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With apologies to the torsoless

by racher

There are two things that absolutely will happen when and if you start your own blog (and make it available to the general public): one, someone will make fun of you. Probably someone in your family. (Definitely someone in your family.) And two, you will start getting weird emails about hyping and/or giving away random stuff to your readers.

It’s pretty easy to decide whether or not you’re going to participate in a PR offer though, when the first sentence of the email says “Thought you would be interested in adding our appliance site as a resource for your readers, since you write about the home and your readers could use our site to get more information on being a do-it-yourselfer and repairing their kitchen appliances so they can get back to enjoying life.” CLEARLY they have not read my blog, because they would know that if I had a broken kitchen appliance, it would most certainly not be keeping me from enjoying life. It would be an excuse for BURRITOS, (Dishwasher’s broken again? This time let’s get cheese dip!) and burritos are always cause for celebration. So you know, offers like this make me quite wary of The Man.

However! This giveaway offer was too good to refuse. Cafepress contacted me to ask if they could send me and my kids a free shirt (of our choosing) from their massive and often hilarious selection of products so that I could then give a reader plus their child or significant other, or cousin, or friend, or dog – they said dog! I swear! – a free shirt each of their own choosing. It would have been pretty stupid of me to say anything but WOULD I EVER YES AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

Because who doesn’t need a shirt? A funny or poignant or vintage or adorably tiny shirt? NO ONE, THAT’S WHO. I mean, unless you don’t have a torso, you could use a shirt, amiright? And if you don’t have a torso, well, you have other problems. Like the inability to breathe. Or eat. Or be alive.

Cafepress did not ask me to do a review, but I have ordered from them before all this fame and fortune rained down on me, and you know what? It was a Big Brother t-shirt for Noah for the Big Day when Rosie would join us, and when it came I realized I had not read carefully enough about the sizes and ended up with a shirt that was comically large for my wee big brother. By the time I contacted them about the problem, a friend had made a big brother shirt for Noah, and I no longer needed one, but they told me to keep the shirt anyway, AND they refunded my money. So I got a free shirt, just because they are nice and do good business. And they didn’t even know they were earning the respect of a all-powerful, mind-wielding Internet giant of the future! I KNOW.

But seriously, if you need a gift for someone, you can find something for everyone on their website. Like EVERYONE everyone. Are you a proud nurse’s uncle? There’s a shirt for that! Do you love the Goonies? They’ve got that covered! Also, I want you to know that if I could give you all a collective shirt, it would be this one. You’re welcome.

Be warned, though. Once you click over to that site and start browsing the “Humor” section, there’s your afternoon. You’d better get a snack first.

So. All of that is to say that Cafepress is a great source for unique and personalized gifts – for family, friends, aunts, uncles, pets, step-godcousins, and more! They’re good people who make good quality things, and the shirts they sent us this time did not disappoint:


Rosie the Riveter
(NATCH.)

Noah cafepress shirt
(Cafepress not responsible for that weird hat. That is aaaaallllll Noah.)

rachel cafepress shirt
This is the best shot I have of all three of us in our shirts. Also, I tried really hard to push this awesome robot shirt on Noah, but once he saw the FIVE it was all over for him, even though the shirt is big enough for someone who could have a ONE FIVE on their shirt. Also, I had not showered. Also, clearly, this was a Pants Optional Day. But look!  AW ROSIE AND I ARE ALL MATCHY MATCHY. But seriously, how could I NOT have a Rosie the Riveter shirt?  I couldn’t not. So therefore, we matchy matchy.

So! I’d like to clothe your torso! Or more specifically, Cafepress would like to clothe your torso and the torso of one of your closest torsoed acquaintances. It occurs to me that I could require you to do any number of things to be in the running for the shirts. I could have you write me a haiku, send my blog link to ten of your friends, or better yet, have you profess your undying love for me in 140 characters or less! Yes! But instead, I will just let you comment as you will. Only one comment* per person, and the winner will be chosen at random by one of those random chooser thingies. You could just say ‘SUP RACH, and get two free shirts. Easy peasy + lemon squeezy = SHIRTS.

Winner will be announced next Monday, 4/5.  Go Team Awesome! (**Edited to add: You can comment until midnight of Sunday 4/4.)

*If you have been a loyal reader of Yestertime but never commented, (or heck, if you came here for the very first time today just for the free stuff) TODAY IS YOUR DAY. SEIZE THE DAY. CARPE COMMENTUS. You don’t have to use your real name – I’ll contact you if you’ve won to get all your info.

