TFH Family Favorite Finds

Deal Alert: Get Deals That Fight Hunger in New Jersey with 3SquareDeals!

My friend Deb Smith at Jersey Bites has launched an awesome new program called 3 Square Deals: a daily deal site being offered in partnership with local food banks in New Jersey.

So, how's it work?

Buy the Deal:  3 Square Deals offers discounts on local businesses for 50-80% off thingsto do in your city!

Print the Deal:  Print your deal voucher and use it as early as the next day.

Share & Enjoy:  Don't keep this a secret!  Tell your family, friends and co-workers and go enjoy the deals together!

Here's the BEST Part:  3SquareDeals will donate 10% of its revenue to the Food Bank of South Jersey, Community FoodBank of New Jersey and FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties . The potential to raise tens of thousands of dollars for hunger relief could become a reality once we are serving all of New Jersey.

That's just all sorts of awesome, YO!

DETAILS HERE:   http://www.jerseybites.com/2012/01/3squaredeals-has-arrived-deals-that-fight-hunger-in-new-jersey/

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment, product or any other considration, besides the chance to give hunger the virtual bitchslap it deserves, was received for this blog post.

Thinking Spring With the Help of My Friends at Willow House

Photo credit:  Sylvia Joy Witcoff of Willow House

We've gotten away with relatively warm-ish weather, here in Jersey [knocking on wood until knuckles bleed] so, I've started my spring cleaning...early.

Who am I kidding?  It's taken me THIS LONG to put away the Christmas stuff, YO!

Wine not included (dagnabit!)

In doing so, I came across the Willow House catalog I received from a friend of mine  [cough, cough] back in October [cough, cough] along with this awesome entertaining bucket and tray which, once I placed a saucer in the bottom of it, makes a great plant holder, btw.

The OTHER good thing about Willow House?

Wrapping Up the Season: Help Raise Funds for Educational Charities and Save on Last-Minute Gifts With Upromise

 

Last month, I got the chance to tell you about a terrific program to help folks (like us) save for college while getting your holiday shopping done.

With only 6 more shopping days left until Christmas (I know, how in the heck did THAT happen?!?) today, I'm excited to share some great last-minute savings tips from the good folks at Upromise:

Saving for College While Getting Your Holiday Shopping Done With Upromise

We took our 18 year-old to an open house at one of the local colleges here in Jersey, earlier this month.

Key words, rocking my world at the moment, in that last sentence being:  18 year-old and college.

However, with 3 more children following close behind, I feel it safe to say it's NEVER too late to save for college.

Looking for additional college funding or, perhaps you're like me and don't know of anyone who isn't sweating their kid's education, let alone, trying to figure out a way to pay for college, seriously?

Today, I am very excited to tell you about an awesome service that helps families (like ours) earn extra money for education while shopping for the holidays!

What is Upromise?  How Much Does It Cost Do Join?

Less Cancer, More Birthdays with TinyPrints.com

Growing up, my friend Barbara and I had a lot in common.  She spoke Polish, I spoke Hungarian (close enough!) along with my twin brother, we graduated high school together and, sadly, have lost touch since then.

Until, Facebook.

"Did you hear one of our schoolmates died?"

No, but I was pretty sure that another classmate of ours WAS mistaken.  Had to be.  Because, in my mind, I'm still that same awkward 18 year-old and, well, we're not THAT old, are we?

Then again, we aren't born with any "guarantees" or "date of expiration" stamps and cancer does not seem to care to discriminate, either way:  a few years ago, my twin brother lost a kidney to cancer. 

Sadly, I haven't spoken with anyone whose life hasn't been touched, in some way, by cancer.

As for my friend, Barbara?  Her passing made me realize that the time we have together is indeed precious and perhaps waaaaaay shorter than we think.

That's why I am honored to partner with the American Cancer Society and Tiny Prints to share with you their beautiful and exclusive collection of birthday cards inspired by the way the American Cancer Society saves lives.

Why?  The American Cancer Society believes that every birthday is a victory -- another year that cancer has NOT won-- and I, for one, take every opportunity to give cancer the good old fashioned virtual bitch-slap it deserves!!!

Here’s some background on the collection:

Good Stuff Giving Back Alert: WWF Series at Build-A-Bear Workshop

In 2010, I announced my partnership with National Wildlife Federation as a Founding Mother of their Be Out There program.

Why?  My kids have been reading Your Big Back Yard and Ranger Rick for years (thank you, Grandma and Grandpa) and, well, I just like helping families (like mine) find more ways to get outside and enjoy nature.

SO, WHAT'S NEW:  Their sleep guide (Green Time for Sleep Time) has gone live and covers some interesting facts behind sleep deprivation and shares lots of easy solutions on what parents (like me) can do to make sure their kids get a good night’s sleep.

A lot of folks confuse National Wildlife Federation (NWF) with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and here's the difference:  NWF is focused on climate change and protecting habitat within the US and WWF is world-wide.

However, they BOTH do good things!

FOR EXAMPLE:  Build-A-Bear Workshop continues its partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) with their latest furry friend, WWF Fennec Fox ($25).

FIND IT HERE:  Make-your-own WWF Fennec Fox is currently available at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and buildabear.com.

THE GIVE BACK:  Build-A-Bear Workshop donates one dollar from the sale of each WWF Fennec Fox to the World Wildlife Fund to protect endangered animals and their habitats.

With the holidays just around the corner [ducking under desk to avoid flying back-to-school flyers] I think giving gifts...that then give back...are really awesome!

You can learn more about this awesome program at worldwildlife.org.

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment was received for this blog post.  Just sharing stuff we like and ways in which fmailies (like mine) can give back.

Honor a Mom & Give the Gift of Hope$50.00 Charitable Gift Card Giveaway

COMMENTS CLOSED: So, so happy to be able to share this with you Julie L (comment #7) please see your email for further instructions, thanks!!!

One of my mother's earliest childhood memories is the day the Americans shipped a case of peanut butter to her kindergarten class in Hungary. 

Each child was asked to line up and receive his/her ration of peanut butter and, when it was my mother's turn, she shyly whispered into her teacher's ear that she didn't have anything to spread the peanut butter on -- the bakery ran out of their allotment of bread, earlier that morning.

Growing up, my twin brother and I heard stories, like this, all the time -- especially, at the dinner table.

Even today, I'm not ashamed to admit that our lives would be very different, if it were not for the charity of strangers.

Which is one of the reasons I chose to partner with Nestle Family, in telling you about a special Facebook program that helps consumers (like us) honor the special moms in their lives while simultaneously raising donations and awareness for Mercy Housing:

Heart of Haiti Mother's Day Post Series: My Sassy Keresztmama

From left to right:  my mother's baby sister, my Godmother, Theresa (holding me) her friend (holding my twin brother) my dad, my mom and Nagy Mama, late spring, 1964.

04/30/52 - 11/02/10

This is Aunt Theresa, how I will always remember her, sass'nit up on the dance floor (with me on my wedding day) whose last wish was to be buried in the same awesomely sassy dress. 

My Aunt Theresa was like a big sister to me, helping me through some very, very rough times, while she battled the devastating effects of Diabetes and, well, she made the world a very beautiful place.

Unsurprisingly, ALL 4 my kids adored her, too.

Today, her endless capacity for love, compassion, empathy and forgiveness inspires me still and, most especially, my 3 daughters will always remember Keresztmama as the strong and sassy woman I knew, who loved ALL of them very, very much, too.

I am proud to be able to share my story, with you, in participation with The Heart of Haiti Project and help raise awareness of their efforts, by sharing information about this initiative which gives a gift to mom that gives back to women.

Through a partnership with Macy’s and their Shop For A Better World' initiative, Heart of Haiti offers artisan-crafted decorative arts and jewelry for sale.

All income derived from sales of the products on the Heart of Haiti site enhances an artisan’s family’s nutrition, educates children, and brings access to healthcare and dignity.

To view the Shop for a Better World / Heart Of Haiti collection in it's entirety (including just added items for Spring), visit: http://bit.ly/gaalFP

SPECIAL OFFER:  here's a special discount code we're sharing with online friends to use when purchasing a Mother’s Day gift from the HOH collection:

• Promocode: CLEVERGIRLS
• Discount: 15% off Heart of Haiti and Rwanda Path to Peace products
• Timeframe: 5/3 - 5/8

Also, feel free to visit Heart of Haiti on Facebook.

Thank you and, please, if you have a special woman in your life, please remember to let her know.

Why?

It'll make her AND you feel really, really good, I promise!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Thank you for visiting my shopping blog.  Be sure to visit and/or subscribe to my home blog, ThisFullHouse.com (when you have time, of course!) or stop by and just say, "Hi!"  We'll leave the porch light on for you, just in case.

I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.

Random Acts of Zhu for the Holidays: New Jersey & Zhu, Happy Together!

It's been a crazy, busy year -- even Santa doubts my being able to finish EVERYTHING on  MY to do list in time for eggnog o'clock -- then, my youngest daughter (she's 9) asked if she could practice her writing skills and wrote a wonderful post about Christmas.

It made me realize just how GROWN UP she's getting and, sadly, Kris Kringle won't be needing my services, for much longer, after all.

