Send Your Little One Back to School With the Right Backpack. photo courtesy of Tony Crider

Those three dreaded words are starting to pop up– back to school. With summer on the downhill slope, it’s time to start thinking about getting your little ones ready to hit the books once again. That includes giving them a great backpack for carrying around all that reading material. Wondering where to find a backpack that fits your child’s personality and your budget? Here are some cool backpacks that will help them get to the head of the class.

Skaters

For the skater in your family, head to CCS.com for some cool backpacks. Plus if your purchase is over $50 you can snag free shipping until August 6 with coupon code IPCC9L69 at checkout. They’ve got 60 different styles and colors to choose from.

Earth-Lover

If your child wants to be more green, go for The Reactor Solar Backpack. It comes with a solar panel that can be used to charge gadgets like cell phones without using any electricity. Another option is a European-style hemp backpack from rawganique.com.

Style Maven

For children interested more in fashion than function, check out the Bellino Luciano Backpack from ebags.com. It’s a cotton twill backpack with leather details that will give your student a grown-up accessory for lugging supplies. And because it’s $75 you don’t have to pay for shipping.

Sporty Kid

Check out this REI Stoke 19 Pack for kids who enjoy the outdoors. Not only can they stuff it with books, but on the weekends they can store supplies for day hikes.

Music Fan

Warning, this backpack may not be popular with teachers. It comes with two stereo speakers and a mini plug for attaching a CD player or mp3 player.

Little Ones

For the little ones in your house give them a backpack any kid would love. At Chocolatecakeclub.com there are several animals to choose from including a moose, dog and leopard. The best part is the backpack comes with an attachable handle with wheels so they can pull it along instead of having to carry heavy books.

Personalized

For those of you who would like to personalize their kid’s backpack, a good choice is the Personalized Butterfly Backpack for Girls or the Boys Personalized Sports Backpack, both from personalizationmall.com

Planning on throwing a Girls’ Night Out, but want to give something so your guest can remember the occasion.  Here are some unique and fun favors to give for a Girls’ Night Out that is sure to be a pleasant and unexpected surprise to make your guest feel special.

Sleek and Chic Leather Stiletto Keychain

Celebrate the Perfect Fit! Stitched leather sky high stiletto is a little statement in black and white. This little retro pump twinkles with three little studs along the toe and arrives in style, with a matching black and white display box.

Box measures 4.5 inches tall by 3.25 inches wide and comes tied with sheer black organza ribbon and a purse shaped “Thank You” tag. These stylish favors are sure to bring smiles to your guests!

Price: $2.20-$2.90 each piece, varies by quantity ordered.

Pink Polka Purse Manicure Set

Add some cosmopolitan flair with these manicure sets fashioned to look like ultra-chic purses! The 4 piece stainless steel set includes nail file, scissors, clippers, and tweezers and fits perfectly in the pink and black polka dot purse.

A charming purse shaped thank you tag adds to the presentation. Measures 5 1/8″ x 5 1/2″.

Price: $3.70-$4.90 each piece, varies by quantity ordered.

“Purse Valet” Stainless-Steel Handbag Holder

Give your guests a Girls’ Night Out favor they’ll probably open and use right then and there-and they’ll love you for choosing it! The “Purse Valet” Stainless-Steel is pretty and practical-something women never think to get for themselves.

The small (1 ¾” x 1 1/2″), flat, silver-tone purse sits on the tabletop and a 3 ¼” metal hanger drops under the table, where you confidently park your purse. A colorful 4 1/2″ x 4″ x 3/8″ gift box shows you exactly how to use the valet, featuring an artist’s illustration of a woman seated at a table with her purse kept safe and secure thanks to the purse valet.

Price: $2.50-$3.25 each piece, varies by quantity ordered.

“It’s a Girl Thing!” Purse-Size Photo Album

Whenever women get together every moment is a fun photo opportunity. Here’s a fun photo album that makes a super party favor. Dainty dots in black and shades of pink on a pink background hold icons of the female world—an engagement ring, a chic dress, a purse, lipstick, a sexy stiletto shoe and a yummy Cosmopolitan in a glass.
Photo album is crafted from heavyweight, glossy paper with clear-plastic photo inserts. The album holds one dozen 3″ x 2 ¾” photos. Album is accented with a black, grosgrain bow that keeps the album closed when not in use and measures approximately 4″ h x 3″ w x ¾” d.

