Eleven

We have been fans of Eleven Collection since they first premiered on my Kick Off to Christmas Event last year at this time. The brand stands out from others because of their funky yet classic designs and the quality is fantastic. My 5 year old has been through 2 pairs of Eleven shoes this past year and both held up well against anything he put them through.

It's no surprise, though, because Eleven shoes are exceptionally made with high quality leather and therefore naturally water resistant. They are comfortable to wear and look more like miniature versions of adult shoes than cutesy children's shoes.

The Fall 2009 Collection does not disappoint, with a dozen new styles added to their already impressive collection. We received the fun and fashionable Simone boot to review from this collection. A friend recently asked me if I knew of any boots for fall weather wear that were not "clunky" and I referred her to Eleven. These boots look great with dark denim jeans or tights and a skirt.

The colorful leaves accent make matching a breeze, and basic black goes with anything regardless (even those wild patterned pants from some of our favorite children's stores). Like the other shoes we have from Eleven, my daughter will likely outgrow these before they even appear worn in, making them like-new to the next person I pass them on to.If you've had your eye on Eleven for awhile now, the holidays are the perfect time to purchase a great pair of boots or classic style shoes for your little one to wear at special holiday events like school concerts and Christmas pageants. With sizes ranging from 9-3 (toddler size to early school age), there's definitely something for everyone among their unique collection.
1 reader is going to win their choice of any shoes from Eleven Collection this holiday season! To enter, simply leave me a comment telling me which style is your favorite.

For additional entries:
~ Follow @ElevenShoes on Twitter
~ Become a Fan of Eleven on Facebook
~ Follow me (join this site with Google Friend Connect)
~ Subscribe via email or Reader
~ Grab my Holiday 2009 Gift Guide Button
~ Grab my regular button
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
~ Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway Win any pair of shoes from Eleven! http://www.feistyfrugalandf... @FeistyFrugal @ElevenShoes (RT 1x per day)
~ Become a Fan of Feisty Frugal and Fabulous on Facebook

Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. This giveaway will end on November 22nd at 9:00pm CT. I will use Random.org to choose the winners, email the winners, and post the win here. Giveaway is open to Canadian and US addresses.

Agoo Apparel

Agoo Apparel is a site dedicated to clothing for active kids, rather than having the items as an afterthought. Many clothing sites may have a section for active wear for children but Agoo is completely focused on it. What I like about Agoo is that their clothing isn't cutesy, it looks like what you or I would wear to work-out, just a pint sized version of it. For everything from gymnastics to playdates, the clothing is functional and fashionable.

Comfort is key with Agoo Apparel - kids are kept cool and dry with moisture wicking fabric that pulls moisture and sweat away from the body and to the surface. All fabric has also been treated with a strong UV protective finish that won't diminish through wash and wear.




We were able to check out this beautiful MED Rain Jacket in Teaberry from Agoo. Made from 100% Nylon, the jacket keeps wind out and warmth in which is perfect for our fall weather (and next spring too!)

Details about this jacket that I appreciate are the lined hood (really what is the point of a hood that is just light material? Do people that make jackets have children?!) and a really cool detail - the thumb holes in the cuff! This helps keep the jacket snug and secure (add mittens on top and your little one is ready to go!) Other great features include toggles at the waist (no point in having a warm jacket if cold air flows up the back) and a longer back (great for little ones who love to slide. On anything. Anywhere.)
Have a child who loves to run, jump, and play and is a little tough on his clothes? Or a little gymnastics diva? Agoo Apparel has so much to choose from for gift-giving. Shipping is fabulous, $5 flat rate shipping within Canada and the US (free shipping with $50+ purchases)!

Scrubz

I had such a great experience with Scrubz the first time I tried their products this spring. I'm thrilled to have them back as part of the Holiday 2009 Gift Guide! Made with sugar and oils like coconut supreme oil, olive oil and Vitamin E oil among others - Scrubz makes your skin feel baby soft! With almost 20 scents to choose from, your skin will also smell delicious too.

Scrubz is a little overwhelming when you first visit the site, because there is so much available to choose from! They have made it easy for the holidays though, with Scrubz Gift Sets!
Now kids can have a little pampering that doesn't involve a diaper, with Scrubz 4oz Cotton Candy Scrubblez and Kids Hand Towel sets! Scrubblez is triple whipped and more gentle for kids. Scrubblez removes all the dirt that's in the grooves and pores of kids skin, without the drying effect of soap. The natural oils then moisturize and protect their skin. Customers can also purchase an adult version containing Citrus Zest Scrubz & a Hand Towel. I love the Cotton Candy scent so I'd be inclined to choose that one for my friends regardless (and it's up to them if they want to share it with the kids or not!)
Scrubz is the perfect gift for friends and family, even the man in your life can have baby soft skin with Shavez for Men! The Scrubz Gift Sets are perfect for girlfriends, teachers, babysitters, even mothers in law! ;)
2 readers are each going to win a Scrubz 4oz Cotton Candy Scrubblez and Kids Hand Towel Set! To enter, just go to Scrubz and take a look around - leave me a comment telling me what YOU would love to receive from Scrubz as a gift this holiday season.

