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Roscoe Mountain Club – Roscoe, NY

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Our family packed up and headed to the beautiful Catskill Mountains for a cozy winter getaway at Roscoe Mountain Club. Jason and I are no strangers to Roscoe, New York—we love relaxing, hiking, fishing, and enjoying peaceful meals in this charming town. This time, we brought the kids to experience it with us, making for an unforgettable family adventure. We stayed in the Frankel House, one of the charming lodging options on the property, and it was the perfect home base for our adventure.

Where We Stayed

Roscoe Mountain Club offers a variety of lodging options to suit any traveler. The Inn boasts 24 newly renovated rooms with one or two beds, perfect for families or couples seeking a cozy and comfortable stay. For larger groups, Burt’s Lodge and the spacious townhomes provide a private, roomy retreat. We absolutely loved the rustic charm of the Frankel House, which blends timeless character with modern amenities for a truly relaxing atmosphere. With four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room, a large living room, a loft area, and a foosball table, the Frankel House had everything we needed. The stunning deck was the perfect spot to take in the breathtaking mountain views.

Fun at The Barn & Ice Skating Firsts

One of our favorite places to hang out was The Barn, a cozy guest lounge filled with games, and comfy seating. The kids loved watching movies while playing foosball, ping pong, darts, Connect 4, and a ring toss game. It was such a fun spot to unwind after a day of activities! The Barn is not only a cozy guest lounge but also a lively venue that hosts live entertainment during events, festivals, and special occasions, making it the perfect spot to enjoy music and community gatherings.

Speaking of activities, Emilia had her first-ever ice skating experience at the on-site rink, and it was such a proud parent moment! Watching her wobble at first, determined to keep going, and then gain confidence on the ice with the help of a skating trainer was incredible. Nicholas cheered her on from the sidelines, and the whole family had a blast. The firepits and Adirondack chairs, perfectly placed near the rink, offered a cozy retreat to relax and warm up while soaking in the vibrant winter atmosphere.

Delicious Eats at 1907

The on-site restaurant, 1907, blew us away with its food. The buffalo wings were crispy and packed with flavor, and the French toast was absolutely decadent—both were big hits with our family. It’s fantastic to have an on-site restaurant that serves family-friendly food, making mealtime convenient, stress-free, and enjoyable for everyone! They also serve beers from Roscoe Beer Co., which are some of our favorites. A cold, locally brewed beer after a day in the snow? Yes, please!

A Little Bit of Everything

One thoughtful touch we really appreciated was the lobby shop, which had merchandise and essentials like OTC medications—because let’s be real, sometimes you forget the little things when traveling with kids! We also received some super cool shirts to remember our experience at Roscoe Mountain Club.

I also tried snowshoeing for the first time, and wow—what an experience! It was an amazing workout and a peaceful way to take in the snowy mountain scenery. Definitely something I’d love to do again.

Roscoe Mountain Club has an on-site fitness facility that offers everything you need to stay active, including a rower, elliptical, free weights, a Theraball, and medicine balls. Whether you’re getting in a full workout or just stretching after a day of adventure, you’ll have everything you need to feel your best!

Can’t Wait to Return in Warmer Months

While we had an amazing time experiencing Roscoe Mountain Club in the winter, we’re already dreaming about returning when the weather warms up. With scenic hiking trails, a beautiful golf course (I might even try a lesson since I’ve never golfed before!), and a lake perfect for fishing, it’s clear that our whole family will love it. Plus, the pickleball courts add even more fun for everyone to enjoy!

Family-Friendly Fun at Roscoe Beer Co.

We also made a stop at Roscoe Beer Co., and it’s quickly become one of our favorite family-friendly spots. The games and a trout-filled fish tank entertained the kids, while Jason and I relaxed with some cold beers. The service is consistently fantastic, and it’s a must-visit when you’re in the area. We love the delicious family-friendly food like pretzels, burgers, and fries, and Emilia couldn’t get enough of the homemade root beer—we even brought some home! Jason and I always leave with a few 4-packs, a perfect way to relive the trip when we return home.

