Fisher-Price Giggle Gang Review and Giveaway

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

Ashley with Curly and Fuzzy :)

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

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

Develop & Learn

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

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

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

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

 GIVEAWAY

Win Giggle Gang Buddy for your little one.

 

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



Which Giggle Gang Buddy is your favorite?

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

Extra Entries: Can be done after leaving a comment for mandatory entry. If the extra entry says 1 extra entry leave 1 comment and 2 extra entries leave me 2 comments and so on.

-Like on Fisher Price Facebook +1

-Follow Fisher Price Toys on Twitter +1

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

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

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

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

 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 28, 2012 and ends on June 12, 2012 at midnight PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. I was provided the item reviewed in this post for free by the company or PR company that represents them. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.

Happy Memorial Day

 

 Happy Memorial Day! Sincere thanks to all who have served and all who are serving. 

We appreciate our military families. Thanks to our love ones who have served recently, we love you!!

Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary

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

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

Photo by http://goldengatebridge75.org

Highlights 

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

 

Books, Life, and Love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some of the features about the 3-in-1 Napper from their web site -

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

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

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

 


  GIVEAWAY

Win a Tiny Love 3-in-1 Rocker Napper

 

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

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

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

Extra Entries: Can be done after leaving a comment for mandatory entry. If the extra entry says 1 extra entry leave 1 comment and 2 extra entries leave me 2 comments and so on.

-Like Tiny Love on Facebook +1

-Follow Tiny Love on Twitter +1

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

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

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

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

 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 26, 2012 and ends on June 7, 2012 at midnight PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. I was provided the item reviewed in this post for free by the company or PR company that represents them. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.

Dads and Baseball

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

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

My son at 9 months

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

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

J3LL Watch Review and Giveaway

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

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

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

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

The Brown Clock Watch and White Rock Watch

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

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

GIVEAWAY

Win a Two J3LL Watches of your choice

To Enter This Giveaway:

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

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

Extra Entries: Can be done after leaving a comment for mandatory entry. If the extra entry says 1 extra entry leave 1 comment and 2 extra entries leave me 2 comments and so on.

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

-Follow J3LL Watches on Twitter +1

 -Follow/Add to your circle  Frugal Family Tree on Google+ ( right hand side) +1

-Like our new fan page on Facebook Frugal Family Tree +1

-Follow FrugalFamTree on Twitter +1 

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

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


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

*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 24, 2012 and ends on June 7, 2012 at midnight PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. I was provided the watches pictured for free for this review. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.

Big Fish Games Review and Giveaway

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

Ready to start!

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

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

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

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

 GIVEAWAY

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

To Enter This Giveaway:

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


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

Extra Entries: Can be done after leaving a comment for mandatory entry. If the extra entry says 1 extra entry leave 1 comment and 2 extra entries leave me 2 comments and so on.

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

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

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

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

#Win a Free Game Download from @bigfishgames at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 6/7 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/05/big-fish-games-review-and-giveaway.html

*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts May 24, 2012 and ends on June 7, 2012 at midnight PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was provided a free download for the game to review. This is a paid sponsored giveaway. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.

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

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


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

Favorite Things

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

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

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

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