Review of Customized Christmas Ornaments from CafePress: Easy & Affordable

Need a quick, easy yet wonderful personalized idea for Christmas?  CafePress has a great feature for creating personalized ornaments that takes under five minutes to create and purchase.  Okay, it takes longer when you have to choose among the many templates available or you can just have a picture without any features.  I make it a tradition to select ornaments each year to make the year special and to provide my girls with a sending off when they are old enough to have their own tree once they move out.  I'm really picky and although I cannot comment on the quality of the product, I wanted to get this post out there since time is ticking and Christmas will be here before we know it.  The earlier you buy, the cheaper the shipping.

I was provided an opportunity by Amy at BSMMedia and CafePress to review the ornaments.  I jumped at the chance as I do have a CafePress account so I am familar with the quality of products and have used them to create some of my husband's going away or coming home parties post a deployment.  What sets CafePress apart from other businesses is the volume of unique items you can create.  Whether it's a cup, a card, a shirt or even boxer shorts, you can create just about anything.  Of course, I couldn't constraint myself as I purchased an additional ornament and a coffee travel mug.

Within 10 minutes, I uploaded the various photos and selected different templates and shapes as you can choose between circles and ovals. Once you select and adjust your photo, you review and if you like it, put it in your cart.  It was the easist project I have ever created.  One thing to note, you need to ensure your photo is ready to go as there is no editing option other than reducing or increasing the photo's size and you can move it up, down, to the right or to the left. If your photo isn't ready to go, you will need to take the time to perform that action.

I did purchase the travel mug because it was different.  It's ceramic with a stainless steel top that adds a look of elegance to it.  My husband loves these mugs for his commute and I'm sure it will be a favorite for his deployment in May.  The only limitation is you don't have a choice for picture location and you can only add one photo.  I would like to see more options with the photo choices and placements but I still think it looks great.  I cannot comment on the quality yet but as soon as I receive them, I will update the post.  Another plus with CafePress are the shipping charges are much cheaper then Zazzle. 

I didn't purchase the water bottle but I wanted to see how it looks and as you can see with the picture above, that is only a sample of choices available.  There are many templates and photo choices.  Don't forget with CafePress, you can also choose to purchase from the creations of all the other shops that are out there.  There are some really talented people selling their work!

In addition, CafePress has a specific ornament designer they have created for their partner Autism Speaks. Cafepress will give an additional 10% of revenue from these ornament sales to Autism Speaks, dedicated to helping kids with Autism. This is a different designer tool with different templates which can be found at http://www.cafepress.com/designer/ornament/index.aspx?theme=autism.

Click below to start making your own creative, personalized products:




Get FREE shipping on orders over $65 from CafePress! Use coupon code "FreeSummer*"

$10 off orders of $75 or more** (9 AM - 2 PM ONLY)


Disclaimer:

** Save $10 off of orders of $75 or more, excluding shipping charges and applicable sales tax. Excludes Gift Certificates, Flip Minos, SIGG bottles, CafePress Groups purchases and bulk orders. Coupon code DEAL10 must be entered at check out. Promotion starts on December 8, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. (PST) and ends on December 8, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. (PST). All orders must be from the CafePress Marketplace. Offer cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotions and may change, be modified or canceled at anytime without notice.


*Disclaimer:  I received a gift certificate to purchase two ornaments of my choice.  I have not received any financial compensation for this post.  The comments posted here are a reflection of my honest opinions and have not been swayed by the receipt of the $30 gift certificate to purchase the two ornaments.  I did purchase an additional ornament and a travel mug on my own.

LATCH Child Passenger Safety Awareness

With the holiday season moving into full swing, families across the country are in the car and on the go. Whether you?re driving across the country to visit family or across town to holiday shop, it is important that your child passengers are riding safely and that child safety seats are used correctly.

AAA estimated that 30 million people travelled this Thanksgiving holiday alone (http://media.aaachicago.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=143 ), and for many this is just the beginning of the holiday hustle and bustle. Now is the time to utilize the Child Car Safety tools (http://childcarsafety.adcouncil.org) provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council to learn more about proper car seat use and installation. You will find informative resources that include instructional videos.

