Medina Basket Review - Mother's Day

Medina Baskets is one of my absolute favorite companies. Beauty, quality, and durability are all characteristics of these baskets, totes, and home accessory items.

These beautiful baskets are hand-woven in villages in Mexico, Morocco, Ghana and Bangladesh. Making the baskets provides work and income for many of the villages families.
                                                              

This is the Yellow Weave Basket. It's sunny yellow color is lovely, and it's perfect for many uses. Great for taking to the farmer's market or the beach, it's roomy enough for flowers and veggies, or an armful of beach towels.

This is the Leather Top Purse. It is such a great summer purse, able to go from casual to dressy with ease. It's very spacious, woven from water reed, and has a leather zippered top. Medina Baskets are an investment in beauty and functionality that will last for years. They are the perfect gift for Mother's Day, birthdays, or any time of the year. Visit their website at medinabaskets. com to see their complete line of baskets and totes.

To learn more about Medina Baskets you can be a fan Facebook.

*I was not paid or compensated for this post. The opinions in this post are 100% mine. I was provided the products mentioned in this post to review for this post by the Company / PR Company.

Guylian Artisanal Belgian Chocolates Review and Giveaway - Mother's Day

Chocolate and Mother's Day to me go hand in hand. The one day I can tell myself its totally ok to have the candy just for me! I love chocolates that have a unique look or flavor. Guylian Artisanal Belgian Chocolates are both! I love the shapes of Seahorses and Seashells that the blend of milk and white chocolates are shaped in. It was so creamy and fun to eat. The Chocolates are filled with a rich and so sweet chocolate truffle filling. They melt in your mouth when you eat them.

They are crafted in small copper pot batches in Belgium. The chocolate company was made by a husband and wife team back in 1958. The name of the company is a melding of both their first names, Guy and Liliane. How sweet is that! The Guylian website even has tips for pairing your chocolates with wine and coffee drinks. I can imagine a tasting party with these as the star.

The detail on the chocolate is amazing. They look so real. The Seahorse have a tail that curls in the opposite direction than a seahorse in nature. These fine chocolates are even stamped with a "G" on the chocolates to show that they are genuine imported Belgium Guylian Chocolates.

Of course I let my son try some of them. I wouldnt be a Mama without the sweetheart. He thought they were as amazing as I did. He said Oh Wow and asked me what each one was. He thought the Seahorses were the neatest. He even said Oh No when I took a bite out of one and told me I Broke It. The chocolates are delicious and next time I have some I plan to do as the website suggested and melt one into a cup of hot coffee and add whipped cream. Sounds soooooo good!

Guylian Artisanal Belgian Chocolates would make a wonderful gift for Mother's Day for the mom in your life. They are delicious and special. You can find them in most Walmart, Raley's and Cost Plus stores. For a location near you there is the Store Locator page.

GIVEAWAY

Win a box of Guylian Artisanal Belgian Chocolates for the Mom you love.

To Enter This Giveaway:

Which of the 11 Sea Shell Shapes of Chocolate do you like the most?

*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 Guylian Artisanal Belgian Chocolates on Facebook +1
-Follow Guylian Artisanal Belgian Chocolates 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 a box of Guylian Artisanal Belgian Chocolates at @Guylian_Chocs from @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 5/20 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/05/guylian-artisanal-belgian-chocolates.html

 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 9, 2012 and ends on May 20, 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.  The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.

Mohawk Home Area Rug Review and Giveaway - Mother's Day

My husband and I have been wanting a rug but had the hardest time finding one we both liked. He wanted a simple pattern I wanted a busy one. There were colors I wanted and ones he did not want at all. Since we were decorating the living room it had be something we both liked. We looked online at store I did not consider for rugs, Home Depot.

It seemed like a great solution to our rug problem. A store we both love and a brand we trust, Mohawk. We selected the Mohawk Home Aiken Madder Brown rug for our living room. We recent got a new couch and a recliner and were trying to find something that would bring the room together since its a long skinny room. We are having wood floors put in sometime in the next few weeks and the rug will look even nicer.

Before Picture. The room needed a rug to pull it together. 

(we also need a new paint job on these walls lol)

After the rug went down it was amazing. It makes the dark leather furniture mesh with the black entertainment center and makes the whole room seem more together. The Mohawk rug makes the room feel more comfy and home like. With the square pattern it looks modern and not too busy.

