ThreeWorks Apple Chips ~ Review & Giveaway

I love snacking.  When I am working at a desk from early morning to late at night (and taking care of the kiddies in between) I need the energy to keep me going.  Lately I have to think healthy snacks because my little one always wants me to share my snacks with her.  I can't constantly feed her chips and chocolates.  Eating apples is a big factor in her diet.  There are times I would crave for them - no joke.  I love apples and my mom told me she was always craving apples when she was carrying me.  She thinks that is why I love apples  so much and so do my two little girls.

Who is ThreeWorks Snacks & Chips?
"A Canadian owned and Toronto based company focused on bringing fun, innovative snacking solutions to the North American Consumers."

ThreeWorks has sent me some Apple Chips to try out.  Apple Chips are dehydrated apples that still retain their nutrients and crunch. There are 6 Flavours: Orginial, Cinnamon, Mixed Berries, Caramel, Lemon, and Vanilla.  They are made of Fuji apples because they are sweet without too much tartness.

These Apples Chips are:
Gluten Free
GMO Free (Genetically Modified Organisms)
Non Fried
Fat Free
No Arificial colours or flavours
No Sugar Added

I received the first 4 flavours I have mentioned above.  It came in a nice green container that my daughter has already put claims on.  To keep them crunchy and stay crunchy they seal them in foiled baggies.  I have purchased dried apples before from a bulk store but they are chewy.  However these are more crisp and yummy.  I couldn't stop eating them.  My littlest daughter also likes them.  She kept on coming back for more.  They were so tasty they were finished in no time.  I like them all but I especially like the original.   It seems to taste sweeter than the others.  My husband really liked the caramel and cinnamon favoured.  He especially liked how the cinnamon one tasted like applesauce, which is another of this favourite treat.  I really enjoyed them so the only problem I have is I wish there was more.

Available at selected No Frills, Safeway, Loblaws, Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Highland Farms, and Denniger's to name a few.

ThreeWorks would like to offer one of my readers their own basket of Apple Chips to try.  The winner will receive an even better than what I received - see how much I love you.  The prize will be a basket of the large and small cans of all of the six flavours I have mentioned above and a apple chip fan.  Open to Canadians only. Good Luck!

This giveaway will run from January 31st to February 17th, 2013 (midnight EST).  *Note: you have to complete the "task" of your choosing in order to win the prize*  You have 72 hours to respond or I will have choose another winner.


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*Disclosure - This product in this review was provided to me free of cost of the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

OPI: Oz The Great and Powerful ~ #Review

Are you excited to see the new and exciting upcoming Disney's Oz: The Great and Powerful playing in theaters on March 8, 2013?

I only remember bits and pieces of the original movie "The Wizard of Oz" (1939), starring Judy Garland.  I don't know if I had actually sat down and watched it from start to finish.  It is one of those movies that when it is on TV I have it play in the background.  I do the exact same thing for the Sound of Music or Gone with the Wind.

This spring, OPI will be launching "six limited edition nail lacquers and a new Liquid Sand shade, inspired by Disney's Oz The great and Powerful."

What Wizardry is This? features the new OPI's liquid sand nail lacquer.  Liquid Sand is a new lacquer that has a "textured, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle.  This rich taupe hue was designed for James Franco's character, the great Wizard of Oz, and is sure to make a bold statement this spring."  This SoftShades collection is made of mostly soft neutrals and glitters.

left to right
Glints of Glinda - Lights of Emerald City

left to right
When Monkeys Fly! - Don't Burst My Bubble

It is hard to see the colour in these photos.  Glints of Glinda is a light beige and the Don't Burst My Bubble is a light white.  I can see either the Witch of the North or the South wearing these nail polishes.  I personally like Lights of Emerald City.  I can see myself wearing this often during the Spring.  I even might be wearing them if I go and watch Oz The Great and Powerful in theaters.

Oz The Great and Powerful collection by OPI "contains no DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde" and each in OPI's exclusive ProWide brush.  Available in salons and stores that sells OPI beginning of March 2013 for suggested retail price of $10.95.

*Disclosure - This product in this review was provided to me free of cost of the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

The Body Shop: New! Scents of the World ~ #Review

The Body Shop has been inspired by international aromas and created five (5) new scents.
This collection is the first containing "100% organic alcohol and global sourced natural extracts".

