This Personalized Family Tree Pillow from Amazon Handmade Was the Perfect Grandparent's Gift

The Mother's Day and Grandparent's Day gift idea we are sharing about today was purchased with our own funds.

A couple of weeks ago, my mother turned 70 years old.  (I'm still having a little trouble accepting that.)  For this milestone birthday, I wanted to find something she would love for our children to present to her as a gift.  She is a tough person to buy for.  The gift couldn't take up a lot of room due to the size limitations of my parent's apartment.  It also couldn't cost too much money because she would just yell at me for spending so much money on her.

I started searching on Etsy because it's a great source for one-of-a-kind gifts, but I couldn't find anything that I loved that would get to me within a few weeks.  My next stop was Amazon Handmade.  It's still fairly new and I had never taken the time to see what items were available.  I lucked out and found this 20" Family Tree Pillow Cover sold by Crafting Rehab.  I could request the quantity of names, choose from a small assortment of pillow colors, specify the colors in the printing, and change the message located at the base of the tree.  The pillow cover and the cost of shipping were both priced very reasonably.  SOLD!

To complete the gift, I also ordered a 20" square pillow insert on Amazon for $8.50 with free shipping.  The pillow cover was shipped by Crafting Rehab in less than a week and arrived about a week later, earlier than the estimated delivery date.  I must also say that the communication from Crafting Rehab was very timely, friendly, and helpful.

I included the names of my 3 children and my nephew on the family tree to represent all my mother's grandchildren.  The gift was presented to her from all 4 children at the end of her birthday dinner.  My mother just LOVED it!  She told me that night and actually called me the next day to tell me again how much she loved it.

If you have a parent or grandparent who is tough to buy for, I highly recommend checking out Amazon Handmade.  I didn't think I could love shopping on Amazon more than I already did, but this shopping experience made that happen!

Silly Monkey Stories: All About My Mom (The Unauthorized Biography)

Last Friday, I received an early Mother's Day gift from our 7 year old son.  Every year at school, his teachers always come up with something special for the children to make to give to their moms for Mother's Day.  Last year, I received this handmade necklace.  This year, my son made me a book, where he filled in the blanks with details about me along with his own illustrations.


Here are a few highlights from the book (with translations underneath) . . . 

Translation:  "All About My Mom" by Jake


This is my mom.  She has brown eyes and brown hair.  Her favorite thing to wear is a tank top and underwear.

Translation:  My mom's favorite T.V. show is Top Model.  Her favorite movie is The Smurfs.


I love my mom because she is a nice person.

Do you think he threw that last page in so I would feel guilty the next time I'm yelling at him to clean up his toys?

Click here to learn how to participate in Silly Monkey Stories.

Click here to read all my Silly Monkey Stories!

If you have a Silly Monkey Story to share, sign Mr. Linky below with the link to your blog post (not the link to your main blog page). Please do not forget to visit the other participants and leave them comments to let them know you stopped by!

Personalized Mother's Day Gifts from Things Remembered

Things Remembered is a unique store that offers one-of-a-kind gifts for any occasion. With Mother’s Day around the corner, they were nice enough to send me a wonderful Mother’s Day gift. I received the Mother Water Globe to give to my mom. This intricately made, stunning water globe features a handcrafted design of silver plate and plays Beethoven’s Fur Elise when wound. The silver composing the base is absolutely gorgeous and very well done. It looks very expensive, but is completely affordable. The inside decorations are very classic and beautiful, as well, and the music just adds a touch of flair to the whole ensemble. It is even custom engraved, so you can add a special message to the mother in your life.

You can buy the Mother Water Globe and many other amazing Mother’s Day gifts on ThingsRemembered.com and at your local Things Remembered store location. The water globe usually retails for $50 but is currently on promotion for $34.99.  All Things Remembered product pages show the estimated delivery date for the various shipping options, so you can be sure to get your gift delivered on time.

Thank you to Things Remembered for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon and for providing an additional product for our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive their choice of one of the following personalized gifts . . .

• Things Remembered USB Photo Key Chain
• Things Remembered Fashion Birthstone Necklace
• Things Remembered Fashion Birthstone Bracelet
• Things Remembered Perfume Atomizer
• Things Remembered Mother Water Globe
• Things Remembered Mom Float (Photo) Frame

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing. PLEASE NOTE:  Winner must not have won a Things Remembered giveaway in the past 60 days.

How to Gain Entries:

Leave a comment telling me which of the 6 personalized gifts you would choose if you won this contest AND what you might have engraved on it. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1)  For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.


2)  For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3)  For 10 extra entries, sign up to receive exclusive Things Remembered gift offers by email (bottom right of homepage). Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments telling me you did.

