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You will need to send out invites, declutter your living space and guest areas, and enquire as to any +1 guests that might be attending your winter holiday events. You might also need to send out maps or printed instructions with directions to your home, and you might want to plan games and activities to entertain your guests too. In short, there is a lot to be getting on with where your guests are concerned, so get cracking!
Think about food
You will need to make space in your pantry and refrigerator in readiness for the season ahead, so now is the time to work with your existing food. So, you might want to donate some of your food items to charitable groups in your area, for example, as this is a better option than throwing unwanted food away. You might want to prepare a dinner party for friends and family too, as you will be able to use much of your food up this way. And you might steadily start to work your way through the food you have before replenishing your stocks, as you will then save space and money in the run-up to Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Think about gifts
What should you buy your nearest and dearest for Christmas? Now is the time to ask them outright if you don’t feel cheeky in doing so, or you could consult with other people in your family and friend groups to find out a few suggestions. And when you have found out more, you might do more than go for the obvious. So, if your nephews and nieces enjoy reading, you might consider signing them up to a book subscription service instead of buying them a novel or two. If any of your work colleagues show a passion for charity, you might want to find out how to donate on their behalf. And for those people who simply have everything, you might start your shop for unique items so they don’t end up with something they already have. Consider this viking drinking horn for ale and beer for any of your friends who like a tipple or two at Christmas, for example.
So, don’t delay. Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and then Christmas will be merrily weaving its festive delights into your life too! We hope our practical suggestions have been useful, but if we have missed something in our post, be sure to remind us below.
Thanks for reading and happy holidays!

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This post is Sponsored by Mixie but my opinions are 100% my own! Recently I was sent the 8 oz Mixie Bottle to review. I have to say when I was told about the Mixie Bottle I thought, what an ingenious idea, but like most new baby products, i’m very skeptical on how it will really work. Mixie Baby Bottles are for formula feeding, that can be filled in advance and mixed at feeding time. They are great for when you need to do a middle of the night feed, as it saves time mixing up the formula that way you can quickly feed your hungry baby. Mixie bottles are free of BPA, phthalates, and PVC.
Simply scoop powder into the Mixie formula compartment, tap gently on a hard surface to settle powder, and press the lid on to seal. The bottle’s formula compartment loads from the bottom of the bottle and water is added from the top. The airtight design keeps formula powder fresh and dry, When it’s feeding time, simply push the button on the bottom of the bottle to release the formula powder, shake and blend. Mixie is offered in two sizes 4oz and 8oz. There are very few parts to clean which is always a plus for me. Mixie bottles also feature a special nipple venting system which reduces colic symptoms.
These bottles are perfect for busy lifestyles and on the go feedings such as daycare centers or out and about when you don’t have to fuss with making a bottle. Although I breastfeed my baby, I have supplemented many times…this would have been such a life saver!! I highly recommend this as a gift for yourself, or someone who is planning on bottle feeding or supplementing. They will love you for it!! Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links with fund the Mom of 4 Boys blog. I have received a product(s) for review purposes only, however I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Mixie has not influenced the editorial nature of this post, and No other compensation was received. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

When it comes to buying for baby, there’s just so many options on the market for each item it can be a little overwhelming. You should ask yourself is if it has the necessary function, style, and versatility to make it worth buying. No sense adding something else to the already over-packed room if it doesn’t. Babies outgrow things so very quickly, there’s just no sense in getting something that just won’t last more than a few months.
I have to admit, I was one of those parents that didn’t think a diaper pail was a necessity…mostly because I didn’t want to have to buy the refills and thought it was a bit silly to have a “special” trash can just for diapers…I have a trash can in the kitchen, or the bathroom, that will do…right?…well after 4 kids and many diapers later, I can tell you, having a pail next to the changing area is definitely worth it, but I’m still not a huge fan of wasting money on unnecessary things.
This year I was introduced to the newly launched Bubula Diaper Pail. This pail is made of steel and stands 25″ tall and is slim, fitting nicely into a small space. It’s tall enough that I don’t have to reach down to dispose of a diaper, it locks out odor nicely and can be used with my every day household trash bags!
I was sent the white Bubula because I wanted it to match any decor in the house. But if you’re looking for something a little more colorful, you’re in luck…they have seven colors to choose from…white, sage, purple, blue, grey with white, white with grey.
It’s not very complicated to use at all like some of the other “diaper pails” on the market. With just a tap on one side of the lid, you place the dirty diaper in a compartment and close the door, and then push a button on the other side of the lid which drops it into the pail. This pail has it all, style and function, plus when your done using it for diaper, you can use it as a regular old trash can, great in the bathroom…so it’s also versatile.
If your pregnant, have a young baby or know someone having a baby, I recommend checking out the Bubula Diaper Pail! You can learn more about the new Bubula Diaper Pail on their website.
