Homewise Shopper Tips And Buying Guides

Here's A Little Christmas In July

2011-07-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

Through the years I've been invited to several "Christmas In July" crafting parties, where I would get together with other moms and make cute Christmas ornaments, tree skirts, holiday table decorations or front door hangers. It was always fun to come in out of the heat, turn on some Christmas carols, and work together with friends in a nice air conditioned room to create cute family holiday gifts and decor.

So here is a little "Christmas In July" shopping trip for those of you that aren't into crafting, but would like to get a jump on buying some cute holiday ornaments for family and friends, or some fun Christmas gifts to tuck in the closet until the big day arrives in December.

Make Custom Gifts at CafePress

Happy Father's Day To All The Great Dads Out There

2011-06-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

I've been selling a lot of Father's Day gifts over the past couple of weeks. Mostly they are shirts or mugs featuring different things that a Dad might love to do when he gets a little time off from work. It got me thinking about my own Dad who passed away a few years ago, and what some of the things were that he liked to do.
Dad was a career Army officer who retired and became a prison guard for awhile. His kids were really his main hobby; he loved to take us on summer camping trips, would play dominoes, Cribbage, board games, horsehoes and badminton with us. And he always took us fishing when we camped, usually getting us up while it was still dark so we could drive to a lake or stream and have our lines ready to go in the water as soon as dawn arrived. If we were lucky enough to catch any trout, my Mom would have cornmeal ready to roll them in and would fry them up for our breakfast along with pan fried potatoes. That always tasted so good on a cold mountain morning! My Dad's hobbies may have been different than some guys are, but I have great memories because of them.
Anyway, here are a few designs in honor of my Dad. Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

Dad Fueled By Chocolate Father's Day Gift by MainstreetShirt
See other Dad T-Shirts

Trivets, Coasters and Aprons for Mom

2011-01-10T10:18:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine designed this extra special kitchen set that includes a handy apron plus coasters and a cork trivet, all with matching Cookie Shoppe design. I absolutely love it, and just bought a set for myself to enjoy. If you are looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift this year, consider getting a personalized apron and gift set or just a set of cork coasters for your Mom, Aunt, Step-Mom, Grandma or friend.
Here is a picture of the set; I know you will love it as much as I did when I saw it.

Last Minute Gift Ideas

2010-12-17T02:52:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for some last minute gift ideas, you can still get a good deal on shipping today in our Mainstreet Shirt store:
FREE 2-Day Shipping on ALL ORDERS - Use Code: JINGLESALE71 TODAY ONLY (December 17)

Cutie Pie Kawaii Jewelry Gift Necklace by MainstreetShirt
See other Kawaii Necklaces

Aunt Gift Worlds Best Butterfly Jewelry Gift by MainstreetShirt
Browse other silver necklace designs

2010-12-07T05:17:00.000-08:00

It's holiday baking time! All across America you can smell the cinnamon and cloves and taste the sweet goodness of all those yummy cookies, tea rings and gingerbread men being baked and sent to friends and family members. Everyone has their own favorite recipes, some of which have been passed down for generations. In our family, we make some of the following:
Russian Tea Cakes
Molasses Crinkles
Sugar Cookies
Cinnamon Rolls
Danish Tea Rings
Gingerbread Boys and Girls
Candy Cane Cookies
I remember my mother making fruit cakes for the neighbors. She would start hers a month or so before Christmas and put them away to mellow and absorb all the flavor, then take them around the neighborhood with a red or green bow on top of each tin.
If you love to bake, here are some fun recipe binders for your holiday collection. Just add your own pages and dividers.

Holiday Recipe Binder - 2" Size by golden_oldies

Christmas Gingerbread Recipe Cards by golden_oldies
Browse more Christmas recipe Postcards

Avery Top Secret Recipe Binder Security Folder by janbalaya
Browse other 3 ring binders on zazzle.com

Free Shipping Sale In My Zazzle Stores

2010-11-22T20:26:00.000-08:00

For those who love shopping in my Zazzle stores, I have a special holiday FREE SHIPPING offer for orders over $35 (not including tax).
*Use Code HOMEWISESHOP when you check out of any of my Zazzle stores, including the following:
MAD CONDUCTOR MUSIC
MAINSTREET SHIRT
SMALL POTATOES DESIGNS

*To qualify for this free shipping offer, one or more Zazzle products must be purchased with a net sale price equal to or greater than 35.00 dollars and economy shipping must be selected as the shipping option. The coupon code [ENTER CODE HERE] must be entered during checkout to receive the offer. The free shipping offer is for economy shipping to U.S. addresses only. Offer does not apply to premium ornaments, shoes, skateboards, binders, custom framed prints, or photo sculptures. Shipping charges will apply to oversized orders and orders being shipped on an expedited basis or outside the U.S. Offer is valid through December 10, 2010 at 11:59pm PT. Your order must be placed during that time to qualify for this special offer. This promotional offer may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or discount offers. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

Graduation Ornaments For Christmas

2010-11-11T02:37:00.000-08:00

If your son or daughter (grandson or granddaughter) graduation in the Class Of 2010 or will graduate this next spring in the Class Of 2011, a keepsake ornament will make a wonderful gift for them this Christmas. These work as Christmas ornaments or car mirror hangers, gift tie-ons or window decorations. Some are two sided, some are printed on one side only, but all have colorful grad designs to say "job well done".

I Still Love Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings

2010-10-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

My kids are avid Harry Potter fans, and so am I. I read an article the other day that said J.K. Rowling might consider writing more Harry books one of these days, but for the mean time our family still likes listening to the original series on audio in the car, on ipods or at night. There is something about Harry, Ron and Hermione that I find so endearing that it keeps me returning to read or listen repeatedly. I find The Lord of the Rings series to be the same, and was very happy to be introduced to The Tolkien Professor by my son. It is a wonderful website that includes podcasts of this professor's lectures on The Lord of the Rings and others of Tolkien's works. I'm looking forward to working my way through those as I work at my computer this month.

Here is a fun Gryffindor tee for all you Harry fans:

Gryffindor Quidditch Badge by harrypotter
Create a personalized shirt on zazzle

Shopping Ideas For Pet Lovers

2010-10-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

I've been lucky enough to become online friends with a very talented artist named Jean Fitzgerald. I love her wonderful pet art designs! She uses old masterpiece artwork and some of her own original art backgrounds to place dogs, cats, llamas and horses in to create wonderful, unique prints and gift items. My favorites are her holiday pet ornaments along with the pet art tote bags. I have also purchased her art on lovely wood and tile keepsake boxes and those who received them treasure them as a special gift.
I can't say enough good things about Jean. She loves animals, and it shows in her work. From taking in strays to creating one of a kind jewelry pieces for clients, she always aims to please and has many repeat customers. It's nice to know the world has wonderful people like her in it.
Here are a few of her beautiful designs and products for pet owners:

Fight Breast Cancer Through Showing Your Support For Families

2010-10-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

When a family member has breast cancer, it affects everyone. Friends too are so emotionally involved as someone they love is being treated for this all too common disease. October is breast cancer awareness month. Won't you consider holding a neighborhood walk or get-together to raise funds for research and treatment or to donate to someone in your community that may be battling breast cancer? Be creative in finding ways to encourage neighbors to donate or help.
Energy can be at a low when undergoing treatment. Think you're too busy to get involved in a big way? When someone you know is diagnosed, consider helping in the following ways as a neighborhood support group:
* make meals for the family that can be frozen and cooked or reheated on treatment days.
* mow the lawn or vacuum out a car for a patient.
* volunteer to walk younger children to the bus stop or to drive carpool.
* stop by to help children with homework
* drop off reading material or music
* send an inspirational card anonymously with a restaurant gift card
* offer to walk a pet for the patient.
These are just a few little things that might be helpful, depending on the treatment or disease stage. Don't forget to say a little prayer for the patient and their family too.

