Looking for a healthy snack?

We are always on the hunt for something delicious that my daughter will eat and I will actually feel good about handing over a zillion times a day-we were on an oreo phase for awhile and every time I saw that chocolate cookie covered smile I though there has to be something that she will eat that won't rot her teeth and provide nutrition. We have tried every kind of fresh fruit and vegetable but she seems to not like anything fresh so while wandering around Target at my wits end I say a back of Funky Monkey Snacks-the package was very cute and my daughter eagerly agreed to buy the "monkey candy". Well as soon we got home she asked to eat her new monkey snack and I handed over the package and held my breath....she ate them! Not only did she eat them up on her own with no prompting but then she actually asked for more! Here are some fun facts about Funky Monkey Snacks:

Funky Monkey Snacks have no added colors, flavors, sugars, or preservatives, they use full slices and pieces (not dices) of delicious, fresh fruit. Funky Monkey is made in Brazil (not China!) using tropical fruits at the peak of freshness, products are gluten-free, certified Kosher, and certified non-GMO. One of the 7 flavors, Purple Funk, also includes açai, a berry from the Amazon that is viewed as the newest superfood!

Want to win? One lucky person will win their very own sampler pack with each of the seven flavors. Contest open to US residents-contest ends 6/5/11. Please leave one comment per entry with a valid email in each comment.

Mandatory:
1. Visit Funky Monkey Snack and tell me your favorite flavor

Additional Entries:
1.Follow Free & Frugal Mommy of one via google friend connect publicly (click follow on right)
2. Like Free & Frugal Mommy of One on facebook (click like on the right)
3. LikeFunky Monkey Snacks of Facebook

Guest post of the week by Deangelo Spencer

When I decided to go into my own business venture I knew I needed to get a website up and running. Of course I had a personal site already that sort-of acted as a blog as well, but I needed something more professional and more business centric. I didn’t know a thing about www.domainnames.com or website hosting since my personal site was on a free platform, so I enlisted the help of my friend Frank who had been a web developer for years. Frank steered me towards a good name and pointed me away from the less-professional designs I tended to gravitate towards. Once ! my site is done I expect to be able to put the URL on all my business cards and use it as a marketing tool for new clients. I think it will be a great opener at cocktail parties and it definitely reflects well on the business as a whole. I’m glad I spent so much time on the site since it’s going to be such a crucial part of my success!

Happy Birthday to my charming little lady!

Well the little princess turns two in less than a week! I have been searching for something fantastic to get her that will stand the test of time and my genius husband suggested a charm bracelet. The Charm Factory is a great company that offers charms, charm bracelets, and other great items at a very reasonable price. The bracelets are made in the USA, lead free, and offer free shipping on orders over $25. We have the finished birthstone charm bracelet and it is perfect! I know that this is a piece of jewelry that will grow with her and adapt to her every changing style. Charm factory offers beautifully designed sterling silver charm bracelets with lobster clasp that is delicate looking, yet incredibly strong.  The figure 8 links that are woven throughout the bracelet give a look of elegance not often afforded to charm bracelets.  Be sure to visit the site as they offer bracelets already designed and an option to custom make your own! 

 Want to win? One lucky reader will win their choice of a finished charm bracelet. Contest open to US residents-contest ends 6/2/11. Please leave one comment per entry with a valid email in each comment. 


Mandatory Entry:
1.Visit Charm Factory and tell me which bracelet you would choose and who it is for

Additional Entries:
1.Follow Free & Frugal Mommy of one via google friend connect publicly (click follow on right)
2. Like Free & Frugal Mommy of One on facebook (click like on the right)

Hurtie Hug-great for life's ouchies!

