Howard B. Wigglebottom Giveaway Winner Announcement!

Congratulations to Kimberly Wright!! You are the lucky winner of the autographed Howard B. Wigglebottom of your choice. Thank you to everyone who entered. Be on the lookout for future giveaways.

DaVinci Gourmet Syrup Winner Announcement!

Thank you to all whom entered. The winner of the DaVinci Gourmet Syrup Giveaway is Jessica Edwards!! Congratulations Jessica. Be on the look out for more giveaways coming up.

Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion

The Medi-Matte lotion is another product I received in my New Beauty TestTube. I cannot tell how amazing this product is. I LOVE IT! I have tried endless products that claimed to control oil with minimal or zero results. I was under the impression that my face was just an uncontrollable oil slick. So, as you can imagine I was hopeful but not expecting much.  I'm so happy to report that Cosmedicine's Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion does an amazing job at controlling oil and keeping my face matte longer. My makeup stays on much longer before I need to blotch with matting papers.  I have been using the Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion as a primer before I put on my makeup for the day.
  Here is what Cosmedicine says about their product :

Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion eliminates excess oil, controls shine for 8 hours - and provides the hydration that oily skin needs to become balanced over time. This smart mattifier doesn’t absorb oil and sit on the skin. Instead, it actually works on a molecular level to flash oil off of the skin’s surface. The result? Beautiful, matte, shine-free skin all day long. With continued use, skin becomes less oily as skin is hydrated where it needs it and becomes balanced. Even better, Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion protects skin with SPF 20 and UVA/UVB protection – and antioxidants to fight free radicals. The perfect one-stop solution for oily skin! 1.35 fl oz

  So if you have oil skin and are looking for something that works. I highly recommend Cosmedicine's  Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion. My only problem is that it is only the pricey side, a whopping $42 for 1.35 fl oz. :( I get it. It's crazy expensive because they use quality ingredients that work, but come on! Definitely worth the price tag if you can afford it.

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner

 The Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner is one of my loves from the New Beauty TestTube. This stuff is amazing! This product is designed to help remove blackhead. I have used it to remove blackheads and on breakouts. You can actually see it working. When first applied it is a clear liquid, but as it dries it becomes white, then light blue when it is ready to be taken off. When I say that you can see it working, I mean it. As it starts to tighten your pores you will start to see the oils it is pushing out of your skin. It is amazing and I love it.  

This photo is from the Dr. Brandt Website.

  What I don't love about this product? The high price tag. If it wasn't $45.00 for 1.00 oz, I would be all over it. I will be on the look out though for a dupe of this product at a more affordable price. Do you know of any products similar to this?  If this is in your price range, I do recommend it. You can find this and other Dr. Brandt products here.

Hautelook Sale on Stila! Hurry!

Hautelook is having a sale on Stila! $7 (normally $18) 8 Pan Refillable Palette $12 (normally $30) and so, so much more! Hurry over there before it is all gone! www.hautelook.com

Howard B. Wigglebottom Children's Book Review

 Finally a Children's review! My son and myself both enjoy a good book, so I was very excited to have the opportunity to review a Children's book and do a review that my 2 almost 3 yr old son could be a part of. We chose to review the book Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Power of Giving: A Chirstmas Story. I decided that this was the book for Chase not just because Christmas is coming but because as an only child my son has not yet learned to share. The Howard B. Wigglebottom books are recommended for children 4-8 and while my son doesn't fit this recommendation quite yet, I could tell that he was indeed taking in the lesson in the story. Little Howard B. Wigglebottom learned through the temporary loss of his family and meeting some homeless birds that sharing and giving are much more rewarding than getting. Not only did my son enjoy this book but I did as well. Along with the Howard B. Wigglebottom books their are animated books, games, lessons and Posters. My little guy has had quite a time watching the animated books, so much so that I think the Howard B. Wigglebottom animated books should have their own place on PBS. The Wigglebottom series of books and animated books aren't just children's entertainment but wonderful lessons presented in a way that small children can understand. With lessons about, bullying, anger management, moderation, divorce, paying attention, belonging, peer pressure, sportsmanship and so much more.

