Mr. Chewy Orijen Dog Food Review

Just like with the rest of my family I like to make sure my dog is eating enough and getting the proper nutrition. Sometimes for us on a budget it means getting my dog a base food an then adding in a higher end food. She thinks of it as a treat to get great dog food like Orijen with her normal food. Its like being able to have lobster for dinner when you normally eat chicken. She really loved the flavor and I loved the high quality ingredients. 

Orijen is a Canadian dog food brand. They select all their ingredients regionally including free range chicken and turkey and wild caught fish. Almost sounds good enough for me to try! Orijen Adult Dog Food is Biologically Appropriate. Which means "formulated to nourish dogs and cats in keeping with their evolutionary and anatomical adaptation to protein-rich diets that include a broad variety of fresh meats." Many dog foods have the first ingredient as corn or corn meal, this is not the natural main ingredient a dog would eat, they are meat eaters by nature. I love that Orijen Dog food contains no corn. My dog has refused some brands of dog food and I assumed she was picky but she is not, she just knows she likes meat!

Mr.Chewy.com carries a variety of Dog and Cat food including Orijen Adult Dog Food that can be delivered to your dog step. No more trying to get a big bag into your cart than into the house. Makes shopping for dog food super easy. With a wild two year year old and a busy schedule it can be easier to have it delivered.

 *I was not paid for our review. The opinions are 100% mine and may vary from others. I was provided the product mentioned in this post to review for free from the PR company that represents them. 

Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks “Win & Give” Campaign and XO Laptop Giveaway

I love when our blog can be used to help promote a good cause. Children's charities are important for us as a family to support. We have worked with several great charities since starting our site and we are happy to now help support Betty Crocker in their Win and Give Campaign.

One of the great ways to share with kids about helping other kids is through programs like this one. Many kids do not understand about how children in other countries may not have as much as they do and how a computer can connect them to the world and to a better education. By purchasing Betty Crocker fruit snacks you can begin the conversation about helping others in need. The value of giving to others is something we teach to all the kids at Frugal Family Tree. Plus what kid does not love eating fruit snacks! My son loves to have them with string cheese.

With the Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks “Win and Give” campaign there are a few ways to help give a laptop to kids in Africa. When you purchased Betty Crocker Flavored Fruit snacks you can enter your UPC codes on the Win and Give website and for every 100 UPC codes received in a day they will donate one laptop to a child in Africa. Specially marked boxes of Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks can be an instant winner for your child to win an XO laptop and one to be donated to a child in Africa.

Parenting expert Dr. Michele Borba is working Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks and the “Win and Give” campaign, a partnership with the non-profit One Laptop per Child (OLPC), not only to make it easy for moms and kids to give to others, but also to show that giving to others can be fun.

Dr. Borba recently traveled to Rwanda with Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks and OLPC to help give XO laptops to kids in schools. For her thoughts on the trip and the program itself, please visit www.MicheleBorba.com.  For more information, you may also check out www.WinOneGiveOne.com to see first-hand the incredible impact these laptops have had on the kids in Rwanda along with additional tips from Dr. Borba and videos of her speaking about the positive impact giving back has on the lives of children.

To help promote the Win and Give Betty Crocker Campaign we are hosting a Giveaway for one XO Laptop for one lucky reader and one will be donated to a child in Africa. How cool is that!!!


GIVEAWAY

Win a XO Laptop for your child and one will be donated to a child in Africa. Plus some Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks for you to share with your family.

 

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

What type of giving do your and your kids do to help others in need?

*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 Betty Crocker on Facebook +1
-Follow Betty Crocker on Twitter +1

-Tweet this Tweet once for the duration of the giveaway: +1

See how your child can participate and donate laptops to kids in Africa.  Together we can make a difference.  http://www.Winonegiveone.com

-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 XO Laptop and @BettyCrocker Fruit Snacks and one laptop will be donated at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 4/25 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/03/betty-crocker-fruit-flavored-snacks-win.html

 *Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 24, 2012 and ends on April 25th, 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. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. The prize laptops will not be sent until after the program concludes in May and may take 4-6 weeks for delivery.

