Plan Your Family Visit to Prairie Lights: Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Holiday Experience! #PrairieLights #GoGrandGP #GrandFunGP

One of the most enchanting ways to kick off the holiday season is a visit to Prairie Lights—a dazzling drive-through wonderland filled with festive cheer. As someone who visits annually with my kids, I can confidently say it’s our favorite holiday tradition. Prairie Lights is more than just a light show; it’s an opportunity to create a magical childhood filled with memories that will last a lifetime. Personally, my kids both love this annual tradition and told me that this was their favorite year of Prairie Lights! I agree!

With so much to see and do, I highly recommend planning your visit early. Here are my pro tips for ensuring your family has the best experience.

Book Early to Secure Your Spot

Tickets sell out quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. To guarantee your favorite date and time, pre-purchase your tickets online. Make sure to screenshot your ticket confirmation, as cell service can be slow in the park.

What’s New This Year?

This year, Prairie Lights has upped the magic with:

• New themed light installations and displays you can enjoy even while waiting in line.
• A re-designed walk-through forest that feels like stepping into a storybook.
• A completely fresh take on their iconic animated tunnels.
• Theme nights for added fun. Be sure to follow Prairie Lights on social media for updates.

Every year feels like a brand-new adventure, which is why my family and I look forward to it so much.

When to Visit for the Best Experience

• Plan for at least 45 minutes on slower nights or up to three hours on busy evenings, especially during holidays.
• For shorter lines, visit Monday-Thursday during the first two weeks of the event or the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
• Arrive early. Guests can start queueing as early as 5 p.m.

Prepare for a Smooth Ride

• Fuel up your tank and take a restroom break before getting in line.
• Once inside, turn off your headlights and enjoy the glow of the lights. For added holiday cheer, tune in to the official Prairie Lights Spotify playlist.

Capture the Magic with Santa

No visit is complete without a stop for Photos with Santa. Don’t forget to bring cash or a credit card for this special experience and for holiday treats.

Follow Prairie Lights for Updates

Stay connected on social media for updates on:

• Theme nights and special events.
• Weather announcements.

Every year, Prairie Lights fills my heart with joy as I watch my kids light up with wonder and excitement. It’s truly the perfect way to create a magical childhood and make the holiday season unforgettable.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets now and join us in celebrating the season at Prairie Lights.

For more FAQs and tips, visit Prairie Lights' official website.

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Meet the Over Achiever: A Review of the Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop: Powerful Suction, Mopping & Baseboard Cleaning!

If you’re looking for a robot vacuum that goes above and beyond, the Dreame X40 Ultra is exactly what you need! This little overachiever doesn't just vacuum; it delivers powerful suction, a spinning mop, and even cleans baseboards with precision. From powerful suction and spinning mop pads to the ability to clean baseboards, the Dreame X40 Ultra is a game-changer for keeping my home spotless. Personally, our Dreame X40 Ultra is named Lulu and we all love her! In today’s post, I’ll tell you all about the Dreame X40 Ultra and share my personal experience. (Spoiler alert – you are going to want one too and Amazon currently has $500 off coupon for the Dreame X40 Ultra!)

The Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum is generously packed with features that make it stand out from the competition. With 12,000Pa suction power, it’s built to handle tough cleaning jobs. This vacuum does it all. Here are some of my favorite features:

• 12,000Pa Suction Power: No more going over the same spot repeatedly. This powerful suction lifts dirt, dust, pet hair, and debris in just one pass, leaving your floors spotless with minimal effort.

• Dual Mopping & Vacuuming: The Dreame X40 Ultra doesn’t just vacuum. It also mops! With rotating mop pads, it efficiently scrubs away dirt and spills, leaving your floors shining.

• Baseboard Cleaning: It’s not just about the floors—this vacuum also tackles baseboards, picking up dust and dirt in hard-to-reach places.

• Anti-Tangle TriCut Brush: The innovative brush system prevents tangles, saving you time on maintenance and making cleaning more efficient.

