• Home
  • About Me
  • Contact Me

Persevering Momma

Taking The Day One Spoon At a Time

  • About
  • Parenting
  • Reviews
  • Contact Me
  • Media Kit
    • Expanded Giveaway/Review Policies
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Sponsorship & Advertising
  • Giveaways
  • How To: For Rafflecopter!

Top Holiday Gifts For Men in Your Life 2017 Edition

November 30, 2017 by Ashley Leave a Comment

Buying gifts for men in your life doesn’t have to be as difficult as some women make it out to be. All you need to do is think about what they enjoy or would enjoy. That is what I did and how I came up with this great list of top gifts for the men in my life this year.

Gifts for men

Lugz King LX Black shoes

If you are looking for something comfortable, but nice looking then look no further than the Lugz King LX shoes for men this year.  These shoes are new on the market and while they are a Hi-Top Sneaker they can also pull off being a dress shoe with the right outfit.  If you have a man in your life that loves shoes as much as you do or possibly more than you then you have to get him these shoes because he won’t want to miss out on something so nice.

Overtone Haircare

Overtone Haircare makes for the perfect present to the man in your life with wild hair. Our little family is full of wild colored hair and my hubby would be over the moon to get Overtone Haircare as a present or a Stocking Stuffer this year. You can buy the whole set and make it up into a very cute little gift package. Overtone Haircare helps to care for your hair while coloring it and helping it to keep the color you desire. My hubby would be all over the Vibrant Green since that is his favorite color and let’s be honest, most of the time his hair is green!

Evolution Brush

Step up your mans shaving game with the Evolution Brush from Legacy Shave. This brush attachment can be attached to virtually every shaving cream canister on the market. Attach this brush and there is no need to spread shaving cream across your face with your hands. Save time and mess by using the Evolution Brush while shaving. This is a small gift that makes for a great gift basket item or a great stocking stuffer item. Get yours at LegacyShave.com or on Amazon today.

What gifts for men in your life are you buying this year?

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Christmas, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide

Preserving Our Holiday Memories This Year With Portrait Innovations

November 21, 2017 by Ashley Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored post about preserving our holiday memories with Portrait Innovations.  

I was never a person who liked getting pictures taken for anything really until my son was born and then a monster was born. I love getting pictures taken for holidays and special occasions. There is just something awesome about having professional pictures to showcase all of the big events in our lives. While I do get pictures with the whole family I am really getting the pictures taken for my son. I want to be able to cherish the memories of him years from now. This year we were able to get holiday pictures thanks to Portrait Innovations. I am thankful to say that I had a great experience with this in studio experience.

Before this shoot at Portrait Innovations we had never gotten pictures taken in a big chain studio. I will admit openly that I was really nervous about it because I remember some really boring shoots as a child at a few different chain studios. Portrait Innovations was so much different than those experiences. They make the whole shoot personal and want to get your personality into the pictures. It isn’t completely about the poses and perfect smiles. The women running the studio that I went to were fun and engaging.

The Portrait Innovations Experience

This company wants your photoshoot to be fun and they want you to love the pictures that are taken and that is why I say that it is an experience. When you schedule an appointment with them they makes sure to send you a courtesy call days before your appointment to discuss what the appointment will entail. They offer outfit changes and want you to know about the backgrounds that will be utilized. During this conversation they also learn about what you are seeking from the photoshoot so that they can also be prepared in advance to give you the best experience possible.

Portrait Innovations is a spacious studio with two different studio rooms. Right now they have one room set up for Holiday pictures and pictures with a rug on the floor (Your location may have different props than my location.) and the other room is set up with the extra large backdrops that give you an even colored background.

The Portrait Innovations Photoshoot

The actual photoshoot was amazing. We were focusing on Holiday themed pictures so we started our shoot with the holiday backdrop, but you can start the shoot with whatever backdrop you choose. The women will tailor your experience to you. It isn’t a one fits all experience. (This also means you can and they encourage you to bring your own props to help personalize your experience; however we did not bring any props with us.)