Have child passenger safety questions that you need answered before you travel over the river and through the woods to Grandma's? NHTSA is always available to answer your questions online through Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/childpassengersafety) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/childseatsafety).

Zhu Zhu Pet Giveaway 12/20

PLEASE USE THE EMBEDDED FORM FOR ENTRIES. 

COMMENTS HAVE BEEN SHUT OFF DUE TO OTHERS NOT USING THE FORM. 

THE FORM ENTRIES WILL ALLOW ME TO FIND THE WINNER QUICKER ONCE RANDOM.ORG GENERATES THE WINNING NUMBER.

THANK YOU!

Awhile ago, I posted about the hottest toys and Zhu Zhu was one of them.  Surprise!  Look at how popular they are!  I'm so amazed and had no idea that $10 toys could turn into the latest Cabbage Patch craze.

I have an "extra" one and have decided to give it away to one of my loyal readers or soon to be new loyal reader!

I don't know which one it will be as I'm waiting on the three to arrive from my eBay tranaction.

Just a note to those looking for one, go to eBay as I got mine for around $30 to include shipping each.  When searching, pick the closest ending time and then bid!!!

To Enter:

1. Follow my blog and leave a comment.

Extra Entries are Worth Five Entries for Each Action Completed:

1. Subscribe to my blog.
2. Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post and come back here to leave your entries.
3. Follow me on Twitter.
4. Enter any of my other giveaways (no limit) and leave your entries here.
5. Blog about this giveaway (can be done daily).
6. Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily).
7. Post on any other forums and leave the link with the entries here.

Giveaway ends 12/20 at midnight EST so I can ship out ASAP.  Winner will have 24 hours to ensure delivery is done by Christmas.

Winner will be chosen by random.org.

Thanks!

I am using forms to collect comments as it's much easier to manage and identify a winner quicker.

I will take the existing comments to the post and place in the form spreadsheet but please use the form.

What a great way to start building on your Christmas presents!

Want even more entries? 

Enter each of my open giveaways, come back to each giveaway and leave five entries.  Easy!

Leave a comment on any of the below posts for a bonus 5 entries:

• 
  
  Tassimo Hot Beverage System
  
  
  
• 
  
  12 Pearls of Christmas or here (multiple posts will post daily)
  
  
  
• 
  
  Organic Pharmacy
  
  
  
• 
  
  RugsUSA
  
  
  Tip:  On the forms, hit the back button and it returns with the same information which makes multiple entries easier.
  
  
  

Bring a follower and get 10 bonus entries!

PLEASE USE THE FORM RIGHT BELOW THIS TEXT TO ENTER

Tracking Santa, e-mailing and Calling Santa Trackers

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is almost up and running to track Santa's progress this year.  Not only will there be a tracker, but there will be fun holiday games and activities that will change daily.  Just go to www.noradsanta.org and the site is available in seven languages.  On 12/24, there will be videos streamed noting Santa's journey as well watching him prepare his sleigh, checking his list and getting ready.

Want more?  Your little one's can also track Santa through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and TroopTub.mi.  Search by @noradsanta to find them!

Santa trackers will begin answering phones and replying to email at 4:00 a.m. MST (6:00 a.m. EST) on Christmas Eve. Children of all ages can call the NTS toll free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) or send an email to noradtrackssanta@gmail.com.

 

Tis the Season But That's Not the Only Reason

I spent time over the year giving back because I do have the good fortune of having an Army Officer husband and I work as well.  Throughout the year, I have donated three of my daughter's clothing to a church and also FreeCycled in hopes of those clothes going to needy people.  This past summer, we gave a host of baby products such as walkers, bouncy chairs and many other things to a needy pregnant couple.  We then gave away an almost new washer and dryer to the same neighbor who is a minister in a small church in South Carolina.  It's a great feeling to help others in need especially when you have been given good blessings.  TwitterMoms and Robeez wants to know how you and I are giving back this holiday season.