The Body Shop has five new scents: (left to right)
Japanese Cherry Blossom - Fruity & Floral
Indian Night Jasmine - Spicy & Seductive
Atlas Mountain Rose - Amber & Musk
Madagascan Vanilla Flower - Amber, Frangiani, & Vanilla
Amazonian Wild Lily - Green & Fresh

It come in either the Eau De Toilette 50ml (C$25) or the Perfume Oil 15ml (C$16).

I never knew but did you know perfume oil is the "strongest and longest lasting form of fragrance?  Alcohol-free, they are ideal for use on skin sensitive to alcohol-free fragrance."  This perfume oil does not leave you greasy.  Once you rub it in, it quickly dries and leaves a matte finished.  I'm in love.

I had the opportunity to try out the scents and  I know they will all make you smell lovely and sexy.  I can't tell you which like more because I really like them all.  I would have a hard time choosing one or two at the store.  I like the size of the perfume oil so I could easily put them in my purse for a light, quick touch up if I needed it.  My daughter was sniffing them and told me she like them too.  She likes them so much that she asked if she can put some on too.  Why does my baby want to grow up so fast?

This would be an ideal Valentine present for all those ladies who loves perfume.  I am thinking of getting one or two for my mom's Mother's Day present.  She is a big on perfume.  She wears them everyday and she will actually finish a whole bottle...down to the last drop.

This collection "contains 100% Community Fair Trade alcohol made from sugar cane obtained from the CADO co-operative in the Cotopaxi province of Ecuador."

I did a little experiment - I have blended two fragrances (Madagascan Vanilla Flower & Atlas Mountain Rose) and created another scent I really enjoy.  It would be fun to experiment and create something new you might like.

Available in stores and online February, 2013

*Disclosure - This product in this review was provided to me free of cost of the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Kiss Naturals: Lip Balm Kit ~ #Review & #Giveaway

If you know my little girl, she is just like her mommy, she loves lip balms.  Every time I'm at a drug store she is always asking me to purchase a lip balm.  She likes to take it to school and show it off to the other girls.  I guess it is close enough to actual makeup.

Who is Kiss Naturals?
A Canadian company started in Quebec that provides one of a kind, do it yourself kits using high quality natural ingredients at an affordable price.  Their products are sold in Canada, US, UK, and Australia.

List of DIY kits:

• Lip balms
• Soap
• Bath fizzies
• Lip gloss
• Solid perfumes
• Dog paw balm

I have always wanted to try to make my own lip balm but didn't know where to start.  Kiss Naturals DIY lip balm kit has everything you need.  The kit I received is the regular sized kit and they also sell mini (kids version) which is half the size of the regular kit.

This lip balm kit includes 56 g / 2 oz Shea Butter, 56 ml / 2 oz Safflower Oil, 21 g / 0.75 oz Bees Wax, 5 ml / 1/6 oz Orange Oil, 5 ml / 1/6 oz Pink Grapefruit Oil and 10 reusable lip balm containers.

The instructions are simple enough to follow and safe enough that my daughter can help me with it. Basically empty some of the contents into a bowl, microwave them, mix in the essential oils and then pour everything into the empty containers.  Viola!  Simple, Oui?

My daughter was very excited to make her very own lip balm.  She was able to pour the bees wax and safflower oil very easily however she made abit of a mess when she was trying to get the shea butter out of its container.  Then after the mixtures melted I had her put in some of the essential oils which smells wonderful.  When I tried to pour the mixture into the empty containers.  I wished I had melted them in a measuring cup or a container with a pour spout - it got very messy.  It took about 30 mins to have it harden and my daughter loves it.  She said she will be taking one to school with her.

The result:

• It was easy to make but preparation can be a little messy (fun messy).
• It smells wonderful and it was fun to do with my daughter.
• I think this is a great gift to give to little girls who love makeup.
• It only took my daughter and I about less than 15 mins to make and it only took about about a hour to harden.
• I wish that this kit has other scent options like strawberries or vanilla - one of my daughter's favorite scents - orange & grapefruit are still nice scents to use.
• My daughter had so much fun, she asked if she could do it again.

