Thursday, May 31, 2012

My Secret Love...Donuts


Do you have a food that you love so much that you tend to ignore it's bad qualities?
Like a bad habit or a bad boyfriend, you know you shouldn't go there, but you just can't help yourself! Well, I do, and it's donuts. When I lived in California there seemed to be a donut shop on every corner. But up here in Seattle the humble donut is a little hard to find. It's been replaced by biscotti and croissants, and I like those too. But nothing beats a fresh from the donut shop, soft and yummy donut.
Thank goodness for Top Pot. They have several locations and have the best donuts in the city. (And yes, they spell it doughnut.) Having lost some weight, I really don't want to go back to having a big muffin-top, or donut-top, in my case. So it's a struggle.
My fridge is filled with just bought veggies and healthy salad fixings which I will eat and enjoy. I just have to have my goals in mind, and that is to eat healthy to be healthy. And ignore all those thoughts about my love... donuts.
Share:

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

My Mom is Special by JJ

Questions JJ was asked by his preschool teacher for our Mother's Day Tea



There are several things about JJ's answers that make me laugh. First off it is all about food for this kid, did you notice that? And " What do I do for fun?" Make dinner!?! Hmmmm who told him that?

I was a little nervous what it was going to say, after all 5 year olds have no filter what-so-ever. 

JJ and I at the Tea Parry enjoying our cupcakes, YUM!



I guess it could be worse. Another Mom's kid said that she liked to eat brownies for fun :)




And for the record he is wrong- I DO NOT consider making dinner fun. I wish I did...


Share:

Vacation Planning is in Full Swing



Now that our road trip is in full on "planning mode" it has sparked my interest to start traveling more and getting out in the world. When you travel there are different ways to get to your destination, I tend to travel by plane or automobile. Now a road trip in your car and an airplane ride are two different things, each has it's perks.

I love the idea of jetting off to a destination and soaking up all that it has to offer. An airplane ride is so quick and exact, you know when you are going, what flight, what time you will be there (pending no delays) and when you will be heading back. The time saved when you fly lets you enjoy your vacation spot longer, I love that idea!

With a road trip you may or may not leave on time, you never know how many times you will have to stop for a potty break, their is always traffic, car troubles, oh the possibilities are endless of what can slow you down. But the "together time" and the memories of your road trip are priceless.

Either way my vacation planning is in full swing, I am checking out Mega UK Promo Codes to see even more possibilities! I look forward to the road ahead whether it is from an airplane window or the passenger side of our minivan.


*This is a commercial post. All opinions are my own and may vary from your experience. 
Share:

Frugal Finds and Great Stuff At The Goodwill


This weekend I went to the Goodwill Memorial Day sale. I got there early and the store was already packed with shoppers.

If you are familiar with the Goodwill's ticket pricing, then you know that price tags are marked with a color. On Monday all pink ticket items were on sale for 99 cents. All blue and red tickets were on sale for 40% off. With prices already low, no wonder everyone's cart was piled high.

I bought all the items in the picture above for less than $25, and saved $40! I also had a great time looking at everything, and spent the afternoon there.


These jeans were in great condition and originally $8 each. But they were pink ticket items, so they were just  99 cents! One pair was Eddie Bauer, a favorite up here in the Northwest.


I'm a label shopper and I love J. Crew, but they are an expensive brand. I got these great J. Crew capri's for only $2. I love them and I'll get a lot of wear out of them this summer.


This is a cute Ralph Lauren summer top that was originally $4.99, but it was a pink ticket item and so it was only 99 cents. I love Ralph Lauren, and it's always a favorite brand to look for while shopping at thrift stores. Some of my other purchases were from Anthropologie and The Gap.


These sandals are almost new, and at $3, I couldn't pass them up. I don't usually buy shoes here, but these were in such great shape that I did.


Love these 99 cent pink tickets! I even got some pajamas for that price that were almost like new. I love having lots of cozy jammies, so at this price I can buy quite a few.


I even picked up this pretty white flower vase. It was 40% off, so it only cost $1.80. I now love shopping in thrift stores, and it's fun to make it a challenge to find things I really like.
 
