Sunday, July 31, 2011

Leonardo Get Out of My Dreams!



Have you watched the movie Inception? The one with Leonardo DiCaprio and how he can manipulate dreams through dream invasion. I have seen it a few times because I find dreams fascinating. I could go on forever about the crazy and surreal dreams I have had over the years. The earliest repetitive dreams I have had I can recall from about age 7. Some dreams feel so real the are almost like a memory of a life not lived. Its creepy! When I was pregnant I would have this terrible dream at least 3 times a week about water, waves and a huge flood. It was intensely powerful. I can recall many details of the dream. I have had those types of dreams to that are blissful happiness. Those kinda dreams are awesome.

Since watching the movie Inception I have had three occurrences where I have had a lucid dream. Lucid dreaming is when you are in the middle of a dream you become aware that it is not real and that you are dreaming, but yet remain asleep and still in the dream. In the movie Inception Leonardo explains this concept to his costar Ellen Page to her by telling her you can always know if your dreaming if you do not remember how you got to where you are. Its strange but makes sense to me.

Well this is where things got very Inception in my dreams. Three times in the last 2 months I have been in the middle of a sad, stressful or scary dream and suddenly my brain tells me that I am ok, this is not real, you are dreaming since you do not know how you got here. Literally in my dream I start to yell "I dont know how I got here, This is just a dream!" Then in my dream I am overwhelmed with a calmness and a feeling of just letting go of what was trying to overcome me. Then after what in my dream feels like 5 or 10 minutes of realizing I am actually dreaming and being fully aware that I am, I wake up.

I thought Garfield could lighten the mood!


This is so odd to me! I have been dreaming vividly since I was about 7. I am sure before then that is just the age I can recall some of them. Most people have a dream they remember only once in a while. For me it feels like when I go to sleep a TV is turned on in my head and I dream a different world. I feel some times its a curse to dream so much and other times a blessing. I often write down the super detailed and intense dreams I have and hoping one day to turn them into short stories.

For now all I have to say is:
Leonardo Get Out Of My Dreams!


Now that you know my creepy dream side of my personality what is something about you not many people know?


Homer can always cheer me up!
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Summer Giveaways from Bausch + Lomb


 


I know many people wear contacts daily and some people for special occasions. My husband wears them daily and sometimes I forget he even needs them. I am sure he doesn't ever forget since every day he was so rinse them with solution. We recently had the chance to try a sample of BioTrue. He has used this brand in the past but I am always seem to buy him ones I find on sale and with a coupon. That's why I am frugal lol!

There are a few Bausch + Lomb Sweepstakes I wanted to share with everyone:


BiotrueFan Feedback Giveaway
Contact lens wearers, we want to hear your feedback! Simply visit the “Feedback” tab on the Bausch + Lomb Facebook page to answer our monthly eye-care related question and share your opinion with others.  One winner will be selected weekly through September 6, to win a free years supply of Biotrue!

To learn more about the Biotrue “Feedback” Tab, please visit: http://on.fb.me/n6R4Er

SofLens® Daily Score Sweepstakes
Put your luck to the test in time for back-to school with the SofLens Daily Score Sweepstakes. Daily winners through September 30 will receive a SofLens-branded sport tote bag and the opportunity to be entered into the grand prize drawing for a $5,000 scholarship!  To enter, simply fill out the entry form at the SofLens Daily Score website.

To learn more about the SofLens Daily Score Sweepstakes, please visit: http://bit.ly/qTImWJ


** I was sent a free sample size BioTrue and a reusable bag for sharing this sweepstakes with everyone.

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The Smurfs: A Magical Smurf Adventure on DVD Review


I have loved the Smurfs since I was a kid. The cute song, the quaint little village they live in and of course the individual characters that make up the Smurf family. Some of my favorites are Brainy Smurf, Smurfette and Lazy Smurf. I still to this day quote "I Hate......." in my best Smurf voice if we have to do something no fun or boring. My husband cracks up since he was a Smurf fan too. I try not to say it around my son since the last word I want him to learn is hate. But in Smurf fun its a cute inside joke to my hubby and I. 

With the new Smurf movie coming out there has been a lot of buzz around the cute little blue creatures. I was excited to see the old cartoon come to DVD just in time to remind myself about the old version before seeing the new movie and sharing a classic cartoon with my son. 


