Are you new to Tip Junkie? If so, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
To help promote & feature some of the amazing women who have joined the Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon, I have set up the 12 Days of Junkie where there will be two winners every day!
On the ninth Day of Junkie, Laurie gave to me...
1. A fabulous child's cape customized for them to be the perfect super hero, a $40 value.
Complete with fun customizations like frilly edging, double felted emblems all from Plum Pear Apple Designs.
This will make such an amazing gift for Christmas, birthdays, and from special Grandma's.
2. A Piggy Block Bank by Sugared by Hiccup Inc, a $38 value.
This 5.9 x 5.9 inch piggy bank by Hiccup Inc is perfect for the modern, hip kid's room. It has a slot at the top for change and a plug in the bottom for draining your dough.
Teach your girls the value of a dollar while keeping the room completely stylish! Each piggy bank is entirely handmade in the USA using all non toxic materials. Featured on The Martha Stewart Show.
As an added bonus, Happy Chickadee is offering FREE shipping to all Tip Junkies, use this code: junkiefs.
Contest Rules:
1. Compose a post announcing the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon Giveaway using the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon button (above) AND a link back to Tip Junkie.com.
2. Leave a Comment.
3. Each giveaway will only last 24 hours!! So be sure to add your link to enter before 8:00 am each morning.
Mister Linky has crashed and is still down. Go ahead and leave a comment for today. I'm keeping yesterday's giveaway open until Friday morning so everyone can re-enter the giveaway.
I will pick 2 winners tomorrow morning at 9:00am! And don't forget to drop by the Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon and start your holiday shopping. Most of these items are handmade so don't wait to place your order.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
12 Days of Junkie - Day 9
Christmas Card Contest
Are you new to Tip Junkie? If so, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
I am so excited to be announcing Tip Junkie's 1st Annual Christmas Card Contest. Simply submit your old and new cards and nominate those of your friends under "other" in the form.
You will vote for the 6 winners who will receive the amazing prizes at the bottom of this post from Mom-prenuers in our Shop-a-thon!
You're probably wondering why I'm holding it in November. It's so that we can all be inspired by these talented women and get those creative juices flowing so we can have fabulous cards as well.
Here are some nominees:
Holy Crap! You will not believe Carols Extreme Christmas Cards. They are so fun, funny, and fabulous. I want one!
Noelani's Red & White Card
Stacey's HO HO HO
Stacey's Wise Men Card
Lyssa's Button Card
Brooke's Card she made in Photo Elements
Natalie's Christmas Card
Amy's Card from last year
Christina submitted her Christmas gift tags
Thanks Ladies! These are all amazing, I will feature the cards as I receive them. You will vote for the winner December 4th!
Each winner will receive 1 of these prizes:
1st Place: A 8x10 Watercolor Portrait, a $68 value from Arian Hatch.
Take your favorite pictures and turn them into beautiful, one of a kind paintings. Every order is digitally hand painted by Arian Hatch. Each painting is printed and shipped ready to be framed and displayed.
2nd Place: A $50 gift certificate to Broken Teepee Designs.
3rd Place: An amazing Christmas Kit (brights) which includes the tags, numbers, envelopes, and paper to help your packages be extra special this year. It's a $42.40 value from Elle's Studio.
Honorable Mention: "Pink Frost" Swarovski Crystal and Sterling Silver pendant necklace from Simply Shell, a $35 value.
Honorable Mention: 10 Line Upon Line Specialty Greeting Cards, a $30 value. These are thoughtful and darling cards for life's essential moments.
Honorable Mention: $25 gift card for bows and a your choice of a cute crochet hat from The Darling Daughter, a $35 value.
I hope this is enough incentive to submit cards! I need some fabulous ideas. {{wink}}
P.S. Don't forget to buy from women this holiday season during our Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon! Let's support each other.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
12 Days of Junkie - Day 8
Are you new to Tip Junkie? If so, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
To help promote & feature some of the amazing women who have joined the Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon, I have set up the 12 Days of Junkie where there will be two winners every day!