During prop changes and backdrop changes my toddler son was able to run off and play with the LEGO table. I was very thankful for the quiet studio and the fact that we were the only ones there 90% of the time. This meant that we got personal attention and I didn’t have to worry about my son bothering some stranger with his crazy toddler antics. One other thing I loved about this shoot was the fact that we were not pressed for time. When you get pictures taken by individual photographers they give you a small window of time where you have to fit in 10-20 pictures and you feel stressed trying to get kids to behave. At Portrait Innovations I never felt like that. We were told to let our son be himself and if he ran off we were allowed to let him get a little energy out before we continued with the photoshoot.

I feel like I could talk about the shoot forever, but we took 25 different pictures on three different backdrops in approximately 1 1/2 hours. I would have to say that is an amazing feat with a 21 month old little boy in tow.

Selecting The Perfect Pictures

Once we finished the photoshoot I will admit I was both excited and dreading the selection process. I knew that I was going to have approximately 25 pictures to choose from and in the end I would only be walking away with 6 pictures printed for family and friends this holiday season. The first few cuts were easy for me to select because we had duplicates of pictures (close ups and full body shots of the same poses) that made it easy to cut so that I wasn’t printing too similar of pictures, but the reality set in very fast.

Once I had cut out the duplicate photos I started to struggle. Reality was these women took such amazing photos that I wasn’t finding any pictures that I wasn’t completely in love with. I did manage to cut down the pictures that would be printed and my family has all so far agreed that I picked great pictures to have printed.

A standard session like this always will end with the selection process. You will start with the full set of images and select your favorite picture of three for each pose and this is what gets you the 25 different pictures to pick from. These will include a few black and white images as well as at least one sepia image to pick from. They will start with the biggest package where you get a ton of extras. As you cut out pictures your package will change and you can tailor it to be the perfect package for you and your family.

This means you can get all the bells and whistles, some, or just the prints of a few pictures. It makes it possible for the shoot to be priced for people of all backgrounds. As someone who comes from a low income family I can say that some of the packages and special sessions are most definitely within my price range.

Many of the packages that Portrait Innovations offers are priced at the rate I was paying individual photographers for and I am getting prints and special effects images that day. I just loved being able to walk away with my pictures and not have to wait a week to just get digital images in my email.

Portrait Innovations Special Offers

Portrait Innovations seems to always have some sort of special going on that will help you save a little extra money or just be able to get some extra special holiday themed pictures. Currently they have a Holiday Portrait Special going on where you can get a pretty amazing package.

The Holiday Portrait Special will get you one image printed and in digital format. In this package you get 42 prints, a canvas or a mug and an ornament. In addition to that you also get a CD with your image on it with copyright release so that you can print the image at a later date if you so choose.

Filed Under: Family, Featured Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas Traditions, Family, Family Pictures, Holiday, Photography

Don’t Fret Holiday Gift Buying For Grandparents

November 16, 2017 by Ashley Leave a Comment

Every year I start dwelling on what I am going to give everyone for Christmas real early.  Seriously, just ask my family.  This year I stated fretting about what I would be gifting everyone in September.  My family thinks I am crazy because they don’t really start buying or thinking about presents until after Halloween.  I know I am a little kooky… or a lot kooky and I am okay with that.  However, if you are like me then you might dwell long and hard about the PERFECT gifts. So, don’t fret holiday gift buying this year because I got you.

Don’t Fret Holiday Gift Buying

One of my favorite gifts comes from Collage.com.  I am so thankful that they were willing to work with me this year and offer a gift card in return for a review of their services.  I have used them in the past and have loved everything about them.  Last year I was able to get this beautiful collage canvas for my mother-in-law.  It brought her to tears because she loved having a nice, large print to hang on her wall in her bedroom.  She has told me it means a lot that she can see two of her grand-babies every night before bed.

This year I decided to preserve memories by getting another canvas print.  This one is special to me and will be just as special to my family because it showcases my son, the new grandson, in a beautiful way.  It will help to preserve memories and help to let my family see a beautiful image of him even when he is not around.

Don’t Think Twice, Bite the Bullet

If you are unsure of whether or not you will like a canvas print I suggest you do it.  You won’t regret it.  It makes for a great personalized gift for grandparents.  I have noticed that as we age we become even more sentimental and sweet, personalized gifts are always the most loved gifts by any grandparent.  It means so much more than any other possession they could own.