FavoriteThings A Birthday Present

I have always loved birthdays. We have a large family so there is always someone's birthday to celebrate. As a mother of five children, I loved giving the birthday parties and buying the presents for their special day.

But like many women, when it comes to my own birthday I shy away from wanting a big fuss. As mothers we always seem to put everyone else first.

So a few years ago when my lovely and talented friend Cathy gave me a painting she had made for me, I was very touched. I loved that she had thought of me, had spent the time painting something that she thought I would like.This painting never fails to cheer me up. It's vibrant, yet calming, and I will always have it hanging on my wall, wherever that wall may be.

To me, a painting is such a special gift because it is a piece of the artist herself that she has put into the work. So thank you again, my friend. It really is one of my favorite things.

Hershey's Easter Chocolate Candy Review and Giveaway

When The Easter Bunny fills all those millions of baskets for children, it's a good bet that there will be a lot of Hershey's candy in them. Who doesn't love Hershey's candy? I know I do!

The familiar brown wrapper on a chocolate bar, the famous Hershey's Kisses, and that yummy syrup that made my milk taste so good are all happy memories of childhood for me. For generations of children, Hershey's Chocolate was a part of everyday life.

The company was started back in 1900 by Milton Hershey, in a rural town in Pennsylvania. Today the Hershey Corporation has sales in excess of $4 Billion. America's most popular candy company has certainly come a long way from Mr. Hershey's vision and it's humble beginnings.

One of my favorite Hershey's Easter candies as well as other family members is the Cadbury Creme Egg. Its something we all look forward to during the Easter season. Robin Eggs are one of my daughter's favorites. When Sam and Laura were little they would lick the Robin Egg and use it on their lips like lipstick to have Easter colored lips. I enjoy that now as a Grandmother I get to make Easter baskets for my grandkids and see which Hershey's candies they will love.

To celebrate the Easter Season, we are hosting a giveaway of Hershey's Easter candy products.

GIVEAWAY

Win a Hershey's Easter Candy Prize Pack 

 

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

What is your favorite Hershey's Easter Candy?

*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 Hershey's on Facebook +1

-Sign up for the Hershey's Newsletter +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 Hershey's Easter Candy Prize Pack at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 4/2 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/03/hersheys-easter-chocolate-candy-review.html

 *Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 23, 2012 and ends on April 2nd, 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. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.

Keeping My Family Close with Daily Rituals and Tropicana Orange Juice

Even though there is only 3 people in my immediate family we still do need to take the time to connect each day. My son is a rambunctious boy who is always busy doing something, my husband is the opposite he is quiet and more to himself, then there is me. I am super talkative and always busy in the middle of 10 different things. We are all under the same roof but often living in different worlds. To make sure we stay connected we have our daily rituals and also weekend rituals to make sure we have family time together.

We all have our morning coffee together in the living room. By all of us I mean my son too, just not coffee. He is very much our little parrot and did not want to be left out in the mornings when we sat down to have coffee. We got him his own coffee cup and put his "coffee" in it. His coffee is Orange Juice. He sips it says "Ahhhh" and smiles as he sits with us. He will grow up thinking OJ is coffee but he will know we all drink it together.

We have our evening ritual of eating dinner together. This one might not always happen but for the most part we do our best. We sit at the table in the kitchen and we eat dinner as a family. Most of the time we might not be eating the same things but we are doing it together.

We have weekly rituals too. We have family movie night snuggled up on the couch eating snacks is a great way to spend a Friday or Saturday night. Sunday is the day we have family breakfast. My husband is not much of a breakfast eater but he is a great cook. My son and I sit at the table reading books or magazines while we watch my husband cook us breakfast. We have the standard breakfast items like eggs, bacon, pancakes and orange juice or "coffee" lol. I really enjoy drinking Tropicana Pure Premium 100% Pure Florida Orange Juice with Sunday breakfast. Its the tart you want in an oj with the sweetness that makes it wonderful.  

The soil and the variety is what gives Tropicana its flavor. The different microclimates and soil types mean that fruit reaches peak maturity at different times, allowing Tropicana to harvest ripe fruit throughout the entire growing season. The two major orange types in Tropicana Pure Premium are Valencia and Hamlin. Valencias typically have more intense color and flavor, while Hamlins can be sweeter. They each add unique characteristics to the TPP blend.

