Excellent Free Online Resources

Recently found some new, free, online resources you might find helpful.  I'm sure you love free stuff as much as I do, so check them out.  No gimmicks, just free stuff.

Free online books library for students, teachers, and the classic enthusiast.  Go to http://www.readprint.com/.

Free Patriotic Cards.  Visit http://familycrafts.about.com/b/2010/06/23/free-printable-patriotic-cards.htm.

Free Downloadable Victorian Paper Doll Templates.  Find it here http://kids-paper-crafts.suite101.com/article.cfm/free-downloadable-victorian-paper-doll-templates. 

The Best Birthday Freebies from Yahoo at http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/108990/the-best-birthday-freebies. 

Fun Brain - Free Educational Game Site for Kids is available at http://www.funbrain.com/kidscenter.html. 

More free resources are available on my website, click here to view a full list http://www.shopchristi.com/freeresources.html. 


Sharing is caring! Save money, save time and help save our environment. Lots of fun resources are available to help find creative ways to spend quality time with your family while staying on budget. Crafts, decorating, do it yourself projects, parting planning, preparing meals, shopping and more valuable resources and information are free online. I love to share my fun finds with you. For more free resources and tips follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter. My website is http://www.shopchristi.com/. Check it out!

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Preparing for Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is only a week away. What are you planning to make your Mom’s day extra special? Do you have a family tradition or do you try different ideas? If you’re at a loss for what to do, I’ve searched online and found some unique ways to make the day special for her.


Cook up something special for Mom. Bagel Family Portrait, Cool Cake for Mom and Mother’s Day Truffles are just a few of the creative and fun recipes available at Disney Family Fun http://bit.ly/d9vksr. If you want to make her breakfast in bed, whip up a Blueberry Mother’s Day Breakfast Cake. The recipe is available from @CDKitchen at http://bit.ly/aqqPlS.

Kids and adults can find crafty ideas for making Mom an inexpensive gift at Suite101 http://bit.ly/aBrH5a and Sherri’s Family Crafts Blog http://bit.ly/cOpVXH. I personally love the Mother’s Day coupon idea. I used a version of this idea for a Valentine’s Day gift to my husband. I filled a bucket with all of his favorite chocolates, Hershey bars, Kisses, Reese’s, M&M’s and more. Then I decorated the bucket with paint pens and stickers. To finish it off, I put the handmade coupons in the bucket on top of the chocolates. You could decorate and fill your bucket with Mom’s favorite candies, chocolates or snacks for a fun way to present the coupons to your Mom. Bath salts are also an easy craft for kids and adults that any Mother will love. After you cook her dinner, you can run a hot bath with candles for a soothing atmosphere and present her with the handmade bath salts. Both of these ideas are available on Sherri’s blog (link above) with detailed instructions.

Mom’s card can also be made by hand. Kids can trace their own hand to create a “Guess How Much I Love You?” Mother’s Day card. The instructions and template are available from Kid Crafts Magazine http://bit.ly/9CtNID.

If you’re looking to purchase Mom a gift online, retailers are offering very good incentives this year. The following are a variety of gift options with current coupon codes:

eBags is offering a Celebrate Mom special - Extra 20% Off Sitewide at eBags! Hurry, this offer ends Sunday, 5/2/10 at midnight. Coupon Code: COMJMOMS20. Link: http://bit.ly/9yCCSe.

Flirty Aprons is offering a Mother's Day 40% Off Sale with coupon code FA-4110. Expires 5/12/10. Link: http://bit.ly/bUTrWF.

Stew Leonard’s Gift Baskets is offering a free cookbook with minimum purchase of $25 using coupon code MOMDAY. This offer expires 5/6/10. Link: http://bit.ly/9Ut3s0.

Get Mom a gift she will treasure for years to come! Turn Photos/Slides/Videos into Memories with ScanDigital. Use Code: Mothers10 for 10% Off! Expires 5/31/10. Link: http://bit.ly/b4TbLq.

Mother’s Day gifts, including personalized gifts, are available on my website at http://bit.ly/bE3cWh. Coupon code: BUYNOW for 10% OFF!

More Mother’s Day coupon codes for online shopping are available at http://bit.ly/99SViX.

I hope you find this information helpful in planning your Mom’s special day. And if you are a Mom, Happy Mother’s Day to you!



Sharing is caring! Save money, save time and help save our environment. Lots of fun resources are available to help find creative ways to spend quality time with your family while staying on budget. Crafts, decorating, do it yourself projects, parting planning, preparing meals, shopping and more valuable resources and information are free online. I love to share my fun finds with you. For more free resources and tips follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter. My website is http://www.shopchristi.com/. Check it out!

