Celebrating Herbalist Day! Free Cards to Share

©Herbal Academy

HAPPY HERBALIST DAY! I am so grateful to each of my herbal friends, teachers, and students. I am also so very blessed to be a part of the herbal community. The wonderful things I have learned and have been taught throughout the years have been amazing! Thank you all so very much for being there for my experience.

©Herbal Academy

Please take a moment to thank a special herbalist in your life. The Herbal Academy, International School of Herbal Arts and Sciences, has made these beautiful graphics and thank you cards to share and brighten someone's day. Go to the link and download the PDF file to save them and be able to print them out.

Cricket Media #DoubletheGiving Magazine Subscription Campaign and Giveaway

Cricket's "Double the Giving" Campaign
It's not too late to give the gift of reading this holiday season with a subscription to one of Cricket Media's award-winning parenting magazines. Any gift-giver purchasing an annual print subscription to one of four different Cricket publications will also deliver the gift of reading to a child in an underserved community through two award-winning, charitable partners: Libraries Without Borders and Parent-Child Home Program, both 2016 Library of Congress Literacy Award Winners. Each subscription bundle to BABYBUG (ages 6 mos.-3), LADYBUG (ages 3-6), SPIDER (ages 6-9) or CRICKET (ages 9-14) is priced at $29.95 (regularly $33.95), and is guaranteed to spark a life-long love of reading! Gift-givers can select between two charitable organizations to receive another 9-issue annual print subscription. Go to DoubletheGiving.com to find out more!

Cricket Media has been around for 40 years and has some wonderful annual traditions. And a long-time favorite of Cricket fans has been FREE printable cards for the holidays! For the 2016 holiday season, Cricket Media has selected 10 of their favorite holiday illustrations and created beautiful cards for you to share and send to loved ones.

To print them out, visit FREE HOLIDAY CARDS and follow the instructions.

Social Corner
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cricketmedia
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cricketmediainc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cricketmediainc/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/CricketMediaInc/

BUY IT
Each subscription bundle to BABYBUG (ages 6 mos.-3), LADYBUG (ages 3-6), SPIDER (ages 6-9) or CRICKET (ages 9-14) is priced at $29.95 (regularly $33.95). Gift-givers can select between two charitable organizations to receive another 9-issue annual print subscription. Go to DoubletheGiving.com to find out more!

WIN IT
Prize: Win an annual subscription to any of the “bug” magazines being offered in the campaign: BABYBUG (ages 6 mos.-3), LADYBUG (ages 3-6), SPIDER (ages 6-9) or CRICKET (ages 9-14) {US Only}.

I run giveaways with Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this post to let my readers know about this freebie and opportunity to give back. I will be getting a subscription and giving one away here for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else.

Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids Spanish Program, with the Starter Set 1 Review

Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids Spanish Program Starter Set 1.

My family had the privilege of trying the Spanish Program, with the Starter Set 1 from Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids for this review to use in conjunction with our own homeschool curriculum. This is a Schoolhouse Review Crew Review. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family.

Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids is a program founded by Kit Strauss. She created Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids because of the lack of quality foreign language programs geared towards children and she wanted something for her three sons. Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids is geared towards ages 3 and up. It teaches how to speak and understand practical words in Spanish for everyday use in a short amount of time. With immersion and visuals this program is great for the whole family combining real life situations with humor and fun.


The Spanish Program Starter Set 1 Includes:

• Spanish DVD, Vol. 1 with videos Levels 1-3 - Flight 101: Basketballs Aren't for Breakfast, Flight 102: The Little Magic House Part 1, and Flight 103: The Little Magic House Part 2. These are stories of kids speaking Spanish in funny realistic situations.
• Three Parent-Teacher Guides (one for each level) - includes video summary, vocabulary list in both Spanish and English, geography, suggested lesson plans with activities to do, extended learning activities, course completion award and picture of Squisher (the international inchworm) to cut out.
• Flashcards and Go Squish Card Game for Levels 1 to 3 - Set of 150 flashcards that have the student match cards with memorable scenes in the videos to words or phrases in Spanish. These flashcards are in three distinct colors (blue, green, and pink to go with orange books) to similarly match the teachers guides and workbooks that this set comes with. The bonus Go Squish! card game is similar to Go Fish, but all in Spanish and the object is to get Squisher flyer miles enough for an airline ticket to get him to his destination.
• Workbooks for Levels 1-3 - These workbooks have activities, culture, Squisher says (which is a comic with the inchworm in it), and an answer key. 
• Stickers Set for Flight 101: Basketballs Aren't for Breakfast - Place these around the house or classroom to reinforce Spanish vocabulary that was taught in the first video.

Teela and Zari watching the Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids Spanish DVD.