**Stink, I found one for you.

73 comments

1 Amanda { 03.31.10 at 10:36 am }

What? No comments yet for this super awesome deal? I’m the first? Pick me, pick me!! I’d like to get a shirt that says something funny about running, like “Who Fartlek’d”, “Treadmills suck!”, “Will run for wine/chocolate” (cause really, why else run?), or “While running it’s rude to count the people you pass outloud” (not that I ever pass people, but still). You’re the awesomest – love you and your blog.

2 Anjie { 03.31.10 at 10:42 am }

Um, yes please? Though I seem to have more t-shirts than I know what to do with, I would totally take another one! And, I’d probably get something like this for Andy!

http://www.cafepress.com/+tomato_whisperer_light_tshirt,152327034

3 WhiskAwayNic { 03.31.10 at 11:25 am }

How DARE you discriminate against the un-torsoed! I am personally offended by your cruel disregard for the torsoless. UNFOLLOW.

(no, seriously, I couldn’t unfollow one of only three blogs I check/read every single day. MY MORNING WOULD BE RUINED)

4 Elizabeth Hartman { 03.31.10 at 11:33 am }

I love CafePress. I ordered a license plate holder from them two months ago.

Thanks for introducing me to the humor section. There went 30 minutes as I searched for fun t-shirts! These made me laugh:

http://www.cafepress.com/+team_building_exercise_99_womens_tshirt,287349365

http://www.cafepress.com/+never_forget_dinosaur_womens_vneck_dark_tshirt,411502926

http://www.cafepress.com/+reason_to_believe_light_tshirt,258891596

5 Dorothy { 03.31.10 at 11:55 am }

I LOVE FREE

also, glad I got my lunch before I sat down to check blogs – def spent way too much time looking at t-shirts.

I like the “has it been nine months yet” one bc OMG I am SO over being pregnant, and I still have four months left…but a free shirt would make it more bearable…

6 Morgan { 03.31.10 at 12:00 pm }

I like free stuff and I like you, so this really is a win win situation. I think Rosie has the right idea, though, who really needs pants?

7 Amy { 03.31.10 at 12:05 pm }

Ooh! Giveaways are fun!

8 Brie { 03.31.10 at 12:09 pm }

!!!!!!!!!!!

9 Leigh Ann { 03.31.10 at 12:23 pm }

WE NEED MATCHING T-SHIRTS FOR THE GOOD NEIGHBOR VACATION!!!!

10 Carrie N { 03.31.10 at 12:33 pm }

I’d love some free shirts!! Anything free is good…especially after the reality check of “med school loan exit counseling.”

11 Mandy { 03.31.10 at 12:53 pm }

ROCK ON! I heart Cafe Press, especially because you can DESIGN your own clever t-shirt, as well. Then sell it. To other people. I’m all for folks who encourage creativity, because I can’t TELL you how many times I’ve looked for a “My Mama can out-preach your Mama” t-shirt for the boys, only to find that they only carry it in a 2T. So frustrating.

12 Jill Tolbert { 03.31.10 at 1:04 pm }

I love Rosie the Riveter, Cafe Press, and you and yo’ family! :-)

13 Andy { 03.31.10 at 1:06 pm }

Yo! Let me get on that “tomato whisperer” action!

(And yes, Rachel, many mad propers on your superlative blogation, keeping us all in stitches (OMG – the puns!), parenting skills, working for The Man, rolling on the river, etc. etc.)

14 Ali R { 03.31.10 at 1:12 pm }

I second what Carrie N said! I heart FREE.

Crazy adorable photos, as usual. I need to see you and your kiddos soon!!

15 Leslie { 03.31.10 at 1:14 pm }

Yeah for free shirts. And yeah for cafepress. We all got matching breast cancer t-shirts from them when Mom started chemo. They were awesome!! And one pretty adorable “1 is just ducky” shirt for a certain one-year-old’s first birthday party. Woo hoo!

16 Wendy { 03.31.10 at 1:17 pm }

I have nothing amusing to say, but damn, do I want a t-shirt. Sign me up.

17 Elizabeth { 03.31.10 at 1:27 pm }

i used to have an awesome collection of t-shirts…then i felt like i needed to start dressing like a grown up, which we all know is SUPA DUMB! regardless, my t-shirt collection has dwindled and now is really more a walk down memory lane of stains or an impetus to shave my armpits (cause of the holes, of course)…all this is to say I NEED A T-SHIRT AND SO DOES MY CHILE’

18 Lisa { 03.31.10 at 1:49 pm }

All I have to say is “I want to go to there.” You know, like Liz Lemon. Only it’s me. And, I love your blog. And, I know your parents. And, I have twins. And, other stuff.

19 Susan { 03.31.10 at 2:12 pm }

I ordered a big brother shirt from there too! Hopefully we will never need it again. Just kidding (sort of)!

