Did Someone Say Dark Chocolate?

Simms and I have never gone crazy over Valentine's Day. I'd hypothesize that it's because our Anniversary (both when we started dating and when we got married) is in January and we've already celebrated how much we love each other. It kind of makes February 14th a day to say "oh yeah, by the way, just in case you've forgotten, I love you again!" Don't get me wrong - we still let each other know how much we love them but we've never established a tradition for Valentine's Day. Throughout the years cards have been given, a love note tucked in his lunch, e-cards sent online, dinner out or in but not cooked by me (now that's a huge gift!). You get the point. Last year I gave Simms a chocolate my wife rocks tee and myself a chocolate my husband rocks tee which can be purchased at from*me tees. He loved it and wears it often. I liked that I was giving him chocolate without the calories!!!



For our anniversary this year, we treated ourselves to the two shall become one tees - his and hers.

Since we did that a couple of weeks ago, I didn't know what I was going to do this year for Valentine's Day until I saw the debut of the new black metro tees. Can you tell we like to live the tag line celebrate your spouse in style?

I appreciate being able to give Simms a gift that is thoughtful, loving and will last long after the flowers have wilted and the candy has gone to your waist or hips. LOL. I will probably still leave a love note in his lunch and we'll go out to eat but since we are both watching our calories, this year, the black metro tee is my dark chocolate.

What if you aren't a chocolate kind of gal? No problem. From*me tees has a large selection for both men and women and there is even a Winter Sale going on right now! While you are checking the site out, you may want to note that the company has recently expanded their line to include selections for children and babies. My boys were thrilled to receive their daddy rocks (mommy's right) tees at Christmas and have already told me that they want the mommy rocks (daddy's right) tee as well.

Regardless of what you choose to do this year, take time to say I love you and remember to say it on the days that lead up to the 14th as well as those that follow!

Did Someone Say Dark Chocolate?

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2009/02/did-someone-say-dark-chocolate.html

I Know We're Like the Last People Left on the Planet.....

....who don't have a Wii.

But, that is going to change on Christmas morning because I just bought one a few weeks back at one of my favorite stores. It is safely hidden (although, my youngest daughter was with me and I have her sworn to secrecy).

I'm wondering if all you experienced Wii people out there can recommend what we should have, must have and should not bother having to go along with this system. I have 3 girls age ranges of turning 7 this week to 12 1/2. I must add that this is the ONLY gift they are getting from us and my aunt/uncle and grandmother. I will be sending out a list to the other family members for accessories and games. It came with Mario baseball and an extra remote and nunchuck or numchuck or woodchuck or something like that???

Can you please help? "Wii" would greatly appreciate it (ha! ha!). Get it? "Wii" like "we"?

Okay. I'm done now.

I Know We're Like the Last People Left on the Planet.....

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2008/11/i-know-were-like-last-people-left-on.html

The Challenge Is On

I've been lamenting lately that we're not buying any Christmas presents this year. We have too much credit card debt and I'm tired of paying for things with plastic. I figured we got a beautiful pool so the kids can survive with a few stocking stuffers and I'll make my entire extended family, teachers and neighbors toffee and caramel popcorn. I decided I wasn't even going to mail out Christmas cards with postage at 42 cents per card! Bah Humbug!

But, my husband challenged me. He had to run into his old job today to turn in some uniforms and there was some kind of Safety Bonus awaiting him in the form of a gift card. He won't tell me exactly what it is, only that he is going to give it to ME for Christmas and I'm REALLY going to like it. That got me thinking. What if I got him something that cost me nothing. Like free gifts with purchases or rewards from credit cards? Or, maybe I can barter like back in Little House in the Prairie days (except I don't have a chicken). All I can come up with so far is the loot that results from CVS Bonus Bucks and I'm not sure he'd get overly thrilled about deodorant and the CVS-brand of Preparation H. And, then, I start to think of Natalie Trying to Save a Buck.....no, I just won't go there.

But, it did get me thinking. I'm a bargain hunter and I have a little over 2 months to come up with something. I'm open for suggestions. Besides from CVS.

The Challenge Is On

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2008/10/challenge-is-on.html

Works-for-me-Wednesday: On-Line Shopping

For this week's Works-for-me-Wednesday, we are to share our favorite place to shop online. My old standards are half.com, Snapfish.com, Amazon.com, Overstock.com and even WalMart.com.

Of course, all my regular readers know that Etsy is a new favorite. I love Etsy so much that I devoted 14 posts to it in December. Seriously, you can't go wrong on Etsy for unique, one on a kind, handmade items at great prices. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself.

