My favorite time of year has arrived! The boxes are starting to come out and get organized. You know, the ones in the attic, the garage, and the closets. Carefully placed breakables are finding their way out of the bubble wrap too. You see, my favorite time of year is from October through December – when holiday decorating is in full bloom!

Thanks to Hallmark Channel for sponsoring this post and giveaway. Some material suitable for only ages 21+ – use alcohol legally and responsibly). Oh yes, there’s an incredible holiday giveaway, so be sure to keep on reading below.

Hallmark Channel Original Premiere of “Checkin’ It Twice”

After a bit of time decking our halls, chances are you’ll find my daughter and I snuggled up on the couch with a blanket or two and our matching Christmas socks. Yes, we have them courtesy of my husband! We are always ready for the latest original Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. It’s one thing I look forward to each holiday season and this weekend we are kicking it off with the premiere of “Checkin’ It Twice.”

Let’s take a sneak peek:

This sneak peek sure does get me excited about the holiday season, and with everything that has been going on in the world, I know I don’t mind Christmas in October AT ALL. Take a look at what the season entails:

If you are like me, you don’t miss a single original premiere on Hallmark Channel . This year there are 31 original movies premiering throughout #CountdowntoChristmas. Twenty-eight – INCREDIBLE!

What a way to kick it off Countdown to Christmas with “Checkin’ It Twice”. It’s a must-watch premiere and I’ll be live-tweeting over on Twitter as I watch and I hope you’ll join me – FindingDebra2 on Twitter  –  Let’s talk throughout!

A little about the storyline:

A journeyman hockey player falls for a real estate agent in a career crisis when he’s traded to her hometown and moves into the cottage in her hockey loving family’s backyard.

Starring Kim Matula and Kevin McGarry, this will not disappoint!

I can already feel the magic of this movie, can’t you?

Bookmark this now: Hallmark Channel Original Premiere of “Checkin’ It Twice” on Friday, October 20th at 8pm/7c! #CountdowntoChristmas

**Affiliate links may be in post where a small commission may be earned for any purchases made at no cost to you.

All this talk and now I am ready to decorate for Christmas! I come by this honestly as my mom was known to have a gazillion boxes in the attic filled to the brim with Santas, angels and snowmen. When she passed away years ago, I inherited a good portion of them. So when this time of year rolls around, I gather up my family and remember while we decorate the house.

It’s in decorating the tree when the memories really flood back. Do you have a tree like that? While some families have that Pinterest perfect tree where everything matches, my Christmas tree tells a story. Or a few hundred stories…with each ornament.

There’s the oh-so-breakable red glass ornament from the Great Depression era that was my great-grandmothers. There are the crocheted stocking ornaments from one grandma and the hand-sewn present ornaments from the other. There’s the one I made in elementary school with missing glitter pieces and the Kermit the Frog ornament that takes up so much space. Of course my mom is everywhere on the family tree – from the ones she hand-made when she was newly married to breathtaking glass ornaments she bought me when I was grown. And now there are ornaments that are my daughters and perhaps my favorites – the ones we pick out on our travels around the world.

No matter what, this time of year brings my family together like no other – and that’s important to me.

Hallmark Channel Wines

This holiday season, think of enjoying Hallmark Channel Wines or gifting one of the beautiful bottles. Be sure to check them out at Hallmark Channel Wines.

Joy of the Holidays Hallmark Channel Giveaway (Visa Gift Card, etc)

This year I’m excited to help you celebrate and bring your family together too with a little help from Hallmark Channel!

Enter to win my Joy of the Holidays Hallmark Channel Giveaway Package and trust me when I say this is good!

One (1) lucky winner will receive a Joy of the Holidays Package which includes:

• (1) Holiday Gift Wrap Kit
• (1) $50 Visa Gift Card

These beautiful holiday gift wrap kits come stocked with supplies for the season (supplies may vary).

Enter to win…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Valid for US residents and addresses only. I’ll announce (and contact by email) the winner on this post and the winner will have 2 days to get back to me for delivery details. Limit one set of entries per household please. Winner can only win one Joy of the Holidays Hallmark Channel prize pkg per movie premiere.

Be sure to join me over on Twitter during the movie this weekend. Follow FindingDebra2 on Twitter – that’s me, and use the hashtags #CheckinItTwice and #CountdowntoChristmas in your tweets.

The post Hallmark Channel Original Premiere of “Checkin’ It Twice” on Friday, Oct. 20th at 8pm/7c! #CountdowntoChristmas appeared first on Finding Debra.

As you start planning your family trips this year, make sure to take note of a special program open to kids of all ages. I’m talking about the National Parks Junior Ranger program. Participating in the program is a fun way to add a little something extra to a national park visit – and kids LOVE it. Adults love it too. Ask me how I know!

TIP: If you have a 4th grader, be sure to grab a free pass to national parks and federal recreation lands. It covers entrance and day use fees.

Affiliate links in post where a commission may be earned at no cost to you for any purchases made.

Your Guide to the National Parks Junior Ranger Program

With over 400 national parks, chances are you and your family will visit a few of them over the course of your lifetime. When I was growing up, we used to visit a lot of the parks out west and go camping. The thing you may not realize is that there is likely a national park within 2 hours of where you live in the country. Did you know that?

Whether you are heading for spring break to Colorado, cruising up to Alaska during the summer, or just staying near home, there’s a park to visit.

