Long Overdue Winner Announcements - Are You One of the 6 Lucky Giveaway Winners?

Things have been a little crazy in the Being Frugal and Making it Work household over the holidays, in a good way!  That being said, I am a little behind in announcing some giveaway winners that will be receiving some amazing prizes!

 

The lucky giveaway winners are:

Energems: Great Tasting Chocolate Energy Bites - A Boost of Energy When You Need It!

Are you looking for a great tasting alternative to energy drinks, energy shots, and maybe even your daily cup (or two) of coffee?  What if I told you that you could have it in something as convenient and great tasting as chocolate candies - Energems!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. 

 

Energems were created primarily for the modern, on-the-go consumer who wants an alternative to the inconvenience of liquid energy drinks and shots. They want an energy solution that tastes great, is low-calorie, easy to transport and allows them to “energize” as needed, when needed. 

My husband drinks an B12 energy shot every morning on his way to work.  We were both a little skeptical on how effective these energy bites chocolate candies would work, but in the end, we were both pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness and taste of Energems.  They tasted really good,  kind of like a giant M&M.

"Energems are portionable, shareable and portable. Energems come in a re-sealable package, which means you can enjoy energy when you need it.  A single serving of Energems (3 gems) has about the same amount of caffeine as a strong cup of coffee."

Sterling Silver Everlon Diamond Knot Pendant

Jewelry is the perfect gift for any woman, young or old!  And who doesn't love diamond jewelry? I recently heard about the Everlon diamond knot collection from Kranich's and instantly fell in love.  

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

While I currently only own the necklace, I've told my husband that I'd love to add the ring, bangle and earrings to my diamond knot collection!  After all, our 15 year wedding anniversary is only a few short months away!

 

This beautiful sterling silver Everlon diamond knot pendant features a .04 carat total weight diamond center and is sure to brighten the day of anyone who receives it!

5 Informative Blogs about Nutrisystem

If you have been wanting to lose weight, you probably have done some thinking about whether or not you want to use a weight loss program or not. There are plenty of programs to choose from and there are some great ones out there. What works for one person might not work for another, so sometimes it is a hit and miss thing. 

 

Many people claim to like the Nutrisystem food delivery weight loss program, as there are some great success stories and reviews out there. In fact, there are a plethora of before and after pictures online that showcase the pounds lost while using the Nutrisystem program.

 

If you happen to be interested in this meal delivery program, in addition to the products you can purchase, you might want to read tips and receive support from others who have tried it before you. If so, here are some great Nutrisystem blogs that you can get familiar with and utilize at your convenience.

 

 

Everything Mommyhood. A stay-at-home mom of two beautiful girls, 29-year old Darci and her husband lost a combined 23 lb in 13 weeks on Nutrisystem. They have recorded their journey and offer useful tips and lessons they learned along the way. Here you will find plenty of Nutrisystem recipes, including a delicious vegetable salad with a healthy dressing. Preparing your own salads is an important aspect of the Nutrisystem diet, given that the meals the company provides lack fresh fruits and vegetables. Darci, delights in sharing yummy recipes and bits and pieces of her life with her children and husband. 

Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours!

The Being Frugal and Making it Work family wants to wish you a very Merry Christmas!  I hope you have a day filled with joy, happiness, love, and most importantly MEMORIES!

 

Q: What kind of motorcycle does Santa ride?
A: "Holly" Davidson!
 

Q: What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?
A: "Claus"trophobic

It's Christmas Eve - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town!

 

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

You better watch out

You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

He's making a list,

And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice.

Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you're sleeping

He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good

So be good for goodness sake!

O! You better watch out!

You better not cry.

Better not pout, 

I'm telling you why.
Santa Claus is coming to town.

Flavored Sports Mouth Guard - Custom Fit and Long Lasting Flavor! (Review & Giveaway)

My son started playing organized sports at the young age of 3.  He was the cutest little soccer player that you ever did see.  Then, at the tender age of 6, he became a wrestler!  He's been wrestling for 7 years now - and wearing the proper protections is a must.  Not only does he wear headgear, but he also wears a mouthpiece - which is essential since he also has braces.

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

 

"MoGo Sport is a sports mouth guard company founded by athletes for athletes. Revolutionary FDA approved and BPA free flavor technology allows MoGo to add flavor to plastic, creating the world's first flavored mouth guard. The result is the freshest tasting sports mouth guard in the industry with a flavor the lasts. The flavor is not coated or sprayed on the plastic; it is embedded into the plastic so the flavor is guaranteed for long-term use."

