Frugal Family Tree

Friday, March 30, 2012

Kidorable Review and Umbrella Giveaway

My son has a new found love for Dragons. Or what he calls Dramens. Its the sweetest thing. He calls Dinosaurs Dragons too and tells me that they say "Raaaaaaarrrr" with a very serious face. He makes me laugh. With the Spring rain starting I knew my son needed new rain boots and an umbrella. I love how his personality helps me pick out what he wants. Last year it was Choo Choo Train boots and this year it will be Dragons.

I was thrilled to see that Kidorable has a new line of Knights and Dragons. My sister Sam introduced me to Kidorable when she got her sons some of their products. Now my little guy can be Kidorable too! As soon as he saw what the boots and umbrella were he shouted Dramens and grabbed them. My son loves shoes and boots so he wore them all day and did not want to take them off even for bed. I had to wait until he was asleep and slip them off.

On a cloudy day we decided to go to our local mall Disney store for an event called Sticker Mania. My son insisted he wear his Kidorable Dragon Boots. The weather forecast said rain so I grabbed his umbrella so we could have a little dance in the rain with his umbrella. It did not end up raining but we still had fun walking around outside with his boots and umbrella. He roared as he held the Kidorable Dragon Umbrella, so cute! A few moms in the elevator after we left the play area asked about his boots and I was happy to tell them they are from Kidorable!

To celebrate Spring and the rainy season we are hosting a giveaway for a Kidorable Umbrella to keep your little one dry while looking so cute!

GIVEAWAY

Win a Umbrella from Kidorable in your style choice.

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

Which Style of Umbrella do you like?

-Follow Kidorable 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 a Kidorable Umbrella from @Kidorable at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 4/25 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/03/kidorable-review-and-umbrella-giveaway.html

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 30, 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.

Attending In Store Decorating Seminars

We are currently working on redecorating our home. The Spring cleaning buzz has me wanting to re-arrange organize and buy some new items. For me one of the biggest challeneges is picking colors that I will want to see everyday. I am a commitment phobe when it comes to decorating.

Last week when we were shopping for furniture at RC Willey we read about a In Store Decorating Seminar about Color. I knew I wanted to attend this one. Spending money to decorate your home is a investment in your happiness, I wanted to make sure I was making good decisions. I enjoy looking at the room set ups on display on the showroom floor, its always great for ideas. We learned about color theory and many aspects of interior decorating. It was presented in a simple and understandable way. They did a great job.

When we arrived 10 minutes early to the Decorating Seminar we were surprised to see the huge line of people and an already filled room. Even the store employees were surprised by the turn out. They had to get more seating, more flyers and get out a microphone system. The event started much later than they had planned. My son was doing a great job trying to behave. He colored, had cookies and rolled around on the floor. Thankfully our seating was a nice plush couch! There were many families there with their kids. The man next to us had his little girl who was playing a hand held video game that my son was trying to get a peek at. Towards the end of the 1 hour seminar my son began to grab things and tried to drink out of a candle lol. But he did great and nothing was broken in the store. RC Willey was nice enough to hand out $25 gift cards for everyone who attended and a giveaway of 5 $50 giftcards, I am sure thats why the crowd was so big.

My favorite thing we learned was about the 60-30-10 rule of decorating. They explained how its like a mans suit where there is 60% one color, the pants and dress coat, 30% an accent color, the dress shirt, and 10% the accessories color, the tie. In relation to room decorating its the wall paint, the furniture color and the room accessories like lamps, vases, pillows. We had a fun time, learned some new stuff, found some color inspiration and will be going back later in the week to shop with our gift cards.

Toys are one of the fun parts when shopping for kids. I always see cute stuff that I want to get for my son. When we go out to the mall shopping he wants everything he sees, of course! I like to be able to look at items and read reviews before I buy something. I find the best way to do that is to shop online for toys. That way I can read reviews and not have my son telling me he wants everything.

I have shopped online before at ImagineToys.com for Christmas. We were wanting to get my son something fun for Easter and that he could get some outdoor play. I have heard from other moms about the Rody Horse and was curious to try one.

