If you’re like me and LOVE printables, you enjoy these Valentine’s Day themed ones! I have found over 40 printable valentines for kids and adults, whether you’re handing them out at school or your special someone. Happy Valentine’s Day!

• Download pdfs by clicking on printable’s images
• Blog images go directly to the “printable”-related blog posts if you want to check out other printables the blogger shared
• If it’s not a direct PDF it’s because there were multiple images to download

Don’t forget to check out my blog post on Kid’s Valentine’s Day Websites, Printables, and Crafts!

Printable Valentine’s Day Jokes!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Tattered-and-Inked/174217669273613

http://twitter.com/30daysblog

http://facebook.com/30daysblog

Pencil Toppers!

Bag Topper

Cute Gift Labels “Open Me At”

page 1 & page 2

https://www.facebook.com/iheartfaces

http://twitter.com/iheartfaces

Download a zip file full of templates displayed below.

https://twitter.com/#!/amyistheparty

http://www.facebook.com/amylouisecluck

Skip to My Lou

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Skip-to-my-Lou/45710348090

http://twitter.com/cindyhopper

http://www.facebook.com/LivingLocurto?sk=app_265208426850693

http://twitter.com/livinglocurto

And cute bag labels here.

http://www.facebook.com/lovevsdesign

http://twitter.com/lovevsdesign

Although the “12 Days of Christmas” normally occurs the day after Christmas, December 26 leading to the Feast of Epiphany, on the twelfth day, on January 6, the following retailers and talk show hosts are offering 12 days of giveaways, discounts, and prizes to get you in the holiday spirit!

Check back daily from now until the 12 of December (depending on the website…) and take advantage of their that day only sale or surprise. Enter to win giveaways or use special coupon codes! Online only.

FOODIES

Godiva

Starbucks 12 festive holiday gifts

RETAILERS

Dell

Netted

CELEBRITY GIVEAWAYS

Ellen Show Tune in to see these fantastic prizes and watch all show long to see the names of the 25 lucky winners.

Oprah Twelve lucky readers will win the Favorite Things chosen by Oprah

TRAVEL

Norwegian Cruise Line

Thai Airways 12 days special fares

As someone who aspires to be Martha Stewart when it comes to pumpkin crafts, I thought I would try my hand at a poker themed pumpkin!

Make Your Own Poker-themed Pumpkin

First, start with a pumpkin:

And make sure you have the right tools…obviously; this wasn’t the first time I’ve carved pumpkins. In addition to the traditional 5 piece set that includes the scoop and different serrated knives, last year I also splurged and got the linoleum cutters from Michaels (with a 40% off a single item coupon, of course!)

Then we thought about what we wanted to make and got inspiration from the Zynga iPad apps:

And sketched out our ideas. I normally cut the bottom of the pumpkin, instead of the top…this prevents the pumpkin from rotting as quickly and it keeps the top of the pumpkin pretty.

We got all the seeds and goup out:

With just our hands and the scoop that comes in the pack.

Since I didn’t have a pattern and it’s very easy to make a mistake and cut the wrong line, I visulized everything by cutting out my design and taping it to the pumpkin.

Then I traced on what I wanted to make:

After tracing the basical outlines with a market that could easily be wiped off, I drew in the details since I was going to be cutting around the lettering and cards.

Then with my linoleum cutter I started shaving away.

I used a lamp to sign under the pumpkin so I wouldn’t have to play with fire everytime.

Eventually I was done! I used the smaller blade to edge out the details…then I shaved away the excess pumpkin.

Last year I wrote a Day After Christmas Sales post on my blog and got over 1500 visitors that day after Christmas. Here are the deals, sales, and coupons I found for 2011 to start the post-Christmas, ready to save money season off right. As I find more deals I’ll add them to this post, check back frequently!

*Post-Christmas is one of the BEST times to buy large electronics and appliances…just saying…

Added 12/26/2011:

Did you wait until the last minute to purchase a Christmas present this year?  No fear!  UNICEF is here.

The best gift is a gift that keeps giving…and what could be better than a gift that literally saves lives, natural resources, and makes the world a better place!

A couple of Sundays ago, at my church Oak Hills in San Antonio, Max Lucado quickly showed a video of missionaries from our church sent to different parts of Africa to build fresh water wells w/ money raised from the Bibleland Children’s Sunday School classes.  Not only were the children there laughing and thanking us, they are now able to enjoy clean, fresh water without worrying about contamination, disease, and travelling many miles to fetch a tiny amount.