Kiss Naturals also has a party packs that parents can order from their website for a neat activity idea.  Once the kids are done, it is now a part of their loot bag to take home with them.  A great idea or what?  It would be a huge hit with little fashion models or princesses.

Kiss Naturals are available at amazon.ca, learningtoys.ca, mastermindtoys.com, and toysandco.com to name a few.  See here for local listings.

Kiss Naturals would like to offer one of my readers their own DIY lip balm craft making kit.  Open to Canadians only. Good Luck!

This giveaway will run from January 28th to February 14th, 2013 (midnight EST).  *Note: you have to complete the "task" of your choosing in order to win the prize*  You have 72 hours to respond or I will have choose another winner.


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*Disclosure - This product in this review was provided to me free of cost of the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Celtic Run by: Sean Vogel ~ Book Review & Giveaway

This book has everything: Action, adventure, treasure hunting, and romance.  A great middle grade book for ages 8 and up.

Celtic Run by Sean Vogel
MB Publishing

Brief description of the book:
You meet a very talented 14 years old named Jake, who is going to Ireland for the summer on a class trip.  He finds a clue from the Spanish Armada that triggers his adventure finding a 400 year old hidden treasure.  You also meet Zach (his nemesis), Julie, and Maggie - together they team up and get chased, snoop around and spy to help them to solve the riddles of an ancient mystery.

My opinion:
I thought this was a great book - a fun read.  It has been years since I have read a book for young readers.  It was a great fast pace adventure book that leaves you wanting to know what will happen next.  I love the wisecracks and bantering between Jake and Zach that made me chuckle often.

This book is like a combination between a young Indiana Jones and James Bond with his gadgets and gismos.  I often wonder what is in his nap sack and if there is anything that he cannot do.  I was very amazed what this 14 year old can do and think of.  He can sail a boat, ride a horse, plays the violin, and forsee things he will need to put into his nap sack.  Not sure how realistic half of the things Jake has done but then again, I don't know how realistic what Indiana Jones or Agent 007 had done.

All the places that Jake has visited throughout his adventure made me want to visit Ireland even more.  I wished there were pictures included in this book.  It would had helped the reader visualize the various locales.  This is only his first book in this series.  I can't wait to see what kind of adventure lies ahead for Jake.

If I enjoyed it, I believe many young readers will also enjoy it too.  The face pace actions will keep them on the edge of their chair to see how Jake quick thinking can get them out of a jam.  They might relate the interaction between the characters with their own personal life.  This books is exciting and the puzzles Jake faced with will inspire creative thought in young minds.

This book was given Gold Recipient of the Mom's Choice Awards (Juvenile Books) and the Winner of the  The Global eBook Awards (Children's Literature).

This is available at Kobo.com, Amazon.ca, and Amazon.com

MB Publishing would like to offer three (3) of my readers their own copy of the Celtic Run by: Sean Vogel .  Two (2) readers will receive a paper back version and one (1) will receive a ibook version.  Please enter which version you will like.

This giveaway will run from January 26th to February 12th, 2013 (midnight EST).  *Note: you have to  complete the "task" of your choosing in order to win the prize*  You have 72 hours to respond or I will have choose another winner.  Open to CAN/US only. Good Luck!



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*Disclosure - This product in this review was provided by MB Publishing to me free of cost of the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Lovable Labels ~ Review & Giveaway

I have been using these labels ever since my daughter has been going to her Day Care and that was almost 5 years ago.  I use them for everything from bottles to shoes.  You will not be disappointed with the quality and how long they will last.  I received a complementary Friendship pack for my eldest daughter and the additional ones were for the little one.  When I show them to my eldest, she automatically wanted the fun stickers to put on her nap sack and lunch box.  She loves stickers.

For a limited of time you can order Lovable Labels' friendship packs.

You will receive:
30 Sticker Labels
80 Slimline Labels
10 Fun Stickers

And a 40 additional Slimline Labels for free to give to a friend.
All for $24.99.

Also, for a limited of time they have two new label designs -

Whimsical  Love Story
and
You're Out of this World

These labels are great because they are:

Dishwasher and Microwave Save

Waterproof

UV Resistant

Peel & Stick

Don't forget, you can save an additional 10% if you use my Love Bug coupon code - CeciliaLB2


Lovable Labels would like to offer one of my readers a limited time Friendship Pack.