• App Control & Scheduling: You can control the Dreame X40 Ultra with a mobile app, which allows you to schedule cleaning, track its progress, and monitor performance from anywhere.

• Self-Cleaning Base: When the cleaning’s done, the self-cleaning base takes care of the dustbin and mop pads, keeping everything fresh and ready for the next cleaning session.

Having used several robot vacuums in the past, I can confidently say that the Dreame X40 Ultra has changed my cleaning routine for the better. Here’s how it’s made a difference:

Seamless Cleaning on All Floor Types

One of the highlights of the Dreame X40 Ultra is its ability to clean hardwood floors, tile, and carpets effortlessly. My home has a mix of hand-scraped hardwood floors, tile, thick carpeting, plush area rugs, and low pile area rugs. The X40 Ultra transitions between these surfaces without missing a beat. For instant, the photo below shows how the Dreame x40 Ultra seamlessly moves from tile to a thick bathroom carpet.  I love that it is meticulous in the process -- not only cleaning the carpet and tile, but carefully getting the edges of the carpet too! It provides consistent, thorough cleaning, whether on hard floors or soft carpeting. No adjustments needed on my end.

Impressive 12,000Pa Suction

The 12,000Pa suction power is a game-changer. With deep cleaning power, the Dreame X40 Ultra picks up all the dust, debris, and pet hair that usually collects in hard-to-reach spots. Even on my dark hardwood floors, which are prone to showing dust, this vacuum leaves everything sparkling clean after just one pass. In the photo below, my kids were making paper craft projects in my closet. If you are a mom, you know the mess that these projects cause with little scraps of paper everywhere. They pick up the large pieces, but what seems like an infinite number of smaller pieces remain.  Our Dreame X40 Ultra robot cleaned this closet without any trace of their paper craft session!

Mopping Function That Shines

The added mopping function is an unexpected but highly appreciated feature. The rotating mop pads clean up spills and marks while the vacuum runs, leaving my floors not only free of dirt but also gleaming with shine. Whether it's the kitchen or bathroom tiles, the mopping function eliminates the need for an extra cleaning step. The base has two containers - one for clean water and another for dirty water. They are easy to fill and empty.  There is also a compartment for cleaning fluid.  I filled it a few weeks ago and it's still pretty full. I love that the Dreame X40 Ultra requires little effort on my end!

Baseboard Cleaning for Those Hard-to-Reach Areas

One of my favorite features is the baseboard cleaning. No more dust buildup along the edges! The Dreame X40 Ultra slides along the walls, getting rid of dirt and cobwebs in places I often overlook. It’s like having an extra set of hands to handle all the cleaning tasks I would otherwise neglect. It also removed some of my cobwebs! If you are in Texas like us, you know all about spiders that try to move into our homes and stake claim around our baseboards. I run Lulu daily to chase the spiders away and to reclaim our home!

Easy Control with the Dreame App

The app control feature makes it super easy to manage the vacuum from anywhere. I love that I can set it to clean at a specific time, monitor its progress, and even adjust settings without having to manually control the vacuum. Whether I’m in the kitchen or on the go, I can be sure the floors are being cleaned automatically. 

Schedule Cleanings While You Relax

Scheduling is a breeze with the Dreame X40 Ultra. I’ve set it to start cleaning early in the morning, so I wake up to spotless floors. Personally, I love the schedule feature and set Lulu to run at 5am when my alarm goes off. See, Lulu does it all -- vacuums, mops, cleans baseboards, and even wakes me up when I need to get up and get ready for work.  She goes straight for my room so that if I forgot to set my iPhone alarm, Lulu makes sure that I wake up!  

Our Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum, again, named Lulu, is happy to clean the floors at any time -- 24/7 and 365 days a year!  She doesn't complain about waking up at 5am to start work!

