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!

Care.com, New Line Cinema and Warner Brothers Valentine's Day Contest

One lucky Grand Prize winner will receive a trip for two to Los Angeles, including round-trip airfare, a two-night hotel stay at the luxury SLS Hotel (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/index.html in Beverly Hills) with dinner for two at SLS’s Bazaar restaurant and a private VIP tour of the Warner Bros. Studio lot, where “Valentine’s Day” was filmed. Twelve finalists will each receive two tickets to see the film. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Care.com will also provide the winners with a free one-month premium membership to find that perfect babysitter.

HOW TO ENTER:

Enter at: www.facebook.com/caredotcom, and tell us your most romantic or funniest Valentine’s Day memory. All entries should be rated PG. The twelve finalists will be selected during the months of January and February 2010. One Grand Prize Winner will be selected from among the 12 finalists in February. Three Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges on or around each of the following dates: January 23, 2010, January 30, 2010, February 6, 2010, and February 13, 2010. One Grand Prize Winner will be selected from among the 12 Finalists on or around February 13, 2010. “

About Care.com:

Founded in 2006, Care.com is the largest and fastest growing service used by families to find high-quality caregivers, providing a trusted place to easily connect, share caregiving experiences, and get advice. Care.com addresses the unique lifecycle of care needs that each family goes through-child care, special needs care, tutoring and lessons, senior care, pet care, housekeeping, and more. Care.com helps families find and select the best care possible based on detailed profiles, background checks, and references for hundreds of thousands of mom-reviewed providers who seek to share their services. Through its Care.com for Recruiters service, Care.com also enables companies to find high-quality caregiving employees.
 
Good luck!
 

Public Service Campaign: Protect Your Little One's Hearing

Global Influence and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASLH) have teamed up with bloggers to spread the word about dangerous effects of loud noises.

Whether your child received an MP3 player, gaming device, cell phone, laptop, or any other device with headphones, don't overlook the important health threat of hearing loss. Now is the time to reach out to other parents about the importance of hearing loss prevention, the damaging effects of excessive media consumption, and the resources available to them through ASHA. 

Here are two simple ways to protect your children's - and your own - hearing.

1. Keep the volume down. A good guide is half volume.
2. Limit listening time. Give your hearing 'quiet breaks'.

Find more information and statistics at ASHA's website. You can also follow their Twitter feed or fan them on Facebook to get real time updates on their work.

**********

Read on for more information about a common culprit in potential hearing loss:

Did you know that when MP3 players are purchased as gifts, the majority of purchasers are moms? That finding emerged at the Mommy Tech summit at the recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show.

But do you know about the potential risks? Kids often don't know how to use audio technology safely and they can harm their hearing as a result. In fact, hearing loss among young people is reported to be on the rise and there are strong concerns that a generation of young people could end up with prevalent hearing loss.

"For some time, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has warned that hearing loss in the United States could rise significantly due to the misuse of personal audio technology," ASHA President Tommie L. Robinson, Jr. explains. "Unfortunately, a report released today by the Kaiser Family Foundation cites some alarming trends about excessive entertainment media consumption among our nation's children, indirectly supporting ASHA's concerns. This should be a warning to parents that they must regulate children's exposure and fully understand the potential health threats associated with misuse and over exposure to such technologies."

"ASHA will continue to bring these issues to the forefront and appreciates the Kaiser Family Foundation's contributions to the national dialogue," Robinson adds.

According to a 2004 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children were reported as being exposed to 6 hours and 21 minutes of media (TV, music, internet, etc) per day. By 2009, this statistic had increased dramatically to 7 hours and 38 minutes per day. When media multitasking is taken into account, this leaps to 10 hours and 45 minutes per day. This massive consumption of media has led to decreased grades in school and ASHA contends it puts kids at an increased risk of hearing loss.

One thing that is clear from the study is that parents can be very positive influencers on how their children use entertainment media.

This really is a great awareness campaign so please share the information.  If you have a blog, participate in the great campaign.