But I've got a new place for y'all. I written several times how my family loves popcorn. You could even call us popcorn snobs. We usually buy our popcorn when we are back visiting in Indiana from a little Amish store on the Crooked Road to Delphi. We've been known to come back with a 50 pound bag.

However, I wanted to buy some special varieties for my brother for Christmas and didn't have the luxary of hopping on a jet and heading back to the Hoosier state to make the purchase. So I bought my popcorn online from another Hoosier favorite, Yoder Popcorn. They are an Amish run business that began in 1936.

What we really like is their red, purple or sunburst popcorn! No plain white or yellow popcorn for my family. And their Tiny Tenders are hands down the best. In fact, get the red tiny tenders and you'll become a popcorn snob too. You can also purchase popcorn salts, oils, poppers and a large selection of gift baskets.

The best part is the prices. You can buy a six pound bag for $9.75, a four pound bag for $5.85 and a one pound bag for $1.60. For the best value, buy a larger bag. You can store it in the freezer and it will keep for a long time.

And that works for me on this rainy Wednesday...Yoder Popcorn!! Visit Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer for hundreds of other suggestions.

Works-for-me-Wednesday: On-Line Shopping

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2008/02/works-for-me-wednesday-on-line-shopping.html

Pop's is Open this Saturday

For those of you in the Harrisburg area, pencil some shopping time into your schedule on Saturday because the one and only Pop's Outlet is open from 9:00am-2:00pm.

Pop's is infamous for having great artwork and decorative mirrors dirt cheap. I've bought probably a half dozen items there and have been very pleased with the products and price. They may have imperfections on them, so thoroughly inspect your item before you purchase.

If you are looking for some pictures for your walls, you MUST try Pop's. If at all possible, don't take children because it is a warehouse setting that is dirty and not super safe for wee ones. Plus, you want to have plenty of time to casually peruse the stacks and stacks of items available.

Here's some of the FAQ for Pop's:

What's Pop's Outlet, you ask?
POP's is the outlet sales location for Patton Picture Company. They produce framed art and wall décor and sell to most major retailers in the US like Linens & Things, Marshalls, and Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Why is POP's not open every Saturday or have regular hours?
POP's is a true manufacturer's outlet. The framed art and wall décor comes from production overruns, customer changes in design, discontinued items, and "one of a kind" designer samples returned from our New York showroom. For this reason we often do not have a selection to offer that our customers have come to expect that would allow for the setting of regular hours.

Does POP's advertise?
No. The existence of POP's as a great place to buy framed art and wall décor has become known only through friends and word-of-mouth.

What are the terms of sale?
As Is. No Refunds or Exchanges. All Sales Are Final

POP's Outlet is located at:
207 Lynndale Court, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
717-796-2008 (out-going message only)

Lynndale Court is off of Bashore Road, between Silver Spring and Salem Church
From the Carlisle Pike, turn on to Silver Spring or Salem Church, and look for the signs for POP's.

I hope to see you there!

Pop's is Open this Saturday

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2008/01/pops-is-open-this-saturday.html

The People Have Spoken

Merry Christmas oH mY woRD!

The People Have Spoken

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2007/12/people-have-spoken.html

The Etsy Grand Finale

I have to admit that I'm absolutely worn out with all the virtual shopping I've done this week, but it was so oh fun. However, we have one more person who needs a gift: oH mY woRD. Despite the fact that I've done 12 posts on Etsy and showcased nearly 30 fabulous items, I've failed to make OMW a believer. Maybe she's not destined to be an Etsy junkie but I still think there has got to be some item that she could embrace.

Yesterday, I asked you to help me out by voting on the type of gift that OMW might enjoy but I'm going to need your help again because my brain is Etsy jello and I can't make a final decision on what to give her. So I'm going to list my top 5 and then please vote in the sidebar poll for your favorite. The gift with the most votes will go to OMW.


OMW has blogged many times about her less than friendly and obedient dog. This is a black rib knit tank with the wording in white, perfect for any dog with an attitude! (Special thanks to Krazy Klinger for this find).


OMW never has to eat a bruised apple again! Protect her apple with this 100% cotton apple jacket. Fits a regular sized apple. (Special thanks to Krazy Klinger for this find).

For those times when OMW is feeling nervous, this necklace features an anatomical diagram of the stomach in black and white, with two brightly colored, 3D butterflies fluttering around worriedly.

Yum! A Supreme Pizza! This pizza hat has thick red sauce right up to the edge of the crust, with tons of toppings - pepperoni, tomatoes, red peppers, green peppers, mushrooms, black olives, and gobs of gooey cheese! At $45 this hat is a steal.

These Minty Mini Donut Studs are the perfect accessory for those times OMW wants to dress up and go out for a night on the town.

