Sleep Scentsations Review and Giveaway

"We believe everyone deserves a rejuvenating sleep experience, without spending a fortune. Don't dream about a better night's sleep, experience it with Sleep Scentsations."

We all love to sleep, or at least I know, I do! I love jumping into the covers at night, laying my head on my pillow and being about to doze off into a nice dream. Sometimes though, no matter how tired I am, I can't seem to get my thoughts to quiet down. I've taken "PM" pills before to help me sleep, but I hate the drowsiness I sometimes feel the next morning. I've also tried the "pillow mist", which is nice, but leaves my pillow feeling moist and sometimes can cause my face to break out. 

I was contacted by Sleep Scentsations to review four of their scented pillow liners: "day at the beach", "white tea and lily", "ginger and amber", and "restore". Since I love the beach so much, I decided to use that liner for my pillow. The liners are very easy to use. You simply pull the liner off the pad and place it on your pillow. The smell is just strong enough to help you get to sleep, but it didn't keep me awake at all. In fact, I felt like I was staying the night in a spa! The liner usually lasts a little under a week, and then you simply put a new liner on. These would go perfect in any "spa gift basket" or for an upcoming Mother's Day gift. Who doesn't like the gift of a better night's sleep? 

Giveaway

One (1) lucky reader is going to win a liner of each scent! That's nine (9) liners, or over one (1) month of sleep scentsations!

This giveaway is only open to residents of the US

Mandatory Entry: "Like" Sleep Scentsations on facebook and tell them which scent you would like to try the most! (1 entry)

Be sure to leave your email address and a comment per entry. 

Extra Entries

Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry)

"Like" The Way the Cookie Crumbles on facebook (1 entry)

Ends 5/14/2011

*Special thanks to the folks at Sleep Scentsations for providing products for the review and giveaway. I was paid in no way for this review. This review is solely based on my own personal opinion. 

Blissliving Home Destination: London Calling

Save the Date for William and Kate!

As I'm sure you all know by now, Prince William and Kate Middleton will be getting married soon! In celebration of their upcoming union, the folks at Blissliving Home would like to introduce you to one of their collections entitled "London Calling". This is just one of their many "destinations." 

Here is the London Duvet Set, complete with raincloud pillow cases!

Or check out these adorable London Candles!

For my review, I was sent an amazing I <3 London Double Decker Bus Pillow. 

This pillow is so cute and cuddly! The colors are so bright and vibrant. Every time I look at this pillow, it makes me want to jump on a plane and head over to London. I have a white down comforter right now and this pillow looks great with it! This pillow would be great for kids or adults. 

Not really into London? Well, be sure to check out Blissliving Home's other destinations! With their help, you can travel to Miami, to Hong Kong, to Iceland!

To help share in the fun, Blissliving Home is offering a special discount to my readers!

"The Way The Cookie Crumbles readers enjoy  25% off your entire order at the Blissliving Home online boutique www.blisslivinghome.com! Simply enter coupon code COOKIE (all caps) during the checkout process. 

The offer is valid site-wide - excluding only items in the Outlet, Wall Art, Home Accessories II and Furniture categories. The offer is valid April 18 – May 19,  2011."

Giveaway: Now Ended

One (1) lucky individual is going to win their own double decker bus pillow, just like mine! This pillow retails for $85 and would look cute on any bed or couch! 

Mandatory Entry: "Like" Blissliving Home on facebook and tell them which "destination" you'd like to see next! (1 entry)

Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner! 

Leave one comment per entry. 

Extra Entries

Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry)

"Like" The Way the Cookie Crumbles on facebook (1 entry)

Ends 05/02/2011

*Special thanks to Blissliving Home for sponsoring the review and giveaway. I was paid in no way for this review. This review is solely based on my own personal opinion. 

Modern Light Candles Review and Giveaway

"Modern Light candles was founded on the belief that everyone's space should be filled with

 warmth, scent, and life."

