52 Weeks to Abundant Genealogy Series

Welcome to those who are visiting my blog after clicking the link on my Examiner articles. I hope you'll explore the tabs above and see how this blog can best serve your needs for connecting generations and helping you write your own family history.  Don't forget to click the link at the top right if you're interested in getting a download link for a FREE family tree.

For my other friends, see the first 3 weeks of entries in Amy Coffin's new series "52 Weeks to Abundant Genealogy" by clicking here.

Merry Christmas!

Wise Men Still Seek Him

 

End of Year Posts

Just to let you know, I've posted the last of 2011's personal history prompts in my Examiner article.  CLICK HERE to check it out.  Many thanks to Amy Coffin for authoring this series and to Thomas MacEntee at GeneaBloggers for hosting it on his site.

I hope to be launching some new programs and CDs this coming year dealing with healing the pain of dysfunction, heartbreak and stress in families.  For anyone interested in creating positive change in their family line, make sure to JOIN THE QUEST at Family Tree Quest .  When you leave your email, I will mail you a link for the free family tree I designed.  It is perfect for all families--even blended (step) families and single parents.

Also, don't forget to check out lots of heritage-friendly gift ideas by CLICKING HERE.



I hope you enjoy all your holiday celebrations and get-togethers.  I love the sights, sounds and smells of this time of the year!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation from Amy Coffin or GeneaBloggers for writing about the 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy and History series. I am listed on the GeneaBloggers Blog Roll because I find it to be a valuable, shared community resource. I am founder of Family Tree Quest [dot] com.

Christmas Cards?

I love making connections with old friends at Christmas.  Even tho others have dropped the tradition of sending Christmas Cards, it's one thing I still value.  The expense, however was getting more than I could bear.  I would send a MINIMUM of 75 cards.

Last year, I decided to send most of my cards via American Greetings.
I've also loved receiving photo cards via Smilebox.

I recommend them both.  The free options are nice, but I finally subscribed to American Greetings.  They let me send cards all year for a VERY low price. (I even post birthday greetings to Facebook and love the convenience).

Hope to get my "cards" out this weekend.  How about you?

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OTHER CARD SOURCES I FIND INTRIGUING:

Cardstore.com

Galison, Mudpuppy and HOLIDAY (cards at HOLIDAY).
Private Label designs custom products for your business, non-profit or special event.


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Disclosure of Material connection:  As Founder of Family Tree Quest [dot] com, American Greetings, Smilebox, Cardstore and Galison/Mudpuppy are my affiliates.

Creative Irish Gifts

I got my Shop Irish catalog.  I'm usually drawn toward the beautiful platters or serving dishes (like the Christmas Irish Christmas Blessing Platter on page 4.)  I just love the style.  I think the catalog has pretty classy products. 


This year, I was excited to see "Christmas Crackers".  They look like something we'd use at New Years.  The caption says "An Irish tradition at Christmas.  Each contains a snap, a joke, a surprise novelty, and a party hat."  Box of eight.  HK230 $13.99

We have Irish heritage, and my husband lived in Ireland for two years.  I think this would be fun for the grandchildren!  Please comment:  Has anyone heard of this tradition before? (Wondering if it's really a tradition.) 
Click here to check out Shop Irish- The premier store on the web for Irish-themed gifts.

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Other Family History Gift-giving ideas:  Check out:

House of Names. Coats of Arms (Family Crests) and Surname Histories.
 

Candy you ate as a kid. Old fashioned candy from the 1950s, 60s, 70s or 80s, still available after all these years!

Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner –  Portable, easy flip-and-scan-technology.  You can even scan pictures in the frame or while they remain in their photo albums!  I sit on the sofa in comfort and scan to my hearts delight.

Digital cameras, scanners, photo frames, printers, etc. to capture those amazing memories.  I love my Zi8 camcorder. It plugs straight into my USB port.  Great for family historians.  Easy to use.  Pocket-sized.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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.”  As founder of Family Tree Quest [dot] com, I am an affiliate of Flip-Pal mobile scanner along with House of Names, Candy You Ate as a Kid, Shop Irish, Ancestry.com, Nuance (Dragon Naturally Speaking 11), and Kodak.

Legacy Family Tree announces biggest Christmas Sale ever!

Just this morning, one of my affiliates, Legacy Family Tree, announced their biggest Christmas Sale ever.  Get the details by viewing my article CLICK HERE, or click the banner below and go straight to Legacy Family Tree.

Great gift(s) for yourself or your loved ones.

Relief for family, holiday gift-giving decisions

A few years ago, my girlfriend sent us a "Fresh Balsam Jingle Bell Wreath by Valerie" offered by QVC.  Since we had an artificial tree, we hung the wreath inside as part of our decor, and the smell of evergreen trees filled the air.  It was WONDERFUL!  One of the favorite gifts we've ever received.


Since then, we've made it part of our family TRADITION to send wreaths to out-of-town relatives (mother/mother-in-law, sister/sister-in law, brother/brother-in-laws, niece/nephews, etc.)  Our older children also "chip in" and contribute to the expense.  The out-of-town relatives now look forward to receiving their wreaths.  Last year, we sent a fresh evergreen candle centerpiece for our niece and nephew's family.  It has simplified our gift-giving, we have saved time shopping, wrapping, and going to the mail service.  They're happy, we're happy.  It's a win-win.


We did purchase from another online company last year and one recipient said the product was falling apart when delivered.  I plan to stick with QVC now.  

I highly recommend checking out QVC for the "Fresh Balsam Jingle Bell Wreath by Valerie" along with their other time-saving, quality, holiday offerings.  Be sure to notice the variety of SHIPPING dates.

CLICK HERE to go to QVC

How to you save time and money at holiday time?  Feel free to comment on some of your favorite holiday gift-giving traditions below.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: 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.”   Because of my positive experiences with QVC,  I am now one of their affiliates.