Monday August 19th, 2019...Morning Thoughts

My Klean Kanteen water bottle. "More Ocean Less Plastic. The 5 Gyres Institute".

Things I’m thinking this morning in no special order....

I purchased this cute little frame 🖼️ in Ohio at Goodwill when I was out there visiting my husband's family. It is gold with small carved flowers. When I got home I realized that one of the pieces of art that I was looking for a frame for fit this perfectly and so I unstapled the back and placed the art in it. Then I used painters masking tape to hold the back to the frame. I did not want to staple the back to the art because that might have ruined it. I hung it up in my bedroom, but it fell apart off the wall yesterday. I am really glad it didn't break because it has a glass front. The back piece unfortunately only has a small sawtooth picture hanger on the back, but it didn't want to hold the weight of the whole frame. I think I need to find something that is more secure and maybe attached to the frame itself instead of the back. What do you use that works well and is secure for hanging your frames?

Yesterday I was very proud of myself. I finally remembered to use my reusable bottle at Dutch Bros for my Iced Apple Juice Chai I usually get. I wasn't sure they would fill it because it isn't one of their cups with a Dutch Bros logo on it, but they did. Unfortunately the drink I get is a 32 ounce usually and my reusable cup is a 27 ounce...so I was missing a little bit, but at least I am helping save the environment...maybe...you see, I watched them mix the drink and they used a plastic cup to do so, ugh! I might have to forgo going to Dutch Bros altogether. I could get the Oregon Chai and Apple juice at the store and mix it at home myself. I would miss the fun people working at Dutch Bros though and my husband loves going there. He probably won't ever stop getting his drink (a peppermint sprinkle freeze with whip) from Dutch Bros in a plastic cup with a plastic straw 🥤...unless Dutch Bros decides to change for the better. I wish corporations would be more environmentally conscience.

I also got some groceries yesterday at Winco and didn't use any bags 🛍️ because I had forgot the reusable ones out of the back of my car again. I was loading my groceries into my cart and the cashier asked me why I wasn't using any bags. I said I wanted to be eco-friendly, but forgot my reusable totes and I was just going to load the groceries into a foldable, collapsible crate I have in the trunk anyway. We, however; forgot a few groceries and so we came back and this time I was prepared. I brought the totes into the store with me. I am becoming more consciously aware of all the plastic and Styrofoam packaging around me. I had to buy toilet tissue 🧻 and the affordable stuff is all wrapped in plastic...wish it wasn't. I really don't know why it has to be.

Happy Monday beautiful people! I hope your Monday is wonderful!

Summer Fun With Trudeau Review

I received these products free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Summer is here and Trudeau has some fabulous products that I love and they are great gifts for people of all sorts. I have picked four of my favorites from their innovative kitchen tools, gadgets and other houseware products that would be perfect to wrap up for a gift on someone's special day. Their products are perfect to gift to those that love cooking, baking, and entertaining guests as well.

Trudeau Toss & Chop makes making salads easy!

Toss & Chop: This kitchen gadget is wonderful for making a fresh tossed and chopped salad, salsa, etc. right in the bowl, plate, or pan! These special scissors have dual micro-serrated stainless steel blades that never need sharpening. The scoop and salad tongs gently lifts and tosses ingredients to mix them evenly throughout the dish. The ergonomic, soft grip handles lock in place for secure and compact storage. These are great for any salad or salsa lover. I love to take fresh greens and vegetables from my garden and make a delicious salad with the Toss & Chop. I also love mine to make freshly chopped taco or tostada toppings. These also make chopping an onion so easy. I love how these make the process of creating fresh, healthy meals even simpler. These shears also clean up easily and are dishwasher safe, but hand-washing is recommended. Comes with use and care instructions and important safeguards. 5-year warranty. MSRP $24.99

Trudeau Stress Less Can Opener makes opening cans effortless.

