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Holiday Cards from Cardstore

It’s that time of year again to think about holiday cards.   This year I’m working with Cardstore to put a card together that is both playful and tells a story of us.

carsdtore disclosure

Cardstore.com is an online creator for cards, stationery, invitations and more. Each product has its own level of customization to fit your family or event.  With a Cardstore account, you can…

  • Browse our card collections, then save your favorites for later
  • The choice is yours – have your cards sent directly to your recipients or hand-deliver yourself
  • Design anytime, then schedule to mail in advance
  • Import addresses to make every order a breeze
  • Track the status of your order from print house to mailbox

Looking back at previous year’s holiday cards I noticed I like simple cards with very little embellishments or design. Since I always go for photo cards I want the photo to be the star.  Fancy frames and wordy greetings are a distraction for me.  I was able to choose a card design that fit my personal aesthetic.

Cardstore.com greeting card options Cardstore.com greeting card options Cardstore.com greeting card options

The choices available go way beyond my simple selection though.  Here are a couple options that did stand out that I thought with just the right photo would make for a gorgeous holiday greeting.

From whimsical to artsy to vintage to religious there are options for any family or even business to choose from.  The selection process is easy with sort options for how many photos you want to include, the size of your card and even the color theme you prefer. This way you can coordinate your card against the image of your photo.

I’m impressed with those that create newsletter instead of just sending holiday cards.  There is an option for that too. Keep your friends and family updated on the goings on in your home with this festive opportunity to stand out among the rest of the greetings.

Newsletter Greeting Card

Just to help you get started on your own holiday to-do list this year Cardstore is offering 30% off your orders till 11/26.  Hurry as this deal ends soon.




Happy St. Patrick’s Day – #WW

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day

For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way –
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
~Author Unknown

someecards.com - There's no gentle way to tell you that you're the designated driver on St. Patrick's Day

someecards.com - I wish drinking green beer on St. Patrick's Day wasn't the closest you'll come this year to eating a vegetable
someecards.com - We decided it would be best to confiscate anything that allows you to tweet or take photos this St. Patricks Day




Shopping Doesn’t Have to be Hard

When shopping for someone else’s kids are you often stumped? Do you wonder what their interests are? How do you accomplish shopping for a thoughtful but not wasteful gift? My advice for such a predicament is Kidorable.

Kidorable is the perfect shopping spot for kids aged toddler to school age. Boys and Girls alike are going to love the fun and whimsical designs for kids umbrellas, boots and raincoats. Shae has been wearing Kidorable rain boots for over 2 years. She is going on her 3rd pair now; Ballerina this time. I’ve gifted boots to my friend’s daughter and they were also a smashing hit. Regardless if they are tv junkies, artsy or into sports a cozy bath towel or backpack is always going to come in handy.
Find the perfect gift for any kid using their Holiday Gift Buying Quiz. Find out some gift giving myths and browse the fun and unique themes for kids stuff!






I Disclose




It’s a 3-day Weekend

Summer begins this weekend. While the calendar may say otherwise, Memorial Day is the official kick-off of the season. With a 3-day weekend ahead there are lots of things up in the air. Also I’m used to having iffy weather but our forecast is calling for lots of sun and high temps.

So far we have plans to finish planting our veggie garden. The only things left are green beans, cucumbers and watermelon. My dad brought over some shepherd’s hooks so we need to get some hanging plants and get them in the yard. I’m not really a flower person but lately I’ve been craving some color so hanging flower baskets it is.

I know Memorial Day is usually the time for barbeques and hitting the beach but we are very low-key. If my parents invite us for dinner or my bff invites us to hang-out that tends to be the extent of our partying. There is a list of Top 11 Things to Avoid This Memorial Day Weekend and I like to follow some of that list. Staying out of traffic is one thing I try hard to follow. Nothing is worse than sitting in a hot car with 3 bored kids doing a lot of “Hurry Up and Wait”.

worst-traffic-in-america

the worst traffic in america


I also like to unplug. It’s finally a weekend where we don’t have tons of plans so I want to enjoy my family while doing nothing. Our doing nothing is heading to the park, having ice cream sundaes for dessert and watching movies.

What are your typical Memorial Day plans? Do you take a Hawaii cruise vacation? Do you grill out in your own backyard? Do you celebrate the soldiers that have sacrificed their lives for our country?







I Disclose




Happy Holidays

Wishing you and your family a happy and safe holiday.




