Strengthening the Bonds of Family with red rock traditions {Review & Giveaway - 2 winners!}

Recently I came across a question posed on a popular social networking site: How would you describe life in one word?

While there were, of course, a handful of tongue-in-cheek answers given, it was the number of honest responses along the lines of unappreciated, unfair, chaos, struggle, and complicated that gave me pause.

How have we gotten to the point where life is viewed as so... difficult? I'm not claiming that every situation, event, encounter, and day will be as favorable as others, but I do strongly believe that life is what you make of it and spreading goodwill doesn't have to be a huge task. Take the time to send a handwritten card to a friend, give your kids an extra hug as they head off to school (even if it embarrasses them) or call your mom out of the blue. You know she'd appreciate it.

Essentially, why not celebrate and enjoy life as much as possible? In particular with those that are nearest and dearest to your heart — your family? Invest your time, show your affection, encourage daily, create memories... it's all so important when it comes to keeping families strong.

Which is exactly the mission and belief of one of my new favorite companies, red rock traditions.

Created to strengthen the bonds of family relationships through the sharing and celebration of traditions, red rock traditions offers an array of products designed to make the most out of spending time with our loved ones. Who doesn't love a company that can not only offer amazing items for your family (or to give as beautiful gifts), but who is determined to help you share stories, conversations, laughter, and memories?

Whether you are specifically shopping for something to celebrate an upcoming milestone, start a new holiday tradition for your family, stay connected with loved ones across the miles or more, red rock traditions has so many options on their user-friendly site to choose from. There really is something incredible for each and every occasion... or just to make every day a bit more special!

Although there were numerous items throughout red rock traditions' site that I adored, it wasn't long before I zeroed in on their 'thankful hearts' category. In my 10 years of parenting, I've found that there are some qualities that are easier to "teach" than others and that reminding my children to be thankful doesn't come as easy as, for example, nudging them to say please or thank you.

Therefore it was no surprise that as soon as I saw the Gratitude Tree, I was smitten. The combination of the beautiful metal tree on its wood stand with the simplicity of the notes of gratitude hanging from the branches? Perfection!

Gorgeous, right? And what better way to not just think about gratitude, but to actually write down what you're thankful for and hang it on display — and then walk by and see it over and over again!

As soon as the box from red rock traditions arrived on my doorstep, I couldn't wait to get it open to see the Gratitude Tree in person.

I always appreciate when a company puts in extra effort to package their products well to minimize the possibility of damage and red rock traditions went even a step further. Multiple boxes, bubble wrap, Styrofoam... all carefully layered around this gorgeous tree.

With no assembly required, it only took deciding on where to place this Gratitude Tree before it was making a stunning statement in my home.

After a quick explanation to my children (and husband) that the chic little leaves were there to write (or draw) a short message about someone or something we were grateful for, it warmed my heart to see them stop, on their own time, to make an addition when the moment felt right.

My heart may have completely melted at Big Sister E's first leaf, "For a home and a very loving family."

Overall, I can't think of anything that I would change about the Gratitude Tree and have loved the reactions that it has received both from my family as well as from guests. What a great piece of art that is also a simple reminder for being grateful for what and who we have in our lives.

Whether you are purchasing an item for your own family or are shopping for a delightful gift for an upcoming birthday, holiday, wedding, baby shower or more, red rock traditions has unique and creative options that you won't find elsewhere. The quality is superb, prices are affordable (the Gratitude Tree retails for $69), and each item will bring a smile to your face every day as it aids in helping knit your family closer together.

Find out more about all of the amazing options that red rock traditions has to offer to strengthen your own family connection by visiting redrocktraditions.com and connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Also, thanks to their generosity and eagerness to spread the love and joy to others...

TWO lucky people will win their choice of a Gratitude Tree OR any one red rock traditions product of their choosing up to $50 in value!

Entry-Form

Thank you to red rock traditions for providing a Gratitude Tree for me to review as well as prizes for two lucky giveaway winners. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.