Send 4th of July e-cards from Hallmark

By Hillary McNabb | Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 02:48 PM

Preview of one of the cards (from Hallmark.com)

No. Really. This isn’t spam.

Hallmark has a variety of Free e-cards to send for the 4th of July.

Some are interactive (light the fuse to set of fireworks, etc.), some allow you to add your own photos and others are just static. All are patriotic and fun.

So if you know someone won’t be seeing fireworks this weekend, send them some. If your favorite party guests won’t be around this weekend, let them know you still want them to have a happy 4th.

Choose and send your card(s) here.

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Celebrate the 4th of July in style

By Hillary McNabb | Monday, June 29, 2009, 01:30 PM

Independence Day arrives this weekend and we’re in luck since it falls on a Saturday. That means we can celebrate all weekend!

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate, we’ve got you covered. Our 4th of July guide has the scoop on the area’s best fireworks, parades and celebrations.

Also of note: Flower Factory will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and will be having a one-day sale.

Michaels has small flags 3 for $1 this week as well as: Americana decor and ribbon 30% off, red, white blue flowers for $1, foam can holders and visors for 66¢ that you can decorate for the 4th and other items.

Do you know of other stores that are open this weekend or having great deals on 4th of July decoration and party supplies? Share the info below.

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Red, white and blue as far as the eye can see at Target

By Hillary McNabb | Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 05:36 PM

Buckets, stickers, flags and more at Target

I stopped at the Beavercreek Target store on Tuesday and while I was there I spotted a large variety of Fourth of July/patriotic items available for $1 each (some were $2.50).

Among the items? Small metal pails (perfect for candy, candles, flowers or other decoration), welcome signs for the door, flags, stickers, rhinestone tattoos, notepads, pencils, foam Statue of Liberty hats, cupcake decorating supplies (paper holders, sprinkles) and plenty more.

From past experiences Target’s Dollar Spot selection varies by location but most have at least a few of the same items. If you’re looking for some quick (and inexpensive) ways to add a little patriotic flair to your home, celebrations or baked goods this summer, some of these items can’t be beat for the price. Fair warning though: items in this spot tend to go fast if they’re an especially good deal or if they are unique so I wouldn’t go and “decide later” whether to get something you want.

Have you spotted any good Fourth of July deals?

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Answer: Flowers… Question: What to get the mom who has everything

By Hillary McNabb | Friday, May 8, 2009, 09:28 AM

Send mom some love

If your mom already has everything she needs and wants (and tells you so when you ask her what she wants for any special occasion), there is one option that is timeless and works for almost any mom: flowers.

Coming in so many varieties, price ranges, sizes and shapes this gift is not one size fits all, but rather one gift fits almost any (serious allergies considered of course).

Depending on how close you are to mom and how much you want to spend, you can easily get a nice bouquet (flower types vary) for her (delivered by you - in person) for $10 or possibly even less. Or you can pay a friendly delivery person a little more and get flowers sent straight to her door (works well if she doesn’t live near you). Of course, on the other extreme you could easily spend $100s on flowers for your mom.

I checked out a few of the major online flower delivery options (1800flowers.com, FTD, Teleflora, ProFlowers.com) and most of them have at least a few arrangements that start at $19.99 (delivery extra of course). Keep in mind that some do not offer Sunday delivery which means the flowers would arrive a day early.

If you live near your mom and plan on seeing her anyway, stop at your neighborhood florist and pick up (and pick out!) the flowers yourself. You’ll be helping a local business and putting a smile on your mom’s face all in one day. (Check store hours to make sure they’re open on Sundays). I’ve often found beautiful arrangements and bouquets at Kroger and other grocery stores that have a floral department.

Is mom into gardening?

If your mom has a garden (or wants to start one) you can always buy her flats of flowers ready to plant or potted plants to help decorate her flower beds. Most garden centers and home improvement stores (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.) will have sales on these items this time of year anyway and you may get lucky and find some good sales for Mother’s Day.

If she’s allergic to most flowers? Go for a food or herb plant. Or chocolate.

Whatever you’re getting… it’s time to go get it (or order it). Mother’s Day is in 2 days.

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15% off at Flower Factory makes it easy to personalize a basket for mom

By Hillary McNabb | Monday, May 4, 2009, 11:08 AM

If you’re looking to give mom something a little more suited to her likes, why not put together a gift basket with her favorite things?

You could fill it with a variety of her favorites or go with a theme (food, spa & relaxation, scrapbooking, etc.).

As for the basket, Flower Factory has a wide variety of baskets in all shapes, colors and sizes for you to fill.

In addition to the basket selection, Flower Factory is offering 15% off of candles, picture frames, handbags and accessories and costume jewelry through Tuesday, May 12 so you should be able to find plenty to fill the basket with while you’re there.

Other good items to add to gift baskets to spruce them up: gift cards/certificates that match the theme (massage, restaurants, etc.), filled picture frames or albums, jewelry and wrapped items to keep some of the basket’s contents a surprise.

What do you put in baskets to make them a special gift?

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Take mom for a spin on the river

By Hillary McNabb | Friday, May 1, 2009, 01:33 PM

Your mom shouldn’t have to cook on her day. So don’t even think about making her (dads I’m looking at you here if the kids are too little to cook or pay).

Here’s a look from Mark Fisher at the specials some area restaurants are offering on Mother’s Day, but if you’d really like to impress her, why not take her out to eat on a riverboat cruise?

BB Riverboats will be hosting Mother’s Day brunch and dinner cruises on Sunday, May 10. Brunch runs from 1-3 p.m. and dinner from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Prices for both run $27.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors (60 and up) and $12 for kids (4-12). Prices include the meal and a souvenir photo for each mom. View the menus and make reservations.

What other unique Mother’s Day celebration ideas do you have in mind?

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Mom will be charmed with a shiny new charm bracelet for Mother’s Day

By Hillary McNabb | Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 08:00 AM

Things Remembered has recently released a new line of charms and charm bracelets, perfect for moms of all kinds.

They have an exclusive “Mother’s Day Charm Bracelet” with 3 pre-picked charms if you’re in a hurry for $70. All you have to do is figure out what to engrave on the backs, if anything. They also have one for new mommies, also for $70. $70 is by no means cheap but it is a savings from buying the bracelet and 3 charms separately (most are $20 each).

Does mom already have a charm bracelet? See all of Things Remembered’s new charms and select one that’s just right for mom to add to her collection.

Not a charm bracelet fan? Peruse this selection of other personalized gifts for moms and grandmas.

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