There are two sizes available: youth (ages 11 and under) or adult (ages 12 and up).  My son is almost 13 and the adult flavored mouth guard fits perfect!  My son loves that this mouth guard is comfortable to wear and that it doesn't hurt his mouth.  So many other mouth guards we have tried were super hard and didn't move with him.

Snow. Movies. Giving. Christmas.

Everyone has a holiday that they enjoy most.  My son's favorite holiday just happens to be Christmas!  A couple weeks ago at school his class was asked to write an essay about their favorite holiday.

Here were their directions:

Think about your favorite holiday and how you celebrate it with your family.  What are some special things that you do together as a family?  Write about your favorite holiday.  Be sure to explain at least three reasons that this holiday is your favorite.  Use specific details to support your reasons.  Remember to use interesting adjectives and vivid verbs to make your essay interesting to your readers.

Here is his A+ essay:

 

Snow. Movies. Giving. Christmas.

Candles let off the sweet scent of cinnamon, the warmth of the fireplace is magnificent, and we just wait.  Wait to see what Christmas will bring this year.  Christmas is a magical holiday where snow blankets the ground.  Christmas movies flood the television, and the Christmas tradition of giving looms in the air.  Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.

Snow is one of the best parts of Christmas.  For one thing, snow is a beautiful view for enjoying family time.  When it's not too soft, my family and I love to make snowmen, when our dogs don't knock them over.  Snow is the one thing that allows us to sled behind the 4-wheeler as well, which is a great way to finish the day before going inside to drink a nice cup of hot cocoa topped with whip cream and watch Christmas movies.

FREE NORAD Santa Tracker - Track Santa on Christmas Eve!

 

Can you believe that Santa comes tomorrow night?  Here is something super fun for children to do on Christmas Eve before they head off to bed... they can follow Santa and his every move with the FREE NORAD Santa Tracker.  You can also track Santa via your mobile phone!  How cool is that? 

Official NORAD Tracks Santa! Starting Dec. 1, visit for games, videos & to track Santa on Christmas Eve!

You can also follow NORAD as they Track Santa on Facebook and Twitter!

Believe in the Magic of Christmas

 

As the countdown to Christmas gets closer and closer, the excitement in our house is building!  Seeing the magic of Christmas through the eyes of my children is always the best Christmas present I receive!

You better watch out

You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

Mrs. Freshley's "12 Treats of Christmas" Contest - Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

 

Now through Christmas Eve, Mrs. Freshley's is giving away sweet treats and gifts to their Facebook fans through the "12 Treats of Christmas" contest.  Mrs. Freshley's will be handing out one fantastic prize each day. It could be anything from a Mrs. Freshley’s Prize Pack full of sweets and treats to one of the hottest gifts of the season – an iPad Mini.

Fans can visit the contest Facebook tab HERE everyday to enter for a chance to win that day’s prizes (Limit one prize per person). 

Promotion Codes and Recipes for the Weight Watcher – Top Blogs

If you are accustomed to watching your weight and are interested in not only saving on Weight Watchers but also compiling a list of recipes, it is a great idea to know where to find relevant blogs. Not only can you find promotion codes and delicious food ideas, but also a plethora of information and insight on how to live a healthy lifestyle.

 

There are many, many invaluable weight loss blogs out there, but today I’d like to share with you some of noteworthy Weight Watcher coupon and recipe blogs that you can get familiar with. Be sure to add to your favorites and share with your friends!

 

Top Weight Watchers Discount Blogs

 

WeightLossTriumph. If you don’t want to miss on any Weight Watchers discounts and deals, before you subscribe to Weight Watchers visit Weight Loss Triumph. This site has links to special promotions updated every week. The promos for this months are as follows:

• You save $25 when you buy the 3-month savings Weight Watchers Online plan.
• You save 30% on your Monthly Pass.

WikiGains. A coupon site that has meticulously listed all current deals and promotion codes for Weight Watchers in the US and UK, WikiGains is the “go to” when you want to save on the grand daddy of weight loss programs.

 

Top Weight Watchers Recipe Blogs

 

Skinny Taste. Here is a blog by Gina that has tasty Weight Watcher recipes that include beautiful pictures to accompany them. Gina, an author and photographer, shares her passion for healthy living at Skinnytaste.com and Skinny-bits.com. She also takes the time to answer questions, provide relevant health tips to readers, and occasionally has free giveaways. It is certainly worth taking the time to take a peek at her blogs.

 

NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Genio Single Cup Coffee Maker - Hot Drinks in Less Than a Minute!

How often do you drink coffee?  During the summer months I drink iced coffee and during the cooler months, I enjoy a hot cup of coffee every morning.  There is just something about a fresh cup of coffee in the morning that sets the mood for the entire day.