This Christmas, I have adopted a child from the Angel Tree, I have provided presents for my elderly, fixed income parents to give to their grandkids, I have sponsored a couple of my own blog giveaways in hopes it's going to someone who really needs the help, I'm writing Santa letters for my daughter's class and expanding it to the siblings as I learned one child's father is in Iraq and another is fighting injuries sustained in the war and has been away for two years recovering from his children.  We have yet to sort through the old toys to give those away which most are like new and some still have tags. 

This is a great way to spread the desire to help others.  Stride Rite Children's Group, part of the Stride Rite unit of Collective Brands, Inc., markets the leading brand of premium children's footwear in the United States under such brands as Stride Rite®, Saucony® Kids, Sperry Top-Sider® Kids, Keds® Kids, Robeez® and among others. For 90 years, the company’s passion for excellence in design has been focused on ensuring the proper development of children’s feet with a commitment to innovation, research and technology.

What I like about Robeez is the fact that Robeez will donate a pair of soft sole shoes to K.I.D.S. with every soft sole purchased through December 23rd and link to: http://www.robeez.com/EN-US/seasonofgiving.htm.

My favorite holiday shoe is the classic patent black shoes.   There is just something about Mary Janes and how elegant and classy they look.  The great thing is they are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

These are also my favorite. The Robeez Cozy Ankle Booties - tan in color are the ultimate in comfort, this plush ankle bootie is so warm and cozy that your little eskimo will want to wear them day and night, indoors and out.

Whatever the reason, it's always good to give back wherever you can.  Whether it's cash, new items, food or used items, someone needs something.  This is a great thought provoking blog request and I hope everyone embraces the challenge to think about what you are doing to give back.  If you are one of the one's in need, may your wishes be answered and good time start to follow.

Thanks TwitterMoms and Robeez for this great opportunity to spread the word.

Have you entered any of my giveaways?   Get five bonus entries for each and every giveaway you enter for telling me in this post what you have done this Christmas season or will do to help someone else!

Pillsbury Great 2 for 1 Subscription Offer

Give the gift of great food for only $19.95!

Two Pillsbury Classic® Cookbooks subscriptions for the price of one, keep one for yourself or give another gift!  This includes two, one-year subscriptions (10 issues each) to Pillsbury Classic® Cookbooks for $19.95.

With each one year subscription you'll receive:

•Over 680 mouthwatering recipes with beautiful full-color photos

•Step-by-step directions, preparation and cooking times

•Complete nutrition information and helpful kitchen tips

•Exclusive Bake-Off® Contest recipes-contest held every other year.


Offer good in the US only

TRICARE Improves their Pharmacy Benefit

Too bad the change didn't include having the military installation give you a paper script to take it to your pharmacy of choice!  I hate waiting in the line with all the others to get a script filled. 

The TRICARE Management Activity (TMA) introduced a new enhanced pharmacy benefit that involved combining both mail-order and retail pharmacy contracts. The decision to combine the two contracts, call centers, and claims processing was done to help control Department of Defense pharmacy costs. There are three improvements:

•Include a specialty medication care management program in the mail-order pharmacy

•Expand the Member Choice Center to help beneficiaries move their prescriptions from the Military Treatment Facility to mail-order, and

•Establish one call center phone number at 877.363.1303 for all services

The specialty medication care management program allows beneficiaries to use the mail-order pharmacy for their specialty medications. There are 130 specialty pharmacies available within the retail network. Beneficiaries participating in the specialty medication care management program will receive clinical management to: assist with compliance and provide support; provide customized education; and decrease drug reactions by monitoring and intervening when needed to the beneficiary’s doctor and talking directly with the beneficiary.

Express-Scripts is sending out letters to beneficiaries who are currently filling their specialty medication in a retail pharmacy. The letters outline the benefits of using mail-order and instructions on how to transfer their prescriptions. Beneficiaries already using mail-order are being sent a postcard introducing them to the specialty care management program. Express-Scripts has been sending letters to beneficiary doctors who prescribe specialty medication educating them about the new specialty medication management program.