I was surprised how durable the Rody Red Horse is. My son thought it was hilarious! The smiling face on the horse is really cute. He bounced on it and giggled when he was trying to punch it. Its a ride on hippy hop type of toy. Its made of soft latex free Vinyl in Italy. Its made for toddlers 2-4 to help build balance and coordination. We plan to take the Rody Red Horse to the park as soon the rain lets up so he can bounce his way across the big grassy field.

To celebrate the Spring and Easter we are hosting a giveaway for a gift certificate to Imagine Toys to buy your little one a toy. Imagine Toys has a large selection of toys include some great outdoor and sports toys so your little ones can enjoy the outdoors. They also have Easter Basket filler suggestion for Easter.

GIVEAWAY

Win a $25 Gift Certificate to ImagineToys.com

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

What item would you like to have from Imagine Toys?

-Follow Imagine Toys 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 a $25 Gift Certificate to ImagineToys.com from @imaginetoys at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 4/25 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/03/imagine-toys-review-and-25-gift.html

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 29, 2012 and ends on April 25nd, 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.

I am so excited that the Spring is here and Summer is right around the corner. We love to have picnics at the park, the lake and attend festivals. Being outdoors doing an activity is what we love. Every time we go to a fun outing I always bring lots of liquids to drink and usually sandwiches and snacks. I have always had a square, bulky and not cute ice chest that I bring with me each we go out. Its ugly and never fits in the bottom of my sons stroller. Its always left up to me to lug it around on my shoulder.

This year when the weather started to get warmer I told myself I would not lug that cooler around with me. My search began for a stylish, functional and a brand name I trust for a new cooler. I was thrilled to find not only one that was all three of those but also a tote bag. I had not thought of a tote bag being a cooler. Its perfect for me. I can store soda cans, juice boxes, snacks and sandwiches without having the constraint of a perfectly square box.

I love my new Thermos brand Raya 24 Can Tote bag. I love that its purple and flowery. It has sturdy straps and looks cute like a tote rather than a bulky cooler. I can place it into the stroller compartment with ease. I look forward to bringing it with us to the park for a picnic on Easter and the many outdoor adventures to come.

Here is some product info about the Thermos Raya 24 Can Tote Bag:

IsoTec™ superior insulation keeps foods fresh
Heat-sealed, leak-proof PEVA lining
Generously sized interior
Zippered closure
Durable, easy-care fabric
Capacity: 24 can
Dimensions: 15" W x 6" D x 12.5" H

GIVEAWAY

Win Thermos Raya Purple Flower 24 Can Tote

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

What is another item you would like from Thermos?

-Follow Thermos 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 Thermos Raya Purple Flower 24 Can Tote Bag from @ThermosBrand at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 4/25 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/03/thermos-raya-24-can-tote-bag-review-and.html

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 29, 2012 and ends on April 25nd, 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.

Wild Wednesday At The Library

I've said this before and I'll say it again, I'm a huge fan of the library. What's not to love where everything is free? I use my library all the time and I really appreciate all the services they provide.

My two grandsons are now old enough to go to the library and enjoy it. Story hour is a new favorite. Books to read, toys to play with and Dragons to slay. Yeah, they love the library too.

I love Swaddle Designs, we worked with them when we were having the Baby Shower Event here at Frugal Family Tree and when we found out they had the Angry Birds Baby Collection we couldn't wait to work with them again. Angry Birds is a big deal around here with my 5 year old JJ. I have the game on my phone and he always wants to play it! Sometimes it causes fights, but I get it, the game is addicting. Recently I bought him his very own Angry Birds shirt so he was thrilled when he saw that his baby sister was wearing one too!

JJ's baby sister sporting her own Angry Birds gear, Long Sleeve Body Suit and Marquisette Swaddling Blanket.

Love the new Angry Birds Baby Products, so cute for the baby but also fun for the older children to see them wearing one of their favorite things!

P.S. Did you know that is an Award Winning Seattle -Area baby product company? Love to see a company founded right in my own backyard!