My daughters love thrift store shopping too, so it's a great weekend activity for us. And with garage sale season just around the corner, I can see I'm going to be busy.

Happy Hunting!
Share:

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Gardens, Kids and Dogs


Over Memorial Day weekend we decide we would build a raised garden bed and plant lots of fruits and veggies. We had a blast doing it (I will be sharing my plan later this week) but I did not realize the complications of dogs and kids lol. My son wanted to use every tool he saw, I was hit in the head with the rake, he wanted to throw dirt at everyone and wanted to pick the leaves off of everything. He had fun hes just a wild boy when it comes to new things. He called everything apples that were plants. The dog is something I had not considered being a issue. She has never been a digger, well until this weekend. The first day we put down the first level of wood and dirt and planted a few things. The next morning we woke up to holes in the garden, plants eaten and the garden soil we purchased all over the lawn! Oh my was it nuts. Plus she even decide to go on a doggy adventure when she spotted the garage door open. We got her back since she stopped on the next street over to sniff a pile of trash. Its been crazy trying to keep track of my son, the dog and plant the garden. But we had so much fun and made lots of great memories. I look forward to sharing our frugal garden plans with everyone.
Share:

Monday, May 28, 2012

Fisher-Price Giggle Gang Review and Giveaway





 Fisher Price is one of those brands you know right when you hear the name that you are getting quality along with years of knowledge on what babies love. Recently we were sent a few of the Giggle Gang buddies to play with! There are six different Giggle Gang friends to choose from and they recently added Curly.


Ashley with Curly and Fuzzy :)





Here is some info about the Giggle Gang from their site-

Add some sunshine to baby’s day with giggly fun, cuddly softness and touchable textures, too! Each member of the Giggle Gang has a unique giggle—and it’s fun to giggle together! Requires 2 AA batteries.

Develop & Learn

Sight, sound & touch
• Bright colors & patterns, fun sounds & textures promote sensory skills

Giggly rewards
• Responds to baby’s squeeze or shake, teaching about cause & effect

You’ve got a friend
• Laughter is contagious—a silly friend fosters a sense of humor!


The age recommendation is 6 months and up but my baby is 5 months and is already playing with her Giggle Gang buddy. They are plush and soft. I thought that I might get annoyed about the continuations laughter but I wasn't, they are so sweet sounding that I actually enjoyed listening to each unique laugh. A very sweet toy for you sweet little one. Shop Fisher Price by Age, Category or Brand/Character!

 GIVEAWAY

Win Giggle Gang Buddy for your little one.

 

To Enter This Giveaway:
(mandatory entry before extra entries)



Which Giggle Gang Buddy is your favorite?

*Leave a comment answering the question and be sure to leave your email address if its not public in your Google account*

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 Fisher Price Facebook +1
-Follow Fisher Price Toys on Twitter +1

-Follow/Add to your circle  Frugal Family Tree on Google+ ( right hand side) +1
-Like our new fan page on Facebook Frugal Family Tree +1
-Follow FrugalFamTree on Twitter +1


-Share this giveaway on Facebook ONLY, using the Share Button at the bottom on this post. +1 for each share you do. (can be done once a day)

-Copy and Paste This Tweet on Twitter and leave me the link (to find the link click on the time stamp under your tweet. Can be done once a day for the duration of the giveaway)

#Win a Giggle Gang Buddy from @fishertoys at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 6/12

 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 28, 2012 and ends on June 12, 2012 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 provided the item reviewed in this post for free by the company or PR company that represents them. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.
Share:

Happy Memorial Day

 
 Happy Memorial Day! Sincere thanks to all who have served and all who are serving. 
We appreciate our military families. Thanks to our love ones who have served recently, we love you!!
Share:

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary



Today, May 27th 2012,  marks the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco CA. The bridge is an icon of CA and know all over the world. I love seeing it when we got to visit San Fran. I have beautiful pictures of the bridge from Chrissy Beach. Foggy or sunny the bridge is beautiful.

There is a Anniversary Festival going on right now. If you live near by like we do here in Sacramento Valley there is still plenty of time to drive out there and enjoy the day.