On the eighth Day of Junkie, Laurie gave to me...
1. A Bundle Your Babe, pacifier clip, a set of three burb cloths, and a nursing cover from Shannon, a $54 value.
Bundle Your Babe is a fabulous way to keep your baby all snuggled up, and they can't wiggle out of it like you do a normal blanket. They can go from the crib to the car seat. It settles down the fussiest of babies.
2. 4 yards of designer Amy Butler fabric from the Midwest Modern collection and a Amy Butler Pattern (laptop and MP3 case) from Jodi, a $42 value.
Contest Rules:
1. Compose a post announcing the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon Giveaway using the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon button (above) AND a link back to Tip Junkie.com.
2. Leave a Comment.
3. Each giveaway will only last 24 hours!! So be sure to add your link to enter before 8:00 am each morning.
Crap! It looks like Mister Linky has crashed. Their main website is down as well. Just leave a comment for today.
I will pick 2 winners Friday Morning at 9:00am! And don't forget to drop by the Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon and start your holiday shopping. Most of these items are handmade so don't wait to place your order.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
12 Days of Junkie - Day 7
Are you new to Tip Junkie? If so, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
To help promote & feature some of the amazing women who have joined the Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon, I have set up the 12 Days of Junkie where there will be two winners every day!
On the seventh Day of Junkie, Laurie gave to me...
1. This amazing Merry Christmas tree decor from Sign Me Up Signs. Perfect for your home or as a gift.
(Picture and link up soon!)
2. A personalized clip board, with matching bookmark, tile coaster, dry erase board, pencil and pen holder, and matching pen, a $48 value.
Contest Rules:
To make sure that I pick the correct winner (and I don't miscount), I'll be using Mister Linky instead of the comments.
1. Compose a post announcing the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon Giveaway using the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon button (above) AND a link back to Tip Junkie.com. You can use the same post link (URL) to enter every one of the 12 giveaways. If your blog is private, go ahead and enter but be sure to check our Winner Page to see if you won!
2. Type in your first name or alias into Mister Linky only! Do not go over 20 characters, those will be deleted. Next copy & paste in your link (URL) to that direct post. Do not use your home page, those will be deleted. Please only enter once per day.
3. Each giveaway will only last 24 hours!! So be sure to add your link to enter before 8:00 am each morning.
If you haven't used Mister Linky before, here's the low down (a.k.a rules). Another plus side of using Mister Linky is that it should bring you some traffic from blog-joggers. More accurate winner and more traffic to you - win/win.
I will pick 2 winners tomorrow morning at 9:00am! And don't forget to drop by the Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon and start your holiday shopping. Most of these items are handmade so don't wait to place your order.
5 Tips for Simplifying Your Holidays
Are you new to Tip Junkie? If so, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
I've missed Talk To Me Tuesdays where we are inspired by fabulous bloggers who share their wealth of knowledge and experience. Today we're talking to Debbie who is a Professional Organizing Coach on how to slow down and enjoy this holiday season. This following is in her words:
5 Tips for Simplifying Your Holidays
Kids and Christmas almost certainly equal chaos. Even with the best of intentions, things can get out of control. Throw in a few pets, in-laws, and last minute shopping trips, and it’s safe to say that for most of us, by the time December 25th arrives, we’re stressed, tense, and not all that organized. This year, start your New Year’s resolutions a month earlier and commit yourself to having a simplified holiday.
Tip #1: Take a Moment to Plan
Use a binder to create a Holiday Planner. Include sections for "Greeting Card List," "Gift List (don’t forget teachers, mail person, etc.), "Recipes" (for favorite holiday dishes), and "Guest Lists" (for your own parties). I know this seems like adding more time-consuming chores to your already hectic schedule, but getting your plans down on paper will really help you organize your thoughts. And it will eventually save you time by preventing last minute trips for forgotten ingredients, supplies, and gifts. Plus, next year, you’ll have a jump start on the holiday season by relying on your notes and lists from this year.
