Monday, May 28, 2012

Easy Photo Greeting Cards

There are a few companies that do really easy online photo greeting cards. I have used TinyPrints and Shutterfly, both affordable, fast and very easy to upload and create pictures. 

Shutterfly is running a special right now where you get a FREE Father's Day card, minus shipping and handling. Just create your card, and use the coupon code at checkout-CARD4U

TinyPrints also is offering FREE SHIPPING code-FREESHIP12 or 25% off any order code-may25

Check the websites to see when these deals expire.
 
Here's an easy example of how to do this from Shutterfly. Hope you check it out!

5x7 Folded Card
View the entire collection of cards.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Why Unexpected?

Maybe this blog should be called the Unsuspecting, not Unexpected DIY Mama-both are true. While I knew I was going to be a Mama, that part was not unexpected, I have been totally surprised at how I have enjoyed, relished and morphed into a happy homemaking, DIY (Do it Yourself) mother. While feminists the world over might gasp (my teenage feminist self included) I have taken on a role in which I didn't know I had in me. The motherhood part, yes. However, the crafty, couponer/home made babyfood chef/ photographer of overwhelming number of "cute" baby pics/thrifty shopper/playdater' part of this role that I chose to take has been delightfully unexpected. 

I claim no special talents for DIY, only the desire to try things myself, especially if it's a bargain, and to keep my mind creatively challenged, instead of turning to baby mush. 
Baby mush: (definition) an affliction that occurs in a person's brain when they have a child, that causes all their thoughts, actions, and speech to be related to their baby. Most commonly seen in women, particularly those who stay at home with their children. Can be totally pervasive, causing isolation from others, silly faces, spontaneous song and dance, and the inability to carry on a conversation with another adult. Experts believe the condition is curable through a spa visit, creative outlets, and/or childless romantic nights out with significant other. The first step is recognizing the problem. 

This is simply a record of my projects, successes and failures, in the event someone may want a few good ideas, and a lot of good laughs. I am currently a working, stay at home mom. (FYI-I reference moms who work outside of the home as "employed" since every mom works-whether at home or also at another job.) My daughter, who I will call the amazing Miss E, because I like for her to retain some mystery online, is just 8 months today (5/22/12) and she is my first and only for now. So, my husband and I are truly figuring it out as we go.

It's way more fun than I thought. It's way more work than I thought, too.