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Spring Gardening

Well, I am happy to say the gardens are finally completely planted. I'd like to say it took a few days but it really took 2-3 weeks. The flower bed, rock garden and vegetable garden combined were a much bigger job than I anticipated.

The flower bed and rock garden were actually fun. The boys helped me pull weeds and get everything cleaned up and planted. We finished those by working in the afternoon a few days in a row.

Now the vegetable garden is a whole different story.

Let me begin by taking you back to last year. I did the bare minimum to the front yard and focused on a vegetable garden in the back. It was my first attempt at a true veggie garden. I've grown tomato plants and herbs but not a real seed planted vegetable garden.

Everything started out great, my niece, two boys and I planted the seeds for 8 different vegetables and had a great time watching them begin to grow. However, it wasn't long before the zucchini plants grew so big, so fast they took over the garden. The huge zucchini plants produced huge zucchini too. I'm talking the largest zucchini I've ever seen! The only survivors were a couple of cucumber plants and one yellow squash plant. The cucumbers and squash only produced a few average size veggies before being overcome by the massive zucchini plants.

This is why I decided it was necessary to move the veggie garden to a new, larger area. My fear of a repeat zucchini attack, determination to grow more veggies and a bad case of spring fever made me oblivious to all the work I was creating for myself.

Don’t let anybody fool you, gardening is a real workout! I’m 5’3” so lifting 3 - 60 lb. bags of cedar mulch that look as big as me is not easy. The 20 bags of 40 lb. soil were no picnic in the park either. After a few trips carrying those suckers, I got creative. I’m sure I looked pretty funny using my ice chest with wheels to roll one bag of soil at a time to the backyard. The digging, bending and stooping are good exercise as well.

After all the hard work, I’m happy to say the gardens are planted and look great. Now all we can do is water, weed and watch it grow.

I’ll let you know if we have any monster plants try to take over the garden again. If we do, I hope the extra room gives the other veggies a better chance at surviving.

It was a big job but I think it will prove to be well worth it. I’m stronger and tanner for my efforts so far and hopefully my family will enjoy eating fresh, healthy veggies soon.




Sharing is caring! Save money, save time and help save our environment. Lots of fun resources are available to help find creative ways to spend quality time with your family while staying on budget. Crafts, decorating, do it yourself projects, parting planning, preparing meals, shopping and more valuable resources and information are free online. I love to share my fun finds with you.

For more free resources and tips follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter.

My website is http://www.shopchristi.com/. Check it out!

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Try A Different Approach

Try a different approach!  Let me help you save on expenses and get the work done.  Many large companies are discovering the cost effectiveness of outsourcing, why not you too?  No need to provide benefits or insurance.  I work independently from home on a variety of projects.  Accounting, order processing & fulfillment, payroll, sales brochures & flyers, spreadsheets, websites and many more services are well within my capabilities.  I am known for "getting it done".  Let me help you free up some time by taking these tasks off your to do list.  You can count on me!  I will get it done accurately and on time.  Contact me at christi@shopchristi.com or check out my website, http://www.shopchristi.com/ for more information.


My past experience includes 18+ years at The Dallas Morning News.  I worked in several positions during my tenure: Inside Sales Representative, Group Manager, New Business Supervisor, Inside Sales Manager and Project Planning Supervisor.


For free resources and tips follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter.

My website is http://www.shopchristi.com/. Check it out!

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Fun Finds for Easter

Spring is in the air. Easter is quickly approaching. It’s time to plan your craft projects, decorating themes and activities for Easter. You will find free printables, card design ideas, entertaining ideas, kid’s activities, decorating ideas, recipes and supplies resources to help you get started. Make this Easter, an Easter to remember.


Free, Printable Easter Supplies and Decorations are available at http://familycrafts.about.com/od/printableeastersupplies/a/eaprintparty.htm.
via About.com: Family crafts.

Homemade Easter Card Design Ideas are available at http://crafts.suite101.com/article.cfm/create-beautiful-handmade-easter-cards or Homemade Religious Easter Cards ideas are at http://crafts.suite101.com/article.cfm/homemade-religious-easter-cards via Suite101.com.

Martha Stewart has really awesome ideas on her site. Everything Easter section includes Crafts & Décor, Eggs & Baskets, Recipes and More. Check it out at http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/decorating-for-easter.

HGTV offers some great decorating ideas for Easter at http://www.hgtv.com/topics/easter/index.html.