Take Advantage Of Zazzle's 5 Free Sample Cards

2010-09-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

At Homewise Shopper we are seeing a steady stream of Christmas shoppers starting to purchase their holiday gifts to tuck in closets and drawers, waiting for December 25th to arrive. Along with presents are season's greeting Christmas cards to purchase, and Zazzle is once again offering their "5 free cards" sampler this year so you can see which cards you would like to buy and send your friends and family for 2010.
Simple visit Zazzle's free sample holidays cards and choose 5 cards from the beautiful assortment on the page. When you receive them you can go back and order as many as you need to fill your card list, by taking advantage of the bulk discount for multiple card purchases.
You will need to pay shipping on the 5 free cards.
Here is our Homewise Shopper card offering for 2010, featuring the whimsical art of talented artist Ne' Metzger:

Santa Dog Merry Christmas Holiday Card Gift by MainstreetShirt
See more Christmas Cards

** Use promo code HOLIDAYCARDZ at checkout to receive up to 5 free cards from the selection

Simple Autumn Decorating Ideas

2010-09-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

I went to the grocery store today to get some dinner items for our house guests, and noticed that they had a full display of gourds, pumpkins, Indian corn and other goodies that spell 'fall'. It reminded me that it is time to think about decorating our porch for autumn. With everyone watching their pennies these days, I thought it might be good to post a list of inexpensive decorating ideas for families who want to add a little sparkle to their porch, windows or walkway this fall.
What To Buy:
If you live in a farming area, as we do, start your decorating with bales of hay!
Hay gives you a good base to build your display on, is inexpensive, and can make great mulch cover for garden beds when autumn is over. We get our hay from the local garden store, but feed stores and farmers markets are also good sources.
Once you have your base of hay bales, then you are ready to add some simple, colorful items that can be picked up at your local market. Try adding these:
- pots of mums (our grocery store has them 3/$10 this week)
- pumpkins
- gourds
- braids of Indian corn
And when you buy your straw bales, get one extra one to stuff a scarecrow with!
Use old clothes and a pillow case stuffed with straw to make your scarecrow. Put him in the center of your display and you will have a wonderful, welcoming home for the autumn holidays.
For Walkways:
Buy small pumpkins and small pots of mums, and alternate them in two rows framing your walkway. Don't forget to water your mums!
For Windows:
Tie Indian corn to windows in the same place you would put a small holiday wreath.
I hope you have fun decorating your home for Autumn!

Dancing With The Stars

2010-09-22T03:44:00.000-07:00

This week marked the start of the new season of Dancing With The Stars, Season 11 if you can believe it! I am a late comer to DWTS that started watching last season, but once I did, I was hooked. It takes a lot of guts for some of these performers to get out there and dance when they have little to no dancing experience to start with. I greatly admire the professional dancers who take them under their wing and teach them all the right moves for the dance floor.
The first dancer to go home this week was David Hasselhoff, but there are 11 more dancers still in the competition to win.
Cafepress recently partnered with ABC and allows its designers to make Dancing With The Stars fan t-shirts to show support for the various dance teams! Here are a few you can choose from.

Talk Like A Pirate Day!

2010-09-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

Argh, Matey! It will soon be "Talk Like A Pirate Day" and these funny Pirate themed t-shirts will help you celebrate in true pirate style. Get matching shirts for you and the kids or just dress baby in his or her own little swashbuckling tee shirt. Our pirate gear doubles well for a Halloween costume too!

Arrgh Matey Pirate Boy 3/4 Sleeve Raglan by gotrum
See more Shirts created on zazzle

Talk Like a Pirate Day by Treehuggin_Hippie
design your own tee shirts on zazzle.com

To Arrr is PIRATE! by Jack_of_Arts
See more Pirates T-Shirts

Lovely French Horn Frosted Mug

2010-09-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

This pretty horn music mug is a lovely gift for the french horn player in band or orchestra. Frosted mug has green horn design with flowers coming from the bell. You can personalize it with a name using the designer tool, to make a custom musical gift.

New Bookplate Stickers For Book Lovers

2010-09-02T00:09:00.000-07:00

Do you remember having any special books when you were a child, that had a bookplate in the front with your name on it? I do! My Aunt often brought me books as gifts when I was young, but usually she wrote an inscription in the front when she gave them to me, along with the date presented. But at some point, perhaps when I was an older child, I must have received a set of bookplate stickers that said "Nina, Her Book" on them. I loved those stickers and put them in my most treasured books!

Bookplates make lovely gifts for any book lover, and I've added some new ones to my Zazzle book lover gifts store this week. They are an inexpensive gift for a friend who loves to read, and best of all, you can personalize them so they are extra special, just by using the design tool!

I hope you will stop by to see them, and put them on your Christmas shopping list. Consider getting a book and a set of personalized bookplates as a gift for someone you love this year.

Vintage Fairy Reading Bookplate Stickers Gift by booklovergifts
Create ""shipping labels on zazzle

Cute Womens Personalized Bookplate Stickers Gift by booklovergifts
Make a ""label on zazzle

Bookish Library Reading Lady Bookplate Gift by booklovergifts
View more ""Bookplate Labels

Cute Bumble Bee Reading Bookplates by booklovergifts
See other ""Bookplate Stickers

Happy First Birthday Little Boy!

2010-08-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

In honor of my grandson's 1st Birthday this week, I'm adding some cute boy birthday tees just right for that special occasion. For his birthday gifts, I sent him some Toy Story 3 toys and book, and a big tall 21 year birthday candle in blue. I wish we didn't live so far away and could be there at his birthday party, but unfortunately 3,000 miles separate us at the moment.
So Happy Birthday McCoy!

I'm One 1st Birthday Blue Balloon Gift by MainstreetShirt

I'm One Rocketship Birthday Baby Tee Shirt by MainstreetShirt

School Class Pride For Kids

2010-08-25T04:12:00.000-07:00

My son starts back to school next week. He will be in the graduating Class Of 2014! We're seeing lots of visitors to our store looking for school class t-shirts for their kids to wear this year. Whether they are a graduating senior in the Class Of 2011, or a kindergarten student moving on to 1st grade next year, graduation class tee shirts and hats are a fun way to show school class pride.