Perfect for Busy Households

As a parent with kids and pets, this vacuum has been a lifesaver. Whether it’s tracking in dirt, crumbs, or pet hair, the Dreame X40 Ultra keeps my floors clean and tidy all day long. I especially appreciate how it handles the constant messes my kids make, saving me the time and effort of cleaning up after them.

Cleaning Under Furniture

One of the best things about this vacuum is how it fits under furniture. Whether it's under the couch, the bed, or my dining table, the Dreame X40 Ultra Robot gets all the dust and debris that would otherwise be out of reach. I no longer have to pull out the big vacuum for those spots—it handles them all on its own.

Why You’ll Love the Dreame X40 Ultra

In summary, the Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum is a powerhouse when it comes to maintaining a clean home. Whether you're a busy mom, a pet owner, or someone who just values a clean living space, this smart vacuum does all the heavy lifting for you. It handles both vacuuming and mopping, easily transitions between floors, and is packed with advanced features like self-cleaning, app control, and baseboard cleaning that will make your life so much easier.

We recommend ordering your own Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum now so that you are able to beat the holiday rush! It's on sale at Amazon right now!  This is a gift that moms, and your entire family, will appreciate every day of the year.  After using it for a few weeks, there is no going back for us! As a mom, I also appreciate that my kids have made ridiculous messes that this robot tackled without any issues. As for our day-to-day lives, we've become used to meticulously cleaned floors and the sparkle from daily mopping.  

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(Win it!) Discover Priscilla Shirer’s I Surrender All – A Call to Radical Faith! #ISurrenderAllMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

If you’re a fan of Priscilla Shirer like I am, you’re going to love her latest release, I Surrender All! Priscilla’s voice is so inspiring and real, always challenging us to live our best lives through faith. Her books are a favorite on my bookshelf, and this one might just be her most powerful yet. Whether you’re familiar with Priscilla's work or new to her, I Surrender All is a must-read that will encourage and uplift you.

In I Surrender All, Priscilla calls us to a deeper commitment to our faith, one that moves beyond simply believing in Jesus as Savior. Instead, she invites us to embrace discipleship fully – making Jesus our first love, our guide, and our purpose. This is a message that speaks straight to the heart! She reminds us that true discipleship is more than a title; it’s a journey. One that comes with challenges but also promises an abundance of freedom, fulfillment, and purpose.



Priscilla doesn’t hold back. She dives into what it really means to give every part of our lives to Jesus. She reminds us that, while salvation is a gift, discipleship is a daily choice, a choice to surrender, and the key to a life filled with joy and peace. How empowering is that?

Here’s the best part – I Surrender All isn’t just a book to read; it’s a book to live by! Prepare to write, pray, and dive into a life-changing journey with this beautifully written guide. I’m so excited to get my hands on a copy and start this journey alongside Priscilla’s words.

So, if you’re looking for a book to inspire your faith and take your relationship with Jesus to the next level, I can’t recommend I Surrender All enough! Priscilla’s words are an invitation to discover what we’re missing when we hold back – and what we gain when we give Him everything.

Don’t miss out on this incredible book – order your copy of I Surrender All today!

Win it!
One lucky winner will receive a copy of the book featured here -- I Surrender All!  Enter using the Rafflecopter below. The winner must have a U.S. shipping address. No P.O. boxes.  The book will be sent directly from our sponsor to the address that the winner provides in the Rafflecopter. Good luck!

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Save 50% off at Gaylord Texan's ICE!

 

We are excited to share that ICE! is back Gaylord Texan! This year's theme is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!  Even better, we teamed up with Gaylord Texan to offer our readers an exclusive discount for 50% off of tickets!  Last year, over 2,500 tickets were sold using our coupon code, so we know that this is a popular deal!  Just visit here and enter the promo code TRENDY to score half off of your tickets!

We haven't visited yet, but it just opened today and we can't wait to visit this sparkling even soon! My kids are always mesmerized by the whimsical ICE! exhibits! I hope that you'll enjoy creating happy childhood memories at ICE! too!

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Trendy Mom's 2024 Holiday Gift Guide for Teens!