Some of the national parks aren’t traditional “parks” at all. In fact, during our recent trip to New York City we had the opportunity to visit several and we certainly took advantage of the National Parks Junior Ranger program.

What is the National Park Service Junior Ranger Program? How much does it cost?

The National Park Service Junior Ranger program is found in almost all national parks and while a select few charge a nominal fee (around $3) to participate, every single park we’ve visited and participated in has had the program complimentary. That includes,  for example, New York’s Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as well as Alaska’s Mendenhall Glacier and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway. Yes, all free!

The program consists of picking up an activity booklet at each park where the kids (or you) can complete the activities, turn it in to a park ranger, receive a certificate of completion and get a badge!

The program is geared towards kids ages 5 to 13, but even adults can participate. It combines fun and learning while you are on site at a national park. It gives kids a little something extra to do and helps them hunt for answers around the park.

How Can I Become a Junior Ranger?

When you visit a national park, look for an information desk or ask a park ranger where you can participate. They are more than willing to help out. We’ve usually found the activity booklets at a visitor’s center.

At the Statue of Liberty, the activity booklet was a one page sheet – super easy. At Ellis Island it was more of an activity booklet, something that would definitely take longer to complete.

When you finish the activity sheet or booklet, head back to where you picked it up.

You’ll show it to the park ranger and likely get a certificate of achievement signed and might even take an oath – depending on the ranger!

How Can I Earn Junior Ranger Badges?

Best of all, you will officially become a Junior Ranger and receive a badge unique to that national park.

Here is ours for Ellis Island in New York.

It makes for a pretty unique and cool souvenir for kids – and yes, it’s free at most national parks! Kids will want to collect these.

Do I have to Complete the Entire Activity Booklet to Get a Badge?

We ran into this issue in New York City as the activity booklet for Ellis Island was many pages and we were near closing time. While we completed maybe half of it, the park ranger was satisfied with what we did and awarded our badges – yes I got one too!

What If I Don’t Have Time to Complete Junior Ranger Activity Book While At Park?

We ran into this issue in Alaska as we were on a cruise excursion to Mendenhall Glacier with limited time. Upon arrival, we first took a hike to Nugget Falls and only afterwards visited the visitor’s center where we discovered the activity booklets and park rangers. Of course being on a cruise excursion we had to get back to the bus fairly quickly and had zero time to work on the booklet. Solution – the park ranger gave us the booklet and said we could mail it back to the visitor’s center to get a badge at a later date. That is AWESOME!

Are there Virtual Junior Ranger Activities?

Yes! Visit nps.gov and download various program booklets where you can earn a printable certificate, badge, digital high five, or even a physical patch or badge. This is ideal for those who will be at home during the summer months – a great activity for kids and homeschooled families too.

TIP: Some of the actual national parks have their booklets online, like the Castle Clinton National Monument, which is just steps from where you board to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

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Colorado is a must visit destination no matter what season you find yourself looking for adventure. Whether it’s during the warm summer months, snow-filled winter months, or anytime between, there’s a spot in Colorado just for you and your family. I’ve asked some of my favorite travel and lifestyle bloggers for their recommendations on the best places to visit in Colorado right now. Get your calendar ready!

Best Places to Visit in Colorado

Keystone

Most travelers think of Keystone, Colorado as a wintry destination. It’s true that Keystone is a renowned ski resort town. Look for snowy activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, snowtubing and, of course, skiing and snowboarding. It’s also home to the world’s largest snow fort, featuring mazes and slides! Keystone is particularly kid-friendly, hosting Kidtopia each winter with activities like crafts, children’s music classes, parades, and opportunities to meet Avalanche the Rescue Dog. 

Keystone, however, is just as much fun once the snow melts. Outdoorsy activities abound like fishing, horseback riding, hiking, gondola rides, and mountaintop yoga sessions. Keystone Resort’s Friday Afternoon Club gives vacationers an opportunity to take in mountaintop views while listening to live music, playing lawn games, and enjoying food and drinks. Kidtopia gets a summery spin in the River Run Village with opportunities for fun like a bounce house, climbing wall, miniature golf, bungee trampoline and more. Be sure to book a Keystone Wagon Ride Dinner with Keystone Stables for a memorable dinner served with a side of cowboy games and songs.

Recommended by: Colleen Lanin of TravelMamas.com

Royal Gorge

No trip to Colorado would be complete without a stop to see the Royal Gorge. Of course if you stop to see the Royal Gorge you need to walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge. There are several ways to enjoy the Gorge. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your visit.

The Royal Gorge Bridge sits 956′ feet above the Arkansas River. Walking across the bridge is truly amazing. Don’t worry though… If you aren’t daring enough to walk across the bridge you can ride across the Gorge in a gondola. The gondolas will take you 2200′ across the gorge while you are suspended 1200′ above the Arkansas River. The views are AMAZING. Consider riding the Gondola across then walking back. This way you get to experience both. They also have a zipline if you’re feeling extra adventurous!

Recommended by: Melissa Garcia of ConsumerQueen.com and RoamingMyPlanet.com.

Vail

Located two hours from Denver, Vail, Colorado is one destination families will return to time and time again. This mountain town has something for all ages. Whether families enjoy hiking, adventure sports, shopping, or simply relaxing, Vail has it all, and shouldn’t be missed.

