Sacramento Cal Expo First Ever Puppy Show Oct. 13-14

Earlier in the year my family and I attended a Dog Show at Cal Expo in Sacramento CA. My son loved it! All the dogs were great and the trainers so informative and friendly. My son's favorite part was when he was able to meet a litter of Jack Russel puppies. He loves puppies, everyone loves puppies right?!? This weekend Cal Expo in Sacramento CA is hosting the First Ever Puppy Show. It will be a fun and cute time!

First-Ever Puppy Show Comes to Cal Expo

-Hundreds of puppies, pet product vendors, dog lovers and media expected to attend the first-ever Sacramento Puppy Show, hosted by the Sacramento Kennel Club-

What: The Sacramento Kennel Club, a member of the American Kennel Club (AKC), will host the inaugural Sacramento Puppy Show at Cal Expo-Saturday October 13 and Sunday, October 14^th.

A great family event, the Sacramento Puppy Show will offer pet lovers dozens of opportunities to celebrate all things dog! Bringyour pet (or even just a photo) and communicate with one of our pet psychics; let your dog run through our agility course, or watch dog agility demonstrations throughout the day; plan your dog’s birthday party, or participate in a dog wedding; enjoy AKC breed and puppy competitions; adopt a pet from area rescue groups and shelters; enter your dog in one of our fun costume contests; win fun prizes and shop some of the best pet and specialty vendors around!

This is a dog friendly event, and you won’t want to miss it!

When:                 Saturday, October 13^thopen from 9am-5pm

Sunday, October 14^th open from 10am-4pm

Where:               Cal Expo, Building C

                                    1600 Exposition Blvd.

                                    Sacramento, CA 95815

Dog Wedding, 10/13:

Event highlights include a dog wedding where pet owners can let two dogs get hitched at a wedding. Participants will receive the wedding ceremony, a puptual photo, and goodie bag. The dog wedding will take place on Saturday, October 13^th at 1pm.

Dog Costume Contest, 10/14:

Additionally, and just in time for Halloween, a dog costume contest will be held in three categories- best dog/owner team or best group costume; most original; and best celebrity look-a-like costume. Register at the show, beginning at 12:00. The contest will begin at 1:00 sharp.   

                          

Schedule:            Saturday, October 13^th

                           11am- Puppy Competition

                           1pm- Dog Wedding

                           3pm- Adult Dog Competition

                           Sunday, October 14^th

                           11am- AKC Puppy Match

                           1pm- Costume Contest

                           3pm- AKC Adult Dog Match   

Shopping, dog agility demonstrations and an open course, birthday party planning, giveaways, games, adoptions and psychic readings will be available all day,every day.

Cost:                   $5 Advance Tickets Online

$10 Event Tickets at the Door

                           $8.50 Seniors (60+) & Juniors (13-18)

Children under 12 are well behaved, leashed dogs are free.

For complete event, competition and ticket information, visit www.SacramentoPuppyShow.com and ‘like’ us at www.facebook.com/CalExpoDogShow or follow our tweets @CalExpoDogShow.

Weekend in Pictures at the Seattle Zoo

This weekend the weather was amazing! The sun was shining, which is rare in Seattle this time of the year. Usually we are drenched with rain wishing we could spend more time outdoors. We decided to take full advantage of the great weather and head to the Seattle Zoo. We invited some of our favorite friends and enjoyed the day.

JJ climbing up to get a better view of the hippo, who is usually hiding when we go to see him.

The boys watching the monkeys in this great waterfall habitat.

Liam always up to something!

Ashley had a great time in the indoor play area!

The boys again holding hands...love it.

JJ, Liam and I at the flamingos, with me sneaking in some kisses.

Wicked the Musical is Coming to Seattle

                                        

 

~ By Sam ~


I am so excited that Wicked the Musical is coming to Seattle!!! My husband gave me tickets to go see Wicked for my birthday back in August! A total treat from a guy who is not really into musicals. He knows that I love the theater and knew that I would love to go with him. What a guy! I can't wait to get dressed up, hit the Emerald City (which is what Seattle is called coincidentally) and head off to the theater.

The show starts this week, October 10th - November 17 in Seattle at the Paramount Theater. Curious if the Wicked tour is coming to your area? Check out the On Tour List here.

Hotslings Review

                                   


When we decided to take our Road Trip this summer I was thinking about my then 6 month old baby girl and how to carrier her around even though she needed regular naps and knew that her brothers would want the stroller so she would need to be carried a lot. I wanted something that she could sit up in but also be easily transitioned into sleeping without disturbing her too much. A great solution was Hotslings, I have never had a "sling type" baby carrier and I wasn't sure how I would like it. I had my baby in the Hip Carry position, it was comfortable for me and she loved it. She could see out and it felt natural to me because on my hip is where she travels a lot on at home. My hands were free and to do other things while she just hung out. It was great. One thing that I did notice in the beginning was that my body seemed to overcompensate on the side she was not sitting on so it did put a bit of a strain on my body. But once I was aware of what I was doing I was able to fix it and it felt great!

                                         

Here is the AP Barely Square that I have and what Hotslings has to say about it-


Say bye bye to complicated sizing charts and hello to the infinitely adjustable Hotslings AP! Two strategically placed tri-glides allow the AP to fit comfortably on multiple users while also easily accommodating postpartum body changes.

Hotslings provide you with great instructions on different ways to carry your baby and the age appropriate positions, great for newbies like me. There are lots of great patterns to chose from and each comes with a matching diaper pouch for your on the go diaper needs! Cute! If you are looking for a Sling that is stylish and functional I suggest you check out Hotslings. 



* I was not paid or compensated for this post. I was sent a free sling from Hotslings  for my review. The opinions are 100% mine and may vary from others.

A Boy and his Dog

My son and his best pal "Kosha" are so sweet! They play ball, fetch, chase and even both listen to dog commands lol. It seems when my son is playing that he is a dog he actually listens! HA if this method would work in the grocery store I would be set. Our lab is the most gentle, tolerant and well behaved dog I have ever met. These two are inseparable and I think its awesome he has been able to grown up having a dog since the day he was born. Reminds me of Bobby and Ladybird from King of the Hill and oddly dog dancing might be in the future. Leave a comment if you know which episode I am talking about. lol

Halloween Fun Magazine Review

Halloween is a fun time of year in my house. Its the launch of the holiday seasons, fall and fun! Now that my son is old enough to really enjoy Halloween I want to go all out this year. I wanted ideas that worked for someone else so I could have an easy way to make Halloween fun. I love magazines, something about reading it in your hands and being able to put it in my bag when on the go to reference in the store is great.

Halloween Fun (from the Good Houskeeping, Redbook and Country Living) currently on news stands and is filled with Halloween ideas. I found many I want to try this year.  Whether you’re throwing a monster bash or just decorating to get in the spirit, you’ll find frightfully quick and easy ways to have a delightfully haunted holiday.

We made a Halloween cookie for fun after reading the magazine. My son wanted a pumpkin so I baked him one.

Look what’s inside?

*New takes on jack-o’-lanterns
*Boo-tiful cupcakes, marshmallow ghosts, mummy cakes, and other treats for little goblins
*Super-cute, simple costumes for kids—and even pets!
*Zillions of ideas for crafts and decorations for your home, from killer entrances to eerie touches throughout the house

 Halloween Fun! is available for $6.99 and can be purchased at your local supermarket, newsstand or bookstore. A digital edition is also available at Zinio.com or Nook.bn.com. For even more photos and inspiration, check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hearstspecials and Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/hearstspecials.

* I was not paid or compensated for this post. I was sent a free copy  for my review by the publisher/PR company. The opinions are 100% mine and may vary from others.

The Double Stroller Debate

 

Miss Ashley "chillin" in the new double jogging stroller :)

I had mentioned earlier that I feel like I am still getting the hang of this Mother of 3 thing and the fact that I have a 5 year old, a 9 month old and a barely 2 year old. I am always feeling like I can't go many places by myself with all three of them, it is just hard. JJ, my 5 year old, can walk so no big deal. It is Liam the barely 2 year old and the 9 month old, Ashley I struggle with. Liam is at the age where he is exploring his boundaries. He wants to walk, then be carried, then cry cause he wants something, then cry to be picked up, then cry to be let down. All the while Ashley really is just going with the flow hoping I don't drop her (not really) while I try to juggle her and her rowdy brother in my arms. I never bought a double stroller because I though I would never use/need one. I thought surely I would never volunteer to take them all out alone (as if) and if I did it would be somewhere there were carts handy and I could pile them in, seat belts and all. Well the whole not having a double stroller cause I don't need one for my two children who were then both under 2 years of age was insane. I mean who do I think I am Angelina Jolie?

About two weeks ago I was starting to feel like I had lost my confidence in going out with my children. Out of the blue I started to feel like the walls were closing in on me and I needed to get out and about with the little ones. JJ just started Kindergarten this fall. So technically five days a week, I only have two kids most of the day. I started to feel like I needed to get back the "mommy confidence" I once had when I had only one or two children. The reality is there are three of them and if I ever want to go out with them on my own and have a sane nice time a double stroller needed to be in my near future. I also knew that I wanted to get a used one at a great price, maybe Craigslist? So I was checking double strollers for sale in my area and found a bunch. Now to decide what I wanted/needed out of it. I looked at the traditional front seat/backseat style and thought about how when Liam is in that style he can get bored and knows how to climb out. That style has a great purpose for some situations so I am not ruling it out completely. I continued to scroll and saw the double jogging strollers. Hmmm never thought about a jogging stroller really. I mean I am not a jogger (but secretly want to be) but I could take it up someday right? I liked the idea that my two little ones would be side by side talking, sharing a snack, talking about the all birds and flowers they were seeing. I thought about how they might not get bored and actually enjoy each other. Then I thought about how they might fight (oh and they will) over a toy or a snack or someones arm is touching "their side." I decided not to focus on the ladder and knew I now wanted a double jogging stroller. I decided I might take up jogging and if I did I would need a double jogging stroller for sure. I found this one for only $40!! There were others in the $80-150 range with some more bells and whistles but that was more than I was wanting/willing to spend. So as you do with all Craigslist transactions (or at least I hope you do) we met a public place. I gave her my $40 and she gave me my freedom back with a new used double stroller.

Despite Liam's face and him not wanting to smile for me, they really do like it in there together!! 

We have had it over a week now and I am just loving it and so are the kids! I have taken them to stores, the mall, the park and I even took them out walking in it (hey I have to work up to a jogging pace). I have to say that my "mommy confidence" is coming back and it is really feeling good. And it only cost me $40.

Big Top Scooby-Doo! Movie on Blu-ray Oct. 9th

Scooby Doo is a lovable dog in my home. He is silly and loves snacks, kind of sounds like my son lol. I enjoy watching the Scooby Doo movies with my son. It reminds me of my childhood watching the cartoons on the weekend or after school. My son calls Scooby "Dooby Doo" He howls it! Too cute! This is a fun circus themed Scooby Doo full of the adventurous mystery solving antics that Scooby and the gang are know for. I like that these movies are on Blu-ray! The color and sound are great.

BIG TOP SCOOBY-DOO!

THE MUST-HAVE ORIGINAL NEW ANIMATED FILM

AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY® AND DVD WITH ULTRAVIOLET^TM  

ON OCTOBER 9, 2012

FROM WARNER HOME VIDEO

WILL TAKE VIEWERS ON AN EXCITING CIRCUS-THEMED ADVENTURE

Warner Home Video’s all-new animated feature-length movie Big Top Scooby-Doo!, which makes its debut on Blu-ray™ and DVD October 9, 2012. It’s a spectacle consumers won’t want to miss as Scooby and his pals join a circus in an attempt to investigate a series of werewolf sightings. Big Top Scooby-Doo! will be sold in a Blu-ray™ combo pack (includes both the Blu-ray™ and standard DVD and ULTRAVIOLET™ editions of the film), which retails for $24.98 SRP and on standard DVD, which retails for $19.98 SRP (DVD).

When the Brancusi Circus comes to town, Fred — who has always had dreams about performing under the big top — jumps at the opportunity to visit the show. Upon their arrival, Scooby and the gang learn the circus performers have been terrorized by a werewolf who has not only frightened them but has also stolen jewelry from circus spectators. The circus is blamed for the attacks and faces a potential shutdown. Desperate for help, the circus ringleader turns to Scooby-Doo and his pals. To get close to the action, they all go undercover as circus performers: Fred becoming a trapeze artist, Daphne a daring motorcycle stunt driver and Velma a human cannonball. Will they be ready to face a frightening team of circus-themed werewolves?

“Big Top Scooby-Doo! is a full-length, fun-filled adventure the entire family can enjoy together,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Vice President Family & Animation Marketing and Partner Brands. She added, “Kids love to see Scooby-Doo in exciting new settings, so we put him in this colorful, circus-themed atmosphere where he’s got limitless opportunities to get into all sorts of hilarious predicaments and crazy shenanigans. If you love Scooby-Doo, this a must-have title for your home entertainment library.


*I was not paid or compensated for this post. The opinions in this post are 100% mine and may vary from other opinions. I was provided for free a copy for my review.

 

Farm Rich Products Review and Giveaway

I love foods that are easy, convenient, and taste great. That's just what Farm Rich snacks and appetizers are.
Perfect for party appetizers, after school snacks, football game watching snacks, and more, Farm Rich is tasty and comes in a large variety of choices.

