Win $60 To CSN stores from Cheerios and Tricycles!

Cheerios and Tricycles is giving away $60 to CSN stores! Go check it out and enter! Click here!

Win a brand-new Stand-Alone Refrigerator and Freezer From Electrolux!

Usually when we hear the word "split", we think of news of celebrity break-ups, splashed across the cover of tabloid magazines. Well, leave it to our favorite celebrity/brand team to prove that a split can be a good thing!

Kelly Ripa and Electrolux are joining forces once again to celebrate the launch of Electrolux Appliance's new stand-alone refrigerator and freezer - that's right, the familiar duo has split up. And to sweeten the celebration, they're bringing in the "Emperor of Ice Cream" Stephen Bruce, owner and founder of Serendipity 3, the landmark New York City restaurant and dessert spot, into the mix.

Kelly and Bruce teamed up earlier today to make banana splits for a cause. And now we want you to dig in, with your virtual spoon! Starting today, at www.Kelly-Confidential.com, you can build your ultimate banana split using virtual ingredients from classic whipped cream to caramel sauce to rainbow sprinkles. For each "split", Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund as part of its $750,000 commitment to help fight ovarian cancer[1].

As usual, Electrolux and Kelly find new and fun ways to say thank you to those who support this great cause. Everyone who logs on to the site and builds a split will be automatically entered for a chance to win the daily prize - $50 towards sweet summer treats - and the grand prize: the new stand-alone refrigerator and freezer from Electrolux.

Check out http://www.kelly-confidential.com/ for more!

[1]From 6/29/10 - 9/7/10, Electrolux will donate $1 to OCRF for each banana split made, with a minimum of $35K and a maximum of $40K.

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a stand alone refrigerator and freezer in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.

And the winners are...

Okay time to announce a few of the weekend's winners!!  For the Oompa Toys Shoe Lacing Toy,the winner is #36 Ashley who said...  Tweet! http://twitter.com/reynoldsmom/status/16749309743

For the Haircoverings Headband, the winner is #281 Joanne J  who said...  tweet 5 http://twitter.com/joannej1982/status/17090858620


Congrats to both winners! I have sent out emails to confirm your prizes and get your info! As usual, if we don't hear back from a winner we will redraw after 48 hours! Thanks to all who played and be sure to check out our current giveaways, we have 15 right now with lots more on the way!!

We Love Colors Microfiber Tights Review and Giveaway!

My 4 year old is very much her own person. She has her own personality, her own little language, and definitely her own sense of style. I try to help her get dressed but usually she wins. And who am I to inhibit her creativity? Heck one day she wore her Christmas dress..in June. The sundress I chose (which BTW was SUPER cute) was "hideous" to her. Well okay then!

So to help her keep covered up and looking cute, I like to add leggings and tights to her little outfits. We Love Colors is THE place to find them!  And not just for kids either! They offer all kinds of sizes in over 50 colors!  Men, women, kids and even custom tights! The possibilities are endless! I love the look with the long shirt or short dress with leggings! Super cute!

 We tried out the footless tights in black! I figured black goes with about anything and makes the other colors much brighter! What a hit! I had a super cute pink rocker dress that shrunk, so these leggings are a perfect match!

We also tried the Orchid Pink Microfiber tights!  These were hard to match to the right outfit, as the shade of pink was pretty unique! I would likely choose something a little more neutral next time, like a light yellow or something.  The tights are very pretty though! I like the quality of these products as well. Usually a pair of tights lasts one time. We're lucky to get a second wear out of them.  These tights have been worn many times with no signs of wear and no tears or runs!  That is what impressed me the most! It can be pricey to have to constantly replace leggings and tights! You can be assured that these are of good quality!  

You can win your own pair of Microfiber Tights in the color of choice for your little girl!! Here is how to enter:

MANDATORY ENTRY:  THIS MUST BE DONE FOR ALL OTHER ENTRIES TO COUNT!:

Go to Welovecolors.com and tell me which Microfiber Tights you would like for your child! Leave your answer in a comment below! Be sure I have your email to contact you if you win!