He loved the opening song like I used to. We held hands and danced around, it was super cute. We found him a Smurf stuffed toy at Toys R Us on clearance for mess than $5 and when you push his hand it plays the theme song! How cool is that. He grabbed his stuffed Smurf and we sat down to watch the cartoon. He watched for a bit and pointed out that Azrael was a kitty cat. Then he fell asleep on the couch and I continued to reminisce of a time when I was a kid watching the Smurfs! One of my favorite episodes was on this DVD.
"Smurf Me No Flowers"
Lazy is led to believe that he has only a few days left to live, encouraging him to do some physical feats he hasn't thought of doing before.


Taking a nap with his Smurf


The Smurfs A Magical Smurf Adventure 2 Disc DVD is available now from the WBShop.com


Synopsis:   
Get your Smurf on with this 2-disc set of 10 Smurftacular Episodes! In a hidden village dwells a clan of magical creatures, living in mushroom houses and taking showers with dewdrops. They’re those international celebrities known far and wide as the Smurfs -- and they’re back on DVD. This itty-bitty powder-blue crew, including Brainy, Lazy, Vanity and Smurfette, is led by the wise, gentle and 542-year-old Papa Smurf. Gargamel, the local evil wizard, is forever scheming against the tiny team but our little friends outsmurf him every time! The Smurfs may only be three apples high, but they left miles of smiles on the faces of Saturday morning cartoon fans from 1981 to 1989!  Smurf it up again with this colorful collection of superior Smurftainment!





*I was not paid or compensated for this post. The opinions in this post are 100% mine and may vary from other opinions. I was provided for free a copy of the Smurf DVD  for my review.
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I See Me Books: The Super, Incredible Big Brother Book Review and Giveaway



 I love anything that reminds my boys that they are brothers and being good brothers is an important job. Recently we reviewed a personalized book The Super, Incredible Big Brother from I See Me personalized children's books.




Here is a description of the book from their web site:
The perfect gift for a new big brother! The Super, Incredible Big Brother book from I See Me! comes personalized with big brother's name and the name of the new baby. The book reassures big brother that he is loved and appreciated... and it rewards him for helping out and being a "super star" with his new sibling. It comes with a coordinating Super Incredible Big Brother award medal with a place on the back to write the proud big brother's name! Written by award-winning children's author Jennifer Dewing and Illustrated by award-winning artist Jill McDonald, this hardcover book is an adorable, whimsical and fun-filled personalized story.

This book is great. JJ loved the fact that his name was written and read throughout the entire book, not to mention Baby L had a few mentions too.
The story is very motivating and uplifting, reminding your child what a big and great job he has ahead as a big brother. The book rhymes and the illustrations are so darn cute, two things that really draw me into a children's book. The coolest thing for JJ was that it came with a "metal" that he has proudly been sporting all over town letting everyone know what a great big brother he is!
  
I recommend this book to anyone who is about to add a new member to their family or any child who is about to become a sibling. I See Me children's books also has more than just big brother or big sister personalized books. A few of my other favorite books are My Very Own Fairy Tale book and The World According To. Check them out.


GIVEAWAY

Win a Personalized Book from I See Me. 


You can select from The Big Brother book, The Big Sister book, My Very Own Name book, My Very Own Fairytale or the My Very Own Pirate book.

 To Enter This Giveaway:
 
Who would you win this personalized book for?

 *Leave a comment answering the question and be sure to leave your email address if not in GFC profile*

 

Extra Entries: Can be done after leaving a comment for mandatory entry. If the extra entry says 1 extra entry leave 1 comment and 2 extra entries leave me 2 comments and so on. 

-Like on I See Me Books Facebook +1
 

-What book is your favorite from the I See Me website? +1

-Follow Frugal Family Tree on GFC ( right hand side) +3

-Like our new fan page on Facebook Frugal Family Tree +1

-Follow FrugalFamTree on Twitter +1

-Share this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook using the Share Button at the bottom on this post. +2 for each share you do. (can be done once a day)

-Add our button to your blog and leave a link of where it is located +5 (right hand side) 

-Vote for us on the Were On the Fence  +2 (left hand side just click it

 

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts July 31, 2011 and ends on August 15, 2011 at midnight PST.  Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. I was provide the item in this review for free by the company or PR firm representing them. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others
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August 4th FREE Freschetta By The Slice Pizza Event


As a member of the Freschette Fresh Connection Blog Team I am so excited for August 4th and happy to be able to share this with everyone.

