TOCCA Candle Review

As you all probably know, I'm a huge candle lover. I love all the different scents each unique candle creates and how each candle looks. I love all the different wax colors, labels and candle holders. 

"Small Indulgences can go a long way.  If there is one accessory with which to adorn your home, let it be a TOCCA candle.  Nothing is more powerful than the way a scent makes you feel.  Synonymous with simplicity, refinement and sensibility, TOCCA’s candle collection evokes specific moods and emotions linked by an exotic romanticism and Old World sentiment."

I was so excited when I got the chance to review a Tocca candle! I had seen pictures of them online and each candle looked amazing. I got to try out the Brigitte candle for my blog. When this candle came in, I was so impressed with how elegant it looked. It was so pretty I almost didn't want to burn it! I decided to take a nice, warm bath after work one night and decided to light my new candle then. It made my bathroom smell just like a spa. It made me feel extra pampered and relaxed. This candle is simply amazing. You really have to try it for yourself! 

I think this Tocca candle gift set would make a perfect house warming or bachelorette party gift! 

Tocca also has women's clothing, children's clothing, and even items for your laundry!

*Special thanks to Tocca for providing a candle for the review. I was paid in no way for this review. This review is solely based on my own personal opinion.

Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract Review and Giveaway

I've always loved baking with vanilla. I love the smell and the extra flavoring it gives your food. 

Here are some fun facts I never knew about vanilla:

A few drops of vanilla in a can of paint will help eliminate unpleasant odors! 

A teaspoon or so of vanilla in Italian tomato sauces or Mexican chili helps cut the acidity of the tomatoes

In baking, cream the vanilla with the shortening or butter portion of the ingredients. The fat encapsulates the vanilla, preventing it from volatilizing in the baking process.

Vanilla extract is used by veteran fishermen to mask the smell of their hands so the fish won't detect them

"Nielsen-Massey Vanillas. The finest pure vanilla in the world!"
"How do we stake such a claim? It starts with a family dedicated to pure vanilla products since 1907. Add the finest vanilla beans available - hand-picked for perfection, and the process has begun. Next, an exclusive cold extraction process slowly and gently draws the delicate and distinctive flavor from the vanilla beans. The result is the finest pure vanilla in the world -- perfect for the home cook or the discriminating chef."

I received a bottle of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon pure vanilla extract to try out.

I loved using this vanilla! It smells so good and I could tell it was quality made. I made Christmas cookies with this vanilla and they turned out amazingly. I hoping to try out one of their great recipes here in the future and see what other creations this vanilla can make! When I run out of vanilla, I'm going to be sure and buy my vanilla from Nielsen-Massey. 

Giveaway: Now Ended

One lucky person is going to win the same thing I got for the review, a 2 fl oz bottle of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract. 

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

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Ends 01/09

*Special thanks to Nielsen-Massey 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. 

Weleda Review and Giveaway

Our promise to you

To delight the senses with products that are gentle and effective.

To create vital relationships among customers, fair trade partners and our own team.

To ensure the quality of our products and programs.

To actively protect ecology and steward conservation To continually invest in research and development so we many continue to cultivate beauty around the world

I've never really used body oils before, but after using weleda I wish I would have a while ago! 

Birch Cellulite, Arnica Massage, Lavender Relaxing, Wild Rose, Pomegranate Regenerating, Sea Buckthorn,

"From fingers to feet, each part of your body needs a different kind of oil. That's why this Body Oil Essentials Kit has thought about all of you. Whether you have dry skin, need a massage, want to reduce the signs of aging or to enliven your senses, this is the kit for you."

I love this Body Oil Essentials Kit! It has such an amazing variety of oils for you to use for different needs. I love all the different smells each oil has as well. I used the lavender relaxing body oil today and it made my skin feel great! It also smells so wonderful. I would recommend this kit for someone that has different needs from day to day. 

Regenerating Body Oil, Hand Cream, and Creamy Body Wash

"At Weleda, we're proud to present our Pomegranate Regenerating Body Care collection, featuring a skin-renewing natural wonder-pure, antioxidant-rich, organic pomegranate seed oil...To get you started, we've put together a conveniently sized sampling of our Pomegranate Regenerating Body Care products. It's a beauty regimen that supports the changing needs of your skin by promoting skin renewal, preventing the formation of age spots and rendering your skin firm, supple and smooth." 

This Pomegranate Travel Kit is just as amazing! This kit helps renew and firm your entire body from head to toe. I love the way the oil feels on my skin too. I take the hand cream with me to work, and put a little dab on my hands when they start to get dry and chapped since it's so cold outside. If you're someone that needs just that extra bit of renewal on your skin, this kit is for you!