Check out all the ways to give back to children around the world:

About UNICEF:

Working in over 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, protection, emergency relief, and more.

22,000 children die EVERY DAY from preventable diseases.  Imagine being able to buy a gift that saves the life of one or many children in poverty stricken parts of the world!  Several, charitable organizations like UNICEF let you do just that!  Dedicate the purchase in the name of a loved one or friend and send/print notification.

Right now the featured gift is a “Winter Child Survival Pack” that includes:

• supplies to sustain child for 6 months!!
• vitamins and minerals to grow healthy
• measles and polio immunizations
• enough water purification tablets for 50,000 liters of water!!

ALL of that is possible w/ a small donation of $81.35!  And if that’s too much they take general donations of $5 and more.

• Education & Play - school supplies, soccer balls, and more give these children a chance for quality educations!
• Immunizations – vaccinations for diseases that don’t even exist in modern countries ($20 buys 412 tetanus shots)
• Water – water pumps, purification, and family water kits
• Nutrition – baby scales, ready to eat food, vitamin powder ($18 buys 604 individual doses of vitamins and minerals!)
• Emergency – high energy food, water kits, tents and more to help during emergencies
• Health - first aid kits for field workers, mother/baby packs, for $80 save 1000k from deadly diseases

Did you know that as you’re shopping for people on other sites you could still be helping children fight preventable diseases?!

American Airlines | Causes on Facebook | Delta Air Lines
FEED | Gucci | H&M | IKEA |  Western Union

Click on the links for more details!  American Airlines is fighting diseases w/ incentives to donate to UNICEF by offering 2 AAdvantage miles in return for EACH dollar donated.  Donate right now!

The special edition “Gucci for UNICEF” Sukey bag, designed by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in grey “La Pelle Guccissima” leather, is being sold in Gucci stores in over 20 countries and from April 15, 2010 through February 28, 2011, Gucci will donate 25% of the retail price!

UNICEF Social Media

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UNICEF-USA
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/unicefusa

TeachUNICEF is a portfolio of UNICEF-focused resources designed and collected by the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s Education Department for educators, afterschool instructors, and parents. The units, lesson plans, stories, and multimedia cover topics ranging from the Millennium Development Goals to water and sanitation.

*Teaser for my next blog “Teach UNICEF”

Back by popular demand (from this article last year), here’s all the gift card purchases you can buy for loved ones (or yourself!!) that are accompanied with extra incentives to buy.  Gift cards can still be an incredibly thoughtful gift without taking up too much space or time.  Since you’re going to be getting the gift cards anyways (or if you want to save additional money when you make purchases for yourself…) check out these great seasonal offers that will not only bring a smile a friend to the person receiving the gift, but also the one giving (FREE stuff for you!!):

*For those gift cards that I missed, here’s a link to 54 more gift cards w/ a comparative checklist.

Although there are a lot of popular Black Friday websites (check out my post from 2009 to see my favorites), I wanted to post some ads that I have found that I don’t think have gotten enough attention.

Black Friday Tips

1. Never Assume –  Although I’m a HUGE online shopper, last year there were several websites not prepared to handle the traffic generated by Black Friday.  Don’t assume the website will work, if there is something you really want, go in-person.
2. Store Hours – Check out that link for common stores and their shopping start times.  Know if the store if offering Thanksgiving hours, Thanksgiving online hours, Black Friday hours, and Black Friday online hours.  No two stores were created equally.
3. Research – Check out that inclusive link to the left!  Includes tons of stores and their Black Friday offers.  Know how much something is worth before you look at the discounted price.  It might not be a great deal after all.
4. Confident Purchases ONLY! – If there is something that you have second thoughts about buying, DON’T buy it.  If you don’t know if it’s really that good of a deal, don’t buy it!  You’ll be able to get great discounts again as soon as Christmas is over.  This is not your only chance…don’t sweat it.
5. Location, Location, Location – When planning my in-store purchases, I consider the demographic of the different store locations.  Is there going to be a bigger demand for the XBOX Kinetic at the Walmart off I-10 and 1604 or Fredericksburg, TX?  If there’s a huge deal you know is worth it, save purchase time by going to the less busy store, even if the drive’s a little longer.

Good luck and remember that there’s always post-Christmas sales!

Hot Destination Deals:

Southwest Vacations – offers “great prices for limited time” (Black Friday through Cyber Monday) and includes Las Vegas, Orlando, Los Angeles, Ski resorts, and more!

Southwest Air Fare – With prices starting at $59, one-way, purchase starting 11/23/10 through 11/29/10 for travel 01/04/11 through 03/09/11!  Check out the extensive list, here.

Starwood Resorts – Check out this massive hotel line’s Cyber Monday deals!

Broadway Across America – Ticket deals available too!  Check out a list of shows offered at discounted prices at a theater near you!

Educational Deals:

The Scholastic Store –  Take an extra 20% off w/ FREE shipping when you use “ssbf20” at checkout, now until 11/29/2010.  Enjoy up to 75% off!

the Houston Museum of Natural Science – Save $10 off $50, $25 off $100, and $50 off $200 purchases with this printable coupon.  Offer valid 11/26–11/28.

Retailers:

Vera Bradley –  Spend over $100 at this retailer and get a FREE holiday tote!  ($48 value!)

The Limited –  40% off EVERYTHING, in-store and online!  Don’t forget you’ll also get a FREE mini-bag w/ $75 purchase (also both online AND in-store!)

Haverty’s –  The first 50 get $50–$250 off certificates, sale starts at 8am so you’ll have time to hit a couple other stores first.

Crabtree & Evelyn – FREE shipping of orders over $25 with incredible lotions 50% off, buy one get 50% off site wide, 50% off select gifts and fragrances!

Smart Home – Ever want to completely automate your home?  Preheat your over w/ your cell phone?  Lights controlled by remote?  Take a look at their exclusive savings, NOW through the end of 11/26!

Golf Galaxy – Starts online Thursday, 11/25 at 12AM ET.  Save big on clubs, gear, and more!  $1.99 flat shipping rate!

Bed, Bath, & Beyond – Shop early and save 20% off your ENTIRE order, including clearance items!

Overstock.com – not only will you enjoy severely discounted items, you’ll save 10% off your entire purchase and enjoy $1 shipping!

Dining Deals:

Denny’s – Enjoy 20% off your entire ticket, the entire day at Denny’s!

Check out everything that you and your child can do for FREE this April 22, 2010 to build good habits for a lifetime! Doesn’t have to be isolated to the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day either…check out these activities throughout the year!

PBS Kids Earth Day

PBSKids.org has dedicated:

• Entire section for Earth Day games (with games centered about taking care of our earth)
• Earth Day Videos
• Earth Day parents – includes ways to throw a green birthday party, turn trash into treasures, and teaching your children about being “green”.
• Follow @pbskids on twitter
• Become a fan on Facebook

Lakeshore Learning

I LOVE this store! Not only do they have great online resources, they offer a FREE quality craft each Saturday from 11am-3pm. We normally go and afterwards make the rounds to all the display toys, free entertainment!

• Online Projects
  - Check out their projects/crafts for April including reusable Earth Day Bags and more!
• Lesson Plans for educators!
• Follow them on twitter – @ LakeshoreLM
• Become a fan on Facebook

Earth Day Celebrated by Children’s Publishing Companies

Harper Collins Children Publishing Co.

The children’s book publishing company offers:

• Green Activities – tons of e-cards, reading materials, and printable coloring activities
• Greet Tips for Parents – join Little Critter on a missing to cleanup his neighborhood (read online for FREE)
• Follow their tweets @harpercollins

Read the following books online for FREE w/ your children:

1. It’s Earth Day | Little Critter

   

2. The Greenest Day | My Little Pony

   

3. Every Day is Earth Day | Fancy Nancy

   

4. Biscuit’s Earth Day Celebration

   

Scholastic

Scholastic has a GREAT site for Teachers, Kids, and Parents to help prepare you for Earth Day! Tons of fun, FREE printable activities, online games, and great website layouts!

• Follow their Tweets @Scholastic
• Become a Fan on Facebook

Other Earth Day Crafts & Activities

Tons of fun activities and printable crafts for the kids and family to enjoy!