To celebrate the love of Orange Juice and Florida Tropicana is hosting a sweepstakes.

Enter the Tropicana sweepstakes for a chance to win 100 Florida prizes, including one-year-supplies of Tropicana (in the form of twelve 59 oz Tropicana Pure Premium containers) and a trip to Florida to visit an orange grove. Share the news about the sweepstakes with your readers! Ninety-nine winners will get a one-year supply of orange juice in the form of twelve coupons for (12) 59 oz Tropicana Pure Premium® containers. One winner will get a trip to a Florida orange grove and invite three (3) guests for:  Round-trip airfare for four (4) to Florida, three (3) night stay at a Florida hotel.The winner will have an exclusive experience at experience at a Florida orange grove.

For official rules and regulations, visit the “sweeps” tab on Tropicana’s Facebook page and be sure to Like them on Facebook to be able to enter.

** I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Tropicana blogging program, to earn My SocialMoms Rewards Points. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.

ThinkBaby Review and Giveaway

As we introduce bottles to baby Ashley, so that the rest of the family can help with feedings, it is important to find the right one. I know with my boys when it was time to supplement with a bottle once in a while it was a tough job, especially with my 2nd child. He just simply did not want the bottle, he wanted to breastfeed. We tried many different brands of bottles. This time around for Miss Ashley we tried the thinkbaby bottles. Now mind you she is a much easier baby than Liam was, so I figured the hunt would not be too hard.

Thinkbaby products are Free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, Lead, nitrosamines, melamine, PET, and biologically harmful chemicals. They have a simple system to determine the best product for your child by age. They have great products to choose from for all of your feeding needs.

We reviewed the thinkbaby Twin Pack 9oz - Polypropylene (PP) with Stage A nipples for 0-6 months. Ashley did really well. She played with the nipple for a while, sucked a bit, wiggled around and eventually drank her bottle. I knew she was a good girl and would do great! I also like how "green" this product is, they are made from recycled materials.






I was also sent the thinkbaby SPF 30+ Sunscreen. The weather here in Washington has not been nice enough for us to need sunscreen but as the sun emerges I know we will be using this product. It is water resistant and free of biologically harmful chemicals.









Think thinkbaby is just for babies and kids? It's not, they also have a thinksport line, safe products for athletes. Check them out.

GIVEAWAY

Win Baby Bottles from ThinkBaby

 

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

What product would you like to have from ThinkBaby?

*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 ThinkBaby Facebook +1

-Follow ThinkBaby 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 ThinkBaby Bottles from @thinkbaby_sport at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 04/25 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/03/thinkbaby-review-and-giveaway.html

 *Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 22, 2012 and ends on April 25th, 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.

Another First for us - T-Ball!

JJ is the oldest of all the grandchildren in our family. He is my first born, the first for everything, including T-Ball. Baseball is a big deal in our family, we have all played on a team at one time or another. There is something so wonderful about the little ones out there trying to figure out this sport we all love. Yesterday was our first practice on our first T-Ball team. The weather held out and the kids had a blast. JJ had a huge smile on his face the entire time. It makes me so happy to see him learning and enjoying the sport my husband and I grew up playing. Here's to a great year!

Bella Viva Orchards California Fruits and Nuts Review and Giveaway

Delicious, fresh and all organic, Bella Viva Orchards sells fruits, nuts, chocolates and more. Based in California's Central Valley, Bella Viva Orchards sells their products online to customers all across the country.

Grow and harvested by the Martino Family, there are cherries, apricots, almonds, peaches, persimmons, strawberries, oranges, and pistachios that are currently available. They have been deemed a Certified Organic Fruit Grower, and work hard to bring their customers the highest of quality products.

For my review I was sent the California Fruits and Nuts 3lb.pack Being originally from California, I had high expectations from my home state. I was not disappointed I found the dried fruits, almonds and pistachios fresh and delicious. The fruit was naturally fragrant and sweet, soft and moist. The nuts were absolutely fresh and tasty. The packaging was very attractive and would be perfect to open for guests, or to keep for yourself as a tasty treat.

