Start the new year out right

Next year, (which is next weekend!) I plan on doing some heavy marketing for my photography business. I already have some desk calendars to hand out, and now I want to make new business cards. The ONLY company I use for printing my cards is VistaPrint. I'm sure you've heard of them. EVERYONE knows about Vista Print. They are the best printing company to use if you are on a budget for marketing-ro, even if you aren't. They have expanded over the years to include lots of more products to their line, like calendars, tshirts, magnets and many other products. They always offer their 250 business cards for F.R.E.E. Yep. It's true!

Christmas may be over, but why not get yourself something nice like getting that one favorite Christmas photo on a card or tshirt? Or, start thinking about next Christmas early. It's never too early to start!

Right now they have a great special going on. Free shipping when you spend $30 or more! Hurry, this won't last long!

https://click.discountclick.com/vistaprint/click.php?tid=542516

I need a fireplace

Whenever it starts snowing out here, I always think about how I wished I had a fireplace. How nice would it be to get warm by the fire on a cold winter's night? I know there are many different kinds of fireplaces, from old fashion wood burning to fireplaces that use gas logs.

I know that when we move, we are definately looking for a house with a fireplace, or installing one. When deciding on what kind of fireplaces, I am leaning towards gas logs. Hansen Wholesale carry R. H. Peterson Real Fyre Gas Logs, a great brand to consider.

Hansen Wholesale guarantees the lowest prices on ALL gas logs by R. H. Peterson. Hansen Wholesale were the first dealers to sell gas logs on the Internet-back in 1994! They are the best gas log experts!

Another great idea is to have an outdoor fireplace. A cold fall evening would be nice using outdoor gas logs in your gas fireplace!

Are you considering gas logs? Check out the Gas Log FAQs before making up your mind about fireplace gas logs.

Right now, Hansen Wholesale is offering a $75 additional discount plus No Sales Tax and FREE Shipping.

Tis the season

As Christmas approaches in just a couple of days, I can finally say that I'm done with my shopping. Ok, not really. My step daughter isn't coming until after Christmas, so I will be finishing her present shopping the day after. (Please, no snow storms!)


As I sat back and gave thanks for the mound of presents under the tree, the usual seasonal anxiety started to set in. Do I have enough presents for the kids? Should I have bought that DS game? Will my husband like his gifts? Oh my gosh. Where are my keys? I NEED TO GO SHOPPING.

Download for a good cause

Do you get a lot of gift cards for Christmas? I do-it might be because I'm so hard to buy for. My kids are starting to get to a point where getting a gift card is so much easier as well. But, if you are like me, you probably have a tendency to lose them. Or, I forget the balance.

When I found out about SWAGG, I was totally thrilled. What is SWAGG?

SWAGG is a site that deals with the troublesome problem of how to deal with the overabundance of gift cards, loyalty & membership cards that clutter up your wallet or handbag. Now, they just launched a new app theat lets you can load all those gift cards, loyalty points, etc into your iPhone or Android mobile device!

SWAGG allows consumers to import more than 250 brands of gift cards and rewards cards and, unlike plastic cards, SWAGG permits consumers to view available balance and reward information on most of these cards. Additionally, consumers can use their mobile device to give, get and even exchange SWAGG GIFTS from participating merchant partners such as American Apparel Inc., The Wet Seal Inc., Crocs Inc., 1-800-Flowers.com and Arden B. Through SWAGG, consumers can access the offers that matter most to them, connecting users with more than 3,000 retailers. Retailers benefit by acquiring new customers, increasing in-store business and retaining existing customers.

Right now, every download through the month of December = $1 donation from SWAGG to Stand Up 2 Cancer.

Download here.

DOWNLOADING THE APP:

For Apple and Droid Mobile Devices ONLY

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO DOWNLOAD THE APP?

US Residents Only

So, the next time you get a gift card for any holiday or occassion, remember that now it can only be a click away instead of taking up room in your wallet!

And it continues...

Okay, I lied. I'm still taking some photos. I had to do some Christmas photos of the grand babies.

Zach was so good for photos. At least for a bit.

He looked so grown up! And then he did this.

That little squirt.

Then, it was his little sister's turn.

She is such an angel!