 

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a thank me for my participation.

With just my husband and I drinking a cup of coffee in the mornings, making an entire pot of coffee was simply wasteful and often times took more time that we had available as we rush out of the house in the mornings!  On average half of the pot ended up getting poured down the drain.  Now, with the single cup coffee makers on the market - waste (and time) is no longer an issue!

“NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto is the only machine that truly delivers delicious, coffee house quality creations every time with patented smart capsule technology delivering up to 15 bars of professional pressure and espresso technology.”

With its compact design, the NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto Genio™ is ideal for coffee lovers who are big on taste, but short on space. Use the scroll wheel to customize a robust Caffè Americano or delicious velvety Chococino. No matter what you choose, you know it’s going to be brewed to perfection.  

 

I love the fact that I can make a hot cup of coffee on my way out the door in the morning in a matter of minutes - literally!  Plus, the kids love it because I can do the same with a cup of hot chocolate!  

This amazing compact single-serve coffee machine brews over 17 different hot and cold beverages in less than a minute including:

My Favorite Christmas Tradition - Christmas Pajamas!

Every year since my children were born (they will be 10 and 12 this Christmas), I have bought them NEW pair of Christmas pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve. It's a Christmas tradition that I look forward to every year!  They don't get to see them or wear them before Christmas Eve. Not only do they LOVE getting their new jammies but it's perfect for Christmas morning photos.

Christmas 2004 (our daughter's first Christmas)

My Latest Blogging Milestone: Over One Million Page Views!

I remember three years ago my blogging wish was to reach 800 blog followers.  I even shared a post about it here on Being Frugal and Making it Work... My Christmas Wish... 800 Followers!  I shared that post exactly three years ago, on December 16, 2010.

Now, today I get to share my latest blogging milestone with all of my wonderful readers and supporters -- I have finally received over one million (1,000,000) page views!

 

I'm so excited and amazed at how far my blog has come.  To be totally honest, I didn't think I would ever make it this far.  Now I'm shooting for the stars - I'm on a mission to reach even higher goals, bigger opportunities, and even more amazing milestones that the future has to offer.

Making Magic Reindeer Food for Santa's Reindeer - Frugal Christmas Fun!

Are you baking cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve? Don't forget to prepare some special treats for Santa's reindeer too! 

 

Santa and his flying reindeer have always been a magical part of Christmas for as long as I can possibly remember.  I remember as a little kid wondering how Santa and his reindeer could fly around the world in a single night, deliver all those presents, ans most of all... how could reindeer really fly?

This weekend the kids and I made Magic Reindeer Food for Santa's reindeer!  Not only is this Christmas activity fun, it's simple and frugal!  All you need is oatmeal, a dash of cinnamon and some glitter!

How to make Magic Reindeer Food:

Cozy Up With a Hot Cup of Caza Trail's Donut Shop Coffee!

Winter is here and it's cold outside, which makes it the perfect time to cozy up with a warm beverage, coffee or hot chocolate are my personal favorites this time of year.

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Sturm Foods, Inc. I received a promotional item and product samples as a thank you for participating.

Every morning before I head off to work, I steal 5 precious minutes to make myself a hot cup of coffee. There is something relaxing about a quiet moment and a cup of coffee, especially during the holiday season. Lately, I’ve been drinking Caza Trail's single serve Donut Shop blend and it’s delicious!  

Ozeri INSTAVAC Green Earth Food Storage Containers (Review)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.  

Saving leftovers for lunch the following day has become another way for me to save a little money and waste less food!  Having a great set of food storage containers is essential for keeping leftovers fresh.

I may have just discovered the world's most effective vacuum-sealed food container set, the Ozeri INSTAVAC Green Earth Food Storage Containers...  Completely BPA-Fee, this 8-Piece nesting set with vacuum seal and locking lids is designed to: 

 

SAVE FOOD -- simply press down on the lid to remove excess air that spoils food; 
SAVE MONEY -- pays for itself and more by keeping food fresher longer; 
SAVE SPACE -- each container nests for convenient, efficient storage; 
SAVE TIME -- each container is microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe for long-lasting use.

And lets face it, who can't use more food, money, space and time!  

I absolutely love my Ozeri Instavac Green Earth Food Storage Container Set! They definitely keep foods fresher, longer! I love the fact that they lids were so easy to lock and the vacuum seal was so simple, I've accidentally dropped them and the lids stayed one -- no messes!  These food storage containers and durable and will be used over and over.

I also love that they are stain-resistant so I can use them with all of our leftovers, including spaghetti and lasagna!  Plus, they can go from the freezer to the microwave and then into the dishwasher.  Making them functional and perfect for any family!

