Moms Like Me Groups

I belong to a great group called Moms Like Me. There are local moms I can talk to and learn from. I get the latest about what moms in my area are talking about and doing. Its nice to be able to connect with people online that you might never have met if not for the internet.

I belong to my local chapter Sacramento Moms Like Me but there are many Moms Like Me sites. There are 39 states that have a group and within the state there are regional groups. You can read the list here to see if there is a group near you. I live outside the main area of local group but so do many other moms. So if the group is 30 or more minutes away from you I would still encourage you to sign up since there is great giveaways and chats to participate in.

I want to attend the next activity the Moms Like Me Sacramento activity so I can meet some of the people I have chatted with online. Its a great way to connect with local moms and find new activities for your kids to do. I recently heard about a free local event near me on the site and attended with my son.

Cool-Jams Pillowcase Review

I am a pillow person. I like to have one of course while I sleep but also to hang out on the couch, to cuddle when I watch tv and now my son is becoming a pillow fan too. He is constantly taking my pillows! Now that I have a new pillowcase from Cool-Jams he snuggles my pillow even more. Its a really soft pillow case and keeps my face cool at night. My husband and son prefer warm nights but me I get over heated and having a cool pillow makes it easier to fall asleep in the heat. They also make pajamas and clothing for women and men.

Cool-jams moisture wicking pillowcase will keep you cool and dry all night. The pillowcase is made of our exclusive quick drying, moisture wicking smart fabric. Cool-jams fabric has a super soft cotton like feel with the wicking ability that never washes out. In fact, the wicking action is scientifically woven into the fabric itself.

*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 a free pillowcase for my review.

Equal Exchange Review and Giveaway

Have you heard about Equal Exchange? They are a company that partners with a co-operative of farmers from all over the world to mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers. Equal Exchange currently works with small farmer organizations in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the United States. They provide organic coffees, teas, chocolates, cocoa, bananas, olive oil and snacks. We tried the coffee in Hazelnut Creme (medium roast), the Hot Cocoa, the Mild Chocolate bar with a hint of Hazelnut, and the Chocolate Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt bar. As a coffee lover this was perfect, light and sweet with a hint of nut. Great taste!




JJ loves Hot Cocoa so he was all about trying that. It is made with Organic nonfat milk and you just add hot water. He of coarse drank it right up :)






The chocolate bars were my husbands department, he loved the Milk Chocolate bar but the Chocolate Carmel Crunch is dark chocolate so he scowled a bit at it. He does not like dark chocolate, I on the other hand thought it was delicious. It has a little crunch to it, which I like in my chocolate anyways.







Their Guiding Principles-

• Trade directly with democratically organized small farmer cooperatives.
  
• Facilitate access to credit for producer organizations.
• Pay producers a guaranteed minimum price that provides a stable source of income as well as improved social services.
• Provide high quality food products.
  
• Support sustainable farming practices.
• Build a democratically-run cooperative workplace.
• Develop more environmentally-sound business practices.

Equal Exchange has created Big Change since 1986. Our founders envisioned a food system that empowers farmers and consumers, supports small farmer co-ops, and uses sustainable farming methods. They started with fairly traded coffee from Nicaragua and didn't look back.

Today, we continue to find new and powerful ways to build a better food system. We partner with co-operatives of farmers who provide high-quality organic coffees, teas, chocolates, bananas, olive oil, and snacks from all over the world.


I love the idea of people helping people to provide high-quality, organic, tasty products for us to consume. It is a win win in my mind. Equal Exchange also provides fundraising opportunities, what a great way to get your child's school or your religious group involved.

For schools, sports or community groups Equal Exchange offers great high equality products for Green Fundraising opportunities.  With the holidays coming now would be a great time to team up with Equal Exchange.



40% profit
Free catalogs, posters, samples & educational tools
Free shipping when ordering 4 cases or more
Helpful and friendly customer service
Kosher, gluten free & vegan options available

GIVEAWAY

Win a Gift Basket full of goodies from Equal Exchange

To Enter This Giveaway: 

What product would you love to try from Equal Exchange?

 *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. 

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-Share this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook using the Share Button at the bottom on this post. +1 for each share you do. (can be done once a day) This means you have the chance to get 2 extra entries a day.

-Add our button to your blog and leave a link of where it is located +2 (right hand side) 

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts October 1, 2011 and ends on October 08, 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.