Photo by http://goldengatebridge75.org

Highlights 

  • Fireworks, 9:30–9:50 pm.  Spectacular grand finale showcasing the Bridge, Bay and surrounding national parklands. Optimum visibility along the waterfront from Fort Point to east Marina Green. The hills above Marina/Cow Hollow also provide stunning views. Soundtrack aired live on KFOG 104.5/97.7FM. (Note: Fireworks will not be televised and will not be visible from Fisherman’s Wharf/south down the Embarcadero. Weather permitting, fireworks will be visible from PIER 39.)
  • International Orange Artists’ Exhibition at Fort Point, 10 am–7 pm.
  • Crissy Field Stage highlighting dance, music and local bands, 11 am–11 pm.
  • Road Trip through History featuring vintage cars and motorcycles from 1937 to the present. East Crissy Field, 11 am–5 pm.
  • Crissy Field Center Future Fair with activities and demonstrations showcasing sustainability technologies and innovations in the pioneering spirit of the Bridge. East Beach, 11 am–7 pm.
  • Vintage Maritime Display and Historic Watercraft Parade with classic boats spanning 75 years.  St. Francis Yacht Club, 11 am–3 pm.
  • Marina Green Stage featuring dance and music organizations and local bands.  West Marina Green, 11 am–10 pm.
  • Marina Green, Crissy Field and Golden Gate Bridge Plaza retail outlets offering Official 75th Anniversary merchandise.  Various waterfront locations, 10 am-7 pm.
 
Share:

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Books, Life, and Love



Books are my passion. Given a choice between new shoes, jewelry, or a new outfit, a great new book will win every time. I am not the kind of person who will snoop in someone else's medicine cabinet, but I will snoop through their bookshelves. And if they are a reader, much will be revealed.

You can tell a lot by the books a person reads. Where their interests lie, sometimes even what they are planning to do in the future. I remember years ago when I saw two books on divorce in my happily married (I thought) friend's bookcase. I was shocked, like I had stumbled onto a dirty little secret. Sure enough, a year later they were divorced.

A few books have made a tremendous difference in my life, too. And some I have just loved for the sake of reading. Twenty five years ago I read "Light Years" by James Salter. It was about a couple who had a beautiful life, and were utterly miserable with each other. At the time, I just couldn't understand that deep and despairing unhappiness in a marriage. But then of course, I did.

And then there is Harry Potter, whom I dearly love, even though I've never read a word in any of the books. My youngest son, like millions of other kids around the world, read every book, and waited anxiously for the next installment of Harry's magical story.



He grew up with Harry Potter, and the last book came out two days before he left for Army boot camp. Our local bookstore made an extraordinary effort to get us the book the moment it was released, so that he could read it. As you can see, that last book isn't here, and I never asked him where it went. I can only hope that at the time, reading that book took his mind off of what was to come.

I have kept these books in the hopes that my three little grandsons will want to read Harry Potter when they are old enough. I love how they already enjoy "reading" their own books.

To me, reading is a life long love that I am so happy is mine.

Share:

Tiny Love 3-in-1 Rocker Napper Review and Giveaway




We have worked with Tiny Love in the past here on Frugal Family tree and really love all of their products. The newest thing from Tiny Love is the 3-in-1 Rocker Napper, an innovative rocker and napper that easily shift from play to sleep. The Tiny Love Napper is a seat with dangling toys, a rocker and a safe sleeping environment for your little one. Three uses in one, you can't beat that!




Here are some of the features about the 3-in-1 Napper from their web site -
  1. Easy switch from sit to sleep (one hand operation)
  2. Adjustable arm for easy parental access which also adjusts according to baby's position
  3. Baby-activated electronic toy with 9 different tunes
  4. Adorable pals - rattling snail and flowery mirror
  5. 3 different reclining positions with soft fabrics for a cozy environment
  6. Calming vibrations felt throughout seat

My baby girl is a great age for the 3-in-1 Napper, she loves to play in it with all of the visually dangling toys and music. She transitioned well when it was time for her nap. I turned on the vibrating effect, lowered the reclining seat to the flattest position and rocked her to sleep. I like it that she can relax and hang out with the family in her Napper but also still be close by when she is taking a little daytime snooze. The 3-in-1 Napper is a great design with comfort and affordability everyone likes in a new baby product.

Here is a cute little video from Tiny Love about the convenience of the 3 in 1 Rocker Napper:

 


  GIVEAWAY

Win a Tiny Love
3-in-1 Rocker Napper

 

To Enter This Giveaway: (mandatory entry before extra entries)

What activity would you enjoy more while your little one was content in their Tiny Love Rocker Napper?

*Leave a comment answering the question and be sure to leave your email address if its not public in your Google account*

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 Tiny Love on Facebook +1
-Follow Tiny Love on Twitter +1

-Follow/Add to your circle  Frugal Family Tree on Google+ ( right hand side) +1
-Like our new fan page on Facebook Frugal Family Tree +1
-Follow FrugalFamTree on Twitter +1


-Share this giveaway on Facebook ONLY, using the Share Button at the bottom on this post. +1 for each share you do. (can be done once a day)

-Copy and Paste This Tweet on Twitter and leave me the link (to find the link click on the time stamp under your tweet. Can be done once a day for the duration of the giveaway)

#Win a 3-in-1 Rocker Napper from @TinyLove_USA at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 6/7

 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 26, 2012 and ends on June 7, 2012 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 provided the item reviewed in this post for free by the company or PR company that represents them. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.
Share:

Friday, May 25, 2012

Dads and Baseball



Baseball is America's past time sport. So many people love the game. My family is one of those families that love baseball for many generations, all because of our Dads. For me it started around 5 years old playing baseball on a team with my sister and our Dad was the coach. The uniforms, the glove, the hat I loved it all. Most of all I loved that my sister and I had our Dad as the coach. Other kids listen to his coaching and thought he was so cool. It made be proud my Dad was the guy in charge. I remember those games fondly and think of it anytime I see a game. We went on to play on different teams for baseball for several years after some my Dad coached others he did not but the foundation of baseball skills I have were molded by my Dad. Both of my brothers played baseball too.

For my husband baseball is something he shares with his Dad too. My husband did not play on a team but he and his Dad would throw the ball around and watch games on TV. One time my husband even broke his finger catching a ball barehanded that his Dad threw to him. A trip to the ER he now laughs about but was glad his Dad was there to comfort him. When our son was born my Father in law gave our son his old baseball mitt and ball. It has seen many years of the love of the game. For his first birthday he gave him his own little mitt and bat / ball set.

My son at 9 months

Our son now has a love of the game and yells "baseball" anytime he sees a bat, ball, glove or a game. He holds his little hand together, pulls back and swings even making the sound effect as if he has hit the ball. He is too young to play just yet but as soon as he can play t-ball we will be cheering him on knowing there is a love for the game in all our family started by our Dads.

We are hoping to be able to take our son to his first Major League baseball game in San Francisco next baseball season. We even have our Giants hats ready for the game.


Share:

Thursday, May 24, 2012

J3LL Watch Review and Giveaway



Would you like to build your own watch? J3LL Watches let's you do just that.

With J3LL, you get a fun and inexpensive way to customize your watch in bright and exciting colors and designs. First choose a style, then choose a band, then choose a face to make your own unique jewelry statement.

With over a dozen colors to choose from, including classic black, and hot pink, these fun watches are a great addition to any style of wardrobe. Mix and match colors to create a look you love. Made from a soft plastic  "gel", they are very comfortable jelly watches and easy to wear. Hip and modern, these watches appeal to everyone, from teenagers to baby boomers.

I was sent the White/Rock and the Brown/Clock for review. I just love their unique and easy styling. I am wearing the white one everyday, and the brown one goes great with all my earth toned clothes. It is so easy to dress them up or down, and at such a great price you may want to buy them in all your favorite colors.



The Brown Clock Watch and White Rock Watch

To see the complete line of J3LL silicone watches, go to their website at j3ll.com.

We are hosting a giveaway for one reader to win two J3LL watches.


