Misikko Professional Styling Tools & Beauty Product Flat Iron Review & Giveaway 2/21 CLOSED

Finding flat irons that work and last is really a hard endeavor.  My daughter and I both have curly hair and have burned through our share of hot irons.  You name it, we've tried it and have learned that you really have to do your research to get a high quality, dependable flat iron if you want longevity and results.  To date, we settled on Chi Flat Iron (Misikko sells) as that was the one iron we could trust to last without burning out fast.  We also are fans of the FHI Flat Irons.

I was very pleased when Misikko offered an opportunity to review a complimentary Hana Professional Flat Iron and provide a giveaway for one of their professional flat irons.

About Misikko:

Misikko is located just outside Philadelphia and has been in business for five years.  Their goal is to provide the newest innovations in the hair and beauty business that delivers high quality results.  They are customer focused enough that if you learn of a new product, they welcome your information.  They even provide assistance if you don't know which product to purchase by either calling or e-mailing them.

The Hana Flat Iron:

This was an amazing hot iron package to recieve.  It comes with a free iron mat and for those of you that have burned counter tops, you will recognize how important this is!   The storage pouch will be a nice feature to travel with and to store it when I'm not using it.  Misikko even provided some cute Valentine's Day freebies and the Hana Shine Shield that protects hair from the heat.   I can definitely say that I was impressed with the product and the delivery of the whole package.  It is obvious that Misikko cares about their customers and goes the extra mile to make each one feel special.

The iron heats up fast and the cool light up blue dial switch is a nice feature that makes you feel it's higher quality if appearance is something you strive for.  My daughter and I both used the Hana Flat Iron and both liked it.  I liked it more than she did as one of the features is it can provide a curl at the ends if you want that.  She thought it was too much curl but I think in time when she gets used to it, she will be able to control the ends better. 

Before and After Pictures

Her hair was brushed in the before picture and it's usually much curlier and it's very thick so it takes her a long time to straighten her hair.  As you can see in the after picture, her hair is smooth and shiny.

For my hair, I usually dry it first to help the straightening process.  I used the Hana Shine Shield first, dried it with a large tooth brush and then used the Hana Flat Iron on it.  I liked how I could easily curl the ends and have not found a flat iron I could do that without having a straight lines through it.  This was very smooth, easy to use and I liked how my hand fit the form fitting handle with ease and how it didn't burn me if I touched the end wrong. 

Recommendation:

Overall, I would highly recommend the Hana Flat Iron for all types of hair since you can control the heat level.  It's high quality, backed by a two year warranty and is easy to use.  The Hana Shine Shield also left my hair soft and shiny.

Additional Information on the Hana Line of Flat Irons:

Hana Salon Professional Flat Irons / Hair Straightener's Goal:

Serious professional flat irons & styling tools without meaningless marketing hype. As the makers of the world's first and only 1 1/2" pure ceramic plate iron, they deliver. The Hana Salon line of Professional flat irons are technologically sublime - the largest and best ceramic ionic heaters (up to 3x standard size), high to pure ceramic content & tourmaline plates, damp to dry versatility & no-compromise manufacturing in Korea. Luxury salon irons at a fraction of the price of similar irons mean high-end styling for everyone! (Plus an impressive 2 Year Warranty.)

More About Misikko:

Misikko offers various specials and break down products by Misikko's Favorites, New Arrivals and Styling on a Budget.  Misikko recognizes that not everyone can afford the high end products so they provided their recommendations where you can still get that great salon look without going broke.

Need a Valentine's Day gift?  Check out a couple of these ideas:

There is a huge variety of ceramic flat irons, hair dryers, curling irons, hair care and makeup and skin care.

Misikko even offers videos and tips on styling, guides and so much more here.



The Giveaway:

A Hana Flat Iron!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and visit Misikko to tell me what other product you would like to try.

Extra Entries (worth five each):

Follow Misikko on Twitter.
Sign up for the Misikko newsletter.
Blog about this giveaway.
Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily).
Subscribe to my blog.
Follow me on Twitter.
Giveaway ends 2/21 at midnight and winner will be chosen by random.org.

Open to US only please.

Thank you for entering and good luck!

*Disclaimer:  Misikko provided a complimentary Hana Flat Iron in exchange for my review.  Special thanks to Misikko for the opportunity and giveaway.

Dezign with a Z (Wall Decalz) Review

Dezign with a Z offers both home and office wall decals or as they say "decalz."  The first thing that drew me to Dezign with a Z was their website.  It has a cute header of a little girl swinging with hearts and animation.  I thought it was a cute site and I wanted to know more.  They have a huge selection of wall decals to choose from:

• Abstract
• Animals
• Floral
• Characters
• Kids Rooms
• Chalkboards
• Glow in the Dark
• Nature
• Voyage
• Objects
• Bi-colors
• Packs
• Valentines
• Mirrors
• Laptop Skins
• Wall Clocks
• Supersize
• Digital Canvas
• Custom Lettering
• Custom Decals

I had contacted Dezign with a Z to see if I could provide a review of their decals on my blog.  They provided several different decals in exchange for my review.  They arrived perfectly protected in a hard cardboard tube which shows they care about the quality of the decals they send.

