Friday Favorites: Christmas Lights Phone Charger & Operation Christmas Child

Happy Friday! I am so excited for this edition of Friday Favorites as it is packed with a lot of fun goodies and another GIVEAWAY! As usual, I’m linking up with Erika, Narci and Andrea!  Be sure to stick around to the end of the post for this week’s giveaway!!

Christmas Lights Phone Charger

This week I found the cutest iphone charger at Francesca’s , and after sharing this find on Instagram, I realized I’m not the only one that thought this was fun!

This charger brings so much sparkle! Bonus is that the lights stay on even if your phone is not charging. I didn’t even realize fun phone chargers were a ‘thing’ but there were a few other styles as well!

This little charger is the only Christmas I’ve added to the house but I couldn’t resist!

After School Activities

I’m sure most mamas can relate, the after school situation at our house is crazy! Everyone comes home hungry, tired and not to mention carrying a full load of homework. So I’m always trying to juggle giving my attention to all of the kids. My little guy who is just in preschool can sometimes get cranky during this time because he is used to having my full attention all day!  Sometimes it’s necessary to put a show on for him. But sometimes I look for activities that can keep him occupied but that allows him to hang out with the big kids.

So the other day, on a whim, I picked up this gingerbread cookie mix and decided to use it for an after school activity. This activity was a big favorite of the week! The little guy was completely focused and loved the independence he was given to cut out the dough. The older two joined in the cookie fun when their homework was done. It was one of those sweet moments we want as moms. All the stars aligned and everyone was working together peacefully!

What strategies do you have to keep the peace after school?

Operation Christmas Child

I also mentioned this charitable opportunity on Instagram this week and it is too good not to share. I was surprised how many people have not heard about Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.  We’ve been doing these boxes for years and it’s one of our favorite activities of the season.

You fill a shoe box with small toys and toiletries and the boxes get sent overseas to those children in need. The boxes are organized age appropriately and you can select whether you are filling the box for a boy or a girl recipient. A $9 donation is required to cover shipping charges for each box, but this donation also allows you to track your package and find out what country it was sent. What an amazing bonus of this opportunity!

Currently these boxes are available Chick Fil A so it’s even easier to do! If you don’t live near a Chick Fil A, you can fill any shoe box and find a drop off location on the Samaritan’s Purse website. The collection date is through November 20th nationwide, so you would need to act quickly this year! I know parents are always looking for ways to teach their kids about giving and this is a great opportunity!

Giveaway Time!

Finally, I recently came across the cutest shop on Etsy called Simply Stringing. Karie, the owner, creates the most adorable string art signs for your home. She has many designs in her shop but she also will create custom pieces! I have been eyeing string art for some time now and when I saw her “Thankful”sign, I was sold!

In addition, she sent me this adorable Christmas sign. All the heart eyes!!

I love this Welcome sign she also has listed in her shop. All of her signs can be customized by string color and wood pallet stain.

These signs are so unique and would add charm to any home! The welcome sign would make a great gift for new homeowners!

Kari has graciously offered to give a $25 shop credit as a GIVEAWAY!

All you need to do TO ENTER this giveaway (YOU MUST DO ALL 3 STEPS):

1. Follow Simply Stringing on Instagram
2. Follow Coffee, Pancakes & Dreams on Instagram or Facebook.
3. Comment BELOW on your favorite holiday drink to stay warm!
4. BONUS ENTRY: Subscribe to receive Coffee, Pancakes and Dreams post updates (emails 2-3X per week)! One additional entry given for this step!

Giveaway runs from 12:00 a.m. 11/17/17 to 12:00 a.m. 11/23/17. We will verify all entries. Winner announced next Friday!

For more information and to order a sign, check out Karie’s shop on Etsy!

*Disclaimer: I was provided this product in exchange for advertising on my blog and social media. All thoughts and opinions are herein my own and not influenced by the company in anyway. I only share products I product I truly love and would purchase myself! Full disclosure statement here.

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In case you missed my posts from earlier in the week, I shared my favorite subscription boxes to give as gifts and a holiday gift guide for the ladies on your list!

Thanks for stopping by today!  See you back here on Monday for a helpful post on Thanksgiving Day activities for the kids!