* Disclosure:  I did not receive any compensation for this post. 

SproutBaby, Haiti & You

In an effort to provide relief to the youngest victims of the earthquake in Haiti, SproutBaby.com has announced that it will donate 10% of its proceeds from the month of January to aid the children of Haiti.

To jump-start its efforts, SproutBaby has already donated $1,000 to AmeriCares a nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization which provides immediate response to emergency medical needs. AmeriCare volunteers and staff are working tirelessly to provide relief and supplies to the earthquake victims. The proceeds earned in January will also be shared with Partners in Health, an organization that works to bring modern medical care to poor communities in nine countries around the world. Partners in Healthy has been working in Haiti for more than 20 years to provide medical care, but is now overwhelmed and in need of assistance due to the recent tragic events.

Each purchase you make at SproutBaby.com, your online destination for eco-friendly products for mom and baby, is your chance to offer relief to the children of Haiti.

Remember Rainbow Brite? Free CD Pac Giveaway 2/6

Do you remember the Rainbow Brite dolls?  I do and I suppose that shows my age but that's okay because the 80's released such cool music that even my 21 year old likes some of it!  MomSelect and Hallmark have teamed up to let you know they are back!  Yes, you heard it!  Big, colorful hair with cute, furry pets and those awesome go-go boots of many colors.  I never had a Rainbow Brite Doll now that I think of it so I was deprived of the one on one pleasures but my two younger ones are in luck.

The new Rainbow Brite toys will be released in February at Toys-R-Us and Target (check for availability first).

Want to have some fun before the new toys are released?  Check out the new interactive FREE website that features animated videos, a theme song, games, coloring pages and so much more!  You have to play the Twinkle game at settings for easy, medium and hard, just about any age can play this fun game to catch the falling stars in bubbles.  This was my six year old's favorite to play.

Thanks to MomSelect and Hallmark, I will receive a CD pak with extra's to share so if you are interested in receiving one once I receive mine, leave a comment and I'll pick six winners via random.org.

*Disclaimer:  I will receive a CD of Rainbow Brite as a bonus for registering and writing this post. 

My SheSpeaks StriVectin SD Review & Update

Isn't it interesting that a cream that was created to reduce the depth, length, discoloration and rough texture of stretch marks turned out to be a cream that aids in anti-aging?  Klein-Becker, a research laboratory, initially developed this cream as a severe stretch mark treatment.  StriVectin is now available for treatment to include the hands and eyes. The accidental main ingredient is a peptide referred to as Pal-KTTKS.  Pal-KTTKS is an effective ingredient for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It's found to promote a smoother, younger complexion quickly, without expensive and painful chemical peels, surgery or injections. This patented peptide solution is found in StriVectin-SD.

I've researched trying to find other reviews on the product and it has been mixed with half and half seeing differences.  For those with a change, it was around the two week mark or greater.  I'm ending week one of my complimentary review thanks to SheSpeaks.

The ingredients for StriVectin SD:

Deionized Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sesame Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sweet Almond Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Striadril Complex (consisting of Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Siegesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Polyglyceryl Methacrylate, Propylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Glucosamine HCL, Algae Extract, Yeast Extract, Urea, Butylene Glycol,DMDM Hydantoin, Hydrocotyl Extract, Coneflower Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Bearberry Extract and Licorice PTH), Glycerin, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate & PEG-100 Stearate, Cocoa Butter, Stearic Acid, Shea Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mango Butter, Peppermint Oil, Methylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Propylparaben, Triethanolamine, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.

Klein Becker's proprietary ingredients in Striadil Complex (part of StriVectin SD) is patented.

My Review:

It has an odor to it but it's not really unpleasant and it goes on smooth and non-greasy which I like.  Even though the one ounce bottle is small, it will last a long time as it doesn't take a lot to cover.

It's been only one week so I don't have anything to report but will continue to provide updates.

Update:

I had to quit using the StriVectin around my eyes due to my sensitive skin.  It doesn't tolerate many products if I use it frequently.  Since then, I apply it only on my forehead area, my upper lip (small creases appearing) and the upper chest/lower neck area where I have intense sun damage.