Imprint Comfort Mats Review and Giveaway

As a housewife I sometimes find house work daunting, I am sure that I am not alone in this. Doing the dishes is the one that I dread the most, I suppose it's because the dishes NEVER seem to end and I am always standing at the kitchen sink. Being 6 months pregnant this can really take a toll on my back and feet. Well to make it a little easier on my back I tried out the Imprint Comfort Mat by Sublime. They are so comfortable and based on the 2010 Center for Ergonomics University study of Imprint™, Comfort Mats reduce overall fatigue and pain after long periods of time of standing on hard surfaces and conforms to the shape of your feet as you stand. I agree, standing at the sink is not as tough on my back and feet. It is so soft, thick and comfortable that even my boys are laying down on it for a little break from playing! I chose the Nantucket Series in Cinnamon and I just love the pattern and color. There are different styles, colors and sizes to select from and I suggest you pick one up today, your back will thank you :)

Here is a little info from their web site:

Proprietary eco⁹ anti-fatigue cushioning technology- Imprint™ anti-fatigue comfort mats are manufactured using our proprietary eco⁹ technology that is environmentally-friendly, non-toxic and is manufactured without the use of toxic, heavy metals. The eco⁹ manufacturing process incorporates a multi-layer cushioning system consisting of a soft upper layer and cushion firm lower layer that provides excellent anti-fatigue cushioning benefits and are proven to significantly improve comfort and overall tiredness when compared to standing on the floor.*

Features

• Perfect for many areas of the home including the kitchen, laundry, bathroom or garage
• Environmentally Friendly & Safe! Non toxic, phthalate free, no formaldehyde or other toxic heavy metals used in production
• Exceptional anti-fatigue comfort. Standing is believing!
• Durable, abrasion resistant, and stain resistant for long term enjoyment
• Anti-microbial treatment on the mats prevents mold and mildew
• Safe, non slip bottom keeps comfort mat in place
• Absorbs noise, providing soundproofing benefits
• Waterproof and washable. Easy to clean with soap and water!
• Passes federal 16CFR 1631 test for flammability of carpets or rugs
• 7 year warranty! Satisfaction Guaranteed

To relieve your aching back and feet Imprint Comfort Mats has offered one of our lucky readers the chance to win one.


GIVEAWAY

Win a Imprint Comfort Mat

To Enter This Giveaway: 

What room would you put your Imprint Comfort Mat in?

 *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. 

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-Follow Frugal Family Tree on GFC ( right hand side) +1

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-Share this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook using the Share Button at the bottom on this post. +1 for each share you do. (can be done once a day) This means you have the chance to get 2 extra entries a day.

-Add our button to your blog and leave a link of where it is located +2 (right hand side) 

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts October 1, 2011 and ends on October 08, 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.

Disney Jake and the Never Land Pirates DVD Review

In my home movies are a family friendly way to connect. I love watching my sons movies with him and then showing him stuff he sees in his daily life to relate to it. As a kid I remember watching Peter Pan over and over and love it. This is the new Pirates show for kids from Disney Junior. The show still has the charm of the Pirate spirit of Captain Hook, Mr. Smee and the crew. As well as the crocodile Tick Tock. It is geared towards kids 2-5 and is kind of a cute pirate type. It is a good guys (Jake and his friends) vs the bad guys (Captain Hook) and different situations they get into.

Just released September 27th Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Yo Ho, Mateys Away! on DVD will be in stores now.  I think it would be a cute to show it on Halloween to the kids that will be coming over. I know at least one of them wants to be a pirate for Halloween.


Movie Summary:
Ahoy, mateys! Set sail for adventure just off the shores of Never Land. Join Jake, Izzy and Cubby, parrot pal Skully and their trusty ship, Bucky, as they go from muddy swamps to enchanted jungles, solving pirate problems and hunting for lost treasure. But watch out for Captain Hook! With the help of faithful Mr. Smee, Hook is always trying to snatch the kids' treasure, and it's going to take teamwork, smarts and even pixie dust to outwit him. Overflowing with 7 action-packed episodes filled with treasure, adventure, and fun pirate rock music, Jake and the Never Land Pirates is swashbuckling fun for everyone!

If you are new to Jake and the Never Land Pirates you can check out the website on Disney to play games, find coloring pages and more.


*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.

Novica Review and $35 Giveaway

I have always been a fan of National Geographic. As a kid in elementary school my Mom would rent me VCR tapes of National Geographic shows. I was the only one who wanted to watch them and there being 5 kids my mom was awesome to rent them for me. I said as a kid one day I want to be a Nat Geo photographer! I still hold onto the dream that one day a photo of mine will be in their magazine!