Love Stink’s shirt! I think she should win (that’s if I don’t win of course)

20 Katie { 03.31.10 at 2:16 pm }

I’m in. IN. IN. IN.

(But, I’m ALWAYS ‘in,’ dear. That’s how I roll.)

21 Emily { 03.31.10 at 2:55 pm }

This might be my first comment. Maybe not. I’m a friend of a friend, btw, and have a little man the same age as Rosie. Love your choice of shirts and love Cafe Press too!

22 Debbie { 03.31.10 at 3:13 pm }

I definitely think they should hire you for advertising…you’ve got me convinced I need tshirts for EVERYONE!!!!

23 Anna { 03.31.10 at 3:17 pm }

ooh i love your blog and anything free!

24 Beth { 03.31.10 at 3:37 pm }

Love love love your Rosie as a tiny baby riveter!

25 Rachel D { 03.31.10 at 3:41 pm }

It is always a pants optional day at our house!
Also, Brie is really pushing the limits of comments with punctuation only. Although I suppose exclamation points are the best punctuation.

26 Patrick { 03.31.10 at 4:00 pm }

I think I should wear this one on vacation:

http://www.cafepress.com/+bagel_womens_vneck_tshirt,292294102

27 Tamara { 03.31.10 at 4:10 pm }

Found one I need…
http://www.cafepress.com/+keep_calm_and_carry_on_ladies_brightblk_tshirt,318026081

28 Gramps { 03.31.10 at 4:14 pm }

There’s probably some rule against family members of the blogger winning, and if so, I’m OK with that. But I thought at least one more guy should comment (only 3 out of 27 thus far?). I know there are more guys than that who read the blog.

29 lnm { 03.31.10 at 4:28 pm }

Hmmm, am I the only random stranger coming out of lurkdom for free stuff? I’ve been following and loving your blog for a while, and especially now that I’m expecting and soon to be a mom myself. I could use a free cute kiddie shirt!

30 Tiffany { 03.31.10 at 4:55 pm }

How fun! I am a fan of shirts and I have a torso… SCORE!

31 Jo(s)e(ph) { 03.31.10 at 5:04 pm }

man this is right up my alley, i haven’t gotten a free t-shirt since…last week

32 Ashlyn { 03.31.10 at 5:37 pm }

How can I pass on such a fantastic offer? I mean, I have a torso. So I’m in.

Yay for fun tees for you and your lil’ ones!

33 Lynn Peek { 03.31.10 at 5:42 pm }

I want one and I’ll take the Tomato Whisperer one for Andy for the companion.

34 Katy German { 03.31.10 at 6:36 pm }

Squealing hug and plop
onto crummy dusty floor
Great, no need to sweep!

35 ginny { 03.31.10 at 6:48 pm }

look at all these comments! Cool! There are some folks I don’t see yet too.

36 laura l { 03.31.10 at 7:06 pm }

You had me at Rosie in the mini Rosie the Riveter shirt- count me and the round little one in our casa in! :)

37 aunt sare { 03.31.10 at 7:19 pm }

I just read all of these comments and realized I was totally sizing up my competition…..
Also, I am NOT ok with a rule where blogger family members can’t win. That’s unfair! If anything, we should win automatically! We are the ones who live with you/make fun of you/sometimes have our lives plastered on the Internets!

38 Sam { 03.31.10 at 7:21 pm }

I ordered a “I’m going to be a Big Brother” firetruck t-shirt from CafePress too. Clearly you didn’t misread the sizing because Chase will be able to wear his when he is 10 (ok maybe 6)! I ordered a child small and they gave weight/height descriptions – clearly they were inaccurate! Ugh! Oh well, now we have a big Firetruck shirt to sleep in and he can just TELL everyone he is going to be a big brother if he wants to. But, nonetheless, we would be thrilled to have another CafePress shirt but for free this time :-) Loved the matchy-matchy and now I know that 5 will be just as popular as 3 is now!

39 Carol { 03.31.10 at 7:21 pm }

I love Cafepress, too. Got this sticker for my Prius:
http://www.cafepress.com/+read_euro_oval_sticker,63932800

40 Abigail { 03.31.10 at 7:23 pm }

Isn’t it amazing how popular you become when you offer something for free? :) I’m SURE we could come up with some wonderfully funny free shirts, given the choice!

41 Aunt Rachel { 03.31.10 at 7:35 pm }

I agree with Aunt Sare. This is ‘random’ right?? Because I need this shirt:
http://www.cafepress.com/+i_am_the_teacher_womens_vneck_dark_tshirt,404683353
or this one:
http://www.cafepress.com/+im_a_noun_womens_dark_tshirt,117505066
and Jason definitely needs this one:
http://www.cafepress.com/+my_girlfriends_hot_ringer_t,110918167

42 Bebe { 03.31.10 at 7:43 pm }

i don’t know if family is excluded, but hey…I gave birth to this incredible blogger…that should count for something, right? At least a free t-shirt.