Autographed by Author Howard Binkow

 The Howard B. Wigglebottom books and animated books are from the Not for Profit Foundation The We Do Listen Foundation and they can be purchased at a 50-66%  publisher direct discount. Not only was one of the author's Howard Binkow kind enough to send Chase and I an autographed book but he will be giving away an autographed book of choice to one lucky Kristy's Place Reviews & Giveaways reader! Enter Below for your chance to win. You can view the Howard B. Wigglebottom books lesson and animations herehttp://www.wedolisten.org/.

*The book in this review was given to me for consideration. I was not paid for this review. All views are my own, honest opinions.*

Tarte for True Blood

So, it is October and it is getting closer and closer to my favorite holiday Halloween. I have yet to try anything from Tarte but I have heard nothing but really good things about it. Tarte makes natural cosmetics that nourish and help your skin. No terrible synthetics. Nope this is not a review because I haven't yet been able to try Tarte. I just thought I would share my very unhealthy obsession with all things True Blood and that includes what looks like an amazing palette from Tarte for True Blood. I wish that I could afford this! Any readers out there that have tried Tarte? Do you have the True Blood palette? Let me know in the comments what you think. I have been coveting this darn palette and I pray that it doesn't sell out before I can get my greedy hands on it in February. LOL
  Want a Chance to win this awesome palette? Head over to Adventures in Makeup to enter! http://shahadakarim.blogspot.com/2011/10/giveaway-tarte-for-true-blood.html

Winner's Announcement for The EnvyDerm Volume Mascara Giveaway!!!

Thanks to everybody whom entered and Congratulations to Kathy!! 

 Keep reading and checking back there are plenty more giveaways to come! 

Miche, Miche, Miche! A Miche Handbag Review.

"One Bag-Endless Looks"

 Can you tell I'm excited about this review? I'm am so excited I'm practically bouncing around in my seat as I write. Mind you I've had mine for over a week now, and the excitement is still fresh. The Miche Handbags are amazing! To think they came about from something every woman as done at one point. A woman spilled something on her handbag, and out of frustration at not wanting to have to buy a whole new bag and transfer the contents of her purse. She grabbed her super glue and some scrap fabric and the prototype to the bag I'm loving today was born.
 Miche Handbags is a direct sales business sold by women who love Miche just as much as I do.What Miche is are base bags of varying sizes(Prima, Demi, Classic, & Petite) with removable shells that you can change in and out with your varying outfits and moods. I have read about woman who have there Miche bags for years. There is never a need to buy a whole new bag when you can just change out the outer shell. Each bag varies in price depending on size, and each shell varies in price depending on whether it is a Signature, Premium, or a Luxe. Along with being able to the change out the shells of your Miche bag you can also change the straps and add charms. Like Miche says "One bag, Endless looks." I don't find the Miche bag to be anymore expensive then my usual handbag purchases. If you think think Miche is on the pricey side you can always find a consultant in your area and host a party. Being a party host means you get some great rewards such as discounts and exclusive host only shells. Miche can also be purchased directly from their website but buying from a party is a little cheaper. To find a host in your area or to purchase directly from their website head here: http://www.michebag.com/. You can also find them on Facebook, and Twitter. To see the Prima in action and for more info on prices and accessories please watch the video below.

Thanks for reading and watching. I would love for you to follow and share.
*Products in this blog post were sent to me free for review purposes. I was not paid for this review. All opinions are my own.*

NewBeauty TesTube Review

If you are a regular reader of my blog then you know that I love beauty sampling programs. I have tried a lot. So far, I think New Beauty's TestTube may be my favorite. I have tried and actually liked everything in it. I first heard about New Beauty's TestTube on Youtube watching CrazzyShiv and Jalapena2007. The New Beauty TestTube is a Seasonal subscription. Each tube is $29.95 and the Deluxe samples you receive far exceed the price you pay for the tube. Not to mention that the Magazine itself is a $9.95 value. You will receive four boxes a year with the newest and best beauty products for that season, along with the latest New Beauty Magazine.You can also order a New Beauty TestTube subscription from QVC with a different selection of products. I believe it has more beauty products that you may already be familiar with like Tarte, and more Mally products.

 I was always a little unsure about ordering the TestTube because I heard from a lot of other Youtubers that it was more focused on anti-aging and cosmetic surgery. While I found that New Beauty's magazine had some articles regarding cosmetic enhancement it was by no means fully loaded with it. I found a lot of relevant articles for my own skin and for my age range, and what woman's magazine these days doesn't have at least one article in it promoting anti-aging products? The back of the magazine granted is dedicated to introducing you to the best doctors for Cosmetic Surgery, Dentistry, and Dermatology. I love this magazine, and I'm still reading it. It is the thickest magazine I have ever seen, and chock full great information.
 The TestTube itself has some amazing products, that I really love. My absolute favorite being Cosmedine Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion. Oh I love it! I works amazingly well controlling my super oily skin. The downfall? It costs a whopping $40. Wah, wah waaah... In very close second is the Mally Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner. It is so good, this baby will not budge! I had trouble getting it all off with soap and water alone. I actually had to use an eye makeup remover which is very rare, and it glides on like a dream.
  Ok let's go through what was in my TestTube.

• Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner.  $46 (this is another love) 
• Lashfood Natural Eyelash Conditioner 8ml $120 
• Mally Evercolor Starlight Eyeliner $15
• Loreal Paris Elnett Satin $14.99
• Orlane Anti-Aging Skin Care Absolute Skin Recovery Smoothing Foundation $49.85
• YBF Beauty Posing Plum Lip Liner $8.00
• Sparitual Handprint Hand Serum 4fl oz $60.00
• Macadamia Natural Oil, Healing Treatment & Deep Repair Masque: Oil Treatment $72, Repair Masque $49 

All in all I really like New Beauty's TestTube, my only concern being that I'll never be able to by these products in their full sizes. I think I'd like to try QVC's New Beauty TestTube next as the products they have in theirs seem to be more in my price range. You can subscribe to receive your TestTube subscription on their website: testtube.newbeauty.com. You can also check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewBeautyTestTube.
*The products in this review where sent to me for my consideration. I was not paid for this post. All opinions are my own*

DaVinci Gourmet Syrup Review & Giveaway

Davinci's Gourmet Syrups are not new to me. I first became familiar with their syrups in my freshman year of High School. I spent a lot of time earning extra money at my dads work. The waiting room was always stocked with coffee and a large variety of DaVinci Gourmet Syrups. I loved having them in my coffee and I was always mixing and matching to make my own flavors. I haven't had it in several years though, so it has been great to reconnect with DaVinci. I've also learned that there are so many more uses for DaVinci's syrup than I ever knew.  I found one in particular that I want to make and bring to our families Thanksgiving get together. They can be used in coffee of course, milkshakes, Italian Soda, tea, marinades, salad dressings, and baking. There are so many flavors and even more uses for them. I was sent three samples, a hazelnut, Kahlua, and sugar free Kahlua. I have tried the Hazelnut and the regular Kahlua and they are even better then I remember. I have used them in coffee and made a milkshake with the Kahlua flavor. Yummy!

You can find Davinci Gourmet Syrup in most grocers, Super Walmart's , and fine grocers. I have found it to be around $6 in most stores and sometimes even as low as $4. You can find DaVinci on their website http://www.davincigourmet.com/, their Facebook DaVinci Gourmet, and twitter https://twitter.com/#!/DaVinciGourmet. I thought I would share the simple recipe that I found for Hazelnut Truffles. 

