You know how on those cold winter days, when nothing sounds better than a hot mug of Cocoa.  You would have to heat up the water or milk over a stove or in a microwave.  And if you were making multiple cups for others, you would be at the microwave for what seemed like hours, heating and stirring and heating and stirring.  After all that work of stirring, it was never good enough, there were clumps and it never tasted like the Hot Cocoa you would get in a cafe.  Even though it wasn’t quite the best, we did it any way, those were our options for Hot Chocolate made at home.  But now, lucky for us Hot Chocolate lovers, they have finally invented the Dream Machine and it’s called the Bialletti Hot Chocolate Pot and it’s exclusively from Williams-Sonoma.

Bialetti Hot Chocolate Pot

You will absolutely love this Hot Chocolate Pot.  It is so easy to use and makes the best tasting hot chocolate. All you do is add your milk, shaved chocolate or favorite cocoa, and then sit back and watch as the pot creates a perfect blended mixture. The best part is that it creates a rich foam and creamy froth.  So this winter and holiday season you can sit back and enjoy in your own home, great tasting hot chocolate.  What more could you want?

Right now the Bialetti Hot Chocolate Pot is on sale, was $99.95 and now $79.99.  So it is a little pricey, but well worth it.  For those frugal shoppers I did find three similar items.  They all got great reviews.

The first one is found at Target.  Called The Bodum Hot Chocolate Frother for $39.99

Bodum Hot Chocolate

The second one is found at Bed Bath & Beyond. Called The Back To Basics Cocoa Latte for $29.99

Back To Basics Cocoa Latte

And the third one is found at Walmart.  Called The Mr. Coffee Cocomotion for $23.84

Mr. Coffe Cocomotion

They all accomplish the same thing which is,  automatically heating and mixing hot chocolate into a frothy, creamy, tasty drink.  So which ever one you choose from, the Bialetti Hot Chocolate Pot or the ones I found at the other retailers, you will be pleasantly happy with your purchase.  Chocolate has never been Hotter!

Image Sources: William-Sonoma, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, and flickr.com

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Every year my family and I do as much as we can to give during the holidays. There are many different ways we choose to give back to the community and others. One of my favorites is Toys For Tots. I love the idea of it all, that every kid should be able to open a brand new toy on Christmas.  I love that during the holiday season I see all the Marines helping assist in making this happen.  It is a joy to witness all the boxes filling up with toys over the few months of October through December, knowing how many kids will be touched by the gift of others. I just love it.

Toys For Tots began in 1947. It was the idea of of the wife of Colonel William L. Hendricks, Diane. She had made a Raggedy Ann doll and asked her husband Bill to deliver it to an organization in Los Angeles, that would give it to needy children during the Christmas Season. When Bill discovered that no organization like that existed, Diane encouraged her husband to create one. And so Toys For Tots was created. In 1948 the Marine Corps adopted the idea. From there it grew into a nationwide organization. Over the last 59 years, Toys For Tots has distributed more than 370 million toys to more than 173 million needy children. It is an very inspiring story from how it was created to what it has become over the years. To read more about Toys For Tots story click here.

So this was the first year that my boys really got into it. They are both 4 years old. They picked out the toys that they would love to give, and even though we had to explain it a few times they seemed to understand and enjoy it. It was so sweet to see them hand over the toys to the Marines and shake their hands. When we were walking away, I told them how proud I was of them. Both of my boys looked up and said, “Mom, when can we do it again?” It made me so happy that they enjoyed it so much, I told them we can do it again real soon.

I look forward to doing Toys For Tots every year with my boys, among other things that involve giving and sharing. I love this holiday season so much.  I really do believe when you give, you can’t help, but feel you received something greater than the gifts you give. Especially seeing the examples we are showing our children. Teaching them the gift of giving.

For more information and Toy Drop-Off Locations for Toys For Tots, visit them at ToysForTots.org.

* Image Source: Bridgestone Americas

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Get this Look with BB

Bumble and Bumble is a great hair care line. It’s a little more pricey than say Pantene Pro-V, but it has a great following with it’s reputation. The line used to be found exclusively in salons, but you can find it at places like Wal-Mart. Although, they don’t carry the full line-mainly just shampoos and conditioners. So you’re better off ordering from their site or going into a salon. On the Bumble and Bumble website you can search for a salon in your area as well as search for all their products. It’s so easy to find the right product for you because you can browse by your hair type and your hair needs. A fun part to their site is the Style Book where they have photos of different “looks” and then they provide you with instructions and specific products to achieve that look. I was turned onto Bumble and Bumble by my hairstylist. I don’t exclusively use the line, but wanted to share a few products I have used and have been recommended to me. Read on for a special offer from Bumble and Bumble as well.

Tonic Lotion:

Tonic Lotion

WHAT: Replaces moisture, soothes, detangles, and enhances the performance of products with a blend of herbs, vitamins and Tea Tree Oil.

WHO: Anyone. Especially good for dry, coarse or colored hair.

PERSONAL NOTE: I love this product! My girlfriend had it and I tried it once and loved how it made my hair feel. I made a special trip to my salon to purchase my own. The next time I was getting my hair done at the salon I noticed it’s what my stylist uses on me, I had never paid attention. Anyway, I spray it in my hair on my damp hair then blow dry. It gives you the “salon feel” we all love. Your hair feels light and soft! Don’t go overboard however, a little does the trick with this product. I don’t use it all the time, so I’ve had one bottle for a year now.

BUY: $7.00-$18.00

Thickening Spray:

Thickening Spray

WHAT: Helps fine hair achieve styling “lift-off”, but works on any hair type. Works as a setting spray. more…

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