Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Winner Annoucements: Pigeon & Pals, Chicken Little, Robot Zot & STOMPEEZ!

Is it as hard for you to accept that tomorrow is December 1st as it is for me?  I honestly can't believe that we are down to the last month of the year, that Christmas is only 25 days away and that the New Year is staring us in the face!  As much as I love the holidays, I just don't know that I'm really ready!

Are you one of the lucky giveaway winners being announced tonight?

Candle Warmers Review & Giveaway - 3 Winners! (Holiday Gift Guide)

 I love walking into a room that smells wonderful, fresh and clean!  Nothing is quite as soothing as a house that smells good!  My Candle Warmers give off the perfect amount of scent and it fills the entire room. We have a large bedroom so I know that the warmer works very well. Perfect for any size room, large or small. The scent even reaches down the hallway in our bedroom and into the living room. 

 As a mom who worries about everything, I love the fact that Candle Warmers don't require a flame like ordinary candles. I don't have to worry about the kids (or pets) knocking them over and starting a fire or getting burned by them.  I also don't have to worry about forgetting to blow them out or turn them off when I leave the house, after all it's just a light bulb!

Candler Warmers are available in a variety of stylish and decorative lamps, crocks, and plug-ins!  They even carry a variety of holiday warmers as well, like an adorable snowman, Santa, and jack-o-lantern!

A couple of my personal favorites include:

- the Hurricane Candle Warmer Lantern
  - the Aurora Candle Warmer Lamp

30 Days of Thanks: Day 30

Today I am thankful for EVERYTHING!  Every moment, every minute of every single day.  We aren't promised tomorrow, so it's important to cherish every opportunity that we have with those that we love and cherish most!

What are you most thankful for?

Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Ending Tonight: STOMPEEZ!

I know that Christmas is sneaking up on us, but don't wait until the last minute to get those hot holiday gift items on your list - enter to WIN them just in time for Christmas!  Tonight is your last chance to make one kid on your shopping list very happy on Christmas morning by winning a pair of Stompeez slippers!

Is there someone on your list that would love a pair of Stompeez? 

30 Days of Thanks: Day 29

Today I am thankful that my kids have each other!  I'm so happy that they love each other, have fun together and are always there for each other!  I have a younger sister and a younger brother, and know just how special and important siblings are!

Do you have brothers or sister?

Campbell's Skillet Sauces (Review)

With so much to do during the day, do you often find yourself stressing over what to make for dinner?  Tired of eating the same meals over and over?  Well, you can kiss your stress good-bye, and let Campbell's help you create a quick and delicious meal that your entire family will love!

Campbell's Skillet Sauces are a great way to make dinner delicious! I decided to try the Creamy Chipotle tonight for dinner with our sirloin tip steaks.  We aren't a family that has the desire for spicy foods, so I was a little nervous by the fact that it had the word chipotle in its flavor...

 "Smoky chipotle peppers combined with black beans, sweet roasted corn, and Monterey Jack cheese, creating a robust, medium-heat sauce that delivers southwest excitement in each bite."

As I opened the pouch, the aroma filled the air and all I could hope for was that it tasted as good as it smelled.  As our steaks started simmering, the kids came running into the kitchen and asked me "what smelled so good" and  "were we having it for dinner?"

See's Candy for Holiday Traditions: Review & Giveaway (Holiday Gift Guide)

The holidays are all about family memories and traditions.  During Christmas vacation my two kids and I make several trips to the mall to enjoy the holiday samples, decorations, sales and of course, SANTA!  One seasonal store at the mall that my children and I are always most excited about is See's Candy!

See's Candy offers a variety of free samples and my children absolutely love their lollypops!  They always have a difficult time choosing a flavor, but remember that on our next visit they can choose a different one!  Chocolate and butterscotch seem to be their favorites!

See's Candy has a great selection of boxed chocolates, truffles and nuts perfect for holiday gift giving!  I've had the pleasure of sampling several of their products and they are all delicious!  

Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Ending Tonight: Personalized Christmas Tree Ornament

 If one of your holiday traditions is giving a new Christmas tree ornament, you don't want to miss the holiday gift guide giveaway that is ending tonight!  One lucky winner will win a Personalized Christmas Tree Ornament of their choice - just in time for Christmas!

30 Days of Thanks: Day 28

Today I am thankful for toothless grins!  There is just something about them that puts a big smile on my face!

Honestly, how can you look at this grin and not smile?!

