If you have any plans of shopping online, make them for tomorrow, December 16, 2011 which is – more or less officially – Free Shipping Day around the country.  It’s the fourth annual of such events which, this year, will feature over 2200 merchants (that’s double that of last year) who will offer free shipping for a delivery by Christmas eve. It’s a “universal” one day agreement by some of the top (and some serious favorite) online merchants. This year Free Shipping Day is happening tomorrow, Friday, December 16.
See the whole list of participating merchants here.
The merchants include the classic [...]

P.L.A.Y. (Pet Lifestyle And You)takes pets, their humans, the planet and the notion of design very seriously. In other words, P.L.A.Y. designs pet beds that are incredibly comfortable (for pets), that look great and are highly durable and washable (for humans) and that are made from post-consumer recycled product (for the planet).

P.L.A.Y. pet beds are completely unique in so many ways. The company is committed to doing its part in helping the environment. The P.L.A.Y. beds are filled with Planer Fill™ polyfiber which is made out of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. A pet bed’s fill uses between 32 and [...]

Throughout the pages of The Succulent Wife, you will see numerous articles about companies and products that contribute to making this planet a better place to live on. Whether it is about helping the environment or about helping each other, we are always passionate about sharing their stories.

Thus, this Gift Guide is near and dear to us. The ideas shared here show us that we can all be conscious shoppers, make our gift recipient happy and, all at the same time, also greatly impact the life of someone less fortunate. It becomes a win-win for everyone. And it’s so easy [...]

Beatrice Holiday has the cutest bike accessories for the biking fashionista and the biking commuter.
We love the matching seat covers and handlebar bikebags that will have you truly be stylin’ as you will be wheelin’. The unique handlebar bag also converts into a beautiful and functional shoulder bag, to keep all your valuables safe, on and off the bike. All are made with vintage upholstery fabrics that suits the look of a beach cruiser, but would also fit on the handlebar of a Baby Stroller, making this also a great gift for new moms.
Beatrice Holiday also designs a stylish line [...]

My husband never writes a list for Christmas, or hints about gifts that he would like. Every year, I encourage him to please tell me what he would like and, every year, he says that I always know the right thing to give him (except the one year I gave him a vacuum – if you know my husband it really was the perfect gift, although he did not think so). What he does not realize is that it really would be a whole lot easier if he would help – just a little. If your significant other is anything [...]

All of us have had a teacher who has had a profound effect on our lives. One that may have influenced us by changing our future path or made us think of things differently. The power of a teacher is, truly, unparalleled. So, how do you say thank you to their commitment to their profession and their compassion and dedication to your children? Really, their best gift, shall we say, is seeing her students grow into mature, intelligent and responsible, considerate citizens who express a continued fervor to learn and grow…
It is still nice, however, to show our appreciation for [...]

 
This is the time of year when celebrations should all be about family. Getting together and enjoying each others company.
In searching out the best gift picks to give to a family as a whole, we were looking for ideas that would celebrate the family unit, its values or that would encourage family members to come together to have fun…together.
Here then are some of our favorite gift ideas for the entire family. Enjoy!

iPad Game Changer – This is a game board for an iPad, that brings interactive animation and sound to a traditional board game making it fun for the entire [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
It is not only the time of year when we decorate the house, buy and wrap presents for everyone on our list, bake goodies, entertain friends and family and attend Christmas parties (I am exhausted already), but it is also the time to send out the obligatory Christmas card!
As the countdown begins, the pressure is on to get those Christmas cards labeled, posted and mailed in order for friends and family to receive them BEFORE Christmas. I took the stress out of this annual ritual by sending my this-is-what-my-family-has-been-up-to-and-see-how-the-kids-have-grown Christmas letter via email.
Now, I know [...]

Many of us women miss the days when our men used to don suit & tie on a regular basis. There is something quite irresistible and sexy about the confidence they exude when they are wearing a tie. Which is why we’ll be sneaking one or two in their Christmas stockings. Our choice? Jack Franklin ties.
The Jack Franklin tie company was born out of the frustrating fact that well-made neckties are extremely overpriced. By selling exclusively online, Jack Franklin is able to bypass the middleman and offer high quality, beautifully made, hand-sewn ties at a reasonable price. They use the [...]

Every day, our kids are bombarded with commercials for toys they must have! Most of these toys will probably hold their attention for about five minutes and end up at the back of their closet. I try to never fall prey to these crazes (well, I did with the zu zu pets but only because I thought it would be a substitute for the real thing which the girls desperately wanted) and always try to come up with gift ideas that are far more 1. meaningful 2. high quality with lasting play power and 3. interesting which will guarantee lots [...]