Easter Recipes plus Decorating and Entertaining ideas are available at http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Easter-Recipes
via Taste of Home.

FamilyFun has a large variety of Easter recipes for all ages at http://familyfun.go.com/easter/easter-recipes/.

Free, Easter Activities for Children are available at http://www.dltk-holidays.com/easter/
via DLTK’s Growing Together.

BuyCostumes.com has Easter Bunny Costumes at http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3717050-10410645.

CreateForLess.com has 50,000 brand name craft, sewing & scrapbooking supplies at 30-50% below retail at http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-3717050-10286113.

Craft, Floral and Party Supplies for Easter are also available on my site, ShopChristi.com, at http://www.shopchristi.com/supplies.html.


Sharing is caring! Save money, save time and help save our environment. Lots of fun resources are available to help find creative ways to spend quality time with your family while staying on budget. Crafts, decorating, do it yourself projects, parting planning, preparing meals, shopping and more valuable resources and information are free online. I love to share my fun finds with you.

For more free resources and tips follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter.

My website is www.ShopChristi.com. Check it out!

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Fun Finds for Pets

Pets bring joy to so many of our lives. Online pet resources can help you bring joy to your pet’s life, the lives of other pets and your own life. It is a proven fact that pets can help improve your health. Let’s make sure you have access to the best information when it comes to the health, safety and care of your pet. The following resources are available for finding and adopting a pet, health and behavior information, eco-friendly pet products and lots more.


PetFinder is an awesome resource when looking for pet adoptions. They offer information on pets available throughout the United States. Begin your search for a pet at http://bit.ly/cnBhpo.

“27 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health” - Slideshow from WebMD provides information on the health benefits associated with pets. View the slideshow at http://bit.ly/dpFau5.

Dogtripper.com features tips for dog lovers, by dog lovers. For everything imaginable about dogs go to http://bit.ly/d8hOHQ.

Online resources for public domain vintage and modern images, find free animal clip art resources at http://bit.ly/arTliU, by Suite101.com. 

For information on Cats, Cat Basic, Health & Behavior and Photos & Forums, visit http://cats.about.com/ from About.com.

Help provide free food to animal shelters to help feed hungry dogs and cats. Free Kibble is a fun site to visit and will donate pet food to shelters every day you play Bow Wow Trivia. Go to http://www.freekibble.com/ help save animals.

“The Pet Wiki is the place to share our knowledge and passion about pets. Come, share your knowledge and enjoy!” Pet Wiki covers topics for Dogs, Cats, Birds, Rodents, Horses, Reptiles and Other Pets. More information available at http://bit.ly/bNi0Lt.

For the benefits of off leash walking and training for beginners, go to http://bit.ly/d2kl7R by K9Cuisine.

Green Doggie Bags – Biodegradable & Eco – Friendly Products information is available at http://bit.ly/cDEw3R.

Quality Pet Supplies available at Low Prices and Free Shipping! For Pet Street Mall current special offers, visit http://bit.ly/dbLJs7.

Take care of your dog, cat, bird, fish or other small animal, save on pet medicines and more at PetCareRx, http://bit.ly/bWRN6G.

Pet Accessories, Pet Carriers, Pet Homes, Pet Clothing, Pet Supplies and Pet Toys are available on my site, ShopChristi.com, at http://bit.ly/adbAtA.

 
Sharing is caring! Save money, save time and help save our environment. Lots of fun resources are available to help find creative ways to spend quality time with your family while staying on budget. Crafts, decorating, do it yourself projects, parting planning, preparing meals, shopping and more valuable resources and information are free online. I love to share my fun finds with you.

For more free resources and tips follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter.

My website is http://www.shopchristi.com/.  Check it out!

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Fun Finds for Baby

Oh Baby, Baby, Baby! The joy, anticipation, excitement, fear all wrapped into that one moment you welcome your baby into the world. Your life changes forever, whether it’s your first or third child. Life is suddenly filled with the daily challenges, blessings and rewards a baby brings.


Planning and preparing for the arrival of baby is a creative, fun time for many Moms. Fortunately, the baby world has grown tremendously. There are a ton of resources available to help Moms-to-be. Baby registries, baby names, baby health & development information, baby room décor ideas and baby products links follow to help with your baby preparations.


Baby Registry Resources:

Amazon Baby offers a baby registry service for Moms-to-be. You can add items to your registry from any site with an easy “add to registry button”. This gives you lots of creative options. For example, if you find a handmade item on Etsy.com, you can add it and your registry visitors will have access for purchasing. Find out more at http://www.amazon.com/gp/baby/homepage?ie=UTF8&%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0.

