Blog Round up -freebies, samples etc.

Just thought I would share some of the freebies and things I am finding online today.

Free Vintage T-shirt 

Vitamin Sample

Giveaways ending today - Tight wad in Utah's list

Free Valentine's note cards (still pay shipping) 

Have a great afternoon!!

Review- Purex UltraPacks

Several months ago I switched from the powder dish washing soap to the little single use tablets.  They are much smaller and easier to store and use.  I found it was worth it to pay the few extra cents to have the convenience of them.

I was recently sent a package of UltraPacks liquid laundry detergent from purex.  These little packs bring that same convenience to laundry soap.  I love these.  They make getting the laundry started a little easier.  You just throw the pack into the washer and start things like normal.  They even work with HE washers you put them in with the clothes rather then in the little dispenser at the top.  I was very pleased with these little packets.  I have used a whole package of 18 of these in the last month or so.  My clothes have come out clean and pleasantly fresh.  These are neat clean and perfectly portioned.  I am always spilling the detergent or putting to much into the dispenser, so these were a nice change to that.  

Purex will be releasing these in February.  I look forward to seeing what the pricing on these will be.  If they are a reasonable price they will surely be on my shopping list.  

Disclaimer:  I did receive a package of Purex UltraPacks for review purposes only, all the opinions in this post are mine and are not influenced by the company. 

Kung Fu Panda 2 hit stores with a great double DVD pack! 

From the back of the main movie box: 

Jack Black is back as po in DreamWorks animation's KUNG FU PANDA 2, the fiercly funny, "winning sequel"  to the academy award nominated original film.  In his biggest challenge since becoming the dragon warrior, Po must lead his friends and fellow king fu masters, The furious five, on a mission of epic proportions to defeat his most threatening rival yet.  Kung Fu Panda 2 packs a powerful punch that combines non-stop action, beautiful storytelling and stunning animation in an all new, awesome adventure!

My Thoughts: 

What a cute family night movie!  These animals are very entertaining and the animation is wonderful in this movie.  I love that there are so many different animals featured in this film and they are all so colorful!  The movie moves at a fast pace that is sure to keep the attention of the busiest kids out there.  There is lots of humor in this movie.  It is a very silly fun kind of movie.  

I love that this sells in a two dvd pack the second DVD included is called Secrets of the maters in this shorter film the furious five uncover the legend of 3 of Kung Fu's biggest heroes.  I like having a shorter movie like this for when I just want to let little bit watch a little TV and not a full movie she gets to see the fun and adventure without getting caught up in a long movie.  

This is definitely one to add to the family collection!

Disclaimer:  I was given a copy of the double pack DVD mentioned in this review for review purposes only, all opinions in this review are mine and are not influenced by the company. 

Me Giant - Review and Giveaway

I love Me Giant's slogan - Me Giant Small things Giant Style. 

That is a very true statement of this trendy website with some of the neatest clothes I have ever seen.  

We were sent the Moo says the rooster kid's t-shirt to review. 

Since it is winter I chose to get the long sleeve t-shirt.  When it first arrived the first thing I noticed was that quality of the shirt.  It is very thick not your average t-shirt material.  This is the kind of kid's clothes I love, they are made to put up with the wear that children put their clothes through.  The saying really have been a conversation starter, everyone sees it and comes up to tell baby bug that roosters don't say moo!

I also love the fact these shirts come in a cute mini tin lunch box.  This box is a great size to carry some little toys in on the go or to pack small lunches or snacks in.  Baby bug was a little stumped on how to get the lunch box open, but has become a pro now with a bit of practice, love that built in fine motor!! 

These shirts sell for $25 this is on the pricey end but I love the tin box they come in and they really are of good quality.  I cannot wait to see what new designs Me Giant comes up with!! 

Good News!! Me Giant has offered one Learning to be Thrifty a product of their choice.  

See the rafflecopter below to enter: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  I was sent a product for review purposes, all opinions in this post are mine and were not influenced by the company. 

Sidral Mundet - Apple Soda Review

 

Have I got a yummy product to tell you about to what!! 

