Oh Christmas Tree (Farm) Oh Christmas Tree (Farm)....How Lovely!

Ok I am hooked, being raised in the city we never went to a Christmas tree farm. We went to the closest grocery store lot and picked one out. What fun we thought it was running on the black concrete path searching for the perfect tree, branches that spun out like a dress, and would look heavenly decorated with ornaments and tinsel.

Now 20 something years later I realize while fun, lot tree shopping has no real personality. We are starting a new tradition here in Missouri...we are going to our local Christmas tree farm, picking our own tree and having it cut down. The kids and Don will be dragging it to the truck, and off it well go to it's temporary home at the farm.

So early this afternoon we set out to the Tree Farm, it's about 20 minutes away down a dirt road. The boys were practically hopping off the seat when we saw the sign

The boys were excited to cut the tree (well anything really) down... Everyone jumped out of the truck and started running up and down the rows of trees. It was beautiful and the fragrance was so wonderful. I could of stood and just smelled the air for hours. If only you could take that home with you.

Thomas and Mickey as always are interested in the process...they jumped in the back of the owner's truck to learn about being a tree farmer. They learned how to cut and carry, how they know who's tree belongs to who, how to get the dead needle's off, what may fall out of the tree, and how to tie it up for travel!

They worked their little tushes off dragging tree's, going up and down the hill to the stations for cleaning and trimming! What a wonderful experience. Thomas even had a bird's nest fall out of one of the tree's as they were shaking off the pine needles. Nikolas was fascinated with it...all I heard for the next hour was egg, nest, tree. Kids are so sweet! It's the little things, isn't it?

Now after we picked out our tree,(after marching around for an hour up and down the rows) they cut it down and trimmed it. Don picked it up and put it in the truck. He literally carried a 7 1/2 foot tree down the hill to the truck. Then we drove it back up to get a shake down and tied up.

I love the whole process...Have you ever seen what happens to your tree before it make's it to the tree lot? Well watch this video to see..I warn you, it's funny!

Watch on Youtube!

Wasn't that great? I love the shaking off of the needles. I wonder if we could use one of those, ha ha! Remember those old weight losing machines? The tree was all ready to go and loaded up, and ready to go to it's new home on the farm! Please don't look at my photo, ha ha!

Home at last

~Freebies & Deals~ From TinyPrints

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Terms: Offer expires December 11, 2014 (11:59 P.M. PT). Use code CHOOSEGIFT at checkout to enjoy a free magnet, notepad, white 11 oz. mug, OR for a $16.99 credit towards a home décor purchase. Offer cannot be redeemed more than once per account and/or billing address. This particular offer code can only be redeemed once. This promotion code cannot be combined with other offers. The $16.99 credit offer is not applicable to shipping, taxes, rush processing charges, previously placed orders or toward the purchase of calendars, photobooks, gift certificates and Erin Condren products. Offer is only valid on tinyprints.com and is not applicable to third party or partner websites. Quantities limited to a combined maximum of 5,000 gifts. To prevent fraud or abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer or cancel any order.

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This Fat little Piggy

So I am not the one normally feeding the pig, that's my husbands job. I went out to visit her and WOW....fatty fatty! She's HUGE! Here is a comparison photo.

Apparently she doesn't like me, but loves Don! Guess it's because he's the feeder. He gets her tons of slop from work! She is all over that! We also have another new addition to the farm..

Meet Totoro our new pup.. Someone just dumped him one day and well he is just so lovable that we kept him. Well trained too! Yes he was named after the Japanese cartoon My Neighbor Totoro! :-) Kids, you gotta love them!

~Coupon~ Balu Box

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~Giveaway~ Lock it Up in 2015

Grand Prize: 

Kids Locker

$105

Runner Up Prize

Kids Mini Locker

Up to $70

Hosted by:
Tyrneathem
(Review)
and 

Co-Hosted By:
A Lucky Ladybug, Monica's Rants, Raves, and Reviews, Deliciously Savvy 

~Review~ Just for Men AutoStop

My gracious husband Don volunteered to try out Just For Men AutoStop for me to review. We chose Real Black for the closest match to his color. Don has some grey in his sideburns and his neckline. Just For Men AutoStop is used to treat 25-50% grey in your hair. I would say Don has about 20-25% grey.