• Kaboose – crafts, organic food information, lessons, including their “Go Green” checklist
• Crayola – tons of printable crafts, ideas, and activities

Tomorrow isn’t just Valentine’s Day…it’s also the Chinese New Year (it falls on Feb. 3 in 2011!)  Make sure that you start the new lunar calendar with these good luck charms for a long and prosperous year:

1. Traditional Family Dinner – family comes from all around to celebrate the New Year together.  After dinner the red envelopes are given out.
2. Red Envelopes – gifted to newly weds and elders to singles and children, common tradition to gift red envelops containing chocolate coins or cash.  $6/$8 are considered very lucky numbers, wishing a smooth and wealthy year, respectively.  Also, the amount given, determined by the 1st digit ($80 is even, $700 considered odd…), is always even, as even digit numbers are considered lucky.
3. Red Underwear – get your red underwear out!  The color red is commonly worn in an attempt to scare away evil spirits and bad fortune.  New clothes symbolize having enough to wear new beginnings.  { Victoria Secret’s Coupon FREE Panties }

*Chinese New Year lasts 15 days.

Chinese Astrology Sign {Sheng Xiao}

Figure out what your Chinese zodiac sign reveals about you, determined by your birth year.  Those born this year of the Tiger.

How the Chinese Zodiac Came to Be:

When it came time for the Jade Emperor in heaven to decide the order of the zodiac, he invited all the animals to participate in a race. The order of the zodiac would be decided by the order in which animals finished the race.

When the competition started, the ox was leading the pack, but the rat jumped on his back. Since the rat was so light and small, the ox did not realize that the rat was hitching a ride. As the ox approached the finish line, the rat leap off his back and was crowned as the first animal to complete the race.

After all the creatures finished the race, the order was finalized: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

My Chinese Zodiac is the Rat:

Check out snippets of my fairly [VERY] accurate profile:

Personality: Occupying the 1st and most prominent position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Rat symbolizes such character traits as wit, imagination and curiosity. Rats have keen observation skills and with those skills they’re able to deduce much about other people and other situations. Overall, Rats are full of energy, talkative and charming but they have a tendency to become aggressive.

Rats are full of good advice but they will never share their troubles with others. They are honest individuals and they enjoy living for the moment. They’re also capable of surviving any situation.

Routine halts their creativity so Rats need flexible positions that allow creativity.

Not nearly as self-confident as they appear on the surface, Wood Rats [based on the year you were born] will never expose this vulnerability to others. They’re successful despite their perpetual fear of failing.

*I’ll buy that!

Chinese New Year Crafts and Activities

Martha Stewart’s Chinese New Year Show this year. Or last year’s resources on Chinese New Year Table Settings.

Pingg’s Chinese New Year ecards

Crayola is also offering their online community these incredibly cute crafts:

While I was finishing my last post on Valentine’s Day sales and promotions I was already mentally writing this one.  With Valentine’s Day only slightly more than two weeks away, I figured I better hurry up and find some great children activities for the holiday we love to love.

I assumed my favorite children’s websites for printable activities would have special crafts online, available to download.  I was right! In no particular order here are some fun activities for children and other thoughtful resources for parents.

PBS Parents offer lots of ideas to get you in the holiday spirit.  For parents are several links to various articles and resources about feelings, diversity, and other characteristics that are perfect to teach around this time through books and games, as well as recipes to share with your family.

PBS Kids includes printable activities, coloring pages, and e-cards of all your favorite, educational friends.  It also lists information about special programming on February 13^th with the heart-filled theme.

Depending on how ambitious you’re feeling, check out Martha Stewart’s website for kids activities.  (Here for more adult sized activities…not that adult… ;-P)  Includes everything from cards, cute packaging, candies, and soap!  Very cute and surprisingly easy to put together.  Be prepared for printing the templates…I made several of them successfully. Some I gave up.

Here are four of the 27 Valentine’s Day crafts

Index for all Martha Stewart activities online for Valentine’s.

Nick Jr’s Valentine’s also jumped on the Valentine’s Day bandwagon with their dedicated site too.  The front page is an advent calendar that your child can return each day to click different dates for a fun surprise to open.  Grouped by week, view previous weeks and come back each week to unlock more.  My daughter’s favorite, Olivia, remains to be unlocked!

Check out the resources for parents here too.  Or let Max and Ruby help you plan a classroom party or soiree for friends.

All Valentine’s Day printable activities for many different ages…I have always been very impressed with Nick Jr.’s printable activities…they’re definitely a step higher than most.  I hate the ones that only offer coloring pages, my daughter doesn’t stay entertained with coloring but crafts will keep her busy for hours!

Kid Coupons

Chuck E Cheese is offering this FREE printable Valentine card w/ a coupon for 5 FREE tokens.  Your child can give all of their friends 5 tokens while saying Happy Valentine’s Day!  Expires 3/2.