Bella Viva Orchards offers a wide selection of their fruits, nuts and chocolates, and would make a lovely gift for any occasion. They also offer gift baskets. Ordering online is easy, and their customer service is friendly and helpful.

You can visit them online at www.bellaviva.com to see their complete line of products. We are hosting a Bella Viva Orchards giveaway for the California Fruits and Nuts 3lb. pack on our site.

Bella Viva is offering our readers a special coupon for 15% off your order by using the code: familytree
The coupon is good until 5/16. Their products would make a great Easter present to bring to a party or ship to a family or friend you will not see for Easter.

GIVEAWAY

Win a 3lb. California Fruit and Nut Tray from Bella Viva Orchards

 

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

What other product from Bella Viva Orchards 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 Bella Viva Orchards on Facebook +1
-Sign up for the Bella Viva Orchard Newsletter +1 (mid right hand side of their site)

-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)

#Win a 3lb. California Fruit Nut Tray from Bella Viva Orchards at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 04/15 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/03/bella-viva-orchards-california-fruits.html

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 21th, 2012 and ends on April 15th, 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.

Clorox Ode to the Commode Funny Bathroom Stories Sweepstakes

My son is my side kick, anywhere I go he follows. Its like he is a duck and he thinks its fun to be right behind me. Recently he has loved to brush his teeth. He has his own toothbrushes and they are so tiny and cute. He has Winnie the Pooh themed toothbrushes that he uses. We watched the movie and he wanted the characters on his new toothbrushes. He calls Winnie "Pooh". Every night before bed he comes into the bathroom while I wash my face and brush my hair and tells me "Pooh" and I hand him his toothbrush.

The one time I will never forget has to be the funniest and grossest bathroom moment. I was washing my face off from a mud mask I had on and my son came into the bathroom. Like always he tells me "Pooh" I told him just a second since I had green mud all over my hands. He persisted with "Pooh Mama Pooh". I reached up and handed him his toothbrush. He threw it onto the floor yelling "Pooh Pooh". I finished washing off my face and dried it with a towel. When I looked at him I realized he was saying "Poo" and NOT "Pooh"!

He had poop on his hands, his clothing and his cute Winnie the Pooh toothbrush. I was so beyond grossed out! I got him into the tub and after his bath I tossed the toothbrush and had to clean and disinfect the bathroom. Yuck but it was so funny. I explained to him to call it "Poop" and Winnie is the "Pooh" lol.

My son likes to take his toothbrush and run for it. I found him hiding in the cupboard with a toothbrush and hair brush. He sometimes uses the toothbrush for a hair brush too.

Funny and the Bathroom is also something Clorox and the TV show the Last Comic Standing think go together too. Clorox is hosting The Clorox Lounge where there is a contest to honor the Last Comic Sitting in the Ode to the Commode sweepstakes where you have the chance to win $10,000! You would really need a spot to sit down winning that much money! lol

About Last Comic Sitting Competition & Sweepstakes

The Clorox Lounge activities kick-off with Last Comic Sitting Competition and Sweepstakes, starting February 27, 2012. Over the course of eight weeks, 10 of the funniest mom and dad comics will go head-to-head in a stand-up throw-down for the chance to sit on the throne and be crowned the Last Comic Sitting. Each week, they’ll face a new challenge and based on consumer voting one will be eliminated. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000. For four weeks, you will have the opportunity to vote and narrow the comics down to the top mom and top dad.

You also have an opportunity to win $10,000 in the Last Comic Sitting Sweepstakes. Simply visit The Clorox Lounge to sign-up and be automatically entered for a chance to win the top prize. You can generate up to two additional entries each day, per day, by logging in and commenting, until April 22, 2012. Fans can also enter for a chance to win cool prize packs. Ten will be given each week, for twelve weeks, until April 22, 2012.

For more information visit: http://bit.ly/x7m1OB

Clorox Ode to the Commode on Facebook

Follow @Clorox on Twitter 

What is your funny bathroom story? I know once we get started on potty training I will have even more funny stories to share. I now laugh a bit to my self when my son says "Pooh when we are watching the shows or movies. He can clearly say "Poop" now too lol he says it at random times if he sees something brown.  My boy is a funny one!

