Friday, November 30, 2012

I do it better than Betty


Saw this apron at a local mall and laughed out loud! Kind of lame, but I love cheesy aprons :)

Now that we/I am feeling better I am hoping to get in the kitchen this weekend and start baking up some tasty Christmas treats. I need a cookie fix ASAP!!

Happy weekend to you all!!!!

XOXOXO

- Sam
Share:

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Under the Weather


We have been fighting a nasty cold around here.

Each and everyone of us has it or has had it.

It is no fun!

But we are over the hump and on the mend....

Share:

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Sports Freaks All Around Our House #SportsFreak365



For my husband, who grew up in California, the San Francisco 49er's weren't just a football team to him, they were "his" team. He has two older brothers, one of which is eight years older than him and he was taught a lot about football from a young age. They were 49er's fans, naturally so was he. He and his brothers would travel from Sacramento to San Fransisco often to attend games at Candlestick Park. Most of the time they were the "nose bleed" seats, but they didn't care they were at a niner's game! They were SportsFreaks then and now it has gotten worse. Here is my husband with his new NFL Sports Calendar from SportsFreak365!





My husband lived in California until he was 20 years old and for the last 12 years we have lived in Washington State. You would think (at least I did) that because he now lives in Washington that naturally he would become a Seattle Seahawks fan. I was WRONG. According to my husband you can't just change the team you root for and love. How dare I suggest otherwise! Ha! He tells me that just because he doesn't live in California anymore doesn't mean they can't still be his "team". Although he is now rooted in Washington, he proudly wears his niners gear all year long. If there is a hat on his head you better believe it is a 49er's hat. He must own a dozen by now but I am sure he could always use another. Check out this sweet San Francisco 49ers Training Camp 3930 39THIRTY® Flex Fit Hat by New Era this would make a great Christmas gift for him.

San Francisco 49ers Training Camp 3930 39THIRTY® Flex Fit Hat by New Era

I myself am a Seattle Seahawks fan, but I didn't grow up in Washington either. I figure we are here and so are they, it only makes sense. All of their games are aired on TV every week so we never miss a game. It just makes things easier if you ask me. It has now been twelve years since I became a Seahawks fan and I don't think I can change "my team", even if we were to move. He is right, once a fan always a fan.




My husband, being the SportsFreak that he is, we can give him a gift relating to his team and it is always well received! If you ask me giving someone a gift with their team logo on it, that is one of the easier ways to win them over. My husband has so much 49er's gear that I have bought him (and several others) over the years that I do believe he could open his own Sport Shop! Everyone we know buys him anything with a 49er's logo on it from coffee mugs to hats, they know he will love it and wear it with pride.




So now here we are a "die hard" San Fransisco 49er's fan and a "die hard" Seattle Seahawks fan trying to live in harmony. Most of the time it is easy to get along when it comes to football, he cheers for his team and I cheer for mine. The one hard thing is the two teams are in the same division so this makes things a little more complicated when they are playing each other. But we seem to manage around here.



Showing off your team spirit has never been easier! Whatever team you root for and whatever sport they play, find the gear you need at SportsFreak365.com. Just in time for the holidays, you can get 30% off  any purchase using the code “Clever30.” And while you’re there, be sure to enter to win $500 toward team gear in Ditka’s SportsFreak of the Week Contest!


*I was selected for participation in this campaign as a member of Clever Girls Collective.


Share:

Monday, November 26, 2012

The Honest Company and An Ecofriendly Me #TheHonestCo

Prior to becoming a Mom ecofriendly products were not on my radar. I never knew there were such things as ecofriendly baby products or that there are diapers available that are 100% non-toxic and chlorine-free. Let alone that babies were being exposed to harsh or synthetic chemicals by wearing a diaper!

As time went on and I started to do research, I learned that there really are so many advantages to trying to achieve an ecofriendly environment for you and your children. One way to start small is by using natural/non-toxic products and cleaners in you home, which we have done. I also love baby products such as bubble bath, sunscreen, bug spray, laundry detergent and baby wipes that are made with non-toxic/all-natural & organic ingredients. My children all have very sensitive skin. I have tried many different products to help eliminate skin irritation on their young bodies and the only ones that work are the hypoallergenic and fragrance free type. I am always seeking out companies that carry such products, The Honest Company has those products and more!!!