"We are distinctly focused on bringing you high- quality, sophisticated scents that evoke a specific mood and captivate the senses. Part science, part creativity, our highly-fragranced candles are custom blended, individually hand-poured and made of 100% pure soy wax. We use lead free wicks exclusively and each candle is designed to provide more than 50 hours of intoxicating scent 

and flickering modern light."

As I'm sure you all know by now, I'm a HUGE candle lover. I could go on and on about how I love to smell different candles and find out how each one is unique not only in it's scent, but also in it's design and make.  When Modern Light Candles contacted me to review one of their 100% pure soy wax candles, of course, I said "Yes!" They had so many amazing scents to choose from too:

• Bourgeoisie
• Flora N 23
• Kaya
• Midnight Noir
• Pandora's Box

and the scent I choose to review, which is Fresh Cut Grass. 

I live in West Virginia and I love the smell of Spring. I love it when it rains and the grass has just been cut. This candles reminds me just of that. It has this amazing scent that makes me long for Spring to get here even faster. 

9 oz. Over 50 hrs of burn time

These candles look very simple and clean. Not very flashy or eye catching, but they make themselves noticeable through their scent. When I had this lite in my kitchen, I had people asking, "What is that amazing smell?" I also noticed that when I had this candle lite, and one of my other candles lite at the other end of the house, my modern light candle didn't "go through" nearly as much wax as my other candle. Looking to get into a Spring-like mood faster? Then this candle is perfect for you! I can't wait to try out all of the other scents, too. 

Giveaway:Now Ended

Two (2) readers are going to win their own Modern Light Candle!

 These candles retail at $40 a piece!

Mandatory Entry: "Like" Modern Light Candles on facebook and please tell them I sent you! (1 entry)

Please be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner.

Leave one comment per entry. 

Extra Entries

Tell me which scent you'd get from Modern Light Candles if you won (1 entry)

"Like" The Way the Cookie Crumbles on facebook (1 entry)

Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry)

Ends 04/16/11

* Special thanks to Modern Light Candles for providing products for the review and giveaway. I was paid in no way for this review. This review is based on my own personal opinion. 

Chesapeake Bay Candles Review and Giveaway

"Influenced by the contemporary designs Mei discovered during her travels in Europe and distinctively different from traditional candles available in the American market of the mid-1990's, Chesapeake Bay Candle was destined to become an instant hit. The very first Chesapeake Bay Candle collection featured stylish pop colors such as mango, lime green, and lavender combined with a unique mottled texture leaving the impression of little snowflakes on the candle finish, pair with exquisite botanical fragrances."

You might remember creator Mei Xu from my earlier blog post about blissliving home. 

Did you know that in 2010, The White House invited Mei to create a candle exclusively for First Lady Michelle Obama? 

I love candles! It always seems like I can't get enough of them. I love how each one seems to have it's own signature scent and look. Have you ever noticed that lighting a candle always brings some type of peace and tranquility into your life? I love lighting a candle in my bathroom before I take a bath; it always makes me feel at ease and lets me feel as if I'm in my own little spa. Chesapeake Bay Candle are no exception. This candles smell amazing! The have such a modern, classic look to them, and hold their scent perfectly. Each candle comes in it's specific box that describes the scent and features. They have a wide variety of scents that include jasmine mint, orchid guava, bamboo eucalyptus, teakwood cedar, lemon grass verbena, calypso mist, turquoise waters, and vanilla bourbon. 

Not sure which scent is for you? Take the fragrance quiz on their website. 

