TFH Family Favorite Finds

Meaningful Moments: Raising Up Your Inner Child & Meaningful Beauty Giveaway

Life is filled with meaningful moments: video taping my youngest at her first band concert; cheering on my son and pretending that wrestling is my favorite thing; hiking through the woods and trading secrets with my middle girl; watching our oldest child negotiate a k-turn and successfully pass her driving test.

Not unlike raising 4 children, it would be very difficult for me to choose just one above all the rest.

Capturing this moment of lightness, however, makes my heart very happy.

My children know they are very lucky to have both sets of grandparents actively visible in their lives, as they each remain a constant source of inspiration on how my husband, Garth [not his real name] and I choose to raise our kids.

You see, there are no clear cut rules in parenting (sorry!) you just sort of make them up as we go along. Laughing at ourselves, every now and again, helps.

Aaaaaand, right now, at this very moment, I seek solace in believing perhaps I too will make a pretty good grandparent one day....just not yet.

Now, it's your turn.

Tell me what your most meaningful moment was in the last year for a chance to win one of 10 complete skin care Anti-Age Systems from Meaningful Beauty.

FIND IT HERE: Keep your skin looking great in every moment with Meaningful Beauty- Cindy Crawford's break through secret for younger looking skin.

GET IT HERE: By replying here you'll be entered for a chance to win this awesome prize pack from Blog Frog(click here for official rules.)

Good luck and here's to our being able to share many, many more meaningful moments...together!

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Meaningful Beauty. The opinions and text are all mine. Contest Rules.

Top 14 Beauty Deals for Valentine's Day!

In my never-ending quest to NEVER PAY FULL PRICE if I don't have to (even my kids know to hit the clearance racks, FIRST!) every now and again I get a heads up on some awesome deals.

So, yes, of course I'm going to share them with you -- why should you have to pay full price, too, right?!?

RIGHT?!?

Riiiiiight!!

This week, our friends over at CouponSherpa.com sent over a listing of their Top 14 Beauty Deals for Valentine's Day!

Here ya' go:

Storage Tricks: Hanging Up Mah Boots!

Source: houzz.com via Liz on Pinterest

Sometimes it's the simply obvious stuff that has me go, "DER! Why didn't I think of that?"

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment, product or any other consideration besides sharing stuff we like with online friends was received for this blog post.

Guest Post: 8 FrugalTips to Help You Feel Like Prom Royalty

My oldest is a junior in high school, which means she's been looking for the PERFECT dress, for about 3 years, now, and has got dozens of websites bookmarked to help her decide on just what, or what not, to wear to the prom...NEXT YEAR!

Yes, she is THAT excited.  No, she doesn't have a date (YET!) yes, she's going anyway...DAGNABIT!

Today's guest post is courtesy of Andrea Woroch, a Consumer Saving Expert, with perhaps the most practical prom advice I've read, thus far and, trust me, I've got the bookmarks to prove it.

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From dresses and tuxedos to flowers, photos and limo services, high school students (and parents) could end up dishing out a ton of cash on junior and senior prom. Heck, you could throw an entire wedding for the same price.

Since teenagers have more important worries, like finding the perfect date, coming up with the cash should be the least of their concerns. With a touch of savvy planning, students can find smart ways to keep prom costs under control.

Follow these eight savvy tips to feel like prom royalty without blowing your budget:

Suave Professionals Sharing FREE Styling Product on Facebook

It's no secret, I have been a HUGE fan of the new Suave Professionals line of hair care products since 2009.

Aaaaand not just because I got to meet Suave Celebrity Hairstylist Luke O'Connor, who was kind enough to teach me a few styling tricks, using Suave (okay, that WAS cool, though, right?) or, the fact that he was super friendly and lots of fun in person too!

Yes, my hairdresser is okay with it (go ahead, ask her!) she knows that I have been a loyal customer of Suave Professionals, ever since.

Most recently, we put the NEW Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo to the test and it was a big hit with my oldest girls (they are 17 and 15) okay, me too!

Want to try some?

This week, the brand is launching "The Suave Challenge" and inviting consumers, nationwide, to put their product to the ultimate test.

Why?

To see if women (like me) can tell the difference between Suave Professionals products and top salon brands:

What: The Suave Challenge

When: Thursday -- March 24, 2011

Where: Suave Beauty's Facebook Page

Why: Suave is giving away a FREE full-size styling product to the first 200,000 visitors to Suave Beauty’s Facebook page on March 24th.