She is always laughing.

I think it's because she knows she has an awesome Nana. She tired out quickly though, and fell asleep.

Don't you just want to pinch those chubby cheeks?

Last minute shoots

I said that I wasn't going to do anymore photo shoots until after the holidays, but I some how am finding myself doing last minute shoots-including one that is scheduled for Sunday because some stubborn baby didn't want to come out of her mommy's tummy. Argh.

I did a different newborn shoot recently. This little boy was a bit older than usual newborn age that you do sleeping photos. He wasn't having anything to do with posing or sleeping for the first hour of the shoot. Mom was getting nervous and I think he sensed it.

Finally, after two hours, we got him to sleep and got some cute photos!

They brought really cute hats-I have to get me some.

I love the Santa hat.

Then, I did a mini shoot today with a little man that I've been photographing since he was a baby. He's one now, and still a little booger.

I had to have Emily help me get him to smile.

Love the Santa hat poses!

Next week, I'm on vacation from any shooting, editing, or anything to do with photography-REALLY.

Hard to buy for people-don't you love them?

I can't believe that this is about the last week to shop for Christmas! Are you done? I bet you are, unlike me. Between the weather and work, it's been hard to get it done. We even had another winter storm last night (and they didn't even cancel school!) So, that's another day I'm stuck at home. Thank goodness for online shopping!

One of my relatives is very hard to buy for. They seem to have everything they need! Must be nice. I've been racking my brains trying to figure out something, then I came across these awesome tv stands .


Love it!!!!!!!!

They have a faux fireplace built right in! They are so awesome-I may be behind the times, but I've never seen this type of tv stand. It like takes care of two "chores" at one time by acting as a tv stand and a fireplace. These probably would save space as well, and since they aren't real fireplaces, less mess too.

Okay, now I want one too. Anyone? Anyone? Helloooooo?????????

Anyway, this just might be the cool present this relative needs-who knows, maybe they will invite us over more often for dinner too!

Pretty lights

I love to play with the the lighting on the Christmas tree.

Taking pictures, that is.

The bokeh the tree gives off is so pretty.

Okay, enough playing. Back to doing the dishes...

Make life a bit easier with the right stroller

As Zach's and Avrie's favorite "Nana", I always seem to have them. When we go shopping, I like to have a reliable stroller. When I found out about Mamas & Papas Lightweight strollers, I liked the look of them.

Mamas & Papas is new to the U.S. and have a neat Lightweight stroller collection. created a fleet of lightweight strollers that are perfect for situations where flexibility is paramount. All Mamas and Papas lightweight strollers also feature an over-the-shoulder carrying strap for when the stroller is folded and in transit.

This company has a new lightweight umbrella stroller - the chic new design-led baby brand from Great Britain.

My two favorites are these:

Here are some different types of their new strollers:

Trip – This stroller offers vented side panels and is the must-have getaway product.
Trek – Featuring a simple seat recline system, little ones have the option to nap while on the move.
Tour – Increased seat padding and a deeper recline will ensure comfort during longer journeys
Cruise – Perfect for everyday use, this stroller features a five-position recline, adjustable foot rest, easypeek canopy window and additional storage pockets.
Voyage – Features an integrated sun visor and sun canopy, quilted seat and removable toddler pillow and chest pads for extra comfort, this stroller is the highlight of the new Mamas & Papas lightweight stroller range.

These would make a great gift for that favorite Mama in your life! Or, make your shopping easier by taking your little one around in one of these babies. You can buy them online here .

Like Mamas & Papas on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mamasandpapas
Follow Mamas & Papas on Twitter www.twitter.com/mamasandpapas

I am writing this post for a chance to win one of five Mama & Papas strollers.

My little man's first haircut

With my persistance, my little grandbaby, Zach has been able to keep his adorable little curls-probably way past the time to keep them. These curls are his trademark. I totally adore them.



How cute, right?

After he turned two this year, his mom kept saying that it was time to cut those curls. Whaaaaaaat? No way. No how. Sorry. You. Ain't. Doing. It.

That should work, right? After all, kids listen to their parents, don't they? Respect thy elders?

Hmmm...well, I guess sometimes they don't always do what they are told.