This contest will run from January 24th to February 10th, 2013 (midnight EST).  *Note: you have to complete the "tasks" of your choosing in order to win the prize*  Winner, You have 72 hours to reply.  You must be 18+ US and Canadians Only.  Good Luck!



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*Disclosure - This product in this review was provided to me free of cost of the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.
Love Bug - I receive reward points every time you use my code towards selected products for free.  No monetary compensation

Bath & Body Works: Cashmere Glow ~ Review & Giveaway

I didn't know this but Bath and Body Works released a new signature collection "Cashmere Glow".

It is inspired by the soft, luxurious, and expensive fabrics in the world.  They wanted to create an illusion of "wrapping yourself in the soft, snug comfort of a cashmere throw, the new fragrance embraces you with a decadent blend of golden peach, shimmering vanilla and a heart of soft cashmere musk."

Not only did they introduce this new scent in their signature line, but they also launched it in their new golden sugar scrub that "uses naturally exfoliating sugar crystals to smooth skin and conditioning apricot and sweet almond oils to nourish."

I really like this light fragrance of sweet peaches in vanilla.  I could easily wear this all day and re apply it often without the scent being too strong.  The lotion does make my skin smell nice and smooth.  If you are wondering if I "feel" like I am wrapped in real cashmere...let's just say it does not beat the real thing but I guess this is close enough.  This is the type of scent that you have to get close and personal for someone to smell it.  If this is what you have in mind than this is the scent for you to use.

The collection available in stores since October, 2012 which includes Golden Sugar Scrub ($16.50), Shower Gel ($11), Body Lotion ($11), Fine fragrance Mist ($14), Eau de toilette ($29.50), Triple Moisture Body Cream ($12.50), Shimmer Mist ($14), Select-A-Shimmer ($14)

Bath and Body Works would like to offer one of my readers their own Cashmere Glow.  The winner will receive one body lotion, shower gel, and fine fragrance mist.

This giveaway will run from January 22nd to February 9th, 2013 (midnight EST).  *Note: you have to  complete the "task" of your choosing in order to win the prize*  You have 72 hours to respond or I will have choose another winner.  Open to Can only. Good Luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Disclosure - This product in this review was provided to me free of cost of the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Bath & Body Works: Forever Red ~ Review

Bath and Body Works wanted a new scent to describe "empowerment, confidence, class, self-awareness, and authenticity" of a women so they created Forever Red.

Bath and Body Works wanted to try something new and exciting that lead them create a fragrance with higher cost materials which opens doors to more options and choices.  They want the ability to choose the "ingredient for their quality and uniqueness".  This was their first attempt and they are pleased with the finished result.

Bath and Body Works took the colour red to guide them to create a new line of fragrance brand that is "impeccably chic and enviably luxe".  They use the colour red - literally - in that the ingredients included are "Brazilian red pomegranate, red peony,  fiery marigold, a rare French red peach (peche de vigne), and the sensual yet delicate Red Osmanthus and combine with marshmallow extract and barrel-aged, rare vanilla rum to create this bold luxury scent.

Over years of using Bath and Body Works, I was not sure if they would create a new line of fragrance that I would like.  This took me by surprise.  I would say this is an evening scent because women loves to wear something more bold when going out to have some fun.   It is a bold scent that I believe would last you throughout the night.  This scent would make you stand out and most likely draw men to your side (if that is possible).  It has an intense vanilla and oakwood smell from the barrel that is is aged in.  Like the promo video, I could almost envision myself going out in a hot, sexy, and daring red dress and wearing this fragrance.  Then again it might be the video messing with my mind because I would like to date the man she is going out with (if my husband does not mind of course.)

The collection available in stores since October 29, 2012 which includes Eau de Toilette ($44.50), Fine Fragance Mist ($22.00), Shimmer Mist ($22.00), Shower gel ($18.00), and Body Lotion ($20.00).

*Disclosure - This product in this review was provided to me free of cost of the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Milk Unleashed (redraw) ~ Winner

Sorry, the previous winner never responded.

The new winner is

Diane K.

Congrats!

Please check your email.  Please respond within 24 hours.