One of my many favorite things The Honest Company carries are their diapers, they are affordable and stylish. I have to admit that one of the driving forces of wanting to make the switch is not only for the health of my baby but the style and modern patterns on these beautiful diapers.




Look at these diapers on my sweet Ashley, seeing her smiling face and the beautiful patterns on her bum is what it's all about. It makes me feel good knowing that she is being protected from any harsh chemicals all while looking oh so stylish. What a fantastic feeling for a mother! Honest diapers Do NOT contain: chlorine, perfume, phthalates, lotions, optical brighteners, PVC, heavy metals, and other harmful materials. Not only are they safe, there are so many great patterns to chose from, all so modern and fun!




The Honest Company's label and packaging is so beautiful, just having it around the house makes me happy. Another great item are the honest wipes they are super thick and infused with a botanical blend of pomegranate (antioxidants), chamomile & cucumber (to soothe).



I know that I have only scratched the surface when it come to switching my family into a more ecofriendly home but I do believe that starting small is the way to go. I thought that buying ecofriendly products were going to be expensive and boring (think brown bag or terry cloth) but honestly the price difference isn't that much and knowing that my family is safe (and stylish) is what is important.


The Honest Company was started by a mom and a dad who, like many modern parents, were increasingly worried about products made with questionable chemical ingredients. But the alternatives they found were often expensive, inaccessible, bland, or ineffective. In response to this clear need for something better, they created The Honest Company to ensure that parents (or anyone for that matter!) could easily find natural and non-toxic eco-friendly products that are beautiful, effective, and affordable. From customized product bundles to diapers and wipes to an ever-expanding line of cleaning and personal care products, you can find everything you need at Honest.com and have it delivered directly to your front door.

Give it a try! Click here to become a member of The Honest Company community and start your free trial today.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Honest Company. The opinions and text are all mine.
Share:

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Last minute Apple Stamp Paint Project with the Kids

Before November is over and we pack up all things fall-like and gear up for Christmas I wanted to get in one more craft with the boys. They love paint and stamps so what better way to combine the two than with turning some aging apples into stamps!! We had all of the supplies already in our home so away we went. Here is the steps we took to make apple stamped collages:


The Supplies: Apples, knife, paper plates, paint and paper

Cut the apples in half and remove the seeds. I suggest you leave the stem because it looked really cool when it was painted as well! Side note: As you can see these apples were getting past their prime so I thought they would make a great "stamps" for this project.

Squeeze the paint onto the paper plates.

I chose fall colors such as yellow, orange and red. I set it all up and called the boys to the table.

They stamped away!!

Love the Red!!

More stamping!


Liam got really into it and it was starting to get messy haha

In the end the colors were messy and mixed up but I didn't mind because this project was just for entertainment purpose. They loved stamping and painting with no rules really. FUN!!!

Share:

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Dermagist Review and Giveaway Holiday Gift Guide

Dermajuv 


The older I get the more I feel the need to find a skin care treatment for my face. Honestly I don't do much to my face besides wash it everyday and night. I know that exposure to sun and genetics are starting to catch up with me and I don't like it! I added the Dermagist Complete Rejuvenation System  to my daily routine to try to minimize the wrinkles and redness I am experiencing. What is the Dermagist Complete Rejuvenation System you ask? The Dermagist Complete Rejuvenation System is a method of combining the use of three high powered, uniquely effective formulas on a daily basis for a 30-45 day period. After the initial cycle of the System, you may choose to repeat the cycle, or you may simply continue to use the formula(s) of your choice. The individual formulas are available for sale separately but they recommend using them together to get the full approach.




With the system you get 1 Jar of Original Smoothing Cream, 1 bottle of Dynamic Age Defying Serum, 1 bottle of the Instant-Effect Lifting Serum, and 1 instruction sheet detailing the exact way to use the products. All three products combined make up the Complete Rejuvenation System.

After using it for 30 days I must say I feel like my skin is looking better and better! The wrinkles around my eyes and smile line are barely recognizable. I can see that for great looking skin you need a system, they don't just go away, they get more noticable day by day. With Dermagist I can't stop the aging process but I can help me feel great about my skin! They carry lots of skin care products depending on your needs, check them out today.

Enter to win a  Dermagist Complete Rejuvenation System 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Nov. 24,  2012 and ends on Dec. 12, 2012 at 12:01 am EST. Winner will be emailed and has 72 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. I was sent a product to review for this post.
Share:

Friday, November 23, 2012

Reading to Mickey


My son has started to read his books to his stuffed animals. It is normally a mix of words of what he sees in pictures and what he remembers I have read to him. Its very sweet. He has books that are for the car only and he loves to read them as we drive. I am thrilled my son loves books!

We plan to get him a few Mickey Mouse books from Santa this year too.

What books are your kids reading right now or you reading to them? Do you read the classic tales or find new authors?
Share:

Online Shopping for Kids Toys



Shopping for toys can be a fun but sometimes stressful experience. I know for me trying to go by myself to buy toys can be hard since my son always wants to go with me to the store. No hiding gifts when he is with me. Plus with the rush of the holidays it can be hard to find the toy you want in stock and even harder to find a parking lot. I have been shopping online for Kids Toys.



I have found many great sites where you can search by category, age and toy type. A few sites have great features like searching from best customer review and tv characters. My son loves Disney, Leapfrog, Trains, Musical toys, cars, action heroes and I love educational toys. There are so many types of toys to select from online, you dont have to wonder if the toy you saw in an ad is in stock since it is listed online if its available or not.




I have found some sites that are not brand sites but shopping sites that carry a variety of brands and have a huge toy selection. Shopping online for toys can be a easy way to stress free shop for Holiday toys. How easy can it be to fill your cart, place your order and wait until the internet elves deliver it all while sitting at home. No screaming kids wanting everything they see, no fighting for a parking spot and no waiting in line!




What types of toys are on your kids wish list this year?




*This is a sponsored post, the opinions are 100% mine and may differ from yours.
Share:

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving! Let The Shopping Begin!






~by Laura

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Today we are eating turkey, having pie, watching and playing football, watched the Macy's parade and I have been looking at the sales ads. I have to work on Friday, Saturday and Sunday so I wont be shopping in stores for deals but looking online to see what I can find.

So far I know I want to get my son the LeapFrog InnoTab, not sure which model but they look like a great toy and won an award this year. Which deals and stores are you planning to go to in the wee hours of the morning? Or are you planning to just shop when its not so crowded or online like me?

I am thankful for so many more things this year, thankful for a great job and finding a place to move to at the end of this month. Its been a wild up and down but we have made it through it to come out on top! P for Positive as I always say! :)

Happy Thanksgiving to you!


Share:

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Beach Towels 4 U Review and Giveaway Holiday Gift Guide






For the holidays its great to have presents for kids that are useful. Clothing, shoes and even fun towels are a great present that a child will get lots of use out of. I know so many toys are broken or forgotten by Valentines day so this year I am trying to buy some practical but still fun items for my son. My son loves to take bubble baths, he will play in there with all his bath toys and sometimes will not want to get out. When I showed him his new Toy Story towel he was so happy and yelled Hey Its Buzz! He wanted to get out of the tub and better yet loved it when I dried him off and his hair. Normally its a battle to get him to let me dry his hair but with Buzz drying his hair he was so happy.

We love the Toy Story towel, my wanted to sleep with it and wrap himself in it.

I have found many other cute towels at BeachTowels4U that would make great holiday gifts. I like using beach towels for bath time since they are big and way cuter than most bath towels. I found Thomas the Train, Sports, Novelty, Wildlife and so much more. I even saw a checker board towel and twister board lol.





To celebrate the holidays shopping events BeachTowels4U.com is providing:

FREE Shipping on your order now until December 21st


We are also hosting a giveaway for any Beach Towel under $20 winners choice.


a Rafflecopter giveaway




  *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Nov. 21,  2012 and ends on Dec.12, 2012 at 12:01 am PST. Winner will be emailed and has 72 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. I was sent an item to review for this post.
Share:

World Vision Beaded Artisan Necklace Review and Giveaway Holiday Gift Guide





This year I have been looking at charities that give to kids in need as a place to find holiday gifts. I can get a wonderful present and have the proceeds going to a program that helps people in need. With my new job I am finding myself in need of new jewelry and accessories and the ones I found at World Vision were great. They are colorful and handmade by people who are benefiting from the purchase.You can find many more items from the World Vision catalog such as toys and household gifts for the holidays.

A little background info on World Vision:

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.
World Vision serves close to 100 million people in nearly 100 countries around the world. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.






