Fun Gifts For Car Owners- D.I.Y. Emoji Antenna Ball Toppers

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Momma Told Me: It's my way or the highway!

As a young girl I was never allowed to have any fun in the car.

I never really quite understood it. To me there were few things more fun than driving around in a moving vehicle you could do whatever you wanted with, and go wherever you wanted to go. Naturally, the fact that you had to be a certain age, and even pass a special test, to drive them, made cars one of the more exotic thrills in my adolescent mind. But Momma had all these rules- stomp your feet or take your muddy shoes off before climbing in, backpacks in the back, no open food or colored drinks, no yelling or pointing when Momma was driving, etc, etc. In hindsight, she did have a few good points- it was only when I shelled out my own hard earned money, for my first vehicle, that I soon too became so conscious of my own car rules.

Of course, one of the joys of being an adult is deciding what rules are steadfast, and which can be broken. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, my car is my rolling sanctuary. It's really the only physical place in my life where I feel I can maintain order and control. But I'll let you in on a secret, I break many of Momma's rules in my Purple PT Cruiser. The accessories may all be color coordinated to hr shiny purple finish, and every cubby and pocket meticulously organized, but I eat, sing, dance (don't judge,) and road trip in my car. And all of those things inevitably add up to some pretty funky odors and messes. It's okay, life happens- thankfully I've always got a few tricks up my sleeve to keep my steel baby clean, smelling fresh, and rolling along to the next party

If you have a new car owner, teenage driver, or weirdo individual obsessed with their car (such as me) on your shopping list, you likely are in need of a creative gift. Personally, I like to gift practical things, but you can't very well hand someone a box of pine scented tree hangers and expect to receive a gift next year. So, do what I do, head to your local Walmart and pick up a few Yankee Candle® brand on-the-go fragrance products. You'll find them in the air care aisle and in several colorful varieties, such as the adorable Car Jar Ultimates or practical Smart Scent Vent Clips, in classic Yankee Candle® brand fragrance favorites. While you're there pick up a few other 'friendly' "Please take care of your car" minded gifts like, a mini duster (for vents,) heavy duty key ring organizer/carabiner, and even some sticky hooks and a gift bag (to make a stylish car trash container, as seen here.)

Walmart has plenty of Yankee Candle® brand on-the-go fragrance products to really narrow the scents and products down to something that truly fits your recipient, but you'll want to go for the gold stars, so you'll add something a little extra. Why not make some adorable D.I.Y. Emoji Antenna Toppers? You can purchase foam (golf) practice balls in 6 packs for around $3 a package in a variety of colors, including yellow. These foam balls are the perfect circumference and size to top any car antenna with style. All you'll need to get going is them, a few permanent or paint markers, and a nail.

I made a total of 12 Emoji faces in total, going off of an Emoji keyboard I found online. While I decided to go with more traditional, yellow, Emoji faces you can really have fun and get creative with the colors and expressions. It's as simple as drawing basic shapes- this is a D.I.Y the tweens and teens would love helping out with! Once all of your faces are drawn on go ahead and poke a hole in the bottom of the ball, about 3/4 deep with a nail equal the circumference of an antenna. The foam will be soft enough to give and get over that initial tip when put on later, as long as the starter hole is there.

I packaged all of my Emoji Antenna Topper creations in a clear acrylic storage container my recipient will be able to stash under their passenger's seat for storage. In addition to my Emojis I added a Yankee Candle® brand Ultimate Car Jar and Yankee Candle® Fragrance Spheres for small space odor control. I also included a mini microfiber duster, sticky hooks, a gift bag, and stylish key ring. Some other great car gift additions might include, car wash vouchers or tokens, a gas card, leather care wipes, and reusable bags (for shopping.)

Of course I didn't neglect my car, either- I made sure to pick up some extra Yankee Candle® Ultimate Car Jars and Smart Scent Vent Clips. Turquoise Sky, MacIntosh and Citrus Tango are some of my favorite Yankee Candle brand Fragrances. I love how Citrus Tango brightens up the car with warm, fresh, scents that remind me of sunshine and citrus! Of course, while I was giving my car it's weekly clean-through, I decided it was time to officially bust out the antlers and reindeer nose too!

So this holiday season, or for any gifting occasion, really, why not make a car owner in your life their very own custom set of Emoji Antenna Toppers and gift them a car care gift bundle. Find the perfect small space fragrance products from Yankee Candle® brand  in the Air Care department at your local Walmart and have a little fun with our silly, but thoughtful, D.I.Y. For complete Yankee Candle® brand selection check out the Walmart Assortment Page. Do you have a heavy commuter, new car owner, new driver, or car lover on your holiday gift list? Drop us a line below and let us know- I'm also dying to hear what everyone has on their car antenna right now!

