Sunday, September 29, 2013

Moments in the Mornings with Coffee-mate Pumpkin Spice Coffee #loveyourcup #shop





The way to know that the Fall is here in California is not the weather or fashion trends it is the arrival of Pumpkin Spice flavored items in the store. Pumpkin Spice Coffee-mate coffee creamer is one of the first items I buy as soon as I see it in the store. There is no better way to start the day in the Fall than with a cup of coffee flavored with Pumpkin Spice.

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Friday, September 27, 2013

Friday's Five Favorite Pins Of The Week



Caramel Apple In A Jar
                                                                 via The Gunny Sack

Halloween monster popcorn munch - so easy to make and great for parties or movie nights! #Halloween
                                                               via A Pumpkin and A Princess
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Notice anything different around here?

 
If you have followed Frugal Family Tree you will have noticed we had a design makeover!
Kim from seven thirty three is AMAZING to work with, not only did she do an awesome job on our site, but she is super nice and so helpful.
Communication is the key to getting it right and Kim is one of the best communicators we have met! Her email replies were almost instant and she was full of great ideas that helped guide our thoughts and inspirations.
Redesigning your site can be stressful and daunting. Not with Kim. Seriously she is awesome.
She also has great rates, only $130 for a full custom design!

 
 
Thank you Kim, we LOVE our new look!

Samantha Laura Patricia
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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Homemade Chocolate Donuts with Orange Glaze

Two things are for sure, we love the Fall and we love donuts. Put them together and we are in heaven. Here is a recipe for Chocolate Donuts with Orange Glaze, they are seriously mouth watering.

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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Tiny Love Magical Night Mobile Review and Giveaway

Tiny Love

If you have small children you know that bedtime can be hit or miss. Some nights they all sleep like angels and others not so much. On the nights where they need a little extra help the Magical Night, 3 in 1 mobile projector and starry night light has come to our rescue.


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Monday, September 23, 2013

Lazy Sunday Biscuits & Gravy

Sunday's at our house are usually a lazy day to relax and enjoy family, and what better way to start the day then with a fantastic breakfast. Biscuits and Gravy is so simple and so good!

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Friday, September 20, 2013

Pretzel Sensations Gourmet Toffee Pretzels Giveaway


I know it's hard to believe, but the holidays are coming upon us again. This makes me start thinking about all the treats and sweets my family and I love to give and get.

Pretzel Sensations Gourmet Toffee Pretzels are delicious truffle-inspired pretzels dipped in luscious Belgian chocolate and hand rolled in English Toffee.

Photo: We will be at he O.C. Chocolate Festival again this year! 
New location:  Hyatt Regency in Anaheim, CA November 3rd.
We will be launching our new 12 oz box.
Hope to see you there!

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1 Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos


When it comes to cooking, the easier the better for us sometimes, some days are long and filled with a million things to do. On those nights we like to make things in the slow cooker, start it in the morning and when you are done with your day come back to it already cooked and ready to go. So easy! And this recipe does not get any easier, there is only one ingredient you add to your chicken in the slow cooker...

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Campus Book Rentals all year long #ad








Fall is here and school is in full force for the young and the older :) My husband, along with our small children are back it school and they all need books. You can go to the campus bookstore and spend a small fortune on a book that you will probably never use again or you can rent them. Yes that's right, you can rent them! Campus Book Rentals is a company that delivers book rentals right to your door at a savings of 40-90% from the bookstore price!

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Thursday, September 19, 2013

Sewing A Fun Fall Apron



Now that fall is officially just a few days away, I really feel like it's time to get in the kitchen and start cooking and baking more.

And of course, that means I need cute aprons to wear. My daughter Samantha is wearing this cute orange and white apron that I recently made.

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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Wordless Wednesday

 
 
Every morning she gets dressed like she is off to school for the day.
 
Minus the pants of course.
 
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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Classic Root Beer Float


You heard it here, the Classic Root Beer Float is back!
It seems like the Root Beer Float has lost it's "cool" over the years.
With all of the great new recipes out there, sometimes we forget about the classics, like a Root Beer Float.
Here's a reminder of how to make and enjoy a Classic Root Beer Float.

