This Full House Reviews

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.

Our #1 Holiday Pick: Xbox 360 Kinect Xbox Live Family Pack Membership

Get the whole family in on the fun with Family Game Night. It happens every Tuesday on Xbox 360 and on Xbox LIVE.

TFH Holiday Pick 2010

It's no secret, we love our Xbox (read our full review of Xbox 360 LIVE from last year, here) and, seeing as I am also a gamer mom (i.e., try to beat the pants off of my kids, but, you know, end up losing, every gosh-darned time) I was excited to learn about the Family Pack Membership now available for Xbox 360 Live.

Long story, short (you're welcome!) you get four 12-month Xbox LIVE Gold memberships for less than the price of 2 with up to 4 players per family!

Then we received the new Kinect for Xbox 360 (thank you, Microsoft!) and well, this year, control free playing and full body play got my kids (and me) off the couch and took OUR Family Game Nights to a whole different level!

"Snuffles" Teddy Bear from GUND 30th Birthday Celebration & Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: Soooo happy to be sharing with you, Stephanie (comment #2) please check your email for further instructions!

TFH Holiday Picks 2010

Teddy bears are pretty popular at our house.  In fact, all 4 of my kids STILL have their 1st teddy bears that my twin brother gave to each of them as a welcome home gift.

Bless his squishy heart!

So, I thought it would be fun to celebrate the 30th Birthday of Snuffles the Teddy Bear from GUND by giving one (1) of our online friends a chance to welcome him (or her) into your home, this holiday season, too.

Open House Blog Tour: Thanksgiving 2010 Edition

Welcome to our Thanksgiving 2010 Edition Open House Blog Tour!

My husband, Garth [not his real name] and I love attending open houses - especially, if it's a home that we've admired from the sidewalk, or wondered...you know...WTH is going on in there?

Same thing with blogs, right?

This week, we're hosting Thanksgiving at our house (seriously, what's 15 more, right?) and I'm very, very thankful that Garth (not his real name) is on vacation and, you know, here to help me out!!!

So please, clean off a chair, sit down and feel free to leave your links (PG-13, please) about any blogging events, fundraisers, giveaways, book tours and contests, or if you have a burning blog post and just need to shout out (HEY!) go for it!

Mi feed reader y su feed reader!

WHAT, IS YOUR LINK TOO LONG? NO PROBLEM: Shorten your links with http://bit.ly/ (it's easy AND free!) or, if you need to edit a link -- just let me know!

Okay, I'll start:

Thanks SO MUCH for visiting and feel free to come back, next week (there's an open house held every Thursday) we'll leave the porch light on for ya'! 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!!!

MEET THE BLOGGERS: PREVIOUS OPEN HOUSE BLOG TOURS

Also, we're compiling posts featuring some of our favorite finds for our Holiday Picks 2010!

Don't forget; feel free to come back and leave your links next Thursday, too!

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

Kellogg's FiberPlus Wellness Ambassador Program & Giveaway

Thanks to Kellogg's FiberPlus for sponsoring my writing today about their Wellness Ambassador program.  They asked me to write about someone who inspires me to live a healthier lifestyle.  I chose my sister-in-law Pat as my Wellness Ambassador, so she and I will get to spend some quality time together, next month, courtesy of the generous folks at Kellogg's.  Add your comment below to be entered for a chance to win a free sample to help add a little more wellness into your snack time, too!

My sister-in-law (husband's oldest sister) went through extensive preventative surgery to battle breast cancer in October. 

I took her to the hospital, sat with her before/after the surgery and am still SO amazed at how brave she was during the entire emotional AND painful ordeal. 

Still, Pat made a committment to take better care of herself and, although it isn't always easy, she is finally finding peace...within herself.

She has gone through SO much in her life (putting her child through college as a single parent, job loss, relocation, etc...) and it was her strength that inspired me to start taking better care of myself, as well.

After 5 years, I finally made an appointment with a new doctor and am currently recovering from MY surgery, last week, addressing a health issue that could NOT have waited any longer.