(Source: http://www.tricare.mil/pressroom/press_article.aspx?fid=471)

Making My Own Photo Christmas Cards & Stamps

Even though I liked my cards from Seehere, I wanted a card not a postcard.  I didn't like the flimsy paper and prefer a heavier cardstock.   The above cards are what I made from my photos.  Taking the photos took a couple of different efforts and it was not easy but I'm happy with the outcome.   I created these from my Zazzle account.  After making my ornaments from CafePress today, I need to explore card making there too!

I also bought matching stamps but used Picnik.com to turn the girls into reindeers and I added a fun border.  I should get paid for Picnik as I am always praising them!

I used my Stampin' Up stamp to add the little Christmas saying on the side and Christmas tree stickers from Target to seal the back.

Now I have to address all of them and determine if we will send a stack to my husband's soldiers as that will be a task!

Merry Early Christmas!

Free Photo Wall Calendar or Get 3 for the Price of 1

Vista has get a free wall calendar or you can buy one and get three for $15.99! 

All holiday cards are at 50% off too.

Shipping and processing, product upgrades and photo/logo uploads not included unless otherwise specified. Each product ordered is subject to full shipping and processing charges for such product. Vistaprint's graphic design services are not available with any product discount greater than 25%.

$20 Off a $100 Beauty.com Order

Offer expires Sunday, December 20, 2009. Cannot be redeemed for cash, exchanged, or applied to previous purchases. May not combine with other offers. valid on Beauty.com items only, excluding gift cards, gift certificates and Aramis, Bare Escentuals, Darphin, Donna Karan/DKNY, Jane Iredale, Lab Series Skincare for Men, Origins, Missoni, Prescriptives, Sean John, Smashbox and Tommy Hilfiger products. Minimum purchase doesn't include, and offer doesn't apply to, prescriptions, contact lenses, gift cards, gift certificates, magazine subscriptions, international orders, bulk orders, applicable shipping charges or sales tax. Entire amount must be used on a single order, and balance may not be carried over. Offer cannot be combined with some offers, transferred or redeemed for cash, and is limited to once per household. Void where prohibited by law. U.S., APO/FPO/DPO and U.S. Territory shipping destinations only. International orders are not eligible to receive this offer.

Amazon Gift Cards & $5 For YOU

Right now at Amazon, buy at least a $50 Gift Card and get $5 for your next purchase.


Amazon Gift Card $5 Special


*Receive $5 off a future Amazon.com retail order when you purchase an Amazon.com Gift Card of $50 or greater in a single purchase between December 4, 2009, and December 11, 2009. If you make a single purchase of a $50 or greater Amazon.com Gift Card and do not cancel, a promotional code of $5 will be sent to this email address by December 31, 2009, and is good for one month from the date of the email. Offer good for customers receiving this e-mail only. One $5 code per customer. Code may be applied only to products sold by Amazon.com and does not apply to products sold by third-party merchants and other sellers through the Amazon.com site. Restrictions apply. See www.amazon.com/promos for complete details.

Kmart Bluelight Teasers for December 12-13, 2009

• Essential Home Snug Sack 50% off (reg. $19.99)
• Jaclyn Smith Today Cashmere Blend Throw $12.99 (reg. $29.99)
• Kodak 7” digital frame $49.99 (reg. $79.99)

All day offers:

Saturday:

• Mens Boxed Gifts $5 (reg. 16.99-19.99)
• 
  
  Die Hard Battery Bank BOGO Free (reg. $9.99)
  
  
  

Sunday:

• Fisher Price Fashion Separates $4.99 (Infant/Toddler) reg. $10.99-$18.99
• Hershey Snack size jumbo bags $3.50 (reg. $5.99) 

Don’t forget to follow @KmartDealsnNews and use the #KmartBLS hashtag for a chance to win every day! For more info & rules: http://tr.im/KmartBLS. Good luck!