Lil' Teammates Collectible NFL Team Set Review & Giveaway - 2 Winners! (Holiday Gift Guide)

My husband and 11 year old son are huge sports fanatics.  Our son is a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan, dedicated and loyal no matter what others say.  He also has a huge sports collection: figurines, trading cards, baseball bats, posters and more that cover his room from top to bottom.

I was recently introduced to Lil' Teammates Collectible NFL Team Sets and they were a huge hit!  These lil' guys are so cute and adorable.  Sports fan or not, one look at them and you will fall in love.   They each have their very own distinctive and unique personality, their facial expressions are simply priceless.

The collectible team sets include three key NFL position figures: quarterback, lineman and running back.  

These fully licensed 3" tall vinyl collectible sports figures have rotating head, arms and waist.  There are 22 NFL teams available, and they come in an attractive diorama display package.

Is your favorite NFL team represented?



• Chicago Bears
 • Cincinnati Bengals
 • Denver Broncos
 • Cleveland Browns
 • San Diego Chargers
 • Kansas City Chiefs
 • Indianapolis Colts
 • Dallas Cowboys
 • Miami Dolphins
 • Philadelphia Eagles
 • San Francisco 49ers
 • New York Giants
 • New York Jets
 • Detroit Lions
 • Green Bay Packers
 • New England Patriots
 • Oakland Raiders
 • Baltimore Ravens
• Washington Redskins
• New Orleans Saints
 • Pittsburgh Steelers
 • Minnesota Vikings

These lil' collectible sports figures are durable enough for children to play with, in addition to being perfect for teens and adults to add to their sports collections.  They make a great gift or stocking stuffer!

Believe me when I say that these lil' guys are perfect for boys and girls of all ages!  My husband and daughter like them just as much as my does!

Holiday Gift Guide Giveaways Ending Tonight: Robot Zot DVD Set & Friends Prize Pack

Christmas is only a few short weeks away, so now is the perfect time for you to WIN some of your holiday gifts by entering a variety of different giveaways in my Holiday Gift Guide event!  Today is your last chance to enter to win a great Robot Zot DVD Set and the FRIENDS Prize Pack!

Be sure to check out the other Holiday Gift Guide giveaways before you leave!

Blanket + Puppet = CuddleUppets

  

My daughter makes sure to bring anything she wants on tv to my attention, each and every single time the commercial comes on!  If you have a child at home, then chances are you have heard of CuddleUppets!

Soft, warm and huggable... a CuddleUppet makes the perfect companion for your child or grandchild.  They are the perfect combination of practical (blanket) and fun (puppet)!  Perfect to cuddle and play with at home or in the car, and perfect for travel and sleepovers!

You can choose from 6 soft and cuddly friends; yellow dog, pink poodle, purple monkey, green crocodile, lady bug and a unicorn.  Making them perfect for boys and girls.

Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Winner Annoucements: Fireman Sam, Thomas & Friends, Butch's BBQ, Boba Mini Doll Carrier & Magic School Bus

Due to being gone over Thanksgiving, I'm a little behind in announcing some of the Holiday Gift Guide winners here at Being Frugal and Making it Work!  In order to try and catch up, I'm going to announce several winners for the following Holiday Gift Guide giveaways.  Fireman Sam, Thomas & Friends, Butch's BBQ, Boba Mini Doll Carrier & Magic School Bus!

Are you one of the lucky giveaway winners?

30 Days of Thanks: Day 27

Today I am thankful that Christmas is right around the corner.  I know, I know... it doesn't seem like it should be that time of the year already.  But I just love the look on my children's faces when they open their gifts on Christmas morning!

What is your favorite holiday?

Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Ending Tonight: Chicken Little DVD Set

Do you remember... "The sky is falling... the sky is falling!"  Chicken Little has been a childhood favorite for as long as I can remember.  Be sure to stop by and enter for your chance to win the delightful Chicken Little DVD set just in time for holiday gift giving!

Ice Age: Continental Drift DVD Giveaway (Holiday Gift Guide)

Ahoy, matey!  ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT sets sail on Blu-ray and DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on December 11, just in time for the holidays.

 Kids everywhere will be asking mom and dad for a copy of Ice Age: Continental Drift this holiday season, but what else is going to be a hot item?  Lets take a look at what kids will be looking for on Christmas morning.

Party Animals

 
Party Animals are a new soft, plush speaker system. All you have to do is plug in your MP3 player or laptop, and the Party Animal will play your music and dance along to it! These dancing stuffed animals might be a hit with adults too this holiday season!