He was so happy about the rug he was running around it over and over lol

Added benefit, my son was using the lines in the rug as a track for his cars!

Perfect for playing, reading books and making the room look more beautiful.

We are planning on installing new floors and I hope painting the walls. I will be updating pictures as we make the room even more beautiful. Starting with a great rug to find colors and a theme for your room is perfect. I now know what accent colors I can use to make to room even more as one. Mohawk rugs are durable and affordable. Plus you can have your husband looking online at Home Depot for stuff you want, how cool is that!

Company Info:

-Mohawk Home is the largest manufacturer of  Area Rugs,  Indoor / Outdoor Mats and Washable Rugs
-Mohawk Home has fashion designers for textiles and flooring to create new styles and reinvent classics
-Mohawk Home has a Green Works Environment Program to reduce waste and recycles PET plastic bottles to create fibers for rugs.

Still Made in the USA Mohawk Rug Video:

 

Mohawk Home is offering one of our lucky readers the chance to win an Mohawk Area Rug for your home. I think this would make an awesome Mother's Day gift for yourself or your own Mom.

GIVEAWAY

Win a Mohawk Home Area Rug. Winner may choose any Mohawk Home rug up to size 5x8 and under $150 valued on site.

To Enter This Giveaway:

Which Mohawk Home Rug would you pick if you won?
(click a store and it will show you the Mohawk rugs)


*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 Mohawk Home on Facebook +1
-Follow Mohawk Home on Twitter +1
-Follow Mohawk Home on Pinterest +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 Mohawk Area Rug from @Mohawk_Home at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 5/30 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/05/mohawk-home-area-rug-review-and.html

 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 9, 2012 and ends on May 30, 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.  The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.

Grow Your Own Fruit

 There is a fruit tree that makes yellow fruit each year that divides our property to the neighbors. I always thought it was their tree so I have not picked any fruit off of it. I did rescue a Mama bird and her eggs from it last June but thought the fruit was the neighbors. Turns out its our tree. This year I will try some of it. I have been wanting to buy some more fruit trees too.

We had a banana tree and an avocado tree that I accidentally destroyed with too much care. I know better now and was just at Home Depot (LOVE that store!) and saw some great fruit trees and vines. The two I want the most is a grape vine and a blackberry bush. In our first home my husband and I ate grapes right from the vine on hot summer days with the neighbors and loved them. As a kid when we lived in WA we would pick them from the bushes at my brother's school and eat them. So good to eat fruit that fresh. I am hoping to get some more plants for Mother's Day and plan to get some fruit bearing ones. Cant wait! Over the weekend I planted Sugar Baby Watermelon vines and Bell Peppers. My garden is growing and I love it.

What have you planted so far this year?

Not ripe yet but soon they will be bright yellow. Not even sure what they are lol

Going Back to College

I have made several attempts to complete my bachelors degree but each time somehow someway life happens. Or I tell myself that is what happened. But this Summer I am going back to college. Only one class for now but its a slow start back into the mode of college. I really do love to go. The people, the learning and the positive attitudes are wonderful. 

I have taken many, oh so many classes and changed my major 3 or 4 times because I never felt it was what was right for me. Now through being a mom and blogging I have found out more about myself than I ever thought I would. Plus turning 30 last summer made me really think about what to do with myself. 

My brother in law went back to college and he works full time. So heck I think I can do it too! Its not just for me to get a great job but to also show my son that Mommy has a degree too. Hopefully I can bring my spell check with me lol I am a terrible speller. I loved college back when I was younger and now as a Mom I think I can take in more and be much better at the art of multitasking. 

Wish me luck as I take on Summer School and the path back down the road to a degree!

Lamo Footwear Sheepskin Boots Review

Here in Seattle we have cooler weather even in the Spring and Summer. I always want to stay fashionable on days where boots and jeans are perfect. Lamo Footwear makes boots using the wool from Australian Merino sheep making them high quality and so soft.  I recently had the opportunity to review the 9" Flat Sole Classic Lamo Sheepskin Boots and absolutely love them. The outer of the boot is made of leather and the lining on the inside is Sheepskin. The sheepskin is the softest material I have ever felt! It's literally like walking on a cloud. If i didn't think my feet would make the inside smell I wouldn't even wear socks!

