 

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Decadent Gourmet Pecan Goodies From Sunnyland Farms! #HolidayGiftGuide

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Sunnyland Farms for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

If you have a foodie or someone with a sweet tooth on your gift-giving list this holiday season, you NEED to know about Sunnyland Farms and all of their gourmet goodies!

Sunnyland Farms is a family-owned and operated 1,760 acre Georgia pecan farm that has been around since 1948.  They are a farm AND manufacturer. Every delicious product they make is managed on site with close attention to detail.  Sunnyland Farms proudly offers Georgia-grown pecan nuts in all varieties: halves, pieces, raw, mammoth, toasted, honey-kissed, unsalted, salted, and in-the-shell. These gourmet, fresh pecans are wonderful for snacking, baking, and gifting. 

Check out some of our favorite mouthwatering treats from Sunnyland Farms:

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Gift Box features a rich, homemade-style pecan pie, beautifully packaged in a white box with a charming green bow design—perfect for gifting!  This rich, decadent dessert would also be the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table.

Pecan Lovers Combo

If they love pecans, they’ll love this gift: six hand-dipped Pecan Pralines, 5 oz each of Simply Cinnamon and Honey Kissed Pecans, plus 5 oz of Milk Chocolate Choco-Pecans, all in a beautiful square gift box.  If you are making a charcuterie board for your holiday gathering, these treats would be an exceptional addition!

Any of these goodies would make great gifts or would be perfect to have on hand for holiday entertaining.  Sunnyland Farms offers free shipping with no minimum order needed.  They have really phenomenal customer service as well.  

In today’s world, you don’t always know where your food is coming from. At Sunnyland Farms, that’s not the case. “Only the best” means one thing: they sell the highest quality, freshest mixed nuts, dried fruits, and famous pecans for sale you’ll find anywhere.

One of our favorite foodie gift ideas this year and every year is Sunnyland Farms!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Treat Your Pup with a Delicious Advent Calendar from Bonne et Filou #HolidayGiftGuide

  *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Bonne et Filou for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

We love Advent Calendars!  What a fun way to build up excitement around all of the fun family events planned for the month of December!  Each year we buy an Advent Calendar for each member of the family and this year we've got a great one to share for the pup.  Check out this amazing Advent Calendar for Dogs from Bonne et Filou full of luxury dog treats sure to spoil any pup!

This countdown calendar is sure to make tails wag!  It is chock full of 24 tasty biscuits in a memorable book-style box, the ultimate gift for pampered pups!

This calendar allows you to treat to precious pup with a delectable selection of handmade dog treats including dog truffles, dog bones and dog macarons. Open each window to find a special treat, while counting down to Christmas Day.

Treats are made using a100% natural recipe, handmade in North America and are free of artificial coloring or any preservatives. The ingredients are all healthy for dogs, corn-free, and wheat-free, and sourced from local suppliers - only the best for your four-legged friend.

The box contains 24 treats including 12 dog bones, 8 dog truffles, and 4 dog macarons.  Treat your posh pup this holiday season with an Advent Calendar or any other number of tasty treats from Bonne et Filou!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Cozy Up With Sweet Treats From Sugar Bowl Bakery This Fall!

  *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Sugar Bowl Bakery for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Just in time for Fall, your local Texas Costco is fully stocked with Sugar Bowl Bakery goodies that are perfect to cozy up with! These delicious, bite-sized treats are great for dessert, to enjoy with your morning coffee or to snuggle up with your evening cocoa! 

This pumpkin fusion combines warm spice with smooth sweetness in a perfectly balanced swirl of Pumpkin Spice and Sweet Cream Marble. With soft, moist textures and a creamy, spiced finish, it’s the ultimate pumpkin frenzy for fall - blending tradition with modern indulgence.

Chocolatey, rich, and decadent Brownie Bites are a perfect treat to satisfy cravings in a fast-paced world. Our perfectly portioned baked goods are crafted with high-quality ingredients, indulging in a delectable dessert has never been easier or more convenient. 

These perfectly crisp and subtly sweet cookies are made in the traditional French way with over 2500 layers of puff pastry.

Cozy up to Pumpkin Spice Madeleines, a classic autumn treat made with real pumpkins and a signature handful of spices. 