I wasn't sure myself, so I even took the test! My results were dead on! They said:

You are Cool & Casual Like a breath of fresh air, you like to ensure your surroundings are as original and dynamic as you are. As your spontaneity sets the mood for adventure, you enjoy life outdoors—from the warm, shimmering sun on your back to the scents of the salty sea, like fragrant driftwood and marine musk with soft hints of sparkling citrus. Curious and charismatic by nature, your optimistic attitude and inquisitive intrigue attracts those around you. Always up for the challenge, you are athletic and energetic and adore transparent, aquatic fragrances like Calypso Mist and Turquoise Waters that reflect your cool and casual ways. Giveaway: Now Closed Three (3) lucky readers are going to win their choice of candle from Chesapeake Bay Candle!  These candles retail at $20 each and would be a great addition to any home! Mandatory Entry: "Like" Chesapeake Bay Candle's facebook page and leave a comment letting them know which scent you would love to have in your house. Then come back here and leave a comment telling me you did. (1 entry) Please leave one comment per entry and be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you're one of the three winners! Extra Entries Take the fragrance test on Chesapeake Bay Candle's website and let me know which fragrance it pegged you for (1 entry) Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry) "Like" The Way the Cookie Crumbles on facebook (1 entry) Ends 04/05/11 *Special thanks to the folks at Chesapeake Bay Candle for providing products for the review and giveaway. I was paid in no way. This review is solely based on my own personal opinion.

Scrub Strong Review and Giveaway

"The future looks bright as IMS Trading continues to build toward becoming a leading manufacturer of household and personal care products. The company will continue to focus on driving all brands and creating strong brand awareness with retailers and consumers alike."

If you've been reading my blog for a while now, you'll remember my review for cleanlogic bath and body care. Well, IMS Trading not only has started that brand, but also many others, including Scrub Strong!

Who here loves to clean? I do, I do! 

Well, not all the time, but when I do clean, I want to know I'm using the best stuff possible for the task at hand. 

Scrub Strong sent me several products to try out and use around the house.

I'm using this scrubby/sponge in my kitchen. It's safe on non-stick surfaces, dishwasher safe, and has been antimicrobial treated to help prevent decay, odor, or stains on the scrubby.

I used these wipes to gently clean off  dust and dirt from some of the items in my china cabinet. 

This scrubby/ sponge is great for cleaning just about anything! I cleaned my bathtub with this and it's never  looked cleaner! Another awesome thing is that it's dishwasher safe and antimicrobial treated.


I also received a copper mesh scourer and dual texture scrubbers that I can't wait to try out!

Giveaway: Now Ended

One lucky reader is going to win their own spring gift basket full of all kinds of Scrub Strong supplies, just in time for spring cleaning!


Mandatory Entry: IMS Trading has a blog that is in need of new followers! Just go to their blog and follow it via Google Friend Connect, then come back and leave a comment telling me you did! (1 entry)

Leave one comment per entry and also be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner!

Extra Entries
"Like" Scrub Strong's  facebook page and please tell them I sent ya! ( 1 entry)
Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
"Like" The Way the Cookie Crumbles on facebook (1 entry)


Ends 03/28/11


*Special thanks to IMS Trading for providing products for the review and giveaway. This review is solely based on my own personal opinion. I was paid in no way. 

Bondi Band Review and Giveaway

The Idea

"The simple premise of bondi band is to offer comfy, colorful, and creative headbands to fit every lifestyle and personality. By using stretchy and breathable material, we allow Bondi Bands to fit virtually every head size comfortably and fashionably." 

I'm definitely a runner. I'm not very good at sports or at weight lifting, but I love to run. Running always has a way of clearing my head and de-stressing my life. One problem I've had when I run is that my headband will start slowly sliding back and eventually I'll have to take it off and slide it back on, only to have the process start over again. I also noticed too that when I finally get back home and take my headband off, I'll have a nice "ring" on my hair where the band has been. 

This is the type of band I was using before I found bondi bands! Like I said before, this band would always slip and slide off my head and leave the "lovely" ring on my head. 

And THIS is the wicking ponytail hat I received from bondi band. I love running with this hat on. It leaves plenty of room for my ponytail but still keeps a nice grip on my head. I didn't have to adjust it once when I was wearing it! The material is also so smooth, flexible, and breathable.

 I am also one of those people who have those pesky "fly-away" hairs around my forehead. I'm always conscious about how curly and wavy their getting when I'm running, especially if it's raining. Now, with my bondi band hat, I don't have to worry about the fly-aways. 

Bondi band products would be a great gift for any runner!