Price: $1.60-$2.10 each piece, varies by quantity ordered.

“Dreams Do Come True” Satin Eye Mask

Someone once said, “Be careful what you wear to bed at night. You never know who you’ll meet in your dreams.” When your guests receive the “Dreams Do Come True” Satin Eye Mask party favor, they’ll be perfectly dressed for whatever—or whomever—comes along. Fancy fun! Features and facts:

Creative, clear gift packaging places mask over the eyes of a dreamily dozing young woman who discovers that “Dreams Do Come True”. Gift box measures 5 ½” h x 8 ¼” w x ½” d and black-satin eye mask is embroidered with the word “Dream” in deep-pink stitching measures 3″ h x 7 ¾’ w.

Price: $3.00-$3.94 each piece, varies by quantity ordered.

Cocktails Anyone!? Martini Glass Gel Candle

Shaken, stirred and a fabulous little favor. This candle of clear gel burns brightly in this miniature martini glass made of real glass. One little “olive” bobs delicately in the gel, adding a realistic touch to this tiny cocktail. The only thing more impressive than the candle itself is the gorgeous little chic gift box it arrives in!

A transparent window showcases the candle and the black and white olive print shimmies over every inch of the box (even inside!) There’s even a “Thank You” graphic printed right on this showcase box. A sheer black ribbon, tied in a bow with included sweet little olive tag! . A Kate Aspen Original Design. Candle measures 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ and box measures 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″. Cheers, darling!

Price: $3.20-$4.20 each piece, varies by quantity ordered.

For more Girls’ Night Out Favor ideas, check out FavorAffair.com.

The all natural fragrances of LAVANILA Laboratories is the world’s first healthy fragrance collection contain no harsh synthetic ingredients.  This collection is 100% healthy and good for you, the vanilla-based scents are infused with powerful antioxidants and active botanical that nourish and conditions with each spray.  Why would they add this to a fragrance? Its because 60% of what you put on our skin is actually absorbed into the bloodstream.  So why not spray something healthy on.  Plus, this makes a great gift for someone who loves fragrances.  Not only would you show them you thought of them, but also you thought of their health by gifting them something natural and goes beyond just making them smell nice!

Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Fragrance, Pure Vanilla

The Perfect Vanilla

The tender sensuality of fresh Madagascar vanilla and pure tonka bean.  More vanilla bean than vanilla cookie, this superbly clean scent is a must-have for any vanilla addict.

Madagascar Vanilla, Freesia, Heliotrope, Tonka Bean

Price: $56,  1.7 fl oz. (50 ml)

Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Fragrance, Vanilla Grapefruit

An Uplifting Citrus

Awaken your inner spirits with this luscious blend of sparkling grapefruit, fresh lime and warm cedarwood softened in a base of rich Madagascar vanilla Sweetly seductive and kissed by sunshine, this uniquely crisp scent is destined to be a cult classic.

Grapefruit, Bergamot, Lime, Orange, Cedarwood, Heliotrope, Madagascar Vanilla.

Price: $56,  1.7 fl oz. (50 ml)

Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Fragrance, Vanilla Blossom

A Wild Floral Bouquet

An exotic blend of crushed orange blossom, rose, jasmine, and karo karounde petals warmed with the richness of nutmeg and Madagascar vanilla.  Dangerously seductive, this flirtatious floral is unexpectedly clean and undoubtedly sophisticated.

Orange Blossom, Rose, Jasmine, Karo Karounde, Osmanthus, Lemon, Nutmeg Madagascar.

Price: $56,  1.7 fl oz. (50 ml)

Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Fragrance, Vanilla Lavender

A Fresh & Innocent Scent

The clean blend of Spanish Lavender, rose, Violet leaf and rich Madagascar vanilla create a scent that peaceful and serene. It is sure to melt a way the stress of any day!

