This Full House Reviews

Tell Them: A Star is Born (a.k.a. Anyu, Nagy Mama & HoneyGram)

I am very honored to be working with Hallmark as a Life is a Special Occasion featured blogger and for their sponsoring this blog post, allowing me to share personal stories, insights and inspirations in enjoying simple, every day moments, with you (yes, YOU!)

Woodbridge Center Mall on opening day, 1971

My parents have tons of pictures like this.  It's in pretty bad shape and I promised to go through, scan and save as many of their photos as possible.  However, lately, I find it's becoming more and more difficult and not just because I've got a couple of boxes piling up, filled with old photos of my own kids, as well.

"Why isn't Mama smiling?"

My middle girl was the first to notice the images of her grandmother's much younger self did indeed confirm: the woman very rarely looked happy.

Hanging out on the stoop, L to R: my aunt (holding me) her bff (holding my brother) dad, mom and my nagy mama.

Long story, short (you're welcome!) then it hit me, as most things do, like a brick upside the head.

Favorite Find of the Week: Super Last-Minute, On Second Thought-Type Graduation Announcements

Ready for her senior prom...EEEP!

My oldest is graduating high school, like, tomorrow (EEEP!) and I've been planning for this day since she's been in kindergarten, sort of. 

Back then 2012 sounded SO, SO FAR AWAY!

I also knew that, with my youngest graduating 5th grade AND celebrating her 11th birthday, this week would be BEYOND hectic.

So, we're hosting a "Happy Everything Party" with family and friends this weekend (double-EEEP!) for which I made lists (my friend Melisa would be proud) and I've been cleaning the house...for the last 3 days...and I mean, like, Thanksgiving clean.

My 2 youngest have been tag-teaming each other and were home sick from school ALL WEEK, enough said.

Then my middle girl took some awesome pictures of her sister for the senior prom and, well, I thought to myself...SELF!!!...maybe I could somehow include them with the party favors as a special, "Thank you."

However, I don't have ANY time to spare let alone $$ to pay for last-minute, get it here like NOW, shipping!

LIGHT BULB!  Drug stores like CVS and Walgreens have a photo center online, right?:  Yes, yes they do and you can create some really awesome photo cards using your favorite shots and most photo centers will have them available to you within an hour or next day pick-up.

I think these came out really great (bet you can imagine the $$ we saved on ink having them printed at our local drug store instead) and I ordered enough prints to send to extended family members, 'cawse I'm all thoughtful like that and everything, YO!

© 2003 - 2012  This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment, product or any other consideration was received for this blog post.  Just super-surprised when stuff works out right and thought I'd share it with you.

Last Minute Valentine's Day eCards from Isle of View

I love surprises.  Really, I do!  So, when the nice folks at Isle of View sent me personalized eCards with my family's name’s hidden meaning and original art, well, see for yourself:

AWESOME DEAL ALERT: 100 FREE Prints With Any $5 Purchase at Snapfish.com

Need prints to put in your holiday cards OR thinking about starting a new trend and sending out Happy Everything cards in January? (AHEM!)

Right now you can get 100 FREE 4" x 6" mail-order prints with any $5 purchase:

Just use coupon MERRY1213 at checkout by 11:59PM PST December 19th -- details here!

Check out the Merry Deal Reveal site to redeem other available offers, share deals with family and friends on Facebook, or sign up for these exclusive daily emails (like I did!)

Visit our Discounts and FREE Shipping Codes page for more ways for families (like mine) save a little extra milk money :)

© 2003 - 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

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.

Klutz Book of Animation Blog Tour (Stop #10) Review and Giveaway!

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So, glad to be able to share this with Janette (comment #58) please check your email for further instructions!!!

My middle girl (she's 14) is a freshman and studying digital animation in a school specializing in communications, graphic design and media.

Much to the chagrin of her 16 year-old sister, who also applied to the same high school and well, let's just say that I have 4 kids, attending 4 different schools...AGAIN...this year! 

