You truly have to see the wall in person to appreciate how gorgeous it is.  I am someone who typically doesn’t like wall paper and yet all I really want is for HP to offer custom designed walls for adults so we can redo one of the walls in our bedroom.  And while the wall art easily goes up on the wall like wall paper, that is where the resemblance ends.  The designs are authentically “Nick” and the colors are vibrant.  Diego literally feels like he’s going to jump off the wall!

HP’s wall art can be used on a variety of surfaces and can be enjoyed for years without fading when cared for properly.  The most interesting part of the process was the finished work looks cohesive and the individual panels unnoticeable to the naked eye.

Our canvas…

Installation is relatively easy, however, we had to send our little boy to my parents to complete the wall so that his little helping hands didn’t prolong the process.  From wall preparation to completion, it took about 3 1/2 hours.  Here is a quick recap of what’s involved in the installation process (the video we shot captures it much better than the verbal description):

1. Prepare the wall so it’s clean and blemish-free.
2. Pencil in guide lines for the first panel
3. Install each panel (wet, fold, unfold and smooth.)
4. Trim excess with a utility knife.

While the process is easy and self-explanatory, I highly recommend including the EZ-Installation kit with your Wall Art.  The kit includes a smoothing tool, knife, level, sponge, and drop cloth.

If you’re an eco-mama, you’ll be happy to know that HP’s wall art is printed with inks and wallpaper that are approved according to health-related environmental criteria.  There was no odor during installation or once the wall was up.

Your custom Nick Wall by HP starts at just $3.99 per square foot.  To give you a rough idea of what that translates into, our wall would have cost about $300.  Through the end of January, you’ll save 5% and receive an EZ-Installation Kit free with purchase.

No compensation was received for this post.  HP invited me to test out their new design service and we received wall art and a video camera to share our experience.

Now you can create custom wall designs featuring your child’s favorite Nickelodeon characters with Nick Walls by HP.  This customizable wall art combines Nickelodeon characters with your personal creative touch.  Designing your wall is easy. Simply enter the precise dimensions of your wall into HP’s intuitive design tool, then create a unique design using images and characters from Nickelodeon shows.  Here is a quick pictorial demonstration of how to design your Nick Wall!

First, measure your wall precisely and input those dimensions into the design tool. This is crucial!  We actually thought we measured right and ended up with a panel that was a bit too short.  Be sure to account for doors, windows, outlets, and other obstructions.

Next, select your preferred theme. Choose from Diego, Dora, Spongebob, iCarly, and more.  My son actually wanted Dora, but I knew that in a few months he would change his mind so we went for Diego.

Once you’ve selected your theme, it’s time to decide if you want to use a pre-designed template, or exercise your creativity by designing the wall yourself.  We opted for the latter.

This is a template

This is our custom design

The wall is fully customizable from the background to the objects.  Add or remove characters and scenery, change out backgrounds, resize and/or flip objects…you’re only limited by your imagination and creativity.  The online design tool is very easy to use and the only thing that took time was deciding how we wanted the wall to look.  What I would love to see HP add is the option for text so that a child’s name could be included in the design to completely personalize the wall.

From the design process to the installation, we’ve truly enjoyed our experience with Nick Walls by HP. I can’t wait to show you what it looks like!

Your personalized Nickelodeon-inspired wall starts at just $3.99 per square foot. Through December, you’ll save 20% when you spend at least $300.

No compensation was received for this post.  HP invited me to test out their new design service and we received wall art and a video camera to share our experience.

My husband and I have two computers worth of photos.  I would venture to say that half (or more) have never been printed.  I appreciate the quality and convenience of digital photography, but I have to remind myself to actually print the photos.

HP’s Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web printer offers the ability to print without a PC with the touch of a finger.  The printer also offers access to web content with applications (much like a smartphone) like Google Maps (to print off driving directions), Fandango (for movie tickets and showtimes), and Weathernews Inc.  DIY dads can even access photos store on Snapfish without ever turning the computer on. Retails for $399.99 ($299.99 with $100 rebate).

If you’re looking for a cost-effective printing option, check out the HP Photosmart Plus printer.  It offers the convenience of printing, copying and scanning and includes templates for printing calendars, notebook paper and  Sodoku puzzles (to name a few).   What’s nice about the printer is that you can crop, edit and print family photos using the full-featured HP TouchSmart Control Panel. Retails for $149.99 ($134.99 with $15.00 rebate).

