#5Faves: non-material gifts

September 29, 2015 By Jenna 11 Comments

Remember how I said we were going to Konmari our house? Still on. Like this:

And, in the wake of Konmari, my birthday sits. The big 3-0. Actually, I asked Mike if we could Konmari our house. Instead of receiving in celebration of my third decade, I want to give it all away.

But, what if you want to give someone a gift, but they don’t want more stuff? Here is what I would want:

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Carpet Cleaning: Did I mention I was turning 30? We have a little postage stamp piece of carpet in our living room, but oh my. Oh my. Does it ever gather the grime. I would love a gift certificate for a nice carpet cleaning. I feel like I should just stop here. Everyone has left, yes?

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Dinner and a Date: I always love going out to eat. I never do not like going out to eat. So, if you send me on my way to grab some pho with my bae, we’re alright.

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Replace Something: I could really use a new set of flour sack towels or dutch oven. How much do you hate me right now?

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Consumables: Anything that I can eat or use up…anything that goes away. Chocolate, fancy soap, flowers, et cet errrr ahhhh.

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Amazon Gift Cards: What would I buy on Amazon, you ask? Books for my Kindle…which I love…because it’s a ton of books without the shelf space. Kindle haters gonna hate.

What are your non-material gift? Tell me in the comments or link up your #5Faves (about anything!) below. .

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Support Bees WITHOUT Being a Beekeeper

May 11, 2015 By Jenna 13 Comments

It’s the newest trend, right? Beekeeping in your own backyard. I’ll admit, I even thought about it. But since a. Mike and I are terrified of bees and b. I can’t keep a houseplant alive, it didn’t sound like such a good idea for our family.

But, I’m no dummy. I know bees are incredibly important to our world. We’ve all heard that the human race would cease to exist a mere four years after bees went extinct…or something like that.

So, if you’re like me, and beekeeping is not your thang, check out these alternatives to supporting bees without being a beekeeper.

Support Bees WITHOUT Being a Beekeeper

Buy a Mason Bee House

Mason bees are known to NOT sting, and they are 20x more efficient at pollinating. You won’t get any honey from these honies, but the upside is there is really no work for you other than just hanging it in your yard per the instructions provided.

“Pardon the Weeds, I’m Feeding the Bees” Sign

In a roundabout way, I’d like to take credit for these (not really). My mom thought that if people had a way to advertise that they were intentionally letting weeds grow on their lawn, they would be more likely to quit it with the chemical fertilizers that kill the bees’ first foods of Spring (like dandelions!) So, she contacted my SIL who has the know how, and she was able to produce these signs. Some of the proceeds go to…you guessed it…saving bees.

Joules Bee Wellies

I own a pair of these bad boys. They are perfect for rainy Spring days. You know what else they are good for? Donating 5% of the sales to the British Bee Keepers Association.

Buy Local Honey

You know who helps keep the bee population alive? Bee keepers. You know what they need to do that? Money. You know how they make money, honey? Honey. You know who makes honey? Bees. It’s a perfect little circle.

Buy Bees for Someone Else

I’m not talking about leaving a box of sting-happy yellow jackets on your rude neighbor’s porch. I mean you need to take a look at Heifer’s program where for $30, you can send honeybees to a family in need. The family can then help pollinate their existing crops or successfully grow new ones. They can also profit from the honey and wax products from the hive.

Plant Flowers

Go to FeedaBee.com where you can receive a free packet of seeds that bees will love. If you have nowhere to plant them, you can always send the seeds to someone you love.

Spread the Word

Hanna Rosengren makes the absolute most adorable literature and totes that advertise which flowers bees love most. From postcards to posters, you can spread the word by buying one of her gorgeous pieces and displaying it for all to see.

If you want to support the bees, but the beekeeping trend is not for you, check out these five easy ways to support bees WITHOUT being a beekeeper. The sign is my personal favorite.

visit HannaRosengren to purchase this print

Teach Your Kids

Donate money to Pollinator Partnership and receive a curriculum that will “increase students’ understanding in science, math, and language arts by connecting them to plants, pollinators, food, and gardens by creating habitat for pollinators.”

Bee Appy

Download the Bee Smart Pollinator Gardener app. It is “your comprehensive guide to selecting plants for pollinators specific to your area. Never get caught wondering what plants to buy again!”

What other ways do you support bees without being a beekeeper? Load the combox with your ideas!