Be sure to check out bondi bands for dogs, too!

Giveaway: Now Closed

One lucky winner is going to win their own choice of bondi band!

Mandatory Entry:  Go to bondi band and tell me which one you'd choose if you won! (1 entry)

Please leave a comment per entry, along with your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner!

Extra Entries

Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry)

"Like" bondi band on facebook and please tell them I sent you (1 entry)

"Like" The Way the Cookie Crumbles on facebook (1 entry)

Ends 03/20/11

*Special thanks to the folks at Bondi band for supplying products for the review and giveaway. This review is solely based on my own personal opinion. I was paid in no way for this review. 

Sarris Candies Review and Giveaway

"You might say it all started when Frank Sarris found a sweetheart. As a young man trying to win the affections of the lovely Athena, Frank presented her with a gift as sweet as she was, a box of chocolates. Athena's face lit up as she lifted the lid and Frank knew he was in love. He also knew he could make better chocolate."

 "We are a third generation owned and operated chocolate manufacturing company with a large candy showroom and Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour where all ice creams and toppings are made fresh daily on the premises. We are currently in over 700 retail outlets and continue to expand." 

I'm not a big fan of candy, but every once in a while I love a good piece of chocolate. 

Now, I have to admit that really the only kind of chocolate I've ever eaten is Hershey's chocolate. I've even been to the factory who knows how many times!

Well, move over Hershey's chocolate, because Sarris Candies are amazingly good!

The item Sarris Candies sent for my review was their new 100 calorie pretzel slims. I was so excited when I received them because I love chocolate covered pretzels. It's so hard to describe how amazing these pretzel sticks taste. Each one has been drenched with just the right amount of chocolate and made perfect. When I tried my first chocolate covered pretzel, I instantly loved how it melted in my mouth! It tasted so yummy that I soon found myself eating the whole container. I loved them so much I gave some to my family so they could try them. 

Be sure to check out some of their other candies too!

 Like their easter candy and birthday chocolate.

Giveaway: Now Ended

The nice people over at Sarris Candies are going to give one winner a six pack of chocolate covered pretzels, just like I received for the review! 

Mandatory Entry: "Like" Sarris Candies on facebook and please tell them I sent ya! (1 entry)

*Be sure to check out their weekly giveaway too!

Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner!

Leave one comment per entry

Extra Entries

"Like" The Way the Cookie Crumbles on facebook (1 entry)

Follow my blog via google friend connect (1 entry)

Ends 03/08

*Special thanks to Sarris Candies for providing products for the review and giveaway. I was paid in no way for this review. This review is solely based on my own personal opinion.

Verve, Inc., Glee Gum and Make Your Own Candy Kits Review and Giveaway

"In 1992, the concept for Verve was born when we visited an economically depressed chicle-producing community in Northern Guatemala. Up until then, we had never really thought about how chewing gum was made. When we realized its origins, we learned that prior to the synthetic resins, chicle was the basis of the entire industry. Our goal was to support chicle-harvesting by purchasing chicle. With this goal in mind, Verve was born..."


I'm a huge fan of junk food. I know it's not the best for me, but every once in awhile it's great to treat myself. Two of my favorite candies are chewing gum and gummies. 

When the glee gum came in the mail, I couldn't wait to try it out. The glee gum was like little packets of flavor. The flavors varied from triple berry, to bubble gum, to tangerine.  Now, some gums that I've tried have lost their "chewiness" over time, but I noticed that glee gum kept it's chew for a long time. 


The other product I received was one of their Make Your Own Candy Kits. They have kits to make your own chocolate, bubble gum, and gummies. Because I'm such a huge gummy fan, I thought the Make Your Own Gummy Kit would be fun and educational. 