Imagine that you are sitting on the swing in the backyard reading a magazine (clearly not paying attention to your child...it's ok it happens) when you hear "hey mama-watch" and down the giant slide goes the little toddler hitting the ground like a pile of bricks. Mind you it was a normal size backyard swing set but in my mind it might as well have been the Empire State Building. So my little one ended up with her first "ouchie"- a scrape on the ankle and a bruised knee. After we got a kitty band aid on the cut she wanted to put the daddy pouch on her leg (an ice pack). Thank goodness we had a hurtie hug because there is no way that she would of tolerated a cold ice pack wrapped in a towel and she certainly would not have been able to hold it on her knee. The Hurtie Hug is a soft fleece pouch protects delicate skin from direct contact with the hot/cold pack. And unique, adjustable "arms" hold the pouch in place, gently "hugging" the injury to provide soothing relief from the pain of bumps, bruises and other childhood "ouchies". Here are some of the uses for both children & adults:

• 
  
• Minor Burns
• Vaccination pain
• Insect stings/bites
• Rashes, sunburn
• Illness, disease
• Medical procedures
• Post-surgery
• Sports injuries
• Fibromyalgia
• Migraines
• Sprains, strains
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Joint pain
• Arthritis

I have also used the pack to treat my arthritis and it amazing not having to worry about holding something in place or having to sit very still. I think The Hurtie Hug is great for everyone and a must for any household with small children.

Want to win? One lucky reader will win their very own Hurtie Hug (your choice of color). Contest open to US residents-Contest ends 6/1/11. Please leave one comment per entry with a valid email in each entry.

Mandatory Entry:
1.Visit The Hurtie Hug and tell me something you like about the product and which color you would choose

Additional Entries:
1.Follow Free & Frugal Mommy of one via google friend connect publicly (click follow on right)
2. Like Free & Frugal Mommy of One on facebook (click like on the right)
3. LikeThe Hurtie Hug of Facebook

Best way to preserve your child's first year!

Have you been searching for a great way to "keep" your child's baby clothes? As soon as my daughter was born I was determined to find way to keep her clothes that did not consist of storing them in a box to rot away. I looked at about a zillion quilts before I can across Robin Sew Crazy. Let me tell you this lady is beyond amazing! She spent tons of time with me on the phone as I stumbled along trying to express exactly what I wanted and made my idea a fantastic creation. Along the way she kept me in the loop sending photos over and emails making sure everything was in the right place (I have only had one other quilt made but I think this is above and beyond what I expected to receive for the price). Speaking of price her quilts were some cheapest available considering the size! I ended up purchasing a toddler size quilt but she has many sizes and styles available. Every mom out there (and anyone that would love a quality quilt) should visit her site immediately...I am telling you any crazy idea can become a reality with Robin's skill and patience. Here is a picture of my quilt which just does not do the quilt justice!

If anyone has Robin make them a quilt I would love to see photos and hear all your fantastic comments! 

Contact Robin via Etsy or Website

We love our Lovable Labels!

 So today at the store we lost a shoe, sock, and small car toy. My family is notorious for losing things and then we can never find them again! My husband is one for claiming things are his (ie coffee mugs, tote bags, even the umbrella) when I know that his has long been lost and the item in question belongs to me....then I thought I will label everything! Well my label method was not only ugly but did not turn out so well (think white tape and permanent marker) so I began to search online for a company that had labels I would not mind seeing everyday and would stay put. After pages of companies I fell in love with Lovable Labels (they even have labels for inside kids shoes). Once I got started I just could not stop...after all my daughter will be going to school next year and this will be easier for her to find her things with a certain label since she cannot read. Lovable Labels has also introduced new personalized return labels that are gorgeous. We have the Fancy Nancy Gold labels which I used on my daughter's birthday invitations. I have received many compliments on my address labels and my daughter has started using the "fancy stickers" to label all her movies. As Lovable Labels would say "Don't lose it-label it!"

Lovable Labels has generously supplied us with a "Personalized Return Address Labels" for one lucky winner!  Thanks, Lovable Labels!

To Enter:  Go to the Lovable Labels website and leave us a comment (one per day only, please) telling us which one of their amazing product is your favorite! Once you’ve entered by leaving a comment (with valid email address) you can gain additional entries:

•  Follow Free & Frugal Mommy of One via Google Friend Connect (click follow on right)
• Follow Free & Frugal Mommy of One on Facebook (click like on the right)
• Follow @mylovablelabels on Twitter and tweet "WIN Address Label Pack"  from ffmoo.
• ‘Like’ Lovable Labels on Facebook for one extra entry and write below that you are a new fan.
• Mention this giveaway on your blog and leave us the link for one extra entry.

This giveaway ends 5/20/11.  The winner will be selected by random draw and will have 3 days to respond to our notification email before another winner is selected. 

This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.

Win a Juno Baby Prize Pack!

What is Juno Baby you ask? Juno Baby is the passion project of founder, composer and mom, Belinda Takahashi, Ph.D. All of our products are based on her lifelong love of music and the belief in its power to open hearts and minds. The Juno Company believes that by surrounding young children with beautiful music, we can engage their minds, inspire them artistically, and nurture them emotionally. Juno Baby is something that is personally a large part of our day. We have the dvds and bunny toy that my daughter sleeps with every night! The dvds are fantastic because they incorporate music and other learning activities while being entertaining....I will admit when Juno is on I find myself watching along instead of using the distraction time to get work done! The characters are vibrant and use words that most kids would not hear in everyday language. Juno Baby has won countless awards including Parent's Choice Award, Dr. Toy's Best 100 Products and Top 10 Video List, and Dove Seal's rare and highest honor. When looking for a dvd for my little one I try to stick to things that have some value and as a bonus Juno Baby is all about music-I cannot wait to expand our collection!

Want to win? One lucky reader will win their very own Juno Prize pack (contents or prize pack similar to photo shown above). Contest is open to US residents-contest ends 5/20/11. Please leave one comment per entry with a valid email in each entry.

Mandatory Entry:
1.Visit Juno Baby and tell me your favorite product or character
2. Fill out the Juno Baby Contest form (make sure to but ffmoo in how did you about us)

Additional Entries:
1.Follow Free & Frugal Mommy of one via google friend connect publicly (click follow on right)
2. Like Free & Frugal Mommy of One on facebook (click like on the right)
3. Like Juno Baby of Facebook 

Allergy Season is here-are you ready?

My daughter got a lot of great things from my husband & I....big blue eyes, a big heart, and a love for music. Unfortunately she also has our seasonal allergies. I hate to see her suffer but wrestling to try to get a drop of medicine in her mouth may be worse. I tried all the bribes I could think of and was ready to give up all hope but then I remembered about a product called Ava the Elephant. This adorable little medicine dispenser says "1, 2,3- open wide" then tells the child "good job". My daughter happened to be on antibiotics when we received our Ava and I cannot express enough how much one little thing has improved my life! Ava is BPA free & dishwasher safe which is great for all the multi tasking parents of the world! Ava is recommend by pediatricians because acceptance of medication leads to happier children and parents.  I have seen such a difference in my daughter and am no longer trying to sneak the medicine in the dropper and catch her before she knows what is going on....we now say let's see what Ava has to say and she is eager to hear the elephant talk. Ava is available at many online locations including drugstore.com and in stores at CVS.

Want to win? One lucky reader will win their very own Ava the Elephant! Contest open to US resident-contest ends 5/21/11. Please leave one comment per entry with a valid email in each in entry.

Mandatory Entry:
1.Visit Ava the Elephant and tell me why you need about Ava the Elephant
 

Additional Entries:
1.Follow Free & Frugal Mommy of one via google friend connect publicly (click follow on right)
                                                            2. Like Free & Frugal Mommy of One on facebook

Teach your baby to read!

My daughter will be starting preschool next year which is going to be a challenge! Well I went to one of those meet and greets with some of the other parents and was overwhelmed with how much the parents were making learning a chore. Don't get me wrong my daughter is one smart cookie but we make it a game...I don't shove constant learning activities with no fun involved down her throat. Well I want her to get the best possible start in life so I began looking into the Intellectual Baby program. I have the book, flashcards, and DVD and I must say it is incredible. Recent studies show that babies enter a critical period of learning from birth to about 5 years of age.  This time-period is a unique "window of opportunity" to establish a firm foundation for their future. Research shows that a one year old will learn twice as fast as a three year old. These early years represent a critical time in your baby's life.  This is the absolutely best time to teach babies to read, introduce music, art, foreign languages, etc. So we have had our DVD for a few weeks and my daughter loves to watch. She loves monkeys which are also in the book so it is sure to captivate her attention. The graphics are eye catching and you can have the program on in the background while you use the flashcards and book. Overall I am impressed with the program and will be buying the set for future baby shower gifts. 

