Where I Go For Personalized Gifts And Cards*

I’ve always been a fan of personalized cards and gifts. Whether it’s with pictures or words {or both}, the reaction is always the same – “how thoughtful!” This is why I continue to go back to the cards at Shutterfly time and time again.

I’ve already talked about how they are a great option for the holidays, but they also have a great selection for milestones in one’s life, such as graduations or new babies. However, while neither of these life changes are actually happening to myself, the last month has been full of such events for others in my life.

First, my sister-in-law and one of my best friends both welcomed baby girls in the last month and what’s better than looking at a newborn baby? Not much in my opinion! So, while browsing on Shutterfly, I found some of the cutest birth announcements that I’d gladly look at every day.

Then next weekend, my brother is graduating from college and I couldn’t be more proud of what he’s accomplished and what he has ahead of him. So what should cross my mind as the perfect gift, but one of Shutterfly’s photo books full of childhood pictures of the both of us, of course!

But that’s not all! Shutterfly has pages full of gifts that can feature your favorite photos, as well as cards for any and every reason you can think of! And best of all, you can rest assured your gift will be treasured because it was personalized with love :)


*Did you know that if you are a blogger, you too can get 50 free cards or a free photo book from Shutterfly… sign up here!

{Current} Favorites...

A couple months ago, CSN Stores contacted me and I was asked to take a peak around their site. As someone who uses the internet for majority of their shopping, the thing that surprised me most was the number of specialty stores {200+} under one checkout.

Lately, Sam and I have found that as we exit the “just married” phase of life {where we have been living off of all our generous wedding gifts for the last 2+ years} , our preferences are changing, which is just the reason I’ve turned to CSN Stores. Since the first time I visited the site, I have been back to look for everything from cookware to luggage to modern bedding. And with their vast selection of almost everything plus their easy accessiblity, I can’t really go wrong!

Here are a few things I’ve got my eye on lately…

{Calphalon - 24 cup mini muffin/cupcake pan}

{Traveler's Choice - carry on suitcase}

{Molly Mutt - Bird on a Wire dog bed}

What catches your eye at CSN Stores?

2010 Holiday Cards & more!*

During this time of year, it's easy to get overwhelmed with which company to go with for your holiday cards, but this year, I made an easy decision by coming back to one of my favorite photo service sites - Shutterfly!

Not only have they helped me create memorable photo books and cards over the years, they were also my go-to choice for all of the prints from my wedding photographer {and I can tell you now that I printed close to 500 photos for that one day alone}. So it was a no-brainer, easy choice for holiday cards after I saw all of the new layouts they added this year! Check out a few of my favorites below:

{Merry Thought Bubble}

{Vintage Merry Christmas}

{Charming Gift Wrap Christmas}

Side note: Still missing the best pug ever!

{Love Peace Cheer}

From folded to flat, photo cards to party invitations, you've got more than enough choices to pick this year's favorite card. And don't forget the parents & grandparents - Shutterfly has over 30 options to create a memorable photo gift ideas with your face all over it :)


*Did you know that if you are a blogger, you too can get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly… sign up here!

Chairs, Chairs Everywhere*

If you asked me what I usually spend my time shopping for, it’s probably about 40% for myself and 60% for my home. I love the inspiration I recieve from the handful of home decorating blogs I follow and enjoy finding the perfect item I can fit into our style & space. But since we aren’t currently in the market to add any new pieces right now, I’ve turned my {home} focus to helping my BIL & SIL find some dining room chairs for their new table {which was hand-made by my FIL as a wedding gift}.

One of the places I’ve recently come across is Dining Rooms Direct, a side store of CSN Stores, which not only has a great selection, but also great prices. From upholstered to all wood, dark to white, they have chairs to fit everyone’s taste and budget. One of my features I enjoy most is the review section of each item, which allows you to hear how some else felt about the item before you purchase site-unseen {something I usually look at no matter what I am buying}.

If you find yourself needing something else to compliment your new chairs, you can also check out any of the other 200 stores that CSN Stores has under its roof. And after checking a lot of the stores out myself, I honestly say there is just about something for everyone at this site. Check it out!

*I will be recieveing an item to review for this shoutout. Thanks CSN stores!