Giveaway:Now Ended

There will be two (2) winners for this giveaway! One person will win the amazing Body Oil Essentials Kit and the other will win the Pomegranate Travel Kit! 

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

Mandatory Entry: Go to Weleda and tell me something you learned, AND tell me which kit you would like if you win! (1 entry)

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Ends 01/07

*Special thanks to the folks at Weleda 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. 

Castine Candle Review

"Castine Candle Company is family-owned and operated in Benton, Maine. We have invested in research (we really did hire a chemist!), product redesign, and superior ingredients to bring the highest quality candle to you and your family."

I love a good candle! There is nothing better than coming home, lighting a candle and letting the beautiful aroma fill the air. I was so excited when I learned I'd be receiving some holiday scents from Castine Candles. There is nothing I like more then making my house smell like the Christmas holiday! 

I received SIX different scents to review! 

Sugar Cookie, Mistletoe, Sleigh Ride, Balsam Fir, Winter Frost, and Winter Pomegranate!

Balsam Fir

When I lit the Sugar Cookie Candle, I couldn't believe how amazing it smelled! It had it sitting out in my kitchen when company came over and got compliments about how yummy my kitchen smelled. The rest of the candles smelled just as wonderful! I having trouble alternating candles, because I can't choose which one to light next. 

I can't even begin to list all the wonderful scents they have to offer! Not only do they have over fifteen (15) holiday scents, but they also have a Breakfast Blend Collection, Nature Collection, Maine Summer Collection, Berry Collection, Harvest Collection, Cookbook Collection, and even a Welcome to the Family Collection! 

I thought these martini glass candles were amazing as well! 

 They also have candles for your guy's "Man Cave"

And how neat is this: If you order a candle for someone and would rather have it shipped directly to them, Castine Candles can do that for you, no problem! 

Here is something else really cool happening as well!

"In that spirit, we are proud to introduce our Candle Club. Each month we will feature a seasonal scent for club members. For $27.90 per month, which includes shipping and handling, we will send your selection on the 10th of each month. We will offer three month, six month and twelve month membership options. Members will receive a 26 oz candle selection with 30% of the purchase contributed towards one of the organizations we are endorsing. In addition to the large seasonal scent of the month candle, a gift will be sent to you as thanks for making the choice to make a difference. Currently you may select to support the New England Society of New York City and their endeavor to support higher education for youth or the Patrick Dempsey Cancer Center for Hope and Healing. A great holiday gift for yourself or someone you care about-join today!"

Be sure to check them out on facebook and on twitter!

*Special thanks to Castine Candles for sending me all the amazing candles to review. I was paid in no way for this review. It is solely based on my own personal opinion. 

Foxy Originals Jewelry Review and Giveaway

"Jen and Suzie, The founders of Foxy Originals, believe that happiness, excitement and fun are the perfect accessories to a fabulous life!  Foxy Originals embodies these sentiments and gives women of all ages the tools to make their own look-and lives-a little more fabulous. Their vibrant and playful designs give their customers a way to add some sparkle and shine, in an individual way that reflects their own distinct sense of style. Behind every fun and bright jewel is Jen and Suzie’s desire to make its wearer feel happy and beautiful."

I love finding new jewelry, especially jewelry that stands out and makes a fun statement! I am so glad that I stumbled across Foxy Originals Jewelry. I love this jewelry! I was allowed to pick anything to receive for my review and I had such a hard time choosing which piece I wanted to get. 

 

I finally choose the beautiful Allegro Necklace. I choose the blue/green necklace because those are the colors I wear most of the time. When I received my necklace, I was so excited to see that it came in a cute little jewelry bag. Most of the time when I order jewelry online, it comes to me in a little plastic baggy all jumbled up. All Foxy pieces are cast in fine pewter and then coated with matte gold, silver, or bronze too.

I seriously LOVE this necklace. It's so well made and unique looking. I wore this to work the day after it arrived and you wouldn't imagine the compliments I got from people about it! It felt a little nice to make some people jealous. I've worn the "blue" side when I want my outfit to stand out more, and the "green" side when I'm feeling a little more laid back. 

Foxy Originals is such a hit that big names like Lauren Conrad, Katherine McPhee, Miley Cyrus, and Paris Hilton have been seen wearing them. I have a feeling I'll be ordering another piece from them too! Foxy Originals has so much to choose from as well! Be sure to check out not only their necklaces, but also their rings, cuff links, earrings, bracelets, and hair accessories!

Giveaway:Now Ended

One (1) lucky individual is going to win their choice of item from Foxy Originals!