So, as Stop #10 in the Klutz Book of Animation Blog Tour, I am very excited to tell you that anybody with a computer, camera, internet connection and a little bit of creativity can create animated films. 

The Klutz Book of Animation is a how-to-guide with step-by-step instructions that show you how to create a variety of different classic stop motion special effects and make a movie of your own. 

We did -- want to see?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Saving Second Base and More!

Today, I bid farewell to a school chum on my home blog and, well, it was a very difficult and painful post to write.

Sharing ways in which we can help two of my online friends "eat away at breast cancer," not so much.

In fact, being able to contribute to blogging projects (like, Saving Second Base) by helping to bring awareness on important issues (like, cancer sucks!) that may be relevant to other families (like mine) feels REAL good, too!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and, in honor and remembrance of the brave battles being fought by way too many of my family and friends (DAMMIT!) I will be running a series of posts, every Monday, from now until the end of October, of ways in which we can each help (small as it may seem) in the fight against breast cancer.

Why?

Because, cancer needs a good old fashioned virtual bitch-slap!

Kicking it off, this week, Snapfish.com will be offering the following in October:

Snapfish Summer Roadtrip Discounts and Jumpstart on Back-to-School Giveaway!

CONGRATULATIONS, TINA REYNOLDS (COMMENT #31) PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!

Snapfish.com is offering a variety of discounts over the next couple of weeks during their Road Trip campaign -- like, today's offers:

Get 25% off photo skins using promo code ROADTRIP719 through July 25th.

FREE standard shipping on any photo gift purchase of $25 or more using coupon code ROADTRIP722 by July 25.

Buy 2 photo flip books for $5 using coupon code 2FLIPFIVE by July 31st.

Buy one collage poster, get one FREE using coupon code 2FUNPOSTERS by July 31st.

Get 25% off 10 4"x6" Free Prints using promo code code ROADTRIP2010 through August 15th

FIND IT HERE:  http://summer.snapfish.com

I'm very happy to once again partner with my friends at Snapfish.com to help kick their summer program into gear (heh!) by offering a preview of some really cute back-to-school stuff and hosting a fun giveaway...to boot!

3rd Annual Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest: Energizer Giveaway - Ultimate Lithium Batteries

CONGRATULATIONS: LAURIE (comment #1) PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!

I take photos.  Lots and lots of pictures.  Mostly of my kids, vacations, the dog and stuff, or, at least, I used to. 

Before I broke my camera, I mean.

[moment of silence]

If you like to take pictures (like me) then, you might be interested to know that the 3rd Annual Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest is happening now!

Especially, if you take really, really, really good pictures (unlike me) the winner will have their photo featured in the December issue of National Geographic magazine (in an ad for Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries) and a trip of a lifetime:  A National Geographic Expedition for two to the Greek Isles.

Here's a slideshow of finalists from last year's Energizer Ultimate Photography Contest:

[heavy sigh]

Now, if I only had a camera (yeah, I broke mine) oh...AND some batteries, too...want some?

Free Shipping Today at Snapfish.com

I blogged about the really cool Father's Day gift ideas at Snapfish.com and, if you haven't had the time to get out and find a gift, yet (AHEM!) Snapfish is offering FREE shipping, today:

Use coupon code DADSAVINGS by June 9 before 11:59 PM PST.

Hurry...you only have 24 hours...ready...setty...GO!

 

© 2010 This Full House Gone Shopping

DISCLOSURE:  NO PAYMENTS, PRODUCTS, OR CONSIDERATIONS, OTHER THAN A CHANCE TO HELP FAMILIES (LIKE OURS) SAVE A LITTLE MONEY, WAS RECEIVED FOR THIS BLOG POST.

Snapfish Last Minute Father's Day Gift Ideas & Giveaway

[WE HAVE A WINNER: CONGRATULATIONS, ANNE -- COMMENT #14 -- PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!]