#5Faves: The Better Gift Guide for New Moms + Giveaway

March 10, 2015 By Jenna 35 Comments

If you’ve had a baby, you’ve probably been given your share of receiving blankets, cute onesies, stuffed animals and personalized knick knacks. And, while I am not one to ever complain about a person’s generosity and thoughtfulness, those suckers get played out.

And, after birthing a child, aren’t you a little bit, “What do I get??” Besides hemorrhoids and post-natal hair loss, not much.

So because everyone will be buying the new bundle a gift or two, stand out from the crowd and make the momma feel special with my Better Gift Guide for New Moms. Trust me, she will love this.

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Nude Quick-Dry Nail Polish: Nothing makes me feel more put together than having my nails done. Nothing makes me feel grungier than chipped polish. So, give a new mom a nice, nude polish that dries fast, looks classy, and doesn’t show chips as easily. This is Sally Hansen Bare It All.

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Knot Twisted Headband: Doing my hair means a top knot, and I’m totally cool with that. But, what if I want to fancy it up just a tad? Maybe I want to cover up some of that grease…because it’s not going anywhere. I love my Knot Twisted headbands for just those reasons. So. Freaking. Comfy.

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Simple Pedometer: Make sure you let the new mom know that she’s beautiful and not fat. But, what mom doesn’t want an easy way to burn a few calories and increase energy after being pregnant? I clip one of these to my pants and just try to get 10,000 steps somehow. It’s an easy, measurable goal that doesn’t require alone time, a gym membership or Jillian.

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Wild Orange Oil: I had to add something citrus in here, because it is so darn good for your mood and energy levels. Lotsa moms deal with PPD and other variants of that demon (or even just baby blues), so give a new mom a boost with some sweet orange smells.

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Graduated Water Bottle: Water makes ya skin nice. It makes ya lose weight. It keeps ya energy up. It makes ya feel better. I love the numbers on the side of this one because I know if I drink two, I have met my water intake for the day. Again, measurable goals work for this mama. Drink up.

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BONUS FAVORITE – Netflix Subscription: She’s going to be spending time on the couch. Let’s face it. Let her face it with a binge sesh of Gilmore Girls, Arrested Development, Sherlock, Portlandia, Parks and Recreation, Friends, ooh and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt...easily my new favorite show. I’m getting away with myself. Stop me.

Some links may be affiliate. Disclosure: I have received free Netflix streaming and a streaming device as part of my membership on the Netflix Stream Team. All opinions expressed within this post are my own.

The Better Gift Guide for New Moms Giveaway

Link up your #5Faves below. But first, take a minute to enter the Rafflecopter for yourself or a new momma you love. You or her will receive a nude polish, a large flexi, a pedometer, witch hazel pads, a graduated water bottle and a 1-year subscription to Netflix. Woop.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Your Guide to Buying Indie on Cyber Monday + Giveaway

December 1, 2014 By Jenna 116 Comments

As an indie artist myself, I know how much it makes my day when I open up my email to see an order in my inbox. And, while big companies employ lots of great people who need to make a living, I don’t think those companies feel that deep satisfaction every time a purchase is made.

So, consider doing a bit of holiday shopping from some of my personal friends this Cyber Monday. Many of them have great coupons and deals just for muh readers. AND, they are all giving away an item to ONE lucky reader. That’s a total of TWELVE gifts just for special you! It’s a beautiful thing.

Whole Parenting Goods

Artist: Nell
About: Textiles and knits for you & your baby with drooling & teething bibs, burp cloths, and blankets for baby! Little girl twirly skirts for your tot! And flaxseed heat packs and knit scarves for you. We source local and use organic fabrics and yarns whenever possible. With love from my home to yours.
Coupon Code: CALLHERHAPPY20 for 20% off for the next month
Giveaway: One Bandit Bib & Contour Cloth gift set in red and white polka dots! $40 value

Rosaries by Allison

Artist: Allison
About: I am a Catholic convert (Easter 2013) and am passionate about praying the rosary. I have been designing rosaries pretty much ever since my conversion and don’t feel it’s a job because I love it so much! I love helping clients design their perfect rosary, one they won’t find in a store. That, after all, is how I got into this ‘business’ in the first place!
Coupon Code: CYBERMONDAYFREE for free shipping; through Christmas Eve: ADVENT10 for 10% off
Giveaway: Orange Matte Czech glass bead one-decade ‘pocket’ rosary with copper plated Rose center and crucifix

