Wednesday, December 31, 2008

New Year, Time to Redecorate!

It's 2009, and spring is not that far away. Not to mention every store in the known universe is having massive after-Christmas sales. What better time to redecorate the living room, bedroom or family room? Here are some great deals on a few things you can buy to create a whole new look for the new year. Some are big ticket items, like sofas, and some are cheap ways to get a new look, like sofa throws, pillows, and the like. Click to learn more or just go ahead and buy!

Leather Sofa - Malibu Leather Match Sofa - Leather Furniture - MAL-SOFA
Gorgeous leather sofa $1,039.00


Nantucket Stripe Slipcover
Nantucket Stripe Slipcover $79.00


Bonded Chocolate Leather Ottoman Sleeper
Bonded Chocolate Leather Ottoman Sleeper $375.00


White Carved Mirror
White Carved Mirror $29.95


Portofino 10 Piece Bed-in-a-Bag Cal. King Ensemble
Portofino 10 Piece Bed-in-a-Bag Cal. King Ensemble $300.00


Eyelet White 11 Piece King Bed in a Bag Ensemble
Eyelet White 11 Piece King Bed in a Bag Ensemble $239.99



Union Jack with Crown Throw Pillow
$24.99

Deep Pink Fleur de Lis Throw Pillow
$24.99

Black and white bars on a sturdy throw pillow
$24.99

Friday, December 26, 2008

Time to Send Thank You Cards

The art of letter writing and sending thank you cards is almost a lost one in our day of email and cell phones. But nothing says a sincere "thank you" like a well-chosen card with a pleasant note inside. Many people are afraid of writing even the simplest card, but it's not hard at all. Here's all you need to know, in a few easy steps.

1. Make it personal. Begin with a personal sentiment such as "Dear Mary" or "Hi, Grandma!"
2. Express your thanks. Don't begin with "I'm just writing to say..." or "Just dropping you a note..." Jump right into the thanks, and make it specific and effusive. "Thank you so much for the sweater!" or "Thank you for your hospitality..." However, if the gift was cash, gift card or a check, don't mention dollar amounts! No "Thank you for the $200 check" or "Thank you for the $20 gift card." Merely say "Thank you for the gift" or "Thank you for your generosity."

3. Mention how the gift will be used. IF the gift is cash, you can say "Your gift will help me so much with tuition" or "It will be so useful when we begin remodeling the den." IF the gift is an item or product (even an ugly sweater!) mention that it will be so useful this winter, or it will look so nice on the mantel, or whatever. Put yourself in the shoes of the giver, and imagine how that person hopes you will put the item to use.

4. Be upbeat and appropriate. No mentioning that Uncle Joe got drunk again this Christmas or that Auntie Sue got busted. No matter how hard you have to think, try to think of something pleasant and newsy to say about the occasion for which the gift was proffered. "We missed you this Christmas, but it was a pleasant holiday anyhow" works fine. Or "I shared the chocolate with everyone at the party and it was a big hit!"

5. Close with another thank you. "Again, thank you for remembering me this holiday season" or "We both thank you again for the wonderful gift."

Thank You Notecards Watercolor Rose Pk of 10

6. A personal ending salutation. One of my friends always signs her cards "Warmly" and I love that. It's not phony "love ya" stuff, and it's not too formal. But if the recipient is a close relative, "Love" or "With Love" is appropriate.

Pk of 10 "Country Lane" Notecards

A final note: sending a sincere thank you card is the best way to make sure the recipient will remember you next birthday or Christmas, and send you another gift. AND the flip side -- if you DON'T send a thank you card, DON'T expect another gift from that person. They're that important.

Blank Thank You boxed notecards

So get yourself some pretty cards and maybe some matching postage, and start writing!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

LIZARD PEOPLE T-shirts


We've been watching the Al Franken - Norm Coleman race in Minnesota with great interest, and not a little bit of amusement. Probably the most famous vote cast in that election is the person who cast a write in vote for "Lizard People". We predict that in the next few elections held anywhere in this country, Lizard People will get more than a few write in votes.

