They Like Me...They Really Like Me! I have been nominated for a Liebster

I got a Liebster, I got a Liebster, I got a Liebster - Hey Hey Hey Hey...All of you Little Rascal Fans will get that tune! 

 I am so honored to have been nominated for a Liebster by my lovely blogger buddy Amybecca from over at Love, AmyBecca. If you have never visited her before...now is the time! She has an amazing site that covers pretty much EVERYTHING! Health, Beauty, Travel, Weddings, you name it...she has got it (even vegan and lactose free info)!

This is Amybecca!

So...what is a Liebster anyway? That was my husband's first question. It is basically a blogger award given out by bloggers to other bloggers who have 200 followers or less to help them gain some exposure. It is basically like a hey, I like you so should they!

I have secretly been wanting on of these so getting the nomination made my week! After getting the message that I was nominated, I waved my hand back and forth as I walked through my house and even thought about wearing a crown around...but maybe that was over kill!

So,  there are some rules and paperwork to take care of....

Liebster Rules

1. Link back to the blogger who nominated you.
2. List 10 facts about yourself.
3. Nominate up to 11 bloggers with under 200 followers and notify them that they have been nominated.
4. Ask the nominees 10 questions for them to answer on their own blog.

So...Here Goes Nothing!

10 Facts about me...that you were afraid to know!

1. I am a mother to 5 children and I may not be done...or I might! You never know and I don't want to rule anything out :)

2. I am a vegetarian. I have been that way for about 5 years. There is no curing it either....I have no desire to eat a burger!

3. I hate housework! 'nuff said.

4.  My mother has NEVER read my blog...nor does she choose to acknowledge that I have one. My mother-in-law...on the other hand...reads daily and asks her friends to like my page! Go figure!!

5. If I am cruising in my car, by myself, you had best believe that I am jamming to some 90's rap. I just can't help it - give me some Salt n Pepa, The Dogg Pound (let's play house),  or Naughty by Nature and I am a happy girl :)

Us 15 years ago...

6. I got married 30 days after I graduated highschool and am celebrated my 15th year anniversary this month.

7. I am eating clean but have not been able to kick my diet soda habit - I am only human :( I am down to 1 a day and that is a BIG improvement.

8. I love a great doughnut. I will not say more.

9. I used to run a karaoke machine at a restaurant. My jams were madonna and def leopard. I am sure that many are glad that it was a short term gig!

10. I would someday LOVE to open my own restaurant specializing inorganic foods. I want to show people that organic food doesn't taste like dirt! I believe that I can clear up any misconception with my vegan everything cookies!

Now...the questions from Amybecca:

1. If I only had three foods to eat for the rest of my life they would be cheese wontons, Nutella, and crusty bread.
2. My favorite post of Amybecca's is this Chocolate Mochi recipe. I eat organically so being able to make something I love at home is so awesome!
3. My favorite post that I have done...that is so tough to decide! I guess it would be my post about my parents and their reluctance to accept my organic lifestyle - you can find it here...Help, My parents called Child Protective Services
4. Cats or Dogs? I choose cats but have 2 dogs and no cats!
5. A talent that I have...yikes! I can balance a book on my head!
6. I don't know that I have a favorite film. I can say that I love the movie We Bought a Zoo with Matthew Damon. Family movie, made me laugh, and made me cry.
7. My favorite holiday destination is Gatlinburg, TN. I know, I know, its not very glamorous BUT I vacationed there every summer as a kid and always saw the brides walking down the streets in their white dresses. My hubby and I were married there 15 years ago and go back almost every year!
8. My blog is all about getting my family financially and physically fit while going green! It totally started as a coupon site though!
9. 3 things that I am good at are coaching and motivating others, making people smile, and fixing broken items. 3 things that I am not so good at are cleaning, staying on a schedule, and answering my phone!
10. I can always be found on Twitter, and sometimes Facebook. Pinterest scares me and my husband too...every time I log in, I find 10 projects to do...remember, I am not good at cleaning up!

Now...Onto the Fun Part!

Here are my nominations...... It was so hard because there were so many people that I wanted to nominate! UGH!!!
Kelly from HoppyBottoms.com
Leah from Leahinspired.com
Christine from JugglingRealFoodandRealLife.com
Brittnei at http://getfithealthylife.blogspot.com/
Jelli from http://www.jellibeanjournals.com/
Mrs. AOK from http://mrs-aok-a-work-in-progress.blogspot.com/
Cathy from http://www.apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/
April at http://www.100lbcountdown.com/ 
Megan at http://nauticalowl.blogspot.com/

Here are the 10 questions that I have for you to answer on your blog...

1. If you could only say 5 words for the rest of your life, what would they be?
2. What would your dream car be? Be inventive!
3. If you could create any career- what would it be?
4. What is your favorite blog post that you have done?
5. If you could eat dinner with 1 person - dead or alive - who would it be?
6. Houses require work...name your dreamteam? I.e., chef gordon ramsay, joe from super nanny, Ty from Trading spaces
7. If you could rename yourself what would you call yourself?
8. Arrange these in order of importance: Blog, Manicure, Food, Sleep, Movie Time, Massage
9. What cartoon character do you most identify with?
10. What is your guilty pleasure? Name at least 1

Thanks again to my buddy Amybecca for this opportunity to add something special to my sidebar and to stoke my blogger ego! Someone really needs to come up with a sash and crown for this award, I like glittery things!!!!

The Friday Follow Along is in EFFECT!

It's PARTY Time!

So grab a hand and follow the leader!

If you have a blog or website with any article pertaining to family, fitness, being cheap (I mean frugal), crafting, recipes, or is just plain fun.... 

•  There are no real rules-except nothing x rated! 
• Link up at least 1 post (max of 2) AND 1 social media site so we can all follow along!

• Visit as many links as you can and leave comments! 

• Its just like the game Follow the leaders (host &cohosts) and  follow at least the person ahead of you and behind you. Follow others via twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', etc 
• Link back if you can and when!   Not required but appreciated!
• If you have a blog hop today or this weekend...go ahead and link it up! 

CLICK HERE TO GET TO THE PARTY AND LINKUP!

Let's Gymagogo--Together!

 Get your workout on...FOR FREE!

This is going to sound too good to be true but rest assured...IT IS LEGIT!

If you are ready to start working out but are intimidated by the gym --this is truly the way to go! Gymagogo is a fantastic service that allows you to take LIVE Pilates and yoga classes from the Convenience of your own home.

Click HERE to read more about Gymagogo and to get signed up for a class!

NEW! Linky Party Directory HERE at Frugal Fit Family!

Do you host a BLOG HOP or LINKY PARTY?!? Now, you can add it to the Frugal Fit Family Linky Directory for all to see! It is free to add it and it is scheduled to be up until next year! You are able to remove your hop at any time so why not add it and share the love! I will do my best to promote via social media and on my site to send some party people your way!

If you don't host but are a PARTY PERSON...Swing by the page each week to find a group of hops all listed in one place! It will truly make party hopping easy!

CLICK HERE to ADD YOUR PARTY TO THE DIRECTORY

Check out this responsible company - Warby Parker - and how they give back!

Part of what I love to do is to inform people of responsible companies trying to not only make a buck but to also make a difference. I recently became aware of a company with an amazing program that gives back!

Today, I am pleased to introduce you to Warby Parker! Warby Parker offers a vast selection of both prescription and sunglasses that you can order online for a fraction of the cost of your local optical store! They also support an amazing program where- for every frame purchased - they give a pair to someone in need. The giving doesn't stop there......

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT HOW WARBY PARKER GIVES BACK AND CHECK OUT THEIR NEW COLLECTION!

DIY Organic Ranch Dressing

When we started our organic food journey, I thought it was going to be pretty simple...avoid junk foods, processed foods,  high fructose corn syrup, etc....but that was only the tip of the iceberg! I knew that there would be more salads and veggies involved but never realized how processed and chemical ridden the dressings and dips I was putting on them were!

 Take for example the lengthy ingredient list for Kraft Ranch Dressing.... can you pronounce or identify all of the ingredients? And I am totally not knocking Kraft - they don't profess to be organic and many other ranch dressings have the same ingredient list. I just wonder why you would even bother with the salad and veggies!

 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE INGREDIENT LIST AND TO GET THIS EASY DIY RECIPE!

On Display Link Up #7!

Just like in my twenties...I am turning out to be a party girl! I am so proud to be a party of the fun group of gals who put on the On Display Monday Link Party..each one of us brings something to the table...now, we are waiting for you to do the same!


This link up is a great place to show off your crafts, diy, recipes, and anything else you are proud of! Click below and get the party started!


CLICK HERE TO GET TO THE LINKUP!

FREE BABY SLING

If you are in the market for a baby sling...Here is your chance to get one for FREE! Check out Seven Slings where not only can you get an amazing baby sling BUT you can have it personalized! They offer high quality COMFORTABLE baby slings in tons of bright and bold patterns. You can also grab cute sets with cuff bracelets, leg warmers, key chains and more! The coupon value is up to $40 and ALL YOU DO IS PAY THE SHIPPING! They also have sizing insurance included so you can be sure to get the right size for you and baby!

Click HERE and be sure to use code "ENBABY" to get your FREE BABY SLING!

Get A Sneak Peek at this Weeks Coupons

Ever wonder how "extreme couponers" get their dirt? Here is a powerful tool they have tucked away!

Click HERE to get the details!

And don't forget to print your coupons at Frugal Fit Family! We have red Plum, Coupons.com, and more all in one place!

Its PARTY TIME Ya'LL!

It's PARTY Time!

So grab a hand and follow the leader!

If you have a blog or website with any article pertaining to family, fitness, being cheap (I mean frugal), crafting, recipes, or is just plain fun.... 

Click below and add your name to the list!

If you can not see the link entry...click the colored title to this post and it will appear!

•  There are no real rules-except nothing x rated! 
• Link up at least 1 post (max of 2) AND 1 social media site so we can all follow along!

• Visit as many links as you can and leave comments! 

• Its just like the game Follow the leaders (host &cohosts) and  follow at least the person ahead of you and behind you. Follow others via twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', etc 
• Link back if you can and when!   Not required but appreciated!
• If you have a blog hop today or this weekend...go ahead and link it up!

Click here because you are a guest of honor!!

Happy Father's Day...PS, my hair is PINK! The 10 excuses I prepared!

Day 1

Since I have been married, I think my husband has never been surprised by the hair color or style that I seem to choose! I have been a red head, been blonde, auburn, jet black, I have had pink streaks, teal streaks, and even orange hair. I have a strange hair philosophy that "it grows back" and that it is more of an "accessory" than anything else. Well, that whole way of thinking almost was brought to a staggering halt this weekend when my hair color CHOSE me! Does that mean that I messed up....nope. I have another- more deeply rooted- philosophy that "I am not always right...but I am NEVER wrong" ...so I am stating for the official record that this hair color was part of the master plan.

Click here to read my 10 reasons I came up with for my WILD hair choice! It was Father's Day....I had to think of some GREAT excuses!!! 

On Display Monday Link Party!!

I am so excited to be Co-Hosting the On Display Monday Link Party with some AMAZING people!

The rules are EXTREMELY simple!
1. You may post up to 3 projects...please no repeats!
2. Link directly to your post and NOT to your main blog
3. Please no giveaways, stores, promotions, items for sale, roundups, or posts that do not belong to you.
4. Add the party button or visible link to your sidebar or party page. If you have been featured....proudly display your featured button!
5. Follow your host and co-hosts via email or social media. It is the BEST way to be notified of upcoming parties and of featured projects.
6. Please be kind and visit other links and leave comments!

Show off our MAD DIY and Crafting Skills and Link UP! Click HERE to get in the party!!

The Friday Follow Along Link up and BASH!!!

It's PARTY Time!

So grab a hand and follow the leader!

If you have a blog or website with any article pertaining to family, fitness, being cheap (I mean frugal), crafting, recipes, or is just plain fun.... 

Click below and add your name to the list!

If you can not see the link entry...click the colored title to this post and it will appear!

•  There are no real rules-except nothing x rated! 
• Link up at least 1 post (max of 2) AND 1 social media site so we can all follow along!

• Visit as many links as you can and leave comments! 

• Its just like the game Follow the leaders (host &cohosts) and  follow at least the person ahead of you and behind you. Follow others via twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', etc 
• Link back if you can and when!   Not required but appreciated!
• If you have a blog hop today or this weekend...go ahead and link it up!

Click here to get your party on!

10 Ways to Use your Wasted Bread Crusts!

I have no clue why, but my children will NOT eat the crust of bread! I hear this from other moms as well so I am assuming that it isn't just me who throws away the crust from each sandwich I make for my little ones. I am all about stretching my money. Especially when I am feeding my family only organic and splurge a little on the organic bread at the grocery. In the beginning...when there was 1 child, it didn't seem  so wasteful. Now, with 5 kids, we use a whole loaf of bread at each meal and this leaves A LOT of left over crust. It seemed so wasteful to throw it away so I got creative and used my restaurant management brain to find some fun and exciting ways to use them!

 Simply cut the crust off BEFORE you make the sandwich and the possibilities are endless!

Here are 10 ways to use that crusty goodness!

HOMEMADE DISH SOAP RECIPE

Over the last 6 months or so, I have been making a very conscious effort to rid my home of chemicals. Originally, I looked at the "organic" products on the shelves and found that there was a price to be paid for convenience! So...I began finding ways to make and create my own cleaning supplies and to my surprise...they work! I have previously made my own dishwashing detergent, spray cleaners, laundry soap, etc...but this was the LAST piece to my cleaning puzzle....HOMEMADE DISH SOAP.

Click HERE to get the recipe!

Sponsor Spotlight

JEN'S WREATHS

Responsible Business and  Reasonable Prices!

At Frugal Fit Family, it is my mission to support brands and represent businesses who coincide with my mission. As you may have read, I am challenging myself and my family to be a bit more Eco-friendly and organic while saving money and being frugal along the way.

I was so excited to be contacted by one of my sponsors - Jens Wreaths because they are everything that  I stand for - responsible practices and earth conscious...plus great on the budget! I spend a lot of time spreading the word about their amazing fundraising program BUT have yet to tell you about how they offer their gorgeous wreaths while having a POSITIVE effect on the environment...I felt it best to let JEN, herself, tell you!

Please take a minute to read more about how Jen's Wreaths practices RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS!

The Next Generation

By: Jennifer McFadden

I want to thank Heather May for the opportunity to write on her blog.  My name is Jennifer McFadden and my family owns Jen’s Wreaths in northern Minnesota.  Jen’s Wreaths offers a wide variety of different size Christmas wreaths made from fresh balsam fir (pine).  All the wreaths are handmade and shipped directly from our farm.  Learn more about our family’s start in the wreath making business here:  http://www.jenswreaths.com/about.cfm

I wanted to address a question we get asked many times each year.  A lot of our customers want to make sure our balsam fir is sustainably harvested.  They often ask, “Are trees cut down, etc. in order to get these limbs.”  In other words they want to make sure that we aren’t depleting our natural resources.  We believe we’ll get asked these questions more and more often in the future as correctly using our forests comes to the forefront of many customers’ minds.

Sam (my husband) and I want to work hard to build a viable business.  We don’t just want a business that provides a living for us but a business that can withstand the transfer to another generation.  Profit is important but so is doing business correctly.  In all aspects of our business we look not only short term but also long term.  We want the next generation of McFadden’s to have an ample, healthy supply of balsam fir trees and limbs.  Without a supply of this material you simply won’t have a business.

Last year we implemented sustainable harvest goals.  We wanted 50% of our balsam fir to come directly from logging sites.  Here in northern Minnesota logging sites are plentiful and most of the time the trunk of the tree is the only part used.  The tree limbs are simply discarded off to the side.  With careful planning we were able to go in directly behind logging crews and gather fresh healthy balsam fir limbs to use in our operation.  These limbs would have simply gone to waste. 

So, where does the other 50% of our limb tips come from?  Well, they come from carefully giving balsam fir trees something similar to a quick haircut.  When cut correctly the tips of balsam fir trees can be taken and they grow back more tips to be used again and again.  We never cut a tree down and strip it of its limbs.

We are firm believers that our natural resources are a gift given to us to use and enjoy.  However, we also believe in responsibility.  Common sense and firm research studies on how to correctly harvest limb tips should be used to ensure that the next generation has a plentiful supply of one of the most fragrant fir species in the forest – Balsam Fir!

Take a moment to visit our website and BOOKMARK us for the upcoming holiday season.  http://www.jenswreaths.com/  We love the Christmas season and will be introducing some new designs later this summer.  We offer FREE gift cards and A+ customer service.  We can guide you through all the options available via phone or you can use our website for an easy transaction.  We look forward to serving some of you Frugal Fit Family fans this winter and fulfilling your gift buying needs.

You can follow Jen's Wreaths on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to the minute on deals!
Click HERE To Follow on Facebook
Click HERE to Follow on Twitter

My mother has called Child Protective Services...

Because I feed My Children Only Organic Foods...

Don't let the title fool you! While she has not called C.P.S. yet....I think it is certainly coming. I am at a completely dumbfounded by my parents resistance to my new lifestyle and need to grab some advice. Don't they understand that I am trying to keep my family healthy?!? Please note that I am not knocking those who are not organic. It is a lifestyle choice that we have chosen...but I am hoping you can still help!


Click here to read more and to help me plead my case!