Other than the exceptional taste, here are some other reasons to love Sugar Bowl Bakery treats:

Perfectly portioned

Made with simple ingredients

No artificial flavors or colors

No preservatives

Family-and-minority-owned

Sugar Bowl Bakery offers up a variety of baked snacks that make healthier alternatives to treats that are full of who knows what.  Sugar Bowl Bakery goodies are a hit in our house every time. Cozy up this Fall with better-for-you treats from Sugar Bowl Bakery!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

MIlestones & More, the Play Kits That Grow With Your Little One!

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Milestones & More for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Check out this fun new line of play kits from Milestones & More that grows with your little one:

Milestones & More play kits include carefully selected age-appropriate toys, bilingual books, and activities for you and your child to explore. You'll create memories together while building the foundational learning skills that will enable babies and toddlers to develop their early learning abilities. Included in the kits are a magazine, activity cards, a board book, a skill builder, a health and safety item, and a plush.

As your toddler gets older, they are using their growing language skills to tell you what’s on their mind. They are also building friendships with other children and showing affection to familiar adults. Their growing physical skills—walking, running, and climbing—help them explore the world in more adventurous ways. There is wonder in everything your toddler does at this age. So, get ready to explore with them!

What a fun box to share with your little one or to gift to someone you love!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Why Your New Build isn't Automatically Comfortable

 **Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate** 

 

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Moving into a new house feels amazing, right? Like, you’re walking through those rooms thinking about where the couch goes, what color to paint the walls, and how good your kitchen’s going to look once you finally unpack the blender. All of this is super exciting, especially for newly built houses, because you usually don’t have to worry about seasonal disasters like you usually do when it comes to older houses.

But even with all of that said, there’s still an issue here; it’s the comfort aspect of all of this. Yes, older houses are already known for sometimes not being that comfy, but yeah, it can technically happen to some older houses, too. While sure, that doesn’t immediately cross a person's mind, eventually that reality is going to set in. Maybe it's one specific room in the house that’s freezing, or one that feels like a sauna, or maybe you’re just struggling with the thermostat for some weird reason.

Just generally speaking, not all newly built homes are automatically comfortable, and, well, like any house, it’s a matter of trying to make it comfortable and figuring out how to do it ASAP because the extreme temperatures start happening outside.

It Might be the Filters

Most people don’t even think about the air filter, but it’s usually the first thing working against you. Builders often pop in the cheapest filter they can find, and if it’s been sitting through weeks of construction dust, basically, it’s already gross before you move in. How about that “new home smell”? 

Well, half of it is just drywall dust blowing through your vents. So you just need to swap it out right away. But really, a fresh filter does more for your comfort than that new throw blanket you just bought.

What’s the Thermostat Settings?

Well, to be more specific here, do you know the settings for your thermostat? Is it a smart thermostat? Well, a lot of new builds come with basic models that are fine, but not great. Sure, sometimes it’s a smart thermostat, sometimes not. But anyway, it might be a smart decision to look into upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat (one that’s actually easy on you). But looking into this keeps everyone a little happier and helps with the energy bill, too.

How’s the Airflow Looking?

New house, new ductwork… so everything should be perfect, right? Well, not always. Airflow can be tricky; sometimes you need to reach out to air conditioning and heating professionals, sometimes you don’t need to. It just depends on how your ducts are. 

But if the vents are placed so that one room gets blasted while another barely gets a breeze, then you obviously have a problem. The same goes for vents being placed in weird locations, like directly next to windows (because window treatments go over the windows). But it helps to just take a lap around the house, and see if there’s anything you can personally do about it (ideally before you put up furniture

BunBebes, Your Kiddo's New Bestie!

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to BunBebes for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Are your kiddos as obsessed with stuffies as mine are?  If so, BunBebes are sure to be a hit!

BunBebes is a collection of irresistibly adorable, limited-edition plushies designed to bring people of all ages closer to the magic of play and connection. Every BunBebes character is designed to spark play, creativity, and imagination. These delightfully round, soft-bodied friends are perfect for cuddling, tossing, or simply holding close when the world feels overwhelming. Crafted from fleece-like material for unmatched softness and baby-safe, they’re as soothing to hold as they are fun to collect. Kids can discover a digital universe with downloadable coloring pages to further connect with each BunBebes.

A fell in love with Zulos the Blue Dragon as soon as we opened our package.  Zulos is your wise and caring bestie, bringing balance, comfort, and protection wherever he goes. With his majestic blue fur, vibrant red spikes, and white horns, Zulos stands out as a symbol of strength and serenity.

Find your kiddo's new bestie at BunBebes!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Screen Free Family Fun with Puzzles of Color!