Little Miss Pea Gifts

Artist: Jenni
About: Beautiful handmade gifts with careful attention to detail for that little extra touch. We have special luxuries for baby, unique children’s gifts, and lovely décor for your home.
Coupon Code: FALLFESTIVAL10 for 10% off
Giveaway: Cape, Crown, Magic Wand Set – color of your choice

Harvesting Home

Artist: Caitlyn
About: Caitlyn is an amateur housewife and mediocre mama of two. She likes to run slow, drink coffee, pretend her garden is a homestead and sew. She also likes to drink wine and thinks everyone should do it in a pretty speckled glass.
Coupon Code: CALLHERHAPPY – Good for 15% any listing, expires December 15th
Giveaway: a pair of hand painted wine glasses ($20) in color of your choice

Big White Farmhouse

Artist: Ashley and Andrea
About: Named after our great-grandmother’s farm in Maine, Big White Farmhouse was founded by cousins Andrea and Ashley as an online boutique specializing in home décor, accessories and gifts. Through the shop, we hope to share our love for both the old and the new. We believe in the value of quality versus quantity, which is why we strive to find the best products from independent American designers across the country. We welcome you to our family’s store and hope you’ll find heirloom-worthy items to have in your own homes!
Coupon Code: CALLHERHAPPY for 15% off throughout December
Giveaway: Pewter Joy Heart Ornament

Pretty Handmade Design

Artist: Laura
About: I started up-cycling t-shirts into memory quilts in college and have continued doing so for family and friends over the past 10 years. To craft away the long Michigan winters and whittle away at our students loans I recently opened my Etsy shop. I currently offer custom t-shirt quilts and plan to add other knit and sewing creations as well.
Coupon Code: CHHFriends for 15% off, expires at the end of Dec.
Giveaway: Ultra-soft t-shirt quilt throw (4’x4′)

Scents of the Saints

Artist: Joelle
About: I am a suburban, Polish, homesteader housewife trying to find ways of feeling closer to Our Blessed Mother. This perfume is created in honor of our heavenly mother, Mary. It is called “Mary’s FlowersTM“. Packaged in a seed box which will bloom into garden of flowers when planted. A meaningful gift for mothers, sisters, daughters and friends that need a little something inspiring.
Giveaway: 1 Bottle Blessed Mother Perfume

With Joy Calligraphy

Artist: Elise
About: Elise blogs at {in endless song}, and owns the etsy shop {with JOY calligraphy}. A handwriting artist, Elise creates pieces she hopes will inspire your heart. A new line of printable designs is now available in the shop, in addition to handwritten art pieces, and calligraphy for wedding invitations & escort cards. Custom work is always welcomed and makes for a wonderful and personal gift!
Coupon Code: 10% off purchase with code CALLHERHAPPY {through December 12, 2014}
Giveaway: winner’s choice of any print in the new printable line

Signs of Love by Rakstar Designs

Artist: Rakhi
About: I’m a full time wife & mom of 2 who works part-time out of the home and all of the time at home. Having always flirted with art, I am finally taking the plunge to share my creative endeavors with others. My hope is that the artwork here will capture the whispers of our hearts and bring them to light…or at the very least lighten our hearts!
Coupon Code: 15% off with CALLHERHAPPYXMAS
Giveaway: choice of 8×10 “Dream Big” print or 8×10 “Play Hard, Pray Harder” print

Carrots for Michaelmas Cookbook

Artist: Haley and Daniel
About: Daniel and Haley are Catholic converts who love food, Flannery O’Connor, and learning about their faith. Feast! Real Food, Reflections, and Simply Living for the Christian Year is an ebook that includes 23 simple recipes and a handful of simple traditions to celebrate the liturgical year and lives of the saints as well as reflections on the seasons of the Christian calendar.
Coupon Code: HAPPYFEAST (25% off if purchased before December 15th)
Giveaway: one copy of Feast! and one copy of the new ebook we have coming out (it’ll be more recipes to go along with Feast!)-ebook versions.