Tip #2: Shift Your Focus
Capture the real meaning of the holidays: donate canned goods to a food bank, volunteer at a local soup kitchen, donate an old coat to a homeless shelter, count your own blessings, or just smile at a stranger. And make sure your kids take part, too. This isn’t an organizing tip, but by taking the focus off of yourself and your busy schedule you can better focus on the reasons for the season. And this perspective will make it easier to slow down and de-stress about all you have to do.
Tip #3: Involve Your Guests
When planning parties and extended family meals, ask your guests to bring something (don’t forgot to keep a menu planner of who is bringing what). Most guests are more than happy to contribute a covered dish or a bottle of wine. You don’t have to be the “Super-do-it-all Hostess.” Let others help you out so you can enjoy the festivities, too.
Tip #4: Keep the Kids Busy During Your Gatherings
Give the kids age-appropriate duties: collecting coats, passing out appetizers, picking up wrapping paper from opened presents, taking pictures or video recordings (if they are old enough). It gives them something to focus on, keeps them out of trouble (hopefully!) and helps lighten your duties.
Tip #5: Slow down and lower your expectations.
Too many times we try to live up to the holiday hoopla of a perfect Hollywood/Norman Rockwell ideal, and as a result we take on way too much. Take a look at your to-do list, prioritize your tasks and obligations, and remove three things from the bottom of your list (these items are on the bottom for a reason, so don’t feel guilty, just cross them off!)
So, my challenge to you is that you let go of creating a “perfect” holiday and instead aim for simplified. Come January you want to have fond memories of the holidays, not be glad they are over.
Visit my post “What’s on your holiday calendar?” and share what you’re NOT going to do to this holiday season.
Simply yours,
Debbie
© 2008 Debbie Jordan Kravitz
P.S. Don't forget to buy from women this holiday season during our Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon! Let's support each other.
Giveaway Announcements
Are you new to Tip Junkie? If so, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
It's that time again where I tell you all about the fun happenings around blog land. Happy blog-jogging!
Tip Junkie Sponsor Announcements
1. Better Home Interiors is having another fabulous giveaway.
2. The Celebration Shoppe has a new Christmas invite which is great for cookie and ornament swaps or even winter birthdays.
3. Marie from Makes & Takes is hosting an upscale arts and craft boutique in Utah called Tom & Lucy's Art Shoppe. She's lined up over 50 vendors with items ranging from Home Decor, Baby Products, Jewelry, Christmas, Vinyl, Children's Toys, Twilight, Treats and more.
You know I love supporting women and their products! If you live in Northern Utah be sure to grab a girlfriend and go shopping and support these talented women.
4. Be sure to check out Sweet Temptations Holiday Gift Guide.
Freebies
1. Shannon (my blog designer) is hooking you up with free Thanksgiving and Christmas seasonal backgrounds.
2. Victoria is giving away a free downloadable cookbook w/ 21 delicious recipes for leftover turkey, written by me -- suitable to print and give as a gift.
Tip Junkie Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon Members
1. Funky Finds is having an Etsy Dallas Swag Valued at $270.
2. Lots of giveaways from The Gift Closet
3. Baby Blog Addict is giving away a Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox, ends 11/20/08.
4. Kristie is hosting a Free Book Give Away - 50 Christmas Things To Make and Do.
Giveaway Announcements
1. Wishing Willow is having a Tsurubride giveaway.
2. Abby is having a Chronicle Books giveaway.
3. Jennifer is hosting a Zip-n-Go, portable, all-weather travel blanket.
4. Tracy is giving away 4 sets of 3 Jackpot Pillows.
5. Caroline is having a Girls Night Out Edition of Table Topics giveaway.
6. Mandie is having a EcoZoo Pig bag for kids giveaway.
7. Leigh Anne is hosting a beautiful custom made photo pendant giveaway.
8. Elle Custom Jewelry is hosting a giveaway with 5 winners.
9. Mom Loves Today is giving away a Chico Bag, an awesome reusable bag.
10. Mandy is hosting a Luscious Handmade Soap giveaway.
11. Jen is giving away a $25 gift certificate.
12. Karen is holding a contest for a bib and a burp cloth from a new co. called Cheeky and Swank. 13. Kerri is hosting a Scrapbooking with Faye Morrow Bell book giveaway.