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Monday, September 16, 2013

Green Craft Magazine, Fashionably Green


Have you ever heard of Green Craft Magazine?
Green Craft Magazine provides ideas for repurposing trash to treasure by showcasing projects where waste is repurposed into ecologically chic creations.
The magazine in full of ideas that are simple and sweet.
And to maintain the theme of recycling, the entire publication is printed on recycled paper!
We love simple and chic ways to repurpose anything and everything!
 
*This is not a sponsored post, just something we wanted to share with our readers.
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Walmart Family Mobile Still Keeping Us Connected and Saving Money #shop




My family is everything to me, my reason I work so hard, my reason I smile each day when I wake up. Having to work and be away from them can be daunting at times but staying connect to them with the Best Wireless from Walmart Family Mobile makes my days brighter.

Having a mobile phone for everyone in the family is a norm these days, we were the oddballs that shared a phone until we discovered Walmart Family Mobile and the cheap wireless plan offered. We thought there would be no way to afford two phone plans since my current phone under a contract cost about $75 a month. Never did I think back last December to go to Walmart for a phone and plan. I wish I had since I am now stuck in a contract! For my husband we have the best Unlimited Plans I could ask for. I tell everyone we know about the Walmart Family Mobile I am still amazed by the price difference 5 months after discovering the Walmart Family Plan. #FamilyMobileSaves

At first we thought we would try out the service see how it goes since its not a contract you can cancel anytime. I loved that part, not being stuck in a contract. We have loved the service we get, how easy it is to pay your bill online and the price per month. Walmart Family Mobile is powered by T-Mobile so it has vast coverage for its wireless coverage.

I can go on forever about how much I love that my husband has a smart phone we can afford to keep us connected through out the day while I work. Not only do I miss my son all day but my husband is my best friend, I miss him too and we text all day long while I work. I get to know what they are doing, my husband asks my opinion on things so I feel like I have an input in their day while I am not home.

Trips to get fun food while Mom works since we have a little extra money from the Cheap Wireless Plan

A new hat thanks to saving money on our mobile plan!


The pictures my husband takes for me every day make my heart soar. I will be having a rough day then I go check my phone and there is a sweet or funny picture on my phone showing me what they are doing. I work different hours each day so they are having to adjust to whatever the day brings. Sometimes they go on mini adventures. My husband makes sure to text me pictures as they do so I feel included.

Train rides and candy while I work, seeing the pics made me a happy Mom!


I find it funny too that my husband said he did not need a phone, he has a camera already why would he need a phone one and he is not much of a texting kinda guy, well that has all changed! He even uses his phone to take photos that we would normally use a big bulky camera for.



Now there are even more options with the Walmart Family Plan. You can opt to not have the Web service on your phone and have talk and text for only $29.88, this would be perfect for a way to keep in touch with your kids or parents.

Adding a line with the unlimited plan is an option we are going to do as soon as my contract is up with the expensive phone we have. I count the days till my contract is up so we can save even more money than we do now.

Another feature from Walmart Family Mobile that you can buy in packs is ringtones, games and international calling. I know many people have family in Mexico or overseas for military that would save money from the Walmart plans. Walmart even offers a lifeline discount for low income families to have a phone. Having a cell these days is important not only for safety but for work and family connections. Walmart carries many Smart Phones that you can have your plan hooked up to and can even switch your current phone to a Walmart plan.


This picture sums up why I will not ever go without Walmart Family Mobile Plan. My son was wanting to wait up for me to get off work to see me before he went to bed. He was in his new pjs that he insisted must be blue with an animal on it, sleeping with his best friend giraffe, on his monkey pillow pet he got for his birthday and he fell asleep waiting for me. My husband texted me this picture as I waited for the store to close and me to be able to leave. I teared up that I missed him and that my husband was sweet enough to send it. Its the little moments a family member can miss without a loved one taking the time and having a smart phone to send a picture. #cbias


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Sunday, September 15, 2013

Celebrating 12 Years of Marriage with Fresh Finds from Save Mart Supermarket #shop #FreshFinds




This week my husband and I will be celebrating our 12 year wedding anniversary. My husband is a former chef and can make fabulous food! I am blessed to have him as a stay at home Dad that cooks and cleans but this means for me on a special occasion I like to cook for him.