Stress Less Can Opener:  This exclusive can opener is part of Trudeau's Stress Less line of kitchen tools. These tools are designed to help those that have arthritis, limited dexterity, or reduced hand strength. They decrease tension on hands and joints, making the gadgets easier to use. The Stress Less Can Opener has an ergonomic rotating arm that you crank creating more leverage and requires 50% less effort than a traditional can opener. The safety cutting mechanism makes a smooth edge and since it cuts on the side of the can it never comes in contact with the food. Incorporated lid pliers help lift the lid away safely, cleanly, and hygienically. The folding crank handle tucks away compactly for neat storage. I love this can opener! It doesn't hurt my hands and moves effortlessly to open cans without any trouble. I have used it to open small cans like tuna up to large #10 cans and it does perfectly on all of these. Great for a righty or a lefty. Lifetime warranty. MSRP $19.99

Trudeau Reusable Tie Wraps come in very handy!

Reusable Tie Wraps: These green silicone multi-use ties are environmentally responsible and eco-friendly. They are made to hold virtually any kind of bag closed, just wrap the tail around the bag opening like you would do with a wire tie and thread it through the hole in the leaf shapes at the other end pulling snugly. These can also be used for securing electrical cords/wires. I love how these look like green leaves and are so much better than the throw away wire ties. Heat resistant to 428°F - 220°C. Available as a set of eight. Dishwasher safe. 5-year warranty. MSRP $6.99

Trudeau Provençal 2 in 1 Spice Mill is wonderful for both herbs and spices.

Provençal 2 in 1 Spice Mill: This 2 in 1 spice mill is great to add savoury flavors to your meal. It dispenses dried herbs and spices two different ways: twist the top to grind dry herbs and spices with the ceramic grinding mechanism directly onto your dish or push down to distribute the herbs or spices whole. I love how you can also create your own designer blends out of your favorite herbs and spices. You can also see the herbs and spices because of the clear plastic viewing window. The wooden top and base makes it look fabulous in my kitchen. Lifetime warranty. MSRP $19.99

Be Social:
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/trudeaucuisine
Twitter - http://twitter.com/trudeaukitchen
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/trudeaucorp

BUY IT
You can purchase the Provençal 2 in 1 Spice Mill and other items from Trudeau.  Or you can help me out this season by purchasing on Trudeau on Amazon with my affiliate links. Thanks...



DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received these products for free to review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

People Towels are Perfect for Back To School and Eco-Lunchboxes Review and #Giveaway

This is a sponsored post, promotion, and giveaway.

People Towels are Perfect for Back-to-School and Eco-Lunchboxes!

Back to school is quickly approaching in my neck of the woods. Regardless of whether it is still approaching or already here for you, we as parents want our kids to be prepared. With all the school supplies one needs for school, sometimes there are things that are overlooked. I am glad to know there are Eco-friendly alternatives out there for Back to school items. I love to find things that will help in the classroom or at home if you homeschool and also are better for the environment as well.

People Towels are an on-the-go or at home alternative to paper towels. We use them here in my home and on-the-go because I homeschool. We end up using them a lot and we love to have them on hand to clean up small spills or wipe up messes. They are great for sticky fingers and messy faces and hold up better than a regular paper towel. They are also Earth friendly because they can be used over and over again.

They come in so many different designs that are printed with eco-friendly dyes. You can also create your own custom design. They also have convenient hang tags that let you attach them to loops or clips on your backpack, bag, belt buckle or purse. They are made of 100% certified organic Fair Trade cotton. The light-weight fabric is absorbent, yet dries quickly. They are machine washable and will last for years. They do fade slightly and soften after repeated washings.

People Towels are great for packing for car rides or trips and are especially nice to have with a packed lunch or picnic. If you send your kids to public school and pack lunches for them these are wonderful to use instead of a napkin or paper towel. These personal hand towels are reusable and save trees, reduce landfill waste, cut CO2 emissions and conserve water. 

 So make a sustainable lifestyle change and reduce your carbon footprint with PeopleTowels!

Follow them on Social Media:
Fan PeopleTowels on Facebook
Follow PeopleTowels on Twitter

BUY IT
Now through August 30, 2013 you can get a 25% discount on all PeopleTowels purchased online for Back-To-School. Use promo code: BTS13

WIN IT
Prize: One lucky winner will win a free 3-pack of PeopleTowels! Open to US and Canada.

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I am a People4PeopleTowels Ambassador and since I spread the word about the promotion I am going to be sent a free 7-pack of PeopleTowels. I also have the opportunity to give a free 3-pack of PeopleTowels away to my readers. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting about this promotion and giveaway.