After using it there for over two weeks, I am noticing subtle changes in the texture with a diminished small line appearance.  I will continue to provide updates so stay tuned!

One Important Way to Extend Your Love

Don't you feel the love in the air with Valentine's Day approaching fast?  Having kids and a family, you feel the love all the time with those little eyes looking at you with so much adoration.  There is nothing that I won't do for my children and I'm sure if you have kids, you are the same.  I was just telling my oldest to take care of her skin as time goes by so fast and when you are young as she is, 21, you don't think about the future as it's hard to comprehend being 40, 50, 60 and so forth.  Taking care of yourself early not only includes being healthy and doing smart things like exercise but an often overlooked action we can take to extend our love beyond our time here, is to purchase life insurance.  The LIFE Foundation is encouraging everyone to look beyond the years and cover your family.  It's logical and sensible but often overlooked for many reasons. 

MomSelect Bloggers are teaming up with the non-profit LIFE Foundation to get the word out on the LIFE Foundation's Crazy4Love Photo Contest from now until February 19, 2010.

About the Contest

To get Americans thinking about life insurance as an expression of enduring love, the nonprofit LIFE Foundation is sponsoring the Crazy4Love Photo Contest. From now until February 19, we’re asking people to share digital photos that demonstrate how they’ve expressed their love to the ones they love. It can be a picture of you and your spouse or significant other. Or maybe a picture of you with your children or other close relatives or friends.

LIFE is interested in photos that capture the full range of emotions – from expressions of love that are crazy or embarrassing to ones that are romantic or tender. Your photo must be accompanied by a short caption – no more than 50 words – that describes what is particularly meaningful or memorable about the digitally captured, loving moment. Please make sure to include your name and email address in the caption, so we have a way of contacting you if your photo is selected as one of the winners. LIFE is collecting entries on the popular microblogging website tumblr.com. Please read the next section for information on how to enter the Contest.

How to Enter (http://www.insureyourlove.org/):


The deadline to submit entries is February 19, 2010.

1. Read the Contest Rules. Please note that you may only submit one photo.
2. View the example below on how to send a valid submission which must include your name, email address and a description (50 words or less) telling us why this is a meaningful or memorable moment. Then visit www.lifefoundation.tumblr.com/submit
3. After entering the information and clicking the submit button, your photo will post to http://www.lifefoundation.tumblr.com/ once it's been approved by the moderator. This means you may not see it appear at first until it has been approved.
   

The Grand Prize winner, as determined by the LIFE Foundation, will receive a $1,000 Travelocity gift certificate toward a romantic getaway. LIFE will also award five runners-up with $100 American Express gift cards.



*Disclaimer:  I received nothing for this blog post.  I am entering a contest to win a $250 American Express gift card and Insure Your Love family Gift Basket filled with Valentine's Day-themed children's books, DVDs and toys.

Design & Win Your Valentine's Day Look at FashionPlaytes

Create your perfect Valentine's Day look and share it with FashionPlaytes! Four lucky winners will be selected -- one every week starting January 19th until February 14th. The winning designers will get their designs produced and shipped to them, absolutely free!

To enter the contest:

1. Go to FashionPlaytes and design your own unique Valentine's Day shirt or dress.
2. Save your design to your collection
3. Click the “share” button & send to weeklydesign@fashionplaytes.com.

Happy designing and good luck!

Get FREE shipping on all orders over $35! Use discount code ship35 at checkout.

Contest Rules: Designs must be received by midnight EST each Saturday between January 19, 2010 and February 13, 2010 to be considered for the prior week's design contest. The winner will receive her design produced and shipped to her at no charge and may be selected to appear on the website as Fashion Playtes' “Designer of the Week”.


Winners will be selected by the design team at Fashion Playtes and any ties will be decided by Sarah McIlroy, CEO of Fashion Playtes. We ask winning designers (and parents) to submit a photo of the designer in her creation to include on our site.