Hazelnut (Gianduia)Truffles

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup DaVinci Gourmet Hazelnut (Original) Classic Syrup (Untoasted) 
• 1 cup grated chocolate
• 11 oz semi sweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 oz (4 tablespoons) butter, diced

Directions

Place the chocolate, butter and Hazelnut syrup in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high one minute and stir well. If the mixture is not smooth, continue to microwave and stir in short bursts until the truffle mixture is smooth and glossy. Chill for 2 hours or until the consistency of fudge and then roll into 1-inch balls. Roll truffles in grated chocolate and store in the refrigerator for up to one month or at room temperature for 5 days.

Yield

18 1-inch balls

10 Day's of You: Day 10

The final day is 10 Secrets. Well if I told you my secrets they wouldn't be secrets anymore! I have one though....I'm glad 10 Days of You is over. LOL. Thanks for reading along.

10 Day's of You: Day 9

Day 9 is Nine loves.

• I love my Son
• I love my Family
• I love Bedtime AKA Snuggle time
• I love Fall
• I love Halloween
• I love the rain
• I love California
• I love Mexican Food
• I love Sugar Way more than I should.

 What are some of your loves?

Mixbook Holiday Cards!

My camera does this Holiday card no justice.

My personal gretting

The back of my card.

It's that time of year again. Time to get ready for the Holidays and that includes getting your holiday greeting cards made up and ready to ship out. We are all probably familiar with the holiday greeting "cards" that aren't really cards at all, but simply photo's with holiday greetings printed on them. I have gotten these before too, because I couldn't afford to actually shell out the money it takes to get real greeting cards printed. Well now I know about Mixbook. I can make personal holiday greeting cards with several photos for as low as 31 cents a piece! You can even mix and match with several different card designs in one order. I had so much fun making our holiday cards this year. You can literally personalize everything on your card and there are so many designs to choose from. Mixbook also offers photo editing tools to fix or change your pictures. You can choose a flat card or a traditional folded card, and Mixbook's cards come as thick card stock, not flimsy photo paper. You have the choice of a glossy or matte finish.  You definitely get your moneys worth. I will be coming back next year and for Mother's day.
You can make your Holiday greeting cards on Mixbook's website here Holiday Greetings.  You can also visit and connect with them on their Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mixbook and their Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/mixbook.

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.

Burt's Bees Natural Skin Solutions Sensitive Skin Cleanser & Moisturizer

 

Burt's Bees has been a long time favorite for me. I love their lip balms, and I have always loved the way their Baby washes and lotions smell. So when I got the oppurtunity to try their new Sensitive cleanser and daily moisturizer through BzzAgent I of course jumped on it. 

 As with Burt's Bees other products this cleanser and moisturizer have not let me down. My skin feels really soft and cleansed. Soft and moisturized from the cleanser alone that I almost felt I didn't need the moisturizer. I of course for reviewing sake used it anyway. I actually noticed that my usual redness went away while using this cleanser. Before using Burt's Bees cleanser I had thought that my skin was just naturally red, I never realized that the redness was cause by irritation from the soaps I was using. 

While I think its a great cleanser and moisturizer for those with sensitive,  dry, and normal skin. In the end I stopped using it because unfortunately I have oily acne prone skin and I need something that helps with my acne. If Burt's Bees ever comes out with a Acne Cleanser I will be all over it. 

 Here is what  Burt's Bees has to say about it:

"Infused with the softening properties of Cotton, Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin replenishes skin in a way only nature can. Tap into the gentle power of natural ingredients, like Cotton, Rice, and Aloe, with clinically proven formulas to hydrate and help shield skin from potential irritants and help replenish skin's outer layer. And since these products are from Burt's Bees, you can be confident they work. After all, Burt's Bees has been creating the best in natural personal care products for over 25 years."

