Shoes, Shoes and SHOES!

I like the yellows and blues this year. Love the yellow bag too.

I have been very obsessed with shoes lately. All the new colors and styles are making me in a shoe frenzy! I love how a great pair of shoes can make a normal outfit look awesome. It can be one of the places I go wild with color and style. But of course they have to comfortable too. Carrying around a wild toddler everywhere I go my shoes need to be cute and functional. I am so excited about the shoes we will be reviewing and giving away. After all its Mother's Day just around the corner so I will use it as my reason to need lots and lots of SHOES!! ( hint hint to my husband to have our son get me a shoe store gift card if you are reading this)

Right now is a great time to buy boots! Lots of discounts if your a bargain hunter like me.

Help Kids Get Active With Odwalla Juice & Champions for Kids

I think that one of the most important things that children should be encouraged to do is to get physical exercise. Childhood obesity is a serious health risk for so many kids today and it is really up to us as a nation to do something about it.

So I was very honored and pleased to be participating in this month's Simple Service Project with Champions for Kids and Odwalla Juice.

This month's project is all about getting kids outside to play, run, be active and enjoy themselves and the outdoors. Odwalla Juice and smoothies add to an active lifestyle for kids and adults with their healthy and delicious drinks.

I went shopping at Walmart to find play equipment to donate to a charity that helps children. Balls, jump ropes, paddle ball games and more are all things that kids love to play with and helps them to be active. I also bought Odwalla Juice to donate. I love the company's Do-Good philosophy and love drinking their juice and smoothies too!

I told my neighbors that I was working with Champions for Kids and all about my service project. One of them generously gave me these three almost new bike helmets for kids. I know how important the helmets are to prevent head injuries, so I was thrilled to get them to donate.

Last month I also participated in a Simple Service Project and donated food and personal items to the Kingston Food Bank here in Washington State.

This is a wonderful organization that is directed by Barb Fulton and her staff of volunteers. Barb is a warm and gracious woman and an instant friend. I knew she would be able to help me find a place to take my donations. She said she would find me a couple of places but if they didn't work out, the food bank could always use the play equipment and juices.

This is when I remembered seeing how they donated much more than food to the community. They help with clothing, they help parents provide babies and children with things they need, and they provide for the community in every way that they can. I absolutely knew that this is where I would make my donation.

Here is Barb with my donation of play equipment and Odwalla Juice. Barb's parents started the food bank 55 years ago, and the community has been helped by it ever since. I am so happy that my donation will help the kids to have some fun and get healthier.

Thanks Champions For Kids and Odwalla Juice! Thanks also to Barb Fulton and the Kingston Food Bank for all the good you do. #OdwallaCFK

If you'd like to participate in a Simple Service Project, go to Champions for Kids for all the information
To learn more about Champions for Kids and how you can get involved in a Simple Service Project, visit their website, Facebook and Twitter pages.



You can see my shopping trip to Walmart for kids sport activity supplies and Odwalla juice by reading my Google+ story.

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. 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 #OdwallaCFK

The Barefoot Executive Book Review

The Barefoot Executive: The Ultimate Guide for Being Your Own Boss by Carrie Wilkerson

I have been an entrepreneur since I was a kid. We had kool aid stands, yard sales, magazine sales and for a time I sold candy to other kids in class, bad I know lol.  I have always had the desire to work for myself, to be my own boss. Its a trait that runs in my family. As an adult I have had a few online shopping sites, did catalog sales and all the home party sales you can think of. I always seemed to not be happy with what is was I was doing since it was not profitable. I have learned so much from reading the book Barefoot Executive: The Ultimate Guide for Being Your Own Boss by Carrie Wilkerson.

Carrie's book is an eye opener about how to think about being your own boss. I love how she says "get passionate about getting to the place of profitability". I think that has been a road block for me in the past with my business adventures. I tried to do stuff that I "liked" rather than what would be profitable. She explains how you need to have a good business base then expand on other ideas. Since without a steady income from one place you cannot have the funds to create other business. Its not a stuffy do this do that kind of book. Its more casual allowing you to take what you can from it and apply it to your life. Its more like a journal since there is places to write in and reflect on your own situation. I like that you can flip around in the book reading what pertains to your life.