Extra Entries (Leave a seperate comment for each extra entry)

Follow @frugalfamilyfun on Twitter leave me your twitter name

Follow  @welovecolors on Twitter leave me your twitter name

Like We Love Colors on Facebook leave me your facebook name

Follow their Friends Blog: http://friends.welovecolors.com/ (leave me the email you used)

Subscribe to We Love Colors newsletter: http://www.welovecolors.com/ (lower left of page) (leave me the email you used)

Subscribe to We Love Colors Fashion Blog: http://wlcpress.wordpress.com/  (leave me the email you used)

Subscribe to We Love Colors Trends Blog: http://welovecolors.wordpress.com/ (leave me the email you used)
 
Post our button on your blog for 3 entries, leave me the link to your blog to verify
 
Blog about this contest for 5 extra entries, leave me the link to the post to verify
 
Follow via Google Friend connect, for 3 extra entries, and leave your name in comment from GFC

Tweet daily about this contest. up to 5 entries per day, 1 entry for each tweet. Tweets must be at least an hour apart and must inlcude @welovecolors @frugalfamilyfun and the link to this contest.

You can use this sample tweet: "Win your little girl a pair of Microfiber tights from @welovecolors and @frugalfamilyfun http://ow.ly/23mYj "
 
Subscribe to our email updates, via google reader, or via RSS feed , 1 extra entry for each
 
Contest begins now and ends July 27, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Winner will be selected via Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner must respond within 48 hours or forfeits prize. Good luck!


We Love Colors provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product

Uniroyal Tires Money Saving Driving Tips!

Follow these tips to save money when it comes to your car!
-Tire Maintenance:


Check the Tread Condition of Your Tires

Place a penny upside down in the most shallow tread groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, then your tires need to be replaced (they are under 2/32″ of an inch).

Rotate Tires Regularly

Front tires tend to wear more quickly than rear tires. Periodical rotation of front and rear tires helps balance tread wear and extend the life of your tires. A good rule of thumb is to rotate them at every other oil change (or every 6,000 miles).

Checking the Air Pressure

Recommended tire pressure can be found on your vehicle’s tire placard on the doorjamb, the glove box or your vehicle’s owner’s manual – not on the tire’s sidewall, which is actually the maximum air pressure allowed. Check your tire pressure at least once a month when tires are cold (before driving one mile or three hours after driving).

Auto Maintenance

Change Engine Oil and Filter

Your engine’s oil and oil filter should be changed every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. Engine oil lubricant breaks down over time and needs to be changed frequently to protect the engine. When changing your oil, also have the oil filter replaced. It keeps dirt and particles away from the critical components in your engine, so be sure to have it changed to ensure clean burning and maximum efficiency.

Replace Clogged Air Filters

Change your air filter every 15,000 miles to prevent long-term damage to your engine’s internal components. Air filters help extend the life of the engine by keeping impurities in the air from penetrating it.

Check Your Fluids

Make sure your brake, power steering, coolant and transmission fluids are changed every 30,000 miles or so. The fluids can break down over time and need to be replaced. While they usually can be topped off at routine service intervals, be sure to change them regularly to protect your engine.

Money-Saving Driving Habits

Do drive the speed limit. At speeds above 60 miles per hour, gas mileage decreases rapidly.

Do use the air conditioning sparingly to save gas. Instead, while in town, roll down your car’s windows and enjoy the breeze.

Do park in the first spot you find. Not only is the exercise good, but you’ll save gas that would be used up driving around the parking lot in search of a closer spot.

Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies Product Review and Giveaway

My kids love to eat! The problem is that they don't always want to eat what is healthy!  That can lead to problems with regularity of their little digestive systems! I have especially noticed this in my littlest one! So I was thrilled to try out the new Fiber Gummies from Pedia-Lax!  These chewable gummy supplements give your child the needed fiber to help keep things moving! Great for daily use or those times they just need to get things going a bit! 

I love that they show you a breakdown of what your child is getting when they lack on veggies!  This chart is a gret way to be sure  your child gets the right amount of fiber, and how much they would need to get the same amount as in the recommended daily serving of the supplement!

Introduced in 2009, Pedia-Lax® Fiber Gummies, are a daily fiber supplement made just for kids by Fleet®, a trusted brand for digestive health for more than 100 years. So many kids lack the proper amount of fiber in their diets, but wrinkle their little noses at the kinds of foods that will add it in. Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies are a great, tasty and sugar-free way to get some much-needed fiber into your little ones’ diets. I’ve included some important info below and hope you will consider reviewing the product and telling your readers about it.


More product information:

In 2009 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) significantly increased the recommended daily fiber intake standards, far above the previous "age plus five" rule. In fact, today's updated guidelines recommend 25 grams of fiber per day for four-year-old children. But how do we meet these requirements and get our children to eat high in fiber foods?