If you watch Collage.com’s Facebook page you can often find great deals and even the occasional freebie (just pay shipping & handling).  Also watch the website because they are always updating their deals and if you watch closely you can easily find a great deal on the product that you are looking to purchase.

Right now Collage.com has a great deal for new customers.  You can save 60% if you sign up on their website!

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Christmas, Collage.com, Decor, Gifts, Holiday Gift Guide, Home Decor

2016 Top Gifts – Dad Edition

December 15, 2016 by Ashley Leave a Comment

This Holiday Gift Guide is sponsored by some amazing brands this year.  Ones that I believe you will love!

2016 Holiday Gift Guide For Dads

If you are just looking for gifts for men feel free to browse, but this list was especially made for dads.  These are gifts that I feel are perfect for dads.  They include gifts to pamper dad, showcase his amazing ‘dad humor’, and share the fun side of being a dad as well.

1. OOFOS Sandals

OOFOS make for a great little present for dads.  I know my hubby just loves to walk around in sandals when he is at home.  He finds them to be so much more practical because he can easily slip his feet in and out of the shoes with ease.  He is even crazy enough to walk outside in the winter with them on his feet when he is getting the mail or making a quick run to the car.  If you are looking for something to have your kids give dad this is definitely on my list of presents.

Photo Credit: Schulz and Malley2. Schulz and Malley Regimen

Not only women need to be pampered; men like to be pampered as well… just in different ways.  This Schulz and Malley Regimen kit is perfect for men because they can pamper their skin when they are shaving.  The winter months are the harshest on our skin and when you are constantly shaving it really takes a toll on your skin.  Get your man a kit so that he can pamper his skin and feel just as lucky to be given the chance to make himself presentable.

3. InstaShiatsu+ Neck and Back Massager with Heat

Many men work jobs that require a lot of physical labor which means that they end up in a bit of pain.  I have also noticed that many men do not like going for massages, as they view them as not being manly.  That is why I think that the truMedic InstaShiatsu+ Neck and Back Massager with Heat makes for a great gift!  This is a way that the men in your home can get a little relief from a sore neck and back without risking their “manly-ness.” Instead they are able to use this neat device at home in the privacy that they feel they need.

4. NurtiBullet PRO 900

If you have a dad in your home that loves to work out then you will want to consider getting them a NutriBullet PRO 900 for Christmas this year.  This gadget is a must in our home.  It is perfect for making protein shakes and smoothies to help with pre and post-work out meals.  This NutriBullet has more horsepower that the cheaper version and is able to pulverize even the toughest veggies into a nice drink without feeling like bits and pieces are left in the mixture.  It even comes with a flip-top to go lid and two canisters to drink from.  In addition it comes with a great little recipes book to help you come up with some great ideas for drinks to make.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Christmas, Holiday Gift Guide 2016

2016 Top Gifts – Mom Edition

December 15, 2016 by Ashley Leave a Comment

This Holiday Gift Guide is sponsored by some amazing brands this year.  Ones that I believe you will love!

2016 Holiday Gift Guide For Moms

This list is made for all of the dads out there; I know how hard it can be to shop for the moms out there and that is why I have created this great list of excellent products that all moms would love to get for the holidays. (If any moms disagree that’s okay. I know I would love to get all of these items for Christmas.)

 

Photo Credit: Hammacher Schlemmer1. Puzzle Table

Having kids (or pets) in the home means that some activities have to be sacrificed.  I sacrificed doing puzzles the day I got my first cat.  I realized I would never be able to complete a puzzle due to the fact that my cats loved to steal the pieces.  This is doubly so now that I have an infant in the home.  He just loves getting his hands on everything and they always end up in his mouth!  All of these reasons are why a puzzle table is the perfect gift.  You can close it up and safely keep the pieces in place while you are not putting the puzzle together.  This will help to keep those sticky fingers and paws away from your puzzles pieces.

Photo Credit: Fracture2. Wall Art

Moms appreciate wall art so much.  If your mom has a work space in the home or an office that she gets to decorate then you will want to think about getting her some professional wall art from Fracture.  I love being able to look up to some great memories of my son while I am typing away.  If you choose artsy pictures it really helps to make them pop and look that much more professional.