How We Used This and Our Thoughts:

All of us enjoyed the DVD. These episodes are an essential and mandatory part of the program. We liked how each episode started as an in-flight-movie on FLK Airlines. It was fun watching the three main characters, which were brothers, go about their daily lives speaking Spanish. There were some funny parts and things that kept it interesting and engaging. My kids loved this way of learning Spanish, not by reading or writing, but through context and clues. To keep it an immersive experience we as teachers and parents are told not to tell the students the word translations or the video summaries. It seemed like the Spanish was sinking in better than previous programs we have tried and the videos made us feel a part of this Spanish speaking household. I thought the "Rapid Review" of each part was very nice at summing up the vocabulary learned and helped my kids remember what was taught and helping me to know if they are ready to move on or repeat the session.

I was instructed to read the first three pages of the first Teacher's Guide which was "How To Get Started". It went over an overview of the program, program goals, about the guide, and who/where to contact if you have questions. These Parent-Teacher Guides are very helpful with giving different lesson plans so you can pick the one that suits your learner the best or pick multiple ones so that your learner can experience more than one. These activities are an extension of the learning from the DVDs. I liked how they had all sorts of learning activities that coordinated with different subjects; for example: geography, grammar, and vocabulary. They also have games, workbook pages, flashcard games, review, etc. in the lesson plans.

I was expecting the flashcards to have the picture and name of the object in Spanish on the front and the English word equivalent on the back or the picture with the English word and the Spanish word on the other side. Instead I found that because of the immersive qualities of this program the flashcards were pictures from the DVDs along with other cards with Spanish words and phrases they matched up to. Each were placed on one side of the card only with the Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids logo on the back. These cards are printed on glossy card-stock so as to preserve the quality longer. The Go Squish! Card Game instructions were a bonus that came with our set and for a limited time it is included in the sets and some of the products.

Teela working in the Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids Spanish Program workbook.

Since there is only one set of workbooks that we received with this set I picked my 8 year old daughter to do them. These are best for grades 3 and up, but Teela is a strong reader and just going into 3rd. These helped expand her knowledge of the words and phrases with fun crosswords, word searches, geography information, facts, idioms, comics, etc. Teela loved doing these workbooks.

The stickers we will be placing around our home to help us learn Spanish. These are 9 pages of large print Spanish words and phrases in full color. These will help me reinforce the concepts learned in the DVD. These also help my kids see the actual word in written format.

This Spanish for kids is a wonderful program! We love this for learning homeschool Spanish. We recommend it as a Spanish curriculum for all homeschoolers. We hope to be able to partake of more of the Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids Spanish Program soon because we really enjoyed the Starter Set 1.



BUY IT
The Starter Set 1 is regularly $165.00, but it's on sale now through August 31st for just $140.25! That's a savings of 15%! For a limited time the Go Squish! Card Game instructions are included.

Follow Them on Social Media:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ForeignLanguagesForKidsByKids
Hashtags - #hsreviews #foreignlanguage #homeschoolspanish



Read other homeschool curriculum reviews for Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids Spanish Program, with the Starter Set 1...

Sunya Publishing Sunya - The Magic and Wonder of Math and Science Adding & Subtracting Review

My family had the privilege of trying the Sunya - The Magic and Wonder of Math and Science Adding & Subtracting from Sunya Publishing for this review to use in conjunction with our own homeschool curriculum. This is a Schoolhouse Review Crew Review. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family.

Sunya Publishing is a brand new educational publisher that has so far developed two card games for fun and learning. The two card games are: Sunya the Magic and Wonder of Math and Science Adding & Subtracting - Ages 7 to Adult and Sunya the Magic and Wonder of Math and Science Multiplying & Dividing - Ages 9 to Adult. Both of these games are great for math supplement and math practice for both homeschoolers and game lovers. Sunya is a word from the ancient and classical language called Sanskrit from India. The u in it is pronounced "oo" as in the word book. The word Sunya means being empty or without quantity and the player from the games exclaims this word as he or she runs out of cards and wins the game. These games are so new that they are not available to the public yet because they are still being developed. We, as Crew members, were very fortunate to get an advanced copy of our choice one of the games to receive a sneak peak and let you know all about it before it is supposed to air on May 27, 2016 for purchase on their website where the two games will be sold separately.

My family received the Sunya the Magic and Wonder of Math and Science Adding & Subtracting. It is a physical educational card game that is is unique as it reinforces adding and subtracting skills with math and science facts and riddles. Ages 7 and up can play this card game comfortably. In the game, addition goes up to 9+9=18 and subtraction goes up to 18-9=9. This game builds math skills in addition and subtraction. Seven and eight year old children can choose to play the game with older siblings or adults until they get their math facts memorized.

