Embracing a Healthy Family

$50 Apothica SkinCareRX.com Gift Card Giveaway 3/30 - International - WINNER CLOSED



Belinda M had stated she won already and graciously allowed me to choose a new winner:

I tweeted on 3/13 - http://twitter.com/#!/PurpleLarkspur/status/47049872821583872

entry 2

larkspurpurple (at) gmail.com




When I hear Hourglass Cosmetics I think timeless, feminine and sophistication.  Hourglass Cosmetics is all that and more to me.  It include a full line of products that not only leave you with a great look but they are products created with functional purposes.  From cruelty-free, made from PETA-friendly synthetic fiber brushes to compacts with 360 degree swivel top mirrors, the products were made ideally for us women.  One of the products I plan to try is the Hourglass Cosmetics Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss - Origami mostly because the key ingredient is Vitamin E which is an antioxidant that protects and moisturizes.  It also has titanium dioxide which helps to protect against UVA/UVB rays and sunflower seed oil to provide the shine.  I like the idea of wearing make up that makes me look good but is also good for me.  The other feature I like is with each product description, the key ingredients are noted along with the feature the ingredient provides.  This is great knowing ahead of time what the make up does to help me look beautiful.




Apothica.com is a great beauty store to get all the wonderful products you love and ones you don't quite know you love.  If you are like my oldest daughter and I, we like to try many products until we find the ones we love.  Apothica is not just for women as there are an array of products for men as well as products for home and laundry.  Here are some more great name brands that Apothica carries:
  • Napoleon Perdis
  • Becca Makeup
  • Laura Geller
  • Oscar Blandi
  • Bobbie Brown
  • Clinique
  • Yves Saint Laurent
  • Estee Lauder

Face Primers

Here is the part you have been waiting for:

The Giveaway:

One reader will receive a $50 Apothica gift card

To Enter:

Follow my blog and go to Apothica.com, then tweet something about Apothica (must leave the tweet url date stamp) in your comment. 

Extra Entries:
  • Visit Apothica.com and write something about a brand you like on your blog and link it to Apothica - please leave url link in your comment - worth five entries
  • Tweet about this giveaway - can be done daily - worth two entries per day
  • Blog about this giveaway- can be done once - worth five entries
  • Like Apothica on Facebook- worth 2 entries


Giveaway ends March 30th at midnight (EST) - Winner selected by random.org.

Please note the following information:
  • Apothica will contact the winner chosen from eligible entries via random.org to verify the information.
  • After verification, Apothica will e-mail the code for the gift card to be used at SkinCareRx.com, Apothica.com or SkinBotanica.com
  • Contest is open internationally but Apothica does not ship to all countries
  • Save SkinCareRx as a contact in your e-mail so the mail will not go to the spam folder.

New bareMinerals Skincare: Cleansers

Bare Escentuals - Introducing bareMinerals Skincare

I'm sure you have heard of bareMinerals and if not, you probably will due to the overwhelming popularity of the products.  My mom used bareMinerals and I have also.  I just ended using a product for my adult prone acne due to a customer service issue so I'm in the market for a new cleanser.  This time I want a cleanser that not only will clean my face but also help make it smoother and reduce the size of my pores.  bareMineral is introducing a new products called bareMinerals Skincare and within this line of new products are the Purifying Facial CleanserDeep Cleansing Foam and Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser.

Bare Escentuals - bareMinerals Skincare:  Cleansers 

Powered by 100% RareMinerals Active Soil Complex thus aiding in increasing cell turnover, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and producing that known naturally luminous glow.  From everything that I have researched and read, cell turnover is essential is helping to reduce the signs of aging and to give skin that great feel, look and glow.

The Purifying Facial Cleanser was already tested in a prelaunch even and received great reviews.  It removes make up, dissolved impurities and rebalances skin for a soft and smooth complexion.  It's reported to leave skin feeling hydrated and renewed and gentle enough to be used to remove eye make up. That's a tricky one for me as I have sensitive eyes so the more gentle a product is, the better for me.  The cleanser can be used day and night for best performance.  Priced at only $20 for a 6 ounce botter.

The Deep Cleansing Foam deep cleans pores and lifts away impurities.  It's reported to be a non-drying formula that "bursts into a rich lather when activated by water."   As with the Purifying Facial Cleanser, it's sulfate free.  Priced at only $20 for a 4.2 ounce bottle.

The Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser or also known as the original mineral cleanser is reported to be an effective powder formula that delivers a brighter, smoother complexion with noticeably smaller pores.  This can be used both morning and night and can be used as an exfoliating mask twice a week.  Priced at $26 for 2.5 ounces.