Rory's Story Cubes 

This creative pocket-sized game is perfect for encouraging your kids to have fun while expressing their artistic side and gaining problem-solving skills. The game allows you to generate a creative story based on the nine dice which each have unique images on them. This creative gift will never leave the kids bored – each roll of the dice results in over 10 million combinations that can be used to create a story!

Furby

 
Furbies were all the rage in the 1990s, and they’re making a big comeback this year! The new, updated Furby features more expressive LCD eyes, a wider range of motion, a new iOS app, and the ability to react to user behavior. These cool, responsive toys are a must-have this holiday season.

 Ice Age: Continental Drift

My Nutrisystem Weight Loss Journey: Week 18

 It's a known fact that the majority of people gain weight during the holidays, an average of 7 - 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas!  

So, I find it ironic that this holiday season I'm trying to lose almost 10 pounds in order to reach my weight loss goal with Nutrisystem!

With just 8 more pounds to lose until reaching my weight loss goal... it seems so close, yet so far away!

During my 18th week on the Nutrisystem program, I lost... 

30 Days of Thanks: Day 26

Today I am thankful that my children have a love of school.  They both love going to school, love their teachers, and look forward to going to school each day!  I'm so thankful that it's not a struggle each day, and that they are growing and learning each day!

I'm so thankful that my children go to a wonderful school with fantastic teachers and a wonderful principal!

Do your kids enjoy school? 

Are You Faux Real? Quirky & Unique Novelty Shirts Review & Giveaway (Holiday Gift Guide)

  Whether you're looking for the perfect ugly Christmas sweater for your holiday party, or maybe a casual alternative for a costume party... you're going to love the selection at Faux Real Apparel. 

Faux Real Apparel has a fun selection of novelty shirts for men and women; long sleeve, short sleeve and night shirts!   

Faux Real T’s are the perfect combination of quirky, funny, and scandalous pictures for consumers who want to stand out from the everyday fashion crowd. 

With styles such as the tattoo model, #1 super fan, nerd, ugly Christmas sweater, camping outfit, and many more.   

I chose the mini giraffe in purse Faux Real novelty t-shirt, and I absolutely love it!  It's fun, cute and totally unique!  It is also soft, comfortable and stylish!  I've gotten so many compliments, and it gets noticed each time I wear it!

These shirts would make the perfect gift for that person who already has everything!  They are also a fun addition to any wardrobe.  There are also a couple "naughty & nice" Faux Real T's that are sure to add a little spice into any relationship, or to be the hit of the party! 

Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Ending Tonight: Mo Willem's Pigeon & Pals DVD Set

Looking to add some new DVD's to your child's collection this holiday season?  As part of my Holiday Gift Guide, there are several children's DVD giveaways to wrap and put under the tree!  Today is your chance to win the Mo Willem's Pigeon & Pals DVD set!

30 Days of Thanks: Day 25

Today I am thankful for silly kids!  There is not a single day that passes where my children don't make me laugh and smile.  Just looking at them makes me smile, because I am so lucky to be their mom!

Gourmet Nuts & Chocolate - Review & Giveaway (Holiday Gift Guide)

  If you love nuts as much as my family, then you are going to love Superior Nut Company!  Peanuts, almonds, cashews... nuts are a delicious and healthy snack, that my entire family enjoys!

 Superior Nut Company offers a wide variety of beautiful Gift Boxes, Gift Towers and Nut Gift Baskets, a delicious treat that's good for every occasion.   

I love that they have a huge selection, my only issue was being able to make a decision on which item to purchase!  I wanted so many items, they all looked so tasty!  

My husbands favorites are cashews, so when our giant whole cashews arrived, he wasted no time opening them up and grabbing a handful!  I'll admit that these giant cashews are the biggest, the freshest and the tastiest I have ever eater. They are oil roasted in small batches and are available in both salted and unsalted.

You can choose between a large variety of nuts, fruits, cakes, pies, and so much more.  Order a little, or purchase in bulk!  Browse their specials for even greater savings.  I prefer the items that include free shipping, making my money stretch even further!   

Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Ending Tonight: Magic School Bus DVD Set

Did you know that the Magic School Bus is celebrating 25 years?  Give the gift of adventure with this Magic School Bus DVD set giveaway!

Did you watch the Magic School bus growing up?

30 Days of Thanks: Day 24

Today I'm thankful for those special moments that melt my heart...  and the ability to capture them!

Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Ending Tonight: Boba Mini Baby Doll Carrier

If you have a little "mommy" to shop for this Christmas, they are sure to love a baby doll carrier!  Be sure to take a chance and enter to win an adorable Boba Mini Baby Doll Carrier!

Check out the Holiday Gift Guide: Win Your Christmas Gifts!

I'm trying to help make your holiday shopping a little less stressful, by providing fun gift ideas for the entire family and giving you the opportunity to win them!  The Holiday Gift Guide is in full swing here at Being Frugal and Making it Work!  Have you checked it out and entered any of the giveaways?

 I enter blog giveaways on a daily basis in hopes of winning some great holiday gifts!  Not only does it allow me to stretch my budget, it also allows me to give some pretty amazing gifts that I wouldn't be able to otherwise!

My latest win was Arnie the Interactive Dinosaur over at Frugality is Free, who is also currently running an amazing Holiday Gift Guide!

What is your favorite item in my Holiday Gift Guide? 

30 Days of Thanks: Day 23 - Black Friday!

Today I am thankful for the fact that I don't have to brave the crazy Black Friday shopping crowds.  My holiday shopping is 100% complete, so I don't have to worry about getting a Black Friday door-buster deal!

Do you shop on Black Friday?

Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Ending Tonight: Butch's BBQ Sauce & Seasoning Rub

Why not spice things up this holiday season and give the gift of BBQ!  Be sure to enter to win the delicious Butch's BBQ Sauce & Seasoning Rub giveaway before it's too late!  It's the perfect gift for the grill master on your holiday shopping list!

What is your favorite meal to BBQ or grill?

 

Zipz Shoes: New Shoes in a ZIP! Review & Giveaway (Holiday Gift Guide)

As a woman, I'll admit that I have a love for cute, comfortable shoes!  As a mom, I'll admit that I love buying my children new shoes, especially my daughter, because the current styles are so cute and a girl can never have too many pair of shoes!  Am I right?

Zip open your mind to the newest and most unique item that I've seen in ages...  

Zipz Shoes!  Have you heard of them?  No?  Don't worry because I just learned about them last month!

If you love shoes, you are going to FLIP! Zipz Shoes are the world’s first and only interchangeable shoes!  

Simply zip off (and on) the COVERS (shoe tops) and SOULS shoe bottoms) of your shoes and create an entirely new and stylish look.  Making them the perfect accessory to any outfit!

As I browsed through their selection, I was faced with a very difficult dilemma... which ones should I choose?  The colors and patterns are fantastic!  Cute, fashionable, and colorful!  Flames, hearts, glitter, flowers, camo... hi-tops, low-tops and slip-ons, can I please just have one of each? 

 Zipz Shoes are unique, stylish, original, and give you the ability to change your shoes like you change your mind... the possibilities are endless.

30 Days of Thanks: Day 22 - Thanksgiving Traditions!

Today I am thankful for Thanksgiving traditions!  Thanksgiving dinner, spending the day with family, lounging around all day in yoga pants, cutting down the Christmas tree and watching the Macy's Day parade on tv.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?

Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Ending Tonight: Thomas & Friends: Christmas DVD

Thomas & Friends is a favorite among little boys and girls, so why not give the gift of a DVD this holiday season.  Whether for a gift or a stocking stuffer, the Thomas & Friends: A Very Thomas Christmas DVD giveaway is sure to be a hit this Christmas!

FREE 8x10 Photo Print at Walgreens: 4 Days Only!

Just in time for the holidays, get a FREE 8x10 photo print from Walgreens!  Simply enter coupon code FREE2THANK at checkout thru Saturday November 24th!  Choose in-store pick-up and pay absolutely nothing!

Ergobaby Doll Carrier Review & Giveaway - 2 Winners (Holiday Gift Guide)

Will you be doing any holiday shopping for a special little girl this year?  Are you expecting a new baby, and will soon have a big sister at home?

Imagine how much your daughter (or grand daughter) would love to have a fun, stylish baby doll carrier - maybe exactly like the one you have!  Whether your little girl is an only child, or now a big sister... she will love carrying around her "baby" in an Ergobaby doll carrier! 

The child-sized Ergobaby Doll Carrier is perfect for toting much loved baby dolls and other stuffed toy friends around the house or to the park.  These adorable baby doll carriers are available in four different designs/patterns, and are both durable and comfortable for your little one.  They can even be worn on the front or on the back - just like the "real deal!"

The Ergobaby Doll Carrier is the perfect gift for a new big sister so she can be just like mommy (or daddy).

