Digital Room Printing Review & Giveaway, US, 18 years +

** This Giveaway is now closed **

Our Winner is: MissyKade of:
Lucas's Journey w/ Sensory Processing Disorder
http://lucasjourneyspd.blogspot.com/
She is following me on Twitter!
"If I were to WIN I will be using these cards for a SPD fundraiser
going on in October" - I can't think of a better use for these cards!

Get Your Message Across!

A business card is your calling card, your way of reminding people who you are and a way for people  to know you are interested in them and want to stay in touch.  You value their friendship and/or business.

There are many different types of cards for different people.  It can be used for business purposes as we all know, but there are other ways they can be used.

Business networking:

I am a consultant with Usborne Books and I meet so many people in my daily activities.  The other day I met a gal at Target who was interested in couponing and wanted information about blogs that talked about saving money and maintaining a planet friendly home.  I told her about the blogs that I had seen - and even though my business card was for Usborne I gave it to her so she could contact me for the web addresses for those sites.  Now, when I gave her my card - what information did she get?  My contact information, my website address, and she also knows that I do homeshows, bookfairs, and that Usborne Books is currently hiring nationwide.  I don't know if she will ever contact me, but she has my information and if she ever needs a gift, has a baby or needs a job she has my card!

Now, that is the basic way of using business cards, but what if you don't have a home business or aren't a professional who needs a business card for work?  How can YOU use them?

Mommy Cards: 

Schedule playdates, share phone numbers, hand out your business cards to people you meet when you are out running errands or toting kids around to classes.  What is on your card:

Katie P
Mommy's Cell #     
Daddy's Cell #     
Email Address
Katie's Address and/or Allergy info

Fundraising Ideas:

School Band, Relay 4 Life, Church fundraising, etc.  What could be on your card:

Relay for Life

Date of event you are in
Help Katie Raise $1000
RelayForLife.org

Teacher's Cards:

Use cards to encourage communication with parents through phone or email.  Pass them out during Open House, Parent-Teacher Nights, events, or give them to the students with a note that needs to be signed by parents that the student has given it to their parents.  This way parents always have a way to reach you throughout the year.

Another way for teachers to use them:

·         Awards - "____________ had a "Straight A" Day!"
·         Communication Requests:   "Please call me to discuss ways to help _____with his spelling".
·         Reminders - "Tomorrow is Show and Tell Day!"
*** Note: remember your cards are a form of communication.  Please carefully consider using only your school phone or email for safety and to ensure you aren't getting calls at all hours of the night.

Teens and Kids:
Kids can share their contact information with their friends - email, my space, face book info and more!  Add them to their bookbag to identify in case they lose it too.

Medical needs:

Keep a card in your bag with allergy information, does your child have an allergy to peanuts? Be sure to give to friends, teacher, school, summer camp, anyone who will have responsibility of your child needs to know this information.  And if there is an emergency of any kind, emergency personnel will find your card and can administer proper care.

I'm sure there are so many other ways to use business cards other than just for business, be sure to share them with all of us!

"Online Printing w/ a Human Touch"

DigitalRoom.com is offering 1 lucky person a FREE set of 500 high quality business cards!  You have the option of using them for business, to advertise your blog, as a mommy card, teacher card or whatever you'd like to use them for! 

I went on their site and played around some by designing my own card to advertise my Usborne Books business tonight.  I found their design system very easy to use and I really liked the way I could add my own pictures, change the text to what I wanted including changing the color. You can save the design, download a proof copy so you know exactly what you are getting.

I thought their prices were very reasonable - $27.15 for 250 cards.  I designed my cards in color front/back on 14 pt glossy cardstock, but you also have the choice of matte or recycled cardstock. There is the option of 3, 2 or 1 business day for production.  3 days was FREE, and there is a small additional charge for 2 or 1 day production.

I wish I could show you what my cards looked like but I couldn't figure out how to cut and paste the image on here.  But you can go to their website to play around and design your own.

