Monday, July 13, 2015

Fall & Halloween Decor at the Dollar Tree

If you haven't noticed, we're smack dab in the middle of the summer season, but while some are taking note of all the back to school supplies making its way onto the shelf, some of us holiday fruit cakes are all about Christmas in July. In fact, every year one of the things I look forward to most is watching Christmas In July on QVC (airing July 17-19) and the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament launch (which took place this past weekend). At the same time, we are also starting to see a bit of Fall and Halloween merchandise making its way to the shelves of select stores.

One such store that is getting a jump start is the Dollar Tree. Now anyone who knows me understands that I am all about a bargain and the Dollar Tree is one of the best places to pick up holiday decor on a budget. Every season I look forward to seeing what new goodies they'll put out, and so far, so good this season! I saw quite a few of these items in my local stores this weekend and was especially impressed with their selection of fall floral. Some very nice, high quality pieces for making arrangements on the cheap.


While I'm not quite ready to do any serious Fall decorating quite yet, I couldn't help but pick up this little white ceramic pumpkin for my desk. I really love a variety of pumpkin colors, so I thought the whole set was pretty nice and I plan to get a couple more next time I stop in. The little country burlap style pumpkins are very cute as well!





I am also looking forward to checking out the new Tombstone Corners village pieces, which they previewed in their latest catalog. It's a great way to stock up on village accessories for a fraction of the cost of other village sets. Not to mention, they are great for other craft projects.


Here are a few other items available, which are all cute. I especially like the hangers with the burlap and the pinwheels for the yard. You can find more information on these items here.













Thursday, September 5, 2013

Pumpkin Brew on the Shelves Too Early?


Well, apparently beer guzzlers are a little miffed to find pumpkin beer has hit the shelves a bit early this year. I'll be honest, I'm one of those annoying teetotalers who don't drink alcohol, but I found this story interesting nonetheless. Apparently, just like coffee drinkers, beer drinkers look forward to their favorite seasonal beverage, but only in due season. According to an AP article, here is what some people are saying about it:

"Everyone likes pumpkin beer, but you don't want it to come too soon. I definitely like to drink it in the appropriate season," says Nate Marsden, 23, of Boston, who nonetheless recently gave in to the temptation of his favorite seasonal brew, Pumking, an imperial pumpkin ale from Southern Tier Brewing Co.

He's got company. Beer connoisseurs who wanted to savor summer a bit longer have been airing their gripes on social media. Taking to Twitter with hashtags such as #HolidayFail and #SummersNotOver, people like Andrew Hickey let it be known they weren't impressed with the early start.

Forget being irritated about back-to-school ads, the 33-year-old tweeted — complete with a photo of the offending brew — back on Aug. 16. "Why is there pumpkin ale already on shelves?!?"

"I think it's just a rushing the season kind of thing," said Hickey, of East Brunswick, N.J. "I'm guilty of drinking them but it seems like it's getting earlier and earlier each year."

According to brewers though, it is due to an increased demand and the size of their breweries that requires them to start making the beer earlier. And that means it gets to consumers earlier, too. On the flip side, one of my other favorite seasonal drinks, Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash, has been reportedly seen in some stores for a month or so now. That's one I would not likely purchase before October, as I serve it mostly at Thanksgiving. It's an excellent replacement for punch, or better yet, used in the punch! Vote in the poll below to let us know how you feel about seasonal beverages coming out early, then let us know which ones you look forward to most!



How do you feel about your favorite seasonal
beverage coming out a month early?


Source: Early pumpkin beers brew dismay among drinkers

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Monster Cereals Back + Return of 2 Classic Flavors!


They're back! What kid didn't love General Mills Monster Cereals growing up? Well, for those of us who are still a kid at heart, we too rejoice that they will be returning to shelves this fall for the Halloween season! Now here's the kicker; along with Count Chocula, Franken Berry and Boo Berry, Frute Brute and Fruity Yummy Mummy are being resurrected from the grave as well! This will be the first time all the Monster cereals will be out at once, but only for a limited time!


In October 1971, the first two cereals in the line were introduced, Count Chocula (originally called "Dr. Count Chocula") and the strawberry-flavored Franken Berry. Boo Berry, reputedly the first blueberry-flavored cereal, was released in 1973, and Fruit Brute the following year. Fruit Brute was discontinued by 1983 and replaced in 1988 by Fruity Yummy Mummy, which also had a short life as it was discontinued in 1993.

Another particularly interesting aspect to this release of the 5 cereals is that you will not only be able to get these in modern packaging, but as a Target Store exclusive, they will be available in retro style packaging as well. How awesome is that? Also, you may have noticed that Frute Brute has been subtly changed from Fruit Brute.