Sarah G. Ortiz Photography + More

Artist: Sarah
About: Sarah G. Ortiz is a wife, stay at home homeschooling mama, and a photographer. This shop offers acollection of prints and other delights depicting my images from around the world. Each item is of the highest quality and ready to be shipped directly to you.
Coupon Code: 10% off through December 31st: CALLHER10
Giveaway: An 8″x10″ ready to frame print of ‘Nighttime in Nicaragua’

Call Her Happy

Artist: Jenna
About: These tiny embroidery hoop necklaces are perfect for anyone who likes to stitch, sew, craft or create. They are dainty, adorable, simple and charming – all of my favorite things. Materials: unbleached muslin, bamboo ply hoop, antique brass chain and findings, felt backing for comfort. Measurements: 1″ diameter hoop, 18″ chain
Coupon Code: Free domestic shipping with code CHHFREESHIP {through December 31, 2014}
Giveaway: winner’s choice of any 1″ necklace – even custom!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 Kids Toys I’d Save From a Fire

October 9, 2014 By Jenna 4 Comments

Not much was safe from the Great Toy Purge of 2014. Three large laundry baskets were filled and sit in our basement waiting to be taken to Goodwill on a day when I might have the energy… And, if the kids really loved it, but it made noise, off to my parents’ house it went aka where it came from. Suckers.

But, I had to save a few things, right? For the kids…and my sanity. Really, I saved more than a few, BUT, if I could only save five toys, these are our house favorites right dis minute:

Fisher Price Waffle Blocks:

I am not entirely certain that these are still on the market, but I’ve seen a ton on Ebay. My wonderful in-laws saved these from when their kids were little, and Sam got them for his first birthday. Hours of clicking them together and zooming cars along roads the’ve made. Sam’s favorite is to shove all of the Little People into a block box he fashions. Cruel keeper.

Playskool Busy Ball Choo Choo Train:

So, this breaks my “No Noise” rule, but totally worth it. It being pretty much the only noise toy we have, I handle it for how long it keeps both kids occupied. A 3yo and a 17mo. I even found more balls to fit in it because it makes the fun last longer. Both kids have mad feelings for this one. And, I don’t want to cross the border into SUPER lame, but I might favor this toy the most too. Most time occupied = mom likes best.

Fisher Price Cupcakes:

Do I need to give you the rundown on these, or is your head exploding with nostalgia? I thought so. p.s. Also another toy no longer made. Ebay it, baby.

Bilibo:

I’ve talked about these before. Shapeless, open-play plastic? Sounds like money down the drain. But, not so, my friends, not so. And, they can be a little pricey, but I bought mine used. They are straight tough.

Tunnel:

A million places sell these. I also got this used. Gee, I am seeing a trend in my shopping habits. Primary colors? Check. Used? Check. No real room for it in the house? Check. Anyway, you know what a tunnel is. Kids are new to the idea. The novelty of it all!

Don’t tell me what you love because then I will buy it. Wait. Ok. Tell me rillquick.

This article has been featured on Ebay.

Blog with a Bow: My 5 Favorite Gifts for Bloggers

December 2, 2013 By Jenna 2 Comments

Out with the laptop cases and Starbucks gift cards. We got that covered. If you want to bless a blogger, try some of my favorite blogging gifts:

-1- Ad Space

Offer your blogging friend some free ad space for a month or two, or purchase ad space on her site. Either way, your pal gets exposure for her site or a little extra cash from your ad. Winning either way.

-2- Comments, Shares and Follows

This is the reason we blog: to interact with readers. So, if you like something your friend has written, leave a comment, share it on social media, follow them in a way you don’t yet do. It’s like Christmas every time I open Instagram and see that little legless silhouette popping up at me.

-3- Facebook Gift Cards

I love promoting via Facebook, but it costs money to get content to the right people. Send you techster a FB credit to show him you care about his reach.

-4- Business Cards, Flyers or Other Swag

I know that the design of these might be a personal thing, but try to match the colors and theme of your blogger’s site to the advertisements. Or, let her pick our her own. I find that physical marketing has not lost its value in the Internet age.

-5- Blog with a Bow from Viva the Blog

You know I was going there, right?

Right now until Christmas, get 20% off The Start Up Package or The Advanced Package with a Simple Blog Setup for you, a blogging friend, or anyone else you know! Want to wrap it up? Let us know and we will email you a sweet flyer to give to your buddy.

Bonus? You get to Skype with moi!

Linking with Hallie

Gifts for Guys

December 5, 2012 By Jenna 5 Comments

Aren’t guys the worst to buy for?

Me: What do you want for your birthday/Christmas?
Mike: I don’t know. Whatever.

Sounds really familiar, I’m sure.