Give the gift of coffee

I have to say, just about as much as I love chocolate, I love coffee as well. For all the many late hours I've been putting in, coffee has become my best friend.

I think that coffee would make the perfect gift for any coffee lover, and I have a few of them (coffee lovers) that I just might have to give them some as a special gift. If you are a coffee lover, you might want to check out the cool coffee products that you just might want to ask for Christmas yourself!

For example, have you seen those K-Cups and Coffee Pods they have now? I really want one of those types of coffee makers (hint, hint).

Or, maybe you'd like to do something for the gang at work and order some Office Coffee?

Another great idea is giving coffee Gift Baskets. I love gift baskets, but a COFFEE gift basket? HEAVEN!!!!!

So, make that coffee lover happy (and awake) with a gift of coffee this season! :)

Homemade touches at my dinner party

(Guest post written by Ruth Hinton)

Even though it's going to be just friends and neighbors who are coming to our dinner party about a week before Christmas, I want it to feel like a down-home Christmas celebration without the sibling fighting and headache. I guess you could say like utopian down-home Christmas, if that makes any sense.
I've already been planning a whole lot and have really been trying to come up with some touches that are going to carry through my theme. Researching for that stuff online with our WirelessInternet is helping out a whole lot and I think that I may have so many ideas that I'm not going to be able to use all of them!One of the things that I'm doing as one of those extra special touches is making homemade place cards out of some vintage-y looking Christmas cards that people have sent me over the past couple of years. I thought it was a great way to actually use all of those that I'd been looking to repurpose anyway. I'm also really excited to break out my GrandmaÕs peach cobbler recipe too.

Why I hate "I don't know"

Me: "What did you do at school today, Jordon?"

Jordon: "I don't know."

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Me: "Emily, where did all the candy canes go?"

Emily: "I don't know. "

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Me: "Jordon, do you have homework?"

Jordon: "I don't know."

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Me: "Honey, what do you want for Christmas this year?"

Hubby: "I don't know."

----------------

Me: "Jess, do you have the $20 I loaned you last week?"

Jess: "I don't know."

Losing those extra pounds before the holidays

I have never really had to deal with weight loss issues. I've always been thin-sometimes, too thin. I lost the baby weight for both of my older children practically the day they were born.

The only really time that I kept some weight on was after giving birth to my youngest. I think it's because I wasn't on my feet as much when I was pregnant with her. I was a waitress and manager when before with the other kids.

I never thought about weight loss pills to lose that extra 5-10 pounds. I've heard that using weight loss pills can be an easy and fast way to lose that weight that you have been wanting to lose.

Some of the best weight loss pills are those that are safe and ones that are recommended by doctors. Do your research and find the brand that's best for you!

It's that time again

As you know, I like to dream once in awhile about remodeling the home and buying all new furniture. Every year, I hope that Santa will listen and a whole new furnished home will be waiting under the tree-or, at least the check to cover it.

This time, I was looking at what I would like in my kitchen. I've always been drawn to butcher block tables. I love the look of them and they just look beautiful! At the Butcher Block , they have many, many many cool butcher block style furniture and countertops.

Here are some of my favs.

A girl can dream, right?

They also have adirondack chairs, countertops and utility sinks

Here is the most awesome part-FREE SHIPPING! So, you won't have to worry about what it would cost to get one of these babies to your house.

So, if you are looking to do a little Xmas shopping for yourself, think about a new addition to your kitchen!

Gifts for the man

I don't know about you, but I have one of those hard-to-buy-for hubby. Yes, he likes electronics, but the kids would have to go without presents if I got him some expensive gadget. So, I will be scratching my head trying to figure out what to get him.

If you have a hubby that likes to build or fix stuff, then you are lucky because I know an inexpensive place to get some awesome tools!

Husky Tools is an online site that has tool kits at great prices. Heck, I could use some tools for myself at these prices. For instance, I could use one of these.

13-Piece Powertek™ Precision Cordless Screwdriver Set - ($9.88)

Or, one of these.

Husky 45-Piece Stubby Work Set - $14.97

What great prices! These can fit anyone's budget and make some guy (or woman) happy.

So, head on over and check them out!

"This post was my opinion and will be given a product from Husky Tools for review."