Since I don't have kids of my own I asked my nephew, Dustyn, to come over one night and help me make gummies. Since he's six, this was right up his alley and he was more than excited to make gummies. When we took everything out of the box, it was nice to see that everything was organized and had easy steps to follow. The steps were also very kid friendly and it was nice to let Dustyn do most the work. The look on his face when we were making the gummies said it all to me. He was so excited and loved every minute of it. The kit comes with molding starch so you get to choose what kind of gummies to make, which I thought was so neat. Because I couldn't find any items to make the molds, I thought it would be fun for Dustyn to use his hand as one. That had to have been one of the best ideas for a mold. He loved putting his hand in the molding starch and then putting the gummy mixer over it. You have to put the gummies in the refrigerator for ten minutes after you make them and Dustyn couldn't wait for that ten minutes to be up so he could eat his gummy hand. If you like sour gummies, there is even a bag of sour sugar to sprinkle over your gummies. I'm sure the other candy kits are just as fun!

Giveaway: Now Ended

One lucky reader is going to win one (1) of their own Make Your Own Candy Kits! (Winner's Choice)

This giveaway is only open to residents of the USA

Mandatory Entry: Go to Glee Gum's website and tell me which kit you'd like to pick if you won! (1 entry)

Please be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner!

Extra Entries

"Like" Glee Gum on facebook and let them know I sent ya! ( 1 entry)

Follow my blog via google friend connect (1 entry)

"Like" The Way the Cookie Crumbles on facebook (1 entry)

Ends 02/28/11

*Special thanks to Verve and Glee Gum for providing products for the review and giveaway. I was paid in no way for this post. This review is solely based on my own personal opinion. 

Happy Feet Insoles Review and Giveaway

"Happy Feet's proprietary manufacturing process bonds a breathable, lightweight fabric to a high-strength bladder containing viscosity-controlled fluid to provide comfort and relief by distributing weight evenly, absorbing impact and massaging with every step. Happy Feet® Insoles fit in any shoe, including sandals, and are recommended by people everywhere to treat foot pain."

I'm one of those people who are constantly on their feet, as I'm sure most of you reading this are as well! I go from working my full-time job during the day to cooking dinner, cleaning, blogging, and running errands at night. In the midst of all that, I've been trying to get into shape. I've made it my goal to set aside at least an hour (if I can) so I can exercise, whether it being running on my treadmill, lifting weights, or even playing an exercise game on the Wii. 

I put Happy Feet Insoles in my sneakers when they arrived and let me tell you that exercising is now ten times better! These insoles are 100% glycerin (gel) filled, which is amazing to feel on your feet. It feels like a constant foot massage on your feet. I love it!

 When I used to exercise without the insoles, my back would be aching at the end of the hour and I couldn't wait to throw my sneakers off my feet. Now, with these insoles, I end my exercising feeling refreshed and without back pain. I even make the time to "stretch" after I'm done exercising. I've recommended these insoles to my co-workers and family members. If you have a pair of sneakers, these insoles should be inside of them.

Fun Facts About Happy Feet:

• 30 day money back guarantee (which I'm sure you won't need)
• One year warranty
• Free shipping on three or more
• Made in the USA
• They will even cut your insoles to fit your sandals/thongs

Giveaway: Now Ended

One (1) lucky reader is going to win their own pair of Happy Feet Insoles! (a $40 value!)

Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner!

Mandatory Entry: Go to Happy Feet's website and tell me something you learned (1 entry)

Extra Entries

Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry)

"Like" Happy Feet Insoles on facebook and let them know I sent ya! ( 1 entry)

"Follow" Happy Feet Insoles on twitter (1 entry)

"Like" The Way the Cookie Crumbles on facebook (1 entry)

Ends 02/20/11

*Special thanks to Happy Feet for providing a pair of insoles for the review and for the giveaway. I was paid in no way for this review. This review is solely based on my own personal opinion.

VMC Products for Health- Yogourmet Yogurt Maker Review and Giveaway

"Founded in 1969 VMC Products for Health Inc., is one of the pioneer companies in the health food industry.  We introduced the first electric yogurt maker for home use in the United States in 1970. Since then, VMC has added various electric and non-electric yogurt makers, accessories for the yogurt makers, yogurt starters, kefir starter, and cheese starters under the "Yogourmet" name."