Thanks for entering everyone

Thera Wise giveaway ~ Winner

The winner is:

Belinda M

Congrats!
Please check your email

Thanks for entering everyone.
Watch out for new giveaways...I have a few more coming soon.

OPI: Mariah Carey Collection ~ #Review

When I think of Mariah, I think of my high school days listening and dancing to her songs.  I love her fun, poppy and catchy tunes that are recognizable for generations.  One of my favourite Christmas music that I love hearing and never get sick of is "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah.  It is one of those songs that would not be a shame to sing to when I hear it in the supermarket or the mall.

OPI will be releasing 8 new shades and four of them will be in OPI's liquid Sand.  Liquid Sand is a new lacquers that is "textured, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle."  Sounds pretty chic and cool to me.

Top (left to right)
A Butterfly Moment - Sprung - Pink Yet Lavender - Anti-Bleak
Bottom (left to right)
Stay the Night - Get Your Number - Can't Let Go - The Impossible

After testing out a few of Mariah's collection.  I am in love.  I can't believe how pretty they look on me.  I really like the Sprung lacquer.  I like how the "shimmery copper" compliments on my skin tone and I could also apply it as a "top coat" to the Anti-Bleak lacquer to add a hint of shimmer without the glitter texture.

(Left to Right)
Pink Yet Lavender
Sprung
Anti-Bleak
A Butterfly Moment

Mariah Carey collection by OPI "contains no DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde" and each in OPI's exclusive ProWide brush.  Available in salons and stores that sells OPI beginning of January 2013 for suggested retail price of $10.95.

*Disclosure - This product in this review was provided to me free of cost of the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

OPI: Euro Centrale Spring/Summer 2013 Collection ~ Review

I can't believe in a few more months Spring will be here and I can't wait.  I don't need to worry about snow pants, shoveling show, wind chills, colds and flu season.

What is exciting is that next month, on February 6, 2013, OPI will be releasing their Euro Centrale Spring and Summer 2013 Collection.

They will be releasing twelve (12) hot new lacquer shades in time to use for this Spring and Summer.  These shades were inspired by the new fashion hot spot in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Romania.  If you ever visit these places they inspire "fusion of old and new was also seen in runaway looks during New York Fashion Week".

Top (left to right)
My Vampire Is Buff - Suzi's Hungary Again!- Hands Off my Kielbasa! - Oy Another Polish Joke! - A Woman's Prague Alive - My paprika is Hotter Than Yous!
Bottom (left to right)
You're Such a Budapest - Vant to Bite My Neck? - Can't Find My Czehbook - I Saw...U Saw...We Saw...Warsaw - Opi...Eurso Euro - Polka.com

After trying a few, I believe my favourite is "You're Such a Budapest" - a nice lilac shade for any occasion.  I was not sure how it would look on me but I ended up really liking it.

(Left to Right)
I Saw...U Saw...We saw...Warsaw
You're Such a Budapest
My Vampire is Buff
Opi...Eurso Euro

(Left to Right)
Opi...Eurso Euro
My Vampire is Buff
You're Such a Budapest
I Saw...U Saw...We saw...Warsaw

Euro Centrale Spring/Summer 2013 collection by OPI "contains no DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde" and each in OPI's exclusive ProWide brush.  Available in salons and stores that sells OPI on February 6, 2013 for suggested retail price of $10.95.

*Disclosure - This product in this review was provided to me free of cost of the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

HomeSpa Shower Spray ~ Winners

The winners are:

Victoria E.
Anne T.
Amy C.
Mary I.
Gary L.

Congrats!

Please check your email

Thanks for entering everyone.

Baby Butz Cream ~ #Review & #Giveaway

I never like seeing diaper rashes on my daughter.  Regardless of whether I am using disposables or cloth diapers, she still gets them.  Sometimes it is only a mild rash that is goes away in 24 hours, while sometimes it is a severe one that does not go away for over a month.

