This Full House Reviews

Absolutely the Last Possible Minute Mother's Day Gift Idea, I Promise!

I know, I know, it seems like everyone and their brother is bent on reminding us that, you know, Mother's Day is just around the corner.

Good thing, too, seeing as I may be the only mom, on the planet, who still does NOT have a gift, for my mom.

No worries, we are a lot alike and enjoy simple things, so, I'm framing this picture of us, taken by my 15 yo, during spring break.

Shhhhh...don't tell her...okay?

It's one of the few photos my mom and I have, taken of each other, with each other, in the same photo and, well, we are both usually the ones, on the opposite side of the camera, taking pictures of everyone else.

Hers is pretty beat up and I may, or may not have dropped it at some point, so I suggested to dad that the woman could use a new camera and, since then, I've been sort of elected to, you know, hunt around for one.

Not an easy task (took me nearly two years to save up and find mine) however, this pretty little thing recently peaked my interest.

The cool thing about this camera?  The Samsung SH100 is...wait for it...WiFi-enabled...so, you can instantly share that pic of your husband, sleeping on the couch, with the dog, across your social networks to your friends and families anywhere.

Here's the really fun part, the Samsung SH100 is going on a month-long road trip across America in the month of May:

The mobile team is going to record all the amazing people they meet and the fascinating places they visit with the SH100, and the best photos and videos will be shared on the Samsung USA Facebook page!

(www.facebook.com/SamsungCameraUSA)

Honestly, I think this is a fantastic idea and believe that Samsung is in for a REAL interesting time; here's a quick video explaining this fun campaign:

 

Personally, I'm looking forward to watching Samsung's campaign unfold, in real time and, as a potential customer, I'm very, very interested to see the final outcome, in pictures, as well.

Hopefully, we'll see a funny face, or twenty and maybe even recognize some of the places, this pretty little camera takes us, so, yeah, this should be a REAL interesting road trip, right?

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  I was compensated for this opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity.  All opinions are my own.

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.

Breaking the Silence of Abuse, Depression and Suicide

I find it difficult to talk about depression with my children -- my older kids, most especially -- no matter how strongly I empathize with their feelings, for fear of hurting, rather than helping.

Until, one of them mentions the word "suicide" and, well, as a parent of 2 teens and 2 tweens, there are a scant few parenting topics that actually cause the bile to rise into my throat.

I mean, how and when (if ever) do I tell them, "Yes, I have experienced suicidal depression," first hand?

Fabulous Five Bloggers: They Got My Back - How About Yours?

Thanks to Trop 50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 fabulous wishes. Click here to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to help grant a friend's wish!

Blogging is weird.  There are days when the words come easy.  Thoughts and images flash before my eyes in rapid succession, gaining speed as inspiration begins to flow down to my fingertips.

Then, there are times when I find myself holding back, for fear of sharing too much (as a parent) or, too little (as a professional) overstepping some imaginary boundary, created by an industry, in its infancy.

Still, I keep blogging; putting a face to my thoughts, searching for peace of mind, a quiet escape, or seeking comfort in the slightest hints of validation and (in some cases) sharing the best part of me that very few people get a chance to see, IRL.

Then again, when these two worlds collide, fabulous things begin to happen and I can name at least five, right now.

Me and Busy Mom

What makes Busy Mom fabulous?   I started reading Busy Mom in 2003 and can't help but feel like, you know, we sort of grew up together.  I admire her honesty and feel an affinity to her good common sense and strength, hoping it will continue to, you know, rub off on me.

Jenn (a.k.a. Mommy Needs Coffee) and Me

What makes Jenn fabulous?  Jenn and I also grew up together, online (2003 was, indeed, a very good year) and, quite frankly, her ability to make me laugh...at myself...is, in my opinion, something every woman needs to learn how to do, once or twice, in her life.

  Dawn (a.k.a. Because, I Said So) and Me

What make Dawn fabulous?  Her ability to find humor in, well, most anything (and everything) and, as a single mother of six (yes, 6!) her capacity for hope, during even the most difficult times imaginable, is a gift that makes my heart feel light and fluffy.

Me, Shannon (a.k.a. The Dicipline Project ) and Kendra (a.k.a. Headless Mom)

What makes Shannon and Kendra fabulous -- besides, agreeing to be my roommates and still liking me, afterwards, kind of, sort of, anyway?

I think. 

All kidding aside, like Busy Mom, Jenn and Dawn, I know that, regardless of how different we are, online and/or IRL, when push comes to shove, Shannon and Kendra...yep...they got my back.

Because, in some weird-ish way, to me, these Fabulous Five women are more than just bloggers -- we HAVE become friends.

Don't forget to enter the 50 Fabulous Wishes contest for a chance to win $1,000 to support a friend's wish. I was selected for this Tropicana Trop50 sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. I received compensation to use and facilitate my post.

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:

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

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.

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!

The CleverGirls Wine Club

I often times joke about it being wine o'clock on Twitter and Facebook -- especially, after 5:00 p.m. on Fridays -- I am simply learning to appreciate peaceful moments, when the planets are aligned and all is quiet in my world, by sitting back and relaxing with a nice glass of wine that is totally sip-worthy.

That's why I'm excited to partner with the CleverGirls Collective in announcing the launch of the CleverGirls Wine Club.

Every month, we'll be sharing some really great wine promotions, as well as descriptors to tell us a little more about the wine choices and perhaps help us find a few new favorites, at the best possible prices -- order 3 bottles and free shipping is FREE!

Here are some specials for July:

See's Candies: Share Your Sweetest Love Story Giveaway

[SHARING WITH: CONGRATULATIONS, CHERYL (COMMENT #72) PLEASE SEE YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!]

Guess what?  [blank stares]  Only 14 more days until Valentine's Day!

[ducks to avoid flying things]

Yeah...after nearly 21 years, together (yes, we're old, I know) my husband, Garth [not his real name] and I don't celebrate Valentine's Day, different than any other day, either.

[blushes]

Not in public, anyway.

However...I really can't think of a reason NOT to accept a shiny red box of chocolates, when one is presented to you, do you?

I am very pleased to partner with the Clever Girls Collective in sharing a little chocolate love (okay, more like 2 honking pounds of it) with one lucky reader, this Valentine's Day, courtesy of See's Candy.

All you have to do is share your sweetest love story -- here's mine, bittersweet as it is: