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
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-Follow PopcornNPearls on Twitter +1

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

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-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.