Now there's a delicious daily fiber supplement to help kids ages 2-11 maintain better digestive health and stay regular.* The penguin-shaped, great tasting Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies are sugar-free, calorie-free, gluten-free and made with natural fruit flavors. With a recommended serving of three gummies every day, (equal to ½ cup of broccoli!), Fiber Gummies are a great way to supplement the fiber found in fruits, vegetables and other fiber-rich foods in your child’s daily diet. It’s a great solution to help bridge the gap between the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended amount of fiber and the fiber that kids actually consume in their daily diet.
 
I even tried one of these little things, to see how they taste. I figured if the kids always want them they must be good! Sure enough, the little gummies are tasty and good for you too!  Also, they are dentist approved!!
 
You can purchase Fiber Gummies at many stores, including Walmart, Safeway, Walgreens and more! Click here to find a store near you!

Click here to get a $1.00 off coupon!

 
Enter to win the "Keep Kids Moving" sweepstakes. Enter between May 5 and July 15 and you could win a Kid's Creations Circus 1 outdoor play set and an assortment of other prizes.


ONE GRAND PRIZE winner will receive:

•Kid's Creations Circus 1 outdoor play set, valued at $1,499

•A Nintendo® Wii and a $100 Target gift card for games

•Plus a Pedia-Lax Gift Set, including a one year supply of Pedia-Lax® Fiber Gummies and more.

TWO RUNNERS UP will receive:

•A Nintendo® Wii and a $100 Target gift card for games

•Plus a Pedia-Lax Gift Set, including a one year supply of Pedia-Lax® Fiber Gummies and more.

FIVE ADDITIONAL WINNERS will receive:

•A Pedia-Lax Gift Set, including a one year supply of Pedia-Lax® Fiber Gummies and more.

More information and Official Rules
 Click here to enter!

You can win your own bottle of Fiber-Lax Gummies here! Check out how to win!

MANDATORY ENTRY-THIS MUST BE DONE FOR EXTRA ENTRIES TO COUNT!


Go to Pedia-lax and tell me something else you learned from their site! Leave your answer in a comment below and be sure I have your email so I can contact you if you win! (If it's in your blogger profile that is fine.)

EXTRA ENTRIES-leave a seperate comment for each entry.


Follow @FrugalFamilyFun on Twitter 1 extra entry, leave me your twitter name

Tweet about this giveaway up to 5 times daily for entries. leave me the link to your tweet- Must include  @FrugalFamilyFun and the link to this contest.  tweets must be at least 1 hour apart for entry. 1 extra entry for each tweet.

You can use this sample tweet or makeup your own!
"Win Pedia-lax Fiber Gummies for your little one's tummy! From @frugalfamilyfun http://ow.ly/23jay"

Subscribe to our email updates, via google reader, or via RSS feed , 1 extra entry for each

Put our button on your blog, leave me the link to the blog THIS WILL BE CHECKED. 3 extra entries

Follow via Google Friend connect, for 3 extra entries, and leave your name in comment from GFC

Blog about this contest, including a link back to this giveaway worth 5 extra entries. Leave me the link to the blog post in your comments

"Like" Pedia-Lax on Facebook, leave me your Facebook name in your comment.

Contest begins now and ends July 28, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Winner will be selected via Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner must respond within 48 hours or forfeits prize. Good luck!

Pedia-Lax provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

Frugal Family Fun this Summer!

Summer is finally here. For most of us, though, that doesn’t mean an exotic vacation or an extended getaway. According to the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor survey, 68% of consumers say they will not go on vacation this year, primarily for financial reasons. So what are some fun affordable options for having fun this summer?


Heading to the park, the beach, or even your own backyard can be a transformed into a mini-vaca. Or pack a lunch with favorites and hit the baseball field with the whole family. A quick tip: choosing natural and sustainable fibers like cotton for outdoor activities is key to beating the heat and staying comfortable.

For more tips on a family friendly summer, including some little known facts please visit http://inr.synapticdigital.com/Cotton_37407/. You can also download this content at www.thenewsmarket.com/spendthesummerwithcotton

Savvy Source Birthday Party Tips!

I got an email from Savvy Source and I had to share the contents with my readers! Here are some great tips for your child's next birthday bash!!

Bigger Isn't Always Better: Tips for a Fun and Manageable Birthday Party

June 01, 2010 by Kelly Leahy

When did children's birthday parties go from small gatherings of a few friends and relatives to full blown galas? We've seen princess parties for four-year-olds complete with invitations that looked like they could have come from the renaissance, pony rides and inflatable castles.

Your child's special day does not have to throw you into debt just to make it memorable. Here are a few tips on planning the perfect party and managing your child's expectations (and your own)

Start planning early. The earlier you start stocking up on supplies, the less it will hurt your budget. Invitations, decorations and favors can be purchased well in advance. A theme can be helpful with planning, but it's not necessary.