This giveaway is only open to residents of the US and Canada

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

Mandatory Entry: Go to Foxy Originals Jewelry and tell me what you would pick if you won

 (1 entry)

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Ends 12/29

*Special thanks to Foxy Originals for providing items for the review and giveaway. I was paid in no way for this review. This review is also based on my own personal opinion.

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Review and Giveaway

    I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Original Soft Spread is made from a blend of vegetable oils and is an excellent source of Omega-3’s, adding fresh buttery flavor to the foods you love with:

·         70% less saturated fat than butter per serving

·         30% fewer calories than butter per serving

·         No cholesterol

·         No hydrogenated oils, so there's 0g trans fat per serving

If you're like me, you are always on the look out for feeding your family what's best for their health. 

I've always been a big fan of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! and I was so excited when I received a kit from them. This kit was so unique. The "folder" that held the information looked exactly like a refrigerator! Inside, I found a USB flash drive to help Spread the Word!, An amazing butter knife to Spread the Taste! (I seriously LOVE this butter knife), and a coupon for a free tub of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! to Enjoy Fresh Butter Taste, the Healthier Way! I also received a magazine with "Tub Tips" and recipes. 

I also received a handy book that had a pack of Reach Right! posted notes, a neat magnet, and a ton of handy little recipe packets, each packet came with two (2) coupons for $1.50 off any I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! product. One for you and one for a friend! That means you can get any of their tubs, sticks, sprays, or squeezes! 

Be sure to check out I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! for all kinds of interesting stuff. I found their article on Myths and Truths really insightful. Be sure to also check out their recipes to try. 

Giveaway:Now Ended

One (1) lucky reader is going to win a kit of their own! That means you could win an I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! USB flash drive, butter knife, magazine, recipes and FREE coupon. 

Mandatory Entry: Go to I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! and tell me something you learned

 (1 entry)

Be Sure to Leave Your Email Address so I can contact you if you win!

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Ends 12/27

*Special thanks to I Can't Believe It's Not Butter 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. 

BRUT Review and Giveaway

The Essence of Man

"Since 1964, our brand has been interwoven in the fabric of America. BRUT is oftentimes the first fragrance bought by teenagers around the world, marking their transition to manhood. Since our inception, BRUT cologne has blossomed into a full product line complementing all stages of the male grooming process."

I've always been on the look out for products that leave my guy smelling amazing! I came across BRUT and knew I wanted Sam to try it out. I received three items to review from BRUT. 

This Splash-On Original Fragrance is great! Sam puts it on when he doesn't get the chance to take a shower and wants to smell fresh and clean for work. I can really tell the difference once he puts this on. 

I also received the BRUT Deodorant Stick. This deodorant has 24 hour protection while killing the germs that cause odor. Sam wore this and smelled great all day! He didn't have to reapply it once, unlike other deodorants he's tried in the past. 

The last thing I received is the BRUT Cologne. This cologne smells just as great as the splash-on and deodorant. Sam wore some of this on a date one night and got quite a few questions about what he was wearing. I was more than impressed! 








BRUT is offering a holiday gift set featuring a 5.5 oz. Cologne and Deodorant or a 5.5 oz. Cologne and 7 oz. Splash On that come complete in a gift box for minimal wrapping. The kits range from $7.99-9.99 and are available at Kmart and Walgreens nationwide.

Giveaway: Now Ended

One (1) lucky reader is going to win a BRUT gift bag filled with all the essentials a man needs for man-scaping: BRUT Deodorant, BRUT Splash-On, BRUT Cologne, a BRUT Nail Kit and bottle opener!

Mandatory Entry: "Like" BRUT on facebook and let them know I sent you! (1 entry)

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

Extra Entries

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Ends 12/26

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

Sibu Beauty Review

I'm always on the hunt for products that will keep my face looking fresh and clean. When I heard about Sibu Beauty, I knew I had to try it out. 

Before I talk about what I tried about, let me tell you about one the main ingredients they use, Sea Buckthorn.

"Seabuckthorn has been thoroughly researched in over 130 modern scientific studies that have found that this berry promotes health. Seabuckthorn contains more than 190 biologically active compounds that can nourish the body's cells to protect the skin from free radicals and the natural aging process." 

I received two products to review. The amazing repair & protect facial cream and the cleanse & detox facial soap

$19.95

The repair & protect facial cream is amazing! The first thing I noticed was the great smell it leaves on your face; just a hint of citrus, which is just what I need in mornings. It left my skin feeling so smooth and non-greasy like some facial creams can do. Another thing I love about this product? It's Cruelty-FREE and Paraben-FREE. Now, if you're like me, I had to go to the dictionary to remember what paraben means.
 The definition is "any ester of parahydroxybenzoic acid, some of which are used incosmetics and pharmaceuticals and have been found in breastcancer tumours".
 I'm so glad it's Paraben-FREE! 