Commit a Minute to Safety and #win $250 Visa GC

The tree is up, the house is decorated and the wreath is hanging. Sounds simple enough except this year we did things very differently. Our Christmas décor fills up 3 coffin size totes but we only used about 1 ½. This year I’m taking care of my niece each day and I knew that while our own kids know the things they can and cannot touch I didn’t want to put the little one  in harms way.

The actual tree decorations are divided up, breakables up top plush and fun ones on the bottom. The porcelain Nativity is set on the highest bookshelf where no one can touch it and candles weren’t even a thought. This simple but still festive arrangement has me less stressed than I would’ve been if I put out the stocking hangers, figurines and glitter trees. Maybe next year when she’s a little older we can go bolder and brighter and over the top but this year safety comes first you take to make the holidays safer for family and friends?

How are you going to Commit a Minute to holiday safety this year? Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a leading independent safety organization, is calling all parents to set aside time in their busy schedule to commit at least one minute to safety each day this holiday season.  Where ever you are, how are you keeping your family safe at home, at gatherings, on the road or lugging home a fresh pine.

Here are a couple TOP TIPS for Safer Holidays that you can incorporate into your life

Water your tree: Dry trees pose a substantial fire risk. After bringing your tree home, make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk before putting it in a sturdy stand. Be sure to water it daily. Additionally, know your trees expiration date. After about four weeks, the tree will stop absorbing water, dry out and should be discarded.

Sleep safe, install smoke alarms: UL recommends using both types of smoke alarms in your home. Be sure that at least one smoke alarm is installed on each floor of your home, and always close to sleeping areas.

Be flame aware: Always blow out unattended candles and teach your children to stay away from lit candles or fireplaces.

Look for UL: Only use light strings and other electrical decorations that bear the UL Mark near the plug, signifying that safety standards have been met.

UL, SafetyAtHome.com and LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! want to know your own Top Safety Tip this holiday season for a chance to win a $250 Visa Gift Card.

*The participating blog with the most interaction/comments will be awarded the $250 Visa GC, if LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! win we will be providing the GC as a giveaway to one of our readers. We have received a $100 GC as compensation to host this promotion.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment or have it attached to you blogger dashboard. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links. Please note the changes to the entries or frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Submit a NEW Home Safety tip each day
  • Submit a NEW Environmental Safety tip each day
  • Enter the Commit a Minute to Safety drawing for $250 Home Depot card
  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Follow Mom and Dad and SafetyatHome on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: Commit a Minute to Safety and #WIN $250 Visa Gift Card http://bit.ly/h4bspF
  • Like LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Safety at Home on Facebook
  • Like this post (thumbs up) on Facebbook (can be found at bottom of post)
  • Blog about the Commit a Minute campaign, include links to SafetyAtHome.com and this giveaway (5 entries)
  • Non-bloggers, email 5 friends/family about the Commit a Minute campaign with links to SafetyatHome.com and this giveaway, cc me melinda @ lookwhatmomfound dot com (5 entries)
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Saturday, December 25, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.
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We got our Holiday Cards!!!

Our holiday cards are ordered and received! Thank you Cardstore.com. Last year I was a complete slacker and never got around to ordering our photo cards. In the past I was on top of it, getting pictures taken of the kids early enough in the season to get them ordered and sent way before Christmas.

our holiday cards 2010

If it weren’t for Cardstore.com and their exceptional variety of designs and layouts plus super quick shipping I wouldn’t already have my cards in hand ready to address and ship. I was especially impressed to the ability to choose specific card layouts to suit my preference such as 3 or 4 picture collage or design style such as vintage or modern. Besides cards and announcements you’ll find a list of appealing gifts and stationery for anyone on your list.

I go with simple collage photo cards  but if you’re the crafty type check out the Embellished Card Kits for a little DIY action. Order the card you love, personalized with your photos and message then order the Holiday Accent Kit that best matches its design. At home assemble the cards with accents such as gems, felt appliqués or rubber stamps. Kits start at $6.49 with enough supplies for 24 cards.

I’m a note taker and a list maker so I was immediately drawn to the personalized photo notebooks. This is such a cute gift for someone long distance; it gives them a glimpse of those special certain someones with each draw of the pen.
With products such as personalized gift tags, mommy cards, wedding thank you cards, business cards and stationery, easily complete shopping for many people on your gift list this year.
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Shutterfly for Holiday Cards and Gifts Giveway

It’s here, holiday season. Along with the family gatherings, gift giving and excessive baking or eating you’re responsible for sending out greeting cards to everyone in your phone book. For many years I was on top of this task and always used Shutterfly not just for holiday cards but for calendars, gifts and extra prints.