Set a start time and an end time. Unless you are interested in firing up the grill, pick times that don't coincide with meals like 1:00-3:00 p.m. or 2:00-4:00 p.m. If your child still takes an afternoon nap, why not have a morning party at 10:00 a.m.? This prevents afternoon meltdowns and allows your guests to have the rest of their day free.

Think of the parents. If you are partying with preschoolers, chances are the parents will be there too. Make sure to have plenty of adult snacks (and maybe some beverages, too). Have a place for them to sit and don't be afraid to ask for help. Chances are parents will jump at a chance to escape the small talk.

Activities. Kids are pretty good about entertaining themselves but planned activities can help considerably. Have a craft ready for the children to make as well as a more physical activity (piñata, kiddie pool or monkey bars) for the more rambunctious guests.

Party in a box. Sometimes the easiest and even most economical option is to rent out a space for your child's party. Whether it's a local pool, a party room at the zoo, or an indoor playspace, you can sit back and let a professional take over. This is a great option when inviting your child's entire class or when you just don't feel like cleaning the house twice.

To open or not to open. More and more often, we go to parties where the gifts are piled in a corner and left unopened until the guests leave. Though there are arguments that this prevents jealousy, guests often place quite a bit of thought into the gifts that they select and would like to see them opened. Also, this gives your child the opportunity to thank them in person. Opening gifts after the cake cutting gives people a chance to duck out if they don't want to sit through the paper flying. If you do opt to open them in private, be sure to send a thank you note, phone call, or at the very least, an email.

The most important things to remember are that kids are pretty happy little creatures as long as there is sugar around and that birthday parties only have to last about two hours. Relax and have fun!

Vidazorb Belly Boost Review and Giveaway!

Sometimes it is hard to get all the things our bodies need to function properly. And it can be even harder to be sure your child is getting the proper things that he or she needs.  Vidazorb® chewable probiotic supplements are a new way to restore desirable gut microflora for optimal health. 

Building a Better Probiotic for you belly:

Vidazorb® heralds a new generation of probiotic formulations that make sense for today's busy lifestyle. Safe, effective, and easy to use, Vidazorb® probiotic supplements are a new way to restore desirable gut microflora for optimal health.

Vidazorb®, which delivers billions of live bacteria in chewable formulations that require absolutely no refrigeration, took more than seven years to develop. Why so long? Because Vidazorb® is not your ordinary probiotic. Combining those seven years of research and development with the research conducted on our ingredients, we can confidently say that Vidazorb® surpasses all other chewable probiotic formulations in testing before coming to the market.

Points of Difference: Treat Your Belly To The Best Each Vidazorb® chewable probiotic formulation is made with the same demanding quality to provide unparalleled potency and efficacy. People love Vidazorb® for its convenience, taste and effectiveness. Read testimonials HERE.

Probiotics for Health


■Probiotics means for life and that is not an over statement! They help protect against illness and are essential for life. Probiotics boost the immune system! Approximately eighty percent of our immune system originates in the gut and without the trillions of beneficial bacteria in our guts we could not survive!
What They Do
■Probiotic bacteria are essential for digestion, absorption and assimilation.

■Probiotics facilitate better absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

■Probiotics are essential to maintaining the delicate gastrointestinal ecosystem and ensuring that enough friendly bacteria exist to offer health benefits.

■Probiotic therapy is modeled on an already established and highly efficient biological system within the human body.

■Probiotics are a proven, safe and natural aid for a variety of gastrointestinal ills.

"Rebellions of the belly are the worst."

- Francis Bacon, English philosopher,
statesman, and author

■Exclusive use of Chr. Hansen clinically substantiated probiotic strains. Chr. Hansen is the world leader in probiotic strains

■Superior ingredients, including Masquelier's® Original OPC for additional absorption

■Patent pending on all formulations

■Live bugs for two years, verified by stability testing at independent labs

■Chewable tablets with great taste in a variety of delicious flavors

■Live bugs of up to 10 billion per dose

■No refrigeration needed

■Manufactured at a quality assurance-tested, FDA approved facility, following cGMP and USP standards

■Formulated to be safe for diabetics and those who are lactose intolerant

■Zorbee® - a friendly character who makes probiotics fun for children

We tried out the
Belly  Boost Wildberry Flavor

FOR KIDS' EVERYDAY DIGESTIVE SUPPORT

Children's chewable probiotics in fun Zorbee™ character shapes, for healthy digestion and nutrient absorption in children aged 4 and up, with Bifidobacterium, BB-12® (5 billion CFU) and S. thermophilus, TH-4™ (5 billion CFU)