If you choose an oversized or larger decal, it would be easier to lay it flat to let the curl up effect go away or lessen.  For the smaller decals, I had no issues with them being rolled up for shipment. 

To apply, you simply place it on a hard surface and use something hard like a credit card.  I ended up using the broken end of a plastic kids hanger that has the little clips to hold clothes.  It worked perfect to rub the side of the decal to ensure the cohesion was present when I removed the paper type side.  After this step, you are ready to apply to the wall.  With the sticky side on the wall, again you use the hard object to rub the decal against the surface of the wall,  This step is very important especially on little lines and shapes.  If you don't get the decal to stick, it could tear when you peel away the sticky paper. 

There is even a video to get you started if you would prefer to see instead of reading the directions here.

The first decals I used were a black tree type print as seen before.  It took just a few minutes to apply but added to the plain boring wall.  This room is an Asian theme so this decal worked perfect.  I probably should have placed the beginning of it better but I like the look and will keep it as is. 

The next set of decals were purple butterflies which fit perfect on my middle one's bedroom walls.  In the picture below, I have the before and after shots again.  The effect adds warmth to the wall without consuming a lot of time nor money.  The best thing about Dezign with a Z decals is they come off!  We will be locating again within a year or less due to the Army so this feature allows us to set up the rooms without spending an arm and a leg.

Dezign with a Z offers room views with the actual decals which is a bonus for me as I like to see the dimensions on a wall as well as get some nice decorating ideas.  The chalkboard decals are appealing and this set up of a train is ideal for bedrooms, classrooms, and more.  You can choose from different sizes and colors and they start at $68 for the set!

This is another one of my favorites and another great component of the Dezign with a Z decaz are you get to choose the color of the decals.  For just $23, you can transform a boring room into an elegant beautiful room without very little effort.

Right now, enter the Zee Winner of the month contest and you could win a $200 gift certificate!  I'd love to get this one.  Just click here to learn more.

With a purchase, you also get a mini surprise decal and currently, there is a Valentine's Day special where ou get a free pack of mini kisses with your order.

I've only had one other experience with wall decals and it was with a set of Hannah Montana one's for my daughter's wall.  The quality does not compare to these and the application process assures me they are of higher quality.  They look great and you can also apply them to other items such as dressers and beds to create a total look as I did above.  I have more decals to put on her room but I wanted to provide an idea on how they look.

Overall, the amazing selection, the inexpensive costs, the actual pictures on the site to get ideas and the quality definitely makes me recommend Dezign with a Z for any project you have. 


*Disclosure:  I received complimentary decals from Dezign with a Z in exchange for my review.  I received no financial compensation and the views written here are of mine.

Bare Escentuals Wants You to Rethink What Matters: Environment

Rethink Your Environment is this week's challenge by BareMinerals with 500 lucky winners instantly winning some BareMineral Blush.

Do you recycle, reuse and look for ways to help the environment or do you believe it's more hype to protect it?  Do you like to surround yourself with others or be alone?  This week's thought provoking questions are geared toward encouraging you to rethink your opinions, thoughts and actions.

Little Black Ant on Park Street by Janet Halfmann Book Review

I had the great pleasure of reading a complimentary copy of one of Janet Halfmann's other books titled Little Skink's Tail and was pleased to be able to review a complimentary copy provided by Janet of her latest book titled Little Black Ant on Park Street. 

Janet is an award winning author of children's books.  With over 30 books to her name, she has an entertaining way of combining educational facts into captivating stories for children.  She pens both fiction and non-fiction to include non-fiction for older children. 

To see a complete collection or to learn more about Janet and her collection of books, visit her home page here.

Product Details:

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
• Hardcover & Softcover 
• Publisher: Soundprints; Har/Com edition (January 31, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1607270056
• ISBN-13: 978-1607270058

Little Black Ant on Park Street is a fact filled story of the life of an ant and how an ant is able to find her way back to the colony.  Janet provides the little reader with a glimpse of what it's like being an ant from searching for food, communicating with one another and how they sense their way around.  The story provides an educational aspect while offering an entertaining story of the main character.

I think it's a wonderful book for those children that like to understand more about biology and especially bugs.  Janet does a superb job in the details of an ant's life while maintaining a fun character for children to get to know.  The back of the book includes more information about ants, a glossary and points of interests.

The illustrations by Kathleen Rietz are beautiful and vibrant and add to the quality of the story.  Simple things such as incorporating the ants retrieval of nectar from aphids is a wonderful way to teach children more about ants.  Little Black Ant on Park Street is part of Soundprints: Smithsonian Institute and was just released this January. 