There are five villages in Vail: Lionshead, Vail, West Vail, Cascade, and East Vail. Plan on staying in Lionshead or Vail for the easiest access to amenities, but know that all of the communities are connected by Vail’s free bus system. The bus runs year round, so park the car and plan on using a combination of the bus and walking while in town.

Lionshead and Vail Villages offer most of the activities, restaurants, and shops in Vail. It feels like a large community rather than a vacation destination, and most of the central core has pedestrian friendly areas. During summer in Vail, don’t miss Epic Discovery Park at the top of Vail mountain which offers adventures in all shapes and sizes. The gondola ride to the top offers stunning views and Epic offers zip lines, a ropes course, and alpine slide. Another fun thing to do in town is to ride a bike or take a walk along Gore Creek which runs through the heart of town. Be sure to stop at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, one of the highest botanical gardens in the world. For a unique experience, try lunch with the llamas or go white water rafting. Vail truly has something for everyone.

Recommended by: Kirsten Maxwell of KidsAreATrip.com.

Breckenridge

Head to Breckenridge, Colorado for year-round family-friendly activities, stunning mountain scenery and unique shopping that can be found in its vibrant downtown. It’s a destination not
to miss!

The Breck Connect Gondola provides free transportation and scenic views between town and the Peak 8 Base area. Breckenridge provides amazing winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and tubing. The fun doesn’t end when winter is over. During the summer, guests can experience Breckenridge Epic Discovery. Guests can hike through the treetops, climb, slide, bounce zip line and more at this popular attraction. Take a ride on the Gold Runner Coaster and Alpine Slides to experience breathtaking views of Breckenridge.

Main Street Breckenridge is another must-see destination for tourists. With over 200 shops, boutiques and restaurants this area provides something for everyone. Main Street Breckenridge is filled with creative photo opportunities and kid-friendly play structures. The Blue River Plaza is a great central location where older kids can splash in the shallows of the Blue River.

Visitors can learn how a gold rush town turned into an international resort destination. Step back in time and visit a variety of free history museums or take a guided tour to learn more about Breckenridge’s rich history. Fall in love with all that Breckenridge has to offer!

Recommended by: Michelle Hancock of ModernMomLife.com.

Colorado Springs

Located very near the center of the state, Colorado Springs has so many fun things to see and do! Whether you’re looking for outdoor thrills or educational activities, there are more than 60 area attractions for people of all ages. Find (or reignite) your sense of adventure when you plan a memory-making trip to the beautiful city of Colorado Springs!

Instantly transport yourself back to the late 1800s and early 1900s when you enter the Ghost Town Museum! The museum is a fun, historic look back to an old west town. The buildings and authentic artifacts were rescued from the Pikes Peak region (where the Museum is located) and have been preserved so we can take a step back in time. You’ll find hands-on activities for all ages and plenty of relics to peruse. I could spend days looking at all the neat artifacts but my family was good with just 2-3 hours.  Check the Ghost Town Museum website for discounts, closures, and days of operation.

Pike’s Peak. America’s Mountain. No matter what you call it, there are several ways to access the top of Pike’s Peak Mountain. I highly recommend the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway. You won’t need to focus on the road ahead – simply enjoy the scenery and look for the wagon wheel ruts! When you travel by car to the top, you can stop as many times as you’d like to look around and take in the sights. Additionally, you can hike, bike or take a private shuttle to the top. You’ll find an all-new Summit Visitor Center where you’ll want to try donuts made at over 14,000 feet above sea level! You’ll want to allow about half a day for your adventure. Admission varies, depending on your mode of transportation to the summit. 

Recommended by: Sara Phillips of SensiblySara.com.

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is the perfect place for an adventure-filled summer vacation. Its nickname is Ski Town, USA, but this small, laid-back town located in northern Colorado has a lot more to offer than skiing down the slopes.

Steamboat Springs is a nature lover’s dream! Spend your days floating down the Yampa River, hiking up to Fish Creek Falls in Routt National Park, riding through a forest of Aspen trees on horseback, relaxing in the historic hot springs, and ending the night at the action-packed rodeo.

Looking for a unique adventure? Taking a hot air balloon ride is a fantastic way to view the town from 1,000 feet above! The 45-minute ride with Wild West Balloon Adventures offers you a birds eye view of Yampa Valley and Flat Top Mountains. Rides include snacks, champagne celebration, and flight certificate.

Recommended by: Chastity Beene of CowboysLifeBlog.com.

Denver

Denver is a great family destination, whether you’re staying local throughout your trip or driving in from one of the nearby ski resorts. Denver has something for everyone, whether you want to take in a live music show at the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre or watch one of their six professional sports teams play a game. They also have a top-notch zoo- the aptly named Denver Zoo- which is home to over 3.000 animals.

The Denver Zoo has an 84-acre campus full of great exhibits that let you get a great view of a variety of animals, like lions, flamingos, frilled lizards and more. You’ll see the animals every great zoo has, but will also be introduced to species you’ve likely never heard of before, like the lesser kudu, fishing cat, and the aye-aye. In addition to providing a way to see unique animals in person, the zoo helps to protect species threatened by habitat loss.

For those visiting the Denver Zoo with children, don’t miss The Zofnass Barclay Family Nature Play Trail. Give kids a break from walking and let them find bugs, dig in the soil, make their own paths and more.