Address the digestive and immune system needs of children with Vidazorb® Belly Boost™. Clinically substantiated Bifidobacterium, BB-12® and S. thermophilus, TH-4™ are especially kid-friendly and work together to support the wellness needs of little ones. Beneficial probiotic bacteria are essential in helping maintain overall health.*

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 
 
My kids liked it and used it daily.  I have noticed they haven't been sick, and (I don't know if this is related) have been having better regularity of their digestion if you catch what I'm trying to say ☺.  They say they like the taste and take it regularly.  There is no fuss or fight and they have no idea that they are getting healthier by doing it! Yay for everyone!!
 
You can buy Belly Boost and other products in the Vidazorb Online store by clicking here!
 
5 of you will win your own bottle of Belly Boost! Here is how to win!!:
 
MANDATORY ENTRY-THIS MUST BE DONE FOR EXTRA ENTRIES TO COUNT!
Go to Vidazorb.com and tell me something else you learned about Probiotics! Leave your answer in a comment below and be sure I have your email so I can contact you if you win! (If it's in your blogger profile that is fine.)
 
EXTRA ENTRIES-leave a seperate comment for each entry.

Follow @FrugalFamilyFun on Twitter 1 extra entry, leave me your twitter name

Follow @Bellytweet on Twitter 1 extra entry, leave me your twitter name

 Tweet about this giveaway up to 5 times daily for entries. leave me the link to your tweet- Must include   @bellytweet and @FrugalFamilyFun tweets must be at least 1 hour apart for entry. 1 extra entry for each tweet.

Subscribe to our email updates, via google reader, or via RSS feed , 1 extra entry for each

You can use this tweet:
"Win Vidazorb Probiotics for your child from @bellytweet and @frugalfamilyfun http://ow.ly/22YeJ "

Put our button on your blog, leave me the link to the blog THIS WILL BE CHECKED. 3 extra entries

Sign up for Vidazorb's Newsletter subscription. Click  Leave me the email that  you used to subscribe in your comment and state that you subscribed.  (3 extra entries)

Blog about this contest, including a link back to this giveaway worth 5 extra entries.  Leave me the link to the blog post in your comments

"Like" Vidazorb on Facebook, leave me your Facebook name in your comment.

Contest begins now and ends July 26, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Winner will be selected via Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner must respond within 48 hours or forfeits prize. Good luck!

Vidazorb provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product

Win a Baby Dipper Bowl!

You probably already read my review/giveaway of the amazing Baby Dipper Bowl! Well here is a second chance to win if you haven't already! Head over to Momo's Giveaways and enter to win!  Good luck!

This giveaway is not on my blog, it is with  Momo's Giveaways.  Click here to enter!

Beating Summer Boredom with Dr. Z. and Primrose Schools!

School is out and children are so excited that summer is here, but it won't be long until you hear the infamous, "I'm bored" from your little ones.


Primrose Schools, the leader in educational child care, recommends encouraging imaginative play and having a plan in place to keep children's minds engaged during the summer months. Studies show that without stimulation, children can lose up to 60 percent of what they learned during the school year.

That's why Dr. Mary Zurn, Vice President of Education for Primrose, has come up with the list of ideas below as a starting point for summer activities that offer a balance between the freedom of child-initiated play time and more structured activities.

Here are 10 ideas parents can use to keep young minds active during the summer months:


1.Beat the Boredom Jar: At the beginning of the summer, sit down with your family and brainstorm a list of activities that can be done alone or that you can enjoy doing together. Encourage your children to share their own ideas and help you decorate and label a simple jar as the family “Beat the Boredom Jar.” They’ll feel more involved in the project and more likely to think this is a “neat” idea, if they participate in the creation and idea generation. Next, write everyone’s ideas down on slips of paper and as a group decide which ones should go in the jar. Anyone in the family can pull any idea out of the jar to fight the summertime boredom blues.

2.Stories Alive: It sounds too simple, but reading is one of the most important ways to keep young minds engaged during the summer. Make reading even more fun by finding ways to bring the stories to life. For example, in the book Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran, children create a make-believe town in the desert out of rocks, boxes, and their imaginations. Read the book with your children and then challenge them to create their own town with materials they find in the backyard.