Chapter 13 on Information Marketing was helpful to me. I was a good reminder to ask myself questions about what I am trying to market and the avenues to use. Its basic but can encourage you to think more and do more about it. A good book does just that, gets you to take action with the information you are given rather than just reading it and being done.

At the end of each chapter is a Barefoot Action Steps section that gives you a link to a video and a case study example of the topic the chapter covered. I found this very helpful to see a video and read a story, it gave the chapter topic more of a real life feel rather than just info.

I am working on my business / marketing degree so I found this to be a great book to read, but its also such an easy read that if you have a craft business, a blog or at home business this is a great book to read.

You can buy Carrie Wilkerson's book The Barefoot Executive at most mass retailers like Walmart and Target. Also online at Amazon and Books A Million.



 * I was not paid or compensated for this post. I was sent a free copy of this book for my review from Living Your Moment to review. The opinions are 100% mine and may vary from others.

Let's Support the Small Businesses in Our Neighborhoods

It is no secret that I am a fan of Starbucks. The original Starbucks is practically in my own backyard, so to speak. So I do spend my money there.

This picture is of a coffee house in Seattle, in the Capital Hill Area, which is a really great neighborhood. It's an independent small business. I have never been in there, but my daughter goes there a lot and she really likes it. The next time I'm on Capital Hill, I'm going to go there too.

I had a wake up call the other day that made me realize we have to spend our money on the small businesses in our neighborhoods if we want them to survive.

A beloved bookstore in my area had a 25% off sale the other day. While this may not sound like big news, it was because they have never done this before. And it scared me because I saw it as an indication that they might be in trouble. I hope not.

I know times are still hard, and every dollar we save is sometimes absolutely needed to just survive. But if you can, spend your dollars in your neighborhood and support those wonderful small places that are run by people and not just corporations.

I promise you'll feel good about it.

Kitchen Counter Tops and Being Eco-Friendly

Next week the kitchen is having work done to it. New dry wall, counter tops, sink and flooring. I am thinking since so much work is being done its a great excuse to try to update it. New colors, new style and new textures would be great to fancy up a very boring kitchen.

When we were at the mall last week I saw this display for Counter tops. I loved all the colors and options. How cool would it be to have apple green or orange counter tops! When I got home I went to the website to learn more. I found out about stuff I did know but in all the excitement of a remodel I forgot to consider.

I read about how Kerrock does not need to be installed on top of substrate. (Substrates contain MDF Formaldehyde), does not require the use of sealants which contain Volatile Organic Compounds or VOC’s and it does not emit VOC gas from the material know as "gassing off". I am normally on top of these types of things so that my little guy does not breath in harmful toxins. I forgot to even think about the counter tops being a source of a pollutant in my home for my son. I would not to purchase something knowing it could be causing him harm. I want to do all I can to keep him healthy.

Plus another thing that I did not think about either. That granite and marble counter tops are not renewable resources. With it almost being Earth Day I want to make sure I am being Earth Friendly as well as keeping my family healthy. So much to consider other than how something might look!

Flat Iron Experts Cortex Solo 450 Titanium Zebra Flat Iron Giveaway - Mother's Day

Having great hair can make you feel great. Being born with great hair is not always the case. We can all thank or blame our Moms for that right lol. But thankfully there are so many tools and styling products that can make our hair beautiful. For me my go to make my hair awesome product is a Flat Iron.

Since discovering how great a Flat Iron can be my hair is now my new best friend. I love that it takes my frizzy hair and makes it sleek and thin. I love how it looks when I use the flat iron.

I know as a Mom we don't always have time to do our hair everyday but when you do plan to flat iron you hair having a good tool to do it with can make it easier and faster.

My own flat iron is from Flat Iron Experts. They have a vast selection of flat irons to choose from. Different widths, temperature settings, iron types and designs. I was thrilled to hear that I could host a giveaway to celebrate Mother's Day from Flat Iron Experts.