Recommended by: Shell Feis of {Not Quite} Susie Homemaker.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is located in the central Rocky Mountains of Colorado, just 120 miles west of Denver and 20 miles east of Vail/Eagle Airport off of Interstate 70. Colorado isn’t only a “Winter Wonderland,” as the state offers activities for every season. The picture-perfect views of the Rocky Mountains alone will leave an everlasting impression on you.

Activities that showcase what the hills of Colorado have to offer include open-air Jeep tours an exciting way to see the surrounding remote mountain landscape. Horseback riding is another way to explore the land. Take a leisurely trot all over the Beaver Creek Mountain, through fields of Aspen and wildflowers.

Ziplining is an exhilarating experience. Afraid of heights? Maybe the Beaver Creek Rodeo is more your speed. Wear your cowboy hat and ring those cowbells to get in the spirit! Beaver Creek Village is another must see for your family vacation. Here you’ll find restaurants, bars, art shows and concerts. Of course, Beaver Creek mountains offers a wonderful winter experience with plenty of trails for that entire family.

Recommended by: Tee Burgess of ThatsItLa.com.

Boulder

If you’re a nature lover and looking for the best places to visit in Colorado, Boulder is definitely one to consider! It’s only 30 minutes from Denver but feels like an escape from the everyday. Home to a fun and vibrant community that is literally always on the move!

The Flatirons are one of the most iconic sights in Boulder! They are striking, slanted, reddish-brown sandstone formations that make up a portion of Boulder’s foothills on the west side of town. So, get your adrenaline pumping on a hike or even rock climbing, through the Flatirons, Eldorado Canyon State Park, or Chautauqua Park.

Although Boulder nestling at the base of the Rocky Mountains and sitting at a high elevation doesn’t mean that mountain climbing is all there is to do. A few days in Boulder just isn’t going to be enough. Both its cityscapes and mountainscapes will draw you in.

Boulder is filled with great eateries and impressive views not to be missed. Relax and experience some window shopping along the Pearl Street Mall or visit the Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art. No matter how you choose to experience Boulder, devote some time to unwinding with your favorite cup of tea or the local ale at the famous “The No Name Bar,” one of Boulder’s hidden gem!

Recommended by: Myrah Duque of MamacitaOnTheMove.com.

Telluride

Telluride, Colorado is a small and charming walkable town, but don’t let its size fool you, as Telluride is full of heart-pumping adventure. The fearless might decide to tackle the Via Ferrata or arrive in Telluride the most daunting way – by landing at the airport which features a more than 1,000 foot drop on a cliff at the end of the runway! Even those long ago found excitement in Telluride as Butch Cassidy and his gang robbed a bank there.

The restaurants and shopping will not disappoint in town, but be sure to access the free gondola for the ride up to Mountain Village. It’s there you’ll find luxury accommodations like the Fairmont Heritage Place or the Madeline Hotel and spectacular views perfect for sunset watching. Foodies will want to visit during the Telluride Colorado Wine Festival – not to be missed.

Recommended by Debra Muccio (me) of FindingDebra.com.

Mesa Verde National Park

Summer is a great time to get out and explore the world.  The beauty of the National Park System is that we have some of the most beautiful terrain on the planet, and Mesa Verde National Park in is no exception.  Home of the Ancestral Pueblo people for more than 700 years, this park is situated between Cortez and Durango, in the Southwestern corner of the state.

Beautifully preserved yet still fragile, due to its age, nature of eroding stone and the impact of humanity on the natural landscape, Mesa Verde is a lesser visited National treasure.  Be sure to check with the National Park Service site to stay up to date on the sites, exhibits and destinations within the grounds that might be closed or have limited access.

From the Cliff Dwellings cut directly into the rock face to the Ancient Sun Temple, whose story has been kept by the Pueblo Indians of the region, there is so much to see and explore.  For this park, you will need a car to get around, and if you choose to bring an alternative vehicle, please plan ahead.  You’ll love driving along the steep paths to breathtaking views, seeing the archeological sites that are so unique to this region and experiencing a tiny slice of a civilization whose memory still lives strong in the culture, the community and the region.

Recommended by: Teia Collier of DallasSingleMom.com.

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A recent study from Zulily showed that 71% of moms identify as planners. I can readily identify with those moms, can’t you? I thought that you and I might benefit from the brand new 2022 Zulily planning guide. Learning the best time to shop for kids and buy certain items throughout the year is so helpful. This is exactly the type of practical information I love to share with you and I’m grateful to be partnering with Zulily to discuss all the details.

Best Time To Shop for Kids, Month by Month.

Early in 2022, Zulily created an exciting “Best Time To Shop” Report.

The report took answers from 1,600 millennial moms, all with kids under the age of 12. Zulily took their answers and analyzed data, including Google keyword searches, to figure out exactly when we as moms (and any caregiver) should be able to score the best deals.

We don’t have to spend so much time researching and comparing prices every month. Zulily has done that all that work for us. It doesn’t matter whether we are shopping for toys and books for birthdays or Christmas. It could be that we’re looking for swimwear, athletic apparel, or even winter coats and mittens. They have put in the hours, compared prices, and shared it all.

Let’s take advantage. After all, that means there’s more time for us to focus on our families and the things we love to do (like reading or traveling.) We can lower our stress levels as the school year nears. I mean, really, why do we have to spend all that money for kid’s things in August? My guess is that we don’t. By being smart, and following Zulily’s recommendations in the planning guide, we can save money and start the school year with more in our pocket.