Awhile back I posted a cool gift-giving guide, but sometimes (always) guys take a little more thought. They like useful, boring or expensive stuff most of the time. So, I want to share with you a few ideas I’ve come up with that always go over very well.

To Buy:

Anybody else’s husband want really affordable items like a new flat screen, a mountain bike, another guitar, a stereo system, cha ching cha ching cha ching? As fat as our bank account is (not), I have found a way to get him these items without draining it. I love to buy Mike gift certificates (within our budget!) to a certain store (this year it is Best Buy for a new TV) in different denominations. Then I try to wrap them in different boxes and bags so he has more to open…because we all know more is better, right? Right.

I’m not huge on buying gift certificates; I like being more creative, but he really appreciates these and gets excited about saving for his new item. I try to pick one store each year, and buy the GC for his birthday and Christmas. I also try to get our families involved so he saves up faster.

Other things I have bought/am buying:
Battleship
Chess set
Favorite team t-shirt
Game of Thrones books
Knife sharpener
Non-stick frying pan
Biking jersey
Beer samplers (make your own 6 packs)

To Make:

If guys are hard to buy for, they are even harder to make for. Here are a few things I have made/am making this year.
Highway T-shirt
Luggage Tag
Infinity Scarf (made with plaid flannel)
Book Frame

Stocking Stuffers:

Guys like food. Go with (mostly) that: hot sauce, corn nuts, beef jerkey, gum, socks, $5 gift cards, candy bars, AA batteries, almonds, jelly beans, little alcohol bottles, fruit snacks, body wash, floss, ornament, boxers, chapstick, love letter

Any other ideas you have are most most most certainly welcome. What are you giving your guy this year? These are desperate times, ladies. Check out Moxie Wife for more awesome ideas!

And, if you’re looking for some free ad space for your blog, check out my giveaway here. It ends at midnight.

3 Cool Ideas for Giving Great Gifts

May 2, 2012 By Jenna 7 Comments

I think I like giving gifts more than receiving them. Just, like, slightly more though, so if you bought me something, don’t return it. Anyway, I have three favorite ways to shop for gifts, and I think you should take notice because I’m a pretty good gift giver. I said it.

Etsy Recommendations

UPDATE: I can’t find this feature anymore. Is it gone? Did you take it? Am I missing something? Fill a blogger in, please.

On the left sidebar, there is a box called “Ways to Shop.” Click on “Gift Ideas” and it will take you to a page with all of your Facebook friends that have their accounts connected to Etsy. It suggests awesome, handmade gifts for your friends based on their interests and likes. How cool is that? I think my hubby really needs this:

“Push Birthday” Lists

This is a really simple app on my iPhone. It lists everyone’s birthday that I buy for, and it has a space to keep notes for each person. Whenever I am with someone and they mention something they love or an interest they have, I make a little note in my app later on in the day. Then, when that person’s birthday comes around, I have been keeping a list all year of cool things she might like. I love this idea because it is fun to get someone a gift and have them say, “O my gosh! I can’t believe you remembered that!” It just makes that person feel even more special on her special day.

OMg, this is back when I had an iPhone 4. LOL brb ttyl ttfn abcdefg

Pinterest Boards

This is my favorite way to shop for gifts. I have so many friends on Pinterest now, and they have all sorts of cool pins that they drool over. So, when it is time to give a gift, I just peruse that person’s boards and look for something totally unique and fun. I mean, come on (say that like Gob Bluth, please)! Wouldn’t you LOVE to see one of your pretty pins all wrapped up and handed to you to own forever and ever?? I know, right? My dad even used this tip for Christmas and scored these hand-painted wine glasses for my mom. If you know her, you know she loves these. Gross, mom.

What are your favorite ways to shop for gifts? What do you plan to do for your mother this year? Tell me in the comment section below!

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Support Bees WITHOUT Being a Beekeeper

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The Better Gift Guide for New Moms Giveaway

Fisher Price Waffle Blocks:

Playskool Busy Ball Choo Choo Train:

Fisher Price Cupcakes:

Bilibo:

Tunnel:

-1- Ad Space

-2- Comments, Shares and Follows

-3- Facebook Gift Cards

-4- Business Cards, Flyers or Other Swag

-5- Blog with a Bow from Viva the Blog

To Buy:

To Make:

Stocking Stuffers:

Etsy Recommendations

“Push Birthday” Lists

Pinterest Boards

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