Dear Santa,

 

A letter to Santa from my daughter...

Dear Santa,

I hope you are having a great year.  I'm sure you are busy getting all of the presents ready for all of the children, so I know you are busy.

This year I would like a spring-type of a seat that you can bounce on.  I saw it at Sports Authority.  I would also like a stuffed puppy, a Santa hat or Santa costume, a Lego set, a picture of you in your sleigh with all of your reindeer, and for my entire family to have the best Christmas ever!!

Buy, most of all I would like to meet the REAL you!  I know all of the Santa's in the mall and other stores are just your helpers.  I want to meet you and travel with you for a little bit, and meet all of your magic reindeer.

Green Coffee Bean Extract - "The Magic Weight Loss Cure For Every Body Type!"

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

If you're trying to lose weight, get healthier or simply trying to maintain your current weight... chances are that you've heard about a variety of diet and weight loss supplements.  Although there are no "magic diet pills" out there,  green tea, hCG, African mango, and raspberry ketones seem to be among the most popular.  

Do they really work?  Honestly, I think it depends on each individual.

With so many weight loss supplements available, it's difficult to know which ones actually work and those that are safe.   Green tea and green coffee coffee extract help boost your metabolism and curb your appetite which in return helps you lose weight!

"Referred to by Dr. Oz as, “The Magic Weight Loss Cure For Every Body Type,” green coffee bean extract has been clinically proven to help people lose weight. Subjects in a recent study lost an average of 17lbs."

ReindeerCam: Let Your Kids Watch Santa Feed His Reindeer Online!

 

If the magic of Santa and his reindeer is still alive in your household, you're going to want to check out this really fun site with your little ones.  You and your children can watch Santa feed his reindeer!  How cool is that?

Go to ReindeerCam.com to watch live streaming of Santa's Reindeer and watch them being fed by Santa.

Here are the times Santa will be by to feed the Reindeer:

Animal Body Pillows: Fun, Fuzzy And Four Feet Long! (Holiday Gift Guide)

My daughter has been obsessed with stuffed animals, horses, and pillows for several years now.  She is always asking for a new stuffed animal or fancy pillow every time we go into a store.  If she sees one, she asks for it!  Of course, she doesn't want your typical bed pillow - she loves the ones that are different shapes; hearts, flowers, crayons... just to name a few pillows from her vast collection that covers her bed!

 

 

When she gave me her Christmas list for this year I wasn't surprised to see the following three items on her list: a horse, stuffed animals, and a pillow.  Then it hit me!  Why not give her an animal body pillow and combine all three items on her list into one amazing present? 

"Curl up with our Pinto Pony Body Pillow and relax in snuggly comfort. It's crafted with super-soft, super-dense "fur" fibers. Beaded eyes give it an expressive face and lots of personality. A welcome gift for any age. Sacks of beans sewn into the midsection and hooves add weight and girth. Poly-acrylic. Spot clean."

When my order arrived I couldn't wait to open it.  As I pulled the pinto pony body pillow from its box, I couldn't believe how big, soft and cuddly it was!  In fact, I had to pet it and squeeze it myself!  As I was holding it, I knew that I had found the perfect gift for my daughter!  When she opens her package on Christmas morning - it's going to put a huge smile on her face!

Plow and Hearth also has a few other animal body pillows that are just as adorable: labrador, cat, bear, golden retriever, and spaniel!  They also come in a variety of different colors.  Any one of them would make the perfect addition to your household, and the perfect gift!

 

Tips For Smarter Holiday Shopping and Gift Giving!

 

Christmas is less than three weeks away, and whether you're ready or not, the holiday season is upon us once again.  The holiday season is suppose to be full of happiness, cheer and joy.  But for many, the holiday end up being stressful and disheartening.  I'm here to tell you that they don't have to be, you really can have a stress free holiday and actually enjoy holiday shopping!

My 10 Tips For Smarter Holiday Shopping and Gifting:

1.  Avoid the holiday rush by shopping early!  You won't have to deal with long lines and cranky holiday shoppers.  You also avoid having to spend a large amount of money all at once.  By shopping early, the expense is spread out over a longer period of time, which is easier on the checkbook!

2.  Shop clearance and sales!  I shop for gifts all year long, literally.  I shop clearance sales and get great gifts for a fraction of the cost. I save as much as 90%.

3.  Think outside of the box!  You can find great gifts in unexpected places.  You don't have to shop at the "regular" stores like Target, Wal-Mart and the mall.  I've found great gifts in grocery stores, swap meets and even Office Depot!  These days, grocery stores carry a wide variety of gift items, including gift cards to a variety of retailers and restaurants.