For my review I was sent the Artisan Beaded Necklace. The necklace is beautifully colorful and adds a great touch of color to a plain shirt. I have worn this several times to work and have been asked where I purchased it. Its nice to share the story on how World Vision helps people in need and they make products they can sell.  This glass-bead necklace is handmade in Thailand and can be worn several different ways — even as a multi-strand bracelet.









The World Vision store has many beautiful jewelry pieces you can buy for yourself or give as a gift. You can even make donations that will go directly to help families in need here in the USA.






You can shop the World Vision Gift Catalog Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/worldvisiongiftcatalog?fref=ts  and World Vision’s Pinterest page at http://pinterest.com/worldvisionusa/.


Enter to win a World Vision Beaded Artisan Necklace:


a Rafflecopter giveaway


 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Nov. 21,  2012 and ends on Dec. 12, 2012 at 12:00 am PST. Winner will be emailed and has 72 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. I was sent a product to review for this post.
Share:

I am Thankful for...


I am Thankful for this hand print my 2 year old made at his Co-Op Preschool today. I am grateful that we are able to send him to this wonderful preschool. I will post about our school soon. If it fits into your lifestyle, Co-op's are the way to go!

I am Thankful for my family, they make me who I am. My husband and children are my life and I am theirs. Not only am I Thankful for my husband and children but my Mom, Dad, sisters, brothers, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nephew, and great friends. They all make up my circle of people.

I am Thankful for my home and a roof over my head. The weather has been so rainy and so cold. I am grateful to be in a nice warm home.

I am Thankful for new friends. I met a Mom through JJ's Kindergarten class and it turns out they live in our neighborhood, down the street to be exact. We had a play date today at my house with our little ones and it went great. Here's to new friendships!

I am Thankful for flavored coffee. I love all of the Holiday coffee flavors that come out this time of year. I am actually enjoying a Pumpkin Spice latte as I type this. YUM!

I am Thankful for Thanksgiving. Can't wait to spend the day enjoying family, friends, and food!

There are many things to be Thankful for but wanted to keep the list short. There are things to do to prepare for tomorrow. I must clean the house, cook some food and get some rest for Turkey Day tomorrow!!!

I am Thankful for this blog and all of our readers! Happy Thanksgiving and Thank You!!

~ Sam
Share:

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Black Friday is coming....

                                                

Today is Tuesday, that means 3 days until Black Friday is here.

I have to admit I have never done a "Black Friday" shopping trip. I always felt like it wasn't worth it to me. If I had to choose saving a little bit of money or sleep, I pick sleep for sure! I do have three small children I have to tend to all day and NEED my sleep for that :)

I have also hear all of these horror stories of being pushed, yelled at or worse trampled trying to get into a store for the "must have item" of the year. Really people it is just a Furby!

It really just didn't seem like saving a little bit of money was ever worth it. But I also see that smaller stores are starting to have the same great sales as the chain stores and maybe those are worth heading out to at the crack of dawn....or maybe not?!

What about you? Do you shop the Black Friday deals? Is it as crazy as they say? Should I even bother?
Share:

Monday, November 19, 2012

Weekend Wrap Up


JJ and I at his 6th Birthday Party this weekend!!

We celebrated JJ and his 6th birthday over the weekend. I cannot believe that my oldest is now 6 years old!! We took the birthday boy and his friends swimming, it was a blast and we survived!
 
What a whirlwind our lives have been.

I'm sure everyone is feeling the same way these days. 

Now on to the week of Thanksgiving...

I am going to breath and remember that the pressure I am putting on myself for Thanksgiving is silly really.

Thanksgiving is a time to relax and enjoy family and friends. It is a combined effort between all who are attending and it always comes together beautifully in the end.

Again, I am going to breath and remember that the pressure I am putting on myself for Thanksgiving is silly really.

Here's to a week of Thankfulness!!!!

~ Sam
Share:

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Guess Who is Turning 3!