14. Krissy is giving away a $50 Gift Certificate to Mara Bradford Designs.
Got Twilight Fever? I do!
1. Tom & Lucy is giving away a Twilight themed basket.
2. Trisha is having a Twilight inspired perfume giveaway, ends tomorrow.
3. Abby is giving away Twilight inspired dogtag necklace value of $20, ends tomorrow.
4. Sarah is selling Twilight shirts and stickers, be sure to get one for the premier.
Weekly Themes
1. The Lil' Peanut Patch is hosting travel week. They have found some great companies and products to make your trips much more enjoyable with your Lil’ Peanuts!
2. Pam is having a Pass It On Plates Recipe Roundup. Enter a recipe that could be used on a Pass It On Plate and win a cookbook! All submitted recipes become Guest Blog posts.
3. Christmas Tradition Contest from Simone
Charity
1. Jen is having a virtual food drive with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD). Find the link where you can go to an online store and buy things to donate to the GCFD. All monies will be handled by them until Nov 26th.
2. Erin is hosting a raffle for a group of Soldiers that will be doing their second tour in Iraq. I wanted to make their trip back a little easier. Check out her blog for more details, ends Wednesday!
3. Stephanie is having a quilt giveaway to help Baby Mia who needs a heart transplant.
Questions from Tip Junkies
1. Katie is looking for different ethnic christmas party ideas. If you have some please leave a comment and I'll feature you.
2. Chantel wants to know were people buy their fabrics online? She is tired of the chain brand in our town, but doesn't want to pay an arm and leg for shipping. Any suggestions?
It's not like you have anything else to do today, right? {{hehe}} Enjoy and I hope a Tip Junkie wins!
Monday, November 17, 2008
12 Days of Junkie - Day 6
Are you new to Tip Junkie? If so, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
To help promote & feature some of the amazing women who have joined the Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon, I have set up the 12 Days of Junkie where there will be two winners every day!
On the sixth Day of Junkie, Laurie gave to me...
1. A Paisley Lane Four Season set of earrings - $45 value.
Winner can keep them all for herself or keep a couple and give a couple as gifts! Earrings made with Czech glass.
2. A toddler hat, mitten and blanket set from Diana's Darnings, a $35.95 value!
This set is made of polar fleece and double top stitched for durability. This hat has extra long ear flaps to keep not only babies ears warm, but will cover the cheek and neck areas.
Contest Rules:
To make sure that I pick the correct winner (and I don't miscount), I'll be using Mister Linky instead of the comments.
1. Compose a post announcing the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon Giveaway using the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon button (above) AND a link back to Tip Junkie.com. You can use the same post link (URL) to enter every one of the 12 giveaways. If your blog is private, go ahead and enter but be sure to check our Winner Page to see if you won!
2. Type in your first name or alias into Mister Linky only! Do not go over 20 characters, those will be deleted. Next copy & paste in your link (URL) to that direct post. Do not use your home page, those will be deleted. Please only enter once per day.
3. Each giveaway will only last 24 hours!! So be sure to add your link to enter before 8:00 am each morning.
If you haven't used Mister Linky before, here's the low down (a.k.a rules). Another plus side of using Mister Linky is that it should bring you some traffic from blog-joggers. More accurate winner and more traffic to you - win/win.