10 Holiday Gift Ideas for Men (Holiday Gift Guide)

Shopping for my husband, dad, and brother is always difficult, because they already have everything they want and they don't really need anything. Selecting holiday presents for a man may be one of the most daunting tasks a woman has ever faced. Men can be extremely picky when it comes to buying certain items like clothes and shoes, and you can forget about picking up that little trinket you saw last week. 

 

This "gift ideas for men" list was originally shared on Being Frugal and Making it Work December 2012, but now is the perfect time to share it again!

 

 

 

Be an awesome wife, girlfriend, daughter or sister this Christmas and give one of the ten hottest gifts that men really want this holiday season:

1. Tickets – For a personalized gift, buy a pair of tickets for an upcoming concert or sports game. Most men love to be involved in a crowd at a fun event. If he has mentioned a band or a basketball matchup he wants to see, purchase a pair of tickets for the show. He will adore you for being so thoughtful, and he’ll appreciate it even more if he gets to enjoy the event with you.

2. Electronics – Whether his laptop is broken or he needs a new cell phone, electronics are always at the top of his wish list. Stores like Best Buy and Walmart offer deep discounts on all types of electronics before Christmas so consider what he would like the most. Think about what technology he uses frequently, or ask him if you’re not sure.

3. Movies – Buy his favorite movie or a boxed set of a television series on DVD. If your man does not own many movies and prefers to watch online, consider a subscription to Netflix or Hulu Plus. Then, he can watch all the shows and movies he wants!

FREE LEGO Club Magazine or LEGO Club Jr. Magazine - 2-Year Subscription! (Holiday Gift Guide)

I know that the holidays can be stressful and often times puts a pinch in the pocket book.  That's why I like to look for frugal gift ideas online, and I love sharing them with my friends and family so that everyone can take advantage of the great deals as well!

 

Just in time for the holidays... if you have a LEGO fan in your family like we do, then this is the perfect freebie for you!  Right now, you can get a FREE two year subscription to Club LEGO Magazine!  My daughter receives this magazine and she absolutely loves it!  She gets super excited every time her new Lego magazine arrives in the mail, and she can't wait to start reading it!

Here is a photo of my daughter with just a tiny part of her amazing LEGO collection:

 

 

 

The FREE LEGO® Club Magazine, full of comic adventures, games and puzzles, building challenges and Cool Creations built by LEGO fans!  LEGO Club membership is valid for two years and includes free copies of LEGO Club Magazine or LEGO Club Jr. depending on the member’s age. 

 

Festive Four: Holiday Gift Ideas from Hallmark - Review & Giveaway (Holiday Gift Guide)

One of my favorite stores to shop during the holiday season has always been Hallmark.  I am always impressed with the variety of Hallmark's holiday gift items, festive wrapping paper, special keepsake ornaments, and heart-warming greeting cards.

 

If you are looking for some cute holiday gift ideas for the loved ones in your life, Hallmark’s “Festive Four” Holiday Gift Ideas include:

  

• Holiday Pics ‘n’ Props Kit: Turn an ordinary photo session into a totally fun and creative photo shoot with Hallmark Holiday Pics ‘n’ Props kit! It comes with elf and reindeer photo props, Santa masks and a backdrop, plus an album to hold the giggle-worthy photos.

Aerobie Skylighter Flying Disc: Light Up The Night Sky - Review & Giveaway (Holiday Gift Guide)

I can't even begin to imagine how many hours I have spent throwing a frisbee around the yard, at the park, and on the beach over the years.  Growing up, it was one of our favorite outdoor summer activities while at home, camping, on the beach, at the park, and while hanging out with friends.  Now, I enjoy playing frisbee with my children and watching them play together as well.

  

 

The Aerobie Skylighter flying disc takes the fun to a new level - especially after dark!  The Skylighter flying disc is great for those afternoons at the park and enjoyable on those darker evenings of summer and fall.  Once the sun goes down you can turn on the light module to illuminate the disc for dazzling evening play!

That's right!  This awesome flying disc lights up!  Extend the fun of playing with an Aerobie flying disc into the night with the new Skylighter lighted disc. Its bright LEDs illuminate the clear center and the translucent colored rim to make the entire Skylighter appear bright in the night sky.

 Aerobie Skylighter Flying Disc features:

Smiley360 - Try Products for FREE!

 

The holidays can put a heavy strain on our wallets, so giving people the opportunity to try products for FREE before buying them is something Smiley360 is very passionate about. 

I just received a great variety of Airborne products just in time for cold season!  I can't wait to try them and see how effective they are!

Join Smiley360 for FREE today and see what all the fuss is about!