Thursday, March 31, 2011

Pink Princess Review and $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway

When I was pregnant with my 2nd child, I was thrilled when I found out the baby was going to be a girl.  Frilly dresses, ribbons and bows were the only things I could think about buying.  As an infant and toddler, my daughter wore dresses all the time.  I loved dressing her up.  As she grew older and became more active, she wore dresses less often.  Which made me a little sad, she looks so cute in dresses.  I take advantage of every chance I get these days for her to wear a dress, she's such a beautiful little princess.


Pink Princess has been in the children’s clothing business for more than three decades, carrying casual to formal wear.  They have the largest and most beautiful selection of dresses for girl's that I have ever seen. 

I chose the Brown Flower Girl Dress for a couple different reasons.  First, I wanted a dress that my daughter would be able to wear more than once, for more than one occasion.  This pretty dress is perfect for family photos and Christmas.   

Second, I wanted a dress that was a neutral color.  I think that little girls look just as cute in colors other than the popular pink, purple and white.  While I love those colors - I just wanted something unique and different.


And last but not least, my daughter was helping me make the very hard decision.  She liked the polka dots and the bow on the back.  This beautiful dress also comes in black and burgundy.

Pink Princess carries flower girl dresses, first communion dresses, christening gowns and holiday dresses.  They also have flower girl accessories, boys formal, pettiskirts and tutus and kids costumes!

With Pink Princess, finding the perfect dress for your little girl is easy.  You can search by event, holiday, length, size and even price!

Shipping was free and extremely quick.  If you place your order before 4:00 pm EST, it will be shipped that very same day.  Orders placed over the weekend will ship out on Monday.  Worried that the item you ordered might not fit?  Shipping is FREE both ways.  You can return an item for refund or exchange without any cost to you.


Pink Princess wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase.  I can speak from experience, you will be satisfied and very happy with your purchase!  The dress we chose is beautiful and of great quality.  Plus, my daughter is a pretty princess - just look at her!

Fantastic Frugal Fridays 4/1 - Come Share Your Frugal Posts and Tips

 

I would like to welcome you to the Fantastic Frugal Fridays blog party.

The Fantastic Frugal Fridays blog party is hosted by JR from Frugality Is Free and me (Bridget) here at Being Frugal and Making it Work, and we are both very excited to invite all of you to share your frugal adventures with us.

It is always great to know a little about the hostesses at any party, so here is a bit about us.

JR and I are two frugal stay-at-home moms, and we both manage our household budgets with a very frugal hand. Being frugal moms does not mean that our families live without though, as we spoil our kids and sometimes our husbands rotten on Christmas and birthdays.

We both earn our own spending money by writing about our frugal lifestyles, and through various online earning sites. Every year we also treat our families to a frugal vacation on us....and our frugal budgets. JR's favorite place to take her three wonderful sons and husband is the Florida Keys, while I take my two kids and husband to the Oregon coast.

JR lives in urban South Florida, and I live in rural North Idaho, but frugality has brought us together, and I hope that the Fantastic Frugal Fridays will be a place, where you too will meet and connect with other frugal-minded friends.

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For the second week in a row, this week's Frugal Expert is...

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I Am Not Superwoman is written by a mother of 4.  In the midst of her crazy and rewarding life she admits to not being a superwoman (but she plays one on tv)! :) 


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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

BUDDY UP AND WIN! PROMOTION

Feel like you need reinforcements in The Battle of the Bulge?  Do you want/need to lose weight?  Does The Biggest Loser® give you inspiration?
I have a Weight Loss Battle Buddy and I am thankful for her each and every single day.  She's there to motivate and encourage me.  Without her, I'll be honest, it would be easy to give up and to stop exercising.  But just knowing that she's there to support me and work out with me gives me the extra incentive to keep going!  Quitting would not only be giving up on myself but on her as well.
Wholly Guacamole is celebrating Battle Buddies with an awesome giveaway!
Go to eatwholly.com/thebiggestloser and, in 200 words or less, tell them how you and your Battle Buddy inspire and support each other in your weight loss journey.

They're giving away tons of prizes including a trip for 2 to attend  The Biggest LoserCouples season finale, a trip for 2 for a week's stay at The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge Malibu® and airfare allowance!   
And don't forget to watch The Biggest Loser: Couples, Tuesdays 8/7c!

Keeping My Family Happy

For as long as I can remember, I've always said that it's the little things that matter most.  You don't have to spend lots of money, have lots of money or go to extravagant places in order to be happy.  


The key to keeping my family happy is simply by spending quality time together.  It's the time spent together making memories that children will hold onto for their entire lives.  They probably won't remember what gifts they got for their birthday or for Christmas.  But I will guarantee that they are going to remember the fun times that we spent together as a family.