Here are a couple of examples of what you can find in my back to school class pride section for kids and high school or college seniors:

Garfield Gifts For Back To School

2010-08-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Most all of my kids love Garfield, that funny fat cat with an attitude! We have the cartoon anthology collections in more than one of their bedroom shelves downstairs at our house. If you are also a Garfield lover, here are some really cute back to school gifts to show your affection for America's favorite kitty. There are mugs and mousepads for teachers, funny Garfield t-shirts for kids and lots of other gifts.

Garfield Spills The Beans Mug by garfield

Garfield Worldwide Mousepad by garfield
View more Worldwide Mousepads

Garfield Grin mousepad by garfield

Garfield Logobox Agree With Me Mug by garfield
Browse Garfield Mugs

Seasons Of Change

2010-08-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

Bloom Where Planted Garden Print by MainstreetShirt
View other Mainstreetshirt Posters

All of us face changes in our lives. It's inevitable. Some changes are wonderful, like the coming of your wedding day or the arrival of a child. Some changes are difficult, like the death of a loved one or the loss of a spouse through divorce. No one plans on these latter kinds of changes, and we all hope never to face them. But when the inevitable happens, it is how we face those changes that makes the difference in finding happiness and peace in the days ahead. Right now, many of us are facing changes in our employment status. The economy is not recovering as well as we had hoped. Our family has been fortunate in keeping our current jobs, but I have a son who graduated in the spring with a Masters Degree in Public Administration who has not yet found a job in his field. And I have a close relative who is going through a painful divorce right now, and working to find a new sense of security and joy in a life that is different than she planned. Another of my children is currently in basic training in the Army, soon to be assigned to his first duty station with his young family. It is definitely a time of change for them!
For all of us who are experiencing change in our lives, here is a special design to remind us that we can thrive in adversity and find joy in the little things in life.

Bloom Where You Are Planted gifts and t-shirts by MainstreetShirt.

Gotta Love A Drumline Cadence

2010-08-19T19:53:00.001-07:00

When our kids were in their high school marching band, I loved to hear our drumline perform their marching cadence. After concerts and football games, the drumline would still be revved up and ready to go, and would wind their way through the parking lot or the halls of the school, energetically belting out our cadence. It was impossible not to feel excited and proud of our band! My kids played brass instruments, but they had friends in the percussion section, so here are a few shirts just for all those drummers in school bands around the country:

Tattoo Hear Drumline by TeeShirtsTShirts
Tees made by zazzle

Grunge Blue Drumline T-shirt by madconductor
Create a custom t-shirt at Zazzle

Back To College Gear For Guys and Gals

2010-08-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

It's time to head back to college for many young adults, who are busy shopping for fun t-shirts and other wardrobe essentials to take along with them. Instead of settling for the usual fare in your local mall, check out some of these unique and funny college themed designs on shoes, tees, hoodies, dorm decor and more.

I Love Heart My Boyfriend Tennis Shoes by TeeShirtsTShirts

Math Geeks Rock by TeeShirtsTShirts

Your Public Education Tax Dollars by TeeShirtsTShirts

Economics Major by TeeShirtsTShirts

School Shirts For Kids Who Love To Read

2010-08-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

Most of my kids just love to read and will pick up most anything from old classics to new classics, adventure books to funny cartoon anthology books. And I admit it, they get their love of reading from me. We've always done a lot of reading aloud in our family too.
So here are a few of my favorite t-shirt choices for the reading crowd for back to school:

Gryffindor Crest Gold and Red by harrypotter
Tees made by zazzle

Funny Bookworm READ Gift by booklovergifts
More Bookworm T-Shirts

Harry and Ginny 1 by harrypotter
Many more t-shirts online at zazzle

Favorite Cartoon Kids T-shirts For Back To School

2010-08-09T05:22:00.000-07:00

Kids love to sport their favorite cartoon characters on school shirts, shoes and book bags. When I was growing up I loved Batman, Superman and Spiderman, and even had a Batman lunch pail for taking my school lunch in. Many of these vintage characters have become popular once again and are available on back to school apparel for 2010. Here are a few of my hand-picked favorites:

Superman by dccomics
Browse more Superman Keds Shoes

SUPERMAN T-SHIRT by dccomics
Shop the t-shirts section of zazzle

Daffy Duck With a Great Idea by looneytunes
Make customized t-shirt on zazzle

Cute Back To School Gear For Teachers

2010-08-07T03:34:00.000-07:00

We've noticed a lot of shoppers in our store, looking for back to school teacher t-shirts. Even though there are a few more weeks of summer ahead, many schools are starting back to class this month. It's fun to have a few new shirts in your school wardrobe for the 1st day of school or to wear on teacher work days.

Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Cute Retro First Grade by teachertshirts

4th Grade Teacher Cap by teachertshirts

Flowered School Principal by teachertshirts

Books For Cooks With A Little Murder Thrown In

2010-07-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

I love to read, and can't resist a good murder mystery especially if it also involves food in some way. I'm a fan of the Dianne Mott Davidson series about Goldy, a caterer in Colorado. This week I'm reading a new series by Melinda Wells, whose main character is Della, a gal who runs a cooking school and who has a brand new cooking show! Unfortunately her first show results in murder live on tv. The back of the book has some of the recipes featured in the novel - yum!
If you like to read and cook, you might like her books too. Summer is the perfect time to grab a few paperbacks and take them on vacation with you.

Our World From Space

2010-07-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

I can remember how much fun it was as a kid to spend a summer night looking up at the stars and wondering what our world looked like from space. One special memory is of a meteor shower at summer camp, with the sky filled with shooting stars burning up as they fell towards the earth. It was so peaceful, just lying on my back, looking for familiar constellations and counting the stars as they fell.
Today I found an online store that offers beautiful satellite photos of earth from space, and I'm featuring it here in my blog so other earth lovers can find prints to frame on your walls, bringing just a little bit of our-world-from-space home. Here are a few examples:

Pearl Harbor Hawaii From Space by terraprints
More Pearl Posters

Happy 4th Of July

2010-07-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

The summer travel season is in full swing with plenty of cars on the road. For a recent trip our family rented an SUV, as our own minivan now has 133,000 miles on it and has seen better days in its 12 yr lifespan. What fun to have a 'new' car to drive! There will be many families heading to the shore or the mountains this weekend to celebrate the 4th of July. I just wanted to say, be safe! Here are several simple safety tips to make your holiday better.

Watch your speed - just a little extra caution can save lives. When I was in Yosemite recently, the park had placed little caution signs with a picture of a bear on them and the caption "Speed Kills Bears", a reminder to slow down.

Be courteous - let the other driver merge in when he needs to. Getting to your vacation spot 5 minutes sooner isn't really that important, is it?

Lock your car if you leave it, even for a short time - unfortunately it only takes a second for a thief to slip into your car and steal a purse, a Garmin or an ipod left on a seat unattended.

So have a safe and wonderful Fourth and enjoy your BBQ, picnic, camping trip or beach vacation. Happy traveling!

What's Up With Twilight?

2010-06-30T05:05:00.000-07:00

I've read the books and watched the first two movies, and I liked them. But I wouldn't consider myself a true Twihard. My teenage daughter is a different matter. She loves Twilight! We're going to see the new Eclipse movie later this summer when she is home for a visit. But for those of you who have been counting down to June 30, 2010 for this next installment in the theater, TODAY IS THE DAY.
So whether you are rooting for Team Jacob or Team Edward, you'll find cute Twilight themed t-shirts at HomewiseShopper.