I have always been a big fan of "homemade" food. Haven't you ever noticed how it just tastes better? You don't have to guess where it's been and how it's been made. Just yesterday I went out to a local steakhouse in my area and I'm pretty sure the lettuce in my salad still had ice chunks on it! My first job was working at a fast food restaurant, and I won't tell you how many "procedures" we were told to bypass for the sake of time. 

Now that I have a Yogourmet electric yogurt maker, buying yogurt at the store is one less thing I have to worry about!

This yogurt maker is amazing! It comes with everything you need to make your own homemade yogurt. 

This Yogourmet Multi system includes:

• The Electric yogurt maker
• 2 quarts capacity inner container with seal-tight lid (To make this even better, it's made of food grade plastic and dishwasher safe!)
• Precision thermometer
• Cotton bag, used for the yogurt cheese strainer
• Full instructions not only in English, but also in Spanish and French
• It also comes with a one year factory warranty!

Now, if you're like me, making or cooking homemade food isn't "in the cards" for you. In fact, I admit I'm not the world's greatest chef...but with this yogurt maker, I can make tasty homemade yogurt with ease!

 Here are the easy steps:         

1. Pour 2 quarts of milk into a double boiler, pot, or casserole dish. (For me, it was a pot, but they say the double boiler is best. ) Heat for one or two minutes at 82 degrees Celsius (or if you're like me and not too handy doing too many things at once, just wait for the milk to boil.) 
2. Allow the milk to cool to between 42-44 degrees Celsius. I filled a sink with cold water and placed the pot in that to help speed up the process. Then you take the inner batch container out of the yogurt maker and pour the cooled milk into it.
3. Next, add lukewarm water to the level of one of the marks inside your Yogourmet maker and plug in your maker, making sure the red light is on. If you're only making one quart, add the water to the first line, or the second line for two quarts. 
4. After that, pour one package of the starter (I used the Pro biotic Yogurt Starter ) into a cup and gradually add five or six tbls. of the cooled milk. Once the starter is completely dissolved, empty the balance of the cooled milk in the batch container and stir. (They say to mix it extra well). 

Now, all you have to do is cover the batch container with it's lid, slip it into the yogurt maker, and place the cover on the yogurt maker. After four to four and a half hours (4-4 1/2), take the bath container out of the yogurt maker and stick it in your fridge. Let it chill for about 8 hours and serve!
Now, since I don't have any kids and I don't eat yogurt everyday, I found it nice to know that it will stay fresh in your fridge for up to 3 weeks!

Check out some of VMC's other products:

 

Liquid Rennet is great for making different cheeses, desserts, custards, and ice creams. The box includes a handy recipe book and is filled with neat tips.

Ultra Biotics: Ultra 10 The Complete Pro Biotic Formula

• ULTRA10™ contains 13 Billion living cells per capsule
• Boosts immune system - simulates your immune system and forms a protective barrier to help prevent colonization of pathogens such as E. coli. 
• Promotes Regularity - Contains bifido bacterium to promote regularity. 
• Helps to synthesize important vitamins, nutrients and enzymes, such as lactase, necessary to digest the lactose inherent in milk and dairy products. 
• Strains are optimized for complete coverage of your intestinal track from the top of your small intestine to your colon.
• Capsules are enteric coated to protect probiotics from the gastric acids so that they arrive undiminished at their target.
• Each bottle contains 100 Capsules

Giveaway:Now Ended

One (1) lucky reader is going to win their own VMC Health Yogourmet Yogurt Maker and accessories!

Mandatory Entry: Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect and then go to VMC Products for Health  and tell me something you learned about them or their many products! ( 1 entry)

Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!

Extra Entries

"Like" The Way the Cookie Crumbles on facebook (1 entry)

"Like" VMC Products on facebook and please tell them I sent you! (1 entry)

Ends 02/08/11

*Special thanks to the folks at VMC Health for supplying products for the review and giveaway. This review is based on my own personal opinion. I was paid in no way for this post.