Check out more on bareMinerals Facebook page, on Twitter, their website or to find a boutique near you, click here.


*Disclosure: I was not paid nor compensated for this post.  I may participate in a product and/or review at a future date.

Panstoria Digital Scrapbooking Review & Giveaway 3/25 (International) - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...


cristina said...

followed via GFC. No, i have never tried digital scrap booking.
cristina_sunga(at)ymail(dot)com

Panstoria's logo. Click here to visit the Panstoria website!

I have tons and tons of pictures and have not done anything creative with them in a long time.  I worry that I'll lose these pictures since the only copies I have are digital.  Now, thanks to Panstoria, I have a great way of making memories last.

Using Panstoria is easy:

  • The first thing I experienced with Panstoria is downloading the software.  You have to choose the correct version for your system and what I liked, they explained very easily how to tell what your system is (i.e. 64 or 32 bit).  Installation was quick and easy with just a few clicks and I was ready to go.
  • Registration was quick and easy by supplying some basic information and I was ready to go.
  • There are two choices to start:  1. Basic Mode;  2. Advanced Mode.  Since I haven't used this software before, I chose Basic Mode.
  • I chose to create a photo book although there are many other choices such as posters, postcards, business cards, envelopes and more.  This will be great for my daughter's non-profit.  There are also various sizes you can select from to ensure you get that perfect look you want.  I chose the photo book, 11 x 8.5.
  • Your output choices can be saved in various formats for uploading or e-mailing, printing on your printer or uploading to web based printing retailers.
  • When uploading your photos, you can select Flickr, Facebook, Picasa or your own files.  It's very easy with select and click and you can choose multiple photos at once.  The software is not slow at all!
  • As you move through with your memorable creation, there are hints and tip windows that pop up to help you which is a nice feature for someone new to the software as well as tutorials here.
  • There are even free kits to download in addition to ones you can purchase.
  • The many functions you can perform such as editing photos, adding embellishments, adding shapes, text and so much more makes the possibilities endless.

I have tried other programs that are photo related and have to say that this was the easiest and quickest program I have used to date.  I didn't spend a lot of time creating this as it's an example to use for my daughter's non-profit but here it is:


I made this too:


My middle child is having a Taylor Swift party so I'm going to make stickers to cover the plastic cups:




I'm definitely getting the hang of the program although I know there is so much more to learn and I can really expand by adding to the kits for more options.  Overall, I really like this program and next, I'm going to have my oldest try it out with her baby.

__________________________________________

The Giveaway:

One reader will receive a copy (electronic) of Panstoria Digital Scrapbooking.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you have ever tried a digital scrapbook program.

Extra Entries:
  • Like Panstoria on Facebook
  • Follow Panstoria on Twitter
  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Like me on Facebook
  • Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
  • Blog about this giveaway (can be done twice at least 7 days apart for five entries)
  • Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)
Giveaway ends 3/25 at midnight (EST) - Winner chosen via random.org

Opened internationally.


*Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary copy to review and giveaway by the sponsor.

UPrinting Business Card Giveaway 3/12: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...



My name is Patricia said...

Great Giveaway! Enter Please :)

GFC Follower

I would use these business cards as I am a Young Adult and Childrne's Book Reviewer and have a blog.

PelicanJL@hotmail.com

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

Thanks to all those who entered!

Standard Business Cards Die-Cut Business Cards

Business cards just aren't for business as they are versatile for so many other events or needs.  I use business cards as gift tags and for my daughter's non-profit.  I'm a regular at UPrinting and to date, I'm satisfied and very pleased especially with the review and approval process to ensure that my product is exactly what I want.  I've had trouble with other businesses delivering whatever they printed without verifying so this is why I'm partial to UPrinting.

If you aren't familiar with UPrinting, there are many advantages such as:
  • Variety of products
  • Print Quality Assurance
  • Live Chat Assistance
  • 24 Hour Phone Support
  • Templates or Create Your Own Design
  • Free Samples
  • Fast Delivery
  • Member of the BBB

____________________________


If you haven't tried out UPrinting, now is your chance to win a free set of business cards!