I’ve just read through the entire planning guide, filled with the best items to purchase each month of the year, incredible tips, and fun stats too. I now know when I should grab a pair of sneakers and was shocked at when we should be pulling out our wallets for Halloween costumes. Guess what? It’s not October! From yoga pants and leotards to a fancy dress for the big recital, Zulily tells us exactly when we will be able to find the best deals.

So make a list of what items your kids need over the coming months or the entire rest of the year. Be detailed. Check out the Shopping Planner on the Zulily blog. Discover which month you should be shopping for said items and most importantly, put it on your calendar! This way you won’t forget and will be reminded when it’s the right time.

Check out more details in the Shopping Planner on the Zulily blog! Be sure to take advantage of the Zulily deals too, as they are one of my favorite retailers with incredible brands we all love. Deals up to 70% off!

Don’t Forget: Daily sales begin at 6am PT and usually last up to three days. Zulily promises that if you find the same item at Amazon.com or Walmart.com, they’ll match or even beat their price.

The post Best Time To Shop for Kids, Month by Month appeared first on Finding Debra.

Loveuary is the new February, or so I’ve been told. Kind of catchy, isn’t it? February always has that certain chill in the air (or frigid cold temperatures if you are like me and stuck in the middle of an ice/snow storm in Dallas right now,) but there’s also a bit of romance, isn’t there? This year, make it a month long romantic celebration with Hallmark Channel’s Loveuary.

You’ll discover four (4) new romantic movies premiering that are part of the original Loveuary programming on Hallmark Channel all throughout February, which begins on Saturday, February 5^th with the encore of the premiere of The Wedding Veil starring Lacey Chabert. 

Thanks to Hallmark Channel for sponsoring this post. **Affiliate links may be in post where a small commission may be earned for any purchases made at no cost to you.

Hallmark Channel’s Loveuary Original Encore Premiere of “The Wedding Veil”

Bookmark this now: Hallmark Channel’s Loveuary special encore presentation of “The Wedding Veil” on Saturday, February 5th at 8pm/7c! #TheWeddingVeil

Let’s take a sneak peek:

If you are like me, you don’t miss a single original premiere on Hallmark Channel. Did you know that Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries provide incredible movies year-round, not just during the Christmas holiday? YES!

So snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa or glass of wine, along with a cozy blanket and join me this month to enjoy February’s Loveuary.

February’s Loveuary introduces us the The Wedding Veil trilogy which follows 3 best friends who met in grad school. It includes the three movies and is a first for Hallmark Channel and will include 3 of its biggest stars who will also be featured in all three movies while starring in their own. This is exciting because who among us Hallmark Channel fans aka “Hallmarkies” doesn’t love Lacey Chabert, Autumn Reeser and Alison Sweeney?

A little about the storyline for “The Wedding Veil:”

The first installment of a new trilogy follows three longtime college friends who discover a mysterious, antique veil fabled to unite its bearer with her true love. After discovering a long-lost painting, museum curator Avery and new board member Peter investigate the artwork’s origins as they plan a gala to unveil it. 

Starring Lacey Chabert, Kevin McGarry, Autumn Reeser and Alison Sweeney, this will not disappoint.

I can already feel the magic of this movie. The romance will be there of course, but also the love of best friends.

LOVEUARY PROGRAMMING:

• “The Wedding Veil”- Saturday, February 5^th, 2022
• “The Wedding Veil Unveiled” – Saturday, February 12^th, 2022
• “The Wedding Veil Legacy” – Saturday, February 19^th, 2022
• “Welcome to Mama’s” – Saturday, February 26^th, 2022

Loveuary Fun

Enter the Hallmark Channel Loveuary Sweepstakes, where you can enter to win weekly prizes but also a Grand Prize (personal assistant valued at $10,000.)

Wanting to change things up for your Zoom meetings? Download some of these stunning Virtual Backgrounds – hearts, pets, etc!

Impress your sweetheart with one of these twenty (20) Loveuary Recipes, like Hot Chocolate Cake or Chocolate Almond Tart.

I’ll be live-tweeting over on Twitter this Saturday as I watch and I hope you’ll join me. Use the hashtags #TheWeddingVeil and #Loveuary, along with tagging @HallmarkChannel so we can interact with each other. See you there!

The post Hallmark Channel’s LOVEUARY Original Encore Premiere of “The Wedding Veil” on Saturday, February 5th at 8pm7c! appeared first on Finding Debra.

Since early October, Zulily has been partnering with two non-profit organizations, allowing holiday shoppers an easy way to give back while ordering Christmas gifts for their family and friends. I couldn’t be more proud to be sharing this with you and partnering with Zulily to discuss all the details. I know I’ll be shopping at Zulily for those on my Christmas list this year, and hope you’ll join me.

This month Zulily has picked a new partner, Toys for Tots.

Zulily Donates to Toys for Tots with Every Qualifying Sale

I was excited to learn that during the month of November, Zulily will donate $1 for every order that includes two or more items from Santa’s Workshop, which are dedicated sale events filled with magical toys.

Zulily is one of the largest online retailers for toys and they are proud to partner with one of America’s favorite Christmastime charities, Toys for Tots. This partnership is able to bring millions of customers the ability to make a difference as they shop for toys for their loved ones this holiday season. This initiative will help enable Toys for Tots to distribute toys to less fortunate children during the holidays. That warms my heart to know that you and I can make a difference like that this time of year.

Zulily will also make a separate donation to Toys for Tots of $25,000, regardless of the number of qualifying orders placed during November. Bravo, Zulily!