The color of leather is a medium brown and they look nice with any pair of pants. I wear mine with slimmer jeans on the bottom (either boot-cut or skinny) because a flare would be hard to tuck in. Although you could wear flared jeans and pull the jeans over the top of the boot. Although the weather is getting warmer I have seen others wearing boots similar to mine with skirts or dresses too. I would highly recommend these boots because they offer great support for your feet and you could walk in them for hours on end. Comfiest boots I have found in a very long time.

Lamo Footwear makes Sandals, Clogs, Booties, Slippers and has new shoes for Spring/Summer 2012. You can learn more about Lamo Sheepskin Footwear on their facebook and twitter pages.




*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.

Picture Keeper Review and Giveway - Mother's Day

Before my son was born I took a lot of pictures. My dog, my garden, nature and the river. But oh my after my son was born I take tons of pictures. I have hard drives full of pictures and videos of him. When we go to get some printed I needed a smaller drive to take with me. I did not want to take the big one full of original pictures in case it was dropped or lost. The perfect solution is the Picture Keeper.


This is a great way to create a back up for your pictures. I know for me thinking about traveling this summer and wondering how I will make sure I dont lose pictures that I need to clear off my camera memory to take more. The Picture Keeper would be great for that. Its simple to use just plug into your computer, open the program to load your pictures on it then unplug and store. Easy peasy! Plus I am thinking one of these for projects like crafts, DIY or my blog would be perfect to keep it all on one drive.

Picture Keeper 4 Keeps up to ~4000* pictures safe!

*ESTIMATE - based on an average size of 1 MB per picture

Picture Keeper Special Offer

Purchase a Picture Keeper at participating Walgreens stores (list of those stores can be found here: Where to Buy), and receive a coupon for 50 FREE Prints at a Walgreens Photo Center.  Just save your receipt, and email a copy to sales@picturekeeper.com and we will send out a $5.00 Walgreens gift card!

 

GIVEAWAY

Win a Picture Keeper 4


To Enter This Giveaway:

What is your favorite subject to take photos of? (Mine is my son and nature)

*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 Picture Keeper on Facebook +1
-Follow Picture Keeper 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 a Picture Keeper from @PictureKeeper at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 5/18 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/05/picture-keeper-review-and-giveway.html

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

Soda Stream Review and Giveaway - Mother's Day

A Soda Steam machine is something I have wanted to try since my sister Sam got one. As kids our Dad had a soda machine that we would get to mix our own soda and drink. It was so cool back then but messy. Now with Soda Stream its super simple to save money and have home made soda.

The Soda Stream Starter Pack is a great item to have. We reviewed the Genesis and love it. You add tap water to the reusable eco friendly bottles, put it the machine to carbonate the water then add the flavorings (we made a few mixed flavors for fun). Plus no empties to store and have to lug to the recycling.

We were also sent Soda Stream My Water Flavor Essence. I love to drink plain water but thought it would be nice for the warm days here in Cali. I liked the Lemon Lime one the most. I added it to the sparkling water and took it out back to do some gardening. Its refreshing when out in the heat.

The Orange and Rootbeer were the two I liked best from the original Soda Stream flavors. My son really liked the Orange one and he loved to help me push the carbonate button.

My favorites are the Sparkling Natural Soda Stream Products. The products are made with Pure Cane Sugar. I have been purchasing Hansen's Natural sodas that are made with Pure Cane Sugar. Now I can save money and bottles buy using the Soda Stream. The Black Currant and Pear was delicious. This is the first time I have tried this flavor combo and wow its great. Next I want to try the Rootbeer and Green Tea Sparkling Naturals.

You can buy at a Soda Stream at Target, Best Buy, Macy's, Kohl's and more.

 


We are hosting a giveaway of a Fountain Jet Soda Lover's Start-Up Kit  for Mother's Day.

 GIVEAWAY

Win a Fountain Jet Soda Lover's Start-Up Kit  ($99.95)

             Fountain Jet – winner’s choice of color (black/silver, red/silver or white)

1 carbonating bottle, reusable for up to 3 years

Reusable carbonator to fizz up to 60L of soda

Variety 6-pack of popular sample-size flavors

            3 full-sized flavors of the winner’s choice

To Enter This Giveaway:

Which flavor of Soda would you like to try?


*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 Soda Stream on Facebook +1
-Follow Soda Stream 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 Soda Stream Machine from @SodaStreamUSA at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 5/18 #SodaStream http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/05/soda-stream-review-and-giveaway-mothers.html

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

Sprout Watches Review and Giveaway - Mother's Day

I love companies that make products that are eco-conscious and eco-friendly. If that company can also make their products great looking and durable, then I am an interested customer.

I recently came across a company just like that called Sprout Watches. Sprout makes beautiful watches out of eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, corn resin, fish skins, and mineral crystals. With a background of 50 years of watchmaking, Sprout Watches was born out of a desire to make the greenest, most eco-conscious watch that the company was capable of making.

With this as their mission statement and with the help of bright and devoted employees, they have succeeded. Not only are Sprout Watches eco-friendly, they are also beautiful and stylish. They have a great website that is packed with information about their company, and it's large selection of watches. If you are interested in buying a Sprout watch, you will definitely have a hard time choosing one because you will want them all!

I am so loving this great new white water-proof watch. It has a snow white corn resin case, an adjustable snow white bracelet, and bamboo dial. Durable and sophisticated, this watch will take you from the office to the ocean.

Here is also the light green Tree of Life Watch design. These watches are not only eco-conscious, but fashion conscious as well.

This lovely, Mother Nature inspired timepiece will make you smile. It has a biodegradable corn resin case, a natural mother of pearl dial with a "tree of life" design, and twelve sparkling diamonds. All watches come with a mercury free battery, and are lead and phthalate free.

I just love Sprout Watches and have become a devoted customer. I plan on buying them as gifts for my family members. Visit their website at sproutwatches.com to see their complete line of products. They can also be found at Macys, Nordstrom, Dillard's and other retailers.

We are hosting a giveaway of a Sprout Watch for Mother's Day.

 GIVEAWAY

Win a Green Ladies Tree of Life watch from Sprout Watches

To Enter This Giveaway:

Which Women's Watch from Sprout Watches 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 Sprout Watches on Facebook +1
-Follow Sprout Watches on Twitter +1
-Submit an Eco-Tip to the Sprout Watches Tree +2

 -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 Eco Friendly Sprout Watch from @SproutWatches at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 5/18 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/05/sprout-watches-review-and-giveaway.html

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

Happiness is Peanuts Team Snoopy DVD Review and Giveaway

Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang are a childhood favorite of mine. I cant go certain holidays without watching some of the classics. The newest DVD,  Happiness is Peanuts Team Snoopy is great. My son has been into baseball lately. With his cousin JJ playing he sees pictures and we like to watch professional games on tv. He loves to hold a bat and have me pitch to him. He has not figured out how to use his glove correctly yet but oh my he can hit the ball like a mini pro.

He loves the Team Snoopy DVD. We have been watching the movie this weekend a few times already. I know this is one he will ask for over and over since he likes Baseball. I like when Linus is playing in the outfielder with his blue blankie. Makes me think that might be how my little guy plays. He loves to carry around his own blue blankie. Peppermint Patty is always great too. I love how she calls Charlie "Chuck". Overall this is a great Peanuts movie to add to your collection.

DVD Summary:

For Charlie Brown, a new baseball season equals new hopes of winning. Unfortunately, one player just isn't measuring up, which makes the team decide that Lucy Must Be Traded, Charlie Brown. Then suit up for a triple-header of laughs with The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show. In The Pelicans, Charlie Brown gets stuck with mascot duties while Peppermint Patty is on the road to victory with her baseball team. Great Pumpkin finds the Peanuts gang visiting the bowling alley in hopes of teaching Charlie Brown a new sport with hilarious results, and it’s game on as the neighborhood cat meets his match when Snoopy’s older brother Spike trots into town.



Happiness is Peanuts Team Snoopy is now out on DVD. You can own it on DVD by purchasing it from the WBShop.com or other retailers that carry DVDs.




 GIVEAWAY

Win a DVD copy of Happiness is Peanuts Team Snoopy


To Enter This Giveaway:

Who is your favorite Peanuts Character?

*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 Warner Brothers on Facebook +1
-Follow Warner Brothers 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 Happiness is Peanuts Team Snoopy from @WarnerBrosEnt at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 5/18  http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/05/happiness-is-peanuts-team-snoopy-dvd.html

 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 6, 2012 and ends on May 18, 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.  The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.