Giveaway Details:

500 high quality Premium Business Cards from DigitalRoom.com
2 x 3.5”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.75 x 3.5” (slim card)
14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock
Full Color Both Sides
Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above

Giveaway Entries:

Mandatory:  
Go to DigitalRoom.com and tell me what kind of card would you design?  A business card a mommy card, or a card for your blog?


Extra Entries:  1 comment for each entry please  (3 entries = 3 comments)
**Please leave your email on all posts so I have a way of contacting you if you are the winner.  Thanks!

1 entry:   Follow me on Twitter   

1 entry:   Follow me on Facebook, leave a comment that you are entering this giveaway w/ your name/blog info
1 entry:   Tweet: @familyliteracy  "I am trying to WIN 500 high quality business cards from http://www.digitalroom.com/"
1 entry:   Follow me publicly on Google Friend Connect.
1 entry:   Follow me on Networked Blogs
10 entries:  Enter my other contest:  Giving N Sharing and do the following: 

·      *Enter the contest for $50 in FREE Usborne Books (drawing is through the end of the month and starts over 8/1)

     * Tell me how many books are in the Very First Reading series and request the FREE article on teaching kids to read with activities & tips.  (Read the newsletter for instructions on HOW to do these 2 items)

Well, that gives you LOTS of entries!  This contest ends on August 8th at Midnight CST.  This review is my own and all ideas above are my own. The winner will be contacted by email and I will forward your email to the company so you can discuss how you would like your cards designed and where they are to be mailed to.

   

Elmer's Bag It Forward program

Well, School is almost here and soon it will be time for families to start their school shopping - but what about those parents that are unable to provide for their kids basic needs?

In many low income districts schools are unable to provide the school supplies the teachers & students need for basic learning. There are a several programs that I know of that help with this need. I’m going to showcase the Elmer's Bag It Forward Program and in the future I will also tell you about a single Mom and her experience with the Open Door Missions Back to School Program.

What can your family do to help low-income schools in your community? Bag It Forward!
This summer, Elmer’s has teamed up with 50 bloggers to kickoff the Bag it Forward movement. These bloggers are gathering school supply bags for families or organizations of their choice, and are encouraging others to join in.

In addition we are hosting Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward Donation. The virtual donation will begin on July 25. By simply sharing a virtual bag with a friend via blogs, we can work together to raise money for Adopt-A-Classroom. For more information visit www.bagitforward.org

Now that you know what Bag It Forward is, do you know a school in your community, or a family that struggles in their daily life and adding the expenses of starting school would be very difficult for them?

Here's what YOUR family can do to help them:

• To give you some ideas on items to donate comment blow and I'll send it to you.
• Go to Walmart and create a bag (or several) that your family can donate to a school or family in need.
• Twitter this message: "Elmer's Bag It Forward program - http://bagitforward.org/donate-a-bag/ OR fill a bag w/ school supplies & give to a family/school in need."
• Facebook - "I'm participating in Elmer's Bag It Forward Program to help schools/families in need - YOUR family can too! http://bagitforward.org/donate-a-bag/

Bloggers/Website Owners:
Do you have a blog or website and would you like to spread the news? Write up a post and submit you link (see below) & Elmer's will donate $10 to an adopt-a-classroom to help them get the supplies they need.

Join Bag it Forward
This Back to School season, Elmer’s is celebrating it’s every day low pricing on back to school supplies at Walmart by partnering with Adopt-A-Classroom to help make a difference in classrooms across the country.

Elmer’s will donate up to $10,000 to Adopt-A-Classroom with your participation. Join now!

The Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward is charity blog meme, bloggers are able to raise $10 per blog post for Adopt-A-Classroom by writing a blog post and donating a virtual bag of school supplies . Elmer’s will donate $10 per each post written to Adopt-A-Classroom, up to $10,000.

HOW CAN YOU JOIN? It’s easy.