$5.95

I also received this Cleanse & Detox facial soap. Again, this product has that great citrus scent. The soap has a great lather and leaves my face feeling clean, fresh, and ready to start the day! Something else I forgot to mention is that Sibu Beauty has no dairy, wheat, gluten, sodium, yeast, or preservatives, which makes it perfect for sensitive skin! 

Be sure to check out their new products as well!

You can also check them out on facebook or twitter.

*Special thanks to the folks over at Sibu Beauty for sending me products to review. I was paid in no way for this review. The review is solely based on my own personal opinion.

The Art of Shaving Review

"The power of suggestion works best when suggested over and over and over..."

If your significant other is anything like mine, it's a constant battle to get him to shave on a regular basis. My boyfriend, Sam, doesn't shave as often as I'd like him to and when I do ask him to shave, it doesn't end up occurring until a few days later. His excuse is always "I don't have time" or "I'm out of that shaving cream I love". Well, when I received the Art of Shaving starter kit, I couldn't wait for him to try it out! Of course, his reply was that he wanted to wait a few days for his stubble to grow out a little while, so I patiently waited.

This Starter Kit is amazing (I wish it was for me!) It has everything needed for the four steps. 

• Prepare - pre-shave oil that is unscented for sensitive skin. It protects the skin while softening the facial hair for an easy glide. 
• Lather up! - Shaving Cream is unscented for sensitive skin. This shaving cream creates a protective layer from the razor. 
• Shave - The Art of Shaving Brush is made from the finest badger hair and helps generate a warm, rich lather while lifting the facial hair. 
• Moisturize - The after-shave balm with vitamin C. As I'm sure we all know, shaving often leaves our skin feeling dry and tingly. This balm helps soothe and moisturize the skin. 

Sam finally tried the kit and wouldn't you know it, he LOVED it. I think he was having a little too much fun with the kit, but hey, as long as it gets him to shave more often, he can have as much fun as he wants! He said shaving was a whole lot more comfortable and his skin felt better after shaving. I have a feeling that when he runs out, I'll have to get more. 

You can get this kit AND eight (8) cartridges of Gillette Fusion Pro-Glide right now for only $40! This would make a great stocking stuffer for the man in your life.

 

Remember how I was saying how I wish the kit was mine? Well, The Art of Shaving also has an amazing kit for women!

Be sure to check out The Art of Shaving for all your shaving needs!

*Special thanks to the folks at The Art of Shaving for sending me products to review. I was in no way paid for this review. This review is solely based on my own personal opinion. 

Pillsbury Toaster Strudels Giveaway

Now that it's getting colder outside, my daily routine has changed a little bit. I always go outside and start my car a few minutes before I leave so it's nice and warm. Now, before I go outside, I grab a toaster strudel out of the freezer, pop it in my toaster, and by the time I'm back inside, breakfast is served! It only takes a few minutes for the toaster strudel to get nice and warm and the extra icing on top is the "icing the cake" no pun intended.

My Doodle on A Strudel

Now you have the chance to show us what kind of icing artist you are with the “Doodle on A Strudel” Facebook application. Visit Pillsbury on Facebook and click on the Toaster Strudel tab to use your cursor to draw your favorite icing designs on the virtual Toaster Strudel pastry. You can save your Strudel Doodles and share them on Facebook or send a doodle to your friends by clicking “Share Your Strudel Art.” (This is still in the works, but keep an eye out for when it is "up and running")

Need even more to smile about? Pillsbury is also giving you the chance to win Toaster Strudel pastries for a month through the “A Million Morning Smiles” sweepstakes. With over 2,000 winners per week, simply visit www.strudelsmiles.pillsbury.com and enter to win four boxes of Toaster Strudel from now through February 7, 2011. 

Giveaway: Now Ended

Pillsbury and MyBlogSpark! have partnered together to giveaway  a “Million Morning Smiles” prize pack that includes a Pillsbury^® Doughboy^® Giggle Doll, along with a smiley face-themed mug, placemat and stress ball to one (1) lucky reader! 

Mandatory Entry: What do you "Doodle on A Strudel"? (1 entry)

Please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!

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Ends 12/22

*Special thanks to Pillsbury and MyBlogSpark! for sponsoring the giveaway and sending me my own package! This review is solely based on my own opinion and I was paid in no way.