What Daughter Says: Part of the fun of being an adult is driving- it's my way or the highway now!

Choosing The Perfect Gift For Her With SouFeel Charms + Jewelry

I received a sample product to facilitate this post, regardless all thoughts below are genuine and original. All photos contained below are property of Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: It's not the size that makes the statement.

I've never been much of a jewelry person- that is to say I don't have a large box or cabinet full of priceless chains and pendants, or a rotating set of rings. I like to accessorize, yes, but I wear jewelry and accessories to make a statement. This pendant makes that neckline pop, the colors and crystals on these earrings match my favorite dress perfectly, or that bow brings my retro attitude to complete an outfit. There are few pieces I will wear on multiple days of the week with a varying number of outfits; my charm bracelet, however, is an exception.

There's simply something about charms that captivate me. Maybe they just tickle my obsession with miniature and tiny objects but I feel it's the act of collecting charms, over time, to tell the story of one's life. A charm to mark a special vacation, a new friendship, a beloved pet, a passion or hobby- each charm tells a little story about it's owner, and no charm bracelet is ever quite the same. Last year at the Fall Fashionista Event I won a sterling silver bracelet with 4 retro kitchen charms from a certain 'kitsch' collection; a teal spatula, a silver oven mitt, a turquoise bead, and the most exquisite little hand mixer charm that still makes me smile when I see it. I won these charms, I didn't pick them out for myself, but they speak a very specific story of who I am, none-the-less, and they ultimately began my charm collection.

Now, those first 4 charms were valued over $200, and starting your own charm bracelet can be a lofty task, as most fine beads and charms are limited edition and skillfully crafted. When I discovered SOUFEEL and their range of unique collections and Pandora/Chamilia compatible designs I was instantly in love. There were hundreds of charms to browse and choose from with seasonal and limited edition collections constantly being added. An the free expedited 3-5 day U.S. shipping made it easy to splurge on a little indulgence here and there.

Of course, whether you have a charm bracelet of your own, or are shopping for a gift to someone who does, you likely understand the importance of competitive pricing. High quality Sterling Silver charms and beads such as SOUFEEL's will range upwards of $140 on other websites- when you buy direct from SOUFEEL you not only get to take advantage of the great shipping deal and amazing prices, but the many other promotions constantly going on. Currently you can enjoy a free bracelet (of your specified length) with orders over $99, a free charm with orders over $79 and a free ring with orders over $59. I've received many of my charms as gifts from family and friends, and always refer them to SOUFEEL for their adorable one of a kind designs and great pricing.

Gifting quality charms is more than handing someone a piece of jewelry, it's just like adding a piece of you and your connection with that person to the bracelet directly. Choose a charm that directly reflects the recipients interests or passions, or find something unique that reminds you of a special memory or occasion. The great thing about gifting charms is that they can always be interchanged in a number of ways to suit one's mood or fashion on any given day, so it's hard to go wrong when gifting them!

I've been consistently wowed at the quality and detail within several of my favorite SOUFEEL charms. Many have secret components, such as a locket mechanic or unique etched filigree. The use of gorgeous, vibrant, Swarovski crystals compliments my most beautiful beads and makes it hard to choose which I will display on any given day. If you're looking to give your charm collection a good start I suggest investing in one of SOUFEEL's complete charm bracelets, which can include anywhere from 4 to 12 beads. This is a great way to help someone start their own charm bracelet, or accent a few select favorite charms you might have lying around. One of my favorite beads, the Swarovski Seahorse, actually came from the Sweet Memories Sterling Silver SOUFEEL bracelet!

For me, jewelry is a statement about myself, and who I am- few pieces of jewelry can echo that statement quite like a charm bracelet. If you're interested in gifting someone a charm or complete bracelet, be sure to check out SOUFEEL online for their complete collection of 925 Sterling Silver Charms. The brand has a 365 day compatibility and satisfaction guarantee on all of their charms, and jewelry, and you can take advantage of an exclusive 5% off your order with exclusive coupon code Jenna5 (not commissioned.) Do you or someone you love have a charm bracelet? If so, tell me about one of your/their favorite charms!

What Daughter Says: Charms are unique, personal gifts of sentiment and memories that continue to tell stories, despite their unsuspecting size.

 

@OrangeGladBox Review + Giveaway: Attack of The Giant Krispie! ~9/29

**** I received a one month subscription to Orange Glad in exchange for my honest opinion. All photos are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2013.

Momma Told Me: It came from....the kitchen!

I'm addicted to sugar.