Both of my children are fun-loving, kind-hearted and easy going.  They both have a heart of gold and willingly go out of their way to help others and make others feel better.  I think this is mainly because we have always treated them with kindness and respect.  Afterall, children learn by example and they learn at a very young age.


Little things such as letting them be actively involved in meal planning, daily activities, planning family vacations and decision making.  Planting a vegetable garden, going for a walk or bike ride, sitting around the table together at dinner time and even cuddling together on the couch while watching television.  All of these activities give them the life lessons and confidence that they will need throughout their adulthood.  


My children don't have everything but they definately have more than they actually need.  They are just as happy going to the Dollar Store and choosing a small toy as they are going anywhere else and getting a more expensive toy.  I love the fact that my children are grateful for everything they have, no matter how big or how small.

As a wife and a mom, I want to create as many happy family memories as I can.  I know that before I know it my beautiful children will both be grown, moved out on their own and starting families of their own.  It's important to make every moment last and every memory count.


How do you keep your family happy?



About Farm Rich:

Farm Rich® products have been setting the standard for delicious, easy-to-prepare food the whole family loves. Farm Rich® foods taste like nothing else because they're made like nothing else – with 100% real ingredients like real cheese, high-quality meats, and fresh vegetables. Our snacks, appetizers, and breakfast foods are quick-frozen and carefully packaged so busy families can prepare great-tasting food within minutes. Farm Rich® is a Rich's Consumer Brand, which brings to market some of the food industry's leading retail brands including SeaPak® Shrimp Co., Casa Di Bertacchi®, and more. From early-morning breakfasts to midnight snacks, we're proud to say Farm Rich® products have become synonymous with high quality and great taste.


**I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Farm Rich blogging program, for a gift card worth $25.

Last Chance to Enter: Auric Blends Perfume Giveaway - 3 Winners (3/30)


Ends tonight at midnight!




Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Winner Announcement: $25 Right on the Walls Vinyl Wall Decals Gift Certificate Giveaway

I want to thank everyone who entered my $25 Right on the Walls Vinyl Wall Decals Gift Certificate Giveaway.   I would also like to thank the giveaway sponsor, Right on the Walls, for sponsoring this great giveaway for my readers. 

Don't forget to stop by and enter my other giveaways!  Check back and enter often, I'll be posting new and exciting giveaways on a regular basis!




The winner is #28:








CONGRATULATIONS, Jayedee!

Apothica Review and $25 Gift Cerficate Giveaway


I'll admit that I am not one who wears makeup.  To be totally honest, on my wedding day my aunt applied my makeup.  I had no idea how to apply it and I didn't want to look like a clown on my very special day.  

I was recently introduced to Apothica.com, an online beauty boutique, which carries the finest selection of skin care, body care, aromatherapy, and cosmetic products on the market today, including the most natural, organic products available.

Apothica is dedicated to providing high quality products formulated that promote and enhance your natural beauty. Some of the brands they carry that you know and love are Glo Minerals, NARS, and Too Faced.


Hourglass cosmetics are luxurious and sophisticated. Products include a full range of products, including hydrating lip stick, corrective concealers, and anti-aging foundation. Hourglass brushes are cruelty-free, made from PETA-friendly Takelon synthetic fibers, which also help avoid possible allergic reactions. 

Even though I don't wear make-up, I love lipstick and lipgloss.  A little tint and shine can make the world of difference.

Hourglass Cosmetics Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick comes in a variety of light and beautiful colors.  This lipstick will leave your lips feeling soft, smooth and moisturized.  The blend of Vitamin E, Jojoba Seed and Honeysuckle are the perfect key ingredients.

Hourglass Cosmetics Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss is another one of my favorites. Make your lips sparkle and shine.  Perfect for everyday use or a night out on the town.

No matter how much (or how little) make-up you wear, you are sure to find something you can't live without at Apothica!  I was amazed at the variety and selection of items available.  It took me over an hour to decide what items to purchase, changing my mind on numerous occasions.

I was impressed at how quickly my items arrived.  My first package arrived just 2 days after I placed my order.  It doesn't get much better (or faster than that)!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Winner Announcement: Goodnight Sweetheart: Couples Edition Giveaway

I want to thank everyone who entered my Goodnight Sweetheart: Couples Edition Giveaway.   I would also like to thank the giveaway sponsor, Evon, founder of Goodnight Sweetheart, for sponsoring this great giveaway for my readers. 

Don't forget to stop by and enter my other giveaways!  Check back and enter often, I'll be posting new and exciting giveaways on a regular basis!