Spanish Lavender, Rose Absolute, Violet Leaf, Madagascar Vanilla.

Price: $56,  1.7 fl oz. (50 ml)

Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Fragrance, Vanilla Coconut

Island Escape

This carefree Tropical scent is a blend of young coconut, Tahitian tiare flower, and Madagascar vanilla.  Its a simple blend, yet it transport you instantaneously to the islands. Its paradise found.

Coconut, Tahitian Tiare, Madagascar Vanilla.

Price: $56,  1.7 fl oz. (50 ml)

To find the LAVANILA Laboratories Healthy Fragrance collection and other products offer, check out LAVANILA Laboratories on Beauty.com.

Make Sure Your Gifts Arrive On Time. Image courtesy of Marajane Creations

Shipping packages can be a hassle. First you’ve got to gather up the box, tape and tissue. Then you’ve got to take it to the post office, often waiting in long lines only to find out you’ve broken a rule you didn’t know existed. Here are a few ways to make shipping gifts easier.

Sign up for a Free Flat Rate Shipping Kit

Flat rate boxes can save you a lot of money. Basically whatever you can fit in the box is one price. But how do you know which box to use? Sign up for the free Flat Rate Shipping Kit from the USPS. You’ll get a complete set of flat rate boxes, a shipping guide booklet and $160 worth of offers from authorized vendors. Once you have all the boxes in your possession, you’ll know which one is best for the gifts you need to send.

Print a Shipping Label at Home

Why waste time going to the post office to pay for shipping when you can simply print off postage right at home. It’s convenient and easy.

Get Your Packages Picked Up

Save yourself a trip to the post office and get a package picked up right from your home or office. Postage must already be applied but this service is free for an unlimited number of packages.

Know the Right Zip Code

Make sure your package arrives on time and to the right location by having the right zip code on your package. Don’t know it? Simply use this online zip code finder.

Stock Up on Supplies

Find yourself running to get supplies at the last minute? Make sure you’re stocked up by ordering them ahead of time. Whether you need stamps, tape, or boxes you can get it all in one place.

Pack Like a Pro

Make sure your gifts arrive on time and in one piece. Check out this free packaging guide from FedEx for expert tips on how to pack like a pro. They’ll take you through the four essentials for packaging.

There is nothing more personal then your family photos and memories captured.  Why not make them into a special gift for the whole family to enjoy and remember those special moments?  You can by creating a coffee table or photo book with your own photos!  By going to Picaboo you can create any photo book using your own digital photos.  This makes great gifts for recent Grads, family vacations, and newborns. No need for scissors & glue, and stop spending hours uploading your photos to an online photofinishing site.  This is the new way of album making.

Push the button

Simply click the “Create Book” button, and then choose from over 15 stunning themes or start from scratch.

If you select Auto-Create, Picaboo will automatically populate your book in seconds with the photos you choose.

StoryFlow

StoryFlow is a whole new way to create photo books, making it easier, faster, and more fun. With StoryFlow, you group your photos onto pages before your book is created and then StoryFlow auto-creates a perfectly conceived book based on the theme you’ve selected.

Simply drag-and-drop your photos until they are grouped onto the pages in the order you want them. Once your book has been created, you have complete control to edit your book as you wish.

Custom covers

Customize the front, back, and spine of your book’s cover. Simply drag-and-drop your photos, add a title and you’re done.

Fully customizable with any Picaboo page background and layout, custom covers are case-bound on striking glossy laminate board.

What’s your background?

You can customize each page of your book with unique backgrounds. Select from hundreds of pre-loaded designs, choose from thousands of images from a free Background Community, or simply drag-and-drop any photo onto your page.

Layouts galore

With a wide variety of over 240 layouts, making each page of your book truly unique is as easy as a single click.

Whether you’re creating a baby album, travel journal, portfolio, or even a family cookbook, you’ll find the layout that works just right.

Fabulous fonts and corners

Say it like you mean it with over 40 unique fonts. Whether you’re adding a caption, telling a story, or journaling your memories, you’ll find the font that fits.

Frame your photos with a selection of over 50 corners and add the perfect finishing touch to your pages.