Votes must be cast by 11:00 PM on Christmas Eve! You may vote for more than one item.

The Etsy Grand Finale

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2007/12/i-have-to-admit-that-im-absolutely-worn.html

My Virtual Etsy Christmas Gifts - Day 6

Patty is a really hard person to buy for because "things" just don't do much for her---she is all about connecting and interacting with people. But I think she'll be thrilled with these personalized correspondence cards that will help her stay in contact with her many friends around the country.

My mother-in-law has become quite the quilter. This pendant was created with a photograph of a beautiful handmade quilt. The plethora of colors appeals to all quilters, colorful personalities and rabid geometric color theorists. Although the seller doesn't mention this option in her description, I wouldn't be shy about asking if she would make a pendant from a photo of one of my MIL's favorite quilts for that extra-special touch.

My mom has been following this Etsy series and asked if I had found anything made from dominoes. A short search later and I found a large number of these Miniature Domino Necklaces recycled with washi paper, tiny glass beads and protected with multiple layers of a water based sealant. This particular seller has dozens of designs and colors to match your every mood and outfit.

Six in the Mix is a busy home school mom but somehow she finds time to do a lot of reading. That's why I'm crazy about what I found for her. This item is called a book re^marks, a slender 3.5 x 7 bookmark that opens up to an eight-page notebook, enabling you to keep notes about the book you're reading. They are perfect for marking your place and writing down all your notes-- whether they are facts to be referenced, items for further research, quotes from the text, URLs, or your own insights. They are also perfect for keeping track of book titles you want to read, ones you have read, or emails of cool people you meet at the coffee shop.

My Virtual Etsy Christmas Gifts - Day 6

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2007/12/my-virtual-etsy-christmas-gifts-day-5_21.html

My Virtual Etsy Christmas Gifts - Day 5

I couldn't wait until tomorrow to give these next gifts out. Plus, I've got something special planned for Friday that you won't want to miss.

Thrills recently wrote about her HUGE Christmas tree. I got to see it a few weeks ago and she didn't lie...it is gigantic and looked like it could use a few more ornaments. So I think she'll like this handmade Christmas ornament that combines simplicity with an earthy feel.

My friend Somma lives in the sunshine state but she grew up in Queens, New York. This Map Bag has Brooklyn on one side and Queens on the other side. The fabric on the side panels is a black and white city print with the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall and other landmarks. I thought this bag would serve as a reminder of those years working and living in one of the best known cities in the world.

My sister-in-law loves to be in the kitchen so I thought this beautiful teal apron would get a lot of use as she cooks up her next gourmet meal.

Promises Fulfilled is a great cook so I thought she might enjoy this gift box full of either cakes, cookies, fudge or the luscious sampler. If she chooses the cakes box she gets to choose six from a huge list of offerings including Raspberry Vanilla, Strawberry Chocolate Cake and Root Beer and Vanilla ice cream Cake. A few cookie choices include Banana Split, Aloha Cookies and Chocolate Walnut. Four different kinds of fudge fill this delectable box like White Chocolate and Butterfinger. And if she just can't make up her mind she can choose five items from any category.

My Virtual Etsy Christmas Gifts - Day 5

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2007/12/my-virtual-etsy-christmas-gifts-day-5.html

Etsy Virtual Christmas Presents - Day 4

The gifts just keep coming...


Say Anything recently did her living room over and was just saying how she'd like a rug for it. Of course, Etsy had the perfect one. Soft and luxurious this 100% recycled area rug is made from over 70 discarded t-shirts. Made with hand cut t-shirt strips sewn on a durable cotton jersey t-shirt base. This one is hand dyed with water and ground decaf coffee but they also have it available in a rich cocoa brown that might be an even better color for her room.

It's no secret that Jim is an Ohio State football fan. It's also no surprise that they are playing in the National Championship game. Jim really likes head coach Jim Tressel so I thought he'd like this Tressel mini sweater vest ornament (the coach's signature look). Jim can decorate his Christmas tree, hang it from his rearview mirror....or just hold it for luck during a close game!!

My childhood friend, 2 Boys' Mom, moved to Virginia about two years ago after more than a decade of living in San Diego. I know she has many great memories of that place and I thought this pendant featuring an image of a vintage map of California, specifically San Diego, would help her hold those memories close to her heart.

My cousin Emily is an accomplished pianist so I think she would like these beautiful music notecards made out of old sheet music books. This set is unique and no two cards or additional set is identical.