Plan Your Own Trip!

Our weekend at Roscoe Mountain Club was filled with laughter, adventure, and amazing memories. If you’re looking for a getaway that offers great lodging, delicious food, and activities for all seasons, we highly recommend checking it out. You can book your stay at roscoemountainclub.com. We can’t wait to go back!

Spreading Joy with CardSnacks: Creative Digital Cards for Every Occasion

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In our fast-paced world, staying connected with the people who matter most can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Between work, errands, and the chaos of daily life, it’s all too easy for texts to go unanswered and for phone calls to get missed. I’ve always taken pride in sending out personalized, handwritten cards. However, with the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holidays, my to-do list has become overwhelming. Between work commitments, family gatherings, and the general chaos of the season, I just haven’t had the time or memory to keep up with this beloved tradition this year. That’s where CardSnacks came to my rescue, turning moments of connection into something meaningful and memorable.

This holiday season, simplify your card-sending process with CardSnacks. You can easily create and send personalized holiday cards in just a few clicks. Include photos, videos, stickers, GIFs, and more to make each card uniquely yours. You can even add holiday music to your card – CardSnacks has many classic holiday songs. Browse their extensive Holiday Card Categories to find the perfect design or customize your e-card to add a personal touch. Not only can you send holiday cards, but CardSnacks offers a perfect solution for last-minute gifts. If you can’t spend the holidays with loved ones due to distance, send them a heartfelt CardSnack. You can send the cards by text or email. It’s a thoughtful way to show you care, even from afar. Check out their holiday card category here!

The Power of “Just Thinking of You”

A few weeks ago, I struggled to reach my dad. He did not return several of my phone calls and texts. Life gets busy for both of us, but I didn’t want the silence to feel like distance. That’s when I remembered CardSnacks. With just a few taps, I crafted a digital card. It perfectly expressed how much I missed him. It also showed that I was thinking of him. I customized it with a heartfelt message, a cheerful cover, and an upbeat song playing in the background.

The response? Instant. My dad texted me back within minutes, telling me how much the card brightened his day. He admitted it was the nudge he needed to make time for a call. In that moment, CardSnacks wasn’t just a platform for sending digital cards; it was a bridge that brought us closer.

I added GIFs, a personal voice note, a picture of Gino, a background, and text to the inside of the card to my Dad.

Celebrating Friendship in Small but Mighty Ways

Another memorable experience with CardSnacks came when my best friend went above and beyond to help me with Nick’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) for preschool. She spent hours reviewing documents, sharing her expertise, and offering emotional support. I wanted to thank her in a way that felt as special as her effort.

I found the perfect card template in the “Thank You” section of CardSnacks and personalized it with an inside joke, a cute GIF, and a heartfelt note about how much her support meant to me. It was quick to send but packed with genuine emotion. She told me it felt like a hug in digital form.

What Makes CardSnacks Special?

Here are some of the standout features that make CardSnacks my go-to for creating meaningful connections:

  1. Wide Variety of Templates: From birthdays to “just because,” CardSnacks has a template for every occasion. Whether you want to say “thank you,” “congratulations,” or “I’m sorry,” there’s something for everyone. CardSnacks also has every common and obscure calendar holiday. I never knew we could celebrate “National Pickle Day” and “World UFO Day!”
  2. Easy Customization: Add personal touches with photos, videos, stickers, GIFs, music, and text. You can even voice-record a message. The interface makes it simple to craft a greeting card that’s unique to your personality.
  3. Instant Delivery: Cards can be sent via text or email. This option is perfect for last-minute celebrations or spontaneous expressions of care.
  4. Schedule Ahead: This feature is wonderful for those who want to schedule to send!
  5. Group Cards: Collaborate with friends or family to create a card bursting with love and shared memories.
  6. Attach Gift Cards or Gifts: Easily include a gift card or physical gift with your card to make your gesture even more special and practical. CardSnacks offers gift cards to over 400 different retailers. The best part about sending a physical gift through CardSnacks is that you don’t need to know the recipient’s address. When they receive the card, they can simply enter their mailing address. This takes the pressure off you and allows the recipient to choose where they want the gift shipped!

