Craft Subscription

Know someone who likes to make things? Get them Craft magazine. Issued quarterly, Craft is full of things that aren’t tea-cozy patterns. Seriously, it’s a fun magazine.

Posted on 26 Oct 2007 by Tina V.

“I Love You” Message Beans">“I Love You” Message Beans

Well, Happy New Year to all of you! The wreaths are coming down and the menorahs are being put away, which only means that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. So start getting those hearts out or wearing your “I hate V-Day” t-shirts. Oh, and get ready to say “Happy Anniversary” to us at g3!! We’re about to turn one year old! But, back to the gifts. If you are not a romantic, but still want to give your special someone a gift that he or she will remember, try to “I Love You” Message Beans from Signals.

Posted on 1 Jan 2007 by Anne B.

The Original Seatbelt Bag

I love purses, as I’ve said before, and I carry my life in my purse. Wallet, extra treats for the kiddo, pens, makeup, everything goes in my bag. As a result, I wear purses out very quickly and I have problems finding a purse that is both stylish and durable. I’ve finally found one that holds up to my rigorous lifestyle in Harvey’s Seatbelt Bag.

Posted on 5 Dec 2006 by Tina V.

Beat the Leaves, Part 2: Poly Leaf Scoops

Okay, for the second installment of my series on lawn refuse removal techniques and gifts, I’ve chosen the Poly Leaf Scoops to go along with my Port-A-Sac Lawn Bag Holder. In my quest to make my job of leaf disposer a little easier, I found these huge green alien suckers that are like 10 times the size of my own hands. The rake is never easy to use when putting the leaves into the refuse container (bag, can, whatever), and I’m tired of scraping our snow shovel against the driveway to pick up the leaves. My personal philosophy is that the grab is more efficient than the scoop. Hence, the Poly Leaf Scoops.

Posted on 20 Nov 2006 by Anne B.

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit

If you know of a runner, then the Nike+iPod Sport Kit is the newest gadget to get him or her! I’ve run 3 marathons (not fast, mind you, but I finished—yea!), and I wish that I had this package when I had run them. This combination, although the kit runs at $29 or less, can be a little pricey if you don’t already own the Nike+ shoes and the iPod Nano. But I think ultimately this is worth it!! So, if you know of someone who is trying to get into shape and who also loves music, then this is the package to get for Christmas and New Year’s combined (you know the whole resolution thing?).

Posted on 16 Oct 2006 by Anne B.

Cowgirl’s Girlfriends Game

I am working my fingers to the bone these days. So after taking care of my family, then my business, it doesn’t leave much time left for my friends. I miss those girlfriends I usually get to talk with during the course of the week.

Posted on 27 Sep 2006 by Anne W.

Spa Shower Mat

As I said yesterday, with 2 small kids, a husband I adore and 2 businesses finding the time to enjoy a bubble bath is virtually impossible. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to find ways to relax.

Posted on 14 Sep 2006 by Anne W.

Spa Massage Bath Pillow

I have this huge garden tub that I admire while I step into the shower every morning. With two small kids, the idea of finding the time to enjoy a long hot bubble bath seems daunting. But I have my hopes.

Posted on 13 Sep 2006 by Anne W.

Instant Manicures from Avon

Well, Ladies, I don’t usually write about beauty products, but this is the best thing since the hair dryer was invented. As a retail salesperson and a mom of two young children, I have zero time to paint my own nails. I also don’t have the time or money to pay a babysitter so that I can go get a manicure. So, when my friend gave me a sample of Avon’s new Instant Manicure, I thought I’d at least give it a try. I have to admit, I was extremely skeptical at first—those press-on nails never seemed to work. Why would this be any different? But, I am now hooked and will probably never go back to wet nail polish again.

Posted on 12 Sep 2006 by Anne B.

Assorted Brownie Tray

My birthday is speeding into reality very soon. I know my family loves me. And as a mother and wife, but if I want a birthday cake, I am probably gonna have to bake it myself. Now I like cake, but I don’t love it. So I rarely bother. My family makes a big enough celebration without the cake.

Posted on 6 Sep 2006 by Anne W.

“First Day of School” Frame">“First Day of School” Frame

I have pictures from the first day of school for each of my kids. It is a momentous day. It’s a rite of passage, every year, and especially the first year. The first year of preschool, kindergarten, elementary, jr. high and even college, each year measures the passage of time as your child grows up. And such special occasions should be captured and framed appropriately.

Posted on 31 Aug 2006 by Anne W.

Travelon Messenger Style Shoulder Bag

My mother-in-law has been doing a lot of traveling back and forth to my home for baptisms and such. And in order to make her trip comfortable, she needs to be extra organized and have all of her necessary “things” with her. So, her solution to this necessity is her Travelon Messenger Style Shoulder Bag. She not only has one, but two, of these incredible bags made by Travelon. We do a bunch of travel, ourselves, and I am really close to purchasing one of these great bags for myself before we head to the Caribbean this Fall.

Posted on 14 Aug 2006 by Anne B.

FresherLonger Miracle Food Storage

Well Summer is here and it always reminds me of the huge garden that we planted every year when I was a teenager living on the farm. I crave fresh vegetables, the kind of freshness that you just can’t get in the grocery stores. Oh they try, but the vegetables and fruit are all picked unripe and shipped so they will “ripenâ€? in-transit. But usually they arrive less than their full beauty. So I eagerly await the new growing season and I make jaunts to the Farmer’s Market for the freshest fruits and vegetables available. But once you have them at home, how do you keep them fresh? And this question really extends to all food at home.

Posted on 21 Jun 2006 by Anne W.

Sudoku Puzzleboard

While we were on vacation last month, my wonderful in-laws came and stayed with our kids. What a great time we had too. But that’s not what we are talking about here.

Posted on 14 Jun 2006 by Anne W.

Digital Photo Frame

I love my digital camera. And I love taking pictures of my children. So needless to say, I have a lot of pictures. And I would love to be able to display them without having to print them out (or send them out for printing) and then framing. Well you get the picture.

Posted on 6 Jun 2006 by Anne W.

Dinner My Way

Happy Mother’s Day to all those moms out there reading this. I wish I’d gotten this entry in before today, but being a mom myself of two small children, life and its exercises often get away from me. But Dinner My Way is a company and concept that saved my life after my son was born in February, and if your husband forgot to honor you, as a mother, today, then let him read this entry SOON!

Posted on 14 May 2006 by Anne B.

The Foot Thing

Ok, ladies, this post is really just for us. I hate shaving my legs. But it’s a necessary evil, so it has to be done. We have this large very nice shower, but no step, nothing to put my leg up on.

Posted on 3 May 2006 by Anne W.

Photo Book from Kodak.com

This month, I’m all about the Mother’s Day gifts, because it is up to us ladies to guide our men to the gifts and keepsakes that we want. Raise your hand if your husband has ever gone to the drugstore the night before your birthday, Christmas, or Mother’s Day to buy you a gift. Mine is raised, and, boy, was I upset about it—not because I didn’t like the gift, but because it showed that my husband had failed to really put some thought into what the special day was supposed to mean. So, for all of you men out there that are now mad at me for dumping on you, I AM HERE TO HELP YOU FIND THE BEST GIFT FOR YOUR MOTHER OR WIFE FOR MOTHER’S DAY. One great option is to create a photo book at Kodak.com.

Posted on 1 May 2006 by Anne B.

Rose Bliss Bath

Hmm, so you want to pamper your Mother for Mother’s Day, right? Say right. Yes, that’s it. Ok, so you have lots of wonderful ideas to do so, a great gift basket, some wonderful flowers, a new book, or a card.

Posted on 26 Apr 2006 by Anne W.

The Nursing Bracelet at Uncommon Goods

I am currently a nursing mom who wishes that she had thought of this wonderful piece of jewelry first. This [Nursing Bracelet] from [Uncommon Goods] is not only functional but beautiful also. Most new moms are tired and tend to feel a bit frumpy—we don’t fit into our maternity clothes nor do we fit into our pre-pregnancy clothes—so feeling beautiful isn’t exactly how I would have described myself right after giving birth. But if you want to make the new mom feel special AND beautiful, give her one of these [Nursing Bracelets]. There are 4 colors of semi-precious stones in addition to the sterling silver beads that are used to “tell time” as to when the baby was last fed. And to remember from which side the baby last nursed, simply switch the bracelet to the proper hand. If you think a new mom can’t remember things as simple as this at 2 a.m., then quiz her and you’ll get your answer. We can feed babies on no sleep, but forget simple equations or basic memory. This piece of jewelry is the perfect new mom gift for husbands who don’t want to get her diamonds, but want to tell their breastfeeding wives how much they love them and how proud they are of them. And don’t husbands always like to buy gifts that make their wives cry AND that are practical?

Posted on 24 Apr 2006 by Anne B.

Pee Pee Teepees

One of the greatest gifts I’ve ever found to give to an expecting mom is the [PEE-PEE TEEPEES] from [Uncommon Goods]. This item is one of those that makes you say, “I wish I’d thought of that!â€? This gift will give Mommy a true chuckle and maybe a wake up call about having a boy! And if there’s ever a time to make a new or expecting mom of a boy, it’s at her baby shower.

Posted on 17 Apr 2006 by Anne B.

All in One Kitchen Garden

The other day my kids and I planted a window garden. We purchased some seeds with the idea of learning about plants and how they grow. As many of you know I am an avid gardener, but I live in a rental home in Southern California. My current home has only a few beds in the back yard and the rest of the yard is beautiful concrete. The backyard is very nice, but not at all conducive to the kind of gardening I would like to do. I love both flowers and vegetable gardens, but I miss my herbs the most.

Posted on 12 Apr 2006 by Anne W.

Light Wedge

I love to read, but I hardly have time any more except just before bed. And I love reading in bed, but I love my husband more. So I don’t want to read in bed if he’s sleeping, the light would keep him awake. So when I found the Light Wedge, I loved it immediately.

Posted on 5 Apr 2006 by Anne W.

Garden Bouquet of Cookies for Easter from Gifts by Delivery

When people think about sending something to a family member or friend for Easter, most people’s thoughts go directly to flowers or chocolate bunnies. However, I always want to find that gift that is away from the norm, but still shows that I care about the gift recipient. I can always find that at Gifts By Delivery. This year for Easter, I’m going to stay away from the flowers and go for the stomach with the Garden Bouquet of Cookies, one of many gourmet gifts from http://www.giftsbydelivery.com. These incredible gourmet treats are shipped the same day they are baked and come in an adorable tin that exemplifies Spring. I know that my family and friends will appreciate the thought and the food as they celebrate the new life of the season.

Posted on 3 Apr 2006 by Anne B.

Shea Shell Brooches

I love truly unique and different jewelry. Some time ago, I discovered Carolyn Shea’s Shea Shells beach décor, jewelry and accessories. I have often drooled over her beautiful beach jewelry, truly unique and absolutely lovely. In particular, I love the SeaShell brooches

Posted on 29 Mar 2006 by Anne W.

2006 Birth Year Keepsake Box

Do you have a friend who’s about to give birth? Do you want to get them something more unique than a pack of onesies or diapers? Uncommon Goods has the perfect gift for your new parents: the 2006 Birth Year Box. But this isn’t just a regular keepsake box—it follows the Chinese calendar and includes the various traits that the newborn may possess as a member of the year of the dog.

Posted on 27 Mar 2006 by Anne B.

Single Knit Receiving Blanket with Fabric Trim

When I used to hear the word “monogrammed,â€? I’d think of my grandmother’s pristine towels in her guest bathroom. However, since I came upon [Namely Sew], I’ve changed my views of monogrammed merchandise. As a mother of a new baby girl, I received a few adorable bibs and blankets from [Namely Sew] with my daughter’s name beautifully embroidered on the items, which included her nursery theme of puppies. The [Knit Receiving Blanket] was my favorite, and over 2 years and MANY washings later, it is still one of the softest and most special items I’ve kept from my daughter’s infanthood.

Posted on 20 Mar 2006 by Anne B.

The Body Shop: Invent Your Scent Collection

When I was younger, I learned how to make my own perfumes and scents, a skill that’s been both a blessing and a curse. See, I can make scents that I love, but I can’t wear most retail perfumes. They’re not as appealing to me and most of them contain ingredients that make either me or my husband sneeze. I was a little more than thrilled to see that the The Body Shop offered a fragrance line called “Invent Your Scent.” Now I can create my own perfumes that aren’t offensive to either my or my spouse’s nose, and are distinctly unique. The Body Shop is now offering a collection of scents to mix or wear alone.

Posted on 17 Mar 2006 by Tina V.

Morgan Handbag

Some women collect shoes, some jewelry, I seem to collect purses. Now, I have cut back on my collection significantly in recent years. But I am always on the lookout for the perfect purse. I am always looking for the purse with all the bells and whistles and still small, simple and not too bulky. Wouldn’t you just love to ask the designer to add another pocket? Or pick the perfect fabric for you?

Posted on 15 Mar 2006 by Anne W.

Heart Stones

I am an avid gardener so anything to make my garden a special place to relax, and “smell the rosesâ€? is inviting to me. These heart stones are just what I mean. These are sweet heart shaped stones make a wonderful surprise for you or your guests to stumble upon. They will lighten your mood, warm your heart, a little reminder that there is love in the world.

Posted on 8 Mar 2006 by Anne W.

Game Blast

Do you play computer games? Well, millions of Americans do, so you are not alone if you do. And if you don’t, maybe you should. I do. My husband does. My kids do too and they are under 5. The hardest part is finding the right game and games can be expensive too.

Posted on 7 Mar 2006 by Anne W.

KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer, Metallic Chrome

Hey, Its me, Anne W. I am filling for Gadget Guru today. So I get to offer up a Home Tech/Gadget for us women.

Posted on 28 Feb 2006 by Anne W.

Flower Aquarium

As you already might have guessed I love the garden. I am an avid gardener and am known to take on large floral growing projects occasionally. My last crazy floral project was to dig up the beds surrounding my pool and plant 40 climbing roses. They looked and smelled incredible, but the amount of work to maintain them was a little overwhelming. I sold the house after the first season, but I have driven by and know at least some of them are still thriving. So needless to say, I love fresh flowers. And I love unusual ways to display them. So when I found these flower aquariums I was in love immediately. They are very unique. You place your floral arrangement in the base, fill it up with water, attach the base which seals in the water and turn it over to display your flowers. The hand blown glass globe magnifies each flower so you can see each beautiful detail. And the flowers last longer too! The flower aquariums is available in 3 sizes – Single, Medium (7â€?) $14.95 and large (8.5â€?) - $19.95. I would definitely encourage buying one in each size or multiple of two sizes. From Gardener’s Supply Company.

Posted on 15 Feb 2006 by Anne W.

Live, Love, Dream Pendant from Vintage Faerie

I’m not really a charm bracelet (or necklace) sort of gal, but these charms may be an exception to the rule. These charms from Vintage Faerie are sterling silver and feature the message “Live, Love, Dream” in both French and English.

Posted on 10 Feb 2006 by Tina V.

Baby Daze Organizer Book

Before my first child was born, nobody mentioned to me all of the things that I would have to record and remember during the first few weeks of my daughter’s life. I’m not talking just first smiles and foods. I mean feedings, changes in diet for both mom and baby, diapers (and what’s in them, including color), etc., in addition to all of the exciting “firstsâ€?. What my friends DID tell me was that I would be extremely tired and that the first several months would be a daze—memories would be fleeting.

Well, that’s where the great gift of the Baby Daze Organizer Book came in extremely handy. At the one week doctor’s appointment, I was able to accurately show the pediatrician how many times/ounces my daughter was fed, how many colorful diapers we went through, and any abnormalities witnessed. If the doctor had asked me to simply remember on my own all of that, forget it. I could barely remember what I’d had for breakfast that morning! The Baby Daze logbook was my savior and my brain for those first few days of tiresome motherhood.

Posted on 25 Jan 2006 by Anne B.