FAO Schwarz Bid for a Lifetime Opportunity

FAO Schwarz presents four magical experiences you can bid on while benefitting Toys for Tots.

FAO Schwarz Presents: Experience the Magic of The Storybook New York Experience from FAO Schwarz – New York City, New York!  Bidding closes on 12/10 and is already at $4,500.

The Ultimate Muppet Whatnot Workshop Experience from FAO Schwarz – New York City, New York! Bidding closes on 12/10 and next bid requirement is $6,500.

Ready for the Spotlight Barbie Experience from Mattel – El Segundo, California!  Bidding ends 12/10 and is at $4,750.

The LEGO Experience of Your Dreams from The LEGO Group – Billund, Denmark on May 19-21, 2010! Bidding ends 12/10 and current bid is at $17,000!

I wished I had that kind of money!

Head Organics 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner Review

Head Organics® gets it together - in a terrific one-step shampoo and conditioner - for natural, gentle cleansing and weightless, residue-free hydration. This conditioning shampoo ‘twofer’ delivers the benefits of two great products rolled into one. By blending cranberry fruit and rosemary leaf extracts with jojoba seed oil for added moisture, 2-in-1 Conditioning Shampoo combines a mild shampoo and conditioner designed to cleanse, nourish and fortify hair from root to tip. This 2-in-1 duo also contains the Head Organics special blend of certified organic ingredients: pomegranate, ginger root and aloe vera that work to promote hair that’s soft, strong and noticeably more manageable.

Key Ingredients:

• Cranberry Fruit Extract – features anti-oxidant properties to purify hair
• Rosemary Leaf Extract – provides hydration and moisture to hair
• Jojoba Seed Oil – acts as a carrier for moisture agents

My Review:

This is a great 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner and I love it even more because it's organic.  I have written many posts on the importance of organic products in mine and my family's lives.  I'm not a health nut by any means but with all the news stories on chemicals, additives and products that are bad, I want to take steps to ensure some healthier choices.

Head Organics 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner is thick and creamy.  I have curly hair so unfortunately I still had to use a detangler to get out the rats.  I have never found a 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner that can detangle my hair without help.  The directions do state that for best results, use with Clearly Head Conditioner for deeper conditioning and Leave-in Conditioning Spray for added moisture, detangling and style support.

Since Head Organics contains certified organic ingredients including: green and white tea leaf, pomegranate fruit, ginger root and aloe vera, I know it's good for my hair. These certified organic extracts are filled with powerful anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help fight off free radicals and provide hydrating nourishment. The healing, soothing benefits penetrate deep into the scalp to help hair maintain its youthful shine and manageability.

All Head Organics’ formulas are free of harsh detergents and polluting chemicals to keep both hair and the environment pure and natural.

The aroma is light and not overpowering.  I do like how my hair feels thicker and stronger since I've been using it for two weeks now.  I would recommend this!

**********

Visit Amazon for the full supply line of Head Organics:


Head Organics

See my post for great giveaways from Head Organics HERE.

Here is another post on Head Organics HERE.

One of Our Christmas Trees, Tooth Fairy & Colts Won Again

I have two of three trees up and the photos aren't doing it justice!  It's having some tilt issues with the tree topper and I can't seem to straighten it up.  I am thinking about not putting up the upstairs tree just because there is so much yet to do with five kids, three sets of parents and many nieces and nephews.

Today, I put together the castle that my six year old wanted as I figured I'd take a different approach and preassemble the presents to make Christmas morning more special.  The Jeep Rubicon will be a huge project to assemble.

My six year old lost another tooth so that makes four now so she's excited beyond belief about the Tooth Fairy coming tonight.

My 21 year old is upset because the Patriots were upset tonight and lost barely.  Boooo.....

I'm more than happy as MY Peyton Manning won ...again!  12-0!  Only the Saints compare with a 12-0 record.

The Cowboys lost ...they are my husband's favorite team but I was happy they lost to the other Manning brother.  Yeah!!!