Trace on First Coast News Tonight!

Trace Designs will be featured on First Coast News tonight at 6pm!
Here is the link to watch us on the local news portion of their web site http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=140473&catid=3 .

We are excited to spread the word and offer money-saving moms an awesome, easy and affordable decor choice!
Thanks Amy for reaching out to FCN!

Summer DIY...but not what you think!

When I think DIY I think about painting, repair, tiling and yard work. But what I didn't think about was Do It Yourself entertainment.
It's easy to rely on TV, movies, summer camps, and the back yard to entertain our kids all summer. But this summer I was going to spend as much time with my kids exploring the area we live but at low cost. So I researched and came up with an amazing amount of things to do where we live.
Here is just a little list of some of what are doing this summer:
Bowling
Storytimes
Blueberry Picking
Canning (yup- going to the local cannery to can our own recipes)
Chocolate Factory Tours
Flea Market
Free Movies at several theaters
Visiting nursing homes
Kids day at local museums
Hardware and Craft stores offering lessons for kids

DO SUMMER YOURSELF! You will love the time you invested with your kids and mighteven learn something!

Unique and Last Minute Gift Ideas for Dad!

Father’s Day for me always poses an interesting dilemma. Since my husband’s birthday falls on June 19th, we are usually celebrating both within a few days. Now, if your husbands are anything like mine (and my father for that matter) they not only are picky about what they like, but tend to have everything they want. Add to that my desire to find the perfect gift has a tendency to leave me stressed out! So this year I have decided to pull together a couple of lower cost, last minute gift ideas that have been successful in the past! Now obviously you each know your father/husband best, and while not all of these will work for everyone, hopefully it will help to generate some ideas!

For the sports enthusiast:
Surprisingly enough, I did not realize until a few years ago that golf courses offered not only gift certificates, but often day long packages (including lunch etc.) Check out his favorite course and make sure you buy at least two (for he and a buddy unless this is something you two readily do together). Then, and most importantly, check his schedule and book him a tee time. The better tee times are early in the morning and book up fast so you will need to plan in advance. One rule though, once you have booked his day, this is his day-no “honey do” list is allowed!

If he loves to camp and hike, get him a national park pass-they offer annual passes and can be used at any national park! http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm

For the Sports fan? How about a sports package either via your Dish company or cable network? MLB.com has some great deals for the baseball enthusiast! http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/subscriptions/index.jsp?c_id=mlb&partnerId=ed-2652322-86196042&source=ed-2652322-86196042

Would he rather play than watch? Active.com not only is the online resource for races and events, they have also put together a fantastic list of summer getaways! http://www.active.com/outdoors/Articles/10_Amazing_Family_Adventures.htm

Sure, gift certificates are easy, but can quickly become impersonal if you are not careful. His favorite book store, running store or place for sports equipment can be great, but keep in mind you are also giving him the gift of shopping-which may or may not be appreciated! Instead of picking up a gift certificate in the grocery store, try being a little more creative.

Maybe there is a new skill he is hoping to fine tune or acquire? Pair a Home Depot Gift Card with a schedule of their “Home Improver Workshops” and he is good to go! You can even sign up online at http://www.homeimproverclub.com/

Online Gift Certificates are also a great option. Amazon sells just about everything under the sun and you can purchase and print your gift right from your computer! http://www.amazon.com/Amazon-com-Gift-Card/dp/B00067L6TQ

Finally, if you want something for him to unwrap check out some sites that offer unique ideas!

Popular Mechanics has put together a list of the top 10 gadgets and gifts that men are looking for this year. http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/upgrade/4268553.html

A very cute website called Someonespoilme.com has put together a couple of great last minute and super unique gifts along with when you need to order them by! Is your man a cigar man, beer man or perhaps a bacon man? Check it out and find a great gift! http://www.someonespoilme.com/tips/spoilers/last-minute-fathers-day-gift-ideas/

A great website with the gift for just about anyone is gifts.com. They have a complete section for Father’s day! http://www.gifts.com/occasions/fathers-day/o12hraicp

So whether you attempt to order that last minute gift or schedule a special day, remember the most important thing is that we make sure the dads in our lives and our kids lives know just how much they are appreciated!

Happy Shopping, and Happy Fathers Day!

Trace Designs on the front page of HGTV!

This weekend, Trace Designs was featured on the front page of HGTV.com in the "Product Ideas" section.  Our Decorative Initials™ Accent Mural was our #1 seller during this time!  We want to say a BIG "Thank You" to HGTV for the kudos!

COUPONS CODES!

Since we love to give out money-saving tips, here are some links to some great home-improvement coupons out there! Combine it with our 30% of Summer Kick Off coupon and save big!

Summer Kick Off Sale http://www.tracedesignsonline.com/ Enter Summer30 at checkout

Home Depot 10% off purchase ($200 off max) http://www.homedepotmoving.com/moving/web/registration?promocode=dtas_ Home Depot ONLINE ONLY Get $10 Off Orders $100 or More! Coupon Code:DEPOTDAD69
Expiration:2009-06-10

Sears $5 off off $50 purchase expires June 6 2009 http://f.chtah.com/i/5/1194872179/SC_EAQ_052409.pdf

Sherwin Willams $10 off $50 purchase Expires Dec 31 2009 http://www.baton.com/common/sherwin.html

Michaels 50% off regular item Expires June 15 2009 http://img.dealspl.us/images/coupon/1243957634_2026.jpg