The winner is #84:







CONGRATULATIONS, Lesli!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Follow Us Monday Morning Blog Hop 3/28 - Promote Your Blog, Meet New Friends and Win FREE Ad Space

Joy is at home...


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HOT BLOG OF THE WEEK




Joy Is At Home is written by Suzy, a 23-year-old nurse who loves being creative. Suzy and her fiance built their first home a year ago, and since then she has been decorating, crafting, baking, and organizing... Suzy is also crafting for her upcoming wedding, and she id doing so in style.

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My Kids Completed Two 5K Races in One Week!

I'm so proud of my two kiddos!  This is a "Mommy Bragging" moment!  

Last weekend the kids, my mom, sister-in-law and I participated in a 5K Fun Run/Walk where I grew up called Be Fit, Have Fun

Chandler ran with his Aunt and he came in 4th place OVERALL!  Three runners finished before him, two were high school teachers and the other a high school senior.  At just 10 years old, that is a major accomplishement!



Today, the kids and I participated in another 5K Fun Run/Walk called Leashes and Laces.  It was a fundraising walk to raise money for a local Police K9 Unit.  This was a dog friendly walk, dogs everywhere.  The kids had so much fun watching, petting and giving treats to all the dogs.

This photo was taken after today's race.  They received medals with puppy paw prints on them!

What's next?  A 10K, that's right!






**Hubby hasn't been able to join us because he's still recovering from knee surgery.  Next year, for sure!

Winner Announcement: Butch's Smack Your Lips BBQ Giveaway - 3 Winners

I want to thank everyone who entered my Butch's Smack Your Lips BBQ Giveaway - 3 Winners.   I would also like to thank the giveaway sponsor, Butch's BBQ, for sponsoring this great giveaway for my readers. 

Don't forget to stop by and enter my other giveaways!  Check back and enter often, I'll be posting new and exciting giveaways on a regular basis!



The winners are #62, #136 & #170:












CONGRATULATIONS, Marci, Victoria & Rita!!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Winner Announcement: Zippies "Pals That Hang Around" Giveaway

I want to thank everyone who entered my Zippies "Pals That Hang Around" Giveaway.   I would also like to thank the giveaway sponsor, Zippies, for sponsoring this great giveaway for my readers. 

Don't forget to stop by and enter my other giveaways!  Check back and enter often, I'll be posting new and exciting giveaways on a regular basis!




The winner is #103:








CONGRATULATIONS, Gianna!!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Hot Joe Jacket Coffee Sleeve Review and Giveaway

Are you one of those many people who start the day off with a cup of coffee?  Whether you make your own at home or purchase a cup on your way to work or run errands, we have all seen those paper sleeves most coffee shops put over your coffee cups.


With the Hot Joe Jacket you can keep your coffee hot, your hands cool and help the environment!  They are 100% reusable, reversible and earth friendly.  Each Hot Joe Jacket has a layer of insulating material hand sewn in between two outer layers of cotton fabric.  In addition, the velcro closure allows you to use it on cups of different shapes and sizes.

I love the fact that the Hot Joe Jacket is soft, functional and durable.  They are very easy to hold on to.  To be honest, I was a little worried that it might make my coffee cup difficult to hold onto (slippery), but that wasn't the case at all.  They also wash up very nicely.

With a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from, you are sure to find the Hot Joe Jacket that is perfect for you.  Designs include everything from boutique to animals to games! They even have a canine collection and a portion of sales is given to local animal shelters.

Keep one in your purse, your vehicle and in the office!  They also make a great gift.

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion: Review

The winter temperatures have been frigid this year.  Night-time lows were down to -17 degrees with a high during the day of 3 degrees on numerous occasions.  These bitter temperatures can play havok on your skin.  I think it's extremely important to keep your skin soft and moisturized in the winter months.  Possibly even more important than it is in the summer months.

Skin MD Natural is formulated to be far more effective than the ordinary moisturizing lotions or protective creams while utilizing mostly natural ingredients.

Skin MD Natural uses a blend of natural ingredients in combination with significant recent scientific advances to hydrate and help heal dry skin without any greasy residue, harsh fragrances, or other potentially toxic ingredients.


I can't rave enough about how Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion made my skin feel.  My skin was so soft, silky and smooth.  It didn't leave my skin feeling slimy or greasy either.  I used it on my arms, hands, legs and feet.

 As a very busy mom, I love the fact that I can use Skin MD Natural for all of my moisturizing needs.  I can even use it on my face.  It is perfect for head to toe use and everywhere in between!  Just a little bit went a very long way.