Sunya the Magic and Wonder of Math and Science Adding & Subtracting - Ages 7 to Adult includes:

• Game Book for Sunya Adding & Subtracting
• 60 Sunya Adding & Subtracting Playing Cards: number cards 0-9 (three 0s, four 1s, six 2s, six 3s, six 4s, six 5s, six 6s, six 7s, six 8s, six 9s, two wilds, and operation cards (1 minus sign, 1 plus sign, and 1 equal sign).
• The Sunya Adding & Subtracting Number Line Tool 
• 30 Math and Science Fact and Riddle Cards (all different facts and riddles than those with Sunya Multiplying & Dividing)

The game book is basically a school and homeschool teacher/parent guidebook that includes the instructions for the games in great detail. This softcover, comb bound booklet is 25 pages and goes into depth about the directions and rules of the game. Inside the contents are as follows: Introduction, Hindu-Arabic Numeral System, Home and School, Sunya Adding and Subtraction, Math Activities for Young Children, and Math and Science Facts and Riddles. These instructions can be a little intimidating at first, but once you have played the game the first time you will get the hang of it quickly. I believe that the book would be easier understood if it were entirely printed all in color instead of black and white.

HOW TO PLAY

There are three different modes of play: Basic Game, Game II and Game III. These modes increase with difficulty. We only played the Basic version for this review. You set all the games up and deal the cards the same for all modes of play.

1. Players can sit in a circle or semicircle around or facing the cards in a forward view of the number sentences that will be made.
2. One player begins as the dealer and sets up the number sentence framework (+ for addition or - for subtraction operation and an = sign) with space in between for numbers that players will put in play to make correct number sentences.
3. The Math and Science Fact and Riddle Cards are placed face down in a pile. These are put into play when a player wins.
4. The dealer makes the first correct number sentence made up of three single digit whole numbers with their choice of the number cards 2-9 (no 0s, 1s, or wild cards) on the table, face up for all to see.
5. Then the dealer shuffles the rest of the deck of number cards and deals one card to each player clockwise/to the left until 4 cards are dealt to each player. The remaining cards (0-9s and wilds) are placed face down in a pile to draw from. It doesn't matter if another player sees your cards so they can be in your hand or set out on the table.
6. The player to the dealers left plays next.
7. Turns proceed clockwise, turns at dealing also proceed clockwise/left.

Basic Game

1. Set up game.
2. Once it is your turn draw a card so that you have 5 to start with in your hand.
3. Use 1, 2, or 3 of your cards to make a new number sentence on top of the one that was played last. This new number sentence can be made all from cards from your hand or a combination of cards from hand and in play. Don't play more than one card to a number sentence position within the same turn.
4. The top cards on the number sentence are in play.
5. If the player cannot make a number sentence, he/she draws one card at a time until he/she can.
6. A card may not be played on top of the same number card, this goes for wilds too (so be sure to remember what the wild is). There are other rules in the Game Book as well that are also very important to follow, so make sure to read the guidebook carefully so you understand them.
7. The first player to be without cards wins the game exclaiming, "Sunya!".
8. The winning player gets to pick a Math and Science Fact or Riddle Card from the deck and ask the other players the questions about the fact or to solve the riddle.

How We Used This and Our Thoughts:

Teela playing Sunya The Magic and Wonder of Math and Science Adding & Subtracting. Bottom Left is an example of an incorrect math sentence for the game because the Wild Card represents a double digit number. Only single digit numbers can be played.

I played the Basic version of Sunya - The Magic and Wonder of Math and Science Adding & Subtracting game with my daughter, Teela, who is 8 years old. We had a lot of fun with this game and she was really good at it. I was very happy she was getting addition and subtraction practice. We first played without the wild cards just to get a feel for how the game played. Then we added the wild cards later and played with them as well.

We had a great time playing Sunya - The Magic and Wonder of Math and Science Adding & Subtracting together. I love this math game! Game II and Game III get progressively more difficult with more rules to follow and are great to play with my older kids. Zari, Teela's younger sister can play with the cards as a matching game, go fish, sequencing game, flash cards, and making equations.

Teela telling a riddle from the Sunya Math and Science Fact and Riddle Cards.

The Math and Science Fact or Riddle Cards were my daughter's favorite and she tried to beat me in the game just so she would be able to read one to me and make me think. The riddles made us laugh. It would be great though if they could label these facts or riddles because the fact that asks, "Which is longer the Mississippi River or the Missouri River?" threw me off and I thought it was a riddle...I got it wrong thinking that Mississippi has more letters in it. We loved all the math fact fun and riddles, but also wish there were more.