The Bubula Diaper Pail retails for $89.99 and is currently available on Amazon, Babies “R” Us & buybuyBABY.
Follow Them On FACEBOOK for current happenings: They are currently running a giveaway with a winner being picked on June 15.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Star Wars fans are hard-core, we love to have anything we can find that is Star Wars related…and with the new movie “The Force Awakens” coming out next month you can find Star Wars memorabilia just about everywhere you look! I’ve compiled 13 Gifts Your Star Wars Fan Will Love, based on what my kids and I have fell in love with.
1. Battleship: Star Wars Edition Game with Risk: Star Wars Edition Game –
Battleship Star Wars: players choose a fleet of vehicles including some from the movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The excitement keeps growing as players command their fleets of starships while avoiding enemy attacks. In this game of strategy, players attempt to hunt down and destroy their opponent’s ships while simultaneously hiding and protecting their own. The Battleship: Star Wars Edition game can be played almost anywhere. The games grid base and target grid converts to neatly hold all the game pieces for on-the-go-fun.
Risk: Star Wars Edition game lets players recreate the dramatic final moments of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Across a TIE fighter-shaped gameboard, players can determine the fate of the Star Wars universe through 3 concurrent, yet distinct, battles. The 3 battles going on simultaneously are: the attack on the Death Star, the shield assault, and the battle between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. Opponents choose to play as the light side or the dark side of the Star Wars saga, and use the classic Risk dice to control characters and ships. No matter which side is victorious, the game is sure to be filled with action and adventure!
2. Hallmark Keepsake Ornament: Star Wars: A New Hope C-3PO and R2-D2
This permanently bickering yet inseparable pair of mechanical droids proved their loyalty to their Rebel friends throughout the Galactic Civil War, and even saved the day a time or two. Now, C-3P0™ and R2-D2™ are back as the 19th installment of the Keepsake series as seen in “Star Wars™: A New Hope™.
3. Monopoly Game Star Wars
The galaxy is torn by conflict! Good and evil are pitted against each other in an epic battle for control. First choose a side. Then travel around the gameboard buying, selling and renting properties based on the Star Wars The Clone Wars animated series. The more you control, the further your power will spread! In this Special Edition you can build settlements and cities in place of the classic houses and hotels, and optional Star Wars rules add even more excitement! Be the most powerful player at the end of the game and you’ll control the Force and possibly the entire Star Wars galaxy.
4. Star Wars: Battlefront – Standard Edition
Wage epic multiplayer battles on Hoth, Endor, Tatooine and the previously unexplored planet, Sullust. Fire blasters, drive speederbikes, snowspeeders and command AT-ATs. Fight as the galaxy’s most memorable heroes and villains, like Darth Vader and Boba Fett. Interact with some of the most beloved characters from the original trilogy. Become the hero or villain of the battle. Pilot X-wings, TIE fighters, the Millennium Falcon and more of your favorite vehicles in exhilarating aerial combat. Find out which squadrons will rule the skies. Seamlessly swap between 1st person and 3rd person perspectives. Partner up with a friend in online multiplayer, share unlocks and have each other’s backs on the battlefront. Fight for the Empire or the Rebellion offline, solo or with a friend, in carefully crafted missions
5. Cross Click/Jot Zone Star Wars Gift Set
Cross presents the Click/Jot Zone Star Wars Gift Set commemorating three iconic Star Wars characters from the original Star Wars film trilogy. Inspired by C-3PO, Darth Vader, and the Stormtroopers characters, these gift sets symbolize the dynamic spirit and color pallet representative of each character. Each Star Wars Gift Set is themed to one of these legendary characters, and includes a stylish Jot Zone journal with debossed character face and Star Wars Logo, plus a matching Cross Click gel ink pen. The pen includes the same character’s emblem and other fine design details.
6. Star Wars Home Theater R2-D2 Popcorn Bucket
Star Wars Home Theater R2-D2 Popcorn Bucket & 1 Bag of Pop Secret Butter-Flavored Microwave Popcorn Reusable Star Wars themed double-sided character plastic bucket One package of butter flavored Pop Secret microwave popcorn Reuse these buckets for toy storage, trash cans or decorations. Buckets measure 8″ in diameter x 6 3/4″ tall. Perfect for the ultimate Star Wars themed movie watch party. Great for birthdays, fathers day, family movie night or a unique gift for your favorite Star Wars for collectors
7. Star Wars Men’s Watch
These watches are simply stunning and a must-have for the grown-up Star Wars fan. Each watch features a Gun Metal Band with black dial, & Quartz Analog movement. The watch is hefty and extremely well-crafted, so it’ll be sure to last as long as your love of Star Wars.