Photo tools

With Picaboo, it’s slider simple to crop, rotate, adjust brightness & contrast, remove red eye, and add/remove white borders and shadows.

Best of all, see the changes to your photos in real-time right on the page of your book.

Check it out!

Check out Picaboo for inspiring ideas, samples, tips, and more.

Show the Coffee Fans in your Life Some Love- Image courtesy of one2c900d

Know someone who is a bit obsessed with coffee? We can’t blame them. There’s something so incredibly nice about that caffeine kick, whether it’s first thing in the morning or to get through that late afternoon slump. If you’re looking for a unique gift for a coffee-lover we’ve got some great ideas.

Bamboo Coffee Storage Container

This one is Earth-friendly and great for a coffee fan. The airtight bamboo canister will store up to one pound of coffee or tea. It has a removable plastic liner for easy cleaning. It comes etched with the Peet’s Coffee and Tea logo and you can find it on their website for $31.95.

Eco Coffee Cup Cozy

Here’s another coffee accessory that also has a eco-friendly benefit. Rather than use paper or cardboard coffee cozy’s why not give the coffee-lover in your life a reusable one? This coffee cozy is just $12.95 and comes with a pocket (maybe to store a grocery list, receipt or change?) and for every purchase made at this shop through the end of August they’ll donate $2 to help paint a Guatemalan orphanage.

Java Log

Rather than just drink coffee, now your coffee-loving friends can burn it, too. Java Logs are made from coffee waste and burn for about 2-3 hours in your fireplace. Find out which retailer near you sells Java Logs.

Coffee House Art Canvas

Take a trip back in time to that 24-hour roadside diner with this charming Coffee House Canvas. Fun addition to that kitchen that seems to bustle with activity no matter what the hour. The canvas is personalized with any name up to 12 characters. It is available in 3 sizes framed or unframed.

Barista Card Game

Barnes and Noble knows there are plenty of people obsessed about their caffeine intake. That’s probably why they sell the Barista Card Game. The object of the game is to match the beverage shown on a roll of dice with your cards all while avoiding spills. It’s a fun game of strategy for ages eight and older that even comes with an espresso cup.

Coffee Scoop Magnet

Treat your favorite coffee addict to this clever Coffee Scoop Magnet that keeps a coffee scoop handy. Magnet-backed, handpainted ceramic coffee cup has a metal hook to hold its matching ceramic scoop. Cup is 2 1/2″ X 3 1/4″; scoop is 4″ long. Hand wash. Only $6.99

What are these things?! They are the soon to be latest cell phone accessory craze!  Not only do they serve a functional purpose, they spin and light up when you have an incoming call or text, but they also entertain.  They are your next monstrous pet, where you can name and play with for hours.  Check out Moshi Monsters:

Moshi Monsters

Somewhere between cyberspace and Earth a strange race of playful creatures exist. Known as Moshi Monsters, these wacky critters are set to take over your life with their hilarious antics and puzzle-playing shenanigans. But in typically surreal fashion Moshi Monsters have somehow muscled in on the world of mobile phone accessories.

These nifty phone charms contain a Moshi Monster that flashes and spins when a call or text comes in. So far, so nuts. And very handy when you’re in a noisy place or your phone’s in silent mode. You’ll never miss another call.

As if alerting you to incoming calls wasn’t enough, each dome-dwelling critter comes with a unique ‘unlock’ code that gives you exclusive access to the virtual world where Moshi Monsters live and play. And it’s here you can adopt your very own Moshi Monster and get your mitts on a free virtual accessory. See, we told you they were strange!

Once you’ve adopted your Monster you can name it and then nurture it with your brainwaves by playing daily puzzles. Earn enough ‘Rox’ and you can accessorize your Monster, customize its home and even go shopping around the bustling frontier town known as Monstro City. It’s yucktastic!