As a mom of a teenager, I can honestly say that this stage of life is so much fun. Watching my teen grow closer to adulthood while still holding on to their unique interests is such a rewarding experience. I continue to learn so much from him – and it’s hilarious how often he ends up giving me advice that sounds like something I would give him! Just a few weeks ago, after a tough day, he told me I needed to see past the setbacks and remember that the challenges we face help us see the world in a new way and often prepare us to help the world in more meaningful ways. It’s funny how the tables turn sometimes, isn’t it?

As I worked on this year’s Holiday Gift Guide for Teens, I realized that the days of toys are long behind us, and in their place, we’re seeing more products focused on health, fashion, and grooming, with a few childhood comforts still holding strong. It’s been a joy to see my teen’s evolving tastes and preferences, and we’ve put a lot of thought into this guide to make sure the gifts are as meaningful and fun as possible.

We hope these gift ideas resonate with you and help make your holiday shopping a little bit easier!

RitFit PPC03 Power Cage Home Gym Package with Adjustable Cable System
The RitFit PPC03 Power Cage Home Gym Package is the ultimate all-in-one fitness station, perfect for teens looking to take their workout routine to the next level! A foundation of healthy habits is one of the best gifts we can give our kids, so when they take an interest in exercise, it's important to support this interest! This power cage is built with versatility and safety in mind, providing endless possibilities for exercises with its adjustable cable system. The designers at RitFit have truly outdone themselves by creating a piece that is as durable as it is functional, built from high-quality steel with an impressive weight capacity. Their meticulous attention to detail makes this power cage feel like a professional gym setup, right at home. In addition, we recommend also ordering the RitFit  Rubber Flooring Gym Mats Interlocking Tiles before you build this amazing gym! I just recently had our garage floor epoxied and wanted to protect it. Plus, it's nice to stand on a good mat while working out. This mat is excellent quality!

Of course, I have to mention that my teen and I assembled this entire gym in just a few hours on a Saturday morning. RitFit shipped the parts in several boxes which I really appreciated because each box was manageable for us to carry to our garage. RitFit included everything that we needed to assemble it. This even included the tools that we needed. I was grateful that we didn't need to hire anyone to assemble it for us.  Their design team truly deserves an award for making a home gym so accessible in terms of ease of assembly, price, and quality! If your teen is passionate about strength training, this is a game-changer that will last for years!  Visit RitFit to order a memorable gift for your teen and/or family!

Finding stylish, comfortable, and affordable clothing for teens is a win when you shop at 32 Degrees! They have a lineup of amazing options that your teen will love! Whether they’re heading to school, hanging out with friends, or relaxing at home, 32 Degrees has something for every part of their day. Here are some standout picks that combine style, comfort, and practicality for the perfect holiday gifts.

The Men's Hooded Sherpa Lined Jacket is a must-have for chilly winter days. Its cozy Sherpa lining adds warmth, while the sleek hooded design keeps it effortlessly cool and stylish. You'll also be surprised by the price tag -- just $22.99 for this cozy jacket!

For school or casual outings, the Men's Cool Classic Polo and Men’s 4-pack Cool Classic Crew T-Shirt are essentials. The polo offers a polished yet relaxed look, while the t-shirts provide breathable comfort for everyday wear. My teen loves these shirts because they are soft and the styles are flattering.

The Men's Soft Stretch Knit Long Sleeve Button-Up is perfect for occasions that call for a slightly more dressed-up vibe. Its stretchy, soft fabric ensures all-day comfort while pairing effortlessly with jeans or khakis.

For laid-back days, the Men's Waffle Crew Sweatshirt is a standout piece. With its waffle-textured fabric, this sweatshirt is cozy, stylish, and ideal for layering or wearing on its own.

The ultimate combo for comfort, the Men's Software Stretch Terry Pullover Hoodie and Men’s Soft Stretch Terry Jogger are perfect for lounging or running errands. The soft-stretch terry fabric feels as good as it looks, making this set an instant favorite.