For additional entries:
~ Follow Scrubs on Twitter @scrubzbody
~ Follow me (join this site with Google Friend Connect)
~ Subscribe via email or Reader
~ Grab my Holiday 2009 Gift Guide Button
~ Grab my regular button
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
~ Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 2 chances to win a Scrubz kids gift set! @FeistyFrugal @scrubzbody http://www.feistyfrugalandf... (RT 1x per day)
~ Become a Fan of Feisty Frugal and Fabulous on Facebook

Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. This giveaway will end on November 22nd at 9:00pm CT. I will use Random.org to choose the winners, email the winners, and post the win here. Giveaway is open to Canadian and US addresses.

T3 Featherweight Dryer

With the exception of a few people (who have hilarious stories of the way they walk out of a salon courtesy of their stylists) most of us have amazing looking hair after a simple blow dry and style at the salon. I use that trick on days we have professional family photos done - I'll schedule a trim that morning and ask for a blow dry and style so my hair looks fantastic for the photos. The thing is, while stylists undoubtedly are skilled in cuts, colors and the like, styling your hair doesn't need much training - you just need the right tools. Professional tools. Yes, they cost more but they get the job done!

I was sent the (original) T3 Featherweight Dryer, made with Tourmaline technology. What exactly is that? Tourmaline is a precious gemstone commonly found in jewelry and known as the 'electric stone' for its natural ability to emit ionic energy and far infrared heat when put under pressure or heated. T3 has Tourmaline infused right into the components of the dryer (it's crushed and then baked into the componentry), it's not sprayed on or coated as a marketing ploy. The Tourmaline negative ions seal the cuticle, locking in moisture while eliminating static and frizz. The far infrared heat penetrates the hair strand drying from the inside out— without over-scorching the surface of the hair. Out of 1000 users of this dryer, 98 percent said it was the best hair dryer they ever used. Add me to the list! Several features of this dryer made me a fan. First, though it's bigger than the compact blow dryer I was previously using, it's just as light (I can see why this would be a great feature for stylists, who use them all day). Second, it's quiet (ever noticed how the salon dryers just hum compared to the loud blasts from department store ones?) The site states that drying time can be cut down up to 60% using this dryer. I have long, thick hair and though the drying time was not cut down by that percentage, it DID cut down the time which makes a difference to me.

The best thing about the T3 Featherweight Dryer, though, is how great it makes my hair feel. I don't use my old dryer anymore because the difference is THAT noticeable. The T3 Featherweight Dryer makes my hair feel soft and it's less frizzy when it's dry. Many times when I blow dry the next step is using my flat iron because it's out of control by that point. However, now I can skip the flat iron if I want because my hair isn't a frizzed out mess. Granted, the flat iron is the finishing touch that makes it look sleek and styled, but as a busy mom I can get away with just blow drying it and going on with my day using the T3 Featherweight.Ladies! Bookmark this page for the man in your life and give him a gentle nudge. The T3 Featherweight is an awesome investment with beautiful results. This is a gift that will go much further than others because you can use it daily for years. Moms of teenagers who probably already have flat irons - this is the perfect compliment to your daughter's styling routine. 1 reader is going to win a T3 Featherweight Dryer (ARV $200 USD). To enter, take a look around the T3 site and leave me a comment here telling me something you learned about the T3 Featherweight Dryer or another item you saw on the site that interests you.

For additional entries:
~ Follow me (join this site with Google Friend Connect)
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~ NEW! Add my 2009 Holiday Gift Guide button to your blog!
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~ Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
~ Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway Win a T3 Featherweight Dryer ($200) http://bit.ly/4leMdF @FeistyFrugal Holiday 2009 Gift Guide! (RT 1x per day)
~ Become a Fan of Feisty Frugal and Fabulous on Facebook

Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. This giveaway will end on November 22nd at 9:00pm CT. I will use Random.org to choose the winners, email the winners, and post the win here. Giveaway is open to Canadian and US addresses.

Take Your Pix ~ Board Book Albums

Board Book Albums - another company that makes me go "Yes, yes you get it!!" I love when companies find something children love and create a product around that. When my son was a baby, his favorite book was one in which his picture was inserted in the last page, and every page displayed his cute little face in the cut out spot as a different baby animal. It was a typical board book and was very well loved but held up well. We also tried regular dollar store photo albums but of course the photos inside would get pretty abused by little hands. Board Book Albums, essentially albums that are sturdy little books like the chunky board books toddlers love are popular for scrapbookers and gift givers alike. Their newest addition, Take Your Pix, is a chunky board book with room for twenty 4'6" photos inside. Babies love looking at other babies of course, definitely love pictures of themselves, and love being able to point at family members in photos as well. Now parents can create their own albums to give to wee ones, without worrying that the pictures will end up crumpled at the bottom of the toy box. The book, however, if treated like ours is, might have a few bite marks and lots of kiss prints on the pages. We picked My First Photos in pink for my daughter and she loves looking at it and discussing the photos with us (half in her own little language too). It's great for tossing in my purse or diaper bag for an easy distraction when needed and perfect for in the car too.Take Your Pix from Board Book Albums is a great gift not only for the holiday season but for shower gifts as well. For the holidays, it would be the perfect gift to give a little one, already filled with photos of friends and family. I can see this being a present that is focused on immediately, while the loud toys with blinking lights are left to the side by a toddler.
1 reader is going to win a Take Your Pix book from Board Book Albums in the color of their choice (ARV $19.95). To enter, just leave me a comment telling me which color you would pick and who you would gift the book to this holiday season.