After getting the weekly ads for grocery stores in the mail I decided to head to Save Mart Supermarket to shop for the ingredients I need for my Italian Romantic Pasta Dinner. My husband and I were married in Lake Tahoe and honeymooned at Caesars Palace. We had the best pasta and caesar salad for dinner there.


I plan to make a Vegetable Pasta Casserole full of fresh veggies and fresh refrigerated Pacific Coast Selections Pasta Sauces from Save Mart. My husband and I have been eating so much BBQ this summer that I wanted to have a special occasion with a meatless option. I shopped for fresh pasta sauce, zucchini, red bell peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, a salad kit and carrot cake for dessert. Its a yearly tradition to eat Caesar Salad on our anniversary to remember Caesars Palace.


Vegetable Pasta Casserole Recipe 

2 containers (26 oz.)  Pacific Coast Selections Marinara Sauce
1 pkg.  (7 oz.) Shredded Cheese
3 cups  pasta, cooked
2 large  red peppers, cut into thin strips
2  zucchini, halved lengthwise, then thinly sliced crosswise
1/2 lb.  mushrooms, thinly sliced
1/2 cup of sliced olives
1/2 large onion, thinly sliced




Heat oven to 375 degrees. Boil pasta while chopping up the vegetables. 

Set aside 3/4 cup of the cheese.

Combine all vegetables, pasta sauce and remaining cheese in a bowl. Mix together. Spoon in mixture to baking dish. Top the mixture with the cheese that you set aside.

Bake 20-25 minutes until heated through. 



Through the years my husband and I have been married sitting down to eat a meal together each night has done wonders for our marriage. No matter what kind of day we had, what ups and downs there are we always like to share a meal together. Food can bring back memories of good times and help you create new memories. I am so happy we decided to spend our anniversary dinner having a romantic dinner for two at home with something I made just for him from Save Mart.


My husband and I shared a delicious meal, laughed about the the many things that have happened over the last 12 years and ended the night watching movies together. It was a perfect way to celebrate our anniversary and enjoy a healthy fresh meal.

What meal reminds you of your wedding day?
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Friday, September 13, 2013

Happy Friday + Homemade Apple Pie


 
In honor of the weather change here in Washington, I baked an apple pie.
Apple Pie is one of those deserts that just about anyone loves, served with vanilla ice cream you can't go wrong.
My favorite addition to this recipe is the lemon zest/juice, it gives it that extra tang!
 

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  •  Pie Dough, your recipe of store bought crust, whichever you prefer     
  • 10 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 3/4 cup sugar, plus additional for pie top
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Pinch ground cloves
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 egg, beaten

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie dough into two 1/8-inch-thick circles. Flatten out, slightly larger than you pie plate. Press one of pastry the circles into the pie plate.
  2. In a large bowl, combine apples, sugar, lemon zest and juice, spices, and flour. Toss well. Spoon the apples into pie pan. Dab with butter, and cover with the remaining pastry circle. Cut several steam vents across top. Seal by crimping edges. Brush with the beaten egg, and sprinkle with additional sugar.
  3. Bake until crust is brown and juices are bubbling, about 1 hour. Let cool and serve with ice cream!!
ENJOY!!

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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Alphabet fun with cookie cutters!

 
With Back to School in full swing around here we are brushing up on our ABC's with these alphabet cookie cutters. I made a simple sugar cookie recipe, but when the boys started the cookie cutting they seemed so bland in color. We added food coloring, although it was messy and didn't blend well the boys loved it!  
 
 
We didn't decorate them with frosting or anything since they were already colored blue, it worked out well and they last longer that way. We sealed them in a plastic bag and they boys have been going back to them to "play", I love an activity that gets lots of use. This activity is a great way to let them play and learn all at the same time, perfect!