This initiative from Zulily is just what this mom, and many others, need. So many of us are planning ahead for the holidays and shopping now. As you glance through your holiday lists, take a look at what you can find at Zulily in Santa’s Workshop. Toys for your kids, nieces, nephews, etc.

Santa’s Workshop at Zulily features toys for every age – from infant to preteen officially, but let’s be honest, I spied some LEGO Architecture sets in there that the teenagers and even adults in my life would love! From Hasbro and LEGO to My Little Pony and L.O.L. Surprise, and everything in between, there’s something for everyone on your list. Best of all, you are snagging them at Zulily discounts!

Don’t Forget: Daily sales begin at 6am PT and usually last up to three days. Zulily promises that if you find the same item at Amazon.com or Walmart.com, they’ll match or even beat their price.

All the Details on How to Shop this October

Who? Zulily.

What? Donating $1 for every qualifying sale that includes (2) two or more items from Santa’s Workshop.

Where? Zulily mobile app. Download on the App Store or Get it on Google Play.

When? Now through November 30, 2021.

Why? Toys for Tots, and the children they help.

Here’s how you can help. It couldn’t be easier.

1. Download the Zulily mobile app.
2. Log in to your account or create a new account if necessary.
3. Shop the Santa’s Workship at Zulily.
4. Complete your purchase to secure your donation.

I know I’m heading there to check out this week’s deals right now! I hope you’ll join me.

The post Zulily and Toys for Tots and YOU – Changing Lives, One Toy at a Time appeared first on Finding Debra.

This time of year especially you’ll find me in the kitchen. From roasting to baking and everything in between, it’s my favorite time of year to try new recipes and savor old ones handed down from generation to generation. This year, my refrigerator and freezer is stocked and ready for the holidays thanks to Snake River Farms, pioneers who control their entire supply chain, from the ranches to the processing facility.

I’m excited to introduce you to Snake River Farms, thanks to this sponsored post, along with a sneak peek inside my kitchen where I just made one of our favorite family meals with American Wagyu Beef from SRF. Oh, and a heads up – I’ve got a personal promo discount code just for you! Read on…

*Affiliate links may be in post, where a small commission may be earned, at no cost to you, for any purchases made.

Snake River Farms – Delivering Nationwide

One quick look at Snake River Farms and you’ll find a laundry list of incredible meat options, but that’s not all. You’ll also discover an awesome resource for recipes and tips for the holidays and throughout the year.

I just spotted two recipes I’m looking forward to making  – this week I’ll try out the Maple Roasted Root Vegetables and for Christmas Eve I’d like to serve the Bone-In Prime Rib with Shallot-Red Wine Jam & Black Pepper Gravy. Mouthwatering no doubt. Recipes and Tips are in the top right-hand corner of the Snake River Farms website! As you are planning your weekly (or holiday) menus, I highly recommend a visit…and while you are there, you just might want to take advantage and place an order.

Delivery is nationwide. So whether you are ordering Holiday Gifts for the meat-lovers in your family or just prepping for your own holiday meals, Snake River Farms has you covered.

For the beef lovers, you’ll discover a wide variety of American Wagyu Steaks, American Wagyu Brisket, American Wagyu Roasts, Prime Rib (oh, Christmas dinner) and even things the kids will ask for like ribs, burgers and hot dogs.

Pork lovers will quickly discover SRF’s Kurobuta pork, which is known for being much more flavorful than what you’d find in grocery stores. Options like bacon, ribs, chops, ham and more are available.

I recently got my very first delivery from SRF and it arrived in a huge box on my doorstep, complete with dry ice and a nice selection of beef. My order included American Wagyu Ground Beef, American Wagyu Filet Mignon, Tri-Tip Roast, American Wagyu Top Sirloin, and Prime New York Strip Steak. I dare say the insulated bag was too cute with a holiday theme. Beef arrived frozen and ready to go into the freezer, but I decided to keep out the American Wagyu Ground Beef, gourmet hamburger, for dinner the next evening.

What is American Wagyu Exactly?

American Wagyu Beef is the perfect combination of purebred Japanese Wagyu (known for its marbling) and the traditional American cattle. Wagyu is the breed. It means Japanese cattle and was made famous in the Kobe region of Japan.

You just need to try it. My family LOVES it.

American Wagyu Meatballs

It had been a while since I made traditional baked meatballs. Though I married into an Italian family who certainly loves meatballs in a tomato-based sauce, I learned how to bake meatballs and create a little onion-based sauce to top it off.

With quick sides in the oven like green bean casserole and roasted zucchini, the baked meatballs completed the meal perfectly. And what little leftovers we had – I made sure my family knew they were mine! All mine. It’s a good thing I have a second package of the American Wagyu gourmet hamburger in the freezer!

Now for that promo code I promised!

Get 10% Sitewide off with promo code FINDINGDEBRA

Pre-Thanksgiving Sale – No promo code necessary, but don’t forget to use FINDINGDEBRA for the 10%.

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The post Snake River Farms for the Holidays and Beyond appeared first on Finding Debra.

2021 has been yet another year leaving me looking so forward to the Christmas season. While I haven’t put up my Christmas tree yet or finished my shopping, I have been working behind the scenes to provide some extra joy for you this year. I’m so thankful for each and every one of you who have supported me this year and we are going to celebrate you with our 2021 Holiday Giveaways!