• Participate in the Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward and by giving away a virtual bag of school supplies and creating a blog post with specific rules described below.
• Elmer’s will donate up to $10,000 to Adopt-A-Classroom.
• You can give as many virtual bags as you want.
• The Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward will officially begin at 12 AM EST on July 22, 2010 and end at 12 PM EST on August 12, 2010. Blog posts submitted to us before or after that time period will not be counted.
• The blog post link has to be submitted in the comment section below for your participation to be counted.
• In addition copy and paste the following text into your blog post:

ELMER’S VIRTUAL BAG IT FORWARD RULES

• Copy and paste these rules into your blog post.
• Create a blog post giving a “virtual bag of school supplies” to other bloggers or write about your Back to School shopping trip at Walmart.
• Link back to the person who gave you a bag of school supplies.
• Let each person you are giving a virtual bag of school supplies know you have given them a bag.
• Leave your link in the Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward comment section. You can also find the official rules of this virtual #bagitforward program there.
• Elmer’s is donating $10 for each blog participating in the Virtual Bag It Forward Donation to Adopt-A-Classroom (up to total of $10,000 for blog posts written by August 12, 2010).
• Please note that only one blog post per blog url will count towards the donation.

Read more about Adopt-A-Classroom

Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock SPF 70

  

I've enjoyed using the Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock SPF 70 the last couple of weeks. I really liked how light it is, my skin doesn't feel greasy or "caked". 

It's available in the SPF 55, 70 & 85 and I just noticed that there is also a 100 SPF and they all contain Helioplex® technology, the latest breakthrough in UV protection. 

Helioplex® delivers unbeatable UVA protection. It works better to help prevent damaging UVA rays from penetrating deep under skin's surface. Dry-Touch technology absorbs excess sunscreen oils, leaving a clean, lightweight, non-shiny finish. 

Summer here in Nebraska is so humid and today the air was so heavy it was hard to breathe. 94 degrees (in the shade) and as soon as you walked outside it felt like you were hitting a wall of moisture. I was really glad I was wearing this sunblock. I didn't have to worry about forgetting to put it on again especially since I wasn't wearing a foundation with any kind of SPF.  

This would be a good addition to stick in your purse or makeup bag when you go on vacation. If you have the higher SPF you shouldn't need to wear a foundation over it, unless you really want to. It would even be good to give to your middle schooler or teen to keep in their purse or locker if they are allowed to take it to school. 

While we are on this subject, be sure to go to the Neutrogena website and take a look around.  I was really impressed with the sheer volume of information, research, and I really liked the Welcome to My Neutrogena page.  You will find a couple of tools that I thought were great.  There is the Facial Care Evaluation, where you can get YOUR prescription for healthy looking skin.  There is also an evaluation for cosmetic care but since I rarely wear it I didn't do that one. 

I was then given suggestions as to what kind of face care products I should use and also based on my skin tone (and that I prefer a natural look) they suggested the foundation, lip sheers, mascara that I should use. 

Be sure to check out the website and let me know what YOUR experience has been with Neutrogena products.  I'd love to hear (especially if you have very sensitive skin). 

** If anyone knows why I'm getting those funny orange lines in between each paragraph I'd love to know how to fix it!

1.  Would you like to review UltraSheer®, too? Then go to http://www.giantwavepool.com/ultrasheer!

2.  Or get $2 off your UltraSheer® purchase at http://www.neutrogena.com/suncoupon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Tidal Labs. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Giveaway, Summer Newsletter & Very First Reading Program

Hi Friends of Literacy!

I thought I'd share the New Usborne Books newsletter for this quarter.  Don't miss the kid's contests, the giveaway and the new book announcement (I'll be sharing more about the new Kane Miller books coming out this month in the next week or two), fun ideas for car trips with preschoolers and more!

Enter the drawing and receive a FREE copy of The Very First Reading Program article explaining the new program and find lots more valuable advice and ideas, suitable for children from birth to 11 years old.  Leave a comment here after you enter the drawing from the website and once I see your name in the drawing I will email you your FREE article.