30 Days of Thanks: Day 21

Today I am thankful for early release days at school and long weekends!  That gives me more time to spend with my kids, and I love it!

Find the Perfect Christmas Stockings!

Whether you're going for the classic look, a little more vintage, or for the characters... stockings are one of the most important items for the holidays!  It doesn’t quite feel like the holidays until the Christmas stockings are hung by the chimney with care.  I know that hanging the stockings is one of my children's favorite holiday traditions!

RedEnvelope has a festive selection of monogrammed, vintage, classic, character and traditional Christmas stockings that are sure to add the perfect touch to your holiday traditions.

In addition to stockings,  RedEnvelope offers a unique and wide-ranging collection of thoughtful gifts for every occasion and everyone on your list, including gift for him, gifts for her and gifts for the home.  The perfect gift is waiting...

Where do you hang your Christmas stockings? 

Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Ending Tonight: Fireman Sam: Holiday Heroes DVD

As you may already be aware of, the Holiday Gift Guide is in full swing here at Being Frugal and Making it Work!  I'm trying to help make your holidays a little less stressful, by providing fun gift ideas for the entire family and giving you the opportunity to win them!

Be sure to enter the Fireman Sam: Holiday Heroes DVD giveaway that will be ending tonight, as well as checking out all of the other Holiday Gift Guide giveaways in the right sidebar!

What is on your holiday shopping list? 

The Universe Knows: Inspirational Mugs Review & Giveaway - 5 Winners! (Holiday Gift Guide)

Are you looking for the perfect way to give someone a little support and inspiration?  We all have what it takes to accomplish anything we set out to do, But we are often our own worst enemy. Instead of taking action, we over-analyze and over-think. Rather than "going for it", we judge ourselves too strongly, worry about too many things and let life pass us by. 

 The best seller at The Universe Knows are their collection of brightly colored inspirational mugs.  These bistro mugs make a unique gift for any holiday or occasion. These mugs are big enough to wrap your hands around, inspiring enough to make you have a brighter day!

Why do I love these coffee mugs?

• They are inspirational and encouraging!
• They come in bright, bold colors!
• They can brighten even the darkest day!
• They make the perfect gift!
• They are dishwasher and microwave safe!  

Another thing that I love about these amazing coffee mugs is that they are easy to hold and durable!  you can feel the quality when you hold them, and they are easy and comfortable to hold.   

Trust me when I tell you that when you get ahold of one of these mugs, it's going to become your favorite... you won't want to drink your morning coffee or tea from another mug ever again!

30 Days of Thanks: Day 20

Today I am thankful for the opportunity to volunteer in my children's class rooms at school.  Tuesday mornings in my daughter's 3rd grade class and Thursday mornings in my son's 6th grade class.  

Not only does it give me the opportunity to give back by helping the teachers and the students, I also get to know the children that my kids go to school with and play with on a daily basis.  It's rewarding all the way around!

Do you volunteer?

Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Ending Tonight: Madelaine Chocolate Company Christmas Chocolates!

The Holiday Gift Guide is currently underway, and the first giveaway ends tonight!  Be sure to enter to win a delicious Christmas Chocolate Assortment and check out the other great giveaways currently running as well.  

Also, be sure to check back often and enter all the upcoming holiday gift guide giveaways... there is something for everyone on your holiday shopping list!

30 Days of Thanks: Day 19

Today I am thankful for giggles... whenever I hear my children laughing, I can't help but laugh and smile too!  There is something about the laughs of a child that are heart-warming and contagious!

My Nutrisystem Weight Loss Journey: Week 17

Each and every single day for the past four months, I've thought about the different reasons I began my weight loss journey.  Making the right choices, staying focused and having the support of family and friends all play an important roll on the path to my success (or failure).

Last week, the librarian at my kids school asked me if she could talk to me about something...  I'll admit that I assumed it was going to be about helping her with something at school.  I'm an active volunteer and at school every school day, so it comes with the territory.

To my surprise, it wasn't about school at all... she wanted to know what I was doing to lose so much weight!   I  thought it was cute when she asked me if I could share my "secret!"  Of course, I was thrilled to tell her that I was on the Nutrisystem program, and how excited I was that it was working for me!  

She then admitted that she's been wanting to ask me for a few weeks, she was just trying to figure out the "right way" to do it!  Although I'm not losing weight for anyone else... it's so rewarding when others take notice! 

During my 17th week on the Nutrisystem program, I lost...