GIVEAWAY

Win a Two J3LL Watches of your choice

To Enter This Giveaway:

"Like" J3LL Watches on their Facebook page. This will also provide you with a "Free Shipping" discount code.

*Leave a comment answering the question and be sure to leave your email address if its not public in your Google account*

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.


-Recommend" the "Build Your Own Watch" tool which can be done by visiting http://www.j3ll.com/build-your-own-watch and clicking the "Recommend" button for facebook +2

-Follow J3LL Watches on Twitter +1

 -Follow/Add to your circle  Frugal Family Tree on Google+ ( right hand side) +1
-Like our new fan page on Facebook Frugal Family Tree +1
-Follow FrugalFamTree on Twitter +1 



-Share this giveaway on Facebook ONLY, using the Share Button at the bottom on this post. +1 for each share you do. (can be done once a day)

-Copy and Paste This Tweet on Twitter and leave me the link (to find the link click on the time stamp under your tweet. Can be done once a day for the duration of the giveaway)


#Win two J3LL Watches of your choice from @J3LL at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 6/7 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/05/j3ll-watch-review-and-giveaway.html

*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 24, 2012 and ends on June 7, 2012 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 provided the watches pictured for free for this review. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.
Share:

Big Fish Games Review and Giveaway





With the summer months quickly approaching I have been looking for ways to keep my school aged son busy while the smaller children nap, I need that quiet time for my sanity. On line computer games are a great way to keep him busy, quiet and entertained. It is important for him to be having fun but also be learning at the same time, Big Fish Games is a great solution. There are games for all ages and interests. Under the PC Games category my son played Bob the Builder Can Do Zoo and had a great time!



Ready to start!

So focused :) I love seeing him use the mouse, it is so grown up.

It was easy to download to my computer and so easy for him to navigate. All of the games are instructed really well, he was able to figure out when to use the mouse or the arrow keys on his own. Another great thing that Big Fish Games offers is a free 1 hour preview of their games. We took advantage of this by "testing" out Dora, Diego and more. This is a nice option, sometimes your child may think that he really wants a game but when they actually play it and realize it was not what they wanted after all. After the hour if your child is hooked you can purchase the game at a really great price. NICE!

They have so many games in the Play On Line Games Category and a lot of different Genres like Puzzles, Adventure, Brain Teasers, Strategy and more. There were plenty of "grown up" games that I know you guys would like.

Big Fish Games is a great resource for your gaming needs and more. Check them out today!

 GIVEAWAY

Win a free download of a game from Big Fish Games 2 Winners

To Enter This Giveaway:

What game from Big Fish Games do you like? Leave a link to the game page as your entry.


*Leave a comment answering the question and be sure to leave your email address if its not public in your Google account*

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 Big Fish Games on Facebook +1
-Follow Big Fish Games on Twitter +1

 -Follow/Add to your circle  Frugal Family Tree on Google+ ( right hand side) +1
-Like our new fan page on Facebook Frugal Family Tree +1
-Follow FrugalFamTree on Twitter +1 

-Share this giveaway on Facebook ONLY, using the Share Button at the bottom on this post. +1 for each share you do. (can be done once a day)

-Copy and Paste This Tweet on Twitter and leave me the link (to find the link click on the time stamp under your tweet. Can be done once a day for the duration of the giveaway)

#Win a Free Game Download from @bigfishgames at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 6/7 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/05/big-fish-games-review-and-giveaway.html
*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 24, 2012 and ends on June 7, 2012 at midnight PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was provided a free download for the game to review. This is a paid sponsored giveaway. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.
Share:

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

National Swimsuit Confidence Week: Lands' End and SELF Magazine Sweepstakes




Lands' End and SELF Magazine have put together an amazing sweepstakes for National Swimsuit Confidence Week.  You have the chance to win $500 Lands' End gift card and a trip to Hilton Head Island. Like Land's End on Facebook for a chance to win. You can enter here.


I recently won a few facebook contests for awesome prizes. So its like I say you wont win if you dont enter! I am on my way to go enter this one. This sweepstake ends on 5/28 so hurry over to enter.