The Usborne Very First Reading Series - Review

Usborne Books is releasing a wonderful NEW Beginning Readers set of books later this month.  Available as a complete set of 15 books for children who are just beginning to learn to read.  It offers th appeal of imaginative rhyming stories and irresistible illustrations.  The support of a well-researched framework and the enjoyment of shared reading with an adult.

Just starting out - Books 1-7:

In the first seven books, adult and child take turns reading with the child's share becoming gradually more challenging in each book.  These books cover material that is normally taught during a child's first year of school.

Be sure to give your child time to progress from one book to the next.  Re-reading helps to build a child's confidence and fluency.

Books 1-7 are: Pirate Pat; The Dress Up Box; A Bus for Miss Moss; Dog Diary; Grizzly Bear Rock; The Queen Makes a Scene and Stop That Cow!

Find Out More:

Usborne's Very First Reading is based on the principles of synthetic phonics and has been developed to tie in with Letters and Sounds, the UK Government program used in thousands of primary schools. 

Reading is both the key to success at school and the source of a lifetime's pleasure.  The Usborne Very First Reading program helps children to develop the skills and motivation they need to read with confidence and enjoyment.

Growing in confidence, Books 8-15

Starting with Book 8, the child reads the whole story with the adult providing help and support if needed.  These books explore material that is often taught during a child's second or even the third year of school.

Books 8-15 are: Moon Zoom; Run, Rabbit, Run!; Late Night at the Zoo; Wild School; The Circus Under the Sea; The Monster Diner; Knight Fight and Mr Mystery.

Don't Forget:  Enter the drawing and receive a FREE copy of The Very First Reading Program ebook explaining the program and also providing lots more valuable advice and ideas, suitable for children from birth to 11 years old.  Leave a comment below after you enter the drawing from the website and once I see your name in the drawing, I'll email you your FREE article.

        

Updates

Hi everyone! Thanks for your patience as I switch my giveaway and linky info over from Family Literacy and You to this new blog.  I really wanted that other blog to focus on literacy & family fun and so I will use that one for book reviews, discussion and activities & this one will have all of my (and other's) reviews & giveaways.

You will also find my giveaway linky on that page - so feel free to add your linkys throughout the week and then I will put a new linky up every Friday night (so be sure to update each week).

Thanks!  Tina "The Book Lady"

Neutrogena UltraSheer® Liquid Daily Sunblock - Review

I was very excited to receive the Neutrogena UltraSheer® Liquid Daily Sunblock as I do a lot of outdoor events for Family Literacy and even though I do have a canopy I still manage to get sunburned on my shoulders and the back of my neck on a regular basis since I am so fair skinned and a red head too..

I received the SPF 70 which was perfect. It's a liquid that is very light and can be worn under any foundation and makeup without making you feel as though you're "caked up" and sticky.

The first day after I received it I had a 2 day garage sale and wore it outside. 106 degrees! No makeup - just for protection from the sun. I put it on the back of my neck, down my arms and legs and of course on my face. I did get a little sunburned on my neck and shoulders but not nearly as bad as I would of because I used Neutrogena UltraSheer® Liquid Daily Sunblock when I did.

Some facts to know:

Neutrogena UltraSheer® Liquid Daily Sunblock comes in 3 SPF levels: 55, 70 and 85.  It's very light, a liquid and easy to use under your foundation and makeup.  Or you can wear it alone for daily protection. Waterproof, sweatproof (which is GREAT in 106 degree weather!), PABA free and doesn't clog up your pores.

What's the Difference Between UVA & UVB Rays?

(taken from the Neutrogenia Women website)

There are two types of UV rays—UVA and UVB—both of which can harm your skin. UVA rays penetrate deep into the layers of the skin and leads to premature signs of aging, which include fine lines and wrinkles. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn, because they penetrate the outer layer of skin and cause damage to skin cells.