GIVEAWAY

Winner will receive their choice of bodysuit size and bird OR marquisette swaddle blanket

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

What color of Angry Birds 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 Swaddle Designs on Facebook +1
Follow Swaddle Designs on Twitter +1
Sign up to Swaddle Designs email club for exclusive info and sales +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

-Follow Frugal Family Tree on Pinterest +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 Angry Birds Body Suit or Swaddling Blanket from @swaddledesigns at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 4/25 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/03/swaddle-designs-angry-birds-review-and.html

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 28, 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.

Finding Decor Inspiration

This last month I have been trying to makeover my living room. It has been the same drab room for almost 3 years now and I need change. Its the Spring time and I want this Spring and Summer to feel more inspirational. I have started to realize my surroundings are greatly effecting my attitude. I can be a frugal shopper so for me its harder to spend a lot of money on something nice if its for me. Its easy to buy someone else something nice, just seems harder to rationalize something nice for me. So I have told myself to decorate for the person I would like to be, rather than the me right now. My sister Sam and my Mom have great decor sense they shop great places to find their decor. They seem to decorate as if the house is apart of their personality and I love that. I want to be more that way.

To get inspiration for redecorating, or should I say decorating in the first place! My room is a bare lifeless landscape. It needs personality. I went to the local mall and visited a few stores to get ideas from. I did sneak a peek at the sale items to see if there was anything I had to have. Its the frugal woman in me that hates to pay full price. But if its a piece I feel will make my room complete or is the piece that the room will be inspired from I am willing to pay full price for something like that.

Restoration Hardware is a really cool store. Its a sophisticated store full of updated classic high end furniture. I told my husband we could just bring our laptops and son and live in the store lol. It has a winter feel to me though. It has rich colors and would be beautiful for a den or a living room.

Pottery Barn has been a long time favorite store of mine. They have cute stuff at a reasonable price. I love the light feeling of their products. They have colorful items that fit with my personality. I love the white Spring look that they have display at my local store. It reminds me of the ocean and looks so fresh. Its beautiful but with a wild 2 year old there is no way I could have a white living room or bedroom set up. I looked at many of the accessories as a small inspiration. It was so fun to look at all the great home decor items at my local mall to find ideas for my living room makeover and future ideas for other rooms.

What is your favorite store to look in for Home Decor inspiration?

Looking for a Modern Furniture, Lighting or Home Decor? You can find it at inmod. Inmod is a store where you can find your modern decorating needs and shop by Space, Category, Featured Designers or Design your own. They have classic pieces and lots of Modern Eco-Friendly Furniture and Lighting. I love this Kalon Studios Echo Crib they carry, which also converts into a toddler bed!

Our nursery is decorated with the "Owl" and tree theme so I am always on the hunt for decor that is related to our nature room. Inmod carries beautiful wall clocks and when I saw the Night Owl Clock I knew we had to have it. I chose the Clipboard backing with the pink and green color combination but if you are looking to decorate a little boys room it also comes in blue/yellow and orange/blue. So cute, modern and I just love seeing it when I walk into the room.

Here it is hanging in the Nursery :)

As much as I love decorating the nursery, I also love things for the rest of the house. Check out this Grant Featherston Style Contour Lounge Chair. I want it, among other things they carry!

I could spend hours looking at all the great stuff at Inmod. To celebrate the Spring and to get you started on all that Spring redecorating we are hosting a giveaway for a Inmod Night Owl Clock.

GIVEAWAY

Win a Inmod Kids Decor Night Owl Wall Clock

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

What color combination of the Night Owl Wall Clock would you select if you win?

-Follow Inmod on Twitter +1

-Follow Inmod on Pinterest +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

-Follow Frugal Family Tree on Pinterest +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 Kids Decor Night Owl Wall Clock from @inmod at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 4/25 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/03/inmod-kids-decor-night-owl-clock-review.html

*Limited to US residents (this giveaway excluded Hawaii and Alaska); 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 27, 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.

If you are looking for a place to buy unique and beautiful gifts, UncommonGoods is the perfect place to shop. Birthday gifts, travel gifts, green gifts, cooking gifts and much more are all available at this amazing online store. It is easy to spend time looking at every thing offered here, and I found the selection of jewelry very appealing.

When I was offered the opportunity to do a review at UncommonGoods, I had the hardest time selecting an item to pick out to do a review on. I saw so many things I liked! I decided on the Tabula Drinking Glasses. They looked very pretty and unique, and I love having new things to enjoy in the kitchen. They come in a set of six, and each is a different color.