3.Art Treasure Chest: You’ll need to gather basic art supplies–child safe scissors, glue, markers, tape, and construction paper. Put them in a special box along with empty oatmeal boxes and paper towel rolls, colorful magazines, and bits of aluminum foil. Occasionally add a special surprise like chalk, stickers, or stamp pads so there’s always something new for the children to find. Even if you normally have these supplies around the house, it‘s fun for children to know that the Art Treasure Chest is just for them. They’ll probably have some good ideas of other household items that can be recycled to fuel their creative energies.

4.Family Performances: Break out old clothes or costumes and encourage children to make up characters and create a play to act out. They are the directors, actors, and producers. They can also make musical instruments out of pots/pans, wooden spoons, empty canisters and have a parade; or everyone can play along to your family’s favorite songs. Record or video the performances, and enjoy the replay. You’ll also be capturing a bit of family history everyone will enjoy for years to come.

5.Fort Building: Children love to build all kinds of structures--from small towns to large towers. Constructing forts or tents is an activity that can keep children focused and problem solving for hours. All the items you need can be found around the house–some chairs, cushions, blankets… and of course adult supervision.

6.Cookbook Fun: Have you ever shared your favorite cookbook with your children? Take it out and ask your children to choose a recipe to try. Measuring can be a fun and easy way to keep math skills fresh.

7.Summer Scrapbook: All you need for this project is a spiral notebook. Encourage everyone in the family to draw pictures of favorite activities and collect mementos from special events throughout the summer. Children love to go back through scrapbooks and albums and tell about what happened at each occasion. They will also be building their storytelling skills at the same time.

8.Listening Game: Lie down in the backyard, in the den or at the park and listen. What do you hear? Do you hear what I hear? Can you imitate the sound? This is similar to watching the clouds and naming the shapes, and it encourages everyone to slow down and focus on listening.

9.Camping Out: Pretend to campout in the backyard. Plan a meal, pack a backpack and set up a campsite. You might even decide to spend the night!

10.Scavenger Hunt: Make a list or picture cards of common household items and have your children find the items on the list. Invite friends or neighbors to join in the fun to make it a competition.

11.Throw a family dance party! Enough said!

Parents can use this list of ideas as a starting point for summer activities that offer a balance between the freedom of child-initiated play time and more structured activities. I know we have so many creative parents out there. Share your ideas! What has worked when your kids say “I’m bored”?
 
Check out http://www.drzandme.com/ and www.PrimroseSchools.com  for more great info!
 
Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a gift card in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.

pediped® takes comfort to a new level with Memory Foam Technology (MFT)™ sandals and ballet flats

pediped® takes comfort to a new level

with Memory Foam Technology (MFT)™
sandals and ballet flats

Henderson, NV (June 2010) – pediped® introduces the next generation in ultimate comfort for children with Memory Foam Technology™ (MFT™ ) intheir signature ballet flats and sandals for boys and girls.   The responsive and high-density Memory Foam Technology™ (MFT™) insoles mold to a child’s foot and spring back when pressed to absorb shock, and minimize impact.  The MFT™ insoles also react to body temperature, distribute weight and provide support where needed. This creates a custom fit that is comparable to none. 

Best of all, this ultra comfortable technology is available in many adorable styles including the Penny ballet flat, the Megan sandal with flowers, the Phoebe with gorgeous rhinestones, the Gillian, and Brody, a rugged sandal for boys.   The shoes are made of an all leather upper, lining and all natural rubber sole.  Upholding its reputation as a leader  in the children’s footwear industry, pediped® is the only US children’s footwear company to offer a complete line of shoes with memory foam technology.   

Style no longer has to be sacrificed for comfort.   Now, with this new line, savvy parents will be happy to know that kids can be both stylish and comfortable.  pediped® footwear’s MFT™ line is  available now at select retailers and on www.pediped.com.  This line comes in EU sizes 20-29 (US sizes 5-12.5) and retails for $48-52 USD per pair.  Styles include Penny, Gillian, Megan, Phoebe and Brody (photos below).   Look for new Fall/Winter 2010 MFT™ styles from pediped® to make their debut this July!    

About pediped®pediped® footwear was launched in 2004 by Angela and Brian Edgeworth in their quest for the perfect soft-soled shoe for their first daughter. Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort and distinctive styling have made the award winning company one of the fastest-growing children's footwear brands in the United States. pediped® footwear is sold in over 3000 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with an offering of more than 120 designs for boys and girls between their two lines, Originals and Flex. Originals (soft-soled shoes for newborns to age 2+) and Flex (rubber-soled shoes for children 1-5 years) are available in EU sizes ranging from 17 to 29. In addition the company’s award winning footwear collections pediped® offers a range of accessories including tights and socks, and jewelry.  For more information, email customerservice@pediped.com, visit www.pediped.com or call 1-702-567-0311.