Photo Credit: TruMedic3. truMedic’s TENS Unit Electronic Pulse Massager

Being a mom is a full time job that isn’t all that easy.  That first year is the hardest because you feel like it is a never-ending battle.  Raising an infant means loss of sleep and being awake odd hours during the day.  It also means endless hours carrying an ever growing baby around in your arms.  The longer you carry the baby and the lack of sleep really take a toll on your body and that is why a truMedic’s TM-1000PRO Deluxe TENS Unit Electronic Pulse Massager is the perfect gift for mom.  She can slap it on her sore, achy muscles while she cradles her baby in her arms during feedings as well as during nap times.

4. Baby Bullet

Any new mom knows how expensive buying baby food can be and that is why the Baby Bullet makes for a great gift for mom this year!  She will be able to make her baby food at home with the ingredients she is already using to make meals for the entire family.  The Baby Bullet comes with the power base, the batch bowl, six date dial cups, 2 short cups, stay fresh lids, and two different blades.  It even comes with a nutrition guide and user guide.  This kit makes for a great way to make food for your little one that will last them a few days before you need to make more.

5. Baby Bullet Steamer

This gift pairs really well with the Baby Bullet listed above.  The Baby Bullet Steamer helps you to steam your child’s food that will soon be purred for them to eat.  This steamer makes just the right amount to fit into the Baby Bullet.  I love that is has so many different options.  You can steam food, sterilize bottle parts or binkies, and you can also make 6 hard boiled eggs without having to prep a pot of boiling water.  If you are a multi-tasking mom like me then this device will be your savior when it comes to making food for your babies.  My son is getting close to the age where he will be able to eat steamed or boiled veggies and I know this will help make that transition even easier.

 

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Christmas, Gifts, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2016, Mom

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 9
  • Next Page »

Let’s Get Social!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Newsletter

Categories

Family

Yumi Baby Food Display

Yumi Baby Food Review – Is It Worth It For Your Family?

My Yumi Baby Food Review Is fresh, organic baby food worth it?  Yumi baby food is a prepared meal service dedicated to infants and toddlers. They offer new seasonal flavors every week. The reason for the seasonal flavors is because they order their produce weekly from farms and make everything fresh for you. Their food is […]

#CampWarnerBros – Week 6 – Alex & Me Family Workout

This is a sponsored post for Camp Warner Bros featuring Alex & Me and some great family activities! This week we are featuring Alex & Me and are learning about disciple and setting goals. This is perfect for my 4 year old son. We have been working hard to teach him more responsibility now that […]

DIY Glowing Latern

Learn how to make a fun DIY Glowing Lantern with your little one!

#CampWarnerBros – Week 5 – DIY Teen Titans Character Banks

This is a sponsored post for Camp Warner Bros featuring Teen Titans Go! Vs. Teen Titans and a fun DIY Bank activity. This week is another fun one for us. We love Teen Titans and I love sharing my love for it with my son. He helped me make popcorn to watch the movie together […]

More Posts from this Category

Parenting & Family

Making The Lillebaby Carrier Disability Friendly

Trying to use baby carriers when you are physically handicapped can be problematic.  Many aspects to baby carriers that are difficult for someone with dexterity issues stem from the fact that you want your child safe so you cannot skimp on safety features that may be difficult for some people.  In the past 19 or […]

Baby Fever – Are You Suffering From It?

Are you suffering from baby fever?  I thought I would be right now, but I’m not. Thank God! The Dreaded Baby Fever I feared that as my son got older I would want to change my plans about having additional kids, but so far the baby fever is staying at bay.  There are moments I […]

Traveling with Little Ones to MommyCon can be an Adventure

I love going to conventions and I will admit that I have been worried about what it will be like to go to one with a baby or a toddler when little Raiden begins to grow up.  My first concern is with MommyCon; while I have not gone to MommyCon yet I do know from […]

10 Tips For Parents With A NICU Baby

The following is personal NICU advice that either was given to me by other NICU moms or things that I tucked away in my memory for the future. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have, below in the comments section or reach out to me on Instagram. Ask Questions. While the team […]

More Posts from this Category

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

© 2021 · Handcrafted with d by 2 Pups Design Co.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok