Zulily Tea Collection for Boys and Girl Sale & Upcoming Sales

Tea Boys & Girls had lined up something special for their Zulily debut by offering a beautiful selection of clothing for girls and boys.  Their signature styles will be available at a great price.

 

 

About Tea:

Tea, based in San Francisco, designs distinctive apparel collections inspired by the beauty we discover in our travels around the world.  From the art of traditional Korean patchwork to the graphic boldness of Brazilian street graffiti, Tea designers interpret our discoveries into beautiful, modern and consummately wearable clothes for children and women.          

We’re Tea. We go there. Across the globe. And across the street. Turning our experiences into original designs of unique beauty, modern style and easy comfort. It’s how we bring you the world. Come along with us. And definitely bring your kids.

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Zulily will have Expressiva nursing wear this coming Thursday so you don't want to miss it!

About Expressiva: Expressiva Nursingwear has a mission: to make breastfeeding a fashionable experience. This smart company designs tops, tunics, dresses, and nightgowns that allow you to nurse discreetly. These pieces are so cute and soft, you'd probably want to wear them even if you weren't nursing.  We were lucky enough to gather summer-ready favorites, so you can grab your favorites and wear them right away

Have a cutie?  

Zulily is on the lookout for the next cutie to be featured on our member sign-in page, and one Zulily fan will win!  We are hosting a photo contest to find the perfect Zulily cutie.  Fans of the site can submit a photo of their little ones to their contest at http://www.zulily.com/cutie

Weekly winners are decided by voting and will receive a $10 shopping credit. 

At the end of the month, Zulily will select a grand prize winner who will be featured on Zulily’s member log-in page and win a $20 shopping credit.  A fun way to win fame on their site!

"Rumpled to Runway" Fashion Show to Benefit Ovarian Cancer Month

The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund is the leading organization to fund cutting-edge research focused on finding a method for early detection and, ultimately, a cure for ovarian cancer. Because of these research efforts, there is hope for the women who battle this disease and the people who love them. Electrolux and Kelly Ripa are proud to support this important cause.  

Here are some easy ways you can help:

• Today, you can watch a live event, Rumpled to Runway today at 1 pm on www.kellyconfidential.com.   This special fashion show to help raise awareness for ovarian cancer and funds to support ovarian cancer research is going to happen today so don't miss it.  You can RSVP here.  As part of the MomSelect group, I wanted to share this important cause and event.
• Every day you press the Perfect Steam™ button online to take your garments from rumpled to runway-ready, Electrolux will donate $1 to OCRF², plus you'll be entered for a chance to win a shopping spree between $50 and $250 and the grand prize: a luxury washer and dryer from Electrolux³.
• Not only is Electrolux donating $200 for every pair of Turquoise Sky Perfect Steam washer/dryer combo are purchased, but when you visit www.kelly-confidential.com, Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

You can also follow along at Facebook/KellyConfidential and on Twitter @KCbyElectrolux.

You can also learn more about Ovarian cancer research here.

Details:

¹ From 9/8/10 to 9/30/10, Electrolux will donate $200 to OCRF for every Turquoise Sky Perfect Steam™ washer/dryer pair purchased at participating retailers in the US, with a maximum of $100K

² From 9/8/10 to 9/30/10, Electrolux will donate $1 each time the Perfect Steam™ button is pressed online with a minimum of $35K and a maximum of $40K.

³ NO PURCHASE OR DONATION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Each day during the Sweepstakes Period that you press the Perfect Steam™ button at www.kelly-confidential.com or at www.facebook.com/KellyConfidential, you are automatically entered for a chance to win a gift card and an Electrolux washer and dryer. Sweepstakes period: 9/8/10 to 9/30/10. Must be a legal resident of the 48 contiguous U.S. or D.C., 21 or older. Subject to Official Rules, available here. Void where prohibited. Kelly's Perfect Steam Sweepstakes sponsored by Electrolux Home Products, Inc.

(Disclaimer:  I have posted this because I want to raise awareness but I also am entering to win a gift card)

Kohana: Connect with Nature Review and Giveaway 9/24 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....


MARGARET!


An e-mail has been sent and Margaret has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.


Thanks to all those who entered and check out Kohana for great natural products to leave you skin so soft!