4)  For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5)  For 1 extra entry each, follow Things Remembered on Twitter and/or "Like" Things Remembered on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.


6)  Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)  Tweet about this giveaway . . .
“I'm following @TRemembered for holiday gift ideas thanks to @_Karen of 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires. Enter to #win at http://j.mp/mH0m8A”

Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)  Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)  Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, May 9th, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Review: Treat Mom (or Yourself) to a Gift From Vera Bradley

Having received my very first Vera Bradley bag four years ago for Mother's Day, I have always felt there was a special connection between the Vera Bradley brand and that special holiday.  Since then, because I enjoy receiving these beautiful handbags and accessories so much, I have made it a habit of giving Vera Bradley gifts for Mother's Day, birthdays, and Christmas.

Whether you are a casual or serious Vera Bradley collector, you probably try to stay on top of which prints are new for the season and which are being retired.  One of my favorite prints for Summer 2011 is Vera Bradley's Watercolor.  Right in tune with the trends this season of feminine florals and soft washed out colors, this print is one of the prettiest ever offered by Vera Bradley.

If you are trying to come up with the perfect Mother's Day gift this year, Vera Bradley offers great gift ideas to fit any budget.  One year, I picked up a Porcelain Mug with Cover for my children to give to their grandmother for just $12.00 and my mother was delighted.

Here are some more great gift ideas for mom . . .

The Get Carried Away Tote makes the perfect overnight bag or a diaper bag for families with multiple little ones.  A generous 18-1/4" x 15-1/2" x 7-1/2", this bag has four exterior pockets . . . one on each side and one on each end.  The interior walls each have 3 pockets plus two water-resistant vinyl lined pockets on each end.  Like a jacket, the top zipper can be left open or zipped up to protect the bag's contents.  This bag is roomy enough to fit everything you need to get away for a night or two and then some.  If mom is planning a vacation later this year or simply loves to travel in general, then this would be a thoughtful and functional gift.  This bag retails for $88 in the current prints and is available for 25% off in the retired prints.

The Travel Wallet by Vera Bradley is not just for travelling.  It is only about an inch in thickness, but has enough organizational pockets inside to hold your cash, cards, tickets, passport, driver's license, and more.

I love that this wallet has a hidden magnetic closure and looks like a slimline clutch.  If it had a wrist strap, it would be perfect for me to use every day.  This wallet is a new Vera Bradley item and is currently only available in the Spring/Summer 2011 prints for $42.00.

One item that I know would be an appreciated gift is a Vera Bradley Umbrella.  Not only do these umbrellas look like works of art when opened, they are functional as well.  Each measures 11" while closed and comes with a coordinating protective sleeve.

The reason why I love this umbrella so much is that there is one button to press to make the umbrella open and then close again.  No more pinched fingers!  My husband did not believe me when I told him about this function and made me demonstrate it for him.  It makes this umbrella well-worth the price of $32.00.  Currently this umbrella is available in a limited number of prints, but does include many of the new prints for this season.

As you can see, we are not lacking in rain around here.  I will be putting this umbrella to good use.  Now I just need to figure out how to manage a weekend getaway with my husband . . .

Visit your local Vera Bradley store, VeraBradley.com, and Vera Bradley on Facebook to learn more about the newest bags and accessories for Spring and Summer.


Thank you to Vera Bradley for providing complimentary product samples for us to base this review upon.

Review: Z-Access Display It 3D Rotating Frame-in-Frame

The Z-Access 3D Rotating Display Frame is an amazing, unique frame that displays its contents in full view with the ability to rotate 360°. It’s one-of-a-kind setup gives the ability to showcase two or three dimensional items completely, giving new possibilities to everything. You can stylishly show off art work, small sculptures, keepsakes, memorabilia and more. The 6x4 inch frame is made of strong, sturdy plastic and has a puncture-resistant, dual inserts that fit securely with the hinged frame enabling any object to be displayed fully. The inner sheet that covers items contorts to fit them perfectly, so they can be felt as well as seen.

I think this frame is amazing and I already want several more. We showcased one of my older son, Avery’s sculptures from art when he was in second grade. Because of its odd shape, I really didn’t know what to do with it so this frame is perfect for it. Avery was thrilled that his owl finally had a home and was being properly displayed. The frames itself is very sturdy and not in danger of breaking, unless someone tries to. The plastic insert that conforms seems like it could easily rupture, but the owl sculpture it’s housing is very pointy and it seems to be faring fine.

The Z-Access Display Frame comes in two styles. The frame with base retails for $15.99 and the frame within a frame, like mine, is $37.99. Either style would make an excellent Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift. You can buy them at www.displayit3d.com.


Thank you to DisplayIt3d for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.