I had the opportunity to try Baby Butz's diaper cream.  This diaper cream is "safe, effective and would meet Canadian Health Standards".  *Updated* I have been advised that "not only does Baby Butz cream meet Health Canada Standards...it exceeds it."  It has been given a NPN (Natural Product Number) by Health Canada.  "Once Health Canada has assessed a product and decided it is safe, effective and of high quality, it issues a product licence along with an eight-digit Natural Product Number".  For more information you can read it here.  It took Baby Butz three years to get this special licence.  NPN 80005421

Baby Butz cream has a light medicated smell but not too strong that it would bother my daughter.  I really like the thick texture compared to other diaper cream which shows this means business to create a barrier between the diaper and the baby's bottom.  It is advised to use a diaper liner when you apply this diaper cream if the child is on cloth diapers.

Baby Butz contains no perfume, harsh chemicals, preservatives, and alcohol.  It contains 30% zinc oxide which helps "accelerate healing of the skin".  It is 100% natural, safe, and it is Made in Canada.  It has great testimonials from doctors and nurses that they "are buying it themselves to use in hospitals and Pediatricians are handling out samples to their patients."  For more information on Baby Butz diaper cream you can read it here.

Baby Butz are available at Sobey's and Safeway.  However, check here for listings for other locations.

Baby Butz would like to offer one of my readers their own diaper cream to try on their little one.

This giveaway will run from January 14th, 2013 to January 31st, 2013 (midnight EST).  *Note: you have to  complete the "task" of your choosing in order to win the prize*  You have 72 hours to respond or I will have choose another winner.  Open to Can and US only. Good Luck!


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*Disclosure - This product in this review was provided to me free of cost of the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

January 2013 Topbox ~ Unboxing

This month everyone will receive Topbox's first Prive Box.  "A box that will showcase a selection of products from one featured brand."

Prive Box: Clinique

Received:
Clarifying Lotion #3 (sample size 30ml)
Rinse Off Eye Makeup Solvent (sample size 60ml)
Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo - 02 link mink (sample size 1.6g)
Repairware Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector (sample size 7 ml)


The Bottom Line
Product received - 2.5/5
The surprise - 3/5
Favourite product received -  Clarifying Lotion
Overall reaction - It felt like I bought one of Clinique's gift with purchase that they promote every few months.  I have mixed feelings on this box.  I do like Clinique there is nothing wrong with them but they give away these for free if we spend $36+.  I feeling I am missing something like...a full size Clinique product, just saying.
I love their Clarifying Lotion #3.  I have been using it for over 10+ years.  It is only been recently I have been branching out.

New! Dove: Purely Pampering Body Wash ~ #Review

Dove is usually the go-to brand for body washes.  Whenever I see them go on sale I stock up so I will never run out.  After so many years of using Dove body washes, my daughters will continue using them.

Dove's purely pampering nourishing body wash has 3 new scents:

• Coconut milk with jasmine petals
• Shea butter with warm vanilla scent
• Almond cream with hibiscus

I love the thick creamy texture that I could easily lather up and create lots of suds.  I enjoy all their new scents while I shower.  They are gentle on my skin and leave my body feeling clean and refreshed.  I especially notice after using the shea butter with warm vanilla that my skin is left with a hint of vanilla.

How would I describe the scents?

The coconut milk with jasmine petals smells like a boutique of flowers

The shea butter with warm vanilla scent smells like vanilla bean ice-cream (yum)

The almond cream with hibiscus smells like sweet, delicious candies

These will be available at your local drug stores and superstores.

*Disclosure - This product in this review was provided to me free of cost of the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Beauty Crazed 2013 ~ giveaway

Beauty Crazed is at it again.
Another giveaway
You can enter it here.

Milk Unleashed ~ Giveaway

Want to go out and pack some milk to go but unable to do so because of one reason or another?  Now you have no excuse to take some milk to go.  They now comes in these handy single-serving shelf safe milk packs so there is no reasons why I couldn't pack them in my daughter's lunch bag, picnic basket, or even in a diaper bag.  If the single packs are not enough, they also come in larger packs for larger families.

Milk Unleashed has created an app of Family Adventures on the move.  It contains tips, snacks, and activity ideas.



Milk Unleashed would like to offer one of my readers one of their prize packs:

• One (1) ltr of Shelf Safe Milk (Grand Pre or Baboo)
• Three (3) single serving shelf safe milks (white & chocolate) from Chokeo Chocolate Milk, Grand Pre or Baboo
• Brochure with information about shelf safe milk
• plue one (1) bonus prize

This giveaway will run from January 11th, 2013 to January 18th, 2013 (midnight EST).  *Note: you have to  complete the "task" of your choosing in order to win the prize*  You have 24 hours to respond or I will have choose another winner.  Open to Can only. Good Luck!


