Angie – Page 978 – Luv Saving Money

Eitech Metal building kits review and #giveaway 12/8 US–CLOSED

RANDOM.ORG DREW NUMBER 22. CONGRATULATIONS SLS! WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND HAS 48 HOURS TO REPLY TO WINNING EMAIL NOTIFICATION.

Eitech is a German metal kit building company. They have recently introduced Teifoc brick and mortar building kits in the US. Eitech offers melting buidling kits for a variety of ages. From the beginner kits meant of 4+ year olds to introduce kids to metal building, Basic sets for 6-8 years old, and the Exclusive, Solar, and Experimental kits for 8 + years old. Then there is the brick and mortar sets I mentioned.

I LOVE toys like this for my boys. My two oldest are 6 and 8. They are really into legos right now. They’ve had a number of lego sets. They are to the point where they can put them together themselves, reading the directions, and do it right. I was hoping to find something similar that would be more challenging for them. They were so excited when they heard that I would get to review the one of the Eitech metal building kits.

This is the one we received to review:

One of the cool things about this particular kit was that it had a booklet that included 3 different instructions for 3 different vehicles you could make with the part included. The boys decided they wanted to make the little quad in the booklet. The directions are not written word directions. They show step by step directions with pictures. The parts are labeled with numbers with a key in the back that had a picture of each of the parts. You could, say, lay a screw on top of the picture too and see that that was the right size screw to use for that particular step.

This kit was meant for 8+ year and up. My 6 year old wanted to help. It was a bit advanced for him but I showed him where to put the screws and let him twist the nuts on. His older brother was able to do a little more though he still needed some help. My 6 year old had fun experimenting with the spare parts while his older brother helped to complete the steps.

When we finally finished the quad we decided on, my 6 year old couldn’t wait to test it out.

If you are looking for a hands on, age appropriate toy, that will encourage your child’s imagination, I would highly recommend looking into Eitech toys. The pieces a sturdy quality metal pieces. Not the flimsy aluminum junk that some other companies offer. The kit comes with all the pieces you need and then some. Our kit also included 2 small wrenches and a small screw driver.

Where to buy: Since the products are just being introduced in the US there are only a few retail (brick and mortar) stores offering the products. You can see if there is a store near you by clicking here.
There are however, 3 websites that sell Eitech toys: amazon.com, Girders and Gears, and Lainie’s Way.

Review Summary: Yes this toy is fantastic for your little builders (or big builders). Quality metal pieces and all part included make this a toy that will last for years. It’s is a great hands on, spark a child’s imagination type of toy. This is more of a challenging toy so be sure to get the kit that is age appropriate for your child/grandchild/niece/nephew

GIVEAWAY

Eitech toys is giving one of my lucky readers the C55 Basic Mini Train with Cargo Car Construction Set

Which will make a great stocking stuff! US only

Mandatory Entry: Follow Eitech toys on twitter: @eitechtoys.

Leave a comment with your twitter ID. (This entry must be completed to be entered into giveaway. No bonus entries will count if this is not completed. Don’t forget to leave an email address so I can contact you if you win.

Bonus Entries: Please leave a separate comment for each bonus entry completed. If there is a +1 after the entry leave one comment. +2 leave two comments for that entry and so on.

1. Visit Eitech toys website and tell me another kit not mentioned that you think your little one might like to try (+1)

2. Like Eitech on facebook (+1)

3. Follow FFCM with Google Friend Connect, Networked Blogs, Blog Frog, RSS feed, and/or email subscription (+1 for each one completed. Please leave a seperate comment for each one completed)

4. Follow me on twitter: @angiewith3 and leave a comment with your twitter id. (+1)

5. Like FFCM on facebook (+1)

6. Blog about this giveaway and include a link to this post in it. Leave a link to your blog post in a comment below (+5)

7. Tweet this giveaway using the RT button in the upper Left corner or you can use this message:

” I entered to win an @eitechtoys metal building kit on http://bit.ly/eitechgive US 12/8 US @angiewith3“

Can tweet 2 x per day at least 2 hours apart. Leave a comment with a link to your tweet. (+1 for each tweet)

8. Enter any of my other current giveaways (+1 for each one entered)

9. Like Growing Tree Toys on facebook (+2) for each like, growing tree toys will donate $1 to toys for tots!

Giveaway will end 12/8 at 10 PM EST. Winner will be selected using Random.org. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

***I received the kit mentioned in the review above at no cost from Eitech toys in order to complete a proper review. I was under no obligation to give a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post.***

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Growing Tree Toys is dontating to Toys for Tots and you can help for free

I love the Toys for Tots program. It’s my charity of choice during the holidays. I know that receiving gift is NOT what the Christmas season is about. But, for so many kids it’s a simple way to bring a spark of happiness and joy to a child whose family may not be of the financial means to provide that.