Earth Day Freebies, Activites, and Events 2013

If you look around you can find all sorts of fun FREE Earth Day activities and events that are going on around where you live. Here are some I have found that most of my readers can participate in. 

© Day2Day Printing
1. You can get a FREE set of 4 Earth Day Cards at Day2Day Printing. These cards have seeds embedded into them and are biodegradable and earth friendly. If you plant them the seeds will grow.

2. Pottery Barn Kids has a free in store event on Saturday April 20 - Monday April 22. Go to your local store to get a FREE packet of seeds to plant (while supplies last). Plus the proceeds from of select lunch products will go to Trees for the Future. Find a nearby store to you to participate. There are other in store events there also throughout the year.

3. Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Stores has a free in store event on Sunday April 21 from 2-3pm at participating stores. You can make a FREE Make It-Take It Earth Day Planter.

© Target
4. At Target you can get a FREE reusable shopping bag (while supplies last) at participating stores the day before Earth Day on April 21st.

5. At the Disney Store you can get a FREE Brave or Cars 2 Reusable Bag when you come in and recycle 5 plastic shopping bags (while supplies last) on April 22.

6. At participating Michaels Stores on April 20 celebrate Earth Day and learn how you can upcycle your old T-shirts into trendy and fashionable accessories for FREE when you register at your local store.

7. At the Home Depot you can register online for their FREE in store event on April 20 from 10am-11:30am to Learn how to build and maintain a "Flower Tower".

© IKEA
8. IKEA Portland is having some fun Earth Day Events. If you don't live local to Portland, Oregon try your local store. On April 2 - June 23 you can donate $1 to plant a tree with American Forests while you are in the checkout line. On April 22 from 5am - 7pm IKEA Portland will be having a FREE Shred Day. Bring up to two boxes or bags of paper to be safely and securely shredded in their parking lot then recycled at no cost to you.

9. April 22 - April 26 is National Park Week and National Parks are FREE to experience during this time. You do not have to pay an entrance fee. So get outdoors!

10. Portland, Oregon is having some fun FREE local events for Earth Day for those of you that live nearby. Some are free on these lists... Red Tricycle, PDX Pipeline, Radio Disney Portland's Team Green, Around the Sun, NW Kids, PDX Kids Calendar

11. Cowlitz County in Washington is having a FREE event at the Cowlitz County Expo Center on April 20 from 10:00 am - 3:30 pm. Activities include steel drums, trout pond, whirly bird, gyroscope, rock wall, petting farm, reptile roadshow, wildlife rehab trailer, planetarium, OMSI, and historical society recycled crafts, to name a few.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this blog post because I thought you might be interested in knowing this information and taking part of these fun activities. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any compensation for doing this post.

My "Brave" Experience

June 22nd Disney/Pixar's Brave opened in theaters across the country. I went to see it with my husband and my boys on July 1st in theaters. I kinda wished Disney/Pixar didn't put out so many trailers for the film as I felt as though I had seen most of it. But the high spirited flaming red-haired lass, Merida, was my favorite of course along with her triplet wee devil brothers and her horse Angus. Her mother Queen Elinor was also another one of my faves because of her role in the whole movie.

Here I am sitting in front of the movie poster at the theater with my free Brave Kid's Reusable Meal Bag my kids got me at Subway :) These are free with purchase of Subway Fresh Fit For Kids Meal. You can collect all 6. You can also possibly win free tickets to Brave with entry code that comes inside the bag. These are available while supplies last and only while the promotion is going on so hurry and get yours soon! I have the 'Merida and the Highlands' one so far.

I loved Merida's archery! I would love to be able to shoot arrows like that, especially while riding a horse! My oldest son Delbin got a trainer bow at the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show back in February and my husband just got him arrows and some bales of hay to practice on.

I've put this doll on my daughter's wishlist! This doll is by Tollytots and is of Merida with Angus. So cute!! I love horses! I also love their other dolls and they make other Merida ones too.

Also, look at this neat Brave - Aim For Your Dreams Disney Gift Card. You can get cool Disney gear with it at Disney Theme Parks and stores.

You can also download Brave Family Activity Sheets here.

Anyway, if you haven't seen Brave it is definitely worth watching. I enjoyed the movie very much. Have you seen it yet?

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this blog post because I thought you might be interested in knowing this information and taking part of these deals and opportunities. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any compensation for doing this post.

Untangled Living ANYWare Collection Review and Giveaway

Canadian based Untangled Living ANYWare Collection is a stainless steel dish set for kids. Unlike plastic/melamine dishes that might leach harmful chemicals; wooden dishes that might splinter, mildew or crack; or glass/ceramic dishes that might break; these dishes are durable and have a lifetime guarantee. They are made from high quality, food grade #304 (which is corrosion resistant), 18/8 stainless steel with a brush finish. They are also SGS tested and approved. Free of plastics, BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead and other harmful toxins. The Untangled Living 5-piece ANYWare Collection includes a bowl, plate, cup, fork and spoon. Available in butterfly or gecko etched designs.

I received the complete butterfly set for my daughter, Teela. Untangled Living was perfectly honest and upfront with me beforehand. This particular set has an imperfection and one of the butterfly etchings on the cup is missing. All other aspects and pieces are completely beautiful and functional. I totally understand that developing stainless steel items is not cheap and her inventory was running low. She had these perfectly wonderful sets sitting around with minor imperfections not being used so she sent me one for product review. These dishes are wonderful and very eco-friendly. You are able to reuse them over and over without causing waste in landfills because of durability. These are also dishwasher safe and stackable. They are beautiful and heirloom quality. They are the perfect size for little hands to handle and are proportioned correctly. These are also great for taking on trips and camping with.

The only cons I see with any metal dish set is that you have to be tremendously careful if you are filling them with hot foods or drinks as the dishes also tend to get hot to the touch and you wouldn't want to burn yourself or your child on one. Also, stainless steel tends to have pitting corrosion breakdown if foods or liquids (especially acidic ones) are stored in them over long periods of time.

I love to teach my children about being eco-friendly. It really does start with the parent to teach their children responsibility for the environment and to make healthy decisions for themselves and for the others whom they will care for when they are older. These dishes are a great start to teach your babies about being eco-friendly.

BUY IT:
Purchase the ANYWare Collection of your choice for $40 US or $45 Canadian on the Untangled Living website.

WIN IT:
Sue at Untangled Living has generously offered a full retail value gift certificate ($40 US or $45 Canadian) for an ANYWare Collection of your choice for one of my readers to win. (Available in 2 styles: butterfly and gecko.)

Mandatory:
1. Go to the Untangled Living website and tell me by commenting on this post which ANYWare Collection you would want if you win and why.

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (2 extra entries each)

2. Fan/Like me on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and Untangled Living in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

4. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the left) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

5. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

6. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

7. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog giveaway linky and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

8. Post this on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, and/or StumbleUpon. (2 extra entries for each)

9. Comment on one of my regular (not giveaway) posts. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

10. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

11. Tweet this: @finamoon: @untangledliving WIN A Untangled Living ANYWare Collection stainless steel dishset #giveaway http://bit.ly/9cre3S (Daily Extras are Available)

12. Fan/Like Untangled Living on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

13. Follow Untangled Living on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. If you subscribed, blogged about this, listed it, commented on another post, or faved me on Momfaves leave 2 entries saying you did. This contest ends on Friday November 26, 2010 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. and Canada Only!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Untangled Living for sending me a ANYWare Collection dish set in butterfly for free to test and review and for providing the giveaway. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Aladdin Do The Reuse Challenge

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Aladdin. All opinions are 100% mine.

Aladdin, the company who is well known for their reusable food and beverage container products, is giving all of us a challenge. They call it the Do The Reuse Challenge. It’s a 30-day commitment to give up disposable paper cups, water bottles, or food containers. Everyone is welcome to participate (the more, the better!), and 9 families will be blogging about their experience on their website. These bloggers are families and people just like me and you.

The Aladdin products make it easy to reuse because of their fantastic reusable food and beverage containers! You will save money and be helping save the environment by being eco-friendly and reducing waste, reusing, and recycling what waste you have already made! By accepting one of the Do the Reuse Challenges you’ll be able to get discounts and free shipping on selected Aladdin products through their website, www.shopaladdin-pmi.com. That way you can save a little on Aladdin mugs, water bottles and snack containers, which will in turn help you save even more.

So go ahead, accept the Do The Reuse Challenge! Save money and the environment! You can even blog or share this information and your own personal experience doing the challenge on your website or anywhere you can share it. Make an impact! One person can do so much...spread the word!

Fan/Like Aladdin on Facebook!

Here are some interesting facts:
● 7 million barrels of oil are used to produce the disposable bottles that Americans go through in only one year.
● In the USA, fifty billion disposable water bottles are used per year. That is 137,000 per day and 1,585 per second!
● It costs about $165 a year to make drip coffee in the comforts of your own home versus $636 to purchase drip coffee at your local coffee shop.
● Unless we do something about this, twenty-three billion paper coffee cups will be thrown out in 2010.
● Pack a lunch instead of eating lunch out and you will save money and not be creating so much waste! $9 will generally cover a decent lunch out...that is about $2,350 a year if you buy rather than pack a lunch five days a week!

My garbage collection facility here where I live never told us about their recycling program...even though they have one in place. We were creating about three trash cans full of trash just from my family in only one week! Now that we know about it we are recycling and two of the trash cans are filled instead with things that our garbage collection will take to recycle. We are down to one trash can now of items they won't take except on regular garbage days. My family is trying to do its best at reducing, reusing, and recycling where we can. I love to have my kids use things like toilet paper tubes and egg cartons to make art, planters, etc. I am planning on cloth diapering again with my new baby once born. I am disgusted by all the waste people produce and just throw away since so much can be reduced, reused, and recycled! My family will be trying out the Aladdin Do The Reuse Challenge and seeing what we can contribute. We love to be eco-friendly when ever we can!

LTDchix Reusable Tote Bag Review and Giveaway

Are you still living the dream of motherhood? I am!! A while back I did a review for a company called LTDchix (LTD stands for Living the Dream). They now not only make very cute t-shirts, but also tote bags. I received a tan one with Yoga Mom on it from them to review. These tote bags are in full color, great for taking with you grocery shopping or anywhere where you need an extra hand holding things, and are very well constructed. I feel like I need 20 extra hands at times! They are re-usable and very eco-friendly and a good size for putting a lot of things in. My friends keep asking me where I got it...I feel very admired :)

BUY IT:
You can also feel admired! These totes are only $5!! What a deal! They have 4 styles to choose from: Yoga Mom Tote Bag in Lime, Yoga Mom Tote Bag in Tan, Shopping Mom Grocery Bag in Royal Blue, and Shopping Mom Grocery Bag in White. Also, if you purchase any 2 shirts, you may receive a FREE Eco-friendly LTDchix Shopping Bag!! What a bargain.

For a limited time you can also buy the Halloween Mom or Christmas Mom t-shirt. They have designed these in color! You can wear it at those neighborhood Halloween/Christmas parties or while your little ones are Trick-Or-Treating or caroling. Don’t wait or you'll miss out! When buying please use my LTDchix Referral Code when you shop at LTDchix.com: LTDchix15. Just type it into the comments section NOT the coupon code when you check out.


WIN IT:
Nina at LTDchix is generously giving away a reusable tote bag to one of my readers.

Mandatory:
1. Go to the LTDchix website and tell me which reusable bag you want.

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by email and let me know. (2 extra entries)

2. Become my fan on facebook. (1 extra entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and LTDchix in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

4. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the left) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

5. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

6. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra)

7. Add me on twitter and retweet this: @finamoon: @LTDchix1 WIN: LTDchix Reusable Tote Bag http://bit.ly/2gS4Hg
(Daily Extras are Available)

8. Add the LTDchix blog to your blogroll or link to your website and let me know your url and where it is located. (1 extra entry)

8. Become a fan of Living The Dream - LTDchix.com on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

9. Follow LTDchix on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

10. Buy something at LTDchix and use my Referral Code: LTDchix15. Just type it into the comments section NOT the coupon code when you check out. (3 extra)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. This contest ends on Friday October 23, 2009 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open Worldwide!!