8. Star Wars Millennium Falcon Lighting Decor Lamp
This modern STAR WARS Millennium Falcon lamp is a fantastically unique item that makes for the perfect gift. It’s a designer statement piece that will captivate the audience’s attention. The lamp makes the perfect give for gadget lovers, designers, and scientists. This lamp would be ideal for use in a nursery, a child’s room, in the office, or in the man cave, allows you to customize the lamp color. Power light on/off; pause/play lights; and create a rainbow with 7 COLORS , Power By USB cable (included) Note: USB Adapter not included Approximately SIZE: 6 inch X 9 inch LIGHT : Energy efficient (LED) with a long-lasting lifetime of more than 50.000 hours.
9. American Tourister Star Wars 21 Inch Hard Side Spinner
Travel with the force with these incredible Star Wars bags from American Tourister! This luggage has Single Spinner wheels, Star Wars branded push button pull handle, zipper pulls & ID badge. It is constructed with a split construction with a large mesh pocket on the interior. This bag is sure to take you to a galaxy far far away, in style! I have the 28″ R2D2 and absolutely LOVE it…you can read my review >>> HERE
10. Star Wars Legendary Jedi Master Yoda
Train to become a Jedi with Legendary Yoda! Small in size but wise and powerful, Yoda has trained Jedi’s like Luke Skywalker for over 800 years. Now it’s your turn as Legendary Yoda guides you on the path to becoming a Jedi Master. Standing an impressive 16 inches tall, Yoda’s dynamic motorized body movement and full voice recognition make him the most realistic Star Wars toy ever. He speaks 115 phrases that will lead you to Jedi Wisdom and Lightsaber mastery. And with dynamic 360-degree movement, Yoda comes to life with never-before-seen Lightsaber action! Discover 3 distinct modes of play on your path to becoming a Jedi Master.
11. Star Wars R2-D2 Stein – Collectible 32oz Ceramic Mug
Beep boop! What’s that R2? You want us to flip back head and pour your favorite beverage down your neck? Well, I’m not sure that’s such a good idea with your circuit boards and all, but okay then! Introducing the officially licensed R2-D2 Signature Stein! The R2-D2 Signature Stein stands an impressive 9in tall and can hold up to 32oz of the aforementioned beverage. Crafted in the highest quality ceramic with painstaking attention to detail, the innovative design features a head-hinged lid with genuine pewter thumb lift. Collect the entire line of Star Wars Signature Steins and “May the Froth Be With You.”
12. Star Wars Episode 7 The Force Awakens 16 ounce Glass Tumbler
Grab this limited time offer, set of 4, 16oz Star Wars Episode 7 glasses! These are great for every day use with full coverage art. Not recommended for dishwasher or microwave. Hand wash is best for the lifeline of the glasses. It’s an attractive addition to the household, whether it’s at the table, on a shelf, or even in a display case. The full coverage art is bright and vibrantly colored, an eye-catching statement from any angle. Both decorative and functional, these glasses are also great for everyday use, with a 16-ounce capacity and an easy-to-hold cone shape. Artwork features X-Wing, Tie Fighter, Kylo Ren, and the Rebel Forces.
13. PlayStation 4 Limited Edition Star Wars Console
This Limited Edition Star Wars™ Battlefront™ PlayStation®4 Bundle will immerse you in the epic Star Wars battles you’ve always dreamed of and let you create new heroic moments of your own on the world’s most popular next gen gaming system. Featuring a fully customized PlayStation®4 and DualShock®4 wireless controller inspired by Darth Vader, there’s no better place for the ultimate Star Wars fan to live out their Star Wars battle fantasies. This PlayStation®4 Limited Edition Star Wars Battlefront bundle also includes a voucher containing four Star Wars Classics*.
These 13 gift are sure to please your Star Wars fan…but just in case I’ve found a few more that might be on their list…

*Disclosure: I was invited by disney on an all expenses paid trip to L.A. to attend the press junket and premiere for Disney’s The Jungle Book, however all experiences and opinions are 100% my own!
So yesterday I got to share our interview with Jon Favreau & Neel Sethi, well today we get to talk to Raksha & Akela about parenting, role models & more…that’s right Lupita Nyong’o & Giancarlo Esposito talk about their roles in Disney’s “The Jungle Book”!
It’s not every day you get to sit down with inspiring people and it just so happens we had the chance to do this 3 times in one day! We all have the actors that we just adore, and for me I have several, Lupita being one of them. I was excited that we would be sitting in the same room with her.
When asked about what life experiences did she have to draw herself to this character as a mothering role, I wasn’t really shocked by her answer, but completely moved.