Spa Breaks Should Be Mandatory for Moms

To someone like me who rarely gets to enjoy any uninterrupted moments, whether it is time to take a shower, a nap, or even to have a brief conversation, occasional weekend spa breaks sound like a dream come true.  Swedish massages and green tea body wraps aside, just think of the quiet and the serenity, two things that barely exist in my world.

Now I would never trade my three rambunctious children for anything, but it would be nice to have a break once or twice a year.  I'm fairly certain that I am not the only mom that feels this way.  That is why you should consider spa gift vouchers when thinking about Mother's Day gifts this year.  Better yet . . . make the voucher sizable enough for mom and dad to go to the spa together.  Chances are that dad could use a break too. (Don't forget to throw in your babysitting services to make the gift complete.)

Ruby Tuesday: Handcrafted With Love

This necklace was handcrafted by my 6yr old son. He presented his work of art to me on Mother's Day. His 3yr old brother was extremely impressed and said that it resembled a meatball with ice cream on it. I may have to agree.

I've worn this necklace proudly twice now. I keep it in a carved wooden box and told my 6yr old that I have to keep it safe and only wear it on special occasions.

If you'd like to see more Ruby Tuesday photos, go visit Mary at Work of the Poet!

Giveaway & Review: Mom's Survival Guide (2 Winners) [CLOSED]

Since your first child was born, how many days have you wished that your children came with a manual? For me, it certainly has been more days than I can count.

The editors of Redbook Magazine have published a book titled "Mom's Survival Guide: Save Time, Money, and Your Sanity." This book covers some of the most common issues faced by parents across its 230 pages. The great thing about this book is that you can use it for reference, rather than being required to read it from cover to cover. Some of the topics that were most helpful to me were how to deal with tantrums, sanity-savers for work-at-home moms, helping kids sleep all night, and getting your family to eat healthy.

There are some topics that every parent worries about because there is only so much a parent can do to protect their children. Some of those are bullying, teaching children to be street smart, illnesses, and sport injuries. This book touches on all those. In fact, I do not think that most of these topics are restricted to mothers. The book should really be titled "Parent's Survival Guide."

This book retails for $16.95 and can be found at major book retailers, such as Borders, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.com .

Thank you to Sterling Publishing for sending us a sample copy of this book free of charge to base this review upon and for providing two additional copies for our contest prizes.

What you can win:
TWO lucky readers will each receive a paperback copy of "Mom's Survival Guide" from the editors of Redbook Magazine.

Limitations:

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Leave a comment telling me what problem you have faced as a parental figure that you wish there had been a guide to help you deal with the situation. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND Mom's Survival Guide . Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

4) Friend me on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 2 extra entries, share the link to this contest post on Facebook. Then leave TWO separate comments with the link to your Facebook profile.

6) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9) Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://www.3garnets2sapphires.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/Graphics4Me/NEWBlogButton125x125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, May 31st, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Mother's Day 2010 Photos (Part 2)

I hope you enjoyed our Mother's Day 2010 Photos (Part 1)! Here are the photos from the afternoon and evening. We were invited to have a Mother's Day dinner at my sister's and brother-in-law's house along with my parents. The weather was a bit chilly, so we were not able to spend time outside. Luckily there was a basketball game on.

My husband found out that the best way to get our children to smile during a photo is to tell them not to smile. It worked like a charm! You should try it.

Here is my sophisticated 3yr old reading Real Simple Magazine and my Dad who is happily waiting for dessert . . .

This is my new favorite photo of my family . . .

Here is our 6yr old presenting the humongous card he and his little brother and sister made for my Mom . . .

Here is my Mom opening her gift from us. Can't go wrong with Vera Bradley, right?

Cake time! This strawberry cake was actually made by my brother-in-law and he did a fantastic job. It was delicious!

Thanks so much for taking a few minutes to view these photos of our family gathering! I did manage to save a couple for the Weekly Winners photo meme, so look for those on Sunday.

Mother's Day 2010 Photos (Part 1)

This Mother's Day, my 6yr old son had a surprise for me. He actually told me he had a surprise for me the week before and then asked me where he should hide it so I wouldn't see it.

It turned out that he had made a beautiful card for me with a poem inside. Here is the translation:

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

Apples are sweet

And so are you.

To accompany the card, he also made this beautiful handcrafted pendant on a ribbon necklace. I think he did a great job, don't you? I can totally see why he was so proud and excited to present it to me. His 3yr old brother said he thought it looked like a meatball with ice cream on it. I think that was meant to be a compliment because it sounds like something he would actually eat.

Below are photos of me with each of my beautiful children . . .

Look for more photos to come from Mother's Day dinner at my sister's and brother-in-law's house.