Artistry and craftsmanship define these lovely glasses, casual enough for everyday use but special enough to impress your guests. They are created using a clouding technique where pigment is poured into spinning glass, resulting in a subtle beauty. Perfect for so many beverages, they will lend a unique presence to any table. I love using them for my morning glass of orange juice.

UncommonGoods also has great gifts for many occasions. Unique gifts for employees is something I am now needing. We are expanding our site and having more people work with us. It would be fun to give out paperweights or moneyclips as gifts.They have funny and unique ones on their site.

For our Spring into Spring Event we are hosting a giveaway of a $50.00 gift certificate.

GIVEAWAY

Win a $50 Gift Certificate to UncommonGoods.com

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

What is your favorite item at UncommonGoods.com

-Follow Uncommon Goods 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 a $50 Gift Certificate to @UncommonGoods at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 4/25 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/03/uncommongoods-review-and-5000-gift.html

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 27, 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.

Nana's Girl

When I bought my new camera a couple of months ago, I had no idea this little angel would be the subject of so many of my pictures. But I just can't help it, she is just such a darling.

As her grandmother I am allowed to gush about how wonderful and sweet she is. In fact, that's what a good grandmother is supposed to do. So here I am, just doing my job. Isn't she lovely?

Spring Time makes me think of Weddings, Baby Showers, Graduations and Easter. The planning and preparation of the party is half the fun. Decor can be the main item that pulls the party together with theme and overall feeling. Part of the stress of party planning can also be having the time to go look at store to store to look for what you want and to get inspiration. Shopping online for party decor can make it easier.

Favor Affair is an online retailer of Unique Party Favors. They have great products but also aim to provide you with ideas, tips and recipes to be able to host a great party. There is a live chat rep online to be able to ask questions and get any help selecting your party items. The site is categorized by Occasion, Theme, Season or product type, making it easy to navigate.

There are many Weddings in the Spring time. Its beautiful outside and love is in the air! Party Affair has fun and elegant Bridal Shower Party Favors. Some of my favorites are the Paris Eiffel Tower themed items and the Love Birds themed party favors.

Baby Showers are wonderful to plan. Its a celebration of Mom and Baby. There are many cute ways to incorporate your personality into your party theme. A few of my favorites from the Baby Shower Party Favors are the Born to be Wild Animal items and a unique idea of personalized eco-friendly Wild Flower packs to give to your guest. I thought it was a cute idea to plant something new in honor of a new baby.

Favor Affair has great Birthday party items, anniversary and other items to fit your party plans. To celebrate Spring and the upcoming Easter season we are hosting a Giveaway for a $25 Gift Certificate to one lucky reader to FavorAffair.com

GIVEAWAY

Win a $25 Gift Certificate to FavorAffair.com

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

What type of party would you throw if you won?

*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 Favor Affair on Facebook +1
-Follow Favor Affair 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 a $25 Gift Certificate to FavorAffair.com from @FavorAffair at @FrugalFamTree #Giveaway ends 04/25 http://www.frugalfamilytree.com/2012/03/favor-affair-party-favors-25-gift.html

*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 26th, 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.

Favorite Things Strawberries

Around our house we L-O-V-E Strawberries. The boys would eat them with every meal if I let them! We like to eat them when they are super ripe and at their peak, YUM. This is the time of year when you see them in all of the super markets. To save some money, we bought our very own upside down strawberry planting kit from the store. Can't wait to see how good they taste right out of our own backyard :)

Friday, March 30, 2012

Kidorable Review and Umbrella Giveaway

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Attending In Store Decorating Seminars

Imagine Toys Review and $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway

Thermos Raya 24 Can Tote Bag Review and Giveaway

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Wild Wednesday At The Library

Swaddle Designs Angry Birds Review and Giveaway

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Finding Decor Inspiration

Inmod Kids Decor Night Owl Wall Clock Review and Giveaway

UncommonGoods Review and $50.00 Gift Certificate Giveaway

Monday, March 26, 2012

Nana's Girl

Favor Affair Party Favors $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Favorite Things Strawberries