BabiesRUs is another baby registry service. They literally have everything related to baby. For the baby registry and current specials go to http://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=2255957. BabiesRUs also has local retail locations and are inside most ToysRUs stores. Good idea for both computer friendly and not so computer friendly folks.

Target Baby Registry is budget friendly and a good idea if you want easier access for family and friends that are not computer friendly. Create your registry online or in the store. Family and friends can view and purchase online or access your registry at the store’s registry kiosk and make their purchase in person. More information available at http://www.target.com/registry/baby/portal.  


Baby Names:

BabyNames.com “Naming the world… one baby at a time.” Fun site for baby name research includes popular name, celebrity names and cool names. They also have a baby names on the go app for the iPhone. Search for baby names at http://www.babynames.com/.

AlternativeBabyNames.com has unique baby names, including a unique baby name generator, nationality names, exotic names and lots more. Check it out at http://www.alternativebabynames.com/.


Baby’s Health & Development:

baby.com from BabyCenter is a great resource for baby development, baby feeding, baby health & safety, baby names, baby products and information for new Moms. Track your baby’s development week by week at http://www.baby.com/.

Parenting.com offers a large variety of information pertaining to your baby’s health. Browse by category or age. Cool tools include a child symptom checker, new baby: guided tour and height calculator. Go to http://www.parenting.com/baby/health/ for questions concerning your baby’s health and development.


Baby’s Room Décor:

For budget friendly ideas on decorating your baby’s room, About.com featured a blog “Decorate a Baby’s Room on a Budget” at http://interiordec.about.com/od/babyrooms/a/budgetbabyroom.htm.

“11 Ways to Create a Modern Nursery” is a good read if you’re looking for modern trends. By Leah Hennen from HGTV at http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/11-ways-to-create-a-modern-nursery/index.html.

“Ideas for Decorating the Baby Room” from Maternity and Baby Shopping Mart features lots of creative ideas you can make yourself or purchase. I like to look at the pictures for my own DIY ideas. Visit them at http://www.maternityandbabyshoppingmart.com/IdeasForDecoratingBabyRoom.html.


Baby Products:

BabyEarth.com - Everything for baby's world, for current specials go to http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3717050-10553430.

BunnyBerry.com - Baby Gifts for the new arrival are available at http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3717050-10563511.

StorkBabyGiftBaskets.com - Baby Gifts - Find personalized baby gifts, baby gifts and unique baby gifts... a practical and adorable baby gift at prices to fit every budget. http://www.storkbabygiftbaskets.com/

Baby Gifts, Baby Party Favors, Baby Party Supplies and Personalized Baby Gifts are available on my site, ShopChristi.com at http://www.shopchristi.com/baby.html.

 
 
Sharing is caring! Save money, save time and help save our environment. Lots of fun resources are available to help find creative ways to spend quality time with your family while staying on budget. Crafts, decorating, do it yourself projects, parting planning, preparing meals, shopping and more valuable resources and information are free online. I love to share my fun finds with you.

For more free resources and tips follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter.

My website is http://www.shopchristi.com/. Check it out!

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Fun Finds for Weddings

You said yes… now what? It’s time to get your thoughts around what your wedding will look like. Do you want a wedding planner? Are you going to get married on the beach? Is it more your style to DIY with a green theme? So many options and so many decisions to make, keep reading and you will find valuable resources for wedding ideas, information and products.


From the bridal shower to the honeymoon, this site is informative and pleasing to the eye. Wedding ideas with absolutely beautiful pictures are available at Classic Bride Blog, http://classicbride.blogspot.com/.

Unique, green wedding ideas and planning resources are available at Elegance & Simplicity Blog, http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/.

“Where savvy brides buy & sell” RecycledBride.com – Great resource for gently used wedding dresses, veils, jewelry, accessories, décor, shoes and more. Visit http://www.recycledbride.com/.

Eco-Beautiful Weddings Blog is another site with beautiful, green wedding ideas and planning resources. Go to http://eco-beautifulweddings.com/blog/.

Gorgeous, hand crafted wedding garters are available from Julianne Smith. She has her own site and is featured on Etsy. Check out her designs at http://www.juliannesmith.com/juliannesmith/julianne_smith..._simple,_stylish_wedding_garters.html.

Dress up your wedding with beautiful barefoot sandals jewelry made by Ladybead. These unique creations are perfect for a beach wedding. See her designs here http://ladybead.com/.