** I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Clorox® blogging program, to earn My SocialMoms Rewards Points. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.

Yummy!

When I was at the grocery store this last weekend, I couldn't help noticing how beautifully the bakery was displaying it's treats. Gorgeous, right? It absolutely had the effect they wanted, because I did have to buy something here. I couldn't help myself!

But it also inspired me to make my own cakes and cupcakes prettier. I think I'll be getting out my copy of The Joy of Cooking, it has such an extensive collection of recipes for cakes and frosting. I don't think I'll be making anything that will look quite as beautiful as these, but it will be fun trying!

1st Day of Spring?

Liam looking for signs of Spring!

Today is officially the 1st day of SPRING!! That is according to the calendar, but here in Washington we have yet to see any signs of it. Yesterday we woke up to SNOW on the ground! Seriously snow? We have had a mild winter for the most part and it has not been too bad, but we are looking forward to outdoor activities and all that Spring has to offer :)

Locked Out!

Tonight as I went in the garage to toss a load of laundry in the garage I was locked out by my son. He is only two so he did not mean to, he was messing with the door on the other side like he usually does trying to open it. I tend to close it all the way so he wont come out there but sometimes he is my little helper and I let him. It was really cold outside so I closed it all the way, pulling to double check it was shut.

I could hear my son asking for the dog so I went to open the door so he could give her a hug goodnight. My heart sank when the door would not open! I knocked on the door hoping my husband would hear me but he had already gone to our room at the back of the house to brush his teeth.

I asked my son if he could turn the handle to let mama in and he started to cry. I was so sad for him that he was scared. I knocked some more but I just started the dishwasher in the kitchen so there was no way my husband was going to be able to hear my knocks. I then asked my son to go get Daddy and he cried more saying Mama Mama!

To make it more no fun I had just taken off my sweat pants and put them into the washer so I was standing in the garage in a pajama gown and socks! I thought ok I am going to have to go into the back yard to knock on the window in the room to get my husband to know I was outside, but would I scare the you know what out of him.

My dog came into the garage to see what all the noise was and then I realized she was going to be my plan. I knocked on the garage door again and at this point I was yelling for my husband and it just made my son cry more. My husband did not hear me since he had been in the back of the house with the water running and the noise of the dishwasher. Finally after get the dog all worked up asking her who is it while I knocked on the door she started to bark loudly. She ran into the back yard and was barking like crazy.

Finally my I could hear my husband calming our son and then he opened the door. My poor little guy was so sad that he accidentally locked me out. It kinda freaked me out about what would I have done if we were home alone and this happened. I now grab my key to do laundry and when I take out the trash just in case it happens again.

Gratitude

I have heard it said over and over, I'm sure you have too. Be grateful for the goodness you have in your life. To be honest, this has been a very rough year for me. But it gets better, day by day. And when I look at this photo that I took of my youngest child holding my youngest grandchild, gratitude pours out of me. Life really is about the people you love.

Truck Farm and Living the Country Life Magazine

I read many magazines on various topic. Business, Parenting, Working Moms, Home Decor, Music, Cooking and more. One magazine that I enjoy reading that is outside my own life is Living the Country Life. I live in the suburbs and a farm is no where near here. But its a dream of mine to live on one and grown plants and raise animals. It might be a far fetched dream but I have a love of farm life.

While reading this months edition of Living the Country Life magazine I read a small section about a non-profit organization called Truck Farm. Truck Farm is a fleet of pick up trucks that have gardens growing in the bed of the truck. Gives a new meaning to a flower bed lol.

Truck Farm is a organization that travels with the truck bed edible gardens to community groups and schools to bring the rural experience to urban environments. They have made a film about the story of Truck Farm and you can request to host a screening of the film. They are also trying to grow their fleet of trucks to reach far beyond the New York area through donations from communities like your own. They have obtained sponsors such as Ben & Jerry and Organic Valley and every bit of money helps.

I think this is a great idea for gardening and kids. Hopefully soon they will have a truck farm near you to share with your kids.