I also loved the fact that it didn't have an overpowering odor.  I love a nice, light scented lotion.  Skin MD Natural can be used by both men and women, no risk of smelling "girly" or like a medicine cabinet here.  It is also gentle enough for children.

Skin MD Natural and Skin MD Natural + SPF 15 are manufactured in the United States using 100% solar power, free of animal products and animal testing.

Want to try it before you buy it?  Get your FREE sample here.

They are so sure that you will love their product, Skin MD guarantees it!   If you aren't satisfied (no matter what the reason) they will refund your entire purchase price!  You have absolutely nothing to lose.

**I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.  Results may vary.  I was not compensated in any other way for this review.

A special thanks to Skin MD for this great review opportunity!

LOW ENTRIES - Last Chance to Enter: Goodnight Sweetheart: Couples Edition Giveaway (3/25)

This is the perfect gift for ANY couple!  Perfect for a woman to give her man and vice-versa!  This is a LOW ENTRY Giveaway that will be ending tonight at midnight!  Don't let your chance to enter pass by.  You may just end up being the lucky winner and your luck will continue in your relationship as well!



Thursday, March 24, 2011

Winner Announcement: Beyblade Metal Fusion Battle Gear Prize Pack Giveaway

I want to thank everyone who entered my Beyblade Metal Fusion Battle Gear Prize Pack Giveaway.   I would also like to thank the giveaway sponsor, Hasbro, for sponsoring this great giveaway for my readers. 

Don't forget to stop by and enter my other giveaways!  Check back and enter often, I'll be posting new and exciting giveaways on a regular basis!




The winner is #13:








CONGRATULATIONS, Kimberly!!

Fantastic Frugal Fridays 3/25 - Come Share Your Frugal Posts and Tips

I would like to welcome you to the Fantastic Frugal Fridays blog party.

The Fantastic Frugal Fridays blog party is hosted by JR from Frugality Is Free and me (Bridget) here at Being Frugal and Making it Work, and we are both very excited to invite all of you to share your frugal adventures with us.

It is always great to know a little about the hostesses at any party, so here is a bit about us.

JR and I are two frugal stay-at-home moms, and we both manage our household budgets with a very frugal hand. Being frugal moms does not mean that our families live without though, as we spoil our kids and sometimes our husbands rotten on Christmas and birthdays.

We both earn our own spending money by writing about our frugal lifestyles, and through various online earning sites. Every year we also treat our families to a frugal vacation on us....and our frugal budgets. JR's favorite place to take her three wonderful sons and husband is the Florida Keys, while I take my two kids and husband to the Oregon coast.

JR lives in urban South Florida, and I live in rural North Idaho, but frugality has brought us together, and I hope that the Fantastic Frugal Fridays will be a place, where you too will meet and connect with other frugal-minded friends.

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This week's Frugal Expert is...

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I Am Not Superwoman is written by a mother of 4.  In the midst of her crazy and rewarding life she admits to not being a superwoman (but she plays one on tv)! :) 



CONGRATULATIONS to I Am Not Superwoman for being our Frugal Expert of the Week!

LOW ENTRIES - Last Chance to Enter: $25 Right on the Walls Vinyl Wall Decals Gift Certificate Giveaway

Get your entries in and change the look of any room in your house!  



Nutella Mommy Party

Last week, I had the pleasure of having a Nutella Mommy Party.  I was one of many lucky moms who received the MommyParties Kit sponsored by Nutella.  


My Nutella party kit included goodies for all the moms:
  • Nutella Travel Mugs 
  • Nutella Recipe Cards
  • Nutella Samples
  • Nutella Spreaders
  • Nutella Coupons


 I honestly think that the moms were more excited about getting "goodies and treats" for themselves that they were about anything else.  As a mom, we rarely take the time for ourselves and when we do it feels amazing.  Almost like Christmas! :)


Nutella is a hazelnut spread, much like peanut butter.  However, Nutella does not contain peanuts, artificial colors or preservatives.  It can be used on bread, pancakes, fruits, bagels, tortillas, desserts and so much more.  It's the perfect combination of sweetness and healthy!

Every 13oz. jar of Nutella contains over 50 hazelnuts!

 Since Nutella was introduced to my children, it's the only thing they ask for in their school lunches.  The first day they had it on bagels.  When they came home, they both had the same story.  Their friends thought they had chocolate frosting for lunch!

Be sure to get your own Nutella coupons and taste the goodness for yourself!


**I received a Nutella MommyParties kit from Nutella and MommyParties™ an extension of MomSelect for the purpose of hosting a Nutella Mommy Party and writing a blog post about it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.  Results may vary.  I was not compensated in any other way for this review.