I will pick 2 winners tomorrow morning at 9:00am! And don't forget to drop by the Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon and start your holiday shopping. Most of these items are handmade so don't wait to place your order.
Day 7 - Thanksgiving Home Decor
Are you new to Tip Junkie? If so, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Day 7 of Thanksgiving Inspiration focuses on Home Decor and fall crafts. I'm still looking for fabulous ideas, if you've bogged about it be sure to submit your post!
Joys of Home made this little sign of the season as a visual reminder of what we need to be thinking and hooked you up with a tutorial.
The Cowley Family made this fun Thanksgiving Banner to make her home more festive.
Melanie submitted her Thankful Banner tutorial, a fabric and paper holiday banner pennant to hang from the fireplace.
Stacey submitted her fall circle garland.
Jennifer submitted her paper Turkey hand print wreath tutorial, turkey spoon craft, Indian dolls, and lots of other fun Thanksgiving crafts.
Robin submitted her Give Thanks Banner. It looks like it's a Thanksgiving Advent Calendar that has pockets for notes of what you're grateful for!
I found this Season of Thanks Shadow Box over at Terri's Stamping Tibdits.
I found these ideas over at The Memory Zone. They made a few table decorations from their scrap stash.
I love to frame my boys artwork and now I've found another reason to do so! You can decorate for the season by using your kiddos school projects, like Holly's Haven.
Summer submitted her front porch fall decor. She used Candy Apple Red glimmer mist by Tattered Angels on Orange Paper Bags filled them with rocks & lit candles.
More Table Decor Ideas:
Heather submitted her Thanksgiving table setting using her late Grandmother's china and napkins folded into lotus flowers.
Shari submitted her Thanksgiving place card napkin holders.
Are you looking for more Thanksgiving inspiration? Check out my previous posts:
Thanksgiving Traditions
More Thanksgiving Traditions
Day 1: Place cards
Day 2: Centerpieces
Day 3: Table Settings
Day 4: Organization
Day 5: For the Kids
Day 6: Thanksgiving Traditions
P.S. Don't forget to buy from women this holiday season during our Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon! Let's support each other.
Day 6 - Traditions & Gratitude
Are you new to Tip Junkie? If so, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Day 6 of Thanksgiving Inspiration focuses on gratitude and family traditions. I hope you'll be inspired to do one of these activities with your family this year.
World of Homemaking does the Turkey Day Awards! Ask each family member for their nominations and be sure everyone gets an award. For example, "best haircut of the year" or "toughest survivor of a home renovation." You make awards in these cute pine cone scrolls tutorial.
A tradition that would be fun to start is a Thanksgiving Book. Every year each member of the family is given a sheet of paper to write down the things for which they are thankful. You then put the sheets into a binder and save them so that next year you can look back and see what everyone wrote the year before and then compare it to the current year.
A Little Life has a tutorial on how to make these fun gratitude leaves.
High Heeled Mama made a gratitude garland.
I found this idea from Country Living. On strips of paper, write quotes or phrases. Fasten strip at end with double-sided tape, so it is slightly smaller than the glass's circumference; place on each glass. Invite guests, when seated, to read quote aloud.
Jennifer submitted her picture grateful album with a mini tutorial so you can do it too!
Debbie submitted her Thanksgiving blessing book to help focus on the what we're grateful for.
I found this Family Gratitude Spinner Project over on Ali's blog. What a beautiful way to capture what your family is grateful for this year.
Amber submitted her gratitude tree, a Hallmark tree altered for Thanksgiving.
Jo-Ann submitted her family tradition; every year the children make their thankful lists on the chalkboard in their kitchen. Jo-Ann takes a picture of it to capture these special blessings.
Chocolate on my Cranium submitted her tradition: Every year we each have a thanks tree and a giving tree. We add leaves to each tree each day writing something we are thankful for and something we have done to give or help others.
Kendra's family is working with our kids for the whole month of November on cultivating an "attitude of gratitude." So she made a gratitude tree. Every night at dinner time, each member of the family comes up with one specific thing they are thankful for each day and we write it on a leaf and post it on the wall.