I love it when friends and family drop by, and having easy and quick foods that I can serve to them makes it even more enjoyable. Farm Rich offers meatballs, Philly cheese steaks, mini pizza slices, stuffed pretzel bites, and more. And they are a good source of protein, calcium, and trans fat free.

My family and I recently tried the Farm Rich cheese sticks and breaded mushrooms. We used ranch dressing and barbecue sauce for dipping sauces.

Made with whole white button Mushrooms and covered in seasoned breadcrumbs, they were very tasty.
The Cheese Sticks are made with 100% real mozzarella and are also covered in seasoned breadcrumbs. The cheese sticks were especially popular, and we all loved the yummy, melted cheesy goodness.

We will definitely be buying more Farm Rich products and trying other varieties These are a great choice to have on hand for our Sundays of watching football and snacking.

You can go to Farmrich.com to find out about their complete line of products, coupons and offers. The Keep'em Happy Hour Club has great coupons like the Buy One Try One for $1.50 off two coupon.


Enter to Win 2 Free Product Coupons for Farm Rich ($6.99 value each) 

Enter in the Rafflecopter Giveaway Below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Oct. 4,  2012 and ends on Oct. 18, 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 received free product coupons for my review.

Cookie's Kids Fall Clothing Shopping Online

As soon as October rolls around I know its time to update my son's wardrobe for the Fall. Without going in the closet to see if any of his clothing fits I know it does not. He was my baby still last year and this year he is a big running talking toddler! His pants are all too short and his shirts his belly stick out of them. Clothing to me has an emotional attachment. Each time I put away a season and size of clothing I know he will not wear them again, makes me sad but happy knowing another baby one day will wear them. That is why I like to buy quality name brand clothing that I can save for future kids. Cookie's Kids offers quality clothing for affordable prices, I can shop brand and low price! I always find something I love at their online store.

My son is almost 3 so he does have a bit of an opinion on what he likes. I showed him a few character outfits and his favorite was Elmo. I would have picked Cars but he wanted Elmo, glad I asked him! Since he has changed sizes and I now buy him a 3T. I wondered if he needed a 3T in everything or somethings bigger or smaller. I was glad to see Cookie's Kids has the ALVA Kids icon to help you find the right size in a specific brand. The application asked me info about my son's height to help determine what size he needed for the item, very helpful for online shopping. You can also shop in stores at Cookies Kids if you live near the 7 locations around New York City including the Bronx, Brooklyn and Jamaica.

 Since I signed up for the Cookie's Kids Email Newsletter I was informed about the awesome Clearance Sale that included some items for $0.99. I love a great deal like that. I was also looking for an outfit for my son to get his pictures taken in before he turns 3, a casual playdate outfit and something he could wear to the tumbling class I enrolled him in. #CookiesKids

The clothing from Cookie's Kids to update my son's Fall Wardrobe #CookiesKids

I was very happy with my purchase. I found everything I needed for under $30! Plus I found a few hoodies and a coat I want to get for my son asap. I love that about the site, there is everything you need and more! I like shopping online since I can email links to family for gift ideas since my son's birthday is next month. Makes it easy for them to know what he needs.

My son loved this Elmo outfit. He picked it out himself. I paid only $11.99 for an Elmo Hoodie and Jeans set. A great deal since I can pair the jeans with other items and the hoodie I know he will wear often.

I love this little outfit "Double Windsor" 50 Fifty. I only paid $10.99! I like button ups with a collar for getting pictures taken. We will be headed to a photo studio later this week and of course his best friend Giraffe will be there too.

I was thrilled to see many items in the $0.99 Clearance sale. I found just what I needed in my son's size for tumbling class. I found a pair of U.S. Polo shorts and a French Toast tank top each for $0.99. I saw a few items I should have purchased at the time for next year Summer clothing but were gone when I looked again. So hurry and get those on sale items before they are gone.

Along with the items I did buy I made a little Wish List Polyvore set for what I want to get next shopping trip. I call it the Go Green Cars Set. :)

Source: frugalfamilytree-bloggers.polyvore.com via FrugalFamilyTree on Pinterest

To get you started on updating your own kids Fall clothing Cookie's Kids has given me a coupon code to share with my readers. Awesome!!

Online Code: frugalfamilytree 10% off, no minimum! Excludes Furniture, Gear and Toys. Contiguous U.S. Only. Expires 11/30/12

You can see all the great items I found online at Cookie's Kids to get ideas for updating your kids Fall Wardrobe 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™ and CookiesKids.com #CBias #SocialFabric