We are hosting a giveaway for a Cortex Solo 4450 Titanium Zebra Flat Iron. This Flat Iron has the latest in flat iron technology. Nano Titanium plates make it lighter, more evenly heated and causes less damage to your hair cuticle. You can read more about the technology of this product at the site. I think the Zebra pattern is great. It had a bit of flare to an item you will use often. Plus it makes me think of taming wild hair :)

Here is some info about the Zebra Patterned Cortex Solo 450 Titanium Flat Iron:

• 1" Titanium plates for healthier hair and a high gloss shine
• Professional Salon Model
• Adjustable temperature to 450°F for easy use
• Heats up in less than 6 seconds
• Straighten, flip or curl your hair
• The innovative PTC ceramic heater heats up in a flash, and stays at the temperature while styling
• Negative Ions promote smoother, silkier hair
• Far infrared technology distribute heat evenly, preventing damage
• Sleek, ergonomic, non-slip grip designed for professional comfort
• Variable temperature settings for all hair types
• Hooked end for salon professional storage and easy hanging
• Professional 360° swivel cord to prevent tangling
• Dual Voltage - 110 - 240, 50/60 Hz
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

GIVEAWAY

Win Cortex Solo 4450 Titanium Zebra Flat Iron from Flat Iron Experts

 

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

What other product from FlatIronExperts.com would you like to have?

*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 Flat Iron Experts Facebook +1-

Follow Flat Iron Experts 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

-Follow PopcornNPearls on Twitter +1

-Be a friend of Popcorn and Pearls on Facebook +1

-Follow Popcorn and Pearls on Pinterest +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 Cortex 450 Titanium Flat Iron from @FlatIronExperts at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 5/11 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/04/flat-iron-experts-cortex-solo-450.html

 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts April 20, 2012 and ends on May 11th, 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.

Today Starts Our Mother's Day Gift Guide 2012

Today we are starting the Mother's Day Gift Guide for 2012. We are having many great reviews and giveaways from now until mid May. We are glad to be apart of celebrating the women you love this Mother's Day. We are happy to be able to share with you our ideas for great gifts for Mom, Grandma, Sisters, Aunts, Friends and even your Mother in Law. :)

Country Dance All Stars Kinect Game for XBOX 360 Review

We love to play video games at my house. We play them with family and friends as a fun source of entertainment. Since getting the Kinect game nights have been even more fun! Getting up off the couch to dance and be apart of the game has changed the way we play and I love it!

We recently reviewed the game Country Dance All Stars. I had a blast playing it! My son and I both had on our boots and danced to our hearts content. My son wasnt really playing but he was really dancing! The moves are fun and the back grounds are great. The music had tons of great artists like Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, Kellie Pickler and so many more.

Country Dance All Stars has a few modes to play in. We played Competitive, Co-Op and Line Dance routines. I think this game is going to make me a better Country dancer. So fun!

I loved the most about this game was its a fun way to workout. All the dancing a music left me exhausted but happy! I can't wait to see if I can get my mother in law to try this game. Its going to be funny.

You can find Country Dance All Stars at most places you can buy games such as Walmart, Target and Game Stop for $39.99.










*I was not paid for our review. The opinions are 100% mine and may vary from others. I was provided the game in this post to review for free from the PR company that represents them.

Happy To Hang Out

My grown children lead busy lives. Everyone does, I know. But between kids, jobs, school, and a boyfriend, it's sometimes hard to get a day together.

So this week it was just fun to "hang out" with some of them. We went to the bookstore, went out to lunch and just generally goofed around. It was great. Two of my kids live in other states, and to say that I miss them is the understatement of the year. I miss them with all my heart.

So it just makes it sweeter to be able to see the ones I can. It is so hard, this letting go that all parents have to do. Weather it's going to kindergarten, or moving away, all we can do is give our love and prayers that they do well and are happy. Easier said then done.

Helzberg Diamonds Show Mom She’s Loved Mother's Day Contest

Win a $5,000 Shopping Spree for Your Mom

Want to make your Mom feel spoiled and have a shopping frenzy?!?

Enter her in the Show Mom She’s Loved Contest – and encourage your family to nominate you, too. Share with them the special way she makes you and others feel loved at Helzberg Mom is Loved contest page for a chance to win a $5,000 Helzberg Diamonds shopping spree.

Helzberg Diamonds welcomes you to share best stories, photos and videos about the special mom in your life. Contest entries can be shared by children (18 and older), spouses/significant others, family and friends. The contest ends Friday, April 27.

Here is the Official Entry Form and the Official Rules.

Keep your eyes out for a Review and Giveaway of a Mother’s Day Sterling Silver and Diamond Pendant right here on our blog. So excited!