This year Shutterfly has released some exclusive holiday designs that include currents trends like “Support A Cause” fundraising cards, classics such as snowflakes and mistletoe plus modern designs like circles and Story Card options. No matter how much time you spend on Facebook and Twitter updating profiles and uploading pictures, nothing beats a card in the mail with the newest family photo. My parents live 7 minutes down the road and I’ll still mail them a card because I know it’ll bring a smile to their face.

Shutterfly is also offering a new solution to the common holiday newsletter: the Holiday Story Card. Story Cards feature spaces for one or multiple photos, with corresponding text space for sharing highlights of the year. On many Story Card designs, there is space for 10 lines of additional text, the perfect amount for sharing without over-sharing.

One of my favorite designs on Shutterfly’s site is Initially Elegant. With 3 kids I need as much surface space I can get. This particular card lets the photos be the card. The messages can be written inside but the first look will be of the kid’s cute faces.


Are you planning on holiday cards this year? Let Shutterfly be there for you to choose the most unique and stylish design around. Be 1 of 2 winners to receive 25 holiday cards of their choice. Visit Shutterfly and tell me which 2 designs you like best.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment or have it attached to you blogger dashboard. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links. Please note the changes to the entries or frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Follow Mom and Dad and Shutterfly on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: 2 winners will receive 25 Holiday Cards from @Shutterfly, ends 11/30 http://bit.ly/bGYrhz
  • Like LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Shutterfly on Facebook AND share this giveaway including link on YOUR WALL.
  • Enter any other Giveaway – let me know in a comment which one (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Tuesday, November 30, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




Holiday Wishlist 2010-Beau-coup Favors $50 GC Giveaway

Planning the perfect holiday celebration? Got your menu designed? Enough place settings for all the guests? Have enough platters and bowls and spoons for serving? You’re all done right? Wrong! What about the little details that can make YOUR event extra special?

Beau-coup has the party favors and personalized napkins to take your family dinner over the top. Whether you’re entertaining for the holidays, planning your BFF’s bridal shower or getting married you’re going to find one of the largest selections of wedding favors, personalized gifts, shower games and party décor around.

snowflake fortune cookies

Looking through Beau-coup I’ve found some of the most unique favors. My favorite for the season is the snowflake fortune cookie. What an adorable way to end a meal! Do you plan on attending lots of dinners and parties in the next couple of month? Bring a hostess gift that is sure to impress. Bottles of wine are a great gift but go the extra step and pair it with a snowflake wine stopper.

snowflake wine stopper

What are your plans for holidays and beyond? What kind of event can you use Beau-coup Favors. Tell me which products do you like best and you’ll be entered to win a $50 GC to shop for what you need.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment or have it attached to you blogger dashboard. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links. Please note the changes to the entries or frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Follow Mom and Dad and Beaucoup on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: Holiday party favors and invitation #giveaway, $50 GC from @beaucoupfavors
  • Like LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Beau-coup on Facebook AND share this giveaway including link on YOUR WALL.
  • Enter another Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway – let me know in a comment which one (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Sunday, November 28, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




This Book Is The Devil – Beware!!!!

Yes, I know it is only a book with toys in it but Shaun and Shae both want to look at it at the same time and Shaun wants to see it but not show Shae and Shae wants to show me stuff while Shaun is looking at it.  Also, they want EVERYTHING from the book and I mean everything.  For instance this morning Shaun and Shae were looking at the book again for the 20thtime and Shaun rattled off ten things he wanted but as soon as Shae said she wanted the Barbie castle Shaun told here “Shae that is $139.99.” Really???  Why the heck does Shaun care how much it costs since he isn’t paying for it plus the ten things he rattled off probably costs at least that much if not more.

It is funny because I remember as a kids looking at the Sears and Toys R Us Holiday Toy books and probably acted the same way and I am sure my parents got annoyed with me and my brothers like I am with Shaun and Shae. LOL. Pack backs are a you know what. LOL. Oh well guess I will have to deal with it until I can put together a secret mission and remove this toy book from the house. Wish me luck!

If you have seen this book BEWARE. Don’t give it to your kids unless you absolutely have to. Trust me on this one. LOL.