What seemed like not too long ago but was actually three year's ago, we resided on one of the beautiful islands of Hawaii.  If you have never been fortunate to visit one of the islands, you have no idea what you are missing.  Some might think it's all hype but it's truly a magical experience in nature and beauty.  When we lived there, we would walk to the store and could see Pearl Harbor in the distance and an oasis of flowers, flowering trees and shrubs.  When we took a drive, we could view an eyeful of lush tropical beauty in many forms.  Whether we wanted to see the amazing vibrant blue of the bay, the tropical view of the mountains or just relax beachside, Hawaii has it all.  With the thoughts of Hawaii, it reminds me of natural beauty and that way of life has led to a luxurious line of natural and organic bath and beauty products created by Kohana. 

I received two complimentary products by Kohana and in the spirit of providing a well thought out, thorough review, I used each product for six weeks.  I loved both products after the first use but I wanted to see if I would continue to like them for a longer duration.   The first product I tried is the Kohana Lavender Sugar Scrub priced at $18.00.   This scrub is made of organic sugar and exotic lavender butter that exfoliates and nourishes the skin.  

The scrub is easy to use with application by a small scooping out with the fingers while massaging in circular motions on the dry areas.  The skin feels wonderful as it's not too harsh and there is an immediate softness felt.  The softness lasts longer than just leaving the bath and really delivers.  The aroma is not too strong and just right.  I love sugar scrubs but this is my favorite to date.  I love how my skin feels afterwards and how it's not an oily feel.

The second product I reviewed is the Kohana Lavender Butter Creme priced at $22.00.   This creme is made from pure lavender essential oil, healing herbs and distillate waters.  It's a soothing, light, non-greasy creme that leaves your skin soft and nourished.  Lavender is used for its soothing, calming and restorative properties.  It's also knowns for it's anti-inflammatory effects not to mention the soothing fragrance that is light and airy and not too powerful.


Another great quality is it can be used on the face or body.  It is not thick so it can be applied easily and it doesn't require a lot to nourish the skin.  I liked the feel, how my skin improved in appearance and texture and how I could apply the Lavender Butter Creme without having an overpowering intoxicating odor when I left.  

Both products are wonderful and the fact that they are organic is a plus for me.  I am moving away from many toxic products and am so happy that there are products such as this available.  I would definitely recommend Kohana products.

  

Customers can shop by collection or by product:


Collection:

• Archipelago Ocean Therapy
• Hawaiian Rain Forest
• Jasmine Green Tea
• Kona Coffee
• Pala'au Spa

Product:

• Bath
• Face
• Moisturizers
• Scrubs
• Gifts
• Specials

About Kohana:


Exotic butters and extraordinary ingredients such as macadamia nut butter, matcha green tea butter, and lavender butter as well as organic coconut oil, rich Kona coffee and green papaya enzymes have been incorporated to beautify the skin. Rare flower extracts like jasmine and fresh ginger essential oil are among the fragrant scents evoking the atmosphere of the Hawaiian islands. Hawaiian red Alaea sea salt and kukui nut oil provide therapeutic properties to rejuvenate the skin. 


Kohana was born out of love for the beautiful tropical islands of Hawaii. Christie Wanlass and her family began visiting the Hawaiian islands more than twenty years ago. She fell in love with the beauty of the islands and has never felt quite so welcome or at home. Dealing with severe eczema her entire life, she was always looking for effective skin care products that would moisturize and heal her dry and cracked skin. Upon her first visit to the island of Kauai, her skin responded to the sun, the humidity and the minerals of the deep blue Hawaiian waters of the Pacific. Her skin felt healthy and deeply moisturized by the natural elements.


After several years of visiting the islands, Christie began experimenting with some of the tropical oils and butters on her own skin. She found dry skin relief and improvement in her eczema when making simple salves formulated with kukui nut oil and mango butter. These simple experimentations have evolved


Special Offer:


Right now you can save with the "Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!" special of buy one/get one free. Buy a body creme and receive a free scrub here.


Free ground shipping when you spend $75 or more


Stay up to date by checking out Kohana's blog here.

The Giveaway:


One lucky reader will receive their very own Lavender Sugar Scrub (and you will love it)!


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me which product from Kohana you think you would like the most.


Extra Entries (worth two unless noted otherwise):

• Sign up for Kohana's newsletter
• Follow Kohana's blog
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily)
• Blog about this giveaway (worth five entries)

Giveaway ends 9/24 at midnight (EST) - winner chosen by random.org

US only please

Storkie Express, Inc Invitations & Announcements with Style Review & Giveaway 9/24 - Winner Closed

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Super Frugalette

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen by random.org.

Thanks to all those who enter and don't forget to check out Storkie for all your party needs!

I am really big into parties and making a big deal out of them.  Anyone who knows me knows that I go that extra length in ensuring every details is as perfect as I can get them and I spend hours looking for the perfect products to compliment my parties or special events.  I usually plan months ahead of time for Christmas and I'm currently planning my daughter's baby shower at the same time.  I had the opportunity to review complimentary Christmas cards and I liked them so much that I ordered baby shower invitations and photo stamps to match from Storkie. 

The product I chose to review was hard to decide as the styles were plentiful and all were appealing.  I chose the Christmas Cards Inventations due to the style and assortment that appealed to my wish for elegance this year with a twist of personalization and a huge "wow" factor.  Out of the 46 styles in this category alone, I chose the Rudolph Holiday Wrap and Photo.   The photos slip into the side pocket and can be fastened with an accompanying Glue Dot.  


The creation process is very easy and effortless.  When you create them, you have a sense of accomplishment as you truly did personalize and create something that reflects your personality.  Once you select the style of card you want, you click on "Click to Customize."  The next steps are equally as easy:

1. Choose the pocket color (14 choices)
2. Choose the inner pocket color (20 choices - some at additional costs)
3. Choose the pocket seal color (10 choices)
4. Choose custom printing or no printing
5. Enter Family Name and Family Members
6. Upload photo
7. After entering the iDesign area, you choose the layout of the font, font, color, size and any other editing needed for the wording and the photo.
8. You can choose to undo an action or start over with ease
9. You have the choice to review the final product or entrust Storkie with the view and provide any special instructions.

There are also recommended items shown to help compliment your purchase.  The process was very easy and seeing the results in real time helps to make the decision easier.


The cards were just as seen and are beautiful.  They are made of high quality, durable card stock with elegant lettering on another piece of card stock that is inserted.  For additional costs, you can have the cards assembled or you can assemble them yourself and you can also choose matching custom printed envelopes.  The choices are plentiful and I like how Storkie provides a cheaper choice for those on a budget and the works for those that don't have to be as concerned with the money factor.  I was very pleased with the photo quality as well.  Every step of the process is quality driven and the customer service is just as good.


The other items that I purchased myself because I really liked the products and customer service were baby shower invitations.  White Shimmer Foldover with Satin Ribbon are both beautiful and elegant.  Priced at $2.29 but are well worth it again due to the quality and beauty of each card.  Just like the Christmas cards, you can have them assembled for a small fee or assemble them yourself.  For these, I did pay the extra cost to have the envelopes addressed to add to the pretty factor.  I also purchased matching photo stamps to add to the joy of our first grandchild.  When you create your cards at Storkie, they provide wording ideas to help the process be even easier.  It's so easy and the results are worth the minimal effort to create.  Storkie even has customer service available to contact before you order if you have any questions at 1-800-771-7867 from 8 am until 7 pm (EST).


Storkie also provided detailed assembly instructions for each set of cards and assembly was just as easy.  My daughter's fiancé was reluctant when he saw the invitations online but when he saw them in person, he loved them.  He thought they were beautiful and elegant and caught the essence of their first born.

 

  

If you aren't familiar with Storkie, they offer products for a variety of occasions:

• Baby
• Religious
• Wedding
• Party
• Graduation
• Holiday

Their website is easy to navigate and even includes a step-by-step guide on how to Facebook your wedding.  There are favors to choose from to include these cute mints, cookies and more.

 

Storkie can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and their blog.  I would recommend Storkie when planning your next party or special occasion for the quality, customer service and selection.


This product review and giveaway was made possible by Mom Spark Media.  


Giveaway:


Storkie is graciously offering one of my readers one sheet of 20 custom holiday postage stamps.  If you haven't tried custom postage stamps, you should as every time I use them on envelopes, my recipients marvel at them and tell me how neat they are.  They are always the big deal for my invitations and cards.


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me what product from Storkie you like the most.


Extra Entries (worth one unless specified otherwise):

1. Follow Storkie on Twitter.
2. "Like" Storkie on Facebook.
3. Subscribe to Storkie's blog.
4. Subscribe to my blog.
5. Follow me on Twitter.
6. Tweet about this giveaway - can be done daily
7. Blog about this giveaway - worth five extra entries
8. Always check home page for more opportunities for bonus entries.

Giveaway ends 9/24 at midnight (EST).

Thanks to all those who enter - US only please

Crystal® Deodorant Review & Deals

I'm on a mission to get healthier and with that mission, is a path forward identifying products that will be better for myself and my family.  I have many concerns about products currently out there and one product that has a pretty high concern for me is deodorant.  I don't like the chemicals that are present in nearly all deodorants on the market.  My seven year has epilepsy and I try to steer clear of bad over the counter products that contain questionable ingredients.  She started needing deodorant and I was so hesitant in buying her some until my other daughter found a natural product.  It was a stick type deodorant that you have to get wet to use.  She didn't care much for it so when One2One Network offered an opportunity to receive complimentary Crystal® Deodorant, I had to try it.


Facts about Crystal® | Respect the body™:

• Crystal® is the original mineral salt deodorant brand (established in 1984)
• Crystal® is a natural deodorant that actually works
• Simple ingredients, simple promise:  All day natural odor prevention
• Mineral salts create an invisible barrier that make it impossible for odor causing bacteria to grow
• Crystal® deodorants are available in 28,000 stores worldwide (including Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid)

  

Crystal® Deodorant is the world's first original and first mineral salt deodorant brand that prevents odor, goes on like any other deodorant and one stick can last up to a year!  That's a deal in itself!  My complimentary samples included three full sized roll-on samples.  


Available Crystal® Products:

• Both unscented (Crystal Body Deodorant®) and lightly scented (Crystal® essence)
• Crystal® Body Deodorant is available in 4.5 ounce Stick, 2.25 Oz. Roll-On and 4 Oz Body Spray
• Crystal® essence (Pomegranate, Lavender & White Tea and Chamomile & Green Tea) is available in 2.25 Oz Roll-On and 4 Oz Body Spray 

My seven year old tried the The Un-Deodorant.  She preferred the roll-on feel and it worked.  Crystal® Deodorant works by neutralizing bacteria versus masking the odors.  All of Crystal® Deodorants are hypoallergenic, contains no aluminum chlorohydrate, praben free, alcohol free, non-sticky and does not stain clothing.  Just her wanting to wear it was a big improvement over the other brands I tried and since it works, this will also help her in school with odor prevention.

Both my older daughter and I tried the other two. I tried the Essence Lavender and White Tea and she tried the Essence Pomegranate.  They rolled on with ease just as the other Crystal® Deodorants, dried quickly and did not stain.   The initial fragrance is strong from the roll on applicator but it does not stay strong on the body and leaves a nice, light fragrance.  I'm a heavy sweater and had to only use Secret but after application and spending part of a day in the hot Georgia sun, it's proven it is just as strong and effective but safer (as least in my opinion).  I did not like applying aluminum based products to my underarms and really have been wanting to make the switch over.


Interesting Facts on Crystal®:

• Mineral salts work as a buffer between your skin and odor causing bacteria.
• Goes on lightly, won’t leave a white residue.
• Won’t stain clothes.
• Crystal Body Deodorant Stick lasts up to a full year of daily use!  NO JOKE!
• Crystal deodorants do NOT need to be reapplied during the day.  A single application under each arm lasts the entire day. ( Can endure even the toughest, longest workouts.)
• Endorsed by Cancer Treatment Centers.
• Rated safest in the Skin Deep database / Environmental Working (www.ewg.org <http://www.ewg.org> )
• Compact Signer of the Campaign for Safer Cosmetics
• Never tested on animals (member of Leaping Bunny)

SEPTEMBER Crystal® SALE PRICE PROMOTION: (Not coupons but rather limited time discount)

• CVS & CVS.com - sale price September 1 – 30 
• $1 off the Crystal® Body Deodorant Stick 
• $0.50 off the the Crystal® Body Deodorant Roll-On (2009 Winner – All-Time Top 10 Classic Best of Beauty Award by Better Nutrition)  (http://bit.ly/crystalrollCVS)
• $0.50 off the Crystal® essence Pomegranate Roll-On (2010 Winner – Best Natural Deodorant by Better Nutrition Magazine)  (http://bit.ly/crystalpomCVS)

Halloween Costume Discount Codes & Special Galore

Free Shipping September Coupon! Get FREE Ground Shipping on Order $55 or more. Use Coupon Code: SEPT-SHIP

September Coupon! Get 10% Off Orders $85 or more. Use Coupon Code: SEPT10



















Buy One Costume, Get One Costume 25% Off From SpiritHalloween! Use Promotional Code: SPB1G1. Valid 9/1/10 - 9/30/10