I met Reever in college where we both played on the volleyball team. She is a school teacher and I tried to come up with a special "teacher" gift, the likes she has never seen in her 15 years of teaching. I came up with these 9 altered rolodex cards. They are clear, tab dividers that she can personalize to fit her needs AND re-use them year after year! They can be divided by months, students names, alphabetically (like a-e, f-h, etc.) or by days of the week. Don't they just scream teacher!

Etsy Virtual Christmas Presents - Day 4

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2007/12/non-blogger-gifts.html

I'm Stressing

UPDATED: Melissa, as my good friend Somma used to always say, "You mock what you don't understand." To the rest of you, don't hesitate to send me links to anything you spy on Etsy that would be a good gift for Melissa. Krazy Klinger sent me a good one today.

I have to admit that I'm really stressing over what Etsy Christmas present to give oH mY woRD. Since she was the one who started this whole thing and since, as she informed me last night, she hasn't really been impressed with anything I've picked so far, I'm at a loss for what to get her because, you know, it needs to be the PERFECT gift.

So help me out by voting in the poll in the sidebar and let me know whether oH mY woRD should get a lovely and beautiful gift that she will adore and that will change her mind forever about Etsy or should I get her something outrageous and crazy because I'll never find anything she's going to like on Etsy even if I stay up till all hours of the night scanning every last page of Etsy.

Please excuse that last run on sentence...

I'm Stressing

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2007/12/im-stressing.html

Etsy Virtual Christmas Presents - Day 3

There are five more gifts waiting under the tree for...

I'm giving my first non-blogging, but avid reader gift to my brother who is expecting his first baby in February. He's also a big baseball fan, so I thought this shirt would express his sentiments perfectly.

Plain and Simple has a beautiful singing voice that she uses often to bless others. She's also crafty so I think she could appreciate these sheet music star tags that could be used as mini gift tags or embellishments for her scrapbooks, card making, or other altered art.

We all know how classy of a mama Kelli is so it would only make sense that she likes to watch Audrey Hepburn movies. This Audrey Hepburn tote bag is perfect for when Classic Mama needs to carry all her classic movies back to the library.

I'm thinking any diehard fan of Pride and Prejudice, like Camp Hill Girl, would enjoy this original watercolor painting of Sophia dreaming of Mr. Darcy. I don't know what it is about this painting, but Sophia actually reminded me of Camp Hill Girl so it seemed even more fitting.

Southern Belle is not a blogger but I've blogged about her love of bugs many times. To her, I give this miniature paper bee sculpture designed and made from 25 little pieces of paper. This very real and detailed bee is a curiosity that would look great framed in a shadow box or as a centerpiece at her next bug-themed party.

Etsy Virtual Christmas Presents - Day 3

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2007/12/etsy-virtual-christmas-presents-day-3.html

My Virtual Etsy Christmas Presents - Day 2

It's day two of my virtual Etsy Christmas Presents and I've got some real creative ones for some gals today.


Nomi has a huge heart for Africa, especially the people of Liberia. She's also a hip and stylin' gal, so I thought this teardrop-shaped yellow jasper pendant with the African Adinkra symbol NYAME NTI which means "by God's Grace", or trust and faith in God, would suit her well.

For those days when On Fire for Him needs her "faith fire" stoked a little, she can just look at her refrigerator to see these Scripture magnets and be reminded of God's faithfulness and provision.

Since The Back Door is family, I thought she'd appreciate this unique and nostalgic painting which is sure to garner (LOL) a discussion of yesteryear and treasured family memories.

Nicole over at The Campbell Corner is definitely one smart cookie when it comes to science. Since she spent her pre-mommy years as a high school science teacher, I thought she'd appreciate this charm bracelet that spells the word SCIENCE with amino acids. Now that's a conversation piece!

I high a lot of respect for gals who dig math because, frankly I'm not doing so well with second grade math. Hands Free Heart is one of those people who likes numbers and is not afraid to use her math skillz for good. So I know she'll like this fibonacci number pin.

Let's see, whose gifts are under the tree for tomorrow?

My Virtual Etsy Christmas Presents - Day 2

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2007/12/my-virtual-etsy-christmas-presents-day_18.html

My Virtual Etsy Christmas Presents - Day 1

Last week, I introduced you to Etsy and shared some of my favorite finds on that site. However, not everyone found Etsy as endearing as I did. So to prove that Etsy is more than just an outlet for artsy people named disturbedpenguinpoo (that still makes me smile), I'm giving out my virtual Etsy Christmas presents to all my fellow bloggers and regular non-blogging readers this week.

Each day I'll post 5 gifts that are from Etsy. To show just how diverse the site is, I'm trying to tailor the gift to what I know about the person. Therefore, some of the gifts may be quite fun and eccentric but at least you'll get to know the wide range of items available.