Rebecca submitted her family's tradition; She makes a thankful turkey and throughout the month everyone writes something they're are thankful for and adds it to the turkey. He gets nice and fluffy by Thanksgiving.
Are you looking for more Thanksgiving inspiration? Check out my previous posts:
Thanksgiving Traditions
More Thanksgiving Traditions
Day 1: Place cards
Day 2: Centerpieces
Day 3: Table Settings
Day 4: Organization
Day 5: For the Kids
P.S. Don't forget to buy from women this holiday season during our Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon! Let's support each other.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
12 Days of Junkie - Day 5
Are you new to Tip Junkie? If so, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
To help promote & feature some of the amazing women who have joined the Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon, I have set up the 12 Days of Junkie where there will be two winners every day!
On the fifth Day of Junkie, Laurie gave to me...
1. Hannah Shaw is giving away this fabulous handbag, a $48 value.
It has in inside zipper pocket, outside pocket and made using Michael Miller Fabrics and fully lined with quilted broadcloth.
2. Here is Miss Gina Designs one of a kind purse valued at $35.
The fanciful yo-yo accents make this such a playful and unique handmade purse. The interior is lined with coordinating fabric and has 6 pockets, key fob, and magnetic closure.
Contest Rules:
To make sure that I pick the correct winner (and I don't miscount), I'll be using Mister Linky instead of the comments.
1. Compose a post announcing the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon Giveaway using the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon button (above) AND a link back to Tip Junkie.com. You can use the same post link (URL) to enter every one of the 12 giveaways. If your blog is private, go ahead and enter but be sure to check our Winner Page to see if you won!
2. Type in your first name or alias into Mister Linky only! Do not go over 20 characters, those will be deleted. Next copy & paste in your link (URL) to that direct post. Do not use your home page, those will be deleted. Please only enter once per day.
3. Each giveaway will only last 24 hours!! So be sure to add your link to enter before 8:00 am each morning.
If you haven't used Mister Linky before, here's the low down (a.k.a rules). Another plus side of using Mister Linky is that it should bring you some traffic from blog-joggers. More accurate winner and more traffic to you - win/win.
I will pick 2 winners Monday morning at 9:00am! And don't forget to drop by the Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon and start your holiday shopping. Most of these items are handmade so don't wait to place your order.
Friday, November 14, 2008
12 Days of Junkie - Day 4
Are you new to Tip Junkie? If so, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
To help promote & feature some of the amazing women who have joined the Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon, I have set up the 12 Days of Junkie where there will be two winners every day!
On the fourth Day of Junkie, Laurie gave to me...
1. A Ring Sling from Prarie Mama, $65 value.
Ring Slings are perfect for wearing, bonding and nursing your newborn and last until your child is at least 40 lbs! These double sided slings are very comfortable and lightweight, yet very sturdy.
A pocket on front is the perfect place to hold your keys, wallet and a diaper. Slings come with an instructional DVD.
2. International Travel Symbol Earrings sponsored by Wickedly Chic, a $36 value.
These quirky earrings are fun for the travel enthusiast or as a gift for anyone. Recycled sterling silver is harvested from old computer boards and then cast by Charming Sam in exclusive travel jewelry. No nickel, no lead, sterling silver.
Contest Rules:
To make sure that I pick the correct winner (and I don't miscount), I'll be using Mister Linky instead of the comments.
1. Compose a post announcing the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon Giveaway using the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon button (above) AND a link back to Tip Junkie.com. You can use the same post link (URL) to enter every one of the 12 giveaways. If your blog is private, go ahead and enter but be sure to check our Winner Page to see if you won!
2. Type in your first name or alias into Mister Linky only! Do not go over 20 characters, those will be deleted. Next copy & paste in your link (URL) to that direct post. Do not use your home page, those will be deleted