For bedtime or lounging at home, the Men's Cool Sleep Pant offers lightweight, breathable comfort. These sleep pants are perfect for relaxing after a long day or catching some Z’s.

Every teen needs reliable basics, and the Men’s 4-pack Active Mesh Boxer Brief and Men’s 4-pack Cool Classic Boxer Brief deliver! The Active Mesh style is great for sports and active days, while the Cool Classic version is ideal for everyday comfort.

This holiday season, 32 Degrees has you covered with comfortable, trendy, and practical gifts that teens will actually want to wear! As a pro-tip, let me share that you may have seen this brand at Costco, but you'll find even more options and great prices if you shop directly through the 32 Degrees website. Right now, they started their Cyber Monday deals early with free shipping and up to 90% off some items!

CeraVe Skincare Essentials for Teens

Our dermatologist recommended CeraVe to us years ago, and we’ve been hooked ever since! When I was a teen, I made the common mistake of using overly harsh products in hopes of fighting acne, but now we know better—gentle yet effective skincare is the way to go. Skincare products have made incredible strides, and CeraVe has become a top choice for teens who want healthy, balanced skin without the irritation that can come from harsher formulas. We especially love the CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, and Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel—perfect picks for a thoughtful holiday gift!

The CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser is formulated with 2% salicylic acid, which clears acne and prevents new breakouts while exfoliating gently to keep pores clean. It’s effective without being overly drying, so it’s perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin. The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is another staple, as it’s gentle enough for daily use and works well for all skin types, especially oily skin. With ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it helps restore the skin’s natural barrier, leaving skin feeling soft, not stripped. Finally, the Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel provides just the right amount of hydration in a non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly—ideal for teens who don’t want a heavy moisturizer. My own teen, like many others, uses a prescription topical acne treatment, and CeraVe is the perfect companion to complete the rest of his routine. CeraVe’s products are gentle, dermatologist-approved, and proven to keep skin balanced and healthy, making them a fantastic gift for teens focused on caring for their skin!

For teens dealing with dry, chafed winter skin, CeraVe Healing Ointment is a fantastic solution that provides targeted relief and protection—and it’s the perfect addition to their holiday stocking! Recommended by dermatologists, this ointment is formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum to deliver long-lasting hydration while helping to restore the skin’s natural barrier. Unlike other ointments that can feel greasy, CeraVe’s formula is lightweight and comfortable, making it ideal for daily use. It’s perfect for soothing and protecting problem areas like hands, elbows, and lips, giving teens an easy way to keep their skin soft, smooth, and comfortable all season long. This winter, CeraVe Healing Ointment is a thoughtful, practical stocking stuffer that they’ll truly appreciate!

iHealth Nexus Pro Scale

Help your teen keep track of their fitness journey with the iHealth Nexus Pro Scale! Personally, I use this scale daily and love that it syncs with my iPhone using the free iHealth app so that I am able to watch trends. My teen similarly loves my scale and frequently borrows it, so I knew that having his own iHealth Nexus Pro Scale would be a great gift! This sleek, wireless scale syncs seamlessly with iPhones and other smart devices, providing accurate readings on weight, body fat, and more. It’s an ideal addition to any health-conscious teen’s routine, making it easy to monitor progress and set fitness goals. The designers at iHealth Labs deserve major praise for making a scale that’s both precise and stylish, with a modern design that looks great in any room. With its high-tech capabilities and ease of use, this scale is a gift that keeps on giving!

Puro Sounds Labs PuroPro Wireless Headphones

Give the gift of premium sound with Puro Sounds Labs PuroPro Wireless Headphones! Known for their focus on hearing health, Puro Sound Labs crafted these headphones to deliver crystal-clear audio while keeping volume levels safe. Perfect for studying, gaming, or music streaming, the PuroPro headphones have active noise-canceling capabilities and comfortable ear pads, making them ideal for long listening sessions. The designers behind these headphones are true perfectionists, combining sleek aesthetics with advanced audio tech. These are a must-have for any teen who values both style and quality in their audio gear!