[pout]

Good thing Hope and I got the chance to play Santa, this week!

I am very proud to be one of bloggers chosen to participate in Cepia LLC's Random Acts of Zhu holiday giving program.

Each of us were given 104 Zhu Zhu Pets to donate to the charity of our choice, with no compensation OR strings attached.

Why?

Hope and I were THRILLED with the prospect of being able to help families in need and perhaps make another child's holiday a little brighter, too!

Our first stop was the Herb Young Annual Toy Drive held at Hope's elementary school where we donated 7 boxes (56 Zhu Zhu pets) to the children at Spring House in Eatontown, NJ:

"We provide services to break the barriers of homelessness and reinforce self-dignity, independence and self-awareness for women with children."

The toys will be distributed to the families staying at Spring House, tomorrow, Christmas Eve!

Next stop, Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ -- they took GREAT care of my middle girl two Christmases ago (okay, me, too!) -- we made an appointment to deliver the remaining 6 boxes of Zhu Zhu pets, after school on Tuesday.

We were greeted by Jara Ferrante, a Child Life Specialist and her Assistant, Elizabeth (nice name, btw, heh!) two SUPER friendly ladies with an AWESOME sense of humor (see picture above) who make it their business to help even their littlest visitors at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital feel warm and welcome.

Hope was THRILLED to learn that the Zhu Zhu pets will be put into the "magic closet," so, whenever there's a birthday, or a child is having a particularly difficult time adjusting to their journey, they will be gift wrapped and, hopefully, help the children left in their care feel right at home.

I know, Hope did!

Thank you SO MUCH, Jara, for allowing us to bring some of that warm and fuzzy feeling home with us, along with Hope's new bff, Hopscotch (she's Dr. Bernard's bouncy buddy) too!!!

Special thanks to Cepia LLC for allowing my family to help spread a little holiday cheer, this year!

Why?

Because, nice matters and being able to give a little back to our community, via This Full House of sticky floors and crunchy socks, feels REAL GOSH-DARNED GOOD, too!

LINKY LOVE BYTES:

Jersey Shore University Medical Center's Website

K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital Social Media Center

K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital on Facebook

K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital on Twitter

Happy Holidays, everyone!!!

(Cross-posted to my parenting blog)

© 2003 - 2010 This FULL House (Re)Views / This FULL House Blahg'd 

Disclosure: No payment, or product was received for this post or for my participation in this program.

The Best Gift Ever $50 SWAGG Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: I am very happy to be sharing this with you, Susanmeep (comment #44) please check your email for further instructions!!!

Thanks to SWAGG for sponsoring my writing about The Best Gift Ever.  Add your comment below to be entered for a chance to win a $50 SWAGG GIFT just in time for the holidays and/or beyond!

My kids are ALL at the age where giving is almost as exciting as receiving (ALMOST!) and it's really fun to watch them find "the best gift ever" for each of their siblings.

Taking each of them shopping, separately, not so much.

Thanks to the wonderfulness that is our blogging community (giving back is how we mom-type bloggers roll) my youngest (she's 9) and I will have the opportunity to donate 13 cartons of toys to local charities through her elementary school's toy drive, which I will get to blog about (hopefully) later, this week!

Why?

Because, giving feels AWESOME for both the giver and givee (YES, it's a word!) right?!?!

Today, I have the privilege of sharing information about SWAGG -- a free mobile app for iPhone or Droid (download here) that lets you shop smarter using your mobile phone.

How?

Buy, send or swap SWAGG GIFTS and organize your old school plastic gift cards.

GOOD STUFF:  For every download of the app between now and Dec. 31, 2010, SWAGG will donate $1 to Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), up to $125,000.

REALLY GOOD STUFF:  Clever Girls Collective and SWAGG are sending a pair of movie fans to the Sundance Film Festival!

Download the SWAGG app then visit the Ultimate SWAGG Getaway Sweepstakes site too and enter to win a pretty kick butt prize, including:

• 2 night/3 day stay at Yarrow Hotel in Park City Utah (Jan 21 - Jan 23, 2011)
• Ground transportation to and from hotel to airport in Park City, Utah
• Dinner for two at Tao Lounge, including 2 nightclub passes
• All access to The House of SWAGG Gifting Suite
• 2 tickets to a movie premiere on Saturday, January 22nd -- movie tbd
• $4,000 value

Entry deadline:  is January 3, 2011, 11:59pm, PST.

But, wait, I get to share some really, really good stuff with you (yes, YOU!) too:

Baking For GoodGet Your FREE Shipping Here, Too!

TFH Holiday Picks 2010

We just got back from spending a terrific weekend with friends in Cape May, NJ and -- regardless of what you may or may not have heard about Jersey being, you know, just one big exit between New York and Delaware -- the Jersey shore IS beautiful in wintertime, too!