Bookmark this post because it is where I’ll be updating and adding new giveaways, and often! Yes, often! Some for the kids (okay, a lot for the kids) and a couple for the grownups too! When you visit be sure to scroll down as the newer giveaways will be at the top, and be sure to check out the end date of each giveaway!

Don’t forget to visit my 2021 Holiday Gift Guide, where I have many categories of gift ideas for those in your life. You’ll discover new-to-you products, many of them from small businesses. Check them out and discover that there are a few with special promo code discounts just for my followers.

Brands have generously provided items to give away in this sponsored post. Because brands are shipping items directly, be aware I cannot guarantee any prizes will arrive by Christmas, but I know they will try their best.  Affiliate links may be in posts, where a small commission may be earned at no cost to you.

2021 Holiday Giveaways

GIVEAWAY #5 – Sweetlandia Game

2021 saw the launch from UltraPro Entertainment of Sweetlandia – a fun game where players plan a city in a beautiful and tasty land made entirely of delicious treats.

Players use bidding cards to acquire building areas from a delectable collection of locations: Gumdrop Garden, Rocky Road, Marshmallow Mountain, Lemonade Lake, Candy Cornfields and many others. The winner of the game is the player who earns the most donuts from Mayor McSweet.

Ideal for 2-6 players and ages 8+.

SHOP: Now on Amazon

GIVEAWAY #5: Two (2) lucky winners will each receive a Sweetlandia game.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway #4 – Hallmark Channel Prize Package

GIVEAWAY #4: One (1) lucky will receive the Hallmark Channel Prize package!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Playper’s Curious Kingdom Playset Giveaway (2 Winners)

Let me introduce you to Playper. Playper experiences are all about 3 things: Creative Play, Fun Learning, and Sustainability.

Did you know that 90% of all toys are plastic?

Did you know that 660 billion pounds of plastic are produced each year?

Did you know that one plastic toy takes about 1,000 years to break dow?

Playper is a toy brand with a clearly-defined mission to take on the toy industry’s reliance on plastic. Playper thinks this is a BIG problem and they’re here to provide a solution!

Playper just launched its first product – Curious Kingdom, a unique build-and-play playset box that combines hands-on play with digital learning fun.

Curious Kingdom is an open play world where your child begins with the physical assembly of the toys, encouraging children to use their imaginations and engage in valuable pretend play, but the experience doesn’t end there! Children are then invited to bring their toys to life by scanning them with the free app, which acts as a magic wand, bringing the toys to life with stories, songs, educational games, and surprises. All for just $24.99.

I was so impressed by Playper that I invited them to be a part of our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide – Best Toys and Games! You can read more about them there.

SHOP: Now at Playper.com for $24.99

GIVEAWAY #3: Two (2) lucky winners will each receive a Curious Kingdom playset from Playper.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway #2 – Lone Cone MudBoots for Kids

Parents, this one is for you. Well, your kids really, but you’ll appreciate it. They’ve been ranked the #1 Kids Rain Boots on Amazon and are a must for your kids this season and the rest of the year. I’m talking about LONE CONE Neoprene MudBoots.

Founded by a mom of three kids, LONE CONE strives to provide kids with the most durable outdoor gear, something that should make every parent happy. In fact, LONE CONE boots are so durable (and did we mention comfy?) that they guarantee their products to withstand your child’s rugged play all season long.

While you’ll discover rain boots on their website, this season, choose the LONE CONE Neoprene MudBoots, which are both waterproof and insulated. So no matter the weather this season, your kids (ages 3 to 7 approx) can keep exploring. These all-weather neoprene boots keep kids warm and dry – no matter if it’s snowy, muddy, or just plain mucky.

GIVEAWAY #2: One (1) lucky will receive a pair of mud boots (winner’s choice of pattern/size.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck and come back again to enter our other holiday giveaways, posting soon!

Giveaway #1 – Sugarwish

Sometimes it’s easier (and more fun) if you let your loved ones, friends, and co-workers pick their own gifts. I’m so excited to introduce you to Sugarwish, the perfect gift this holiday season, one that can even be gifted at the very last minute – it happens to the best of us. Sugarwish is the gift for everyone on your list, even if they are on a KETO or low-sugar diet (they have some Sugarwish keto cookies just for them.)

It couldn’t be easier to gift:

• You select the size Sugarwish to send.
• You select the type of Sugarwish to send – candy, cookie, gourmet popcorn, sweet-savory snacks, cotton candy, even dog treats and new – COFFEE/TEA (with a Biscotti add-on too.)
• A Sugarwish is sent immediately via email, text, Facebook, Snapchat, Slack or basically any messaging app, notifying them of the gift.
• Your recipient picks their favorites.
• Sugarwish then delivers the sweet/savory treats in a custom box with card.

This is the gift you can still shop for on Christmas Eve (or even Christmas morning.)

For Example, a Small Sugarwish (which I’ll be giving away) can feature either 4 cookie selections, 4 candy selections, 2 popcorn/cotton candy selections, 4 snack selections, 4 coffee/tea selections, or 4 dog treat selections.

I love that the puppies are included – so fun. As a new dog mom myself, I’m eyeing some special training treats!

Corporate gifts are available, with options for custom branding and even volume discounts.

PROMO CODE ($7 off): Use code FINDINGDEBRA for $7 off one-time per user. Expires 12/31/2021.

SHOP:  Sugarwish.com and don’t forget to use the promo code.