Why CardSnacks Works for Everyone

Life gets hectic, but moments of connection don’t have to be lost. With CardSnacks, you can transform the simple act of reaching out into something extraordinary. Whether you’re bridging a gap, celebrating a win, or simply saying “I’m here,” this app makes it easier than ever to show you care. As a busy working mom, I appreciate the user-friendly interface of the website and app. It makes staying connected to family and friends so much easier.

CardSnacks has a special holiday promo for personal plans! Use the code LASTMIN24 by 12/25/24 to get $10 off in-app personal CardSnacks subscriptions with no shipping deadlines. Click here to take advantage of this offer!

If you haven’t tried CardSnacks yet, now is the perfect time. It’s a small gesture that makes a big impact. CardSnacks can be the spark that lights up their day and fosters more genuine communication.

Have you tried CardSnacks, yet? What experiences have you had sending virtual greeting cards? Let me know in the comments!

Save 30% with Code HOLI30: Perfect Holiday Cards from Basic Invite

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Sponsored Post: all opinions are my own

Our Christmas card and New Year’s Eve party invitations are absolutely perfect, thanks to Basic Invite!

What do I love about using Basic Invite?

  • Unlimited Color Options: Basic Invite is one of the few websites that offers almost unlimited color options with instant online previews. Once you select a design, you can customize the color of each element on the card. With over 180 colors to choose from, your invitation will be exactly how you want it. This unique feature sets Basic Invite apart from other online stationery companies.
  • Customized Printed Samples: Basic Invite allows you to order a customized printed sample of your actual invitation before you place your final order. This way, you can see the paper quality, how it will print, and ensure that the card is perfect before sending it to your family and friends.
  • Wide Range of Envelope Colors: With over 40 different envelope colors to choose from, you can make your envelope match the invitation. All envelopes are “peel and seal” so they can be closed quickly and securely. This year, I upgraded to the “Desert Shimmer” envelope to make our mail truly stand out!
  • Address-Capturing Service: Basic Invite offers an address-capturing service that allows you to share a link on social media to request your friends and family’s addresses. These addresses are stored in your account and can be selected during the design process. Basic Invite even offers recipient address printing at no cost on all card orders. For an additional fee, they will even send your cards for you.

Foil Cards: Available in gold, silver, and rose gold, you can choose between flat or raised foil on all of Basic Invite’s foil designs. This year we decided to get gold-raised foil on our Christmas card. It adds a touch of elegance and beauty.

[Our Christmas Card for 2024 made on Basic Invite, Photographed by Jillian Spencer Studios]

Basic Invite makes it so easy to design cards and envelopes and add addresses. I love all the different templates and options. Creating cards shouldn’t be difficult, and I appreciate their website is user-friendly.

Tell me in the comments – have you ordered your Christmas cards yet? Do you need to order New Year’s Eve party invitations?

What do you think of our Christmas card? We were blessed to have Jillian of Jillian Spencer Studios in Roxbury, NJ capture our family this year. Support this local New Jersey mom by visiting her website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Then, once you get your photos from Jillian, be sure to visit Basic Invite here and check out their social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and X.

Use code HOLI30 for 30% off your Basic Invite cards!

My First Flocked Tree with King of Christmas

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Sponsored post. All opinions are my own. I may earn a commission should you purchase from the links in the blog. Thank you!

As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of decorating our homes with festive cheer is palpable. This year, I decided to elevate my Christmas decor by choosing the 7.5’ King Flock® Slim Artificial Christmas Tree with 650 Warm White LED Lights from King of Christmas. Here’s why this tree stood out to me and why it might be the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations too.

The Allure of a Flocked Tree

One of the primary reasons I chose this tree is its heavily flocked branches. The flocking gives the tree a beautiful, snow-covered appearance, reminiscent of a winter wonderland. This feature adds a touch of magic and elegance to any room, making it feel like a cozy, snowy retreat right in your living room.