Getting Ready For Summer

2010-06-03T02:01:00.001-07:00

Today is the last day of school for my 8th grader. This year we are leaving on vacation in two days so the "I'm bored and don't have anything to do" part of summer won't start yet for our family.
I remember feeling overwhelmed by summer in years past, when all the children were home. It took effort to keep everyone busy and productive during those long summer months. About a month before, I would start preparing for summer to make sure there would be fun things to do when the last school bell rang and the kids came home shouting "freedom"! I bought interesting craft kits, English and math activity books, new toys to play with and other stuff.
And here are some of the things we did to make our summer fun:

It may sound overly structured, but I always made sure we kept to a schedule of sorts. Everyone had to be up by a decent hour, and have chores and breakfast over by 10 or so. Then we had activity time, which included things like games, reading, crafts, or attending the summer reading programs at the library. On some days we would go to the park, and we always had at least one 'field trip day' each week where I would take the kids for a day trip to somewhere around our area. Hershey's Chocolate World was a must, as was Gettysburg, the Baltimore Zoo, the Maryland Science Center, the museum in Harrisburg, etc.
Playing with friends had to wait until after lunch, and t.v. was limited to 2 hrs a day, time enough to watch a favorite Disney movie. If a good movie was playing at the theater, we'd take that in as well.
I hope my kids have great memories of all the time we spent together during those long summers.

A New Look

2010-06-01T03:22:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm Nina and this is my blog...
I'm so excited to unveil the new look of my Homewise Shopper blog! These are some of the things you can look forward to finding here:

More fun products from my stores to buy online

Links to hand-picked products from shops I love

Parenting tips from my years of experience raising 7 kids

Info on topics such as autism, Alzheimer's disease, twins and more

Update alerts for my favorite recipes blog to help you keep your family fed

Genealogy links and research information

Musings and mutterings, Nina-style

I hope you'll visit often and join me in a laugh or a cry, and please feel free to share your comments and tips as well! I look forward to hearing from you.

Searching For Hard To Find Gifts

2010-05-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

We all have someone who is just plain hard to buy a gift for. Maybe it's Uncle Ted who already has everything he would need or want. Or maybe you have a friend or family member whose hobbies or occupation are a bit out of the ordinary.
If you know you have someone that is difficult in this regard, don't wait until the last minute to shop for them. Planning ahead can give you time to search the internet for the perfect gift in time for their birthday or Christmas.
At Homewise Shopper, I try hard to offer gifts and t-shirt designs for people you might not find something for otherwise. When you are online shopping, I hope you will take a few minutes to see what we have available.
Here are some examples:

Things Very Special - Great New Shopping Site

2010-03-12T15:59:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you find a website that is the kind you just have to bookmark and go back to over and over. Let me tell you about one that I think you will put into that category!
A friend of mine is the genius behind a wonderful, fresh new apparel shopping website that offers quality products and really great customer service.
It is called THINGS VERY SPECIAL, and that is exactly what you will find when you stop by for a visit. From the clean layout to the wonderful designs that are available on a nice selection of clothing, you will find this website to be a cut above others you may have shopped at recently.
What makes this site special?
*Exclusive Designs - look for the round orange label to find fresh, family friendly designs that are exclusive to this website. You won't find these anywhere else on the web.
*Personalization Available - many designs on the site can be personalized by requesting a different phrase or by adding a custom name to the design.
*Fast, professional shipping - when you receive your first order, you will see immediately why Things Very Special is extra special when it comes to customer service.
*Quality Brands - from Rabbit Skins infant apparel to Hyp dorm tees, Anvil recycled tshirts and canvas tote bags to Gildan mens t shirts, you will find great clothing in a large selection of colors and sizes.
ThingsVerySpecial.com is run by a dedicated staff who will give attention to each detail of your order, from the careful production through the timely shipping.
Here is a glance at one set of men's tshirts, the pigmentdyed tees:

You will find some of our most popular Homewiseshopper designs offered at Things Very Special too, so take advantage of being able to get them customized just for you in a whole new way.

New designs are being added daily. Shop now for Earth Day 2010 organic t-shirts, birthdays, Irish lover tees, personalized name gifts, funny slogan shirts, foodie gifts, sibling tshirts and much more.

Set A New Year's Resolution

2010-01-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

Every year many of us set New Year's Resolutions to improve ourselves in one way or another. Popular resolutions include:

Lose Weight

Exercise More

Get out of debt

But there are many other resolutions that can be set. Consider some of the following:

Volunteer once a month in your community.

Read one literary book a month.

Walk for a cause in 2010.

Visit a nearby place you've always wanted to stop at but never took time for.

Grow one thing you can eat in your yard or in your windowsill.

Eat one new cuisine you've never tried before.

Whatever you decide to do, make 2010 a year you can look back on with satisfaction. For the rest of this week, I'll be posting links to some websites that can help you achieve some of the goals listed above, or that carry products related to them. Be sure to check back!

Give An Old Or Rare Book For Christmas

2009-11-13T02:23:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a unique gift for someone very special on your Christmas list? If you have a reader to buy for, try shopping at Abe's Books. There are literally millions of great, old, hard to find books available with a little something for almost everyone. I have purchased books from Abe's and found the site to be easy to navigate and the offerings to be just what I was looking for. I bought some old books that were favorites from my childhood. It was a delight to find them online. In the old days, my Dad would take me to the local used book store and I would hope that the store might have something I was looking for. Fast forward to the ease of online shopping today, and I can simply go to the AbesBooks site to find what I want to read and own.

Note: I am an affiliate of AbesBooks and will receive compensation for purchases made on their site.

Homewise Shopper Kids

2009-10-09T05:32:00.000-07:00

Christmas shopping season is beginning! If you are looking for cute kids tees for children or grandkids then please stop by our new HomewiseShopper Kids online site where you will find affordable personalized kids clothing with adorable designs.

Plus Size Fashions From Home

2009-09-10T02:13:00.001-07:00

For those of us who fit the category of full-figured women, it can be frustrating to find nice plus size fashion apparel especially if you live in a small town with little shopping. Even the mall in our neighboring town does not have a decent plus size fashion store.
So why not try shopping online? It will save a lot of aggravation and the choices for plus size clothing online is continuing to expand.
One example? SWAK Designs. Their tagline is, trendy plus size ladies fashions from 1X to 6X. This is only one example. There are other choices online as well. So take a few minutes to look around and bookmark some websites to try, and see if you can't make shopping for yourself a much easier experience.