There are other items you can purchase to enhance the learning value of Little Black Ant on Park Street such as a 6" Little Black Ant toy, hardcover book with CD, a micro book and 6" toy, a micro hardcover book, a paperback book or a paperback book with CD.  For more information, go here: 

I would recommend this book to any child who enjoys nature, bugs or is just curious to learn more.  The book's ability to combine an educational aspect with entertainment is something I look for when reading to my children.  My six year old enjoyed the story of Little Black Ant.

Catch a glimpse at news, press and activities by Janet by clicking here or follow her on Twitter and become a fan of her on Facebook.

Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max & Free Sample: Hurry While They Last!

Did you know that Pampers has completely redesigned its Cruisers diapers with no sacrifice in performance? They are the brand’s 1st diaper for the best players in the world™ – babies! The new Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max helps lock wetness away up to 12 hours, making this their driest diaper ever. The new Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max officially hits shelves in March!

For the first time ever, babies will have their gold-medal moment too this Olympic season by sporting their own high performance gear – Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max. To celebrate the launch of the brand’s first-ever high performance diaper, Pampers has outfitted Team USA athletes and their families, with branded Team USA Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max as they head to Vancouver for the Olympic Winter Games.

Although these Team USA diapers are not for sale, starting this morning, January 29th parents everywhere will be able to request a free sample three-pack of Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max on Pampers.com. If the sample sent includes a diaper stamped Team USA (randomly inserted in select sample packs), their baby will win a year’s supply of Pampers diapers!

For many Olympic athletes, bringing home a medal is not just their dream – it’s their family dream. And as such, Pampers is working with two medal contender athletes – 2006 Olympic gold medal speed skater, Chad Hedrick and 2007 World Skeleton, Noelle Pikus-Pace - as they and their families prepare to “go for gold” at the 2010 Olympic games.

Don't forget to get your free sample before they are all gone:  http://www.pampers.com/en_US/home/

You can follow Pampers on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Skinfood Skincare Organic Product Reviews

I like to cover products that have an organic background as with more and more news stories coming out, the products on the store often times have so many chemicals and addictives that are harsh if not dangerous, I worry about it.  I was happy to agree to provide a review on complimentary products by Skinfood Skincare.  Four of the five panel members tried out the samples from Skinfood Skincare.  This is good because the ages range from 21, 41, 43 and 69. 

If you have not heard of Skinfood Skincare, here is more information:

Recent research has shown that what you put on your skin is absorbed into the bloodstream within minutes, so why not nourish your skin and your body with healthy natural ingredients instead of chemicals and preservatives? Gourmet Skinfood products are fresh, natural and organic blends of plants, flowers, herbs and essential oils made weekly using food grade ingredients. They are naturally preserved with citrus, vitamins and antioxidants and contain nothing artificial or chemical in nature. For those concerned about health, beauty and longevity, rest assured that our products are pure, safe and natural. And they are never tested on animals.

Skinfood Skincare has a wide array of products for your face and body.  Here are just a few examples of the many available:

Face:

• Gourmet Skinfood - Skinfood is a concentrated blend of steam distilled, 100% organic plant oils and extracts. Skinfood supplies proteins, vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients to the skin to help prevent skin aging and to reveal the natural radiance of your skin. Gourmet Skinfood contains Jojoba, Rosehip Seed, Palma Christie, kukui nut and many other powerful oils. Skinfood penetrates to the deepest layers of facial skin; feeding, rejuvenating and encouraging cell regeneration while melting away the dead cell buildup that can dull your skin. When used in conjunction with the Floral or Rosewater Spritz; water and oils combine for complete skin nourishment without the presence of waxes and emulsifiers that are used to create cream and lotion moisturizers.  Available in two sizes:  1 ounce and 2 ounces.
• Rosehip Skinfood - Pure Rosehip Seed oil contains a very high level of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) that are fundamental in the process of tissue regeneration. Rosehipseed oil has penetration power unequaled by any other natural oil and is especially effective as a treatment around the eyes, on fine lines, discoloration/ hyper-pigmentation and scarring. Available in two sizes:  1 ounce and 2 ounces. 

Body:

• Cream Boulet Body Creams - Cream Boulet Body Creams are a wonderful medium weight hand and body lotion. Cream Boulet is made of a combination of bioactive ingredients including vitamins, essential oils, herbal extracts and essential fatty acids all derived from plant and food sources. They are naturally preserved with citrus, vitamins, food preservatives and antioxidants. Cream Boulet is available in the following heavenly scents: Amber, Lavender, Rain Flowers, Rainforest, Plumeria and Rose.  Available in two sizes: 4 ounces and 8 ounces.
• Rainflower Message Oil - The Rainflowers Massage Oil contains the pure flower essences of jasmine, tuberose and Plumeria. These pure flower essences combine with the highly nutritious oils of apricot kernel, coconut, avocado, kukui nut and high oleic safflower. The Rainflowers Massage Oil is great for massage and body care. Available in 4 ounce size.
  

Skinfood Skincare has testimonials on their site if you want to see what they have to say by clicking here.  You can also click here to see usage instructions pending your skin type of oily, normal or dry.

A favorite to many interested in true organic products is the ability to see the ingredients which Skinfood Skincare does list on their site:  http://www.skinfoodskincare.com/.

The Reviews:

Rainflowers Jojoba Skintonic:  Rainflowers Jojoba Skintonic: Golden jojoba oil saturated with the pure flower essences including Jasmine, Tuberose, and Plumeria. Due to the Jojoba oil’s natural antiseptic qualities, The Rainflowers Jojoba Skintonic is an excellent facial cleanser and make up remover for all skin types.

The review team used as a cleanser and make up remover.  Stephanie liked how it made her skin very soft and fresh feeling.  All agreed that the product left a moisturizing feeling to their faces and was not harsh.  The skin varieties of the panel members include normal, dry, oily and combination along with acne proned skin.  All skin types tolerated the cleanser with no issues such as redness or drying out.  April loves Plumeria so this was a hit for her.  It was an oily looking substance but did not leave an oily residue.  The aroma was pleasant and not overbearing.  Overall, all panel reviewers liked the Rainflowers Jojoba Skintonic.

Gourmet Skinfood and Rosepetal Spritz:  The Gourmet Skinfood is a concentrated blend of steam distilled, 100% organic plant oils and extracts. Skinfood supplies proteins, vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients to the skin to help prevent skin aging and to reveal the natural radiance of your skin. Gourmet Skinfood contains Jojoba, Rosehip Seed, Palma Christie, kukui nut and many other powerful oils. Skinfood penetrates to the deepest layers of facial skin; feeding, rejuvenating and encouraging cell regeneration while melting away the dead cell buildup that can dull your skin. When used in conjunction with the Floral or Rosewater Spritz; water and oils combine for complete skin nourishment without the presence of waxes and emulsifiers that are used to create cream and lotion moisturizers.

These two products were recommended to be used together. The Spritz goes on without any leftover residue. The Spritz is a combination of plant based essential oils, aloe, other nutrients and purified water. The Spritzers are essential in helping the Skinfood Oils to be effectively absorbed and utilized by the skin The Spritz is available in two heavenly scents. The Rosepetal Spritz has a rose aroma that fades over time.

The Gourmet Skinfood has an oily residue and a strong aroma.  It does leave the skin feeling nourished and moisturized.  All panel reviewers thought the aroma was a bit strong but not offensive.  Overall, all panel reviewers had no adverse reactions to the both products and all thought their skin felt softer and nourished.  The only feature not liked was the aroma.  Keep in mind though, these are organic products and they do not contain artificial products to mask the pure organic smells.

Rosepetal Whipped Cream:  The Rosepetal Whipped Cream is like the original Whipped Cream, Rosepetal Whipped Cream is a medium weight lotion, rich in essential fatty acids from Rosehip Seed Oil, Kukui, Avocado and jojoba Oils. Rosepetal Whipped Cream contains Hylauronic Acid and vitamins A, C, E, DMAE and MSM. It utilizes natural plant oils and extracts including neroli from orange Blossoms, lavender for natural exfoliation and many other highly effective oils derived from plant sources. Pure steam distilled Bulgarian Rose oil, sandalwood and other natural ingredients make this our best seller. Rosepetal Whipped cream is naturally preserved with vitamins, and citrus.

The Rosepetal Whipped Cream had a creamy/oily appearance but it went on light with no residue.  One reviewer tried it on their hands and chest area and noted visible results the next day.  The remainer reviewers applied it on their faces after cleansing and before make up application.  All reviewers liked how their skin felt smoother, softer and nourished.  This was truly a favorite among all reviewers.  It has a light scent that fades.  One reviewer noted a visible change in some of her wrinkles. 

Overall, all Skinfood Skincare products were well tolerated for all skin types and all were perceived favorably among the four panel reviewers.  Key aspects to the Skinfood Skincare products include no oily residue, an immediate change in skin softness and the wonderful organic nature with each product.  One panel member had to supplement with their normal acne treatment.  Skinfood Skincare is recommended by the panel reviewers for all ages and all skin types. 

I'm Featured at Simply Stacie Today!

Stacie at Simply Stacie is a wonderful fellow blogger and is trying to spotlight various other bloggers which I think is a great way to "meet" others and add exposure for each other.  Stacie has two beautiful girls and lives in Nova Scotia, Canada.  Stacie has an increased challenge in supporting all the wonderful moms in Canada as we all know finding products that Canadians can enter are difficult at times.

Thank you, Stacie and your team for featuring me!

Check out my feature at Simply Stacie here.

TrimBack Delivered & You Benefit w/ Two $50 Gift Card Giveaway

Good morning and especially to those that replied and participated in the poll on the next giveaway.  Last night, I received my TrimBack prize for winning a blog contest and based on the responses, two lucky winners will receive a $50 gift card.

More details to follow later today!

Weigh In Wednesday

Happy Birthday, Colleen!!!

My weigh in Wednesday is just as dismal but not bad as I didn't gain nor lose!  I ate a lunch in honor of Colleen that will make me have to work out many many hours!  I'll do better tomorrow Red Team!

I've been using the EA Active four to five times a week as well as riding my bike.  I have to kick it up a notch and bring it.

Home Microdermabrasion Giveaway 1/31

I'm posting this giveaway to help out a fellow blogger in drawing entries for her giveaway.  Besides, who wouldn't want a nice home microdermabrasion set?

Free Skin Care Help

Our FIRST blog giveaway!

Who wants to win some AWESOME skin care products????? I’ll give away something different each month. This is our very FIRST giveaway, as this is a fairly new blog.

This giveaway is for a home microdermabrasion set with two steps. One step refines the skin with aluminum oxide crystals and one step replenishes your skin afterwards. The set has about 20 applications in it and is worth $55.00 — it’s yours free if you win this drawing!

To enter, click here and it will take you to the site.

Skin 2 Skin Natural & Certified Organic Advanced Anti-Aging Skin Care Review

I started my blog initially as a forum to learn and share information on beauty and health and of course, it went a little further outside that theme.  I still am on the path to find the best way to age.  I know I can't stop it but I want to find out how to deter it long enough to enjoy the next phase of life.  Reading books such as Dr. Sears' Prime Time Health and learning more about organic and products that are created without substitutions and man-made products is the way to go. 

I do enjoy reviewing products that are of organic nature and also realized in my pursuit of knowledge, just because it claims to be healthy, be of a vitamin origin or claim to be organic, it's not always the case.  Consumers have to protect themselves as the FDA does not regulate these types of products.  The one area that might cause confusion is the FDA regulation over products versus FDA regulated facilities.  One of the big pro's I read about Skin 2 Skin is the facility is not only in the US but it is made at a FDA & certified organic lab.

Per their website, Skin 2 Skin is natural and certified organic,  revitalizes skin, restores health and is result driving.  Ken Simpson, the founder of Skin 2 Skin, has committed to provide you with the best natural and certified organic tools possible for a healthy and youthful complexion. 

Skin 2 Skin products has no harsh chemicals or known harmful ingredients like Parabens, Petroleum, Mineral Oil, Sulfates, Paraffin, Synthetic Color or Fragrance, PABA and No Animal Ingredients or Testing.  The average store shelf product has many, if not all of those ingredients.

The complete line of Skin 2 Skin products will have you covered:

• Cleansing
• Eye Treatments
• Spot Anti-Aging
• Anti-Aging Moisturizers
• Night Moisturizers
• Sun Protection
• Skin Care Sets

I was able to review the White Tea Anti-Aging Face Wash and Un-Wrinkle Forehead & Crow's Feet Cream.

The White Tea Anti-Aging Face Wash is a gentle foaming cleanser that is not harsh.  The smell is pleasant and it gently exfoliates as it moisturizes.  The anti-oxidant properties help to rid the skin of dead cells, impurities and debris.  It's best to use twice daily and I can definitely tell a difference when I don't use the face wash.  My skin feels smoother, softer and has a better look to it.  It didn't help with my acne but I use a facial tanner lotion that does increase my breakouts.  I suspect if I quit using the tanner, I wouldn't have an acne issues.  The bottle is large and lasts a long time.  I would definitely recommend this cleanser for any skin type and any age.  I did feel my skin benefitted from the use.

The Un-Wrinkle Forehead and Crow's Feet Cream is one of Skin 2 Skin's newer products.  It's touted as a milder and safer alternative to Botox.  If you are like me, you are a little reluctant to the long term use of Botox since there hasn't been any long term studies on the safety of it.  This "intensive cream is formulated with naturally occurring amino acid peptides that were implemented to relax facial tension which in turn reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by as much as 27% within 30 days. Since the un-wrinkle cream is a rehydrating and tension reducing compound, the forehead and eye areas are more placid and without stress which will minimalize wrinkling."  I need to use it a little longer to see if I notice a bigger change.  It has a pleasant scent, goes on light and does not have a greasy or heavy residue.  As with the other Skin 2 Skin product, I do like it.

Another great feature of Skin 2 Skin is the ability to download their At Home Treatment Guide.  Skin 2 Skin also provides great resources for wellness and your skin, articles and news, fitness and your skin and hormones and aging.  This is important to me when I search for the latest skin care products as I don't want just products but I want help to maintain a healthier lifestyle and Skin 2 Skin realizes that you need to take care of many aspects in order to help your aging process.  Simple things like drinking plenty of water has been scientifically documented in helping with aging. 

Skin 2 Skin has been featured in many media outlets such as Alllure, Day Spa Magazine, Natural Health and many more.  For more information, click here: http://www.skin2skincare.com/detail_07.asp?loginid=&itemnum=S2S8&backflag=&ordernum=&promocode=&promolog=&promodis=&DBPromodiscdollen=&Promodiscdol=&Promodiscpcent=&VIPdis=&VIPtotal=&newprod=Y&PID=3

Find Skin 2 Skin at your local spa by clicking here.  You can also check out the Skin 2 Skin blog here, become a Facebook Fan or follow on Twitter.

If you register and buy within 24 hours, you can get a special 15% off discount to your shopping cart.

In summary, I recommend Skin 2 Skin based on the two products I reviewed.  The face wash is wonderful and I love it!  I need to use the Up-Wrinkle a little longer to provide a full review which I will do in two weeks.

*Disclaimer:  I received both of the products I based this review on complimentary.  I did not receive any other compensation and the opinions in this post are mine.

What Do Curtains, Women and Steven Spielberg Have in Common?

They are all involved with Steven Spieldberg's Dreamworks new release of Lovely Bones with Mark Wahlberg.  Really!  Cubicle Curtain Factory, a woman-owned company, makes, installs and sells hospital privacy curtains.  Not only do they possibly appear in your hospital but they are also used as props and backdrops on NBC’s Law & Order SVU, Paramount Pictures’ Mission: Impossible III, Hancock with Will Smith and now Lovely Bones.

As a woman-owned company, I love to try to promote as much as possible thus the reason for this post!  Not only are they woman-owned but they also donate a portion of proceeds to cancer patients.   Cubical Curtain Factory offers a full line of mill-direct fabrics, including anti-microbial and eco-friendly designer and tone-on-tone fabrics for healthcare privacy curtains, window treatments, shower curtains and bed covers. The company donates 1% of its profits to Common Thread for the Cure to help breast cancer patients.

They are made in the USA too!

* Information provided by Adrienne at The TransMedia Group

4 Product Skinfood Skincare Review and Giveaway, 3 Bottles Mini Perfume & Kmart $25 Gift Card: Valentine's Day Gift Idea

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....

DEB & LYDIA!

DEB HAD RESPONDED TO E-MAIL FOR WINNER NOTIFICATION AND STATED SHE WANTED THE PERFUME AND GC AND SHE PASSED ON THE SKINFOOD SO LYDIA WAS RANDOM.ORG WINNER TWO!

THANKS TO SKINFOOD SKINCARE FOR SPONSORING AND FOR DEB BEING GRACIOUS TO SHARE THE PRIZE PACK!

E-MAIL HAS BEEN SENT TO LYDIA

I like to cover products that have an organic background as with more and more news stories coming out, the products on the store often times have so many chemicals and addictives that are harsh if not dangerous, I worry about it.  I was happy to agree to provide a review on complimentary products by Skinfood Skincare.  Four of the five panel members will try out the samples from Skinfood Skincare and will provide individual reviews.  This is good because the ages range from 21, 41, 43 and 69.  This will allow virtually age group to find out more about this organic line of products.

If you have not heard of Skinfood Skincare, here is more information:

Recent research has shown that what you put on your skin is absorbed into the bloodstream within minutes, so why not nourish your skin and your body with healthy natural ingredients instead of chemicals and preservatives? Gourmet Skinfood products are fresh, natural and organic blends of plants, flowers, herbs and essential oils made weekly using food grade ingredients. They are naturally preserved with citrus, vitamins and antioxidants and contain nothing artificial or chemical in nature. For those concerned about health, beauty and longevity, rest assured that our products are pure, safe and natural. And they are never tested on animals.

Skinfood Skincare has a wide array of products for your face and body.  Here are just a few examples of the many available:

Face:

• Gourmet Skinfood - Skinfood is a concentrated blend of steam distilled, 100% organic plant oils and extracts. Skinfood supplies proteins, vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients to the skin to help prevent skin aging and to reveal the natural radiance of your skin. Gourmet Skinfood contains Jojoba, Rosehip Seed, Palma Christie, kukui nut and many other powerful oils. Skinfood penetrates to the deepest layers of facial skin; feeding, rejuvenating and encouraging cell regeneration while melting away the dead cell buildup that can dull your skin. When used in conjunction with the Floral or Rosewater Spritz; water and oils combine for complete skin nourishment without the presence of waxes and emulsifiers that are used to create cream and lotion moisturizers.  Available in two sizes:  1 ounce and 2 ounces.
• Rosehip Skinfood - Pure Rosehip Seed oil contains a very high level of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) that are fundamental in the process of tissue regeneration. Rosehipseed oil has penetration power unequaled by any other natural oil and is especially effective as a treatment around the eyes, on fine lines, discoloration/ hyper-pigmentation and scarring. Available in two sizes:  1 ounce and 2 ounces. 

Body:

• Cream Boulet Body Creams - Cream Boulet Body Creams are a wonderful medium weight hand and body lotion. Cream Boulet is made of a combination of bioactive ingredients including vitamins, essential oils, herbal extracts and essential fatty acids all derived from plant and food sources. They are naturally preserved with citrus, vitamins, food preservatives and antioxidants. Cream Boulet is available in the following heavenly scents: Amber, Lavender, Rain Flowers, Rainforest, Plumeria and Rose.  Available in two sizes: 4 ounces and 8 ounces.
• Rainflower Message Oil - The Rainflowers Massage Oil contains the pure flower essences of jasmine, tuberose and Plumeria. These pure flower essences combine with the highly nutritious oils of apricot kernel, coconut, avocado, kukui nut and high oleic safflower. The Rainflowers Massage Oil is great for massage and body care. Available in 4 ounce size.
  

Skinfood Skincare has testimonials on their site if you want to see what they have to say by clicking here.

You can also click here to see usage instructions pending your skin type of oily, normal or dry.

A favorite to many interested in true organic products is the ability to see the ingredients which Skinfood Skincare does list on their site:  http://www.skinfoodskincare.com/

Stay tuned for the review!

The Great Valentine's Day Gift Idea Giveaway Includes:

• 4 oz Floral Spritz:The Spritz is a combination of plant based essential oils, aloe, other nutrients and purified water. The Spritzers are essential in helping the Skinfood Oils to be effectively absorbed and utilized by the skin The Spritz is available in two heavenly scents. 4 oz ($15)
• 2 oz Rosepetal Whipped Cream: Like the original Whipped Cream, Rosepetal Whipped Cream is a medium weight lotion, rich in essential fatty acids from Rosehip Seed Oil, Kukui, Avocado and jojoba Oils. Rosepetal Whipped Cream contains Hylauronic Acid and vitamins A, C, E, DMAE and MSM. It utilizes natural plant oils and extracts including neroli from orange Blossoms, lavender for natural exfoliation and many other highly effective oils derived from plant sources. Pure steam distilled Bulgarian Rose oil, sandalwood and other natural ingredients make this our best seller. Rosepetal Whipped cream is naturally preserved with vitamins, and citrus. 1 oz ($25) and 2 oz ($40)
• 4 oz Rainflowers Jojoba Skintonic:Golden jojoba oil saturated with the pure flower essences including Jasmine, Tuberose, and Plumeria. Your skin will drink in the heavenly fragrances and also be restored with the amazing qualities that the oils have to offer. Due to the Jojoba oil’s natural antiseptic qualities, The Rainflowers Jojoba Skintonic is an excellent facial cleanser and make up remover for all skin types. 4 oz ($16)
• 1 oz Gourmet Skinfood: Skinfood is a concentrated blend of steam distilled, 100% organic plant oils and extracts. Skinfood supplies proteins, vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients to the skin to help prevent skin aging and to reveal the natural radiance of your skin. Gourmet Skinfood contains Jojoba, Rosehip Seed, Palma Christie, kukui nut and many other powerful oils. Skinfood penetrates to the deepest layers of facial skin; feeding, rejuvenating and encouraging cell regeneration while melting away the dead cell buildup that can dull your skin. When used in conjunction with the Floral or Rosewater Spritz; water and oils combine for complete skin nourishment without the presence of waxes and emulsifiers that are used to create cream and lotion moisturizers. 1 oz ($25)

1 Mini bottle of Estee Lauder Sensuous (each as shown in the picture above)

1 Mini bottle of Pure White Linen

1 Mini bottle of Wild Honeysuckle

$25 Kmart Gift Card!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and go to skinfoodskincare.com and tell me something you learned. 

Extra Entries (worth five entries):

• Subscribe to my blog.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Tweet this giveaway (can be done daily).
• Blog about this giveway (can be done daily).
• Enter any other giveaway.
• Comment on any other non-giveaway post
• Purchase a product from skinfoodskincare.com for 10 entries

Giveaway ends 01/25/10 at midnight.  Winner will be chosen by random.org.

US only please and thanks for entering!

PLEASE USE THE FORM DIRECTLY UNDER THIS STATEMENT FOR ENTERING THIS GIVEAWAY.  PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE COMMENTS DIRECTLY UNDER THE POST.

My top 5 New Year's resolutions for getting healthy and fit in 2010

Every year, most of us decide the new year is going to be a better year.  Whether the reasons are for health, wellness or other reasons, it's good to have goals to reach for.  Ubisoft Entertainment and TwitterMoms has teamed up to challenge us to list our five top New Year's resolution for getting healthy and fit in 2010.

My top five resolutions are:

1. Eat healthier - I want to choose better foods, more organic type products and less processed foods.  Reading books such as Prime Time Health by Dr. Sears has been inspirational in getting healthier and eating right.
2. Quality time - I want to realize what is important and what isn't.  Not sweating the small stuff is definitely a path I want to focus on.  Spending more time with my kids and my husband is going to be a priority and will compliment a healthy mind. 
3. Lose weight - yeah, right ... who doesn't, right?  Seriously, I started this endeavor last year but have slowly moved a mind set to realize this want.  I have finally learned that I can't do this cold turkey so I have devised a plan to lose it healthier and slower.  Losing weight is right up there with getting healthier for 2010.
4. Exercise - you can't be healthy without exercising.  Exercising is instrumental in every facet of our lives and when you don't exercise, you put your body and health in jeopardy.  My goal is to utilize my bike and my Wii system.  I love working out with my Wii and it's a great way to get your kids to get involved as well.  Read more below.
5. Volunteer - giving back is a key to happiness in my opinion.  Giving a smile, a chance of hope or time to someone in need is priceless.  I want to continue the giving and volunteer time to instill a sense of duty to my children.  Our goal this year is not only to support deployed troops (my husband is deploying for Kuwait in May for a year) but also to give to pediatric patients in our local children's hospital.  Having two children with fairly new chronic medical conditions and being placed in hospitals numerous times, I sympathize with the patient and the family.  My goal is take unused happy meal toys and supplement it with other toys and treats to give to those tiny little brave ones.