Pre-Lit Convenience

Another significant factor in my decision was the 650 warm white LED lights that are pre-strung on the tree. This feature saves a tremendous amount of time and effort, allowing me to focus on other aspects of decorating. The warm white lights provide a soft, inviting glow that enhances the tree’s overall aesthetic.

Easy Setup and Storage

The tree’s design includes hinged sections and Power Pole Technology, making setup a breeze. There’s no need to connect multiple wires; simply assemble the sections, and the lights automatically connect. Additionally, the tree comes with a metal stand, an off-season storage bag, and protective gloves, ensuring that it remains in pristine condition year after year.

Slim and Stylish

The slim profile of this tree is perfect for smaller spaces or for those who prefer a more streamlined look. Despite its slim design, the tree stands tall at 7.5 feet, making a grand statement without overwhelming the room. We don’t live in a big home, so the slim design is exactly what we needed.

Quality and Durability

King of Christmas is known for its high-quality products, and this tree is no exception. The blend of realistic and classic needle tips gives it a lush, full appearance, while the durable construction ensures it will last for many holiday seasons to come.

Other KOC Products

King of Christmas offers a variety of luxurious ornaments, including glass and themed sets, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your holiday decor. Additionally, they provide wreaths and garlands that complement their trees beautifully, creating a cohesive festive look throughout your home. For those looking to enhance their holiday ambiance, King of Christmas also offers decorative picks and sprays, which can add extra flair to your tree, wreaths, or garlands. Their collection of tree toppers and tree skirts ensures that every detail of your Christmas setup is covered, making it easy to create a picture-perfect holiday scene. With such a wide array of high-quality products, King of Christmas truly is a one-stop shop for all your holiday decorating needs.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the 7.5’ King Flock® Slim Artificial Christmas Tree with 650 Warm White LED Lights by King of Christmas has been a delightful decision. Its stunning flocked branches, pre-lit convenience, easy setup, and elegant design make it a standout choice for anyone looking to add a touch of winter magic to their holiday decor. If you’re in the market for a new Christmas tree this year, I highly recommend considering this beautiful option from King of Christmas.

Happy decorating and may your holidays be filled with joy and warmth!

Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart Book Review

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Em and I loved reading Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart. Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart takes you and your child on an adventure to help everyone navigate big feelings while discovering inner peace. Written by New York Times best-selling author Kimberly Snyder and Jon Bier, and illustrated by Donald Wu, this uplifting story takes readers on a jungle journey filled with wisdom, friendship, and emotional growth.

Plot Summary:

Chilla Gorilla befriends Lanky Lemur. Together, they embark on a series of adventures, teaching Lanky how to use his heart’s wisdom to work thought intense, common, emotions like frustration, anger, and fear. Chilla’s mentorship leads Lanky toward harmony, tranquility, and joy. As they explore the jungle, Lanky learns that feelings come and go, but the heart holds a calm place where peace and love can grow.

Key Themes:

  • Friendship: Chilla and Lanky’s unbreakable bond demonstrates the power of friendship in overcoming challenges. Emilia and I discussed how Chilla helps Lanky get through hard times. I asked her many questions regarding friendships that she has at school, church, and extracurricular activities. I asked her “What makes a good friend?”
  • Emotional Intelligence: The story emphasizes tuning into our hearts and finding inner peace amidst intense emotions. We have many intense emotions in our home having a school-aged child and toddler, so this was a great reminder of how to work through big feelings.
  • Resilience: Lanky learns to navigate difficult feelings with Chilla’s guidance. Resilence is a word that Em hears often. A mantra we say together is “Be resilient,” so I feel that Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart helps drive this important point.

Why You’ll Love It:

Final Thoughts:

Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart is a charming jungle adventure that encourages self-awareness, empathy, and finding peace within. Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart is a delightful addition to any library.

Purchase Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart on Amazon.

Authors Kimberly Snyder and Jon Bier, and illustrator Donald Wu can be found on Instagram along with 4U2B Books & Media.