First Day Of School

2009-08-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of School for my middle school aged son. He was groaning a bit as he headed out the door with a loaded backpack, a check for lunch money and a bright red shirt the school provided for him to wear so he could be recognized in the halls, as he is an 8th grade leader helping to transition the new 7th graders in on their first day.
The problem for me is, it is still August 25th and that seems much too early for the 1st day of school! I did a small amount of school shopping last week, but I just can't seem to get it into my head that school days are truly here again. That means I need to do some serious shopping soon, as my son grew like a weed all summer long and all of his pants are way too short and most of his shirts look like they shrunk even though they didn't.
I may do the rest of my shopping online as the crowds at my local discount store are sure to be large. They always are.
If you're interested in Green Life shopping for your back to school needs, I found a store online that offers everything from recycled OBon Binders to recycled newspaper pencils, even recycled juice pack lunchboxes! Here is their link:

Summer's Last Fling

2009-08-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

My son only has two weeks until school starts up again. He is feeling the 'end of summer blues' and lamenting that it won't be long until the alarm will go off every morning, and he will be back in the routine of homework. I hope it will be a good year this year. Middle school can be hard.
Teachers are also busy getting their classrooms prepared for the onslaught of children's voices and backpacks, questions and laughter. To let kids know who you are, why not wear an embroidered polo shirt with your name and the grade you teach on it? And some schools have special dress-down days for teachers on Fridays where they can wear t-shirts and jeans to school.
So here are some teacher tshirts and hats for back to school wear.

2nd Grade Teacher Hat by teachertshirts

I Heart Kindergarten Teacher by teachertshirts

Funny School Principal T-shirt by teachertshirts

So what are you doing for summer's last fling? Does your family take a last vacation before school begins, or do you spend your time at the pool or the beach if you're lucky enough to live near one. Video games and movies are popular at our house, and since I don't let my son watch them on school days, he wants to make sure he gets his fill before 'real life' sets back in. We also like to make day trips to historical sites and lucky for me, he seems to enjoy learning how to cook so we've been exploring some culinary treats. Whatever you like to do before school starts, enjoy it while you can!

Great Shopping Tip For Moms - Keep Your Pantry Stocked

2009-07-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

In June I blogged about a great tip for any busy Mom - keeping your pantry full and a list of easy recipes close at hand. If you didn't get a chance to read that post, look in our June archive.
Since then, my friend and I have added a number of great recipes for you to try, as well as links and reviews of food products we have found in our local grocery stores that seemed good candidates for the "Easy Dinner Hall Of Fame". So far, everything we have tried has been successful. I know we are bound to hit some stinkers eventually, but you can feel confident that everything we have added to Our Go To Recipes so far will be something your family with enjoy and you will find fast and nutritious.

Announcing Our Brand New Homewise Shopper Mall

2009-07-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time coming, but I can finally announce that my Homewise Shopper mall is open and ready for online visitors to queue up for some really fun t-shirts and gifts, all in one place.
My goal was to bring all of my own designs and products together under one online roof, and also to have a place where I could offer the best from other designers to my shoppers as well.
I hope you will stop by for a visit! It's a great site to bookmark for holiday shopping, as all our products are family friendly, and I think you'll find the layout will save you time as you search for just the right presents for that special friend or family member.

Easy Summer Shopping For Cute Kids T-shirts

2009-07-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

These adorable t-shirts can be purchased easily by clicking the buy now button. No need to look through an entire website. If you need a quick birthday gift for a niece, nephew or grandchild, one of these designs might be just right. To see all products, just click the blue arrow before hitting the buy now button.

Go To Recipes And A Well Stocked Pantry

2009-06-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

Let's face it. Everyone is busy these days and it's hard to get dinner on the table without yet another quick trip to the grocery store for a missing ingredient, or ending up stopping at the closest fast food restaurant instead.
A friend of mine had the great idea to put together a blog chock full of go to recipes, along with a pantry list of what to keep on hand for making them. That way, when it's time to make supper, you can be sure that the necessary items are on hand and ready to go.

Tip: I do one "major" shopping trip monthly, where I replenish my pantry. The rest of the month, I try to go once or twice a week to get fresh ingredients to add to what I have on hand, concentrating on whatever our local stores have in their buy-one-get-one-free ads. It works for me.

So check out the pantry list on the blog, and be sure and add those ingredients to your next shopping list if you'd like to try out our recipes.

More 2009 Calendars For Keeping Track Of Your Life

2009-01-26T06:47:00.001-08:00

The Homewise Shopper recommends these cute 2009 Wall Calendars for adding charm to your home or office and a way to keep track of your life. All come from talented designers on CafePress.com

Buy Your Pet A Personalized Pet Bowl

2009-01-23T04:31:00.000-08:00

It's time for your special fur baby's birthday celebration. What to get the pampered kitty or pooch that has everything? How about a personalized pet bowl with their custom name added! At Main Street Pets, you can order personalized pet bowls in small or large sizes and choose from various designs.
Here are some examples you can choose from:

2009 Calendars

2009-01-09T03:07:00.000-08:00

Looking for a unique calendar or two for 2009? These are beautiful and make nice gifts for office friends or treat yourself. I have several oversized wall calendars in my house because I like to check the date but also because they make nice wall decorations. And these calendars are on sale at 40% off for a limited time. Enjoy!

Cupcakes 2009 by candystore

Camelot 2009 Calender by Nightmareartist

Tulips 2009 Calendar by SabineSt

Hot Rod 2009 Calendar #2 by gabany

2009 Calendar by bessieho

calendar 2009-paintings for children by Lucia_Salemi

2009 The Life of Jesus Calendar by elizdesigns

Happy 2009 - Grab A T-shirt at 20.09% Off

2009-01-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

Zazzle is running a fun 2009 t-shirt sale through tomorrow at midnight (Jan. 6th). All t-shirts are 20.09% off. How cool is that?
So stop by some of these fine shops and take a peek at all the new t-shirt designs they've added recently. Plus take advantage of the sale price.
Use coupon code ZTSHIRTS2009.

Blond Big Sister Spring 2009 by familymembers
t-shirts made by www.Zazzle.com

Happy New Year's T-shirts by newyearstshirts
Tees made by zazzle

Bionic Edgy Logo Tees and Gifts by TeeShirtsTShirts
Shirts from www.zazzle.com

Union Eight - A World Famous Brand On Zazzle

2008-11-17T19:39:00.000-08:00

In honor of the official birth of Union Eight, in conjunction with Zazzle, Union Eight is having a three-day 2008 Holiday Sale, as a gift to its loyal customers, and also a gift to new customers who are searching for Christmas savings this year due to the bad economy. "This is our special Christmas gift to you, and we hope you'll come back and shop with us throughout the year." The following Union Eight stores are offering major price reductions:

T-shirts
and Gifts

Cowpie Creek

Beautiful
T-shirts And Family Gifts

Teewit

TeeShirtsTShirts
Awesome Tee Shirts and Gifts

SpeakUpDesigns
Irish T-Shirts

Peacock
Cards T-shirts and Gifts

Union
Eight

Homewise Shopper Says Shop Union Eight

2008-11-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

The Homewise Shopper thinks there is no better place online for unique Christmas gifts for friends and family members than at Union Eight. They offer over 70 unique shops including kids t-shirts, Grandma gifts, holiday designs on mugs, aprons, t-shirts and tote bags, funny tee shirts for teens and adults, vegan wear, stick figure designs, embroidered apparel and much more. For quick and easy Christmas shopping and great personalized products, visit the many shops at Union Eight.

