Hallmark Recorable Book and Ornament Review and Giveaway Holiday Gift Guide

I have loved the Hallmark company since I was a little girl. My mom loves to buy cards from there and we can spend hours looking at all the cards. During the Holidays Hallmark ornaments are a special item to give and get. There is a bit of magic in a Hallmark ornament with the details and care that go into the making of them. The first Christmas my son had I knew I HAD to have a Hallmark First Christmas ornament for him. I looked all over my local area for the one I wanted but they were sold out! (I should have been looking sooner for one!) I wanted to cry my eyes out that my baby boy would not have a First Christmas ornament on Christmas day .My Mom, Nana, found the sweetest Classic Winnie the Pooh first Christmas ornament and shipped it to me for my son. Nana saved the day for me with that precious little ornament. I did end up finding the other First Christmas ornament online that I wanted for me son so now he has two super special Hallmark First Christmas ornaments on the tree just for him. 

My sons first Christmas ornaments

Every year Hallmark comes out with great new ones too. We are wanting to get a new yearly Hallmark ornament each year to put a picture of our son in. I was thrilled when I learned that they made Recordable Keepsake Ornaments. The one I reviewed is an awesome combination of a yearly one, a photo one and a recordable one. How awesome is that! I am waiting to put a picture of him on Christmas day this year in it so next year I can remember the day but we are working on the message we will record. My son loves animals so he and I make the noises of what animals says what. I say "Cows say?" He response back with "Mooo Mooo" then I say "Sheep say?" he says "Baaaa Baaaa" when I ask him what a Pig says he grabs his nose and makes a piggy snorting noise, it cracks me up every time. We say dog, cat, and more animals and that is what I want to record on the Hallmark 2011 A Year to Remember ornament. It melts my heart when he and I have our animal noises conversation and this way no matter how big he gets I will have his sweet animal sounds recorded.

Another awesome item I was able to review is the Hallmark Recordable Story Books. I have seen these in stores and the commercial with the Solider getting the one in the mail from his little girl Sam makes me teary eyed every time I see it. The book I selected to review is one of my favorite baby books by Nancy Tillman, the book On the Night You Were Born. This book is so precious and of course has my sons favorite thing, animals in it. I recorded me reading it to him when he was sitting there with me. He pointed to the bears and said bear and when he saw there were Giraffes in the book he happily shrieked "Giafe!" Giraffes are his super duper favorite animal and I love to see how much joy he gets when he sees one. I almost started to cry as I was making the recording but did not want to mess it up. Hallmark sure knows how to make perfect gifts for families.

I encourage everyone to get a recordable Hallmark item this holiday season. I know we have cell phone messages, videos and all that sort of stuff but a book or ornament with your sweet little one talking on it no matter how old they are or will get it will always be something special.

Here is a great coupon code to get 20% off personalized greetings (minimum purchase $20) at www.hallmark.com. Discount code: SOCIAL20 (valid 11/1/11 – 1/1/12)

GIVEAWAY

 
Win a Hallmark Keepsake Ornament and Recordable Book.

To Enter This Giveaway:  

What Hallmark Ornament 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 Hallmark Facebook +1

-Follow Hallmark PR on Twitter +1

-Follow Frugal Family Tree on GFC ( 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) +1 for each tweet

#Win a Hallmark Recordable Story and Keepsake Ornament from @HallmarkPR  at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 12/16 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2011/12/hallmark-recorable-book-and-ornament.html


*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts December 8, 2011 and ends on December 16 , 2011 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

K'NEX Mario Cart Giveaway Holiday Gift Guide

We are happy that K'NEX is apart of our Holiday Gift Guide this year. JJ and his Dad have been having a blast playing with their Mario Cart Wii building set for JJ's Birthday. We are excited that now one of our readers will be able to win a Mario Cart Wii building set for your family. You can read the review Mario Kart Mario and Yoshi Building set here.

Here is info on the Finish Line Set from their web site-
Bring Mario™ Kart™ Wii to life! Race Mario™ and Yoshi™ to the Finish Line of the Mario™ Circuit Track. The set includes the parts to build Mario™ and Yoshi™, 2 Wild Wing Karts with super-fast, battery-powered motors, a buildable Goombas obstacle and 2 collectible items from the game: a Red Turtle Shell and Bullet Bill! Also includes 16 pieces of buildable, interconnectable track that creates a closed loop - combine this set with other sets from the Mario™ Kart™ Wii Series to build even bigger tracks! Ages 6+

GIVEAWAY

 
Win a Mario Cart Wii  Mario and Yoshi Finish Line KNEX set

To Enter This Giveaway:  

What other KNEX set do you like?

 *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 K'NEX Facebook +1

-Join the K'NEX Club for you and your kids +1

-Follow Frugal Family Tree on GFC ( 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) +1 for each tweet

#Win a Mario Cart Mario and Yoshi Finish line set from K'NEX at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 12/16 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2011/12/knex-mario-cart-giveaway-holiday-gift.html


*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts December 8, 2011 and ends on December 16 , 2011 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

Emily Post's Etiquette, 18th Edition Manners For A New World Review Holiday Gift Guide

Emily Post's Etiquette, the latest and 18th edition, is the new book of manners for this new and changing world. For generations, Emily Post has been the authority on good manners, proper social conduct and how to live a gracious life. But times have changed and just a few years ago the term "social networking" didn't even exist. So many of us are now plugged into the ever expanding world of technology, and good manners are needed there as well.

This new edition of Etiquette tackles all the modern issues that most of us face daily, from texting and Facebook, to tweeting and iPhones. We are introduced to a new generation of the Post Family, Emily's two great-great granddaughters and grandson. These new and younger voices offer answers and insights into some of todays' complicated social questions regarding technology and it's uses. Questions about on-line dating proper behavior on Facebook, tattoos in the workplace and more are just some of the subjects found here. All the questions and social situations that our parents once turned to Emily Post for the answers to, are covered here as well. Weddings, table manners, dress codes, family celebrations and more are all covered in a friendly and easy conversational tone. Thoughtfulness and consideration are just as important today as they always have been.

I think this is an important and excellent book for everyone to have in their household. We all want to have an active, happy social and family life. Good manners are key to good relationships, in the workplace, and making and keeping friends.

You can purchase Emily Post's Etiquette, 18th Edition Manners For A New World from Harper Collins, Barnes and Noble, Books A Million and many other book retailers.

To learn more about Emily Post's new book and other great books publisher by Harper Collins you can like Harper Collins Publishing on facebook and follow Harper Collins Publishing on Twitter. 



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

Popcornopolis Gift Basket Review and Giveaway Holiday Gift Guide

Popcorn has to be one of my favorite snacks. Its simple to make, whole grain, it fills you up and you can add so many great toppings to it. I am also a huge movie fan so of course I need to have popcorn to go with it. We visit our local Popcornopolis often. Its right across from the kids play area and near the Disney store TVs and couches. I have had many days where I let my son play in the play area, then get some popcorn and sit down on the couches to enjoy a bit of Disney magic on the TV screens. They are simple but precious moments to see my son have cheesy fingers from the Cheddar Cheese popcorn with a smile on his face watching Disney movies. We do the same at home but he seems happier to be enjoying it while we are out around other kids. He tries to share his popcorn sometimes with other kids but mainly he and I enjoy it together.

I mainly only purchase the Cheddar Cheese one for my son since its the easiest for him to eat and there is not a lot of toppings for him to have to bite through. But for me I love all the toppings the more goodies on it the better! Thats why I love Popcornopolis! They have the best flavored popcorn I have ever eaten. We used to get the Holiday tins that you can get at the grocery store but they are sub par compare to Popcornopolis popcorn tins. Its like having a candy store that decorates your popcorn at the perfect level. The popcorn is not over whelmed by the toppings but a compliment to the delicious popcorn.

For our Holiday Gift guide I was able to try a variety of scrumptious flavors of popcorn packaged in an Old Tyme 5 Cone Popcorn Gift Basket. Three of the five I am already a fan of since I like to try new flavors when we go but two of them it was the first time trying them.

Three classic flavors that I like are the Cheddar Cheese, Kettle Corn and Caramel Corn. These are great flavors for any popcorn fan. Who would not love those flavors! When I opened the gift basket those ones were instantly allocated to who gets what. My son the Cheddar Cheese, my husband the Kettle Corn and me the Caramel corn. These are the ones no matter what I am in the mood for. Perfect for movie watching at home too. We of course shared with each other, well except my son! We decided we would invite over my mother in law for a gourmet popcorn taste test. She also enjoyed the 3 classic flavors as we did.

Then I put out the White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice and Candy Cane Crunch the oohs and ahhs started. None of us had tried these two flavors before. I have tried a few of the flavors like White Cheddar, Zebra Chocolate and Cinnamon Toast and they are awesome too. I dont think there is a flavor I have tried that I dont like. The White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice is delicious and it taste just like the name. The smoothness of a creamy white chocolate with the nutmeg, cinnamon, pumpkin pie flavor in the back ground. SO good! This flavor is only available in November and December making it even more special. The Candy Cane Crunch for me was epic! I love mint and chocolate combos. My family however did not like it as much as I did. But I said awesome I get the whole cone then! LOL its the same with candy canes they dont like those either. I blame my husbands side of the family for that. Its a perfect holiday popcorn in book.

This is how the Popcornopolis site describe the Candy Cane Cruch:
"Salty-sweet Kettle Corn, dark and white chocolate (infused with peppermint), and a dusting of crushed minty-fresh candy canes."

Perfection if you ask me!

The Candy Cane Crunch and White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice

A whole gift basket of flavored gourmet popcorn from Popcornopolis would be a great holiday gift for your own family or to give as a gift. I think the gift box of individual sleeves would go great in a stocking, plus you can have a different flavor for each family member. More and more people are wanting a delicious experience for the holidays rather than socks, a tie or another sweater, get them Popcornopolis instead! If you have a local store near you then get a gift card and make a fun day of popcorn eating out together like my family and I do. If your going to splurge a little let it be on something this tasty!

Since Popcornopolois is awesome they are offering all of my readers FREE SHIPPING with the promo code: FRUGAL

(I am a fanatic for free shipping so I was very excited this was being offered to all of you)




GIVEAWAY

 
Win a Popcornopolis 5 Cone Holiday Gift Basket

To Enter This Giveaway:  

What flavor of Popcornopolis popcorn 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 on Popcornopolis Facebook +1

-Follow Popcornopolis on Twitter +1
-Sign up for Popcornopolis Newsletter +1 (top middle of the site Join Email Club)

-Follow Frugal Family Tree on GFC ( 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) +1 for each tweet

#Win a @Popcornopolis Gift Basket at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 12/16 Plus FREE SHIPPING Promo Code: FRUGAL http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2011/12/popcornopolis-gift-basket-review-and.html


*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts December 8, 2011 and ends on December 16 , 2011 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

ReUse It Glass Water Bottle Review Holiday Gift Guide

Since my son has been born I have been much more aware of the trash we make and the plastics we use. Part of the time it was me analyzing how much disposal items like water bottles and sandwich bags cost and the other was a concern for the planet my son and his children and their children would be born into. (Feels kinda crazy to think my own son will be a grown up one day, hes only 2!) My son is his own little planet saver in his own right. He hates trash. He gets annoyed at the park or river if he sees trash. He has to pick it and give it to me and make sure I throw it away. Over the summer he was starting to walk to the trash can himself. He makes me laugh and smile that he is concerned about littering. One thing myself I hate to see is plastic bottles on the ground. We live near rivers that flow to the Pacific ocean and I hate to think that they might end up in the beautiful Pacific and in our local rivers. I have been working on cutting our plastic bottle consumption by buying drinks in larger bottles then filling up reusable containers.

I have tried plastic reusable but they can often scratch and be harder to clean out. We have even tried metal bottles that work good but would get very slippery when a cold drink had been in there for some time. With a glass bottle I can use a bottle brush to get out even the tiniest particles of my smoothies! 

I really like the Glass Water Bottles we tried from ReUse It. They are large enough to carry my breakfast smoothies and perfect for taking my son some milk on the go. We use them for water, juice, hot coco and even last week soup we took to the park on a sunny but cool day. 

The glass bottles are made by Lifefactory and have the coolest silicone sleeves on them. I poured ice cold Apple Juice in one of them and left it on the counter for over an hour. I wanted to see how much condensation would build up and if it would still be easy to grip. It past the test! Even my mother in law was impressed and now wants one for Christmas. Thankfully ReUse It is having a Holiday Sale so I just might get her a reusable glass bottle.

Product info:

• BPA-free
• Free of phthalates, PVC and polycarbonate
• Silicone sleeve is free of plastics and 100% non-toxic
• No chemical leaching and no metallic taste
• Wide mouth for ice and easy cleaning
• Bottle made in France, sleeve made in USA
• Dishwasher safe

Glass water bottles by Lifefactory are a beautifully-designed alternative to plastic bottles and disposable water bottles. And, unlike stainless steel or cheap reusable bottles, there's no metallic or chemical aftertaste. Durable glass construction withstands daily use and provides fresh-tasting water - just like your regular drinking glasses at home. Colorful silicone sleeve protects your bottle and is easy to grip. Great for hot or cold beverages.

The only thing I would have liked is if it had a extra top that you could screw on that had a smaller sipping hole for when you are drinker warmer beverages. But they are wonderful bottles and great for home and on the go.

For more info about ReUse It and sales updates you can follow them on twitter and be a fan on facebook.



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