And while we’re speaking of printing, why not print his Father’s Day card for free?  If you have yet to discover HP Creative Studio, you’re missing out on a ton of free projects including photobook and scrapbooking templates.  HP Creative Studio offers a variety of free printables including photo frames and coupons for dad to redeem throughout the year.

Win It! One of you will win an HP Photosmart Plus printer.  Simply visit HP or HP Creative Studio. Then come back and leave a comment on another product or project you’d like for Father’s Day (for yourself or to give to that dad in your life). Comments will close on June 13, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn. Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post.  The giveaway item was provided by the company.

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Amber. A HUGE Congratulations to her!

Last fall, I introduced you to HP’s latest Web-connected printer, which offers one-touch, wireless, on-demand access to free, popular Web content via HP Print Apps (applications) on the HP App Studio. This printer allows you go gain access to craft projects, coupons, recipes, and more.  While I don’t have this particular printer, I can tell you that it’s very beneficial to have a printer that does more than just print.  For example, rather than going to your local store to purchase a card with a pre-written message, you can create your own card (with photos if you’d like!).  Perhaps you want to give your loved one a book of “love” coupons…you can do it with this printer.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the new HP Creative Studio App offers Valentine’s Day printables including cards, crafts, and romantic stationery. You can also find free Valentine’s Day projects directly on the HP Creative Studio (I LOVE that site) including calendars, t-shirt decals, gift bags, and kid-friendly Valentine’s Day creations including stickers, coloring pages and finger puppets.  And to ensure your printing needs are taken care of, HP offers their original printing supplies including original HP 564 XL color, black, cyan, magenta, yellow and XL photo black inkjet cartridges and Advanced Photo Paper.  HP’s printing supplies consistently deliver cost-effective, high-quality prints that are made to last.

This printer is really more than just a printer.  I highly recommend checking out my previous write-up and their website for more information.

Win It! One of you will win an HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web printer and a full set of original HP printing supplies to help you print and share your special memories (valued at $500)! Simply leave me a comment with one feature (from the site) that you like about the printer.  Comments will close on February 17, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  This giveaway was sponsored by HP.

Remember that printer giveaway I’m hosting with HP?  Well I have some fabulous news!  HP is launching the new printer on September 9th, and to celebrate, they are hosting a Twitter party.  Here are the deets!

1.  Join us on Tuesday, September 8th at 10 PM EST on Twitter for the party.

2.  Use the hashtag #HP (easy peasy) in your tweets on Tuesday night so we can make sure to catch all your responses and qualify you for extra prizes.

3.  Speaking of prizes, there will be ANOTHER chance to win a printer along with some fabulous prizes from Staples, Office Max and  Office Depot throughout the party.

4.  You MUST RSVP for the party on Free Anissa’s site to qualify for the drawing at the end of the night.  Sign Mr. Linky on HER site and you’ll be entered to win the grand prize giveaway of an HP Photo Smart Premium printer.

5.  Don’t forget to follow your fabulous party hostesess!

AnissaMayhew

Mommy Goggles

Rockin’ Mama

Domestic Chicky

My Apron Strings

Mommy Mandy

My Therapy

Assertagirl

Motherbumper

Southern Fairytale

Mommy Melee

My husband and I are very “connected.”  My husband, in particular, is a gadget and tech guy.  He loves electronics and he loves checking out “the latest.”  HP recently launched the world’s first Web-connected home printer offering people simple, one-touch, wireless, on-demand access to free, popular Web content. You can access coupons, maps, recipes, calendars, Sudoku puzzles, coloring pages and much more…and you never have to go on the Web.  On September 9, 2009, HP will announce the retail availability of the HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web printer.

Here is a little more information about this printer from the site (I realize it’s long but it gives a very good explanation of how this printer is innovative in this industry):

The HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web features an entirely new web-based printing platform with HP applications (apps). Similar to other Internet-connected devices, these apps, which are viewable on an extra-large, intuitive-to-use TouchSmart panel, allow people to connect instantly with fun, informative and personal content.

The world’s first HP app partners will be USA TODAY, Google, Fandango, Coupons.com, DreamWorks Animation, Nickelodeon, Web Sudoku and Weathernews Inc. Through these apps, people will have free access to customized daily news, maps, coupons, coloring pages, movie tickets, recipes, personal calendars and more – all at the touch of a finger.  The new printers also will connect directly to a user’s Snapfish account to view, print and upload photos. People additionally can access projects from the HP Creative Studio.