Getting Healthy With Costco's 4X Pro-B Digestive Care

There is always so much information available to us about getting healthy. Diet, exercise, and smart lifestyle choices all play an important part of maintaining a healthy body. There is also another way that adds to us feeling well, and that is by maintaining a healthy digestive system.

I have been participating in taking Costco 4X Pro-B probiotics for a month now and it has really made me aware of how important digestive health really is. Since taking Pro-B, indigestion and the bloated, full feeling one can get after a meal is completely gone. No more feeling sluggish or tired. I really do have more energy and feel healthier! #DigestiveCare

Feeling good has made me realize that it's time to start incorporating even more healthy habits into my life.

Since what you eat plays such an important role in your digestive system, eating more fruits, veggies, and whole grains has also made a difference in how I feel. I love fresh fruits and strawberries, oranges, grapefruit and bananas are my favorites.

Eating more fiber has definitely helped improve my digestive health. I love whole grains, especially delicious bread. I'm using more recipes that call for whole grains and I've found that they are really great tasting in muffins. I love brown rice and it's so much healthier than the white.

I've always loved yogurt, especially with sliced fruit on top. I like the Greek kind the best, but when it's on sale and I have a coupon, I'll buy almost whatever brand that is! Yogurt contains probiotics and it is so good for you. Strawberry and Vanilla are always my favorite flavors. Eating healthier while taking my Pro-B has made such a difference in how I feel.

Now that I'm getting older (I'm grandmother to four little ones!), I realize how important exercise is in my life. Taking Pro-B and improving my diet has made me feel more energetic and allowed me to be more active.

I try to do yoga most days, but when I'm too busy, ten minutes of simple stretching makes all the difference in how I feel that day. I also walk more now and my daughter and I love taking an evening walk together.

I will definitely continue to take this product everyday. I really love the way I feel, so much healthier and energetic! I also love that one healthy change in your life can motivate you to make other changes as well.

You can go to Costco.com to find out more about 4X Pro-B Digestive care and how it can help you to have better digestive health.

 You can read about more of my efforts to live a healthier life and my shopping trip at Costco.com from my Google+ story here.

*This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. 

All opinions expressed in this shop are my own and your experience may vary. #Cbias #DigestiveCare

Magic Cabin Easter Toy Review and $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway

My son adores stuffed animals. We have many that he cherishes. He hugs them, gives them kisses, makes them dance and he sleeps with many of them. He also is a master of his animal noises. You have to ask him what do they say not what noise do they make. He knows thats how they talk. Sheeps are one of his favorites to tell me what they say. He gets on the ground like a little animal and says "Sheep Baaaaaaa"

I have been wanting to get him a stuffed animal Sheep for Easter. He sees them in the store and he yells Baaaaaaa at them and giggles. When buying a stuffed animal I look for quality so the toy will last and also be able to stand up to my rough and tumble boy. He throws toys and jumps on them when they are playing. We have had a few toys not make it.

Magic Cabin seemed like the perfect place to look for quality toys. They have toys that stimulate imagination and creative play. I saw many unique toys that I have not seen elsewhere. I looked in the Easter Shop for a Sheep for my little guy and there were so cute it was hard to pick just one.
 
I found a brand of toys that I love. I did not know Magic Cabin carried Steiff toys and I was happy to see the variety of Steiff Easter animals. They have a few different rabbits, ducks and lambs to choose  from. I selected the Steiff Lamby.

I knew my son would love this Lamb. It has big blue eyes just like him and soft fur. The Lamby looks like she is smiling just a bit. Its beyond precious. The trademark to a Steiff toy is the yellow tag that the animals have.  The toys are high quality and made in Germany. I know we will treasure this sweet lamb for many years to come. Its an excellent choice for any little one to celebrate Spring or Easter.

GIVEAWAY

Win a $50 Gift Certificate to Magic Cabin

 

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

What is your favorite item from the Magic Cabin Easter Shop?

*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 Magic Cabin on Facebook +1
-Follow Magic Cabin 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)

#Win a $50 Gift Certificate to @magiccabin from at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 04/15 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/03/magic-cabin-easter-toy-review-and-50.html

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 17th, 2012 and ends on April 15th, 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.