Additionally, consumers can visit CanYouTell.com to compare NEW Suave Professionals with top salon brands by putting them to the ultimate test:

Suave is so sure that you will not be able to tell, that they are giving prizes to anyone who can prove them wrong.

This, my friends, should be interesting, right? 

Go ahead, give it a try (what do you have to lose?) but, don't forget to come back, check out my giveaways page to see other stuff we're sharing, that you might like to try, too.

Also, please feel free to visit my blog, ThisFullHouse.com and say "hi," when you have time, of course!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment, product, or any other consideration, besides a chance to share cool opportunities I hear about, with online friends, was received for this blog post.

The Perfect Gentleman's Guide to Valentine's Day (and BEYOND!)

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED:  So happy to be able to share this with you, Ann F (comment #40) please check your email for further instructions !

With Valentine's Day less than a week away (yeah, I know, I don't have anything "just for him," either!) I'm beginning to think, you know, why can't we just celebrate, whatever, whenever and however we want, damnit?

Well, now we can (and by we, I mean you, yes, YOU!) AND smell good, doing it, too, courtesy of the folks at Gillette.com.

FIRST, SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE:  Visit the P&G Brand Sampler to snag yourself some of the latest samples and coupons.

Disclosure:  Gillette is a brand that we shop, a lot, and I prefer to share the Gillette Series Shave Gel for sensitive skin with my husband, Garth (not his real name) as well.

Want some?

Sharing a Red Envelope $100 Giveaway Just in Time for Valentines Day (No rhyme, intended, sorry!)

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So happy to be sharing with you, Sarah (comment #225) Please check your email for further instructions!!!

My husband and I have been together for over 20 years and have pretty much run out of gift ideas, for each other, a long time ago.

We don't usually gift each other, or if it's a REALLY special occasion (like, finding money in our clothes dryer) we just pick up stuff we like...mostly, for the house...together.

Although, he would totally say that lingerie is really for the both of us (ahem!)

So, I was very excited to be contacted by some nice folks representing RedEnvelope.com and got the chance to do a little online shopping, too.

Want to see?

Suave Professionals Sneak Peek Giveaway: Dry Shampoo, Really?

I have a love/hate relationship with my hair.  Okay, no NOT really.  I don't know of a single woman (or, married for that matter) who would admit that she, you know, loves her hair...out loud, anyway.

<---- That's not me, btw, but she does have really nice hair, no?

I'm always on the look out for new hair styling products and, although I have yet to find that miracle cure for accute bed head, I was excited to learn that my favorite folks at Suave have a NEW Suave Professionals styling line of products coming out in February...including, dry shampoo?!?

Crocs Holiday Giveaway: Not Just Your Average Clog, Anymore!

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So happy to be sharing with you, Chris N. (comment #205) please check your email for further instructions!!!

  TFH Holiday Picks 2010

Okay, so I have a confession to make.  Ready?  I am not a BIG fan of Crocs footwear...[shiver]...there, I said it!

Although, a lot of folks wear them (probably look good on you, too!) I just think they make my size 9+ feet look, well, SCARY BIG.

So, when the good folks representing Crocs contacted me, insisting that they're "not just the clog anymore," I had my doubts.

Then, I clicked through the Crocs Holiday Gift Guide and was, you know, pleasantly surprised.

Frankly, I was AMAZED (still am) at the variation of styles available, like:  cozy-looking, lightweight fleece-lined boots, fun-looking flats and wedges, urban-inspired riffs on the classic sneaker, and a nice selection of mens shoes, too!?!

[shiver, but in a good way]

I am very excited to be able to feature the Croccasin loafer (seriously, awesome name) as a possible suggestion for the man (or, men) on your holiday list, this year.

Guess what?  I'm keeping it...for myself...and here's why.

Sharing: $150.00 JCPenney Gift Card Because, Some of Us Are STILL Shopping for School Clothes!

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: SO HAPPY TO SHARE THIS WITH KIMBERLY (COMMENT #617) ENJOY!!!

Raising 4 kids, I spend A LOT of time back-to-school shopping (i.e. hunting through dozens of clearance racks, comparing price tags and debating the definition of "school clothes" with my husband) did I mention, we have 3 girls?

