Follow Us Monday Morning Blog Hop 8/1

Good Monday morning everyone! I am honored to have been chosen to represent the 'Us' in Follow Us Monday Morning!  My co-host,  JR from Frugality Is Free are looking forward to meeting new friends.  I know that we have so much to share and so much to learn from one another.

Each week we will feature a blog as Hot Blog of the Week, and we will post a question to get the conversation started. The Hot Blog of the Week will get the first place in the linky, and the featured blogger will win a free ad space at both Being Frugal and Making it Work and Frugality Is Free for a week.

********************************************** 

The Hot Blog of The Week is:

Last Chance to Enter: 1 Case of Better Oats Instant Oatmeal Giveaway (7/30)

Don't let this delicious giveaway pass you by without entering!  You'll have breakfast covered for a month if you win!

Click below to enter:

1 Case of Better Oats Instant Oatmeal Giveaway (7/30)

A Day at Silverwood Theme Park

We get season passes to Silverwood Theme Park every year, have for the past 8 years. We live just about 10 minutes away, so it makes it the perfect summertime activity. We can go for a couple hours and then come home, instead of having to stay the entire day to get our moneys worth.  If we go just 3 times and we are money ahead of the game!  However, we go once or twice each week!

Silverwood Theme Park, the Pacific Northwest's largest theme park, with over 65 rides and attractions. There is also the Boulder Beach waterpark, such a blast on a hot summer day!  One admission, both parks!  Garfield and Odie are the mascots and are seen on a daily basis for fun photo opps!

Last Chance to Enter: Betty Crocker Fun Da-Middles Giveaway (7/29)

Don't let this delicious giveaway pass you by!

Click below to enter:

Betty Crocker Fun Da-Middles Giveaway (7/29)

Making Homemade Pizza with the kids!

Pizza is always a favorite meal in this house, we all LOVE pizza! Something else that we enjoy, is making our own pizza. The kids think it's great because they can put a lot or a little of ANYTHING they want on their pizza.

Putting on the sauce...

She loves cutting up the olives...

Last Chance to Enter: Shoulder Buddies Giveaway (7/28)

Everyone wants a Buddy that you can wear!  Don't miss your chance to get a couple of your very own...

Click below to enter:

Shoulder Buddies Giveaway (7/28)

Frugal Summer Fun: Reading in the Park

Reading is very important in this house.  I still remember my parents, especially my dad, reading stories to us when we were kids. It was something my siblings and I looked forward to each night and something we will always cherish. I always wanted my dad to read "Inside Outside Upside Down," and no matter how many times I asked him, he would always read it to me.

I started reading to my kids before they were even born. I would sit in my glider rocker and read to my tummy atleast once a day throughout both my pregnancies. Many people thought I was crazy while others thought it was wonderful.

Both of my children love to read and to be read to. My husband and I both think that reading is so important to our children and we encourage it on a daily basis. We read with our children every single day and now both of our children read stories to us each day as well!

LOW ENTRIES: Last Chance to Enter: Dinosaur Train Lift the Flap “Let’s Go To Volcano Valley" Giveaway (7/27)

Don't let this cute little dinosaur pass you by.  This would make the perfect gift for any young child in your life!

Click below to enter:

Dinosaur Train Lift the Flap “Let’s Go To Volcano Valley" Giveaway (7/27)

DIY: Frugal Pirate Costume

There was a Field Day during the last week of school, the theme was Pirates! The kids were going to be doing 10 different Pirate themed activities. Of course, coming dressed as a pirate was welcomed and encouraged!

I didn't want to spend the money on a traditional pirate costume, so I used my creativity and came up with a very frugal pirate costume!

Last Chance to Enter: Melissa and Doug Sand Toys Giveaway (7/26)

These Melissa and Doug sand toys are perfect for summer fun.  Don't forget to enter for your chance to win this great prize pack worth $50!

Click below to enter:

Melissa and Doug Sand Toys Giveaway (7/26)

DIY: Frugal Davy Crockett Costume

History is an important focus at my kids elementary school in 4th grade.  At the end of the year they have a fun-filled day called The 4th Grade History Rendezvous!  The playground field area is filled with different stations that focus on important things in history.  Including dutch oven cooking, panning for gold, cannon 101, Civil War 101, compass wayfaring, square dancing and so much more.

Regal Summer Movie Express: $1 Movies Every Week

I have been taking advantage of the Regal Free Family Film Festival since my 10 1/2 year old son son was just 18 months old.  It's something that I look forward to doing with my children each summer. It's a great way to spend the morning, one day a week. Even if it's a movie we have already seen, the kids LOVE going to the theater and watching it on the BIG screen!