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a prize in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.

Misikko Corioliss Classic Pro Flat Iron 1" Review and Giveaway!

I have had curly hair ALL my life. Super curly, super tight, super frizzy.  I have tried straightener after straightener, NEVER getting the results I wanted.  I was skeptical that the Corioliss Classic Pro Flat Iron from Misikko would be any different, but I was willing to give it a shot.  I was super pleased with the results!!

Here is a normal hair day for me:


Now here is my hair after using the straightener:

I couldn't believe how straight and mostly how SMOOTH it made my hair! I have never gotten these type of results before!  I have gotten it straight in the past, but usually it is super frizzy by the time its all done.  The reason my hair wasn't so frizzy is because of the ceramic plates on this iron.

Here are some more details about the Flat Iron:

Features Adjustable Heat 140° - 410°F Materials Ceramic Energy Efficient 35 Watts Warranty 1 Year

Quick facts

Model # Classic Black E Plate Size 1" Hair Length Short-Medium Hair Type All Cord Type Swivel

The Corioliss Ceramic Flat Iron - Classic Series features adjustable heat, 1" plates for versatility and the Corioliss reputation the world has come to love. 

Corioliss Classic Features:

• Ceramic plates for negative ions and hair-healthy far infrared heat, creating shiny, frizz-free results
• 1" plate size for easy styling of short to medium length hair
• Straighten, flip or curl
• Heats up in less than 6 seconds
• Adjustable temperature from 140°F to 410°F - great for all hair types
• Convenient on/off switch
• 1 year manufacturer warranty

I loved the cute heat-proof pouch! The straightener came all nicely boxed up!  Everything about this product and the presentation was super nice!  This straightener has become a beauty tool that I will use all the time!  They even sent me a bottle of hand sanitizer and some nail files in a cute little bag!

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Located outside of Philadelphia, a city known for its creative - but practical! - approach to high style, Misikko emerged from a desire we share with many of you: to easily shop and compare the best professional styling tools & beauty products on the market. As beauty aficionados and savvy consumers, our goal is to help you learn about the tools of the trade so you can find the right salon tools & products at the right prices - whenever & wherever the mood strikes. For five years, we've been committed to seeking out the newest innovations in the hair & beauty industry. And we're picky, like our customers; we look for high quality products that deliver on their promises, and we'd love to hear from you about our collection! If you find a great product that you think we should know about, or just have a question or comment, please feel free to let us know. Thank you for shopping at Misikko - we look forward to serving you.

Misikko offers all sorts of great products!:

Professional Hair Dryers

Professional Flat Irons
 And lots of great brands to choose from, like Biosilk, Infrashine and T3 Tourmaline!

Misikko would like to offer you a chance to win your own Corioliss Classic  1"  Pro Flat Iron! Here is how to win!:

Mandatory Entry! This is required for all other entries to count.  Please be sure to include your email in at least the first comment to be sure I can contact you if you win.

Main entry: Go to Misikko and tell me another product you would love to have! Leave your answer in a comment below!

Extra Entries:  *(leave a separate comment for each that you do, and separate if the entry is worth more than 1 entry)
Vote for me in the Springfree Trampoline contest! http://ow.ly/2d6Cy  Leave me a comment telling me your Facebook name to confirm! 2 EXTRA ENTRIES

Follow @FrugalFamilyFun on Twitter 1 extra entry, leave me your twitter name

Follow @Misikko on Twitter 1 extra entry, leave me your twitter name

Tweet about this giveaway. Include the link to this giveaway @Misikko and @FrugalFamilyFun

Can be up to 5 times daily, tweets must be at least 1 hour apart for entry. 1 extra entry for each tweet.
leave me the link to your tweet-

You can use this tweet if you want: "Win @Misikko  Corioliss Classic Pro Flat Iron 1" from  @frugalfamilyfun  http://ow.ly/20o45  "

Subscribe to our email updates, via google reader, or via RSS feed , 1 extra entry for each

Put our button on your blog, leave me the link to the blog THIS WILL BE CHECKED. 3 extra entries

Sign up for Misikko's Newsletter subscription. Click here, and the box to enter your email is on the right hand side.  Leave me the email that  you used to subscribe in your comment and state that you subscribed.  (3 extra entries)

Blog about this contest, including a link back to this giveaway worth 5 extra entries.

Contest begins now and ends July 23, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Winner will be selected via Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner must respond within 48 hours or forfeits prize. Good luck!

Misikko provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product

Baby Everywhere Book and a Bag Review and Giveaway!