[cue deep sigh of relief]

Okay, now it's your turn.

Want to add a little more wellness into your snack time? Print yourself a $1 off coupon from Kellogg's FiberPlus website. 

Got a wellness ambassador in your life; someone who inspires you to take better care of yourself? 

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

Klutz.com Holiday Giveaway and Coupon Code

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: SO HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO SHARE WITH PAULA HAFNER (COMMENT #73) PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!

  TFH Holiday Picks 2010

We are HUGE fans of Klutz.com at our house (not just because of the name, either!) IMO, their activity books are perfect for those times when you find yourself in need of a break from replacing batteries, or just looking for some creative quiet time.

This week, I am recovering from surgery and a nasty bout of bronchitis (because, it's how I roll!) and hoping to be able to host Thanksgiving, crud free.

Soooo...YES...this IS definitely one of those times!

We received two new activity books from the Klutz.com Holiday Gift Guide (Capsters and Window Art Classic) and I'm not sure who enjoyed them more....me, or the kids.

Wanna see?

Open House Blog Tour #68 I Got Your Linky Love Bytes Right Here!

Welcome to our 68th Weekly Open House Blog Tour!

My husband, Garth [not his real name] and I love attending open houses - especially, if it's a home that we've admired from the sidewalk, or wondered...you know...WTH is going on in there?

Same thing with blogs, right?

So please, clean off a chair, sit down, mind the Doofus-Dawg (his tongue can kill!) and feel free to share your links (PG-13, please) mi feed reader es su feed reader!

 

Thanks SO MUCH for visiting and feel free to come back, next week (there's an open house held every Thursday) we'll leave the porch light on for ya'!

MEET THE BLOGGERS: PREVIOUS OPEN HOUSE BLOG TOURS

Also, we're compiling posts featuring some of our favorite finds for our Holiday Picks 2010!

Don't forget; feel free to come back and leave your links next Thursday, too!

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

Clever Crafts: Handmade Hand & Footprint Recycled Reindeer Ornaments

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED:   SO HAPPY FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH LISA H. (#36) KAREN M (#11) MITCH J (#32) AMY WEAS (#3) SHANNON BAAS (#6) RACHEL U (#27) MEME (#48) CRYSTLE TELLERDAY (#7) VERONICA GARRETT (#52) AND HEATHER L (#4) PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!

TFH Holiday Picks 2010

Thanks to Scotch Double Sided Tape for sponsoring my writing about crafts. Add your comment below to be entered for a chance to win free sample rolls to help with your upcoming holiday needs.

We did A LOT of crafts when my kids were younger -- give a kid a piece of paper, a crayon and a couple of glue sticks, well, you ARE the Queen (or King) of Distraction -- especially, around the holidays.

Then, the crafts started coming home and today our house is filled with homemade ornaments, each one with its very own story :)

One of my absolute FAVORITES are the reindeer ornaments my kids LOVED to make in kindergarten.  Still do.  In fact, my youngest (she's 9 now) and I made THIS one, last night!

It's simple, a whole lot of fun to create, makes a great gift for the grandparents and this craft can be easily fashioned from whatever you have lying around the house, including your child's hand and feet.

Here, I'll show you:  I pulled some leftover supplies out of our craft chest.

Fun Ways to Stay in Touch: Skype BuddyCam Starter Pack Holiday Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: SO HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO SHARE WITH NICOLE MAY (COMMENT #38) JAQUE (COMMENT #44) AND ASHLEY R (COMMENT #66) PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!

TFH Holiday Picks 2010

I was first introduced to Skype in February of 2008 when hosting our first ever giveaway and now use it regularly to keep in touch with clients and online friends.

As a self-professed lover of multi-functional gadgets (see sidebar on right) I'm very excited to be able to tell you that the 2010 Skype Holiday Lookbook is here!