This year Regal Cinemas is offering something just a little bit different.  Instead of being free, movies are going to be $1 each.  Still a fantastic deal and one that my children and I are going to be taking full advantage of.

Frugal Summer Activities: Making Plaster Hand Prints

Each month, 3 other moms and I get together with our kids and have craft playdates! We rotate houses, so we each take a turn planning and hosting the playdates. It's something we moms look forward to as much as the kids do.

This month we made plaster hand prints with seashells, glitter, buttons and beads added for fun and color. The kids had so much fun. Plus, it was simple to do. The entire craft took place in the sandbox. Notice the starfish? A couple of us moms got involved too!:)

We made sure the sand was pretty wet so that the kids could easily press their hands deep enough into the sand to make a wonderful print. The moms mixed the plaster in ziploc bags as the kids added the seashells, glitter, beads and buttons into their hand print now in the sand. Once they were finished adding what they wanted, we poured the plaster into the hand prints, added a stick and left it to dry for about 30 minutes.

Kidorable 20% Off Coupon Code and Hanger Set Review

Do your ever ask yourself, “How can I get my children to put their clothes away and clean their room?”

Put your kids’ imagination to work and have fun telling stories about farm animals, race cars, firemen or butterflies while hanging up their clothes. From rain gear to hanger sets and hats to hooded towels, Kidorable is sure to make every child (and mom) happy.  

 Kidorable products are made to last to last. They use high quality, durable materials that stand up to the constant wear and abuse that children can put them through.  My daughter has several Kidorable products and we love them all.  She loves them because they are fun and cute and I love them because they are durable!

Follow Us Monday Morning Blog Hop 7/25

Welcome to Follow Us Monday Morning - the Monday blog hop and Google friend follow here at Being Frugal and Making it Work and Frugality Is Free. This is the place where we casually meet and greet, have a little conversation and expand our blogging networks.

********************************************** 

The Hot Blog of The Week is:

Cansolidator Cupboard Review and Giveaway

One thing that I just can't handle is clutter.  Organization is and always has been essential in everything I do.  Everything in my home has its proper place and I'll admit that I'm OCD! 

Whether you have a little bit of cupboard space or a large pantry, the Cansolidator Cupboard is a lifesaver!  It makes organizing your canned goods quick and easy.  Plus, it makes keeping them that way a breeze.  It rotates your canned goods for you, keeping the oldest ones up front to be used first.

The Cansolidator comes in 3 convenient sizes:

Pantry: Holds 40 Cans
Cupboard: Holds 20 Cans
Pantry Plus: Holds 60 Cans

The Cansolidator Cupboard not only helps with organization but it also helps lower your cost of food.  By keeping the oldest cans up front and the newest ones in the back of the line, you won't have to worry about expiration dates as much which means less waste!   Frugal and convenient: two of my favorite things!

Winner Announcement: $50 CafePress Gift Certificate Giveaway

I want to thank everyone who entered my $50 CafePress Gift Certificate Giveaway.   I would also like to thank the giveaway sponsor, CafePress, 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 #60:

FREE FRESCHETTA By The Slice Pizza Event: August 4th

Coming up on August 4th, Freschetta is offering a great FREE EVENT!  What could be better than thousands of slices of FREE pizza?

Event Details:

Making Your Own Bubbles: Suds of Fun

Making your own bubbles can be suds of fun! 

 All you need is a large bucket of water and a bottle of dish soap!  They even made their own bubble wands with wire and zip ties!

It was a BLAST!!! 

I hope you're enjoying your summer as much as we are!

Energizer "Save the Music" $10 iTunes Gift Card Giveaway

It’s hard to believe that it’s the middle of July already and that back to school season is just around the corner. To help get the school year started off on a positive note, Energizer is partnering with the VH1 Save The Music Foundation to help restore instrumental music education in America’s public schools. Helping to kick off the campaign is Grammy®-nominated platinum-recording artist and VH1 Save The Music Foundation Ambassador Jordin Sparks. 

There are several ways for people to get involved. 

Easy Crock Pot Meal - Crock Pot Pizza

I'm always looking for quick, easy and delicious meals for my family.  In the colder winter months and those days when I know our day is going to be super busy, I like to have meals that can slow cook throughout the day and be ready when we get home.

Crock pot meals are some of my favorites!

It was so easy to make and it was delicious. Everyone went back for seconds. We also had some garlic bread for the perfect meal. We will definately be having this again. Would make a great dish to take to a party or potluck too. I think just about everyone would like this quick and easy crock pot meal.