Prize Details: 250 Die Cut Business Cards for One (1) Winner:
  • 1.75” x 3.5”, 2” x 3.5”, or 2” x 2”; 2.5” Diameter (Circle)
  • Die Cut Business Cards (Rounded Corners, Leaf, Rounded Single-Corner, Half-Circle Side, Circle);
  • 14pt Cardstock Gloss / Matte / High Gloss (UV), or 13pt Cardstock Uncoated on a 6 Business Days Turnaround; Front Only or Front and Back printing
  • Restriction: Limited to US residents 18 years old and above only.
  • Product image: Please see attached image


To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me what you would use the business cards for whether your business, gift tags, mommy cards, etc.

Extra Entries:
  • Like UPrinting on Facebook
  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • "Like" me on Facebook
  • Tweet about this giveaway - can be done daily for two entries
  • Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
  • Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)


Giveaway ends 3/12 at midnight (EST) 

Please note that winners are allowed to win only once over a six-month period.

*Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive business cards for hosting. For more information about business cards, please visit http://www.uprinting.com/business-cards.html.

Cool Avon Spring Fashions

I was looking through the latest campaign for Avon and can't help but to think "wow, they really have become a company for women."  In the past, many year's ago, it was mostly make up, body care and perfumes.  The choices for fashion and jewelry are incredible especially considering the price.

Here is what caught my eye:



The shirts, the shoes, the pants and scarf make such a great fashionable ensemble.  The prices are incredible too.

This is another one of my favorites:



I'm partial to those shoes although I don't think I'm young enough to wear a dress like that.  It looks amazing!

I haven't ordered any fashion items from Avon but some of my few regularly purchased products are:

  • Avon Glazewear Lip Gloss which is on sale for only $2.99.
  • Avon Anew Clinical Lift & Firm Pro Serum at $54.00
  • Avon Anew Retexturizing Peel
  • Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Dermabrasion System


I'm adding to my regular usage of Avon products but those are the four products that I'm using on a daily basis and love.

Three Coupons for Philadelphia Cooking Creme Giveaway 3/12: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

joder said...

Daily tweet #1....... http://twitter.com/#!/jone402/status/46287363525189632

joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com


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

Thanks to all those who entered!


Have you heard about the new product by Kraft called Philadelphia Cooking Creme?   It has four flavors:
  1. Italian Cheese & Herb Cooking Creme
  2. Savory Garlic Cooking Creme
  3. Original Flavor Cooking Creme
  4. Santa Fe Cooking Creme


   



I love Philadelphia Cream Cheese and can imagine I would love the Cooking Creme.  They even created this cute and funny video featuring celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse's attorney.  There are some wonderful sounding recipes also which I feature at the bottom of this post as well as clicking here.








________________________________________


The Giveaway:


One winner will receive three coupons for three containers of Philadelphia Creme!


To Enter:


Just follow my blog and tell me what you thought of the video.


Extra Entries:



  • Follow Philadelphia Creme on Twitter.
  • Connect on Facebook.
  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • "Like" me on Facebook
  • Tweet about this giveaway "Health, Beauty, Children & Family: " - can be done daily for two entries
  • Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
  • Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)



Giveaway ends 3/12 at midnight (EST) - US only please




*Disclosure:  I was not compensated for this post.





Creamy Chicken Fajitas



Prep Time: 15 min. | Total Time: 24 min. | Makes: 4 servings.

What You Need:



1
lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1
cup each thin onion slices and green pepper strips
1
tub (10 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Santa Fe Blend Cooking Creme
8
flour tortillas (6 inch), warmed
1
cup KRAFT Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese


Make It:



Cook chicken and vegetables in large nonstick skillet on medium heat 6 to 7 min. or until chicken is done.
Add cooking creme; cook and stir 2 min.
Spoon down centers of tortillas; top with shredded cheese. Fold over.


Substitute:


Substitute flank steak or pork cutlets for the chicken. 





Creamy Chicken Pot Pie





Prep Time: 10 min. | Total Time: 48 min. | Makes: 8 servings.

What You Need:


1
lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2
cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans, peas,) thawed, drained
1
tub (10 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Savory Garlic Cooking Creme
1
ready-to-use refrigerated pie crust (1/2 of 15-oz. pkg.)


Make It:

Heat oven to 400°F.


Cook and stir chicken in large nonstick skillet on medium heat 5 to 6 min. or until chicken is lightly browned. Add vegetables; cook 1 to 2 min. or until heated through. Stir in cooking creme; spoon into 9-inch pie plate.
Cover with crust; seal and flute edge. Cut several slits in crust. Place pie plate on baking sheet.
Bake 25 to 30 min. or until golden brown.


Substitute:


Substitute 2 cups chopped cooked ham for the chicken. 

Tommee Tippee Two Cup Review & Giveaway 3/15: WINNER CLOSED


CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

mary said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/jg4462/status/47806278126419968

jagar0047 at yahoo dot com



Feeding your children from birth to toddler can be a challenging experience from picking the right bottle, nipple, cup and feeding sets.  Some children are easy and take to any type of product given to them whereas other children are pickier like my kids.  Each of my children have their own unique likes when it came to the bottle and then to the weaning period.  Tommee Tippee is a company that takes their logo Simply Intuitive to something that means they have spent time researching and developing products that are naturally desired by children which makes life easier.  From newborn needs to weaning into toddler ages, they have products to fit the growth.  Tommee Tippee is Britain's number one baby feeding brand and since I'm half English, I'm a fan to brands from the UK.


explora® truly spill proof drink cup x 2 - pink / purple


I was provided a complimentary two pack of the Tommee Tippee Explora Truly Spill Proof Straw Cups in the pink and purple series.  These are stage 3 cups that have advance-flo technology for easy drinking and a unique DURA-STRAW cup for kids that are on the go.  This is a great feature to avoid messes as I don't think there are many kids that never stop moving and encouraging drinking is such a big part in staying hydrated.  The hygiene cover for the straw is another bonus feature in keeping germs from being passed.  I have two children with chronic medical conditions, severe asthma and epilepsy, so keeping them healthy is paramount.  I'm also health conscious and having BPA free containers is vital to what I look for in products for my children.  The insulated base also keeps the drinks at the temperature they should be at for longer periods of time.


One of my children chokes easy so the physicist designed active sensor valve is both sensitive that liquid flows on demand yet stays spill proof.   They are also dishwasher and microwave safe.  Cleaning is also easy since the components are in several pieces to allow for complete cleaning.  I love the concept.  Overall, my kids love the design and I love that it's leak proof!  All of the qualities above also makes it a great cup of choice for little ones.


explora ® truly spill proof straw cup x 2 - pink/purple explora ® truly spill proof drink cup x 2 - pink/purple explora ® truly spill proof drink cup x 2 - blue/green


The Giveaway:


The same Tommee Tippee two cup pack I received.


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me which color set you prefer by visiting Tommee Tippee.


Extra Entries:

  • Like Tommee Tippee on Facebook
  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • "Like" me on Facebook
  • Tweet about this giveaway "Health, Beauty, Children & Family: Tommee Tippee Two Cup Review & Giveaway 3/15 http://bit.ly/ga6dr8" - can be done daily for two entries
  • Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
  • Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 3/15 at midnight (EST) - US only please


*Disclaimer:  I received complimentary product in exchange for this review and giveaway.

DiscoveryGirls Month of Giveaways in March


Have you heard of Discovery Girls?  They are a magazine dedicated to girls both younger girls and teen girls as you have an option to choose the age category.  I just signed my almost eight year old for a subscription for all the articles and more.  She started her own non-profit to help children with epilepsy and thought this would be an excellent source for more motivation and to just learn about more "girly" topics.  In March, they are having a month full of giveaways!




On the final day, March 31st, they are giving away an Xbox 360 and Kinect bundle!  Just click here and read about each giveaway and don't forget to enter daily!  The nice part is they will pick a winner at the end of each day and will notify him/her via e-mail.  There are some real amazing giveaways to appeal to any age.  Here are just a couple:


   

Good luck and if you have a young girl or teen, check out this great magazine too!

Valentines Day: Heart + U = Priceless UPrinting Memories


We celebrated Valentine's Day a bit late with a stop at the ocean.  Our Vday celebration wasn't complete without a weekend away with chocolate, movies, laughs and some good girl only fun!  Valentine's Day is not just for romance in our house as with all of us girls, we have to have our own affair and that is with chocolate!  As an avid photographer, I can't go anywhere without my camera to capture all the timeless memories.

This photo is an entry for Heart + U = UPrinting Valentine photo contest. Make your Valentine photos extra special through poster printing.

Russh Mode Denim Giveaway 3/9 (Retail Value $165) WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...


Amateur Mommy said...

i follow you on twitter @beckybeitzel

hiccupapparel at yahoo dot com


Imagine a jean that is made to accentuate your curves and make you look good and now you have what Russh Mode Denim offers.  If you are like me, you have a hard time finding a pair of jeans that fits right and surprisingly, the pocket on the back makes a difference.  I never really noticed until about a year ago and found that the pocket makes or breaks the jeans, in my opinion.  Russh Mode created jeans with a curved back pocket that helps to bring out the fit of your bottom.  If you weren't blessed with a full bottom like my daughter, this really makes a difference in choosing jeans.