For additional entries:
~ Follow me (join this site with Google Friend Connect)
~ Subscribe via email or Reader
~ Grab my Holiday 2009 Gift Guide Button
~ Grab my regular button
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
~ Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (RT 1x per day)
~ Become a Fan of Feisty Frugal and Fabulous on Facebook

Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. This giveaway will end on November 22nd at 9:00pm CT. I will use Random.org to choose the winners, email the winners, and post the win here. Giveaway is open to Canadian and US addresses.

My Baby: First Steps for Nintendo DS

Just released this month by SouthPeak Games for Nintendo DS and Wii, My Baby: First Steps is the follow up game to the popular My Baby Boy/Girl for DS. It essentially picks up where the first game (which is a from-birth to toddler hood look) left off. At 15 months old, your baby is ready to do so much more and that (as us mommies know) is where the real fun begins!

We were recently sent My Baby: First Steps from SouthPeak Games. My 5 year old is a big Nintendo DS fan and among his games is the popular Nintendogs. I knew that he would love another game where he could take care of something, but would a baby entice a 5 year old boy? The answer, not too surprising, is yes! Elijah liked being able to choose his baby's gender and name and then be the sole person responsible for the baby's care (except when his sister swipes the DS).

With help from a pediatrician, players are able to track their baby's progress monthly and also achieve goals set out according to what your baby should be capable of doing. My son wasn't interested in achieving set out goals at his age, but rather just enjoying the baby and teaching the baby how to stand, walk, and climb (we're not quite there yet...this is what is to come). Other game play options include bath time and feeding time as well. The mic is used to teach baby basic words (my son sounded just the same barking "say mama!" in the way he commanded his Nintendog to "sit!") and also to soothe the baby if need be. What's that you say? Oh yes, this baby is high maintenance and if you neglect her she will let you know by crying (which is kind of funny to watch...a 5 year old getting annoyed at his baby for crying).

I think this is a game that will grow with my 5 year old and my toddler is already intrigued watching her brother play it, so maybe down the road in a few years she will be checking it out as well.
My Baby: First Steps for Nintendo DS or Wii is great for any young DS or Wii gamer in your household. No fighting here (unless you count trying to convince your baby to follow the toy up the stairs to teach her to climb....and getting ignored!) and just cute-baby fun. It's like playing with dolls made 'cool' for both boys and girls. Ages 5 and up should be able to master the basics but younger children may need some help navigating to begin with. Older children will love keeping track of baby's progress. Available on Amazon.com for $29.99 USD (Canadians, I spotted My Baby: First Steps in EB Games this week for $34.99 CDN)

You're Such a Space Cadet

I think a fascination with outer space comes with the territory of having a little boy. It just seems to come along with other common obsessions like dinosaurs and race cars. The problem, though, is that there's not a lot of items parents can find to help foster a curiosity about outer space.

One company that I was fortunate enough to find, Up and Away, carries Astronaut Jackets! Featuring 10 patches (because our little Astronauts undoubtedly are the best of the best), and details like a heavy space shuttle zipper pull, this jacket was met with wide eyed excitement from my 5 year old when we received it.
Available in sizes ranging from 12m all the way up to size 12, this jacket is a nice weight and perfect for Fall here in Canada. My son's comments were, "Wow it's heavy! Annnnnnd SILVER mom!" He loves it! I was going to order a size 6 but was told that a size 7 may be better and the 7 is a great fit. I would suggest ordering up 1 size. My little guy wears his jacket to school, and of course his friends think it's the coolest (we giggle as he walks to the door all proud in his fancy jacket!)

Up and Away jackets are perfect for little boys and girls with big dreams - children love being able to dress like people they admire and instead of wearing a costume, with Up and Away they can feel like they are wearing the real thing, whether it be an All-Star Letterman jacket, A-2 Bomber, or Astronaut among others.
1 reader is going to win an Up and Away Astronaut Jacket in the size of their choice (ARV $59 USD)

To enter, just go to Up and Away and tell me, besides the Astronaut Jacket, which one you liked best.

For additional entries:
~ Follow me (join this site with Google Friend Connect)
~ Subscribe via email or Reader
~ Grab my Holiday 2009 Gift Guide Button
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~ Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
~ Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway Astronaut Jacket giveaway from Up and Away @FeistyFrugal Holiday 2009 Gift Guide! http://bit.ly/k6Fww (RT 1x per day)
~ Become a Fan of Feisty Frugal and Fabulous on Facebook

Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. This giveaway will end on November 22nd at 9:00pm CT. I will use Random.org to choose the winners, email the winners, and post the win here. Giveaway is open to Canadian and US addresses.

Swagbucks Holiday Gift Card Blowout!

Swagbucks fans, have you heard about this? Starting on November 27th and continuing all the way up to January 1st (!!!) Swagbucks is going to have a new Gift Card Blowout every day! The price will be drastically reduced and each member can choose up to 2 gift cards at the special rate each day!