Weddings and Pretty Things Blog is a fun, hip blog featuring everything pretty about weddings, right down to the shoes. Take a look here http://www.weddingsandprettythings.com/.

Top of the Line Tuxedos, including Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, are available at Gino’s Fashion Tuxedos, http://www.1888mytuxes.com/.

MyJewelryBox.com – Large variety of wedding rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces to make the wedding day extra special. Go to http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3717050-10438608 for the latest specials and discounts.

This large online wedding shop features favors, dresses, gifts and tons more. The Knot Wedding Shop specials are available at http://tinyurl.com/yzxnogh.

Find more personalized wedding gifts, wedding accessories, wedding gifts, wedding party favors, wedding party gifts and wedding supplies on my site ShopChristi.com at http://www.shopchristi.com/weddings.html.

 
Sharing is caring! Save money, save time and help save our environment. Lots of fun resources are available to help find creative ways to spend quality time with your family while staying on budget. Crafts, decorating, do it yourself projects, parting planning, preparing meals, shopping and more valuable resources and information are free online. I love to share my fun finds with you.

For more free resources and tips follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter.

My website is http://www.shopchristi.com/. Check it out!

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Fun Finds for Decorating Your Home

Turning a house into your home can be expensive and frustrating. I find it helpful to rely on the experts for inexpensive, creative and fun decorating suggestions.


Whether you want to makeover your bedroom, remodel your kitchen or simply go green, advice from experienced decorators will make the project much easier.

This is where to begin your research:

For creative ideas on decorating by room, visit http://interiordec.about.com/od/decoratingroombyroom/u/RoombyRoom.htm by About.com.

The dos & don’ts of home decorating can be found at http://www.hgtv.com/dos-and-donts/package/index.html by HGTV.com.

9 ways to get home décor inspiration and green living are available at http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/styling-secrets/9-ways-to-get-home-decor-inspiration/a/29382 by styleathome.com.

Budget style, design ideas, decorating 101, videos and more at http://www.myhomeideas.com/decorating/ by MyHomeIdeas.com.

Unique Idea - Turn your digital photographs into gorgeous canvas artwork! http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-3717050-10682542 by CanvasonDemand.com.

Find affordable contemporary art for everyone at Gallery Direct http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3717050-10713541.

Find more helpful information, visit my website at http://www.shopchristi.com/gishidad.html.

Research, create your plan and get to work. Your home décor says a lot about you!
 
 
Sharing is caring! Save money, save time and help save our environment. Lots of fun resources are available to help find creative ways to spend quality time with your family while staying on budget. Crafts, decorating, do it yourself projects, parting planning, preparing meals, shopping and more valuable resources and information are free online. I love to share my fun finds with you.

For more free resources and tips follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter.

My website is http://www.shopchristi.com/. Check it out!

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Fun Finds for the Chef of the Family

Cooking for my family is both challenging and rewarding. It is challenging to find healthy meals the whole family will enjoy. Finding the time to actually prepare the food can also be challenging. However, the rewards are well worth it. I love to watch my family enjoy their food and knowing it is nourishing their bodies.


Online resources are very helpful when looking for new ideas and recipes to fit our lifestyle. The following are some of the resources I use regularly to get creative with my meal plans.


Recipe Finder, Menu’s, Cooking 101, Healthy Recipes and Lots More available at Martha Stewart’s Food website, go to http://www.marthastewart.com/food for a large variety of subjects pertaining to food.


Recipes for Kids, Kids with Cystic Fibrosis, Kids with Diabetes, Vegetarian, Kids with Lactose Intolerance and Kids with Celiac Disease, go to http://kidshealth.org/kid/recipes/.


Simply Recipes is a great resource for a large variety of recipes, go to http://simplyrecipes.com/.


Olive Garden Restaurant offers their recipes online at http://www.olivegarden.com/recipes/. They feature recipes, recipe search and cooking videos.


Better Homes and Gardens provide over 15,000 recipes on their site at http://www.bhg.com/recipes/.


Family Fun (Disney) feature family friendly meal and dessert ideas, cooking with kids and how to videos to make your time spent in the kitchen well worth it. For fun, creative ideas go to http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/.


Find more helpful information, visit my website at http://www.shopchristi.com/gishidad.html.


Sharing is caring! Save money, save time and help save our environment. Lots of fun resources are available to help find creative ways to spend quality time with your family while staying on budget. Crafts, decorating, do it yourself projects, parting planning, preparing meals, shopping and more valuable resources and information are free online. I love to share my fun finds with you. For more free resources and tips follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter.

My website is http://www.shopchristi.com/. Check it out!

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