Share:

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Favorite Things



I have been wearing Chanel for 35 years. It is absolutely one of my favorite things, and I don't know of any reason to change.

My mother was not a glamorous woman, or even one to keep up with the current fashions of her time. But on any special occasion, she would dab on her Chanel as the finishing touch to her outfit. So I suppose there are sentimental reasons why I use this perfume, and no other.

As a girl, my mother and I would go shopping in Downtown Los Angeles at the major department stores. At that time, there were no malls, and you got dressed up to go shopping and have lunch. One day there was the most beautiful woman in the perfume department of my mother's favorite store. There were women all around her, there seemed to be something important going on. I asked my mother who this woman was and she said "It's the Chanel Lady". Which only meant she was giving out tiny samples, but to my 7 year old eyes, she was the most glamorous woman I had ever seen.

Do you wear perfume? Do you change brands or stay with the same one?
I would love to know!
Share:

Finding Nemo Released in 3D this Fall


Just in time for Father's Day I learned one of my cartoon favorite movies is being released in 3D this Fall. Finding Nemo is such a sweet movie, starts out making me cry but good movies are a roller coaster like that. Its great to see a single Dad (fish) raise his little son to be a confidant and happy little guy. Finding Nemo in 3D I am sure will be a thrill. There are shark scenes that I know will be much more intense. The colors in this film are amazing.

Look for Finding Nemo in 3D this Fall in theaters and re-watch the original Nemo adventures with your little one this Father's Day.




Share:

Saving Energy and Money By Switching To GE Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

I am thrilled that so many people today are embracing the idea of living a life that is more "green".
I think we all want to do our share to help sustain our beautiful earth to ensure it's health for future generations.

One important way is to better manage our resources, including energy. Saving energy is great for our planet, and we can also find ways to save ourselves money at the same time.

I have been very concerned about the rising costs of my electricity bills in the last few years. They get higher every year, and I finally felt it was time to do something about it. How could I use less energy and save money at the same time? I found out that switching my old light bulbs to GE Energy Efficient bulbs would make an impact on my electric bill, and that I could start saving money right away!


So I went to Walmart to buy my new GE light bulbs. GE Energy Smart Bright From the Start bulbs are not like the old fluorescent lighting. New GE Hybrid Technology allows these bulbs to achieve full brightness and light the instant you turn them on. They use 75% less energy than regular bulbs and are guaranteed to last 5 years. That impressed me. And how many times have you had to pull out a ladder or chair to change a bulb on the ceiling? You certainly will be changing your bulbs far less frequently with these!


When I first walked into the lighting aisle at Walmart, I was a little overwhelmed by all the light bulb choices. I was used to buying the plain old incandescent bulb, and usually the ones that were on sale. But they burned out quickly and certainly didn't save any energy or money.

It took a few minutes to figure out all the GE Lighting bulbs and what I needed. I was so impressed that GE offers CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs) in so many different shapes and sizes, and that there is one for almost every fixture in your home.




Every bulb tells you specifically where to use it. This was so helpful in deciding which bulbs to buy. GE Lighting also tells you the wattage brightness, and the actual amount of wattage energy that will be used to give you the same amount of light. Using less energy is allowing us to keep more money in our pockets. Each package also tells you the amount of money you will save by using that bulb.



These are all the CFL light bulbs that I bought and I'm excited to go home and start replacing the old ones with these.

There are also lots of other ways to save energy and money. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Obviously, turn off the lights when you leave the room. But also only turn on the lights you really need. There are sometimes lots of lights turned on in the room where I am reading or watching TV that aren't even needed.

2. Only run your dishwasher when it's fully loaded. All that hot water takes a lot of energy to heat.

3.Use cold water to wash your clothes. Again, try to only do full loads to save energy and water.

4. Unplug all unused appliances and electronics. They are a huge energy drain. Even your plugged in battery charger for your cell phone is costing you money.

5. In the summertime, if you can, open all your windows early in the morning to let in all that cool air. This will make your house less hot and then you won't have to use the air-conditioner as much.