“Well, I have a lot of very, very powerful women in my life. My mother being the first. And most important. But in my culture, in my mother’s sisters are also my mother. And my father’s sisters are my mother’s, too. So I’ve have many mothers. My mom, she had a fierce love for her children. And she’s known to say things like if you die I’ll kill you. And so… That… For me, that spirit, that tenacity of mothering was something that I thought of. And that inspired my version of Raksha. Because it takes a woman with one huge heart to take on not only a child that’s not hers, but of a completely different species. And the fact that she does this, and she does it, and she doesn’t look back, and she does everything in her power to protect that child. And then to have to…let go of that child as well, that takes even more love, you know, to allow your children to do what they need to do. And all mothers go through that. I know… I went through that with my mother. And as a child, you don’t appreciate it until you’re much older, and you realize how hard it is to make new connections, and then how hard it is to lose those connections. So those were things I was definitely thinking about. And I love my mommy.”
It wasn’t hard for either actors to say yes to their rolls. Giancarlo was actually talking to Jon years ago about how wonderful to do this movie again and re-envision it for a new generation as they were filming the trailer of Destiny. So when Jon called to ask if Giancarlo was in it was a resounding YES! As for Lupita, what appealed to her about the role was the idea of playing a mother. Something that she hadn’t yet done. To do it in voice-over.
” Just opened myself up to something new! I have always loved children. I been fantasizing about motherhood since I was probably 2 ½.”
Giancarlo was asked if he identifies with Akiwa in any way?
“Oh, in so many ways. I’m a male, and on the way in, Lupita was talking about another film she did, and there was a lot of testosterone, energy! I have four daughters, and you know, I have to say that, while these questions, in regard to Raksha and how Lupita feels about her mom and being a mother, I feel like… the importance of the female and the mother presence in our society is greater than ever.
I have four daughters who, the eldest is 19, the youngest is 12, and I watched all of them journey into motherhood. Motherhood is very deep. It starts when you’re very, very young. Now, my 12 year old comes in, wants to put me to bed. And she’ll, you know, put her hand on my forehead and say the prayer with me. As for years I’ve done for her! It’s almost like a very beautiful, natural transition.
So while Lupita and you guys have been talking back and forth about motherhood, I have this vision that I’m really watching each one of my daughters start to become women, and mothers. And this is what’s gonna save our planet. I know it. Because there’s such a grace and understanding in the female persona when women have really come into their own. Part of that is to have children, and to be caring for those children, and not only in the care for them, but also in the nurturing and raising of them, they have to pass on their, their souls, and their intelligence.
And all those things can’t be taught. It’s something that, that in the essence of a woman, the essence of a mother, a mother knows! So to me, you know, I have learned to listen through, raising four daughters. But I’ve learned to become a progressive man because I have four women in my life. It is this strength of the mother that is going to change the way the world is. It’s the compassion, the love, the very open spirited mother, and woman that will move us forward in this new century.”
What is one thing that you want children to take back from your character? What’s one example or role model quality that you want the kids to see from parental figures in the movie?
Lupita – “Well, I think… what Mowgli is dealing with is finding belonging and what Raksha offers him is home. Her… as home. And as an anchor. And I think that’s a really important thing for children to have, So that they can veer away from it, but always be able to come back when they need to.”
Giancarlo – “We want to remember to be playful! We’re here in this… wonderful and incredible world! Like, the grand architect of the universe created this playground. And we’re supposed to have fun, and we’re supposed to play. And that’s what I tell my kids. And what I want people to get from this movie is that sense of freedom, that sense of, abandonment in the ride of this film, the sense of connection with family, even if you don’t have a family. The sense of trust that someone’s gonna adopt you and take care of you. That sense of, really being engaged by the world. You know? And I think people are gonna feel it in this film.”
So what’s next for the stars after this amazing adventure?
Giancarlo – “I’ve just made, um, my second feature film as a director called “This is Your Death”. It stars Josh Gemmell, Famke Janssen, and myself…and it’s an unflinching look at reality television.”
Lupita – “Well, I am on Broadway at the moment. I’m doing a show called “Eclipsed” by Danai Gurira. She plays Mishone. And she’s an incredible playwright. And she’s written this five female play about women in the Liberian civil war, and how they each individually deal with war, and get themselves out of very dire situation. We are the first all female performed, directed, and written play on Broadway.”
She is also working on another Disney film that releases later this year where she plays a mother, but this time live action mother…Queen of Katwe…and its about a Ugandan chess prodigy.
I loved listening to the two of them, and if we could have, I would have sat all day and listen to them talk!
Come back later this week for an interview with Sir Ben Kingsley plus “The Jungle Book” movie review!
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Take a sneak peek at the magical adventure by watching a recently released motion poster & featurette that showcases the bravery of Beetle, voiced by Matthew McConaughey. Kubo’s quest begins nationwide August 19, 2016 from animation studio LAIKA and Focus Features.
Kubo and the Two Strings is an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Hashi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), and Kameyo (Academy Award nominee Brenda Vaccaro). But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.