Inside, you'll find cool gadgets that will perhaps help keep you connected with friends and family this holiday season (if you want to, of course!) while providing a cost savings throughout the year, like:  Free video calls; free Skype to Skype calls and messaging.

For example, check out this cute little guy.

Flexible and durable (but, most importantly fun) Buddy retails for $19.99 and, IMO, would make a GREAT gift suggestion for kids, students and families who want to keep in touch with a simple Skype video call.

Or, chat with online friends, like Melisa (not a typo, she only has one "s" in her name, poor thing) because, some of us continually leave our cell phones in the car....ahem.

Want one?

Deal Alert: 30% Off Holiday Cards on Hallmark.com

Holiday Picks 2010

I love this picture of my very good friend, Jenna (a.k.a. FireMom) and me taken during Hallmark's Christmas in August party at BlogHer '10. 

Jenna and I are long time blog friends.  However, this was the very first opportunity we had to, you know, actually meet up, in person!!! 

Wouldn't this make a TERRIFIC holiday card, minus the purse straps, right?

By the way, Jenna is a GREAT photographer IRL.

The good folks at Hallmark have offered to share a nice discount with online friends, like you (yes, YOU!) this holiday season:

Use code BLOGHER30 for 30% off holiday cards ordered on Hallmark.com

Why?  Because, discounts (+) free shipping (=) extra cookies in the cookie jar, right?  Thank you, Hallmark!!!

© 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.

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?

Deal Alert: Aurorae Yoga Friends and Family Discount

TFH Holiday Picks 2010

I had the pleasure of working with Aurorae Yoga this passed spring, when I was given the opportunity to exercise my aura on one of their very comfortable yoga mats.

It was nice, while it lasted.  One of my daughters "borrowed" my mat to use for her weekly fitness class.  It is now HER mat.  And, so it goes.  Namaste.

Just in time for the holidaze (heh!) the good folks at Aurorae Yoga have extended our online friends a special Friends & Family Discount of 15% off any of their products on Amazon.com between now and December 31, 2010.

GET IT HERE:  In order to redeem this discount, make sure to add Aurorae9 in the promotional code at Amazon Checkout.

© 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.

Parrot Minikit Slim: Portable Bluetooth Hands Free Car Kit Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED:  SO HAPPY FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH DOREEN RIOPEL (COMMENT #7) PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!

TFH Holiday Picks 2010

It's no secret, I love multi-functional gadgets (says so right over there ----> a little lower, RIGHT THERE, see it?)

So, when this really nice woman I met while attending the BlogHer '10 conference this passed summer handed me a box, encouraging me to "give this handy little gadget a try," I thanked her and then went on my merry way, thinking it was a motorized wine bottle opener, a spinning spaghetti fork, or something.

What?  Okay, perhaps your definition of handy little gadget is slightly, you know, different from mine.

It was this new portable bluetooth hands free car system from Parrot.com for iPhones, smart phones and mobile phones and I could NOT have been more delighted, because NOT everyone has an iPhone (or, an iPad) dangit!

So, I gave it to Garth (not his real name) since, you know, I'm giving like that...want to see?

EB's Pink Dozen: Featuring Autumn Recipes From Food Network's Claire Robinson

I have the extreme privilege of partnering with Eggland's Best as one of their digital ambassadors in helping to spread awareness of their support of The Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

As well as displaying Komen for the Cure’s running ribbon logo (along with a pink version of the “EB” stamp) on select egg varieties through November 15th, Eggland’s Best will donate $50,000 to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure in its promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever.

Eggland’s Best has also partnered with Claire Robinson from Food Network’s 5 Ingredient Fix to help spread the word about EB’s Breast Cancer Awareness efforts.

Ms. Robinson has created three dishes that are simple (Yay!) delicious (YAy!) and more importantly, healthy meal ideas (YAY!) that families (like mine) can enjoy on a chilly day, or night.

The recipes include: Scrambled Eggs over Roasted Tomatoes, Zucchini and Goat Cheese Frittata and Baked Egg Casserole.

Want to see?