3 Day 2008 Holiday Sale Of Reduced Priced Products At All >Sagart Shops

3 Day Christmas Sale On Small Potatoes Kids FromOctoberChild T-shirts

Special Sale This Week at Cowpie Creek, Stick People And Veggie Shirts

Special Discounts At Peacock Cards Shops This Week!

What Is Union Eight?
"Union Eight is a cooperative effort by eight individuals who are contributing individual talents to a collective effort to maximize their ability to penetrate niche markets; gain a larger percentage of the market share in niche arenas; and maximize net profitability by merging efforts to promote and sell material goods."

October Child For Christmas Gift Ideas

2008-11-15T07:06:00.000-08:00

Visit OCTOBER CHILD T-SHIRTS AND GIFTS for great holiday gift selections.
Why run all over the mall when you can one-stop-shop at a great online source? We carry t-shirts and gift items like music lover t-shirts, book lover gifts, mom to be maternity designs, kids and baby cartoon t-shirts, travel shirts for the 50 states, embroidered teacher polos and other job tees and many other perfect holiday gift ideas. So come on by and shop awhile.

Cute Embroidered Shirts and Gifts

2008-11-04T05:30:00.000-08:00

A new phenomenon has emerged in online shopping this week. It's the advent of EOD - Embroidery On Demand from Zazzle. Now you can add your own artwork or family logo to polo shirts, tote bags, caps and jackets, and Zazzle will convert them to real embroidery. It is an expensive process but unlike anything else available to the home shopper.
Or, you can choose from many pre-embroidered designs in the Zazzle marketplace. The shirts, caps and jackets have beautiful designs and make great gifts for holiday shoppers.
Here are a few of my favorite Zazzle sites that are offering real embroidery products this fall:
Silly String Embroidery - great selection of embroidered shirts and gifts for all ages.

Attitude Embroidered Unicorn - In Your Dreams! by silly_strings
Get shirts embroidered online with zazzle.com
View more Creatures Races Embroidered Shirts

Silly Embroidered Funny Monkey Funky Monkey by silly_strings
Make embroidered sweatshirts online with zazzle
Browse other Humor Sayings Embroidered Shirts

Happy Birthday Times Three

2008-10-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

If you have kids, you have birthdays. Lots of them. And they seem to come around before you know it each year! With seven kids I've done my share of parties, from pirate to princess.
One of our birthday traditions with all of our kids were these huge over-sized candles that stand about two feet tall on the table. You burn off the old year and save the remainder for next year's celebration. It takes several hours to burn off a year, the candle is so big. I had one as a child and all my kids did too. It was a real part of making the day special for them (and for me).
I was so thrilled to see the exact same candles are still available!. Our first little granddaughter turns one in just over a month; guess what one of her gifts will be?
21 YEAR BIRTHDAY CANDLE
And to wear on her special day? A darling 1st Birthday T-shirt

Butterfly I'm 1 Birthday by kids_birthdays of Union Eight.

Baby Girl It's My 1st Birthday by kids_birthdays
Now, why is this blog post titled Happy Birthday Times Three? Because on Nov. 2nd, our twin sons turn 21 this year. And the day after on Nov. 3rd, our daughter turns 18.
I have made SO many birthday cakes in November over the years (did I mention that my husband's birthday is also in November?). I wanted each one to feel special so they all had their own cakes. Here is a great chocolate buttermilk cake recipe:
Chocolate Buttermilk Cake Recipe
4 sqrs Baking Chocolate
1 cup Butter
2 1/4 cups Granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups Buttermilk or sour milk
3 cups Sifted cake flour
1 tsp Baking soda
1/2 tsp Baking powder
1/2 tsp Salt
5 Large Eggs, separated
1 tsp Vanilla
Oven Temp ~ 350° Baking Time ~ 30 - 35 Min.
Pan Type ~ Three 9 inch round pans
Preheat oven, grease and flour pans.
Melt the baking chocolate over simmering water, and add to the butter and sugar creamed together well. Add buttermilk
and flour which has been sifted with the baking soda, baking
powder, and salt, alternately, then add the well-beaten egg
yolks, and the egg whites, stiffly whipped, and lastly the
vanilla. Pour into prepared cake pans.
Bake.

Scrapbook Supplies For Home Shoppers

2008-10-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

I'm a Scrapbook Diva by scrapbooking
If you're into scrapbooking you have probably found that it's a lot easier to buy supplies online that it is to go to all those cutesy little scrapbook parties that I'm always getting postcards for. Or maybe you've never looked online for supplies? If not, let me give you some suggestions for great places to purchase scrapbook paper, stickers, cutters, albums, graphics you can run off yourself, stamps and more. You'll soon wonder why you ever bothered loading all the kids into the car for a trip to your local craft store when internet shopping is at your fingertips.
Stop by some of these wonderful sites when it's time to stock up on supplies:
Scrapbooking Supplies R Us
Scrapbook.com
Scrapbooking Warehouse

Stick Figure Scrapbook Queen by
scrapbooking

And for graphics to run off at home:
Cheryl Seslar Designs
Country Clipart.com
ScrapbookScrapbook.com

Did Someone Say Scrapbook by
scrapbooking

Shopping For Baking Supplies Online

2008-10-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

I used to bake a lot when my kids were all at home. Cookies, applesauce and banana cakes, apple crisp, blueberry buckle, homemade bread. You name it and I have probably baked it over the years. I still bake for special occasions and of course around the holidays.
But I never thought about buying specialty baking ingredients online until a friend of mine told me she gets her almond paste that way for a special holiday cookie she likes to bake. Almond paste, online? Yessiree, and it's great paste according to her. The price is reasonable, you get a seven pound can, enough to make lots of almond flavored goodies come Christmas. I'm going to buy a can myself this year and try it out because I'm a big fan of bear claws and Danish tea rings. It just might become a tradition for us too.
Here's the link: Nuts Online Almond Paste. I hope you'll like it as much as she does.

Mom's Bakery T-Shirt by
Mom's Bakery Apron
by

CowPieCreek

Here is the recipe for the applesauce cake I used to make for kids:

APPLESAUCE CAKE (From the 1971 Betty Crocker cookbook)

2 ½ cups Gold Medal Flour* or Softasilk Cake Flour (Do not use Self-Rising Flour in this recipe.)
2 cups sugar
1 ½ teaspoons soda
1 ½ teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon allspice
1 ½ cups canned applesauce
½ cup water
½ cup shortening
2 eggs (1/3 to ½ cup)
1 cup raisins
½ cup finely chopped walnuts

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour baking pan, 13x9x2 inches, or 2 round layer pans, 8 or 9x1 ½ inches. Measure all ingredients into large mixer bow. Blend ½ minute on low speed, scraping bowl constantly. Beat 3 minutes high speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pan(s).