Luck of the Polish?

Today is St. Patrick's Day and I am feeling lucky! But since I am not Irish I wonder if its the luck of the Polish lol. I am about half Polish and I have the oddest good luck. I win stuff all the time. So far not any thing big but I feel that my luck will change.

I am planning to play some scratchers and the Super Lotto today and I am going to win something!!! I just know it. But even if I do win the lotto I will still be here blogging with all of you, just with bigger prizes lol.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone.

Ecover Laundry Products Review and Giveaway

When a company wins awards awards and recognition all around the world for their environmentally-friendly products, they must be doing something right.

In business for over thirty years, Ecover is a safe alternative to the often harsh and health endangering line of cleaning products. With it's extensive line of cleaners, Ecover makes it easy to change the choice of the way you clean your house and do your laundry. While some "green" products can be very expensive, Ecover products are all very affordable.

I was sent a variety of laundry products for my review. I received the Ecover Zero Free and Clear laundry liquid, the Sunny Day fabric softener, the non-chlorine bleach, and the stain remover. I have done six loads of laundry and I now love Ecover products! Everything is so fresh and clean smelling, and the bleach and stain remover did wonders. I love whites to be white, and the ecologically friendly bleach worked beautifully.

I feel good using these safe, eco-friendly and highly recommended products. Recognized by Consumer Reports, Real Simple Magazine, Family Circle and more, Ecover makes it easier for everyone to have a healthier home.

Ecover is available on-line or available at Whole Foods. Ralph's Market, PCC Natural Market and other retailers. Visit their website at ecover.com.

We are hosting a giveaway of the Ecover products I have reviewed here.

GIVEAWAY

Win a set of Ecover Laundry Products

 

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

What Ecover product 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 Ecover Facebook +1

-Follow Ecover 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 Ecover Laundry Products from @EcoverUS at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 03/31 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/03/ecover-laundry-products-review-and.html

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 16, 2012 and ends on March 31st, 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. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.

It's a Big World Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi Book Review

My sweet girl snuggling up to Poppy the Pig!

I love to read to my children and until now it has been mostly classics and "boy" themed books. Well now that I have a daughter a whole new world of books has opened up to me! We were lucky enough to review It's a Big World Little Pig! by Kristi Yamaguchi. You know the Kristi Yamaguchi we all grew up watching on the ice skating rink? I loved watching her on the ice, wishing I too could be so graceful. Kristi has accomplished so much on and off the ice, what a beautiful person inside and out.

Kristi has written two children's books so far. Her latest book, It's a Big World Little Pig is about Poppy, a pig who dreams of being an ice skater. Poppy is so good at ice skating she receives an invitation in the mail to fly to Paris, France to compete in the World Games. At first Poppy is nervous to travel so far from home but with the encouragement from friends and family and a reminder that everyone smiles in the same language, Poppy is off on her adventure. She meets different athletes from all over the world, even a snowboarder from China! What I love about this story is it's modern but it has the classic ending that we all love. Poppy has a wonderful time meeting all of her new friends from around the world and spends the rest of the week with her family sight seeing in Paris. This is a great story written by a great women. I loved the illustrations by Tim Bowers, the cover even has glitter on it :)




 * 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.

Favorite Things

We are going to do a little something new here on The Frugal Family Tree. Every week each one of us will be doing a post called "Favorite Things".

It will be just one picture of something that is special or dear to our hearts, and we'll tell you why it is. It might be something we've had forever or something we just found. Maybe you, our readers, will get to know us a little better. If you tell us what your favorite things are, we can get to know you a little better, too. Please don't be shy.

One of my "Favorite Things".

I went to Anthropologie a couple of weeks ago with my daughter Megan. I adore Anthropologie (and I adore Megan!). I could spend hours here, carefully looking at each beautiful object, weather it's a dress, or a book or a bowl.

In honor of Spring and just having a wonderful time, I bought this sweet little bunny dish. The instant I saw it I knew it would become one of my "favorite things". I've put some of my favorite pairs of earrings on it, and the little dish is making me happy every time I pass by it. But more than anything, it will remind me a sweet, lovely day that I spent with my daughter.