As well as looking after number one, you can interact with other Moshi Monster owners online, read daily Monster blogs, and send and receive Monster Mail. There’s a whole new world out there and we guarantee you’ll become monstrously obsessed. But what about those crazy MoPod Monsters? Well here’s a quick low-down on the characters set to dangle from mobiles, bags and belt loops across the world:

From L-R: Poppet, Furi, Katsuma, Luvli, Zommer and Diavlo

You get to pick from 6 amazing Moshi Monsters:

Zommers are stitch-picking, drool-licking thingamajigs who are all of a jumble. Rock!

Diavlos are fangtastically mischievous Monsters with cratery heads full of sizzly-fizzly lava. Yow!

Katsumas are super-smooth, but don’t mess or you’ll unleash a flurry of claws, jaws and lightning-fast paws. Rrrrr!

Furis mean well but they’re the grouchiest, slouchiest hairballs in all of Monstro City. Bah!

Luvlis are flutterly amazing with a sprinkling of magical hokery-pokery. It’s enough to give you glittery goosebumps!

Poppets are huggalicious but bashful little cutie pies that just love to boogie. Aww, shucks!

Price: $9.95

Please Note:

Compatible with all GSM networks.
Not compatible with 3G networks,  like Verizon.
Approximately 6cm (H) x 2.3cm (W) x 2.3cm (D)
Requires 2 x L1154 batteries (included)

To buy your Moshi Monster Mopods, check out Firebox.com

Today I’d like to introduce MojaMix, a premium custom-mixed cereal company. Their products make a great gift for kids and adults at the same time!

Their interactive website is very easy to use, making it a breeze to customize your own mix, personalize the packaging and place your order! One of the features I like the most is the real-time Nutrition Facts calculator that allows you to add or substract different ingredients till you reach your desired amount or percentage of sugar, calories, proteins, etc. If you are not the do-it-yourself type of person, then you can just order their signature mixes: Happy Camper, The Epicurean, Runner’s Fuel or Chocolicious.

More about the Company: MojaMix was founded by Norberto and Thomas, two Europeans who first met in business school and shared the same passion for a delicious and healthy breakfast. Right now, MojaMix is based in Berkeley, California, and works with local farmers who grow and supply most of their ingredients.

More about the products: At mojamix.com, customers can create a unique blend by starting with a cereal base such as a trio of whole grains or granola, then build upon it with their choice of roughly 50 different organic fruits, nuts, and seeds.  For the more experimental crowd, MojaMix also offers such eclectic options as goji berries, hemp seeds, and chocolate-covered coffee beans.  You can even personalize the packaging at no additional expense, making the perfect gift for any occasion!

Become a fan of MojaMix:
If you’d like to know more about their discounts and giveaways, you can follow them on twitter: @mojamix or join the MojaMix Fan Page on Facebook.

GIVEAWAY

 This Giveaway is for US residents only.

Winners: Two lucky readers will be able to design and receive their very own customized cereal compliments of all the people at MojaMix.com!

Prize description (provided by MojaMix): Here’s why we think you’ll love our cereal just as much as we do:  We believe that you didn’t come in a prepackaged format, and neither should your food! Your food was meant to be just as unique as you are. That’s why we here at MojaMix have created the perfect opportunity for you to express yourself: in mouth-watering cereal form! Our philosophy when it comes to food is that using organic and primarily locally sourced products helps not only you get a healthier snack, but Mother Earth will thank you too. As foodies located out of Berkeley, CA, we have some pretty tasty and crazy ingredients including blueberries, strawberries, cashews, chocolate chips, goji berries, chia seeds, and chocolate coffee beans – all mixed in with your favorite granola or cereal base!

How to enter (required): Go to http://mojamix.com/, look at the ingredients, and post your favorite ingredients here as a comment.

For additional entries (leave a new comment for each additional entry):
- one additional entry if you grab one of our buttons and post it on your blog, please post the link;
- one additional entry if you join us on Facebook;
- one additional entry if you follow us on Twitter;
- one additional entry if you send a tweet about this giveaway; make sure to include @1happyblogger. You may use the following to tweet: @1happyblogger Win a cereal with ingredients of your choice from @MojaMix. Go to http://www.1happycorner.com/mojamix-gift-idea-giveaway/
- one additional entry if you fave us in Technorati;
- one additional entry if you blog about this Giveaway with a link back to 1HappyCorner.com and MojaMix.com;
- one additional entry if you follow 1HappyCorner.com via email.