GE is making it easy to save money on light bulbs and even added a little humor. Watch the GE Lighting Video below for a fun way to think about saving money.






By replacing the General purpose lights in my home like overhead lighting, lamps and recessed lighting bulbs the GE Energy Smart Saving Calculator estimates I can save around $150 a year! I am sure even more as I find more lights in the home to switch to GE. The Savings Calculator is easy to use, give it a try and see how much you can save.



Here are the new Energy Smart Bright From the Start light bulbs that I am going to put up in that light fixture.  These bulbs are labeled for "General Purpose", meaning that you can use them anywhere that you would have used the old incandescent light bulbs. They don't look too much different from the incandescent and I know they will be saving so much energy. It feels so good to be more frugal about my electric bill. Maybe I'll spend the savings I will have on buying my grandsons something special. Great idea! #GELighting



I have put the bulbs in and now I just need to put the glass cover back on. Happily, I won't have to change these for 5 whole years!



One of the lamps with the new bulb put in. It doesn't look any different to me, but I know the money and energy I am saving with the new GE light bulbs is significant. I am so happy I have done this and look forward to seeing my electric bill be less.


You can read my Google+ Story about my shopping trip to Walmart in an effort to be more frugal with my energy bill by purchasing GE Lighting products.


GE and Walmart have teamed together to offer a $2 off coupon for when you buy your GE Lighting products. Click on the coupon below to save.




I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and GE. #CBias #SocialFabric #GELighting http://www.collectivebias.com/
Share:

Monday, May 21, 2012

Mornings are Naturally Sweeter with Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss


After shopping at Walmart for the new Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss coffee creamer I was eager to rush home and try it. I also bought the coffee and sugar I use with my coffee. My new green mug I was excited about too. I like to buy coffee mugs. I find it fun!

As soon as my son saw the natural Kashi cookies I purchased at Wamart he grabbed one. He loves cookies so I have been trying to give him healthier cookies. Its a simple switch just like the Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss creamer. You get the same great taste its just a healthier choice.



My first trip to Walmart I purchased the Sweet Cream and Vanilla flavors. The Caramel one was all out of stock. I went back a few days later and found the Caramel one. I enjoyed a cup of coffee with the Natural Bliss Caramel on Mother's Day and it was creamy and sweet. So good!


When I had all three flavors purchased I decided to have an official test taste. I wanted to compare all the flavors to decide which one was my favorite. I made 3 cups of coffee and added the creamer. I noticed I did not have to use as much sugar to make it sweet like when I use the other creamer I have been buying. If you would like to try Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss you can get a $1 off two Coupon to redeem at your local Walmart.



I used less sugar than I normally do.

Vanilla was even good in a smoothie I made earlier in the week. Gave the tart fruit I had in the smoothie a nice sweetness.

Vanilla was great! It gave my coffee the flavor I have been missing with my other brand of creamer.

This was my FAVORITE! Wow good!

I have been using a Natural Coffee Creamer for over 5 years now and have missed having a flavor to my coffee. I love the flavor of great coffee beans but some days really want a sweet cup of coffee. Sugar cannot give a flavor just sweetness. Finally my quest for a Natural Coffee Cream with flavor is over! I can now enjoy a Coffee Creamer that has one 4 natural ingredients, milk, cream, sugar and natural flavors. #NaturalBlissWM


I was previously using Horizon Organic. It can be harder to find in stores. I have had to drive to a neighboring city to get it for my coffee. Just to have something natural but still no flavor. I had my husband try the Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss and he admitted it was nice to have some flavor to his coffee too. Hes a tough one to try to change his routine and him saying it was a nice change was great! I will totally be buying these creamers again. The vanilla and caramel both are ones I would love to go back and forth on. Oh the joy of having flavorful coffee again is well, BLISS! :)



You can read my Google+ Story about my shopping trip to Walmart to buy Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss and discover with me the other Natural items at Walmart.






*This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.
All opinions expressed in this shop are my own and your experience may vary. #Cbias #SocialFabric
#NaturalBlissWM
Share:
© Frugal Family Tree | All rights reserved.
Blogger Template Designed by pipdig