Bake oblong 60 to 65 minutes, layers 50 to 55 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Put topping on warm cake:

BUTTERSCOTCH BROILED TOPPING

1/4 cup Soft Butter or Margarine
2/3 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
1 Cup Finely Chopped Nuts (I used English Walnuts)
2 Tablespoons Milk

Mix thoroughly butter, brown sugar and nuts. Stir in milk. Spread mixture evenly over warm 13x9-inch cake. Set oven control at broil and/or 550 degrees. Place cake 5 inches from heat and broil about 3 minutes or until topping bubbles and browns slightly. (Watch carefully--mixture burns easily.) Note: it only took a minute and a half in my stove.

FROSTS A 13X9-INCH CAKE

Planning For Taxes

2008-10-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it, more arguments start in our house over money than anything else. Other than that, my husband and I get along just fine. And the money arguments are more along the lines of my husband's "I hate taxes and I don't want to pay them this time, the government can just wait another week or two" to my "but we have to pay them on time". I keep thinking if we could just plan better, it wouldn't be such a hot issue between us. The money for the taxes would be sitting in the bank ready to go. Did you know you can pay quarterly estimated tax payments electronically and not have to send in a check?
Here is information from the IRS website regarding estimated tax payments:
Topic 355 - Estimated Tax

The federal income tax is a pay–as–you–go tax. This means the tax must be paid on income as it is received. Tax is generally withheld from your wages or salary before you receive it, and may also be withheld from other types of income such as pensions and unemployment compensation if requested. However, tax is generally not withheld from income such as alimony, interest, dividends, rental income, self–employment income, and capital gains. You may be required to pay estimated tax on these types of income. Estimated tax is the method of paying tax on income not subject to withholding and on other income from which not enough tax is withheld. Generally, you do not have to make estimated tax payments if your prior year's tax return will show no tax liability.

Generally, you should make estimated tax payments for the tax year if you will owe more than the amount specified by law, after withholding and credits, and the total amount of tax withheld and your credits will be less than the smaller of:

1. 90% of the tax to be shown on your current year's tax return, or
2. 100% of the tax shown on your prior year's tax return, if your prior year's tax return covered all 12 months of the year. However, if your prior year's adjusted gross income exceeded the amount specified by law for your filing status for the current year, then your tax withheld and credits must total 110% instead of 100% of your prior year's tax.

Refer to Form 1040-ES (PDF) to figure your estimated tax liability for the current year.

Your first estimated tax payment for each year is due April 15th. You may pay the entire year's estimated tax at that time, or you may pay your estimated tax in four payments.

The four payments are due April 15th, June 15th, September 15, of the tax year and January 15, of the following year. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is delayed until the next business day. You may have to pay a penalty if you do not pay enough tax through withholding or estimated tax payments, or if you fail to make required estimated tax payments by the due dates. Estimated tax payments are used to pay all the taxes on your return, including federal income tax, self–employment tax, and household employment tax. Topic 306 provides additional information on the estimated tax penalty.

Estimated tax requirements are different for farmers and fishermen. Publication 505 , Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, provides more information about these special estimated tax rules and about estimated tax in general. - see http://www.irs.gov for more information on tax payment.

Daddy's Little Tax Deduction
by

teewitbaby

Hand Me Over! by teewitbaby

What To Buy A Gardener For Christmas

2008-10-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

Christmas is coming, and you have a gardener on your list to shop for. But what to buy a gardener in the wintertime? If you lived in Pennsylvania like I do, you probably wouldn't buy garden tools or gardening gloves since he or she wouldn't be using them until spring planting time.
How about a gardening themed t-shirt, then? Your garden lover friend could wear it from the moment she or he opens their Christmas gift, and will enjoy it all year round. Here are some cute gardening t-shirts from Peacock Cards to choose from.

Garden Goddess
by gardening

Gardener at Play by
gardening

Buy Fall Chestnuts Online

2008-10-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

Great gift idea:
Buy a fun Christmas mug, fill with chestnuts and a card with these instructions on how to roast them in the oven:
ROASTED CHESTNUTS
Things You’ll Need:

* Chestnuts
* Salt
* Baking Sheets
* Paring Knives
Step1
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Step2
Clean off chestnuts.
Step3
Use a sharp paring knife to cut an X into one side of each chestnut, or prick chestnuts with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Step4
Arrange chestnuts on a baking sheet or in a shallow pan, with the cut or pricked sides up.
Step5
Roast in oven for 15 to 25 minutes, or until chestnuts are tender and easy to peel.
Step6
Peel the nuts when they are cool enough to handle, and enjoy.

Here are some great looking Christmas mugs to fill with chestnuts for gift giving:

Happy Holidays Cat Christmas Mug by christmas_tshirts

Christmas Star Angel Mug by christmas_tshirts

Homewise Shopper Favorite Christmas Shopping Sites

2008-10-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

Last week the Homewise Shopper hinted that the time has come to start shopping online for Christmas 2008. For the next few weeks, I will give a weekly "favorite site" award and feature some of my favorite t-shirts and gifts for holiday season 2008. Look for the Christmas gift photo at the top of the blog post and you'll know that you've found my best pick for online holiday shopping for the week.
My first "best Christmas shopping" site award goes to Christmas Mug Gifts, where you'll find the cutest Christmas gifts imaginable. The nice thing about a mug is that almost anyone can use one, and it can be filled with something special to round out the gift.
Here are a few suggestions for what to tuck in a mug before you wrap it up and tie on that ribbon:
^ Starbucks or other coffeehouse gift cards
^ Hot chocolate packets for the kids (or chocoholic on your list)
^ Christmas candies or mints
^ Gift certificates to just about anywhere
^ Don't forget to add a special "love note"!
Find Gingerbread Man mugs, Occupation mugs, and especially Funny Coffee Lover mugs.
Here are some examples:

Candy Cane Gingerbread Men
by

christmasmuggifts

World's Best Vet, Woman
by
christmasmuggifts
So please stop by Christmas Mug Gifts and check out all their great holiday mugs. You're sure to find one for everyone on your list.

Announce Your Pregnancy With A T-shirt

2008-10-02T04:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, you've been hoping and planning for a baby to come and join your family. FINALLY, you think the moment is here. You stop and pick up a home pregnancy kit and wait anxiously for the results. Yes! It's true, your little one is on the way. Now how to tell the world? Homewise Shopper recommends using a fun maternity announcement t-shirt. It's an easy way to share your exciting baby-on-the-way news with friends and family. Here are a few cute ones I saw online at Tee Wit Maternity Designs.

Guess What- Pregnancy Test
by

TeewitMaternity

Preggo
by

TeewitMaternity

Create a Customized Tshirt Using www.zazzle.com
Browse Special Occasions T-Shirts

Design Your Own T-shirts For Christmas Gift Giving

2008-09-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in life you meet someone that has "genius" stamped all over them. I got lucky a few months ago and met just such a person on the internet. His creativity has no bounds! Lucky for shoppers, he applies a lot of that genius to designing great tools that let the home shopper create the perfect gift.
Here's an example:
Have you ever wanted just the right I Heart shirt for a friend of your special honey? Well then you just have to check out I Love Heart Shirts.
On this website, you can make any I Heart design you can think of, and it doesn't have just the traditional red heart, either. Choose from American Flag hearts, Tattoo hearts, world hearts, pink ribbon hearts and more. Add a name and you've got a unique gift that is sure to please.
So jump on over to I Love Heart Shirts today.

