Luv Saving Money – Page 978

My favorite road trip memory

I’m one that would much rather drive if I can than fly. There’s several reasons for that. One reason is that it’s less expensive (generally), you get to see the change in the scenery and find those neat little shops and restaurants along the way, and you can stop whenever you want to.

I used to do traveling therapy. I received a placement in Texas. I’m from PA and I had never been to TX. I was very much looking forward to it. While my company offered to pay for a rental car and the plane ticket to get me there, I chose to drive. I would take this road trip by myself. I was to be there the beginning of May. I made sure I took a bunch of my favorite cds, my sunglasses were in the car, and route was planned. It had to be one of the most relaxing (and longest) road trip I’d ever taken.

It was so amazing to see the change in the scenery. To see new places I’d never seen before. I started around 6 am. I went past Cleveland, Ohio. Down through Kentucky. I remember driving down a highway and saw these amazing rolling hills covered in blue grass. I never really knew exactly what those terms meant “rolling hills” and “blue grass” until I saw it for myself. It was beautiful. I enjoyed the ride so much. I drove until midnight . I remember calling a friend in Texas on my cell phone and telling them that I finally decided I was going to stop and find a hotel to sleep for a while. As I was on the phone I remember telling my friend “oh my, there’s a huge bridge and big body of water coming up” (long bridges over water make me a little nervous for whatever reason). My anxiety changed to excitement when I told my friend “oh my gosh I’m about to drive over the Mississippi river!”

I finally got a hotel. Woke up early the next day and started again. I remember the change in scenery in Texas alone until I finally got to my destination. Everything from driving near Dallas to driving past actual ranches. For a Pennsylvania girl seeing a for real Texas ranch was exciting.

I like being alone on this trip. It was the quiet alone time I needed for myself at the time. To do what I wanted to do. Sometimes I still wish I could jump in the car and take that drive to Texas again.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Discount Tire blogging program, making me eligible to receive a $50 gift card and be entered for a chance to win a prize valued at $1,000. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

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Tropical Traditions Coconut Cream Concentrate Review and #Giveaway 12/10—CLOSED

RANDOM.ORG DREW NUMBER 97. CONGRATULATIONS LYNDSEY. WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED VIA EMAIL AND HAS 48 HOURS TO REPLY.

With each product I get to try from Tropical Traditions, the more I become a fan. This review was kind of interesting for me. I started off thinking “what the heck, this product was not what I thought it would be” to “wow this product is what I thought it would be” Let me tell you why, I neglected to seek out the full directions. I know, I know, when all else fails, read the directions right? LOL just kidding. I give hubby a hard time about this all the time. I guess he gets to rub it in for a minute.

Here’s how it went. I received my generous sized jar of the Coconut Cream concentrate from Tropical Traditions. I had been wanting to try it. It seemed like a very versatile products You can mix it into drinks like coffee or even water to make a coconut flavored drink. You can mix it into your baking and cooking to add a little coconut flavor too. I thought it would be great to try for some of my holiday baking.

When I got the jar, I noticed that it had separated. There was a layer of coconut oil on the top and the coconut cream concentrate was on the bottom. I tried to scoop it out but only kept getting the coconut oil. The jar said it would separate in temps lower than 75 degrees. That’s my house like 24/7 365. At first I was really disappointed. I thought “How can I use this stuff?” So after trying different things on my own, I finally decided to check the Tropical Traditions website. Well there it was, the video on how to mix the Coconut Cream concentrate. I felt so silly, I should have gone to the site in the first place.

So I tried it. What do you know it worked!

I looked over the recipes on the Tropical Traditions site. It’s so easy. You can look at them all or just for the products you’re using. My kids helped me pick one out. We decided to try the “Chocolate Coconut Creme Bar” recipe. It was easy, quick to make, and tasted pretty good.

The Coconut Cream Concentrate melted easily in the pan.

The Chocolate Coconut Creme Bar turned out smooth. You could definitely taste the coconut flavor in the bar. I also tried some in my coffee I was expecting a sweeter coconut flavor but it reminded me more of a toasted coconut type of flavor. Something like a macaroon. My family tried the Chocolate Coconut Creme Bar and I took some to work. I heard several comments that it tasted like a mounds bar without the flakes of the coconut.

Once I figured out how to use the product I loved it. If there was one suggestion I might have, it would be to have some quick directions on the side for how to mix it.

Plus from now until Nov. 28 you can get $10 off any order of $16 or more. Use code: 24110
If you order I’d so appreciate it you’d use my referral ID: 6162177

GIVEAWAY

Tropical Traditions is going to give one of my readers their own jar of Coconut Cream Concentrate to try for themselves. Open to US and Canada.

Mandatory Entry: Follow Tropical Traditions on twitter: @troptraditions

Must be completed before any bonus entries will count. 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 for that entry. +2 leave 2 comments for that entry and so on.

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

2. Like Tropical Traditions on facebook (+1)

3. Tell me what recipe you might like to try with your Coconut Cream Concentrate if you win (+1)

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

” I entered to win a jar of Coconut Cream Concentrate from @troptraditions on http://bit.ly/TTcream 12/10 US/CAN @angiewith3″

Can tweet 2 X per day at least 2 hours apart. (+1 for each tweet)

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

6. Follow me on twitter: @angiewith3 (+1)

7. Like FFCM on facebook (+1)

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

9. Purchase anything from Tropical Traditions with my referral ID: 6162177 (+5)

Giveaway will end 12/10 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 to winning email. Open to US and Canada

Disclaimer: 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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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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