Starting on Thursday July 28th, all you need to do is visit the website www.FreeFreschetta.com.  It will be available for you to sign up for a reminder email and view a preview of the events to come with host Mike Rylander.  Then, on August 4th the reminder email will be sent to those that signed up, and the event will be live at 11 AM on this day for all to sign up!  This event is a great way to try out FRESCHETTA® By The Slice and get to do so for FREE!  On the day of the event there will also be fun, interactive contests where additional coupons will be awarded.



Event Details:
Date - August 4th, 2011
What - FREE* FRESCHETTA® By The Slice pizza event
Where - From the comfort of your own home

FRESCHETTA® will be giving away thousands of slices of our delicious By The Slice pizza in a special live online event. The FRESCHETTA® By The Slice pizza will be given away in 5,000 increments every half hour. There will also be fun, interactive contests where you can win additional coupons.
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Saturday, July 30, 2011

100 Days of Sizzle Gorton's Seafood Grilled Sweepstakes and Blog Giveaway


Gorton's Seafood 100 Days of Sizzle Grilled Giveaway

Every day between May 31st and September 7th Gorton's Seafood is giving away FREE Gorton's Grilled, and 3 lucky winners will win our Sizzling Beach Bag Grand Prize!

1 Grand Prize Winner Each Month! A custom Gorton's beach bag made from recycled sails by Gloucester's own Second Wind Sails! Each bag comes filled with summer beach essentials - an Amazon Kindle 3G, an Amazon Gift Card, and a Fisherman's Beach Towel ($400 value)!
10 Daily Winners of Gorton's Grilled Seafood! Gorton's will be drawing 10 winners every day for 100 days - each will win a FREE product coupon for 1 Gorton's Grilled Seafood item!



You can enter the Sweepstakes hosted by Gorton's Seafood on their website or on Facebook.




We are huge Gorton's Seafood fans in my house. So far I have gotten my son, my mother in law, my mom and Sam all to try Gorton's Seafood. It delicious! I love the variety they offer. My son loves the fish sticks and I love that they taste so good. My favorite is the Tilapia fish sticks. My mother in law loves the Butterfly Shrimp but I cannot eat those. Sadly I am allergic to shellfish but oh my do they smell soooo good!



For the 100 Days of Sizzle Grilled Giveaway hosted by Gorton's we celebrated by trying some of the Grilled products. Thankfully they make them since our grill is no longer working, not good for the summertime!  We tried the Salmon Classic Grilled fillets. We paired it with Jasmine rice and fresh green beans for a tasty summertime dinner with out having to fire up the grill! On days where its 100 plus degrees no one wants to go stand near hot grill to cook.

Pic from the site but basically what we had just not as picture perfect!


Another great thing about Gorton's is the resealable bags! I love this feature. Since my son usually has his own designated bag of fish sticks it makes it much easier to grab a few toss them in the oven then seal up the bag for next time. One of the recipes we have tried form the Gortons Seafood website is the Fish Sticks Pizza. My son loved it and I used regular sliced bread since I did not have English muffins.


GIVEAWAY on this Blog:


Enter to win 2 FREE Product Coupons by mail. There will be 3 winners!

To Enter This Giveaway:

What is your favorite seafood?

 *Leave a comment answering the question and be sure to leave your email address if not in GFC profile*

 

Extra Entries: Can be done after leaving a comment for mandatory entry. If the extra entry says 1 extra entry leave 1 comment and 2 extra entries leave me 2 comments and so on. 

-Go to http://www.gortons.com and sign up for the e-newsletter +1
-What Gorton’s Seafood recipe is your favorite? +1
-Tell Gorton's Frugal Family Tree sent you with a Facebook Wall comment +2

-Enter the 100 Days of Sizzle Grilled Giveaway +1 

-Like on Gorton's Seafood Facebook +1
-Follow Gorton's Seafood on Twitter +1

-Follow Frugal Family Tree on GFC ( right hand side) +3

-Like our new fan page on Facebook Frugal Family Tree +1

-Follow FrugalFamTree on Twitter +1

-Share this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook using the Share Button at the bottom on this post. +2 for each share you do. (can be done once a day)

-Add our button to your blog and leave a link of where it is located +5 (right hand side) 


 

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts July 30, 2011 and ends on August 11, 2011 at midnight PST.  Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. I was provide the item in this review for free by the company or PR firm representing them. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others



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August is National Peach Month



I would consider myself a fruit a holic. I eat it all the time. The summer time always means to me more FRUIT! Of course melons are at the forefront of summer seasonal fruits and some of favorites to eat. But I did not know August is National Peach Month. I have always LOVED peaches! They are so sweet and great to mix with any type of dessert or smoothie. Imagine my surprise that my son hates peaches!