This printer will be available in the fall and will retail for $399.

Win It! One of you very, very lucky readers will win this printer!  Simply leave me a comment with your idea for a new printing application (must be original, please).  HP really wants to know what printing apps will be helpful to you and your families.  Comments will close on September 8th, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry?

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest. Alternatively, you can spread the word about this contest via blog or Facebook or another social media venue, but only 1 extra entry will be given total.

I have always thought highly of HP and it’s products.  I most recently had the privilege of working with them on a prior review campaign and this week I’d like to tell you about a very special project that confirms once again the type of company HP is.  

PTA and HP have partnered together to offer PTA schools an exclusive showing of DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda (timed perfectly with the DVD release).  PTA Movie Night Live is one of the largest nationwide movie night events created for schools and it’s only going on through November 26.  Thousands of schools across the country are joining in to offer families the opportunity to enjoy free, safe entertainment in the comfort of your local school.

In support of the new National PTA Video Store, a secure online resource for families to browse and purchase age-appropriate enertainment, PTA Movie Night Live is offering families the opportunity to purchase $20 PTA DVD cards.  Ten percent of the proceeds will go to local schools.

Head on over to the site or call 1-877-PTA-Video to find a location near you!

Have you ever dreamt up a project in your mind, only to find that you didn’t have the resources to accomplish it?  Do you have ideas you’d like to see come to fruition but worry that the results will lack professionalism?  HP Creative Studio is a comprehensive online resource that provides you with access to a number of HP’s Web services including Snapfish and MarketSplash (for businesses).  HP has also partnered with over 30 popular brands including Disney, Blurb, Tiny Prints, ImageKind, Smilebox, and Martha Stewart to give you the option of numerous creative projects you can print easily and economically.  From signature wedding invitations by Wedding Paper Divas to your own personalized travel journal by Blurb, your creative options are endless.

Check out this short video on HP Creative Studio:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJXY0-O9eg0&hl=en&fs=1]

I am by no means a photographer, but I love taking pictures, particularly of landscapes and my son.  A few weeks ago, I was shooting some pictures of my son for my weekly article on Peekaboo Picks.  I was really impressed with one particular photograph so I decided to get it printed and framed through ImageKind (one of HP’s partners).  They took my amateur photograph and turned it into a lovely work of art that I have displayed in our living room.  The process was very easy but I have to warn you that the creative possibilities are numerous.  You choose the frame, the layout, the mat, the glazing, and the type of printing you desire and the result is a quality, professional piece delivered to your home is a very short amount of time.  Imagekind also offers the option of shopping from hundreds of thousands of museum and member artworks for customized, affordable fine art.

Now through November 20, 2008, receive 25% off custom framing with the code:  HolidayArt08

Profuse thanks to HP for this review opportunity!

]]> http://rockinmama.net/2008/11/get-creative-this-holiday-season-with-hp-creative-studio/feed/ 0 http://rockinmama.net/2008/07/blogher-2008/ http://rockinmama.net/2008/07/blogher-2008/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:06:37 +0000 caryn http://mamarocks.wordpress.com/?p=416 In less than two weeks we’ll be driving up to San Francisco for one of the most unique conferences I will ever attend.  I’ve been to my share of conferences…nearly all of them for practice updates relevant to my career as a nurse. This conference is different.  This conference is for me.  For my personal enrichment as an aspiring blogger. I’m still such a novice in this somewhat confusing, always captivating sphere of influence called the blogosphere.  

I had to bribe convince my husband that going to BlogHer would benefit all of us.  Here is what I came up with:

1.  Going to BlogHer will make me rich

-You have to give to receive right?  

2.  Going to BlogHer will make me smarter and more successful

-How could I not glean some wisdom from these amazing speakers?

3.  Going to BlogHer will make me popular

-I’m getting a head start too by attending The People’s Party on Thursday night!

After I plead my case, my husband thought it over and then went ahead and SIGNED ME UP!!!!  What an awesome husband I have!  Now…if only I had a place to stay in San Francisco…and a way to get up there…and food to eat…

Guess what?  Susan and Janice from 5 Minutes for Mom (who I am sooo hoping to meet) are hosting a giveaway and one lucky BlogHer attendee will receive $250 courtesy of HP!  Hurry and head on over to their site for details on entering.  The deadline is July 8, 2008.