The creator of this cool design your own heart shirt website is also a member of Union Eight, the best new brand around for home internet shopping. I'll be featuring more of his innovative shopping sites in weeks to come, so come back often!

Raise Awareness About Breast Cancer

2008-09-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

T-Shirt - Think Pink Breast Cancer by breastcancertshirts
This past month I had a bit of a scare. My annual mammogram came back showing something the doctor thought needed a second look. I was sent for a diagnostic mammogram which happily determined that all was well, no breast cancer for this gal right now. The radiologist showed me the area of concern, a place that looked like a mass on the underside of my breast on the first mammo. It was such a relief to know it was a false alarm.

Still, I sat in a waiting room full of women, many of whom had already been diagnosed with breast cancer and were back for screening follow-ups. I felt so bad hearing their stories of having lost a mother or sister to breast cancer and how breast cancer runs in their families. There but for the grace of God...
So please, have your annual screenings! Do breast self-exams regularly. I know I will be from now on.
To raise awareness about this important issue in women's health, here are some great breast cancer t-shirts from SagArt Gallery.

T-Shirt - Breast Cancer Walk
by

breastcancertshirts

T-Shirt - Breast Cancer Fight
by

breastcancertshirts

According to the American Cancer Society, all women over the age of 40 should have yearly mammograms.

4 Important Things to Know About Mammograms

1. They can save your life. Finding breast cancer early reduces your risk of dying from the disease by 25 - 30% or more. Women should begin having mammograms yearly at age 40, or earlier if they're at high risk.
2. Don't be afraid. It's a fast procedure (about 5 - 10 minutes), and discomfort is minimal. The procedure is safe: there's only a very tiny amount of radiation exposure from a mammogram. To relieve the anxiety of waiting for results, go to a center that will give you results before you leave.
3. Get the best quality you can. If you have dense breasts or are under age 50, try to get a digital mammogram.
* Bring your old mammogram films with you for comparison.
* Have more than one radiologist read your study.
* Ask if your center has CAD—computer aided detection—which calls the radiologist's attention to any possible areas of concern.
* Make sure the doctor who referred you for the mammogram includes an explicit note when ordering the study (providing clinical correlations—e.g. "palpable mass in the upper outer quadrant, rule out abnormality").
* Correlate your results with other tests you've had done, like ultrasound or MRI.
* Discuss your family history of breast and other cancers—from both your mother's AND father's side—with your doctor.
4. It is our most powerful breast cancer detection tool. However, mammograms can still miss 15—20% of breast cancers that are simply not visible using this technique. Other important tools—such as breast self-exam, clinical breast examination, ultrasound, and MRI—can and should be used as complementary tools, but there are no substitutes or replacements for a mammogram.
- From Breast Cancer.org - please visit their site for more excellent information on mammograms.

Shop Political Debate Gear Online

2008-09-26T03:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the first of the scheduled television debates between Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain and at this writing, no decision has been made about whether it will go forth or not. This election 2008 season has been one for the history books, with more drama than most in recent memory. Whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, there have been plenty of memorable moments to hold on to, such as John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as a running mate or Barack Obama's stirring speech from Philadelphia defining his views on faith and service.
My aunt called me yesterday afternoon to chat about the election. She said she wanted some yard signs and other campaign gear but the local campaign office was out. Boy was she surprised when I told her "Aunt June, you can get really cool election t-shirts and buttons online." Really? Well, take a look at some of these, from TeeShirtsTShirts. I think you'll agree with me that they are much better than the standard political apparel you see. So buy something to support your candidate, whomever it is.

Barack Obama Vote for Change
by

TeeShirtsTShirts

I Love Heart John McCain
by

TeeShirtsTShirts

Start Your Christmas Shopping Now

2008-09-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

When I woke up this morning and went outside it was actually cold! It reminded me that fall started this week and it's time to start looking for Christmas gifts online. If you have any friends with pets, you can't go wrong with one of Jean Fitzgerald's lovely dog art gifts. She masterfully combines art with images of pet breeds for unique gifts that really pack a "wow" punch. Look for more examples of Jean's work here in coming weeks. Her Heartsong Gallery is a dog lover's delight. Here is an example:

Mona Lisa & Bichon Frise Tie
by

heartsonggallery

Cute Halloween Pumpkin T-shirt

2008-09-24T03:52:00.000-07:00

Fall is definitely in the air and now is the time to order Halloween t-shirts for the family. Kids love to dress for the season and so do Moms! Here's an adorable October pumpkin patch design from Stick Figure T-shirts:

Pumpkin Kids
by

stick_figures

Everyone Loves A Journal

2008-09-20T04:15:00.000-07:00

With September being back to school month, many parents spend time at their local Wal-mart stocking up on class supplies for their kids. I know I did. One item on my son's list was a journal for his English class. We bought a generic notebook. Not too exciting but servicable.
Today I was online and ran across these sites that sell really cool journals with fun covers. Next year, I'm getting my son a journal from one of them. Less running around for me and a fun item for him to take to school.
DMR Designs Journals

The Turtle Box

Favorite New Gift Shop

2008-09-19T05:06:00.000-07:00

Here's my favorite new gift shop for online shoppers. You can find environment and holiday designs on t-shirts and gifts, all made with HEARTS. I love the breast cancer awareness ribbon design.
So for something fresh and new, stop by Lovely Creations and browse.

Emergency Supplies For Natural Disasters

2008-09-12T04:24:00.000-07:00

It's September 12 2008 and Hurricane Ike is bearing down rapidly on Texas where it is expected to do catastrophic damage. Hurricanes aren't the only natural disasters that affect us - earthquakes, tornadoes, snow and ice storms and flooding all affect our families. Plan now to protect your family! Here are some things our family has done:
1. Keep a 2 weeks supply of drinking water in your home, and more for household needs
2. Pack a 3-day emergency backpack for each family member in case of evacuation
3. Have an emergency contact plan for family members and make sure everyone knows what it is.
4. Keep a small amount of cash on hand for emergencies
5. Store a 3 month supply of food that is easy to cook and that is familiar to your family.
6. Keep candles, batteries, flashlights and medicines and first aid supplies handy.

Our family has shopped online at Emergency Essentials to purchase 100 hr candles, freeze dried emergency food and water treatment drops for long term water storage.
Stay Safe, Houston!

Where To Find Election Yard Signs and T-shirts

2008-09-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

It's time for a tip. The 2008 presidential election is in full swing and many homeowners like to put a campaign yard sign out front. Did you know you can buy great looking political yard signs online? For really cute country Americana McCain Palin yard signs check out the ones from Mainstreet Shirt.

Welcome to my blog.

2008-09-10T05:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog! I am the Homewise Shopper, here to offer tips about all things related to your home and family. I'll also be reviewing many online shopping sites and products because I feel there are many advantages to being a wise consumer who shops from home whenever possible.
Check back often for some of my great recipes, gardening tips, and especially advice on where to find online bargains on school clothes, books, t-shirts and gifts. As a mom of seven, I've done a lot of shopping myself through the years and believe me, it's easier to order online than to haul tired children through the mall.