Naked Nutrition Whey Protein in Strawberry Flavor

For the active teen, Naked Nutrition’s Strawberry Whey Protein is a fantastic addition to their routine! This delicious, naturally-flavored protein powder is made with minimal ingredients for a clean boost of nutrition that helps fuel workouts and recovery. The 5-pound container ensures they’ll have enough to last, while the refreshing strawberry taste makes it enjoyable to blend into smoothies or shakes. Naked Nutrition’s commitment to transparency and quality is evident in every scoop—this brand truly knows how to deliver on both taste and nutrition!

Cupilo Neck & Shoulder Massager with Heat
The Cupilo Neck & Shoulder Massager with Heat is the ultimate way to help your teen unwind after a long day and comes in a beautiful holiday box! This shiatsu-style massager provides deep, soothing relief for neck and shoulder tension, with a built-in heat function for added comfort. The thoughtful designers at Cupilo have packed it in a festive holiday box, making it a ready-to-go gift that’s sure to impress. 

Perfectly portable and easy to use, this massager is the gift of relaxation that any teen would appreciate, whether it’s after sports practice or hours of studying.

Bombas Ankle Socks for Teens
Gifting socks to kids is a cherished holiday tradition, and Bombas makes this classic gift extra special! Bombas socks are beloved by teens for their perfect blend of comfort, style, and durability. Their Men’s All-Purpose Performance Ankle Socks and Men’s Solids Ankle Socks are especially popular and make the perfect stocking stuffer for any teen this holiday season.

These socks aren’t just a gift; they’re an everyday essential that teens will enjoy wearing year-round. The Men’s All-Purpose Performance Ankle Socks are ideal for sports, workouts, or casual wear, with breathable fabric and added support, while the Men’s Solids Ankle Socks  are versatile and stylish, easily pairing with any outfit. With thoughtful features like seamless toes and stay-up technology, Bombas socks are designed for long-lasting comfort.

And here's what sets Bombas apart: for every pair purchased, they donate a pair to someone in need. Socks are one of the most requested items at homeless shelters, so by gifting Bombas, you're giving a high-quality, thoughtful present that also helps others stay warm and comfortable. This holiday season, make your sock-giving tradition even more meaningful with Bombas, a brand that combines practicality with purpose!

Paleblue Rechargeable Batteries
For eco-conscious families, Paleblue Rechargeable Batteries are a fantastic choice! These innovative, high-performance batteries are designed to reduce waste and keep up with the energy demands of today’s electronics. Unlike traditional single-use batteries, Paleblue batteries can be recharged quickly—up to 1000 times—with a simple USB connection, saving both money and the planet. Our eco-friendly hearts love these, and so does my teen, who uses them for everything from gaming controllers to remote controls and other daily devices.

The team behind Paleblue has gone above and beyond to create a product that’s both practical and sustainable, with each battery holding a long-lasting charge that powers through multiple uses. If you’re looking for a gift that combines sustainability and functionality, these rechargeable batteries are a total win. Your teen will love the convenience, and you’ll love knowing you’re making an environmentally-friendly choice!

Sweet Chaos Popcorn - Holiday Flavors

Sweet Chaos Popcorn is the perfect festive treat for the holiday season, especially with their four irresistible holiday flavors! This isn’t just any popcorn—each bag of Sweet Chaos is handcrafted in small batches with only the best ingredients, making each bite a delicious, crave-worthy experience. The holiday lineup includes Peppermint Crunch, Iced Gingerbread, Black & White Sugar Cookie, and Pumpkin Spice, bringing all the warm and cozy flavors we love right to your snack bowl. The meticulous attention to flavor and quality makes Sweet Chaos a true standout, giving us that nostalgic holiday feeling in every handful.