Russh Mode has a variety of types of jeans such as:

  • Sophisticate Boot Cut
  • High Life Flare
  • Haute Mode Straight
  • Bum Boyfriend Relaxed
  • Jennifer Trouser
  • Bombshell Slim
There are many different styles, cuts, colors and sizes to choose from.  There is even a jacket and a skirt to choose from to complete the collection.  I have not seen nor tried on Russh Mode jeans so I can't state anything from a personal experience but they look nice.

Russh Mode now offers petite sizes and 36" inseams.

To find a store that carries Russh Mode Denim, click here.  You can also shop at the Russh Mode Store if you live in West Hollywood.

 

___________________________________________

The Giveaway:

One winner will receive a pair of Russh Mode's denim of their choice - see below for rules and details.

To Enter:
Leave a comment letting me know you follow my blog, fan'd Russh Mode on FB and you followed them on Twitter (must include your handle) in order to verify.  The three requirements much be completed before any extra entry counts.

Extra Entries:
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Fan me on Facebook
  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Tweet about this giveaway - can be done daily for two entries per day - Health, Beauty, Children & Family: Russh Mode Denim Giveaway 3/9 (Retail Value $165) http://tinyurl.com/6xcz6nn @RusshMode @Stayingyoung2
  • Blog about this giveaway - can be done once for five entries
  • Enter any of my other giveaways  for five

Rules & Details:
  • Participants must be 18 years old
  • Participants must be in the US
  • Participant will receive a pair of jeans chosen by Russh Mode for a retail value of $165
  • Winning participant must allow 25 business days to receive their jeans
  • Sizes offered for this giveaway are 25/2, 26/4, 27/6, 28/8, 29/10, 30/12, 31/14 and 32/16
  • No information gathered by the participant will be shared and Russh Mode will dispose of information once they receive confirmation the jeans have been received.
  • Giveaway ends 3/9 at midnight (EST)
  • Winner will be chosen via Random.org

*Disclaimer:  I did not receive compensation for this post and giveaway.

Win a Trip to the Innovation Summit at NASA in San Francisco 2/28

img2


Through the Spirit of Innovation Awards, high school students with a passion for science and bettering the world have a chance to patent their inventions, be interviewed in Popular Science Magazine or BBC World News, or even attend the Annual White House Science Fair and be recognized by President Obama. 

The Conrad Foundation Spirit of Innovation Awards (SoIA) is an international, multi-disciplinary program that combines the Foundation's commitment to five core principles: innovation, education, entrepreneurship, project-based learning, and community engagement to advance achievement in science, technology, education and math in U.S. schools. 

SoIA presents student participants with a very broad challenge: create an innovative product that can be used to address a real-world problem with a real-world solution that can ultimately be viable in the commercial marketplace.  Students are given a blank slate within several major categories, including clean energy, aerospace exploration, clean water, agro science, and cyber security.  They’re also required to conduct research to determine their creation’s potential market impact, and develop a full business plan while working with mentors including world-class scientists, engineers, academics, and business leaders.

Through entering the Wild Card Summit Invitation sweepstakes, everyone can have a chance to attend the Innovation Summit at NASA from April 28 - May 1, 2011 in San Francisco, where they can make their innovative dream a reality. 

partner logo

The opportunity closes on February 28, 2011. 

Apothederm Stretch Mark Cream Review


 


Want a stretch mark cream that according to the company's studies, 70% of people saw results in 2 weeks and 90% saw results in 12 weeks?  Check out Apothederm Stretch Mark Cream. No one likes stretch marks but it seems to be a common concern that anyone who has grown fast, grew wider or had a baby experiences.  To the person that has them, they are unsightly and annoying if not embarrassing.  I got my first introduction as I trucked through puberty as my thighs apparently didn't like my growth spurt.  Then I decided to get back at them and give them some company by having not just one baby but three!  They had a party on my body!  

Apothederm Skin CareI've tried other creams and have been trying Apothederm for over two weeks now and have noticed a visible change in firmness and appearance.  It's not too thick and definitely not thin.  It's almost odorless and doesn't go on sticky.  Upon application, you massage it in circular motions.  


Ingredients:

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Panthenol, Pichia/Resveratrol Ferment Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Bisabolol, Glucosamine HCL Algae Extract, Yeast Extract, Heptapeptide-7, Glycine, Alanine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Urea, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum.

Stay tuned for an update at week 12!

You can get more information on Facebook and Twitter.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
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