New Round of Pepsi Refresh Grants: Please Vote Every Day Until 10/31

10 Ways of Making Your Favorite Foods Healthier

Who is not wanting to get in shape and be healthier?  It's definitely something I've struggled with and increasingly, have been focusing on ways to change a lifetime of bad habits.  I'm a yo-yo dieter inflicted with being a stress eater and although I haven't resolved it yet, I am finding little ways to make changes that will lead to new changes.  Since I have children and see how my bad habits are affecting them, I had a renewed interest in eating better to be a good role model.  I was amazed at how easy it is to actually make these changes without losing the quality in the foods we consume.  TwitterMoms and WeightWatcher's Smart Ones has a new challenge for us moms to share their 10 ways to make food healthier.
   

1. Some of the easiest ways to make foods healthier are just changing how you prepare them.  Eliminating or cutting down on the use of oil is a big change to make.  Grilling, broiling and baking are some of the most effortless ways of improving the healthy  aspect of your dishes while not sacrificing on taste.  We enjoy our pizza and have found grilling whole wheat crust and adding fresh vegetables is a fun way of eating better while having fun.
2. Adding more fruits and vegetables to a meal also increases the health impact of a meal while reducing other foods that aren't as healthy such as large portions of meat and other items like bread.  Fruits and vegetables are great ways to enjoy meals as they can compliment your main dish.  I usually choose fresh or frozen to get the most impact from the nutrients and vitamins and add it to our meat dishes to cut down on the amount of meat we eat.
3. Sneak food into other dishes if you have a picky child.  We love hamburgers and I have found recipes that include adding a mixture of spinach and blueberries to ground beef makes an amazing tasting hamburger and the kids have no idea that they have a little bit of power behind them!  Grilling is the final touch in making some pretty amazing burgers.  This type of sneaky chef tactics can be applied to many meals.
4. Substitute some items for something else.  I use items like applesauce or sour cream to replace butter.  One of our favorites is cupcakes and by replacing the butter with applesauce, it helps to make a change in the quality of the cupcake.  Small steps can go a long way in the long run and in many cases, I am hoping these changes will lead to bigger changes in the long run.
5. Hot dogs is another favorite in our house and although the nutritional content is not really there, we have found using whole wheat buns and adding chopped peppers and onions can add a little more nutritional value to the hot dogs.
6. You can't forget the ice cream!  Vanilla ice cream is a staple in our house but having a banana split bar adds to the fun when you can add bananas and pineapple to the delectable deserts!
7. I love sugar cookies and I cannot resist eating them when I make them.  I try to kid myself with this one so I can indulge a little more.  By taking the sugar cookie dough, I can add a cream cheese mixture and strawberries, bananas, kiwi, blueberries and more to create a beautiful, tasty fruit pizza.  The only problem is I can't stop eating it.
8. Chocolate is another vice in our house.  I have found a great way to jazz up chocolate is a fondue set using fruit and nuts to dip in the chocolate.  Creating fun with healthiness is the best way to go with children.  I have the pickiest eaters so implementing a fun way to eat healthy is the only way I go.  We typically have events like this on our family fun nights so it seems like a treat yet I know they are getting something a little healthy.
9. Summer time is always a great time for pop-cycles but they don't have to be bad for you.  Using fresh fruit is a great alternative with juice to make some tasty summertime treats that will have them begging for more.  Mine love the variation we can create and again, the "help" factor always brings them back because they love to be little chefs.  Besides, pop-cycles aren't just for the little ones as they can be great for us moms too! 
10. One of my final must have bad boys is French toast.  I love it and know it's not that great for you after the bread and syrup.  One of the ways I feel better about this sinful breakfast treat is to use 40 calorie bread, dip in egg with a sprinkling of cinnamon, sliced fresh strawberries and a sprinkling of Splenda.  This method eliminates so many calories while allowing me to eat a little healthier.  It's a beautiful dish with the colorful strawberries on top.

As I continue making changes with the ultimate goal of eating healthier for a longer future, I'm learning more and more on where to take these baby steps.  I have increasingly been aware of the little things that count like reducing sodium, reducing processed and refined foods, purchasing some organic fruits and vegetables as well as making logical changes.  Almost any food can be tweaked to make it a tad bit healthier and any change made now, makes it easier at the end.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and WeightWatchers SmartOnes blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.