Teens will love these holiday flavors that bring a fun twist to traditional popcorn, and it’s a wonderful stocking stuffer or party snack. Sweet Chaos deserves a shout-out for bringing creativity and care to their popcorn—each flavor tastes like a little holiday celebration! So, grab a few bags and get ready to make your teen's season even sweeter.

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Our Holiday Gift Guide is Coming Tomorrow and Will Be Updated Throughout the Holiday Season!

Our biggest project of the year is our Holiday Gift Guide! We began working on it back in August, searching high and low to find the perfect, family-friendly products that will make this holiday season unforgettable. Unlike big corporate gift guides that are wrapped up by September, we appreciate our agility as moms and aim to stay flexible, keeping our recommendations fresh and relevant. This year, we’re taking a phased approach: we’ll launch our Holiday Gift Guide tomorrow, then continue adding new products throughout the season! We also welcome your input—if you think we’ve missed a must-have gift, simply reply to our Facebook posts with your suggestions. We’re excited to bring you this interactive guide and hope you’ll love discovering new gift ideas with us all season long!

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Buy tickets today to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in theaters starting November 8th! #TheBestChristmasPageantEverMIN #TheBestChristmasPageant- Ever #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the prod-uct for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.


As the weather finally starts cooling off here in Texas, I’m already counting down the days until Christmas! It’s truly my favorite time of year—there’s something magical about gathering with loved ones, decorating the house, and enjoying all the festive traditions that bring joy and togetherness. One tradition I especially love? Christmas pageants! Whether it’s watching children dressed as angels and shepherds or experiencing the heartwarming messages behind these performances, I can never get enough of them. That’s why I’m beyond excited for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, coming to theaters on November 8th!

Let's start with the trailer.

Based on the beloved children's book by Barbara Robinson, this movie is a must-see for families this holiday season. If you grew up loving Christmas pageants, this film is bound to take you on a nostalgic and heartwarming journey. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (The Chosen), it tells the hilarious and touching story of the Herdman kids—six of the most unruly children who unexpectedly take over the town’s annual Christmas pageant. They lie, they steal, and they bully—but when these troublemakers end up playing the lead roles, chaos turns into something unexpectedly beautiful. Their antics shake up the entire town, but in the process, they end up teaching everyone about the true meaning of Christmas.

With a stellar cast including Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, and Lauren Graham, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever promises a blend of laugh-out-loud moments and touching scenes that will warm your heart. As a mom who loves family-friendly movies, this is exactly the kind of film I can’t wait to enjoy with my kids. It’s not just about the laughs—it’s about family, love, and the lessons that Christmas brings to us all.

Start celebrating early this year - bundle up the family, head to the theater, and get into the holiday spirit by watching The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on the big screen. It’s the perfect way to create new memories and share the joy of the season. Tickets are available now—don’t wait! Let the Christmas countdown begin!

Win it!

One lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. Must be in the U.S. Enter using the Rafflecopter below. The sponsor will email the prize directly to the winner. Good luck!

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Keeping North Texas Homes Safe and Clean: My Experience with Elite Clean & Restoration

Living in North Texas brings more than just sunshine—our humid seasons lead to dust, bacteria, and allergens piling up in our homes. This is why I knew it was time to clean my ducts and dryer vents and called Elite Clean & Restoration, a local team known for top-notch HVAC services. With 1,000+ Google reviews and a highly coveted 4.8-star rating, Elite Clean & Restoration is a trusted place in the DFW community. Their customer-centric approach, led by owner Tony, makes every step of the process easy and pleasant as he vies for customers for life who want to leave those 5-star ratings because they are so thrilled with their experiences.

If you’re lucky enough to meet John or the team of Dylan and Ishmael (who I call the Dream Team) from Elite Clean & Restoration, you’ll immediately see their passion for HVAC work. Inspired by meeting John—one of the top HVAC pros in the metro—and hearing his enthusiasm as he explained not only what we needed but also why and how they do things, my son, who's studying business, was so inspired that he could potentially learn to be among the best in the HVAC world as a career too. It’s a testament to Elite Clean & Restoration’s focus on quality, efficiency, and creating a positive customer experience. 