Our Wii system was one of the better investments I could have made.  Not only is it allowing myself and my oldest to work out together but it also encourages my little one's to play.

This new game, Your Shape featuring Jenny McCarthy is a must have mostly due to Jenny as she is really a funny person. Your Shape builds in a workout program based on YOUR fitness level, goals and schedule.  You can watch a video HERE with Jenny about the game. 

Here are some of the features:

• Personalized to You - Your unique plan is based on the results of your fitness test, combined with your personal fitness goals. This plan will mix the right level of intensity with exercises focused on achieving your goal.
• You’ll Always Do the Exercises Correctly - The camera projects your image onto the TV screen so you can see yourself exercising next to Jenny.
• Exercise Controller-Free - The camera sees you, so it works without requiring any additional hardware (such as Wiimotes, nunchucks, and balance boards), leaving your hands free to focus on the exercises.
• Exercise That’s Fun and Motivational - not only is Jenny your in-game workout buddy, but you can choose from 6 background colors, 100 motivating animations, and more than 75 music tracks.
• More Exercises Than Any Other Game - Your Shape includes close to 500 exercises – which means that your routine is always focused on meeting your goals.

Want to join in?  Click on this link and you can find out how to enter yourself at TwitterMoms.  Thanks Ubisoft and TwitterMoms!

 

Fashion Playtes: Two $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway 1/25 CLOSED WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS!

AROBIMOM & BETTY FOR WINNING!

BOTH WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA E-MAIL AND HAVE 48 HOURS TO CLAIM.

THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO ENTERED AND TO FASHIONPLAYTES FOR SPONSORING!

IF YOU DIDN'T WIN, TRY OUT FASHIONPLAYTES AS IT'S GREAT FUN FOR YOUR LIL' DESIGNER!

If you have a little fashion designer or a girl who loves to design their own clothes, Fashion Playtes is the perfect gift idea or an opportunity to share in a learning experience.  The great thing about Fashion Playtes is girls get to design their very own clothing and personalize their own clothing tag.  There are so many choices to make and the options to add and detail each clothing item is fun and exciting.

The steps to create their own masterpiece is so simple:

• Choose your garment from the many options (choosing The Fiona for this example)
• Choose the size (ranges in sizes of 6 to 14)
• Select color (fuschia or turquoise)
• Customize it with great choices of ribbons
• Add the unique flare with rhinestone sets
• Include any of the amazing choices of appliques

Girls can design their own skirts, blouses, handbags and so much more!  They are the designer and get to play the fashionista by picking out the style, color, embellishments such as ruffles, ribbons or bling and with the click of a mouse, they've put together an outfit.  Adding their own name adds to the appeal of creating their very own clothes.

Another great feature is they can share their creations with friends virtually and Fashion Playtes will make the item as designed for purchase.

My six year old LOVES this site and we created a personalized shirt which she easily designed and had so much fun.  She's anxiously waiting to receive it!  Since we signed up, we are able to save all her creations and can buy another one or keep making more until she makes the one that she has to have.

The area titled "Runway" allows the fashion divas to display their creations proudly.  There are just so many opportunities to help build self-esteem, have fun and learn about creating clothes.  You can click here to see what others are saying about Fashion Playtes.

Fashion Playtes is proudly launching Project Warmth alongside the Help for Abused Women and their Children (HAWC) Organization.  For every ten additional Facebook fans, Fashion Playtes will donate one high-quality, warm, quilted Fashion Playtes vest for girls to the HAWC shelter for women and children. Project Warmth is Fashion Playtes' effort to give back and make our community a bit warmer this winter.

The Giveaway:

Two lucky readers will receive a $25 gift certificate to Fashion Playtes.

To Enter:

Go to Fashion Playtes and tell me what other clothing item you like and follow my blog.  Both have to be completed to enter this giveaway.

Extra Entries:

• Become a fan of Fashion Playtes on Facebook.
• Follow Fashion Playtes on Twitter.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Subscribe to my blog
• Sign up for Fashion Playtes newsletter.
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily).
• Blog about this giveaway.

Giveaway ends 1/25/10 at midnight EST.

Winners will be chosen by random.org and notified by e-mail.


Special Offer:   Get $15 off your first purchase at Fashion Playtes!  Use the code TwitterMom15 at checkout.   Expires:  2010/02/01




*Disclaimer:  I have not received anything for this blog post. 

PLEASE USE THE FORM DIRECTLY UNDER THIS STATEMENT FOR ENTERING THIS GIVEAWAY. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE COMMENTS DIRECTLY UNDER THE POST.