The application was super easy. You basically put the comb attachment on the tube of dye, squeeze a little out and then comb where you have grey in your hair. That's it. It glides right through your hair. Don has exceptionally thick hair, and we had no issues getting it to breeze through!

After 10 minutes it's time to shampoo and rinse. I am happy to say that even though thy provide gloves, there is no real need for them. Unlike other hair dyes I have used, this one did not stain your hands or skin on your neck and face. It rinsed right off and left no black residue. No ruined towels or clothing. That's a huge plus in my eyes!

Here are the results, No grey showing at all! Yes he does need a haircut!

We were both pleased and although Don would not ever use hair dye normally (he doesn't mind the grey) he said he would recommend it to anyone who wanted to give it a try. We both give it a thumbs up!

If you would like to try it and get a $2 off coupon go visit the Just For Men page on Smiley360. While your there sign up and you can also get Free Samples to try for review!

I received this sample from Smiley360 for my honest review. All opinions are my own. All photos are owned by Primitive Gypsy or Just For Men.

~Review~ Honey Amber Teething Necklace by LAMB

I have a 7 month old who is teething...and we all know what that means. Crying, screaming, fussiness, sleeplessness, and pain. I decided to try a Amber teething necklace that I have been hearing so much about from other mommies. I'll be honest, I was in no way thinking it would help, but hey what did I have to lose? If it worked I got a happier baby and if it didn't at least it was pretty. It's also a plus that it's all natural and not a medication.

I ordered an Amber teething necklace by Lamp on Amazon. I got Honey but it also comes in Cognac and Multi Colored. It came in a little sheer bag with a Certificate of Authenticity. That was nice because I know so many out there just say they are natural Baltic amber. This is the real deal and I have the proof.

As soon as it arrived I put it on him. I was pleased with how stretchy it was. The color is beautiful, honey is an appropriate way to describe it. The pieces of amber are smooth, with no rough edges and are knotted between. It has an easy screw on/off clasp. This was wonderful as I was trying to put it on my crying 7 month old Teddy. It took mere seconds to attach. I know from trying another brand of anklet that this is not always the case.

Teddy started laughing at me, while he is usually a happy baby, today he was very fussy. He's had it on for a few hours now and I have noticed a change in his mood. While I can still tell he is teething, I've noticed a dramatic change in him putting things in his mouth. He also hasn't been crying, or screaming since. He's been laughing and playing with toys. During nap time he stayed asleep the entire time, and woke up happy and not fussing.

Another great benefit is that this necklace fits bigger children. My 2 year old Nikolas wanted to put it on and I let him. Nikolas has a very big head, in the 90th percentile so I wasn't sure it would fit. It fit him just as well as it fit Teddy. I wouldn't mind having another one for him.

I give this teething necklace a thumb's up! It's beautiful and effective. If you would like to try it for yourself you can find it on Amazon!

All thoughts in this post are my own honest opinion! All photographs in this post belong to PrimitiveGypsy and/or Lamb.

Baby Banana Brush Review and Giveaway Coming Soon!

How fun are these? I can't wait to give one a try. Teddy has been teething really bad lately and I am looking forward to reviewing a safe teething toothbrush that he will be able to test out! So many things these days are so bad for your baby, so I am glad to try something that is not. Not only is it soft and safe but it comes in such cute shapes. It also helps with teething and starts your baby on the right path to brushing!

These teething toothbrushes are 100% silicone. They are for infants through 2 years old. The company is family owned and operated. They strive to make brushing fun (and safer) with this which is their flagship product. The Baby Banana Brush, and their brand new product the Cornelius Teething Toothbrush are a sure hit! Baby Banana Brushes are wildly popular online (currently the #1 baby product on Amazon) Wouldn't they make a great Stocking stuffer for your baby? I know they will for mine!