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*This product was sent to me by the company for review purposes only.  All opinion and comments are my own.

Mustela Giveaway ~ Winner

The winner to my Mustela giveaway is...

Anu C.

Congrats!

Please check your email.

Thanks for entering everyone.

Cost of Living ~ Money

Happy 2013?

Each year, the cost of living increases and it is getting harder to live in the City.

Four major increases will be affecting me:

1. My local monthly public transit fares hiked up $2.50/mo.  It was $115 and now it is $117.50 per month.

2. Effective July, the five (5) year Canadian passport will go up to $120 from $87.  That is a 38% increase.
At the same time they will be introducing a 10 year Canadian passport for $160.

3. The cost of mailing regular within Canada mail will go up to $0.63, an increase of two cents ($0.02) effective Jan 14th, 2013

4. Day Care fees, an increase of $1 a day which is equivalent to approxiately $270 a year

Other increases will be either affecting me or others.
Rent - maximum of 2.5% increase is allowable in Ontario - see guideline here
Bell Internet going up by $3 effective Jan 1, 2013
Property Taxes
Condo Fees
Home and/or Car Insurance
Increase in EI & CPP premiums - less take home pay
Food - the usual milk, meat, and eggs
and the list could go on and on.

What does this mean?  Either I get a better job or start cutting more things from our lifestyle and trying find ways to help me save.  If your wages/salary increases each year - that is great but un-lucky me and many others that I know - it does not.

Which increases will affect you the most?

Thera Wise - Bio Active Natural ~ Review & Giveaway

Who is Thera Wise?
Thera Wise is a line of products created by a Vancouver company, Derma Wise Skin Care Ltd, in 2003.  Their products are known for their bioactive, all-natural plant therapeutic ointments.

Reasons to purchase Thera Wise products:

• Cerified Organic
• Petro-chemical free
• Paraben Free
• Vegan Friendly

My little one has been having diaper rash issues off and on.  I believed I tried many diaper creme that are available over the counter.  I am able to "air her out" during the summer but not so much in the winter.  I'm always looking for the ideal diaper cream I could use on my daughter all the time. 

I was given the DpR Bio Active Diaper Ointment (28g) to test out on my daughter.  It's soothing, dries quickly, non greasy and there is no alcohol.  It also contains no zinc oxide, beeswax, or petroleum based ingredients.  Thera Wise states that they don't use them because they traps wetness instead of allowing the skin to breathe.  "Micronized or nano particle sized zinc oxide has some real health concerns when used on the delicate skin of infants."  For more information, you can read it here.  I was very pleased with this diaper cream.  It didn't have any strong odor and was not messy.  Sometimes, diaper cremes in a jar can be very messy while trying to put it on.  I just wish this came in a bigger tube.

Every cold and flu season, my two little girls always has nasal and chest congestion.  I could never find anything that could help them to breathe better at night.  I didn't think there were products that were safe to use on my kids.  I was happy to try their VpR Vaporizing Rub (28g).  Read their instructions carefully when using on children.  It is known not to leave any sticky, greasy, or otherwise ugly stains on the bed sheets or clothing.  Once I  put it on myself, I can feel the immediate cooling sensation to provide instant relief.  It has a more watery texture so it is not sticky or messy.  I would recommend this to anyone who has nasal and chest congestion.

Available at selected Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, London Drugs, Walmart, as well as well.ca.
See here for locations.


Thera Wise would like to offer one of my readers their own DpR Bio Active Diaper Ointment and VpR Vaporizing Rub.  Open to Can only. Good Luck!

This giveaway will run from January 3rd, 2013 to January 19th, 2013 (midnight EST).  *Note: you have to complete the "task" of your choosing in order to win the prize*  You have 72 hours to respond or I will have choose another winner.



a Rafflecopter giveaway
*This product was sent to me by the company for review purposes only.  All opinion and comments are my own.

Happy New Year ~ Holiday

Wishing you all the best for 2013.
May your glasses is always full and doors never closed.
Thank you for all your support.
See you in 2013