He does not like them in the baby food jars, not fresh and diced or even soft ones from a can. I am hoping its just a phase so we can one day enjoy peach cobbler together! He does love bananas, watermelon, kiwi, strawberries, blueberries and oranges. Thankfully he will eat any veggie I give him too. I was so happy he did not inherit my picky eating habits.

Eating Banana and Kiwi but no peaches.


What is your kids favorite fruit?
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Friday, July 29, 2011

Toddler Bedding Express Organic Crib Sheet Review





I love a nice cozy bed for myself so I figure my boys deserve the same. When looking for crib sheets for Baby L's room I wanted something soft, sweet and preferably organic. In my search for great sheets I came across Toddler Bedding Express. They carry a variety of soft breathable organic cotton and muslin sheets for boys or girls. We selected the Jungle Red and Teal sheet for the review.

Baby L in his bed with his Jungle Red and Teal Organic Sheet


Too cute in his bed right? I do have to say that the sheet is very soft and looks breathable and my son is sleeping well on it but the one thing that I would have liked is if it was a deeper fit on the mattress. When I put it on the mattress it seems to come up a bit when I tuck it into the bumper. Overall a good product and we are very happy with our crib sheet :)

Not only did Toddler Bedding Express have sheets that I like but there are many other things we would love to have. They have organic changing table pads, organic cotton mattress pad protectors, organic cotton wash cloths and a very cute Night Owls swaddling blanket.




I like that many of their products are organic. We have been trying to find more organic options that are better for our family and the environment. Here is what the site says about their bedding:

"Our main focus is safe Organic Bedding, Natural health and comfort for your whole family.  All Baby Crib Bedding and Toddler Bedding is Chemical Free and made in the USA.  We are always adding new Natural and Organic Bedding products that meet high standards of quality workmanship and reasonable price.  Satisfaction Guaranteed."




*I was not paid or compensated for this post. The opinions in this post are 100% mine and may vary from other opinions. I was provided for free the products mentioned in this post for my review.
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Thursday, July 28, 2011

TerraCycle Garden Products Review and Giveaway


For our Moms Who Mow event Terra Cycle wanted to share their recycled products that are great for gardening. I love the products from Terra Cycle we even have a back pack made of recycled billboard! The idea of recycling old packaging and stuff to make new things is awesome and so very frugal!

We had the chance to review some of the Gardening products made by TerraCycle for the event. We reviewed the Recycled Plastic Hanging Planter and the StonyField Farms Children's Vegetable Grow Kit.

The Hanging Planter and Veggie Grow Kit

 
My plan was to plant the veggie seeds in the hanging planter so the cats that live near by would not mess with the planter. It worked too! The tomatoes seeds have not yet made a stalk but I know they are on their way.



The planter was easy to set up and hang by our front door. The vegetable grow kit was a fun thing to do with my son. He could only watch but he sat in his outdoor chair and I explained to him what we were doing. He smiled away eating his snacks as he watched me. The grow kit is simple to use. You just tear off pieces of the packaging that contain the seeds in it and plant into the yogurt cups filled with soil and worm compost. How cool is that!

Filled the hanging planter with the packaging that contains seeds.

We planted seeds in the yogurt cups too


I take my son outside to water the plant daily and he smiles as I explain to him that we give it water to make it grow. He says juice sometimes when we use the water which makes me laugh since all liquids other than milk in a bottle are juice to him. I can't wait until we see the plant start to grow and then eat the tomatoes from the plant. I find growing plants that provide food so rewarding.

Hanging by the front door waiting to grow


They also have a really cool Recycled Plastic Hexagonal Picnic table that looks great! Its on my wish list!



GIVEAWAY

Win a
Recycled Plastic 8 Inch Pot and a bottle of All Purpose Fertilizer


 To Enter This Giveaway:

What is your favorite plant or flower to grow?

 *Leave a comment answering the question and be sure to leave your email address if not in GFC profile*

 

Extra Entries: Can be done after leaving a comment for mandatory entry. If the extra entry says 1 extra entry leave 1 comment and 2 extra entries leave me 2 comments and so on. 