I've been putting off back-to-school shopping for the boy (he's 11) because, well, he's become even pickier than the girls (darnit!) and here in Jersey, you can actually wear shorts to school...up until mid-October...sometimes.

Until, the very generous folks at JCPenney.com offered to help, by sending us a $150.00 gift card to splurge on some MUCH needed back-to-school clothes for my son.

Did I mention, they are giving us a chance to share the experience with you (yes, maybe even YOU!) wanna see?

Fashion to Figure Giveaway: Because, Fashionable Women Come in ALL Sizes

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: Sharing with Casey (comment #46) YAY!  Please check your email for further instructions!!

It's true, one size does NOT fit all (I know, act surprised anyway) thank goodness the good folks at FashiontoFigure.com know this, already. 

That little black dress up there...AYUP!...smoking hot!!!

Fashion to Figure carries trendy AND fashionable clothes for women (size 12 to 26) at very reasonable prices (I think!)

I flipped through the Fashion to Figure Fall Look Book and am pretty convinced that their fashion consultants know what the heck they are doing, too.

Want to take a peek?

Deal Alert: Coupon Code for Free Laptop Sleeve From Spreadshirt.com

So, what's the deal with Spreadshirt.com?  Well, it's a website that allows you to create, buy or sell custom-made t-shirts, shirts & tees (add your own text and everything) but, wait, there's more!

Between September 6th and October 1st, customers can customize a FREE netbook or laptop sleeve with every order that is $40 or more (this is a $16 value for FREE) check out Spreadshirt.com, shop around a little and then, when you're ready to checkout, enter the following:

Promotional code for your FREE laptop sleeve

• US: FREESLEEVEUSA
• CANADA: FREESLEEVECAN 

OFFER EXPIRES OCTOBER 1, 2010

Now, if only I could think of something REALLY clever to say, like, "Is it wine o'clock, yet," I mean, someone should put THAT on a t-shirt, right?

© 2010 This Full House / This Full House Gone Shopping

The Small Gray-ish Print:  No payments, product or any other consideration, besides a chance to help families (like mine) save a little extra milk money, was received for this blog post.

Help Spiegel.com Give Back to Educators: Share 15% OFF With Your Favorite Teacher!

In the years when I actually wore business suits, B.C. (before children) I would often order from the Spiegel Catalog, B.I. (before Internet) and now they are launching their first ever SPIEGEL LOVES TEACHERS campaign.

Spiegel has partnered with the National Education Association to give back to all educators by offering 15% OFF at Spiegel.com -- simply enter the code TEACH at checkout to redeem.

Click here to take the quiz yourself and find out your Signature Style!

Now, if I could only convince SOME folks that there is to such a thing as being fashionably-challenged and that, in some cases, it may just be, you know, irreversible!

© 2010 This Full House Gone Shopping

Small Gray-ish Print:  No payments, products, or considerations, other than a chance to help families (like ours) save a little money, was received for this blog post.

Yummie Tummie: Shapewear & Body Shapers - Dreaded Bathroom Mirror Road Test

 
I love the clean layered look of t-shirts and tank tops; slap on a pretty, jacket (or, sweater) along with a pair of shiny earrings and couple of strands of beads (or, choker) and I'm ready for a nice date night out with my husband, Garth (not his real name) until, I glance into the bathroom mirror.

"WTH!?!?"

I swear, those EXTRA layers weren't there an hour ago and what is up with my hair!?!?  I'm not opposed to wearing shapewear (seriously, especially at BlogHer) but, I have yet to find something that makes me feel good AND is comfortable.

So, when The Clever Girls Collective contacted me about trying Yummie Tummie (two words I wouldn't use, in the same sentence, much) I was skeptical.

Until, I took it for the ultimate road test!

77kids + 77 Mombloggers = A Whole Lot of Good Stuff Happening on Do Good Day!

I am very, very proud to partner with TheMotherhood.com and participating in 77kids Do Good Day on July 14th (that's next week, btw!) by doing good in our local communities in all sorts of pay-it-forward kinds of ways.

Me and 76 other bloggers, from 11 cities across the U.S., I mean.

Why?

Well, here in Jersey, I'm in REAL good company:

Bay -  http://www.queenmotherblog.com
Julie - http://www.bouffamily.blogspot.com
Monica - http://www.paperbridges.net
Shannon - http://www.momimprovement.com

Okay, GREAT, but why 77kids and what's all this Do Good stuff about, really?