Look for my review and a GIVEAWAY coming this month!

~Giveaway~ Amazon Gift Card

Who wants to win an Amazon Gift Card? I know I do....any little bit helps this time of year. Primitive Gypsy, Mommabears Book Blog and GypsyMomma's are offering you the chance to win a $5 gift card which will be emailed to the winner. Thanks for entering and GOOD LUCK!

Entry-Form

Giveaway is open to everyone 18 and up! We will be responsible for this fulfillment of this prize. The winner will be emailed and have 48 hours to respond and claim prize.

~GIVEAWAY~ 5-Piece Mixing Bowl Set

Copy-Kids, Southern Crazed, Mommy Footprint, Mom Dishes It Out and As Told By Ocie and myself Primitive Gypsy have come together to offer you the opportunity to win this fabulous prize!

This 5-Piece Set Includes: • 4-cup bowl • 6 1/2-Cup Bowl • 9-Cup Bowl • 12-Cup Bowl • 17-Cup Bowl

This is a win with a friend event too! Don't forget to tag all your buddies! Make sure your a fan of all the facebook pages I mentioned above for bonus entries! Please share so we can offer more giveaways and prizes!

To enter Click HERE to go to the Copy-Kids Facebook Page!

Review- Hot Wheels® Street Hawk™

My kids were so excited to try out this new toy from Hot Wheels®! The Hot Wheels® Street Hawk™ is a Remote Control Flying Car that my 9 year old Thomas had been asking for this year! Wasn't he excited when we got it for free to review from Mattel and BzzAgent

The boys rushed outside to open it up, the box isn't one of those adult proof one's because they had it open in seconds! It was a pretty easy setup. You'll need a Phillips screwdriver and 6 AA batteries. BzzAgent graciously provided the batteries for us. In the box was the Flying Car, the remote Control, an instruction booklet and a USB charging cable. The instructions say to charge it for 40 minutes first, but they were so excited they just had to try it. Without charging it right away it worked for about 10 minutes.

My boys are 9 and 11. The box says for kids 8 and up. They first tried it on the grass and dirt, but it wouldn't roll well there, so then they moved over to the patio. Once there it went well. The first few tries were very amusing, they were rushing and couldn't get it to do anything but roll and flip. After about 5 minutes they had it flying. My 11 year old says the key is to slowly accelerate like if it were a real plane. Both boys could make it fly even though it was very windy outside.

I was able to leave them at it pretty much from the beginning. The both say they love it, and have it charging as we speak so they can continue to play! It takes 40 mins to charge, my favorite thing is you can charge it with the USB cord. My least favorite thing is that it only works for 5-6 minutes after charged.

It's very light and honestly when they opened it I thought it would be in pieces in 10 seconds or one crash landing, but it's tougher than it looks! Not even a scratch! All in all I would say this is a Hit!

Giveaway from CatholicMom.com Little People Nativity and Advent Books

Another wonderful giveaway happening over at CatholicMom.com Here is what they are giving away!

I know my kids would love this Little People Nativity graciously offered by Catholic Family Gifts

This bright, adorable set is a wonderful way to introduce the very young to the Christmas story and an unbreakable set for older ones to play with. The perfect size for little hands, the Little People nativity set is a toy that will be used from year without fear of breakage. The set can be placed under the Christmas tree to be played with in the weeks leading up to December 25th. Place the angel atop the stable to activate the light-up star and hear the holiday favorite “Away in a Manger” play. The stable is shallow and will hold three figures. Children can use the cart to travel with the donkey act out the Christmas Story.