We recommend Sunya - The Magic and Wonder of Math and Science Adding & Subtracting to everyone that loves card games. This one is both super fun and educational, so it is a win win. We will look forward to getting the Sunya the Magic and Wonder of Math and Science Multiplying & Dividing later on to play too.

BUY IT
Look for these two games on the Sunya Publishing Website around June 6, 2016 to purchase. Both products will be available in limited quantities so don't forget to bookmark their website and mark your calendars!

Read other homeschool reviews (hsreviews) for Sunya Publishing...

Happy Herbalist Day! Free Cards to Share

©Herbal Academy

HAPPY HERBALIST DAY! I am so grateful to each of my herbal friends, teachers, and students. I am also so very blessed to be a part of the herbal community. The wonderful things I have learned and have been taught throughout the years have been amazing! Thank you all so very much for being there for my experience.

©Herbal Academy

Please take a moment to thank a special herbalist in your life. The Herbal Academy, International School of Herbal Arts and Sciences, has made these beautiful graphics and thank you cards to share and brighten someone's day. Go to the link and download the PDF file to save them and be able to print them out.

Baby Strong Workout: Mom & Baby Exercise Cards on Kickstarter

Okay moms…can you relate to this? New moms may have every intention to hit the gym, attend a class, go for a run, or pop in a DVD and workout at home...but things don't always work out this way with a new baby. When we heard about this new mom invention launching on Kickstarter, we just had to share with you! Baby Strong Workout is the solution for every new mom to feel good again...all you need is mom + baby! Make sure to scroll below to help spread the word about Baby Strong in two simple steps. Baby Strong Workout is a fun, effective and inexpensive workout option that helps moms of all sizes, shapes and fitness levels feel strong, healthy, happy and confident.

Features:

• Deck of workout cards held together with a teething ring link
• Includes individual exercise cards and a series of pre-made workouts (do one-off exercises, put together your own workout or try the pre-made ones)
• Baby Safe: chew, drool and baby-friendly material used for cards
• Text and photo instructions included for each exercise
• Follow pre-made workouts or customize your own

Benefits:

• Workout with ONLY mom + baby!
• No gym, no classes, no special equipment
• Created for moms of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels
• Helps moms feel strong, healthy, happy, and confident
• Fun, effective, and inexpensive workout for moms
• Mommy Care + Baby Care
• No Tears. No Guilt.

Could you help our friends over at Baby Strong Workout spread the word? Here are two simple steps:

Step 1:


 Step 2:
 

Head over to the Baby Strong Workout website to learn more and if you think this is a great idea your pre-order on Kickstarter is much appreciated!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to PR for sending me this information for this post. I will be getting a free deck of Baby Strong Workout: Mom & Baby Exercise Cards for posting. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Treat One-To-One Holiday Card Collection and a Personalized Mug & Stationery Giveaway

This post sponsored by Treat.com through Global Influence.

Treat by Shutterfly has Christmas and Holiday Cards for everyone on your list this year. The One-To-One Holiday Card Collection can be personalized and customized online in the comfort of your own home...even in your pajamas if you like :) Add your own photos and words to make something truly unique and perfect for your special someone. You can't really do that with a boring drugstore greeting card.

You can also mail them out yourself or send them digitally. The digital ones are perfect for one like me that is a huge procrastinator! You can send them out the day of and they get to your recipient at super speed and they never will get lost in the mail!

Treat also has great photo gifts that you can also personalize to make a unique gift. There are mugs, iPhone cases, photo easels, mounted prints, canvas prints, and personalized stationery. I personally love the mugs and canvas prints they have to offer.

You can also join the #TreatCheer Twitter party on 11/18 at 2 PM ET with @ResourcefulMom. RSVP: http://resourcefulmommy.com/13195/treat-holiday-twitter-and-pinning-party/



WIN IT
Prize: Win 1 mug & 1 set of personal stationery from Treat.com

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I am receiving 1 mug & 1 set of personal stationery from Treat for free and will be able to give away the same to a reader. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Fandex Family Field Guide Review and Educents Deal

We received products free from Educents and Workman Publishing Company to facilitate this review.

Right now Educents is having a deal for two different Fandex Family Field Guide Bundles. You can choose the Nature Bundle to learn about Bugs, Butterflies, and Trees or the History Bundle with facts about Dinosaurs, Mummies and Mythology. Or you can choose both! Each bundle is only $21.90! Original price was $32.85. That is a savings of $10.95!

Have knowledge at your fingertips! Each Fandex has 50 cards for different things linked together with a small button at the bottom corner and they look very much like a fan when opened out to see the cards, hence the name "Fandex". The science ones are great for hikes, wildlife trails, nature walks, and field excursions. The history ones are great for learning interesting things about the past.