Want to win? One lucky reader will win 3 monkisee dvds! Contest open to US residents-contest ends 5/19/11-please leave one comment per entry with a valid email in each comment. 

Mandatory Entry:
1.Visit Intellectual Baby and tell me what you like best about the program
 

Additional Entries:
1.Follow Free & Frugal Mommy of one via google friend connect publicly (click follow on right)
2. Like Free & Frugal Mommy of One on facebook (click like on the right) 

I Spy a great birthday gift!

My daughter will be turning two in a few weeks....oh where has all the time gone! Her new obsession is hide and seek so she loves to try to find tiny little objects we hide around the house (this all stemmed from Easter egg hunts). I found the greatest etsy site- bzbee creations- that makes personalized ISpy bags along with many other fantastic creations.  Our bag is pink cheetah print and even has the letters for my daughters name. I love that we can pack the toy and it is something quiet that she can do in the car-it has also become a doll pillow for her babies on long drives :) The items in the bag are easy to identify and would be a great addition to any little treasure seeker!

Want to win? One lucky person will win either a boy or girl ISpy bag (sponsor design choice). Contest ends 5/17/11-open to US residents. Please leave one comment per entry with a valid email in each comment.

Mandatory Entry:
1.Visit bzbess creations and tell me your favorite product
Additional Entries:
1.Follow Free & Frugal Mommy of one via google friend connect publicly (click follow on right)
2. Like Free & Frugal Mommy of One on facebook (click like on the right)

Ladies are you ready for a shirt just for you?

Mother's Day is this weekend and I am loving all the "me time" that my husband has eagerly volunteered to deliver. Well I say what is wrong with a little me time everyday? I know impossible with an inquisitive toddler but every lady out there should remind them self to take a little me time everyday no matter what is driving you to the edge! There is a new t-shirt line that promotes just that- So Ready Designs! These shirts are not your traditional unflattering designs but are super cute and fit well in all the right places. The company offers a cool inside out 100% cotton tee, as well as the fashion fun burnout tee. And for the eco-friendly fan, they offer an organic cotton tee made with bamboo and recycled materials. I personally have the burnout tee and it is so fantastic and soft. These shirts are great presents to give and great to buy for yourself. Right now my readers will receive a 10% discount using the code pen10....I love to wear my ready so ready shirt not only to remind myself (and my husband) that it is me time but also for the simple fact who does not love a shirt with penguins drinking martinis!

Want to win? One lucky reader will win their choice of tee (size and design). Contest ends 5/15/11-open to US residents-please leave one comment per entry with a valid email in each entry.

Mandatory Entry:
1.Visit So Ready Designs and tell me your favorite product
2. Like So Ready Designs on facebook (say thanks from ffmoo)

Additional Entries:
1.Follow Free & Frugal Mommy of one via google friend connect publicly (click follow on right)
2. Like Free & Frugal Mommy of One on facebook (click like on the right)

Mommy Blog Hop-welcome Go Free Pants!

Please welcome our newest sponsor Go Free Pants. GO FREE® TECHNOLOGY is the first to replace uncomfortable interior cross seams with a built-in smooth cotton panel.With Go Free® pants, you have the ultimate freedom of choice - making undergarments truly optional. Designed exclusively by a woman specifically for women, Go Free® pants look great on while giving you a level of comfort you have never known before. I have the black capris and they are amazing. I normally have a horrible time finding pants that fit in all the right places and I was amazed! Best part of all no panty lines :) This is a perfect pant for the summer and they come in a wide variety of styles and sizes. I find that the pant fits very true to size with no waist gap or waistband that digs in because they are not tailored in the leg. Overall the pant fits terrifically and are of high quality material. Now save 40% on all style (ending May 9th). This mother's day treat yourself to something wonderful and "Go Free" :)

 Want to win? One lucky reader will win their choice of Go Free Pant (size & style choice). Open to US Residents-please leave one comment per entry with a valid email in each entry.