So, go ahead....open your presents.


Mirror, Mirror is a big tea drinker. She's also a very stylish and design conscious person who I think would enjoy this beautiful eggplant cup and saucer made out of porcelain clay. The saucer was made by rolling out a slab of clay and imprinting it with a cabbage leaf and then shaping to fit the cup.



Kathleen is always the picture of grace and beauty and this shabby romantic tote pefectly reflects Kathleen's timeless, classic and casual style.

Nothing says Merry Christmas to an accountant like a typewriter key brooch! This is an actual typewriter 1/4 - 1/2 key off an original functioning vintage typewriter, and I know Audit Mama will squeal with delight every time she performs an audit with this brooch on her lapel.

Can we Tawk? is the original drama queen and nothing says drama like this one of a kind handbag! It's stunning in a napped animal print and contrasting red lining! A gorgeous, extra large rhinestone brooch finishes it off. Oh, can you hear the gasps of jealousy now?

Our Krazy Klinger is expecting her second child and nothing makes an expectant mom feel good like a new maternity tee shirt that lets others know you're in the family way. And with her krazy personality this shirt should fit her perfectly.

This is a print called The Red Thread. I thought The Gang's All Here would appreciate its beauty and meaning since she's in the process of adopting a baby girl from China. According to Chinese folklore, when a child is born they are connected by an invisible red thread to all who will care about them. As the child grows, the thread becomes shorter, drawing them ever closer to loved ones.

More gifts tomorrow...

My Virtual Etsy Christmas Presents - Day 1

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2007/12/my-virtual-etsy-christmas-presents-day.html

Be Still my Etsy Heart

I love anything paper and so if you're ever searching for me, just look in the aisles of the nearest bookstore or among the pages of the Etsy Paper Section.

Aren't these postcards divine? $1.00

These tags would look great on my package, especially for just $3.00.


I'm a sucker for beautiful notebooks. I'd have stacks of them if I could.

Whimsical yet elegant way to say I Love You.

I've always dreamed of having my own bookplates.

Be Still my Etsy Heart

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2007/12/be-still-my-etsy-heart.html

I Can't Stop Etsying

Another adorable Etsy find are these baby girl burp cloths. Couldn't you just eat them with a spoon?

When I was pregnant with Brown Sugar, Jim was working out of town 4-5 days a week. He stayed at a Marriott hotel that year and got to know the staff really well. So when I finally had Brown Sugar, guess who the first gift was from that arrived in the mail? Yep, the staff at the Marriott. They sent personalized burp cloths that were so cute that I hated to even use them.

Not sure why I felt compelled to share that story, but now you know why I am so drawn to these cute cloths.

I Can't Stop Etsying

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2007/12/i-cant-stop-etsying.html

Another Etsy Find

How adorable is this necklace for your tweener! It's made from a Scrabble tile that's decopauged with fun papers and the child's initial. So cute, and only $9.50.

Another Etsy Find

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2007/12/another-etsy-find.html

Etsy

I have fallen in love with a new web site called Etsy. It's been around a long time but I'm just now discovering its charm, beauty and quality.

Basically, Etsy is an online marketplace for buying all things handmade. Since launching in 2005, they have over 100,000 sellers from around the world. Each seller has a "store" that showcases all of their wares. Some stores have just a few items while others have several hundred. And if you like the item, but don't see it in the size, color or fabric you like, you can usually just contact the seller and they'll custom make it for you.

Now I know when I hear the word handmade a whole host of images come to mind...none of them particularly flattering. But Etsy brings the best of the best together to provide unique, well made and perfectly priced items in just about every category you can think of.

I will admit some items are a bit off the beaten path...


like this set of 5 clothespins that are 3 inches long, decoupaged with beautiful paper on both sides.



But then how could you resist this mouth watering assortment of 6 delicious muffins that comes complete with a 6 mini-muffin pan.These baked goods are perfect for imaginative play and are just the right size for a child's hand or play plate.


I've got my eye on these lovely little set of six notecards is made using vintage wallpaper with bright flowers.

The “Dip Gift Box” is a gift of entertaining to the ones you love or for yourself. Gotta bring a dish to the office or a cookout? These individually laminated recipe cards offer 20 different recipes. The “Dip Gift Box” includes recipes appropriate for all occasions from the black tie cocktail party to the Superbowl Party. Great gift for newlyweds, mothers, sisters, girlfriends, co-workers, or anyone who likes to entertain!

These are just a very, very, very few of the items you'll find on Etsy. I bought a Christmas gift on Etsy and was thrilled with the customer service, price and personal touch.

Etsy

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2007/12/etsy.html