CROCKPOT PIZZA

• 1/2 box rigatoni, cooked
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 30 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 pkg. pepperoni
• 1 pkg. canadian bacon
• 1 pkg mozarella cheese, shredded
• 1 pkg. cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 small onion, diced (optional)
• 1 small can sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1 can sliced olives (optional)

Brown ground beef and onions (if used). Layer ingredients in crock pot. Cook on low for at least 5 hours.

What is your favorite crock pot recipe?

LAST CHANCE: Parents Magazine Subscription Only $4 for One Full Year (Offer Expires TODAY)

Parents Magazine has always been one of my favorites. My kids are 10 and 7 years old and I have been getting this great magazine since before they were born.

Parents Magazine knows what’s important to moms and dads: raising happy and healthy children in a safe and loving environment.

Right now you can get one year (12 issues) of Parents Magazine for just $4! That's just 33 cents an issue! Hurry and head over to the Purex website to grab this deal before it's gone. You're not going to find this kind of deal anywhere else! This magazine also makes the perfect gift for any new or expecting parent!

Don't miss your chance to snag this great deal!

*

Simply use Parents Code: PX0029

Offer valid through July 22nd 

North American Big Rig Racing: What A Hoot!

What could be more entertaining that watching semi trucks race around a 1/4 mile oval track and burn rubber? The North American Big Rigs were at the Stateline International Speedway tonight and so were we. 

We frequent the speedway during the summer, watching the car races is quite entertaining and a great way to spend the evening. This was a special race night, only the second time that the American Big Rigs have raced at this track and in our area.  We went last July too for their debut at Stateline Speedway and just had to return again!

What an entertaining and exciting night of fun! We went with friends and family, my parents made a special trip up just to experience this with us this year after hearing so much about last year's show!  The stands were packed, the energy was high and the race was absolutely amazing. Who knew that semi trucks could race and burn out?!

 

BIG RIGS, Start Your Engines!!!

Winner Announcement: Three60 Gear Sports Wear Giveaway

I want to thank everyone who entered my Three60 Gear Sports Wear Giveaway - Winners Choice.   I would also like to thank the giveaway sponsor, Three60 Gear, 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 #115:

CONGRATULATIONS!

Last Chance to Enter: $50 CafePress Gift Certificate Giveaway (7/21)

Whether you decide to spend it on yourself or for holiday shopping, you are going to have a hard decision ahead of you!

Click below to enter:

$50 CafePress Gift Certificate Giveaway (7/21)

Winner Announcement: Wisharoo Park Giveaway - 5 Winners

I want to thank everyone who entered my Wisharoo Park Giveaway - 5 Winners.   I would also like to thank the giveaway sponsor, Wisharoo Park, 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:

Grand Prize: #97 & #169

Runner Ups: #24, #43 & #188

CONGRATULATIONS, Everyone!

Home Security You Can Trust

Before becoming a mother I wasn't too worried about home security.  I felt safe in my home and was comfortable with the means and actions of protection that I had available.  When I became a parent my entire prospective on love, life, finances and security changed.

With 24 hour protection from home security bear you can rest assured that your valuables are protected.  Whether your cause for concern is theft or carbon monoxide poisoning, you can rest assured that you are covered.   

It's like having your eyes open around the clock without the stress and worry!  With home security plans starting as low as $35.99 a month to cover those assets that are priceless, you have nothing to lose.  Peace of mind can be a wonderful thing.

Laser Pegs Lighted Construction Kit Review

Building blocks, lincoln logs and legos have been a childhood favorite for years.  I remember playing with them as a child and now my children do the same.  They let the imagination of children run wild with endless possibilities and provide hours of fun!

Laser Pegs are the world's only lighted construction set!  There are 7 fun and creative kits available:

• Tractor
• Dune Buggy
• World of Bugs
• 3D Lite Board
• 4 in 1 Power Kit
• Mini Monster Bug
• 3 in 1 - 72 Piece Kit

We received the Mini Monster Bug Kit for review.   Laser Pegs aren't just for kids either.  I'm really not sure who had more fun playing and building with them, the adults or the children.  Whether you follow their designs or create your own, you're going to have a blast with them!  Trust me!

Laser Pegs make the perfect toy and gift for anyone, boys, girls and adults alike!  I love the fact that they require my kids to use their imagination.  In addition, laser pegs captured their interest and attention and immediately became a favorite activity.

The fact that they light up make them even that much cooler!  It really brings your creations to life. 