Over the last year I've cut out nearly all sugar from my diet; I was certain, at the time the decision was made, I would surely die from a lack of fun and flavor. I used to reach for candy bars every night before bed, okay, while in bed- and find myself filling the afternoon slumps with ice cream novelties and sugary beverages. For 6 months the only sugar in my diet was that found in sauces and mealtime recipes. I dropped 58lbs. Did this experience turn me against the crystalline love of my life? No. It did, however, elevate my palette, and my decisions.

When I returned to sweets it was within a mutual agreement of love and respect. I would not fill emotional holes with sugar, nor would I reach for the nearest generic candy bar just to get a fix. I would savor every splurge, turn every sugary bite into an experience, and make new frosted friends. That is to say, I now combine moderation with intense appreciation. Smaller portions and new treats help keep my palette engaged, without the need to consume half a cake, or multiple desserts.

It's no surprise to you, my reader, that my addictive personality does not stop at sugar; you've likely read multiple rants about subscription box services. Naturally, when I found a company as passionate about their sweets as I, and pairing this passion with a monthly box service, I was more than intrigued. Orange Glad promises a monthly adventure of sugar culinary proportions with a generously sized box of carefully curated, gourmet, sweets. They understand the sweet tooth better than most, knowing we crave texture, flavor, and aromatics for originally sweet adventures. Ordering a gourmet truffle from a confectionery in Texas would cost me a pretty penny. However, with Orange Glad, I can receive 4-5 individual, unique, treats, each month. No heavy footwork, or hefty shipping fees, involved.

So, what's so special about a box full of sweets? Studies show, when cravings hit, humans are most likely to reach for whatever is closest to satisfy that craving. Unfortunately, what we reach for first is not always engaging enough to tame our taste-buds, and we continue to crave more. Sure, you may have had that secret stash of Reese's cups in the freezer since college, but do you still get the same satisfaction from your first bite? Orange Glad presents a delightful answer to the inevitable sweet tooth attack; a variety of different textures and tastes, all handcrafted by talented artisans and confectioneries, Nationwide. You'll find salty paired with sweet, sinfully messy finger foods, delightfully over sized goodies, and chocolate (what would this box be without chocolate?)

I received my first box from Orange Glad in August, and the other half and I happened to be partaking in a series of week-long dares. The day after my orange box arrived we began a week of no sugar. It was pure torture. Many of the products curated for monthly Orange Glad boxes are baked, or made, fresh right before mailing, so I probably lost out on some of the 'direct' experience due to this. While I anxiously watched the days in my sugar free week tick by I nearly memorized the included Menu card which promised; 1 (Jumbo) Chocolate Sprinkles Crispycakes, Popcornopolis Gourmet Caramel Corn, Lemon Frosted Sugar Cookies, Pineapple Coconut Biscotti, and Chocolate Cake Bites (by I Live For Dessert). Also included was an ingredients card with complete ingredients for each treat; an especially helpful asset for those with allergies, or seeking the treats with least preservatives.

By the time my week was up I found myself racing for the Orange Glad Box. I felt as though I'd perish from lack of sugar, but knew I'd enjoy my journey more if I waited for my sweet tooth to hit, then dove in. Later that afternoon I took my first victim, the chocolate cake bites, which resembled elegant truffles to me. These moist chocolate cake balls, filled with generous bits of chocolate chunks also included a packet of cocoa powder to balance the authentic presentation. As the only chocolate item in this box, I was certain the best was out of the way, but I was even more impressed a few days later, by the Lemon Frosted Sugar Cookies, which garnered the majority of their flavor from the soft frosting atop. As I mentioned, many of these items are made fresh, and intended to be enjoyed promptly; the Menu card included an 'enjoy by' window for each item, though I found nothing lacking for having waited a week.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the younger one's favorite find in this Orange Glad Sweet Box, the Chocolate Sprinkles Crispycakes (which included a vendor discount code for re-order). I'm uncertain if I have ever come across a krispie square so generous in height as it was in width. This 'Monster Krispie' had a thick layer of chocolate sprinkles atop, and the perfect balance of thick, gooey, mallows to fluffy grain crisps. We cut this giant treat into quarters, which still proved quite decadent, and a challenge for those of us with smaller mouths (not me, haha). You can experience Orange Glad, or give the gift of Orange Glad, today for just $15 plus Shipping and Handling, or save $2 on each box and buy 6 months in advance. And, save 10% today, with our exclusive reader discount code: MOMMATOLD7. You really can't beat the value, or convenience, when you consider the range and quality of products featured!

What Daughter Says: When your sweet tooth hits don't forage for sub-par treats. Enjoy a hand picked array of gourmet goods from Orange Glad.

One Momma Told Me reader will win 1 month of Orange Glad, Sweet Box.