-Like on TerraCycle Facebook +1
-Follow TerraCycle on Twitter +1

-Follow Frugal Family Tree on GFC ( right hand side) +3

-Like our new fan page on Facebook Frugal Family Tree +1

-Follow FrugalFamTree on Twitter +1

-Share this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook using the Share Button at the bottom on this post. +2 for each share you do. (can be done once a day)

-Add our button to your blog and leave a link of where it is located +5 (right hand side) 

-Vote for us on the Were On the Fence  +2 (left hand side just click it

 

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts July 28, 2011 and ends on August 11, 2011 at midnight PST.  Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. I was provide the item in this review for free by the company or PR firm representing them. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others
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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

We Attended the Every Little Bottom Huggies Diaper Drive in Seattle



On Sunday July 24th Nana and I took my sons to the Huggies "Stuff the Bus" 2011 Kick off in West Seattle. Huggies Every Little Bottom promotion teams up to have diaper drives in local areas and we were lucky enough to have one in the Seattle area. Sunday the 24th of July in West Seattle we were able to attend the "Stuff the Bus"event and donate diapers for babies and toddlers in need.

Stuff the Bus in Seattle


I had never attended an event for Huggies before and I have to say that it was really well put together. The volunteers were all so enthusiastic and ready to help unload any donation that you brought. The coolest thing to JJ was that he got to climb up in the bus and honk the horn after making our donation! It is reported that 62 Diaper Drives took place all over King County to support "Stuff the Bus" WOW pretty cool.

JJ with his donation to #ELB


We really enjoyed seeing everyone in action and knowing that the Seattle Area has been so involved in this has really made me proud to be a part of this community.


JJ honking the horn of the bus!

There is always a need for Diapers for Little Bottoms in need so please join us in donating to Huggies. You can see if there is a diaper drive near you to attend here. You can donate your Enjoy the Rides Reward points to help purchase diapers for the cause. You can also start your own Diaper Drive in your local area.

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Sacramento Area Moms: IKEA Event for Moms Like Me Back To School Aug 11




ATTENTION Sacramento Area Moms!

Mark your calendars for:
                       

Thursday, August 11 at 6 p.m. for our next Moms Night Out!


The theme is Back to School Organization. The pros at West Sacramento's IKEA will give us great tips on how to start the schoolyear on the right foot with a place for everything and everything in its place!
We'll have treats and prizes! And the event is FREE!

Kids 10 and up are welcome to attend as well!

Sign up now!

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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Volunteer Opp from Stonyfield for Music Concerts

 

I received an email today from Stonyfield Yogurt that I wanted to share with everyone. These volunteer opportunities are from August through October all over the USA. Here is what the email said:


Love music — and the planet?
ReverbYou could get a Reverb volunteer spot on one of the Maroon 5 / Train or Honda Civic concert tours.  Our partner Reverb works with the music industry to reduce tours' environmental impact, and volunteers help run greening programs on each tour.

The concert tours run from August into October.  A few lucky Stonyfield fans will be chosen to help out at shows across the country, so visit Reverb to find the closest show and try your luck.  Volunteers receive a t-shirt and show pass but most importantly, the amazing experience of helping out at a great concert event.

Learn more & apply now
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Sunday, July 24, 2011

Happiness is a Blue Blankie

Snuggling his favorite Blue Blankie!


Before my son was born my Mom (Nana) bought my son the sweetest blue blanket. It says "Thank Heaven for Little Boys" I love this blanket! My son carries it around, hugs it, snuggles it and cannot sleep without it. When I tell him its bed time or time for a nap he grabs his blue blankie and stuffed giraffe. After he wakes up from sleeping we must bring his blankie with him. If we forget to grab it he will run back to his room and point and babble until we get it out for him. Its the sweetest thing ever!

It reminded me of how Linus from Peanuts loves his blankie. When I saw there was a movie called "Happiness is a Warm Blanket" I knew we had to see it. I did not have the chance to review one, so I purchased it with Walmart credit I earned from MyPoints.



The movie was really cute and about how Linus is forced to get rid of his blankie when he is told his Grandma is coming for a visit to take his blue blankie. I won't spoil the ended and tell you what happens to the sweet blue blankie but I will say I won't ever force my little guy to give up his blankie and neither would his Nana!

Does your child have a blankie they love?
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