GIVEAWAY #1: One (1) lucky winner will receive a Small Select Sugarwish ($33 Value.) You’ll get to pick the treats!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck and come back again to enter our other holiday giveaways, posting soon!

The post 2021 Holiday Giveaways – Weekly Updates! appeared first on Finding Debra.

It’s that time of year. The Halloween candy is long gone and the pumpkins are still decorating the house, but slowly Christmas is creeping into the Muccio household. One of the first clues it’s on its way is when you find my daughter and I snuggled up on the couch with a blanket and our matching Hallmark Channel socks. Eyes are fixated on the television for the latest original Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. It’s one thing I look forward to each holiday season and this weekend we are gearing up for the premiere of “Next Stop, Christmas.”

Thanks to Hallmark Channel for sponsoring this post and giveaway. Oh yes, there’s an incredible holiday giveaway, so be sure to keep on reading below.

**Affiliate links may be in post where a small commission may be earned for any purchases made at no cost to you.

Hallmark Channel Original Premiere of “Next Stop, Christmas”

Bookmark this now: Hallmark Channel Original Premiere of “Next Stop, Christmas” on Saturday, November 6th at 8pm/7c! #CountdowntoChristmas

Let’s take a sneak peek:

If you are like me, you don’t miss a single original premiere on Hallmark Channel. This year there are 41 original movies premiering on Hallmark Channel and on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

Add in a little magic with “Next Stop, Christmas” and it’s a must-watch live premiere! I’ll be live-tweeting over on Twitter as I watch and I hope you’ll join me.

A little about the storyline for “Next Stop, Christmas:”

Angie is determined to spend Christmas alone but her usual commuter ride turns into a Christmas train that drops her off in her home town in 2011.

Starring Lyndsy Fonseca and Chandler Massey, this will not disappoint!

I can already feel the magic of this movie.

With the conductor in the preview, I’m getting all “The Polar Express” vibes and I’m ready for it.

But there’s something more about “Next Stop, Christmas” that you might not be expecting…

A Back to the Future Reunion

This movie is a “Back to the Future” reunion!

Yes, Christopher Lloyd plays the Ticket Agent/Conductor and Lea Thompson plays the part of Evelyn. Two of our favorite “Back to the Future” actors on screen again, this time in a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie!

Hallmark Fun & Shopping

Cross some things off your holiday shopping list with the help of Hallmark Channel. You’ll discover Hallmark Channel Wines – totally a thing!

For extra fun this holiday season, you can create your own Hershey Digital Cookbook – just pick a few of your favorite recipes and voila!

TIP: Get the New Hallmark Movie Checklist App Widgets now and never miss a thing and sign up for Hallmark Movies Now service – you can start a Free 7-Day trial too!

2 Sweepstakes + 1 Giveaway (mine)

#1 – Hallmark Channel’s Very Merry Giveaway Sweepstakes: Be sure to enter the Very Merry Giveaway Sweepstakes daily for a chance to win $10,000 for you and daily prizes too!

#2 – Hallmark Channel’s Holiday Home Decoration Sweepstakes: Be sure to enter the Holiday Home Decoration Sweepstakes for a chance to win $10,000 and a Balsam Hill prize package.

#3 – Enter to win my “Hallmark Channel Holiday Happiness” Giveaway Package

One (1) lucky winner will receive a Holiday Happiness Package which includes:

• (1) one Hallmark Channel Gift Wrap Package
• (1) Hallmark Channel Wines $25 digital gift card
• (1) Holiday tea tin from Republic of Teas

Enter to win…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to join me over on Twitter during the movie this weekend. Follow FindingDebra2 on Twitter – that’s me, and use the hashtags #NextStopChristmas and #CountdowntoChristmas in your tweets.

The post Hallmark Channel Original Premiere of “Next Stop, Christmas ” on Saturday, Nov. 6th at 8pm/7c! #CountdowntoChristmas appeared first on Finding Debra.

Welcome to the 2021 Holiday Gift Guide here at Finding Debra. We’ve worked hard over the past weeks to curate a list of some of the best and most unique gift ideas for everyone on your holiday list. We can’t wait for you to explore the guide, discover new brands and small businesses, and do a little holiday shopping along the way.

2021 Holiday Gift Guide

Just like last year, this holiday season will be different in so many ways. We’ve all been challenged to shop a little early so we don’t run into any shipping concerns. While some of us have ventured back into brick and mortar stores, others of us will continue to take advantage of the convenience of online shopping. One thing we’ve learned – it’s important to support small businesses along the way. Our hope is that this 2021 holiday gift guide will help you do just that.

Every single one of these brands is one we have hand-selected. We don’t stuff the categories with too many options and instead focus on highlighting just a few of the best we’ve discovered in each category.

We challenge you to discover “new to you” brands and products in this year’s 2021 holiday gift guide. We have two new categories this year – “Stocking Stuffers” because stockings are one of our favorite things to open on Christmas morning, and “Best Boxes” because subscription and one-time boxes are all the rage these days. We think you’ll be impressed with what we’ve found. As always, kids have two special sections just for them, “For Kids” and “Toys and Games” because, well, this time of year is extra special for the little ones among us.

We can’t wait to hear what you have found for the loved ones on your holiday list.

Now let’s do some shopping…

Be sure to stick around and visit often during November and December as I’ll be hosting a some very special holiday giveaways from some incredible partners.

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