The Monster Bug

Among the many famous construction toy kits is this one called the Mini Monster Bug. The Mini Monster Bug is an absolutely creative and constructive toy set that allows any kid above the age of seven to play around and create a masterpiece. The Mini Monster Bug has about 32 laser pegs that can be creatively arranged and also boasts of fabulous illumination as well. The 3 AA batteries and the power unit that is inbuilt in this Mini Monster Bug, gives that effect.

**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.

LOW ENTRIES: Last Chance to Enter: Three60 Gear Sports Wear Giveaway - Winners Choice (7/20)

This is perfect for the sports lover in your life!  Would make a wonderful gift!

Click below to enter:

Three60 Gear Sports Wear Giveaway - Winners Choice (7/20)

Back to School With Master Lock: Advice for Surviving the School Year

Back to School to can both exciting and stressful for both parents and students.    I can't believe my kids are going to be in 2nd and 5th grade this year.  Where has the time gone?

  

 Master Lock wants to know, "What’s the best piece of advice you can offer to students and fellow parents for surviving the school year?"

The one thing that always makes back to school time easiest for me is to shop early and stock up!  Don't wait until the last minute to purchase school clothes and school supplies.  The longer you wait, the harder it is to find the styles and quantity that you need.  This in turn causes you to stress which doesn't leave Mommy or the students very happy and excited about going back to school.

Parents and students are invited to submit their own questions for the Master Mind and participate in daily sweepstakes for a chance to win back-to-school must-haves, including popular Master Lock school and campus security products.

For more information visit Master Lock's Facebook page:  

www.facebook.com/masterlock

**By sharing my best advice I am also entering a contest for a Master Lock back-to-school prize pack as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club.

RIO comes to Blu-ray and DVD: RIO DVD Giveaway (US and CANADA)

  RIO comes to Blu-ray and DVD on August 2nd

 

Rio tells the story of Blu (Jesse Eisenberg), a Spix Macaw who is captured from his native homelands of Brazil at a young age to be domesticated thousand of miles away with his human owner Linda. His new owner soon discovers that he is the last male of his kind, and with that , the two head south to Rio de Janeiro to meet Blu's new mate. However, it is nowhere near close to love at first sight between the socially awkward, flight challenged Blu and the strong and independent extreme flying female Jewel (Anne Hathaway). 

Shortly after Blu's arrival, greedy animal smugglers capture the two rare birds and they soon find themselves helplessly lost in the Brazilian rainforest. Unexpectedly thrown together they embark on a hysterical and endearing adventure where they learn about friendship, love, courage and spreading ones wings to fly.

 The creators of ICE AGE bring audiences a whole new tropical adventure in RIO featuring the most colorful cast of characters south of the Equator, including George Lopez (Beverly Hills Chihuahua), Tracy Morgan ("30 Rock"), Jemaine Clement (Despicable Me), Rodrigo Santoro (Che), will.i.am (Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa), Jamie Foxx (Dreamgirls), Jane Lynch "Glee"), & Wanda Sykes(Over The Hedge).

WIN IT:

 

**To win your very own copy of this fun summer film, simply answer the following question**

 

What kind of bird is Blu?

• Toucan
• Spix Macaw
• Sulpur Crested Cockatoo
• Red Crested Cardinal

This giveaway will end at 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday August 10th

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only. The winner will be chosen using Random.org, with the winner will be notified by e-mail. Please make sure I have a way to contact you. You can leave your email, or link to your blog site. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, if there is no response another winner will be chosen.

**The above information was provided to me by the PR Company associated with this giveaway.  I only recommend products or services I use personally and/or believe will be a good fit 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 giveaway.  The generous sponsor of this giveaway will mail the prize directly to the winner.  

HOT COUPON: $1.50 Off Seattle's Best Coffee

If you love coffee as much as I do then you're going to want this coupon!  These great tasting cans of coffee are perfect for on-the-go!

Click to save $1.50 on a 4 pack today!

Winner Announcement: Fiber One Cereal Giveaway

I want to thank everyone who entered my Fiber One Cereal Giveaway.   I would also like to thank the giveaway sponsor, MyBlogSpark, 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 #36:

CONGRATULATIONS, Janet!

Winner Announcement: 2 Dozen Fiesta Roses Giveaway ($120 Value)

I want to thank everyone who entered my 2 Dozen Fiesta Roses Giveaway.   I would also like to thank the giveaway sponsor, Fiesta Roses, 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 #119:

CONGRATULATIONS, Kristina!  Enjoy your beautiful roses!