When I learned about the Novica website I was thrilled to be able to share the company with everyone. Novica helps support artist all over the world by connecting them through the internet to buyers like myself. They have unique items for any home. I have been wanting a nice glass pitcher for tea and juice. I do not like plastic containers for drinks. I found a beautiful Blue Hand Blown Glass Pitcher made in Mexico by the artist Javier and Efren. The pitcher is free of lead and toxins and holds 98oz of liquid. Its perfect for my green tea.

Novica sells many great items that would make great gifts for the upcoming holidays. For the professional people in your life they have great fair trade Unique Corporate Gifts. The stationary and jewelry would make great gifts for co-workers, bosses and business contacts.

 Novica has introduced a new idea for selling their worldwide artistic products. They have created Novica Live. 

Novica Live is an at home party program that can help individuals be able to make some good money and support artisans worldwide. Like many at home party programs you purchase a starter kit to have products and business materials to host a party in your home. You will be able to sell beautiful handcrafted jewelry, Batik Sarongs, Glass Pitchers and more. You can find out more about becoming a consultant on the Novica Live website.

A great way to see the products for yourself to know if you would like to be a consultant would be to win the giveaway of $35 that Novica has offered to one of my readers.

GIVEAWAY

Win a $35 gift certificate to Novica.com

To Enter This Giveaway: 

What item from Novica would you like to have in your Home?

 *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 Novica on Facebook +1
Follow Novica 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 Twitter or Facebook using the Share Button at the bottom on this post. +1 for each share you do. (can be done once a day) This means you have the chance to get 2 extra entries a day.

-Add our button to your blog and leave a link of where it is located +2 (right hand side) 

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts September 29, 2011 and ends on October 10, 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.

Frugal Home

I love to buy stuff for my home. I really LOVE it when its such a great deal I smile when I see it in my house! Yesterday at Target I found a lamp for only $11.98 on clearance. I love to shop the back of the departments for great deals. I thought about buying it for my home office so I can see better and it would look nicer. But my son was getting restless so I eneded up leaving before deciding on if I really wanted it.

This morning I thought ok I really do need that lamp so I can see better in that room. We went back to Target today and I found the lamp I was looking at had been marked down to $4.24!! I was so giddy with joy that I waited a day and got an awesome deal. The toy clearance was marked down as well as the back to school supplies. I would definitely go check your local Target for early holiday gifts and for school supplies. I know when I was in school having new supplies after the holiday break made it fun to go back to class after so much time off.

Epicurious Shop and $25 Cooking.com Giveaway

I love to bake and cook. Sometimes I burn stuff and get complaints but I always blame it on my cooking tools and not me. After all its like a doctor with medieval tools! I have always wanted to cook and bake like my Mom does. She can make awesome dinners and delicious desserts like a professional. I always tell my husband about the meatloaf she makes and the chicken legs that I can almost taste as I picture them. I want to be that kind of cook for my son. I want him to smile and mmmmm when he eats my food. Well since hes only 22 months old there is still time to "Get it in gear turkey" as Norman from On Golden Pond said.

Stoneware Rectangular Baker with Bonus (10.5x7-in.): Lavender by Le Creuset

Only $35.95

I enjoy shopping online for cookware and bakeware. I can read reviews of the item, compare them to other brands, look for online coupons and best of all I can sip a cup of coffee and shop while my son naps. I recently found Epicurious.com Shop. They are associate with Cooking.com and carry tons of great items for the home chef. 

Simply Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware Nonstick Bakeware Set (6-pc.) by Calphalon

Only $29.99

They have all the top names in cookwear such as Le Creuset, Calphalon, All-Clad, as well as bakewear, cutlery, cookbooks and electric small cooking appliances. I could spend all day looking at the awesome stuff. My Christmas wish list has gotten a lot bigger since I have found this site!

My favorite section is the Specials. Being a Frugal Mama I love buying high quality items when they are an sale. They are having some items up to 70% off! 

For our Home Event Epicurious has offered one of our lucky readers the chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Cooking.com. I was so excited to be able to share a great giveaway for that site! It would be perfect for the up coming holidays as a gift for you or someone special.

GIVEAWAY

Win a $25 gift certificate to Cooking.com

To Enter This Giveaway: 

What is your favorite Cookware or Bakeware in your home?

 *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 Epicurious on Facebook +1
Follow Epicurious 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 Twitter or Facebook using the Share Button at the bottom on this post. +1 for each share you do. (can be done once a day) This means you have the chance to get 2 extra entries a day.

-Add our button to your blog and leave a link of where it is located +2 (right hand side) 

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts September 27, 2011 and ends on October 8, 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.