The Burt's Bees Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin line:

• Is naturally gentle and skin-friendly for daily use
• Contains Cotton Extract to soften and shield from potential irritants such as harsh soaps or cleansers
• Is Fragrance-Free and Hypo-Allergenic
• Is Dermatologist-Tested and Allergy-Tested
• Can be found in mass retailers (like Target or Walmart), drug stores, grocery stores, and natural health food stores nationwide
• Is 99% natural

Sensitive Facial Cleanser
This soap-free facial cleaner is clinically proven to moisturize sensitive skin while gently cleansing away dirt, oil and makeup without over drying or causing redness or irritation. Also, it:

• Contains Quillaja, which is extracted from the bark of the Soapbark tree and provides a natural foaming lather
• Contains Yucca, a desert plant high in saponins, which have traditionally been used in cleansing
• Costs $9.99

Sensitive Daily Moisturizer
This all day, nourishing moisturizer is clinically proven to moisturize sensitive skin without causing redness or irritation. Also, it:

• Contains Rice Extract to moisturize
• Contains Aloe to soothe
• Is Non-Comedogenic (it won't clog pores)
• Costs $14.99

So, if you suffer with Sensitive Skin I definitely recommend Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin Products. They offer other products in this line too. Eye Cream and Night Cream. Burt's Bees can be found at most major retailers such as your local drug stores, Walmart, Target and others.

*I am a BzzAgent and all product in this post were sent to me for free for my consideration and review. All opinions are my own. I am not being paid for this review*

10 Day's of You: Day 8

Day 8 is eight fears. This one is a hard one. I don't know that I have 8 fears

• An unhappy, unfulfilled child

• Public Places ( I was diagnosed as Agoraphobic at 15. I have made great strides since then. This blog being a big one, as well as Youtube.)

• Cotton from Medicine Bottles. Yep I'm weird. I don't find regular cotton balls as disturbing but I don't even like to touch the cotton that comes out of the bottles if I can at all avoid it. 
• Unfortunately I fear to much about what others think
• The pitch black dark (yeah I said it)
• Spiders All Bugs
• Rodents( is a possum considered a rodent? If not, it should be...)
• Strange Dogs.....

Most trivial things. This was the hardest day yet. I sat here staring and thinking about it for quite a while.

10 Day's of You: Day 7

OK, So I just realized I've been doing the challenge backwards. LOL. Just like me to flub something like this. O' well it's still getting done right?
 Day Seven is 7 Wants

• My own house! Oh, how I long for a place of my own that I don't have to share with others. 
• A reliable car. I don't care what it looks like so long as it does what its supposed to. 
• A good job that doesn't keep me away from my son all that much.
• To get into shape again!
• Happiness
• To be satisfied
• To meet someone ;)

10 Day's of You: Day 6

Day six is 6 Places:

• Anywhere my son is
• San Luis Obispo, CA(my hometown)
• Avila Beach
• A quite pew in Mission De Tolosa
• Oregon
• Lopez Falls, CA

10 Days of You: Day 5

Day 5 is five foods.

• Baked Mac & Cheese
• Tortellini with Alfredo and Chicken
• Eggplant Parmesan 
• Cherry Turnovers
• Chicken Enchiladas with Green sauce

Well that was easy...What are five of your favorite foods?

10 Days of You: Day 4

Day 4 is four books. I love to read. The four books I chose are by my favorite writers.

• Pride & Prejudice By Jane Austen
• To Kill a Mockingbird By Harper Lee(the only required reading I've ever enjoyed)
• Dream Country By Luanne Rice
• My Sweet Audrina By VC Andrews 

I enjoy all these authors so much, and I've never realized until typing this post out that they all happen to be women. So, What are some of your favorite books or authors?

10 Days of You: Day 3

Day 3 is three movies. This is another that is so hard to choose, but here goes.
Almost Famous

 The Color Purple

The Notebook

What are three of your favorite movies?  

10 Day's of You: Day 2

Day 2 is two songs. This one is hard for me as I love music and it is so hard to narrow it down to two. So I've chosen Rihanna's Cheers, because I haven't been able to get this song out of my head for the past few days.

The second song being Adele's cover of Bob Dylan's To Make You Feel My Love. Such a beautiful song and I just love Adele.

10 Day You Challenge Day 1

 I've seen this going around so I thought that I would jump on board. It looks fun, and I hope you enjoy getting to know a little about me. Here goes day one: One picture of yourself.