The Bugs Fandex features die-cut-full-color photos of the insect, spider or other arthropod on the tops of the cards. Below this is scientific name, common name, habitat, detailed description, lore, field notes on life cycle, identifiers, and size, along with side notes that are highlighted. Great for going on a bug expedition or the budding entomologist in your family!

The Butterflies Fandex features die-cut-full-color photos of the butterflies on the tops of the cards. Below this is life cycle, diet, habitat, gender variations, and the secrets of butterfly survival: camouflage, poison, and mimicry. Each card has the scientific name, range, plants used for laying eggs and drinking nectar, migration and mating habits, and how to recognize the species in its caterpillar, pupa, and adult stages. Great for learning about metamorphosis too!

The Trees Fandex features die-cut full-color photos of the leaf and bark of the featured tree on the tops of the cards. Below this is general information about the tree, keys to identification, height, shape, habitat, range, Latin name, life cycle, and more. Has identification by leaf, bark, and seed and information on the tree's place in history and culture. Great for exploring trees in your forests, neighborhood, or own backyard!

The Dinosaurs Fandex features die-cut full-color photos of the dinosaurs on the tops of the cards. Below this is name, meaning of name, age, home, size, diet, and lifestyle. This deck also includes key paleontologists, fossil-finding methods and a glossary. Great for Dino lovers everywhere!

The Mummies Fandex features die-cut-full-color photos of the Pharaohs, pyramids, gods and goddesses, mummies, hieroglyphs and other Egyptian things. Great for future archeologists and Egyptologists!

The Mythology Fandex features die-cut-full-color photos of the ancient Greek and Roman Gods, heroes, monsters and nymphs. Each entry is illustrated with a rich selection of images drawn from statuary, painting, pottery, frescoes and mosaics, and includes the subject's lineage, personality and symbol.

These are all great for homeschooling. Even though they are made of sturdy coated card stock I am worried that the die-cut tops are going to get all bent up after use. These are still awesome field guides though because of how much great information they pack into these! I will definitely be using them for my boys study.

Go get this deal at Educents now and save up to 33%! Click on the Educents button below and find the Fandex deal! Hurry! It is only here for a limited time!


DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received products for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review and promo. Affiliate links may be present in this post. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Treat Valentine's Day Review and Giveaway

My special someone, my husband, deserves a special thank you card from me this Valentine's Day...actually he deserves more than that, but a card is a good start :) He has been trying so hard to get our farmhouse remodeled so that we can move in, but he has been so busy with helping others and giving overtime at his job that he has had little time for it. I love him so much for his efforts. Maybe he will get a break to get some of it done soon. We have a lot to do still on it because we are gutting the whole thing to make it our very own.

Since a card is in order first before anything else. I think Treat.com is a great place to get them! Greeting cards can be more personalized and customized with Treat.com. You can make these one-of-a-kind cards online in the comfort of your own home...even in your pajamas if you like :) Add your own photos and words to make something truly unique and perfect for your special someone. You can't really do that with a boring drugstore greeting card.

Plus Treat.com has some other great services to help you out in the whole process. First they have a reminder service that will make sure that you never miss a birthday, anniversary, or other special date. They also have a Message Library that can help if you are at a loss of words. They even have cards that can integrate gift cards in them if you want to add a certain something more to it. Treat Valentine's Day cards are a wonderful way to say exactly what you want to. Their services are so fun and easy to use and so much more personal. Go on and make an amazing card today!

Treat Valentine’s Day cards are available on the Treat iPhone app. There will also be a #SweetTreats Twitter party on 1/29 at 2PM EST.

Follow them: 
Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Blog

WIN IT
Prize: Win 5 Cards from Treat.com

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I am receiving 10 free cards from Treat, which will be credited to my Treat.com account for posting and 5 free cards to giveaway for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Our Shutterfly Christmas Cards 2012

Framed In Snowflakes Christmas Card

Send Christmas cards personalized with your family photos.

View the entire collection of cards.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: For sharing my card that I created and ordered through Shutterfly, I get $10 toward my next order.

You can get $10 too if you order your Holiday cards or other project through Shutterfly. The order summary page will give you an option to share your creation. After you've shared the project like I have then email Shutterfly.com at shareproject@shutterfly.com your active link (no screenshots, please) to the Web page containing your embedded project.

Shutterfly Holiday Cards 2012 Review and Giveaway

Shutterfly has got a fantastic new collection of Holiday Cards this 2012 from traditional to modern styles. They also have religious/scripture based cards including: Christmas and Hanukkah. They have cards you can personalize with your family or fur babies photos on from the photos that you can store online on Shutterfly. Whatever your style is they’re sure to have something you’ll love.

I love Christmas. This is one of my favorite times of the holiday season. I love getting together with family and friends to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I love giving gifts, decorating, sending out my yearly happenings newsletter, and personalizing cards to send out to family and friends.

I have gotten cards with Shutterfly before and they turned out wonderful! I just recently picked out my family Christmas photo and I believe the Christmas Cards that I picked to go with it will look fabulous with it! I picked the Framed In Snowflakes Christmas Card. They also have a lot more Photo Christmas Cards to choose from and because of the photos these will become great keepsakes. You can usually personalize the cards from Shutterfly in a number of ways by: choosing to have them printed on high quality matte or glossy photo paper or premium card stock, word personalization, and photos. Order your cards in time for the holidays so they can be shipped and get to your friends and family on time!

Shutterfly: Get Social

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shutterfly
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/Shutterfly
• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/shutterfly/
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/shutterfly
• Google +: https://plus.google.com/+shutterfly
• Blog: http://blog.shutterfly.com/

BUY IT
Go to Shutterfly's Special Offers page to see what you can save on. They also have photo books, other cards, stationery, prints, calendars, photo gifts and home decor that you can purchase also! Just hurry if you are going to get holiday cards to get them shipped in time to friends and family.

WIN IT
Prize: Win a gift code for $50 off your order of $50 or more (Excluding tax and shipping, cannot be combined with any other promos. Expires on 12/14/2012 – no extensions.)

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about Shutterfly's Holiday Cards I am getting a promo code for $100 off my order of $100 or more (excluding tax) including US or Canada shipping (expires 12/14/2012 – no extensions) for free from Shutterfly. They are also giving me an extra $50 off order of $50 or more (excluding tax and shipping & cannot be combined with any other promos (expires 12/14/2012 – no extensions) to giveaway to a reader for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

For Small Hands Trees and Wildflowers Fandex Review and Giveaway

Spring is coming next month...it might be hard to think about when right now some of you are having weather that is bringing you snow and others like me are having crazy hail storms and cold rain.

I am having a Spring Gift Guide (for Arbor Day, Easter, Earth Day, May Day, and Mother's Day) this year and to kick it off I have some awesome products from For Small Hands, a Montessori store for children's things that is owned by Montessori Services. For Small Hands has Montessori type hands on products that are child-sized and are for home use. They make it easy for children to explore their environments and themselves.

The products I am reviewing from them are very fitting in my Spring Themed Gift Guide because they are all about trees, which is awesome for Arbor Day and Earth Day, and wildflowers, which is great for Spring, Easter, and May Day! Both the Trees and Wildflowers Fandex have 47 cards for different North American species linked together with a small button at the bottom corner and they look very much like a fan when opened out to see the cards, hence the name "Fandex". Even though they are made of sturdy coated card stock I am worried that the die-cut tops are going to get all bent up after use. These are still awesome field guides to trees and wildflowers! They are great for homeschooling, hikes, wildlife trails, nature walks, and field botany excursions.

The Tree Fandex (item number: SC772) feature die-cut full-color photos of the leaf and bark of the featured tree on the tops of the cards. Below this is general information about the tree, keys to identification, height, shape, habitat, range, Latin name, life cycle, and more. Has identification by leaf, bark, and seed and information on the tree's place in history and culture. Great for exploring trees in your forests, neighborhood, or own backyard!

The Wildflowers Fandex (item number: SC774) feature die-cut full-color photos of the flower of the featured wildflower on the tops of the cards. Below this is general information about the wildflower, keys to identification, habitat, range, Latin name, life cycle, and more. Has information on how they grow, healing powers, folklore, and use in the garden. It is a genuine bouquet of knowledge!

WIN IT:
For Small Hands is generously giving one lucky reader a chance to win both the Trees and Wildflowers Fandex.

Mandatory:
Go to the For Small Hands website and tell me what other items(s) you love. Leave links in the comment for the item(s).

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (3 extra entries each)

2. Fan/Like me on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect (GFC) on the right sidebar and/or Networked Blogs Let me know what your user name is. (2 extra entries each)

4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and For Small Hands in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

5. Give me a brief POSITIVE review on Alexa and provide me with your user name. (3 extra entries)

6. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the right) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

7. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

8. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

9. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog Linky/Link-up and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

10. Write about this giveaway with a link to this post on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, StumbleUpon, Google+ or other social media website besides Twitter. Let me know where. (2 extra entries for each)

11. Comment on my regular (not giveaway) posts. Let me know which one. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

12. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

13. Tweet this: @finamoon #WIN #Giveaway For Small Hands Trees and Wildflowers Fandex http://bit.ly/yjTiSQ (Daily Extras are Available)

14. Fan/Like For Small Hands on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. Don't forget to leave a comment for each task and the correct amount of entries for each task. This contest ends on Friday March 23, 2012 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. ONLY!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to For Small Hands for sending me product for free to review and one to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Free Valentine's Cards from Tiny Prints (Expires 1/25)

I just got a FREE Valentine card from Tiny Prints for my sweetheart and my children and you can too! Send them to yourself and you get them FREE!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this blog post because I thought you might be interested in taking part of this deal. I am a fan of Tiny Prints and thought I would share the savings. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any compensation for doing this post.

Our Family Christmas Ornament Card Snapshot from Tiny Prints 2011

Booming Blossoms:Winterberry Ornament Cards
Check out our collection of Christmas cards and holiday cards.

Our Family Christmas Card from Shutterfly 2011

Pretty Pattern Christmas Card

Turn your unique photos into Christmas cards with Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Holiday Gift Guide 2011 Tiny Prints Holiday Cards Review

The holidays are just around the corner and if you have in mind to send out holiday cards Tiny Prints has some really fantastic ones this year. I love the new Ornament Cards they have that you can hang on your tree! These are great to send out to family and friends this year. You can personalize so many different cards at Tiny Prints it is hard to choose which one. I love so many of them! I am very tempted to get one of the Ornament ones this year because they are unique and special. I have not done Christmas pictures this year yet of my family so I placed last years photo in an ornament one so you could see how great they are!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about Tiny Prints' Holiday Cards I am getting $25 Tiny Prints gift card valid on http://www.tinyprints.com or 50 holiday cards - any size, any style from Tiny Prints. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Shutterfly Family Photo Days and Photo Taking Tips

The holidays are just around the corner and with that comes family photos. Let's face it sometimes it is just so difficult to get the perfect memorable shot of the whole family looking their best. In an effort to inspire and educate you on ideas on getting that perfect family photo early so you can place it into a fantastic card online, Shutterfly is having "Family Photo Days" throughout November. On their “Family Photo Days” website you can use the creative ideas on the website, share and discuss more ideas with others, and then take those ideas and making them your own. So get going and create that spectacular moment on camera then come back to Shutterfly because they have some great personalized Holiday Cards that you can put that photo into.

I have some great tips that I have found to be invaluable in taking the best family photos that I am going to share here with you now:

1. Plan ahead! Pick a day and time that isn't stressful for everyone. Make sure everyone can be available at the day and time picked and everything is set up and put together before the big day so no problems will arise. Children have their own times when they are at their best and happiest. Make sure to plug that into the equation too. Make sure clothing is set out the day before and haircuts are done a week before at least. Try to maintain your composure even if you are a little stressed because kids pick up on this easily and their reactions could derail the whole event. Arrive at the portrait shoot a little early with a clear, rested mind.

2. Lighting is very important. There are a lot of lighting techniques that professionals use. Shoot outdoor photos when the sun is low in the sky, either in the early morning or late afternoon so that the lighting isn't too bright or way too dark. If you are photographing in sunlight, try to position yourself so that the sun hits your subject from the side. You can also position your subject in front of the sun to give a great back-light effect, but don't let the sunlight flare in your lens because the contrast will be messed up. If shooting indoors use as much light as is available. The flash sometimes can make nasty shadows on the wall behind the subject. If this happens it is best to try to position the subject in from of a dark wall or getting them as far away from any walls as possible. No one person should stand out more than the others. You could also buy studio lighting for your own indoor setup or go to a studio that has one, but know that lighting is very important!!

3. If red eye or blemishes prevail, fix it with Photoshop or a paint program. Don't fret the small stuff. There are some awesome red eye removal and blemish editing techniques in a lot of photo software these days that quickly and painlessly get rid of unwanted red eye and blemishes.

4. Dress Code and feeling: Coordination, comfort, and simplicity is the name of the game. Too much print, pattern or color will take away from the faces in the photographs. Nice solid color shirts that match are the best and simplest way to go. Remember darker colors are slimming and generally more flattering. Comfortable clothing is better if the photo shoot is going to be a long one especially if there are young children involved. So go ahead and go casual! If; however, you do want to go fancier then try to get the pictures with the kids out of the way first so there isn't a lot of waiting in fancy uncomfortable dress. Know the feeling and theme you want to convey in the pictures ahead of time and make sure everyone participating knows and agrees.

5. Get creative with settings, props and backgrounds. There are some awesome scenic places that you could have as your background or setting, but sometimes getting everyone there is the hard part. Be creative and spontaneous. Sometimes the best photos could be set in your own backyard or home. A solid color sheet or large blanket could be used as a great backdrop. You could have your little one hug a favorite stuffed critter or ride a wooden pony or use a toy to get the child to look at you. Just think outside the box!