Right before Christmas a great yummy product showed up at my door.  http://www.sidralmundet.com/Sidral Mundet apple soda is now officially on my special treat list!!

I received two different flavors the regular flavor and the green apple flavor.  My husband and I really enjoyed both flavors.  When they first arrived I realized the bottles had old fashion bottle caps on them so that posed a bit of a problem as I did not have a bottle cap opener, but I really wanted to try these drinks so I googled how to open a bottle cap with out and opener.  You would be surprised how many articles are out there  on this subject!  I discovered that a plain butter knife worked best for me and soon had the apple soda open and ready to drink!  It was a very tasty drink I encourage you to give these great apple soda's a try they are well worth the effort of getting the bottle cap off!!

Disclaimer:  I was sent these above mentioned product for review purposes all opinions in this post are mine and are not influenced by the company. 

Slice Safety Cutter- Review

Slice Safety Cutter

I was given a chance to review the slice™ Safety Cutter - Great for couponers, 

I must say I was quite impressed with this little tool.  It is great for cutting coupons and well anything really.  I was not sure at first I mean a ceramic blade that I can not cut my finger on is going to cut through paper?  But let me tell you I pulled it out to try for the first time while cutting coupons and it really worked well.  I was able to cut out all my coupons so much faster and no finger cramps!!  I loved the fact it is finger safe baby bug always seems to go for the scissors when I am working on coupons, it is a constant battle to keep them out of her reach it is nice to know these are a safer option.  It also has a magnet and key ring hole built in for easy keeping up!     At $5.99 I think this is a great purchase.  

In the next few days I will be Trying it out on the wrapping paper, I have a feeling this is going to making present wrapping so much easier!! 

Disclaimer:  I received a product sample for review purposes, all the opinions in this post are my own and are not influenced by the company. 

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.

God Gave Us Two - Review

A Children's Book Review

God Gave Us Two 

By: Lisa Tawn Bergren 

Art By: Laura J. Bryant

From the Back of the Book: 

Now that Mama Polar Bear has another baby in her tummy, little cub is bursting with curiosity.  "why do we need a new baby?" she asks.  "if we don't like the new baby, can we send it back?"  "Will you forget me when the new baby comes?"  Gently and lovingly, Mama and Papa assure their firstborn that the new baby is a gift from God they want very much, just as little cub was- and still is.  "God gave us you, Now he's given us two!" 

My Thoughts: 

I love this book.  I think this is a book that every big sister or brother needs to help them get ready for a new baby.  I love the line that is repeated to Little Cub over and over in the story- "God gave us you.  Now he's given us two."  The pictures in the story are precious.  I love the blue and purple hues found on most of the pages.  This is one book I will be putting away in case baby bug ever becomes a big sister.  I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!! 

Disclaimer: I did receive a review copy of this book for review purposes.  The opinions in this story are my own and are not influenced by the company. 

The Compliment Charm Necklace Review and Giveaway

I recently have been given a chance to check out the Compliment Charm Necklace.  

I choose the You are Awesome blues compliment Charm Necklace.  

I love this charm necklace!! I think it is adorable.  What a neat gift idea.  Who couldn't use this kind of encouragement.   The necklace is of very good quality the picture part feels thin but seems to be pretty durable.  I tested it out with a fair amount of pressure and it did well.  I see this as a really good gift for tweens and teens.  I think it is a good way to build self esteem!  I like that the compliment is on one side and a picture on the other.  So those who are a little more self conscious can wear the necklace with the message on the inside and the picture facing on the outside.  

These necklaces can be purchased at The Compliment quotient  for $13.95

You can connect with the compliment quotient on facebook or twitter.

Want to hear some good news?  Monica over at The Compliment quotient had offered one Learning to Be Thrifty reader a chance to have a Compliment Charm Necklace of their own!! 

Use the RaffleCopter widget below to enter.  

Perplexus- Giveaway

Perplexus- Giveaway

A couple weeks ago I did a review for the Perplexus Original.  A neat toy with a lot of educational benefits.  

These benefits include: thinking, strategy, perseverance, numeracy, visual stimulation, focus, fine motor skills, self esteem, and challenge.  With all these great benefits it is no wonder perplexus is up for an award. 

Perplexus Original has been nominated as Educational Toy of Year by the Toy Industry Association.

 It is very easy to vote for perplexus, just follow a few steps:

1.       Go to http://www.toyawards.org/iMIS15/toyaward/custom/EducationalToy.aspx

2.       Select Perplexus

3.       Click Submit My Vote at the bottom

4.       Register your information to complete your vote.

Voting ends January 10, 2012. 

Want to hear some good news?  Perplexus is offering one Learning to be Thrifty reading a chance to win a Perplexus Original!! 

Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. 

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post.  The company will be providing a product for the winner of the giveaway. 

Watch out for overcharging at the checkout

When you are in the checkout line watch the prices your things are ringing up for in the last two days I have had three different things ring up for more then they were advertised for.  The first was just a bottle of water that was suppose to ring up at $1 and rang up for $1.50.  That may seem like small change but that can add up.  Next was a pair of pajamas that were suppose to be $5.  These rang up at $8, this is a three dollar difference.  Then I had a bib set that was priced at $5 and rang up at $5.47.  So if I had not been watching that would have been a lose of $3.97 in all that really adds up.  So make sure you are on guard and paying attention.  In all three cases the check out person accepted my word and changed the prices with no problem, don't be afraid to speak up overpaying is such a bummer!!

Craigs List - Santa's Best Kept Secret

Many are doing Christmas on a budget this year.  

As I set out to put together a fabulous Christmas for Baby Bug on a budget there were three big presents on the list that I wanted to get her one of: a wagon, a Tricycle with an adult handle behind it, and a strider.  

My husband and I are very practical and as we set out of the search for these items we decided we were OK with used items as long as they were in like new condition.  So we started our search on Craigslist

Well we did not find one of the items over a two week period we found all three of these items in our area. 

The first one we found was the Strider.  Have you heard of these yet they are what they call a balance bike.  It is basicly a bike without the pedals.  The thought is children will learn to balance with them and be able to skip the training wheels.  The Strider sells for $109 dollars on amazon, we got ours for $5 it is in very good condition, with some very minor scratches on the seat being the only real wear.

Next we found the Tricycle.  We found the Radio Flyer Deluxe Steer and Stroll Trike Which normal sells at Amazon for $96.99.  We got it for $10.  It is in new condition.  I think the child who owned it before us must have out grown it fast or not been very interested in it.  I think it could pass as a floor model it has such little wear on it.  The above picture was taken before I cleaned it up with a little cleaner, now it is very sparkly clean.  

Our last fun find was the wagon.  I have not had a chance to take a picture yet.  I will add that in once I get around to taking the picture.  The wagon is the Radio Flyer 2700z Pathfinder wagon in red.  This normally sells on Amazon for $119.99, we got it for $30.  This again was in almost new condition.  This wagon has fold out seats with seat belts and cup holders for that very important sippy cup.  Since we found all three items we have decided to save the wagon for her birthday.  

So basically we got the big gifts for both her Birthday and Christmas for $45 using Craigslist.  None of them having more wear on them then she will put on them in her first week of having them.  So don't forget this great resource as your shop for great Christmas Presents for your kids.  

Book Review- This Little Prayer of Mine

This Little Prayer of mine

By: Anthony Destefano

Illustrated by: Mark Elliott

(A Children's Book) 

From the Back of the book:

I know you're up in heaven, God, and can hear my voice from there.  I'm just a little child.  Will you answer my short prayer?  So begins this delightful book that affirms God's readiness to answer our prayers, no matter what our age. 

My thoughts:

This is a great addition to our bookshelf.  The book is goes through a prayer of a young child through all the different emotions and events that they may pray about.  I believe it is a good book to show a child how easy it is to pray.  I am also in love with the pictures in this book, they are so simple yet so pretty the colors are very vibrant.  My young daughter is able to sit through the book as it is a simple short read, and the pictures hold her attention very well.  Overall I give this book at 5 out of 5 stars I found it to be a good read for young children.
Disclaimer:  I received a  free copy of this book for review purposes.  The opinions in this book are all mine and are not influenced by the company.