I was almost too excited to see that Growing Tree Toys is donating to Toys for Tots this year. You can help for FREE! All you have to do is “like” Growing Tree Toys facebook page. For each “like” Growing Tree Toys receives on their facebook page, they will donate $1 to Toys for Tots!

I really have a lot of respect for a company that is willing to donate so generously, especially during the holiday season. So please, it only takes a second to go over and like their page. Just think of how many happy kids there will be with only a couple seconds of your time.

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Tropical Traditions Gift Set review and #giveaway 12/7—CLOSED

RANDOM.ORG DREW NUMBER 144. CONGRATULATIONS SLS (ALTMUZIKFANZINC). WINNER HAS BEEN EMAILED AND HAS 48 HOURS TO REPLY.

You may have read about Tropical Traditions great coconut oil or some of their other great products but did you know Tropical Traditions has skin and body care products too?

Tropical Traditions even has gift sets available in their skin and body care products line. If you’re looking for gift ideas you should check their gift sets out. Tropical Traditions offers lip balms, moisturizing lotions, deodorants, massage oils, a more. Their skin and body care products are made with Virgin Coconut Oil and Virgin Palm Oil.

Until Sunday Nov. 28th Tropical Traditions Moisturizing Lotions are 40% off too! Scented Bar Soaps are buy one get one free!

I got to try one of Tropical Traditions Spa Day Package gift sets in Lavender scent. The Tropical Traditions Day Spa set comes with an 8 oz bottle of Tropical Traditions Massage Oil, 4 oz tub of Tropical Traditions Moisturizing Cream, and 6 oz tub of Tropical Traditions Skin Exfoliator.

I’m kind of choosy about my moisturizers. I prefer a moisturizer with a thick consistency. To me it seems they last longer. The Tropical Traditions Moisturizing Cream in the set was thick. I did not need a lot to do the job. This product is for the hands, face, and body. It worked well on my dry hands. I was concerned about putting it on my face. I break out in my T-zone very easily. The product did not feel greasy. It felt light on my skin once applied. It absorbed quickly The Moisturizing Cream does not contain any alcohol.

The 2nd product in the gift set was the Organic Skin Exfoliator. This Skin Exfoliator reminded me of a sugar scrub. I loved the feel of it on my skin. You only need a small amount on those areas that need the exfoliating like elbows, knees, heels, etc. I used it on my lower legs too. I get aweful dry and itchy winter skin. This product worked great on those areas.

The 3rd product in the set was the Tropical Traditions Massage oil. I’m usually pretty iffy about massage oils. I love getting a massage and massage oils usually are great to help your hands glide but when I get a massage I’m usually left feeling like I took an oil bath. To me that just feels gross. The Tropical Traditions massage oil that came in this gift set was nice. It worked well as a massage lubricant but did not leave my skin feeling super oily.

The lavender scent of the product was definitely noticeable. It mixed with the slight scent of the coconut oil. I have to admit it wasn’t the best lavender scented product as far as the fragrance goes but it was still pleasant. The Spa Day Package is also available in Unscented if you prefer.

Bath and Body products are usually a pretty safe gift for someone. Especially in the unscented version. This could be a gift for appropriate for a lot of people: sister, aunt, teachers, mother-in-law, even guys!

You can find even more great products on Tropical Traditions website.

While you’re there check out their recipe section. Maybe you’ll find something new to make with our holiday meals or christmas cookies this year: http://www.freecoconutrecipes.com/index.htm

If you decide to order anything from Tropical Traditions site, I’d be so grateful if you’d use my ID when it asks who referred you: My user is: 6162177
Thanks for considering.

GIVEAWAY

Tropical Traditions is going to give one of my readers their own Spa Day Package gift set.

Open to US and CAN.

Mandatory Entry: Go to the recipes page on Tropical Traditions site and tell me a recipe you think sounds yummy to you. Don’t forget to leave your email so I can contact you if you win.

Bonus Entries: Leave a separate comment for each entry. If there is a +1 after the entry leave one comment. +2 leave two comments for that entry, etc.