6. Take closeups and get close. Family is all about closeness :) So get everyone in the picture to squeeze together as close as comfortably possible. This makes the pictures seem more warm and inviting. Get closeups of individuals and couples too. It is all about capturing facial expression and the face is the greatest asset in your pictures! Sometimes blurring the background is a good thing because the main focus is on the subjects instead.

7. Make sure the subjects all have their eyes open, are smiling (unless you want serious, romantic, etc.), and look like they are having fun. Nobody likes a picture that someone: is squinting, looks like they are in a daze, looks like they are not having fun at all, or has their mouth wide open. We've all had pictures taken like this. Try to make the photos fun to dissolve boredom. Have the subjects jump in the air or tell them a funny joke to make them laugh. Don't be afraid to try something new to make it more fun. Make the subjects feel confident that they are having a positive experience. Don't tell them that it just isn't working, instead say, “Great, lets try a few more positions.”. Emanate positivity and it will be more enjoyable for all participating.

8. Take both formal and candid shots. Candid shots give more emotion, are more relaxed and usually can tell a story. Formal shots tend to be posed and manipulated more. Take both even if someone wants only one or the other.

I love the holidays! I love decorating, remembering the true meaning of Christmas, giving gifts like these neat Photo Gifts, sending out my yearly happenings newsletter, and personalizing cards with my family photos to send out to family and friends. This is truly one of my favorite seasons!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about Shutterfly's Holiday Cards I am getting 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Shutterfly's Photo Book Review and Giveaway - 10 winners!

Shutterfly has an all new Custom Path to make your very own photo books your style, your way. This is different from their Simple Path photo books. You get more control and get to make it exactly how you want. The Simple Path photo books are instantly made for you by Shutterfly. The Simple Path is a lot quicker, but you have less options to choose from. With the new Custom Path you customize your photo book page by page. You can now pick either one, each has its advantages.

Custom Path:
* Add, move and resize pictures and text anywhere
* Extensive collection of new backgrounds, layouts & embellishments
* 1-25 pictures per page (up to 1000 pictures)
* Five sizes starting From $12.99 $11.04

Simple Path:
* Pictures arranged for you. Then easily rearrange or add captions
* More than 20 styles with preset backgrounds and layouts
* 1-4 pictures per page (up to 400 pictures)
* Five sizes starting From $12.99 $11.04

I love to capture memories by taking lots of photos! I have so many photos of my family that I have taken with my digital cameras I have had over the years. I have just started to make photo books with some of my favorites. These photo books are wonderful for gifts and are so much fun to make! I love flipping through the pages and reading the captions over and over again. I am thinking of doing one for my son Delbin's first 8 years of life. Delbin is my first born and currently I do not have any photo books featuring him made yet. Since he was baptized when he turned 8 years old I figure that is a great stopping point for the photo book. Shutterfly has a great photo book maker, online. They allow you to easily arrange your pictures with a variety of layouts, different backgrounds, text boxes, fun embellishments, and cover options to choose from. You can also see exactly how the pages are going to look before they are printed. I am very excited to use them to make my next photo book!

Besides photo books Shutterfly also offers photo storage and sells prints and customized invitations, announcements, calendars, photo gifts, etc.

Do you have a blog? Sign up for a chance for a free photo book from Shutterfly.

Go to their special offers page to see what you can save on. Right now you can save 30% on Photo Books and Centerstage products, 20% on Notebooks, cards, and select photo gifts.

WIN IT:
Stuart from Shutterfly has generously offered a Photo Book for ten of my readers to win.

Mandatory:
1. Go to the Shutterfly webpage and tell me by commenting on this post what your favorite photograph you have taken is that you might add to this photo book if you win.

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (3 extra entries each)

2. Fan/Like me on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect (GFC) on the left sidebar and/or Networked Blogs Let me know what your user name is. (2 extra entries each)

4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and Shutterfly in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

5. Give me a brief POSITIVE review on Alexa and provide me with your user name. (3 extra entries)

6. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the left) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

7. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

8. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

9. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog Linky/Link-up and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

10. Write about this giveaway with a link to this post on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, StumbleUpon, or other social media website besides Twitter. Let me know where. (2 extra entries for each)

11. Comment on one of my regular (not giveaway) posts. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

12. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

13. Tweet this: @finamoon: @shutterfly WIN Photo Book - 10 winners #giveaway http://bit.ly/nguOaA (Daily Extras are Available)

14. Fan/Like Shutterfly on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

15. Follow Shutterfly on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. Don't forget to leave a comment for each task and the correct amount of entries for each task. This contest ends on Friday August 17, 2011 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. Only!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about Shutterfly's Photo Books I am getting a free 8x8 hardcover Photo Book with 20 pages from Shutterfly. Thanks to Shutterfly for providing me this promotion information, free product, and giveaway free for my readers. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review and giveaway.