The giveaway ends on Friday - July 24, 2009, at the end of day. Good luck!

*Please make sure you leave a comment for each additional entry so you get credited.
*Also, please make sure you typed in the correct email address.
*The winner will be announced on this page & via e-mail and has 2 days to get back to us or other name will be chosen.
*Incomplete entries will be disqualified & deleted.

#########

And the winners are:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

63
24

Timestamp: 2009-07-29 17:26:34 UTC

Congratulations, Alicia Webster and Raelena! You have 2 days to claim your prize.

Remember the King of Pop with a Gift for Any Budget- Image courtesy of tleonard1

He was one of the biggest celebrities to walk the Earth. With Michael Jackson’s passing many are looking for gifts to remember him by. No matter if you have $10 to spend or $1,000, there is a lot of Michael Jackson collectibles available for purchase right now. Here are a few gifts to consider for the MJ fans in  your life.

Huge Budget: Autographed Michael Jackson Guitar

For just $6,103.65 this autographed guitar with an air brushed image of Michael Jackson can be yours. GoAntiques.com is selling what they say is a certified authentic signature from the King of Pop himself.

Big Budget: Michael Jackson Doll

Pick up a Michael Jackson doll from 1997 for $259.99 from Michael-Jackson-Trader.com. The replica is wearing the official triumph international black and white outfit. It’s mint condition in the box so you might not want to play with your MJ doll.

Medium Budget: Michael Jackson Music Collection

Pick up Michael Jackson’s The Ultimate Collection, a 5-disc set of his biggest hits and most well-known tunes. It’s sold at a variety of retailers including Oldies.com for $50.98.

Small Budget: Michael Jackson Memorial T-shirt

If you want to publicly display your love for the King of Pop, a memorial t-shirt could be the way to go. There are plenty of designs available in both men’s and women’s sizes. These t-shirts selling on Amazon run $12.95.

Very Small Budget: Replica of Michael Jackson’s White Glove

After family members’ requests, it appears that Michael Jackson will be laid to rest wearing his one white glove. You can have a replica of the white sequin glove he made famous for just $2.99 from CostumesInc.com.

$0 Budget: Free Download of Michael Jackson’s Funeral Program

TheLoop.com is offering a free download of Michael Jackson’s funeral program received by those who attended his memorial service. If you want something to add to your Michael Jackson collection, but don’t have any extra money to spend this could be a good option. But as always when downloading files from the Internet, be careful.

Here are some fun and quirky gifts to give the BBQ chef and have some fun!  Combine any of the products below to make a great BBQ themed gift basket.

Making the Moose out of Life Apron

This 100% cotton apron makes a great gift for those who like to kick back and just watch the grill with  a drink in hand. Available in various themes, like Bear Naked and The Buck Stops Here, this one size fits all apron comes with an adjustable neck strap.

Price: $23.99

Check out Hartley Nature for more apron ideas. Kid friendly aprons also available.

Dam Great Cook Oven Mitt

This oven mitt, made of 100% cotton, makes a great companion for any chef.  Not only for around the BBQ, but in the kitchen as well.  Combine this with any apron and its the making of a great gift set.

Price: $10.99

Check out Hartley Nature for more oven mitts selections. Pot holders also available.

Bear-B-Q Tea Towel

This 100% cotton, absorbent tea towel makes a great gift for the grill or kitchen.  The overall print tea towels measures 19.9″ x 27.25″ (50 cm x 69 cm). This fun theme can be found on coordinating aprons, mitts, and napkins.

Price: $8.99

Check out Hartley Nature for more tea towel ideas.

Bottom’s Up Cocktail Napkins

This fun cocktail napkin will make any party memorable! Available in various fun themes.  This 5″ x 5″ (12.7cm x 12.7 cm) cocktail napkins come in packages of 20.

Price: $5.99

Check out Hartley Nature for more cocktail napkin varieties.

For more BBQ gift ideas, check out Hatley Nature’s kitchen section.