Joy to the World: How Christ’s Coming Changed Everything (and Still Does) By Scott Hahn (Image Books, 2014)

What could be more familiar than the Christmas story — and yet what could be more extraordinary? The cast of characters is strange and exotic: shepherds and magicians, an emperor and a despot, angels, and a baby who is Almighty God. The strangeness calls for an explanation, and this book provides it by examining the characters and the story in light of the biblical and historical context. Bestselling author Scott Hahn who has written extensively on Scripture and the early Church, brings evidence to light, dispelling some of the mystery of the story. Yet Christmas is made familiar all over again by showing it to be a family story. Christmas, as it appears in the New Testament, is the story of a father, a mother, and a child — their relationships, their interactions, their principles, their individual lives, and their common life. To see the life of this “earthly trinity” is to gaze into heaven. – See more at: http://www.imagecatholicbooks.com/book/237954/joy-to-the-world/#sthash.7M4JQSTJ.dpuf

Let Us Adore Him: Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas By Richard Fragomeni (Franciscan Media, 2014)

Let Us Adore Him will enhance your preparation for and celebration of Christmas. From the First Sunday of Advent through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, you will find inspiration for your Advent and Christmas prayer time. Noted liturgist Fr. Richard Fragomeni weaves the Communion Antiphon from each day’s liturgy into a thoughtful, prayerful meditation.

A Eucharistic Christmas: Advent Meditations on the Presence of Christ By Editors of Servant Books (Servant Books, 2014)

During Advent we sing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” We focus on the birth of Jesus, this innocent child who came into our world to be our Savior. He is Emmanuel, God with us. But Advent and the Christmas season is also the perfect time to reflect on the fact that God is with us always, and particularly in his Eucharistic presence. This book offers a simple meditation from a well-known Christian writer each day from December 1st through the twelve days after Christmas, a few thoughts to help you respond to Christ’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament, and a prayer to help you open your heart. The meditations focus on: The Scriptural basis for understanding the Eucharist How to prepare to receive the Lord What to do when you pray before the Blessed Sacrament The difference a holy hour can make The experiences of those who have spent time in adoration During this holy season, Mary’s example as she carried Jesus in her womb can show us how Jesus takes flesh in our own lives when we receive him with reverence.

For your chance to win any one of these lovely gifts please visit CatholicMom.com

Small Business Saturday!

Please take advantage of Today and Shop Small. Our small business' depend on people just like you to keep us that way, IN BUSINESS! We so appreciate our customers! I try and only shop small esp at the Holidays! I will be offering discounts in my Etsy shoppe and my Facebook Page Store Through Monday One Etsy please use the following discounts! Link to Etsy is on the sidebar, or just click here! PrimitiveGypsy

Small Business Saturday take 20% off with Coupon Code SMALL Thru Monday take 15% off with Coupon Code GYPSY On facebook when you message me about something I will automatically give you the discount! PrimitiveGypsy on facebook

Here Piggy Piggy Piggy

I know you all are dying to hear more piggy stories but I actually have none to tell! WOOHOO, she is still in her pen..No more chasing her through the neighbors fields! She has gotten HUGE.. I will take a photo when it's not snowing and blowing so hard the house is moving! Instead I'll show you Nikolas fascinated with the snow! He just stood outside and stared and smiled! It's was so sweet that a 2 year old can see the beauty we so often forget to stop and see! Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

Blogger Opps: Lock it Up in 2014 Giveaway!

Grand Prize: 

Kids Locker

$105

Runner Up Prize

Kids Mini Locker

Up to $70

Hosted by:
Tyrneathem
and 

Sign-ups close 11/30

Click HERE to sign up and for more html info.

M.O.O.N. has now added several perks/discounts for frequent participation in our events but you must be a member of our Facebook group to be eligible.  Please visit the M.O.O.N. group if you are a blogger and would like more information regarding these perks and other group events.

**If you are a company and would like to see your brand advertised in a M.O.O.N. event similar to this or a Blogger interested in working with M.O.O.N. please contact MakeOurOwnNetwork@gmail.com

ESSIO Aromatherapy Shower Blogger Opportunity

ESSIO Aromatherapy Shower is opening this awesome opportunity to the first 100 bloggers. This is to review a handy item that turns your shower into a spa. Doesn't it look amazing? I know I would love to give one a try! Who wouldn't?

Please go here to ESSIO and enter the required information! Good luck!