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.

Tiny Trees Boutique Party/Gift Ideas & $10 Shutterfly GC Giveaway: CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS!

cyn.cynthiia!

AN E-MAIL HAS BEEN SENT AND SHE HAS 48 HOURS TO CLAIM!

THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO ENTERED AND TINY TREES BOUTIQUE FOR SPONSORING THIS GIVEAWAY!

Little Treasures Made from Trees is such a cute logo for the Tiny Trees Boutique that has handcrafted wood jewelry and Scrabble pendants on Etsy.  I happened along this delightful boutique on Etsy on my search for the ever unique and memorable party idea involving a Taylor Swift theme for my six year old.  Taylor is the in thing if you don't know by now and my six year old loves her!

Tiny Trees Boutique has been in business since September 21, 2008 and has 802 ratings and 100% positive feedback!  This is an amazing number and really shows you the depth of quality and workmanship that goes into each of her products based on that high of a rating.  She is a life long crafter and has the experience to back up quality, creative and fun products.

There are many categories to choose from so the possibilities are endless:

• Abstract/Funky/Retro
• Animals/Birds/Insects
• Cute/Fun/Kids
• Custom Photo/Specials
• Flowers/Trees/Nature
• Hearts/Love
• Initials/Names/Words
• People/Popular/Misc.
• Holidays
• Chains/Cords

For my daughter's party theme, these cute Taylor Swift Pendants look great and especially at the low price of $6!  They are made of the 18mm x 20 mm tiles, sealed with a thick coat of jewelry grade resin and a sterling silver plated ball is attached for hanging a chain or cord which are also available in her boutique.

Cords and chains available include:

• Silver Ball Chain 20 inch
• Silver Ball Chain 24 inch
• Leather Cord Necklace
• Fuschia Satin Cord Necklace with Extender Chain

As in the prices of the pendants, pins, earrings and cuff links, the chains and cord are all very reasonably priced starting at $4.00.

Whether you are wanting one of these unique, one of a kind pendants as a party theme favor, a gift or something for yourself, the choices appeal to the young and old. 

There are even items such as cuff links, pins and earrings.

I love the Stilleto tile but the customized baby pendant is probably my favorite.  The quality of the photo is very impressive from the actual photo showing a true sample.  Twilight fans will be quite pleased with the assortment of pendants available.

If you are looking for more great products from Tiny Tree Boutique, check out the other two Etsy stores:

• http://www.etsy.com/shop/artunderglass - Hand crafted soldered jewelry and custom pendants (see picture above).
• http://www.etsy.com/shop/underthelookingglass - Unique glass art jewelry (see picture below of the fairy dust).  Just think of the cute factor if you slipped that under the pillow after the tooth fairy picked up a precious tooth?  This is such a cute idea!

The Giveaway:

Your very own pendant of choice from Tiny Trees Boutique and a $10 Shutterfly Gift Card (expires 1/31 so winner will be provided code ASAP).

To Enter:

Follow my blog and go to Tiny Trees Boutique and leave a comment on something you would like to have that is not featured in this post.

Extra Entries:

• Follow Tiny Trees Boutique on Twitter
• Become a fan of Tiny Trees Boutique on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog.
• Blog about this giveaway (5 bonus)
• Tweet about this giveaway (3 bonus)
• Enter any of the other open giveaways (5 bonus)
• Add my Valentine's Day badge to your blog (5 bonus)
• Add my site badge to your blog (5 bonus)

Giveaway ends 1/25/09 at midnight (EST).

Winner will be chosen by random.org.

*Disclaimer:  I did not receive any compensation for this post.  The post is of my opinion on the site and I have not actually reviewed any product from Tiny Trees Boutique.

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

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: Green Mountain Coffee Sampler Giveaway 1/25: CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO WANDA!

An e-mail has been sent and Wanda has 48 hours to claim her Green Mountain Coffee Sampler!

Thanks to all those who entered and to Green Mountain Coffee!

Ever heard of Green Mountain Coffee?   If you haven't, you should as not only are some of the brands organic but they are recognized as a socially responsible, innovative, high growth company by Forbes, SustainableBusiness.com and others.  They also have been ranked #1 on the list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens twice.  Green Mountain Coffee was founded in 1981 and are recognized in the industry for producing award-winning coffees along with innovative brewing technology.

Green Mountain Coffee has over 100 types of coffee that sell under the Green Mountain Coffee name and Newman’s Own® Organics brands, including one of the largest selections of Fair Trade Certified™ organic coffees in the country.

Green Mountain Coffee supports local and global communities by offsetting 100% of its direct greenhouse gas emissions, investing in Fair Trade Certified™ coffee and donating at least five percent of its pre-tax profits to social and environmental projects.  To read about their amazing partnerships and programs that are impacting others, go to HERE.

Look at the delicious sounding seasonal choices also available HERE. 

Green Mountain Coffee also has a variety of other products:

• K-Cup Coffees
• K-Cup Teas and Cocoa
• Brewers and Accessories
• Gifts and Samplers

You can even join their Coffee Club for special savings, convenience and free!  Click HERE for more information.

The giveaway:

Green Mountain's Signature Sample:  Three of their customers' favorites — Breakfast Blend, Vermont Country Blend® and our Dark Magic Espresso Blend.  What a great way to treat your loved one on Valentine's Day with a great cup of wonderfully tasting coffee!

• Breakfast Blend: A perennial favorite, this lighter-roasted coffee is a lively, vibrant morning cup. Its bright, Central American flavors are balanced by the sweetness and body of Indonesian beans. 12-oz. bag.
• Vermont Country Blend®: A engaging blend that reveals itself in layers. A darker-roasted base offers mellow, toasty flavors and a velvety mouthfeel, while lighter-roasted, select American beans provide clarity, and a winning finish. 10-oz. bag.
• Dark Magic® Espresso: Spellbinding complexity, crafted for sweet and intense espresso. Excellent as a drip coffee too! 10-oz. bag.

To Enter:

• Follow my blog and leave a comment on what type of coffee you would like to try AFTER you visit Green Mountain Coffee's website.  Note: It cannot be one of the one's listed in this review/giveaway.

Extra Entries (two additional entries each):

• Become a fan of Green Mountain Coffee on Facebook.
• Follow Green Mountain Coffee on Twitter.
• Subscribe to the Green Mountain Coffee blog via RSS.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Enter any of my other on-going giveaways.
• Subscribe to my blog.
• Blog about this giveaway.
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily).
  

Giveaway ends 1/25 at midnight.  Winner will be chosen by random.org.

Thanks and good luck!

US Only Please

Link Up Your Giveaways & Get Free Tweets!

In an effort to help my fellow blogger, I offer link ups to giveaways every day and I tweet random giveaways each day to increase exposure. 

Have a special giveaway and want it posted on my site?  Send me an e-mail at staying_younger@yahoo.com and I'd love to post it for you!

Link up here:  http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2009/12/link-up-your-giveaways.html

SprigToys Review & Giveaway, St. Eve Kids Cozy & $10 Walmart Gift Card: Valentine's Gift Idea: CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS

KATHY!

AN E-MAIL HAS BEEN SENT AND SHE HAS 48 HOURS TO RESPOND.  DUE TO ALL THE ENTRIES, IT TOOK LONGER TO IDENTIFY THE WINNER.

THANKS TO SPRIG TOYS AND ST EVES FOR SPONSORING!

Sprig Toys is a place that has the motto of Where Play Comes Naturally.   The team at Sprig Toys aspires to create toys that inspire creativity and fun while using earth-friendly materials, quality manufacturing and responsible business practices.  I'll admit that I never heard of Sprig Toys until I contacted them about a product review on my site so I was pleasantly surprised when I received two complimentary toys.

Prior to the review, I did conduct some research as I want to ensure that I'm providing good, sound reviews that I believe in.  I picked Sprig Toys due to their practice of using recycled materials to build fun and innovative products for young minds.  The toys are battery free and as any parent, that is a blessing!  Not only do you not have to purchase them but there are none having to be thrown away.

There are four great themes:

Adventure Series - you would be surprised at the number of toy varieties Sprig has.  The non-electronic adventures have the Dino Adventure Rig, Dolphin Explorer Boat, Scuba Search and Glider Patrol.  There is also an electronic adventures series (no batteries) that includes Discover Rig, Baja Scout, Rally Racer and Adventure Guides.  My daughter received the Dino Adventure Rig and the two of them LOVE it.  They actually both gravitated towards it and have been playing with it for a couple of hours now.  They are role playing as I hear one pretending to be the baby dinosaure and the other  is the mommy dinosaur.

The playset included an Adventure Truck, two Dinosaurs (mother and baby), one Adventure Guide, one Adventure Hat and one Backpack Accessory.   My favorite part of the whole package:  It came out of the box so easily!  You didn't have 15 different fasteners holding it down!  It really is a cute set and with few pieces, it's providing so much fun to the two of them.  They are ages two and six and of course, the two year old copies everything the six year old does.  The age recommendation is three and up but mine is two and a half so close enough. 

This is made of recycled sprigwood which is a durable, child-safe, bio-composite material made from bits of reclaimed wood and recycled plastic.  Sprigwood is paint free and no decorative paint is needed on the assembly line because they dye Sprigwood during the production process.

Sprig Toys uses safe pigments, keeping their toys free of soluble heavy metals, phthalates or endocrine disruptors.

Sprig Hollow has their friends Bee and Butterfly, the architects of Sprig Hollow, specifically designed all the farm vehicles for maximum utility in water, sand and garden environments. All of the vehicles at Sprig Hollow come equipped with detachable tools and water-resistant materials in order to sustain play and expand possibilities. The playful, cartoon-like designs of our chunky vehicles, characters and play sets make them irresistible to preschoolers, and parents love the eco-friendly, kid-powered construction. So jump into a place where imaginations blossom as preschoolers and their grown-ups play and learn in the fresh air! Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Eco-Trucks are for digging, loading and dumping. That’s a tried-and-true formula for dirt pile and sandbox fun that we simply won’t mess with. Sprig Eco-Trucks are fully equipped with flip-open cabs and easy-grab handles, making each freewheeling vehicle inviting and a cinch to maneuver. The scooping action and rotating chassis of the Excavator turns serious digging into child’s play. The Loader does the trio’s heavy lifting, and the Dump Truck gets the job done with its tilting cab, locking bed and swing-out tailgate. The playful, cartoon-like designs of our chunky vehicles make them irresistible to preschoolers, and parents love the eco-friendly, battery-free, kid-powered construction. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
 

Story Builders are simple to use, these block & panel building sets are great for preschool kids to build and use their imaginations. Join Princess Penny to build a storybook palace or spend a day working with Ol’ Mac on the farm. Our “On the Go” story-building books are an ideal way to introduce children to classic stories they can re-enact over and over. These eco-friendly toys also work great with your existing train, car, and figure sets too. Our Story blocks are made from SprigwoodTM and the panels are printed on recycled paper using water based inks.


Any of these delightful, safe toys would make an excellent gift anytime or just as an "I love you" present.  I highly recommend these eco-friendly, creative toys!

The Giveaway:

Your own Dino Adventure Rig just like the one my daughter received and LOVES, a St. Eve Kids Cozy and a $10 Walmart Gift Card.

Playset Includes:

• 1 Adventure Truck
• 2 Dinosaurs - Mother and Baby
• 1 Adventure Guide - Rex Jungle
• 1 Adventure Hat - Interchangeable!
• 1 Backpack Accessory

Features:

• Active Play
• Storytelling
• Imagination
• Character Play
• Fine Motor Development

To Enter:

• Follow my blog and go to Sprig Toys and tell me one thing you would like to have.

Extra Entries (worth five entries each):

• Follow Sprig Toys on Twitter.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Become a fan of Sprig Toys on Facebook.
• Become a fan of Drama U for St. Eve Kids on Facebook
• Subscribe to my blog.
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily).
• Blog about this giveaway and leave your url address (can be done daily).
• Comment on any non-giveaway post.
• Enter any other giveaway.

Giveaway ends 1/25/09 at midnight.  Winner will be chosen by random.org.  US only please. 

Thanks for entering!


*Disclaimer:  I received two complimentary toys in exchange for this review.

PLEASE USE THIS FORM INSTEAD OF LEAVING COMMENTS BELOW THE POST.

7 Valentine's Day Giveaways Ending Tonight!

January

• Chocomize Two Personalized Chocolate Bars, $25 Zazzle Gift Certificate & Chocolate: A Love Story Recipe Book Giveaway 1/25/10
• Youthfultips Sprig Toys Dino Adventure Set, St Eve's Children's Cozy, & $10 Walmart GC 1/25/10
• YouthfulTips Eden Fantasys $25 GC & Sterling Silver Marcasite & Onyx Pendant Review & Giveaway 1/25/10
• YouthfultTips 4 Products from Skinfood Skincare, 3 Bottles of Perfume & $25 Kmart GC Giveaway 1/25/10
• YouthfulTips 2 $25 Fashion Playtes Gift Certificate Giveaway 1/25/10
• YouthfulTips Tiny Tree Boutique Pendant of Choice & $10 Shutterfly Gift Card 1/25
• YouthfulTips Green Mountain 3 Sampler Pack 1/25

Ficklets: Must Have Accessory for Children Wearing Eyeglasses

I have been tweeting a lot about Ficklets because I think it's a great self esteem builder for kids.  Ficklets is a new way to personalize and jazz up what would appears to be ordinary glasses.  These adorable eyewear charm huggers offers children a unique perspective in putting a little of themselves on something they wear every day. 

As a mother to three girls, I see the impact feeling good about themselves has on them as individuals.  None of my girls wears glasses but I do to read and at an early age, I was forced to wear them.  I hated them and seeing my niece having to wear them at the age of 12, I understand how self esteem can play an important role in such a delegate age.  Ficklets are innovative, inexpensive and such a great way to empower kids to be creative.

If you haven't checked them out yet, go to ficklets.com and see the great selection you can choose from.  Better yet, enter the giveaway and you can win a set here.

*Disclaimer:  I have not been compensated for this post.  I received a set via a prior giveaway I entered and love them.

Free Pizza Cutter from Hi-Tech Kitchenware

Free pizza cutter while supplies last here.

I signed up for it and there was a pop up which I closed out of and the form said it was submitted.

Go Colts!!!! & Gift Card Giveaway Update

I just jinxed the Colts as I was typing this, the Jets scored a beautiful touchdown.  No worries as I have all the faith in the world in the Colts!  Win or lose, I am a Hoosier always and will support the Colts!

In case you are reading this and wondered about my poll on preferences for a giveaway, I'm still waiting on Trimback to give me the card I won via a blogging contest.  I was going to take the $100 gift card to Walmart and give it away to one of my readers.  It will be three weeks this coming Thursday when they notified me of the win but still have not received a confirmation, an e-mail or nothing.  Want to see that gift card as a giveaway for two winners at $50 each?  Tweet them here and ask them to please turn it over!

Go Peyton!

Bare Escentuals Wants You to Rethink What Matters

Reflecting and escaping from all the things you have to do or all the things that are on your mind can be a healthy escape.  From time to time, it's important to stop your routine and rethink whether it's your own topics or with the assistance of someone else.  Bare Escentuals' new campaign is exactly geared towards creating thought provoking questions while getting you involved.

Rethink What Matters invites women nationwide to shake up their foundation and sound off on topics that are more than just skin-deep - from going bare in public to discussing what freedom really feels like.

Born from employees rethinking makeup itself – the beauty brand found looking good is not about using artificial gunk to cover imperfections, but about enhancing what you’ve got. In keeping with their wink-wink approach to marketing (Love Matte Campaign), Bare Escentuals will be unveiling thought-provoking taglines to help start honest conversations amongst girlfriends about what really matters. For instance, one reads “Rethink Going Bare in Public. BareMineral’s SPF15 Foundation feels completely weightless, but gives you all the flawless coverage you need. Like you are wearing nothing at all.”

Bare Escentuals will also be taking its message to the streets by dispatching Quickie Vans within select cities. Each van will feature a tagline (for instance, Rethink Going Bare In Public) to grab the attention of passers-by and pop up into a mini boutique with a team offering “make-unders” and samples. So stop by and "Rethink the quickie" for an impromptu make-under.

Not only do you get a chance to sound off and read what other women are saying nationwide but you could be a winner as 500 women will receive BareMinerals goodies for participating.  A few luckier women will receive bigger prizes and in March, the grand prize winner will receive their choice of a trip to places like Paris, Costa Rica, Turks and Caicos, Italy or Asia.

This week's questions involve Going bare in public.  Once you complete the questions, you can share via e-mail to your friends, on Facebook or Twitter.  Then you can submit your information and see if you are one of the lucky instant winners! 

In the meantime, need some tips and tricks, check out them out HERE.

Living with Less Contest

I am excited to share a fun opportunity with you!

To celebrate the release of Hearts at Home’s newest book: Living With Less So Your Family Has More, by Jill and Mark Savage, the Hearts at Home blog is launching the Living with Less Contest.

Email Hearts at Home a story or money-saving tip that gives a peek into your daily experiences representing the humor, richness, or spiritual aspects of what it’s like to live with less.

Better yet, blog readers will benefit as many of the money-saving entries will be posted on the Heart’s blog throughout the month of February!

For contest details go here!