Mandatory Entry:
1. Follow Free & Frugal Mommy of one via google friend connect publicly (click follow on right)
2.Visit Go Free Pants and tell me your favorite product

Additional Entries:
1. Like Free & Frugal Mommy of One on facebook (click like on the right)
2. Like Go Free Pants on facebook (say thanks from ffmoo)
3. Follow Go Free Pants on twitter

Welcome Kid Safety Band

 We are taking our fist big trip this summer and I am terrified! My little princess loves to walk which means my intense fear of her getting lost (you should also know she does not like to hold hands so it makes it very difficult to keep her close). Lucky me she also loves to wear bracelets and there is an incredible company called kid safety bands. These amazing little bracelets can me made in a variety of sizes and will help even the shyest little one be able to find their way home. I love the bracelet because it will not fall of our toddler's wrist and she does not know her phone number which is on the bracelet. Parents customize their Kid Safety Band with the initials of their child along with their contact number(s). If your child wanders off, any law enforcement officer or good Samaritan, can quickly identify the child's information and call you immediately! You can also list your child's allergies and medical conditions. The bracelets are not just made for children- they are available in size x-small-adult. We live in an unpredictable world. As parents, we have to be more vigilant and leery of strangers. Even then, kids wander; it's their nature. It only takes a few seconds and they're gone. It's estimated in the US, that 2100 kids under the age of 18 go missing everyday. That's staggering! Be sure you visit the site-they are so affordable and can add a little piece of mind. 

Want to win? One lucky reader will win three kid safety bands (choice of size: x-small, small, adult size). Open to US residents-contest ends 5/11/11-please leave one comment per entry with a valid email in each entry.

 Mandatory Entry:
1. Visit kid safety band and tell me your favorite product

Additional Entries:
1. Follow Free & Frugal Mommy of one via google friend connect publicly (click follow on right)
2. Like Free & Frugal Mommy of One on facebook (click like on the right)
3. Like kid safety band on facebook (say thanks from ffmoo) 

Welcome Skidders-3 winners!

Spring is here which means playground season! As most of you know my daughter is just turning two which means this is our first summer that she can run and jump. Last year little miss was content just walking slowly and going down the slide but this year I see a ton of bumps and falls in our future. One of my huge concerns is her stubbing and skinning her toes and heels in traditional sandals. So I decided we needed to find easy to clean shoes that would keep her little feet safe! During the hunt I found Skidders which sells a large variety of products. Skidders are innovative and hassle-free, Skidders introduces a new way to wear socks and shoes, all in one. The shoes come in a variety of designs including Dora, Spongebob, and Thomas the Train. We have cute little white ones with pink bottoms and a girly design which matches just about everything in the closet. I was not sure at first about the shoe being truly skid proof but since we have had our Skidders there have many close calls that I am sure my daughter would of fallen had she just had on socks or sandals. The shoes range in size from 12-24 months and are easy to get on and off without struggle. Skidders can be purchased online and at many large stores *I have personally bought three more pair from Meijer & Von Maur*

 Along with Skidders Shoes the company also carries Women's Gripper Socks and Children Gripper Socks. The women's gripper socks come in a wide variety of styles and are one size. I love the grips on the bottom without having to wear a sock that looks like it was made for a child. I like the socks are ankle length and are very soft. The children's gripper socks come in both boy & girl styles and range in sizes from 6 months-24 months. These socks are perfect for any child but I also bought a pair for my cousin's daughter that is just starting to cruise the furniture. She loved that the socks looked like shoes and provided some traction on the hardwood floors. Skidders offers great quality products perfect for everyone!

Want win? Three lucky readers will win choice of socks, shoes, or children's socks (there are one of each item available-winner not guaranteed to win their first choice of item-style chosen by sponsor) Contest ends 5/11/11-open to US residents. Please leave one comment per entry with a valid email in each comment.

 Mandatory Entry:
1. Visit Skidders and tell me your favorite product

Additional Entries:
1. Follow Free & Frugal Mommy of one via google friend connect publicly (click follow on right)
2. Like Free & Frugal Mommy of One on facebook (click like on the right)