Too much exposure from either UVA or UVB rays can play a part in causing skin cancer. It's important to use sunscreen protection year-round, because the amount of UVA stays fairly constant throughout the year, and also exceeds the amount of UVB rays in both summer and winter. Even on a cloudy day, 80% of the sun's UVA rays pass through clouds. What's more, when it comes to tanning beds, it's important to know that tanning beds work by emitting UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin.


What can you do to protect against UVA and UVB rays? Wear sunscreen every day to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Apply generous amounts of sunscreen, especially when you are active outdoors. Reapply often after swimming, perspiring, or using a towel and always choose a sunscreen that offers an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher.


SPF is a measurement of how long you can stay in the sun with sunscreen before getting burned. If you apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30, for example, that means it will take 30 times longer for your skin to begin to burn than if you did not wear any sunscreen protection at all. With this in mind, sunscreens should still not be used to increase the time you spend in intense sunlight.


Because SPF measures protection against UVB rays, be sure your sunscreen protects against UVA rays as well by choosing products with ingredients that provide both UVA and UVB protection. These are usually labeled "broad spectrum," and are available as body and face sunblocks as well as daily moisturizers.


If you plan to be in the sun for an extended amount of time, look for sunscreens that offer long lasting, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

______________________________________________________

Would you like to review UltraSheer®, too?  Then go to: http://www.giantwavepool.com/ultrasheer  
Or get $2 off your UltraSheer® purchase at: http://www.neutrogena.com/suncoupon. 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Tidal Labs.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

About Me:

Hi! My name is Tina "The Book Lady",  I am an Educational Consultant w/ Usborne Books & More. You can find me at:




http://www.familyliteracyandyou.blogspot.com

Focusing on close family relationships through Faith, Reading and Activities.

HOW can you SAVE with Usborne Books?

We all know how much FUN it is to get a great bargain, but remember how much fun it is to get FREE STUFF?  Usborne is giving hostesses TWO TIMES the free books for hosting summer shows - you get not one, but two big stacks of books for free, just for sharing the books with your friends!  It's as easy as 1,2,3...

1) Email me to choose your date!  (July dates remaining include July 14, 15, 19, and 29)  Omaha/Council Bluffs area - everyone else can do an ONLINE Show and still get Books FREE - Double FREE Books still apply (see below for details).

2) Make a list of everyone you know who has kids, grandkids, nieces or nephews!  I will send the invitations for you by email & give you invites to hand out to friends at church, work, school, etc.

3) Relax with your friends when I come to your home with some of our newest and most exciting titles, then choose all your free books!!

Parents, Teachers, Preschools & Principals:

Home Shows & Catalog Shows always accepted!

(Book Fairs & Reading Incentive Programs available for Schools & Libraries)

DOUBLE MERCHANDISE ALLOWANCE!!! 

* Available July 2010 *

Usborne Books & More is thrilled to offer special Hostess Rewards for July 2010. When you host a $350+ home show with 2 bookings dated within 4 weeks, you'll receive DOUBLE MERCHANDISE ALLOWANCE!!!  This great special is in addition to the rest of the outstanding UBAM hostess program.  We have over 1400 terrific titles to choose from!  Ask me for details.  All orders must be received by the Home Office at 10:00 am CST on July 30th, 2010 for the Special. Scroll down to see two more FUN ways to get books FREE, and email me today! 

   

Register to WIN $50 in FREE Books Monthly!

http://www.MyUsborneBooks.com

Online Bookstore for Kids from Birth thru Jr High.

Touchy Feely books, Search & Find, Crafts, Cooking, Biographies, Fiction, Encyclopedias, Internet Linked, Math & Science Dictionaries,

Some Spanish, and more!

NOW Hiring Nationwide!

Benefits:

Flexible Work Schedule

Unlimited Earning Potential

Award Winning Product Line

Management Opportunity

Travel Incentives

Minimal Investment

Awards

Ongoing Support

Homeschooling, SAHM & Working Parents! Sell $125 in Books your first 12 weeks & Enjoy a LIFETIME Discount!

For more information, contact me at:

contact.thebooklady@gmail.com