I have to admit I have been dragging my feet on my little guy's bday party. Part of me just does not want him to be 3. Silly I know but he is still my baby and 3 seems so big boy. He talks so much now, has an opinion on everything, is super helpful (got lucky on that, he will pick up toys, even likes to help with the laundry and goes to get stuff) he is funny, sweet and a wild child. He is so full of energy and busy I am shocked he can go all day at that level. He has my big blue eyes, his dad's sense of humor and some quirks about him that I know he gets from other members of our family. I must say he does not like to be woken up and can be a beast if you dont let him wake up on his own (this makes me think of Sam LOL when we were kids she did not like to be woken up) a few times I have looked at my son and I see my Mom's (Patricia) face, I have taken a few pics that capture it and I love that. I love how our kids are a blend of all the people on both side of their family before them. They really are another branch on the family tree.

With my son turning 3, my nephew turning 6 (oh my time flies!) and my niece (Miss Ashley!) turning 1 in a month it has suddenly occurred to me that our kids are the next generation. Yes they are still our babies but they will be the men and women of the future and that is just awesome! I do my best each day to be the greatest Mom I can be and I know some days are rough and others glorious but everyone has days like that. I am blessed each day I wake up and get to be my little boy's Mom. We call him LW it makes me laugh since it reminds me of DW from the Arthur books. Do you know which character I am talking about?

I look forward to his birthday and knowing he is the reason I get to be a Mom and the reason I wake up each day with a smile.
Share:

Friday, November 16, 2012

6 years already?

Seriously love this boy and his face!

Here he is begging me for Space Angry Bird anything!

This kid (spaghetti face stained and all) is having his 6th birthday party this weekend!!

I can't believe 6 years have gone by since he came into our lives. JJ is sweet, smart, funny and I can't imagine our lives without him.

We are having a swim party at a local pool....wish me luck!
Share:

Frugal Friday Coupons

                                                                                                                      

Share:

Thursday, November 15, 2012

A How to Train Your Dragon Live Show Special Offer!

 DreamWorks - How to Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular
THE DRAGONS HAVE A SPECIAL OFFER FOR MOMS!


The magic of fire-breathing dragons are soaring through arena skies in DREAMWORKS’ HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR and a special offer is being extended to mom bloggers and families in Seattle, WA where the show comes to town December 6th -9th.

Just use the special discount code MOM to save 25% on Thursday and Friday night shows!  This special discount ensures the whole family can come out for a memorable night for this not-to-miss event!

Go to www.dreamworksdragonslive.com to purchase tickets and other ticket information. 
 
Share:

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Wordless Wednesday

* The newest addition in my home decor is making me oh so happy *

~ Sam
Share:

Tiny Love Review & Giveaway - Holiday Gift Guide


If you have a little one in your life and you are looking for a great gift for the holidays, Tiny Love is the place to get it. They have a wide range of products both you and your baby will love. Tiny Love is an award-winning international baby products company that creates stimulating developmental toys and products which encourage babies’ growth and development. We love what Tiny Love represents and it's philosophy to turn their products into engaging, interactive toys that nurture skills and delight the senses of our little ones.

Here is a look at two of the toys my little girl got for the Holiday Gift Guide:

The Super Mat is a great big mat to play and lounge on, perfect for these cold and rainy days. My daughter is getting older so it is hard to keep her entertained, she wants to move around and walk around a lot.
    
We have hardwood floors so what I like about the Super Mat is that she can take her toys and play on it, having a soft spot to sit on. We also can take it outside and use it as a picnic blanket when the weather warms up or a spot in the grass to lounge on. The Super Mat is bright and colorful, perfect to attract your little one if you need them to sit entertained for a bit. This product is recommended for children 0-12 months and helps with Cognition, Fine Motor Skills and Senses.



 Another great gift item is the Musical Stack & Ball Game. Little ones seem to just love putting balls or any other object they can find in a toy like this one!
 

What I love is there are 2 game levels, a wide opening or narrow opening depending on your child's age or skill. There are also lights and music to get your little one exited! Not to mention he is a super cute elephant!!! The Musical Stack & Ball Game helps with Imagination & Creativity, Cognition, Fine Motor Skills and Senses and is recommended for 6-18+ months.



Specials 

In celebration of their brand new online store, Tiny Love is offering free shipping on all purchases! Perfect for the Holiday Gift Giving Season!

Enter to win a Tiny Love Super Mat for your little one:

a Rafflecopter giveaway





*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Nov. 14 2012 and ends on Dec 5, 2012 at 12:01 am EST. Winner will be emailed and has 72 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. I was sent products from Tiny Love for my review.
Share:
© Frugal Family Tree | All rights reserved.
Blogger Template Designed by pipdig