 

If you are like me -- a bit frazzled, often times running late, or forgetting something -- and you have kids in school, well, then, you ALREADY know that this is perhaps one of THE busiest times of the year!

All 4 of my kids go to 4 different schools, 3 of them are graduating to new schools, this year (UGH!) aaaaand, my youngest daughter's birthday is in June.

[slaps forehead]

Father's Day sort of gets lost on our calendar. 

HP and Snapfish (2 of my favorite brands) are offering a nice variety of memorable photo gifts and printables (yes, it's a word!) and have offered to share them with one of you (yes, maybe even YOU!) just in time for Father's Day.

Or, for whatever day you'd like it to be...really...so, come on in, clean off a chair and check it out!

Vistaprint: Personalized Photo Book Giveaway

[COMMENTS ARE CLOSED:  Congratulations, MitchJ -- please see your email for further instructions!!!]

Vistaprint is a printing company that offers such great products as Birthday Invitations, Custom T-shirts, and Personalized Mugs.

I ordered my business cards (pictured above) for BlogHer '10 and I am a very happy Vistaprint customer.  

They are easy to use (if I can create a business card, then anyone can) and I am very satisfied with the quality of their work.

[see business card above]

My good friends at Team Mom have presented me with an exclusive opportunity to share some good stuff with you (yes, YOU!) and, well, how could I say no, right?

Wanna see?

Celebrate Snapfish's 10th Birthday With Special Anniversary Discounts and the Launch of Snapfish Publisher!

One of my favorite finds, over the years of finding really cool stuff online, other families (like mine) might like, are the good folks at Snapfish.com. 

Not only is it a great place to store, print and share photos online, I had the pleasure of partnering with them for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and share gifts that give back to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Snapfish is celebrating its 10th Anniversary on Thursday, April 1st and will be announcing an exciting new offering!

Snapfish Publisher, which will allow designers and developers to create, share and sell their own creative card designs, photo book layouts and apps to market and merchandise throughout the worldwide Snapfish network.

FIND IT HERE:  http://publisher.snapfish.com

Also to celebrate, at www.snapfish.com/birthdaybash, Snapfish is hosting a virtual birthday party with special anniversary discounts and promotions to thank customers. Facebook fans can also access these at www.facebook.com/snapfish.

Happy Birthday and thanks for the memories, Snapfish!

© 2009 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

FWIW:  NO PAYMENT OR CONSIDERATION, BESIDES A CHANCE TO HELP FAMILIES (LIKE MINE) FIND REALLY COOL STUFF ONLINE, WAS RECEIVED FOR THIS BLOG POST, COURTESY OF SNAPFISH.COM.

Palm Pre Plus Blogger Review & Giveaway - Week 1

[SO HAPPY TO BE SHARING WITH MITCH J. -- COMMENT #25 -- PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!]

Smartphones.  You either you love 'em -- seriously, it's like some folks just can't seem to figure out WHAT to do with their hands, without them -- or, if you're like most moms I know (in a constant rush and tired of squinting at tiny print) you don't have time to futz around and figure out how to turn the gosh-darned cell phone on.

I am a little bit of both.

My husband, Garth [not his real name] and I purchased our first "touch screen" cell phones a few months ago and, well, it would be nice if phone companies offered some sort of  "free two week trial" or something.

Yes, I broke it, ALREADY (actually, the "home" and "end" and "call" keys are sticking) but, don't tell my husband, okay?

I am very excited to partner with my friends at TheMotherhood.com and participate in the Palm Pre Plus campaign on behalf of Verizon Wireless, by testing out the "multi-tasking made easy" apps featured on the Palm Pre Plus.

For the next 4 weeks, I'll be writing about my experiences (in very layman terms, of course) and sharing some great stuff (yep, I've got one to giveaway, at the end of the program, too) while I try really hard NOT to break their pretty new phone, too.

Today, I am simply trying to learn how to use the darned thing -- wanna see?