The kids and I get so FIRED UP this time of year -- especially, when it comes to homemade treats -- we ALL have such GRAND plans about baking just about every cookie imaginable and gifting them to family and friends.

Then, before we know it, it's Christmas Eve and, well, you know.

Then again, that's what attending church bake sales and those last minute Hail Mary runs to our/your favorite local bakery, are for, right?

Baking for Good is an online bakery inspired by the idea of the bake sale AND (like us) committed to helping great causes (like, the New Jersey SEEDS scholars program) raise money for things that matter:

Deal Alert: Borders Hosts "Super Classroom Days" for Classrooms in Need

TFH Holiday Picks 2010

December 4th and 5th, Borders will host Borders’ Super Classroom Days where customers making a purchase at any Borders store will immediately receive a $15 gift card to make a donation to a classroom of their choice on DonorsChoose.org.

Shoppers can double their donation by purchasing the #1 New York Times bestselling book, "Waiting for ‘Superman’: How We Can Save America’s Failing Public Schools," which includes another $15 gift card to DonorsChoose.org!

The gift cards can be used to fulfill requests made by public school teachers who post classroom project needs on DonorsChoose.org.

Why?

Because, giving gifts that then give back feels AWESOME for both the giver and givee, right?!?

FIND IT HERE:  http://www.borders.com

© 2010 TFH Gone Shopping / This Full House Blog

No payment, product or any other consideration, other than a chance to help families (like mine) save a little milk money this holiday season, was received for this blog post.

Small Business Saturday: Supporting Local Crafters & Artists This Holiday Season

Thanks to American Express for sponsoring my writing today about small businesses.  American Express is presenting Small Business Saturday, a way to honor the local merchants who are the backbone of the economy, this Saturday, November 27.  They're offering statement credits to people who shop at small businesses, advertising for small-business owners, and donations to Girls Inc. for "Likes" of the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook.  Join the celebration by clicking the "Like" button and then visiting the Facebook page to learn more about the program and read the terms and conditions that apply.

Every year, one of the elementary schools in our district hosts a craft fair and my husband, Garth (not his real name) and I took a few minutes to ourselves (I don't know how that happened, either!) to stop by and visit with some of the local crafters.

My family and I really enjoy holiday shopping at these types of events.

Not only do we get the chance to show our support for local vendors -- seriously, these days, small business owners could really use the help -- I always manage to find a little surprise around every corner and you really never know who you'll bump into.

Like, the year I finally got the chance to meet local photographer Nicole Hymowitz (my middle girl is bffs with her oldest girl) and acknowledge the fact that, like many small business owners, Nicole has worked long (and hard) on sharing her passion, creating her own brand AND raising a family.

 

TFH HOLIDAY PICKS 2010

"I hope you enjoy what you see in my portfolios. I truly love working with people and creating art with them."  ~ Nicole Hymowitz

I know, attending craft fairs may not be on the top of your to do list and maneuvering through a hot, sweaty gym is definitely NOT for the faint of heart (right?) but, I really do hope you consider supporting local crafters and artists (like, my friend Nicole) and, while you're at it, why not make a day of it?

Grab a warm beverage and see what the small businesses in your neighborhood have to offer, this holiday season.

You just might make a new friend.

I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

© 2003 - 2010 This Full House Blog / TFH Gone Shopping

Things Remembered: Personalized 2010 Make a Wish Jewelery Got Teens?

TFH Holiday Picks 2010

As my children grow older (um, yeah, I know, me too) coming up with good gift ideas (i.e. they like it and I can, you know, afford it) well, it is becoming more and more difficult.

Shopping for teenagers is REAL hard!

I was recently contacted by Things Remembered about their new line of personalized gifts for 2010 and was interested to learn about their partnership with the Make A Wish Foundation.

Why?

The folks at Things Remembered have developed a very nice array of engravable gifts to choose from, while allowing their customers the chance to, you know, give back, as well.

I did!  Want to see?

Adirondack Fleece Helps Kids Get in the Game CampaignTeam Embroidered Blanket Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED:  SO GLAD TO BE SHARING WITH IRISHBILL (COMMENT #62) PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!

TFH Holiday Pick 2010

Adirondack Fleece has launched an awesome campaign called Get in the Game to help raise awareness for the funding crisis that youth sports teams and athletic associations are currently experiencing.

Raising 4 kids, attending 4 different schools (yes, in the SAME school district) I am very proud to be able to participate in the campaign, by hosting a very special giveaway, while helping to spread a little fleecy warmth towards your favorite charitable cause or organization!

How's it work?