Having the right bag to carry baby's necessities are as important as the right carseat and binky! You need one with ample space, compartments and handle(s) that won't break.  

Baby Everywhere offers a perfect combination! The Book and a Bag, an elegant, affordable wide tote that helps a busy mom to find keys, cell phone, wallet and her baby's essentials without emptying the bag. Plus a Safe Baby Organizer, a loose-leaf book, with expert advice on how to prevent injuries and handle an emergency, if one occurs.

Available in Marine blue or Fire engine red, the information is in English or Spanish, and matches the Safe Baby Organizer.

Includes:

•   A beautifully made, wide tote (15"wide x 11"high x 6“ deep), in durable, wipe-able cloth, inside and outside.
•   The tote, in marine blue or fire engine red, comes with an extra large matching changing pad.
•   A Safe Baby Organizer – a 50-page loose-leaf book (4"x7") fits into an outside pocket, available in English or Spanish. Colored tabs divide sections.
•   Topics covered include CPR steps, what babysitters need to know, helping a choking baby.
•   A place for a new mom to organize her baby's medical information, pediatrician's Instructions and write in personal notes.
•   Recommended by the American Academy of Emergency Medicine.
•   iParentingMediaAward.com voted the Safe Baby Tote one of the most outstanding safety products of the year.
•   Created as a protest for the high cost of diaper bags, this one is now on sale for a limited time.

I loved how big this bag was! I could use it not only for baby's things but also my own! This eliminated the need for a purse! Perfect for everyday or weekend travel! Grandma's, daycare, or wherever you and baby go!

About Baby Everywhere:

The birth of a baby is the most exciting, joyful event in a person’s life. With it comes the biggest and most challenging responsibility – the care and protection of a fragile and precious baby.

Baby-Everywhere congratulates new parents. We began with an idea and important goal: To provide parents with help in preventing and handling an emergency.

Florence Weiner, the founder of Baby-Everywhere, asked new and expectant parents what they wanted to learn about handling an emergency.

The parents challenged us to provide this life-saving information in products that they could use instantly, and to also prepare babysitters.

We asked professionals – pediatricians, ER doctors, nurses, paramedics, firefighters and police officers – what they want parents to know and how they keep their own children safe.

The design team then created beautiful, affordably-priced products that can be used anywhere the baby is – at home, in a car, with the babysitter and at grandma’s home.

The information in all Baby-Everywhere products is translated into Spanish. They are the first of their kind to be offered by Target.com and Amazon.com.

Early Head Start and Healthy Start, and other state-supported parent groups use our products as part of their safety training program.

We are honored to be recommended by the Academy of Emergency Medicine. iParentingMediaAwards.com judges voted Baby-Everywhere among the most outstanding safety products of the year.

You can score your own Book and Bag! Here is how!:

MANDATORY ENTRY, THIS IS REQUIRED FOR EXTRA ENTRIES:

Go to Baby Everywhere and tell one thing from their Shop you would like to have besides the book and bag. Tell me which one you pick in a comment below.  Be sure I have your email so I can contact you if you win.


extra entries

Vote for me in the Springfree Trampoline contest! http://ow.ly/2d6Cy  Leave me a comment telling me your Facebook name to confirm! 2 EXTRA ENTRIES

 Like Baby Everywhere on Facebook!  Leave me  your name in the comment saying you liked their page,  to be sure I know how to find you!

Follow @FrugalFamilyFun on Twitter 1 extra entry, leave me your twitter name

Follow @Babyeverywhere on Twitter 1 extra entry, leave me your twitter name

Tweet about this giveaway. Include the link to this giveaway @BanTshirts and @FrugalFamilyFun

Can be up to 5 times daily, tweets must be at least 1 hour apart for entry. 1 extra entry for each tweet.
leave me the link to your tweet-

You can use this tweet if you want: "Win a Book and Bag from @frugalfamilyfun and @Babyeverywhere  http://ow.ly/206VD "

Subscribe to our email updates, via google reader, or via RSS feed , 1 extra entry for each

Put our button on your blog, leave me the link to the blog THIS WILL BE CHECKED. 3 extra entries

Sign up for Baby Everywhere's Blog subscription. Click here, and the box to enter your email is on the right hand side.  Leave me the email that  you used to subscribe in your comment and state that you subscribed.

Blog about this contest, including a link back to this giveaway worth 5 extra entries.
Leave me the link in your comments to the post

Contest begins now and ends July 21, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Winner will be selected via Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner must respond within 48 hours or forfeits prize. Good luck!

Baby Everywhere provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product