1. Allergies Got You Down? Start with Your Ducts! If you’re from North Texas, you know the allergy struggle is real. Between dust, pet dander, and who-knows-what in the air, I thought a duct cleaning might help with my own cat allergies, especially since the previous owners of my home had a cat. The whole house had been cleaned, but the ducts? Not so much. As it turned out, this was long overdue, and I only wish I’d done it sooner. Dylan and Ishmael let me know that a lot of homes they see have built-up allergens. They even found one of my vents with a small spot of bacteria near the kitchen, which was likely from steam buildup. They quickly treated it, and my youngest son came home and said that the house “smells clean,” and he didn’t even know about the duct and vent cleaning when he arrived!

2. Humidity + Ducts = Potential Bacteria Growth Dylan explained that in 20-25% of homes, they actually find bacterial growth in the ducts. This often happens because high humidity can encourage bacteria to develop, and Texans know our humid months too well. My vents were in decent shape, but if you’re experiencing musty smells or live in an older home, having the ducts inspected and cleaned can be a game changer, especially if there is bacteria under your vent cover and in your vent. You really need to have that treated and get to the root cause if it's a problem. 

3. Dryer Vents – A Critical Cleaning for Safety Here’s a little-known but serious fact: According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, dryer vents cause over 15,000 house fires each year. Given how much laundry I do for my boys, I knew it was time to have Elite Clean & Restoration tackle this. My dryer vent is two stories, which is no DIY task—in Texas, dryer vents can legally be up to 30 feet long, and mine was packed with lint. Ishmael worked his magic to knock it all out, and Dylan even climbed up to the roof to make sure every bit of lint was gone.

Tips for Knowing When to Clean Your Dryer Vent and Air Ducts:

• Your Clothes Take Longer to Dry: If your clothes aren’t drying as fast, it could be due to a lint buildup blocking airflow.
• Hot Dryer Exterior: If the outside of your dryer is hot to the touch, it’s a sign of blockage.
• Debris at the Vent Hookup: Check around where your dryer vent attaches—if you see a lot of lint buildup, it’s time for a cleaning.
• Check the Vent Cap While the Dryer is Running: Make sure air is coming out, and the flap is moving freely. If it isn’t, you might have a clog.
• Allergy Troubles: Dust, pet dander, and other allergens can accumulate in your ducts, so consider duct cleaning to help with allergies.

In my personal experience, I am grateful to the team at Elite Clean & Restoration. Let me share a few highlights.

Let's start with the dryer vent. They cleaned the inside and then put everything back together. After this, they literally pulled handfuls of hard and wet lint out of the dryer vent cap!

The photo below shows the lint that Ishmael pulled out of my dryer vent from the inside! Isn't this shocking?!

Here is Dylan scaling the roof.  He didn't even need to use a drill with the extensions on the outside. He could see that the blockade was just at the dryer vent cap. He used a brush and his hands to pull out chunks of debris.  Notice how steep the roof is -- I couldn't believe that he was able to do this! 

Prior to my appointment, I worried that the vents in my living room would be too high for them to reach. Ishmael reached and cleaned them without any problems!  I'm not sure whether most companies would be able to handle such high ceilings.

This is bacteria growth. If you notice this at your home, quickly call Elite Clean & Restoration for advice and a quote.

Here is a photo of him cleaning the vent in the kitchen. I was relieved that my situation wasn't too bad and that they were able to get everything. They assured me that everything is perfectly fine now!

If you’re considering a duct or dryer vent cleaning, I can’t recommend Elite Clean & Restoration enough. They also provide an extensive list of HVAC services, from installation to repair. They will even help you find solutions to optimize your system if you have a room that isn't as cool as the others or other HVAC issues. Their commitment to quality and customer care shines through at every step! Don’t wait until you smell something funky or your dryer is running hot—give your HVAC and air systems a little love, and enjoy cleaner, safer air in your Texas home!

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