1. Sign up for Tropical Traditions email newsletter (+2)

2. Follow Tropical Traditions on twitter: @troptraditions (+1)

3. Tweet this giveaway using the RT button in the upper Left corner or use this message:

” I entered to win a Spa Day Package gift set from @troptraditions on http://bit.ly/TTsdpgive 12/7 US/CAN @angiewith3 “

You can tweet up to 2 X per day at least 2 hours apart. Leave a link to your tweet. (+1 for each tweet)

4. Follow me on twitter: @angiewith3 (+1) leave your twitter handle in a comment.

5. Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered (+1) for each one entered.

6. Like FFCM on facebook (+1)

7. Follow FFCM with GFC, Networked Blogs, RSS feed, and/or email. (+1) for each one completed. Leave a separate comment for each one.

Giveaway will end 12/7 at 10 PM EST. 1 winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. If winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. Open to US and Canada.

***Tropical Traditions 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.***

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Skillet Bacon Jam Review

Skillet Bacon Jam. I know it sounds kind of odd right? To my husband and my boys it sounds like a little taste of bacon heaven.

Here is the description from the makers of Skillet Bacon Jam:

” we make this bacon spread condiment called bacon jam..you say what?.. that’s right, we use niman ranch bacon and render it down along with onions, balsamic and other spices . It cooks for several hours until it is a perfect blend of smoky, tangy, savory and slightly sweet….basically spreadable bacony goodness! USDA approved.

more information is available at www.skilletbaconjam.com “

I opened the container. It looked kind of pulpy. I could smell the ranch scent along with some of the bacon I tried it on some Italian bread first. It wasn’t reallly the flavor I thought it would be. I was imagining bacony, salty, maybe even a little greasy, probably a taste of ranch. There was a bunch of different flavors. You could taste the balsamic vinegar as well. My husband liked it. The kids didn’t really. I could go either way. I think this would be a great dip/spread for your holidays on a cracker tray or for your tailgate parties.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

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What brings comfort and joy to your life?

It seems with the holidays people are caught up in christmas lists, cookies, parties, and STRESS. Yes, what’s a major holiday without stress? Ok maybe it’s a bit negative. It always turns out great though right? The good things, the turkey disasters, whatever…it’s all memories.

The holidays also give me time to reflect. It makes me very grateful that I do have so many blessings in my life. While I may not be rich my family has a decent roof over their heads, a comfortable bed to sleep in, food in the cupboards, and we can pay the bills every month. My children are healthy, happy, and active. I have a loving husband and we have a lot in common. I have a job, which in this economy isn’t a given to all. We can’t get everything the boys want on their list for Christmas but we can get them a few things and they’re always happy with what they get.

I know for a lot of you reading this, you’re shaking your heads saying I have that, I can do that, etc. The sad truth is that not everyone can say those things. While it is upsetting at times to hear about families in need it brings comfort to me to include my family in charities for the holidays. My boys and I pick a day to go “Toys for Tots” shopping. They help pick out one toy for a boy, a girl, and a baby to donate to Toys for Tots. I use this time almost every year to remind them of what christmas is really about. I remind them how lucky they are to have what they have. Make sure they understand that they should appreciate what they have. This shopping trip has become a tradition for us. While we can’t spend a lot of money on the trip it is comforting to me to know we helped in some small way. I feel that these trips will carry over as my kids get older.

There are so many ways to help around the holidays. I had a stranger make a small gesture that still sticks with me today. I was going through a very had time in my life at one point. My 2 oldest boys were just babies. I was about to go through a divorce. Our financial situation at the time was stressful. I just felt like a black cloud was following me around. I had gone to walmart. I bought a few things with what little bit of cash I had. I had the two babies in the cart. I stepped out of walmart only to find it was pouring down rain and cold. (Maybe a black cloud really was following me around) I hurried to my car with the cart. I was trying to quickly get the babies in the car. A middle age man came walking toward me quickly. I’m embarrassed to say I was weary of him. I wasn’t sure why he was coming toward me. He opened up an umbrella and held it over me until I got the babies in the car and continued to until I got all the groceries in the trunk. AND THEN he took the cart and told me he’d put it away. I thanked him but he’ll probably never know how much that meant to me. A moment of caring and warmth in a hard time in my life.

My situation has improved significantly since that moment. I’m crying as I write this. I even find comfort in the fact that I had gone through that situation in my life. I think it makes me appreciate what I have now even more.

There are so many ways to bring comfort and joy to someone. Reflect on your blessing and take a moment to be thankful for what you have. I’d love to hear what you are thankful for this holiday season!

Kleenex has the Softness Worth Sharing site: http://kleenex.com/softnessworthsharing
Stop by to send a free box of tissues to someone you care about.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Kleenex blogging program, making me eligible to get a $40 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

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