And yes, there are t-shirts and bumper stickers about Lizard People.


I Voted for Lizard People Bumper Sticker


Don't Blame Me I Voted for Lizard People Light T-S

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Last Minute Twilight Gifts

There are two good places to get Twilight gifts, Hot Topic and Cafepress. At Hot Topic, you can order up until Monday Dec 22 if you choose FedEx Overnight by NOON Central Time (shipping for anything up to about $75 would still be under $20 shipping via Overnight). At Cafepress, the same deadline day (Dec 22) and shipping could run about $30. But if you need a Twilight gift, then a little shipping fee shouldn't stop you! Click images to learn more or to buy now!

Twilight Scent T-Shirt
From Hot Topic: This black T-shirt features the quote "your scent is like a drug to me" printed on the front in white. The Twilight logo appears on the back. 100% cotton. Wash cold. Dry low. Imported. $19.00

Twilight Team Edward Tee
From Hot Topic: "Team Edward" on the front. The back says "What if I'm not the hero? What if I'm the bad guy?" with a film logo below. 100% cotton. Wash warm. Dry low. Imported.

Sizes run small! $22.00

Twilight Bad Guy Poster
From Hot Topic: This poster features an image of Edward and says "What if I'm not the hero? What if I'm the bad guy?" Film logo on the lower right. 24" x 36". Imported. $7.99

Twilight Saga Box Set
From Hot Topic: This Twilight saga collection includes all four full-color books in a themed box. Made in USA. $83.00

Twilight Crest Hoodie
From Hot Topic: This lightweight fitted black hoodie features a white front screen of the Cullen crest. The Twilight logo appears on the bottom back in white. 100% cotton. Wash cold. Dry low. USA.

Sizes run small! $34.00

Twilight Three Things Tee
From Hot Topic: This black fitted tee features a front screen of Bella and Edward from the movie Twilight with a quote about the three things Bella is positive of when it comes to Edward. 100% pre-shrunk cotton. Wash cold. Dry low. Imported.

Sizes run small! $22.00

Twilight Logo Tee
From Hot Topic: This black fitted tee features a white front screen of the Twilight logo and "the forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest" printed on the back. 100% pre-shrunk cotton. Wash cold. Dry low. Imported.

Sizes run small! $22.00


In Love with a Twilight vampire Sweatshirt (dark)
$44.99


Twilight Quote My Brand of Heroine Women's Dark T-
$27.99


Lion in Love with Lamb Twilight Hoodie (dark)
$54.99


PEACE LOVE TWILIGHT Cap
$21.99


Tangled FORKS Forest EDWARD Throw Pillow
$19.99

Homeless for the Holidays

Lately I've been reading way too many stories of people, noble, honorable, working people, who are becoming homeless through no fault of their own. The brutal policies of the Bush-Cheney regime have brought terrible hardship on the middle class. Not just the wasteful war in Iraq, but the economic and social policies, come at a horrific cost to families just trying to stay in homes, put bread on the table, and keep warm during the winter. Food banks are closing in my town because there are no donations. There are more homeless people than ever on the streets these days, and less help for them. We could be headed for another Great Depression.

This holiday season, I urge anyone reading this to please help in any way you can. Here is a list of organizations that are doing great work. You can help by donating cash, warm clothing, food, anything you can spare.

Goodwill accepts money, warm clothing, even vehicles.

The Salvation Army
does amazing work all over the country. They will accept money, cars, household goods, and airline miles.

Feeding America
accepts cash donations in any amount, and their website states that every dollar you donate to Feeding America helps provide 20 pounds of food and grocery products to men, women and children facing hunger in our country. That means you can donate as little as a dollar and still be helping.

Share Our Strength accepts cash donations, and states that a $35 contribution can feed a child three meals a day for more than a month.

There are hundreds of organizations out there that need your help NOW. Please give a little if you can. Thank you.