I'm excited! I'm a big collector of Amazon gift cards from Swagbucks but also have a sweet spot for Starbucks gift cards as well! Start saving up those Swagbucks and remember to check the Swag Store every day to see what card is being blown out!

If you're new to Swagbucks and looking for tips on how to earn more, check out this post from earlier in the year, How To Earn Swagbucks 101. If you're ready to sign up, follow this link!

Green Is Black

Green Is Black retails women’s and men’s green clothing, eco clothing, shoes, and accessories created by cutting edge designers who use hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, and soy, as well as reclaimed, recycled and vintage materials. We only deal with manufacturers who employ fairly paid labour practices: this eliminates the dilemma of choosing between fashion and ethics.

Based in Toronto, Canada, Green Is Black appeals to me as a woman who tries to be eco-friendly when she can, but still wants to be fashionable and exist in more than bamboo yoga pants and tees.

With clothing lines for both sexes, including accessories, Green Is Black is the perfect stop this holiday season when shopping for the eco-fierce friend or family member in your life. I was sent a Bamboo Ruffle Scarf from Green Is Black and it's already been worn several times. I prefer it to my lighter cotton scarves because it really is buttery soft.

Unfortunately stock is low on these beautiful scarves and Green Is Black only has the sage colored ones left so if you are thinking this would make a great gift, get it before it's gone!

Green Is Black ships internationally, and within North America they kindly charge a $10 flat rate for orders which makes shopping even easier.
Green is Black is perfect for any eco-friendly (or eco-trying-to-be-friendly) person on your list. They also have Gift Cards available!1 reader is going to win a $50 Gift Card from Green Is Black! To enter, just go to the online store and leave me a comment here telling me what you would spend it on.

For additional entries:
~ Become a Fan of Green Is Black on Facebook
~ Follow Green Is Black on Twitter @thegreenisblack
~ Follow me (join this site with Google Friend Connect)
~ Subscribe via email or Reader
~ NEW! Add my 2009 Holiday Gift Guide button to your blog!
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~ Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
~ Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway $50 GC giveaway from @thegreenisblack on @FeistyFrugal 's Holiday 2009 Gift Guide! http://bit.ly/20Vmkq (RT 1x per day)
~ Become a Fan of Feisty Frugal and Fabulous on Facebook

Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. This giveaway will end on November 19th at 9:00pm CT. I will use Random.org to choose the winners, email the winners, and post the win here. Giveaway is open to Canadian and US addresses.

For Little He-Crabs and She-Crabs

TommyWants offers great fitting coastal inspired clothing and accessories for children. The brand is still growing (organic products being launched soon!) however right now customers can purchase TommyWants signature items - their preppy Sofshell Polo or Sofshell Belt.We were sent a Sofshell Polo in white from TommyWants. I wasn't entirely excited about checking out the Sofshell Polo, because in the past polo shirts have generally been a waste of money. You see, they look great when worn for the first time, but then they would shrink into a short, boxy, fit. The Softshell Polo from TommyWants helps eliminate this common issue with polo shirts by cutting the shirt in a slimmer fit - more lke a regular tee than a box shaped polo. Available in 4 classic colors and made with 100% 4os two-ply cotton, the shirts can be worn by both boys and girls and still look clean cut and sharp because of their design. The difference is in the details - the sleeves are even cut shorter than other polos for children, helping to represent a modern look in fashion. With Christmas concert performances and other holiday gatherings coming up, a sharp looking polo shirt is a great wardrobe item to have on hand - my son looks perfect in a polo and cargo pants or cords, and I don't have to worry about him yanking at a tie on stage.With sizes ranging from XS (6) to XL (16/18), TommyWants has got your child covered. Classic Sofshell Polos look great with khakis, jeans or shorts making them the perfect staple wardrobe item. Great for all children, but especially those who need a crisp shirt without a loud logo for wearing at special events/occasions.1 reader is going to win their choice of either a TommyWants Sofshell Polo or Sofshell Belt in the size/color of their choice. To enter, just go to TommyWants and leave me a comment here telling me exactly what you would choose.

For additional entries:
~ Become a Fan of Tommy Wants on Facebook
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~ Follow me (join this site with Google Friend Connect)
~ Subscribe via email or Reader
~ New! Grab my Holiday 2009 Gift Guide Button
~ Grab my button
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
~ Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway Win a Sofshell Polo from Tommy Wants http://bit.ly/2vAFh3 @FeistyFrugal @Tommywants (RT 1x per day)
~ Become a Fan of Feisty Frugal and Fabulous on Facebook

Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. This giveaway will end on November 19th at 9:00pm CT. I will use Random.org to choose the winners, email the winners, and post the win here. Giveaway is open to Canadian and US addresses.

Disney Pixar's UP

I am sure you have seen the commercials announcing the big release of Disney Pixar's UP on November 10th! The day is finally here and now you can own this much talked about movie.

My son and I had a movie date this summer to see this movie. After seeing previews on tv I already liked Dug, the talking dog and was looking forward to seeing him in the movie. A common phrase in our household now is, "....squirrel!" (something you will appreciate after seeing the movie)

What I didn't expect, when I went to see UP with my little guy, was the touching story that unfolds about everlasting love and how a grumpy old man can have his heart broken and then find happiness once again.

My son has his favorite movies that he watches over and over again and others that are watched once and then forgotten. Disney Pixar's UP is a favorite of everyone in our household.

Packed full of bonus features (and I mean FULL) including "Dug's Special Mission" an all-new short that follows the misadventures of Dug, and 8 New Documentaries (and SO much more!), the Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack is 4 discs of UP fun!

Disney Pixar's UP is perfect for everyone in the family this holiday season! Available November 10th on 2 Disc DVD of 4 Disc Blu-ray Combo, I'm sure this movie is going to be a hit this holiday season.

Monsters Inc. on Blu-ray for the 1st Time!

James P. Sullivan- "Sulley"- (voiced by John Goodman) and Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) work for Monsters Inc., the utility company that generates energy from the fright of children. Sulley, the No. 1 scream-generator at the plant accidentally lets in a little girl into their world. Returning her home safely and undetected proves to be a monstrous challenge!

All new Blu-ray bonus features include a filmmakers roundtable, a sneak peek at the newest Monsters attraction in Tokyo Disneyland, and MORE!

We actually watched Monsters Inc. on tv right around Halloween. I saw this movie before we even had kids, and was in love with little Boo way back then. Watching the movie again, I still am.

The Bonus Features on this disc set are a great addition and among them are two shorts: For The Birds (Academy Award Winner in 2001 for Best Animated Short Film) and Mike's New Car (Academy Award Nomination in 2002 for Best Animated Short Film).
Monsters Inc. of course is about Monsters and their busy employment scaring little children. Of course, we learn through watching the movie that the monsters are adorable and have no reason to be feared. I think the movie is definitely for older children and perhaps not all children in the preschool set will be ready for it (I know my 5 year old would not have liked it a year or two ago, but that's just me).

I really like the combo disc sets from Disney - complete with 1 Blu-ray disc, 1 standard DVD, 1 Digital Copy and of course 1 Blu-ray disc full of bonus features! Available November 10th, Monsters Inc. is a Disney Pixar classic that's scary and silly any time of the year.

Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

When the lights go off the battle is on! A delightful adventure, Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian arrives in a Blu-ray Disc/DVD Combo Pack (Blu-ray, DVD and a Digital Copy) and for a limited time only a “Monkey Mischief” double DVD on December 1 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. History is larger than life — and twice as funny — in this monumental comedy sequel.

Ben Stiller (Meet The Parents, There’s Something About Mary) stars as Larry Daley, a former night watchman at the Museum of Natural History, where the exhibits come alive after dark. But now Larry’s nocturnal friends are being retired to the archives of the Smithsonian Institution, luring him back for a hilarious, all-out battle against a cranky Egyptian Pharaoh who plans to take over the museum... and the world!

From returning director Shawn Levy (Cheaper By The Dozen), the film also stars Amy Adams (Enchanted), Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting), Owen Wilson (Wedding Crashers), Hank Azaria (“The Simpsons”), Ricky Gervais (“The Office”), Steve Coogan (Tropic Thunder) and Jonah Hill (Super Bad).

Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack The Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack includes a high definition version of the film with over an hour of mayhem, mischief and monumental magic of outrageously funny features – including an interactive museum scavenger hunt game, gag reel, 12 deleted scenes with an alternate ending, “Cherub Bootcamp,” “Phinding Pharaoh With Hank Azaria” featurettes – a Digital Copy and a standard DVD.

Monkey Mischief The limited edition “Monkey Mischief” double DVD boasts a second disc including over 30 minutes of entertainment complimenting the bonus materials featured on the first disc, including cast and crew commentary, six deleted scenes with an alternate ending, a gag reel, and more.

Single Disc The Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian single disc DVD has one hour of special feature laughs from favorite stars including commentary by cast and crew, featurettes, six deleted scenes with an alternate ending, and a gag reel.Night At The Museum is a great family movie - parents can crack up at the comedic talent of Ben Stiller, Robin Williams and Amy Adams among others while children love all the museum's residents especially the dinosaurs! I have 1 Single Disc DVD of Night At The Museum to giveaway to 1 lucky reader! To enter, simply leave me a comment telling me who you would like to win this for!

For additional entries:
~ Follow me (join this site with Google Friend Connect)
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~ Grab my Holiday 2009 Gift Guide Button
~ Grab my regular button
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
~ Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (RT 1x per day)
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Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. This giveaway will end on November 30th at 9:00pm CT. I will use Random.org to choose the winners, email the winners, and post the win here. Giveaway is open to Canadian and US addresses.

Pearl Paradise

When Pearl Paradise contacted me asking if I'd be interested in reviewing their beautiful pearls, did they honestly think I'd say no?! What fabulous woman would give up that opportunity?! Certainly not me. I choose a pearl necklace to review, a 7.0-8.0mm White Freshwater Pearl Necklace (the most popular size) on a 16" strand. I learned some things I didn't know - like the various colors and types of pearls one can purchase. I went for classic white with a white gold clasp, but could have picked my pearls in beautiful shades of lavender, pink/peach, or black as well.

The pearls on this necklace are on a twin strand and individually knotted which means if the strand were to break, you wouldn't have that classic vision we see in movies of pearls dancing on the floor below you. The reflective luster on the pearls is simply amazing - my husband was the first to comment that he could see his reflection in them! Speaking of my husband, I have a sneaking suspicion that he was a little jealous of how happy I was with my new jewelry since he was not the person who gifted it to me.
The particular necklace that I was sent sells for $120.00 USD on the site. Each and every piece comes with a certified appraisal certificate. The certificate that came with the 7.0-8.0mm White Freshwater Pearl Necklace lists the appraised value of this necklace as $900! The Certified Appraisal lists details like the grade of the pearls on this necklace as AAA which is the top 1% of Freshwater Pearls produced.With the accompanying Certified Appraisal, how could this not make an amazing gift this holiday season? I think I'd pass out if my husband gave me a Freshwater Pearl necklace with an appraised value of $900 because I'd assume that's what he really spent! Of course Pearl Paradise has pearl jewelry ranging in price from $19 to $100,000 (yes really!) so there is something for every price range here.
1 lucky reader is going to win a 7.0-8.0mm White Freshwater Pearl Necklace just like the one I received (ARV $120). What a perfect giveaway for the holidays! To enter, simply indulge yourself for a few minutes and take a look around Pearl Paradise. Leave me a comment here telling me what other item you would love to own.
For additional entries:
~ Follow @PearlParadise on Twitter
~ Follow me (join this site with Google Friend Connect)
~ Subscribe via email or Reader
~ Grab my Holiday 2009 Gift Guide Button
~ Grab my button
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
~ Follow @FeistyFrugal on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway:Pearl necklace giveaway ($180 ARV) http://bit.ly/1hRwCu Holiday 2009 Gift Guide @FeistyFrugal @PearlParadise (RT 1x per day)
~ Become a Fan of Feisty Frugal and Fabulous on Facebook

Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. This giveaway will end on November 19th at 9:00pm CT. I will use Random.org to choose the winners, email the winners, and post the win here. Giveaway is open to Canadian and US addresses.

FitFlop Mukluk

This past summer I was introduced to FitFlop Footwear and have been a huge fan since. I can't think of any other product I have reviewed that has started more discussions in my daily life than my FitFlop Walkstar III Jelly sandals. My esthetician loves them and read about them online, my hair stylist was hunting for a pair before her vacation to Australia, and my massage therapist begged a friend to bring her back a pair from Europe this summer because she couldn't find them in a store near her. FitFlop has a Facebook Fan Page with over 3000 members who love these shoes.Why are FitFlop shoes so loved? FitFlop footwear is biomechanically engineered to help tone and tighten your leg muscles while you walk in them. Studies conducted at the Centre for Human Performance at LSBU show that normal walking in FitFlop sandals can help increase leg, calf, and gluteal muscle activity, improve your posture, and of course improve your muscle tone. I watched a news report on FitFlop shoes this Spring and was happy to see that the reporter uncovered, through speaking with a Podiatrist, that it's no gimmick! FitFlop shoes are engineered to work your muscles in a way different than ordinary shoes and walking can accomplish. With summer coming to an end I reluctantly put away my precious FitFlop sandals. My sorrow didn't last for long, because I knew that FitFlop was working on their Fall shoes and they are now available! I was sent what I now refer to as my "pretty babies", the new Mukluk from FitfFlop (ARV $220)! Now my legs and bum can stay toned all winter long too! I wear mine folded down like the photo above, but they can also be worn a little taller. Made with 100% double faced breathable Shearling (sheepskin) and available in 3 colors, these boots feel like cozy slippers on. Actually, it's recommended that you wear these shoes without any socks at all! The first few times I wore my Mukluks from FitFlop, I was surprised by where I 'felt' the wear - my hamstrings! I could feel my hamstrings working when I wore my pretty babies the very first time, and it felt awesome! Depending on where you live, the Ultra Lounge (ARV $145 CDN) looks like another awesome shoe for your fall wardrobe - this one is on MY Christmas list this year. Intrigued? FitFlop has a great store locator on their website - just enter in your postal code or zip code, and you will get a detailed result including how close each FitFlop carrying store is to you! If you are thinking of going on a FitFlop hunt, call the store first - in my area I called a few checking if they had the new FitFlop Ultra Lounge shoes in yet and they didn't. See, it just makes me want something more when it's so hard to find! FitFlop is the perfect gift for YOU this holiday season! Bookmark their site, or better yet, open up the page of locations near you and email it to your hubby. If you want to treat yourself (and your bum...and hamstrings...I felt my hamstrings people!) this season, purchasing a pair for yourself can be part of your new years resolution to be more fit - hey I'd use it as an excuse to get these beautiful shoes!

Mr. Potato Head

There are some classic toys of childhood - toys that you will see in almost every household because children everywhere love them, parents are nostalgic about them, and they happen to stand the test of time. Mr. Potato Head is of course one of those toys. There's a huge fan base for Mr.Potato Head too, with websites dedicated to collectors who show off their years of collecting, and other sites showing Mr. Potato Head's travels (Reno was the most recent photo I saw there!)

We have Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head and they are well loved - so much so that Mr. Potato Head has a lovely Sharpie marker design drawn on him by my son when he was 2! My daughter who is now on the verge of turning 2 loves Mr. Potato Head and can sit quietly and play with them (independent play, yeah!)
We were sent the Playskool Mr. Potato Head Captain Potato Chips to check out this holiday season! My son of course was instantly grabbing for it because, hey, it's a Pirate so it's automatically cool with boys. This potato matey comes with hat, eye patch, parrot, hook, mustache, nose, mouth, pair of ears, eyes and shoe with peg-leg accessories. Note the 'shoe', not 'shoes', I thought that was pretty cute! Of course, the accessories can be used with all Mr. Potato Head items so our Mrs. Potato Head soon became a 'mommy with a pet bird' according to my kids - I love when one new toy can build on others that you already have.With so many different and adorable (ur...or cool) Mr. Potato Head toys to choose from, Playskool's Mr. Potato Head makes a great gift for any young child because it's a sure-fire hit with kids. Most kids will be able to use their new Mr. Potato Head with one that they already have - or maybe you'll really score by being the first to introduce someone special to the world of Mr. Potato Head. Priced great (ARV $9.99), these gifts are a great buy! I'm keeping my eye on Princess Sweet Potato for my daughter and Transformers Optimash Prime for my son this season.1 reader is going to win Mr. Potato Head Captain Potato Chips! To enter, just check out the other Mr. Potato Head toys available from Playskool and leave me a comment telling me which one you think would make a great gift this holiday season.

For additional entries:
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Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. This giveaway will end on November 19th at 9:00pm CT. I will use Random.org to choose the winners, email the winners, and post the win here. Giveaway is open to Canadian and US addresses.

NOVICA

Novica is one of the leading fair trade websites on the Internet - they work with National Geographic to give talented artisans around the world a place to express their artistic talents and provide access to the world market. They have literally thousands of home decor items, corporate gifts, and clothing items on their expansive website. When Novica offered me the opportunity to choose an item to review, it literally took me 9 days to settle on my favorite item!

The website is laid out wonderfully, with ease of navigation. Customers can shop by region, category of item, gift suggestions, eco-friendly items and of course by price. My goal was to find a beautiful piece for my household and I bounced back and forth between the Mirrors page and the Candleholders sections. I finally settled on this Stained Glass Candleholder called Sunlight from Mexico (ARV $142.95).


The size of the candle holder is listed as 6.9" Diam. x 10.4" H which I sort of sized up in my mind, but when I received it I was shocked at how huge it was! I should mention the shipping - with something so large, delicate being made completely of glass, and heavy, I worried about how it would look upon arrival being sent from Mexico up to Canada. My worries were completely unwarranted - an ostrich egg could been shipped in that box for all the packing and cushioning involved.

From my experience, customers can feel confident knowing their items will arrive in perfect, protected, condition.
With the huge assortment of gifts available, NOVICA is a great source for unique gifts for everyone on your list, but especially when looking for someone who appreciates green gifts or a company looking for fair trade corporate gifts.
I have a $35 Gift Certificate code to offer one lucky reader, that can be put towards a purchase and your shipping cost (shipping for each item can be calculated right on the page, which is really nice too!) To enter, just take a peek at everything NOVICA has to offer, and leave me a comment here telling me what item you saw that you would love to own.

For additional entries:
~ Become a Fan of NOVICA on Facebook
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Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. This giveaway will end on November 19th at 9:00pm CT. I will use Random.org to choose the winners, email the winners, and post the win here. Giveaway is open to Canadian and US addresses.

Aliens In The Attic

It’s summer vacation, but the Pearson family kids are stuck at a boring lake house with their nerdy parents. That is until feisty, little, green aliens crash-land on the roof, with plans to conquer the house AND Earth! Using only their wits, courage and video game-playing skills, the youngsters must band together to defeat the aliens and save the world -- but the toughest part might be keeping the whole thing a secret from their parents! Featuring a hilarious cast including comedy veterans Doris Roberts (“Everybody Loves Raymond”), Andy Richter (“The Conan O'Brien Show”), Kevin Nealon (“Weeds”), Tim Meadows (Mean Girls) and Gillian Vigman (The Hangover), as well as rising young stars Ashley Tisdale (High School Musical), Robert Hoffman (Step Up 2: The Streets), Carter Jenkins (“Surface”) and Austin Robert Butler(“Zoey 101”), Aliens In The Attic is the most fun on the planet!

I wasn't sure how my 5 year old would react to Aliens In The Attic, though he was interested in the movie previews on tv when the movie was in theaters earlier this year. We settled in on Halloween afternoon to watch the movie while my youngest napped. My husband and I both were kept interested in the storyline but my little guy kept wandering off to play. I thought Doris Roberts was hilarious in this movie (can she be my grandma too?) and my son giggled away at the Matrix like fight scenes she was in (relatively tame fighting, no worries). My husband, being a guy, cracked up at the kicks to the groin of course.

I think this movie is best suited for children over 7 or so, and I happily passed on my copy to a friend with two boys (ages 6 and 13). Her 13 year old really liked it and said it wasn't scary like he thought it might be, but more of a comedy (which I agree with, good reviewing skills on that boy, I may have to recruit him).Aliens In The Attic is a great family movie, and definitely geared towards the pre-teen and teen audience. If you have a fan of Ashley Tisdale (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, High School Musical) fan on your list or a fan of (cute) little aliens, you're set with this movie (available November 3rd)3 readers are going to win Aliens In The Attic on DVD! To enter, just leave me a comment here telling me who you'd like to win this for this holiday season.