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Puzzles of Color for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Check out one of our favorite new puzzle companies, Puzzles of Color:

Puzzles of Color is a black-owned family business deeply rooted in preserving and celebrating Black culture. Their puzzles, created in collaboration with artists of color, are a beautiful pastime, a connection to a rich heritage, and a celebration of shared identity.

“Summertime Collards” by Marcene Ogawa

Designed to spark imagination, with its fun details and calming colors, the Summertime Collards puzzle is perfect for little hands and big dreams. This colorful puzzle depicts a mother and daughter tending to their garden and is inspired by peaceful summer days. 

For families looking to reduce screen time and get everyone together for fun, there's something to capture everyone's interest. The puzzles are art worth displaying and conversation starters.

We loved putting together this puzzle!  It's gorgeous and fun for puzzlers both young and old!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Screen-Free Fun for the Whole Family with Popdarts!

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Popdarts for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Check out one of our favorite new screen-free family fun activities...Popdarts!

Popdarts 

Price: $22.50+

Available on Amazon

The best-selling suction cup dart game that took social media by storm introduces Rookie! A line designed for even more fun, accessibility, and screen-free play for all ages. The Rookie Popdarts land almost every time, making them ideal for family and friends, game time, and indoor/outdoor entertainment this summer. Looking for an easy spot to play outside? Don’t forget about car hoods, patios, and, of course, the Popdarts board series!

The Popdarts® Rookie Pack is the perfect way to kickstart your Popdarts journey!

Whether you're learning the ropes, enjoying family game night, or having friendly battles with your friends & family, this pack is all about fun.

What's Inside: 📦

Game rules and easy how-to instructions.

6 Rookie Popdarts (2 sets of 3 darts for each team.)

1 Rookie Target Marker.

1 Carrying Bag (complete with easy-to-follow rules and built-in ruler!)

2 Stickers to show you’re officially part of the Popdarts® Rookie Crew!

BONUS: Pro Popdart for when you're ready to level up.

Popdarts has definitely leveled up the fun on family game night around here!  

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

4 Effective Ways to Manage Anxiety

 **Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate** 

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Around 40 million adults in the US are thought to be currently living with anxiety, according to the ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America. And the National Alliance on Mental Illness states that approximately 7% of children aged 7 to 13 experience anxiety, too.

If you're feeling overwhelmed and burdened with anxiety, this post is here to equip you with some practical, tried-and-tested tips. These are not just old tropes that can do more harm than good, but effective strategies that you can implement in your daily life.

Let's take a look at some of your options for dealing with and managing anxiety levels. 

Exercise

Sure, this can be seen as another "trope" rolled out by people who think exercise can cure the world's problems. But regular exercise can help you feel better, and when you feel better, it can seem easier to manage your anxiety.

And if your anxiety limits you from exercising outdoors in the presence of others or using crowded gyms or fitness classes, then working out at home on your own is a viable option for you.

It doesn't even matter what exercise you do; a simple walk around the block or following an online walking workout can be beneficial. Simply add some exercise to your day every day and use it as a part of your anxiety management, not a miracle cure. 

Supplements

Supplements for anxiety can be used alone or alongside prescribed medications for anxiety. And while not all have proven benefits, some are more anecdotal than others; there might be some benefit in trying different ones to see if you experience any benefits. Even if it's the placebo effect, it's worth getting all the help you can right!

Supplements for anxiety can include ashwagandha, magnesium, Valerian, Vitamin D, Theanine, and

THC+CBD+CBG for anxiety.

Deep Breathing

When things feel like they're spiralling and you cannot remain in control, remember that deep breathing techniques are a flexible tool in your anxiety management kit. There are multiple different breathing techniques you can try, and the best one for you is the one that feels most comfortable and effective.

Not sure where to start?  You can choose from

• Diaphragmatic breathing, ie, belly breathing

• 4-7-8 breathing (inhale through the nose for 4, hold for 7, and exhale to the count of 8).

• Box breathing involves visualising a box and breathing in deeply for the count of 4 as you draw one line. Hold for 4 to draw the next line, exhale for 4, hold for 4, and you will have drawn a box.

• 7/11 breathing involves inhaling deeply for 7 and then exhaling to the count of 11.

• 
  

Sleep

Everything—and we mean everything—feels worse when you're not sleeping, so if your anxiety is threatening to overflow, it's important to focus on getting more sleep or better quality sleep. Practice some good sleep hygiene practices and improve your bedtime routine. Don't be afraid to take naps if you need to. And when you're sleeping better, you will feel your stress levels become more manageable.