43 taber { 03.31.10 at 8:09 pm }

I’m in!

44 Betsy { 03.31.10 at 8:11 pm }

Would love to win… I guess it’s about time to retire some of those old PC WF t-shirts. And by “about time,” I mean “at least 5 years WAY past time.” You crack me up, I love your blog, and all that!

[fingers crossed for winning the Ts]

45 Lane { 03.31.10 at 8:19 pm }

SUP Racher!

46 Elissa { 03.31.10 at 8:23 pm }

Sign me up!

47 Christi { 03.31.10 at 8:34 pm }

Okay I am doing this for your Dad (check out his facebook status) and I love the t-shirt. My little one 20 mos. will have to get one. If people want to offer free stuff be open minded for it. My sister-in-law has a blog/website CharlotteSmartyPants.com and she is always talking about the free COOL stuff they get.

48 Ashley Atkins { 03.31.10 at 8:46 pm }

Hey Rachel. Kind of you to advertise this. Thanks!

49 alianora { 03.31.10 at 8:48 pm }

My torso and I would very much enjoy free tshirts.

50 Candace { 03.31.10 at 9:07 pm }

um, rosie in the rosie shirt… so freaking adorable. hooray for give aways!

51 Sara P { 03.31.10 at 9:22 pm }

Better believe it! I have a mug from them that says “Proud Member of the Religious Left” – love CafePress!

52 Neely { 03.31.10 at 9:26 pm }

Do I want a free t-shirt? What kind of a question is that? Of course I want a free t-shirt and I got one from the census people the other day but these look much cooler than theirs.

53 Sarah { 03.31.10 at 9:54 pm }

I’m always looking for ways to add to my cheesy math nerd t-shirt collection. This would be awesome!

54 danny vincent { 04.01.10 at 5:59 am }

didn’t know you had a blog…luke has clearly been holding out. but i LOVE the we can do it shirts, and might need to order one for amelia either way. maybe in every size she will be between now and 18?

55 Rachel { 04.01.10 at 6:43 am }

OK, I love free stuff!!! Love your blog, too …

56 Dana Brooks { 04.01.10 at 6:53 am }

you are quite the writer.

57 Sarahviz { 04.01.10 at 9:29 am }

Love that site! It totally sucked me in.
(I like the women’s running shirts myself.)

58 Rachel Aultman { 04.01.10 at 12:15 pm }

I actually have a torso but will show courtesy to those without! Love the Rosies. Appreciate the Rachels, and CafePress! How fun!

59 Allen { 04.01.10 at 3:43 pm }

a shirt for Wendy instead of cookies for me?

60 Kevin { 04.01.10 at 6:03 pm }

I like t-shirts!

61 Leeann { 04.01.10 at 6:20 pm }

I never win anything.

62 Amy { 04.01.10 at 6:34 pm }

Love your blog! You are a great writer! The shirts are awesome!

63 Rachael { 04.01.10 at 8:08 pm }

I never win anything either. This would make my day! Also, you rock! (rach’s often do)

64 Rebekah { 04.01.10 at 8:33 pm }

Hey. I have a torso.

65 Jillian { 04.01.10 at 9:50 pm }

I love Noah’s “5!” shirt. My son would love the “little star” on it.

66 katelyn { 04.01.10 at 11:07 pm }

so fun! (both your blog and the tshirt giveaway!)

67 John R. { 04.02.10 at 8:31 am }

This comment is the winner . . . sorry everyone.

68 Carrie { 04.02.10 at 11:00 pm }

A free t-shirt would make an awesome birthday present! :)

69 Ruth { 04.03.10 at 9:21 am }

My birthday is the 6th, so I think it would make a great birthday present, don’t you?

70 davo { 04.03.10 at 10:42 am }

With Sophia’s 1st birthday coming up I don’t stand a chance of getting a free shirt if Neely wins your drawing so I figured I better comment on my own behalf. BTW we got a random shirt in the mail for Sophia from CafePress that says “This ain’t my 1st rodeo.” don’t know who sent it but its totally awesome!

71 Ashley Lamar { 04.03.10 at 6:34 pm }

Sup Rach.

72 kathryn { 04.03.10 at 7:48 pm }

hmmm…this seems like a game i should play…the favorites in my wardrobe are the free things!

73 lauren { 04.04.10 at 6:33 pm }

i want a free t-shirt! p.s. your blog is great!

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