For additional entries:
~ Follow me (join this site with Google Friend Connect)
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Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. This giveaway will end on November 16th at 9:00pm CT. I will use Random.org to choose the winners, email the winners, and post the win here. Giveaway is open to Canadian and US addresses.

O Yikes

I find the name of this company ironic - you'd think the company would be about solving messy problems or perhaps safety products for children. Instead, the company focuses on products to help parents (both mom AND dad are represented by the colors/designs here, yay!) stay organized on the go. I realized, then, that O Yikes might be suitable as a name for the company because the bags they feature help calm the disarray in our lives. O Yikes leads to calm, cool, and collected on the go.

We were sent this vibrant colored Messenger Bag from O Yikes! to check out (in tangerine/raspberry). Of course I picked this awesome color combination because I have a serious addiction to pink/brown (my daughter will notice this when she's older and all her photos have something of that color combo in them, ack!)

What appeals to me most about this bag is that it's not an obvious diaper bag and that's because it isn't! It could be, but it can also moonlight as a regular messenger bag for students, a travel bag for active adults or a laptop bag for work on the go.

The two larger compartments work great (for either wipes and diapers in the outside compartment or perhaps your blackberry and camera), and there's tons of space inside, with pockets for everything, including a key ring (really, use this - keys at the bottom of a bag is one of daily life's most easily solved frustrations!) The exterior bottle holder is great - the drawstring closure at the top helps keep different sized cups steady which is really helpful when on the go.
O Yikes bags are perfect for school, motherhood, and the great workplace beyond. They don't shout "mommy coming!" nor are they a boring dull color suitable for boring dull people. Use discount code blog10 to receive 10% off your order.
1 reader is going to win an o Yikes! onesie (for newborns up to 13lbs) and their choice of either an Accessory Case, Changing Pad or Cylinder Case from O Yikes!To enter, just go to O Yikes! and then leave me a comment here telling me what item caught your eye on the site.

For additional entries:
~ Enter the contest at O Yikes! to win a free bag of your choice!
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Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. This giveaway will end on November 16th at 9:00pm CT. I will use Random.org to choose the winners, email the winners, and post the win here. Giveaway is open to Canadian and US addresses.

Skinny Dip Candles

The owner of my local hair salon is so sneaky - she has Skinny Dip Candles at the counter, and chooses a different one to light for her customers. The scent fills the room and then, when it's time to pay, she explains how the wax from the candle can also be used as a warm moisturizer on your skin and cuticles (or even as a massage lotion) and invites customers to try it out. I happily leave the salon each time with Skinny Dip Candle wax on my cuticles. Skinny Dip Candles are made with a proprietary blend of high quality, cosmetic-grade soy, avocado oil, coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, sunflower oil, cocoa butter, vitamin E, and skin-safe essential or fragrance oil. Due to its unique ingredient composition, a Skinny Dip Candle burns at just over body temperature (about 102 degrees) when melted. . . the temperature of a relaxing, hot bath. You don't even have to light the candle to get the benefits from the wax on your skin - it can be scooped out as-is if needed.
The Scent Descriptions page makes me want to have every single one of them, especially when one considers that this scent can be in the air or right on your skin. A note about the scents in the products - while other companies may say their lotion-type candles are highly scented, use caution. Skinny Dip Candles uses only skin-safe fragrance oil and only in skin-safe quantities (if a candle is high fragranced, imagine how much fragrance oil is in there.)
While their candles are the spotlight item, Skinny Dip Candles also makes lip balm, Skinny Dip Salts, and Fizzing Bath Salts. Their Skinny Mini Candles are perfect for gift giving (and would make awesome shower favors too!) I was sent a Pamper Pack consisting of a Skinny Dip Candle, Skinny Dip Salts, and a Lip Balm, all in Feeling Flirty (smells a lot like VS's Love Spell fragrance I'm told but I'm not familiar with it...I just know it smells amazing!) . I was able to leave the lid off of the Skinny Dip Candle for days before lighting it, and it fragranced my bedroom nicely. I would swipe a little of the wax here and there to use on my cuticles (for some reason it's easier to do this that opening a cream oil to apply). I'm such a fan of these candles now, you just can't massage your cuticles or even the heels of your feet with the wax from your other candles!
Skinny Dip Candles make a perfect gift for any woman on your list - everyone from your best friend to your hard-t0-buy-for mother in law. It's not just a candle, it's a warm lotion treatment for your hands and cuticles as well. The Skinny Minis are the perfect stocking stuffer at $4.95 each!
1 reader is going to win a Skinny Dip Pamper Pack in the scents of their choice (ARV $18.95)! To enter, just go to Skinny Dip Candles and tell me which scents you would pick for the Pamper Pack items.

For additional entries:
~ Subscribe to the Skinny Dip News!
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Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. This giveaway will end on November 15th at 9:00pm CT. I will use Random.org to choose the winners, email the winners, and post the win here. Giveaway is open to Canadian and US addresses.