Well, I don't know about you, but I can't wait to pick up each of these flavors. Definitely going for the retro style too! A friend of mine came up with a suggestion to buy all the boxes and have them framed for Halloween. That actually sounds like a great idea! For more fun, enjoy these classic Monster Cereals commercials:

First Count Chocula & Franken Berry Commercial:


First Boo Berry Commercial:


First Fruit Brute Commercial:


First Fruity Yummy Mummy Commercial:


Check out the original General Mills press release:
http://www.blog.generalmills.com/2013/08/frute-brute-yummy-mummy/

Friday, July 19, 2013

QVC Christmas In July!


It's that time of year again! QVC is kicking off their annual Christmas In July sale this weekend, Jusy 20th & July 21st. 48 hours of nothing but Christmas Christmas Christmas! If you're really eager, you can even catch plenty of sneak peaks today at various times. This is something I look forward to every year because it gives me an excuse to start thinking about Christmas in the middle of summer. Here is an idea of what's in store!






PROGRAM GUIDE:

Saturday (7/20):

12am The Joy of Christmas
2am Gifts for Grandkids
3am Deck the Halls
5am The Joy of Toys
6am Christmas Shoppe
7am Heartfelt Holidays with Valerie
8am Home for the Holidays with Dan
10pm Saturday Morning Q
1pm What A Kid Wants - Sneak Peek Toys
2pm You're Home with Jill
4pm Gourmet Holiday
6pm The Joy of Christmas
7pm Heartfelt Holidays with Valerie
9pm All is Bright - Outdoor Lights
10pm The Joy of Christmas
Sunday (7/21):

12am The Joy of Christmas
1am What A Kid Wants
2am Temp-tations Presentable Kitchen
3am Christmas Shoppe
5am Mr. Christmas
6am Bethlehem Lights Seasonal Lighting
7am Jim Shore Heartwood Creek
8am Flameless Candles
9am The Joy of Toys
1pm Sundays with Carolyn & Dan
12pm In the Kitchen with David
3pm Hosts@Home with David
4pm Gifts for Grandkids
6pm Christmas Shoppe
7pm Gourmet Holiday
9pm Gifts for Grandkids
10pm Decorating with Lisa Robertson
11pm The Joy of Christmas

Check local TV listings or watch online from the QVC website.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

New Yankee Candle Fall Scents For 2013!


New Fall fragrances from Yankee Candle are now available! A collection of aromas that create a cozy fall retreat for entertaining friends and simply relaxing, these six new fragrances are perfect for the upcoming season! New fragrances include Cozy Sweater, Lake Sunset, November Rain, Pumpkin Wreath, Salted Caramel and Vanilla Chai. Which scent will you be adding to your home? Salted Caramel looks pretty yummy to me!

Friday, July 12, 2013

Disney Store Christmas In July Sale!


The Disney Store is having a Christmas In July sale, including 3 for $49.95 Ear Hat Ornaments (Reg $22.95)!


Here are a few other highlights, including an Alice In Wonderland line (my personal favorite) and Shoe Ornaments and a cozy pillow, throw & stocking set...







Friday, July 20, 2012

QVC Christmas In July!



It's that time of year again! QVC is kicking off their annual Christmas In July sale this weekend, July 21st & July 22nd. 48 hours of nothing but Christmas Christmas Christmas! And goodness knows, with this heat wave striking the country, we could use a little cool thinking. Here is a sneak peek of what's in store!







PROGRAM GUIDE:

Saturday (7/21):

12am The Joy of Christmas
1am Heartfelt Holidays with Valerie
2am Gifts for Grandkids
3am Deck the Halls
5am Santa's Toy Shop
6am Christmas Shoppe
7am Jim Shore Heartwood Creek
8am Home for the Holidays with Dan
10am Saturday Morning Q
1pm NEW Sneak Peek Toys
2pm You're Home with Jill
4pm Gourmet Holiday
5pm Flameless Candles
6pm Gifts for Grandkids
7pm Heartfelt Holidays with Valerie
9pm Flameless Candles
10pm The Joy of Christmas
Sunday (7/22):

12am The Joy of Christmas
1am Bethlehem Lights Seasonal Lighting
2am Temp-tations Presentable Kitchen
3am Christmas Shoppe
5am Mr. Christmas
6am Gifts for Grandkids
8am The Joy of Christmas
9am Sundays with Carolyn & Dan
12pm In the Kitchen with David
3pm Deck the Halls
4pm Gourmet Holiday
6pm Deck the Halls
7pm Gifts for Grandkids
9pm NEW Decorating with Lisa Robertson
10pm Gourmet Holiday
11pm The Joy of Christmas


Check local TV listings or watch online from the QVC website.