How about you? Have you done anything fun or different to get your kids eager to learn? Do tell, we are always looking for ideas!
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Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Energizer Giveaway and National Childhood Injury Prevention Week #sponsored



Home safety has always been a big thing for me. I am a what if kinda gal and a bit of a clutz so I try to be careful. When my son was born I went on full crazy mode baby safety everything I could think of (oh and it was a million things that could happen lol).

After my son was about 2 years old I was not as worried about everything. Still aware of things but no so paranoid. Until he swallowed a penny. I always check the floors, vacuum regularly and made sure my purse was never around but he managed to find a penny under the couch cushions. It was within the first few weeks of me starting my first job since my son was born and when I got home my husband told me LW swallowed a penny. My first thought was are you sure, maybe you thought he did and was wrong. I panicked I did not want to imagine all the horrible things that may or may not happen. I asked my son did you swallow a penny, his response was "yes mom and its in my tummy". We found out from the doctors this happens often and x-rays would only expose him to extra radiation if we already know he swallowed it so we just have to wait and check his diaper. It was a long wait but eventually it did pass through his system. They did say thankfully it was not a battery since that can be far more dangerous. I had not considered the small batteries that are shaped like a coin. I now realized I needed to make sure all coins and batteries were kept up and the devises that contained them kept up as well.

If it is suspected that a child has swallowed a coin lithium battery, it is important to go to the emergency department immediately.



Coin lithium batteries can be found around most homes in everyday items like remote controls, keyless entry devices for your car, flameless candles and children’s books with sound. If ingested, these coin-sized lithium batteries can cause serious chemical burns in as little as two hours.  Yet in a survey conducted by Energizer, 62 percent of parents reported being unaware of the risk associated with coin lithium batteries.

In support of National Childhood Injury Prevention Week (September 1-7, 2013), the National Safety Council and Energizer have teamed up to share some important tips every parent should know to help prevent injuries from the ingestion of Coin Lithium batteries to help keep kids safe.

The Energizer battery pack felt more secure to me. 
The 4 S’s of Coin Lithium Battery Safety
·         STORE devices that use coin lithium batteries out of reach of children
·         SECURE the battery compartments of devices
·         SELECT battery packaging that meets federal guidelines for child resistance, such as Energizer’s coin lithium battery packaging
·         SHARE this information with your friends and family




Looking over the child proof packing I can see a big improvement on the older packages. Child safety on batteries is important to me since my son is such a busy body and looks for things to mess with. I could easily open it with scissors which I feel is a simple task to keep my son from being able to open the package.

Energizer led the industry by being the first to voluntarily develop packaging for its 20 millimeter coin lithium batteries that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) strict guidelines for child-resistant packaging.  They also developed a national awareness campaign in partnership with Safe Kids Worldwide called The Battery Controlled, which works to alert parents and caregivers to the dangers of swallowing coin lithium batteries. Identifying ways its products can help keep families safe is part of the Energizer commitment to designing its products with people in mind and investing in programs that have a positive impact on the world. that’s positivenergy™



For more information on child safety and coin lithium battery safety, please visit nsc.org, www.energizer.com, TheBatteryControlled.com and www.poison.org/battery.  


My little guy loved the flash light. He always wants to play with one when he sees it, under Moms supervision of course! We had a fun time playing shadow puppets and even spotted a few "monsters".

Keeping my son safe is top priority to me and when a company like Energizer makes it easier with safety packaging it makes my job as his Mom a little easier. 




GIVEAWAY

·         Two (2) packages of Energizer Coin Lithium batteries
·         One (1) Energizer LED Nightlight (winner’s choice between Sleeping Beauty or Cars)
·         One (1) Energizer Weatheready 2-in-1 LED Light

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Sept. 4 2013 and ends on Sept. 18, 2013 at midnight 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 Energizer for my review.
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Monday, September 2, 2013

Lots and lots of coupons to start the week!


Baby Supplies
Entertainment + School Supplies
Breakfast
Drinks + Beverages
Health + Wellness
Teeth Care + Rinse
Beauty + Hair + Personal Care + Shaving Supplies
Treats + Snacks
Food
Cleaner + Polishing + Deodorizers
Pet Food + Supplies
Oil + Propane Supplies
Misc
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